Santa’s favourite cookies

Ingredients 2 ¾ (680 ml) cups all-purpose flour, sifted 2 tsp (10 ml) baking soda 2 tsp (10 ml) ground cinnamon 1 ½ tsp (8 ml) ground ginger 1 ½ tsp (8 ml) ground cloves ½ tsp (3 ml) salt 1 cup (250 ml) butter, softened 1 egg 1 cup (250 ml) brown sugar, packed ¼ cup (60 ml) molasses Preparation In a large bowl, add sifted flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Mix well and set aside. In a separate bowl, cream the butter. Add the egg, brown sugar and molasses. Mix to a smooth paste. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate the cookie dough for one hour. Preheat oven to 350°F (175˚C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼ inch (6 mm). Cut out cookies in desired shape using a cookie cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are firm. Baking time will vary depending on dough thickness. Allow to cool and decorate as desired. Makes: 48 medium-sized cookies.

Ingredients 2 cups (500 ml) butter 2 cups (500 ml) white sugar 2 eggs 4 tsp (20 ml) vanilla extract 5 1/3 cups (1325 ml) sifted all-purpose flour 1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder ½ tsp (3 ml)  salt 1 cup (250 ml) candied fruit Optional: chocolate chips or nuts   Preparation In a large bowl, cream butter with electric mixer. Add sugar, little by little, until blended. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and candied fruit (add chocolate chips or nuts also, if using). Add this mixture to the sugar mixture and stir until blended. Divide batter into 3 equal parts, shape into logs and wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (logs can also be frozen for several weeks before baking). Before baking, slice logs into 5-mm pieces and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake until cookies are golden (about 10-12 minutes). Click here to learn how to make this gift wrapping.

Below are some tasty DIY holiday treats you can make for friends, family or coworkers! To make these sweet holiday treats, you will need food-safe clear plastic fillable ornaments or plastic pastry bags to hold your decadent creations, as well as ribbon, bows, gift tags, and other festive materials to decorate your DIY gifts. Salty Caramel Hot Chocolate Ingredients: 2½ cups (625 ml) sugar ½ cup (125 ml) cocoa 4½ tbsp. (68 ml) of fleur de sel 1 cup (250 ml) powdered milk ¾ cup (190 ml) brown sugar 1½ cups (375 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions: In a bowl, mix the sugar, cocoa, fleur de sel, powdered milk and sugar. Remove the ornament stoppers and place equal amounts in each ornament using a funnel. Lastly, add the chocolate chips. Replace the stopper in the ornament. Attach a gift card with hot chocolate preparation instructions. Write the following directions on the card: Stir the mixture. To one cup of water, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the mixture and a few drops of vanilla. Whisk well. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Serve and enjoy. Rudolph Hot Chocolate Ingredients: 1½ cups (375 ml) sugar ¾ cup (190 ml) cocoa 2 cups (500 ml) powdered milk 1 cup (250 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 cups (500 ml) mini marshmallows Decoration: 2 attachable eyes 1 red pom-pom 1 brown pipe cleaner Directions: In a bowl, mix the sugar, cocoa and powdered milk. Pour the mixture into disposable pastry decorating bags. Finish by adding chocolate chips and marshmallows. Close and seal the pastry bags. Decorate with the eyes, pom-pom and pipe cleaner. Attach card with preparation instructions, and give as gift Write the following directions on the card: Place the marshmallows aside. Mix the chocolate chips into the powder mixture. Into a cup of water, stir 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the hot chocolate mixture. Whisk well. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a few marshmallows on top, serve and enjoy.   Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ingredients: 1 cup (250 ml) sugar 1 cup (250 ml) cocoa 1 cup (250 ml) powdered milk ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt ½ cup (125 ml) crushed peppermint candy cane ½ cup (125 ml) mini marshmallows Directions: In a bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa, powdered milk and salt. Remove the ornament stoppers. Pour the mixture into the ornaments in equal parts using a funnel. Add the broken candy cane and the marshmallows. Replace the stopper in the ornament. Attach a gift card with hot chocolate preparation instructions. Write the following directions on the card: Place the marshmallows aside. Mix the hot chocolate mixture with the candy cane. Into a cup of water, stir 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the hot chocolate mixture. Whisk well. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a few marshmallows on top, serve and enjoy. White Hot Chocolate Ingredients: ¼ cup (63 ml) sugar 1 x 3.3 oz. (102 g) vanilla pudding mix powder 1 cup (250 ml) powdered milk ¼ cup (63 ml) sugar snowflakes 1 cup (250 ml) white chocolate chips Directions: In a bowl, combine the sugar, vanilla pudding mix and powdered milk. Remove the stoppers from the ornaments and pour in the mixture in equal parts using a funnel. Add the sugar snowflakes and white chocolate chips on top. Replace the stopper in the ornament. Attach a gift card with hot chocolate preparation instructions. Write the following directions on the card: Stir the ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the mixture into 1 cup of water. Whisk well. Warm over medium heat stirring occasionally. Serve and enjoy.

