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This season our gatherings are finally inching back to normal. We might be gathering in smaller numbers with masks and rapid tests, but it sure feels good to be celebrating together again. This is the time of year when the majority of us are celebrating something (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkha, Kwanzaa, Diwali). The traditions, history and customs behind each of our special holidays differ, but they do share a common thread in that we typically gather together with our family and friends to share fabulous food, conversation, fun and games, and always little bit of stress.
We each hold memories of holiday gatherings with our favorite foods. My sister and I still talk about going to our Aunt Lucy’s house on Christmas Eve to gather with my dad’s large family. Aunt Lucy always had French Onion chip dip that she served with Ruffles potato chips. Her wonderful buffet of Northern Italian entrees, spinach ravioli in brodo, cheeses, panettone, and pizzeles was lost on my group of cousins. All we cared about and still fondly remember are the Ruffles, dip, bottomless cups of sherbet punch and Coca Cola we drank unmonitored while the adults played cards.
I have expanded my palate with age and have given up the Ruffles, dip and soda. I now set aside a Sunday afternoon in December when my sons and I make the ravioli and pizzeles that I overlooked in my youth. Our dinner that night is always fresh pasta made with the excess dough…which my dog, Brooke, loves to sneak while we are cleaning up the kitchen! As you once again come together with your family and friends and prepare the recipes that say “Holiday” to you, the staff at Marcel’s is alway here to help guide you in the selection of just the right kitchen tool, baking pan, table decor or hostess gift. See you soon.