Foods-4-Thought

One Conversation at a Time.....

 

Home

Recipes

Events

Memorials

Information

Teen Speak

Resources: Books/Links

Donations

AboutUS

Foods-4-Thought wants to share your special recipes in a memorial cookbook --- Help Raise Awareness and Break Down Barriers of Stigma----> contact support@foods-4-thought.org to get your cookbook today!
"A Cookbook for a Lifetime of Sharing" 

We have chosen to create a cookbook around the stages or seasons of life.  We are creating themed menus for:
(1) The Early Years- simple meals for young kids
(2) Teenage Wonderland - recipes teens can try, especially comfort food
(3) Growing Up with Holidays - family treasured recipes for each holiday
(4) College Connections - easy cooking ideas for young adults
(5) Life Together - romantic dinners
(6) Family Time - classic "family night" menus for all ages
(7) Country Cuisines at Home - Chinese, Italian, Greek, Croatian menus to try in your kitchen
(8) Generations of Family & Friend Adventures - crowd pleasing menus for the big gatherings

(9) Haute Cuisine - ideas from great Chefs (THANKS)
(10) Our Family Recipes - your chapter to personalize for your family

GET YOURS TODAY:  contact us at support@foods-4-thought.org for yours (suggested donation $40)

Recipes From the Heart
Every time you open the cookbook or share a meal, its an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of communication about teen depression and the tragedy of suicide.  Please send us your favorite original recipe (and dedicate it to your loved one) or search in our database of recipes from well-known chefs or other family tested recipes of culinary adventure. Check back for information on our cookbook.

Download the Recipe Form and e-mail your recipe and story of memorial to support@foods-4-thought.org.

Document
Download our Recipe Campaign Flier Here

Cookbook Dedication.  Five years ago, I had that dreaded call from my daughter's middle school - I needed to come down and pick her up because she was cutting herself.  I had NO idea.  I was shocked, scared, embarrassed and confused.  I never heard of this and I didn't know what to do.  The school recommended some good outside psychologists and we started the process of healing.

This weekend, I took my daughter up to Berkeley, where she will be attending next fall studying journalism or psychology.  She is currently a high school senior, a triple varsity athlete (captain of two of those sports), selected as "scholar athlete of the year", has successfully taken nine Advanced Placement classes, has a GPA of 4.2 and was granted admission to some of the most selective Universities in the country.  All of this, in spite of a very difficult Freshman year.  I want to share with you our journey.

I cannot take the credit of orchestrating the amazing "turn around" in my daughter.  I don't know if I can even tell you exactly how it all occurred, but I can tell you that my very dear friend (and then boss) Troy and his family's struggle was a main reason I survived.

As my daughter and I were going through what I learned to be a very common problem of depression among middle/high school students, I felt I was drifting through a fog.  I wondered if other people could see it or sense it just by looking at me.  By chance one day, while my boss Troy and I were waiting for a meeting to begin, I asked him for some advice.  I don't know why I suddenly felt I could talk about it or why him, but I think it was because we weren't really friends, just long time colleagues and we lived 3000 miles apart.  I explained my problems with my daughter and told him that I was thinking about moving her out of her current school in hopes of helping change things.  I remembered that he had a daughter, Rachel, a couple years older than Casey, and that they had recently moved so I asked him if he thought it would help.  So began our conversation...

I learned that he was struggling with parenting Rachel, that she had suffered from depression, was cutting and had attempted suicide.  Changing schools seemed to exacerbate the problems.  Over the year, talking to Troy helped me work through issues with Casey.  Our psychologist was very helpful, in a detached professional way, and leaning on Troy helped me feel like I was a normal parent (not perfect, but not alone).  I also felt more comfortable bringing in Casey's Dad and step-Mom to the conversation and working through ideas as a team, because now I could talk about it.  In the end, Casey and I, her Dad and step-mom worked through a plan that we all felt comfortable with.  The four of us grew close over time, and although it is still difficult to talk about that time, we all know how important that communication is with others.  And, you know how our story turned out years later.  I am so grateful for Troy having the guts to share with me his thoughts and fears.  It is because I walked in his footsteps and experiences that I could make it.  Just one conversation started so many others and started to break down the fear of a taboo subject.

Unfortunately for Troy and Rachel, they didn't have the benefit of parents helping them or sharing experiences.  Tragically, Rachel died by suicide in 2007 and everyone misses her bubbly personality and smile.   I can't help but wonder how things might have been different for them if someone took the time (and risk) to share.

