10 Festive treats that Britons love at Christmas
Posted: December 22, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Christmas is the time for indulgence, a time for treats, happiness and “just one more”. As Britons we love spoiling ourselves over the festive period and why not? We work too hard any other time of the year and it is Christmas after all. Just have another one.
Turkey
There were approximately 10 million turkeys sold in the UK in 2013 but turkey has only become the Christmas dinner choice for the majority in the last 60 years. Up until the 1950’s, a turkey was classed as a luxury treat and more commonly seen on the tables of Britons at Christmas were roasted swan, goose, duck and Peacock.
Chocolate
What is there not to love about chocolate at Christmas? Since we were children chocolate has always featured in stockings across the country in the form of delicious selection boxes filled with sweet treats. Chocolate gifts stem back to the receiving of chocolate coins from Saint Nicholas, who gave chocolate coins to poor children as a Christmas treat.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is traditionally made with red wine, oranges, cloves and spices. It originates from Germany, where it is called Gluhwein. This sweet drink is drank hot and steaming. Variations of the drink have been created in Britain to form mulled cider and none alcoholic versions.
Christmas pudding
Christmas pudding or plum pudding as it is also known is the traditional pudding served after the Christmas feast. The word plum was used during the Victorian era, even though no plums are included in the recipe, however plum was the word used for raisins. A threepence piece used to be mixed into the pudding and was a symbol of luck to the finder.
Stollen
Stollen is another food that stems from Germany. The bread like cake is made from fruit and often has marzipan included in the recipe. It is traditionally eaten with unsalted butter and is renowned for keeping for several weeks due to being rolled in sugar after being remove from the oven.
Candy Canes
Candy canes originated from Germany, where according to folklore the priest required a candy to be made to remind the children of Christ. The candy cane was born to resemble a shepherds crook. They often taste of peppermint, however other flavours are not available.
Egg Nog
Contrary to popular belief, Egg Nog did not originate from America but is a British tradition, thought to have come from East Anglia. Made from milk, sugar, eggs and alcohol, it is often served warm.
Brussel Sprouts
Love them or hate them the humble Brussel Sprout had to be added to the list. The UK produced approximately 82,000 metric tonnes of Brussel Sprouts in 2012.
Mince Pies
The 13th Century brought the birth of mince pies when crusaders brought fruit, spices and meats back from abroad. Traditionally the mince pie used to contain meat, hence the name, however these days just fruit and spices are used. It is still illegal to eat a mince pie on Christmas day.
Pigs in blankets
The small sausages, traditionally chipolatas, are wrapped in bacon and usually served with Christmas dinner. In other countries, pigs in blankets are served around the year as appetisers.
