Episoder
-
In this episode, Robert and Lisa share fond memories and hilarious stories of the annual making of the Boiled Christmas Pudding hosted by Robert's mother and his Aunt Carol. If the holidays are a time for catching up with old friends, laughter, and taking a respite from the drudgery of every day life, this is the ultimate holiday episode. Between high school and college, I spent a gap year in Japan. There I met Robert, truly one of the funniest and fun-loving people I know. After that year, we stayed in touch as he met and married Lisa. They raise their family in Japan. Our families only see each other every 4 or 5 years. However, as you will hear, those times are as joyful and familiar as if we saw one another every day.
Highlights
A lot of laughter
What is a Christmas Pudding anyway??
Memories of stirring the pudding for good luck
Interpreting multiple versions of the same recipe
More laughter
4 generations born in 4 different nations
A non-food Christmas tradition from Robert's family that deeply affected me
Listen Now to Robert & Lisa
Related Episodes
Related Recipes -
A private and deeply personal holiday tradition I've observed for over 20 years now - sharing with you.
-
Manglende episoder?
-
Listen to Mai Kakish share all about her favorite Christmas traditions in Palestine, including the little town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
-
Welcome Claire Marie!
Today, I’m welcoming former guest Claire Marie back to the podcast. Claire Marie is raising 3 boys with her Irish husband in Ireland.
However, Claire Marie is French and today she’s sharing her very special memories of celebrating Christmases in the French Countryside as a very large, very Catholic, and not very wealthy family of 10.
In addition to their private Christmas traditions, Claire Marie shares about the massive Christmas dinners in her grandmother’s home, where she would visit with over 100 cousins – and where she watched her grandmother make a very special chocolate chestnut cake. This is an utterly delightful and charming episode full of smiles and great memories and some wisdom as well.
Thanks for tuning in and Merry Christmas - Joyeux Noël!
Highlights
Long dark days and the magic of Christmas
WHY? No Santa (Le Père Noël, in French) and very few presents
Christmas in a large Catholic family
Midnight mass
Feasts! Christmas Eve Dinner, the traditional Christmas meal, and different desserts
Shoes under the Christmas tree
Celebrating with over 100 first cousins!
Peeling chestnuts at her grandmother's beautiful wooden dining table for Chocolate Chestnut Cake
Christmas in French households vs. Irish households (where Claire is raising her family)
Provence – the Christmas town scene with Santons characters
Claire’s approach to the Advent calendar
Christmas Day: “It’s the contrary of running everywhere and doing all the things”
Listen to Claire Now
Listen to Claire Marie's Original Episode:
26 Tales in the French Countryside
Claire Marie's Storied Recipe
https://thestoriedrecipe.com/russeroles-bugnes-lyonnaises
Related Episodes
Related Recipes
Partial Transcript
Becky
So if people have listened to your original episode, which I’m going to link to in the show notes, in case they haven’t because it’s delightful, it’s delightful.
Claire Marie
Thanks in a while.
Becky
Uhm, remind everyone what region of France you grew up in?.
Claire Marie
So I moved a lot, but I always say I from the Loire Valley, so it’s not necessarily the place most people know, like the South of France, but it’s definitely a place people should know about. It’s also the Valley of the Kings and every time I go back there’s more to see that I haven’t had time to see. It so very very French. Like in really, the sense of France is there. And so that’s just the Loire Valley. It’s kind of in the middle... France is is big but not as big as the US, but big enough for a European country. And so yeah, people don’t necessarily know where.
Becky
It is, and it’s one of the most picturesque, picturesque parts of France?
Claire Marie
Oh yes. Yeah, and it has the perfect climate or weather. And yeah, like it’s cold in the winter, but it’s warm in the summer and you always have like a nice fresh air. It’s really really nice and I do love going back every summer.
Becky
So, paint us a picture. You said the weather was cold - it would be maybe snow? Paint us a picture of what it was like in December or at Christmas time in the Loire Valley or the Valley of the Kings?
