Celebrations

Beyond Tradition: Rethink Thanksgiving

~ adriennecohen221 ~ Leave a comment

There’s just something wonderful about autumn, isn’t there? Cooler temperatures, back-to-school events, football, falling leaves, pumpkins, gourds, and savory spices all signal a distinctly different approach to life and leisure activities.  

But fall has sped by for me this year, interspersed with travel and the demands of daily life. Suddenly, it’s Thanksgiving week and I’m not at all prepared.

But this year, instead of giving in to guilt, I am letting Thanksgiving week play out in an entirely different way. My husband and I are looking forward to the activities we enjoy rather than dreading the dawn of Thursday and lamenting what was left undone for a big family dinner.

You see, we will forgo the “feast” this year in favor of largely unplanned, spontaneous activities that are scattered throughout the week and into the weekend.

On Thanksgiving Day, we will be with friends who, like us, have no nearby family, and even less reason to want or need turkey with all the traditional sides. There will be no roast turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, no green bean casserole, no sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and no jellied cranberry sauce. And, best of all, no last-minute worries before the guests arrive!

Instead, we have opted for an “orphan potluck” this year. We anticipate a casual, laid-back vibe, with good conversation interspersed with holiday spirit and cheers for our favorite teams.

We fully intend to celebrate, and you can be assured we are thankful for the blessings of home and friends this year. We will check in with our far-flung families and wish them well. And then we will celebrate the bounty of our table and the bonds of friendship with others in this small community we now call home. What could be more appropriate?

The dozen or so like-minded friends who will join us have all volunteered to bring a variety of favorite dishes. We’ll have appetizers and wine, perhaps a creative charcuterie board with delectable finger foods. And we’re not totally abandoning tradition – we have a smoked turkey breast ready to reheat!

This year, I am thankful for the freedom to read a book, listen to music, watch the Macy’s parade, or maybe even a Hallmark movie on television — all before our friends arrive in the early afternoon!

Times change, as do the seasons. I am eager to see what this new-fangled Thanksgiving celebration feels like. Perhaps it will become our new annual tradition.

A neighbor promised a hearty pasta dish, and others are likely to surprise us with their favorites. There will be home-baked bread and (again from a neighbor, with a nod to tradition!) pumpkin pie to top it all off. As always, at Thanksgiving, it’s not all about the food, but we’re certain there will be plenty of food!

I love many things about Thanksgiving, especially the presence of family and friends. And pumpkin! So, I am searching for pumpkin recipes with a new twist and updating my holiday favorites. Pumpkin, after all, need not be reserved solely for Thanksgiving. Why not enjoy pumpkin treats until it’s time to embrace hot chocolate and peppermint?

During an October trip to the San Francisco Peninsula, I was impressed by, among other things, the expanse of colorful pumpkin fields that stretched almost to the Pacific shore. Our group stopped at Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch near Half Moon Bay – who knew so many kinds of pumpkin existed? The vibrant displays were eye-catching and tempting when most visitors were searching for the perfect jack-o-lantern pumpkin! I wish I could have brought several home to Arkansas!

Just last week, on a trip to Maine, I found that pumpkin recipes were the talk of the town, so to speak! And there were more pumpkin displays in local yards and grocery stores. That started me thinking, not only about Thanksgiving, but about the extended holiday season as well, about hot cider, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, chocolate, and creative soups that chase away winter’s chill.

This year, I’m trying to simplify my life while at the same time wanting to expand my food repertoire. I have been collecting new recipes since I returned from California. I have more from relatives in Maine, and a supermarket magazine provided even more.  

Consider this a challenge to get creative this year, especially during the festive season that extends from  Thanksgiving through the dawn of the new year. So many other flavors combine well with pumpkin that you can experiment to your heart’s content! Don’t limit its use to pie, cookies, or breads.

Incorporate unique and exotic spices. Ginger is one of the best, along with cloves, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, saffron, and paprika. They not only add wonderful flavor, but many of them offer health benefits as well. Not only the flavors but the colors will add punch to your recipes.

What else goes well with pumpkin? How about maple syrup, caramel, chocolate, apples, apricots, raisins, cranberries, and cheeses? The best part? As good as fresh pumpkin is you can cook with canned pumpkin throughout the year. I have already stocked up on that!

Here are just a few recipes to get you in the spirit. Let me know how you like them!

Family Favorite Pumpkin Bread

This truly is a family recipe that has been a favorite for generations, and I can attest to its goodness! Why not keep some in the freezer to bring out when unexpected guests arrive? It also can double as dessert, with a dollop of whipped cream.

