Even though I no longer have a paying job, I still
work. Managing and coordinating my household, health, and medical benefits keep
me plenty busy. And while what I do is vital to my and my family’s existence,
the sense of purpose and belonging I used to feel while being gainfully
employed isn’t always apparent.
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| Pink Angelic Eggs |
I have been a DTR (Dietetic Technician, Registered)
for years (decades), and have worked hard to maintain my certification. I’ll
never give it up. I’ve also retained my membership to the Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics (AND). One of the perks of membership is a subscription to Food & Nutrition Magazine. It’s full
of gorgeous photos, informative articles, and mouth-watering recipes.
A little over a year ago, they added an
inter-active Test Kitchen segment “where readers are invited to a collective
cook-off for a chance to be featured in the magazine and win cool prizes!” A highlighted
recipe is offered up as inspiration, members are asked to prepare the dish and provide
feedback. Sharing on social media with the hashtag #FNTestKitchen is encouraged
but not required.
I absolutely love entering! After submitting my
entry for this month’s issue, I thought intensely about what I love the most. I
realized the Test Kitchen means more to me than just a chance to try something
new. Participating provides a sense of belonging, community, and purpose! My
revelation inspired me to write a letter to the editor thanking them.
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| Barilla Ready Pasta with Shrimp & Green Beans |
Letter
to The Editor
Hello,
I
love to cook and try new recipes and have found partaking in the test kitchen
contests to be a true gift. I deal with multiple chronic illnesses and a few
years ago I made the difficult decision to stop working (though I will never
give up my DTR credential.) Participation provides me with a sense of purpose,
one that transcends my everyday responsibilities.
The
contest acts as a distraction that provides a respite. Time that might have
been spent ruminating on the limitations of my health, I spend on my entry.
I
find myself pleasantly consumed by the details of the process: reading and comprehending
the recipe, making a shopping list, procuring the ingredients, cooking, styling
my finished product for photos, and then sharing my handiwork via social media.
Of course I share the real deal with my family!
Thank
you for providing me an opportunity to feel like I still have a place in the
nutrition community.
Sincerely,
Kelly
A Rulle, MS, DTR
They
Wrote Back!
Hi Kelly,
We don’t always respond to letters to the
editor, but we want to let you know that OF COURSE you have a place in the
nutrition community – and you always have a seat at our F&N
family table!
Best,
F&N
editors
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| Roasted Walnut and Cauliflower “Meat” |
