Christmas time in Poland

Christmas is already gone for a while, but the 6th of January is a good moment to sum up a few beautiful and meaningful polish traditions and share some good food ideas.

Hospitality – Polish are known for that one. During Christmas Eve, around the table, there is one extra seat, left for an unknown guest, because during this time, no one should be left alone.

Christmas Tree – traditionally is decorated the 24^th of December, just before the Christmas dinner.

Opłatek – one of the most revert Polish customs, not only in Poland, but around the world. Opłatek is a thin, white wafer made of flour and water. By the tradition before starting the Christmas Dinner, everybody breaks a small part of the wafer from each other’s piece and wish one another happiness, joy, good health and fabulous life. Opłatek and good wishes are exchanged with all those present, including family and strangers.

Christmas Eve Dinner is vegetarian. Traditionally there are 12 dishes and you need to try each and every one of them.

herrings with pomgranate and onion in oil

herrings with cranberries

pierogi 

boiled dumplings stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms

carp aspic - jellied carp

sauerkraut with mushrooms

dessert with poppy seeds 

(in this version Pavlova cake with poppy seeds, almonds and cream based on mascarpone)

During the First Day of Christmas and St. Stephen's Day meat is introduced to the menu.

roasted turkey stuffed with orange juice, oranges and apricots

cake with vanilla & chocolate cream and fruits

ginger cookies