Sweet Holiday Preparations

Slovenian houses are still shaking from all the tidying up and baking of traditional sweet goods before the Christmas holiday season. One of the oldest customs is the preparation of “poprtnik” or Christmas bread, which is believed to have been preserved since pagan times when the arrival of light during the winter solstice was celebrated. This sweet and decorated milk bread made with white flour symbolised the wish for health and abundance in the new year.

Meat Delicacies for Happiness in the New Year

According to the old Slovenian tradition, the table should be so full of goods on Christmas Day that it is impossible to find space for glasses. In the past, right after midnight, it was good to eat at least some sausage, either made at home or at the neighbour’s “koline” (pig slaughter). Even today, preparing and processing meat at home is most intense before Christmas.

A Full Table from One End to Another

Side dishes go great with meat. Some of them melt in the mouth, others bring us well-being and drive off the guilty conscience that emerges because of all the delicious holiday indulgences.

During the holiday season, roasted potatoes are the most common side dish. Cooked potatoes, roasted on onions and fat, are particularly tasty when prepared in a cast-iron skillet. It creates a crunchy crust at the bottom, which melts in the mouth. To enrich the flavour of roasted potatoes, housewives like to add cracklings. 

Pickled turnip and sauerkraut are tasty and healthy side dishes for holiday dinners. They say that sauerkraut and pickled turnip contribute to one’s well-being, establish a healthy ratio of micro-organisms in the body, and enhance digestion. This is excellent for enhancing the immune system in the cold days of the holiday season.

Would you know how to make a Potica?

You won’t know unless you try! Potica is the queen of the holiday-laden table and a favourite Slovenian dessert! By preparing Potica, you will bring a piece of Slovenia back into your home. To make your baking challenge a bit easier, see our recipe for the most widespread, walnut, Potica.

Bon appetite and happy holidays!

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