Food
The cookbook author and certified cool aunt has the best idea for a low-fuss seasonal fete.
One way to describeCarla Lalli Musicis to point to her cool aunt energy.
She was a tiny infant and definitely was not eating at this dinner, Music says, laughing.
It was an offer her sister couldnt refuse.
Bringing people together through food is a fundamental part of Musics ideology.
Here, Music breaks down the key ingredients to a perfect holiday party.
If anything was possible no budget, no limits what would your ideal holiday party look like?
I actually have a favorite party.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Party.
Its basically a party for when the days are really short to celebrate being together.
We pick a day between the two major holidays when people arent totally maxed out on Christmas parties.
Ive come really close to my ideal with that party.
I would add an actual staffed bartender, rental glasses, and a cleanup crew.
But thats just for the host.
As far as the food goes, Id expand everything Ive done in the past.
There would be someone slicing serrano ham to order.
I would have beautiful clementines and tangerines with the leaves still on all over the place.
And maybe somebody else takinggougeresout of the oven all night long.
You said no budget.
It really depends on how many people are coming.
If Im doing that, its definitely family style.
If its a big party, then for sure finger food.
I do want people to feel relaxed.
So, as soon as people are eating with their hands, that drops really quickly.
And what about drinks?
Do you have a go-to cocktail that you like to make around the holidays?
Theres one thats inThat Sounds So Goodcalled the Cynar Spritz.
I useCynar, an amaro, for it, but its a very standard spritz.
Two parts of amaro, one part red vermouth, and then I either put prosecco or bubbly water.
It looks pretty, its kind of amber-colored, and its bubbly, but its not too alcoholic.
Then, the meal is slowly cooking on low heat and you dont really have to fuss with it.
As it cooks, it bastes the black-eyed peas with all of the cooking juices.
And the beans are cooked through at the same time it takes to slow-roast the pork.
Thats verytraditionalfor New Years Day.
I would do aSunday raguif its going to be a smaller group for the holidays.
Thats a really nice, family-style dinner.
Whats that tradition for you?
Because if you want to change something about our menu, that has to be voted on unanimously.
So thattext thread, for me, means, OK, were in it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
