It's Christmas Time in the City...

Christmas is rapidly approaching and I can tell. It is cold here. I say that after the whole Northern portion of the USA got blasted with snow, ice, and cold temperatures, but I must admit 55 degrees and windy at night makes for some cool nights with down comforters and maybe, possibly our space heater. We don't have a heating unit in our house, and I think it will be cold this winter.

As I prepare for my family to visit for this Christmas, I am trying to decide if I should give into the Bermuda traditions or stick with the, "Steck family favorites." When the Bermuda traditions are cassava pie and minced meat pies, I think I will stick to what I am used to. Cassava pie is a Bermudian tradition which includes the ingredients of:

• 12 lbs. grated cassava
• 2 lbs. sugar
• 8 oz. condensed milk
• 27 eggs, unbeaten
• 2 pounds melted butter
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 2 teaspoons nutmeg
• Brandy - to taste
• 5 lbs. chicken
• 2.5 lbs. cubed pork

This recipe makes enough for 50 people! Now what the heck is cassava? Cassava is also called yuca and is a root. Past that I am not sure, but you can buy it in frozen bags already shredded. I tried this Bermuda tradition and it wasn't bad. It reminded me of a sweet corn bread with meat on the bottom. The meat threw me off, so maybe this sweet bread would be better enjoyed vegetarian style. While mince pies are a British festive sweet pastry, they have found their way to Bermuda through the English influence on this island. I have to say I have never tried it, but any thing with the word meat in my pie just isn't quite right. Once again that may be why I wasn't crazy about the Cassava pie. Actually mince pies do not contain meat but a variety of dried fruits such as raisins. The one Christmas tradition that we will partake in is going to the beach with some champagne on Christmas morning. If anyone in our party is daring enough (and I nominate my father), they just might take a dip in the ocean. Last I heard, the water was 70 degrees which may be warmer then the air temperature. I will be excited to spend my first Christmas out of the USA! I just hope Santa will be able to find me!

Until next time...