The holiday season always brings with it a sense of nostalgia, especially when I think about the magical times growing up. For me, the holidays were synonymous with family, love, and food—a lot of food! The kitchen was always the heart of our home, particularly during this time of year, and the delicious aromas that wafted through the house are memories that stay with me even today.
The Italian Cookie Extravaganza
One of the best parts of the holiday season was the baking. My mom and grandmother (my dad's mom) were the masterminds behind a cookie-baking marathon that seemed to last for days. Together, they created a lineup of Italian cookies that were nothing short of legendary. Here are some of my favorites:
Pizzelles: Thin, delicate, and flavored with anise, these were always a crowd-pleaser.
Thumbprint Cookies: With black raspberry jelly nestled in the middle, they were as delicious as they were beautiful.
Nutty Horns: These crescent-shaped cookies filled with walnut filling were a labor of love.
Mrs. Trombacco's Italian Cookies: A family recipe we treasured.
Kolachi Nut Roll: Filled with either walnut or apricot, these rolls were a holiday staple.
Pillows: Soft cookies with a walnut filling, perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee.
Ribbons: Powdered sugar-dusted treats that were as festive as they were tasty.
Our house always smelled like a bakery, and while my sisters inherited the baking gene, I’ve always been more of an enthusiastic taster than a baker. I’ll gladly admit I love eating these cookies more than making them!
Preparing for the Feast
While baking wasn’t my forte, preparing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners was—and still is—my domain. Growing up, Christmas Eve meant celebrating the Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This meal was a culinary adventure, featuring:
Shrimp
Calamari
Tuna Sauce with Angel Hair Pasta
Cod
Smelts
Scallops
Mussels
The meal would end with Spumoni and, of course, a selection of those delicious cookies for dessert.
Christmas Day was all about homemade ravioli. Making them was a family affair and quite the process, but the reward of biting into those tender, filled pasta pillows was well worth the effort. Over the years, I’ve introduced some variations to our holiday meals, like pepperoni bread, but I’ve largely kept the traditions intact. After all, they’re a connection to my roots and a way to honor the people and memories that shaped me.
Carrying the Traditions Forward
The holidays are about more than just food; they’re about family, love, and creating memories. While I may not be the one baking dozens of cookies, I’m proud to keep the spirit of the season alive through the meals I prepare and the traditions I uphold. Sharing these moments with my loved ones reminds me of where I come from and why these times are so special.
Every time I sit down at the table, surrounded by family and the foods of my childhood, I’m reminded of just how lucky I am to have these memories and traditions to cherish. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll even try my hand at baking those cookies—but for now, I’ll stick to enjoying them with a big smile and an even bigger appetite!
What holiday traditions do you treasure?
I have been a recipient of your sister Joni’s pizzelles over the years. It’s the very best way to take a break during the busy holidays with a cup of tea. This also reminded me of when in college Joni said your family had ravioli form Christmas. I was dumbfounded. This Irish girl had only had the Chef Boyardi Canned ravioli! Now, I’m jealous I never had fresh ravioli form holiday meals. Thanks for this special blog!! Merry Christmas!