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Taste the Holidays: Iconic Festive Dishes from Around the World

What’s better than a home-cooked, warm and tasty meal during the holidays? Holiday food traditions are an important part of different cultures. Each culture has its own unique take on what to eat for the holidays. Come take a look at some of the unique traditional holiday foods from all around the world and try making a few of these yourself!

Eggnog – United States of America

In the United States of America, eggnog might be a familiar name during the holidays. Made with eggs (raw or cooked), milk and various extracts, this drink is a creamy staple. Though often mixed with a alcohol, eggnog can easily be made family-friendly for everyone to enjoy. Traditionally served to the wealthy (because sugar and alcohol was expensive), this drink is now seen as a sign of prosperity.

Pasteles de Masa “Yautia Root & Plantain Pockets” – Puerto Rico

The Pasteles de Masa is an important dish served at a Puerto Rican Christmas. Traditionally, the pasteles are made with three key ingredients: a dough made of vegetable starches (green bananas, yautia), a meat filling, and a banana leaf to wrap everything together. The wrapped Pasteles are boiled for 45 minutes in slightly salted water. Once it’s ready, the pasteles are a delicious dish for the holidays.

Spice Hot Chocolate – Peru

In the U.S., a cup of hot chocolate is perfect for the winter weather and the approaching winter holidays. However, in Peru, where Christmas falls during the summer, hot chocolate is enjoyed during their warmest months. So, what’s so special about Peruvian hot chocolate? It is simmered with cinnamon and allspice, to give it a punch that isn’t commonly found in the U.S.

Buche De Noel (Bûche de Noël) “Yule Log” – France

Originally a burning log at the family hearth, the Buche de Noel is now a cake that is served in French homes during the holiday months. The cake is shaped like a yule log and can be customized with all sorts of different ingredients.

Melomakarona (Μελομακάρονα) “Honey Walnut Cookies” – Greece

The name Melomakarona comes from “meli” meaning honey and “makarona” derived from “makaria” meaning blessed. Melomakarona are warm, sweet honey cookies, traditionally made without eggs and dairy, making them both vegan and vegetarian friendly. These warm goods are infused with a taste of spice, oranges, and nuts.

Chang Shou Mian (长寿) “Longevity Noodles” – China

Though it’s not typically on the table for Christmas, the Chang Shou Mian is a steaming bowl of noodles that Chinese families eat on various holidays. In Chinese culture, eating noodles signified a long life (as noodles are long) and is traditionally the staple dish of birthdays.

Bibingka “Baked Rice Cake” – Philippines

A traditional Filipino baked rice cake dessert that tastes like a very sweet rice pudding. Made with rice flour, coconut milk, butter and eggs, it is traditionally cooked in terracotta pots lined with banana leaves and cooked over charcoal. This dessert pairs well with cheddar cheese and a salted duck egg.

Food is a great way to explore cultures worldwide, with recipes for these treats just a click away online. Don’t forget to check out all the delicious dishes not mentioned in this blog. Try these dishes out yourself and make sure to share them with your friends and family!

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