Platos Venezolanos de Navidad

My cousin’s wife, Mercedes, is an amazing cook. She will be making traditional Venezuelan Christmas foods like hallacas, torta negra, pan de jamon, and galletas de mantequilla this December. Hallacas are a Venezuelan version of what is commonly known here as a tamale. They look like Christmas bundles wrapped in leaves and tied neatly with string. Yellow cornmeal masa surrounds a seasoned mix of shredded meat, raisins, and olives. Torta negra is a dark version of traditional fruitcake. Pan de jamon is a huge, golden, egg-washed bread filled with swirls of ham, olives, bacon, and raisins. Mercedes’ info is here if you are interested in tasty traditional treats!