Sunday Special: Christmas Delicacies!

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR KAVIRAJ KHIALANI

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.  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.

Here are a few popular recipes for Christmas Season!

HOMEMADE EGGNOG

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Method

• In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
• In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until it steams but doesn’t boil.
• Slowly whisk hot milk into the egg mixture.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Remove from heat, stir in cream, vanilla, and nutmeg.
• Refrigerate until chilled, and then serve.

VEGETARIAN STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Ingredients

• 3 acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 cup cranberries, dried
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Brush squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes.
• In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and feta.
• Stuff each squash half with the quinoa mixture.
• Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until squash is tender.

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE BARK

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Method

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave.
• Pour dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
• Melt white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
• Pour white chocolate over the dark chocolate and swirl with a knife.
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and refrigerate until set. Break into pieces before serving.

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

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Season the Chicken with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
• In a bowl, mix together the bread cubes, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Stuff the turkey with this mixture.
• Place the turkey in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter.
• Pour the chicken broth into the pan.
• 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).

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Ingredients

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

Method

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
• In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat in the egg and molasses.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well to form a dough.
• Divide the dough into two portions and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
• Roll out the dough and cut out house shapes. Bake according to the recipe or kit instructions.
• Once cooled, assemble the gingerbread house using royal icing and decorate as desired.

CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles for decoration

Method

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
• In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Roll into balls, flatten, and decorate with sprinkles.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Conclusion

Celebrating Christmas is a joyous time marked by traditions, togetherness, and festive cheer. Whether you embrace the warmth of familiar customs, indulge in delicious holiday recipes, or simply spend quality time with loved ones, the essence of Christmas lies in creating and cherishing meaningful moments. As we exchange gifts, share meals, and reflect on the year, may the spirit of love, generosity, and gratitude permeate our celebrations, making Christmas a time of warmth and connection for all.

Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.

He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef, Mobile: 91 9820939336. Mail: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com

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