| THE REVIVAL OF REVEILLON |
| A Taste of Tradition: New Orleans Réveillon Some of my fondest memories of Christmas actually happened right after midnight on Christmas day, and it didn’t involve waiting up for Santa. First of all, I loved going to midnight mass. In fact, I’m going to midnight mass with my family this year. And yes, we will celebrate with family food afterward. But I digress… As a child, after midnight mass, family and I returned home, put out. cookies and eggnog for Santa, and it was lights out for me. I didn’t want to take the chance that Santa might skip over my house because i refused to go to sleep. No way, not happening!!! At about 1:30am, my older cousins would enter my room, telling me to wake up because Santa was on the roof, or somewhere in the near vicinity. Needless to say, I never made it outside quick enough to see him, but the evidence that he had been in my home was irrefutable. Most of the cookies were eaten. One was left with a bight mark, and the other he left for me. Santa was always so thoughtful. Then there were the gifts… My favorite was the Miss America set. But again, I digress. My cousins, aunts, uncles, grand mother and others were at my house at 1:30 in the morning to celebrate the birth of Christ, and food was at the center of it all. This celebration is known as Reveillon. The city of New Orleans is steeped in history, and one of its most cherished holiday traditions is Réveillon, a Creole celebration that brings families together for a feast. Rooted in French Catholic customs, Réveillon honors the spirit of renewal and the joy of the holiday season. The Origins of New Orleans Réveillon The word Réveillon, meaning “awakening” in French, reflects the late-night nature of this tradition. In the 19th century, Catholic families would attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, then return home to enjoy an elaborate feast. Over time, the custom evolved from a private family gathering to a celebration enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with restaurants across the city serving special Réveillon menus during the holidays. Modern-Day Réveillon Today, New Orleans restaurants create special menus inspired by Creole flavors and holiday cheer. These multi-course meals often feature classic dishes with a modern twist, blending tradition with innovation. You can create the warmth and flavors of New Orleans by hosting your own Reveillon celebration. It’s time for a revival! |
| The Menu |
| The Flavors of a Classic Reveillon Toast the evening with a classic cocktail like a Sazerac or a French 75. Whether you celebrate with a multi-course feast or a few dishes inspired by the Crescent City, Réveillon is all about sharing good food and creating cherished memories with loved ones. Bring the warmth and flavors of New Orleans to your table with these classic Réveillon recipes: Appetizer: Oyster Rockefeller Soup: Creole Turtle Soup (or Mock Turtle Soup) Main Course: Roast Duck with Blackberry Port Sauce Side Dish: Sweet Potato Pone Dessert: Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Let our menu suggestions be your guide. Please click the link below for the full recipes. Also let us know how you celebrate Reveillon at your home. We’d love to know about your traditions and your favorite recipes. |
| The Music Sets The Mood Embrace the Spirit of New Orleans Infuse your holiday gatherings with the soulful sounds of jazz to create a warm and festive atmosphere. Here are some recommendations to set the perfect mood: “Christmas with Jon Batiste” Jon Batiste, a celebrated New Orleans musician, has brought his unique style to holiday classics. Notable tracks include: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” featuring Danielle Brooks: A heartfelt rendition that blends soulful vocals with Batiste’s signature piano accompaniment. YOUTUBE “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” featuring Judith Hill: This lively interpretation adds a fresh, jazzy twist to the traditional carol. YOUTUBE These tracks are part of his album “Christmas with Jon Batiste,” available exclusively on Amazon Music. AMAZON Classic Jazz Christmas Albums: Enhance your playlist with these timeless jazz holiday albums. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Vince Guaraldi Trio: This iconic album features mellow piano-driven tracks like “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here,” capturing the essence of the holiday season. “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas” by Ella Fitzgerald: Ella’s joyful interpretations of classics such as “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman” bring a swinging vibe to any celebration. “Christmas Cookin'” by Jimmy Smith: Known for his mastery of the Hammond B3 organ, Smith delivers a soulful collection of holiday tunes, including a standout version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” “An Oscar Peterson Christmas” by Oscar Peterson: This album showcases Peterson’s virtuosic piano interpretations of holiday standards, offering a sophisticated backdrop for festive gatherings. “Jingle Bell Jazz” (Various Artists): A compilation featuring jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis, this album provides a diverse selection of holiday tracks with a classic jazz flair. Incorporating these selections into your holiday festivities will create a delightful ambiance that honors both the season and the rich tradition of jazz music. To get you started, here’s Jon Batiste’s rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”: |
| Tip of the Week Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining Hosting a holiday feast doesn’t have to mean spending the entire night in the kitchen. Follow these tips to enjoy your Réveillon celebration as much as your guests: Plan a Make-Ahead Menu: Choose recipes that can be prepped the day before, like soups, casseroles, and desserts. For instance, bread pudding can be assembled early and baked just before serving. Set the table in Advance: Arrange your table the night before, complete with linens, candles, and festive decor. Add a personal touch by including place cards or small gifts for guests. Welcome Guests with a Signature Cocktail: Prepare a big-batch drink like a French 75 punch or a pitcher of Sazerac. Greet guests with a glass as they arrive to set the tone for a festive evening. With a little preparation, you’ll spend less time rushing and more time celebrating! |
| LAGNIAPPE Did You Know That Reveillon Is Celebrated The World Over? Celebrate the Magic of Réveillon! As the year comes to an end, Réveillon traditions invite us to embrace renewal, gratitude, and celebration. Whether you’re planning a quiet dinner with loved ones or a festive night under the stars, here’s how to make your Réveillon unforgettable: What is Réveillon? Réveillon, derived from the French word “réveiller” (to wake up), is celebrated on New Year’s Eve in many parts of the world, especially in France, Brazil, and Portugal. It marks the transition into the new year with joy, reflection, and hope. Traditions Around the Globe Brazil: Crowds dressed in white gather on beaches like Copacabana to welcome the new year with fireworks, music, and offerings to the sea goddess, Yemanjá. France: A lavish feast—complete with oysters, foie gras, and champagne—is central to the celebration. Portugal: Eating 12 raisins at midnight, one for each month of the year, while making a wish, is a beloved tradition. How to Host Your Own Réveillon Celebration Theme & Decor: Opt for white and gold to symbolize peace and prosperity. Add candles for an elegant touch. Menu: Prepare a feast featuring dishes like roasted meats, seafood, and festive desserts. Don’t forget sparkling wine or champagne! Activities: Incorporate midnight rituals such as making resolutions, popping balloons with wishes, or enjoying a countdown toast. What to Wear White is a classic choice for Réveillon, symbolizing peace and renewal. Add a pop of color with accessories: Yellow: Prosperity Red: Love Green: Health Top Destinations for Réveillon Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Experience the world-famous fireworks show at Copacabana Beach. Lisbon, Portugal: Dance the night away in lively squares filled with music and festivities. Paris, France: Celebrate with sparkling lights, gourmet dining, and champagne on the Champs-Élysées. |
| TIS THE SEASONINGS! Get Your Holiday Gift Sets We have new recipes and a twist on the gift sets. We can customize your gift sets by substituting the gift box with baking dishes, large measuring cups, mixing bowls, or even pots. Reach out to us to discuss the possibilities. kara@cookshopnola.com or 504-208-5564 |
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