The holidays seem to carry many traditions and sometimes we like to start new ones.  I always like to reflect on how different my favorite traditional holiday dishes are since my mom is Italian and my dad is British.

For New Year’s, I love to enjoy Beef Wellington.  Christmas was always about my mom’s family, lots and lots of Italian food.  So for New Year’s, my British Grandfather Hanford would always make Beef Wellington.  This was always a visit I enjoyed taking, watching him season the beef and preparing the pastry. I remember his techniques and use them often while I prepare many of my specialty dishes.

Growing up with two distinct cultures with very different traditions has made me appreciate other cultures and their traditions.  What are your favorite holiday traditional dishes?  How are you going to bring in the New Year 2012?  I am very excited to share more food ideas, traditions, flavors and to hear back from everyone on what you crave for…..

Happy New Year! Chef George