A traditional homemade Christmas dinner is a special gift that family and friends share together. Regardless of the size of the gathering or the span of the ages, it is an occasion to celebrate the season and our heritage. The opportunity to slow down and linger around the table while sharing family lore and stories cements memories and creates new ones.
Save room for dessert! Nothing says Hoosier tradition more than persimmon pudding and the official Indiana state pie. Frozen pulp from the orange skinned persimmon fruit can be purchased in local specialty grocery stores. A garnish of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon complements the moist, rich pudding as well as the legendary custard in the sugar cream pie.
PERSIMMON PUDDING ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
INGREDIENTS 1-pint persimmon pulp, 2 cups sugar, 2 beaten eggs, 1 ¾ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 cup half and a half, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/3 cup melted butter and a dash of cinnamon. INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 325. Combine persimmon, sugar and eggs. Alternate adding the flour and baking powder with the half-andhalf, buttermilk and baking soda. Stir in butter and cinnamon. Pour in greased 9 x 13 pan and bake 1 hour.
CORN RELISH ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
INGREDIENTS (3 cups of Corn Relish) 1 (15 oz.) drained can whole kernel corn, ¼ cup vinegar, 1 cup pickle relish, ¼ cup minced onion, ¼ cup diced pimientos, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1½ teaspoons celery salt. INSTRUCTIONS Mix all ingredients together in a glass casserole dish, cover with wax paper and microwave on high for 10 minutes.
Julie Yates is a former teacher and current food blogger. She enjoys sharing quick, easy, and healthy recipes with people who love to cook. Visit her blogs at yatesyummies.com and orangesandalmonds.com.
atCenterGrove.com / DECEMBER 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 49