Traditional Holiday Dishes From Around the World

IRELAND – Plum Pudding

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 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!

ITALY – Panettone

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 vanilla-scented icing. Panettone an Italian yeastleavened bread, usually made with raisins, candied fruit peels, almonds, and brandy. Both are delicious!

ISRAEL – Latkes

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.

MEXICO – Tamales

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 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.

SWEDEN – Julbord

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 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.

LITHUANIA – Pudding

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 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.