#WhyICook | Sponsored by Swanson

It should come as no surprise that some of my very favorite memories are linked by a common theme: Food.

- Baking cookies with my mom that will forever be referred to as "rock" cookies because of their tooth-chipping consistency.

- My dad attempting to roast chestnuts in a toaster oven... but forgetting to score them, causing them to hurl through the air like edible ammunition.

- Spending Thanksgiving away from our families while we lived in Dallas and hosting a "Friendsgiving" in our small apartment. 

- Being proposed to on Christmas day with my entire family seated around the dinner table. 

Somehow, food always manages to play a part in the most memorable parts of our lives. While I always had a fondness for food, it wasn't until I was a teenager -- maybe even in my 20's -- that I attempted to become a part of the cooking story on the other side of the stove. 

It started out as dabbling; boxed cakes, holiday baking, one-pot dinners. You know... gateway foods. After I got married, my interest in cooking grew when my husband harmlessly teased me about my skills in the kitchen. {In front of my in-laws!} Soon, my interest became a full-fledged passion... perhaps even a defining characteristic of who I am.

I've often stopped to think about why I started to cook, and more importantly, what caused me to continue to do so. 

I cook because food connects us all.

Food is the ultimate gift. It nourishes. It warms. It fills and fulfills. It appeals to all the senses, engages emotions and triggers memories.

Even my puppy thinks so. {Hearty Turkey Chili}

Food carries on tradition, represents cultures and can even break down communication barriers.

{Curried Brown Rice with Zucchini}

My grandma's famous Arroz Con Pollo Relleno

We cook and share food to celebrate; to commiserate; to congratulate.

{Provencal Potato Gratin}

It can speak a thousand words in just one forkful.

"Let's be healthy."

{Tandoori Marinated Tilapia with Mango Salsa}

{Linguine with Avocado & Arugula Pesto}

{Acorn Squash Stuffed with Spiced Quinoa}

"Let's put our sweatpants on and stay in."

{Pumpkin Lasagna Rolls with Gouda Cheese Sauce}

{Creamy Roasted Poblano & Corn Chowder}

"I love you."



"Let's have a party!"

{Cajun Jambalaya}

No matter how different we are, how busy we get, how far apart we live... we all have the common bonds of sharing food moments with the ones we love. It keeps us

And if we're lucky, those moments will become parts of our story and our memories, connecting us to our past, and to one another.

Swanson and Kitchen Daily have teamed up to share stories from bloggers {including me!} about what brings them into the kitchen. Check out their beautiful slideshow featuring pictures and anecdotes about why we cook.

As the holidays approach, I hope cooking will connect you with your family and friends, gathering around the table to share in the simple joy of sharing a meal and making a memory.

Connect with me, Swanson/Campbell's & Kitchen Daily on Pinterest for recipe ideas that will fill your holidays with flavor!

Disclosure: This is a collaboration between Campbell's and the AOL Lifestyle Contributor Network. Compensation was provided by Campbell's via AOL Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Campbell's.