Christmas Treats and Sweets

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. What better time to showcase treats and sweets to your family and friends.

I made this FREE Christmas EBOOK in 2004 – Christmas Treats and Sweets . In the Christmas spirit please enjoy my recipes.

Nanaimo Bars

It just wouldn’t be Christmas holidays without Nanaimo Bars. For sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Each recipe will make 48 pieces to entertain your guests.

Suggestion :

When you have a sweet treat, compliment it with fresh fruit such as seedless grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe and papaya, for example. Place strawberries and bananas dipped in chocolate and finely chopped pecans. Set out an assorted cheese tray with selection across the world, along with an assortment of grain crackers. Your guests will be raving over your choices.

Nanaimo Recipe :

First Layer :

• 1/2 cup Butter

• 1/8 cup Sugar

• 3 Tbsp Cocoa

• 1 Egg

• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

• 2 cups Graham Crackers Crumbs

• 1 cup Coconut, shredded

• 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans

Second Layer:

• 1/2 cup Butter

• 2 cups Icing Sugar

• 2 Tbsp Custard Powder

• 2 Tbsp warm tap Water ( or milk )

1 teaspoon Vanilla

Third Layer

• 11/4 cup Chocolate Chips

• 2 Tbsp Butter

1/8 cup of hot water

Preparation Steps

Lightly grease pan 8 X 12 metal pan or glass pyrex pan ( which I have ).

1. First Layer :

Preheat oven 350 degrees F . Add the graham crumbs with cocoa powder and add the coconut & walnut ( or pecans ) pieces. Mix vanilla w/ egg in separate small container. Stir in the melted butter and the egg and stir until blended. Press this into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes. Cool the crust completely before preparing the filling.

2. Second Layer: The Icing

Add butter, Icing Sugar, custard powder and 2 tablespoons of warm tap water or milk into bowl w/ vanilla. Mix until a smooth icing.

Spread evenly onto the first layer. Place into fridge or freezer to harden for 30 minutes.

3. Third Layer: The Chocolate

In a medium sized pot w/ water, bring to a simmer and shut off burner. Now add 1 1/4 cups of chocolate chips and 2 Tablespoons of butter in a metal bowl that we fit tight over the pot w/ simmering hot water. Turn off burner because you don’t want any condensation. Mix and add hot water ( to prevent clumping) until it’s nice and smooth ; easy to spread.

Add your last layer of chocolate to your second layer. Spread evenly and place back in the fridge or freezer to harden.

4. After it has harden bring out and cut into small squares.

You have the choice to place the squares in the freezer until you are ready for your Christmas or party event.

Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 lb butter

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 cup icing sugar

• 3 cups flour

• 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation Steps

1. In a separate bowl sift the cornstarch and flour together

2. Mix icing sugar, butter and vanilla together

3. Add the flour mixture 1 cup at a time until fully incorporated

4. Either roll into balls or place on baking sheet with spoon. Press down with fork

5. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes

Makes 3 dozen

Ginger Sparklers

Chewy Ginger Sparklers are my kind of cookies compare to Ginger Snaps. Get your kids involved in making this delicious treat. My kids would roll them by hand for me.

Ingredients:

• 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

• 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Ginger, powdered ginger – not fresh
1/2 tsp ground cloves

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 and fluffy. 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. ( TIP : Do Not Overmix )

Fourth Step: Take some batter in your hand and roll into small 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

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