Welcome the World to Holiday Gatherings

(Family Features) The traditional dishes served year after year at your family’s holiday gatherings may bring comfort and a sense of nostalgia, but you can open your loved ones up to a whole new world by incorporating recipes from around the globe. People of all different cultures across the Earth are often connected by food, whether it’s a classic holiday dish or a unique take on a traditional dish, like this raisin-infused Challah. While the dishes themselves may drastically differ, using similar ingredients can be a unifying thread. For those looking to pull off worldly cuisines this holiday season, consider a familiar and nearly universal ingredient like raisins, an innovative and delicious addition incorporated in culturally diverse dishes. On top of their versatile flavor, Sun-Maid Raisins offer a better-for-you whole fruit option with no added sugar per 1/4-cup serving. Consider these global recipe ideas enjoyed at holiday gatherings around the world. Germany Apple Strudel: Quite possibly one of the most famous German desserts of all, raisins add a delicious chewiness to this traditional strudel. Lebkuchen: A traditional German cake similar to gingerbread that’s full of sweet spices, walnuts, dates and raisins. Italy Cuccidati Siciliani: Typically at their most popular during the holiday season, these Italian fig cookies feature raisins inside the deliciously fruity filling. Panettone: Also a holiday favorite, Panettone is a towering round of sweet bread speckled with raisins, citrus and almonds. England Fruitcake: Traditional fruitcake is chock-full of dried raisins, golden raisins, cherries, dates, pineapple and apricots soaked in dark tea overnight. Bread Pudding: This English staple uses stale bread, spices, sweetener and raisins to create a dense and delicious cake. Poland Cinnamon-Raisin Rugelach: These flavorful pastries are characterized by a melt-in-your-mouth cheese-based dough with a sweet cinnamon, raisin and walnut filling. Greece Christopsomo: Considered sacred in many Greek households and translating to “Christ’s Bread,” this revered dish is usually prepared the day before Christmas Eve and is served with nothing but bare hands at the table. Raisins, nuts, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are all found throughout the loaf. Armenia Ghapama: A baked pumpkin stuffed with partially cooked rice, raisins, nuts, cinnamon and honey. Ireland Irish Soda Bread: The cakey texture of this Irish favorite is complemented by sweet, chewy raisins throughout the loaf. Visit SunMaid.com to find more recipes perfect for holiday gatherings. Crown Raisin Challah Yield: 3 loaves Dough: 2 envelopes (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup honey 3 cups warm water 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/3 cup olive oil 2 extra-large eggs, plus 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 cup Sun-Maid raisins 3 cups bread flour 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Egg Wash: 2 extra-large eggs 2 tablespoons sugar To make dough: In big bowl, mix yeast, sugar, honey and warm water. Let yeast bloom about 7 minutes. Add cinnamon, oil, eggs, egg yolks and salt. Mix well. Add raisins. Add flours and mix until sticky. Dough should be creamy yellow. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead 12-15 minutes, or until smooth. Oil bowl, place dough back in bowl and cover tight with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm place about 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled. Punch dough down, cover and let rise another 45 minutes. Punch down again and cut into three equal pieces. Let rest about 10 minutes then roll each piece into snakes about 30 inches long; taper at one end. Starting with thick end, roll each snake into spiral shape like snail shell. Use a little water and stick tapered end onto body of spiral. Mold into place with hands. Oil loaves lightly, cover with plastic wrap and let rise until poofy, about 25 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 F. To make egg wash: In small bowl, whisk eggs and sugar. Gently brush loaves with egg wash, taking care not to deflate them. Bake 45 minutes, or until loaves are golden. Let cool completely.   Photo courtesy of Getty Images (mother and daughter baking)