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Christmas

80 recipes
Almond tartlets
Amaretto fruit bread
Annelise lemon cookies
Apricot-orange shortbread bars
Armagnac ice cream
Armagnac toffee sauce
Baked oysters with wild mushroom ragout
Butterscotch coffee squares
Caramelized pear upside-down cake
Carpaccio of marinated salmon
Celery root and mashed potatoes
Cheese beignets
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate marquise with orange sauce
Chocolate truffles
Chocolate-dipped macadamia cookies
Chocolate-mocha soufflé
Christmas cake
Christmas chocolate dipped maple log walnut cookies
Christmas mince pies
Christmas rosettes
Cioppino
Coconut squares
Coconut-almond bars
Cookie christmas tree
Crab and lobster cakes with roasted red pepper coulis and dill cream
Cranberry shortbread
Cream puff wreath
Crumble top cranberry bars
Date squares
French Canada trifle
Ginger snaps
Gingerbread house
Gingerbread sticky toffee pudding
Gingerbread trees with lemon icing
Gingersnap cookies
Glazed holiday stars
Glazed molasses cookies
Grilled salmon fillets with sun-dried tomatoes
Herbed seafood casserole
Irish shortbreads
Kedgeree of salmon with sea asparagus
Lace cookies
Lacy almond-orange cookies
Lemon lavender cookies
Lemon shortbread cookies
Lemon-glazed candied-ginger cookies
Lime meltaways
Linzer cookies
Mango soufflé
Napoleon of peekey toe crab and apple
No Bake chocolate cookies
Oatmeal lace cookies
Pancetta-wrapped beef tenderloin
Panettone
Pecan crescents
Peppermint meringues with chocolate filling
Plum pudding
Pompano with mango beurre blanc
Praline lace cookies
Prune kumquat sticky pudding with armagnac toffee sauce
Robert linxe chocolate truffles
Russian Tea Cakes
Sables normands
Salmon wellington with arugula hollandaise
Salmon-stuffed crab cakes
Scallopines of pompano
shortbread cookies with Nutella
Shrimp-tortellini pesto
Smoked trout chowder
Snickerdoodles
Snow ball champagne cocktail
Stuffed salmon fillet
Sugar cookies
The stars shortbread cookies
Traou mad shortbreads
Trifle
Vanilla wafers
Walnut crescents
Walnut raspberry brownies

Almond tartlets

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 recipe sweet cookie dough
1/2 cup apricot preserves
4 1/2 ounces soft butter
4 1/2 ounces sugar
4 egg yolks
4 1/2 oz almond powder
2 teaspoons Kirsch
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Glaze

See Preparation

Almond tartlets

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Roll cookie dough very thin.
Line tiny tartlet molds with the cookie dough.
Cover the bottom of each tartlet mold with 1/2 teaspoon apricot preserves.
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light in color. Beat in the egg yolks one at the time. Stir in almond powder, Kirsch, and cornstarch.
Spoon the mixture into the tartlet shells until half filled. Bake for about 20 minutes or until tartlets are golden brown. Glaze.

Amaretto fruit bread

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 3/4 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coarsely chopped candied cherries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped glazed pineapple
1/2 cup chopped mixed peel
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon almond flavoring

See Preparation

Amaretto fruit bread

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. Measure flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Stir until blended.
Make a well in center. Chop and measure out cherries, pineapple, peel and almonds.
Beat egg with milk, oil, amaretto and flavoring until blended. Pour into center of flour mixture.
Immediately add cherries, pineapple, mixed peel and nuts. Stir just until dry ingredients are lumpy.
Spoon batter into pan. Smooth top.
Bake until knife inserted into loaf comes out quite clean, from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Store, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze.

Annelise lemon cookies

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1/2 cup soft butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup flour
1/3 cup raspberry jam

See Preparation

Annelise lemon cookies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolk and lemon juice. Beat. Mix in flour to form a ball.
Shape dough into small balls. Arrange on baking sheet. Using a teaspoon, make a small crater in each ball.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes .Cool cookies on rack.
Fill holes with jam.
**An alternate method is to dip cookie dough balls into egg white and ground nut before baking.

Apricot-orange shortbread bars

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
3 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 oz (1/4 cup) almond paste, crumbled
1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided

See Preparation

Apricot-orange shortbread bars

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Butter a 9 by 9 by 2-inch metal baking pan; line bottom and sides of pan with parchment paper, extending over sides. Butter parchment. Mix preserves and orange liqueur in small bowl; set aside.
Using electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Beat in almond extract. Add flour and salt; beat just until blended. Transfer 1 cup of dough to another small bowl; add crumbled almond paste and mix with fingertips until small clumps form. Mix in 1/4 cup sliced almonds; set aside for topping.
Press remaining dough evenly onto bottom of prepared pan. Spread preserves mixture evenly over. Using fingertips, coarsely crumble topping over preserves, then sprinkle 1/4 cup almonds over. Press topping lightly into preserves.
Bake shortbread until top and crust edges are golden brown, about 1 hour. Cool completely in pan on rack. Using parchment paper as aid, lift shortbread from pan. Cut shortbread into 4 equal strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 8 small bar cookies.

Armagnac ice cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon Armagnac
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk
6 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar

See Preparation

Armagnac ice cream

Preparation:

Have ready a large bowl of ice and cold water. In a 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan simmer 1/2 cup Armagnac (being careful not to let ignite) until reduced by about half. Stir in cream and milk and bring mixture to a simmer.
In a bowl whisk together yolks and sugar. Add hot milk mixture to yolk mixture in a slow stream, whisking. Transfer mixture to cleaned saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until slightly thickened and a thermometer registers 170°F (do not let boil). Pour custard through a fine sieve into a metal bowl set in ice water. Stir in remaining tablespoon Armagnac and cool custard completely.
Freeze custard in an ice-cream maker. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden. Armagnac ice cream may be made 1 week ahead.

Armagnac toffee sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time:5 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons Armagnac

See Preparation

Armagnac toffee sauce

Preparation:

In a heavy saucepan simmer cream with butter and brown sugar, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove pan from heat and stir in Armagnac. Sauce keeps, covered and chilled, 1 week. Reheat sauce before serving.

Baked oysters with wild mushroom ragout

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

For the Oysters
2 dozen oysters
For the Aioli:
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Ragout:
1 cup diced thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon
1 or 2 shallots, minced
1 cup wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
Leaves of 1 sprig fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

See Preparation

Baked oysters with wild mushroom ragout

Preparation:

Buy the oysters. When buying oysters, look for a tag with the harvest date and use them within a week of that date. Also, make sure the oysters are fresh and alive; the shells should be tightly closed or should close when tapped.
An hour before shucking, scrub the oysters with a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any grit. Set them aside to relax muscles in shell. They will open with more ease.

Shuck the oysters. Hold the oyster, curved-side down, in a towel on a cutting board. Insert an oyster knife between the shells at the narrow pointed end. (Use a real oyster knife-there is no substitute!) Press down firmly on the oyster to prevent slipping and twist the knife to pry the shells apart. Use the knife for leverage; do not use force. Cut the muscle that connects the oyster to the top shell with the knife, being careful not to pierce the meat. Remove the top shell. Slide your knife under the oyster to loosen it, keeping the meat and liquid in the shell. Use your knife to carefully scrape away any shards of shell.

Make the aioli. Blend the garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with the motor running and process until thick. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the aioli to a bowl, then cover and refrigerate.

Prepare the ragout. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp. Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring. Add the garlic, cook 3 minutes, then add the butter and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the oysters. Preheat the broiler. Place the oysters, in their shells, in individual baking dishes or one large dish. (Put a crumpled sheet of foil underneath them to keep them steady, if necessary.) Top each with a spoonful of mushroom ragout.

Finish the dish. Top each oyster with a dollop of aeoli. Broil until the aeoli is golden, about 2 minutes, and serve immediately.

Butterscotch coffee squares

Serves: 12

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 14-ounce package butterscotch morsels
1 1/2 cups shortening
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1/2 cup chopped pecans

See Preparation

Butterscotch coffee squares

Preparation:

In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; set aside. In large bowl, combine shortening and sugar. Add egg and beat well. In measuring cup, combine boiling water and instant coffee. Gradually blend in flour mixture alternately with dissolved coffee. Stir in butterscotch morsels and 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Spread in greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool. Cut into 2 inch squares.

Caramelized pear upside-down cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

2 ounces unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces (4 tablespoons)
about 1 pound medium firm-ripe Bosc pears

For the Cake:
6 3/4 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour (1-1/2 cups)
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened (8 tablespoons)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs

Basic Caramel:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

See Preparation

Caramelized pear upside-down cake

Preparation:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x2-inch round cake pan (don't use a springform pan, as the caramel might leak out during baking). Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment and butter the top of the paper.
Make the Topping:

1. Peel, core, and cut the pears lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the pear slices on the bottom of the pan in a circle around the edge, overlapping them slightly, with the pointed ends towards the center. If necessary, cut a little off the pointed ends to make the slices fit better. Or if the pear slices don't reach all the way to the middle, arrange a few of the shorter slices in the center to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Make the Basic Caramel according to the directions. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the 4 tablespoons of butter one piece at a time, until they are completely melted. Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pears (it should spread over the pears and onto the bottom of the pan).

