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I have mentioned in previous entries the benefit of creating traditions in the home -- like dining together regularly. The holiday season is an excellent time of the year to reflect upon your family's existing traditions and to create new ones.
The kitchen is a terrific space in the home to build traditions, especially during the holidays. Children are especially appreciative of foods that they exclusively relate to the holiday season. If you begin a food tradition they like, I assure you they won't let you forget about it the following year. And that, of course, is a compliment to you!
One recipe comes to mind: hot chocolate. I like it particularly because it can be incorporated easily into many holiday events, such as tree decorating or gift exchanges. It's also simple enough to encourage children to participate in making it, which ultimately encourages the tradition in your home.
And over the years, this basic recipe can be easily modified to more "seasoned" palates.
If you don't already have such food traditions in your home, perhaps you will find pleasure in this one. It's certainly a hit in my home.
Holiday Hot Chocolate
from Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family (Hyperion)
http://www.artinthekitchen.com/books/index.html
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 ½ Tablespoons sugar or artificial sweetener to taste
2 cups skim milk
Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Whisk together cocoa powder and sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the milk on high until very hot, about 1 minute. Whisk about ¼ cup of the hot milk into the cocoa mixture to make a paste, then whisk in the remaining milk until smooth, Garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.
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