Kicking off the holidays!
Kicking off the holidays! Vlogmas week 1
The Month of Festivities: Italian Christmas Traditions and Recipes
In Italy, the entire month of December is filled with joyous celebrations, delicious food, and cherished traditions. From the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th to the grand finale of Epiphany on January 6th, Italians embrace the holiday spirit with gusto. Here’s a glimpse into some of the beloved traditions and recipes that make this season so special.
1. Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) This day marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Italy. Families attend church services and enjoy a festive meal together. A popular dish for this celebration is Tortellini in Brodo, a comforting soup made with delicate pasta filled with meat or cheese.
Ingredients:
1 pound tortellini (meat or cheese-filled)
8 cups chicken or beef broth
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the carrot, celery, and onion, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Christmas Eve (La Vigilia) The highlight of the Italian Christmas season is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, celebrated on Christmas Eve. This grand meal features a variety of seafood dishes, each one more delectable than the last.
3. Christmas Day (Natale) On Christmas Day, families gather for a lavish feast that often includes Lasagna Bolognese, a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for the occasion.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
In a baking dish, layer the noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
4. New Year’s Eve (La Festa di San Silvestro) Italians welcome the New Year with a festive meal that often includes Cotechino con Lenticchie, a dish of pork sausage and lentils believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Ingredients:
1 pound cotechino sausage
1 cup lentils
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, cook the cotechino sausage according to package instructions. Set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
Add the lentils and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Slice the sausage and serve over the lentils. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Epiphany (La Befana) The holiday season concludes with Epiphany on January 6th, when La Befana, the kind old witch, brings gifts to children. A traditional treat for this day is Panettone, a sweet bread filled with dried fruits and nuts.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm milk
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, candied orange peel)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and salt. Add the eggs, butter, and yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
Fold in the dried fruits and nuts. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the dough into a round loaf and place in a greased panettone mold or deep cake pan.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The month of December in Italy is a time of warmth, family, and delicious food. These traditions and recipes bring people together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo! 🎄🍝🍷
Feel free to share your holiday creations with us on social media using #ItalianHolidayRecipes. We can't wait to see how you celebrate!
These Vlogmas recipes are sure to make your holiday celebrations extra special. Gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and enjoy the magic of the season together. Happy holidays! 🎄🍪🥂
No comments:
Post a Comment