12 Grandma-Approved Holiday Dishes From Around the World

Nanas of the world really know their way around the kitchen. And they love sharing recipes! For more festive tips on how to make new holiday memories, check out Hallmark Ideas.

1. A Finnish Christmas treat, Joulutorttu.

Elaine Ashton / CC BY-ND http://2.0 / Via Flickr: hfb

Remember the smell of something sweet baking in your grandma's oven? This delicious star-shaped pastry is usually made with a plum jam and will give you flashbacks. Make it yourself by following the recipe found here.

2. Scotland's kilted chipolata sausages.

Anne Petersen / (CC BY http://2.0) / Flickr: opacity

What’s better than pigs in a blanket? How about pigs wrapped in more pig? A classier, breadless pigs in a blanket gets an exquisite Scottish upgrade thanks to bacon. And the best part: Now that you're a grown-up, there's no one to stop you from eating as many of these as you want.

3. Bûche de Noël from France.

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Don't let the unusual shape of the log cake fool ya — I mean, LOOK AT THAT FROSTING! Give it a whirl and try recreating this decadent flourless dessert today.

4. A German delicacy, Weihnachtsgans.

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No holiday table is ever complete without a traditional Christmas goose. Simple ingredients like fresh thyme sprigs and tart apples give this popular recipe a homely feel.

5. Chile's eggnog, cola de mono.

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Growing up, you only got to try this adult beverage if you had a really cool grandma who would sneak you sips behind Mom's back. Now that you're no longer stuck at the kids' table, you can officially drink a full glass of monkey's tail, if that's what your heart desires.

6. Bigos, all the way from Poland.

Laurel F / CC BY-SA http://2.0 / Via Flickr: laurelfan

This classic Hunter's Stew calls for pork, sausage, and bacon (oh my!). It's guaranteed to keep you full and warm you up on a cold, wintery day. Bonus: Leftovers for weeks!

7. A savory starter from Greece, Lahanodolmathes.

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Ya Ya would spend all day assembling these meat-stuffed cabbage rolls with love. Don't you dare skimp on the parsley when you put some together yourself.

8. Iceland's appetizing Hamborgarhryggur.

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The recipe for this mouthwatering smoked rack of pork originated in the 1940s and has been wowing Icelandic families ever since. A friendly piece of advice for when you pick out your delicious slab of pork: make sure that it's nice and fatty. It'll absorb more of the pineappley flavors!

9. Israel's Loukoumades.

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Your Bubbie was a pro at baking these honey-drizzled Hanukkah treats back in the day. Who could blame you for trying to sneak a handful before dessert time?

10. Carpaccio di pesce spada from Italy.

Michela Simoncini / CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: comunicati

From the looks of it, you would think you need to slave over this festive swordfish dish for hours, but that's just not true. Using the "set it and forget it" method, this is one of the simplest ways to serve raw fish.

11. A time-honored Indian dish, Biryani.

Jennifer Balaco / (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: jlbalaco

Saved for special occasions, a lot of prep work goes into this chicken and rice plate. BUT — IT'S SO GOOD AND IT'S SO WORTH IT. Take it in and let the fragrant aroma of rich herbs and spices wash over you.

12. A Spanish delight, Turrón.

Jonathan Pincas / CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: saynototheoffice

You looked forward to this almond-honey Christmas candy as soon as the calendar read December 1. Bet you didn't realize how simple it was to make yourself, though! With only three ingredients you can whip up a batch in a jiffy.