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DECEMBER 2022

DECEMBER 2022. ISSUE 11

Chef’s Monthly Insight . . . .

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN PANAMA

In Panama there are many traditions that are followed during the Christmas holiday. However, it is mainly dependent on what part of Panama you are from, and the race/group ethnicity that you identify with (e.g. West Indian, African, Spaniard, Asian, Indian). There were some commonalities that I remember that we all followed, starting with:

Painting

Panamanians receive Christmas with their freshly painted houses. It is a tradition that during the previous days families gather to paint their homes and receive Christmas festivities in a beautiful and renovated environment. They would buy new items for the house, including new curtains, new bathroom sets, and new bed linens; and for yourself, new undergarments and new outfits were a must, in order to receive the New Year with an air of change.

Decorations

Christmas decorations and bright multicolored lights are seen everywhere, as most families decorate their homes as best they can to receive the Child Jesus with much joy and light. Illuminated ornaments known as "little lights" are placed in the windows, roofs, or gardens of houses and also in buildings. These ornaments remain lit overnight.

The birth (nacimiento) and the Christmas tree

Two things that cannot be missing in Panamanian Christmas are the birth and the Christmas tree. At birth, families overwhelm creativity by using different materials, so as to make the best representation of the birth of the Child Jesus. As for the tree, most place it in their homes since November and fill it with ornaments of various colors and many lights. We had an artificial Christmas tree that was silver in color with multi-colored ornaments. Many of my friends had real Christmas trees which we would use as food fire on Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) – January 6th to roast wieners and marshmallows.

Food

Catholics in Panama would go to church on Christmas eve and then come home and enjoy a Christmas eve feast. The food would vary from house to house, again, depending on the ethnic group the family identified with. Ham and Turkey were a must for most homes, accompanied by rice and pigeon peas cooked in coconut milk. The potato salad prepared with beets (ensalada de feria) was mostly enjoyed by families of Spanish heritage, while other families would enjoy it with peas & carrots, and boiled eggs, which was the preference of those with West Indian heritage. Sweet plantains were either baked with cinnamon and raspadura or brown sugar, or they were fried. The wreath braided bread (pan rosca) and the tamales were also a must for families with Spanish heritage. Fruits were also a must for “good luck” – from apples to grapes to pears. You would also find nuts throughout the house – mostly walnuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts. However, I would get frustrated trying to break them open with a nutcracker since they would end up flying everywhere except in my mouth . For dessert the fruit cake was a must. The tradition followed was that every January, they would grind the crystalized fruits, add them in the largest glass jar they had, add raisins and currants, and pour brandy, port wine and rum over the entire mixture ensuring that the whole thing in submerged. The jar would be sealed tight and stored in the pantry for the entire year so as to be ready for Christmas. Then on “baking” day, we (the kids) would stand to the side waiting for the “go-ahead” to enter the kitchen and get the bowl with the leftover cake batter and enjoy the flavors of the sweetness of the batter mixed with the rum flavored fruits. Of course, they are those that do not like fruit cake, in which case they eat vanilla pound cake on Christmas. I still maintain the tradition of the fruit cake to this day. I have 2 – 3 gallons glass jars that are kept full of fruits soaking in rum at all times. One jar of fruits is two years old, and no, it will not spoil because the rum preserves the fruits. To drink there were two Christmas drinks in the house – eggnog and sorrell (hibiscus flower) with ginger. The eggnog was simmered on the stove for hours to get the right consistency and “cooking the eggs” was not an issue. Some adults would spike their eggnog (aka ron ponche). The sorrell had a lot of ginger and sugar. For those that had more of a West Indian heritage, they would add cinnamon and cloves to their sorrell. My preference is just to make with ginger and no spices.

Music

We could not have Christmas without music. West Indians would play their Calypso Christmas songs, while the Spaniards would play the classic “villancicos” Christmas songs from Spain. Up until the 70’s, in Panama there was only one English TV channel (SCN) and one English radio station (HOG) and in my house those were the only two that were watched/listened to all day, so HOG would play all of the Christmas carols by the Temptations (Silent Night), the O’Jays (Emotions), the Jackson 5 (We wish you a merry Christmas). I was introduced to Salsa music in High School, and I remember listening to my first salsa Christmas songs by “El Gran Combo” from Puerto Rico, called Salsa Navideña.

