The Family Christmas Cookbook
by Andrea Lee Schieber, Lois Wallentine and Abby Coles (editors)
Published by Augsburg Fortress
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Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
Subtitle: Best-Loved Recipes from The Christmas Annual
Christmas is such a special time of the year. It's a celebration of Christ's birth, a time to connect with family and friends and of course, there's the yummy food.
Each recipe in The Family Christmas Cookbook is accompanied by a story or poem from Christmas: The Annual of Christmas Literature and Art that began in 1931 and was published for sixty-five years. The legacy begun those many years ago is continued in this global cookbook with recipes from around the world.
Smorekringle from Denmark brings memories of my Danish grandmother's kitchen at Christmas--the warmth, the fragrance of the food, the singing and storytelling. While making this delectable pastry with almond filling, read 'Blowing of the Yule.'
Coffee Braids are a sweetbread made with cardamom and originates from Finland. It's yummy and while devouring it, read the story Preparing for Christmas.
The Almond Torte is a meringue layer cake with chocolate frosting and almonds. It's mouth-watering good and originates in Serbia. The Serbian Blessing is beautiful.
And the Danish Ris Almande (sweet rice and almond pudding) gives me a rush of nostalgia for Christmases past. I want to return to my childhood and A Danish Christmas Eve Dinner. Perhaps this is a part of my heritage I can share with my grandchildren.
Oh, then there is Hogmanay Shortbread from Scotland, Sandbakkels from Scandinavia, Kourabiethes from Greece, Krumkake from Sweden & Scandinavia (one of my childhood favorites), Noche from Italy, Kanya (West Africa) and so much more. While you enjoy these scrumptious dishes, enjoy reading about the traditions and rituals of the countries where the recipes originate.
A delightful cookbook that will smack you in the face with your past--and you'll love every minute of it. Oh, and then there is the food. It's a good thing.
Armchair Interviews says: Another yummy addition to your cookbook collection.