We can find comfort in many things and many places. An overstuffed chair, a cup of tea, and a book to get lost in is a very comfortable place to be as the biting winds blow outside. Family, however, can provide an emotional comfort which is deeper still. Families of all shapes and sizes have within them a bond that keeps us tethered to one another, grounded, and loved. As the holidays approach, we’ll gather once again with the loved ones in our lives, coming together to share a meal, reconnect and rekindle the love and comfort we feel for one another.

In this winter issue, we have memories from different perspectives to share with you. Recollections of generations past and present from some of our talented contributors. Michele Cross, a newer voice to our pages, reminisces about grandparents of all walks of life, including her own, and how they shared their love through the meals they prepared for us. She writes about the importance of passing down those recipes to subsequent generations, and how they can reawaken memories as the dishes are prepared anew in “The Grandest of Memories”.

Breakfast is widely considered the most important meal of the day. Jeff Avery is back with why it’s his favorite meal as well. In his piece, “Breaking the Fast”, he talks about the many ways he enjoys preparing breakfasts: For a ship full of scientists aboard a research vessel traversing the world, or preparing a full breakfast including the rainbow trout he had just caught for family and friends by an early morning campfire.

A close group of friends are the family you get to choose, and Bill O’Neill’s tight-knit crew happens to feature some talented home chefs. In “The Perfect Ingredients for Dinner Club”, he talks about the efforts they make to entertain one another while re-enforcing their connection and love. It’s an inspiration for the rest of us to go beyond the typical “we should get together soon” too many of us settle for when it comes to our family of friends.

Another comfortable way to enjoy food, family, and friends is to tuck into an expertly crafted meal together at a warm and welcoming establishment such as Bleu at Mashpee Commons. Owner and executive chef Frederic Feufeu has been crafting exceptional French cuisine there for over twenty years. Vanessa Stewart spoke with him to learn about his interesting culinary journey. She also sat down to a sumptuous feast that was beautifully photographed by Todd Marcus, and chronicled in “La Vie en Bleu”.

A new voice to our pages, Richard Catania, lends his expertise in the world of wine to a type of beverage sure to be chilling at gatherings this holiday season: Champagnes and sparkling wines. Catania discusses the history and the differences between styles and labels in “Bubbly for the Holidays”.

A pot of homemade soup or stock bubbling and simmering away on the stovetop can transform the kitchen (and the house) into a warm and cozy place. John Carafoli returns with wonderful (and simple) recipes to stave off winter’s chill, and perhaps a pesky cold, in “Cooking with Carafoli: Warming Recipes for Winter”.

Ah, winter on Cape Cod… the gardens are put to bed, seasonal businesses are buttoned up until next year, and perhaps our “to-do” lists curtail a bit. It’s the perfect time to re-engage with those you love. It’ll warm the heart on a cold winter’s day.

Until the buds bloom again,

Larry

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