How I Holiday: James Park
In this series, we ask some of our favorite people to tell us about traditions old, new, and adapted to fit their unique approach to the holiday season.
Photo: Lanna Apisukh
In this edition, we speak to James Park, food creator, recipe developer and the voice behind Cooking My Feelings, a platform that celebrates feelings and flavors by cooking and eating delicious foods.
Q:
What's your most special holiday memory or tradition?
A:
My special holiday memory is enjoying grilled cheese and tomato soup on Christmas Eve. When I first moved into my American family's house on Christmas Eve, they shared their holiday tradition, which was making grilled cheese and tomato soup, and it soon became mine as I became a part of their family!
Q:
How do you adapt traditions you grew up with, when you're far from home?
A:
As a Korean immigrant, I moved around many different places, so it's challenging to have a sense of home. But, I try my best to create my own by combining all the lovely traditions I've encountered throughout my life. So, whether that's making the same dish that I grew up with or sharing it with my friends in my new home in New York, I always try to find ways to honor those traditions.
Q:
What are you excited to cook and serve up this season?
A:
This season will be a bit different, but since I am finishing up a cookbook about chili crisp, I'm excited to blend my chili crisp with some holiday dishes. Like grilled cheese with chili crisp? Or Thanksgiving casseroles with chili crisp? I'm excited for them!
Q:
What's one detail that means a lot to you at this time of year?
A:
Family and community are everything to me at this time of the year. I cherish so many memories and times that I share with them. Since I live far away from my family, I always think about how thankful I am to have a loving, supportive family, especially during the holiday season.
Q:
What's your favorite quiet moment of the season?
A:
My favorite quiet moment of the season is when I sip the hot, freshly brewed coffee while feeling the slightly chilly, crisp wind in the morning with the tranquil sounds of birds chirping on my balcony. I look forward to that moment every morning!
Q:
My top holiday home cooking tip:
A:
As queen Ina says, STORE-BOUGHT IS FINE! Use store-bought ingredients to cut down your cooking time and process. You can jazz up some store-bought ingredients with a few tips, like presenting them on your favorite plate or adding your go-to sauces.
