Christmas Special Fiesta ! Types of Food cooked and Served During Christmas…

Dr.Chef Kaviraj Khialani. Celebrity Master Chef.

Introduction to Christmas:
Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, has both religious and cultural significance. For Christians, it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, while for many others, it’s a time for festive traditions. Decorations, gift-giving, feasting, and music are key elements. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and holiday lights add to the joy. The season is marked by togetherness, goodwill, and a sense of celebration that extends through the New Year.

Why it is Celebrated?
Christmas is primarily celebrated to honour the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. It holds religious significance, symbolizing hope, salvation, and joy. Over time, it has also become a cultural celebration, fostering values of love, generosity, and togetherness, observed through gift-giving, festive decorations, and special meals.

Highlights of Christmas Festival:

1. Religious Significance: Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, a central event in Christianity.
2. Decorations: Festive lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees create a joyous atmosphere.
3. Gift-Giving: Exchanging presents symbolizes love and goodwill, often associated with Santa Claus.
4. Feasting: Special meals, including roast turkey and desserts, bring people together for celebration.
5. Music and Carols: Christmas carols and music add a festive touch to the season.
6. Santa Claus: The jolly figure of Santa Claus embodies the spirit of gift-giving.
7. Holiday Season Kick-off: Christmas marks the start of a festive season, encouraging time spent with loved ones.
8. Cultural Traditions: Embraced globally, Christmas fosters unity and shared joy across diverse backgrounds.
9. Acts of Kindness: The season inspires charity and community involvement.
10. Symbolism of Hope: Christmas represents a time of hope, love, and peace worldwide.

Types of Food cooked and Served During Christmas

During Christmas, a variety of delicious and festive foods are prepared and served, and the specific dishes can vary widely depending on cultural traditions and regional preferences.
However, some common types of food associated with Christmas include:

1. Roast Turkey or Ham: A roasted turkey or ham is a classic centrepiece for Christmas dinners in many Western countries.
2. Stuffing/Dressing: A seasoned mixture of bread, vegetables, and herbs, often cooked inside the turkey or served as a side dish.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a popular side dish complementing the main course.
4. Gravy: A flavourful sauce made from the drippings of roasted meat, typically turkey or ham.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tart sauce made from cranberries, often served as an accompaniment to the main course.
6. Christmas Pudding: A rich and dense steamed or boiled dessert containing dried fruits, spices, and often soaked in alcohol, traditionally served with a sauce.
7. Fruitcake: A dense cake containing candied fruits, nuts, and spices, often soaked in alcohol for added flavour.
8. Gingerbread: Spiced cookies or cakes, often shaped into festive figures or houses, and sometimes used for decorations.
9. Eggnog: A rich and creamy beverage made with milk, eggs, sugar, and usually spiked with alcohol like rum or brandy
10. Cookies and Treats: Various cookies, such as gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and shortbread, are baked and enjoyed during the holiday season.
11. Seafood: In some cultures, especially those closer to coastlines, seafood dishes like fish, shrimp, or lobster are popular Christmas choices.
12. Cheeses and Charcuterie: Platters featuring a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments are often served as appetizers.
13. Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël): A festive dessert shaped like a log, often made of sponge cake and filled with cream or frosting.

These are just a few examples, and the specific dishes can vary widely based on family traditions, regional customs, and personal preferences. Additionally, Christmas meals around the world can include a diverse array of dishes reflecting local culinary traditions.

Popular Christmas Recipe:

1. Roast Chicken with Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 whole Chicken (4-5 Kgs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups dry bread cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 cups chicken broth

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the Chicken with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
3. In a bowl, mix together the bread cubes, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Stuff the turkey with this mixture.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter.
5. Pour the chicken broth into the pan.
6. Roast in the preheated oven, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes, until the turkey is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).

2. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses

Method:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and molasses, mix well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
4. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and mash with a potato masher.
3. Heat butter and milk in a saucepan until butter is melted.
4. Gradually add the milk mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring until creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chives if desired.

4. Cranberry Orange Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of one orange

Method:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in orange zest and let it cool before serving.

5. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 spiral-cut ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Cloves (optional, for decoration)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place ham in a roasting pan.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and vinegar to make the glaze.
4. Brush the ham with the glaze and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, basting with glaze every 20 minutes.
5. If desired, stud the ham with cloves for decoration.

6. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups whipped cream for filling
• Chocolate ganache for frosting

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla extract.
3. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
5. Turn the cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake and towel together, then let it cool.
6. Unroll the cake, spread whipped cream, and roll it back up. Frost with chocolate ganache and decorate as desired.

Conclusion
Christmas is a festive season that brings joy and togetherness. It’s a time for sharing moments, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special meals. Beyond the festivities, Christmas holds deeper meaning, symbolizing hope and renewal.

Traditions, decorations, and acts of kindness create a magical atmosphere, fostering reflection and gratitude. The holiday spirit extends to charitable acts, emphasizing the importance of generosity and compassion. Overall, Christmas is a universal celebration that transcends cultural boundaries, spreading love and joy worldwide.