Holidays and Food...

Whew... its finally a new year. The holidays have come and gone. I survived!! Everything got done with the exception of two pies not being made. I dont think anyone noticed. I was tempted to make one of those forgotten pies for New Years but a quick step on the scales put a halt to that!! There of course was lots of food, desserts and goodies over the holidays... as evident of the final remains of leftovers emptied into the trash can.

Why do we over-cook for such occasions? Why do we think that we must cook for 3 or 4 days to prepare for just ONE meal? It has to be a southern tradition or something, because for as long as I can remember my family has done this year after year after year and the traditions carry on still to this day. It just wouldnt be right to not have certain things each year. For instance, my crew will not eat anyone elses dressing but mine... including my mother-in-law!! Spoiled they are!! There is usually a small turkey. There is usually 2 hams because someone doesnt like the honey baked ham mom in law buys because she doesnt eat turkey or chicken. There is usually 4 or more dishes of family members favorite sides. There is usually 2 or 3 cakes, 2 or 3 pies and plenty of homemade goodies and treats. All this for one day!! And this side of the family isnt that big. Now my side of family is another story... double everything!!

The only reason I can come up with for all this excess of food is, its a celebration and southerners love food and love a good get together. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. We also celebrate the renewing of family ties and the bonds of friendship. At Thanksgiving we cook to show our gratitude for the blessings we have received through out the year. At Easter we cook again in rememberence of the sacrifice God made for the forgiveness of our sins. In the days of old, food was all people had to give, there wasnt money for buying gifts.

For this southern belle, my holiday baking starts before Thanksgiving and doesnt end till Christmas Day. There are the things needed for the Thanksgivings meal and desserts. Even if we are going out of town. I always have to take something or leave something for mom in law if she isnt going with us. Once that is done then starts the baking of candy and goodies and the 2 dozen or more of the now famous rum cakes for clients and friends. Then theres the request for 2 sweet potato pies that I get paid to make because the wife can not get hers to taste like mine using my recipe. There is now the addition of a couple of red velvet cakes that a special friend threatens her family with bodily harm if they take a piece without asking.

Some have asked me why I do all that and how do I manage to get it all done with work and shopping to be done, its simple I love it!! If you know me, you know I love to cook and bake. It was something that was created in my DNA many generations ago. It wasnt the gourmet food type DNA, but the old fashion comfort food type. As the old saying goes, everything taste better with love sprinkled in it. You can bet, if I made it... there is love in it.