The scrumptious Christmas

   During my childhood, I just longed for these feelings for the entire year. As soon as the winds turned colder than usual, the mornings became hazy,  the sky seemed filled with little snow-ball clouds, and the environment smelled like a freshly baked walnut cake…

My senses used to turn vulnerable, energetic, and enthusiastic because all this declared the arrival of my favorite eve, the eve of hope, love, togetherness, and above all the eve of good food.

My tastebuds already felt the mouth-watering taste of my ‘worth dying for’ cuisines and my heart danced with joy as the eve finally arrived. The eve of Christmas!

At some point in life, every human feels a deep emotional connection towards their favorite dish cooked during Christmas.

Have you ever noticed Roasted chestnuts, savory smoked ham, fruity cakes, specialty cookies, and eggnog have become synonymous with Christmas festivities, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the holiday season?

Their popularity can be attributed to historical, cultural, and sensory reasons, making them indispensable elements of holiday feasts.

The Traditional Treats

The savories we enjoy today weren’t the same back in the Middle Ages. Everything cooked had a valid reason behind it.

Before the advent of farm-raised poultry, families living off the land had to make strategic choices about which animals to consume on special occasions. 

Hens were typically spared for their steady supply of eggs, and cows were kept for their milk. Geese, however, were prime candidates for festive meals since they only laid eggs seasonally.

Consequently, the roast goose was a centerpiece of Christmas feasts long before the turkey became synonymous with holiday celebrations in the wake of Thanksgiving traditions.

What is Christmas without the quintessential turkey? The top list cuisine for any Christmas list. This majestic bird unfailingly captures everyone's attention, acting as the focal point that brings joyful cheer to every holiday feast.

Its tender, savory meat enhances any spread, making the meal visually stunning and delectable. The key to creating the perfect turkey gravy lies in those tasty, caramelized bits at the bottom of the roasting pan, mingled with some of the melted fat and pan drippings.

This timeless combination of turkey and gravy offers a rich, irresistible flavor that epitomizes the seasonal spirit.

A classic Christmas dinner often highlights a star main course, and pineapple-glazed ham is an enduring favorite. This sweet and savory dish entices guests to return for more, thanks to its irresistible blends of flavors.

With just a few ingredients, you can craft a delicious glaze that enhances the ham flawlessly. This time-honored tradition has persisted through the years, providing a range of flavor variations to experiment with.

Paired with the finest holiday sides, the ham becomes a striking centerpiece for your dining table. Delight your guests with each beautifully glazed slice.

Creamed mashed potatoes rightfully deserve a prominent place on any Christmas Day menu, embodying an enduring appeal. When paired with a lavish roast, they epitomize comfort food at its best.

However, to truly enhance your mashed potatoes, they must be made with care and the correct ingredients; otherwise, they can be underwhelming. The secret lies in plenty of butter and whole milk, creating a rich, silky texture.

These ultra-creamy mashed potatoes can be prepared ahead, offering a perfect combination of indulgence and ease, freeing up your time for other holiday preparations.

Eggnog, an essential holiday drink, combines eggs, cream, milk, and optional spirits with a variety of flavorings. Despite its traditional alcoholic infusion, it's equally enjoyable without the spirits.

Typically served cold at festive get-togethers, eggnog is a seasonal necessity. Over in Asia, a fresh take on this celebratory beverage exists in bubble tea, boasting numerous flavors and achieving worldwide acclaim.

This fashionable, adaptable drink captivates individuals of all ages, establishing itself as a modern holiday classic.

Christmas just isn't the same without the classic Christmas plum pudding. December beckons the sweetest indulgences, and plum puddings perfectly embody this festive spirit.

 These rich, steamed, or boiled desserts are a delightful blend of flour, dried fruits, spices, breadcrumbs, and a touch of brandy—simply irresistible.

They're ideal for preparing ahead of time as their flavors blend and improve with age. In keeping with tradition, hidden within the pudding are coins believed to bring good fortune to the lucky finder when the pudding is sliced.

How could we miss a generous slice of Christmas fruit cake? This decadent treat is packed with a medley of fruits and nuts, infused with a hint of spirits for a moist, long-lasting texture.

People add fresh fruits like cherries, plum berries, and apple bits, as toppings. It's the perfect addition to your holiday table, offering an effortless yet flavorful dessert option throughout the season.

While some truly relish the sticky, moist fruit cake, it remains a polarizing tradition at Christmas gatherings—loved by some and politely endured by others, unable to escape its iconic role in holiday festivities.

No Christmas feast is complete without this staple dish. While the holiday season often indulges in sweet treats, it's important to balance your meals.

Roasted carrots complement festive mains beautifully, adding a healthy touch to your Christmas dinner spread. Amidst the spotlight on main courses, elevate your side dishes this year with inventive twists like garlic parmesan or maple syrup glaze.

Get creative in the kitchen to ensure your sides shine with unique flavors and presentation, standing out amidst the richness of the main dishes.

To be factual, the Christmas menu is never-ending. The motive behind this massive cooking is binding families together. Sharing common taste is the gateway between two hearts.

 As Christmas is celebrated worldwide, the cooking style, recipes, and variety differ from country to country. Irrespective of the recipe, the taste of any dish is always amazing.

 Christmas is considered one of the most important dates on the calendar. More than 2 billion people in over 160 countries celebrate Christmas, so there’s still a lot to discover.

In the next blog, we will discuss the food cooked in different countries. It would be worth discussing. I promise.