“We Always Do It!”

Have you ever done something with no intention of it becoming

a family tradition, but it did?

You know … kids say, “You have to do _____, we always do it!”

In reality, last year was the first.

Then, you feel bound to do the “new tradition” that made an indelible impression on your cherished cherubs. Who wants to ruin a fond memory or instant tradition? I recall it happening; at the beach, Christmas, birthday celebrations, etc.

There’s an Easter tradition in our family: I wonder how it started.

It is now, at least, five generations strong. I never remember talking to my grandmother about it, but wish I had. In my rendition, the tradition started with her,  but I now wonder, if it started before her. Like an old family recipe. Or, did she do it one year and then it blossomed into a tradition at the request of her family, friends and community?

My grandparents were rural Pennsylvania farmers, third-generation immigrants from Germany, Lutheran. All those details blend into one ethnic description; Pennsylvania Dutch. Think close relative of Amish and Mennonite in the food category! They thrive on lick-your-lips, carb-saturated, nothing-like-it, heavy-on-the-hips deliciousness. It’s an eating paradox: how can good, be so bad. I grew up in this food quandary.

They make food for EVERY occasion. They celebrate life with food, even daily life. Many times, food was prepared for community efforts/functions, usually, revolving around the church. So, maybe this recipe started as a contribution to some food centered function. Maybe, like my household, everyone takes notice when food is being prepared. Even if meant for someone else, an earnest sales pitch ensues to “keep some back”.

Pennsylvania Dutch Lesson

They use many phrases that people, who don’t live in that region, don’t understand. PA Dutch is a dialect from German. Words translated into English, end up sounding funky. Since my Grands spoke both PA Dutch and English, lots of phrases and words seemed odd: misplaced verbs, emphasis on different syllables/words, etc.

We grew up knowing what they meant, I perfectly understood them. They were normal vernacular. These words and phrases began to draw attention, when at seven, we moved to the Washington DC suburbs. We talked different, others noticed and I adapted. Even though, at home, our “roots showed”.

“Keep Some Back” means save some. I heard this phrase all the time. My husband laughs and teases about it. To him, it means nothing. You should have seen his face the first time he heard it! (Confused, “how do I respond to that” expression) When my grandmother or mother didn’t serve all the food they cooked, but, left some on the stove…. They said, “I kept some back” or “there’s more back”.

So, when making food to leave the house and someone said,

“keep some back”, it meant “leave some at home for us!”

Perhaps, this Easter tradition wasn’t intended to become a family tradition. Or maybe, my grandmother’s mother made them for her and my great aunts and uncle. They have told me my father’s mother made them at Easter. She gave my mother the recipe: Mom continued making them at Easter for us. I truly don’t know the whole story of this tradition… but, it is one.

Drumroll Please…..

The family tradition now reaching its fifth generation, to my knowledge….

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Eggs.

They are a labor of love and better than Reece’s! Promise! I can gather many witnesses!

Even now, with our health conscious diets, Peanut Butter Eggs are anticipated (in smaller numbers). They speak Easter to us. As well as, deliciousness, delectable indulgence, resurrection-hand-raises and audible expressions of taste-bud heaven.

God’s Word is full of celebrations and feasts to commemorate Holy times and remember God. Food marked the celebrations: like the Passover meal.

Eggs are a sign of new life; celebrating Spring and Easter. 

Chocolate covered peanut butter eggs in our family mean Easter.

I’m not sure if this tradition was intended, but I am carrying it on. They are certainly memorable to family, friends, neighbors and Easter guests. I have heard squeals of delight, expressive sentiments, and even seen them held to chests as priceless treasures. They’ve been toted and sent as far as California and many states in between. I package them for my children, “in-loves”, and grands in separate containers marked with individual names. Let’s just say … it makes for a happier home life 😉 #sharingishard

What are your Easter food traditions? Maybe, unintended.

Share with us in the comments below.

Recipe Here.

CPB Egg production will soon commence,

Feel free to share with a friend(s).

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