Make the Cake Batter:

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and salt into a medium bowl. Stir to combine. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vanilla.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Turn the mixer to medium and slowly add the brown sugar. Increase the speed to high and continue to mix until lightened in texture and color, 2 to 3 minutes total. Reduce the speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Reduce the speed to low and alternate adding the flour mixture and milk mixture in five additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix each addition just enough to incorporate, as overmixing will lead to a tougher cake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl one last time and mix briefly to blend well.
Bake the cake:

1. Spoon the batter in large dollops over the pears and smooth it into an even layer with an offset spatula. Bake the cake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan. Turn a cake plate upside down on top of the cake pan and, using pot holders, carefully invert the cake pan onto the plate.
Basic Caramel:

1. Fill a cup measure halfway with water and put a pastry brush in it; this will be used for washing down the sides of the pan to prevent crystallization. In a heavy-duty 2-quart saucepan, stir the sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup cold water. Brush down the sides of the pan with water to wash away any sugar crystals.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, occasionally brushing down the sides of the pan, until the mixture starts to color around the edges, 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Gently swirl the pan once to even out the color and prevent the sugar from burning in isolated spots. Continue to cook until the sugar turns medium amber, about 30 seconds more. (Once the mixture begins to color, it will darken very quickly, so keep an eye on it.)

Carpaccio of marinated salmon

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

1 pound salmon fillet, fresh
5 tablespoons green peppercorns, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
to taste, salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 large sweet red pepper
2 large tomatoes
6 sprigs fresh parsley
12 slices toasted french bread

See Preparation

Carpaccio of marinated salmon

Preparation:

When serving raw fish, you must buy extra-fresh fish of the highest quality and serve it the same day. Bone and skin the salmon fillet. Cut into 6 equal slices.
Lay an 11-inch square sheet of plastic wrap flat on a working surface. Place one slice of salmon in the middle and cover with a second 11-inch square of plastic.
Gently flatten the salmon with a meat pounder, mallet, or a heavy skillet into a disk about 5 to 6 inches in diameter, shaping it as round and thin as possible. Repeat the same process with the other 5 pieces of salmon.
Stack the 6 wrapped salmon disks on a plate and refrigerate until needed.
In a cup, mix the green peppercorns, lemon juice, salt, and oil. Set the carpaccio dressing aside. Preheat broiler.
Split the red peppers in halves; remove seeds. Place the red pepper halves on an oiled baking sheet and broil until skin becomes dark, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Peel the blackened skin off under cold water. Pat dry with paper towel, cut into matchsticks, and set aside.
Dip the tomatoes in boiling water for 8 to 10 seconds, transfer to cold water for a minute. Peel the tomatoes, split in halves, squeeze the seeds out. Cut tomato pieces into 1/4-inch dices, and set aside.
Remove the wrapped salmon slices from the refrigerator. Discard the top layer of plastic from each salmon disk and place salmon side down on a cold serving plate. Discard the remaining sheet of plastic. Repeat the same process with the remaining salmon disks.
PRESENTATION
Drizzle the carpaccio dressing equally over each salmon disk. Garnish each plate with the red pepper strips, diced tomatoes, and parsley sprigs.
Serve with toasted french bread.
Note: Another variation is to serve the salmon carpaccio with a gazpacho salad or a tabouleh salad.

Celery root and mashed potatoes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 celery root (about 1 pound)
4 medium potatoes, peeled
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

See Preparation

Celery root and mashed potatoes

Preparation:

Fill a large bowl with ice water and add lemon juice. With sharp knife, peel celery root; cut into 2-in chunks, dropping them into the water and lemon juice as you go. (This stops the celery root from discoloring.)
Cut potatoes into 2-in chunks. Drain celery root. In large saucepan, combine celery root, potatoes, garlic and enough water to cover them. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, 20 minutes or until celery root and potatoes are very tender. Drain well; return vegetables to saucepan. Place over low heat to dry out slightly, shaking saucepan occasionally.
Heat butter and cream in small saucepan; transfer to large bowl. Add vegetables to cream mixture and cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste; stir in parsley.
Transfer to heated serving dish; serve immediately.

Cheese beignets

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 cup water 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
1 cup flour
4 large eggs
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups parsley sprigs, cleaned and dried
2 cups tomato basil sauce
oil for deep frying

See Preparation

Cheese beignets

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, heat water and butter to a simmer. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until mixture no longer sticks to pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat.
Beat eggs in thoroughly, one by one until mixture is smooth. Mix in the cheese and seasonings.
Transfer cheese mixture to a mixing bowl.
Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. Carefully fry half of the dry parsley sprigs for about 10 to 12 seconds.
Transfer to a plate on a paper towel. Repeat with remaining parsley. Season with salt.
Spoon about 5 or 6 tablespoons of the cheese mixture into the oil. Do not crowd as they double in size and self rotate while cooking. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.
Keep beignets in a warm oven while frying the remaining. Arrange the warm cheese beignets on a platter with the fried parsley.
Serve with hot tomato basil.
Note: If served as hors d'oeuvres, fry teaspoonfuls of the cheese mixture.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room
temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

See Preparation

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Preparation:

Note: Using a heaping teasspoon of the dough you get 48 cookies.

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Grease 2 baking sheets with butter.
Put the confectioners' sugar into a bowl and set aside.
In another bowl, using a wooden spoon, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add 1 egg and beat on medium speed until blended. Add the other egg and vanilla and beat until blended.

Turn off the mixer and add the flour mixture. Beat on low speed just until blended.
To form the cookies, using a teaspoon, scoop up a rounded spoonful of dough. Scrape the dough off the spoon into the palm of your hand. Roll the dough into a ball. Roll the ball in the confectioners' sugar until covered. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake about 12 minutes until tops are puffed and crackled.
(Do not over bake. Cookies are soft when hot but firm and chewy when cool. ) Remove to rack to cool. Store tightly covered up to 3 weeks with wax paper between layers.

Chocolate marquise with orange sauce

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

For the mousse:
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate
5 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
2 cups heavy cream

for the orange sauce:
1/2 cup orange juice
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon grated orange rind

See Preparation

Chocolate marquise with orange sauce

Preparation:

For the mousse:
Melt chocolate in a double boiler.
Beat egg yolks with confectioners sugar until light an thick. Beat in the melted chocolate until mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the soft butter and sifted cocoa, beating until mixture is well blended. Whip the cream to a medium peak.
Fold in the chocolate mixture.
Spoon mousse in a decorative mold. Chill for 2 to 3 hours.
For the orange sauce:
Boil the orange juice and reduce to half. Beat the eggs with the sugar. Add the scalded milk and orange rind. Cook over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until thick. Do not boil. Add orange juice. Refrigerate. Unmold mousse. Serve with the sauce.

Chocolate truffles

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

8 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons liqueur such as Cognac or Grand Marnier or plain vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, sifted

See Preparation

Chocolate truffles

Preparation:

Place chocolate in a bowl.
Bring cream to a boil in a small, heavy saucepan. Pour cream over chocolate.
Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes; gently stir until smooth. Add liqueur and stir to combine.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. Sift cocoa over a baking sheet.
To shape the truffles use one of the following methods:

1. Using a measuring spoon, scoop up 1 teaspoon of chocolate, and roll into a ball about 3/4 inch across. Drop into cocoa; roll each truffle in cocoa to coat.
2. using a pastry bag with a 3/8-inch opening or tip, pipe into mounds (about 3/4 inch high and 1 inch wide) on parchment-lined baking sheets. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Drop into cocoa; roll each truffle in cocoa to coat.
Chill until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Chocolate-dipped macadamia cookies

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest plus 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and finely ground
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

See Preparation

Chocolate-dipped macadamia cookies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, 2 minutes.
Add egg yolk, lemon zest and juice, and salt and beat until combined; beat in nuts. With mixer on low, add flour and beat just until combined, 2 minutes.
Form dough into a 4 1/2-inch-long log, wrap in plastic, and freeze until firm, 30 minutes. Cut into 1/4-inch slices, transfer to two parchment-lined baking sheets, and freeze 5 minutes.
Bake until golden at edges, 14 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cookies cool completely on wire racks.
Melt chocolate. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate; transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill until set, 10 minutes.

Chocolate-mocha soufflé

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon instant espresso
1 teaspoon hot water
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon flour
6 egg whites
1 pinch cream of tartar
2 teaspoons sugar

See Preparation

Chocolate-mocha soufflé

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Butter a 5-cup soufflé mold. Coat inside with teaspoon sugar. Combine espresso with hot water, stir until dissolved.
Melt chocolate on top of double boiler. In a mixing bowl, combine melted chocolate with cream and coffee.
Beat egg yolks and flour. Stir into the chocolate mixture.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to a soft peak. Sprinkle in sugar, and beat until stiff peak. Stir a 1/4 of the whites into chocolate mixture, then fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg whites, a little at a time. Pour this into the prepared mold.
Bake for 35 45 minutes. Serve hot with lightly whipped cream.

Christmas cake

Serves: 15

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours 20 minutes

6 oz (175 g) pitted prunes
6 oz (175 g) dried apricots
4 oz (125 g) dried pineapple
4 oz (125 g) dried black Mission figs,
hard stem ends removed
4 oz (125 g) dried cherries
4 oz (125 g) Thompson raisins
4 oz (125 g) golden raisins
3/4 cup (175 mL) port
1/2 cup (125 mL) dark rum
1/2 cup (125 mL) brandy
1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
1 cinnamon stick, 3 inches (8 cm) long
2 tsp (10 mL) grated lemon rind
1½ cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1¼ tsp (6 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cinnamon
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground cloves
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground allspice
1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups (375 mL) demerara sugar, packed
4 large eggs, at room temperature

See Preparation

Christmas cake

Preparation:

Cut prunes,apricots, pineapple and figs into small pieces (smaller than ½ inch/1 cm). Put in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot along with cherries, raisins, port, rum, brandy, bitters, honey and cinnamon stick. Place pot over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until fruit mixture is plump and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in grated lemon rind. Scrape into a large glass or ceramic bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let stand for a few days, or ideally a week, stir ring every few days.
2 Preheat oven to 275°F (140°C). Grease 5mini loaf pans, 5 x 2 x 2 inches (13 x 5 x 5 cm) approx., and fully line with parchment paper.
3 Combine flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and all-spice in a small bowl and stir with a fork until uniform.
4 Beat butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating really well between additions and scraping down sides as needed to keep batter from separating. Add flour mixtureand beat until just combined (batter will be on the thin side). Scrape in dried fruit mixture and any syrupy liquid and stir until just combined.
Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 2 hours 20 minutes or until cakes are deeply golden and a cake tester comes out with crumbs clinging to it.
5 Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out ontowire racks, peel off parchment paper and let cool fully. Wrap cooled cakes well and keep in airtight containers until ready to eat or share. No aging necessary.

