When we open our homes, sharing food and uplifting conversation, we give people a taste of the Savior’s love. Swapping stories at the dinner table and chitchatting in the kitchen may seem like simple exchanges, but they can be lifelines that reassure us that we belong and that we matter.

Here’s how five members of the Church use their favorite recipes to build community.

I’ve always been a gatherer—I’ve been doing this since I was in high school. I grew up in California, where members of the Church were a minority, so we were a close group and did a lot of things together. Then, when my kids were in high school, I hosted the soccer and football banquets, and now I host interfaith dinner groups and book clubs. 

When I host, I’ll always do a big charcuterie board people can gather around. That seems to make them feel really welcome. I also do this great popcorn recipe people can’t resist! 
 

I’m currently the facilities representative in my ward, so I look after the beautification of our chapel. Every Saturday morning, I wake up early so I can provide breakfast for those who turn up to clean. I make a dish called cocoa rice. It’s a mixture of rice, water, coconut cream, cocoa, and a bit of sugar. 

It’s not a must, but I want to show appreciation to those who make the effort to come to the chapel at seven in the morning. I’m able to thank them for their time and their efforts before they leave, with some of them even rushing off to work. This is a dish I always use to sweeten up someone’s day. 

I went to culinary school and have worked in some incredible restaurants under the title Chef Bong. So, when I meet people in random places, I tend to ask them what their favorite foods are and whether they have any allergies.  

It’s a good thing to get to know people through food. I think of that saying, “If you want to know a person, share a meal with them.” So, why not? When we host people for dinner, we have conversations, and we get to know what they do and their likes and dislikes. We try to share the gospel, too.  

Here’s the recipe for my famous crab salad I would make in the Taikun restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
 

There are several stories in the Bible where the Lord also uses food to reveal His love. The first that comes to mind is Jesus feeding 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. That was showing love. Another is the Israelites receiving manna, their daily bread. The Lord told them not to store it; He wanted them to trust that He would feed them daily.  

In the April 2026 general conference, Elder Michael John U. Teh taught that “when we strive to follow the Savior, He will use us to bless others. Through our example and service to others, they will feel the Savior’s love for them.” I think one of the ways Christ can use me, and does use me, is through my cooking. And for that, I’m grateful. 

I love making this Italian-style pasta dish for my grandkids and the missionaries.
 

Cooking is a way of preserving family history. My mother and my aunts are incredible cooks, and my grandmother even owned a restaurant in Mexico. I loved listening to these women share stories about their lives around the dinner table as we ate our favorite Mexican dishes.  

I believe that’s why I’ve become so passionate about family history. I’ve even begun writing a family history cookbook so I can preserve those memories. As an only child, it is my privilege to pass down these stories and recipes to my sons. I’m learning to love cooking because, through these meals, my boys will hear the stories of where they come from. 

One of my favorite recipes my mom makes is her avocado salsa. It’s fresh, flavorful, and reminds me of our laughter-filled family gatherings.  

Editor’s note: A longer version of this article first appeared in the July/August 2026 issue of LDS Living magazine.

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Gather around the table

This cookbook aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get-togethers. From Sunday suppers and weeknight family meals to elaborate buffets for bigger crowds and holiday celebrations, Tara Bench’s recipes include delicious showstoppers and unique takes on comforting classics.

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