Refrigerator Dollars and Sense

Happy Monday!  After a semi-long stint without a post, I am happy to be back and writing (I must admit as well that I was also semi-threatened with disownership as a friend if I did not get back into the "writing saddle" most immediately; admittedly, that was a much-needed push [thank you]).  For my abscence, I can only beg forgiveness, hope you did not spend too much time standing in front of your refrigerator staring in angst while contemplating what to make, and offer up an explanation... 

Explanation: as some of you know, I am working on applying to medical school this year. 

Translation: a lot of what was once "free time" for writing has become "study time" for reading.

Alas, all of this currently missing "free time" in my schedule struck a chord with me about the likelihood that many of you find yourselves lacking extra hours in your days as well.  Accordingly, I thought it was high time that I stop hinting about the utility of learning how to better manage both time and money in the pursuit of deliciousness, and actually talk "refrigerator dollars and sense" with you.

'Twas the night before Christmas...

...and all through the house not a creature was stirring, because they were all passed out in food comas after dinner.

Happy Holidays everyone!!  From the carols we all know and love, to the great holiday sales, to the stockings being hung and the tree lit, it is safe to say that this time of year gets us pretty excited.  Growing up, holiday tradition in my house translated to celebrating Christmas Eve Lithuanian-Polish style.  Although I knew consuming the deliciousness called "kucios" in Lithuanian and "wigilia" in Polish also meant that I would be swept away to a never-ending Christmas mass, it was *always* well worth it.  For the handful of you who are not half-Lithuanian, half-Polish like me and may not be familiar with these traditions (LoL), here's the scoop: on Christmas Eve, we have a gargantuan feast consisting of twelve meatless dishes (for you excited vegetarians, fish is *not* considered to be meat by these cultures, so fish >}}}}}}'> typically makes multiple appearances).  Alongside the fish, fruit, breads, potato-based dishes, soup, and vegetables decorate the table.

Although it has been a handful of years since my family last followed these traditions (and essentially never since I last participated in the preparation), I was inspired this Christmas to take a stab at it myself.  Recipe-less and in the company of two very non-half-Lithuanian-half-Polish (but--to their gastronomical credit--very receptive and adventurous) guests, I created my version of kucios and wigilia.