A table set for the holidays, photo by Askar Abayev (Pexels).
By Brianna Horan, Manager of Tourism & Visitor Experience
Winter Holiday Cultural Heritage Recipe Box: In Case You Missed It
Winter Holiday Cultural Heritage Recipe Box: In Case You Missed ItThe holidays that mark the winter season may vary in their meaning and origins, but much of their warmth and cheer comes from the kitchen—where traditions are passed down and people tend to gather. At the end of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many families and loved ones from celebrating together as usual, we asked people from throughout the Rivers of Steel Heritage Area to share the recipes that make it feel like the holidays to them. Our Winter Holiday Cultural Heritage Recipe Box is filled with secret ingredients, family memories, and beloved traditions from a range of faiths and backgrounds.
To the home cooks and professional chefs who shared their special dishes with us, we offer many thanks! We hope that this recipe collection will illuminate different ways to celebrate the winter holidays and that our readers enjoy a festive season with their favorite traditions—and maybe a few new ones to share with their loved ones. Happy Holidays!
Winter Holiday Cultural Heritage Recipe Box
- Rivers of Steel’s friends and family: Evelyn’s Serbian Poppyseed Walnut Cake with Dulce de Leche Frosting from Olivia Crocker, and time-tested Cranberry Jelly from Sue Carlino
- Bavarian Christollen and Pfeffernüsse from Béla Pater
- Jewish Marmalade and Spice Honey Cake from Dr. Carol Congedo and Sharyn Rubin
- From the Tamburitzans: Baby Lima Bean Soup from Millicent Novic, Cesnica from Elaine Vucelich, and Arancini di Riso from Sam and Sofia Caloiero
- Grandma Rocky’s Potato Chip Cookies from Pam Cain Howell
- Ava Ford’s Skillet Cornbread from Olafemi Mandley
- Kutia for Christmas Eve Holy Supper from Father John Charest
