Christmas, 2019, back when we could gather with more than one household for the holidays. 23 from the Wilbo clan gathered together to celebrate. A Spanish serrano ham was ordered, complete with ham stand and knife. We dreamed of a glut of prosciutto style meat, to no avail. Here is the link to the caper of the disastrous deli meat.
Advance two long pandemic laden years. This Christmas there were four of us, in accordance with covid guidelines, triple vaccinated Mari and KC joined us to celebrate. Son, Bryant and partner Sammy had just returned to their home in Bali. On the 20th, there they appeared on facetime, requesting we open their gift early. I protested, preferring surprises under the tree for Christmas morning. He insisted we unveil their gift while they were present.
What a surprise to find a 17lb serrano ham for the four of us. M had tried to dissuade him from buying it, reminding him that the previous time we had 23 people in attendance. His answer? "Not my problem." and it hasn't been. We've had salty dried meat goodness right off the bone and on pizza, sauteed with veggies, on grilled cheese sandwiches, chopped and scattered on broiled potatoes. Mari has kept a ham diary and daily photos. Since the 20th, we've only had one hamless day. Who’d have thought a piece of meat could make our low key Christmas special.
Although far from typical, here’s hoping your Christmastime and holidays were merry, calm and bright.
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