Joyful, Global Ginger Recipes for the Holiday Season

Of course, Gingerbread Men are a traditional holiday favorite, but ginger is quite versatile and can be used in all sorts of fragrant drinks and dishes. Sample some of these recipes from around the world and explore the culinary delights all year.

Drinks:

West African Ginger Drink. This alcohol-free beverage is savored in Africa and valued as not only a refreshment but it is also believed to relieve flu symptoms. The recipe includes cold or sparkling water, ginger root, limes, and peppercorns. Serve warm or cold.

Chinese Ginger Tea. Ginger tea is used by many Chinese people to ward off the symptoms of a cold, but it is comforting and smells wonderful even if you are feeling perfectly fine. Brew water with slices of ginger and Chinese brown sugar (available at Asian groceries) and treat yourself to a little “me” time.

Tobasco, Pomegrante, and Ginger Cocktail. This recipes hales from the American South. The colors of the season grace this pretty cocktail and the combination of spicy tobasco and ginger ale give it a real kick. Santa might prefer one of these to another glass of milk!

Salads:

Japanese Ginger Salad. Buy colorful mixed baby greens and make your own steakhouse quality Japanese Ginger Dressing. Combine soy sauce, minced fresh ginger root, garlic, Dijon mustard and honey for a beautiful addition to your meal and to your table.

Thai Carrot-Ginger Salad. Delightful when paired with chicken, this easy-to-make-salad from Thailand includes thinly shaved carrot slices and ginger mixed with lemon and lime juices and cilantro.

Soups:

Butternut Squash and Ginger Soup. This soup is an American innovation with and Oriental twist. The ginger blends well with the creaminess of butternut squash and provides a meal that is simultaneously light yet filling, perfect for a cold winter day.

Five Spice Duck and Noodle Soup. Noodle soup, or Pho, is a staple in China. It is a complete meal in a bowl. This spicy pho combines red chilis, beansprouts, onion, Chinese Five-Spice and thinly sliced duck, sure to both warm you up and fill you up!

Main Dishes:

Sushi with Ginger. Sushi is light and flavorful and for most of us, exotic. But you don’t have to wait for a special night out to enjoy it. With a little practice (the secret is chilling the ingredients well), you can make you very own sushi rolls.

South Indian Ginger Chicken. This easy dish is bursting with flavor from a combination of spices including ginger, red chili powder and garam marsala. Add garlic, if you’d like, for an even spicier kick!

Desserts:

Ginger Lemon Tiramasu. This twist on the Italian classic includes ginger preserves, marscapone cheese, and cream cheese layered between chopped strawberries and lemon zest, and is circled by graceful lady fingers.

Bartlett Pears with Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce and Spiced Ginger Cream. Bartlett pears hail from Oregon and Washington. This merry recipe combines traditional holiday spices (nutmeg, cinnamon) with festive colors for a fresh, sweet, and memorable holiday dessert that is easy to prepare.