Holidays are the perfect occasion for spending time with family and friends, sharing memories, and, of course, great food. This is especially true when it comes to Latin foods. Thankfully, there is a wide array of Latin style dishes that are sure to please every guest in the room. Here are some must-know Latin dishes for the holidays.
Baked Apples for Christmas
Always a fan favorite, baked apples can accompany nearly any main course that uses meat as an ingredient. Baked apples are typically made from whole apples that are peeled and filled with mashed sweet potatoes. Not only are baked apples tasty, but they are very easy to prepare, so there is no need to fret over kitchen time.
Christmas Eve Salad
Every meal should include greens, and during the holidays it doesn’t get much better than a Christmas Eve Salad. The Christmas Eve Salad is also referred to as Nochebuena, and this is fitting as the phrase means Christmas Eve in Spanish. Some of the ingredients that are often found in a Christmas Eve Salad are lettuce, beets, apples, and peanuts. The color of these items bodes well for those looking to match the meal with the surrounding décor. If you would like to add a bit of heat to the salad, you may want to consider adding pickled jalapeno peppers.
Corn Tamales
A traditional favorite, corn tamales make a nice addition to any holiday spread. In fact, the process of making tamales involves quite a few steps, so extra hands are always needed. This makes for the perfect opportunity to catch up with relatives, while at the same time, creating a delicious dish. Once the tamales are finished, you will want to prepare some toppings, such as salsa or guacamole.
Pig Ears
When it comes to Halloween there are few dishes that embrace the trick-or-treat spirit like that of pig’s ears. This is particularly true if they are served in a dish that embodies the ghoulish holiday, like that of a cauldron or large stew pot. Depending on the preferences of the dinner guests, you may want to add a dash of hot sauce to give the appearance of blood.
Holidays are a Time for Great Food
It is no secret that great food is one of the hallmarks of any holiday, and this is no different with Latin foods. Whether you are cooking for a large gathering or a few close family members, there are some entrees that will fit the festivities particularly well. For instance, baked Christmas apples are a sweet treat that goes well with nearly any dish.
Furthermore, if you are looking for a healthy dish that will match the colors of Christmas, you will surely want to consider Christmas Eve salad. Lastly, for ghoulish holidays like that of Halloween, try serving up pig’s ears in a large bowl that has the feel of a witch’s cauldron. If you are finding it difficult to come up with dishes for the holidays, keep in mind these popular Latin dishes.