La fête de St. Nicolas--December 6, 2006

December 6th in Switzerland and in other parts of Europe is a holiday, Saint Nicolas day. Saint Nicolas visits each house the night of December 6th to reward the good girls and boys with delicacies and small gifts. A dark character, Père Fouettard, accompanies Saint Nicolas to determine if the children are being honest to Saint Nicolas. ( He is finding out who is really being naughty or nice).

The children prepare 13 different treats for Saint Nicolas including: biscuits, cookies, cakes, fruits and drinks.

My co-woker, Amelié and I decided to celebrate this Swiss holiday to the fullest.


She prepared the cuisine, typical French appetizers: croque monsieur, pasta salad, potatoes with a spicy dip as well as an eggplant dip with carrots. What a delicious spread...
(Side note: Amelié is French. How fitting is her table. It resembles the French flag.)



Vin chaud was my responsibility.

Steve and I prepared the vin chaud, which is a traditional holiday beverage and is quite delicious. It is made up of wine, spices, oranges, and sugar.

For a recipe, see our food file. Click HERE.

Vin chaud is one drink for this holiday (for the adults) as well a hot chocolate.

And for dessert, a homemade apple tarte.

I think we all proved to St. Nicolas that we have been good boys and girls!