Christmas chocolate dipped maple log walnut cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
3 tablespoons warm milk
3/4 cup ground walnuts

See Preparation

Christmas chocolate dipped maple log walnut cookies

Preparation:

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and maple flavoring.
Combine the flour, oats and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
On a lightly floured surface, shape dough into 1/2-in.-wide logs. Cut into 2-in. pieces. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 325° for 15-18 minutes or until set and very lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Mix melted chocolate and milk; stir until smooth. Dip one end of each cookie into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Roll in walnuts. Place on waxed paper until set.

Christmas mince pies

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:25 minutes

300g (2 cups) plain flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
6 1/2 oz 185g unsalted butter, chopped
55g (1/4 cup) sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
2 egg yolks
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg white, whisked

for the cranberry studded mince- makes about 600ml / 2½ cups

2 oz - 60 ml brandy, rum or ruby port
2 1/2 oz - 75 grams soft dark brown sugar
11 oz - 300 grams cranberries, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
3 oz - 75 grams currants
3 oz - 75 grams raisins
1 oz -30 grams dried cranberries
finely grated zest and juice of 1 clementine
2 tbsp brandy
3 drops almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey

See Preparation

Christmas mince pies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 F - 190°C .
Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl. Rub in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Add egg yolks and enough lemon juice to bring ingredients together to form a dough.
Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Halve, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll out one pastry half between 2 sheets of baking paper until 1/4 inch or less, 3-5mm thick. Using a 2 1/2 inch (6.5cm) fluted round cutter, cut out 12 rounds, reserving leftover pastry. Place rounds into one of the prepared pans. Spoon 2 teaspoons of fruit mince into each. Repeat with second pastry half and fruit mince.
Re-roll scraps of pastry and cut into small stars. Top each pie with a star. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with extra sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Leave to cool completely in pans. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Make the mince fruit in advance.
In a large pan, dissolve the sugar in the brandy, rum or ruby port over a gentle heat. Add the chopped cranberries and stir. Add the cinnamon, ginger and cloves, currants, raisins, dried cranberries and the zest and juice of the clementine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the fruit has broken down and has absorbed most of the liquid in the pan.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little. Add the brandy, almond extract, vanilla extract and honey and stir well with a wooden spoon to mash the mixture down into a paste.

Christmas rosettes

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cardamon
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 quarts canola oil
Confectioners' sugar for sprinkling

See Preparation

Christmas rosettes

Preparation:

Pour milk into a small bowl, and add the vanilla, sugar, salt, and cardamon.
In a medium bowl, add flour and eggs, alternating with milk. Whisk until smooth and thick.
Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate covered overnight.
Heat oil in a four-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees.
Attach rosette iron to handle. Carefully dip iron into oil for 2 to 3 minutes.
Blot with paper towel. Always remember to heat rosette iron before dipping into batter. Dip hot iron into batter up to the top edge; do not allow batter to coat the top.
Submerge iron in oil, and cook rosette until lightly browned. Remove iron from oil, and gently remove rosette, using a fork if necessary.
If rosette pops out of the iron and falls into the oil, use tongs to retrieve it. Drain rosettes on paper towels.
Sprinkle with Confectioners' sugar before serving.

Cioppino

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 pounds chopped canned tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 pound fillet of bass or rockfish
12 shrimp , cleaned and deveined
12 cherrystones
12 fresh mussels

See Preparation

Cioppino

Preparation:

In a heavy pot, heat the oil. Add onion, garlic, and parsley. Stir over moderate heat. Do not brown.
Add the chopped, seeded tomatoes and tomato paste, wine, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Cut the fish into portions. Add to pot together with the clean shrimp. Cook for 5 minutes.
Steam the clean cherrystone clams and mussels in a pot with a little water. Add to the stew with the strained juice.
Heat before serving.

Coconut squares

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
2 teaspoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoon sugar
1 14-ounce can condensed milk
2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla

See Preparation

Coconut squares

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the butter, cocoa powder and sugar.
Press the mixture in an 8 -inch by 10 -inch pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Mix the remaining ingredients. Spread on crust.
Bake at 375 degrees about 15 minutes, or until brown.
Refrigerate until cool. Cut into squares.

Coconut-almond bars

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups shredded coconut
48 whole almonds
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 teaspoons unsalted butter

See Preparation

Coconut-almond bars

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan. In large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes. Add water, almond extract and vanilla; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
Stir in flour and coconut; mix well. Spread in greased pan. Arrange almonds over top of bars in 8 rows of 6 each.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned and top springs back when lightly touched in center.
Cover pan with foil until cool.
In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring occasionally; drizzle over cooled bars.

Cookie christmas tree

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3/4 cup slivered almonds
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

See Preparation

Cookie christmas tree

Preparation:

Place almonds into food processor bowl fitted with metal blade. Cover; process until finely ground. Combine almonds, flour and salt in bowl; set aside.

Combine 1 cup butter and sugar in bowl; beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, lemon zest and almond extract. Continue beating, scraping bowl occasionally, until well mixed. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed until well mixed.

Divide dough in half. Shape each half into ball; flatten slightly. Wrap each in plastic food wrap, refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm.

Heat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough, one-half at a time, on lightly floured surface (keeping remaining dough refrigerated) to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out 3 each of 6 graduated sizes of star-shaped cookie cutters (18 cookies total). Bake similar sizes of cookies together on ungreased cookie sheet 8-12 minutes or until edges are just beginning to brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely.

Combine powdered sugar and 1/3 cup butter in bowl; beat at low speed until well mixed. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and enough milk for desired frosting consistency.

Frost and decorate 1 large cookie as desired. Secure decorated cookie to serving platter with 1 teaspoon frosting. Place about 1 teaspoon icing in center of cookie. Repeat frosting as desired, decorating and securing same size cookie on top, turning it slightly so points of star are offset from previous cookie. Repeat, continuing to stack cookies in graduated sizes, reserving 1 small cookie. Stand reserved small cookie up to form tree topper, securing with frosting.

Crab and lobster cakes with roasted red pepper coulis and dill cream

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 7ounce package crabmeat
1 2 ounce lobster tail
2 eggs
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/4 cups fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons finely diced red onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire and hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil

Roasted Pepper Coulis:
1 sweet red pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup tomato juice
1 tablespoon white wine
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Dill Cream:
1/2 cup white wine
3/4 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon flour
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
pinch each salt and pepper

See Preparation

Crab and lobster cakes with roasted red pepper coulis and dill cream

Preparation:

Place crab in sieve. Remove lobster from shell;dice and add to crab. Press out liquid and remove any visible cartilage or shell. Whisk eggs, sour cream and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in crumbs, onion, dill, Worcestershire and hot pepper sauces, salt and pepper. Mix in crab and lobster.
With damp hands, form by 1/4 cupfuls into 8 cakes, each scant 1/2 inch thick. Lightly brush large non-stick skillet with oil; place over medium heat.
Fry cakes, in batches if necessary and brushing lightly with oil if needed, until golden and crisp on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.
Roasted Pepper Coulis:
Meanwhile, grill or broil red pepper until blackened all over, about 20 minutes. Let cool. Peel, halve and seed; chop and set aside. In nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion and garlic until golden, 5 minutes. Add lemon juice, wine, roasted pepper, basil, salt and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 3 minutes. Purée in blender or food processor.

Dill Cream:
In saucepan, boil wine until reduced to 1/4 cup. Pour in cream; boil for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, mash butter and flour until smooth; whisk into pan. Simmer, whisking, until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in dill, salt and pepper. Reheat coulis; pool generous 2 tablespoons each of the coulis and dill cream separately onto each warmed plate. Top with 2 crab-and-lobster cakes.

Cranberry shortbread

Serves: 12

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup icing sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dried cranberries

See Preparation

Cranberry shortbread

Preparation:

With an electric or stand mixer, beat butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. With mixer on low speed, add flour, mixing just until a dough forms. Stir in cranberries
Divide dough in half; place each half on a sheet of foil plastic wrap. Gently roll each into a 1 1/2-inch-diameter log. It will be about 12 inches long. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap logs; with a serrated knife, slice dough 1/4 inch thick Arrange slices, about 1 inch apart, on baking sheets.
Bake until lightly golden around the edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream puff wreath

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 3 hours

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 cup (250 mL) water
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
4 eggs
2 tbsp (30 mL) icing sugar

Peppermint Filling:
1-1/3 cups (325 mL) whipping cream, (35%)
10 oz (283 g) white chocolate, chopped
1 tsp (5 mL) peppermint extract

See Preparation

Cream puff wreath

Preparation:

Peppermint Filling:
In small saucepan, bring cream to boil; pour over chocolate in heatproof bowl,
stirring until melted. Stir in peppermint extract. Loosely cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 2
hours. Using electric mixer, whisk until thickened and soft peaks form (do not overbeat).

