By: Sofya Stearns
“The holiday is an attempt of external joy to get inside, and internal – to spill out.”
December is the month for holidays with Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Even if you don’t feel any joy inside (you’re tired, don’t get enough sleep, have restless nights, too much on your mind), try to give the external joy of the upcoming holidays a chance to work its way inside.
Toss out thoughts about what to feed a crowd of relatives on Christmas Day or how to make sure the latkes are fully cooked for the first day of Hanukah. Dismiss the vision of smoke billowing from a burned on the outside and undercooked turkey, or the scene of a kitchen dusted in flour from the grout of your backsplash to your floor from the attempt to make green and red Christmas cookies. Stop terrifying yourself and relax. All that is secondary. Focus on the important things.
A turkey that is already cooked and just needs to be heated in the oven can be easily bought at Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, or any supermarket of your preference, and it tastes just as good as homemade. The same goes for all the side dishes and latkes. When it comes to dessert, stores are filled with delicious and beautifully decorated treats. Just make sure to remember to give your store a ring a few weeks in advance.
If you start adding up the cost of all groceries needed to make your dishes and compare it with the price of premade dishes, the difference is not going to be that grand. If you still want to impress your guests, sprinkle a bit of flour on your cheeks, drop a bit of shredded potatoes on your apron and boldly open wide the doors to your guests with a big smile. Your family won’t sell you out; your husband is too busy watching football, and the kids are either making TikTok videos or playing Roblox.
But if you do get a free moment and your kiddos really want to make something, let them help you make something together. Latkes are always a crowd-pleaser. Or, how about everyone’s favorite appetizer, Phyllo cups filled with a savory or sweet filling? For a special breakfast, crepes or scones are a treat. If you are feeling adventurous, Pizzelles are fun to create, but you will need a pizzelle maker.
So, moms, don’t stress, relax, be merry, and have a Happy Holidays!
Enjoy this scone recipe to enjoy with your family.
