Sweet Traditions: Leonia High School’s Holiday Treats Spark Flavorful Conversations
This year, Leonia High School’s holiday treat discussions have sparked a variety of opinions from both students and teachers, with many reflecting on their favorite traditions and baking experiences. The conversations highlight a mix of personal preferences for holiday treats, as well as insights into family traditions, quick dessert tips, and creative baking ideas for the season.
Some teachers have different recipes and opinions when it comes to the holidays and the types of treats that can be made.
Art teacher Ms. Pincus shared her favorite holiday treats and traditions.”My mom is a huge baker, so there’s always a variety of cookies ready for the holidays,” she explained. “We also enjoy sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top, and they’re great. You can even roast them whole with cinnamon and honey, and they taste very dessert-like.” She values using whole ingredients and making treats from scratch, saying, “I tend to savor those treats more because they take so much time and effort.”
In contrast, English Teacher Ms. Millar prefers quicker options for the holiday season. “For Christmas appetizers, I love making crab cakes because they’re easy to prepare and always a hit,” she explained. “For a quick holiday dessert, I recommend using pre-cut Pillsbury chocolate chip cookie dough or making lemon cookies by mixing lemon cake mix with Cool Whip, then baking” and if you wanted to make your treats a bit healthier she suggests, “using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in certain recipes to make them a little healthier without sacrificing flavor,” she advised. Though their approaches differ, both teachers share a love for delicious holiday treats, but with varying levels of effort involved.
While reflecting on memorable holiday experiences, both teachers shared unique stories. Ms. Pincus recalled, “One of my favorite holiday memories was when we accidentally cooked the turkey upside down. Carving it was a challenge—it looked like a mutant bird, and it was terrifying until we realized what had happened.”
Ms. Millar, on the other hand, fondly remembered, “I used to make cinnamon roll desserts with my grandma when she was alive. That’s a memory I cherish every holiday season.” Despite the different traditions, both teachers cherish these special moments with family and loved ones during the holiday season.
Finally, when asked about simple holiday treats, both Ms. Pincus and Ms. Millar noted how their families and traditions have evolved over time. Ms. Pincus mentioned that her family has become more “Americanized” saying, “While we don’t have specific cultural treats anymore, I really love pie, so we always try to have a couple of those for dessert after the main course.”
Similarly, Ms. Millar shared that her family doesn’t have any particular cultural treats, saying, “No, there aren’t any specific treats that are especially popular in my family, but we certainly enjoy making those quick and easy holiday desserts every year.” Despite their different backgrounds, both teachers appreciate the joy of simple, delicious treats that bring families together.
Student opinions on holiday treats also vary, reflecting different preferences for both making and eating festive foods.
Senior Lucas Rosario enjoys cheesecake with strawberry jam on top as his favorite holiday treat. He also prefers baking, saying, “I bake holiday treats every year at home.” For a simple treat, Lucas suggests making a mug cake: “Just crush Oreos, add a good amount of milk, mix it together, and microwave it for one minute.” Lucas enjoys making holiday treats with both family and friends, and he particularly likes decorating gingerbread houses, calling them, “The most fun holiday treat to decorate.”
Junior Eunice Kim shared, “I really enjoy eating a variety of cookies during the holidays, and I also look forward to having Chipotle every season.” She prefers baking over no-bake treats, saying, “I love baking treats with others during the holiday season because it’s a fun way to spend time together.” When asked about a simple holiday treat, Eunice recommends making box brownies, adding, “You just have to follow the instructions.” Although she enjoys baking, Eunice admitted that she doesn’t make holiday treats often, explaining, “I don’t feel very talented in baking or cooking.” For decorating, she thinks, “Sugar cookies are the most fun to personalize and decorate.”
Senior Tiara Quiles favors a brownie topped with whipped cream and a cherry as her favorite holiday treat. She enjoys baking, especially during family gatherings. “Baking is something we always do at family parties,” she explains. For a simple treat, Tiara suggests Nutella-stuffed pancakes. Like Lucas, Tiara enjoys making treats with both family and friends, finding it “a cute activity.” She also thinks decorating gingerbread houses is the most fun.
Leonia High School’s holiday treat talks have revealed a range of traditions and opinions from both students and faculty. While some teachers take joy in creating thoughtful, handcrafted goodies, others like easier yet still tasty options. Additionally, the students enjoy creating and decorating seasonal sweets. Whether it’s decorating gingerbread houses, making a simple mug cake, or enjoying some pie, the holidays bring people together to share sweets and make lasting memories. These discussions demonstrate how even the most basic holiday traditions contribute to the season;s memorability.
