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
“My family starts preparing ponche as soon as the Posadas begin. It’s the perfect beverage for cold nights– sweet, delicious and warm.”
—Silvia Martinez
Bruléed pears with prosciutto
"The holidays are one of the busiest time of the year! This is why I always keep something that I can whip up quickly. These ridiculously easy, festive, naturally gluten-free bruléed pears with prosciutto, cranberry sauce, and goat cheese are the ideal appetizer for entertaining guests without stressing out the cook. The only item that needs to be cooked is the cranberry sauce, which can be made in advance. All that is needed for the rest is just assembly – it doesn’t get any better than that, does it?"
—Denise Browning
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
Tembleque
"Tembleque is one of my favorite desserts and always reminds me of family parties. For Nochebuena, it was common to have tembleque after our traditional Puerto Rican meal of arroz, pernil, and pasteles. Plus, with aguinaldos on the radio, there was no denying it was Navidad!"
—Melanie Edwards
Atole de guayaba
“Many families prepare tamales for their main Christmas Eve dinner in my hometown. People usually make enough to have some leftover for the next morning. So when they are opening their Christmas presents they are also having tamales for breakfast along a warm cup of guava atole. It’s the winter drink of choice because it gives you warmth and also nourishes. Atole made with corn masa always bring back good memories of my abuelita back in the farm.”
—Mely Martinez
Pan de polvo
"This is one of my favorite cookies to bake to celebrate Las Posadas, a wonderful Mexican tradition that we celebrate from December 16th until Christmas Eve."
—Vianney Rodriguez
Licor de mandarina
"My mother was a light drinker, Christmas being one of the few occasions where she would allow herself a few sips of wine, or a digestif after dinner. This was one liqueur that she made herself, and that takes advantage of a fruit that is synonym with Christmas for Dominicans: Mandarin oranges. It has now become a Christmas tradition in my own home."
—Clara Gonzalez