Wow – is it really December already? This year has absolutely flown by, what with COVID-19, lockdowns and finally getting to grips with a ‘new normal’ way of living. However, December also marks the start of Australia’s summer and there’s plenty of exciting national food days’ worth celebrating, besides feasting on gourmet delights over the festive Christmas period and New Year’s Eve.
So, end the year on a high with 31 days of indulgent eating to look forward to. Here are just some of my favourite food days that I am looking forward to this December.
National Cookie Day (4th December)
Who can resist a freshly baked cookie, oozing with chocolate chips straight out of the oven? Cookies take me back to my college days where my friends and I would purposefully line up at our college café dead on 11 am every Friday to be the first to get our hands on the gooey delights of cookie heaven. Over a decade later, I still can’t resist a cookie – crunchy or soft!
Sachertorte Day (5th December)
Sachertorte…now this takes me straight to Vienna, Austria. This much-loved dessert is a chocolate cake, said to be invented in Vienna by 16-year-old apprentice chef Franz Sacher in 1832 at the court of Prince Metternich. The original Sacher-Torte recipe, however, is a closely guarded secret, only known by the confectioners at Hotel Sacher in Vienna, but typically consists of chocolate sponge cake, apricot jam and iced with velvet-like chocolate, served with whipped cream – delicious!
National Ice Cream Day (13th December)
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! And rightly so, ice cream is an utter joy, particularly on a hot, sunny day (or even a cold winter’s day). Have it in a cone or a bowl with your favourite sauces and toppings. Personally, I love my ice cream served in a cornet cone – usually opting for vanilla, rum and raisin or even a refreshing mango.
National Sangria Day (20th December)
Another favourite of mine is sangria. This Spanish or Portuguese punch typically consists of red wine, chopped fruit and bubbly water. This refreshing drink is a popular party drink and great to enjoy with tapas.
National Bacon Day (30th December)
Crispy bacon…you honestly can’t beat it. Serve it in a roll or as part of a big breakfast fry up and I’m happy. One of the tastiest days in December, why not start the day with a bacon and egg roll, followed by a cheeseburger with extra bacon. There’s even bacon flavoured cheese or bacon milkshakes if you’re feeling particularly adventurous!
Champagne Day (31st December)
What better way to end the year than with a bottle or two of Champagne? Toast the year with friends and family with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, Moët & Chandon or Taittinger and say goodbye to 2020 for good!