Top 16 Must-Have Dishes for Christmas Day

Meat-filled Buns are also a favorite dish for many. They symbolize completeness and warmth, as some regions believe that the outer dough wrapping the filling represents togetherness, warmth, and happiness. Therefore, these meat-filled buns are an essential part of Christmas celebrations. There are many variations of these buns, and people can customize the recipe to their preference. Below, Mytour will guide you through making these delicious meat-filled buns.

Ingredients:

• For the dough: 1 tsp dry instant yeast - ½ tbsp sugar - 250g all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 130ml warm water - 1 tbsp cooking oil - 50g sugar - A pinch of salt
• For the filling: 200g minced pork shoulder - 10g dried wood ear mushrooms - 10g shiitake mushrooms - 8 quail eggs - A small handful of glass noodles - A few cloves of garlic - ½ tsp curry powder - Seasoning powder, fish sauce, salt, sugar.
• Note: For a moist filling, choose minced pork shoulder with some fat.

Tools for steaming the buns: Steamer, steaming rack

Instructions:

• Step 1: Prepare the yeast. Before mixing and kneading the dough, dissolve ½ tbsp sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast in. Stir gently and let it rest for 20 minutes.
• Step 2: Mix the dough. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Create a well in the center, pour in the yeast mixture and oil, and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Optionally, add a few drops of lemon juice to make the dough whiter.
• Step 3: Let the dough rise. After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm, enclosed area for about 1.5 hours. When the dough doubles in size, it’s ready to proceed.
• Step 4: Prepare the filling. Marinate the minced pork with curry powder, seasoning, fish sauce, salt, sugar, and minced garlic. Boil the quail eggs, peel them, and set aside. Soak the wood ear mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms in hot water, then chop them finely. Soak the glass noodles in cold water until soft, then cut them into short strands. Mix the mushrooms, glass noodles, and eggs together. Shape the mixture into 8 balls, wrapping each one around a quail egg.
• Step 5: Knead the dough again. After resting, knead the dough gently and divide it into 8 portions.
• Step 6: Shape the buns. Roll each portion of dough into a ball, then flatten it with a rolling pin. Place the filling in the center, fold the edges, and pinch them together at the top. Let the buns rest for 30 minutes before steaming.
• Step 7: Steam the buns. Boil water in a pot, add a tablespoon of vinegar, and place the buns on cupcake paper cups. When the water boils, steam the buns for 25 minutes until cooked.

Tip: For white and soft buns, add a small amount of rice vinegar to the steaming water. These meat-filled buns will have a fluffy, soft exterior, with a rich, savory filling of meat, onions, and the added flavor of eggs and pepper!

In addition to snacks, many families prepare a savory meal for a cozy Christmas celebration. Soup is a traditional dish that is a must-have for Vietnamese people.

There are many types of soups to choose from depending on personal preferences, but the vegetable soup made from Malabar spinach is a favorite for many. Mytour will guide you through how to prepare a delicious and refreshing Malabar spinach soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Malabar spinach
• 100g fresh shrimp or 1 tbsp dried shrimp or 200g freshwater crab
• Shallots
• Seasonings: salt, fish sauce, seasoning powder.

Instructions:

• Step 1: If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them, then pound them slightly. If using dried shrimp, soak them in cold water for 5-7 minutes, rinse, and pound them. If using freshwater crab, wash the crabs, remove the shells, extract the crab roe, and blend the remaining crab meat with some water in a blender. If you don’t have a blender, you can crush it by hand. Afterward, strain the mixture to remove any solid particles.
• Step 2: Wash the Malabar spinach thoroughly. You can break the leaves into smaller pieces or chop them if preferred. Peel and thinly slice the shallots, then sauté them until fragrant.
• Step 3: For fresh shrimp or dried shrimp, boil water in a pot, ensuring there’s 1.5 times the amount needed for your serving. Add a little salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, mix the fresh shrimp with a bit of cold water, then add it to the pot to cook. If using dried shrimp, just add them directly into the boiling water. If using freshwater crab, add the filtered crab water to the pot, bring it to a boil, and add the crab roe, cooking until the crab meat is fully cooked and the roe rises to the surface.
• Step 4: Add the Malabar spinach to the pot, cook until tender, and season to taste. Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning. Turn off the heat, add the fried shallots, and serve the soup hot with rice.

