Thanksgiving may be behind us, but don’t fear. There are plenty of opportunities for good food ahead of us. Being surrounded by yummy food is one of the best things about the “ber” months (October, November, December). From Halloween candy and Thanksgiving spreads to Christmas parties and New Year's Eve hors d'oeuvres, the end of the year is full of tasty treats.
All of this seasonal food (and probably a sugar rush) made me wonder — what holiday dishes would our favorite Outlander characters be?
Claire Fraser: Cornbread dressing
Not only is cornbread dressing my personal favorite holiday dish, but it is also integral to the holiday season. Some form of dressing (or stuffing) is an absolute must-have for holiday menus. Thanksgiving and Christmas would not, could not, be the same without dressing.
Claire is the cornbread dressing of Outlander. Her strength and intelligence are integral. She keeps the Fraser family and the Ridge going. Without her, Outlander wouldn’t be the same.
Jamie Fraser: Prime rib
Prime rib is the star of the show. It’s delicious. It’s savory. Yet it’s tender, especially when given the proper time to cook.
Jamie is a lot like that — he is the brave, bold star of Outlander. But getting to see him grow from a brash young man into a loving husband, father, and grandfather? That is tasty.
Murtagh Fitzgibbons: Deep-fried turkey
Turkey is a holiday season must-have. Lately, I have been hearing a lot of turkey slander. People have said that it’s too dry or too tasteless. To those people, I ask, have you ever had a deep-fried turkey?
When done correctly, it’s hard and crispy on the outside, but oh so juicy on the inside — and so is Murtagh! He’s a rough rebel on the outside, but on the inside, he is loyal and loving til the end.
Brianna MacKenzie: Gingerbread
Brianna MacKenzie should be a synonym for gingerbread, and I promise it is not because she is a redhead! Gingerbread is such a versatile flavor. It can be sweet or spicy. Warm, or zesty.
Brianna is just as versatile. She is an amazing combination of her parents — strong-willed, stubborn, brave, and fiery, yet also loving and nurturing.
Roger MacKenzie: Deviled eggs
Most people who love deviled eggs can’t eat just one — they are obsessed. They can’t get enough. On the other hand, people who don’t like deviled eggs really don’t like them.
Like deviled eggs, people seem to either obsessively love or obsessively hate Roger Mac. Either way, Outlander wouldn’t be Outlander without him (and the holidays wouldn’t be the same without deviled eggs).
Marsali Fraser: Eggnog
Marsali is eggnog. Eggnog sounds unappetizing. At first glance, Laoghaire’s sassy daughter also sounds unappealing.
Surprisingly, eggnog is delicious, and Marsali is an amazing character. Her sass, courage, and fierceness allow her to fit right in on the Ridge the same way that eggnog’s sweetness helps it fit on holiday menus everywhere.
Fergus Fraser: Greenbean casserole
Have you ever met someone who could mess up a green bean casserole? Even the worst cooks can throw together this quick, easy, reliable dish. Almost nothing can stop it from turning out perfect.
Fergus is just as resilient. He has faced incredible difficulties and traumas from such a young age, yet he has turned into such a loyal, determined man. He struggles, but he always finds the strength to bounce back.
Young Ian Murray: Christmas Cookies
Young Ian is adventurous, sweet, and a little goofy. He, of course, has the classic Fraser loyalty.
Christmas cookies fit him perfectly! They’re a classic, sweet treat, and they can even match his adventurous side if you sprinkle in a few fun toppings.
Jenny Murray: Jalapeno poppers
This one feels self-explanatory, no? Jalapeno poppers are so good, so yummy, but if you aren’t careful, their heat will hit you where it hurts — much like Jenny.
Ian Murray: Gravy
Ian Murray is a peacekeeper. Like many of the Outlander characters, he is loyal and brave, but his true strength is found in his ability to bond with anyone.
Gravy pairs well with so many dishes. It is the perfect topping to bring together the meal, like Ian brings together the Outlander family.
Laoghaire: Fruitcake
Fruit cake is notoriously disliked. Have you ever met anyone who truly enjoyed fruitcake? Probably not, yet it somehow always shows up on holiday menus.
Laoghaire is very much the same. Somehow, she keeps showing up in the most unexpected places. As much as we love to hate her, we can’t seem to get rid of her.
Merry Christmas, and happy holidays!
Watch Outlander on STARZ, and don't forget there are yule log videos to put something peaceful on in the background.