WINSTON WEEKLY^[1]

December 1, 2024

Vol. 2, No. 48

NEW TRADITIONS

Taking solace in our two grandcats this Thanksgiving took some adjustment, although there was something magical in watching the two who are as different as our two children. Lux has never liked me which must have something to do with the fact that she was returned to the shelter twice before being adopted by our daughter. I apparently remind her of someone pretty wicked so her idea of making wrongs right is to lash out at me and hiss like you have never heard a cat hiss. Yet, she adores my husband and daughter.

Rose was the “neighborhood cat” until our next-door neighbors, her constant food source, moved away. Our daughter seized the opportunity to make her an indoor cat. Although my husband and I doubted she could ever be an indoor cat after spending two years roaming the neighborhood, she has become the perfect indoor cat. Better yet, she loves me.

Settling into a quieter Thanksgiving than in the past, we had enchiladas instead of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. We learned from our local banker that Mexican is becoming a more standard fare for Thanksgiving. Intrigued by the idea, I found a fascinating website, www.patjinich.com. Whether looking for a new holiday tradition or something different, Pat offers many options, including a leather-bound edition of her Mexican Table Cookbook and other unique kitchen and cooking ideas.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY[2]

Consider a meal with the native Mexican herb, Epazote. It contains notes of anise, oregano, citrus, and mint. Erica Sanchez’s mushroom soup features Epazote at www.nibblesandfeasts.com. Cooking with mushrooms is also an opportunity to teach children about foraging for mushrooms and many edible varieties.

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[1] Copyright December 1, 2024. Winston Weekly is a weekly newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles available at www.baylesconnect.com or by e-mail at baylesconnect@gmail.com. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute.

[2] Lynne Boddy, Professor of Fungal Ecology at Cardiff University, published the children’s book, Humongous Fungus in 2021. This year she released the comprehensive book, Fungi: Discover the Science and Secrets Behind the World of Mushrooms.