Themed Christmases Part Two

Yesterday the holiday cuisines of Britain , Australia and Jamaica were explored for a themed Christmas dinner. Now it's time to get other ideas for a holiday meal, complete with after dinner treats. They're tasty and fun, perfect for celebrating. 

One of the most delicious palates is the French. True French cuisine derives from Catherine de Medici's  Northern Italian influence on her husband's Henri II's  court. Canapes, small slices of toasts or puffed patry are topped with such Gallic treats as charcuterie slices and dabs of Brie and Gruyere. Escargot in a garlicky butter sauce and foie gras follow howevr if these are too much then think of a comforting chestnut soup. This is a mix of pureed , boiled chestnuts , whole cream and vegetable stock, spiced with a bay leaf. The main course varies according to region. The Perogord region in central France prefer a roast duck while most of the country love a good roast ham. France is known for one of the most famous Christmas desserts - Bpouche de Noel or Christmas log. This is a delicous marriage of flourless chocolate cake or sponge to a chocolate whipped cream topping. Make it more foresty with marzipan mushrooms and a trail of cranberries on the plate. Greek Christmas tradtions are steeped in centuries of tradition. You could easily make their braised lamb shanks with a tangy feta and anchovy laced salad. The Greek Christmas cookie kourambiethes are sheer heaven in every bite.These are buttery balls liberally dusted with powdered sugar.

If you want a "meat" themed holiday dinner then think Argentina. The best beef in the world comes from this interesting South American country. enjoy a good grilled slab of beef wtih chimichurri or salsa verde. They also have a heavy Piedmontese influence (Pope Francis is one such Argentinian with roots near San Maurizio Canovese). The meal is a Piedmontese classic with veal in a tuna and anchovy sauce. It's called viteela al tonno and it would even make a great New Year's day dinner. enjoy it with a gplass of anana fizz, a heady mix of cider or sparkling wine  and pinrapple juice. This comes bottled but you can make your own version with pineapple juice , and sprakling wine. Finish with a pan dulce or panetone, This is great end to a dinner and a good evening snack too. Now you cn get it with chocolate chips for an even tastier bite.Another warm weather country with a Christmas bounty is Nigeria. You could start off with beef or a roast chicken served with a tasty side of jollof rice. Make your version with tomato and curry with cooked long grain rice. Ginger, green peppers and onions are also added for a flavorful mix.Dessert is a coconut patty made with flaked coconut and powdered sugar.

A themed Christmas dinner is a fun trip around the world. Have one country or mix it up with two or three. The end result will be a tasty and memorable meal.