Christmas is the most anticipated holiday of the year for most of the Filipinos. It is the time of the year when our family, relatives and friends gather together to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus. The "Christmas Eve" (Bisperas ng Pasko) tradition will never be complete without the sumptuous Christmas dinner, known as Noche Buena in Spanish (meaning "Good Night" or "Holy Night"), usually served after the Midnight Mass.
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| Christmas is best spent with your family! Cute portrayal of a family having their Noche Buena. Source: http://frantasticlife.wordpress.com/2011/12/24/happy-noche-buena/ |
We, Filipinos are known to be food lovers! Despite the numerous recipes we know, the traditional Christmas food still remains our favorite during the Holidays. Here are the Filipino Christmas food favorites that usually find their way to our Noche Buena table. So prepare your pens. This will help you fill-up and complete your menu.
"Tis' the season to be chubby"!!! Enjoy! :)
NOCHE BUENA CENTERPIECES
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| Queso de Bola Source: |
A ball-shaped Edam Cheese coated with red paraffin wax. Hello to all cheese-lovers out there! :)
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| Hamon
Source: www.metrodeal.com
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It's a sweet-cured ham. Hams never tasted this good when it's not Christmas. LOL
BIBINGKA AND PUTO BUMBONG
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| Bibingka Source: |
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| Puto Bumbong
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It's been a Filipino tradition to buy and eat Bibingka or Puto Bumbong after attending the Simbang gabi. Stalls usually located outside the churches.
MAIN COURSE
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| Lechon Source: www.philstar.com |
They call it the "Star of the Noche Buena"! :))
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| Paella Source: www.thefreshloaf.com |
A rice dish that originated in Spain. Feliz Navidad!
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| Embutido
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Philippines' version of the meatloaf. It can be eaten either when it's hot or cold.
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| Morcon Source: www.gastronomybyjoy.com |
A special meat roll dish usually served during Holidays or any special occasion. People often mistaken this as an Embutido with sauce. This is my favorite!
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| Lengua Estofado Source: |
It is a stewed ox tongue cooked in tomato sauce then served with fried potatoes. So delicious! :)
DESSERTS
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| Fruit Salad Source: www.yummy.ph |
Who would ever forget to include the fruit salad on the list?
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| Macaroni Salad Source: angsarap.net |
It is usually made with macaroni noodles, mayonnaise, condensed milk and all-purpose cream.
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| Leche Flan Source: |
The most requested dessert! Yum yum yum!
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| Crema de Fruta Source: |
Another popular dessert during the Holidays! It usually consist of sponge cake topped in succeeding layers of custard cream, fruits and gelatin.
OTHERS
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Kastanyas
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These are roasted Chestnuts. Munching on Kastanyas during the Christmas season is an influence of the Spaniards and Americans. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... la la la (The Christmas Song)
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| Hot Chocolate Source:www.burntlumpiablog.com |
Hot chocolate made from cacao or tablea!
Have a merry merry Christmas to all of you!
[ Check out our New Year's Food Suggestion here ]
Sources:
Wikipilipinas, Yahoo, Filipinostylerecipe
