The Avanti Traveler

Fun Dishes to Serve at Your Holiday Table (Avanti Style!)

Written by Avanti Destinations | Dec 19, 2024 5:00:00 PM

As another holiday season approaches, Avanti staff are partaking in a years-long tradition: compiling homemade recipes for our annual Avanti Party Holiday Cookbook! This is more than just a collection of recipes – it's a celebration of the diverse and rich cultures that make up our international team. From uniquely spiced cocktails to generations-old desserts, discover a vast palate of flavors that you can add to your table this year, and share the memories that they inspire.

Feuerzangenbowle | German Holiday Punch
This
is a traditional drink made by igniting rum-soaked sugar on a grate-topped pot and letting it melt over spiced mulled wine! Discover this fun recipe submitted by one of our Portland staff – who actually made this recipe in-office many Avanti Christmas parties ago! 
Recipe.

Quentão | Brazilian Grog Cocktail
The name of this drink translates to “big heat” – and as the name indicates, it’s the perfect hot beverage for a cold night! Sweet and flavorful, it's traditionally sipped during Catholic celebrations in June, but it's also a popular winter warmer. This is beloved in one of our Avantian's American-Brazilian home! Recipe.

Pavlova | Meringue Cake
This unique and delicious meringue dessert has a hard base filled with whipped cream and fruit, commonly served during holidays. Though argued amongst locals about its true place of invention, the Avanti staff's grandma who submitted the recipe assures us it's from New Zealand (not Australia!) Recipe.

Gazpacho | Spanish Tomato Soup
Although commonly served in summer months to help cool the body on hot days, gazpacho is a fun starter for any meal all year long (and its red-and-green color pallet is a perfect addition to the holiday table!) Fresh and flavorful, this was an Avanti staff member's favorite weekly things to make when in Spain. Recipe.

Hutsul Banosh | Ukranian Porridge
Submitted by an Avantian from the Ukraine, this porridge is popular throughout the Carpathian Mountains in the western region, often eaten during holidays and feasts. Made with cornmeal and cream, topped with butter, bacon, and sheep’s cheese, this is a delicious, hearty dish to add to your plate! Recipe.

Lefse | Norwegian Flatbread
This centuries-old flatbread is made from potatoes, flour, milk, and cream, and is extremely versatile in the way that it can be combined with sweet or savory ingredients. Having married into a Norwegian family, the Avantian who shared this recipe gets to enjoy this delightful dish every winter with their in-laws! Recipe.

Nasi Goreng | Indonesian Fried Rice
This rice dish was passed down to an Avantian by their beloved ‘oma’ who would cook this up with whichever seasonal vegetables were available at the time, making it a perfect treat to mix with winter flavors! Healthy, hearty, and flavorful, this is a memorable recipe to share with your family this season.
Recipe.

Southern Corn Pie | American Corn Bake
Try a new spin on traditional cornbread with this creamy corn pie, made with fresh kernels off the cob, eggs, heavy cream, flour, and just a little bit of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Although also made in the Caribbean, this dish is popular in the United States amongst southerners and Pennsylvania Dutch. Recipe.

Watch Avanti staff members recreate 'Great Gram's Apple Crisp'!

Try it out with this recipe!

Read more Avanti recipes with our full-length 2024 Avanti Holiday Party Cookbook:

Explore some of these recipes first-hand by booking your next travel journey! Delve into the most amazing winter destinations with our Go365 brochure.