1 / 7Christmas and subsequently the New Year are magical moments in the year, brimming with cherished traditions and time to build fond memories. Thery’re the perfect opportunity to add a touch of sparkle to your celebrations, and what better way to do so than with delicious, time-honoured recipes? Whether it’s a festive spread, a loved family dish or a seasonal indulgence, food is central to making the holidays even more memorable. As you plan your menu this Christmas, consider giving your classic festive season dishes a twist to make your celebrations unforgettable. Check out these recipes that will satiate your tummies. (Image: Shutterstock)
2 / 7Mutton mince puffs | Mince puffs are a classic Christmas treat, loved by many for their rich, spicy filling and flaky, buttery crust. They are served hot. While the traditional recipe has remained largely unchanged for centuries, modern variations are making these puffs more appealing than ever. To add a contemporary twist, try incorporating creative fillings such as a bit of melt-in-your-mouth cheese and hazelnuts. You can transform your mince puffs into cup cakes too, for a fun and inventive take. (Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 7Plum and rum Cake | Plum, dried fruits and spicessoaked in rum and then mixed in cake batter can make a traditional Christmas dessert into so much more than just mouth-wattering. It’s the perfect way to bring a rustic charm to your celebrations and is quite simple to make. The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the warm, spiced goodness of rum-soaked plum cake. For a modern touch, consider adding some dollop ice-cream as a topping or if you’re the healthy-eating kinds, replace the refined flour batter with millet flour. (Image: Shutterstock)
4 / 7Bebinca | Bebinca is a multi-layered dessert made with egg yolks, flour, coconut milk and other ingredients. To elevate this dessert, garnish it with nuts such as almonds and a sprinkling of nutmeg. You can also add a black jaggery caramel sauce for a modern twist, enhancing the traditional recipe and turning it into a show-stopping treat for Christmas.
5 / 7Mutton Biryani | Oh, this one is our favourite, isn’t it? Mutton Biryani is one dish that everyone can enjoy during any festive occasion. With many regional variations, each influenced by local preferences and culinary traditions, biryani can be quite complex to prepare. But not everyone is an expert when it comes to selecting the right proportions of each ingredient. To make your biryani delicious, infuse it with appetising flavours, rich spices and try marinating the mutton atleast overnight, giving it a modern twist. (Image: Shutterstock)
6 / 7Mulled Wine | Start your holiday season with a mug of homemade mulled wine, enhanced with a modern twist by adding dried fruits and nuts for extra flavour. This warm beverage is a Christmas classic that can be reimagined with new ingredients to make it even more festive. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 7Rose Cookies | These flower-shaped delights are an essential part of Christmas celebrations. Crispy and light, they are made with a subtly sweetened batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs, then deep-fried to perfection. To make them even more special, consider adding ingredients such as dried lavender flowers, which add a fragrant and unique touch. (Image: Shutterstock)
