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The holidays are just around the corner, and if you have offered to host one of the dinner parties, you might be feeling a slight pang of panic with all the upcoming preparations. If you are keen to stick to tradition but do not wish to spend the entire day roasting a 5 kg turkey, do not worry – we have got you covered. Below you will find some of our favourite classic holiday dishes spiced up with interesting titbits about their linguistic origins (this is a translation blog, after all). Get ready to wow even the most discerning food connoisseurs and secure that coveted “Best Host” trophy!

The tale of two salads

We are willing to bet that French salad is a central dish on every Slovenian holiday table. This beloved classic is a mix of cooked vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise sauce. It is a staple of any holiday party that wants to do things right. And if you are scratching your head wondering what exactly this French salad is, chances are you have enjoyed it before, just under a different name: Russian salad.

So, why the name difference, you ask? The salad actually originated in Russia in the 19th century, which explains its original name. Some say the name “French salad” caught on because the dish’s creator, Lucien Olivier, was of French and Belgian descent, while others believe it is due to the generous amount of mayonnaise that gives it a touch of French flair. Whether you are team French salad or team Russian salad, one thing is for sure: this dish is absolutely delicious either way.

Wrapped in Tradition

Sarme is that cosy, comforting dish we remember our grandmothers making in huge batches, and it has rightfully found its way onto the holiday menu – likely because it is also praised as a great hangover cure after a night of celebrating. This hearty winter staple consists of cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavourful mixture of ground meat, rice and spices, and it has its origins in the rich culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire. The word “sarma” itself comes from the Turkish verb “sarmak,” meaning “to wrap” or “to roll.”

The dish spread across the vast empire, which included regions of Southeast Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and each region put its own spin on the recipe. In Romania, it is known as “sarmale,” while in Greece, you might find a similar dish called “dolmades,” though those are often wrapped in grape leaves instead of cabbage, with a filling that typically includes rice, pine nuts, and herbs. In Hungary, “töltött káposzta” is the local version, often featuring smoked sausage as the filling and sometimes served with a generous dollop of sour cream.

From Italy with Love

No festive menu is complete without something sweet, and when it comes to Christmas desserts, Italy has gifted the world one of the very best: the famous panettone. Depending on which nonna you ask, you will hear different legends about its origin, but our favourite (and perhaps the most widely accepted) tale involves a duke, a quick-thinking kitchen helper, and a nearly ruined Christmas dinner.

The story takes us to the 15th century, to the court of Ludovico Il Moro during Christmastime. The duke’s cook was tasked with preparing a grand feast for the local nobility, but disaster struck when he accidentally burned the dessert. In a panic, his young helper Toni suggested serving a sweet bread he had prepared earlier, enriched with raisins and citron zest. To everyone’s surprise, the guests loved it! When the duke asked what this delightful treat was called, the cook, without missing a beat, replied: L’è ‘l pan del Toni! (“It’s Toni’s bread!”). And just like that, panettone was born.

But the story does not end in Italy. After World War II, Lombard immigrants brought their love of panettone with them to South America, where it became a holiday staple. In these countries, panettone is known as “panetón” or “pan dulce” in Spanish and “panetone” in Portuguese, enjoyed during Christmas celebrations across the continent.

Raise Your Glass

When it comes to toasting the holiday season, few drinks can rival the elegance of Italy’s Prosecco. This light sparkling wine originates from the Veneto region and is known for its crisp, fruity flavour that perfectly complements festive gatherings.

But just across the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has its own beloved drink to offer: Prošek. Do not let the similar names fool you – Prošek is a world apart from Prosecco. This traditional Croatian dessert wine is rich, sweet, and made from sun-dried grapes, giving it a deep, complex flavour.

While both drinks share similar-sounding names, they each bring something unique to the table. So, whether you are clinking glasses with Italian Prosecco or Croatian Prošek this holiday season, you are in for a truly delightful treat!

As we gather around our tables during holidays, savouring cherished flavours from near and far, we at Alamma hope that this time will be filled with warmth, joy and lively stories that bring us together.