Literary Holiday Treats
I thought a roundup of bookish Christmas foods was in order. After all, descriptions of Christmas feasting are pretty much the next best thing to holiday eating.
I am not-so-secretly fascinated by the food people eat in books, so I'm always longing to sample the treats that literary characters talk about. I thought a roundup of bookish Christmas foods was in order. After all, descriptions of Christmas feasting are pretty much the next best thing to holiday eating. (I tracked down recipes for everything if you want to play in the kitchen—and places to pick them up ready-made if your to-do list is already too long!)
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Stop dreaming of sugarplums and try some for yourself! These sweet little treats are fun to nibble while you read the classic holiday poem together, but they also make a fun addition to stockings.
A Christmas Carol
The Cratchits' plum pudding is a symbol of familial happiness, but soaking one in brandy and setting it ablaze is a study in courage. Still, doesn't it sound kind of fun?
Little Women
The gastronomical highlight of the March's Christmas dinner for Amy is the rich variety of jellies, so serve a dollop of old-fashioned guava jelly with your holiday sweets.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
You probably don't want to try to recreate the 12-dish first course served at King Arthur's Christmas court, but you can get a taste of medieval holiday celebrations by sampling a modern version of Ginger in Syrupe.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
One of Harry’s first real Christmas presents is a box of fudge from Mrs. Weasley. I think a few pieces tucked in a stocking would be a nice bit of Potter for your holiday.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Who could resist a confection so delicious that you’d trade—temporarily, at least—your soul for it? The White Queen’s evil Turkish Delight deserves the chance to play for the side of good, don’t you think?
Polar Express
Hot chocolate is the beverage of choice on the Polar Express, and it’s also the beverage of choice on pretty much any holiday morning.
