The holiday whirlwind count-down has begun. I love seeing everyone’s fall decorations and family gathering plans. Ahead of grocery shopping for the upcoming festivities, I was trying to be productive by cleaning out my pantry—nobody wants that chore or a ketchup bottle that expired last year.
On a positive note, I did find my red tin that contains some of my most treasured recipes. The majority are from loved ones who are no longer here to gather around the table.
I love seeing their handwritten notes in the margins and the splashes of ingredients that are reminders of the most-loved recipes. These yellowed papers and notecards can never be replaced. With each prepared dish, we pass on the generational love and tradition.
In this issue, we have the privilege of visiting an incredibly special kitchen where culinary education, community engagement and creativity come together.
The Kitchen House, located in College Park, features plant-forward side dishes, workshops and cooking classes for all ages and chef ambassadors who teach people the importance of eating whole foods. We also share garden-to-table holiday gift ideas and an easy recipe for a festive kale salad (see Learn to Be a Culinary Artist).
Speaking of trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, check out our holiday gift guide (see Creative Gifting). It’s a favorite section every year that features unique baubles, coffee-table books and so much more from local artisans, galleries and award-winning museum gift shops.
And, of course, don’t forget tickets to beloved holiday favorite stage shows such as The Nutcracker (four versions!), A Charlie Brown Christmas and A Christmas Carol.
For those who want to enjoy festivities outside, Dazzling Nights will once again fill Harry P. Leu Gardens with breathtaking light displays, live music and, if you’re lucky, a few snow flurries. Traditions also continue with the 47th Christmas in the Park, where lighted Tiffany windows steal the show along with the soaring voices of the Bach Festival Choir.
So, get started on your pre-holiday planning so you can enjoy all that our community has to offer. Perhaps pull out an old family recipe and add a few more “love” splatters. Wishing you a blessed and joyful season.
Cindy Bowman LaFronz
Editor-In-Chief, Artistry
