Holiday recipes are dishes that are traditionally served during a particular holiday season. Everything from the ingredients used to the method of cooking can be a reflection of the season or holiday celebration. Traditional holiday recipes may be served because of the connection they have to childhood memories of the holiday. Other dishes may be served simply because the ingredients are in season during this time. Holiday recipes are often themed either by ingredients, its method of preparation or the way in which it is decorated. For example, many dishes served at Halloween will be decorated in black and orange, the traditional colors of the holiday. Thanksgiving treats are often flavored with pumpkin because it is in season and represents the harvest. Recipes prepared on the grill are commonly served at holidays that fall in the summer months.

Many dishes served on holidays throughout the year have originated as a symbol of the reason for the celebration. Each dish may have its own history or story of origin and the foods prepared for the occasion are a representation of that history.

• Serving lamb at Easter is a custom that can be traced back to biblical times when Abraham was requested to provide his son as a sacrifice in the book of Genesis. In other cultures, lamb is regarded as a symbol of rebirth and can be related to the resurrection of Christ and Passover traditions. http://www.feastnh.com/articles/689910-236/passover-easter-lamb-is-symbol-of-rebirth.html?CSAuthResp=1234::5000:1:24:approved:0F4585785573305EC4153626DBD917C5

• Foods served to celebrate the New Year are often interpreted to either bring good fortune or to express progression. Many main courses are prepared with pork, which is a symbol of wealth, progress and prosperity. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/newyearsday/luckyfoods

• The 4th of July celebration marks the day that Congress officially declared the American colonies as independent from the British. As such, the American flag is a symbol for this freedom, with the stars in the original flag representing the 13 American colonies. Many dishes, especially desserts are decorated using the colors red, white and blue that are also found in the flag.http://www.history.com/topics/july-4th

Each holiday has traditional foods or dishes that are commonly prepared, but may be altered to suit different cultures, tastes or available ingredients.

• Turkey is the traditional main course for a Thanksgiving meal. However, there are several variations for preparing the dish. A Thanksgiving turkey can be baked , roasted or deep fried. It can be basted or marinated in different flavor combinations. Stuffing that is commonly cooked with the turkey can also be prepared with a variety of ingredients such as fruit, vegetables or different types of breads. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/turkey/cooking_techniques.cfm
• Christmas desserts are another example of holiday recipes that may involve varying ingredients. Aside from common fruit pies or sugar cookies, Christmas desserts may also include candies such as fudge or sweet breads. http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/christmas-dessert-recipes/pictures/index.html
• Valentine's Day recipes may include those for a romantic dinner for two, and can often include ingredients that are seductive in nature. Typically served with candles and wine, steak or seafood dishes can be prepared in many different ways. Foods such as chocolate, chili peppers or other foods considered to be aphrodisiacs are commonly used to cook dishes for this lover's holiday.http://www.rd.com/home-garden/top-10-aphrodisiacs/article57406-9.html#slide