42 2/3 cups sugar

2/3 cup cooking oil

4 eggs

1 ½ cups cooked pumpkin (or Libby’s brand canned pure pumpkin)

3 1/3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 ½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup chopped nuts

2/3 cup water

Mix sugar, oil, and pumpkin; then add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon. Combine pumpkin mixture with flour mixture. Add water and mix well. Then, add nuts and stir again. Pour into well-greased one-pound coffee cans, filling halfway. This amount of batter will fill four cans. Bake in a 300-degree oven for one hour. Allow bread to cool, then remove from cans. If you prefer, use medium loaf pans.

The bread freezes well: simply slip the cooled loaves back into the coffee cans and cover each with its plastic lid. T freeze pumpkin loaves, remove them from the baking pans when cool, cover them with plastic wrap, and then wrap in foil before freezing.  

Game Day Chili

If you like chili, I can almost guarantee you’ll love this one. It has all the traditional ingredients, with the surprise of a few extra veggies and a can of pure pumpkin. The bonus? It can be ready in a jiffy. Put it together quickly, then settle in to cheer your favorite team to victory. (Courtesy of Hannaford, a grocery chain committed to sustainability and the public good.)  

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. canola oil

1 finely chopped medium yellow onion

1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 pound lean ground beef

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

1 (6 -oz) can of tomato paste

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 (15-oz) cans of no-salt-added diced tomatoes

1 (15-ox) can pure pumpkin

1 ½ cups water, divided

2 (15-oz) cans no-salt-added kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  1. Heat oil in a large, sturdy pot on medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and saute 8 to 10 minutes, until browned and tender.
  2. Add beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned, using a wooden spoon to break into pieces.
  3. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and stir constantly for 1 minute, until the color darkens. Add broth, tomatoes, pumpkin, and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until thickened. If chili is too thick, add the remaining ½ cup of water.
  4. Stir in beans and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes, until thoroughly heated. Serve with your choice of sour cream and/or other garnishes.

Suggested garnishes:

Sour cream, chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onions, avocado cubes, radish slices, chopped jalapenos, oyster crackers.

It’s delicious with a loaf of either sourdough bread or a crusty baguette!

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

This is a recipe I found online, and I can’t wait to try it!  

https://chosenfoods.com/blogs/central/pumpkin-spiced-deviled-eggs

If, like me, you’re a fan of the charcuterie board for impromptu get-togethers and are always in search of new additions to that board, you’ll love this one! Pumpkin deviled eggs, with their bright color and a hint of spice, are sure to become a favorite. As suggested, add some garnishes to make them extra special, and they’ll be gobbled up quickly — at Thanksgiving or any other time!

Cumin & Thyme Pumpkin Chicken Soup

Here’s a link to this tempting recipe that will easily serve six!

Cumin & Thyme Pumpkin Chicken Soup

How great is that for a busy day during the coming holiday season? Prepare a salad, add a simple dessert, and you’ll have a weekday dinner to feed the family! Or double the recipe to feed a crowd!

Full Disclosure: I haven’t yet made this soup, but you can be sure I will. I have tried several other Paul Newman recipes and liked each one. In addition. This requires minimal prep and cooking time, and I believe you could easily substitute canned chicken to make it even easier. Finally, and this is purely a personal observation: I am fully behind the Newman commitment to support worthy causes and I like using products that contribute to that effort.

If those aren’t enough, here are some twists on traditional treats:

Pumpkin Hummus

There are any number of recipes available online. Search one out if you’re determined to start from scratch. However, if you’re in a hurry for a tasty dip or spread, simply buy your favorite plain hummus, then swirl in some pureed pumpkin and a bit of fresh lemon. Top with finely chopped cilantro, sprinkle with paprika and toasted pine nuts, and serve with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies. It couldn’t be easier.

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip

This is another go-to idea that is superb for unexpected guests, or a simple appetizer. The flavor is uniquely satisfying, especially in the fall and during the holiday season. Serve with a variety of crackers, mini rye or pumpernickel slices, fresh veggies or button mushrooms. It’s sure to be a hit!

Again, it couldn’t be easier — soften the cheese, swirl in some pureed pumpkin. Form it into a log, a ball, or pack in into a ramekin, and serve with a variety of crackers, mini rye or pumpernickel slices, fresh veggies or button mushrooms.

It’s sure to be a hit!

