Cultural Dissonance

Prepare for a moment of meanness.

I married into a family of Jell-O enthusiasts. My sister-in-law may never have seen, much less tasted, eggplant until I brought a pan of eggplant parmesan to a family gathering, but she (and all her descendants) know a good Jell-O mold when they see one.

This would not be an issue today had I not been tasked with providing a selection of salads for Christmas dinner. No one suggested anything specific, but I know, in my heart of hearts, that they are expecting a fruit filled salad that wiggles. I also know that I will get bonus points if Cool Whip is one of the ingredients.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love RT's family. They have been not just tolerant, but welcoming, of this odd big city Jewish American woman who was thrust into their lives. Heck, my noodle kugel has become a featured food at all the family baptisms.

This does not mean that I can throw caution to the wind and show up with a big bowl full of mocha gelatin cafe (which, frankly, makes me a bit nauseated when I read about it, even if it does contain coffee). This occasion requires something more "festive", something featuring the traditional colours of Christmas. And who knows, the lime Jell-O, that will no doubt be part of my creation, just might be the only green food eaten with any enthusiasm that day.

In any case, I better get dressed and head over to the grocery store. From what I gather, after spending a couple of hours looking at recipes, making a truly spectacular wiggling salad takes a fair amount of time. Days even, if one throws caution to the wind, and tackles a seven layered masterpiece.

posted by taming at 08:54 | link | comments (3)|
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Comments:

#1  23 December 2006 - 10:09

 

If Jello salads are the only things that wiggle and jiggle during this festive season, then you've done much better than I this year ; )

...wishing you days that are merry and bright...

InMyLife

#2  23 December 2006 - 16:27

 

well, in my opinion, there is just something completely utterly wrong about jello. especially lime jello with that terrifying not found in nature radioactive color. it's just not right. it's not food. it's decorative, perhaps, but it just doesn't look like it's meant to be eaten. wiggly giggly oogly googly. eeeeeeeek.

limine

#3  23 December 2006 - 19:37

 

You will get no argument from me--especially the lime.

taming

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