This dish originates from Sweden and is commonly known as salted pork leg for Christmas. It is primarily made with wild pork leg and is traditionally prepared for Christmas family meals.

When making this dish, the cook will season the pork leg according to their preferences to enhance the flavor. Each country and individual might have their own unique way of preparing and seasoning the dish. Feel free to use this recipe as a reference and modify it to suit your own taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 deboned front pork leg, with two sections of the bone removed, leaving the joint bone in (Use 2 teaspoons of salt for every kilogram of meat)

Instructions:

• Step 1: Rub salt thoroughly over the pork leg, both inside and out. Tie the leg securely with string and let it marinate for at least 2 hours to absorb the flavor.
• Step 2: Boil the pork leg. Once the water boils, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the pork leg soak in the hot water for about 1 hour. Then, turn the heat back on and cook the leg until fully cooked, ensuring the skin is tender but not mushy.
• Step 3: Remove the leg and let it cool completely, ensuring the skin dries out fully.
• Step 4: Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan, then fry the pork leg. Fry on medium heat until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, but do not overcook.
• Step 5: Remove from the oil and let it drain. Slice the pork leg into thin pieces, remove the string, and serve with thinly sliced cucumber tossed with vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce. This dish can be enjoyed with rice or sticky rice. Salted roasted pork leg is a popular dish in large family gatherings and home-hosted parties.

Roast turkey is a traditional main dish in Christmas dinners abroad. During festive seasons, many families opt for roast turkey or another similar dish. Christmas is no exception. Roast turkey is made with a variety of ingredients such as turkey, cinnamon, cloves, water, rum, salt, five-spice powder, brown sugar, garlic, potatoes, and carrots, and it is prepared with great attention to detail.

In addition to the ingredients, presentation is a key part of making this dish both delicious and visually appealing. While not as common in Vietnam during the holidays, roast turkey can still be a unique and delicious dish to try for your next Christmas celebration.

There are many recipes for roast turkey, and below is a guide to one such method you can follow.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (purchase about 3 days in advance)
• Salt and pepper for rubbing on the turkey
• 2 large onions
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of garlic, salt, and cilantro seasoning
• 4 cups of rice
• 3 roasted carrots

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the turkey, remove the internal organs, head, and neck.
• Step 2: Cut the onions into small pieces. Rub salt and pepper all over the turkey, including inside the cavity.
• Step 3: Stuff the onions into the turkey cavity.
• Step 4: Mix the mayonnaise with the garlic, salt, and cilantro seasoning, then coat the turkey evenly with the mixture. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 48 hours (this marinating process helps keep the turkey moist when roasting).
• Step 5: After marinating, remove the turkey from the wrap, discard the onions and excess seasoning. Clean the carrots and cut them into pieces. Stuff the turkey cavity with rice and carrots. Place the turkey in the oven at 400°F for 90 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and roast for an additional 3 hours (this temperature adjustment is key to the perfect roast).

Wishing you success and a delicious meal with this roast turkey!

This dish is relatively simple to prepare but brings an elegant and delightful touch, thanks to its presentation and the unique flavor combination.

