'tis the Season

Hanging out by the grill.

I love the summer. The heat, the weather, the long days, sitting outside and hanging out by the grill or smoker. Cooking up some tasty treats and drinking a cold beverage. It makes grilling and smoking so easy.

But I also love the Holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In my mind, they are like a big, warm, fuzzy blanket that I can wrap up in and stay warm. I love the food, the traditions, the music, the lights, the fun and getting together with family.

Since 2008 I have been smoking our Thanksgiving turkey. I brine it, rub it and put it on the cooker. Then I watch the Thanksgiving Day parade with the family while eating breakfast and drinking coffee. We gather with friends and family, who all bring sides and extras, and sit down to a feast; smoked turkey, sweet potatoes, salad, green beans, apple pie, pumpkin pie and all kinds of other yumminess. Everyone helps to prepare it and clean up building relationships with our conversations and enjoying each other’s company.

Turkey on the smoker.

Around Christmas my whole family tries to get together. We plan out who will be preparing which meals and who will be helping with what. I usually make something on the smoker. Around New Year’s we make fondue. Each family brings their fondue pots and we all pitch in to buy the ingredients. We always do a traditional cheese fondue and sometimes a meat one. We all work together to grate the cheese, cut the bread and prepare the meat. Then sit down around a large table with our long forks and partake of the tasty morsels.

I love this time of year. I love the food and the family gatherings. Being able to use my skills to bring happiness to friends and family is great. Food isn’t just about our bodies; it is also about sustaining our souls, strengthening our friendships and building or renewing relationships. This time of year always reminds me that food is about community and bringing people together.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!