Cream puffs:
In saucepan, bring water, granulated sugar and salt to boil over medium-high heat, stirring. Stir in
butter until melted. Reduce heat to medium-low; add flour all at once and beat with wooden spoon
until dough comes cleanly off side of pan but lightly films bottom of pan.
Transfer to stand mixer with paddle attachment; beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in
eggs, 1 at a time, beating each until thoroughly incorporated. (Or remove saucepan from heat; with
wooden spoon, beat in eggs, 1 at a time.)
Using piping bag fitted with 3/4-inch (2 cm) star tip, pipe dough, 2 inches (5 cm) apart, into 1-1/2-inch
(4 cm) circles, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) high and dragging tip toward you to create tip of leaf, onto 2
parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Bake in top and bottom thirds of 400ºF (200ºC) oven, switching and rotating pans after 8 minutes,
until golden, 14 to 16 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350ºF (180ºC); bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off heat; open door
slightly and let dry in oven until cool enough to handle. Remove to racks; let cool completely.
Cut each leaf in half horizontally. Spoon filling into each bottom; replace top. To serve, arrange leaves
on large platter with points facing outward to resemble wreath. Dust with icing sugar.

Crumble top cranberry bars

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Crust
1 1/2 cups uncooked quick cooking oats
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla

Filling
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
Topping
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans

See Preparation

Crumble top cranberry bars

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch square baking pan with no-stick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine oats, 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in large bowl; stir until well mixed. Cut in butter and vanilla with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place 1 cup crust mixture into small bowl; set aside.

Press remaining crust mixture into prepared pan. Bake 15-18 minutes or until edges are just beginning to brown.

Meanwhile, combine sour cream, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest and vanilla in small bowl; stir until well mixed. Stir in cranberries. Spread filling mixture over hot, partially baked crust.

Stir pecans into reserved crust mixture; sprinkle over cranberry mixture, lightly pressing down onto filling. Bake 35-40 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool 30 minutes; refrigerate 2 hours. Cut into bars.

Date squares

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter

For filling:
1 1/2 pounds pitted dates
1 cup hot water
1/4 cup sugar pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

See Preparation

Date squares

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare filling first. Combine dates, hot water, sugar and salt together in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until dates are soft and water is absorbed; add vanilla and let cool.
Stir flour and baking soda together; add to oatmeal and brown sugar and mix well.
Work in butter with fork until mixture is crumbly. Spread 1/2 the mixture in bottom of greased 9" square pan and pat down; cover with cooled date filling.
Pat 1/2 of remaining mixture on top; then sprinkle over lightly with remainder.
Bake for 35 minutes.

French Canada trifle

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

custard:
5 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 egg yolks
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

trifle:
1 pound cake or equal amounts of genoise or sponge cake
2-4 tablespoons marsala, rum or brandy
1 cup strawberry jam
2 cups fresh raspberries
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar

See Preparation

French Canada trifle

Preparation:

For the custard:
Mix together sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Add egg yolks and whisk to combine; then gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custards thickens to the consistency of thick cream, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and add vanilla. Cover surface of custard with plastic wrap to prevent a skin forming, and refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 hours.
For the trifle:
Cut cake into 2-inch by 1-inch pieces. Arrange a layer of cake in the bottom of a large trifle glass bowl. Sprinkle cake with some of the Marsala; then spread a layer of strawberry jam over the cake; then scatter some of the raspberries over the jam. Pour some of the custard over the berries. Repeat layering, ending with custard. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Remove trifle from refrigerator about 1 hour before serving. Just before serving, put heavy cream and sugar in a large bowl. Beat cream until it holds soft peaks. Do not over beat. Decorate trifle with large dollops of whipped cream.

Ginger snaps

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 cup molasses
1 cup shortening
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/2 cups flour

See Preparation

Ginger snaps

Preparation:

Combine molasses, shortening, and baking soda in saucepan. Bring to boil. Cool mixture.
Add the remaining ingredients. Knead well on a working surface. Chill dough for a few hours or more, or freeze dough in several small batches.
Roll very thin,(1/8-inch thick) with a rolling pin. Cut with a 2-inch round cutter. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

Gingerbread house

Serves: 1

Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup light molasses or dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
For assemblage and decoration:

Melted white chocolate or Royal Icing (recipe follows)
Gumdrops, licorice and peppermint, as desired
Directions
Gingerbread House:

See Preparation

Gingerbread house

Preparation:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together until the mixture is smooth. Blend in the flour and water to make a stiff dough. Chill at least 30 minutes or until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut paper patterns for the gingerbread house:

Two rectangles 3 by 5 inches, to make the front and back of the house. Two rectangles, 3 by 5 1/2 inches for the roof. Two pieces for the ends of the house, 3 inches wide at the base, 3 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 5 1/2 inches from the bottom. Four smaller rectangles, 1 1/2 by 1 inch for the roof and sides of the entryway. And one piece 2 inches wide at the base, 1 1/2 inches to the roof line, and slanted to a peak 2 1/2 inches from the bottom for the front of the entryway.

Roll gingerbread dough out to edges on a large, rimless cookie sheet. Place paper patterns onto the rolled out dough. With a sharp, straight edged knife, cut around each of the pieces, but leave pieces in place.

Bake at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes until dough feels firm.

Place patterns on top of the gingerbread again and trim shapes, cutting edges with a straight-edged sharp knife. Leave to cool on baking sheet.

Place royal icing into pastry bag with a writing tip and press out to decorate individual parts of house, piping on decorations, windows, door, etc., as desired. Let dry until hardened.

Glue sides, front and back of house together at corners using royal icing. Place an object against the pieces to prop up until icing is dry (it only takes a few minutes).

Glue the two roof pieces to the pitched roof line of the house. Then, similarly, glue the sides and roof of the entryway together with icing. Attach the entryway to the front of the house.
Continue decorating the house, glueing on gumdrops, licorice and peppermint, as desired.

Royal Icing:
1 pound (3-3/4 cups) powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla or lemon juice
Mix all of the ingredients together using an electric hand mixer, until the icing is smooth and thin enough to be pressed through a pastry bag with a writing tip. Add more lemon juice, if necessary.

Gingerbread sticky toffee pudding

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1 cup dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
1 cup water
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 stick butter, plus extra for greasing
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
3 tablespoons molasses
Zest of half an orange
For the sticky toffee sauce:

1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

See Preparation

Gingerbread sticky toffee pudding

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9 by 13 baking dish.

Combine the dates and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over medium-low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Allow liquid to cool and puree the date mixture with its liquid in a blender or food processor. Reserve.

Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth at medium-high speed. Beat in eggs one at a time until just combined. Add molasses and mix until incorporated. Lower the speed and slowly add flour mixture in three parts. Stir in date puree and orange zest.

Transfer batter to prepared dish and bake until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sticky toffee sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Slowly add cream and dark brown sugar, whisking until mixture comes to a gentle boil and forms a smooth sauce. Set aside.

Remove pudding from the oven and immediately poke holes in the pudding every inch or so using a skewer or chopstick. Pour three quarters of the sauce over the cake and allow it to soak in for at least 30 minutes. Serve warm with a drizzle of extra sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.

Gingerbread trees with lemon icing

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

FOR THE ICING:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
Sanding or coarse sugar (optional)

See Preparation

Gingerbread trees with lemon icing

Preparation:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until creamy, 3 minutes. Add egg and beat to combine. Add molasses and beat to combine, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm, 1 hour (or up to 3 days).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. With a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut dough into small 2-inch-wide triangles. Arrange triangles, 1 inch apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are firm and golden at edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.

Make icing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and confectioners' sugar and whisk until smooth. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies and sprinkle with sanding sugar, if desired.

Gingersnap cookies

Serves: 18

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

8 oz unsalted butter
1 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 small eggs or 1 1/2 large eggs
1/3 cup molasses
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

See Preparation

Gingersnap cookies

Preparation:

Cream butter until soft; add sugar, and beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, and beat until fluffy. Add molasses and beat until well-mixed.

Sift the dry ingredients; add to the mixture, 1/3 at a time. Mix only until the dry ingredients become incorporated.

Line a 9" x 5" loaf pan with plastic wrap, so that some hangs over the outsides. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan. Pack it tightly, and try to make the top as level as possible. Cover the dough with the plastic overhangs. Freeze until very firm.

Unwrap and remove dough from the pan. Slice brick into thin slices, no more than 1/8". Place on a parchment or Silpat-lined sheetpan (space at least an inch apart) and bake at 350 degrees until the edges turn dark brown, 7-12 minutes. Check the oven for doneness after 7 minutes.

Glazed holiday stars

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt

For the glaze:
2 tablespoons light cream
2/3 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup thick raspberry jam

See Preparation

Glazed holiday stars

Preparation:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla until fluffy.
In another mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; blend into creamed mixture until well-blended.
Gather dough into a ball and divide into two flat rounds. Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate at least an hour or up to one day. Dough can be frozen for up to two weeks.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured work surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a 3-inch star cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
(Gather scraps of dough, chill and roll again). Using a small 1-inch star cookie cutter, cut centers out of half of the cookies. Bake cookies 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Transfer cookies to rack.
To make glaze, mix cream and sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Dip the warm cookies with the cut-out center into glaze or use a brush to glaze. Let icing set for one hour.
Melt raspberry jam. Cool and spread about 1/2 teaspoon on each uncut cookie.
Top with glazed cookies to sandwich together.
Store cookies in covered container, separating layers with waxed paper, no more than 1 day at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the freezer.

Glazed molasses cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins

For glaze:
1 tablespoon soft butter
1 cup icing sugar
5 teaspoons cream
1/2 vanilla

See Preparation

Glazed molasses cookies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream together shortening and brown sugar. Add egg and molasses. Beat well. Blend and sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
Add to creamed mixture and combine thoroughly. Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins.
Drop teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake for about 12 minutes.
While the cookies are slightly warm, glaze with a mixture of butter, icing sugar, cream and vanilla.

Grilled salmon fillets with sun-dried tomatoes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 salmon fillets with skin on (6 ounce portions)
3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash original blend seasoning
Pam cooking spray for high temp cooking
Aluminum foil

See Preparation

Grilled salmon fillets with sun-dried tomatoes

Preparation:

Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature.

