| Just here for the food! No Images? Click here   Dear Serious Eaters, I'm not the most enthusiastic person when it comes to the holidays. I think I might have a mild allergy to the season, one that my Allegra-D can't fix. I don't get swept up in winter's traditions, not the ring-ding-a-ling Christmas carols, nor the bows of holly and mistletoe; not the dreidels or Hanukkah gelt, and most certainly not the candles burning everywhere—the last time I went to a Christmas party, a flickering flame set on a windowsill as decoration lit my sports coat on fire. One of my fondest Christmas memories is from about 20 years ago, when my father and I jointly decided to cancel our annual tree and just string up some lights on one of his houseplants. The Christmas ficus was charmingly ridiculous, and it didn't leave a mess of pine needles all over the floor. But for all my lack of sentimentality around the holidays, I sure do love the food. I may be tempted to subvert most other traditions this time of year, but the feasts that my family gathered for is one thing I intend to continue faithfully for the rest of my life. I may be something of a Scrooge, but I'm still human, dammit. Happy Holidays from SE's resident Grumpus,  The Recipes That Make the Season Tolerable  Latkes are a Jewish thing, but it was my dad—the non-Jewish side of the family—that made them every year on Christmas Eve. I'm not really clear on whether that tradition was a nod to his Swedish roots, or whether he just made it up because latkes are awesome, but man did I look forward to that spread every year.  While Christmas Eve was a feast of fishes and potato pancakes at my house, Christmas dinner was always a roast. Duck made many appearances over the years and this recipe, which I just published, is absolutely perfect for the winter months, with a citrusy sauce that's absolutely perfect for the season.  The wind whips, snow and ice frost the window panes, and inside we huddle under blankets to stay warm as a fire crackles in the hearth. As unforgiving as winter is, it sure can be cozy. A cup of spiced mulled cider is the perfect way to maximize that sense of toasty comfort. My Must-Have Gift Pick  A big part of the holidays is relaxing, and you can't relax if you're constantly going into the kitchen to check on the roast in your oven. This leave-in probe thermometer from ThermoWorks is the solution. With two probe ports, you can track the internal temperature of your roast in two different places, while a portable handheld receiver can hang out with you on the couch. 
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