{"id":51273,"date":"2023-12-13T15:48:05","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T20:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=51273"},"modified":"2023-12-13T15:49:37","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T20:49:37","slug":"4-galley-inspired-holiday-treats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/people\/4-galley-inspired-holiday-treats\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Galley-Inspired Holiday Treats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Caribbean <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Caribbean Christmas Pudding<\/span>\n Lynda Morris Childress<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

We\u2019ve accumulated a sleigh full of wonderful holiday recipes through the years, courtesy of our ever-voyaging readers who, in the spirit of giving, have shared some their favorites with us along the way. Each of these recipes are 100 percent galley-friendly and guaranteed to elevate your crew\u2019s Christmas spirit on board. We think you\u2019ll agree that the only thing better than the dishes themselves are the stories behind how they came to be. Here are four festive galley-borne delights submitted from around the globe to try out this season, wherever you may roam.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean Christmas Pudding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It was our first Christmas as cruisers, and it arrived rather unexpectedly. We\u2019d been anchored for a couple of weeks on Picaroon<\/em>, our Hardin Sea Wolf, at Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands. Without the traditional holiday cues\u2014decorations, holiday parties and snow\u2014we\u2019d hardly noticed it was Christmas Eve when we were invited to join local cruisers for a potluck dinner the next day.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMake figgy pudding!\u201d insisted Philip, my British husband. Figgy pudding is a fond nickname for what we Americans call plum pudding, and I know of it only from English Christmas carols and holiday stories. I\u2019d obliged and made it for several holidays running, but now lacked key ingredients on the boat. Then it struck me: Plum pudding is pretty much a denser, richer version of Caribbean black cake, also traditionally served at Christmas. With a recipe for neither, and no Internet access, I decided to improvise. And<\/em> use lots of rum, just in case. The final result was still warm when we dinghied over to Willie T<\/em>\u2019s bar for the cruisers\u2019 Christmas potluck. It was such a hit, even the bar\u2019s local staff asked for the recipe! \u2014<\/em>Heather Hamilton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the recipe here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamaican Christmas Cocktail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Jamaican <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Jamaican Christmas Drink<\/span>\n Alp Aksoy\/Adobe Stock<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

All I was really after were some limes, but sometimes a simple errand can turn into an extended encounter\u2014and a glimpse into local customs. I was in Port Antonio, a small city with a protected harbor at the foot of Jamaica\u2019s Blue Mountains. One of the draws of the place\u2014other than the excellent marina and the incredible natural beauty\u2014was the opportunity to provision before my husband, Markus, and I set off for Panama\u2019s San Blas islands on Namani<\/em>, our Dufour 35. I was a woman on a mission, just breezing through\u2014until friendly locals slowed me down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a tiny fruit stand I met Sophia, who made her living selling just a smattering of goods: a little citrus, a few spices; enough to fill a large basket, no more. Squeezed in with quiet Sophia were two friends, outgoing Evette and kindly Andrea, 20-something girlfriends chatting away. To my delight, they immediately pulled me into their conversation. When my eye fell on the ginger\u2014lovely fresh ginger, so different from the wizened old knobs found at the supermarket back home\u2014the young women mentioned \u201csorrel drink,\u201d Jamaica\u2019s traditional Christmas brew. Seeing that I had no concept whatsoever of this fabulous concoction, the three launched into the recipe, each repeating it in her own words so it might penetrate my thick head. It took me about ten iterations to understand the word \u201csorrel,\u201d the way it rolled off their Jamaican tongues and traveled into my uncomprehending American ear. Cereal? Sonnel? Sorrel! <\/em>Finally, I understood! