I visited my 90 year old grandma last night, and as my 2 cousins and I were standing to leave, my sweet Grandma said “I have ice cream in the freezer- let me go grab some!” Before we knew it, we were served huge bowls of BYU creamery ice cream. (And I do mean huge- when we told her that was plenty, she said- “You sure? You’re not just being polite?” Grandma’s are meant to spoil ;). )

If you know my grandma, this is just tradition. She has always been “the ice cream grandma”. As a child, I loved visiting my Grandma because I knew we’d get a frozen treat at the end of our visit- Creamies, BYU creamery ice cream- whatever she happened to have in her freezer (and you can guarantee there is always something in her freezer- she keeps it on hand for her visiting grandchildren). I even remember her pulling out Mrs. Richardson’s Caramel Sauce and heating it up in the microwave to add as a delicious topping. She knew how to do ice cream ;).

As an adult, I don’t always want or expect the ice cream- but having not been able to visit her for a few months, it was a nice throwback to my childhood to sit at the counter with 2 of my closest cousins and eat ice cream with Grandma. Good times!

It’s interesting that we can start to associate certain foods with particular people, based on our experiences. Ice cream and Creamies always takes me back to my Grandma’s house. I also can’t help but think of her when I smell hot Jello cooking on the stove- we used to make Jello eggs at Easter time, and Jello will forever remind me of her, and spending time cooking with her in the kitchen.

Buttermints belong to my other grandma. Maybe this is a random association, because she always had lots of treats on hand, but for some reason I always remember a bowl of peanuts and buttermints, and I can’t help but think of buttermints when I think of Grandma.

Necco’s wafers belong to my Grandpa. I know these aren’t the most popular treat, but I love them! And I have to wonder how much nostalgia has to do with it. I still distinctly remember standing in my Grandpa’s office, watching excitedly as he pulled down a box from the top shelf of the closet, and getting to pick a treat out- usually Necco wafers. I was very close to my Grandpa, who unfortunately passed away almost 13 years ago. I still love getting Necco wafers and thinking of him.

These are more tender associations, but I have so many more! White cheddar popcorn and my sister. Nachos (specifically made with Doritos) and my dad. Marzipan and my father-in-law. Yoohoo chocolate milk and my brother. Chocolate chip cookies and my aunt. Tabasco sauce and my husband’s aunt. Empanadas and my best friend. Riesen’s and my mom (and let’s be honest- a bazillion other foods ;) ).

I love food, but I also love the relationships that food can encourage. I’d love to hear about your associations! Are there particular foods that make you think of loved ones in your life? I’d truly love to hear them! Share in the comments below!