Winter Food Traditions in the USA: A Taste of History

Winter in the U.S. is the season of holiday cheer, tradition and ethnic celebrations all connect to the season. From festive dinners to New Year's Eve celebrations, the foods on offer, spark warmth for the hearts and the kitchens in the cold season.

Christmas Cookies

Cookie baking and decorating is an essential American holiday tradition, particularly in December. This custom can be linked to medieval Europe where spiced biscuits were baked for festivities. German and Dutch immigrants iced these cookies with confectionary sugar and colorful sprinkles. The tradition developed across countries due to availability of certain ingredients The tradition of leaving cookies unattended for Santa slowly came to firmly anchor these goodies into the legend of the holidays.

Eggnog

Eggnog– a creamy, sweet, thick drink that can contain alcohol, is a winter classic in American households. Rooted in early medieval Britain where the elite consumed its ancestor, "posset," eggnog made its way to the new world in the 18th century, where colonial Americans modernized it. Of course, kids versions are enjoyed today as a seasonal drink. It's a holiday staple today around the country and the various flavors are developed today. 

Latkes and Sufganiyot

For Hanukkah observance, Jewish families enjoy fried potato latkes and jam-filled sufganiyot. These fried foods symbolize the miracle of oil, which was used in a menorah and burned for eight days in the Temple of the Second Century Jerusalem. This holiday represents the resilience of the Jewish people. The tradition was brought to the USA by Jewish immigrants and has been preserved as a central element of Hanukkah celebrations.

Holiday Hams

Holiday ham, a traditional accompaniment to Christmas dinner all around the country, has a history in winter solstice pagan festivals in Europe. This tradition was observed by sacrificing a full roasted wild board to the Gods. This practice developed in U.S. at the end of 19th century, when ham became more available and inexpensive. Today, however, due to its rich and flavorful depth holiday hams are  a seasonal feast and staple.

Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens

Black-eyed peas and collard greens are classic Southern food that is on Americans' menus on January 1st. This is an African tradition, brought to the Americas through the horrible and unforgettable slave trade. Black-eyed peas are thought to bring fortune while greens symbolize wealth. Such foods are consumed on the New Year's day to have good fortune in the upcoming year

Christmas and New Years food practices in the US, beyond just being a source of warmth and comfort, provide an avenue for sharing stories of movement and adaptation, as well as of festivity. From sweet to savory, these meals bind families and communities and contain history in every bite.