It must be an “age thing.” As I get older I want to recreate the Christmas memories of my childhood even more. I think my mom was the same way. When I was younger, I do not recall her making red cabbage for Christmas, or any time, actually. After she was, say about 60 years old, the dish started appearing on the table. Only a small bowl. She assumed, and was probably right, that no one else wanted it. It was for her and her alone. I loved that about her. If she wanted a certain food and no one else did, she made it anyway. She would make special dishes for me too. I know plenty of women that cook exclusively for their husbands or kids and not for themselves. They’ll say, “Oh, my husband can’t eat broccoli, so I never buy it,” or, “the kids only eat meat and potatoes, nothing fancy…so we never have salmon or quiche.”
When asked what the cabbage was about, she replied, “My Grandma always made it for Christmas, and I just want to remember her this way.” It’s a Danish thing. Grandma Petrea was from Denmark and lived with my mom’s family. She didn’t speak much English and believed children were to work hard and be quiet. We got the distinct impression that Grandma wasn’t all that loving much of the time. But she did have her traditions! And red cabbage it was. I’m making red cabbage this year too. No, my husband won’t eat it, and no one else will either. It’s for me, in memory of my mom and her memories of Christmas. Just a small bowl….
Red Cabbage
Prep time: 15 minutes to prep, 45 to cook
Serves 4
2 strips bacon, chopped
1/2 small white onion, chopped
1/2 medium sized head red cabbage, finely sliced
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons butter
In a large pot fry 2 strips of chopped bacon. Using a paper towel held with a pair of tongs, dab out all the excess grease and discard. Add 1/2 chopped onion, 1 half sliced cabbage, 1 diced apple, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup cider vinegar. Stir well and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until very tender, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat low, and watch to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Stir in the butter at the end. Serve piping hot in a small bowl!
Serves 4—-if you want to share
