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Happy holidays! Sending you love, light, and laughter 😘

by Tresia Smith on December 1, 2023 - Volume 16

Welcome to Tresia's culinary corner, where the warmth of the holiday season blends seamlessly with the aromatic symphony of diverse flavors. As December unfolds its festive tapestry, we embark on a journey through the culinary wonders of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. In this month's blog, I not only celebrate the rich traditions of these joyous occasions but also offer a delectable escape for those seeking a reprieve from the Thanksgiving turkey monotony. I personally had quite a few catering orders for Thanksgiving and they ALL wanted collard greens. If I don’t see another leafy green vegetable until after the New Year, I will be ECSTATIC!

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Syrian Greeks in 167 BCE. The holiday lasts for eight days and is celebrated with the lighting of candles in a menorah, the eating of traditional foods such as latkes and sufganiyot, and the playing of dreidels.

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is observed on December 25th and is typically celebrated with family and friends, gift-giving, and the exchange of Christmas cards. Traditional Christmas foods include turkey, ham, and roast beef, as well as desserts such as Christmas pudding and fruitcake.

Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that celebrates African culture and heritage. The holiday lasts for seven days and is observed from December 26th to January 1st. Traditional

Kwanzaa foods include millet, black-eyed peas, and sweet potatoes.

No matter what your religious or cultural background, the holiday season is a time for celebration and togetherness. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a delicious meal together. And don't forget to savor the magic of culinary delights!

The Recipe Series for December 2023

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In addition to the traditional holiday foods I mentioned earlier, there are a number of other delicious dishes that you can enjoy during the holiday season.

● For Hanukkah, try making sufganiyot, which are deep-fried doughnuts filled with jam or chocolate.

● I know at this point everyone is tired of turkey. So jump out of the box for Christmas and do a beef tenderloin or follow my recipe for apple cider sage pork chops!

● And for Kwanzaa, try making a hearty stew made with millet, black-eyed peas, and sweet potatoes.

No matter what you choose to cook, be sure to make it with love and share it with your loved ones. That's what the holiday season is all about!

Edible Gifts

I created a holiday gift guide for the food lovers and cooks in your family. But who doesn’t like to get a gift made with love from your own two hands??? Especially if they can eat it! Here are six edible DIY gifts that will please anyone who loves to eat 🤣🤣

1. Homemade Spiced Nuts:

● Ingredients:

3 cups mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)

1 egg white

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

● Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 300°F

Whisk the egg white until frothy, then mix in nuts.

In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne.

Toss nuts in sugar mixture until coated.

Spread nuts on a baking sheet; bake for 20-25 mins, stirring occasionally

2. Homemade Peppermint Bark:

● Ingredients:

12 oz dark chocolate, chopped

12 oz white chocolate, chopped

Crushed candy canes

● Instructions:

Melting The Chocolate:

Create a makeshift double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.

Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl. Stir occasionally with a heat-resistant spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be patient; melting chocolate is a delicate process that requires low and slow heat.

Once the chocolate is smooth, remove the bowl from the heat. Be cautious not to let any water from the steam get into the chocolate; it can cause it to seize.

Spread on a parchment-lined tray.

Chill until set.

Melt white chocolate the same way, pour over the dark layer.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

Chill, then break into pieces.

3. Vanilla Bean Caramel Sauce:

● Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 vanilla bean, scraped

● Instructions:

Heat sugar and water over medium-high heat until golden.

Remove from heat; slowly whisk in cream and vanilla.

Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly

4. Rosemary Infused Olive Oil:

● Ingredients:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 sprigs fresh rosemary

● Instructions:

Heat olive oil until warm.

Add rosemary; simmer on low for 10 minutes.

Cool, strain, and pour into a decorative bottle.

5. Cranberry Orange Bread:

● Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons orange zest

2 eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

● Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F

Mix dry ingredients; add wet ingredients.

Fold in cranberries; bake for 50-60 minutes.

6. Chai Tea Mix:

● Ingredients:

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder

1 cup powdered nondairy creamer

1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered creamer

2 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

● Instructions:

Mix all ingredients; blend until powdery.

Store in an airtight container.

To serve, mix 3 tablespoons with hot water or milk.

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That’s All Family!

As we bid farewell to the whirlwind of another year, I find myself reflecting on the diverse tapestry of experiences that weave the fabric of our lives. In this urban landscape, where every step echoes with the rhythm of shared stories and individual dreams, I'm filled with gratitude for the moments we've embraced together. May the glow of Hanukkah's lights, the warmth of Christmas traditions, and the rich heritage of Kwanzaa bring joy to your heart. As we step into 2024, my hope resonates with the city's hum, echoing the possibility of peace and resolution for all. Here's to a year ahead filled with promise, thankfulness, and the pursuit of our shared dreams. Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, a Joyous Kwanzaa, and a blessed start to the promising canvas of 2024.

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Remember I am here for any food related event you may have coming up, big or small. I offer catering, meal prep, family meal planning, personal chef services and cooking classes. Whatever you need, I got you covered!