Growing up, my grandma used to prepare a lavish spread for us every Christmas, which we would enjoy over hours of stories, laughter and music. Her menu was an eclectic mix of traditional dishes and innovative recipes that reflected her personality and her love for cooking.
Here are some of grandma’s original recipes that have become a staple in our Christmas celebrations:
1. Spiced Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
No Christmas feast is complete without a perfectly cooked turkey, and grandma’s recipe was nothing short of magical. She would marinate the turkey with a mix of spices like thyme, rosemary, and sage, and roast it slowly until the skin was golden and crispy. The highlight, though, was her cranberry sauce, which had a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness and complemented the turkey beautifully.
2. Creamy Potato Gratin
Grandma’s potato gratin was comfort food at its best. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes were coated with a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese, and then baked to golden perfection. The result was a cheesy, gooey dish that was the ultimate indulgence.
3. Glazed Ham with Pineapple
While turkey was the star of the show, grandma never forgot about the ham-lovers in the family. Her glazed ham was a crowd-pleaser, with a sticky, sweet glaze made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and mustard. The pineapple added a fruity twist to the dish and gave it a tropical feel that was perfect for a Christmas in sunny Miami.
4. Rum-Pecan Pie
Dessert was always the highlight of our dinner, and grandma’s rum-pecan pie was a knockout. The pie was filled with a rich, golden filling made with brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and rum, and topped with a layer of toasted pecans. The flavors were complex and indulgent, with a slight hint of warmth from the rum that made it the perfect end to a hearty meal.
5. Sangria with Fresh Fruit
While most Christmas dinners are accompanied by wine or beer, grandma’s Christmas sangria was always a hit. She would mix up a fruity concoction with red wine, brandy, orange juice, and soda, and then add in slices of fresh fruit like oranges, apples, and peaches. The drink was refreshing and festive, and was a great way to toast the merry spirit of the holidays.
Grandma’s Christmas menu was a reflection of her love for food and family, and has left an indelible mark on our memories. As we pass down these recipes to the next generation of food-lovers in our family, we hope to carry on her legacy, and continue the tradition of celebrating Christmas with a table full of delicious food and even better company.