Church and Christmas Eve

Panama is a predominant Catholic country and one of the traditions is to go to Church on Christmas eve. After attending church services, they would gather at home and set the table with the Christmas feast, singing and dancing to Christmas music. A few minutes before midnight, everyone would go outside to welcome Christmas, followed by kids playing with fireworks, which was not illegal back then, and we would laugh at each other when we got burn by the fireworks. Sometimes we would go from house to house and serenade our neighbors. Some kids would dress like Mary and Joseph carrying a doll to represent baby Jesus, to depict the birth of Christ.

Christmas Day

This is the day we (kids) looked forward to. Panama is hot year-around, so our homes had no chimney for Santa to come through . Most of us knew that “Santa Claus” was our parents and so we were grateful for whatever we got on Christmas day. Some of us were more fortunate than others but on Christmas day you really did not know who got what since we all shared our toys and games. Most kids looked forward to skating on Christmas day. They were metal skates with wheels on the bottom, sturdy enough to skate on the concrete streets. They held on to each other and skated all together in a processing line as if they were doing the Conga line dance. I never skated; don’t know how to, and never owned a pair of skates. Rather, I owned a bicycle which I would use to pull the skaters throughout the streets. Some would fall but they would get back up, fan off the dirt, ignore the scrapes, and get back in the line .

THANK YOU for your support and trust, and for being our treasured customers. We would not have made it had it not been for you!!! We wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year filled with peace and happiness. And we look forward to being of service to you in 2023.

Chef’s Monthly Insight . . . . . .

HAPPY PANAMANIAN MOTHER’s DAY!

Hercilia de Arosemena, the wife of the then-president of Panama Florencio Harmodio Arosemena, suggested December 8th was a more fitting date than May 11th for the holiday.  Panama was and remains a predominantly Roman Catholic country, so associating Mother's Day with a holy day that already celebrated Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was seen as apt. But initially, Panamanians faced resistance from representatives of the secular population who wanted to keep church and state affairs separated.

Celebration of Mother’s Day together with the feast was the resolve they all reached, so on December 8, 1930, Mother’s Day was made official in Panama in order to coincide with the day of the Catholic celebration of the Immaculate Conception — this is when Catholics worldwide celebrate the solemn belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Unlike Mother's Day in other countries, it is a national holiday in Panama, so banks and government offices, as well as other commercial establishments, are closed.

The Black Sandals - Gabriel García Márquez

The last time I gave my mother a pair of shoes, they were black sandals.
She wore them that same day.
When I saw them on her feet, I was very surprised because I had bought them for a special occasion.
And I asked her, why have you worn them so quickly?
And she answered: “Aha, and if I die tomorrow, will someone else wear them?
No son, these are to wear today!” Two months later, my mother passed away.

Today I remembered mom's black sandals, somewhat worn.
And as I recall I wondered, what are we waiting to wear?
When is a day really special if we only live life once?
And so we spend our lives waiting for the right moment, waiting for the precise moment. Waiting for the special day to showcase what makes us feel better.
And how many people have gotten this far without saying what they wanted.
Without wearing what they wanted, or without asking for forgiveness.
Or the loves that never were because they waited a bit to say it.

The marriages that ended because neither one wanted to be the first to say: ‘I am sorry’. The friends who stopped speaking to each other due to a misunderstanding.
The family reunion that never took place again because they couldn't find time.
The dreams that remained as dreams, for not finding the opportunity.
The honest people we cut-off because they were sincere, and it hurt us.

And if tomorrow doesn't come, what did you leave unused, for someone else to use? Who did you leave unloved, for someone else to love?
What words did you leave unspoken?

What apology did you not utter?
To whom should you have closed the door without looking back?

We withhold words, companionships, feelings, dreams.
Just for fear of failing.
Out of shame or even worse, out of pride And so, we keep the heartbeat, remaining inert in hopes for tomorrow But tomorrow does not exist, it is just a hope, it is a dream that may not come.
All we have, all we have is today Before someone else wears the shoes.

Fight for what you love. Fight for your dreams And live trying before someone else dares to be the best Remember, live life!
And every morning when you open your eyes in this land of madmen, It is the way that God is telling us go ahead, go for it, take a risk!
Maybe this is the day. And if you fail, don't worry.

Today I was in the place where her body lies In silence, and with tears in my eyes, I remembered her black sandals, and I thought that today is a good day to wear new shoes.
Today is a good day to start making your dreams come true.
Do you still have something brand new that you have not yet worn?

