December, 2003

When Aunt Martha dumps a second helping of spinach and watercress on your plate while you're still eyeing the candied yams, remember to say thank you, because you'll be able to see the Christmas tree for a long time to come.

Likewise, when your dad deep-fries everything, you can indulge a bit even if your mom glares at him. But you might suggest this year that everyone loves his Waldorf salad.

Eating at family potlucks can be an exercise in diplomacy that rivals the Israeli-Palestinian talks. Every family member has a "tradition must have" dish, an "everyone loves it" dish, a "what is that, it's not half bad" dish, and a "don't even go there but I'll eat it to be polite" dish. We all tend to eat more of one thing while saying, "No thanks, I'm full" to the other. Then there are the people who eat everything so as not to offend and end up with an upset stomach for three days.

So how do you avoid the upset stomach and hurt feelings? "Graze." Take bites of everything, especially vegetable dishes and raw foods. Even if you think vinegar on Aunt Martha's spinach sounds horrible, give it a try. Vinegar adds zest and flavor without calories.

What if Grandma's chicken has no flavor? Keep a vinaigrette or seasoning rub at hand and please your palate...just don't let Grandma see you doing it. It might be better to wait until after she eats the spinach. Be creative with Christmas family fare and avoid the same old family food fights.

Who knows, you all might have a merrier and healthier Christmas this year.