Servings: 8 crêpes Ingredients: 11/3 cups (200 g) plain Cora crêpe mix 11/3 cups (325 ml) milk (or plant-based beverage) 2 strawberries per bowl 10 blueberries per bowl 4 blackberries per bowl 5 raspberries per bowl Whipped cream Mint leaves After Eight chocolates   Chocolate custard 1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour 1 tbsp. (15 ml) cornstarch 2 cups (500 ml) milk 2 tsp. (10 ml) vanilla extract 13/4 oz. (50 g) chocolate chips   Preparation: For the custard On a work surface, whisk together the sugar and eggs in a saucepan. Add the flour and cornstarch and mix well. Stir in the milk, vanilla and chocolate. Bring mixture to the boil over medium heat, constantly stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan. Allow to simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir to make sure the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour into a container and place plastic wrap directly on the surface to cover. Refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2–3 hours. For the crêpe bowls To prepare 8 crêpes, place the Cora crêpe mix and milk (or plant-based beverage) in a bowl and vigorously whisk together until the batter is smooth. Lightly oil a non-stick pan and heat over medium high. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) of the batter to the centre of the pan and rotate the pan to spread the batter uniformly over the surface. When the edge has coloured and easily lifts away, after about 1 minute, flip the crêpe over using a spatula and continue cooking for 30 seconds or until cooked. Remove the crêpe from the pan. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 with the remaining batter. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Place the crêpes in lightly greased ovenproof bowls (one crêpe per bowl). Place in the oven for 15–20 minutes, just long enough for the crêpes to harden. Once the crêpes have cooled, carefully unmould and set aside. Slice the strawberries and mix all the fruit together in a bowl. Place ¼ cup (60 ml) of custard in each crêpe bowl. Arrange the fruit on top. Garnish with some whipped cream, mint leaves and an After Eight chocolate. Bon appétit!

This homemade potpourri is a perfect project for a cold afternoon at home and will fill your home with fragrance! ¼ lemon, dried ¼ orange, dried ½ apple, dried 1 cinnamon stick 2 tbsp (30 ml) whole cloves ½ tsp (3 ml) grated nutmeg 1 tbsp (15 ml) quatre épices spice mix 3-4 bay leaves Water Place the ingredients in a pan. Heat to release fragrance. Quantities can be adjusted to suit your personal preference. You can also replace dried fruit with fresh fruit peel.

Use pancake molds or cookie cutters to make a cheerful holiday breakfast Ingredients 1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour 1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder 2 tbsp. (30 ml) sugar 1 egg 1 cup (250 ml) milk ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract Directions In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and sugar. In another bowl, mix the egg, milk and vanilla extract. Slowly add the liquid ingredients to the dry mixture. Whisk briskly until smooth. Grease the cookie cutters or pancake molds well to avoid sticking. Place molds or cutters into frying pan, and pour the mixture into them (about 5 mm or ¼ in. thick). Cook for about 2 minutes then turn, carefully ensuring that the pancake does not stick in the mold. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove and serve with butter & real maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, fruit compotes, or however you enjoy your pancakes!

