Create Brand New & Meaningful Traditions For Christmas Dinners
During my younger years, I used to stay beside my cool mother inside our kitchen, particularly when she was making our special Christmas feast. Mother and I had many happy moments. She used to wear an apron embellished with embroidery and stood near the stove that was bursting with yummy smells. Fine China silverwares and embroidered cloths were used just for the season decorate our table.
I could still recall the time when I used to lick the paddle beater after it was used to mash the potatoes. That time, my father was also busy carving our golden roast turkey. I can’t forget these great memories. In fact, I associate our happy family scenes to Norman Rockwell’s painting “Freedom from Want” painting.
When it was my time to start my very own family. My lovely daughters always wanted to stay with me inside our kitchen. I’d also like my lovely daughters to acquire happy memories and experiences which they could share to their future children.
I’d like my two daughters to learn and appreciate cooking. Now, they have lovely children too. They’re already around 20 years old and all of them are capable of preparing their very own sumptuous Christmas feast.
We don’t actually love preparing turkey but we definitely enjoy eating it. During Christmas, a homemade ham is always present in our table. This ham is glazed with sugar (brown), cloves, ginger, mustard, orange and garlic. It’s also garnished with some fruits like cherries and pineapple. It was my mother who first served ham during Christmas in our entire family.
Our special turkey served during Christmastime is always big. It weighs around 22 lbs. since we do have a huge gathering. We always prepare it using the old-fashioned sage-flavored stuffing. Our favorite stuffing has always been cooked alongside our turkey. I’ve learned how to prepare this delicious Apple, Sage and Sausage stuffing. These recipes are tasty since we used stock from the huge turkey that we cooked.
We also added fresh recipes in our dinner list. We included Pearl-Oninons AuGratin and Bruseels Sprouts & Bacon. Brussel sprouts & onions were grated. The juicy bacon, however is cooked until golden brown and crumbled over.
The sprouts were then cooked or browned on a small amount of fat from bacon. All of us enjoy these recipes, even my yongest and smallest grandkid. My youngest grandson who’s five years old now also learns cooking.
His mom lets him make and cook some of his most loved foods. He loves “Mom Mom’s fudge” (my original recipe) which I used to prepare for desserts. Red Velvet Cake was also part of desserts during Christmas. It’s also included in Mom Mom’s original recipe.
Our special Christmas feasts have always been fun and exciting especially if we get additional recipes. It is fun and special for all of us since we love cooking and being inside a homey kitchen. We will soon have additional hands or assistance in our kitchen because my daughter has announced that she will be having her child in Spring. Another happy moment!
Learn About Mexican Holidays And Their Rich Culinary History
Foods are an important part in every Mexican festivity because it adds energy and color to every celebration. Among the popular festivities you might have known of is the Day of the Dead. In this occasion every relative gathers and meets to celebrate the death commemoration of any relatives. The occasion is observed every first and second of November.
Among the activities during this occasion is the creation of ceremonial tables to commemorate and honor their dead relatives. People also bring drinks and food in the graves of dead family members.
Another popular occasion is the Cinco de Mayo (May 5). This regional festivity is memorable to Mexicans especially those who live within Puebla. This happens because this day, Cinco de Mayo is the day Mexicans won over French during the 1862 battle in the so called Puebla Battle.
Almost all people believe that May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) is Mexico’s Independence or Freedom Day. However, this notion is not true since the Independence or Freedom Day falls every 16th of September. The Independence celebration is probably their most awaited and important occasion in Mexican region.
The Tasty Mexican Cuisine
Mexican people take pride with their great culinary traditions. It’s a combination of Mayan, Spanish, Caribbean, French, Aztec and the customary Mexican dish. There are several Mexican festivities that involve special kinds of dishes but people cook any food that they want during the Cinco de Mayo (May 5) festivity.
Usually women gather and cook different kinds of sumptuous foods. Tamales have always been present in most festivities since cooking them requires so much time. It’s the reason why they cook huge batches of tamales a few times every year. You could always see cooked tamales in every celebration in the country.
The sweet cookies for weddings similar to cakes or pastries are famous in many festivities in the country. Rosca de Reyes, festive pastry bread baked every 6th of January. This bread has a wreath shape which contains candied (fruit) figs, cherries, mango or lemon decorated with a figurine of the infant Jesus.
Whoever will get the infant figurine will be the one to cook food during Candlemas observed every second of February.
