A Traditional Latvian Christmas Dinner

Christmas traditions of Latvia are quite a bit different then the traditions followed in the United States. Lucky for the people in Latvia, they believe that Santa Clause brings them gifts on all of the 12 days of Christmas which begins on Christmas Eve. Similar to the US, they gifts are found under their Christmas tree. This country actually claims to be the home for the very first Christmas tree. It was actually documented as having an evergreen tree in the center of town in 1510. Traditionally on Christmas, the average Latvian Christmas Day meal includes cooked brown peas with pork sauce, cabbage and small pies.

However, there are many other Latvian recipes that are traditionally found on the Christmas dinner table. Here are 3 great Latvian recipes for Christmas:

Latvian gingerbread biscuits -

You'll need:

8 tsps of ginger

3 tsps of cinnamon

4 tsp of baking powder

5 cups of flour

1 tsp of salt

2 cups of butter

3 beaten eggs

Step 1: Mix the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and salt into a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add in the butter and sugar and mix until the butter is melted thoroughly in the mixture making the texture sandy.

Step 3: Roll the dough out and use a cookie cutter to cut desired shapes.

Step 4: Bake the biscuits for 11 minutes or until it turns golden brown. (Cook at 350 degrees)

Step 5: Remove the biscuits and allow cooling. Once they are cooled, you can decorate them.

Bacon Pies -

You'll need:

1 cup of milk

1 ½ cups of butter

2 cups of wheat flour

¼ cup of yeast

½ tsp of salt

Filling:

1 onion

1 ½ cups of bacon

1 tsp of salt

1 tsp of pepper

1 egg

Step 1: Make the dough and mix it while it's warm. Add salt and lard to the dough.

Step 2: Put a part of the flour into a sifter and shake it over the dough.

Step 3: Pour the yeast and remaining flower in with the dough.

Step 4: Mash it up and let it ferment in a warm place.

Step 5: Once the dough is fermented, roll it out into a thin layer, and use a cookie cutter to cut round circles.

Step 6: Mix the bacon, salt, pepper, egg and onion together to create the filling, and stuff it into the center of the circles.

Step 7: Fold the circles in half, and seal shut. Then fry them until browned.

Peat Pats -

You'll need:

1 Cup of peas

½ cup of potatoes

1 onion

¼ cup of smoked bacon

1 tsp of salt

Step 1: Boil the peas until they are soft

Step 2: Mash the peas together with the cooked potatoes.

Step 3: Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry them with an onion.

Step 4: Add some salt to the pea mixture.

Step 5: Kneed and roll round balls, and put them in a casserole dish to dry.