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**Indulge in Festive Delights: A Christmas Baking Extravaganza**

As the holiday season approaches, I’m excited to share three delectable Christmas treats that are sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Get ready to bake up a storm and spread some holiday cheer!

**Nanaimo Bars: A Decadent Delight**

A Canadian classic, Nanaimo bars are a rich and indulgent treat. With layers of graham cracker crust, creamy custard filling, and chocolate ganache, these bars are a perfect holiday dessert.

Enjoy recipe :

Nanaimo Bar Recipe : A Decadent Delight

Ingredients:

Base Layer:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1 cup shredded coconut

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Middle Layer:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons custard powder

• 2 tablespoons warm water or milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Top Layer:

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons rum or strong coffee

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Base Layer:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, egg, and vanilla.

3. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts.

4. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until set. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Middle Layer:

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in custard powder, warm liquid, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Spread evenly over the cooled base layer.

Prepare the Top Layer:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, butter, rum or coffee, vanilla, and salt.

2. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.

3. Pour the ganache over the middle layer and spread evenly.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

5. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips:

• For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips.

• To make the bars even more decadent, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

**Ginger Sparklers: A Festive Twist**

Ginger Sparklers are a fun and festive cookie that’s perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and are topped with colorful sprinkles.

Enjoy Recipe :

Chewy Ginger Sparklers Recipe by Chef Bari

• 3/4 cup Butter, (You can use margarine if you like)

• 1 cup White sugar

• 1 Egg

• 1/4 cup Molasses

• Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups Flour

• 1 tsp Baking Soda

• 1/2 tsp Salt

• 11/2 tsp Cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp Ginger, powdered ginger – not fresh

Preparation Steps

Method:

First Step – Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Second Step : In a medium size bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger.

Third Step : In mixer add butter and mix. Then add sugar and mix until smooth. Add egg and molasses and mix. Scrap down sides of bowl and mix again.

Now add flour mixture to mixer at one cup at a time until all is combined and completely mixed.

Fourth Step: Take some batter in your hand and roll into balls. Repeat process and place in a wide bowl of 1/4 cup of sugar. Dust with sugar and add to baking sheet. Press down with fork.

Place in oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Note: No longer than 10 minutes unless you want them hard. Ginger Sparklers are suppose to be chewy.

**Sugar Cookies : A Timeless Classic **

Sugar cookies are a timeless classic that can be decorated in countless ways. Whether you prefer simple designs or intricate patterns, these cookies are sure to impress.

Enjoyed Recipe:

Chef Bari’s Christmas Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.1

4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

5. Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Cut out your favourite Christmas shapes using cookie cutters.

6. Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

7. Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with your favourite frosting and sprinkles.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger or cinnamon to the dough.

• To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

• For a festive touch, use red and green sprinkles, or try piping royal icing designs.

Let’s not forget 👇

Classic Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and flour.

2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

4. Shape the Cookies: Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with a fork.

5. Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

6. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

A Timeless Holiday Treat

These classic shortbread cookies are the perfect holiday treat. They’re buttery, crumbly, and oh-so-delicious! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee.

Happy Baking! 🍪🎄

Happy Baking and Happy Holidays! 🎄🍪

Let’s make this Christmas season extra sweet!

Cheers !

Chef Bari