Christmas is approaching, and for many Brazilians, it’s not just about gathering family and exchanging gifts; it’s also about preparing and enjoying delicious meals. This year, as families prepare for their festive meals, they will be met with both traditional recipes and inflation affecting the prices of staples.
Among the star dishes on many tables will be chester, which is often seen as almost a mandatory guest for Christmas dinners. Chef Leandro Benedito Maia from Santos, São Paulo, offers his take on this dish: "Cured and stuffed chester takes center stage, particularly when prepared like a rolled roast, ensuring moistness and appealing color thanks to the mayonnaise coating."
Equally popular is the traditional salpicão de frango, praised for its ease of preparation. Chef Erinaldo Gomes de Melo emphasizes its simplicity and lightness: "The traditional chicken salad is easy, quick, and complements the Christmas menu beautifully with its mix of vegetables, chicken, and fruit."
For those seeking alternatives to the usual fare, lombo suíno (pork loin) is gaining traction. Chef Marcelo Bellini suggests enhancing the dish with glazing and apricots, calling it “a flavorsome addition to the holiday table.” He adds, "This dish can be served with creative garnishes like candy eggs and cherries, but there’s flexibility for varying accompaniments to suit individual tastes."
When it’s time for dessert, the options abound. Biscoitos natalinos (Christmas cookies) add both sweetness and visual appeal to holiday tables. Chef Flávio Duarte notes: "Christmas cookies are not only beautiful and delicious, but they also make great decorations as well."
Then, there's pavê, made with Belgian cream and bittersweet ganache. According to confectioner Mariane Bonura from Santos, "Pavê is a classic end-of-year recipe, perfect for ending the festive meal on a sweet note." And don’t overlook the innovative pudim de panetone, which marries the creaminess of traditional pudding with the signature taste of panettone. Chef Priscila de Freitas highlights its inventive combination: "Have you thought about merging two icons of Christmas within one recipe?"
While savoring these festive recipes, families must also grapple with rising costs. A recent report from the Institute Brasileiro de Economia shows overall Christmas dinner prices have risen by 4.48% over the past 12 months. When compared to last year, the increase stands out above the previous year's decline of -1.71%.
Particular food items have seen varying price changes: rice prices are up by 14.45%, potatoes have increased by 27.74%, and beef prices are also climbing at 12.09%. These hikes represent significant challenges for families planning their Christmas dinners, as many staples are now more expensive than before. Matheus Dias, the economist responsible for this study, remarks, "While cod is cheaper this year, the overall expensive nature of most food items will weigh heavily on Brazilian budgets this Christmas."
Despite the festive spirit, the fluctuATING prices of electronic gifts have shown slight declines, with notable decreases for cellphones down by 5.26%. This creates somewhat of a silver lining for holiday shoppers.”
Families across Brazil may find joy in their cherished traditions, preparing traditional dishes like chester, salpicão, and more, yet they must navigate the financial pressures of increasing prices during this holiday season. The challenge will be to find balance, celebrate togetherness, and savor the flavor of cherished familial recipes, even if they come with new price tags.
