This time of year generally brings an end to empty nest syndrome for a lot of us. Those who have flown the nest and headed to college or have married and settled in new locales converge upon “home” for the holidays.
And who doesn’t love having the kids back home? Gathering everyone together for Chanukah, Christmas, or the New Year and cooking their favorite foods is what every empty nester loves most. Well, I certainly do, and I look forward to welcoming my daughter and son-in-law and baby grandson in from out of town, immensely. It’s the time I can dust off my food processor and rolling pin, get out the good china and glassware, set the dining room table and show off my best recipes. Some of my own, some that have been passed down from generation to generation in my family, and the new ones have been gathered over the years since I’ve been here at Mr. Food.
So in the weeks ahead if your nest fills up and you’re looking for some great new recipes to share with your grown-up kids who are home and hungry; be it for the holidays or the in-between days – here are a few of my go-to dishes direct from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen. One that was always a childhood favorite are Old-Fashioned Potato Pancakes, which not only fit Chanukah, but they make great appetizers for ringing in the New Year. For a main dish that is easy yet elegant – I love our Roast Prime Rib of Beef and yes, if you go to MrFood.com, all the trimmings like Yorkshire Pudding can be found, too. You can really show off without a lot of work. And our whimsical and yummy Reindeer Cookies are always a huge hit at Christmas – especially if you’re pressed for time…they are truly quick and easy.
And now, just imagine how good it will feel to have a full house again – even just for a little while, along with all those delicious aromas that will stay in your memory long after the birds fly the coop again.
Do you have any favorite holiday recipes or traditions you’d like to share?
Wishing all of you a very Happy Holiday Season!
I stil love making potato pancakes. I don’t know if you knew I remarried, but after 20 years, Herb died, he was 84, so I am now in a senior apt complex. I miss making him Brisket and potato pancakes. He loved to eat. HAPPY CHANUKAH Joan
As a fellow empy nester, I enjoyed reading this. My sons are in colleges in two different states and as a single empty nester, it is my greatest joy to have them home for Christmas. Cooking for the holidays brings me back to when they were children. Love your blogs, keep them coming and happy holiday to you!
Thanks for your kind words! Wishing you a happy holiday too…and try some of those recipes when your sons come home!
Love your website but when you say on Facebook that there is one day to sign up for the Giveaway and your website doesnt have a way to signup, theres some questions here??????
Hi Nancy, this is the link to the correct blog post mentioned on Facebook for the giveaway: http://www.mrfoodblog.com/win-holiday-gift-mr-food-test-kitchen/