EPISODE · Dec 11, 2025 · 30 MIN
Empty Nest Nostalgia: The Holiday Foods We Still Crave - E115
from The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living · host Rick and Clancy Denton | Empty Nester Life
Holiday food has a way of anchoring a season. We make certain things every year without even thinking about it… and the kids now expect them just as much as we do. In this episode we talk through the foods we grew up with, the ones that stuck, and the ones we only remember when someone says “remember when…?”Quick note… The Loud Quiet book is almost ready. If you want early updates and preorder info, here’s the list: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/Candy canes, Texas trash, haystacks, spiced tea… all the things our parents made without any ceremony. At one point we realize our kids have their own list now too… the pickle platter, the dips, the reindeer mix.We also talk through the foods we haven’t made in years. Chicken spaghetti, tetrazzini, pistachio salad, all the old casseroles that faded out once the house emptied. Lasagna comes up. So do meatballs.It’s a simple conversation about how certain foods end up tied to people and seasons whether we planned it or not.CHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:20 Holiday foods we grew up with4:45 The smells and small traditions that defined the season7:10 The treats our parents made every year12:25 Christmas Eve Mexican food13:50 The foods our kids now count on15:20 How reindeer mix became a tradition18:00 The dishes that have to be on the holiday table20:55 The nostalgic meals we rarely make anymore28:45 Why certain foods stay connected to certain people29:30 Wrap up👋 Share your holiday food memories or join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes, listening platforms, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comWant to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
What this episode covers
Holiday food has a way of anchoring a season. We make certain things every year without even thinking about it… and the kids now expect them just as much as we do. In this episode we talk through the foods we grew up with, the ones that stuck, and the ones we only remember when someone says “remember when…?”Quick note… The Loud Quiet book is almost ready. If you want early updates and preorder info, here’s the list: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/Candy canes, Texas trash, haystacks, spiced tea… all the things our parents made without any ceremony. At one point we realize our kids have their own list now too… the pickle platter, the dips, the reindeer mix.We also talk through the foods we haven’t made in years. Chicken spaghetti, tetrazzini, pistachio salad, all the old casseroles that faded out once the house emptied. Lasagna comes up. So do meatballs.It’s a simple conversation about how certain foods end up tied to people and seasons whether we planned it or not.CHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:20 Holiday foods we grew up with4:45 The smells and small traditions that defined the season7:10 The treats our parents made every year12:25 Christmas Eve Mexican food13:50 The foods our kids now count on15:20 How reindeer mix became a tradition18:00 The dishes that have to be on the holiday table20:55 The nostalgic meals we rarely make anymore28:45 Why certain foods stay connected to certain people29:30 Wrap up👋 Share your holiday food memories or join the conversation in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want more like this? Get new episodes and extras in your inbox: https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup🎧 Find all episodes, listening platforms, and YouTube links here: https://www.theloudquiet.comWant to be a guest on The Loud Quiet – Empty Nest Living?Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
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Empty Nest Nostalgia: The Holiday Foods We Still Crave - E115
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