A PAGAN CHRISTMAS
part 9
TASTES OF THE SEASON
Food has always been part of every one's cultures and traditions and this time of year it tends to take the forefront and shine like the Star of David on a dark cold December night.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Saturnalia, there is something to tantalize the taste buds.
Sweet breads, decadent puddings and trifles, chocolate and marzipan are just a few selections to be found on a dining table. The aromas of cardamon, prune, walnuts and date engulf the senses to create lost childhood memories of 'Grandma's cooking'.
Pagans have used food in their rituals and celebrations for millenia. Used to ward off evil, offering to the gods, and in general celebrations. Wine, mead and ale were consumed alongside all the rich goodies.
My personal favorites for this time of year are:
Kurtos Kalacs (sweet dough dipped in caramel and rolled in walnuts)
Dobosh Torte (layered angel food cake with walnut filling and chocolate ganache topping)
Tarte au Sucre (French Canadian sugar pie)
Tortiere (French Canadian meat pie)
Panatone (Italian sweet bread with or without raisins)
Stollen (German sweet bread)
Buche de Noel (Yule log) (usually chocolate with creme filling, frosted to resemble a log of wood)
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks does it right!!!!)
It doesn't matter what you celebrate. What matters is family, love, honor, tradition and embracing different cultures.
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