Christmas holidays in Toronto have been going on for quite a while. For the fifty-third year, the inauguration took place on November 30 with the Cavalcade of Lights, in Nathan Phillips Square. On that occasion, the largest Christmas tree was lit, over 15 meters high and with 300,000 LEDs. Canadian Christmas has started with music, shows and fireworks. But how do we celebrate this period in Toronto? And above all, what are the typical Christmas foods?
Christmas in Toronto
The magic of Christmas in the city of Ontario is palpable. Cities and neighborhoods are lit. Christmas markets and shop windows are decorated for the holidays. Houses and sparkling trees compete with each other for whom shine the most. And if snow falls, well, that’s it! Just close your eyes to be overwhelmed, swallowed and catapulted through the streets of the Canadian metropolis, with snowflakes that wet your face, Christmas carols as background and lights that invade the streets.
And then the themed shows and the Santa Claus parade. The unrestrainability of children who wait the week before the 25th to write the letter. Children can’t wait for the day to unwrap the presents under the tree. At night it becomes difficult for them to sleep, because the hope to hear Santa Claus sneaking into the fireplace and eating the biscuits left for him and his reindeer, after he left the gifts. Waiting for Christmas is magical all over the world. And as in other countries, even here the typical Christmas foods have a place of relevance.
Typical Christmas foods: there is something for all tastes
As for Thanksgiving, the stuffed and baked turkey with a side dish of potatoes, vegetables and sauces cannot be missing. The roasted duck is also a valid alternative. But in Canada it is not Christmas without tourtière. Born in Québec, this rustic cake has spread throughout the country, undergoing variations and additions. The original recipe calls for a dough similar to shortcrust pastry, filled with meat.
The dough is made with flour, butter, salt and eggs. After resting, it will then be used to line a baking pan. For the filling, instead,you have to fry minced pork mixed with beef, potatoes, previously boiled and mashed, and onion, with a little oil and water. It will be flavored with herbs such as thyme and sage and then cinnamon, cloves and pepper. As we said, you need a part of the dough to line a baking sheet.
Put inside the meat filling and cover it with the remaining dough. You have to seal the edges well and drill holes on the surface. You can also decorate it. It must cook in a preheated oven for forty minutes, untill it reaches a golden color. With the tourtière, Christmas is served!
Street food
But Toronto is also the capital of Christmas street food. On the street, and especially in the Christmas markets, there is certainly no shortage of goodies. Waffles cones, gingerbread and cake pops. Giant pretzels sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon or to be dipped in a delicious hot chocolate. But even those who love salty food will not be left high and dry. Cheese fondues, the meat pies, that is, little tourtière, and hot dogs are waiting for you. And then potatoes skewers, grilled cheese and bacon topped with spicy sauce, of course!
Featured image. Ph: Loozrboy – Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0