The holidays are upon us, so what better time to celebrate with family and friends than breaking bread over old favorites while introducing some new dishes?
Hanukkah
In 2023, the Festival of Lights starts at sundown on Dec. 7 and ends on Dec. 15.
Chopped chicken liver and whitefish salads have been Jewish staples for generations and are generally served as appetizers. And our meat department works hard to make kosher items available.
The produce department ensures that items used in Jewish recipes — such as celery roots, black radishes, pears and pomegranates — are easy to find.
For limited times during the holiday, some bakeries offer everything from Star of David cookies and Hanukkah house kits to challah bread, which is generally braided and served on major Jewish holidays.
The grocery department carries staples like chocolate coins, dreidels and menorah candles.
La Navidad
Many Latinos celebrate La Navidad, which refers to the birth of Christ. Different countries celebrate with traditional foods.
For instance, many Cubans and Puerto Ricans like turron, a soft almond nougat candy. Puerto Ricans often celebrate with coquito, an alcoholic drink often described as Puerto Rican eggnog. Pasteles are another Puerto Rican holiday staple. They are filled with meat and wrapped in green plantain masa — a puree of grated green banana, roots, banana leaves and other ingredients.
Many Venezuelans eat hallacas, a type of tamale, and arepas, which are cornmeal cakes. Cubans, Mexicans and many South Americans enjoy tamales during the holidays.
Stores serving large Hispanic populations also sell pig roasters and empty glass bottles to make coquito.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa, which begins Dec. 26, is a 7-day African American and Pan-African celebration based on 7 principles. Much like Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa brings families and friends together to exchange gifts, share meals and focus on principles like unity and faith.
Meals often center around African American traditions, with the most important meal — the Karamu feast — served on the 6th night. Traditional foods vary by region and include everything from garden staples like collard greens and okra to seafood favorites like oysters, crab and shrimp. Rice, macaroni and cheese, and other starches are served as side dishes.
Our produce, seafood and grocery departments offer all the staples to make Kwanzaa a memorable celebration.
