Holiday Traditions in the Kitchen
Make Memories in the Kitchen
For Chef Becky, the holidays have always been about more than the menu. They’re about connection, gathering around the kitchen, sharing stories through the generations, and creating traditions rooted in love, nourishment, and whole-food cooking.
Growing up, and later as she raised her daughter Oona, Becky learned firsthand that the kitchen is where some of life’s most meaningful memories are made. It’s where she honors her Blackfoot Cherokee heritage by cooking with intention, using earthly herbs and spices, and celebrating food as medicine. And now, through Bex Kitchen and her community events, she continues to inspire others to embrace that same mindful, healthy approach at home.
The Kitchen Is the Heart of Holiday Traditions
Holidays often revolve around food, but for Becky, it’s the making of the food that matters most. When loved ones gather in the kitchen—chopping, stirring, tasting, laughing, something special happens. Walls come down. Conversations deepen. And the lessons learned become lifelong: how to care for oneself, how to cook with confidence, and how to appreciate the beauty of nourishing ingredients.
Healthy Habits Passed from One Generation to the Next
Becky believes that teaching children and adults to cook with real, whole ingredients is one of the most powerful gifts you can give. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a life skill.
Showing someone how to brine shrimp, roast garlic, or simply mise en place their ingredients builds confidence, independence, and care. These are the same skills Becky has passed on to her daughter and encourages families to practice, especially during the holidays when the kitchen naturally becomes a gathering place.
Food as Love, Memory, and Meaning
There is deep joy in sharing a dish that’s made with intention. Whether it’s an old family recipe or a new creation inspired by seasonal ingredients, these foods become a thread in the tapestry of your holiday memories.
That first bite of a warm dessert, the aroma of herbs roasting in the oven, the shared triumph of a perfectly cooked dish—these are the moments that stay with us.
**A Simple, Nourishing Recipe from Chef Becky:
Warm Roasted Winter Vegetables with Herbs & Citrus
This recipe embodies Becky’s philosophy—seasonal, vibrant, deeply nourishing, and perfect for bringing everyone into the kitchen.
Ingredients
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2 cups cubed butternut squash
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2 cups carrots, sliced on the bias
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2 cups parsnips, peeled and chopped
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1 red onion, cut into wedges
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon maple syrup
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Zest of 1 orange
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
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Sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste
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Optional: a handful of pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, maple syrup, herbs, and orange zest.
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Season generously with sea salt and cracked pepper.
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Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Roast for 30–40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the vegetables are caramelized and tender.
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Finish with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for brightness and color.
It’s a dish that glows with seasonal flavor—and it’s simple enough for kids or guests to help prepare, making it the perfect centerpiece for shared kitchen moments.
Make This Holiday One to Remember
Chef Becky knows that the kitchen is where you can slow down, nourish the people you love, and celebrate the season with intention. This year, let your holiday traditions grow from the heart of your home:
Cook together.
Learn together.
Make memories together.
Because the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped—they’re shared over a warm stove, a lively cutting board, and a table full of love.
