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Christmas probably makes you think of specific sights and sounds. But what tastes and flavors do you associate with the holiday?
In addition to things like colorful lights and gift exchanges, Christmas also has its own unique sweets, and some have surprising stories behind them.
This article will focus on some of the most well-known holiday treats; some you may already know, but some may be new to you. Prepare to get hungry!
Stollen
A traditional German Christmas cake, stollen is a sweet bread filled with fruits, nuts and spices. Its history goes back to the 14th century, when it first appeared in the German city of Dresden. It is often baked several weeks before Christmas, allowing the flavors to mix and become stronger over time.
Some believe that stollen's unique shape symbolizes the baby Jesus, while the white powder it is covered in represents his diaper. However, this will not be the only food in this article with an important shape.
We offered a slice of stollen to all of the guests at our Christmas party.
Gingerbread cookies
These are sweet and spicy cookies made with gingerbread dough. They are cut into the shape of men or are sometimes used to "build" houses that are decorated with icing or candy.
If you have seen the Shrek films, you may remember the character Gingerbread Man, who was one of the most popular members of the cast.
Baking gingerbread cookies is a holiday tradition in our household.
Peppermint bark
Peppermint bark is made by layering white chocolate and dark chocolate and sprinkling crushed peppermint candies on top. It is then broken into pieces and eaten as bite-sized treats.
The kids all ate pieces of peppermint bark after the big Christmas dinner.
Candy canes
Along with trees and wreaths, candy canes are a popular symbol of the holiday season — perhaps because their white and red stripes are the same as the colors worn by Santa Claus!
Candy canes are hard peppermint-flavored candies shaped like canes. It is said that this shape was originally meant to remind children of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus in the Bible story.
The children always hang candy canes on the Christmas tree as part of the holiday decorations.
Fruitcake
Fruitcakes are traditionally made with lots of candied and dried fruits, nuts and spices. They are often soaked in alcohol and allowed to age for weeks, months or sometimes much longer.
Fruitcakes are often joked about for being poor Christmas gifts. Additionally, people who act strangely can even be called "fruitcakes." However, despite this negative reputation, they can still be delicious snacks during the holiday season.
I don't understand why some people hate fruitcakes. I think they're delicious!
Mince pies
Mince pies are small sweet pies filled with a mixture called mincemeat. Modern mincemeat usually contains dried fruits and spices, but originally it also contained meat.
I eat a delicious mince pie with a little bit of whipped cream on top every Christmas Eve.
Yule log
"Yule" is the name of an historical winter festival that became mixed with modern Christmas celebrations over time. Yule logs are sponge cakes that have been decorated with chocolate or buttercream to look like a log covered with snow.
Making a Yule log with my family is a fun and delicious holiday activity.
Eggnog
Eggnog is a thick drink made by mixing eggs, milk or cream, sugar and spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon. Some people also choose to add alcohol such as rum or brandy.
We raised our glasses of creamy eggnog and toasted to a joyful Christmas.
Christmas pudding
In the US, pudding is often thought of as a creamy treat with a texture similar to yogurt. However, Christmas pudding (sometimes called "plum pudding") looks more like a cake.
This holiday treat is a traditional part of Christmas dinner in the UK and other nations with a strong British influence.
Like many other Christmas sweets, it is filled with dried fruits and spices, and is sometimes covered in brandy or other spirits. As a final step, it can be lit on fire for a dramatic presentation!
Grandma's Christmas pudding is legendary; she always sets it on fire, which gets the kids excited.
Marzipan
Marzipan is a sweet almond paste that is formed into various shapes and often used to decorate cakes. It is a common ingredient in Christmas pastries.
I shaped some marzipan into little snowmen and put one each on top of some cupcakes.
Truffles
Truffles are small, round chocolate sweets with a creamy filling in the center. They are often coated with cocoa powder, powdered sugar or chopped nuts. During the holiday season, a variety of flavors and designs are made available.
These chocolate truffles melt in your mouth and are a luxurious treat during the holiday season.
Eat, drink and be merry
As Christmas celebrations have spread around the world, even people who are not Christian still enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the season.
This year, why not try some holiday sweets that are different from what you are used to? You just might discover a new favorite that will become a yearly tradition in your home!
This article is an adaptation of an original written by Amy Tolsma.
