To Hungarian children, of course, it’s all about Mikulás. But for the grown-ups, Christmas celebrations in Hungary focus a lot on the culinary delights. Here are a few of the highlights. Halászlé (Fish Soup) As a relic of the earlier church tradition of fasting for Advent, it is still traditional for fish to be eaten [...]
Paprenjak is a traditional Croatian biscuit that contains a unique mix of honey, walnuts, pepper and spices. Its origin is still unclear but it is known to have existed since the 16th century and more lately its become a family tradition in many Croatian homes to make paprenjak for Christmas. To make paprenjak you need special wooden mould’s [...]
Spending Christmas in Budapest can be a really wonderful experience. From stunning Christmas lights on many of the busiest streets, festive concerts, markets offering handmade arts and crafts, and delicious seasonal food, there’s something to delight everyone from young and old alike. So, if you’re wondering what to do during the month of December, here’s [...]
Honey cookies also known as mézeskalács are a traditional Christmas treat in Hungary and are often sold at festivals and markets. Similar to gingerbread, these cookies are made with honey and spices and are decorated with white sugar icing. This recipe is an adaptation from Nora Papp’s recipe, who is the creator and editor of Wise Lady, a [...]
Fritule is a traditional Croatian pastry that is most commonly made for Christmas. Although very similar to a doughnut these fluffy pastries are actually much smaller in size and are shaped into round balls. In this recipe, sour cream and grated apples are used to give it a richer taste. They make an excellent accompaniment to [...]
Every year before Christmas, Vörösmarty Square is transformed into a festival of light and colour. More than 100 wooden pavilions are set-up offering handmade porcelain, wooden boxes and toys, jewelry and traditional weavings. The market also has a variety of food and drink specialities such as forralt bor (mulled wine), kürtoskalács (sweet Hungarian pastry), roast [...]
No other time are poppy seed rolls most enjoyed than during the Christmas season especially in Hungary and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe. These sweet rolls have always been a favorite and almost every family prides themselves on having a great recipe to make them. For this recipe, I have chosen to add a citrus glaze on top. You [...]
Mákos guba is a popular dessert in Hungary that is baked for Christmas. It contains poppy seeds which was originally meant as a fertility charm, to ensure a plentiful harvest in the coming year. Ingredients 2 large eggs 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (100 grams) firmly packed dark brown sugar 2 1/2 cups (620 [...]
This popular hot spiced wine is served during the cold winter months throughout Germany and Europe. It is made with red wine and seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, citrus and sugar. At the markets, vendors will offer various additions to the mulled wine, such as a shot of rum, amaretto, or elderberry cordial. An alcohol-free version [...]
This recipe is great for making traditional gingerbread cookies. You can easily cut them into various shapes or even use them as ornaments. Ingredients Cookies 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature 3/4 cup (170 grams) granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup molasses 1 teaspoon ground ginger 3 cups (330 grams) all purpose [...]
