Recipe Swap

I’ve been missing in action the last couple of days.  See, I woke up on Monday morning and got it!  You know that sentimental, holiday glow feeling.  It hit me head on and quite unexpectedly.  It’s hot outside here in Texas, we are knee deep in school plays, house renovation plans and daily logistics of running a family of six.  I was aware that Christmas started popping up in storefronts and seasonal aisles about six weeks ago, but not being in the mood and all I generally ignored it.  I wasn’t planning on getting into the holiday mood for another couple of weeks.

Funny how little control I have over my Christmas mood.  Or anything else for that matter.

I spent the weekend in the DFW area with my mother-in-law.  I took her to my niece’s (her granddaughter’s) wedding shower.  We had a great time.  It’s the only time we’ve ever been alone together and I truly enjoyed our ‘girls weekend’.  We shopped for the children’s Christmas presents, watched The Queen with Helen Mirren, planned Thanksgiving recipes, and talked about family and children rearing. I guess the sentimental weekend is responsible for my full-on Christmas spirit.

So, I’ve been reading recipes, downloading Christmas music on my ipod and generally succumbing to the six week bliss.  I’ve had my initial cry while listening to Josh Groban’s   Silent Night and Kathy Mattea’s Mary Did You Know.  And so three days into the season I can now resume my regularly scheduled program.

I’m cheesy at the holidays, but not so bad that I do themes each year or anything.  But IF I were to assign a description for the way I’m feeling this year it’s very homey and nostalgic.  Many of the recipes I will share with you over the next few weeks will include family favorites from Christmases past.  I’ve gone way back into the annals of both my grandmother’s recipes and am feeling love for things like congealed salads and dense puddings with bourbon (I’m not sure I’ve ever even had bourbon!).

While I’m busy pulling out these classics from years gone by, will you do me a favor?  Send me THE family recipe from your past.  The one dish, dessert or sentimental favorite that always graces your season.  If you are too afraid to post in the comments (ahem, Mrs. Kravitz. phuleez) send your recipe to me at kristinschell @ mac (dot) com and I’ll share with our little community.

Speaking of posting. I’m feeling a little lonely.  I know you are reading as I can see the visit ticker creeping upwards.  Don’t lurk.  Tell me you love me!

I’ll be back soon with delightful Thanksgiving and Christmas classics.