Servings: 8 crêpe quesadillas Ingredients: 11/3 cups (200 g) plain Cora crêpe mix 11/3 cups (325 ml) milk (or plant-based beverage) ½ red pepper ½ green pepper ½ white onion 1 green onion 2 tbsp. (30 ml) oil 4 thin chicken breast strips Taco spices, to taste 1¼ cups (300 ml) grated cheddar 2 tbsp. (30 ml) fresh coriander, chopped Sour cream for garnish, optional Salsa sauce for garnish, optional Preparation: To prepare 8 crêpes, place the plain Cora crêpe mix and milk (or plant-based beverage) in a bowl and vigorously whisk together until the batter is smooth. Lightly oil a non-stick pan and heat over medium high. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) of the batter to the centre of the pan and rotate the pan to spread the batter uniformly over the surface When the edge has coloured and easily lifts away, after about 1 minute, flip the crêpe over using a spatula and continue cooking for 30 seconds or until cooked. Remove the crêpe from the pan. Cut the peppers and onion lengthwise into quarters and then into thin strips. Thinly slice the green onion. Set aside. In a non-stick pan, heat the oil on medium. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes or until completely cooked. Mix in the vegetables and taco spices to taste. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring well. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add the cheese and fresh coriander, and combine. Lay a crêpe on a work surface. Using a fork, place some chicken mixture on one-half and fold the other half over it. Repeat for the remaining crêpes, dividing the chicken mixture evenly between crêpes. Heat an ungreased non-stick pan on medium. Grill the stuffed crêpes for about 2 minutes on each side or until nicely crisp and golden. Serve with the sour cream and salsa if desired. Bon appétit!        

Servings: 8 crêpes Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups (200 g) plain Cora crêpe mix 1 1/3 cups (325 ml) milk (or plant-based beverage) Enough sugar (to caramelize)   Custard 1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour 1 tbsp. (15 ml) cornstarch 2 cups (500 ml) milk 2 tsp. (10 ml) vanilla extract Preparation: For the custard On a work surface, whisk together the sugar and eggs in a saucepan. Add the flour and cornstarch and mix well. Stir in the milk and vanilla. Bring mixture to the boil over medium heat, constantly stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan. Allow to simmer for 1–2 minutes. Pour into a container and place plastic wrap directly on the surface to cover. Refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2–3 hours. Once chilled, pour into a squeeze-type bottle. For the crêpes To prepare 8 crêpes, place the Cora crêpe mix and milk (or plant-based beverage) in a bowl and vigorously whisk together until the batter is smooth. Lightly oil a non-stick pan and heat over medium high. Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the batter to the centre of the pan and rotate the pan to spread the batter uniformly over the surface. When the edge has coloured and easily lifts away, after about 1 minute, flip the crêpe over using a spatula and continue cooking for 30 seconds or until cooked. Remove the crêpe from the pan. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 with the remaining batter. Fold the crêpes in half to form a half-moon, then fold in the opposite direction to form a triangle. Arrange the crêpes as you like one by one on a plate. It’s up to you to decide how many you put on each plate. Squeeze custard from the bottle to cover the crêpes. Sprinkle them with sugar. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar. Decorate as you like. Bon appétit!        

Servings: 8 crêpes (24 crêpe wheels) Ingredients: 11/3 cups (200 g) plain Cora crêpe mix 11/3 cups (325 ml) milk (or plant-based beverage) 2 cups (500 ml) Nutella-type spread Decorative sprinkles 4-inch wooden skewers   Preparation: To make 8 crêpes, place the Cora crêpe mix and milk in a bowl. Whisk together vigorously until batter is smooth and consistent. Lightly oil a non-stick pan and heat over medium high. Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the batter to the centre of the pan and rotate the pan to spread the batter uniformly over the surface. When the edge has coloured and easily lifts away, after about 1 minute, flip the crêpe over using a spatula and continue cooking for 30 seconds or until cooked. Remove the crêpe from the pan. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the remaining batter. Spread ¼ cup (60 ml) of the Nutella-type spread over each crêpe, making sure to cover the entire surface.  Take a crêpe and “stack” it on top of another vertically so they overlap halfway, like 2 linked rings. Starting at the bottom, tightly roll up the crêpe. Repeat the procedure with the remaining crêpes. Cover the four crêpe rolls in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for two hours. Remove the plastic wrap from the frozen crêpes and cut each one into 6 equal pieces. Stick a skewer into each piece like a pinwheel. Using a knife, spread a little more of the spread on the outside of the crêpe wheels and roll in the sprinkles to coat. Bon appétit!

