Food Traditions

While looking through my cookbooks recently trying to get menu ideas, I came across a recipe how to make tongue (yes, as in cow tongue). I immediately thought, "Gross!" and wanted to gag. In September of 2012, my friend Hendrik's parents and sister visited for a month from South Africa. While they were here, a cow tongue was made one evening for supper. Even though I knew what it was, I still tried it. I personally thought it was the most disgusting thing I had ever tasted. While eating supper that night, Hendrik's dad said that at Christmas time in South Africa, cow tongue was a treat. As much as I was not fond of the dish, I found this very interesting. I guess in every culture and family, there is some sort of food that becomes part of our traditions. For as long as I can remember, my paternal grandma has made Oyster Stew for Christmas supper. I know some people who would think the same about that as I did about eating the cow tongue. I come from a blended family and each kid has their own things they are picky about. Mine is cucumbers and watermelon. My mom found one recipe we all liked and has started making that the last few years for Christmas when we're all together. That recipe is Huntington Chicken. Someday, after I've married and started a family, I'd like to start my own "food traditions". Maybe even carry on the traditions started by my own family or that I've heard of from my friends. Except for eating cow tongue at Christmas that is....