Chinese families do spring cleaning before the New Year, Guatemalans do it before Christmas. Locals believe that evil spirits live in the dark, dirty corners of your home, and so they collect their garbage into a huge pile. They then place an effigy of the devil on top and set the whole thing on fire for a devil-free Christmas.
Different countries all over the world also celebrate this festive time of the year with different dishes. Here is part two of our Christmas special!
1) Zakuski (Russia)
Source: The Seagull Project
What is it?
Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, snacks and appetizers served before the main course. Consists of anything from cold cuts and cured fished to salads and deviled eggs, to hard cheeses and open sandwiches.
2) Ensalada de Noche Buena (Mexico)
Source: The Telegraph
What is it?
A festive traditional Mexican salad that consists of roasted beets, oranges, apples, jicama and lettuce.
3) Tamales (Mexico)
Source: Gluten-Free Cat
What is it?
Made from corn dough, tamales are deliciously stuffed with meat and vegetables, before being wrapped in a leaf to either boil or steam.
4) Pasteles (Trinidad)
Source: Trini Roti Shop
What is it?
Similar to tamales, pasteles are dough-based treats stuffed with chicken, fish or even soya, before being wrapped in a leaf and boiled.
5) Vitel Toné (Argentina)
Source: Taringa!
What is it?
A cold platter of sliced veal covered in a creamy, mayonnaise-like tuna sauce.
6) Rabanada (Brazil)
Source: mdemulher
What is it?
A Brazilian-style French toast with soaked in beaten eggs and fried.
7) Pan de jamón (Chile)
Source: The Gilded Pig
What is it?
A packed loaf of rolled-up bread filled with ham, bacon, olives, raisins and either red or green peppers.
8) Frikkadels (South Africa)
Source: cooking.storyofbing.com
What is it?
Baked or deep-fried South African-style meatballs mixed with onion, bread, eggs, vinegar and spices.
9) Boerewors (South Africa)
Source: Scobies Direct
What is it?
Traditional South African sausages made of 90% meat and 10% spices and other ingredients.
How’s that for appetizers? Feel free to mix and match them for an international starter platter. Just save some room for the main course! Have a Merry Christmas!
Which of these recipes are you trying out? Let us know in the comments!
Hungry for more? Check out the rest of our picture buffet here: Drinks Main Courses Desserts