Pumpkin Ice Cream

I admit that this is a newfound favorite – I was introduced to it during my recent trip to Maine. It’s available seasonally and I absolutely love it! There’s not much more to say about it, except that it’s a distinctive and delectable taste treat. The brand I had in Maine came from Trader Joe’s. I’ll definitely be watching for it, even if I have to wait until next fall to find it!

Need more ideas?

You’ll find recipes everywhere right now – from pumpkin scones to hearty cheese soup with the surprise of pumpkin and beer! Create comfort foods that you can enjoy throughout the season and into the new year!

And have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, no matter how, where, or with whom you celebrate.  

A dose of good cheer . . .

~ adriennecohen221 ~ Leave a comment

There’s something about Americans.

They are everywhere, it seems. Sometimes by choice; sometimes by happenstance, often on orders and sometimes unwillingly. Americans travel the globe. Occasionally, they’re “ugly.” Almost always, when Americans “discover” a place, it is changed. And many would argue that change, though inevitable, is less than desirable.

There are other nationalities that also travel the globe; many of them English-speaking — Brits, Canadians, Australians. But there are French-speakers, Spanish-speakers, Scandinavians, Asians, and Africans. In fact, today, all nationalities travel extensively. Most travel rather inconspicuously.  Americans tend to stand out and are occasionally the brunt of jokes and the subject of pervasive and less-than-flattering stereotypes. 

But, there’s something about Americans.

On Christmas Day morning, on a beach in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, a group of Americans gathers to hang stuffed animals, matchbox cars, soccer balls, footballs, Barbie dolls, and an assortment of other toys from the palapas and beach umbrellas of a local hotel. They wear Santa hats, blinking reindeer noses and silly, floppy reindeer antlers, candy cane shirts, and an assortment of other red and green attire with their swimsuits and shorts.

The beach chairs and lounges are circled to keep the public at a distance. No one really seems to be in charge. At 8:30 am on Christmas Day, it is quiet on the beach. And then more people arrive, some with armloads of stuffed animals, some with plastic bags from the Walmart on the other side of the Mexican city. Some come with one or two toys. Many dropped off their “goodies” earlier in the week. Word spread about the event, and the crowd steadily grew larger.

Volunteers bring ribbons and scissors. There is a festive spirit. Onlookers gather.

Soon, a group of children begin to form a line, off to one side. Quiet, and well-behaved, they stand with their parents and older siblings. They watch. They wait.

This ritual began more than 20 years ago. On Christmas Day 2004, I was on that beach that Christmas Day. A woman named Marge from Nashville, TN, one of the original group of Santa’s helpers, asked volunteers to walk down the beach to find more children. “This is the best year ever,” she said, “and I’m not sure we have enough children for all the gifts.”

There is no publicity. This is not an organized effort. There is no tax deduction attached to these gifts. There were lots of pictures taken. There are big smiles on the faces of the adults. The children look on with wide-eyed wonder. There are tears. There are hugs. There is a sense of excitement. There are cookies and soft drinks and music on a beach in Puerto Vallarta on Christmas Day. And there is a sense of community.

Even though most of the children speak no English, and most of the adults speak little Spanish, there is no language barrier.

One man with a distinctively British accent and a camera pauses to ask what is happening. When it is explained, he makes no comment. But he remains to take pictures, staying on the fringes but joining in the palpable spirit of goodwill.

At precisely 11 am, four Mexican children are allowed to enter the “garden” of hanging toys, each one accompanied by an adult American volunteer with a small pair of scissors. As each child walks through, he is allowed to take his time to look, and then his selection is snipped from its ribbon hanger and handed to him. It is almost silent. There is no screaming, no running. There is a sense of reverence as the child clutches his selection to his chest and then is escorted to the other edge of the toy-filled enclosure.

Children of hotel employees, youngsters whose parents are beach vendors, and children who have come to the beach for a day near the water and the sun with their extended families are the honored guests. They are all Mexican children. That is the only requirement.

It is not their tradition. Christmas, in Mexico, is a deeply religious holiday, with a family-oriented emphasis. Santa Claus does not visit most Mexican children.

But where there are Americans, there are some traditions that are hard to break. In the United States, there are toys for children. So, where Americans gather at Christmas, there will invariably be toys.

There is something about Americans.

Note: I first wrote this nearly two decades ago for an online publication that no longer exists. I was thinking today about that long ago Christmas on the beach, and it seemed appropriate to repost this piece this year, at a time when the world seems to need a large dose of goodness and cheer. I don’t know if the tradition continues in Puerto Vallarta. I hope it does. But, whether the beach party is still held or not, it is a wonderful memory. I wish Happy Holidays to all, no matter what holidays you celebrate or where you celebrate them. And may 2023 be a good year for us all!

