Finnish Foodie Showcase: What to Expect at the Joulupöytä

via Flickr by Cat

Perhaps our favourite part of Christmas is the food...  In keeping with the theme of our country of the month, we’ve decided to shine the spotlight on a few traditional Finnish dishes that are particularly popular during the holiday season.

Joulupöytä refers to the traditional assortment of foods served at a Finnish Christmas dinner. It’s also interesting to note that in Finland, Christmas dinner is served on Christmas Eve (instead of Christmas Day). Of course, this makes perfect sense since Father Christmas visits the children of Finland a little later that evening!

Let’s take a closer look at a few Joulupöytä essentials:

Glögi – Mulled Wine

Photo via Kitchen Parade

Enjoyed in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms, glögi (or mulled wine) is an absolute mainstay during Finnish Christmas festivities. Spiced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and orange peel (among other ingredients), this drink is sure to warm you up on even the coldest of days.

Click here for Kitchen Parade's complete recipe.

Piparkakku – Gingerbread Cookies

Photo via Pure Vege

Whether they are “naked” or “dressed,” Piparkakku are a popular festive treat for the young (and young at heart)! These wouldn’t last too long here at Robin Street Market...

Click here for Pure Vege’s complete recipe.

Riisipuuro - Rice Pudding

Photo via Scandi Foodie

This is common as both a side at dinner, or sometimes even as breakfast. While rice pudding is a popular Christmas dish in many Scandinavian and Nordic countries, the Finns have their own take on this favourite. A widespread Finnish tradition actually involves hiding a whole almond in the pudding – the person who eats the almond will have good luck during the following year!

Click here for Scandi Foodie’s complete recipe.

Lanttulaatikko - Rutabaga Casserole

Photo via Girl Cooks World

Simple but oh-so-delicious, this casserole will always have a place at a Finnish Christmas feast. Root vegetables really do make some scrumptious sides!

Click here for Girl Cooks World’s complete recipe.

Joulukinkku - Oven-Baked Ham

Photo via girlichef

Last but not least, a Finnish Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without an oven-baked ham. Finns usually enjoy this dish served with mustard or bread...and all of the other dishes that we’ve already mentioned above!

Click here for girlichef’s complete recipe.

Looks good enough to eat, doesn’t it?