The main ingredient is duck breast. You should definitely try this Duck Breast with Pomegranate Sauce recipe. It will surely impress you when served during your Christmas celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dill
• 3 tablespoons coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon lavender
• 1/3 piece of duck breast (trim off excess fat and rub with ginger to remove the odor)
• Peels from 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 6 stalks celery
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Pomegranate jelly

Instructions:

• Step 1: Mix the dill, salt, lavender, and coriander in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the duck breast. After the spices are fully applied, pour brandy and rub thyme onto the meat. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
• Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°C. Place the duck breast in a pan with the skin side down. Roast it on medium heat until the fat from the skin has rendered out, making it thin and crispy. This process takes about 15 minutes.
• Step 3: Transfer the duck breast to the oven and roast until the center of the meat turns pink (around 4 minutes). Once done, remove the duck from the oven and let it cool for about 2 minutes before slicing. When serving, drizzle the pomegranate jelly over the duck and consider pairing it with a side of mixed greens or other vegetables.

Christmas falls in the early days of winter. On a chilly day, gathering around a warm grill, flipping food on the grill, and savoring flavorful grilled dishes is a delightful experience. You can choose your favorite grilled or hot pot dishes to make your Christmas even more enjoyable. The grilled hot pot offers a variety of grilled items like ribs, meat, and seafood such as shrimp, crab, and squid.

To make the meal even more delightful, pay attention to the presentation and arrangement of the dishes. It will set the mood for a joyful Christmas celebration, full of laughter and festive music. The process of making a grilled hot pot is simple, and you can follow the recipe below for a great experience.

The menu for the grilled hot pot is versatile, depending on each family's taste preferences. Typically, it includes the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• Pork belly, tender ribs, offal, and beef
• Seafood like shrimp, squid, clams, and oysters
• Mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms and enoki mushrooms
• Grilled vegetables like pumpkin, onions, tomatoes, okra, corn, etc.
• Seasoning: Soy sauce, lemon-chili sauce
• Herbs and cucumbers for garnish
• Grilled items can be served with bread
• Cast-iron pan, portable stove, or gas stove. You can also use a grill over charcoal

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the pork belly, freeze it for 20 minutes, then slice it into thin pieces (about 3x5cm). Marinate with BBQ sauce, ketchup, onions, garlic, minced lemongrass, and a little sugar. Alternatively, you can substitute BBQ sauce and ketchup with caramelized sugar and honey.
• Step 2: Cut the ribs into short sections and marinate similarly. You can steam the ribs first for faster grilling.
• Step 3: For the beef, use tender cuts like the shoulder or rump. Slice it thickly, tenderize it, then marinate with oyster sauce, sugar, honey, garlic, and minced lemongrass.
• Step 4: Let all the ingredients marinate for at least 1 hour. If possible, marinate for 4-8 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to soak in and make the ingredients tenderer.
• Step 5: Clean and drain the seafood. Peel and slice the vegetables. Clean the mushrooms by rinsing them in saltwater.
• Step 6: Arrange all the ingredients on a platter.
• Step 7: Heat the cast-iron pan on the portable stove, add some oil and a small spoon of butter, and let it melt. Then, add the ingredients and spread them evenly on the pan to grill.

Grill for a few minutes on each side until everything is perfectly cooked and fragrant. Serve with cucumber slices and crispy toasted bread.

For dipping sauce, you can use soy sauce, lemon-chili sauce, or mayonnaise, ketchup...

Enjoy a delicious grilled hot pot meal with your family!

It would be a shame if Christmas didn't include this special treat! Peppermint candy canes, with their attractive pink or green spiral stripes, are a festive must. These iconic cane-shaped sweets were originally all white, but around 1670, the choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral created the first striped candy cane. He gave them to his choirboys and shepherds. By the 19th century, red stripes and peppermint flavor were added.

There are many stories behind the shape of the candy cane, but the most popular interpretation is that the white color symbolizes the purity and holiness of Jesus Christ, while the red stripe represents his blood. If you turn the candy cane upside down, it forms the letter 'J' — the first letter of Jesus' name.