Servings: 8 crêpes Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups (200 g) plain crêpe mix 1 1/3 cups (325 g) milk (or plant-based beverage)   Apple compote: 1/4 cup (60 ml) water 2 cups McIntosh apples with skin on, cored and cubed 2 tbsp. (30 ml) sugar Preparation: Make the apple compote by placing the water, apples and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes or until the apples are soft. Using a blender or food processor, purée the apples. Transfer the compote to a container and allow to cool. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until the compote is completely chilled. The compote will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. To make the crêpes, place the Cora crêpe mix, milk and apple compote in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth and consistent. Lightly oil a non-stick pan and heat over medium high. Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the batter to the centre of the pan and rotate the pan to spread the batter uniformly over the surface. When the edge has coloured and easily lifts away, after about 1 minute, flip the crêpe over using a spatula and continue cooking for 30 seconds or until cooked. Remove the crêpe from the pan. Place each crêpe on a plate and garnish with the spread of your choice. A few delicious options: apple butter, chocolate hazelnut, peanut butter, salted caramel, cream cheese, etc. Sprinkle some chocolate chips and almonds flakes. Fold the bottom edge over the garnish and roll it over. Then, c Enjoy!    

Servings: 8 crêpes Ingredients: 8 bacon slices, cooked crisp 1 1/3 cups (200 g) Cora plain crêpe mix 1 1/3 cups (325 ml) milk (or plant-based beverage) 1 cup coco-hazelnut spread 24 regular-sized marshmallows Preparation: Cook the bacon until nice and crispy. Set aside on a plate. In a large bowl, whip the Cora crêpe mix with the milk until the batter is smooth. Lightly oil a small non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 (60 ml) cup of the batter to the centre of the pan and rotate the pan to spread the mixture evenly. When the edge lifts away easily and starts to brown, after about 1 minute, flip the crêpe over using a spatula and cook for a further 30 seconds or until cooked through. Remove crêpe from skillet. Repeat until all the batter has been used. Assemble each crêpe by placing it on a plate and spreading ¼ (60ml) cup of the coco-hazelnut spread in the centre from top to bottom. Next place 1 slice of bacon and then 3 marshmallows on top of the spread in that order. Fold in two sides of the crêpe to make a rim (it will help keep the filling inside) and roll up. Wrap each roll in a sheet of aluminum foil. Using tongs, place them close to the fire and leave for about 30 to 45 minutes. This will heat the crêpes up just enough to melt the inside. Enjoy your campfire treat!

Servings: 8 crêpes Ingredients: Juice of ½ a lemon 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup 2 tbsp. (30 ml) chopped fresh mint 2 cups (500 ml) cantaloupe cubes 1 cup (250 ml) fresh blueberries 1 1/3 cups (200 g) Cora plain crêpe mix 1 1/3 cups (325 ml) milk (or plant-based beverage) Garnish: Mint leaves Icing sugar Preparation: In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and maple syrup. Add the mint and fresh fruit. 2. Gently mix and refrigerate. 3. In another bowl, combine the Cora crêpe mix with the milk. 4. Vigorously mix with a whisk until the batter is smooth. 5. Lightly oil a small anti-stick pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the batter to the centre of the pan and rotate to spread mixture evenly. 6. When the edge of the crêpe is browned and easily lifts up, after about 1 minute, flip the crêpe over using a spatula and continue cooking for 30 seconds or until cooked. Remove crêpe from the pan and set aside. 7. Make the rest of the crêpes with the remaining batter. 8. Place a crêpe on a serving plate and add 1/3 cup (80 ml) of fresh fruit vertically from top to bottom in the centre of the crêpe. 9. Fold the two sides of the crêpe inwards so that the filling is snug inside. Repeat for the other crêpes. 10. Dust with icing sugar and decorate with a bit of mint. Bon appétit!