The Catholic Post is seeking Christmas recipes and memories for publication in our 2008 Christmas section, “A Taste of Christmas.”

Along with the recipes for salads, main dishes, desserts, breads or beverages, we are asking readers to submit the stories about what makes these foods so special. Who passed the recipe down to you? What meaning does this have for you? Is it part of an ethnic tradition? And how does this add to your celebration of Christ’s birth?

In addition, we know that many parishes have published cookbooks so please let us know if the recipe you submit is included in one of these community treasures. We would be happy to inform the rest of our readers about the cookbook and where it can be obtained, if they are still available for sale. What better way to extend the Christmas celebration to family tables across central Illinois?

Both the recipe and the Christmas memory that accompanies it will be considered in determining what will be included in the Dec. 21 section. They will be chosen by staff members of The Catholic Post and Father Dominic Garramone, OSB, of St. Bede Abbey, a nationally known author and bread baker.

Submissions should be marked “Christmas Recipes” and may be sent by e-mail to JenWillems@aol.com or by mail to The Catholic Post, P.O. Box 1722, Peoria, IL 61656. Please include your name, address and parish, along with your telephone number so we can check recipe details if necessary.

The deadline is Monday, Nov. 17.