Born in El Paso, Texas, Marietta Peterson was raised in Marianna, Florida, in a Greek and Mexican blended family. She came to Birmingham to finish school and moved to Vestavia Hills, when her children were born. With the holidays approaching, she has always looked forward to cooking traditional, American dishes, but she always incorporates some of her familial cuisines, making holiday meals at the Peterson house one-of-a-kind. Here, she details how her cross-cultural upbringing has influenced her cooking techniques and what she plans to serve for her family this holiday season.

What was it like growing up in a “cooking” family?

My father was Greek, and my mother was Mexican. My father’s family owned restaurants in Marianna and Mobile. I also had an aunt and uncle in Mobile that had a restaurant. Many of the Greek recipes I make are from all of them. My mother was a great cook as well. She learned how to cook Greek food, too, but she was best at cooking Mexican food. Friends would always gather at our house to eat. They knew my mom would have something good cooking up.

How do you think your family’s cultural influence has impacted your cooking techniques?

I was taught mostly by my mother, and sometimes my father would get in the kitchen with us to make things such as baklava. Our family spent lots of time together in the kitchen. Lots of Greek and Mexican families cook their meals together. I would always go grocery shopping with my mom, and then I would be right under her in the kitchen. Cooking food for others was her “love language.” I’ve tried to teach my boys, but they are not very interested. So, my sister and I have taught her girls instead.

What meals will you be serving this holiday season?

My family cooks the traditional turkey, dressing and vegetable casseroles for the holidays. I’ve started making my own cranberry sauce (not a family recipe). However, we also will have a Greek food night and Mexican food night when we gather. For the Greek night, we cook keftedes (Greek meatballs), and for the Mexican night, we cook tacos and enchiladas.

What spices, sauces, cooking techniques, types of food or any other aspects are common in both Mexican and Greek Cuisine?

Both cuisines have some great sauces that are made to complement the food. Spices are definitely a staple in every Greek and Mexican dish. One spice that is common in both is oregano.

What is your favorite meal to cook?

I would say tacos are my favorite thing to cook for my husband and three boys. It’s their favorite. I always like to make Koulourakia (the twisted Greek cookies with sesame seeds). I’ve never given them to anyone that doesn’t like them. The recipe I use is from my YaiYai’s family, who I am named after.