Category Archives: Yule/Christmas

In Holland there is a strong tradition connecting letters with this time of the year. Edible letters were used as a teaching aid to help children learn their alphabet in convent school.  Today chocolate letters can be found in delicatessens at Christmas time but the tradition goes further back to a time when the letters […]

Cranberry Sauce is a bit like shortbread cookies. Your family recipe is naturally the favourite. The other day though I was invited to a belated American Thanksgiving dinner with two different cranberry condiments. One was a traditional `sauce`made with white wine and curry. The second was a freshly grated uncooked option with oranges and nuts. […]

As Christmas turned into New Years last year, I discovered the remains of several things in the fridge. One of them was eggnog and by then most people had had “more than enough thank you very much“. Not wanting to toss it down the sink, I put this bread pudding together and finished up leftover […]

Sometimes all the old traditions just can’t hold a candle to CHOCOLATE! And if you are not going the warming spice route then what better winter wonderland flavour than peppermint? Ready to perk you up, it also freshens breath when cuddling up around a cozy fire, especially helpful when there is a second cuddler. The […]

Yes! I admit it,  I am late, I apologise. The good news is even though these cookies are traditionally eaten in Holland and Belgium last night, they are also enjoyed the whole Yule season. St Nicholas is the patron saint of brewers, sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves and pawnbrokers, just to name a few. But […]

Think of this as the start of an idea. The final finished product will depend entirely on what unique bits and pieces you bring to the project and how many little hands get their fingers in the mix. Hot chocolate on a stick can be finished up for a child’s stocking in a cup with […]

Persimmons are full of Vitamin A, just over half of the daily reccomended amount actually and just under one quarter of the suggested daily amount of Vitamin C. They are also a good source of fiber and manganese. Don’t let not having persimmons stop you from making this loaf though. You can substitute apple or […]

When something is expensive and not easy to get, it is always a good idea to find a way to extend the flavour in some way. I did that this summer with my handful of cascade berries that were turned into liquour and then chocolates. It allows more people to share in the bounty. Originally […]

Trading with other countries brings exciting new things from distant places and the spice trade is one example. Once Marco Polo and others went off traveling, the world of anise, cardamon and other delights opened up. European cities that had strong trading economies were first to see these spices and explore the possibilities. The first […]

Following up on the theme of smaller portions from yesterday, Biscotti is one of those items usually served in fairly large pieces, usually with the intention of dipping it in coffee and wine. Originally a close cousin in purpose to hardtack, biscotti fueled the Roman soldiers in their quest to dominate the known world. Twice […]