Traditional Holiday Dishes

Around the World

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY DISHES

IRELAND In Ireland, Christmas pudding, traditionally known as ‘plum pudding’, is a rich, moist fruitcake that is made every Christmas (hence the name). The recipe calls

PUDDING for soaking in brandy. As a result, Christmas pudding is flammable and traditionally set alight when serving. Though time consuming, it is worth the time when you present this spectacular dessert to your guests!

MEXICO Tamales are a tasty package of meats, cheeses, or vegetables in a corn-based shell all wrapped up in a corn husk and steamed. They

TAMALES are eaten all year, but during the holiday season, it is traditional for many families to make tamales. Most have a have a cherished tamale filling recipe, prepared by grandmothers and passed down through the generations.

PANETTONE

ITALY One of the favorites at Christmas for desserts in Italy of are Pandoro and Panettone. Pandoro is a traditional Italian sweet bread, most popular around Christmas and New Year. It is often served dusted with vanillascented icing. Panettone an Italian yeastleavened bread, usually made with raisins, candied fruit peels, almonds, and brandy. Both are delicious! LITHUANIA Kucios, the traditional Lithuanian Christmas dinner, is held on December 24th every year. No meat, dairy, or hot food are a part of this meal. Instead, it includes fish, breads, and vegetables. Some of the items PUDDING you might see on the menu are herring served in a tomato, mushroom or onion-based sauce, smoked eel, vegetables such as potatoes, sauerkraut, and bread or cranberry pudding.

ISRAEL Since the Middle Ages, latkes – in some form or another – have been an important part of Hanukkah tradition. Latkes are fried potato pancakes are cooked in oil. This recognizes that the Second Temple kept the Menorah burning with oil for eight days. Other dishes enjoyed as a part of this tradition include fried donuts and fritters. Hanukkah gelt, small chocolate coins, are given to children by relatives.

LATKES

SWEDEN Sweden celebrates Christmas dinner smörgåsbord-style. This is called the julbord, and it is full of traditional dishes, including pickled herring, cured salmon and meatballs, plus additional items such as bread, liver SALMON pâté, red beet salad, cheese, and cabbage. This food on Christmas Day is supposed to be reminiscent of the celebration that came after a period of fasting from the beginning of Advent until midnight on Christmas Eve.