When I was young, we had some rather odd dinner traditions for the night before Christmas. I have four siblings. My youngest sister arrived when my oldest sister was nineteen, but the traditions must have been constant, because I’ve heard both of them reminisce about them.
My mother made oyster stew for Christmas Eve. I think she made it to please my father. Personally I wouldn’t have touched it with a ten-foot pole. Some of the family left the oysters behind, but sipped the broth, but Dad liked it all. I don’t think I was the only kid who didn’t care for the stew, so in addition, someone made grilled cheese sandwiches, which was just fine with me. I was too excited about opening presents to really care what was on the table.
There was one other meal that my family ate that I considered odd. It wasn’t tied to Christmas, but was an occasional Saturday night special. Dad would cook a lot of bacon. He would save the fat to cook sliced onions, and then he would scramble eggs in the same pan. I don’t think he drained the fat. As I recall, it was a greasy mess! It was served on toast as a sandwich, and some of us added ketchup to it. Frankly, it’s one meal I have never recreated, and don’t miss, but my sisters speak of it lovingly. Sorry, Dad. I’d rather have one of your grilled steaks.
Someone in the family came up with a variation on a peanut butter sandwich that I still like!
You slather white bread with crunchy peanut butter, then add a spoonful of what we called “piccalilli.” Probably most of you know that as sweet relish. It’s grilled like a grilled cheese sandwich. I love it! I haven’t had one so far this winter. I believe I’ll be treating myself this coming week. Of all the food that I’ve described, this sandwich is the only one my husband will not eat. He just doesn’t know what he’s missing! *G*
I’m confident that I’m not the only one who has been a part of odd family dining traditions. Care to share yours with me?