A Memorable Kitchen Playlist

When bossanova tunes drift through our home from the living room speakers, the children know dinnertime approaches.

They are sure to find me barefoot, in the kitchen, apron strings tied and stove burners roaring. Their father and I in deep conversation or singing along to the lyrics. If alone, my hips are swaying as my finger trail the page of a recipe.

My favorite time of day has a sound.

Either scratchy vintage records collected by my husband or a digital playlist that continues to grow but mostly stays the same in genre and mood.

Jazz is a household favorite. It is the sound I hope my children will hear as adults and be transported back to our family kitchen. Warm hugs, full bellies, laughter, and soulful music. All the joyful memories, I hope, rush back to their mind each time they catch an Ella tune or João beat.

So, this is an invitation to create a soundtrack of memories for your own pleasure and for those you prepare meals for.

Like lighting candles at a winter dining table, for me, music brings even more delight to the time at the stove or fluttering around the pantry.

Since music is a power tool, it does take some mindfulness to collect appropriate tunes to play with children nearby. My most vivid memories are tied to music— some I wish it didn’t know and others I truly appreciate. So when considering a soundtrack to play repeatedly, pay attention to the lyrics and spirit of the music which will permeate the home.

Some of my favorite artists to cook to on my Mama In the Kitchen playlist:

• house music: one of the children or my husband practicing piano

• João Gilberto

• Bill Evans

• Ella Fitzgerald

• Astrud Gilberto

• Chet Baker

• Luiz Bonfá

• Roy Hargrove

• Marc Copeland

• Stan Getz

• Theolonius Monk

• Keith Jarrett