Bored of candy canes and gingerbread houses? We don’t blame you, it really is the same thing year after year at your holiday potluck. Impress your friends and family with how cultured you are by making (or buying – we won’t tell) this holiday treats from around the world.
Figgy Pudding
We’ve all heard of it, but how many of us actually know what it is? Figgy pudding is a traditional English dessert, combining chopped figs, raisins, and nuts. This pudding is made in the same way as steamed pudding, only on a stovetop. You’ll feel plenty warm after eating its frosting made from butter, brandy, and powdered sugar.
Mexican Butter Cookies
Galletas con Chochitos (aka Mexican Butter Cookies) are easy to make and lovely to look at. Soft and buttery, these one-bite treats are similar to traditional sugar cookies, but with chocolate sprinkle toppings (or red and green if you’re feeling festive).
German Vanillekipferl
Vanillekipferl literally means vanilla moon or crescent. They are popular across Europe but are particularly loved in Vienna and Austria, where they were created. These crescent-shaped cookies are hand-shaped, baked, then sprinkled with powdered sugar while still warm out of the oven, giving them a snowy, holiday look.
Danish Risalamande
A popular holiday dessert served by the Danish, Risalamande comes from the French riz à l’amande meaning “rice with almonds”. This sweet dish has a texture similar to rice pudding, though it features whipped cream, short-grain rice, chopped almonds, and one large whole almond hidden somewhere inside. If you find the whole almond in your bowl, tradition says you get a gift!
Pavlova
Pavlova is an elegant meringue-based dessert named after a famous Russian ballerina. Much like her, it is a graceful dish that is both soft and light. It features a firm meringue-textured shell and soft marshmallow-like layers on the inside. This dessert can be made in a variety of sizes — as one big dish or smaller individualized pieces. Put those candied fruit cakes to shame and top your Pavlova with whatever fresh fruit you like.
Austrian Linzer Cookies
Based on the well-loved Austrian torte dessert, Linzer cookies are rich and tender with an almond undertone. They are traditionally made by sandwiching a fruit jam between two soft, buttery cookies dusted with powdered sugar. They are delicious and much easier to make than they look.
You just read about six decadent desserts from around the world that no one will blame you for indulging in and everyone will love you for sharing. Have a warm and happy holiday!
All credit goes to Sweet e’s Pastries and Sweets
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