Family sleepover
Celebrating Czech heritage
Every Christmas Eve, my family gathers to spend the night at the home of my grandparents, Hershel and Sarah Scott (Granny and Papaw). This includes grandparents, siblings and spouses, aunts, uncles, cousins and spouses, and great-grandchildren. A total of 22 spend the night. I remember as a child writing Santa a letter on Christmas Eve, reminding him to drop our presents off at Granny and Papaw’s house. Today, we enjoy eating Christmas goodies and watching the kids play together. Every year before bedtime, a family member reads the Christmas story from the Bible. We gather around the fireplace, sing carols and thank God for another Christmas together. Everyone prepares their beds, sleeping bags and air mattresses for the night. Everyone sleeps upstairs because Santa delivers presents downstairs. This tradition has been around since my parents married 40 years ago. As a child, I always wondered how Santa delivered all those gifts to 22 people. Now, it’s a tradition I share with my husband and boys.
My mother had Czechoslovakian heritage and each Christmas Eve, she made Sauerkraut and Mushroom soup. I still make it each Christmas Eve as well. Before you cringe, it is quite good and to me, seems similar to Chinese sweet and sour soup. She called it simply:
Slovak Christmas Soup 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon flour Dash paprika 1 cup cold water 4 cups boiling water 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 cup cooked or dry mushrooms ¾ cup sauerkraut and juice Optional: You can also add noodles cut in squares. (I leave them out) Brown the flour and butter in small frying pan until brown. Add paprika and cold water, boil until dissolved. Add that mixture to the boiling water, salt and pepper. Add mushrooms, sauerkraut and juice. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Add noodles if you like.
Nicole Bolton Thorsby, Ala.
Rose Rush Talladega, Ala.
Christmas Gift!
Lasagna, cookies and gifts
I was raised playing “Christmas Eve Gift!” and “Christmas Gift!” My paternal grandfather’s family passed on this fun tradition, which is believed to have originated from a nanny and was part of her culture. We are told that in olden days people would fill their pockets with candy or nuts on Christmas Eve. The first to greet the other with “Christmas Eve Gift!” would a receive a candy or nut. Now, after many decades, the fun is in the “getting.” Long ago we dispensed with the candy, nuts or even a gift – but there’s no less joy. Earning “I got you!” bragging rights brings forth joyous squeals and laughter. Diane Taylor Aman Dothan, Ala.
Granna’s Lasagna recipe (courtesy of Nita Walker) Lasagna: 3 2 2 3 2 24 1
pounds ground hamburger meat teaspoons minced garlic tablespoons dried basil tablespoons salt quarts homegrown tomatoes with juice ounces tomato paste small can tomato sauce
Cook the hamburger meat and drain well. Add other ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Filling: 6 6 1½ 4 1 2
eggs cups cream-style cottage cheese cups Parmesan cheese tablespoons parsley flakes teaspoon pepper teaspoons salt
Alabama Living
Several years ago, I broke Christmas tradition and began cooking lasagna for my family’s Christmas dinner. The key is home-grown tomatoes instead of canned. We have a salad and cheese garlic bread with the meal. One of our traditions is to allow the grandchildren to open one small gift before we eat our food. They are so excited. We also donate clothing or shoes to a child in need. Teaching children to give and share is so important. In addition to these traditions, we also sing Christmas carols. They have enjoyed singing, “O Christmas Tree.” I cut out pieces of large cardboard to make Christmas trees out of. I decorate them with candy canes and paint snow on each one. Then, a hole is cut where they place their faces while singing “O Christmas Tree.” I top the tree with a star, moon and sometimes a snowman hat. We build memories. Then they return to their homes to await the arrival of Santa Claus. Nita Walker Vinemont, Ala.
Other ingredients:
1 box lasagna noodles 2 pounds mozzarella cheese
Mix filling ingredients and place in refrigerator until ready to use. In a four-quart pot, bring 3 quarts water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon oil. Add one box lasagna noodles and cook according to directions. Layer the strips of noodles in a greased 13 by 9 baking dish. Top noodles with half of the cheese filling. Add 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese. Spread ½ of the meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat layers. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. Lasagna can be made the day before and refrigerated; in this case, bake about 1 hour.
DECEMBER 2019 17