By Sarah Zubiate
Founder and Farmer at ZUBI’S
In a world that constantly shifts and challenges our routines, the holiday season stands as a beacon of comfort and continuity. As the founder and farmer at ZUBI’S, my life is often a whirlwind of responsibilities, from managing the farm and business operations to nurturing my family. Yet, even amidst unprecedented times, such as the period we’ve collectively navigated through COVID, certain traditions become more cherished than ever. This sentiment deeply resonates with me, especially when it comes to the holiday season. The magic of festive decorations, the aroma of time-honored family meals, and the invaluable moments spent with loved ones celebrating the true essence of the season—these are the pillars that uphold our spirits.
This past December, like many, felt extraordinarily busy. Juggling the demands of family life, the intricacies of running a business, and the continuous flow of school commitments created a hectic pace. However, my dedicated assistant and I consciously carved out time to immerse ourselves in the festive spirit, finding immense joy and a much-needed sense of ‘relief’ in decorating both our Dallas home and our serene East Texas Ranch Home. In previous years, I often relied on a team of wonderful holiday design professionals to transform our spaces. But this year, driven by a desire to minimize unnecessary interactions and prioritize safety, we embraced the challenge of decking the halls ourselves. It was a refreshing change, allowing for a more personal touch in every detail, even if it meant a little extra effort during an already demanding time of year.
Embracing the Art of Holiday Decorating with a Personal Touch
Over the years, our collection of Christmas decorations has grown into a treasure trove of memories and beloved staples. Each piece tells a story, from our magnificent Santa sleigh, complete with its reindeer, to a charming statue that uncannily resembles our beloved pup, Scraps. And, of course, the various nativity sets, each holding spiritual significance, are always given pride of place. While these family heirlooms form the heart of our holiday decor, I also revel in the annual tradition of seeking out new additions that perfectly complement each year’s unique theme and evolving aesthetic.
This year, rather than navigating the bustling Dallas Design Market Center, my assistant and I embarked on a different kind of adventure: a visit to Canton’s First Monday. This renowned Texas institution proved to be an absolute goldmine for unique and fabulous decorations that perfectly augmented the cherished staples filling our homes. The experience was invigorating, discovering handcrafted ornaments, vintage finds, and rustic charms that brought a fresh, yet timeless, feel to our holiday theme. We found particularly incredible items at vendors like Cabella a Casa and Rose of Sharon, whose selections truly stood out. Though First Monday has passed for this season, I wholeheartedly recommend marking your calendars to experience its magic for next year’s holiday shopping—it’s an adventure for anyone looking for truly distinctive holiday decor.
The Grand Challenge and Joy of Trimming Trees at Two Homes
Now, let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite Christmas traditions: the tree! Both our Dallas and East Texas homes boast living areas with wonderfully high ceilings, providing the perfect canvas for truly magnificent Christmas trees. Consequently, each year, our quest involves finding an exceptionally tall and breathtakingly beautiful tree that can command these grand spaces. The anticipation of selecting the perfect evergreen is always a highlight, an intrinsic part of the holiday countdown.
This year, as I mentioned, the decorating was a hands-on endeavor, and the sight of an 18-foot tree awaiting its festive transformation was, initially, a rather stressful and daunting prospect. The sheer scale of it, the intricate process of stringing lights evenly, and placing ornaments on the highest branches required patience, teamwork, and a fair amount of creative problem-solving. However, what could have been a tedious task quickly transformed into a cherished memory. With the joyous strains of Christmas music filling the air, a comforting glass of red wine in hand, and delicious food providing much-needed fuel, we successfully conquered the towering tree. It became less of a chore and more of a festive event, filled with laughter, shared stories, and the quiet satisfaction of creating something beautiful together. The journey of decorating these two grand trees, each imbued with its own character and style reflecting the unique essence of each home, was truly rewarding. I am incredibly pleased with how beautifully everything turned out, and deeply thankful that these enduring traditions, no matter the circumstances, remain intact, enriching our lives and bringing unparalleled joy.
The Enduring Power of Food Traditions: ZUBI’S at the Heart of the Holidays
Speaking of traditions, those who follow my columns know that I am profoundly fueled and driven by the incredible power of food. Food, for me, is more than mere sustenance; it’s a language of love, a vessel for memory, and a cornerstone of cultural identity. And, naturally, during the holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a vibrant hub where I delight in whipping up traditional family meals that have been passed down through generations. These culinary rituals are as integral to our celebrations as the shimmering lights on the tree or the meticulously placed ornaments.
Growing up in the spirited West Texas town of El Paso, certain dishes were absolute non-negotiables in our family’s Christmas setup. Among them, black beans and rich, creamy queso always held a place of honor. These humble yet hearty staples were more than just food; they were symbols of gathering, warmth, and the unique flavors of our heritage. Over the years, as ZUBI’S has grown and evolved, I’ve had the immense pleasure of taking these beloved family traditions and thoughtfully adapting them to incorporate our own ZUBI’S plant-based products. This fusion allows us to honor our roots while also embracing a more modern, health-conscious approach to our festive feasting, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or authenticity.
The beauty of integrating ZUBI’S into these cherished recipes lies in its simplicity and undeniable deliciousness. Our plant-based queso, crafted with wholesome ingredients, provides that familiar creamy indulgence without the dairy, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. One of my favorite adaptations involves lightly frying some black beans, spreading them generously onto a piece of crispy toast (or enjoying them on their own if you’re mindful of carbohydrates!), and then topping it with a luscious drizzle of ZUBI’S plant-based queso. To truly elevate the experience, I always recommend pairing this cozy delight with a lovely red wine. The combination is pure comfort—a guilt-free recipe that delivers on taste, tradition, and a wonderful sense of well-being. This simple dish embodies everything I strive for at ZUBI’S: bringing people together through wholesome, flavorful food that celebrates heritage while looking towards the future of plant-based eating. It’s a testament to how traditional flavors can be beautifully reinterpreted for today’s palate.
While this past year has certainly been anything but “traditional” in many aspects of life, the resilience of our holiday traditions and the innovative ways we adapt them continue to bring immense comfort and joy. My deepest hope for you is that, regardless of the challenges faced, you find profound comfort, serene peace, and boundless happiness this holiday season. May your homes be filled with laughter, your tables laden with delicious food, and your hearts warmed by the enduring spirit of togetherness.
ZUBI’S Signature Black Bean Recipe: A Plant-Based Holiday Favorite
Elevate your holiday spread with this incredibly simple, flavorful, and guilt-free black bean recipe, enhanced by the goodness of ZUBI’S products. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and modern plant-based eating, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained, or freshly cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons garlic salt (adjust to taste for preferred savory notes)
- 3 tablespoons ZUBI’S salsa (choose your favorite heat level!)
- 3 tablespoons red wine (use a good quality dry red wine; add more or less for desired consistency and flavor depth)
Instructions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the black beans and fry gently for a few minutes until slightly warmed through. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Mash the beans roughly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture. Stir in the garlic salt, ZUBI’S salsa, and red wine until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This mixture can be served warm or at room temperature.
Optional Serving Suggestion: For an exquisite and comforting appetizer or light meal, generously spread the warm ZUBI’S Black Bean mixture over crispy, toasted bread or your preferred crackers. Drizzle generously with ZUBI’S organic, plant-based queso for an extra layer of creamy decadence. For a touch of heat and vibrant color, sprinkle finely chopped jalapeños on top. This creates a delightful and satisfying dish that perfectly captures the spirit of festive gatherings.