Appetizing Drinks Served During Mexican Festivities
Mexican people love to drink tequila and beer. Rompope beverage is similar to eggnog combined with cinnamon, almonds and rum. It has a frothy and thick consistency that’s enjoyed in most Mexican festivities.
One more drink that’s famous to all Mexicans is the atole. You may drink this beverage in every meal of your day. It has cinnamon, sugar (brown) and slices of fruits.
Mexican people sometimes don’t know the flavor and aroma anymore of original Mexican cuisine because fast foods are becoming popular. There is no need to have another Mexican festivity to savor the delicious flavor of original Mexican dish. You could simply cook sumptuous dishes inspired by Mexican cuisines.
Best Dessert Ideas For Merry Christmas Rituals and Holiday
Christmas has become 1 of the most favorite and looked forward to of all holiday seasons for me and my family. Over time, my family has developed some traditions and rituals that are only ours. 1 of the traditions is that me and my sisters as well as sister-in-laws are the ones responsible in preparing a segment of Christmas dinner and best of all we always get to do our dessert selection.
We do have this big family so there’s a lots of us sisters as well as our sister-in-laws. My parents are still alive and when all of us are together for Christmas holidays, expect a very big crowd including nieces & nephews.
Every Christmas time, we divide ourselves into different segments then we place the different dinner courses in a hat (appetizers, desserts, before the dinner drinks, after the dinner drinks, vegetable side dish, stuffing, meat dishes and rolls).
When dinner is done, we’ll talk about plans for next year’s celebration and who’ll be doing what portion. We just draw out of the hat and divide ourselves accordingly.
For dessert which is really something I really love to prepare
yearly, I usually start the cooking preparations about 1 week before Christma and also I take into consideration everbody’s most favored dessert too.
We do have so many family recipes that have been passed down through the generations and we make it a point to at least make 1 for dessert. Normally, there would be about 3 kinds of dessert and there is usually cake which is great to be paired with that cup of deliciously made coffee served after a hearty Christmas dinner.
Normally our long time family traditions involve lots of cooking and we really enjoy doing it as a group. Yes, our kitchen tends to be really messy and noisy but hey, everyone gets to really enjoy and have lots of fun and my family gets together as well.
If you do have this big family of your own, you could try and do a ritual for your Christmas too about cooking. During the holidays, people love to eat and they also love to hang out in their kitchens and cook too. You could try out interesting recipes that you’ve never had before.
Also, there tends to be lots of experiences shared and recipes too which is really good for all. We are eager to share the knowledge within our circle and its really great. It feels good as well & makes us closer together.
Christmas time is really all about traditions and rituals of families and its a time for all to gather round and catch up if we haven’t seen each other for long. The best part is when dinner has finished, we then have storytelling about our ancestors with funny anecdotes and experiences and then the gift opening session where all kids look forward to.
Discover The Deliciously Interesting Dessert Recipes And Cupcakes For A Fun July 4th BBQ
July 4, is a great time for sweets and desserts as well as BBQ. Herewith are some tips to garnish your cupcakes or pastries. Plus, several yummy sweet courses to brighten up your celebration.
These recipes are definitely perfect in the much-awaited picnic or barbeque gathering. Cupcakes that come in white, blue and red colors are delicious yet require simple preparation. Plus, they are enjoyable to munch while watching the colorful fireworks.
You just need some edible color and garnishing used for sugar pastries and cakes. Let the children assist you in garnishing the little dessert treats. You may top the cupcakes with blue and red edible coloring. If you have strawberries or blueberries, you may put these over the mini cakes. You are free to decorate them in whatever way you feel like it.
You won’t have any problem in garnishing your great desserts since families always share a few tips during the barbeque gathering or picnic every July 4. Get some mouth-watering cake and top it with blueberries or strawberries.
Put a lighted sparkler just before presenting it to everybody. If you have cheesecakes, you are also allowed to garnish it with few fresh fruits such as raspberries or blueberries. These are perfect fruit garnishings as well as keeping in theme with the red & blue colors of the US flag.
White, blue or red parfaits combined with heavy cream, fruits and sorbet are certainly great treats for everyone during the celebration. Just fill a glass or goblet with all the fresh and sweet ingredients. Top it with whipped or heavy cream then put a little more fruits on top.
Cookies garnished with blue, white or red frosting are surely appealing. You may have cookies that are shaped into stars and garnished with a little of white topping or frosting. See to it that you bake loads of them because everybody will surely be starving.