Today, the striped candy cane with its red and white colors is a delightful and tasty treat for children every Christmas season.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg white sugar
• 300 ml corn syrup
• 70 ml water
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• White food coloring

Instructions:

• Step 1: In a large pot, combine corn syrup and water. Stir in the sugar and heat until the sugar dissolves. Continue to cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 141°C (use a candy thermometer to check).
• Step 2: Let the mixture sit for a moment to allow the bubbles to settle, then add the peppermint extract and stir. You can adjust the peppermint flavor with different extracts in future batches, as the taste cannot be fully judged at high temperatures.
• Step 3: Split the mixture into two portions. Pour one portion onto a baking tray and place it in the oven to keep it soft and pliable. Add red food coloring to the other half and stir well until you reach your desired shade of red.
• Step 4: Pour the red mixture onto a flat, clean surface. Let it cool slightly, then use clean rubber gloves to stretch and roll the candy into long strands. Keep warming the candy in the oven to maintain its flexibility.
• Step 5: Add white food coloring to the remaining candy and repeat the process to form a white strand.
• Step 6: Twist the red and white candy strands together, then form them into a hooked cane shape. Repeat with the remaining portions. Finally, allow the candy canes to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic and storing them in a glass jar.

Súp là món ăn quen thuộc hàng ngày, và tất nhiên không thể vắng mặt trong bữa tiệc Noel. Tùy vào khẩu vị mỗi gia đình, người nấu sẽ lựa chọn và chế biến món súp thích hợp nhất.

Còn tại sao món súp lại được dùng trong bữa tiệc Giáng sinh? Thì câu trả lời là đó là một món khai vị hấp dẫn, và nó mang ý nghĩa mong muốn sức khỏe dồi dào cũng như thành công sẽ đến với mọi người.

Có nhiều cách chế biến món súp khác nhau tùy theo khẩu vị của mỗi người. Nhân dịp giáng sinh này Mytour xin giới thiệu đến các bạn món súp thập cẩm các bạn cùng tham khảo nhé.

Nguyên liệu:

• Xương sườn heo: 200g
• Tôm tươi: 100g
• Đậu hũ non: 50g
• Đậu hà lan: 50g
• Cà rốt: 50g
• Khoai tây: 50g
• Trứng gà, hành lá, ngò rí, ớt sừng....
• Dầu mè, dầu ăn, bột năng, tiêu, nước tương.....

Cách làm:

• Bước 1: Xương sườn rửa sạch, cho vào nồi nước lạnh với 1ml muối, hầm lọc lấy 1,5 lít nước dùng.
  
• Bước 2: Đậu hà lan rửa sạch. cà rốt, khoai tây cắt hạt lựu. Ngò rí thái nhỏ. Ớt sừng thái lát. Trứng gà đánh tan đều. Hòa tan 50g bột năng với 1/2 chén nước lọc.
• Bước 3: Tôm bóc vỏ, rửa sạch rút chỉ lưng, băm nhỏ ướp với 1/2ml bột tiêu, 1/2m muối, 1m hạt nêm và 2 đầu hành lá băm nhuyễn. ướp khoảng 10- 15 phút cho ngấm gia vị.
• Bước 4: Trộn đều hỗn hợp gồm: Tôm, đậu hũ nghiền nát, lòng trắng trứng gà, 1m bột năng, 1m dầu mè. Thoa một ít dầu ăn lên tay nặn thành những viên tròn, nhỏ vừa ăn.
• Bước 5: Đun sôi nước dùng, cho cà rốt, khoai tây và viên tôm vào nấu cho đến khi nước sôi lại thì cho tiếp đậu hà lan vào nấu chín. Nêm một chút hạt nêm vào.
• Bước 6: Cho bột năng vào từ từ khuấy đều cho súp có độ sánh. Sau đó cho trứng vào, khuấy nhẹ tay để tạo sợi.
• Bước 7: Tắt bếp và thêm 1ml dầu mè vào để tạo sức hấp dẫn cho món ăn.

This is another unique pastry. The filling isn’t the usual pâté made from pork or foie gras. Instead, the main ingredients are the heart, liver, brain, and other parts of deer or antelope.