Claire Marie
Huh, uhm, so it can go down like it’s very cold. It is, I guess, all a matter of in relation to other countries, but like you definitely definitely have your gloves on and hats on and you would be hoping for the snow because we’re quite far, we are very far from the mountains, so snow is never given and it would be like a rare treat if it snows right around Christmas. Like you, you know, you’d have probably couple of days of snow, but it could be anytime during the winter so I don’t actually remember a white Christmas.
Becky
Never a white Christmas.
Claire Marie
I don’t think we ever actually had a timely snow for Christmas, but it’s definitely very, very cold. I especially remember going to school freezing in... -
Welcome Kate!
Welcome to Kate Jack from South Africa for a delightful conversation about Christmas in the summertime! From the most stunning wreaths of succulents to relaxing around a floating pool bar, this conversation just may have you booking tickets to the Southern Hemisphere for this Christmas!!! Best of all, Kate shares her aunt’s recipe for Peppermint Crisp Pudding and we discuss at length a very new to me method of making caramel for this dessert as well as other traditional South African Christmas dishes. It’s a fun one today, so welcome to Kate and to you as well!!
Highlights
Rainy Christmas days vs. Sunny Christmas days
Spray on snow to bizarrely emulate decorations of the Northern Hemisphere
The trend to Africanize Christmas decorations
Succulent wreaths
How Father Christmas can survive in the heat ;-)
Low key Christmas dinner foods for hot days
How to make caramel from sweetened condensed milk
Listen to Kate Now
Kate's Storied Recipe: Peppermint Crisp
https://thestoriedrecipe.com/peppermint-crisp-tart
Related Episodes
Related Recipes
Transcript
Becky Hadeed
Hello hey, how are you?
Kate Jack
I'm doing well. Thank you and.
Becky Hadeed
You, oh I'm great. Thank you so much for getting on with me.
Kate Jack
It's such a pleasure. I'm looking forward to this.
Becky Hadeed
Me too. So first I have to ask you. Is your last name Jack?
Kate Jack
That's correct, yes.
Becky Hadeed
So your name is Kate. Jack, yes, that's. Such a great name.
Kate Jack
I'm married into the name, but I'm grateful for it.
Becky Hadeed
Yeah, it's like you're like the female protagonist to a Tom Clancy novel.
Kate Jack
When someone heard my husband's name, she said, "It's like that's a brand name." [Laughter}
Becky Hadeed
That's so well said that's. True, yeah, and you're feeling better.
Kate Jack
Much better I might cough a little. But lingering a bit, but so much better, thanks.
Becky Hadeed
Oh, I'm so glad I'm so glad. OK, well then let's jump in and talk about Christmas and South Africa. So, so first of all, we know that Christmas in South Africa during the summer season feels a lot different than we experience it in the northern hemisphere, but to back up a little bit, I am curious how Big South Africa is and how many time zones does it cover - and does it cover a lot of different climate zones? Does it depend on what region you're in, what weather you experiencing at Christmas time? Or is it pretty much the same for South Africans across the country?
Kate Jack
OK, so we have one time zone but we kind of almost could be two time zones, but officially we only one. So that gives an idea of the size. We are all in the southern hemisphere and so while our climate varies a little bit - like the West of the country where I live has winter rainfall and the east of the country is summer rainfall and it can get a little bit more tropical. Towards the northern parts, especially the northeastern parts, and some areas are a bit dry and some like you know semi arid. But we all. We all experience the summer, the celebration of Christmas in the middle of summer.
Becky Hadeed
And how hot is it?
Kate Jack
So degrees in Celsius, so that varies around the country, so it could be. Around mid 20s to 30s. Yeah, uh.
Becky Hadeed
Hot enough to be in the pool under the summer sun?
Kate Jack
Yes, yes, so some Christmases we do.
Becky Hadeed
Amazing, amazing and I guess of course yeah, so I'm looking, yes that's very warm weather.... According to Google, 25 is 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and if it goes up to 35 Celsius, that's 95 degrees Fahrenheit. So it's definitely squarely in the summer time weather for sure.
