Consistency in Extended Family Meals: A Common Tradition

When your extended family gets together for a meal, it's common for the same people to bring the same dishes. This shared tradition can be seen in many households around the world. For many, it's not just about the food, but about the bonds formed and the memories created.

My Experience: Making Pecan Tarts for 30 Years

In my own family, I have a unique responsibility when extended relatives gather. For over three decades, I have been the one to make pecan tarts. My aunt, the matriarch, insists that I continue this tradition. While making pecan tarts is a challenge, I always oblige. My aunt's insistence and my family's enjoyment of the result make this ongoing duty worthwhile.

One year, I deviated from this tradition and tried a new recipe for sweet potato casserole made with cheese. The recipe was supposed to be innovative but ended up being a failure. Nobody ate it and the next gathering returned to the familiar pecan tarts. It's a lesson in embracing family traditions.

Other Family Members Seek New Recipes

While I stick to making the same recipes year after year due to the effort involved, my family members often look for new and exciting dishes. Each gathering presents an opportunity for them to introduce something novel. In these moments, I often find myself the only one making the same dish, which highlights the contrast between consistency and variety within our family.

Favorites and Disappointment

While consistency is valued, there are always some dishes that stand out as favorites. In my family, these dishes are eagerly anticipated each time we gather. Sometimes, a dish might be requested multiple times if it's particularly loved. Even if the same person brings the same dish, the hope is that it will be as delicious and well-prepared as the previous year.

Signature Dishes and Requested Contributions

My role in family gatherings often involves bringing something special. My signatory Welsh Trifle is a must for all Christmas events. The demands for this dessert can be high, with sometimes more than one event requiring its presence. To meet these demands, I often make two trifles. I also ensure that I pick up a beautiful and yummy Diplomat cake from a bakery 20 miles away and purchase around 24 fancy French pastries called petite-fours. These pastries, while extremely expensive, are worth it for the enjoyment of the recipients.

Occasionally, someone's birthday might also require a special treat, often supplied by another family member following a popular recipe. For instance, my ex-sister-in-law always brings her grandmother's German Potato Salad, which is very tasty. When everyone shares their treasured family recipes, the meals become a mix of familiarity and surprise.

In essence, while there is a foundation of consistency in our extended family meals, there is also room for innovation and excitement. Each year, we look forward to the unique combination of cherished traditions and bold new flavors.