This dish was once the preferred choice of the aristocracy in the past. It became more widely known only since the 17th century.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• Minced chicken or pork: 200 grams
• Pâté: 30 grams.
• Shiitake mushrooms: 10 pieces (soaked and chopped)
• Onion: ½ piece (chopped)
• Oyster sauce: 15ml
• Sesame oil: 5ml
• Fish sauce: 15ml
• Salt and pepper to taste.

For the pastry crust:

• Flour: 400 grams
• Butter: 300 grams
• Lemon juice: 5ml
• Cold water: 220ml
• Salt: 5 grams

Instructions:

• Step 1: Prepare a large mixing bowl, add flour, lemon juice, and 50 grams of unsalted butter, and mix well. Gradually add a bit of water, kneading until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.
• Step 2: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes.
• Step 3: After 20 minutes, remove the dough, sprinkle a little flour on top, and roll it out. Place butter in the center, fold the edges to seal the butter inside.
• Step 4: Roll the dough into a rectangle, fold the sides in, and then fold it in half. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Step 5: Take the dough out, sprinkle with flour, and continue the rolling and folding process about 4-5 times. It’s time-consuming, but this method creates a deliciously flaky pastry!
• Step 6: Roll out the dough and cut it into your preferred shapes using a knife or cookie cutter.
• Step 7: Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix all the filling ingredients, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 8: Place the filling in the center of one pastry shape, then cover it with another piece of dough. Seal the edges to enclose the filling.
• Step 9: Arrange the pies on a tray, then separate an egg yolk and brush it over the pies to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Step 10: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, then bake the pies for 25-30 minutes. The crust should turn golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the baking time depending on the size of the pies.

Traditional Asian Crab Cakes are often small in size but packed with a lively combination of flavors, featuring a mix of spices. Each cake is coated with sesame seeds to provide a nutty taste and an explosion of flavors from soy sauce, mayonnaise, and wasabi.

The top of the cake is garnished with slices of cucumber, pickled ginger, and a drizzle of layered sauce, making this dish visually appealing as well.

Ingredients:

• 350g crab meat
• 2 portions of mayonnaise (1/4 cup)
• 2 spring onions (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons wasabi
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 portions of breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (for coating) + 2 tablespoons
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 cup pickled ginger
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Instructions:

• Step 1: Shred the crab meat and place it in a small bowl. Mix together the mayonnaise, chopped spring onions, soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of wasabi, and lemon zest. Combine the crab meat with the seasoning mixture, adding 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for about 1 hour.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper and set aside. In another bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water and set aside. In a shallow tray, mix sesame seeds with the remaining 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.
• Step 3: Use a small spoon to scoop the crab mixture and roll it into small balls. Coat each ball with flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb and sesame seed mixture.
• Step 4: Heat the oil over medium heat until it stops smoking. Add the crab cakes and fry until golden and crisp. Remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining crab cakes. If you prefer not to fry them right away, you can freeze the crab cakes for up to 6 weeks. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10-14 minutes.
• Step 5: To garnish, prepare the sauce by mixing 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon of wasabi. For the vegetables, slice the cucumber thinly and roll it up. Repeat with the pickled ginger. For each crab cake, layer the cucumber, ginger, and sauce on top, creating a beautiful, flavorful presentation for your guests!

Taking a bite of crispy chicken with mustard sauce will ignite your taste buds, creating an unforgettable flavor explosion, and your guests will surely keep coming back for more of this delicious treat!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (or substitute with hot chili peppers)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup apricot jam
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
  
  

Instructions:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper and have your food torch ready.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. In another bowl, add Panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper.
• Step 3: Coat each chicken piece with the flour mixture to create an even layer. Shake off excess flour, then dip into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the chicken cool for 10 minutes before serving with the sauce.
• Step 4: To make the dipping sauce, mix the apricot jam, Dijon mustard, and thyme together until smooth.

