
Make using essential oils EASY with our at-a-glance cheatsheets.
Be confident in using essential oils safely AND effectively! Simply click the button to download these two popular cheatsheets and see just how easy using essential oils SAFELY can be.
Several years ago, I ran across the BBC television show, Victorian Farm.
I watch television only very rarely, but I found this show fascinating. The show’s premise is basically a “reality show” about farm life during the Victorian era, so its participants live on this farm for a full year, seeing if they can successfully farm as farmers did in that bygone era.
The show that I happened to stumble across was an extra-special one. It was their Christmas episode where they made traditional gifts, food, games, and decorations.
And while the show didn’t go into great detail about the traditional foods of the time, it certainly got my wheels turning.
The foods of the time certainly would have been either preserved items or whatever seasonal foods were available, so what foods would they have eaten and prepared for such a celebratory time of year? And for those of us who like to make use of traditional preparation methods, is there anything we can learn from cooks in that era?
Well, after spending far too much time in delightful research, today I'm at Traditional Cooking School (formerly GNOWFGLINS) sharing my takes on three popular Christmas recipes that feature seasonal or preserved foods commonly found during the Victorian era, as well as links to other favorite foods that deserve a place on any Christmas table, regardless of the period of history.
First, a few items of note:
Christmas in Victorian times focused very heavily on food and family and very little on gifts. Thus, the Christmas feast was held in high regard and it seems that every family — regardless of class — made the effort to feast and celebrate together with the best they could afford.
Foods that were typically preserved were meats and fruits. This is because, obviously, without refrigeration, meat needed to be preserved in some fashion and the recipes below are some of the many ways Victorian cooks did so. Also, fruits were often preserved because many fruits weren't grown in England, so they were preserved whenever they were imported in order to be available through the winter, and especially at Christmas. Items such as citrus fruits and raisins play center stage in many dishes. (See how to candy citrus peels and how to make raisins.)
Lastly, kitchens had proper larders, so they were able to store certain fresh, local produce, such as apples and onions, for several months without preserving them.
Seasonal and Preserved Foods for OUR Christmas Tables
Here are a few other seasonal and preserved foods that are great for traditional Christmas feasts.
- Lacto-Fermented Cranberry Sauce
- Applesauce (or raw applesauce, if you prefer)
- Duck or Chicken Pâté with Fresh Herbs
- Sugar Plums
- Mulled Wine
- Wassail
Visit Traditional Cooking School to see the recipes:
- Roast Goose with Classic Bread-Free Herb and Onion Stuffing
- Traditional Mince Pie
- Traditional Christmas Pudding with Orange Brandy Sauce
editor picks
Homemade Food Coloring: How to Make Natural Food Dyes
Avoid the toxins of conventional food dyes by using natural food dyes you can easily [...]
The PRINTABLE Guide to How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Essential oils are a huge gift for those of us who want to treat and [...]
Homemade Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are typically junk food (even though they taste SO good!). So make them [...]
How to Teach Your Child to Pack Their Own Healthy Lunch + Healthy Homemade Lunchables
Making healthy homemade lunchables is super-simple and keeps lunch packing from being a chore. With [...]
How to Grow a Garden You’ll Actually Use
Everyone can - and should! - grow at least a bit of their food, so [...]
Teacher Gift Ideas: 12 Thoughtful Gifts Teachers Will Appreciate (and 8 to Avoid)
Good teachers are worth their weight in gold. So why not thank them in ways [...]
Raising Global Citizens: A Father’s Reflections
A father reflects on raising children who are connected to family and community and who [...]
21+ MORE Non-Toy Gifts for Children
If your children are already overrun with toys - or you're just wanting the best [...]
How to Make Homemade Potting Soil
Homemade potting soil is a breeze to make and will give your plants a great [...]
22 Little-Known Tips to {Really} Clean Your Home
Knowing your home is truly clean is deep-down satisfying, so here's a handful of my [...]
Homemade Dusting Spray and Wood Polish
This homemade dusting spray is thick like a commercial spray, smells lovely from your favorite [...]
Father’s Day Gift Idea: Make Your Own Book About Dad
Want a heart-felt gift (or a last minute one!) for Father's Day this year? Make [...]