Family Favorites Rule the Day

While trees and trimmings, carols and cards, faith and friends shape the holidays, food takes center stage at our house. We had dozens of emails discussing the menu for Christmas Day - going back and forth about new vs. old recipes, tradition vs. change, etc. etc. etc. And while a good case can be made for mixing things up, family favorites ruled the day. Again. With almost twenty people at the table, ranging in age from 12 to 80, buffet style works best. And so the menu goes - brisket, Honey-Baked ham, cheesy potatoes and Asian slaw. Sugar cookies and lemon squares, and a taco party plate that never lasts more than 30 minutes. Really. It pays to be at Honey's house on time, for this reason alone. Maybe one day we'll try something different. But I suspect not anytime soon. Our family favorites comfort us in an age of constant change. So cheers to the same old thing. And Happy New Year to us all.

Asian Slaw
1 Medium Napa Cabbage
6 Green Onions
Chop above ingredients; mix and store separately.

Saute below ingredients in 1/2 cup butter:
2 pkg. Ramen Noodles (without the dry powder packet)
2 4 oz. pkg. of slivered almonds
4 oz. sunflower seeds
Cool and store separately.

Toss with dressing shortly before serving:
2 TBS. Soy Sauce
1 cup sugar
1/2 Tarragon Vinegar
1 cup oil