An special treat for ATC readers

Phebe is away from her computer this morning and asked me to post this for her... As most CNN viewers know, Rick Sanchez -- host of Out in the Open weekdays at 8pm ET -- was born in Cuba. His family came to the United States when he was a young boy; they still live in Miami, while he has moved to Atlanta. Well, today we have a look at how he is bringing a little bit of Havana to his Christmas in Georgia...

"I've been working in NYC during the week to anchor Out in the Open for CNN and rushing back to spend the weekends with the family. I'm having a ball and my wife and kids have enjoyed getting to know Manhattan when they can come up during the week for visits, but we're exhausted from the travel!

"So...this year, we're going to stay in Atlanta rather than head to Miami as we usually do to join family and friends. To recreate a little bit of Havana at home, I'm going to prepare a traditional Cuba feast for Christmas Eve dinner. My wife and I are going to have a pit dug in our back yard and we'll slow roast a pig in the pit, covered by alternating layers of banana leaves and sour oranges. The process takes about 8 hours, but there's nothing as good on Earth!

"While we wait for the pork to roast we'll open presents, watch movies, and call our family in Miami to compare recipe notes! We'll serve the pork with fried plantains and yucca, black beans and rice, and a drink Cubans call "crema de vie" - it's made with rum and boiled with sweetened condensed and evaporated milk. It's served chilled, but packs a real punch!

"And for dessert? There's nothing like flan. It's a meal designed to make you wake up in the morning and then smash your bathroom scale with a two by four! Then we all go to worship at Christmas Mass. Family togetherness, great food, maybe a little extra sleep -- that's all I really need for Christmas!"

Sounds like a great (and delicious) time! We all wish Rick and his family a wonderful Christmas celebration!