Actually, you have loads of yummy desserts or sweets to serve during your picnic. For sure, your local bakery will have Independence Day themed brownies, cakes and etc. Do check them out or you could always make your own. Just get creative with the decorations, frostings and garnishes.
July 4 is really a great moment to check out several new, colorful and delicious recipes to enjoy with your friends and families. Red, blue and white colors dominate the table every time July 4 comes along. Most people together with their loved ones celebrate the festivity in one great barbeque event.
Fireworks make the celebration thrilling but sharing food and desserts with loved ones transform it to a more special gathering. These sweet and delicious recipes are also applicable to any occasion being celebrated annually. You just replace the color and garnishing.
7 Delicious and Mouth Watering Recipes For The Holidays
The Holiday season is fast approaching and people have been getting into this frenzy trying to create those holiday goodies that they have been making ever since. Although there is that tiny voice inside their head that says, “Go and do something brand new for a change”.
If you’re trying to look for brand new ideas or put a twist on the already traditional ones that you have exisiting, then read on for some really good ways to freshen up an old recipe or for new exciting ones that you haven’t had before.
1) Eggnog-like Custard
Just get your regular recipe for eggnog then sprinkle with just a dash of freshly grated nutmeg. Then bake your custards using little glass cups inside a hot water bath then after they have cooked, take them out then add a dollop of whipped up cream then sprinkle some more nutmeg.
If you’re wanting some texture and crunch to the custard, pair it off with really good pfefferneusse or gingersnaps.
2) Pumpkin-flavored Pound Cake w/ Buttercream (Caramel flavored)
You will have a taste of fall with this delicious twist to your traditional pumpkin cake. Just add some chopped up pecans then garnish your cake using some more pecan nuts that have been chopped in half.
3) Cranberry & Pear Tart
Mix together the tart flavor of some fresh cranberries with sugary sweet flavor of the pears. Just cook your fruits down until it has a consistency like a jam together with sugar, a dash of salt & a bit of Riesling. For the tart crust, try some ground pistachios so you have that holiday inspired theme.
4) Chocolate & Raspberry Trifle
This is a very festive recipe for meals during the holiday season. Just dice up any favorite sponge or pound cake then spread some chocolate-flavored custerd and raspberry jam on them.
Add some sherry to give it that zing then garnish using some whipped up cream, raspberries and shavings of chocolate.
5) Sesame Brittle
Just take the best recipe that you have for your peanut brittles then replace the peanuts using sesame seeds. This is good eaten just as is or you can crumble some over some delicious ice cream to get that texture and crunch
6) Sesame-laced cookies
Make your Florentine cookies using sesame seeds. When cookies still are very pliable, just mold cookies on some muffin tins to form really cute cups. Put 1 scoop of any flavor of ice cream then add peanut butter fudge to create that interesting and delish treat.
7) Fruit Roasted w/ Honey
If you’re wanting a very light dessert to your heavy dinner meal, just get some fruits like apricots, apples & pears. Peel the fruits then brush them using some butter that has been melted.
Drizzle honey that has been blended together with cinnamon on the peeled fruits then roast them until they’re soft and they have caramelized. Best if served with creme fraiche or mascarpone that has been added w/ honey.
Get creative with your traditional holiday recipes so that you will have more wonderful and tasty meals together with your friends and family
Fun And Easy 4th July Celebration Dishes For A Great Time!
Everyone is excited every time July 4 is approaching. This is one of the colorful and most celebrated holidays in the US. American flags, merry making, fireworks and delicious food are important elements of this occasion. Colors such as white, blue and red are found everywhere.
Since friends and families are gathered to have fun on this day, dining outside is one of the best means to enjoy the occasion. Because July has a warm climate, picnic recipes are very much in fad. Barbeques, burgers, hotdogs and brats are popular choices. However, healthier menus must also be included to serve your health conscious guests.
Some meat lovers are probably unaware that vegetarian burgers are also good when grilled. Kebabs with tomatoes, mushrooms and squash will surely satisfy your health conscious or vegetarian guests. Another approach to make your friends enjoy the picnic is to allow them to choose their vegetables and make their very own veggie kebabs. Children will surely enjoy this too.
During the July 4 celebration, you can also include seafood such as fish in your recipes. Fish that are really fresh easily cook on the grill. You may use salmon, shrimps and marinated vegetables for a healthier and more nutritious menu.
You may also serve healthy salsa made from tomatoes, cilantro, bell peppers, onion and garlic. This thirst-quenching salsa goes well with pita, pretzels, fresh vegetables and chips. This light snack will make sure that everybody will retain their cravings while you prepare the barbeque on your grill.
