December marks the end of the year and brings with it a sense of warmth, cosiness and festive joy. As temperatures drop and days get shorter, people gather to enjoy delicious meals that embrace the flavours of the season. In this blog post, we take a closer look at some typical dishes that appear on the table this month and play an important role in creating a festive atmosphere.
Yule log (bûche de Noël)
The Christmas log, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a traditional French dessert that is an essential treat during the festive season. This delicious rolling cake, usually filled with cream or buttercream and covered in chocolate, mimics the shape of a log, which is a nod to old traditions where real logs were burned during Christmas celebrations. With its rich flavour and festive look, the Christmas log is a favourite among young and old alike.
Speculaas and gingerbread cookies
Gingernuts and speculaas are inextricably linked to St Nicholas. Gingernuts are small spicy biscuits made from a mix of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Speculaas, a brittle cake with a characteristic flavour of brown sugar and speculaaskruiden, is often eaten in the run-up to and during the holidays. (Source photo: IStock)
Glühwein
Nothing warms the soul on a cold December evening like a steaming cup of mulled wine. This traditional hot drink is made from heated red wine. One flavours the wine with cinnamon, cloves and orange. Mulled wine is a favourite at Christmas markets and winter gatherings around the world. The sweet and spicy aromas of mulled wine fill the air and add to the festive ambience.
Roast turkey
For many, December is synonymous with Christmas dinners, and a roast turkey is often the star of the show. Juicy meat infused with spices makes for an unforgettable meal that makes the whole dinner table salivate. You serve it with side dishes like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and vegetables. Roast turkey is a classic dish that brings warmth and cosiness to any Christmas table.
Fritters
Closing the old year and welcoming the new is often accompanied by eating oliebollen. These deep-fried dough balls, often filled with sultanas and sprinkled with icing sugar, are a favourite treat on New Year’s Eve. The crispy outside and soft, fluffy inside make oil balls an irresistible treat.
These typical dishes for December allow people to indulge their taste buds. Whether it is sharing a Christmas stump or enjoying a hot cup of mulled wine, these dishes bring us together and let us experience the magic of December to the fullest.