The year-end festive season, especially Christmastime, is filled with fiestas, galas, and parties. Every time we gather with our friends and family, we’re participating in and passing on a tradition that has been important since ancient times. Naturally, what’s on the table is equally important; and no other component is as critical as bread.

Why is Bread Important? 
For Christians especially, bread is significant in both a literal and metaphorical sense. A central motif in the Bible, its importance is evidenced in Jesus’ mention of himself as “the bread of life”. Bread has also appeared in folklore, myths and legends. In some creation stories, bread is actually the primordial material from which humanity was created.

In the historical, cultural and social contexts of several societies, bread is a symbol of grace, prosperity, community and welcome. This is also why the phrase “breaking bread” is a metaphor for sharing a meal together; a striking act of friendship in ancient and medieval societies when food was scarce. 

Bread as Gifts 
Unsurprisingly, several cultures traditionally suggest gifts of bread for some of life’s most significant moments:

• weddings
• housewarmings
• the year-end festivities such as Christmas or winter solstice

While even the humblest loaves are welcome, the more extravagant bakes make for the best gifts; probably why there are so many “Christmas breads” so rich that they seem more like cake – such as the iconic Italian panettone and the German stollen.

We share our favourite “cake breads” (or should we call them “bread cakes”?) below!

Psst: their press kits are available through the brand sub-header. 

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Psst-psst: These breads are so good that they are often eaten as desserts !

AMI Patisserie
Only in December, the month of Christmas, will AMI Patisserie offer their festive signature – the Panettone ($72nett/600g). Chef Makoto Arami interprets the beloved Italian festive classic through a profound understanding of flavours to create a fluffy airy dome that holds a world of rich yet nuanced flavour.

Every AMI Patisserie Panettone reflects Chef Makoto’s commitment to using only the finest ingredients, and ensuring innovation is seamlessly combined with tradition. So while Japanese organic eggs may be selected for use, Chef Makoto still insists on using the most traditional, time-honoured techniques to make the panettones including hanging them upside-down after baking to preserve their classic dome shape and fluffy crumb.

In fact, they undergo a such a meticulous process that even the raisins, dried oranges and lemons are personally prepared in AMI Patisserie’s kitchen; undergoing weeks of steeping Grand Marnier and Cointreau before they’re considered ready for use.

• Pre-orders available from 18 Nov
• Self-collection from 2 to 28 Dec 

Tablescape
Modern European restaurant Tablescape has been famous for its housemade breads since its doors opened – and rightfully so. With an assortment baked fresh daily, they always have the perfect crust and texture for their type: with tender buttery brioches, aromatic onion breads and airy, chewy sourdoughs.

But the festive season always has something extra special – and this year, they offer a Christmas Wreath Bread ($78nett) piled high with a mini mountain of good things!

The bread is, naturally, made in-house by the experienced bread team; a rich sweet Chocolate Cranberry Brioche, specially chosen to match the season as are the playful candy canes piled on top. These make a perfect base for the deliciously contrasting savoury slices of cured ham, mortadella, salami and artisanal cheese. A generous serving of tangy-sweet marmalade completes the appetite-whetting entourage.

Best of all, an Early Bird Offer is available for advance orders of Tablescape’s Festive Takeaways – guests who place their orders by 23 November will enjoy 20% off, while those who order by 7 December will receive 15% off.

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Robert Browning once wrote, “If thou tastest a crust of bread, thou tastest all the stars and all the heavens.”

We reckon these rich bites will take you to infinity and beyond!  

ADDRESSES

• AMI Patisserie: 27 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228222
• Tablescape: Grand Park City Hall, Level 3, Singapore 179809