Make topping: In a small bowl, combine sun dried tomatoes and butter. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Preheat grill or cast iron griddle to medium heat. Brush fillets with grapeseed oil and season with Mrs. Dash seasoning.

Generously spray cooking surface with cooking spray. Place fillets on the grill, skin side up. Grill side without skin for approximately 2-3 minutes, watching carefully not to burn.

Flip to skin down side and grill for 3-4 minutes. Cover with foil until skin is crispy.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place generous portion of sun dried tomato topping on top of fillets. Heat for another 6-7 minutes, until sun dried tomatoes begin to crisp.

Serve immediately.

Herbed seafood casserole

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 cup white rice
2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium chopped onion
3 minced garlic cloves
1 large chopped carrot
1 cup chopped fennel or celery
1 tablespoon chopped dill
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound clean scallops
1 pound cleaned and deveined shrimp
1 pound cooked crabmeat or cooked mussels
2 ounces butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1/2 pound cream cheese
1 tablespoon chopped dill
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Topping:
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter.
chopped parsley

See Preparation

Herbed seafood casserole

Preparation:

In a saucepan, combine white rice with salted boiled water.
Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Water should be absorbed. Stir in chopped parsley.
In a skillet, melt butter. Add and Saute chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, large chopped carrot, and chopped fennel or celery until tender. Stir in chopped dill, salt and pepper.
In a skillet, melt butter. Saute clean scallops until opaque. Transfer to a bowl. Saute clean and deveined shrimp until pink.
Add to bowl. Add clean cooked crabmeat to seafood.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour. Stir well. Add milk. Stir till thickened. Whisk in cream cheese, chopped dill, chopped parsley. Add seafood.
Line bottom of greased 13 by 9-inch baking dish with rice. Spoon seafood over. Spoon seafood mix over top.
Topping:
Mix bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees about 40 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Irish shortbreads

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

See Preparation

Irish shortbreads

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar. With the mixer on low, slowly add flour. Continue mixing until dough comes together to form a ball.

Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface; roll out dough to about 1/4-inch thickness, dusting rolling pin with flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
Here are 2 methods to form the cookies:
Method 1
Using a 2 1/4-inch round, fluted cutter, cut out dough. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Gather up any scraps, gently re-roll, and repeat cutting process. Take care not to overwork dough.
Transfer baking sheet to oven and bake until shortbread just begins to turn golden, about 30 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Shortbread may be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Method 2
Knead well and divide dough into 2 equal portions. Press into 2 ungreased 8-inch round tart pans with removable bottom.
Bake 30-40 minutes or until golden.
Remove from oven, sprinkle lightly with sugar; cut into pie-shaped wedges. Store in airtight containers.

Kedgeree of salmon with sea asparagus

Serves: 10 to 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

3 tablespoons butter
5 medium chopped scallions
2 cups sour cream
3 tablespoons curry powder
2 pounds salmon, poached
1 pound smoked salmon, diced
2 cups converted rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
6 hard cooked eggs
1 tablespoon onion, chopped
2 tablespoons soft butter
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
8 sprigs fresh parsley

1 cup lemon butter

See Preparation

Kedgeree of salmon with sea asparagus

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Melt the butter in a saute pan. Add the scallions and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the sour cream and curry powder. Mix well.
Flake the boneless and skinless cooked salmon. Combine with the diced smoked salmon.
In a separate pot, stir the rice with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over medium heat until the liquid is almost absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Chop the egg whites.
Reserve. Chop the egg yolks and save for garnish.
Combine the rice and the salmon mixture. Mix in the egg whites. Butter a deep casserole dish large enough for the rice mixture. Spoon the salmon-rice mixture into the casserole dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

PRESENTATION

Unmold the kedgeree unto a serving platter. Garnish the top with rows of the chopped egg yolks, chopped onion, and chopped parsley. Garnish the platter with sprigs of parsley.
Serve with the lemon butter.

Lace cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

2 ounces almonds (to yield 1/2 cup ground almonds)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

See Preparation

Lace cookies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Position two oven racks in the middle and upper third of your oven. Line two (2) cookie sheets with parchment paper or use the Silicone Baking Mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. I personally recommend that you use the Silicone Baking Mats as nothing sticks to them.

In a food processor, grind almonds finely; measure out 1/2 cup and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, heat the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and corn syrup until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring often. Increase the heat to medium high and, stirring constantly, bring the mixture JUST to a boil. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour and salt until incorporated. Stir in the ground almonds and vanilla extract.

Drop the batter by the teaspoon, 3-inches apart, on the prepared cookie sheets (about 1/2 dozen cookies per cookie sheet). Prepare all your pans of cookies at this time even though you are only going to bake 1 or 2 sheets at a time.

Bake the cookies until evenly light brown, approximately 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies spread, become thin, and take on a deep golden color. After 5 minutes into the baking time, switch the baking sheets from top to bottom and back to front to promote even baking. The cookies won't begin to spread until approximately 6 minutes into the baking time.

Line wire cooling racks with plastic wrap. When cookies are done baking, remove the cookies from the oven and, as soon as they're firm enough to lift off the baking sheet (which will take just a few minutes), use a wide spatula to transfer them to the prepared cooling racks to cool completely. Allowing the cookies to cool slightly on the cookie sheet will also cause them to flatten out more. If the cookies become too cold and hard to remove from the baking sheet without shattering them, replace the pan in the oven to soften the cookies again.

Bake the remaining cookies; the batter will have firmed up a bit, but that is fine.
Store the flat cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a tin or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Lacy almond-orange cookies

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes,

1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds
3/4 teaspoon anise or fennel seed
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

See Preparation

Lacy almond-orange cookies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees, with racks in middle and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a food processor, pulse almonds and anise seed until coarsely ground. Transfer mixture to a small saucepan. Add butter, sugar, honey, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring once to combine ingredients as butter melts. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in flour and zest. Working quickly, drop batter by teaspoonfuls, 2 1/2 inches apart, on sheets.
Bake until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.

Lemon lavender cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

2 tsp. dried French lavender buds
3 cups flour
2 tsp. fresh grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1-2 Tbsp. water, as needed

Frosting:

4 Tbsp. well softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. milk or cream
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. dried French lavender buds, crushed

See Preparation

Lemon lavender cookies

Preparation:

In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind up the flowers for batter until a fine powder. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350˚. Whip the butter until creamy, then add the sugar and whip until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, lavender and mix well. With the mixer on low, add the flour and salt until well combined. Add the water, a little at a time, until the dough is just able to be shaped into two 12 " long log, about 3" in diameter. Wrap the logs in parchment, and chill for 2 hours or longer, or freeze over night.

Prepare the frosting before baking. Whip the butter until creamy, then whip in the sugar. As you are whipping it, add the vanilla and milk/cream until smooth, thick and creamy. You may need more than the tablespoon to get it to the right consistency. Add the crushed lavender flowers and mix well. Set aside.

Line baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. Slice up the cookie log into 1/4 inch slices with a serrated knife. Place them on a cookie sheet, a couple inches apart. Bake about 8 min. or so, just until the edges are starting to brown. Let cool on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, frost with a thin layer of frosting.
You may wish to use a few extra crushed buds for garnish on top. Store the cookies in an airtight container between sheets of parchment paper.

Lemon shortbread cookies

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/4 sticks) butter, softened
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white sugar

See Preparation

Lemon shortbread cookies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl of an electric beater, combine flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, butter, lemon peel and lemon juice.
Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes.) Shape the dough into a 14 by 1-inch cylinder.
Roll in the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Wrap in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm.
With a sharp knife, cut the log into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place one inch apart on cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. (Cookies will not brown.) Cool on racks. Store in an airtight container.

Lemon-glazed candied-ginger cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:14 minutes

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt
6 ounces (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped candied ginger
1 large egg
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup water

See Preparation

Lemon-glazed candied-ginger cookies

Preparation:

Sift flour, baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt into a bowl. Cream butter and brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add ginger, and beat for 2 minutes.
Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined. Add flour mixture, and then beat on medium-low speed until dough just comes together.

Shape dough into two 1-inch-thick disks. Wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out 1 disk on a lightly floured surface to inch thickness, and cut out 2-inch circles. Place the rounds 1/2 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Roll out and cut scraps. Refrigerate rounds for 10 minutes.

Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are set and edges are light gold, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer parchment with cookies to wire racks. Let cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough. (Cookies can be stored for up to 3 days.)

Whisk confectioners' sugar, lemon zest and juice, honey, water, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cookies. Let stand until glaze is set, at least 20 minutes. (Glazed cookies can be stored overnight.)

Lime meltaways

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:13 minutes

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
Finely grated zest of 2 limes
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

See Preparation

Lime meltaways

Preparation:

Put butter and 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Add lime zest and juice and vanilla, and mix until fluffy.

Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Add to butter mixture, and mix on low speed until just combined.

