THINGS TO DO
feasts FAMILY
by Brian J. Lowney
The holidays are certainly a wonderful time of the year! While the past two years have certainly changed the course of our lives, many families of all ages are eager to restore time-honored family traditions and perhaps add new ones along the way. During the pandemic, many folks have developed a new interest in cooking, baking, and learning about their family and friend’s culinary roots and ethnic specialties. Many people have explored their family’s genealogy and ancestry. People are eager to step out of their comfort zone and to try new and more exotic cuisines. During the busy holidays, many religious-based organizations and other community organizations often sell specialty foods and sweets that shouldn't be missed and attract legions of fans who savor these delicious annual events found throughout the South Coast. Acushnet resident Cameron DeGrazia truly appreciates this festive time of year and is proud of his Italian and Portuguese heritage that highlights the importance of family, friends, and good food. “The holidays are always good fun,” shares DeGrazia, who earned a degree in Culinary Arts from Bristol Community College and is employed at St. Vincent’s Services in Fall River as Food Service Manager.
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“We laugh and enjoy being around the table,” he continues. “It’s a good time to be with family. The holidays bring our traditions together.” The talented chef shares that one
Acushnet resident Cameron DeGrazia truly appreciates
this festive time of year and is proud of his Italian and Portuguese heritage that
highlights the importance of
family, friends, and good food. of his favorite holiday desserts is homemade rice pudding, lovingly made by his late grandfather during the family Thanksgiving meal using a traditional family recipe that was developed in the Azores. DeGrazia adds that he also enjoys his family’s Portuguese stuffing and notes that every family and village has its own way to prepare the side dish. “Every holiday we make rice pudding
December 2021 | The South Coast Insider
and use our family recipe and it’s so delicious,” DeGrazia tells. “My late grandfather always told people who came to the house to enjoy some hospitality and ‘to come and eat.’” While his grandfather has passed, DeGrazia plans to continue the longstanding tradition of ensuring that all guests are well fed. “My Italian side enjoys the traditional seven fishes on Christmas Eve with spaghetti and shrimp,” he says. “We also must have Nan’s Italian meatballs. They are always handmade and they are always excellent. I don’t know how to replicate them. You have to have my grandmother’s touch and add seasonings as the meatballs are made.” According to DeGrazia, Christmas Day must include traditional lasagna, and lots of Italian cookies and festive mouthwatering desserts. “We always must have olives,” he says. “It wouldn’t be Christmas without olives.” Like many families. DeGrazia emphasizes that “with the pandemic, life was difficult, especially during the holidays. It made people realize that it made people realize the importance of family and of being together. My family just gathered with my immediate family and now we are looking forward to
