Traditions.... Holidays... New & Old...

Many of us, young and old, have come from European families, and with that, has come many traditions.

When it came to north american holidays, our families ( parents and grandparents alike ) adapted well.  In keeping with their food selections, they managed to intertwine things they loved to make, with what was expected to eat on that particular holiday.

Since I am in the Thanksgiving mode, and we are celebrating this particular holiday today, I tried to remember growing up, what we managed to eat this very day.  With family growing and getting married, and other backgrounds and cultures, married into the families, we always managed to please everyone.

Growing up in an Italian family, pasta was a main course, no matter what meal or occasion we were celebrating.  Be it Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or parties of larger sorts, like bridal/baby showers, engagements, and/or wedding celebrations.

It wasn't till my teenage years that I ever remembered my Mom actually cooking a turkey.  Was not a meat of culture for sure.  But once other family members married, and began other more Canadian type traditions.

And believe you me, it became a ten course meal.  Not only a selection of meats, from roasted lamb, to veal cutlets, but she still managed to make Turkey and Ham, and whatever else she wanted to attempt to make.

So this holiday weekend, when we are celebrating this Thanksgiving, a time of recognition of blessings and giving thanks for many things, I would like to honor my dear Mother, and Father of course.  Growing into North American traditions, would have had to be difficult for them.

Whether you were Greek, Italian, Croatian, Indian, or whatever culture, you made due, and you tried to keep your children learning the Canadian ways.  A turkey for starters, was a foreign meat for most cultures, but they ended up loving it.  I know my Mom looked forward to Thanksgiving.  

My Dad, now that was a different story.  Your first course, had to be pasta.  And then after that, he truly didn't care.  We were blessed to have a large family, and with it, we introduced many different foods, like french meat pies, and hams, and other great foods of the world.

With that, my miracle Mom, aka Nonna, managed to learn to make the best of the best.  She honestly made the greatest cabbage rolls, this side of Poland/Ukraine.  She learned to bake the best of apple pies, and pumpkin too.  Her sole ambition was to please her children, and that she did.

We attempted many holidays, to do the old "pot lock" thing.  She couldn't comprehend people bringing food to her home, when she invited you over to eat at her table.  That being said, we managed, as years got up there, and she was aging, to do this.  And she complied.  It was nice to try different dishes, that we all took the time and love to make.

I know with my children now, I love it when they contribute to a meal.  It makes them feel special, and we create new holiday traditions.  

Today, when your circled by the many generations of family and friends, of course, please remember to keep the old with the new.  Don't let traditional dishes fall behind.  I know we don't.  Our most favorite turkey side dish, besides, corn, mashed potatoes and stuffing, is our peas and mushrooms dish.  

Have your children make something, whether they bake or put bring apps, or sides, let them.  Start new traditions, be it when you celebrate it, where and what you are going to eat, and keep what you've close to your heart.

Enjoy your day, and make new memories and traditions and honor your memories of the old.

Buon Appetito !

Tutti a tavola !

Love you all Miss "B"

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