If you do not want to have barbeque and rather have picnic in the park to witness the amusing fireworks, you can prepare sandwiches loaded with fresh tuna, vegetables, smoked fish and chicken. These picnic recipes can be easily prepared, cooked and savored afterwards.
You have to keep in mind that the foods you bring in the picnic will not be refrigerated for quite some time, so do not bring condiments that spoil easily such as yoghurt sauces and mayonnaise. However, you can use alternative dips such as avocado, salsa and hummus.
For your desserts, you may incorporate the three main colors (red, white & blue) in your cupcakes and pastries. You can use colorful toppings, frostings and little flags to bring in the spirit of the occasion. If you don’t like baking, you can simply mix blue berries and red fruits coated with whipped or heavy cream.
You can also make some fun treats for children by creating red, blue and white popsicles and jelly treats. You can simply make these from fruit saps. Keep them simple since children are more excited to see the colorful fireworks display rather than eat the food you prepared.
The colorful fireworks displays are definitely thrilling during July 4, but giving out food and sharing your recipes with families or friends are wonderful bonuses of the occasion.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 c of soymilk
1 & 1/2 c of canned pumpkin
3/4 c of pitted dates; chopped
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of cloves
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of baking-soda
1/2 teaspoon of baking-powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 c of whole-wheat flour
2 c of whole-wheat pastry-flour
1/4 c of veggie oil
1/2 c of maple-flavored syrup
1/2 c of sugar (demerara)
Instructions:
Have oven preheated to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Combine oil, syrup, & sugar in bowl. You add the spices, baking powder & soda & flours, mix thoroughly.
Add soymilk, pumpkin & dates, blend well. Transfer mixture into greased loaf-pan then bake about 20 mins at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Adjust heat into three hundred fifty degrees then bake about 30 mins more ’til cake test is completed.
>> Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Apple and Wild Rice Cakes Recipe
Ingredients:
Butter
1 beaten eggs
2 Tablespoons of chopped rosemary
1 Tablespoon of sliced chives (fresh)
Zest taken from an orange
1 apple (Granny-Smith); cored & grated
1/4 c of toasted nuts (pine)
1/4 c of toasted walnuts
Pepper
Salt
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg (ground)
1/4 c of flour
1 c of cooked rice (white)
1 c of cooked rice (wild)
Instructions:
Have all dry components combined in bowl, stir to thoroughly combine. You add the zest, apples & rest of the ingredients.
You pat 2 Tbsps of mixture onto cake then have both of the sides fried ’til crispy & brown. Allow to drain them on paper-towel. Serve at once.
>> Apple and Wild Rice Cakes Recipe
Apple Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons of extract (vanilla)
1 c of buttermilk
2 eggs
1/2 c of chilled butter; sliced into pcs
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 Tablespoon of baking-powder
1 c of sugar
2 c of flour
3 Tablespoons of sugar
2 Tablespoons of butter
1 pound of thinly-sliced apples
1 & 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of flour
3 Tablespoons of softened butter
1/2 c of chopped pecans
2/3 c of sugar (brown)
Instructions:
Have oven preheated to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 9×2x9 bake pan w/ butter then dust w/ some flour.
You cook the apples about 5 mins in saucepan w/ sugar & butter then set it aside. You cream sugar & butter together then add the vanilla. You add the buttermilk & eggs. Add sliced apples, nutmeg, salt, baking-powder & flour, stirring ’til blended well.
You pour mixture into prepared pan then top w/ streusel. Bake it for about 1 hr or ’til cake test is completed.
>> Apple Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipe
Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon of baking-soda
1/8 teaspoon of salt
2 Tablespoons of molasses (light)
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg (ground)
1/2 teaspoon of ginger (ground)
1 & 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon (ground)
3 Tablespoons of flour
1 c of sugar
1 c of canned pureed pumpkin
8 ounces of tofu creamcheese
1 pack of pureed firm tofu
4 Tablespoons of maple-flavored syrup
1 Tablespoon of oil (canola)
1 & 1/2 c of Graham-cracker crumbs
Canola cooking oil spray
Instructions:
Have oven preheated to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. You coat springform-pan w/ cooking oil spray.
Combine syrup, oil & crumbs then press lightly into greased pan. You combine rest of your ingredients & puree in processor then pour mixture onto crust.
Have it baked for about 50 mins then cool about half an hour then refrigerate for 5-6 hrs prior to serving.
>> Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe