New Challenge: December 3 - December 31st

[selvin]

In the spirit of the times I think we should have a challenge that captures the many traditions that are practiced at this time of the year.

These include but are not limited to Christmas, Chanukah, Kawanzaa, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, Muharram/New Year (Islamic), and Santa Lucia.

I know 'tis a bit early for some of these festivities but if you can find these traditional foods ready to be photographed, please go right ahead.

Your challenge is to photograph the traditional food(s) surrounding these end of year celebrations. Any celebration that takes place during the month of December up until New Year's Day qualifies. These may be food typically associated with the holiday or a family food/recipe that has become associated with the tradition.

Again, as a gentle reminder, archived photos are allowed under very select conditions (see rules for posting). We would appreciate a description of the food and its association with the holiday.

As an example, please see below.

Nishime is a Japanese dish of braised vegetables that is slowly braised until the liquid has all been evaporated. Ingredients include, tofu, yam paste, kombu or seaweed, root vegetables, and some pot herbs. Truly peasant food.

It is served to invalids, and at New Year's celebrations as an "osechi" or New Year Food.