THE START OF the holiday winter season brings with it fun, food and most importantly, feasting.
For so many families, whether they are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other occasion, food and especially dessert are central parts of celebrating the holidays. Pies, cakes, tarts and my favourite, cookies, make frequent appearances during the stormy winter months.
One can’t deny that a warm plate of sweet treats left steaming on the mantle can make for the perfect accent to any holiday home. Moreover, they’ll ensure that guests will arrive from far and wide to help engage in sweet celebration! This is also the perfect time to involve kids in cooking activities and these simple recipes can make for a fun and easygoing afternoon in from the winter cold.
So heat up the oven, gather together and try out these three tantalizing treats to suit every holiday occasion.
ROSE’S TIP
BAKING TIPS FOR COOKIES
Cookies are the trademark for the holidays. They are easy to make and fun to eat. To bake perfect cookies try these tips.You can substitute oil, butter and margarine for one another. Oil gives a cookie a crisper texture and butter a softer texture. Use a whisk, hand beater or food processor to mix cookies. Cookie dough, except meringues, can be frozen and then baked frozen. Add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Bake in the centre of the oven to avoid burning the cookies.
Post City Magazines’ culinary columnist, Rose Reisman, is author of 17 cookbooks, a TV and radio personality and a health and wellness expert. Visit Rose at www.rosereisman.com.