Indulge this Christmas with the following collection of delectable treats, savored since ages.
1. Traditional Christmas Cake
No Christmas is complete without a traditional cake covered in fruits, marzipan and classic royal icing. Further, the cake is baked with molasses, nuts, eggs, butter, brown sugar, flour and spices according to an age old recipe that has been handed down through generations. There are couple of traditions associated with the Christmas cake. The first is - Stir Up, which traditionally takes place on the last Sunday (in November). The second is- Feeding the cake, with brandy or whiskey in small amounts through small holes in the cake. Another belief since Victorian times is that it’s unlucky to cut the cake before dawn on Christmas Eve.
2. Mince Pie
Mince pie is a Christmas classic and has been savored as part of a traditional Christmas since the 16th century. Mince pie is a short crust pastry stuffed with sweet mincemeat (a mixture of dried fruits, sugar, spices and rum).
3. Yule Log
Yule Log or Buche de Noel is a unique way to carry on the tradition of celebrating Christmas and the winter solstice by burning a wooden log in the hearth. In olden days it was the idea of a French pastry chef who came up with the idea of replacing the real log with a sponge cake that was log shaped. Since then Yule log has become a traditional cake roll, smothered in coffee or chocolate flavoured icing and embellished with edible holly leaves and roses.
4. Pavlova
It is probably one of the simplest desserts one can think of. Pavlova is a meringue cake that has a crisp crust and a soft sweet marshmallow center. The Pavlova can be made several days in advance and stored in a cool dry place in an airtight container. It is usually served with softly whipped cream and fresh fruits. The mere entrance of pavlova in a Christmas feast can assure an enchanting impression upon the guests.
5. Fruit Cake
Christmas fruit cake is a must have and it can either be a classic fruit cake or a mini cup cake. It is full of nuts and raisins, but comes without icing. What really sets this cake apart is the use of brandy, which gives the cake a subtle flavor, a moist texture and an increase of its shelf life.
6. Eggnog Pudding
Christmas Eve is also celebrated as National Eggnog Day. Eggnog is the quintessential holiday drink made of milk, cream, raw eggs, sugar etc. Besides relishing the drink, a rich, luscious pudding can also be prepared from the same. A generous grating of nutmeg adds some Christmas overtones to this dessert. This treat is delightfully sinful and a healthier option since it is well cooked.
7. Gingerbread
It is usually a ginger flavored sweet Christmas treat and is said to have been invented by the Greeks in 2800 B.C. As it made its way throughout the world it has adapted to match the tastes of different cultures. Therefore, it can be bread, a spicy sweet cake or a cookie that can range from light colored to dark colored variety.
8. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a traditional dessert eaten especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The pie consists of mashed pumpkin baked in a single pie shell, sometimes with a top crust. It is generally flavored with ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon.
9. Cougnou
Cougnou is sweetened bread that is baked in form of baby Jesus swaddled in a blanket. It is made with flour, eggs, raisins, yeast, milk and sugar. It is usually given to children on Christmas with a mug of hot chocolate and is often decorated with nuts, raisins, powdered sugar etc.
10. Figgy Pudding or Christmas Pudding
Figgy pudding is a British food that dates back to the mid 1600s. Today, the term figgy pudding has a reference in a popular Christmas carol. Figgy pudding is prepared from mashed figs, breadcrumbs, brandy etc and can be baked, steamed or fried. Hiding a silver six pence (five pence these days) coin in the pudding is another age-old ritual that is said to bring good fortune to the person who finds it.