Traditions . . .

~ adriennecohen221 ~ Leave a comment

This has been a year — or at least a few months — for examining past traditions. When the future seems uncertain, there is something comforting about remembering the past, getting lost in nostalgia, and returning to happier days full of memories of family, friends, fun and tradition.

It has been especially true during all the holidays of the year: Valentines Day, Mardi Gras, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years — many of those special times normally full of family celebrations and traditions have passed us by since 2020.

In the days leading up to fall holidays, few of us would have believed that the “norm” in 2021 would once again be another scaled-down version of Thanksgiving dinner. It may not have been potluck shared by extended family at socially distanced outdoor picnic tables in a state park, (yes, that happened the previous year), but for most it was, once again, a small table not heavily laden.

Many of our holiday celebrations, those that actually were held, have been accompanied by masks and elbow bumps, but no hugs. Who would have predicted that we would spend last Christmas alone, despite the hopeful news in 2020 that two effective vaccines were ready to be delivered nationwide? Who then would have believed that “the abundance of caution” against large family gatherings would continue for a second Christmas? Who could have imagined yet another mutated virus wreaking havoc with family get-togethers and travel plans now and for the foreseeable future? Yet, that is exactly what has occurred.

May you live in interesting times . . .

Depending on your upbringing and mindset, that phrase has alternately been considered a blessing or a curse. Although there is little evidence that it originated with the Chinese, and even less that it stems from a Yiddish expression or a rabbinical interpretation, it persists in the minds of many of us as a warning that we should never get too comfortable. Life is not to be taken for granted.

Our times — this past year and three quarters, and still today — are nothing if not interesting.

Many of us are still hopeful that we will once again be free to travel freely. But, with the return to mandated masking in many places, extensive travel disruption attributed to ill employees, and persistent warnings about travel, gatherings and testing, we are again uncertain. We hope that we will continue to care for others, by being mindful about where we go, what we do and how we act. But, as this last year has taught us, life is fragile. I am now even more convinced that we must savor the traditions that have brought us here.

For me, that means being with friends, not via face time, Skype or Zoom meetings, but up close and personal. It means sharing good times, welcoming the births of new babies and celebrating graduations and promotions. More importantly, it means being together to comfort one another during sadness and hard times. Working remotely may not be a great hardship. But, being continually remote — from family, friends and business associates — is devastating.

This past year, I lost several acquaintances to COVID. Many others in my circle of friends and family have been ill with the virus. Others, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, have tested positive recently, with varied symptoms and severity, with — presumably — the Omicron variant. I am learning more than I ever wanted to know about the SARS-CoV-2, commonly known as COVID-19.

Humans were not meant to be solitary animals. That is only too evident today, with increasing concerns about not only mental health, but the economy.

The path forward seems clear. We must not forget these past months, nor the shutdowns, the fear, the toll it has taken on lives and livelihoods. But, we also must not give up hope. Let’s don’t ever forget what makes life worth living. Let’s all honor those traditions that we missed so much in 2020 and were hesitant to resume in 2021. Let’s not return to the place of isolation and alarm. Let’s be smart rather than complacent, but let’s go on living our lives with confidence

Yes, COVID-19 is a scary disease. But all diseases are scary. And those who are sick need to be comforted, not left alone. No matter what or how you celebrate the special days that are to come this year, may holidays that are meant to bring us together in the coming months continue to bless you, uplift your spirits and prepare you for what lies ahead.

That is my wish this second day of the new year.

Ring those bells . . .

~ adriennecohen221 ~ Leave a comment

A random Facebook post from a faraway friend captured my imagination this past week. And now it has become a “cause” because I can’t seem to help getting caught up in grand ideas that are designed to bring people together in quirky, frivolous ways. Great things often come from small and simple acts. This time it seems a lot of others have joined in with enthusiasm. I hope it lasts, and I hope it grows.

It has been reported that the effort was begun by a housewife and “mum” in the U.K. who thought it would be a good memory for her children in years to come. I learned about it via several Facebook posts, among them one from a relative in Norway; and the word is spreading fast!

