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"My journey of showing people
how to eat better (and enjoy it) has helped me to understand that spotlighting what drives others to produce great products… sharing their insights and talents… is a gift to self." ~ Laura Pensiero |
ARCHIVED COLUMNS:
October 2023 "Trust Your Gut" July 2021 "MENTORING: One of Life's Greatest Gifts" December 2020 "Healthy Holidays: It's All About the Side Dishes" October 2020 "Living Like a Farmer" August 2020 "When All Seems Lost...Laugh Until it Hurts" May 2020: "Nature Can't Stay in Place" February 2020: "Ode to Chocolate" December 2019: "Happy Healthy Holidays" May 2019: "Pull the Trigger: Your Health is What Matters Most" |
Boxing Day:
A Tradition that Nourishes Body & Soul
December 2023
Note: Find a recipe for White Bean "Leftover" Turkey Chili (with video) at the end of this article.
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I’ve spent more than a couple of Christmases alone without a pang of loneliness. I guess this is because the holidays are so busy for me in a people-oriented business. But I’m sure ready to celebrate Boxing Day!
While December 26, Boxing Day, is not a national holiday in the U.S. as it is in the U.K. and Ireland, the number of Americans celebrating this rich tradition the day after Christmas is unquestionably growing. I’m going to speculate on why. First, the holiday season preceding it brings so much emotion and general busyness, who remembers enjoying it? Second, families are evermore separated by large geographical distances and work schedules that don’t let up long enough to ‘go the distance.' This can mean that whether by choice or circumstance, more and more Americans celebrate in fewer numbers – or even alone – on Christmas Day, making the day after the perfect time to be surrounded by friends, providing a much-needed lift in spirits. |
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Sadly, many Americans' concept of the holiday season has become infected with a Black Friday mentality that has intruded into this lovely across-the-pond holiday. Bargain shopping and retailers’ interest in off-loading stock has invaded what was once a relatively pure day of gathering and giving basic items; most specifically, food.
Additionally, Boxing Day does not carry the hefty expectations of joy, peace, merriment, and hope (that you picked the right present) – it’s relaxed. Finally, while some of Boxing Day traditions are rooted in Christian culture, it’s not overwhelming in religious overtones. It’s a laid-back party.
Additionally, Boxing Day does not carry the hefty expectations of joy, peace, merriment, and hope (that you picked the right present) – it’s relaxed. Finally, while some of Boxing Day traditions are rooted in Christian culture, it’s not overwhelming in religious overtones. It’s a laid-back party.
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What’s this Tradition all About?
Like most long-lived Western celebrations, it has British roots, most probably getting its name from the feudal society custom of packaging boxes of food and gifts for the plebes, or the ‘less fortunate,’ to employ a more politically correct term. The good news is that ‘charity,’ both in spirit and action, is still part of Boxing Day. In today’s observances around the world, it’s a casual day-after-Christmas affair that includes unpretentious, easily prepared foods, wine and spirits, and the company of both friends and family. There's no showing off. For those without family, it can certainly take the sting out of the holiday season and provide an opportunity to look gleefully toward a New Year full of possibilities. With some good menu planning, it can also be an opportunity to break the cycle of holiday gluttony. Think nourishing soups, sandwich boards (see Make-Your-Own Boxing Day Sandwich Board*), and crudité platters with leftover vegetables and healthy dips, like hummus or Greek yogurt with a splash of red wine vinegar, dried chives, dill, parsley, garlic and onion powder. |
*Make-Your-Own Boxing Day Sandwich Board*
Along with slices of baked glazed ham or leftover turkey… Breads/Buns/Rolls: Mini Portuguese, sourdough, whole wheat, ciabatta, pretzel, or brioche rolls. Topping Considerations: selection of 2-3 sliced cheeses (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, Gruyere, etc.), local pickled vegetables, relished, hummus or bean spreads, shaved red onions, cornichons or pickles, roasted peppers (poblano and sweet red bell), sliced tomatoes, Romaine and/or mesclun and arugula. Mustards and Spreads: Grainy or Dijon mustard, Mostarda (Northern Italian condiment) or local sweet and sour fruit compotes, traditional or seasoned mayonnaise or aioli, horseradish crème, herbed goat cheese or other spreadable cheeses. |
Let’s Talk More About the Food
How can you pull off a Boxing Day fiesta without pulling out the last of your holiday hair? The answer: simplicity. Remember, expectations are low. This doesn’t mean serving up sub-par food, just go easy. Potluck, too, can make Boxing Day even easier and more diverse and fun.
Rarely does Boxing Day lead to a set table. A buffet with basic, flavorful foods, even Christmas ‘leftovers,’ is the expectation. Think chili (beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie), or a hearty soup or stew, a baked ham, a roasted turkey, and just about any type of casserole (mac and cheese or gratin potatoes, etc.). You might bring some Italian spirit to the day with some lasagnas or a big bowl of pasta. Add crusty breads and a salad or two, which provides a great opportunity to toss some leftover vegetables into fresh greens. While you’re at it, clean out your wine and liquor supply. Remember all those New Year’s resolutions are coming up. Viola! You have a party.