Kate Jack
Thank you having time, yes.
Becky Hadeed
And it's and it's mostly dry. You can pretty much guarantee that it's not going to be a rainy Christmas Day, -
Welcome back to the Christmas Around the World Series on The Storied Recipe Podcast!
This series began as a crowd-sourced post titled Christmas Desserts Around the World. As the Storied Recipe community shared their cherished Christmas recipes and the memories surrounding them, I really wanted to hear MORE. So I decided to expand on a few of these with a little mini series about Christmas traditions all around the world. You can find the entire series here.
Welcome Alexandra!
Today’s guest is Alexandra from Norway. She contributed a recipe for her mom’s Chocolate Peppermint balls – sort of a mint chocolate truffle – or an especially beautiful homemade Peppermint Patty. In today’s episode, Alexandra also shares a recipe for the special Rice Porridge left for Saint Nicholas on Christmas Eve. In our conversation today, Alexandra who grew up near the oldest town in Norway, established in 898, shares absolutely delightful memories of ancient Norwegian Christmas traditions that she experienced both as a child and as a mother. You may recognize these as the basis of so many American Christmas traditions and imagery – before the layers of consumerism were slapped on top. The stories Alexandra shares – and especially the beautiful way she shares them – evoke a sense of magic, calm, wonder, and peace. Welcome to Alexandra – and be sure to check out her Mint Chocolate Truffles and Risgrot recipes!!
Highlights
Bunad – the Warrior Norwegian Queen outfit
Santa Claus as Nordic
Walking in the “loud silence” of snow with the smells of coffee and baked goods
“Feeding your children is just the best feeling in the world”
Reminiscing on the “hygge” trend
Alexandra’s grandmother, a professional baker
Skoleboller, Rice Porridge, and other Norwegian Christmas Food
Coconut in Norwegian baking/cuisine
The Norwegian Church and the “church mother”
The Norwegian, concept of time and Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day
The 12 Days of Christmas and the beauty of 12th Night services
Lutefisk, roast pork, homemade alcohol, and other common dishes of the traditional Norwegian Christmas dinner
Linie Aquavit (Akvavit) - the traditional alcohol that travels around the world
Singing and dancing traditional Norwegian folk tunes around the Christmas tree - and the traditional Norwegian Christmas tree decoration
All about the recipe for Norwegian Peppermint Balls that Alexandra shared with us
Listen to Alexandra Now
Alexandra's Storied Recipe
https://thestoriedrecipe.com/easy-chocolate-mint-truffles-from-norway
Related Episodes
Related Recipes
Partial Transcript - First 10 Minutes
Becky Hadeed
Why, hello!
Alexandra
I'm so excited to be speaking with you. I've been listening to all your podcasts from last year and going back all the way to the beginning. Ohh I love the one with you and your boys. That was that's my favorite one so far.
Becky Hadeed
Ohh you know I hear that actually a lot and I was just thinking the other day, especially because my oldest is getting ready to graduate. I was thinking, I know we might need to do, you know one one last iteration of that?
Alexandra
Right? I think you should. That would be lovely.
Becky Hadeed
Well, thank you. Thank you so much for taking the time to come on and uh, for your kind words it means a lot. So can we just start by talking about this image of... What's the name of this this traditional wear?
Alexandra
It's called a Bunad.
Becky Hadeed
Say it one more time?
Alexandra
Bunad. B UN AD Boo nod.
Becky Hadeed
Bunad. OK. I mean, you looked gorgeous. You're like a Norwegian Warrior Queen
Alexandra
That's what the boys call me.
Becky Hadeed
Do you own? Do you own that?
Alexandra
Yes, that was a gift from my parents when I turned 21 and it comes with of course the the dress and it also has a skirt underneath it has that blouse and then it comes with a cake. -
Welcome Diana!
This one is a little outside the mold for the Christmas Around the World series.
You see, Diana’s childhood, the culture she was raised in, and the Christmases she enjoyed weren’t really defined by the places she lived, geographically. In fact, her family moved 22 times in 17 years.