Divide dough in half. Place each half on an 8-by-12-inch sheet of parchment paper. Roll in parchment to form a log 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Refrigerate logs until cold and firm, at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove parchment from logs; cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Space rounds 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies until barely golden, about 13 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. While still warm (but not piping hot), toss cookies with remaining 2/3 cup sugar in a resealable plastic bag. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Linzer cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 cup (150 grams) whole almonds (blanched or natural)
2 cups (260 grams) all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) salt
Zest (outer yellow skin) of one small lemon
1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar, divided
1 teaspoon (5 grams) pure vanilla extract
2 large (40 grams) egg yolks
Topping:
1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioners' (Icing or Powdered) Sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) Raspberry or Black Currant Jam, well stirred

See Preparation

Linzer cookies

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) with the oven rack in the center of the oven. Place the almonds on a baking sheet and bake about 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from oven and once the nuts have cooled, place in a food processor, along with 1/4 cup (50 grams) white sugar, and process until finely ground.
In a separate bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest.
In the bowl of an electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and remaining 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in the vanilla extract and egg yolks. Finally, beat in the ground almonds and then the flour mixture. Divide the dough in half, cover each half with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm (30-60 minutes, or up to two days).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove one ball of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 inch (.5 cm) thick. Using a 3 inch (7.5 cm) cookie cutter (round, square, heart, etc.) cut out the cookies. Place the cookies about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out the centers of half of the cookies on the baking sheet. Reroll any scraps and cut out the remaining cookies. Repeat with the second ball of dough. (Note: If you find the cookies are soft, place the baking sheets with the unbaked cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to chill the dough. This will prevent the cookies from spreading and losing their shape when baked.) Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
Assemble Cookies: Place the cut out cookies on a baking sheet and lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar. Spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom surface of the full cookie (top of cookie will face out). Place the cut-out cookie on top and gently sandwich them together. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill the cut-out with a little more jam.
The filled cookies will soften when stored. If you want the cookies to stay crisp, assemble the day of serving. The assembled cookies can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for several days.

Mango soufflé

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

6 1 1/4-cup soufflé molds
For the molds
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons sugar

2 medium mangos ( 1 1/2 cups puree)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 egg yolks
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar

See Preparation

Mango soufflé

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter the soufflé molds. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of molds with sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet. Do not touch the inside.
Choose ripe mangos, full of flavor. Peel and slice all the pulp into a mixing bowl. discard the pits.
Puree the mango pulp in a food processor. Whisk in the sugar and lemon juice. Pour the mixture in a saucepan, and stew over medium heat until thick. Cool the mango and transfer to a mixing bowl. Cool for 10 minutes Stir in the egg yolks.
In an electric mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar. When they reach a soft peaks, gradually add the confectioners sugar, and continue beating until the whites are firm and fluffy.
Fold the egg whites into the mango mixture.
Fill the mold with the soufflé mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve at once. Serve with a coconut custard cream.

Napoleon of peekey toe crab and apple

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

3/4 pound peeky-toe or jumbo lump crab meat
1 Granny Smith apple
1 vine-ripened tomato
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon thinly sliced fresh chives
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 tablespoons milk
freshly ground white pepper

For tuiles:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/2 cup rice flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup egg whites (from about 3 large eggs)
1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish:
julienne strips of tomato,
sliced fresh chives, and curry powder

See Preparation

Napoleon of peekey toe crab and apple

Preparation:

Pick over crab meat to remove any bits of shell and cartilage and if using lump crab meat lightly shred.
Peel and core apple and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon.
Peel and seed tomato and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/3 cup. Reserve 1 tablespoon each diced apple and tomato for sauce and in a bowl combine crab meat, remaining diced apple and tomato, 1 tablespoon chives, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, tossing to combine well. Chill filling.
In a bowl whisk together milk and remaining tablespoons lemon juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise and stir in reserved diced apple and tomato, remaining teaspoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and white pepper and salt to taste. Chill sauce while making tuiles.
Make tuiles:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan melt butter over moderate heat and cool slightly. In a bowl whisk together flours, sugar, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg and whisk in whites until just combined. Whisk in cream until just combined and whisk in butter until just combined. On a baking sheet spread 2 teaspoons batter in an arc shape. With a pastry brush spread batter into a 5-inch-long arc, about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Make 3 more arcs with some of remaining batter in same manner, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake tuiles in middle of oven until bubbly, crisp, and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer tuiles with a thin spatula to a rack to cool and make more tuiles in same manner. (There will be enough batter to make about 26 tuiles, more than you need for the napoleons; leftovers may be used as an hors d'oeuvre.)
Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto a plate and top with a tuile. Make 2 more layers with 4 tablespoons filling and 2 tuiles. Make 3 more napoleons in same manner. Drizzle sauce around napoleons and garnish with tomato, chives, and curry powder.

No Bake chocolate cookies

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup half and half or 15% cream
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup coconut flakes
2 cups quick oatmeal

See Preparation

No Bake chocolate cookies

Preparation:

In a thick bottom saucepan, combine sugar, cream, butter, vanilla and salt. Bring to a boil. Let boil for 3 minutes.
Stir in the cocoa powder.
Remove from heat and mix in the coconut and oatmeal.
Line a buttered cookie sheet with spoonfuls of the mixture.
Refrigerate. Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Oatmeal lace cookies

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 6 1/2 tablespoons or (2 oz or 60 gr by weight)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup quick oats (NOT old fashioned)
1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tbsp. heavy cream
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
1 tbsp. vanilla extract

See Preparation

Oatmeal lace cookies

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 350°, 177 degrees C., gas 4.
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; add oats, butter, cream, corn syrup, and vanilla, and mix until evenly combined.
2. Using a 1⁄4-tsp. measuring spoon, drop balls of dough 4 inches apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets or a Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat. Press the dough to a 1 1/2-inch round shape. Bake until spread and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Let stand for a minute until firm enough to remove from baking sheet. Cool on rack.
*
The Oatmeal lace cookies recipe is one well researched by our team @wefacecook.com. The recipe is accurate. Be advised that many of the recipes 5 millions+ on google are mostly a guess evaluation and have not been tested giving disappointing results. For example, if you try those recipes made with ground almonds found on well-travelled sites, you will surely get “rock-tooth-braking” cookies. Others just do not produce the real lace cookies effect.
We have tracked the origin of the recipe. It is Scottish and arrived in Canada Gaspé Coast in Québec with the immigrants.
Follow the recipe as explained (accuracy in the measurement of flour is very important); and you will be happy with the results. Moreover, The cookies can be shaped into cups, and rolled into circular/round tubes.

Pancetta-wrapped beef tenderloin

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 scallions, minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
One 3-pound center-cut trimmed beef tenderloin in 1 piece
3 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
7 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chilled

See Preparation

Pancetta-wrapped beef tenderloin

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Soak the porcini in the boiling water for 20 minutes. Rub the porcini in the soaking liquid to remove any grit; pat dry and coarsely chop. Transfer the porcini to a mini food processor and puree.

Melt the butter in a medium skillet. Add the shallots and cook over moderately low heat until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the scallions and cook until softened, 2 minutes. Stir in the porcini puree. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.

Season the roast with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet. Sear the roast over moderately high heat until browned all over; let cool.

On a work surface, slightly overlap three 16-inch pieces of wax paper. Arrange the pancetta on the paper in 4 overlapping rows to form a rectangle the length of the tenderloin. Spread the porcini puree over the pancetta. Set the tenderloin on the bottom edge of the pancetta. Using the wax paper as a guide, tightly roll up the roast in the pancetta. Carefully peel off the wax paper.

Tie the roast with kitchen string at 1-inch intervals. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and brush with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. Roast the beef for 25 minutes, or until the pancetta is crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the meat registers 120 degrees.

Let rest for 10 minutes. Cut off the strings and remove. Thickly slice the roast with a serrated knife and serve.

Panettone

Serves: 10

Preparation time:2 hours

Cooking time:1 hour

1 package (1 tablespoon) dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup water
1 pound all-purpose flour
4 ounces sugar
6 ounces unsalted butter, softened
6 eggs
1/4 cup lemon peel, diced
1/4 cup orange peel, diced
1 cup raisins

See Preparation

Panettone

Preparation:

In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water and sugar. Stir well and allow to raise in a warm place. In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine flour, yeast mixture, sugar, butter, eggs. Mix dough at low speed until it becomes elastic and smooth and does not stick to sides of bowl.
Shape dough into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until triple in volume. Punch the dough. Again shape into a ball.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
To bake the panettone, I use an empty 2 pound coffee can lined with buttered brown paper.
On a floured surface, work the lemon and orange peel and raisins into the dough.
Drop dough in the prepared mold. Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Let dough rise at room temperature until triples in volume. Brush dough with warm milk.
Bake about 55 minutes to 1 hour.

Pecan crescents

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour confectioner's sugar to coat

See Preparation

Pecan crescents

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with electric mixer until fluffy.
Add pecans and mix until blended. With mixer on low speed, gradually beat in flour just until blended.
Wrap dough and chill until firm enough to handle, at least 2 hours. Have cookie sheets ready.
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. On lightly floured board, form each piece into a 1/2 -inch thick rope, then cut into 1 1/2 -inch lengths.
Taper ends. Then bend into crescent shapes. Place 1-inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 12-15 minutes until light golden and firm. While warm, roll in confectioners' sugar to coat.
Let cool on racks. Store tightly covered up to 3 weeks.

Peppermint meringues with chocolate filling

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours

3 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Red gel-paste food coloring
1 cup heavy cream
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

See Preparation

Peppermint meringues with chocolate filling

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; secure corners with masking tape. Fit a pastry bag with a small open-star tip (such as Ateco #22). Set aside.

Make meringues: Put egg whites and sugar and cream of tartar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water, and stir gently until sugar has dissolved and mixture is warm to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer bowl to an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Mix on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Mix in peppermint extract.
Using a new small paintbrush, paint 2 or 3 stripes of red food coloring inside the pastry bag. Fill bag with 1 to 2 cups meringue. Pipe small (3/4-inch-high) star shapes onto prepared baking sheets. Refill bag as necessary, adding food coloring each time.

Bake cookies until crisp but not brown, about 1 hour 40 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.

Meanwhile, make ganache: Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just simmering. Pour over chocolate in a small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Gently stir until smooth, about 5 minutes. Let ganache cool at room temperature, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes, until thick enough to hold its shape, about 45 minutes. (If ganache sets before using, reheat in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water; repeat the cooling process.)

