6 Christmas Delicacies that Reflect the Spirit of the Festival

Christmas 2023 is just around the corner, but the preparations have already started, and we can’t wait for the Christmas holidays to begin. 

That time of the year has come when the air is chilly, but is filled with warm love and festive vibe. There’s something more that you can smell in the air during Christmas time. The tantalizing aroma of Traditional Christmas Foods.

Just like there’s no Christmas without a lit Christmas tree with a big pile of gifts under it, there’s no Christmas without Christmas delicacies.

Christmas is not just a time of giving and receiving. It is a season that awakens our taste buds with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. From classics to innovative creations, these six culinary treasures capture the essence of the festive season, creating a gastronomic experience beyond mere sustenance.

We explore the rich tapestry of traditional Christmas dishes, each serving as a testament to the warmth, love, and togetherness that define this magical time of the year. 

Whether it's the nostalgic aroma of roasted potatoes wafting through the air or the comforting embrace of a steaming cup of mulled wine, these delicacies are more than just food—they embody cherished traditions and the joy of sharing moments with loved ones.

Get ready to embark on a journey of taste and tradition as we unwrap the stories behind these Christmas dishes, celebrating the culinary heritage that makes Christmas a truly delectable season.

• Roast potatoes

It’s no surprise that the crispy, crunchy roast potatoes are one of the most favourite special Christmas delicacies! Loved by all, this vegetarian side dish couldn’t be easier to make as the perfect side to your main festive foods for Christmas.

Ingredients -

Red potatoes, cut into quarters

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Preparation -

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (250 degrees C).
• Place potatoes in a large roasting pan and toss with oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary until evenly coated. Spread out potatoes in a single layer.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately.

• Eggnog

Eggnog is a sweetened, chilled, rich, dairy-based beverage served along with or before Christmas dishes. It is traditionally made with milk, sugar, cream, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks. This simple egg and milk punch is enjoyed on Christmas Eve as a chilled drink. 

Also, people in many countries prefer adding distilled spirits like brandy, rum, whisky and bourbon to eggnog.

Ingredients -

4 Egg yolks

1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon

1 pint whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3 ounces bourbon

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

4 egg whites

Preparation -

• In a bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in colour. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.
• Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer, still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
• Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.
• In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.

• Plum Cake

Plum cake, also known as fruit cake, is a part of a wide range of cakes that are made with either dried fruit (such as currants, prunes, or raisins) or with fresh fruit. This is one of the known Christmas delicacies, traditionally crafted with an array of candied or dried fruits, nuts, and an assortment of aromatic spices, embodies the festive spirit with its rich and indulgent flavours. 

You can also try adding dried fruits and nuts to the cake batter after soaking them in spirits like rum.

Ingredients -

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cup sugar

6 Eggs

125 gms almonds, chopped

2 tsp vanilla essence

2 1/2 cups mixed fruits (sultanas, raisins, candied peels and cherries), chopped

2 cups refined flour

An 8 inch round cake tin, lined with a double layer of grease-proof or brown paper at the bottom and on the sides.

Preparation -

• Mix the chopped fruit and almonds with 2 Tbsp of the maida and keep aside.
• Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla together.
• Fold in the flour and then the fruit mixture.
• Transfer mixture into the prepared tin and bake in a pre-heated oven for 30-40 minutes.

• Mulled Wine

Also known as spiced wine, Mulled wine is another Christmas delicacy that reflects the spirit of Christmas. A classic winter drink, especially popular around Christmas, enjoyed with traditional Christmas foods.

Ingredients -

Wine

Brandy

Fresh Oranges

Cinnamon

Mulling Spices

Sweetner

Preparation -

• Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and give them a quick stir.
• Heat until the wine almost reaches a simmer over medium-high heat. (Avoid letting it bubble in any way. Alcohol begins to vaporize at 172°F, so take care to ensure that the wine does not evaporate.) Reduce heat to low, cover completely, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
• Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and ginger.
• Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in your desired amount of extra sweetener if needed.
• Serve warm in heat proof mugs, topped with your favorite garnishes.

Mulled Wine is prepared using red wine and a number of mulling spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, etc. Served hot, this alcoholic beverage helps you tackle the winter chill! However, don’t worry if you are a teetotaller as these days the non-alcoholic versions of the wine are also available for you to enjoy in Christmas.

• Christmas Fudge

Amidst the delightful array of traditional Christmas dishes, fudge stands as a distinguished confection, effortlessly holding its place alongside the tempting pies and cakes that grace the festive table.

Ingredients -

2 3/4 c. chocolate chips

1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tbsp. heavy cream

4 tbsp. butter

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3 tbsp. Christmas sprinkles

Preparation

• Mix butter, sugar and milk.
• Heat the mixture to the soft-ball stage at 240 °F (115 °C).
• Beating the mixture while it cools is the next step. This is done for it to acquire a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Pour into a pan.
• Top with sprinkles and refrigerate until set, 2 hours. Cut into squares to serve.
  
  

• Roast Chicken

This roast chicken has to be a sure winner on your table filled with festive foods for Christmas. Its aromatic and savoury aroma while cooking adds to the festive ambiance, creating anticipation and excitement. Additionally, roast chicken is a versatile crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

How can this list of special Christmas dishes and Christmas delicacies be complete without adding a tender roasted chicken onto it!

Ingredients -

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed

salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste

½ cup margarine, divided

1 stalk celery, leaves removed

Preparation -

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place chicken in a roasting pan, and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Sprinkle inside and out with onion powder. Place 3 tablespoons margarine in the chicken cavity. Arrange dollops of the remaining margarine around the chicken's exterior. Cut the celery into 3 or 4 pieces, and place in the chicken cavity.
• Bake uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, to a minimum internal temperature of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove from heat, and baste with melted margarine and drippings. Cover with aluminium foil, and allow to rest about 30 minutes before serving.

There you have it. A list of delicious traditional Christmas dishes to enhance your festive celebrations. Try making some of these Christmas delicacies and tell us how delicious they turned out.