When you are a bi-cultural family there are some things that are definitely a challenge. Proeun and I decided early on that we would do our best to maintain elements of both cultures, thus giving the children a strong sense of who they are and both their backgrounds. We knew the value of food to convey a cultural identity and so try to eat food from both our cultures frequently (and a few others for variety).

I started cooking Cambodian food when we were first dating. Our first official family meal at my house involved my mother and I going on-line to select Cambodian dishes and cook them for my betrothed (we only “dated” for 10 days before Proeun asked me to marry him). He still laughs at our attempts. Since then I have been learning many traditional meals and the children really seem to enjoy them. Though I try to eat a Kosher diet we decided that the children could eat what their father eats. This includes bone marrow, tripe and many other things.

On our honeymoon to Hawaii we met an elderly Hawaiian man. Proeun had easily been fitting in wherever we went. I was the one that stuck out. Hawaii is very multi-cultural with some families coming from 5 or more traditions. Their family meals helped inspire fushion food. This well meaning man was concerned about Proeun and asked me if I cooked Cambodian food. I said yes, then he looked at Proeun to make sure. Proeun affirmed me.

Even with all this good eating going on there are times when I get really excited about a meal–which generally means my family is not. Tonight I made homemade whole wheat bread (which I cut thick), mashed potatoes, gravy and left over roast which had been cooked slowly with onions and spices and then shredded. I remember my grandmother talking wistfully about open face roast beef sandwiches smothered in gravy. Take a thick slice of bread, big scoop of mashed potatoes, roast beef and rich gravy. I sliced cucumbers and put them in salt water and had watermelon for dessert. I eagerly waited for dinner. Then dinner came and no one ate. I was so disappointed. As we start our new life I am eagerly anticipating good fresh food to use in all our cuisine. However the problem will be getting my children to eat.