Well, go for it and wear it, and live the moment, Darn!

Las Sandalias Negras - Gabriel García Márquez

La última vez que le regalé zapatos a mi madre, fueron unas sandalias negras.
Se las estrenó ese mismo día.
Cuando se las ví, hasta me sorprendí porque se las había comprado para un día especial.
Y le pregunté, ¿por qué las has estrenado tan rápido?
Y me contestó: “Ajá, y si me muero mañana, ¿se las vá estrenar otra?
¡No hijo, estas son para estrenar hoy mismo!”
Dos meses después, mi madre falleció.

Hoy volví a recordar la sandalias negras de mama, algo desgastadas.
Y recondando me pregunto, que estamos esperando para estrenar?
Que es realmente un día especial, cuando esta vida se vive solamente una vez?
Y así pasamos la vida, esperando el momento adecuado,
esperando el momento preciso.
Esperando el dia especial para estrenar aquello que nos haga sentir mejor.
Y es que cuanta gente llego aquí sin decir lo que quiso,
Sin ponerse lo que quería, o sin pedir perdon.
O los amores que jamas fueron, por esperar un poco para decirlo.

Los matrimonios que se rompieron por uno que no supo pedir perdon primero.
Los amigos que dejaron de hablarse por un malentendido.
La familia que nunca mas volvio a reunirse, porque no encontraban un día.
Los sueños que se quedaron en sueños, por no encontrar la oportunidad.
La gente honesta que perdimos porque fueron sinceros y nos dolió.

Y si no llega mañana, que dejastes sin estrenar, para que otro estrenara?
A quien dejaste, para que otro amara?
Que palabras dejaste sin pronunciar?

Con que perdon en el pecho te quedastes?
A quien debistes cerrar la puerta sin mirar atras?

Guardamos sin estrenar palabras, compañías, sentimientos, sueños.
Solo por miedo a fracazar.
Por verguenza o peor aun, por orgullo
Y así guardamos los latidos del corazon, quedando inertes por esperar a mañana
El mañana no existe, es una esperanza, es un sueño que tal vez

no llega.
Solo nos queda, solo nos queda hoy
Antes que otro estrene los zapatos.

Lucha por lo que amas. Lucha por tus sueños
Y vive intentandolo antes que otro se atreva a ser la mejor hazaña
Recuerdalo, vive la vida!
Y cada mañana cuando habras los ojos en esta tierra de locos,
es la manera que Dios nos esta diciendo andale, avientate, dale, arriesgate!
Quizas este sea el día. Y si fallas, no te preocupes.

Hoy estuve en el lugar donde esta su cuerpo.
En silencio y con las lagrimas en los ojos,
me acorde de sus sandalias negras,
y pense que, hoy es un buen día para estrenar zapatos.
Hoy es un buen día para comenzar hacer tus sueños realidad.
Aun tienes algo sin estrenar?
Pues anda, ve por el y estrenalo, y vive el momento, Carajo!

What’s New This Month . . .

December is here and it is time to start your Christmas goodies engine!

LAST DAY TO ORDER IS DECEMBER 10, 2022!!!

FOR PICK-UP:

https://esenciaspanamenas.com/product-category/pickup-delivery/

LOCAL PICK-UP LOCATION:
TASTEMAKERS DC
2800 10th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017

DAYS/HOURS FOR PICKUP
Sunday, December 18th: 12noon-6PM
Wednesday, December 21st: 11AM 7PM
Thursday, December 22nd: 11AM-7PM
Friday, December 23rd: 11AM-7PM
Last Day for pick-up is Saturday, December 24th: 11AM-5PM

FOR SHIPPING:
https://esenciaspanamenas.com/product-category/shippable/


DAYS FOR SHIPPINGMonday, December 19th
Tuesday, December 20th
Last Day to ship is Wednesday, December 21st

PANAMA ON A PLATE COOKBOOK!!!

My cookbook Panama on a Plate – Favorite Foods from my Birthplace is now available on EsenciasPanamenas.com (Paperback only): Panama on a Plate, Favorite Foods from my Birthplace - Cookbook (esenciaspanamenas.com)

My cookbook is also available online in bookstores, such as Barnes & Nobles, as well as on Amazon, in Paperback, Hardcover, and eBook versions.

NOTE: If you would like the book signed by me, you must purchase through my website.

Esencias Panameñas Trivia . . . . .

