July 18, 2006

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Relatives' Specialties

I just returned from a nice long vacation, in which I traipsed all about the state of Florida and visited a ton of relatives, the whole time eating absurdly well. While on the trip, it occurred to me how funny it is that each of my relatives has, within the tradition and culture of my extended family, one or two "specialties." These specialties are dishes the relative makes for which they are known, and the relative generally makes this dish whenever they are involved in any family gathering for which it is remotely appropriate.

The whole process, however, seems rather absurd, since each of those relatives is an accomplished cook, and can and does make myriad other dishes. But when it comes to the family, the relatives keep making the same, battle-tested dishes. I realized that much of what makes my family culture so familiar and comfortable are these signature dishes. When a relative fails to make or bring his or her signature dish, it is always a big disappointment for all. But how strange that these cooks who use endless variety in their daily kitchens always fall back on their old recipes for family.

For instance, over the vacation, I ate Aunt Paula's buttermilk biscuits, Grandma Barzelay's blintzes and bagels, and my father's barbecued T-bone steaks. If I'd have been home for a bit more time, I'm sure I'd have also eaten Grandma Collier's pork roast. And I cannot even imagine visiting Grandma Barzelay and not having her blintzes and bagels, or Aunt Paula and not having her buttermilk biscuits.

Is it the same way in your family? Do you share recipes, or just let the one relative continue to be the sole supplier of their rare treat? What are your relatives' signature dishes?

Posted by Barzelay at July 18, 2006 2:25 AM | Comments (5) | Food Politics and Culture


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My brother recently came to Atlanta (only the 3rd time in 20 years) to help move our dad. I had been very busy and stressed by all of the health and mental changes in dad's status. Barry was very upset that I had not prepared my famous made from scratch old family recipe Bund cake for him. He complained about it multiple times during his brief visit.(This from a guy who's family eats out most nights with fast food being the main dinner option since he and his wife can't or don't want to be bothered to cook.)

Posted by: Mrs. T. at July 18, 2006 8:03 AM


What about the specialties that no one WANTS them to bring/make?

I have recently acquired a step-family and learned of new grandma's specialty, grandma (name)'s sh*t blasting roast beef. The family named it that. I thank god I live 5 states away.

Posted by: Boutros at July 18, 2006 10:01 AM


I definitely associate certain specialties with certain relatives. Since I don't eat the aforementioned bundt cake (it has raisins, ew), my mom's signature dish = brownies. With my dad, it's either his fried shrimp or his homemade clam chowder. My grandmother makes killer potato salad, and she always whips some up when I come to visit, but I also remember the baked clams she used to make when I was a kid.

Food is a very powerful force in our memories, especially when family is concerned, I think.

Posted by: bettyjoan at July 18, 2006 11:00 AM


I think its pretty interesting but also quite normal to have assigned specialties for various family members. This way organizing and planning a family reunion meal is quite easy, you know whos bringing appetizer, salad, dessert...

In our relatively small family we have a few specialties, such as mom's stuffed cabbage, logan's mom rum cake, her dad's pork tenderloin, and recently for me and Logan the spinach stuffed pork loin, and Logan's talent for cakes.

I do remember from when i was a kid my grandma's baked lamb for easter... i can smell it still. Its weird how the brain works.

Posted by: Andy D. at July 18, 2006 5:13 PM


First, mmm, Logan's mom's rum cake...I love it! Also, Logan's dad's pork tenderloin...so good...

Second, we also have the specialties. For my aunt Amy who can't cook - her specialty is buying good bread rolls. You know, there's always something for everyone.

Posted by: Cara Bohon at July 20, 2006 12:07 PM

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