5 foods for any Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebration

The following five foods belong on the holiday table, and serving them at your Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebration honours some of the ages-old traditions surrounding the day.

It is a timeless tradition to serve individual-sized loaves of bread or freshly baked rolls at Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebrations. These tiny treats are called "blessed loaves of bread," and frequently are baked in the symbolic shape of a star, to represent Jesus, or a heart-shape, to signify love during the holiday season.

St. Jean is always depicted with a lamb over his shoulders or leading a flock of sheep. Another way to honour the centuries-old traditions of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is by serving a lamb dish at your celebration. Simply roasting a leg of lamb or even serving lamb chops to your family or friends is a way to recognize the religious roots of this holiday.

Since Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is in the month of June, it is typical to serve a bevy of fresh produce at the affair. Roasting new potatoes in the fire or nesting cast iron pots of vegetable stew in the hot coals are some traditional ways to feed a crowd. Celebrating the prosperity by serving the bounty of gardens, crops, and farms is simply another way to honour St. Jean on this special occasion.

This holiday has evolved to become a time to celebrate the multicultural traditions and wide range of ethnicities present in Canada. This includes serving dishes that are globally recognized and enjoyed. Consider asking friends and guests to bring a favourite traditional dish that best represents their cultural heritage. A potluck is also a great way to feed a crowd, without spending a fortune.

A common staple at a Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day festivity is beer. Serving locally made beer is the perfect accompaniment to any menu and adds a festive touch to the table. Seek out local brews that highlight the flavours and recipes that you will be serving this holiday, which are available from a wide range of retailers and breweries throughout the region.