Betina Thygesen

Buffalo, deer, wild berries, corn, turnips, squash, wild potato and wild rice – these foods are part of the original Native American diet. With loss of land, discrimination, poverty, imported foods, and food programs offering refined foods, sugar, pork, high fat meats, wheat, dairy and fried foods, the lives and health of the Native Americans quickly changed dramatically.

The Native Americans are just one of many different cultures for whom this is relevant. Around this time of the year, starting at Thanksgiving, many of us are naturally searching for our roots, cooking the foods of our ancestors. Take a minute to think about it:

What are your soul foods? What are your foods of choice for a special occasion and why are they foods to be revered?

Being a true Viking, mine are pickled herring, shrimps, salmon, wild game, mulled wine, beer, Aquavit, kale, potatoes and other root vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and dried fruits. We even use the original methods of preparation such as pickling, salting, drying etc. around the festive season, something that nobody usually finds any time to fit into their otherwise (too?) busy life. My brother lives in Italy and will spend this holiday with his Italian family. They do not share the same religion nor traditions and he will be missing the usual traditions, especially, I suspect, because it is important for him to show his children how Christmas is done our way!

Why is it that we go through this every year?

Could it be a need to reconnect with our roots, with nature, with the seasons and with something greater than us? I think so.

To celebrate the season I would love to share with you my ways of making holiday sweet treats using almonds for making raw marzipan, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans and dried fruits and honey to make irresistible Italian Panna Forte and mulled wine (with or without alcohol).

This workshop is scheduled for:

Wednesday December 10th from 1 pm - 3 pm

The cost of this partial hands-on-cooking workshop is $40 person. This includes delicious, organic treats (tastings and some to bring home), recipes and other relevant information. Places are limited and I ask you kindly to give me 48 hours notice if you need to cancel your registration