The holidays are the perfect time for traditions. And we don't mean just upholding out own. In fact, it is a wonderful time to revel in shared traditions and adopting new ones. And what tastier way than through food? Here, Latina moms share what dishes make their holidays so special.
Ponche navideño
Ensalada de Nochebuena
"This festive salad is enjoyed after midnight Mass when our entire family comes together at my mami's house to celebrate Christmas. I cannot imagine the holidays without this colorful ensalada de Nochebuena."
—Vianney Rodriguez
Dominican pernil
“Growing up in the Dominican Republic I always looked forward to the holidays partly because of the amazing food. A whole roasted pork with crackly, crispy skin and pull apart meat was the star of any holiday gathering. That's why roasting a pork shoulder, also known as pernil, is such an important part of my holiday celebrations away from my country of origin. I like to make it with new and interesting flavors like this Ruby Red pernil infused with grapefruit juice.”
—Melissa Bailey
Mini buñuelos
"Making these buñelos reminds me of my favorite holiday moments living with my parents. The smell of cinnamon and sugar makes me happy for the holidays while making new memories with my kids."
—Angie Ramirez
Coquito
“Coquito was my family’s way of welcoming in the holidays! This delicious Puerto Rican rum and coconut milk drink always reminds me of my uncle. His Nochebuena parties always consisted of pernil, arroz con gandules, coquito, family, laughter and lots of plena.”
—Rachel Matos
Cuban picadillo pies
“Picadillo was my dad's very favorite dish. He passed away just a few weeks before Christmas in 1999. As a way to honor his memory, I added this delicious appetizer with its classic Cuban taste to our traditional Nochebuena feast.”
—Marta Verdes Darby
Ponche crema
“During the holidays some of my aunts and my mom would make ponche crema as a gift. It was fun to try each different one; they all had their special taste. Having ponche cream brings me back instantly to all those special holiday get-togethers!”
—Dariela Cruz
