The time period signifies culinary preparations historically related to the Christmas vacation, using strategies and substances prevalent in earlier eras. These recipes usually function wealthy, seasonal produce and emphasize sluggish, cautious preparation. For instance, a plum pudding steamed for hours, or a fruitcake aged for weeks, exemplify this culinary custom.
Recreating these dishes provides a connection to previous celebrations, offering a tangible hyperlink to household historical past and cultural heritage. Moreover, the emphasis on utilizing high quality substances and time-honored strategies steadily leads to uniquely flavorful and satisfying meals. The inclusion of particular spices and preservation strategies, widespread up to now, contributes to distinctive tastes not all the time present in trendy cooking.