Bread is Life

This will be my first real family Thanksgiving. As many of you know my birth family recently found me. Although genetically we are Italian, for centuries we lived in northern Syria as doctors and silk worm traders. My family was among the 900,000 other Christian Syrian immigrants who came to the US at the turn of the century. Many of whom became doctors, writers, professors. My great Aunt was a doctor who worked with Jonas Salk and it was on her monkey that they discovered the Polio vaccine. More living proof that Immigrants contribute a great deal to this country.

Today my newly discovered Aunt Nancy referencing my passion for sustainability said I reminded them of my Situ, Martha. She said, ” they were so earthy and capable. Your grandfather grew everything in his garden, and wove rugs of recycled stockings. Your grandmother Martha made hundreds of loaves of Syrian bread, and the smell of Syrian food permeated the house. You will find that same smell at your Mom and Dad’s!” this Thanksgiving. Having family certainly has made my life a whole lot more sustainable.

This also got me thinking about Syrian Bread and if I could bake it. According to Mercy Corps , “one of the Arabic words for bread is “Aysh,” which is also the word for life. Bread has always been a critical staple of the Syrian diet. Before the conflict, it was inexpensive and eaten with nearly every meal. Now, during this very traumatic time, access to bread helps provide many Syrian families with a sense of normalcy and stability. It has become increasingly important to their well-being as Syrian families not receiving other food assistance reportedly get 40 percent of their calories from wheat, mainly bread. And, when paired with complementary items, like tomato paste, it provides a somewhat nutritionally-dense meal.” Climate change has contributed greatly to the Conflict in Syria. So as we go forth and break bread lets not forget that ‘Aysh’ is also life.

After I make a donation to Mercy Corps I think I will try to bake some bread. I found this recipe for Syrian Manoushi Bread which I am sure will be updated soon with my family’s recipe.