Holiday Traditions Provide Comfort
December 20, 2010
Serving Herring Brings Nostalgia to Many Families – even in a cocktail!
Now is that exciting time of year when many people begin
unpacking boxes filled with lights, special ornaments and various seasonal items in preparation for
another memorable holiday season celebrating old and new traditions. Traditions are a way for people to
gather with family, return to what is comfortable and enjoy happy experiences. Especially in this economy, making memories and continuing with tradition can help to ease the strain of challenging times. For many, home-cooked recipes, favorite drinks and special food combinations commonly conjure up fond memories.
Herring is one such popular item traditionally served during the holidays. For families in many Northern
European countries, especially Germany, Scandinavia and Poland, herring was an abundant and affordable food with high nutritional value. When later generations began immigrating to the United States, many settled in the Midwest where herring was less available. Herring then became more of a treat served only for special occasions. The food brought back nostalgic memories of the past, and with time, these cultures began to believe that eating herring on Christmas Eve or at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s would bring good luck in the year to come.
“During the holidays, it is important to carry on traditions that remain close to your heart. Memories are
something that no one can take away from you,” says Kim Wall, president of Baensch Food Products, the
company that produces the Wisconsin favorite, Ma Baensch herring. “Herring is a part of this nostalgia for many families. For them, it’s home, hearth and herring!”
Herring’s nutritional value is also important to many families today. Herring is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered key in the battle against heart disease. So this holiday season, make sure heart-andbrain-healthy herring finds a place at the dinner table.
Toast to your favorite holiday tradition with some of Kim Wall’s favorite holiday libations.
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Baensch Press
1 shot of your favorite vodka, chilled
1 piece of Ma Baensch Herring Marinated in Wine Sauce
Pour vodka into a large shot glass, garnish with a piece of Ma Baensch Herring.
Add your favorite toast and “slug her down.” You’ll have good luck the whole year through!
Ma’s Martini
1 ½ oz of your favorite gin
Splash of wine sauce from Ma Baensch Herring
1 piece of Ma Baensch Herring Marinated in Wine Sauce
Chill cocktail glass to the point of frost. Fill martini shaker with cracked (not crushed) ice. Pour in gin.
Garnish with a piece of Ma Baensch herring. A lucky cocktail for your holiday guests.
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Ma Baensch Bloody Mary
2 parts vodka
4 parts clamato juice
1 heaping t horseradish
½ t Worcestershire sauce
½ t + hot sauce
1 t fresh lime juice
1 t wine sauce from Ma Baensch Herring
¼ t celery salt
Dash fresh ground black pepper
1 wedge fresh lime
2 green olives
1 piece of Ma Baensch Herring Marinated in Wine Sauce
1 toothpick
Mix all ingredients and pour into a glass filled with ice. You may wish to rub lime juice on the outer edge of a tall glass and then roll the rim in celery salt. Garnish with a wedge of fresh lime and a toothpick with a piece of Ma Baensch herring sandwiched between two green olives. Perfect for a New Year’s Day brunch. Enjoy!
