Christmas is a special time of year at Back Track Adventures, filled with joy, togetherness, and plenty of delicious food. For us, it’s not just about the presents under the tree or the decorations, but the cherished traditions and meals that bring everyone together. This year, we’re excited to share some of our favourite recipes, festive treats, and food traditions with you. From hearty dishes to sweet indulgences, these are the flavours that make our celebrations unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply love hearing about food, join us in spreading the Christmas cheer, one recipe at a time!
First up we’ve got Emma, who’s noted that it’s not really a Christmas Recipe, but definitely a token ‘Smith’ Party Dish.
EMMA
Mexican 7-layer dip (although she makes it 8 layers!)
Ingredients
- Tub sour cream
- Tub Cream cheese
- Minced garlic
- Diced tomato
- Chopped shallots
- Jar of salsa
- Sliced black olives
- Tin of mexibeans (drained)
- Grated cheese
- Smashed avo
- Corn chips
Layer 1 – Mix Sour Cream and cream cheese with a spoonful of minced garlic
Layer 2 – add chopped tomatoes
Layer 3 – add mexibeans
Layer 4 – sliced olives
Layer 5 – avo
Layer 6 – shallots
Layer 7 – salsa
Layer 8 – grated cheese
STEPH
“My favourite recipe has to be my nana’s Christmas trifle, she always makes plenty, and it tastes sinfully divine!”
MATT
Everybody’s favourite Italian and team foodie, Matt, has a few recipes that represent Christmas for him. Unfortunately the Brisbane summer doesn’t make them an ideal choice for Christmas down under, but he’d like to share them anyway!
Tortellini in Brodo (broth)
Tortellini in Brodo is usually made during the Christmas Holidays and feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day.
Cotechino con Lenticchie (Cotechino Sausage with Lentils)
Symbolising wealth and good fortune for the coming year, this hearty dish of cotechino sausage with lentils is traditionally served on New Year’s Eve in Italy.
NAOMI
“I always look forward to seeing this salad (or a variation thereof) on Christmas day. I can count on my aunt to crack this one out every year.”
Cabbage Salad
Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a little sweet treat, and these tasty morsels are also on Nomes’ shopping list. Let’s hope she doesn’t eat too many before Christmas lunch!
TORI
“I don’t have a favourite recipe, but I love all the Christmas stone fruit. Especially cherries.”
WIETSKE
“Boerewors” on wood-fired “Braai”
“South African sausage – we BBQ on coals not gas (sacrilegious), goes with lamb chops / steak served with Mielie Pap (maize) and Chakalaka (sauce)”
SARAH
Her fave Christmas recipe is Gin-gle Juice Punch
- ½ cup Grand Marnier
- 1 cup pink Gin (or vodka – then it’s a Jingle Juice)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- ½ cup lime juice – to taste
- ½ cup lemon juice – to taste
- 4 cups ginger ale chilled
- 2 bottles brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine chilled (also a cracker with sparkling Rose)
- 1 large orange thinly sliced
- 1 large lemon thinly sliced
- 1 lime thinly sliced,
- 1 pint raspberries or strawberries – frozen is great
- Pomegranate seeds
- Mint leaves
Place everything except bubbles in a punch bowl and give it a good stir, top with bubbles and there’s the drinks serving done for a while.
LEANNE
“Rum balls (but definitely NO sultanas or fruit of any kind)”
As you can tell, our tastes are many and varied!
We hope you and yours have a wonderful festive season!
