The Unison of Family & Food

Slowly but surely I'm approaching that somber day when I have to say goodbye to my loved ones before I catch that 7 a.m. flight to D.C. I've already bid my farewells to my "Bama Fam" (relatives in Alabama), but now I have to bid my farewells to my immediate family here in Miami too. Overall, this Christmas has truly been remarkable. It's always this time of year that I cherish the most. Although I didn't experience the "Winter Wonderland" like I did last Christmas; this year I truly valued the importance of kinship and family bond. It's so endearing how granny's place is the central location for all of our events such as Christmas dinner, the secret santa gift exchange, and game night (Keep in mind that family from nearby and out of town flood granny's house. We have an EXTENSIVE family). I simply love it.
While I was in Alabama, my sister and I spent a few days with our cousin Ashley, and her bestie Abby who is of Mexican descent. Part of Abby's heritage is to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Of course, there were savory dishes; which I couldn't decline being that I love food. Unfortunately, I didn't get a snapshot of everything (sucks teeth). However, I did get a snapshot of a drink I consumed called Ponche. It's an herbal refreshment made with manzana (apple), a hint of cinnamon, and a stick of sugar cane on the side. Here's a picture below:

Looks good huh? Well, I can guarantee you that it was! Mmmm.Warm and refreshing! In fact, I need to ask Abby for the recipe (bites lower lip). In addition to the Ponche, for the first time I tried a hot tamale. I don't have a picture of it, which I dread I didn't capture, but I can describe it. The tamale I had was called a "Green Tamale." It was composed of masa or dough with chicken, and then enclosed using corn husk. You can top it with onion and cilantro. Having the privilege to accompany my cousin to her friend's party greatly contributed to why I have decided to cover food as one of the topics I discuss on my blog. It also prompted me to cook more often! For the past two days I've been cooking dinner. Tonight I prepared riblet steak, stuffed potatoes, yellow rice and yeast rolls. Here's a snapshot:

I love to cook. Many people may not know that side of me. Give me the time and space and sistah can burn! (brushes shoulder off)  But any who, there's more to come.
I seriously hope for more Christmases like this. The family ties strengthen each year. It's unfortunate that this winter break is coming to a close at such a rapid pace. My kid brother was even requesting that I stay a little longer. I feel like my little sister just picked me up from the airport that Wednesday, and momsy had dinner ready for me when I arrived. I love my family, couldn't have been a better fit. As they say "all good things must come to an end", and I'm so glad that this Christmas ended well. With that being said, I conclude this entry.

Good Night. Buenas Noches. Bonne Nuit.