I know I've written about my home state before but I feel like it deserves another shout out from a transplanted local. Here's my second nod to my hometown with an added family, holiday spin. (Forgive the awkward formatting, I was trying to fit lots of pictures in.)My recent trip home for Christmas this year was more than just a chance to slip in one of my few annual family visits. My cousin, Abdel, got married and almost all the family planned ahead and came in for his wedding -Dec. 23. It seemed like it had been so long since all 35+ of us all got together for a family affair.
We headed over to the Benachi House, where the outdoor wedding took place. Considering temperatures the day before were in the 70's, we were a little surprised by the colder weather on this afternoon. But a little chill didn't stop us from having fun. We just lined up at the bar for our Kir Cocktails (Creme de Cassis and Champagne.)
Here are some pictures of us pre and post ceremony.
On Christmas Day, everyone packed up and headed to Baton Rouge for a mostly pot luck style celebration at Phil and Sophie's House (my aunt and uncle). On last count, we were about 60+ for Christmas with the new family and Guimont-second cousin crew- joining us .
We spend the morning with my dad and family at a more formal, intimate family gathering (max.6-8) at a proper dining table (with enough food to feed a small army) Duck Gumbo, Beef tenderloin, roasted veggies, mirliton dressing, potato salad, peas, cranberries, honey ham, cornish hen and stuffing and flourless chocolate cake . We always arrive later for my mom's family gathering, there's plenty of eating and drinking still going and a play and karaoke still to come. T
hough it's a massive group to feed, with a lot of advanced planning, we manage never to have two of the same dish, boring food or a food shortage. Among some of the amazing dishes served:Cassoulet- Abdel
Beef Brisket-Uncle Michael
Gumbo-Mom
Shrimp Creole-Uncle Phil
Carrot Souffle-maybe grandma
Crawfish Pie-unknown
Creamy Spinach-a Guimont (I think) (second cousin-family name)
Brussel Sprout & Walnut Salad-Aunt Angie
Red Beans and Rice-grandma
Turkey and Stuffing-grandma
Macaroni and Cheese with Penne pasta-Jeremy (?)
Mayonnaise Cookies-chocolate cookies-you can't taste an ounce of mayo. -Aunt Carol
Lemon Bars-unkown
And there was much more....
There was something different about this year that made me so much more appreciative of the family time and beauty of Louisiana.
So I've sprinkled in some those things I often take for granted.
(The Pontalba Apts in Jackson Square)
Separate post to follow with video of family karaoke hour....
