These words spoken by Grow Appalachia member, Maurica Cornett on a late August afternoon, are words which I could not agree with more. Especially after spending that particular afternoon chopping, slicing, and canning salsa at Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Maurica had arrived with a vehicle of vegetables, including her freshly grown peppers and a family recipe. As the muggy afternoon unfolded outside, myself, Maurica, and members of Pine Mountain Settlement School’s staff gathered inside the school’s commercial kitchen. Working together, Maurica guided us to wash and chop a vibrant color palette of vegetables. When it came time to mix the salsa, Maurica posed a question: “How do each of you like your salsa?”

This one question sparked a discussion of  preferences and memories related to our experiences with salsa. After taking each other’s words into consideration, we settled on one mild batch and two hot. With the pots beginning to simmer we snacked on homemade tortilla chips as we continued our salsa centered conversations.

Although I have seen time and time again how food connects people and places, I still find myself in awe when these instances occur. As we sealed up jars and dried off dishes, I realized that each of us brought something to the table that August afternoon – ingredients, a helping hand, cooking tips, stories, and in return we received something greater than the delicious salsa – community. 

As I sit here writing this, I think of Maurica’s words again, laughter really does make the day but salsa can make the day even better.