For years, the Farragut High School ensemble has performed a cute little yuletide tune called “Christmas Cookies.”
I always smile when I hear it (even if the song is performed by another high school and I hear it via YouTube).
The song reminds me of all the wonderful tasty holiday treats that are on the way over the course of the next couple weeks. It is, after all, ‘the most wonderful time of the year!’
I am blessed in the fact that there are a number of great cooks in both my family and in Lisa’s. So, the respective family get-togethers will provide lots of culinary delights.
For example, in Lisa’s family – in addition to the givens, such as ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and the like – there are a number of wonderful special family dishes.
Her aunt makes a zesty hash brown casserole and a luscious Coca-Cola cake. Her uncle frequently contributes a light, tasty confection he calls “Lemon Lush.” Her youngest sister often prepares a sweet potato casserole that is a family favorite; her middle sister usually supplies something equally yummy, such as broccoli casserole.
And the piece-de-resistance in her family is her dad’s succulent Cherry Cream Cheesecake.
Just typing those words caused my mouth to water!
Not to be outdone, the delicacies in my family are equally memorable. My mother’s chicken casserole, which we will have on Christmas night, is an annual highlight. Also, she makes a very nice lemon icebox pie (as well as the Cherry O Cream Cheese Pie that I told you about at Thanksgiving).
Add in all the other traditional side dishes from green beans to macaroni to corn and you can see, we’re bracing for some very nice eating, indeed, for the upcoming holidays.
Interestingly, neither family ever stresses the ubiquitous green bean casserole and that suits me fine.
As fantastic as the meals will be next week, it is the conversation and camaraderie around table that will really provide the warmth of the various gatherings. It’s so nice – as I’m sure you experience – to spend special time with the people who mean to most to you.
We’re getting very close to those days and nights. Christmas Eve is now just a week away. A few more days of work; a few more items to check off the to-do list. Then, it will be time for a nice mid-winter break.
The food will be fantastic; the fellowship will be even more special. And, of course the Christmas Cookies!
JG
Originally posted 12/17/2014
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