Christmas tradition

I come from a family that is quite carefree when it comes to food; however, we still have Christmas traditions that are basic in every Venezuelan family: my mother made the hallacas and we helped her in the process, we prepared chicken salad, the breast was destined for that dish and the rest of the parts of the animal were for a soup on December 25 and New Year's Day.

My husband's family, on the other hand, has been dedicated to cooking all their lives, taking it very seriously. They are meticulous in making the dishes and take great care in every detail. From using the most spectacular chili peppers, to chopping the vegetables exactly the same, to selecting the best meats. This weekend, at Christmas dinner, the asado negro was one of the main dishes, made by my husband. My job is to collaborate in very meticulously chopping the seasonings and having everything at hand, apart from supporting him morally 🤭.

Years ago, his sister was in charge of it but she is currently in Chile. This divine dish called "asado" is basically prepared "salcochado".

First, it is seared by sautéing it. A separate caramel is made, and when it is ready, the seasonings such as paprika, onion and chili are added. Then the roast is added and boiled for hours with enough water to cover it completely; to give it a better consistency, the seasonings are passed through the blender when the water has diminished.

The roast is removed to be sliced and cooked again for a better absorption of the sauce.

Hallacas are a tradition that my husband and I have had for 4 years. He cooks divinely but was reluctant to make them because he said they were too complicated, until I convinced him and this year he has surpassed his own expectations. The hallacas have the best color, the best flavor of the dough, they are very juicy, with nothing missing, they are simply a spectacle.

And one of my ravings: the chicken salad.

Here is a sample of the dinner that was held in our home; where my husband's sister, her daughter, her partner, my eldest stepson, their children and of course my husband's youngest son, he and I were present.