Christmas Memories and Flavors

Christmas is that time of year when diets just don’t count. With sweets coming from all directions, desserts that are always present, and main dishes that always seem more abundant than necessary, it’s impossible not to indulge. Eating a lot is not just a possibility, it’s almost an unspoken obligation.

In many families, Christmas revolves around gifts; in mine, it was always about the food. And the great orchestrator of it all was my grandmother. She cooked everything with precision and limited patience. Her shouts always filled the house, telling us not to change our seats and to be well-dressed, because for her, Christmas was a grand celebration. Only one random member of the family was chosen to prepare the salad, the one task she trusted to someone else, though never without a warning not to ruin her table.

It’s been a long time since she’s been with us, and Christmas at home is different now. This year, for the first time, I decided to prepare a dinner for two. Not because the celebration has lost its meaning, but because I needed a moment with myself, to reconnect with those memories and give in, at least a little, to the Christmas spirit that was always on the table.

The menu: roast pork with gravy and cherry sauce, accompanied by a fusilli pasta salad with parsley and a special dressing. I cooked with the same rush as always, without letting myself get caught up in the chaos of the holidays, but always seeking that each dish evoked something special, like the ones my grandmother used to prepare.

Roast Pork with Gravy and Cherry Sauce

Ingredients for the pork (for 2 servings):

• 500 g pork loin

• 1/2 cup beer

• 1/4 cup white wine

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp honey

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 2 tsp mustard

• 2 sprigs rosemary

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/2 small onion, sliced

For the cherry sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1/4 cup red wine

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 sprig rosemary

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• Pork cooking juices

For the gravy:

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 cup pork cooking juices

• 1 tsp flour or cornstarch (optional)

Preparation:

1. Marinate the pork:

Mix the beer, white wine, salt, pepper, cumin, honey, garlic, oregano, and mustard. Marinate the pork for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to soak in.

2. Roast the pork:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the pork in a baking dish with the onion slices, rosemary, and parsley. Roast for 40-50 minutes, basting it with its own juices every 10 minutes to keep it juicy.

3. Cherry sauce:

Cook the cherries with the sugar, red wine, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and cinnamon stick. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Gravy:

Mix the pork juices with the chicken broth in a pan and cook over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker gravy, dissolve the flour in a little cold water and add it to the mixture. Cook until it thickens.

5. Serving:

Serve the pork slices over the gravy and top with some cherry sauce.

Fusilli Pasta Salad

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 150 g fusilli pasta

• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 3 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)

• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing (for 2 servings):

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

2. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the parsley, walnuts (if using), and Parmesan cheese.

3. In a small jar, combine all the dressing ingredients. Shake well until emulsified.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to combine. Serve as a side dish.

Christmas has passed, this menu is perfect for any celebration, whether you’re ringing in the New Year with a special dinner or celebrating any other occasion that calls for a good meal. The flavors and memories that come with this dinner are ideal for sharing with loved ones and creating moments that will stay in our memories.