Christmas Eve in Grandma’s basement in Brooklyn, as I remember it:
I was given a shot of blackberry brandy to warm up when I got inside, and then some roasted chestnuts (which were disgusting.) And there were cheese balls from the blue Planters container. There were always cheese balls at her house.
Dinner was a fish fiesta. Scungilli/calamari/other yucky fish. At the kid’s table we waited for Aunt Marie to bring us the big raviolis (Silver Star brand, best brand. I can picture the box with the wax paper inside.)
When dinner was over, the women cleaned the table. Grandma was in charge of washing, and me, my mom, my aunts and cousins dried.
After that the adults played cards. They all smoked but I forget which brand.
We fell asleep in the car on the way home.
Grandma will be 99 at the end of December:)
That made me smile, thanks!
For us it was always manicotti...trays and trays....and meatballs....best memories ever.....afterwards it was cannoli and provolone with bread and wine....us kids had ginger ale...god i miss them dearly