Turkey Stuffing

People often ask what the typical Christmas meal in Venezuela is. I have a straightforward answer which is hallacas, pan de jamón and other bits, all of course very traditional and full of fusion and authenticity. But I didn’t have the most culturally traditional upbringing, didn’t I? So our Christmas’s (Eve) meal also incorporated a turkey which at my dad’s house followed a Syrian-style stuffing recipe inherited from my half Armenian grandmother and which I have consistently changed and adapted over the years I have embraced my Britishness whilst also responding to whatever spice and dried fruit selection I have in the kitchen cupboard. This year it was particularly tasty, earning a well deserved place in my little blog’s index and hopefully our memory of one of the cosiest and most intimate Christmas. It’s interesting to think how in appearance it was only the four of us at home this time, but our meal linked us to a companionship, stories and family bonds so we were never (be) really alone. 

Irish fruit cake

 

I am an advocate of detail and small gestures of appreciation. I believe they make life much more enjoyable and meaningful and it’s what I encourage people to look out for at times when hopelessness prevails. Little evidence that we care and matter, to our loved ones, yes, of course, but to others who might not tell us they do, but which gestures that speak for themselves. 

This is a little tribute to kindness, personified by the lady who looks after the staff room at my workplace, making that little break extra special thanks to her generosity. There, Thursday at 10.57am, second to last week of one of the most overwhelming terms, generosity awaits in the shape of a homemade Irish fruit cake and a printed recipe to share upon request. Thanks Liz, hopefully you skipped the whiskey bit!