Christmas Cuisine Around the World

No matter where you are in the world, Christmas isway of doing things.
always an exciting and magical time. Irrespective ofTake, for example, the Czech Republic. Although a
how religious we may feel ourselves to be, we can allcountry within Europe, not only do they have their most
share and enjoy the many Christmas Gifts that theimportant Christmas day on 24th December - at least
season of goodwill ultimately brings; the more religiouseveryone can open their Christmas Gifts one day
can embrace all of the holiday's spiritual Christmasearly - but the main Christmas meal does not feature
gifts, while the more secular of those among us canthe usual cuisine that we usually associate with the big
enjoy those of a more worldly variety.day. Instead of turkey, the 'meat' of choice is carp. And
In addition to the more obvious Christmas Gifts thatwhether or not you're considering the koi variety, carp
are usually exchanged between friends, familyis a freshwater fish with a particularly muddy flavour
members and loved ones, such generosity alsothat is only removed by extensive soaking in milk.
extends to food. After all, there must be somethingDelicious! This yummy dish is usually served with
special behind a decision to stay up all night makingpotato salad - a side order we're all very much familiar
sausage rolls and mince pies, and then spending mostwith!
of Christmas morning cooking a delicious dinner. ButStaying with a fishy theme, Christmas cuisine in
what does Christmas dinner look like around theGreenland would not be complete without something
world?known as Mattak. For those unfamiliar with the dish,
In the UK, turkey is a firm favourite; although chicken,although it is reported to taste very much like fresh
lamb, beef and pork are also popular choices. Somecoconut, it is actually made from whale skin stuffed
families may go for delicious game, and vegetarianwith blubber. Apparently the Bowhead Whale is a
options are also popular. And then there are thepopular choice, although narwhal and beluga whales
accompaniments; after all, what dinner would beare also used.
complete without the Christmas Gifts of roastIn Latin America, Christmas dishes usually incorporate
potatoes, stuffing - either vegetarian or otherwise -turkey, as the birds are native to the region. However,
and Yorkshire pudding?each and every country across Latin America
And when it comes to dessert, British cuisine hasprepares the meat in its own unique way. For example
much to offer. Christmas Puddings are among ourin Brazil, prior to cooking, the meat is marinated with a
most traditional sticky goodies. So integral are they tonumber of delicious goodies, including garlic, tomatoes
the British psyche, it is even possible to get Christmasand rum. And in Ethiopia, Christmas dinner includes a
Gifts that pay homage, in some way, to this mostdeliciously spicy chicken stew served with a pancake
delicious of culinary treats. And then, of course, there ismade known as injera.
the traditional Christmas cake. Whether or not one is aSo, on Christmas Day - or whichever day is most
fan of the solid, plaster-like icing that covers the cake,special to you - don't forget to enjoy all of the amazing
who can resist the rich and nutty marzipan, not toChristmas Gifts that the season of goodwill always
mention the moist, rich and dark fruitcake that liesbrings. These gifts come in a number of different
beneath?forms, and aren't always wrapped and placed
But, in other countries, Christmas cuisine is not quite likeunderneath the tree. Spend time with loved-ones,
the food in the UK. In the same way that individualenjoy each other's company and give whoever is
families have their own unique traditions - such asmaking the dinner a bit of a hand.
whether on not to have trifle, and if this trifle canAnd if you do have turkey this year, make sure you
contain nuts - other countries have their own uniquedon't gobble!