152 delicious holiday recipes from around the world
A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped walnuts and sweetened with a fragrant syrup. This Bosnian version of baklava is a beloved dessert, often prepared for special occasions and holidays, characterized by its crispiness and nutty sweetness.
Dammsugare, literally meaning 'vacuum cleaner' in Swedish, are classic, no-bake Swedish pastries. These delightful rolls feature a rich, moist cake and butter filling, flavored with arrack liqueur (punsch), all enrobed in vibrant green marzipan and finished with chocolate-dipped ends. Traditionally made to use up leftover sponge cake, they are a beloved treat for fika (coffee break).
Cornulețe are traditional Romanian crescent-shaped cookies, often filled with fruit jam, walnuts, or Turkish delight. They are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
A moist, aromatic, and deeply flavorful cake, traditionally enjoyed during Jewish holidays, especially Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing a sweet new year. Its rich taste comes from honey and a blend of warm spices.
A fragrant and colorful rice pilaf infused with the delicate aroma of saffron, studded with sweet raisins and crunchy pine nuts. This dish is a popular side, often served during holidays like Rosh Hashanah for good luck.
A sweet and comforting soup made from a variety of dried fruits, often spiced with cinnamon and citrus. Traditionally served during holidays and special occasions, it can be enjoyed warm or cold as a dessert, breakfast, or snack.
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.
Thin, crisp, and warmly spiced Belgian shortcrust cookies, traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day. They are characterized by their distinctive spiced flavor profile, often featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
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.
A flavorful chicken dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the tartness of pomegranate, reflecting the agricultural bounty and symbolic significance of these fruits in Israeli culture.
Sweet, spiral-shaped rolls filled with a rich poppy seed paste. These fragrant pastries are a popular treat, especially during holidays and celebrations, offering a delightful balance of soft dough and flavorful filling.
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.
A savory and aromatic bread stuffing, infused with fresh herbs and tender vegetables, making it a quintessential centerpiece for any Thanksgiving feast.
A traditional German Christmas bread, this rich fruit bread is studded with dried fruits and a core of sweet marzipan. A true Dresden specialty, it's perfect for festive occasions and can be made well in advance.
Kulich is a traditional tall, sweet, enriched yeast bread, essential for Orthodox Easter celebrations. It's often decorated with white icing and sprinkles.
Soft, fragrant Russian honey spice cookies, traditionally sweetened and flavored with a warm spice blend. These pryaniki are delightful served with tea.
Tender artichoke hearts filled with a savory spiced beef mixture, braised in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dish, popular in Israeli cuisine with North African influences, is perfect as a main course or a substantial appetizer.
A sweet, yeasted bread filled with a rich, aromatic poppy seed and often apple filling. This 'Makovyi Rulet' is a traditional pastry enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, showcasing the beloved poppy seed in a delightful swirl.
Neapolitan honey balls - tiny, deep-fried dough balls coated in warm honey and traditionally decorated with sprinkles and candied citrus. A beloved Christmas treat from Naples.
A traditional Armenian pumpkin dish, often prepared for holidays and special occasions. It's a baked pumpkin stuffed with rice, dried fruits, nuts, and sweetened with honey or sugar.
Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth German vanilla crescent cookies, a beloved Christmas tradition. These buttery, almond-infused cookies are lightly sweetened and dusted with vanilla sugar.
Traditional Italian fried dough rings, often filled with pastry cream and topped with a cherry, especially popular for St. Joseph's Day (March 19th).
A beloved Peruvian sweet, Turrón de Doña Pepa is a tower of crisp, anise-flavored cookie sticks, traditionally enjoyed during October in honor of the Lord of Miracles. The cookies are layered with a rich, spiced chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) syrup and generously decorated with colorful sprinkles.
Vianoce Koláče are traditional Slovak pastries, often made during the Christmas season, but enjoyed year-round. They feature a tender, slightly sweet dough filled with various sweet fillings like fruit jam, poppy seeds, or sweetened cheese. These small, folded pastries are a delightful treat, often dusted with powdered sugar.
