The heart of the holidays

Chef Tissany Gilmore

Portrait by Gloria Towne - All Around Towne Photography

There is something special about November. The beautiful shades of orange, gold, and brown covering the trees, the crisp Washington air, and the familiar aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spices drifting throughout the home. It is the time of year when families begin gathering, kitchens become busy, and favorite holiday recipes find their way back to the table. 

For me, the holidays have always meant more than preparing a meal. They represent family, tradition, togetherness, and the memories created around food. 

I can still recall being a little girl in the kitchen with my mother, planning what seemed like an endless six-course holiday dinner. The menu included cornbread stuffing, candied yams, duck, collard greens, homemade apple pie, and, of course, the best of all, peach cobbler. 

My mother spent hours preparing those meals. She loved bringing people together and sharing food with family and friends. I remember watching her work, helping wherever I could, and gradually learning the importance of preparation, patience, and cooking with love. 

By the age of 8, I was already spending time helping my mother in the kitchen. Those childhood experiences planted the seeds of my culinary journey. Looking back, I realized that I was learning much more than how to follow a recipe. I was learning how food could bring people together, create traditions, and make people feel at home. 

Fall is the season for comfort, creativity 

One of the things I love most about fall and winter in Washington is being able to enjoy the kitchen without the heat of summer. There is something comforting about turning on the oven, preparing a slow-roasted meal, and filling the house with the aromas of the season. 

November is also a wonderful time to explore seasonal ingredients. Winter squash, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, carrots, beets, cabbage, kale, and mushrooms offer endless possibilities for comforting meals. 

Consider incorporating these ingredients into your holiday cooking: 

• Sweet potatoes: Roast them, mash them, or prepare a traditional candied sweet potato dish. 

• Winter squash: Use butternut squash in soups, casseroles, or homemade pasta fillings. 

• Apples and pears: Bake them into desserts, add them to salads, or simmer them with cinnamon. 

• Root vegetables: Roast carrots, parsnips, beets, and potatoes for an easy seasonal side dish. 

• Leafy greens: Prepare collard greens, kale, or cabbage as nourishing additions to your holiday table. 

A few ways to make holiday cooking easier 

As someone who has spent years working in professional kitchens and preparing meals for families, I know that holiday cooking can become overwhelming. A little organization can make the experience more enjoyable. 

Here are a few tips I share with home cooks: 

1. Plan your menu early. Write down your dishes and organize your grocery list before heading to the store. Check your pantry first to avoid purchasing ingredients you already have.
2. Prepare ingredients ahead of time. Wash and chop vegetables, measure dry ingredients, and prepare sauces or dressings in advance.
3. Use your oven wisely. Plan dishes that can be cooked at similar temperatures. This saves time and helps manage oven space.
4. Make use of leftovers. Extra roasted vegetables can become soup, leftover sweet potatoes can become breakfast hash, and unused bread can become homemade croutons or stuffing.
5. Keep it simple. You do not need an elaborate six-course dinner to create a memorable holiday. A few thoughtfully prepared dishes can bring just as much joy.

The beauty of sharing a meal: The fall feast of friendship 

Food has always been one of the ways I connect with people. Whether I am teaching a cooking class, preparing a private dinner, or sharing a recipe, I believe a meal has the power to create meaningful connections. 

That is why community gatherings centered around food are so important, especially during the holiday season. 

On Thursday, Nov. 19, older adults throughout the community are invited to attend "The Fall Feast of Friendship," a free lunchtime gathering celebrating food, fellowship, and new friendships. 

Organized by Glenn Harper of The Elderhood Senior Alliance, the event welcomes elders ages 55 and older. Guests will have an opportunity to taste food prepared by community chefs, meet neighbors, and enjoy an afternoon of conversation and connection. 

Event details: 

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 19 

• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Location: Banquet Room at Funeral Alternatives of Washington, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, Washington 

• Admission: Free