The big list of ultimate Christmas foods from around the world: Part 2
Santa and his elves are hard at work. Homes are receiving decorative makeovers. Somewhere entire families are rummaging through their attics looking for their tree decor. All this, plus the chill in the air, can mean only one thing, it is the Christmas season, once again. In our last blog, we explored 6 iconic Christmas foods from across the globe. We continue our culinary journey in this part, so let’s see what this has in store for us.
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Germany: Stollen
Stollen is a fruit cake that is packed with dried fruits, coated in marzipan (a sweet fondant made from cashew) and dusted with icing sugar. Traditionally called a Christstollen, the roots of this delicious bake go back many centuries. It is a particular favourite in the Bavarian region. Stollen is a huge draw in many bakeries and pop-up shops that open right through the Christmas season, across towns and cities in Germany.
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New Zealand: Pavlova
A Pavlova is a meringue based dessert. A meringue is essentially egg whites, and icing sugar beaten until stiff and then baked. A pavlova in New Zealand is a favourite Christmas food which is taken to the next level by topping it with fresh fruits like peaches, strawberries and of course kiwis.
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Russia: Sochivo
Sochivo is a traditional Russian porridge made with wheat or rice and milk and flavoured with honey, dried fruits, nuts and seeds such as chia. This porridge is enjoyed warm or cold, on Christmas Eve. Did you know? Most Russians fast on Christmas Eve, until they see the first stars twinkling in the sky.
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Jamaica: Rum Soaked Raisin Fruit Cake
Jamaican Christmas is just about as unique as it gets. A culture that is a melting pot of English, Indian, Creole and African influences, jerk chicken is a staple Christmas food. It is however the rum soaked raisin cake that is a huge draw. As the name suggests, this scrumptious fruit cake contains raisins that have been soaked in dark rum for a few days, for an additional boozy kick!
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Japan: Kentucky Fried Chicken
Japan is one of those countries that has its own quirky and bewildering customs for foreigners. One such custom is the traditional Japanese Christmas meal of Kentucky Fried Chicken. In post World War II, Japan, American GIs stationed in Japanese cities needed a familiar treat to remind them of home, and KFC cashed in on this, opening many of their outlets on the Japanese mainland. Well in a few years the GIs were gone, but KFC stuck around and ever since KFC became a Christmas food staple.
There you have it, 11 weird and wonderful Christmas dishes from around the world. Do let us know which one of these Christmas foods you’re most excited to try this year. As always for all your gourmet ingredient needs, explore our store here.
