Fermented Foods and Drinks For The Holiday Season

The holidays are full of sugar and spice. Rich flavors and heavy meals. Why not add some healthy fermented holiday recipes to keep things in balance? Here are 12 party-friendly recipes for all your winter celebrations.

Probiotic Treats

Looking to add some probiotics to your holiday diet? Here are three fermented treats that are deliciously probiotic!

1. Fermented mincemeat was a traditional way of preserving fruits and nuts for the winter. It is a holiday staple, most often eaten as a tart filling.  However, I also enjoy mincemeat as a delicious accompaniment to a cheese board or as a filling for a shortbread thumbprint cookie.
2. Homemade frothy whipped kefir eggnog is probiotic and delicious. Sweetened to taste, a glass of homemade eggnog is my family’s favorite holiday treat.
3. This caramel date sauce is made with milk kefir for a naturally sweet treat. It’s delicious as a dip or spread.

Fermented Holiday Beverages

Probiotic and fermented beverages are party-perfect. Serve with a reusable straw and slice of orange for a fun non-alcoholic drink. Or add a shot of something harder for a seasonally inspired cocktail!

4. If you brew kombucha or water kefir, then it’s easy to flavor your second ferment with cranberries and oranges.
5. If you’ve never made homemade soda pop before, then catch the ginger bug and make cranberry ginger ale. It’s a Canadian tradition!

Cocktail Pickles

What kind of party would be complete without some kind of mixed cheese and pickles platter? Homemade fermented pickles are incredibly easy to make.

6. Pickled cocktail onions are so much better than your usual store-bought cocktail onions.
7. Mixed vegetable pickles can be made with whatever is in season.
8. Try garlic flavored carrot sticks.

Seasonally Inspired Condiments

It is handy to have a few fermented condiments in the fridge. They’re an easy addition to most holiday meals. Or serve them as a dip or spread at a holiday party!

9. Sweet honey-fermented cranberry sauce is incredibly easy. A delicious alternative to store-bought sweet cranberry sauce.
10. Honey mostarda is a sweet and spicy Italian condiment. It traditionally served as an accompaniment to meat.
11. Savoury fermented cranberry relish is a great way to a burst of flavor to your holiday meals. I love, love, LOVE it with cheese.
12. Apple spice spread can be served with sweet or savory dishes. It’s also good for a holiday breakfast or brunch!

Do you have a favorite holiday season ferment? Share in the comments!