Rather, her experiences were mainly defined by the agricultural communities she and her family traveled between. Diana was raised in the Bruderhof, a global collection of self-sustaining farms where all members surrender their personal goods (yep, including Christmas presents) and accept roles for the greater good of the community.
Although Diana ultimately chose to leave the Bruderhof community when she was 19, moving to NYC to work as a chef, she retains warm memories of some aspects of her rather unique childhood. Some of the best of these memories include Christmastime, which were full of German Christmas traditions like decorating simply with apples and candles, singing spiritual songs, and making classic bakes like these traditional British Mincemeat Pies she's shared with us.
From the time Diana was in high school she spent increasingly more hours in the kitchen (which she truly loved, although it was very heard labor) preparing daily suppers for her communities of 400 people. Thrilled to welcome Diana to the Christmas Around the World series today - and thank YOU so much for being here.
Highlights
Vision of the Bruderhof: People who wanted to live together, share everything, wear flowers, and run through the fields.
Why no members keep their jobs, titles, or possessions
Why Diana lived in 5 countries but associates Christmas with Germany
Bruderhof Christmas traditions: singing, simple gifts, communal nights, childlike, not gluttonous, simplicity
Happy memories: Fairytale snowy Christmases outdoors in nature in Upstate New York
Rations of 1 cup of sugar per person per month
Making sugar snow candy!!!
Christmas presents in a community that doesn’t believe in personal possessions
School from 7am to 5pm, including working on the farm and in the kitchen
Diana’s exposure to food from seed to table.
How much Diana loved cooking for 400 people as a teenager
Diana’s journey out of Bruderhof and how.
Why there was no Christmas cooking/baking at home
Which Christmas traditions Diana kept from the Bruderhof, and how her journey out of Bruderhof is reflected in her changing Christmas traditions
German Lebkukken: Gingerbread cookies as ornaments > food.
A special night 100 candles on the tree - Each person lights a candle and says someone you’re praying for.
Angel chimes and the time Diana’s pigtail caught on fire.
Mincemeat pies!!! Diana’s memories and lots of ways to make them.
Rutherford Family Christmas Pictures :-)
Listen to Diana Now
Diana's Storied Recipe
https://thestoriedrecipe.com/mincemeat-tarts-christmas-pies
More Christmas Around the World Recipes
More Christmas Desserts Around the World -
M Aimee shares all about her Christmas memories in Indonesia, from security risks to piano battles with family. Also shares an Indonesian Christmas cookie made with gouda, coconut, and pandan.
-
I reached out to my community of listeners asking them to share why they're grateful this year - the resulting episode put me into the Spirit of Thanksgiving faster than I imagined!
-
Click here to learn more about The Handwritten Heritage Cookbook Starter Kit
Welcome and Happy Thanksgiving!!!
This is a very special episode of The Storied Recipe podcast! Rather than diving deep into one story, we’re diving deep into one holiday - telling the story of Thanksgiving from the perspective of almost 30 families.
I want to personally thank every single contributor for taking their time to make this episode for us.
These vignettes, sometimes funny, often poignant, and so very relatable have cheered my Thanksgiving season and helped me slow down and remember, reflect, and above all choose gratitude this season.
In fact, my original plan was to cram this episode in, almost as a bonus or extra episode, but the more I listened to your stories, the more I realized I wanted to lengthen this Thanksgiving season.
We begin, surprisingly enough, not with an American, but with a Greek-Australian who reminds us that far, far from being a national holiday belonging to one or two countries, Thanksgiving is an ancient tradition. Practicing gratitude is a tenant, teaching, and calling of every religion, it is, in fact, a need of the human heart.
Listen to The Thanksgiving Episode Now!
More Episodes for Your Thanksgiving Season!
