Cooking with the saints — Advent cooking calendar

Advent is a season of waiting, longing, and joyful preparation. While we light Advent candles, pray novenas, and set up Nativity scenes, our kitchens can also become special places of devotion. For centuries, Catholics have celebrated saints’ feast days with food — not only as nourishment, but also as a way to teach children, share culture, and honor the examples set by the saints.

This December, journey through Advent by cooking with the saints, counting down the days to Christmas. Each feast day brings us into the story of a holy saint whose journey, life, and legacy point to Christ. Their stories are woven with places, cultures, and traditions — and so are these recipes. Use this Advent Cooking Calendar as a fun new tradition to experiment in the kitchen and explore Christmas dishes from around the world.

December 3 — St. Francis Xavier (India)

Born in Spain and among the first companions of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier carried the Gospel across oceans to India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. 

Butter Chicken — Rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, butter chicken represents the regions of India evangelized by Xavier.

December 5 — Bl. Nicolas Steno (Denmark / Italy)

A pioneering geologist turned bishop, Bl. Nicolas Steno combined scientific rigor with spiritual depth, and his works continue to influence geologists today.

Æbleskiver — Light, fluffy Danish pancake balls scented with cardamom and lemon zest — perfect with jam. These delightful bites are traditionally served during the Advent season. 

December 6 — St. Nicholas (Netherlands / Germany)

The generous patron known for surprise gifts to the needy — embodying secret charity and childlike wonder. The beloved bishop of Myra, famed for his secret generosity, inspired centuries of Christmas giving.

Speculaas Cookies — Crisp, spiced cookies pressed with figures of saints and angels have been baked for St. Nicholas Day in Northern Europe for centuries. Fragrant with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they are best enjoyed with milk or mulled cider as children place their shoes by the door for the good saint’s visit.

December 7 — St. Ambrose (Italy)

The patron of Milan, St. Ambrose defended orthodoxy with courage. Panettone, a tall, sweet bread studded with dried fruit, grew out of Milanese Christmas tradition and ties us to his city.

Baked Panettone French Toast — using store-bought Panettone, this cozy twist on French toast is the perfect Advent brunch idea.

December 8 — Immaculate Conception 

The feast celebrating Mary’s conception recognizes that from the moment of her conception, she was preserved from original sin, a bright light in the history of redemption.

White Chocolate Mousse with Blueberries — Elegant, easy, and evocative of Mary’s purity (white) and the Marian blue of her heavenly mantle. Top with fresh blueberries, or make a simple blueberry sauce. 

December 9 — St. Juan Diego (Mexico)

The humble Aztec peasant to whom Our Lady appeared, bearing roses and an image on his tilma.

Mexican Hot Chocolate — There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of cocoa to celebrate St. Juan Diego’s feast day on a chilly winter day. 

December 10 — Our Lady of Loreto (Italy)

This feast commemorates the Holy House of Nazareth, which was miraculously transported to Loreto.

Tortellini Soup — Tortellini or Cappelletti (larger tortellini) in brodo (broth) is a dish historically associated with the central part of Italy, specifically the Marche region, where Loreto is located. Inspired by Cappelletti, this comforting creamy tortellini soup can be made with sausage and kale for a Marian feast-day supper.

December 11 — Pope St. Damasus (Rome)

Pope Damasus, elected in 366, devoted his pontificate to honoring the martyrs of Rome, preserving their catacombs and promoting the Latin translation of the Bible.

Spaghetti Carbonara — One of the four Roman pastas, carbonara, is a simple yet rich pasta made with cheese, egg yolks, and guanciale. You can substitute bacon for the guanciale. 

December 12 — Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico)

“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” – Revelation 12:1

Mexican Star Soup – Sopa de Estrellitas — a simple, warming soup featuring tiny star-shaped pasta. If you can’t find little stars, you can use pastina, orzo, ditalini, or any short pasta of your choice. 

December 13 — St. Lucy (Sicily / Sweden)

A third-century martyr whose name means light, St. Lucy is honored in both Sicily and Scandinavia as a bearer of brightness during the darkest days.

St. Lucy Saffron Buns — S-shaped scroll buns with raisins representing eyes, as St. Lucy is the patron of the blind. If you want a quick shortcut inspired version, try shaping canned cinnamon rolls into S scrolls. 

December 14 — St. John of the Cross (Spain)

The first friar of the Carmelite reform founded by St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross is known for his mystical experiences in prayer and for his literary works. 

Baked Churros with Chocolate — Spanish churros with chocolate sauce for dipping made easier by baking instead of frying.

December 15 — Bl. Mary Frances Schervier (Germany)

Founder of the Poor Sisters of St. Francis and known for her selfless and tender care of the marginalized.

Aachener Printen – German Gingerbread Cookies — These warm spiced gingerbread cookies, Lebkuchen, originate from Schervier’s town of Aachen, where she founded her order. 

December 20 — St. Vincent Romano (Naples)

Neapolitan preacher famed for his immense devotion and pastoral care, he was nicknamed “The Worker Priest.” 

Lump of Coal Christmas Cookies — These chocolate lumps of coal represent St. Vincent Romano’s assistance in helping clear rubble from an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 

December 21 — St. Peter Canisius (Netherlands / Germany)

A Dutch Jesuit catechist during the Reformation, heroic in teaching the faith and founding Jesuit Colleges in Germany. He is also known as the 2nd Apostle of Germany. 

Kerstkransjes – Dutch Christmas Cookie — These buttery Dutch Christmas cookies are a nod to Peter’s homeland of the Netherlands and look like little Christmas wreaths. Decorate with sugar, sprinkles, nuts, or drizzle with chocolate for a festive finish. 

December 23 — St. John of Kanty (Poland)

A gentle scholar and priest from Kraków, St. John was renowned for humility and generosity.

Authentic Polish Pierogi — Polish dumplings are traditionally served on Christmas Eve and filled with potatoes and cheese. This staple Polish Christmas dish is also fitting for St. John of Kanty, as he abstained from eating meat.

As you stir soups, knead dough, or bake cookies with your family this December, let the saints draw you closer to Christ. May your kitchen become a place of prayer, joy, and holy anticipation as we prepare to welcome the Infant Child Jesus this Christmas.

Happy Advent!