‘Tis the season around the world
This article was originally published in November 2016
December is a month of joy and celebration across cultures. We’ve pulled together five delicious ideas that celebrate Northwest families past, present and future.
Mawlid un-Nabi
Some countries celebrate Mohammad’s birth in December; the date shifts because of calendar differences (this year’s is observed on Dec. 12) but you’ll always find a touch of sweetness. Sureyya Gokeri is a PCC Cooks instructor and owns Fremont’s Café Turko along with her family; her fig halwas are delectable.
St. Lucia Day
There’s one clear choice for those of Swedish heritage to enjoy around December 13, and that’s Swedish Saffron Rolls, a great weekend baking project. The dough is rich from three kinds of dairy: butter, milk and quark or sour cream, and fragrant from two teaspoons of saffron threads.
Dongzhi
Winter Solstice in China and other Southeast Asian countries calls for dumplings. Get the family together around December 21 and have them assemble the dumplings as a group for fun, fast work. Start with a filling of pork, spinach, ginger and garlic, then tuck it all into a wonton wrapper and pan-fry these tasty little packets.
Hanukkah
Beginning on December 24 this year, the festival of light practically demands fried foods, and latkes are a runaway favorite. Topped with applesauce and sour cream (or Greek yogurt!), they’re crispy, salty, sweet, tangy and nearly impossible to resist.
Kwanzaa
Nourishing and richly flavored, African Peanut Soup for December 26 can be flexible in its vegetables, but its salty, creamy base is particularly great with yams and sturdy greens like collards. If the kids love carrots or parsnips, they’re a nice addition, along with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts on top.