8 food trends to try this Christmas

MOVE over Christmas pudding, there are new desserts in town. Try some of these decadent treats to get yourself in the holiday mood.

There’s something about bearded men and baked desserts.

CHRISTMAS is all about indulging and treating yourself to the good things in life.

Here are some different tasty treats that will get your mouth watering and in the holiday spirit.

1. Pretzelbouche

Forget your standard Croquembouche, Aunt Lil’s new creation is the perfect alternative to the Christmas cake.

2. Gourmet milkshakes

OK, they may not be your traditional Christmas treat, but Pâtissez in Canberra knows how to rock a Christmas version.

Christmas in a cup. Source: Facebook

They have (semi) healthy versions. Source: Facebook

3. Sweet Bao

If you want to try something a little oriental, bao are the perfect treat. Normally made with savoury fillings, you can now try sweet versions.

4. Deep fried Mars Bar

An oldie but a goodie, this deep fried take on the iconic chocolate bar has made the journey from the fish and chip shops in Scotland to Bondi Surf Seafood.

Deep-fried Mars Bar at Bondi Surf Seafood, $4, Bondi.

5. Gourmet doughnuts

A food trend that’s made headlines this year is the gourmet doughnut. The weirder, the better in my opinion.

Annandale business Grumpy Donuts makes these American-style gourmet doughnuts in flavours such as Oreo Vanilla and sour patch jam.

6. Salted caramel ... everything

This is an absolute flavour-winning combo. Almost every dessert form is creating a salted caramel version: ice cream, doughnuts, cake, the list goes on.

Justin Diamandopoulos of Blackboard Coffee with their signature Salted Caramel injectable donut, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

hero food photo for food spread Adelaide Matters. New York cheesecake with salted caramel popcorn. Picture Campbell Brodie.

7. Liquid nitrogen ice cream

No summer is complete without an awesome ice cream. They come in amazing gourmet flavours and no one can deny it’s a little more exciting to receive your cup in among the billows nitrogen clouds.

8. Middle Eastern desserts

With the help of Knafeh, we are being exposed to some of the most delicious Middle Eastern delights. The team like to be known as the “bearded bakers” and put on a great performance while loading you up with tasty treats.

The Knafeh Bakery, which has built a hugely popular following in Sydney, expands to Melbourne and will soon kick off in New York. Brothers Joey and Ameer (A.J) El-Issa.

@caitlinchander