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS WERE:

All 4 ladies received their prize; some photos below:

• Analissa Benedetti (left)   • Lilia Knight (center)
•  Vielka Downer (right)   •  Thais Fergus

November Answers:

  1. Which country is the largest producer of bananas: India
  2. To blanch a vegetable, you briefly cook it in boiling water and then do what to shock it: Dip in ice water
  3. First sandwich eaten in outer space, in 1965: Corned beef
  4. Popular on charcuterie boards, the cured Italian mean guanciale comes from what part of the pig: Cheek
  5. In what country was the Ceasar salad invented: Mexico

YOU ASKED AND WE LISTENED!

Esencias Panameñas will continue with the Culinary Trivia in our monthly newsletter.

National Food Days in November . . .

  • December 1:   National Pie Day
  • December 2:   National Fritters Day
  • December 4:   National Cookie Day
  • December 5:   National Comfort Food Day
  • December 8:   National Brownie Day
  • December 9:   National Pastry Day
  • December 10: National Lager Day
  • December 14: National Biscuits and Gravy Day
  • December 15: National Cupcake Day
  • December 17: National Maple Syrup Day
  • December 20: National Sangria Day
  • December 24: National Egg Nog Day – recipe to follow
  • December 27: National Fruitcake Day
  • December 31: National Champagne Day

Sharing One Of My Recipes With You . . . 

From Sweet To Savory And Everything In Between

December 24th is National Homemade Eggnog. This is my recipe for a spiked eggnog (Ron Ponche).

INGREDIENTS 

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
  • ½ cup brandy or dark rum

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Off heat, whisks eggs, yolks, sugar, and salt in heavy saucepan
  • Stir in milk, one half cup at a time, blending well after each addition. Add vanilla and nutmeg. Heat slow, over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon, for about half hour. (Note: make sure not to allow to boil to prevent it from curdling)
  • Remove from heat and pour eggnog through a fine mesh strainer and into a large bowl. Stir in rum. Let cool for 10 minutes and using a funnel, slowly pour into a gallon bottle and store in the refrigerator to chill preferably overnight, or at least 4 hours
  • Serve and garnish with a cinnamon stick and some fresh grated nutmeg

Culinary Humor . . .

Tricos y Trucos . . .

This month’s Tip: How to Make a Moist Cake

You love to bake but your cakes are always dense and dry. Don’t fret, here are some tips for additional steps to take or ingredients to add to your favorite recipe to enhance your cake and make it moist and delicious:

  • Add one box of instant pudding mix to the recipe's dry ingredients and stir. Pudding provides stability to the ingredients and changes the texture of the cake to make it smooth and moist. Use a pudding flavor that complements that cake. For example, if you are baking a chocolate cake, select chocolate pudding mix. You could also select a pudding flavor that adds to the cake, such as pairing a mint pudding with chocolate cake. As an alternative to instant pudding, use a pouch of dry dairy topping mix.
  • Separate the white from the yolk of one egg included in the recipe. Discard the white (or save for egg washing your empanadas or bread) and add only the yolk to the batter. This step is necessary for only one egg, regardless of how many are used in the recipe. Egg whites are drying agents and too many will reduce the moisture content of the batter.
  • Add an extra 1/3 cup vegetable oil to the batter and stir. Vegetable oil reduces the production of gluten in flour, a protein found in wheat products that works as a binding agent. Too much gluten in a cake will cause it to be sticky rather than moist.
  • Use real butter in place of margarine, even if the recipe calls for it. Margarine or butter substitutes contain more water than fat. However, it is the fat in butter that helps to hold the cake together and moisten it. The excess water in margarine will evaporate in the oven's heat, leaving you with a dry texture to your cake.

To view more Tips & Tricks

CLICK HERE

 

My Life This Month . . .

What I am Working On

  • Continuing to ship my new Esencias Panameñas’ Cookbook – PANAMA on a PLATE to customers
  • Working on the preparation for Christmas orders

What I am Watching

  • Beat Bobby Flay
  • Hell’s Kitchen

How Do I Make a Difference

  • Volunteering at ‘N Street Village’ preparing and serving their Christmas dinner
  • Volunteering at the ‘Capital Area Food Bank’ assembling boxes of food for families in need, in the DC Metro Area

Testimonials….

“Hi Yadira, Just got through looking at your newsletter. Girl, you are awesome! Congrats on your upcoming activities!”

CarmelaG
Panama City, Panama

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