6 Tasty traditions: International Christmas foods Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious food! From the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies to the savoury goodness of a perfectly roasted turkey, the holiday season is filled with an array of mouth-watering delights that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will take you through some of the most beloved Christmas traditions from around the world. Let's explore the world together 01. The magic of Christmas cookies 02. What is a traditional Christmas dinner? 03. Sweet endings: Christmas desserts The magic of Christmas cookies What's Christmas without cookies? These sweet treats are a staple of the holiday season, and each country has its own unique take on this festive favourite. From the spicy gingerbread men of England to the buttery spritz cookies of Germany, there's a world of flavours waiting to be explored. But cookies aren't just for eating. They're also a wonderful way to bond with loved ones. The act of baking together, from mixing the dough to decorating the finished product, is a cherished tradition that brings families closer together. So why not start your own cookie-baking tradition this Christmas? English gingerbread men These delightful characters are a classic Christmas treat in England. Made with a blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, they're as flavourful as they are fun to make. And the best part? You can decorate them however you like! From colourful icing clothes to candy button eyes, the possibilities are endless. Want to try your hand at making your own gingerbread men? Here's a simple recipe to get you started. All you need is flour, butter, brown sugar, molasses, an egg, and of course, your favourite Christmas spices. Mix everything together, roll out the dough, and use a gingerbread man cutter to shape your cookies. Bake them in the oven until they're golden brown, and voila! You've got yourself a batch of homemade gingerbread men. German spritz cookies These buttery cookies are a Christmas staple in Germany. Made with a cookie press, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple circles to intricate snowflakes. And with their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they're a hit with both kids and adults alike. Making spritz cookies is a bit more involved than your average cookie recipe, but the results are well worth the effort. You'll need flour, butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Once your dough is ready, load it into a cookie press and start shaping your cookies. Bake them until they're lightly golden, then let them cool before enjoying. What is a traditional Christmas dinner? A traditional Christmas dinner is a meal like no other. It's a time when families gather around the table to enjoy a feast of epic proportions, filled with all the flavours of the season. Whether you're a fan of turkey, ham, or even seafood, there's a Christmas dinner tradition out there that's sure to tickle your taste buds. But Christmas dinner isn't just about the food. It's also about the memories that are made around the table. The laughter, the stories, the shared joy of being together - these are the things that make Christmas dinner truly special. The classic roast turkey When it comes to Christmas dinner, nothing beats the classic roast turkey. This bird is the star of the show in many households, and for good reason. Its succulent meat and crispy skin, flavoured with herbs and spices, make it a dish that's hard to resist. Roasting a turkey may seem daunting, but with a little preparation, it's a task that anyone can master. Start by choosing a fresh, high-quality bird. Then, season it with your favourite herbs and spices, and roast it in the oven until it's golden brown and cooked through. Remember to baste it regularly to keep it moist and flavourful. A seafood extravaganza In some parts of the world, Christmas dinner is a seafood extravaganza. In Italy, for example, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Christmas Eve tradition that features seven different seafood dishes. From calamari to clams, this feast is a seafood lover's dream come true. While the menu on Christmas day is all about pasta dishes, meats, and panettone for dessert. Preparing a seafood feast may seem like a lot of work, but with a little planning, it's a breeze. Start by choosing your seafood. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key. Then, decide on your dishes. You could go for a simple grilled fish, a creamy seafood pasta, or even a decadent lobster bisque. The choice is yours! Sweet endings: Christmas desserts No Christmas meal is complete without dessert. From rich fruitcakes to creamy custards, these sweet treats are the perfect way to end a festive feast. And with so many delicious options to choose from, there's a Christmas dessert for every taste. But desserts aren't just for eating. They're also a way to show off your culinary skills. So why not try your hand at making a traditional Christmas dessert this year? You might just discover a new favourite! English Christmas pudding This rich, fruity dessert is a Christmas classic in England. Made with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, it's a treat that's bursting with flavour. And with its traditional flaming presentation, it's sure to impress your guests. Making a Christmas pudding is a labour of love, but the results are worth it. You'll need to start by soaking your dried fruits in brandy or rum. Then, mix them with flour, sugar, suet, breadcrumbs, and spices to make your pudding mixture. Steam it in a pudding basin until it's firm and dark, then let it cool before serving. Don't forget to flame it with brandy for that extra wow factor! Danish risalamande: A creamy Christmas delight with a twist of fun In Denmark, the Christmas feast reaches its sweet crescendo with risalamande, a luxurious dessert that combines taste with playful tradition. This creamy concoction of rice pudding is generously speckled with chopped almonds and lavishly crowned with a tart cherry sauce, providing a sublime symphony of textures and flavours. But the fun doesn't stop with the last spoonful. Eating risalamande comes with a festive game, often bringing an extra layer of excitement to the Danish Christmas dinner. Hidden within the dessert is a single whole almond and the lucky finder is awarded a small, usually whimsical, gift. It's a charming tradition that adds a dash of merriment to the meal, encouraging both young and old to partake in the search with each creamy bite. Would you like to bring this Danish twist to your Christmas? Preparing risalamande is simple and joyous. Start by cooking rice pudding and let it cool. Then fold in whipped cream, vanilla, and chopped almonds. Remember to reserve one whole almond for the game! Serve it chilled, smothered with warm cherry sauce, and watch the fun unfold as your guests dive in to discover the hidden nut. It's not just a dessert; it's an interactive experience that makes Danish Christmas a memorable feast. So there you have it - a world of festive flavours to satisfy your Christmas cravings. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, there's a Christmas tradition out there that's perfect for you. So why not try something new this holiday season? You might just find a new favourite tradition to share with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and happy cooking! Sign up for our newsletter Craving more Christmas yumminess? Sign up for our newsletter to unwrap exclusive tips and Xmas cookies! Sign up here