A Bit of My Personal Experience
Allison Samuel Hall, Sam, as he was known to us, introduced me to the Boxing Day tradition. He was a screenwriter born in 1921, and he lived a most incredible life up until his passing in 2014. In his beautiful Hudson River Valley home, Wildercliff, he threw the best Boxing Day party. Sam understood the practice of welcoming friends, neighbors, and even those who were...well...not so fond of each other, to a day of merriment and generosity of spirit. He had an eclectic group of friends and, being a creative writer, he loved a good drama.
When Sam was no longer able to host large gatherings, I started inviting him to my home. He loved the collection of wide-ranging, new friends, the spread of make-your-own roasted turkey or ham sandwiches (along with all of the breads and local condiments), chili and other casual delights. Sam generally stayed in one place, seated right next to the fire, where he entertained people with his wit, irreverence, and sass.
For years Sam would ask me, “Who was that interesting woman who brought the fried macaroni balls?”
Enough said.
White Bean "Leftover" Turkey Chili
Note: This easy to prepare chili presents a zesty and healthy addition to a Boxing Day buffet. Enjoy it with the previously suggested “Make-Your-Own Sandwich Board” or simply some crusty bread.
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INGREDIENTS:
2 cups leftover turkey shredded 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 Spanish onion, diced 3 stalks celery, diced 2 poblano peppers, chopped 1 large red bell pepper, diced 3 cloves garlic minced 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander ¼ teaspoon cayenne 1 teaspoon salt 1 4 oz can green chilis (mild or hot, depending on preference) 1 ½ quarts chicken or turkey stock 3 15.5oz cans white kidney beans, drained and rinsed ¾ cup evaporated milk 2 tablespoons cornstarch ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro plus more to garnish Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste |
Video Courtesy: Laura Pensiero
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INSTRUCTIONS:
- Add the olive oil to a Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions, celery, and peppers and cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, spices, and salt, and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add green chilis and stir. Slowly add stock and turn heat back up to medium high to bring to a boil.
- Once it all comes to a boil, turn down the heat back to medium or medium-low to bring soup to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the evaporated milk. While stirring, slowly stir the cornstarch/milk combination and the chopped cilantro into the chili. Cook, simmering, another 5 minutes, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with selections of your choice.
Additional Notes:
Using Dried Beans: To use dried white beans, you will need 1 ½ cup of dried beans. Rinse the beans, then place in a bowl covered with 3 to 4 inches of water. Drain, then transfer to a pot, over with another 3 to 4 inches of water, and add 2 bay leaves, a few large carrot pieces and 1 celery stalk cut into 3 to 4 pieces. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 50 to 60 minutes until beans are tender. Cooking time will vary based on the age and size of the beans.
Leftover Turkey Meat: If turkey wasn’t on your Christmas menu, consider pulling the meat off a rotisserie chicken. Alternately, many supermarkets offer pulled, skinless chicken meat.
Alternate Vegetables: Use up the leftovers in the fridge. Some ideas include corn, mushrooms, peas, or chopped green beans.
Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk presents a healthier option to cream to make this chili lucious. Regular milk or cream can be substituted. Alternately, for a dairy-free version, puree half of the beans before adding to the chili.
Storage:
Fridge - Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer - Freeze for up to 3 months.
Using Dried Beans: To use dried white beans, you will need 1 ½ cup of dried beans. Rinse the beans, then place in a bowl covered with 3 to 4 inches of water. Drain, then transfer to a pot, over with another 3 to 4 inches of water, and add 2 bay leaves, a few large carrot pieces and 1 celery stalk cut into 3 to 4 pieces. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 50 to 60 minutes until beans are tender. Cooking time will vary based on the age and size of the beans.
Leftover Turkey Meat: If turkey wasn’t on your Christmas menu, consider pulling the meat off a rotisserie chicken. Alternately, many supermarkets offer pulled, skinless chicken meat.
Alternate Vegetables: Use up the leftovers in the fridge. Some ideas include corn, mushrooms, peas, or chopped green beans.
Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk presents a healthier option to cream to make this chili lucious. Regular milk or cream can be substituted. Alternately, for a dairy-free version, puree half of the beans before adding to the chili.
Storage:
Fridge - Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer - Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Laura Pensiero is Sanctuary's nutrition columnist and the founder, chef/owner and creative force behind Gigi Hudson Valley (Gigi Trattoria and Gigi Catering). She is the author of Hudson Valley Mediterranean and co-author of The Strang Cancer Prevention Center Cookbook. Find out more about Laura by reading her interview with Sanctuary HERE.
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