This cookbook is dedicated to a lifetime of sharing...one conversation at a time.  I hope that society will learn that depression and mental illnesses are just as real (and common) as breast cancer, a topic that was taboo not that many years ago.  Imagine a future when there are programs in middle school, high school and college to raise awareness and help kids feel safe and not alone...to help turn around their outlook and support them during difficult times.  Many schools are afraid that by raising this topic, they will some how encourage it - as if kids choose to feel so helpless.  With my own three children, I have learned that by talking about depression, how common it is for kids to go through it at some point and how they can help their friends, we have become a strong family.  I can't change the school policy (yet) but maybe we can all do something in our own way to reach kids ages 11- 25 through existing programs like girl/boy scouts or new school programs like "activeminds.org" for college kids but push it down to middle/high school.  We need to find ways to start earlier and bolder in reaching out to young people.

At our home, we now hold "Foods-4-Thought" dinners where we pick a menu, invite a few friends and just enjoy the night.  Yes, it can be awkward when I first explain to the participants, especially the teens, what Foods-4-Thought is all about and how we want to raise awareness of teenage depression.  But soon we are engrossed in creating recipes and theme meal ideas or telling stories of family traditions or what a particular holiday is like in our respective homes.   Enjoy the fruits of our labor here in these pages and feel free to create your own moments.....one conversation at a time.


E-mail us your recipe at recipes@foods-4-thought.org or submit your favorite original recipe here and dedicate it to someone you love
Document
Download Blank Recipe Form Here
Collection of Recipes (send yours to recipes@foods-4-thought.org)

