This is the prime time of the year–from Halloween through New Year’s–when we build our culinary traditions with family and friends. Some are based on the taste of a particular type of apple, a way of brining chicken, or always feasting on Oyster Stew on Christmas Eve. Other traditions involve how we cook together–mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, sisters and brothers. In some families, cooking is a competitive sport, in others it is the time to slow down and talk as a soup simmers for hours.
My friend Sabine, who is Dutch, grew up with a great tradition–each member of her family chose one special dish for a holiday, and they would all cook it together. She now continues to do this with her own children. Her favorite–Chocolate Mousse.
I tend to have several it-wouldn’t-be-that-holiday-without-them favorites, but then like to introduce a new tradition or two along the way, such as a different idea for food gifts to give and make with friends, or asking someone to try out a new recipe with me.
What are your traditions? Please share as we start to think about the holiday season ahead.
Many of my family’s traditions take place in the kitchen. One of our very favorite traditions is making gingerbread houses at Christams. We actually use Graham crackers and royal icing and have an annual contest on making the best house. Our three children have invited friends over to do this since they were very small. The tradition has grown into building some quite elaborate houses with at least 3o different items used to decorate with. They start planning their houses days before the big event and have a blast.
Our families has a tradition of being together during a special occasions and bringing one special dish for each family. We continue to do that up now. It’s so fun and enjoyable.