Baked oysters with cheese are a fantastic starter to kick off your meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
• 30g Chanterelle mushrooms: washed, gently patted dry, and chopped into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery leaves
• 2 tablespoons crème fraiche (fermented cream commonly used in French cuisine)
• Black pepper
• 10 fresh oysters
• 30g fresh Parmesan cheese
  
  

Instructions:

• Step 1: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chives and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the Chanterelle mushrooms and lemon juice to the pan. After about 1 minute, when the mushrooms are cooked, add the celery and crème fraiche. Season with salt and pepper to taste to create the sauce.
• Step 2: Shuck the oysters, leaving one shell intact for each oyster. Place 1/2 teaspoon of the sautéed mushroom mixture on top of each oyster. Finally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the oysters.
• Step 3: Place the oysters on their shells in the oven and bake for about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Ribs are a favorite ingredient among many for creating delicious family meals. Popular dishes include sweet and sour stir-fried ribs, rib soup, braised ribs, and salted ribs... all are incredibly appetizing. However, grilled ribs are even more irresistible with their rich flavors and enticing aroma.

For perfect grilled ribs, the marinade is key. For Vietnamese cuisine, simple seasonings like garlic, onion, and lemongrass can create a unique flavor. The grilling process isn't difficult; follow this recipe to prepare a tasty dish for your family this Christmas!

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of pork ribs (trimmed to fit)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup red grape jelly

Instructions:

• Step 1: Place the ribs in a shallow baking dish and set aside.
• Step 2: In a bowl, mix garlic, ginger, chili powder, sugar, molasses, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the ribs and rub it in to coat the meat evenly. Then, cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (overnight for best results).
• Step 3: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Remove the ribs, let them drain, and place them on a rack. While grilling, brush the ribs with extra sauce every 5 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

During the Lunar New Year celebrations in Vietnam, we always have bánh chưng as part of our meals. However, for Westerners or Christians in general, Christmas would be incomplete without gingerbread cookies.

Gingerbread cookies are not only delicious, but their shapes and decorations are incredibly diverse, reflecting the creativity of the baker. You can easily make these treats yourself using the simple recipe I'll share below. Join me at Mytour.vn to learn how to make crispy, fragrant, and beautiful gingerbread cookies for Christmas, a perfect gift for everyone!

Ingredients for gingerbread cookies (serves 4):

• 320g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 110g butter
• 100g sugar
• 125ml honey or syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, candy, etc., for decoration

How to make gingerbread cookies (serves 4):

• Step 1: Prepare the ingredients for gingerbread cookies. Sift the flour to make it fine. Leave the butter at room temperature to soften.
• Step 2: In a bowl, combine all dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Use a whisk to mix well. Then, in another large bowl, mix the wet ingredients: honey, butter, sugar, vanilla, and a little water. Use a mixer to combine until smooth.
• Step 3: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well. Once the dough is ready, knead it on a flat surface until smooth and uniform. Divide the dough into two parts, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for about two hours, or until the dough firms up. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while waiting for the dough to chill.
• Step 4: Take the dough out of the fridge, unwrap it, and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to shape the dough. Place the cookies on a baking tray and bake them for 9-12 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool naturally.
• Final Step: Decorate the gingerbread cookies with whipped cream using a piping bag. Add candies, chocolate chips, or gummy bears for extra color and fun. You can also create different shapes to make the cookies more creative.

Notes for making gingerbread cookies:

If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, feel free to add more ginger powder. After baking, don't remove the cookies from the oven immediately. Turn off the oven and let the cookies sit inside for a few minutes to avoid thermal shock, which could cause the arms and legs of the gingerbread figures to break. Keep in mind that oven temperatures may vary, so adjust accordingly to avoid overbaking, which can cause the cookies to become dry and brittle.

The story of the gingerbread cookie originated from a German folk tale about children lost in the forest who find a house made of candy by a witch. Over time, the gingerbread cookie was created and further decorated and flavored. Now, no matter where Christmas is celebrated, gingerbread cookies are a must. This Christmas, why not try making your own gingerbread cookies to share with loved ones?