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Jamaica, sorrel is a type of hibiscus (hibiscus sabdariffa), and it\u2019s distinctly different from the green similar to spinach called by the same name elsewhere. I asked where I might find it. Sophia glanced sideways at Evette, who looked suggestively at Andrea, who smiled widely. \u201cI\u2019ll get some!\u201d she cried and disappeared into the market. Andrea eventually found some through a friend, and that afternoon, just as promised, Sophia presented me with a gallon-sized bag of wine-red Jamaican sorrel, at the bargain price of the equivalent of $1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That evening, I brewed up my first batch of Christmas drink, my ears ringing with instructions in melodic Jamaican voices while the scent of ginger and sorrel filled the galley. My husband sipped and heartily approved. In the end, we made several different batches until we had a recipe that worked as both a refreshing ice tea and as a cocktail. With Christmas right around the corner, I\u2019d gained\u2014thanks to my new friends in Port Antonio\u2014not only a lovely memory of Jamaica but also a recipe for a drink perfect for a tropical holiday celebration. \u2014Nadine Slavinski<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the recipe here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas Chocolate Cake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Chocolate <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Christmas Chocolate Cake<\/span>\n Sea Wave\/Adobe Stock<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

I always remind my mother that cruisers have intentions, not plans. So, when our lack of intentions found us plying the exotic rivers and villages of Panama\u2019s remote Dari\u00e9n province longer than we\u2019d intended, I knew Christmas dinner wasn\u2019t going to be \u201ctraditional.\u201d Instead of eggnog, fruitcake, roast turkey, and pumpkin pie, it would be rum, fresh tropical fruit, grilled fish, and-what for dessert? No matter how far from home our more than seven years of cruising has taken us, my husband, Jim, and I have always managed to include a few traditional family favorites in our distant holiday meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas morning dawned silent and gray over our idyllic anchorage on the winding R\u00edo Sabana. I was sleeping in\u2014giving Santa a little more time to find us\u2014and Jim was reading in the cockpit of our Tayana 42 cutter, Asylum<\/em>. He didn\u2019t hear the approaching dugout until the old guy in the leaky little canoe held up a bucket and called out, \u201cCamarones!\u201d A bag of rice, some cooking oil, a couple of onions and a few stale trading cigarettes cinched the deal. Not exactly the same as cookies and milk disappearing from under the Christmas tree, but when I awoke to the news of several pounds of fresh shrimp on board, it was enough to make me believe in Santa Claus again. Christmas dinner was taking shape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day before, we\u2019d meandered up the river for about six miles in Nut Case<\/em>, our well-worn dinghy, until the river forked and headed left to the village of Santa F\u00e9, which we\u2019d been told was about ten minutes away. Our excursion was part exploration and part foraging: to see what items on our modest Christmas-dinner shopping list the little tiendas might have, and to see if there might be for sale any of the hand-woven palm baskets for which Dari\u00e9n is famous. The narrowing river wound along for much more than ten minutes, and when we finally reached a landing, it wasn\u2019t Santa F\u00e9. Without enough water in the tidal creek to keep going, we left the dinghy on the gooey mud bank and hitched a ride in a car that epitomized the term rattletrap for the 15-minute, bone-jarring trip to the village. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Santa F\u00e9 turned out to be a tropical Dodge City: Saddled horses waited patiently at hitching posts; shops and bars lined the wide, dusty main street; and tall fruit trees provided shade for men in spurs to swap their news. We spotted a small melo<\/em>, where you can buy anything from Tang to baby chickens, and it didn\u2019t disappoint. The tiny refrigerator yielded two huge surprises: eggnog and turkey hams. Stacked at the counter were little fruitcakes. After those amazing discoveries, I even checked the shelves for pumpkin-pie filling. But it didn\u2019t matter that there was none. I had the recipe for another family favorite, one that always thrilled us as children when mom made it: a sinfully delicious chocolate cake that forms its own pudding-like frosting as it cooks. It was the perfect cap to a perfect Christmas for cruisers.
