Traditional Holiday Meals from Around the Globe
December 19, 2012
•Emily Murray
•Minneapolis/St. Paul
• 0 Comments
Traditional Holiday Meals from Around the Globe
Christmas is one of the most cherished times of the year, and one of the things that people anticipate most about Christmas is their holiday meal. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only times of the year when it is widely accepted for people to overeat. However, traditional holiday meals vary from one country to another, and the following variations are just a few. Fortunately you don’t have to travel all over the globe to taste these unique meals. A good school for culinary arts will teach you about all of them and provide you with the tools you need to try some of the best recipes on your own. Culinary schools in Minnesota often offer special holiday classes.
The United States
While holiday meals in the U.S. may vary from one family to another, there are many staples that are common to most households on Christmas day. These foods often include a roasted turkey or baked ham, stuffing, baked or mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, gravy, and green bean casserole and/or corn on the cob. Desserts often include various puddings, pies, cranberry sauce and cookies.
Australia
In Australia Christmas is celebrated in the middle of summer. For many years, Australians celebrated Christmas with an American-style turkey dinner. However, more Australians today celebrate by eating such things as barbeque, seafood, salad, pasta dishes, cold meats and ice cream for dessert.
Europe
In France, a traditional yule log cake is often included with most people's Christmas meals and is a staple of classes at many different schools for culinary arts. However, the main dish varies depending upon location. While turkey and chestnuts may be served in one location, geese or even oysters are served in others. In Greece, the people fast prior to Christmas, and then they feast on pork and homemade breads.
Holland
In Holland, the Dutch people celebrate with some of the most unique meals in the world. It is said that the tradition originated in Indonesia, and it involves each guest cooking their own meat and vegetables the way they prefer. Common staples include shellfish, other fish, various other meats and vegetables.
There are some families in Holland who have recently begun celebrating with Christmas dinners that resemble those prepared in the U.S. These meals often include such meats as ham, duck, pheasant, rabbit or beef. Side dishes may include various vegetables, potatoes and pasta dishes.
Spain
In Spain, families eat their Christmas meals on Christmas Eve. Typically, the meal consists of pork or baked turkey that has been stuffed with chestnuts, various vegetables, and various potato dishes. After eating their meal, families gather around their Christmas trees and sing carols and then they go to Midnight Mass.
Mexico
Christmas dinners vary significantly in Mexico depending upon the location. While some Mexicans enjoy a dish of beef or pork Pozole, others enjoy eating hominy made with red hot chili sauce. Many other areas enjoy feasting on such foods as vegetables, fruits and nuts for Christmas dinner.
Most every place in the world recognizes Christmas in some way, and they enjoy a traditional holiday meal. However, these meals can vary depending upon the country and area in that country. No matter where you may go though, there is sure to be a delicious holiday meal being served on Christmas day. If you enjoy learning about culinary traditions and how to prepare new recipes perhaps you would be interested in taking a class or two at one of the esteemed culinary schools in Minnesota.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis-St. Paul offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Minneapolis-St-Paul for more information.
Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more atwww.chefs.edu/disclosures.
Le Cordon Bleu® and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary. Credits earned are unlikely to transfer.