Tradition, with a twist.
Every Thanksgiving, my mom and aunt bake my grandma’s old bread recipe, a simple white pan loaf with a secret ingredient (I’ll give you a hint—that side of my family is Irish. That’s right—there’s an entire potato hiding in each loaf). The aroma of this freshly baked bread means the season has started; a season that wraps us in tradition and the special flavors unique to certain gatherings, like my parents’ potato pancakes that they only make on Christmas morning, and Manhattans all around, all season long. It’s amazing how recipes take on a life of their own when they are intertwined with a certain occasion, and most importantly, certain people.
As we head into a winter unlike any other, we have been giving a lot of thought to holiday tradition. It brings up something different for each one of us. You may look forward to this time all year, or you may find the holidays challenging even when there’s not a global pandemic to contend with, or maybe you find yourself in the bittersweet in-between. In any case, nothing whips up the potent combination of nostalgia and food quite like the time from Thanksgiving to New Years.
This year, we want to find ways to carry on our traditions without clinging too tightly to what a ‘typical’ holiday season looks like. The pandemic calls on us to get creative with traditions. It feels important to strike the right balance between the comfort of familiarity and the novelty of breaking out of the routine. So, we hope in the following pages that you’ll find the right mix of familiar winter flavors and unexpected twists to inspire your winter celebrations.
We also have digital stories planned for our monthly emails this winter focused on ways to make memories, gather safely and eat well. Friday night bonfires, anyone? Think pudgie pies, fancy popcorn and more. Click here to sign up for our newsletter, The Beet. Everyone who signs up in November and December will be entered to win a gift basket filled with fireside cooking accessories, Edible Madison goods, and...tasty treats from local producers, of course.
Let’s dig in.
Lauren Langtim
Managing Editor
P.S. - We welcome your feedback and suggestions to help us stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape as we continue to evolve our content and offerings for Edible Madison.
More Stories by This Author
Edible in your mailbox
What a thoughtful article. It lifted my spirits to know your generation was inspired and touched by the traditions we all shared. Ours were the Brandy Alexanders we were allowed to sip as children! .The memories family traditions evoke will be more important this year than ever.Great job reminding us . I think we may have to get creative ! Scented turkey stuffing candles???❤️🦃Nancy Newell
Lauren,
Your words draw out such wonderful memories of our traditional gatherings, a beautiful and tasty blend of Irish and Italian!! The secret potato white bread sounds amazing!! My Irish potato obsessed mother would have made this her entree! Continue these insightful perspectives- they are as delicious and satisfying as a holiday meal!!
Chris Bollettino