\u2014Katie Coolbaugh<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the recipe here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas Star Cookies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"cookies <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Star Cookies<\/span>\n Lynda Morris Childress <\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

As active seasonal cruisers seeking winter warmth, usually in the Bahamas, my husband, Radd, and I have spent many winter holidays aboard our Island Packet 40, Sasha<\/em>, far away from family and friends back home. We do miss the gatherings and traditions, but no matter where we are, we try to embrace new ways of celebrating\u2014joining local celebrations or attending local services\u2014while preserving a few tried-and-true traditions from our land life.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nassau, on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, was the backdrop for one of our most memorable holidays. We arrived a few days before Christmas, got settled, and then set out to explore. That day\u2019s mission was to visit the Bacardi distillery. In all our cruising destinations, when venturing beyond walking distance of our harbor, we always use whatever public transportation is available (if any). Yes, we\u2019re frugal cruisers, but public transport is a great way to interact with local people and absorb the culture. It\u2019s always far more interesting than taking a taxi.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Nassau, we were lucky: There\u2019s an extensive bus system. New Providence is a fairly large island; if you want to head away from Nassau harbor and the downtown area to the island\u2019s south side (\u201cover the hill,\u201d as the locals say), you must hail a taxi, get a ride or take the bus.   After ensuring that we were going in the right direction, we asked our friendly bus driver if the Bacardi distillery was on the route.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he replied, with a sorrowful head shake. Then, his face lit up with a wide smile. \u201cBut I\u2019ll take you there.\u201d   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And away we went, the only two riders on the bus. Once we got \u201cover the hill,\u201d we discovered a whole different world: homes with yards, small shopping centers, and no tourists. Eventually, we were out in the country. The driver took us right to the distillery\u2019s entrance. We expressed our heartfelt thanks, and then he asked, \u201cWhat time do you want me to pick you up?\u201d   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The friendliness and courtesy of the Bahamian people are astounding. After a pleasant tour and, of course, a rum tasting, we emerged with several bottles of Bacardi to restock our near-empty liquor locker on board. Sure enough, our new friend retrieved us at the appointed hour, and back \u201cover the hill\u201d we went.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back on the boat, feeling festive, I formulated a plan. For as long as I can remember, my mom made special cookies for Christmas Eve. They were moist and creamy, with a hint of peanut butter perfectly complemented by chocolate centers. She always used packaged Brach\u2019s Chocolate Stars, so we called them Star Cookies.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, she passed down the recipe, one she\u2019d modified through trial and error. I began to gather ingredients on the boat and realized that I had everything but the chocolate stars. It didn\u2019t matter: The cookies are delicious with any small, solid-chocolate candy pieces for the centers. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, even white chocolate.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Christmas Eve arrived, we rode the city bus again, this time to attend a holiday service at the magnificent 300-year-old Christ Church Cathedral, a Nassau landmark. In yet another demonstration of Bahamian courtesy, a different driver apologized profusely for not being able to take us directly there but promised he\u2019d get us within a short walk. We both wore wide smiles as easy-listening Christmas carols blared out of the bus speakers.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late that night, back aboard Sasha<\/em>, we feasted on the cookies, along with eggnog spiced with fresh nutmeg and a healthy shot of our recently acquired rum. Turns out it\u2019s possible to be home for the holidays after all. \u2014Lorelei Johnson<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the recipe here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a favorite boat recipe? Send it to us for possible inclusion in Sailor & Galley. Tell us why it\u2019s a favorite, and add a short description of your boat and where you cruise. Send it, along with high-resolution digital photos of you aboard your boat, to sailorandgalley@cruisingworld.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cruising through the holidays? These four festive galley-borne delights are sure to help make your Festivus afloat all merry and bright.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":26041,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Cruising World Staff","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"","hydra_display_updated":false,"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","arc_story_id":"","arc_website_url":"","custom_permalink":"","arc_subtype":"","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"sponsored_image":false,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":true,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":"\"\"","apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true,"ad_targeting":"","sponsored_url":"","social_share":true},"categories":[165],"tags":[278,197,244,1926],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51273"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51273"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51273\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26041"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}