PALATE
SUMMER DAYS AND WINTER NIGHTS
W Jax Hamilton, Food Editor jaxhamilton.co.nz
hen I close my eyes on the first day of December, my body tells me I should expect dark wintery days. My fingers tingle for woollen mittens, and my neck has serious scarf expectations. Gossamer breath, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, winter flurries, central heating, and plates heaped with roast dinners, swimming in rich, thick gravy. For the first 35 years of my life, this is what I came to expect from living in the Northern Hemisphere. When I open my eyes, however, my reality is very different. Spring is in full flourish, and my garden pregnant with bursting buds, salad greens, fruits, and vegetables. With winter boots all packed away, my toes welcome the relief of bare feet on sand and jandals. The days are long, my sleeves are short, and most importantly, it’s time to clean my BBQ – hahaha! Regardless of the hemisphere within which I reside, I absolutely adore Christmas. My tree goes up on December 1, and you can bet I’ve meticulously constructed and coordinated
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my wrapping paper and decorations. Most of the time, I make my own, usually dependent on the past 11 months. This year, because I so miss overseas travel, my tree will be adorned with small globes and ribbons flowing from branch to branch, uniting each as a sign of worldwide community. Friggin’ deep, I know. I believe having a reminder of our collective struggle and combined humanity is essential. Of course, the festive season is also all about family, friends, and celebration. The glorious thing about living deep within the South Pacific is, over Christmas, we get to enjoy long, hot days and warm sultry evenings. I’m a curious night bird and love to investigate what’s available and stretch my 24 hours out for as long as possible. I’m talking shopping, cinema, cocktails, dinner. A short walk, then somewhere to perch over flickering candles, a steaming Irish whiskey, and a plate of something naughty and sweet – or savoury and crunchy – chattering away until the clock strikes 12.
