Food doesn’t just fill our bellies at Christmastime. It also brings family and friends together to celebrate and share in the holiday spirit. It unites us in a unique way many can relate to and appreciate in more ways than one.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, we look forward to the savoury-seasoned dressing and pile of pease pudding added to our already-full Christmas dinner plates. We can almost smell the salt beef cooking just by thinking about it. We look forward to the classic, yet simple, plates of hors d’oeuvres consisting of small chunks of cheddar cheese, pieces of pickle or perfect pearl onions and slices of canned sausage on toothpicks.
Of course, you can’t forget the homemade slush that gets shared among those who look forward to the traditional holiday beverage, which comes straight from an ice-cold bucket stored in the freezer. I’ve tried an orange-flavoured version, but pineapple is still my favourite. If you’re looking for a new twist, try the rhubarb slush recipe.
Nothing comes close to the scent of homemade molasses raisin bread on Christmas Eve in my parents’ home in Newfoundland. It’s a staple for us during the holiday season and something I’ve come to anticipate every year when I visit (and my mother knows it).
While these delicious foods are considered Christmas traditions for many people in the province, they should also serve as a reminder to share with those who are less fortunate. Before Christmas rolls around, consider picking up non-perishable food items to donate to local shelters and food banks. For those who’d like to spread even more holiday cheer, check out volunteer opportunities in your community to lend a helping hand.
I hope you enjoy this year’s Christmas Cookbook and add a few new favourites to your recipe collection this festive season. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Paula Bugden
Editor, Christmas Cookbook 2019
More from the 2019 Christmas Cookbook
- This year’s Christmas Cookbook contest winners are …
- Recipes for the holidays
- Cooking up Christmas traditions
- Give a local taste to your holiday dishes
- Take the stress out of entertaining
Ready to cook
It’s the festive season once again and The Telegram and Sobeys are happy to present the 2019 Christmas Cookbook, which includes a wide variety of recipes from readers across the province. This cookbook is a holiday tradition and The Telegram welcomes Sobeys as a partner again this year.
It’s a seasonal joy for us to open and read these recipes as they arrive. We receive new recipes that inspire, as well as old favourites that are considered classics by many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at Christmastime.