The Gratitude Episode
Another crowd-sourced episode from the Storied Recipe Community. Contributors share the things, big and small, for which they are thankful. Another amazing opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace the Thanksgiving Season!
https://thestoriedrecipe.com/thanksgiving-spirit/
A Turkey Fit for a Queen
A dream guest - Paul Kelly is entertaining, informative, and down-to-earth. Not only will you learn more about turkeys than you ever wondered - and enjoy every moment of the education - but you'll smile again and again at his heartwarming story of a family pulling together, sacrificing, and creating their own Rags to Riches Story by working together and taking a big risk!!! A favorite all year long!
https://thestoriedrecipe.com/ep-076-paul-kelly-turkey-farmer-kelly-bronze-turkeys/
Thanksgiving Recipes
Contributors to This Episode
HelenIG: Glorious Food Stories
ShakilaIG: @adventuresinflour
CosetteIG: @cosetteskitchenWebsite: www.cosetteskitchen.com
LaurenIG: @laurmerrilWebsite: www.lempics.com/
AnelaIG: @feedthemalikWebsite: www.feedthemalik.com
AlyssaIG: @thesevenbearsfamily
MoniqueIG: @peaches2peachesWebsite: www.peachestopeaches.com
KindraIG: @therosewifebakesWebsite: www.therosewife.com
LisaIG: @amenuforyouWebsite: www.amenuforyou.com
Jessica
KrissyIG: @eatingwithkrissyWebsite: www.eatingwithkrissy.com
Kate
HelenIG: @astepfullofyouWebsite: www.astepfullofyou.com
Erika
Kathy KuhlIG: @kathy.kuhlWebsite: www.learndifferently.com
NermineIG: @cheznermineWebsite: www.cheznermine.com
Mo
Megan
IsabelleIG: @the_balancedapronWebsite: www.thebalancedapron.com
BrendaIG: @brendawyatt_Website: Camellia's Cottage
SamiraIG: @sliceofgourmetWebsite: www.sliceofgourmet.com
Becky FisherIG: @suburbanebaker
KarenIG: @karenskindredspirit
KimberlyIG: @hopefully_kimberly
Julie
Hannah and Grace
LaurenIG: @laurenbakedcakeWebsite: www.laurenkcooper.com
DespinaIG: @despidoodle
All Floral Contributed and Designed By Kelly ShoreIG: @petalsbytheshoreWebsite: www.petalsbytheshore.com -
A huge rags to riches story all about family: The Kelly family took a huge risk buying up all the non-genetically modified turkeys in the UK and raised them the natural way.
-
Welcome to the first in a pair mini-episodes on Harvest Festivals Around the World! Today, Susan Barocas teaches me about the ancient Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, from its origins many thousands of years ago right up to this very autumn in Susan’s own backyard in Washington DC.
Sukkot commemorates both the Jewish journey through the wilderness and the harvest season. Each year during this eight-day festival, Susan along with Jewish families all around the world, build and decorate sukkahs—temporary outdoor shelters inspired by those used during the Jews in ancient harvest seasons. Families gather in these sukkahs to share meals, welcome guests (both real and symbolic), and reflect on God’s provision of food, shelter, and divine peace.
Susan also shares about culinary traditions tied to Sukkot, particularly her family’s recipes that came from the Iberian peninsula. Just as she did in her first episode with me, Susan reflects on how food sustained, differentiated, and at times, even betrayed the Jewish people.
Listen to Susan Now
Susan's Last Episode
https://thestoriedrecipe.com/154-savor-a-sephardic-experience-of-food-music/
Harvest Festivals Around the World
Read more about global Harvest Festivals!
Explore Now →
Thanksgiving Episodes -
Nick, a California cheesemaker, honors his great-grandmother Baba Saveta's enduring legacy from Montenegro, reflecting on her resilience, self-sufficiency, and cheese-making expertise.
-
Brian Reisinger, author of Land Rich, Cash Poor, shares his journey as the first male in four generations not to take over his family’s farm. He sheds light on the challenges modern farmers face, urging us to address the disappearing farms and their impact on our food supply.
-
What's possible when you let go of a dream? Wisdom from someone who has done it - twice.
-
Four Jamaican boyhood friends start a global hot sauce brand, taking authentic Jamaican flavors to the world - and bring us Neil's father's Curry Goat recipe.
- Vis mere
