Le Gros Souper

Since it's officially December, it's time to turn our focus to the season at hand, the holidays. From French holiday food traditions to holiday happenings around Chez Daniel, we'll keep you up-to-date on the best of the season, so you can enjoy your "Noel" to the fullest.

In Provence, the southern French region that borders Italy and the Mediterranean, a Christmas tradition centers around Le Gros Souper. Literally translated to The Great Supper, Le Gros Souper refers to the Christmas feast. Typically served on Christmas Eve (before revelers attend Midnight Mass), the feast is very symbolic in that each portion of the feast means something.

The feast is set up on a large table covered in three white tablecloths. On the table, three candlesticks and three saucers of St. Barbe's sprouted wheat are placed, the repetition of threes being symbolic of the Holy Trinity. Then, Le Gros Souper begins with seven meatless dishes that are said to symbolize Mary's labor pains. These meatless dishes are generally comprised of seafood and vegetable dishes.

Last, but certainly not least, the meal concludes in grand fashion with the 13 Desserts. Representing Jesus and the 12 disciples, the 13 desserts are served all at once at the end of the meal and it is customary for each guests to take one of each offering. Dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruit, and of course sweets are all included in the 13 separate desserts. A recent addition to the 13, the Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log as it's commonly known, now graces the finale of most Gros Soupers. Additionally, French children will often be required to name each of the 13 offerings prior to being allowed to take part.

This holiday season, we advise incorporating the 13 desserts into your feast, especially the Bûche de Noël!