Before serving or mailing, fill a pastry bag fitted with a small plain round tip with ganache. Pipe a small amount onto bottom of 1 meringue. Sandwich with another. Repeat with remaining ganache and meringues. Transfer to wire racks; let set 30 minutes.

Plum pudding

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:4 hours

3 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup currants
1/2 cup soft butter
1 cup raisins
1 egg, beaten
pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup extra-strength coffee

See Preparation

Plum pudding

Preparation:

Combine bread crumbs, sugar and currants. Add softened butter and blend well into mixture. Add raisins, egg, salt, cloves, and cinnamon. Dissolve baking soda in milk. Gradually pour milk and coffee into mixture and blend until most and the liquid has been absorbed. Spoon mixture into a greased 1-quart. pudding basin or a mold. Cover with cheese cloth and foil and steam in a double boiler for 4 hours, adding more boiling water as necessary. To serve, turn pudding on a platter. Heat brandy in a small saucepan. Pour over pudding to table flaming. Top with hard sauce or lemon sauce.

Hard sauce for pudding:
1 cup soft butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup brandy nutmeg

Cream butter and sugar well. Gradually add the brandy and beat until fluffy. Add the nutmeg. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Pompano with mango beurre blanc

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

6 fillets of pompano, boned
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
6 ounces butter
3 ounces oil

For mango beurre blanc:

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 tablespoons shallots, finely chopped
1 tablespoon heavy cream
4 ounces unsalted butter, cold
salt and ground white pepper to taste
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 tablespoons puréed mango

See Preparation

Pompano with mango beurre blanc

Preparation:

Skin the pompano fillets. Wash under cold running water. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge in flour.
Heat 2 ounces of the butter and oil in a large skillet and brown the fish. Turn the pompano and cook until the flesh is tender. Arrange the fillets on a serving platter. Keep hot.

Mango beurre blanc:
In a small heavy pan, boil the vinegar, wine and shallots until all liquid is reduced. Add the cream, and re-boil until completely reduced.
Whisk in the cold butter, a few pieces at the time. The sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Stir in the orange juice and mango puree.
Note:
do not overheat the sauce, as the sauce separates and loses its creamy texture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm over a pan of warm water. Serve as soon as possible.

Praline lace cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 ounces (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup

See Preparation

Praline lace cookies

Preparation:

In a small bowl, combine the pecans and flour. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir the dry ingredients into a pan. Transfer the batter to a bowl and stir occasionally until it thickens into a dough and is cool enough to handle, about 25 minutes.

With moistened hands, roll the dough into various size balls, depending on whether you're making cookies, cups or coronets (see below). Place on ungreased baking sheets, 3 to 7 inches apart, depending on size-they spread quite a bit.
Bake about 12 minutes, or until the active bubbling subsides.
Place the baking sheet on rack and let cool until the cookies are firm enough to lift with a flexible metal spatula.

Prune kumquat sticky pudding with armagnac toffee sauce

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

1 3/4 cups packed pitted prunes (about 14 ounces)
1/2 cup Armagnac
1 1/4 cups water
6 kumquats
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Garnish: kumquats (preferably with leaves)

Accompaniments:
Armagnac toffee sauce
Armagnac ice cream

See Preparation

Prune kumquat sticky pudding with armagnac toffee sauce

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter an 11-cup Kugelhopf pan or 11-cup bundt pan.
Halve prunes and in a small saucepan simmer with Armagnac and 3/4 cup water, uncovered, 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon transfer prunes to a shallow dish to cool. Boil Armagnac mixture until reduced to about 1/2 cup and add to prunes.
Halve kumquats lengthwise and thinly slice crosswise. In a small saucepan bring remaining 1/2 cup water with 1/4 cup granulated sugar to a simmer, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add kumquats and simmer 10 minutes. In a fine sieve drain kumquats and add to prunes.
Into a bowl sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, allspice, and salt. Resift mixture into another bowl.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter, remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture and prune mixture alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating until just combined.
Spoon batter into pan (pan will be almost full) and bake in middle of oven 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a rack 10 minutes and turn out onto rack to cool completely. Cake keeps, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature 1 week.
Garnish cake with kumquats and serve with warm toffee sauce and Armagnac ice cream

Robert linxe chocolate truffles

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

11 ounces Valrhona chocolate (56% cacao)
2/3 cup heavy cream
Valrhona cocoa powder for dusting

See Preparation

Robert linxe chocolate truffles

Preparation:

Finely chop 8 ounces of the chocolate and put in a bowl. Bring heavy cream to a boil in a small heavy saucepan.
Make sure your pan is small, so you'll lose the least amount of cream to evaporation, and heavy, which will keep the cream from scorching. Linxe boils his cream three times - he believes that makes the ganache last longer.
If you do this, compensate for the extra evaporation by starting with a little more cream.
Pour the cream over the chocolate, mashing any big pieces with a wooden spoon.
Then stir with a whisk in concentric circles (don't beat or you'll incorporate air), starting in the center and working your way to the edge, until the ganache is smooth.
Let stand at room temperature until thick enough to hold a shape, about 1 hour, then, using a pastry bag with a 3/8-inch opening or tip, pipe into mounds (about 3/4 inch high and 1 inch wide) on parchment-lined baking sheets.
When piping, finish off each mound with a flick of the wrist to soften and angle the point tip. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 3 more ounces of the same Valrhona and smear some on a gloved hand.
Gently rub each chilled truffle to coat lightly with chocolate. The secret to a delicate coating of chocolate is to roll each truffle in a smear of melted chocolate in your hand.
Linxe always uses gloves. Toss the truffles in unsweetened Valrhona cocoa powder so they look like their namesakes, freshly dug from the earth.
A fork is the best tool for tossing truffles in cacao. Shake truffles in a sieve to eliminate excess cacao.
Store truffles in the refrigerator.

Russian Tea Cakes

Serves: 16

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 cup butter softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, macadiam)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar

See Preparation

Russian Tea Cakes

Preparation:

Heat oven to 400ºF.
Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.

Sables normands

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:18 minutes

2 cups flour
8 ounces cold butter
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup angel Flake coconut or ground nuts

See Preparation

Sables normands

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut butter into small pieces. In a food processor, mix butter and flour to a crumble. Add egg yolks, vanilla, salt, baking powder and sugar.
Mix until ingredients are just blended. Shape dough into a cylinder 1 1/2 inch diameter. Roll in coconut or nuts.
Chill until dough is firm. Slice into 1/4 inch thick slices and bake for about 18 minutes or until golden brown.

Salmon wellington with arugula hollandaise

Serves: 8

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

6 to 8 leaves of chard
2 tbsp butter
3 cups sliced leeks, white and light green portions only
½ cup (125 mL) cream
6 cups spinach
Salt and freshly ground pepper
8 oz (250 g) scallops, chopped
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground ginger
Pinch cayenne
1 tsp cinnamon
2 pieces (1½ lbs/750 g each) skinned salmon, preferably centre cut
1 pkg (450 g) pre-rolled puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, lightly beaten

ARUGULA HOLLANDAISE
½ cup (125 mL) butter
2 egg yolks
11/2 cups (375 mL) packed baby arugula
1/4 cup (60 mL) Greek yogurt
Salt and freshly ground pepper

See Preparation

Salmon wellington with arugula hollandaise

Preparation:

1 Bring a pot of water to a boil and immerse chard leaves. Boil for 1 minute, then drain. Refresh with cold water and drain again. Dry leaves with a paper towel. Remove and discard stems.

2 Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add leeks and sauté until soft but not brown, about 6 minutes. Add cream and simmer until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add spinach and cook for 2 more minutes or until spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in scallops. Cool to room temperature.

3 Combine paprika, ginger, cayenne and cinnamon. Season both sides of salmon with salt, then sprinkle with spice mixture.

4 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

5 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place one 10-inch (25 cm) square piece of puff pastry on a lined baking sheet. Arrange 3 pieces of chard in center of pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch (1 cm) border. Brush edges with egg wash. Sprinkle chard with salt.

6 Place 1 piece of salmon on chard. Spread scallop mixture evenly over salmon. Top with second portion of salmon. Lay remaining chard leaves over fish, tucking in around the edges to wrap.

7 Roll second portion of pastry into a larger square, about 12 inches (30 cm). Lay over top, enclosing salmon. Cut away any excess pastry and pinch pastry edges to form a package. Brush with remaining egg wash and cut slits into top of pastry.

8 Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until pastry is golden and salmon is cooked.

9 For Hollandaise, place butter in pot on medium heat and bring to boil. Meanwhile, place egg yolks, arugula and yogurt in food processor. Process until well combined. Pour bubbling butter slowly down through feeder tube while machine runs, scraping down the sides. Sauce will thicken. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Salmon-stuffed crab cakes

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 pound fresh lump crabmeat, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup finely diced roasted red peppers
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
3 slices smoked salmon, 1/4 inch thick
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup canola oil
Spicy Avocado Tartar Sauce (recipe below)
Garnish: fresh cilantro sprigs

See Preparation

Salmon-stuffed crab cakes

Preparation:

Stir together first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Divide mixture into 8 balls.

Flatten each ball into a 3-inch patty. Divide smoked salmon into 4 pieces, and place in center of 4 patties. Place remaining patties over salmon, pressing edges to seal; coat cakes in breadcrumbs.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add cakes, and cook, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with Spicy Avocado Tartar Sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs, if desired.

Spicy Avocado Tartar Sauce

1 tablespoon wasabi powder
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 ripe avocado
1 1/2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
Preparation

Combine wasabi powder and water in a small bowl to form a paste. Add mayonnaise; stir until smooth.

Cut avocado in half; discard seed. Scoop avocado pulp into wasabi mixture, and mash to desired consistency. Add remaining ingredients; stir until combined.

