Traditional cuisine

A special Christmas family meal is traditionally an important part of the holiday celebration, and the food that is served varies greatly from country to country.Some regions, such as Sicily, have special meals for Christmas Eve, when 12 kinds of fish are served.In the United Kingdom and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey or goose, meat, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread and cider.Special desserts are also prepared, such as Christmas pudding, mince pies, and fruit cake.In Poland and other parts of eastern Europe and Scandinavia, fish often is used for the traditional main course, but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served.In Germany, France, and Austria, goose and pork are favored.Beef, ham, and chicken in various recipes are popular throughout the world.The Maltese traditionally serve Imbuljuta tal Qastan, a chocolate and chestnuts beverage, after Midnight Mass and throughout the Christmas season.Slovaks prepare the traditional Christmas bread potica, buche de Noel in France, panettone in Italy, and elaborate tarts and cakes.The eating of sweets and chocolates has become popular worldwide, and sweeter Christmas delicacies include the German stollen, marzipan cake or candy, and Jamaican rum fruit cake.As one of the few fruits traditionally available to northern countries in winter, oranges have been long associated with special Christmas foods.Eggnog is a sweetened dairy based beverage traditionally made with milk and or cream, sugar, and whipped eggs (which gives it a frothy texture).Spirits such as brandy, rum or bourbon are often added.The finished serving is often garnished with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.