Tastes for the Holidays

The aromas of traditionally cooked holiday dishes can be felt these days at traditional fairs or in the homes of Romanians

Ana-Maria Cononovici, 18.12.2023, 19:37

The aromas of traditionally cooked holiday dishes can be felt these days at traditional fairs or in the homes of Romanians. Delicious recipes abound, as well as offers of ready-made products, for those who have too little free time, or less inclination towards cooking.

And where better to taste traditional dishes or stock up on seasonal products than at a farmers market? Corina Berariu, organizer of the Urban Events Association, spoke to us about the dishes from the fairs and not only.

“Now in its 10th edition, the Peasant Christmas Fair at the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant is already a tradition. Over the last weekend before Christmas, every year, dozens of traditional craftsmen, young artists and artisans, as well as Romanian producers, gathered to present everything they have done more beautifully over the year, everything they have prepared better, for the Christmas table, for the Christmas tree, and of course for presents, its Christmas gift season. Traditional craftsmen from all areas of the country are present, who bring icons painted on glass, on handmade glass, but also painted on wood, they are present with sacred art, with Christmas decorations, made in the Art Tiffany technique. There are decorations made of felted wool, Christmas cards, but also Christmas decorations from handmade paper, with seeds, which after the Christmas tree is taken down, can be planted, and seedlings will come out of those decorations. There are also crocheted toys or handmade dolls, with necklaces, with beads, with traditional garb. We are, after all, at the Peasant Museum, where visitors found both new ones, made in the workshops of Breaza and other ethnographic areas, but also old ones, always in great demand for collectors of authentic old folk clothing, a segment beloved by our visitors.”

And because a peasant blouse can always be a nice gift, Corina Berariu, organizer of the Urban Events Association, told us:

“A hand-sewn peasant blouse is completely different from those that are made by machine, often manufactured in China or India, and which are at very affordable prices. But a handmade one that goes through many processes until it is presented to the buyer, cannot be very cheap. Many times they go through three, four hands. And then, the prices are, depending on the size and the complexity of the stitching, from 300 lei – 500 lei, 800 lei, 1000 lei, we are talking about the new shirts. The old ones have prices from, maybe, 150 lei to 2000 lei, maybe even more. This is where the state of preservation comes into play, how well they are preserved, often refurbished.”

Corina Berariu also told us about what products the chefs who cooked at this years fair tempted us with:

“At this edition, traditionally certified cheese producers were present, from Brasov county, but also meat dishes specific to the holidays: pork rind, cracklings, meatloaf, smoked sausages, as well as honey, from Romanian producers in the Prahova area. We have sweets made in shops, such as pies, but also on the spot: Kurtos Kolak, or specific traditional preparations: stuffed cabbage, polenta, bulz, everything in our traditional cuisine. At each edition of the event, which takes place during the Christmas fast, there are also fasting products, which can be consumed on the spot. Our housewives from Dâmboviţa prepare a bean paste with exceptional caramelized onion, vegetarian stuffed cabbage, or vegetable soup, pickles, vegetable paste, preserves, sweets, and the Szekely cake is also proper for people who fast. So there are products for everyone, whether you fast or not. ”

There was no lack of Christmas pork stew, aspic, and Russian salad, sauteed cabbage, trout with polenta and garlic sauce, ready for tasting, as tradition requires! And the visitors can also get supplies for themselves from the fair, tying some friendships along the way. Here is Corina Berariu:

“Especially since the producers are present throughout the year at each edition of the peasant market, always, before Christmas they bring in orders made for loyal customers, or, when possible, even make deliveries. We have a fruit and vegetable producer from Voineşti who always brings personalized orders, with very good apples, Romanian apples, directly from the producer. ”

And I only have to wish you happy preparations and holidays!