The tradition of Christmas dinner has roots in various cultural practices and historical events and of course, that has all filtered down to what we load our plates with at the table on December 25, but what are some ideas? What are the best ones?
In medieval times, lavish feasts during winter celebrations, like Yule in Northern Europe, influenced Christmas meals.
The Christian adoption of December 25th for celebrating Jesus’ birth merged with existing winter solstice festivities. Over time, these gatherings evolved, incorporating local customs and culinary traditions. It led to the modern Christmas dinner as a time for family, sharing meals, and celebrating the holiday spirit.
Here are five ideas for you to use:
Honey-glazed ham
This whole ham is glazed and allows for a great flavor, attractive appearance and a crisp crust whilst being easy to make and produce in bulk.
Green bean casserole
This is an excellent option for the vegetarians in the family and takes a combined 25 minutes to produce from start to finish. It serves six people making it swift to knock together if you’re short on time.
Yorkshire Pudding
Created in England, this product is excellent for drowning in gravy. If you make it bigger, it can accommodate the whole dinner on the inside in what is typically called “toad in the hole” on the other side of the Atlantic.
Roasted pork shoulder with pomegranate sauce
This contains smoky flavors and is created on the grill. Use coal to maximise that smoke and assist the sauce. It’s cheap and filling.
Cornish Game Hens with garlic and rosemary
Meat is the staple food of Christmas and this one is a great way to use chicken for deep flavour that isn’t overwhelming. Add with some garlic bread and wine to really top it off.
What are traditional Christmas foods?
Traditional Christmas foods vary globally, reflecting regional customs and cultural influences. For example, tamales in Latin America, baklava in Greece, and sushi in Japan.
Further ones are dishes like herring, meatballs, and rice pudding are common in Scandinavia. In Italy, the feast of the seven fishes on Christmas Eve features seafood dishes. Germany’s festive table might include roasted goose, potato dumplings, and stollen, a fruitcake
So there is no “true” traditional Christmas food but in the United States and parts of Europe and generally the Western World, roast turkey, chicken or ham often takes center stage, accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.
Whilst in the UK, a Christmas dinner might feature roast turkey, roast potatoes, sprouts, pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon), and Christmas pudding or mince pies for dessert.