Holiday Entertaining with Good Morning Washington
Watch my appearance with Good Morning Washington and Kidd O’Shea here.
For me, holiday entertaining is as much about food as how it makes us feel. Let’s talk about joy, connection and freedom.
The holidays can be a lot of work. Is that joy? Pleasure is in the moment, joy is what we remember and brings a smile to our face long after the experience is over. The extra work on a dish -- for instance the multiple components of an hors d'oeuvre -- is worth the extra work. Plus, with as busy as the holidays are, small bites are more versatile than finding the time to sit everyone down for a meal.
How about connection? What about those of us who don't get to be with family? Connection to me is something we carry with us. Food can carry memories, so even though we are not at the table with the ones we love we can feel connected to them. My family makes hundreds of pierogi each year. I know many families will be eating latkes like these turnip and potato ones starting this Friday on the first day of Hannukah.
There is a lot of heavy food here. Should we all be eating salad instead? This is where freedom comes in. For me freedom means letting go of the voices in our heads -- the self doubt, the shame and the shoulds -- so we are free to enjoy and be present in these wonderful moments with the people we love. That said, I love a salad. It keeps me feeling happy and not overwhelmed by too much heavy food. It's that light, acidic bite that clears your palate and makes room for more!
Menu:
Phyllo cups with yuzu mayonnaise chicken salad
Blue cheese and potato pierogi with Harissa Buffalo sauce
Turnip and potato latkes from Seasons to Taste cookbook
Holiday salad with endive, radicchio, pomegranate and walnuts
