Christmas is not generally known as the best time to travel. But with the right recipes, you can still travel the world - from the comfort of your own kitchen. We have looked at various culinary Christmas traditions. And you can easily recreate them.
A tree trunk for Père Noël
In France, it is Père Noël, Father Christmas, which is eagerly awaited. On Christmas Eve, typical French delicacies are usually served: a favourite is turkey stuffed with chestnuts, accompanied by stuffed foie gras, oysters, candied chestnuts and champagne.
A must in most households is the “Bûche de Noël”, a chocolate sponge cake speciality in the shape of a tree trunk. It is reminiscent of the custom of burning a tree trunk at Christmas and scattering its ashes in the fields – this was supposed to bring good luck for the coming year. Because it’s also guaranteed to bring good luck. If you eat it.
The origin of speculoos cookies
Welcome to the Benelux countries, the home of speculoos. Or were speculoos actually invented in West Germany? The origin of the spicy biscuits is a popular topic of debate in the run-up to Christmas. The origin of the Latinised name is also unclear. What is certain, however: That many people far and wide love the characteristic speculoos flavour.
Visually, the biscuits are decorated with images of the story of St Nicholas, which are stamped into a wooden or metal mould before baking. This is why 6 December is the most important day for speculoos. On this day in Belgium and the Netherlands, presents are also brought by “Sinterklaus”. This is accompanied by roast meat, seafood, often the tree trunk cake mentioned above – and, of course, speculoos. Do you want to delight your loved ones with home-baked speculoos? Here’s the recipe!
United States of muffins
For centuries, muffins have been served during tea time in Great Britain – a flat yeast pastry that is eaten like toast. It was the Americans who developed the recipe further and turned muffins into what they are commonly known as: small, round cakes that rise with leavening agents and are flavoured with various ingredients, such as blackberries or chocolate chips.
More recently, the trend of baking “Christmas muffins” has become established. They sweeten the Advent season and the wait for turkey etc., which is served up for the whole family in a similar way to Thanksgiving. There are also numerous different cookies, which are served with a glass of milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
We hope you enjoy baking your way around the world. Have a wonderful festive season!
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