Just as the balcony singing across Italy seemed so spontaneous and emotionally uplifting in the terrible, early days of the pandemic, this recent request for citizens of the world to gather on their front porches at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve strikes an emotional chord with me. I want to be a part of it. I want to hear bells ringing from every doorstep on my street. Then I want to watch the television news coverage of bells ringing in other time zones and in other nations. It will restore my faith that people everywhere — from Capetown to Chicago, From Anchorage to Ankara, from Dublin to Denver are more alike than they are different, in the words of Maya Angelou. I want to celebrate with those people on apartment balconies and front porches all across the world. I am gathering up my bells!

Does anyone remember Hands Across America?

It was 1986. It was a BIG IDEA. Organized by USA for Africa, the same organization that produced the star-studded video concert We Are the World in 1985, Hands Across America was designed to underscore the need for funding to fight devastating famine in Africa, and also to address hunger and homelessness in the U.S.

The thought of people from all walks of life clasping hands to form a human chain stretching from the West Coast to the East to highlight the plight of those who needed help was more than I could resist. I became an early supporter. It was conceived as a benefit effort, not only to address problems but to be a ray of hope for those who had little else to sustain them. The 80s were difficult times for many Americans and for the world, although the sting of those years has faded over time.

The route was designated and mapped, and for a small donation, individuals were assigned a place to be at a specific hour — 3 p.m. Eastern time, May 25, or noon Pacific time. It was a Sunday. I gathered up my family, including my husband and young son plus several equally spirited friends. We drove about 30 minutes to be at our designated spot along a highway not far from our suburban Dallas neighborhood. We arrived shortly before 2 p.m. to find only a few others scattered along the roadway. I remember being somewhat disappointed that the crowd wasn’t as large as I had hoped.

But, as happened in other communities, we joined hands at the appointed hour and stood in solidarity under the Texas sun for a cause that was born from a dream, a cause we believed had the potential to change the world. We stretched our line along the roadway as far as possible. It was reported that there were breaks in the line throughout the nation, but in a cornfield in Iowa, in the geographic center of the United States, 16,000 people gathered. There were throngs in New York, in California, and in Indianapolis, where the Indy 500 was rained out but people stood in the rain for another reason.

It is said that long-haul truckers honked as they passed the lines along the country’s highways. It is said that a few stopped and joined the chain for brief moments. In some small towns, church bells rang out as neighbors gathered along their streets, one hand in another. And anyone who participated felt uplifted by it all.

President Ronald Reagan joined hands with others at the White House and then-Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill brought the U.S. Capitol into the chain. Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton joined in in Little Rock, and scores of entertainers lent their names and their support to the effort. A theme song, Hands Across America, was broadcast simultaneously from radio stations coast to coast. For 15 minutes or so on one day in 1986, millions of people came together in a most unusual way.

Even though the actual human chain did not span the 3,000 plus miles as intended, it is estimated that more than five million individuals participated, perhaps as many as 6.5 million. Though there were empty spots along the route, it is also said that if those who joined the effort could have been equally spaced, the line would have stretched from coast to coast, and the effort was termed a success by the organizers, raising more than $15 million after expenses. Many of the participants donated more than the stipulated fee for the privilege of joining total strangers to see an audacious idea take shape.

So it is this year. It’s an outrageous request to ask people across the globe to step onto their front porches Christmas eve to perform a symbolic act — “to spread Christmas spirit and help Santa fly his sleigh” — with no thought of reward. But it’s also inspiring, isn’t it?

I want to hear bells echoing throughout my neighborhood the evening of December 24, and I want to see news reports of millions of people in scores of other countries shaking their own bells with an energy that could change the world.

Is that too fanciful a dream? Perhaps, but I hope not. Even if it doesn’t shake the world, perhaps it can open hearts, spark a new hopefulness, contribute to a happier holiday, and become the source of lasting smiles for many who have precious little to smile about this year.

So, enlist your neighbors, spread the word to friends and family, join neighborhood and online groups that are springing up to support what has become known as “The Christmas Eve Jingle 2020.”

Get those bells ready!

At the very least, perhaps it will be a fond memory, and provide a unique story for future grandmothers to tell their grandchildren in years to come.

We all know that 2020 has been a tough year. We all want the coming year to be better. And, no matter what holiday or holy day one celebrates this December, the year is coming to an end. Each of us must now look ahead to 2021. We cannot escape the passage of time, and we cannot turn back the calendar to a date that was more pleasant or more “normal.” All we can do is move on, so why not begin the process of moving ahead with a bell in each hand and new purpose in our hearts? It’s up to each one of us to make a difference.

I believe in hope and I know that we could all use a new measure of hope this season.

I remember Hands Across America, I remember We Are the World, and I want to be a witness as another Big Idea comes alive!