Wishing you success and a warm Christmas night with these gingerbread cookies!

Yule Log Cake is a traditional dessert that is a must-have during Christmas celebrations. Over the years, more and more Vietnamese people have embraced the Christmas holiday. While Christmas in Vietnam isn't a long public holiday like in the West, it is still seen as a joyful occasion—a special time to give gifts to loved ones or for couples to spend time together.

This dessert is mainly made with whipped cream, sponge cake, and either chocolate or strawberries. It closely resembles a traditional sponge cake, but the twist is that it's shaped like a log. The name of this cake is inspired by the legend of the return of the sun god, and many Catholic families prepare the Yule Log cake as part of a traditional ritual that honors the burning of a log in the legend.

In the festive spirit of Christmas, Mytour is also sharing the traditional recipe for Yule Log Cake for anyone who is keen to try making it at home!

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• A pinch of salt
• ½ teaspoon of tartar
• 50g sugar
• 5g unsalted butter
• 25g vegetable oil
• 35g unsweetened milk
• 4 egg yolks (20g/yolk)
• 20g all-purpose flour
• 20g cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 200ml chocolate whipped cream
• 100ml whipped cream

Instructions:

• Step 1: Melt the butter in the microwave or by steam, then add the sugar, milk, and oil, stirring until well combined.
• Step 2: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat for about 8 seconds. Then add the tartar and continue beating until the mixture turns fluffy like soap foam. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Beat for another 10 minutes on medium speed until the egg whites form stiff peaks.
• Step 3: Gently add the egg yolk and butter mixture into the egg whites and stir. Gradually sift the flour and cornstarch into the mixture and fold gently in one direction.
• Step 4: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Line the baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter, tapping the pan lightly to remove air bubbles for even rising. Bake for 25 minutes at 170°C (340°F).
• Step 5: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then roll the cake up in a towel to shape it and leave it for 30 minutes.
• Step 6: Whip the cream and spread it over the cake. Roll it up again and spread the chocolate whipped cream on top. Use a fork to create tree bark-like patterns on the log. Now, you can decorate your Yule Log Cake however you like!

Wishing you success and a delicious time with this Yule Log Cake recipe!

Candy is a favorite treat among children. During this Christmas season, you can prepare candies such as peppermint candy, chocolate candy, and strawberry candy to gift to the little ones or share with your family.

When making these candies, consider giving them fun and festive shapes. For example, you can create shapes like Santa Claus, candy canes, or Christmas trees, which will add to the holiday spirit. Today, we are going to show you how to make simple yet meaningful candy canes that are sure to delight the kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (about 200g) granulated sugar, 1.5 teaspoons peppermint extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (coarse salt)
• 1 cup (about 230g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg

• 2.7 cups (385g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon red food coloring.

Instructions:

• Step 1: Mix the dough: Combine butter, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together without any dry flour left.
• Step 2: Add color to the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add red food coloring to one half and mix well. Keep the other half of the dough plain (white).
• Step 3: Chill the dough: Place each dough half in separate bowls, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.

• Step 4: Shape the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After chilling, the dough should be firm yet pliable. If it's too hard, warm it slightly before shaping. Divide the dough into small pieces, about 2.5cm each, then roll them into logs about 13cm long. Twist the red dough with the plain dough to form a candy cane shape, ensuring both strands are of equal length. Transfer the shaped candy canes to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5cm apart.
• Step 5: Decorate and bake: Whisk the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water until frothy. Use a pastry brush to coat each candy cane with the egg wash, then sprinkle granulated sugar over the surface.
• Step 6: Bake the candy canes: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them. These candy canes make great decorations for your holiday table, perfect for serving during Christmas Eve or as gifts. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks.

We wish you success and enjoyment in making these Christmas candy canes. Have a joyful Christmas!