Scallopines of pompano

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 pounds chopped tomatoes
2 cloves minced garlic
1 cup tomato juice
salt, ground white pepper to taste
2 pounds pompano fillets
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons lemon juice
8 ounces egg noodles
1 1/2 cups velouté sauce (recipe below)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
FOR THE VELOUTÉ SAUCE
2 cups fish stock
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper, to taste

See Preparation

Scallopines of pompano

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, sauté onion with 1/4 cup oil. Stir over medium heat until onion is transparent. Add chopped tomatoes, garlic, tomato juice, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until sauce is medium thick.

Skin, bone and slice the pompano into scallopines. Flatten with a mallet. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Dredge pompano in flour and sauté briskly in remaining oil, about 2 minutes on each side. Cook noodles in salted boiling water. Drain, and combine with velouté sauce.
To serve:
Arrange noodles on preheated serving platter. Top with pompano scallopines. Spoon hot tomato and onion sauce over fish. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot.

VELOUTÉ SAUCE

Bring the stock to a simmer in a large saucepan. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour. Raise the heat to medium and stir the butter and flour together for about 2 minutes.
Whisk the simmering stock into the roux and keep whisking. When the stock begins to simmer again, turn down the heat to low and cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

shortbread cookies with Nutella

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 1/2 cups (150 g) all purpose flour
1/2 cup (50g) cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4 oz (125g) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons Nutella or semi sweet chocolate bits
1/2 cup ground coconut flakes
1/3 cup melted seedless raspberry jam

See Preparation

shortbread cookies with Nutella

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract in the bowl of a food processor. Mix for a minute to form a ball. Transfer to a work surface to gather all the dough. Place in a covered bowl and refrigerate 30 minutes.
(You may also use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to accomplish the same results).
Divide the chilled dough into 20 equal pieces. Shape into balls. Make an indentation in each ball and spoon about 1 teaspoon of Nutella or chocolate bits inside. Close the dough over the filling, making sure dough is covering the filling on all sides, and pinch the top to seal the cookie. Roll to shape evenly into round or oval shapes.
Place cookies on cookie sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool on the pans. Brush cookies with jam and sprinkle with coconut.

Shrimp-tortellini pesto

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

For the pesto:
1 cup stemmed basil
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 teaspoons fresh parsley
3 teaspoons olive oil

1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons melted butter
1 pound cleaned shrimp
1 clove minced garlic
1 large tomato, diced
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound tortellini

See Preparation

Shrimp-tortellini pesto

Preparation:

Pesto:
Combine first six ingredients. Puree in a blender. Transfer to a bowl.

In a 12 inch sauté pan, over high heat, quickly sauté shrimp with butter, garlic and tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Toss and stir constantly.
Cook tortellini in salted boiling water. Drain, and add immediately to pesto mixture.
Toss thoroughly. Spoon on plates, and top with shrimp and tomato. Serve hot.

Smoked trout chowder

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 tbsp butter
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp herbes de Provence
1/2 cup cream
200 g smoked trout or salmon fillet, skin discarded, flaked
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

See Preparation

Smoked trout chowder

Preparation:

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, carrots and onion stirring frequently until carrots start to soften, about 5 min. Sprinkle with flour and salt. Mix well.
Add potatoes, wine, broth, milk and herbes de Provence. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 15 min. Stir in cream and trout. Continue simmering for 2 min. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley
just before serving.

Snickerdoodles

Serves: 15

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

See Preparation

Snickerdoodles

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
Add flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; mix well. In small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll balls in sugar-cinnamon mixture. Place 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
Immediately remove from cookie sheets.

Chocolate snickerdoodles
One-half cup unsweetened cocoa can be substituted for 1/2 cup of all purpose flour.
Bake at 400 degrees for 6 to 9 minutes.

Snow ball champagne cocktail

Serves: 1

Preparation time:5 minutes

For a 12 cl champagne glass:

2 cl vodka
2cl home made lychee juice
1cl lychee liqueur
1 cl lemon juice
a small piece of ginger
Champagne
Garnis: lychee

See Preparation

Snow ball champagne cocktail

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker except the Champagne. Shake for a few seconds then filter into a tulip-shaped champagne glass.
Fill glass with Champagne. Garnish with a lychee.

Stuffed salmon fillet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 pounds fillet of salmon
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup parsley sprigs
1 teaspoon dry tarragon
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 ounces soft unsalted butter
Ground cayenne pepper to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup dry white wine

See Preparation

Stuffed salmon fillet

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Skin the salmon fillet. Remove all bones. Rinse fillet under cold water, and pat dry.
Cut the fillet in half across. Season with salt and pepper.
To make the stuffing:
Combine the fresh breadcrumbs, almonds and parsley in a food processor.
Process to a coarse texture until well mixed. Blend in the tarragon, grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Spoon the stuffing over the surface of one fillet. Top with the other salmon fillet, pressing the fillet to adhere to the stuffing. Tie the stuffed fillets with butcher twine to keep the shape
of the fish.
Place the fish on a baking sheet. Measure the thickness of the stuffed salmon at the thickest part. Pour lemon juice, melted butter and wine over surface of fish.
Bake about 15 minutes per inch of thickness, until the flesh is barely opaque throughout.

To serve:
Cut the fish crosswise into 1 to 11/2 -inch-thick slices.
Arrange in center of warm plates. Spoon the cooking liquid over each portion.
Garnish with steamed asparagus or other green vegetables. Serve hot.

Sugar cookies

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
white sugar or colored sugar decors

See Preparation

Sugar cookies

Preparation:

Mix confectioners' sugar, butter or margarine, egg, vanilla and almond extract.
Stir in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Roll into big ball and wrap in plastic wrap and let chill for at least 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Divide dough into halves.
Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on lightly floured board. Cut desired shapes with 2 to 2 1/2 inch cookie cutters.
Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake until edges are a light brown, 6 - 8 minutes.

The stars shortbread cookies

Serves: 12

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:18 minutes

1 cup (1/2 pound) butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 teaspoons oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups (8 ounces by weight) all-purpose flour

See Preparation

The stars shortbread cookies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar in an electric mixer. Add the remaining ingredients and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a star pastry tube.
Pipe the equivalent of a teaspoon onto cookie sheets. Bake 18 20 minutes.
Transfer cookies to racks. Cool. Store in an airtight container

Traou mad shortbreads

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 large egg yolk
6 oz super fine sugar
3 oz whole milk
9 oz salted butter, softened
14 oz flour by weight
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

See Preparation

Traou mad shortbreads

Preparation:

Mix the butter and sugar in a mixer until creamy .
Combine egg yolk and milk and mix in the butter-sugar.
Add flour , baking powder and butter; mix and knead the dough for 5 minutes by hand but without excess.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and spread to a thickness of 1/4 inch
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut the dough with greased 2 1/4-inch circles.
Arrange the circles with the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake 12minutes, then unmold the cake .
Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container !
In the Biscuit manufacturing Company of Traou Mad in Pont Aven they mark each cake with a stamp before baking.

Trifle

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

12 ounces pound cake
2 tablespoons raspberry jam, melted
1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup brandy
2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons super fine sugar
3 cups Custard crean

2 cups fresh raspberries

See Preparation

Trifle

Preparation:

Cut the pound cake into 1 inch cubes, and combine with the melted raspberry.
In a round serving glass bowl, alternate layers of pound cake and custard sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the almonds. Pour the sherry and brandy over and let steep for 30 minutes.
Whip the cream until stiff, gradually adding the sugar. Save a dozen raspberries for garnish. Scatter the rest over the cake, then spread 1/2 of the cream.
Using a pastry bag fitted with a large decorative tip, decorate the cake with the remainder cream. Garnish with raspberries and sprinkle with almonds. Serve chilled.

Vanilla wafers

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon rind lemon
3/4 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

See Preparation

Vanilla wafers

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Grate the lemon to get the lemon rind. Cream butter and sugar until light. Add beaten egg and vanilla.
Mix in the flour and lemon rind. Spoon mixture in a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4 -inch plain tube.
Pipe small amounts of batter onto the cookies sheets leaving 2 -inch space between each.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Walnut crescents

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:18 minutes

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups soft butter
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon extract vanilla
2 1/4 cups ground walnuts
1 1/2 powdered sugar

See Preparation

Walnut crescents

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix flour and cinnamon. Beat butter, syrup, and vanilla in a bowl, at medium speed until well blended.
Stir in flour mixture and walnuts. Cover.
Refrigerate until chilled.
Shape dough by rounded teaspoons into 2 -inch long rolls.
Place on cookie sheet, and shape to form crescents.
Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack roll in powdered sugar.

Walnut raspberry brownies

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup shortening
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar, granulated
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped
1/3 cup raspberry jam

chocolate glaze:
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

See Preparation

Walnut raspberry brownies

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt chocolate with shortening over warm water; Cool. Blend together eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt; stir in chocolate mixture. Stir in flour. Fold in walnuts.
Turn into well greased 8 inch square pan. Bake for about 40 minutes. Spoon jam over hot brownies; spread carefully. Let cool.
Spread chocolate glaze over brownies and top with chocolate dipped walnuts, if desired.
Cut into 12 bars.
Chocolate glaze:
Melt unsweetened chocolate. Blend in butter and corn syrup. stir in powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Mix well.

The {Page-Turner-Cookbook} featuring

In a heavy saucepan simmer cream with butter and brown sugar, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove pan from heat and stir in Armagnac. Sauce keeps, covered and chilled, 1 week. Reheat sauce before serving.

Combine all ingredients in a shaker except the Champagne. Shake for a few seconds then filter into a tulip-shaped champagne glass. Fill glass with Champagne. Garnish with a lychee.

The {Page-Turner-Cookbook}
featuring

Combine all ingredients in a shaker except the Champagne. Shake for a few seconds then filter into a tulip-shaped champagne glass.
Fill glass with Champagne. Garnish with a lychee.