Since Christmas is celebrated in so many countries around the world there exists a wide variety of traditional drinks. Whether your preference is for high alcohol content or just a warming liquid, you'll find something in the selections below to lift your holiday spirits.

- Wassail

The basic Wassail hails from Britain where it has been a seasonal favorite for centuries. It's a delightful mixture that comes in a variety of styles.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 orange
• 1 lemon
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Slice up the orange and the lemon into very thin sections, then scatter them around the apple cider, swirling the liquid well. Throw in the cinnamon sticks and cloves, then add the allspice. Let the mixture set for half an hour to allow the spices to diffuse throughout the drink.

Then place the liquid over a low flame and heat gradually. Simmer for an hour, then allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve by pouring through a strainer, then top each cup with a bit of nutmeg. For a variation with a little kick, add brandy or mead about 5 minutes before done simmering.

- Glühwein (Hot Mulled Wine)

To enjoy a bit of a great German tradition try some hot mulled wine. Germany is better known for its white wine than red. But the darker vintage used here also makes for a terrific holiday beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of dry red wine
• 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp of sugar
• 3 cloves
• 2 sticks of cinnamon
• 1 tsp cardamom or ginger

Heat the wine slowly, being careful to avoid bringing it to a boil. Remember, alcohol has a low boiling point. You don't want to accidentally make hot grape juice. Slice the lemon finely and add when the liquid is hot. Then add the sugar and spice. Allow the mixture to cool to just above room temperature. Serve by pouring into cups through a strainer. Top with cardamom or ginger.

- Cafe Mexicano

Mexico celebrates Christmas with a twist, by enjoying a fine chocolate coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup coffee
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tsp chocolate syrup
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Start with a fine dark brew. A French roast works really well for this drink. Keep the coffee hot. You'll need it soon.

Stir the cream until it's thickened. Pour the chocolate syrup evenly into four warmed cups. It's easy to warm cups. Just fill them with a small amount of water and place into the microwave for a minute, making sure the water doesn't all boil away. Then remove and dump out any excess water.

Add the coffee to the chocolate and blend well. Then, sprinkle on the cinnamon and nutmeg and top with cream. Delicioso!

- American Eggnog

For a good old-fashioned American Christmas drink, mix a dash of rum or brandy into some eggnog. Top with an ounce of triple sec and let the liqueur dribble down into the drink. Sprinkle with nutmeg and have a party!

Christmas - Christmas Meal Recipes from Around the World

Christmas is celebrated in many countries around the globe. Each has a distinctive and delicious dish to highlight the festivities.

- Andesteg (Roast Duck)

From Denmark hails a recipe for roast wild duck that will bring satisfaction to diners in any country.

Ingredients:

• 2 wild ducks
• 2 crab apples
• 1/4 cup gin
• 1/4 cup cognac
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 3 tbsp red wine
• 1 stick of butter
• 4 cloves
• 1/2 tbsp flour
• 3 sprigs parsley

Preheat oven to 450F/230C.

Clean the ducks inside and out, removing all feathers, then wipe the surface with a cloth dipped in gin. Put an apple into the cavity of each bird. Stuff with parsley and cloves then spoon in a slab of butter to each. Skewer the opening shut and bake.

Roast the ducks for 20 minutes, basting occasionally with the wine. Then, lower the heat to 350F/177C for another 20 minutes. Remove and pour over the cognac. Let it air a moment, then light with a match. Allow the flames to die out by themselves. Serve and watch everyone's eyes light up.

- Yorkshire Pudding

Not a pudding by American usage of the word, but a stellar gravy that would go well with roast beef or prime rib. Still, Yorkshire pudding is delicious by any definition.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup meat drippings (bits of roast beef or pork)
• 1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 425F/218C.

Mix flour and salt together, then add the eggs and pour in the milk. Beat well until all lumps are removed.

Put meat drippings into the sections of a muffin pan and bake for 10 minutes. Then pour the batter over the meat drippings and return to the oven for another 20 minutes. Lower the heat to 375F/190C and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

- Midwest Stuffing

From the heartland of the U.S. comes this delicious stuffing recipe suitable for turkey, goose and other fine fowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked bacon
• 1 lb sausage meat
• 1 egg
• 1 lb chestnuts
• 1/2 lb bread crumbs

Cut the bacon into small squares and fry them until they're just on the edge of crisp. Drain excess grease. Repeat with the sausage.

Roasting the chestnuts will add an extra full flavor to the final result. A roaster is ideal but they can be baked for 5 minutes at 375F/190C, if needed. Remove the skin and chop the chestnuts into fine pieces.

You can purchase bread crumbs in a bag or make them easily by separating slices into 1/2 inch squares.

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and add the egg, stirring well. Then cook at 350F/177C in the oven for about 45 minutes. Alternatively, the stuffing can be added to the bird before it goes into the oven.

Whatever your ancestry or country of origin, you'll find Christmas recipes from around the world to expand your horizons. Enjoy!

Christmas - Holiday Dessert Recipes From Around the Globe

What better time than the winter holiday season to indulge your craving for a superb dessert. Fortunately, there are hundreds to choose from, many of which are not as fattening as you might imagine.

- Australian Pudding

Way down in the land down under (or on top if you want to use a different kind of map) they make a wonderful Christmas pudding. It will delight diners from around the world.

Ingredients:

• 5 eggs
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 lb breadcrumbs
• 1/4 lb plain flour
• 1/2 lb butter
• 1/2 lb brown sugar
• 1/2 lb currants
• 1/2 lb seedless raisins
• 1/4 lb lemon peel
• 1/8 lb almonds
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Beat the eggs well and stir in the brandy, then blend in the butter and sugar. Chop up the almonds. Stir in the fruit and add flour. Mix well then add the breadcrumbs and almonds.

Bake the mixture in a pan at 375F/177C for about 3 hours. Check by poking with a fork. When the mixture is gelatinous not liquid, it's about done. Scoop up a spoonful and cool to test.

- Austrian Sachertorte

A torte in Europe is a kind of cake. There's a type that is traditional in Austria that will be appreciated by dessert lovers anywhere.

Ingredients Torte:

• 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 oz chocolate
• 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tbsp apricot jam
• vanilla

Ingredients Frosting:

• 1/2 cup water
• 4 oz chocolate
• 1/2 cup sugar

Blend the eggs, while the chocolate melts in a pan at low heat. Then pour on the flour and mix well. Add butter and stir, then add the sugar and repeat. Add a dash of vanilla. Pour the cake mix into a pan that will make a layer about an inch thick.

Bake at 300F/150C for an hour. Let the torte cool for an hour, then brush with apricot jam.

While it's cooling, prepare the frosting. Boil the water and add sugar, stirring continuously. Melt the chocolate over a low heat and pour in, stirring continuously.

Frost to taste.

- Yuletide Gingerbread

For a traditional American treat, bake some gingerbread.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Ground cloves, ginger, cinnamon

Separate the eggs and beat the yolks over heat until thickened. Add molasses and butter and mix well. Then, beat the whites in a separate bowl until they're foamy and add the sugar. Mix the two bowls together and fold gently.

Bake at 375F/177C for 10 minutes in a pan where the gingerbread batter is about 1/2 inch thick. A 6 in x 8 in pan will do nicely. Test with a toothpick or by pressing lightly with a spoon until springy.

Sprinkle with dashes of the spices. Serves 5.