Dear Cooks,

Summer’s all about changing things up, so this issue’s My Table fits right in with that theme. In this month’s question, we asked our fabulous contributors to share how they unwind on long summer evenings. And while the space is titled “My Table” and the column is in the Seasoned section of the magazine, we made it clear that the answer doesn’t have to be food related. Why? Because there are so many ways to relax other than with food and here at Seasoned we’re all about having a healthy relationship with the substance that’s meant to fuel our functioning.

Yes, there are times when food is called for—hence, Seasoned altogether. Food is meant to be enjoyed, it’s meant to be pleasant, and it’s meant to appeal to our senses. Especially those foods we associate with fond childhood memories do so much more than nourish us physically. They offer a sense of comfort, a cozy feeling of home, and all that is great. But when we believe that without food we can’t experience these positive emotions, we limit ourselves. Yes, there’s something about unwinding with a piece of our favorite cake, but there’s also something about unwinding without it. Often, when food is out of the picture, we can be more present to the other pleasures Hashem embedded into our world, including the sights, the sounds, and the company.

So no worries, Seasoned is here to stay. We’ll keep bringing you delicious recipes like this month’s Shabbos Specialties and Malky’s Rebranding column because we know what a central role good, nourishing food plays in your life. At the same time, this issue’s My Table is a reminder for all of us that as much as good food serves a good purpose, when we move it out of the spotlight once we’re full, we open ourselves up to experiencing more pleasure and better health.

Enjoy the rest of this delicious season (with and without food)!

It’s an