The day after Thanksgiving marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday season. So despite the widespread bitching about the carols coming too early, the truth is that many a Miamian's radio dial turns to 101.5 FM November 23.
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It's OK -- you don't have to admit to singing along to "Blue Christmas" on your morning commute. We know your dirty little secret. So for all the foodies out there tuning in to the holiday jams, here are our top five holiday tunes that mention food -- because this time of year, it's all about the eats.
5. "Hanukkah, O Hanukkah"
Christmas doesn't have sole dibs on seasonal songs -- or indulgent eating. We can't forget the Jewish holiday and all its accompanying edibles. This version by the Barenaked Ladies references everyone's favorite potato cakes: latkes. (They're available at many a Miami Jewish deli, for anyone suddenly struck with a craving.)
4. "The Wassail Song"
You might not think you know what the hell wassail is (we didn't) or what "The Wassail Song" sounds like, but trust us -- you know both. Wassail is basically a hot-mulled cider, originally part of an ancient English drinking ritual to bring about a good harvest. The real question is: Why don't we do this anymore? Any ritual that involves drinking should stand the test of time, so let's reinstate this wide tradition for next year's mango harvest.
3. "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy"
Most of us have never come in contact with a sugar plum, despite countless recitations of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. It's a small, oval-shaped candy made from dried fruit. Yeah, doesn't sound so hot to us either, but it's been around for hundreds of years, so apparently someone is into it.
2. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
We've all sung along to "Oh, bring us a figgy pudding," but be honest -- who in hell would want fig pudding? Sounds worse than fruitcake. But the folks in 16th-century England sure dug it. It's baked, steamed, boiled, or fried holiday pudding made with dark sugars, spices, and, well, figs. And sometimes it's set aflame, which certainly makes the whole concept more exciting. For the curious, there are lots of recipes on Pinterest.
1. "The Christmas Song"
Who doesn't love chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Besides the fact that chestnuts are, in fact, marvelously delicious, this song lends itself to so many hilarious parodies. And despite a lack of working fireplaces in South Florida, these NYC street treats can be made on the stovetop, so eat up.
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