Ernest Hemingway, the iconic 20th-century novelist, lived a life steeped in adventure, travel, and passion. From the snowy woods of Michigan to the vibrant streets of Paris, the rugged landscapes of Spain, and the tropical beauty of Cuba, Hemingway’s global lifestyle shaped his approach to everything—including the way he celebrated Christmas. While Hemingway is often remembered for his larger-than-life persona, his Christmases were likely moments of reflection, family, and simple yet flavorful meals that mirrored his love of good food and drink.
Christmas in Hemingway’s Life
Hemingway’s life was marked by travel and the pursuit of new experiences, and his holidays often reflected this restless energy. Whether at home in the U.S. or abroad in places like Key West or Havana, Hemingway appreciated the rituals of a hearty meal, strong drinks, and the camaraderie of friends and family. Letters and accounts of Hemingway’s life suggest he enjoyed the holiday season as a time to savor traditional foods, often with a unique twist influenced by his surroundings.
Let’s explore how an Ernest Hemingway Christmas might look, from the dishes served to the atmosphere created.
The Hemingway Christmas Table
Hemingway’s love of food was as robust and diverse as his writing. His Christmas feasts likely drew from his favorite cuisines, incorporating hearty, rustic fare inspired by his experiences in Spain, France, Cuba, and the U.S.
Main Dishes
• Roast Goose or Turkey: Hemingway’s upbringing in the Midwest likely introduced him to classic holiday roasts. Goose or turkey stuffed with savory dressings would have been a staple.
• Wild Game: As an avid outdoorsman, Hemingway might have included venison, pheasant, or duck—game he could have hunted himself—prepared simply to highlight the natural flavors.
• Spanish-Inspired Paella: Hemingway’s time in Spain fostered a deep love for its cuisine. A Christmas paella, rich with saffron, seafood, and chorizo, could reflect his appreciation for the Mediterranean table.
Side Dishes
• Rustic Bread and Olives: French or Spanish bread served with marinated olives, cheese, and olive oil would make a perfect accompaniment to Hemingway’s meal.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, roasted with herbs and butter, added warmth and color to the holiday table.
• Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A nod to Hemingway’s love of Parisian simplicity, a crisp salad dressed with Dijon vinaigrette would provide a refreshing balance to the richer dishes.
Desserts: A Sweet Hemingway Finale
Hemingway wasn’t known for a particularly sweet tooth, but he did appreciate desserts that paired well with strong coffee or a good drink. Christmas desserts in Hemingway’s world might include:
• Key Lime Pie: Reflecting his years in Key West, this tangy, tropical dessert would have been a holiday favorite.
• Tarta de Santiago: A traditional Spanish almond cake with a hint of citrus, perfect for Hemingway’s fondness for Spanish flavors.
• Bûche de Noël: A French yule log cake, rich with chocolate and cream, could represent his Parisian sojourns.
• Flan: This creamy Cuban dessert, with its caramelized sugar topping, reflects his years in Havana and his love for Cuban cuisine.
• Rum-Soaked Fruitcake: Hemingway’s fondness for rum might find its way into a boozy fruitcake, reminiscent of Caribbean holiday traditions.
Drinks: The Hemingway Way
No Hemingway gathering would be complete without his signature cocktails and beverages. Christmas drinks might include:
• Hot Buttered Rum: A comforting, spiced drink that pairs well with cold weather and fireside conversations.
• Spanish Cava or French Champagne: A nod to his European connections, sparkling wine would add festive cheer.
• Mulled Wine: Warm red wine infused with spices, a perfect accompaniment to a cold winter evening.
• Hemingway Daiquiri: A citrusy, rum-based cocktail Hemingway adored, modified for the holiday season with a touch of spice or cranberry.
Atmosphere: A Hemingway Holiday Setting
Hemingway’s Christmas gatherings would have reflected his minimalist aesthetic and his love for natural beauty. Whether in a rustic cabin in the woods or a villa overlooking the sea, the setting would exude warmth and authenticity:
• Candlelit Tables: A simple, elegant table adorned with evergreen boughs and candles for a cozy ambiance.
• Music and Storytelling: Hemingway was a master of storytelling, and his gatherings would have featured lively conversations, readings, and perhaps traditional holiday carols.
• Fireplace Warmth: A roaring fire, the smell of pine, and the clink of glasses would set the scene for a quintessential Hemingway Christmas.
An Ernest Hemingway Christmas is a celebration of the rugged and refined—a blend of adventure, tradition, and the deep appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. The foods and desserts associated with his holidays reflect his global sensibilities, love of fresh, hearty ingredients, and a penchant for indulgence.
This holiday season, channel Hemingway by combining rustic elegance with bold flavors, and raise a glass to the spirit of adventure and connection that defined his life. As Hemingway himself said, “Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.” Even at Christmas, his life was a feast of the senses.
Classic Key Lime Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed, about 20-25 key limes or use bottled)
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
For the whipped cream topping:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the crust:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth it out.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the filling:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.
3. Stir in the key lime juice and lime zest until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
4. Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
3. Bake the pie:
1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Chill the pie:
• Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until completely chilled and firm.
5. Make the whipped cream topping:
1. In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
6. Garnish and serve:
• Garnish with lime slices, zest, or graham cracker crumbs if desired.
• Slice and serve cold.
Enjoy your fresh and tangy key lime pie!
Flan, also known as crème caramel, is a smooth, creamy custard dessert topped with a rich caramel sauce. Here’s a classic recipe to make this delightful treat at home.
Ingredients
For the caramel:
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water
For the custard:
• 5 large eggs
• 1 can (14 oz or 397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz or 354ml) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramel:
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
• Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture simmer until it turns a deep amber color. Be cautious not to let it burn.
• Quickly pour the caramel into a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to allow the caramel to harden.
2. Prepare the Custard:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
3. Combine and Bake:
• Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish.
• Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish, creating a water bath.
• Carefully transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
4. Cool and Serve:
• Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
• Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the baking dish and invert quickly. The flan should release easily, and the caramel will flow over the top.
Enjoy your homemade flan!
Hot Buttered Rum
Ingredients:
For the batter:
• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces brown sugar or demerara sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
For each drink:
• 2 tablespoons batter (prepared above)
• 2 ounces dark rum
• 4 ounces boiling water
• Ground nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the batter:
• In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until smooth.
• Add the ground cloves, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice to the mixture.
• Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Transfer the batter to a container and refrigerate until firm.
2. Assemble the drink:
• For each serving, place 2 tablespoons of the prepared batter into a warm mug.
• Pour 2 ounces of dark rum over the batter.
• Add 4 ounces of boiling water to the mug.
• Stir well until the batter is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Garnish and serve:
• Sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg on top for added aroma and flavor.
• Serve hot and enjoy responsibly.
This recipe is inspired by traditional methods and offers a comforting beverage perfect for cold evenings.
For a visual guide on making Hot Buttered Rum, you might find this video helpful:
Not Your Grams Kitchen 