We tend to eat certain foods during specific times of the year. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays. The day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for reflection for many, regardless of religious affiliation. It’s a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company. The food and drink shared during these gatherings vary from country to country. Let’s look at some of the foods that come to mind worldwide when we think of Christmas.
France: Bûche de Noël & Vin Chaud
Christmas Eve is typically celebrated in France with vin chaud and a traditional log-shaped cake called Bûche de Noël. Vin chaud, known as “mulled wine” in English, is a popular drink made by boiling red wine with lemon, orange, cinnamon, sugar, and honey. Since most of the alcohol evaporates during the boiling process, it can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old. Bûche de Noël is a French Christmas cake, broadly defined as a cake decorated to look like a log.
United States: Eggnog & Christmas Turkey
In North America, eggnog, a creamy and sweet drink, is commonly consumed during Christmas. In the U.S., people often enjoy eggnog from Thanksgiving through the end of the year, with consumption peaking during the Christmas season. It can be enjoyed either cold or warm. Roasted turkey is also a popular dish during this season. It’s a staple of Thanksgiving, the biggest holiday in North America, and a favorite during the Christmas season.
United Kingdom: Mince Pies
Mince pies originated in the UK and are filled with minced meat or fruit. The term ‘mince’ refers to chopping food into small pieces. The origin of mince pies can be traced back to the 13th century when crusaders returning from the Middle East brought the recipe to England. The pies are frequently featured in novels, dramas, and films produced in the UK. Mince pies are a staple food in the UK and a representative food of Christmas.
Germany: Stollen & Lebkuchen
In Germany, ‘Stollen’ and ‘Lebkuchen’ are must-have items during Christmas. Stollen is a traditional German cake made with raisins, candied fruit, fruit peel, almonds, and various spices. After baking, it’s brushed with butter and dusted with powdered sugar. The cake is known for its fragrant, savory, and sweet taste. Lebkuchen is a German gingerbread made with nuts and spices like ginger and cinnamon.
Italy: Panettone
Panettone is a type of bread that is popular in Italy. It’s typically consumed during the New Year or Christmas season. The bread is shaped like a dome, and a cylindrical mold is used to achieve this shape, with the length usually around 6 inches. Because natural yeast, known as panettone yeast, is used in the bread-making process, the bread can be stored for a long time. The flavor of the bread can vary greatly depending on the type of panettone yeast used. However, the Italian government has legally prohibited the export of panettone yeast, making it difficult to experience the authentic taste outside of Italy.
Norway: Lefse
Lefse is a traditional Norwegian bread known for its soft texture. It’s made from potatoes, milk or cream, and flour and is cooked on a grill to achieve a flat shape. The most common way to eat lefse is to add butter and sugar and roll it up. Some people also add cinnamon or spread jelly or lingonberry jam on top. Many Scandinavian Americans gather during Thanksgiving and Christmas to enjoy lefse with lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian dish.
Spain: Bacalao
Bacalao, a dish made from dried and salted cod, is a must-try when visiting Spain. Traditionally, it’s eaten during the period of Lent as designated by the Catholic Church. It’s easy to store and affordable, making it a highly accessible dish. Famous variations include Bacalao al Pil Pil, simmered in olive oil with garlic, chili, and chickpeas, and Esqueixada de Bacalao, a salad made with tomatoes, onions, and olives.
Philippines: Bibingka
The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world. Preparations for Christmas start in September, and a countdown begins 100 days before the holiday. Bibingka, a type of rice cake, is a representative snack of the Filipino Christmas season. It’s baked with rice flour, coconut milk, and sweet sugar. People often add white cheese according to their taste, and many also enjoy the flavor with sugar or butter.
Australia, New Zealand: Pavlova
Pavlova is often enjoyed during Christmas in Australia and New Zealand. Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert named after the ballerina Anna Pavlova. It was created in the 1920s in honor of Anna Pavlova during her tour of Australia and New Zealand. The dessert has a crisp exterior and a soft interior, typically topped with cream and fruit. It’s considered a national dish in Australia and New Zealand, and consumption increases, especially during Christmas.
Sweden: Julbord & Julmust
In Sweden, a Northern European country, Julbord, a buffet-style Christmas dinner, is a favorite. Not only households but restaurants replace their regular menus with Julbord during Christmas. Julbord is a meal where various foods such as herring, pork, bread, salad, potatoes, salmon, meatballs, and cookies are laid out on a long table, and people can choose what they want. Julmust, a non-alcoholic beverage made only from hops and malt, also represents the Swedish Christmas menu.
By. Deok Soo Choi
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