Document Library

NameDescription
DocumentMeatball MadnessItalian meatballs for spaghetti
DocumentSpinach SaladRecipe from the Daugherty family
DocumentOrange Roughy in White Wine SauceSeafood (Orange Roughy) with capers in white wine
DocumentDessert CrepesFrench crepe recipe
DocumentAsparagusAsparagus with Shitake Mushrooms in lemon sauce
DocumentEasy Crowd Pleasing ChiliEasy Classic Chili for Everyone
DocumentSouffle with Creme AnglaiseSouffle with Creme Anglaise
DocumentRaisin Molasses CookiesGreat recipe from Mary Racine
DocumentSalmon with Horseradish Orange SauceFavorite recipe from Troy Crites
DocumentBaked Cheese CrepesSavory Egg Crepes with fontina and mozzarella cheese and marinara topping
DocumentButternut Squash LasagnaRod's own squash recipe for a new twist on lasagna
DocumentChicken Chow MeinHomemade with Chuka Soba Noodles - Sparta favorite
DocumentChinese Chicken Saladauthentic chinese recipe from scratch
DocumentChocolate Pecan TartSimple elegant dessert
DocumentSacher TorteEuropean chocolate mousse torte
DocumentCrazy CakeSimple, fun chocolate cake in pan
DocumentGrilled Herb BreadRod's grilled herb bread made the old fashioned way
DocumentJanet's Lemon GnocchiLemon Gnocchi with Spinach and Peas -- amazing spicy dish
DocumentLongden's Greek Fire ChiliUnique twist on chili -- made with poblano chiles and beer
DocumentMushroom and Spinach QuicheIron Chef Rodness' classic brunch speciality
DocumentPan-Seared Salmon with Mango SalsaGreat for a romantic dinner
DocumentRod's Swift Flaming Retribution ChiliAward winning pork and wine chili recipe --- office favorite
DocumentToll House PieKid favorite irresistible cookie pie
DocumentVanilla Bean Rice PuddingSecret recipe with Arborio rice and vanilla bean
DocumentGary's CheesecakeAward winning recipe with a secret twist
DocumentGrammy's TacosTacos with rice and corn chips -- kid tested
DocumentSue's Fruit SaladThis dish is loved by all ages, great sauce!
DocumentTrini Macaroni PieA traditional recipe from Trinidad -- from Mario's Mom
DocumentCroissants AmandineCharles' family recipe from Lheraule, France
Document250 Dollars worth of CookiesChocolate Chip Cookie Recipe -- makes over 100
DocumentChicken PaprikashSubmitted in the memory of Derek - this was his favorite dish
DocumentShrimp DipSubmitted in memory of Beth, much loved daughter of Karen and Steve
DocumentSue's Crispy Belgium WafflesThanks Cecilia for finding this great recipe for kids
DocumentClassic LasagnaA great recipe for the crowd
DocumentChinese Chicken WingsA great recipe for the crowd
DocumentCoconut Yam Soup and Red CabbageTwo healthy dishes that make a meal
DocumentGazpacho SoupA cool soup for a hot day
DocumentProvencal rock fish soupThis is a recipe that I learned while taking a cooking class in Provence France. It is a recipe that works for all kinds of small fish found among the rocks.
DocumentLone Ranger Cookieskids love 'em
DocumentSpinach CasseroleSide dish with spinach, sour cream and cheese
DocumentBeef and Guinness StewNice hearty dinner
DocumentToffee Nut BarsChristmas time treat From Anne Hinrichs
DocumentVanilla Almond GranolaOld Fashioned Breakfast -- good with fruit and yogurt
DocumentCoconut KissesYum!! From Anne Hinrichs
DocumentArroz Verde (Green Chicken and Rice)Dish from Peru by Ana Karina Porto
DocumentBean and Ham soupSimple and warms you up
DocumentCollege Chili by BobChili made with lamb and pepperoni
DocumentBruschettaA Great Italian appetizer
DocumentChicken and Stuffing CasseroleEasy for big gathering. A little bit of Thanksgiving year-round.
DocumentCole Slaw SaladTry it for the 4th of July!
DocumentCorn Chowder A crock pot recipe. Fix with muffins.
DocumentOyster StewA holiday favorite
DocumentEggnog CakeNot just for Christmas
DocumentPizza on the grillA favorite BBQ specialty
DocumentTeriyaki Pan Fried Noodleshealthy side dish with Shirataki noodles
DocumentHearty Split Pea SoupEveryone loves this
DocumentIrish Fish Chowderlight --- award winning
DocumentKorean Beef (Kalbi)Grilled Kalbi is a great idea for big crowds
DocumentLemon Chiller Barscool and sweet
DocumentLomo SaltadoPeruvian beef tenderloin
DocumentStuffed meatloaflow carb recipe
DocumentM&M layer brownieskids love these
DocumentMarinated Beef Tenderloina elegant entree
DocumentMediterranean OrzoA greek salad specialty
DocumentMint Browniesrich but worth it
Documentmixed greens with sauteed pearsspecial dish
DocumentMrs. Wong's Egg Roll RecipePast down in our family and made at all the holidays
DocumentPeanut Butter Cookiesreally, really easy recipe kids can make
DocumentPenne pasta with vodka cream sauceFrom the chefs at Murali's9 Restaurant
DocumentPestocan be frozen for future use
DocumentPotato Saladtraditional egg-potato salad that kids love
DocumentRay wings with white wineany other white fish will work if you don't have a sting ray
DocumentApple Fans with Maple Creamkids favorite
DocumentArboretum Cranberry Dessertfrom Anne Hinrichs
DocumentChocolate Crepes with Jamgreat dessert
DocumentKahlua CakeAlso known as Black Russian cake
DocumentMolten Chocolate Cakemmmmmm good.
DocumentSalt Water Taffyfun and tasty
DocumentCinnamon Apple Cakefrom Anne Hinrichs
DocumentScottish Shortbreadrich and tasty butter cookies
DocumentSea scallops with belgium endivea great dish to make for a small dinner
DocumentSpinach and Feta Rice Casseroletry this as a complete meal
DocumentSpunky Slawmade with red and green cabbage
DocumentStrawberry Cream Piemade with chocolate chips too
Document5 Minute Chocolate Mug cakeIt really only takes 5 minutes to have a nice little cake
DocumentTortellini Soupeasy Italian first course
DocumentVegan Chocolate Cakesubmitted by Sandi Hefner
DocumentWild Pacific SalmonSonia's Grandma's recipe
DocumentSweet German Choc PieQuick (10 minutes), Easy and very good tasting
DocumentArtisan BreadA great bread to serve with almost any meal
DocumentAsian Coleslawour memorial day favorite from the Yong Family
DocumentBanana BreadIn memory of Jan Johnson
DocumentBubble (or Monkey) BreadThat gooey special treat for the holidays
DocumentButtermilk DoughnutsHome-made goodness

Submit your Recipe Here:
Recipe Title:
Submitted By:
Email (in case we have questions):
Category:
Number of People it Serves:
Ingredients:

Directions:

Memorial Note:

Food-4-Thought Inc. is a Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Raising Awareness About Teen Depression and Suicide, 'One Conversation At A Time'.