I’ve said before that one of the most memorable Christmases I ever spent was in Venezuela, a country that takes the season very seriously. In some places, like Zulia state, the Christmas season begins in November and continues well into the February. And like other Latin American countries, Venezuela has its traditional Christmas eats, and it wouldn’t be Christmas in Venezuela if there weren’t pan de jamón and hallacas. If you’re interested in making your Navidad authentic Venezuelan, check out these videos.

Pan de jamón

Hallacas:

This year, I’m making pan de jamon again, and I can tell you it’s easy to make, delicious and impresses the guests. Try it!

And for all you boozehounds, a Venezuelan Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Ponche Crema, if you can your paws on a bottle. If you can’t substitute Mexican rompope and watch as all your teeth fall out.