AHHH family traditions, mine is a mix of Greek and Italian a chaotic mix of smells and big stains on faces and aprons…

Here I happily share with you some of my favorite traditional Christmas dishes from Italy and Greece.

Let’s start with Italy:

1. Panettone: This is a sweet bread loaf from Milan which is usually filled with candied fruits and raisins. It’s a classic Christmas treat.
2. Tortellini in Brodo: These are small pasta rings stuffed with meat and served in a rich broth. They’re a comforting winter dish.
3. Capon Stuffed with Ground Meat: Capon is a large rooster, and it’s often stuffed with ground meat, bread, and spices for Christmas dinner.
4. Baccalà: This is salted cod, often served fried or in a tomato-based stew known as Baccalà alla Vesuviana.
5. Panforte: This is a dense, sweet confection with honey, nuts, and dried fruits. It’s a bit like a fruitcake, but so much better!

Now let’s travel to Greece:

6. Christopsomo: This is a sweet bread decorated with symbols made of dough, usually served on Christmas Eve.
7. Melomakarona: These are honey-dipped cookies topped with crushed walnuts, a must-have during the holiday season.
8. Baklava: This sweet pastry is made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey. It’s not just for Christmas, but it’s extra special during the holidays.
9. Avgolemono Soup: This is a comforting chicken soup thickened with eggs and lemon. It’s light, creamy, and perfect for a winter’s day.
10. Vasilopita: This is a New Year’s Day bread or cake in Greece, which contains a hidden coin. It’s often served at midnight on New Year’s Eve.