Continued from Page 14 One of the Syrian traditions celebrated during December is the feast day of Saint Barbara on the 4th. We usually prepare a traditional dish of boiled wheat grains in a bowl with Pomegranate seeds, raisins, anise, sugar, shaved coconut and small hard candies. We also celebrate Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we attend Mass at our church in the evening, and then we have dinner at home with family. Growing up, our Christmas meal (Icon of Saint Barbara of would be roasted Turkey and Buche de Heliopolis in Syria) Noel for dessert. During the holidays, it’s tradition in Syria that each family visits one another at their homes, even if it means visiting multiple families all in one night. During the visit, guests would receive Jordan almonds and chocolates. The adults would have liquor and Turkish coffee. The holidays are mostly about visiting with (Special treat eaten on the day of one another and enjoying each other’s Saint Barbara Feast) company.
Since our family is far away, we always call them or video chat with them. Sometimes my mother will come and visit us during the holidays from Syria as well as one of our siblings, usually with their families. During the holidays, when my mom visits, she makes traditional Arabic dishes, such as Kibbeh (a croquette of ground beef or lamb combined with bulgur wheat, pine nuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice), Grape Leaves (grape leaves filled with rice, ground beef, sautéed onion, fresh cilantro, basil, cumin, salt and pepper steamed in water with a hint of lemon), and Tabbouleh (fresh herb and bulgur salad, with parsley, diced cucumber and tomato, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice) and Anise Cookies.
(Featured above: Kibbeh, Grape Leaves and Tabbouleh)
Anise cookies are the kids’ favorite; they call them “Teta Cookies.” (Teta is Grandmother in Arabic) and the delicious sweet aroma they spread while baking in the oven conjures up sweet memories of my childhood. Hopefully this year like every other year Teta will visit and bake lots of Teta Cookies to share with friends and neighbors. Thank you for this opportunity to share a piece of my heart and we wish the community a healthy and happy Holiday Season.
(Turkish Coffee and Jordan almond chocolates)
(Teta Baking Anise cookies with Anthony)
Continued on Page 16
Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.
Ranch Record - November 2021
15
