1. Speculoos Cookies
Since 2020, the speculoos have been inscribed on the list of Brussels’ Intangible Cultural Heritage. Traditionally served on St. Nicholas Day, this spiced cookie has a crunchy texture. When the dough has been rolled out, use an embossed rolling pin to print a festive design before cutting the dough with a cookie cutter. These little treats make perfect hostess gifts.
GOURMET GIFTS
Speculoos Cookies
2. Puits d’amour (Wells of Love)
A festive, emblematic dessert in Mauritius, the puits d’amour are tartlets with a base made of crumbly dough. Garnish the crust with a mixture of whipped cream and vanilla pastry cream. The final touch for this quick and easy recipe? Shredded coconut and a maraschino cherry, reminiscent of Rudolph’s red nose.
3. New Year’s Cake (Vasilopita)
Celebrate St. Basil’s Day for the Greek New Year with a vasilopita, a dessert made with Greek yogurt and lemon zest and juice. At midnight on December 31, everyone gets a piece of the cake. Just like for the Galette des Rois, an object is hidden inside—but instead of a bean, it’s a coin that’ll bring luck to the person who finds it.
NEW YEAR'S EVE
New Year’s Cake (Vasilopita)
4. Polish Apricot and Raspberry Cookies (Kolaczki)
No need to look any further for a sweet treat to offer at the end of the evening with tea or coffee. Kolaczki are Polish cookies made from cream cheese dough garnished with jam. Add a festive, indulgent touch just before serving by sprinkling them with icing sugar.
5. Japanese Strawberry Shortcake
Japanese people’s favourite holiday dessert is shortcake. Made with a moist Genoise and creamy whipped cream that incorporates condensed milk, it has a simpler look and tastes less sweet than our summer version. The condensed milk is also brushed over the top of the cake before covering it with whipped cream and decorating it with strawberries. A little summertime in the middle of winter!
6. Plum Pudding
Originally from England, plum pudding is a fruitcake traditionally served at Christmas. To allow it to macerate in alcohol, it’s preferable to make it at least a week in advance. It’s also preferable to reheat it with steam and coat it with brandy sauce before serving it to your guests. This dessert keeps very well at room temperature.
HOLIDAY DESSERTS
Plum Pudding
7. Panettone (The Best)
Panettone is an Italian pastry that’s part of Christmas traditions. This simplified version is made with a mixture of dried fruits rehydrated in rum; the unbelievably moist dough rivals that of store-bought cakes.
THE BEST
Panettone (The Best)
8. Nougat
In Provence, they carry on the tradition of the 13 Christmas desserts, which represent Christ with the 12 apostles. Nougat is one of the treats offered on this occasion. Make this confection with egg whites beaten stiff with warm honey and syrup, then spread the mixture between two sheets of wafer paper (a type of unleavened bread). Kids and adults alike will be charmed trying this version with toasted nuts.