holiday Recipes
53 delicious holiday recipes from around the world
Modeum Jeon (Assorted Korean Pan-Fried Delicacies)
Modeum Jeon is a delightful assortment of Korean pan-fried dishes, featuring a variety of thinly sliced vegetables and proteins, coated in a light batter and pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. It's a popular dish for holidays and special gatherings, often served with a savory dipping sauce.
Songpyeon (Korean Half-Moon Rice Cakes)
Delicate, half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with a sweet sesame seed mixture and traditionally steamed over fragrant pine needles. Songpyeon are a quintessential treat enjoyed during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival.
Sujeonggwa (Korean Cinnamon Punch)
A traditional Korean sweet and spicy cinnamon ginger punch, often enjoyed during holidays, featuring the unique flavor of dried persimmons and a hint of pine nuts. It's known for its refreshing taste and digestive properties.
Yaksik (Korean Sweet Rice)
Yaksik, also known as Yakbap, is a traditional Korean sweet rice dessert made with glutinous rice, nuts, dried fruits, and a sweet syrup. It's often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.
Asado Negro
Venezuelan Asado Negro is a classic comfort food dish featuring a beef roast slow-cooked in a rich, dark caramel sauce made from papelón (unrefined cane sugar). The result is incredibly tender beef with a deep, mahogany hue and a complex sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. It's traditionally served with white rice.
Buñuelos
Crispy, thin Mexican fritters made from fried dough, generously coated in a warm, spiced piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) syrup. A beloved Christmas tradition, these buñuelos are known for their delicate crunch and sweet, aromatic flavor.
Calaveras de Azúcar (Sugar Skulls)
Decorative sugar skulls, a traditional edible folk art centerpiece for Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) altars. These are primarily for decoration but can be eaten.
Champurrado
A warm, comforting, and deeply traditional Mexican beverage, Champurrado is a thick, chocolate-infused masa drink. It's a delightful blend of sweet, spiced, and earthy flavors, perfect for chilly mornings or alongside savory dishes like tamales.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
A beloved American Thanksgiving classic, this casserole features tender green beans enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful textural contrast.
Classic Pecan Pie
A rich and decadent Southern classic, this pecan pie features a buttery, caramelized filling loaded with toasted pecans, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It's a quintessential dessert for holidays and special occasions.
Classic Thanksgiving Herb Stuffing
A savory and aromatic bread stuffing, infused with fresh herbs and tender vegetables, making it a quintessential centerpiece for any Thanksgiving feast.
Dulce de Higos (Candied Figs in Spiced Syrup)
A traditional Venezuelan sweet treat of green figs gently simmered in a spiced sugar syrup until tender and translucent. Perfect for holiday celebrations or served with cheese.
Ensalada de Gallina (Venezuelan Chicken Salad)
A classic Venezuelan chicken salad featuring tender shredded chicken, diced potatoes and carrots, sweet peas, and crisp apple, all bound together with creamy mayonnaise. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, especially during festive occasions.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange
A vibrant and fresh homemade cranberry sauce infused with orange zest and spice. This easy condiment is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, far superior to any canned version, and an essential accompaniment to Thanksgiving feasts.
Muchacho Relleno (Colombian Stuffed Beef Roll)
An impressive Colombian eye of round beef roast, butterflied, filled with colorful vegetables, rolled, and slow-braised in a rich tomato sauce until tender. Perfect for special occasions.
Pan de Jamón
A quintessential Venezuelan Christmas bread, this sweet and savory roll features a soft dough generously filled with thinly sliced ham, briny olives, and sweet raisins, creating a beautiful spiral when sliced.
Pastel de Pollo (Colombian Chicken Pie)
A comforting and savory Colombian chicken pie featuring a creamy, vegetable-rich chicken filling encased in flaky puff pastry.
Pasteles
Puerto Rican pasteles are a cherished Christmas tradition, resembling tamales. They feature a savory filling of seasoned pork encased in a flavorful dough made from green bananas and yautía, all meticulously wrapped in banana leaves.
Pastelitos
Argentine fried pastries, traditionally enjoyed during national holidays. These sweet pastries are filled with either quince paste (dulce de membrillo) or sweet potato paste (dulce de batata), folded into decorative shapes, and fried until golden and crisp.
Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
These traditional Mexican wedding cookies, also known as polvorones, are incredibly tender, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delights. They are characterized by their delicate texture and are generously coated in powdered sugar, making them a perfect sweet treat for celebrations.
Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread)
A traditional oval-shaped sweet bread, adorned with colorful candied fruits and symbolic of the Three Kings' Day celebration. A small plastic baby figurine is hidden within the dough, and whoever finds it is said to host a tamale party on Candlemas Day (February 2nd).
Tamal Santandereano
A traditional Santanderean tamale, featuring tender pork and chicken, hearty chickpeas, all enveloped in a savory corn masa and steamed to perfection within banana leaves. This is a labor of love, often prepared for special occasions.
Tamales Rojos
Classic red tamales featuring tender shredded pork enveloped in a rich, savory red chile sauce, all encased in a soft masa dough and steamed to perfection within corn husks. A beloved staple for celebrations.
Tamales Verdes (Green Tamales)
Authentic Mexican tamales featuring tender masa dough filled with shredded chicken in a vibrant salsa verde, all steamed to perfection within corn husks. A beloved staple for holidays and celebrations.