THE PLEASURE OF FAMILY TRADITIONS AND LOCAL FLAVORS

In December, winter wraps us in its coat of white, creating a magical atmosphere that encourages us to get together for warm moments of joy spent among family and friends. It’s a unifying month that brings with it festivities and traditions we look forward to at this time of year. For many of us, December is a time to gather around the table, savour some favourite dishes prepared with love, and immerse ourselves in childhood memories.

Family traditions, even the simplest of them, take on a special importance in December. Whether it’s the Christmas meal, the small kindnesses we extend to one another, or the rituals surrounding these festive moments, each family has its own customs that create unforgettable memories. These traditions, passed down from generation to generation, bring us closer together, helping us build strong bonds with our loved ones. They become points of reference, sources of comfort and joy, reminding us of how important it is to take time to celebrate together. December is an invitation to slow down, to put aside the daily grind, and refocus on the essentials: the pleasure of being together and sharing.

Some of my most cherished memories are of evenings spent at my grandparents’ home in beautiful Quebec City. After a day of downhill skiing at Mont Sainte-Anne, we would gather at my paternal grandmother’s house for a comforting meal. The feast featured roast pork, homemade pickles, root vegetables and, for dessert, delicious raspberry tarts—flaky pastry topped with raspberry jam. After the table was cleared, we would sit back down around 10 pm for a late-night snack. That’s when grandma would bring out the head cheese—a traditional Quebec specialty made with meat and cartilage from a pig’s head, eaten cold. She would serve it with soft, sliced white bread, perfect for savouring every bite. Even after a bountiful meal, we could not resist this extra serving of food, with grandma making sure everyone ate well, ensuring a good night’s rest.

Since then, I’ve become a flexitarian, and while I don’t make my grandmother’s head cheese recipe, I always put Quebec front and centre on the table. This year, St-Méthode’s new Le Royal bread, made with local flour and created in Beauce, will have a place of honour on our festive tables. Generous and delicious, this bread perfectly combines pleasure and good health, working just as well with traditional dishes as with more modern creations. Whether you enjoy it with a family roast, use it as a base for festive appetizers, or fill it with your favourite ingredients for a classic holiday sandwich, Le Royal brings people together and adapts to any occasion you’ll be spending with others.

This year, the holidays will feel a little different. After having lost my mother in 2010 and my father this year, we’ll be celebrating with my in-laws in Estrie. Then, I’ll be heading to India, one of my favourite countries, for new culinary discoveries: the spice route, colourful markets, and tea plantations. Travelling allows me to slow down, explore other culinary cultures, and soak up beautiful images and flavours that will turn into precious memories.

During the month of December, let’s all take the time to savour these moments and keep our traditions alive… because, beyond the gifts and festivities, it is during this exceptional time spent together that we will find the true magic of the season.

Happy Holidays to one and all!

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