Apricot Raisin Cake

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, which means I will be handing one of these cakes over to each of my Nans. Apricot cake just happens to be their favourite Christmas cake and for the past couple of years it has been my Christmas gift to them. Not only is this cake moist and delicious, but it's comprised of simple ingredients. I found this recipe on Rock Recipes which is a blog by a fellow Newfoundlander. I would highly recommend this site to anyone! Some amazing recipes on there.

Ice Cream Cookies a.k.a Homemade Long Treats

Who doesn't LOVE ice cream cookies?? That's right no-one! Even if you think you don't, you do. Especially if we're talking about THESE delicious morsels! They're super easy to make, and a great addition to your Christmas baking! Why? You ask? Because they hang out in your freezer and don't occupy your valued fridge space or cupboard space like the rest of your cookies. If you're running out of space, or just happen to LOVE ice cream cookies, whip up a batch of these and I guarantee you'll be glad you did!

Side note: I feel I wouldn't be a decent person if I didn't first warn you, these are like hard drugs... once you start on them, that's all of it! You won't be able to stop! My husband is officially an ice cream cookie addict. Just remember, I warned you.

Pineapple Squares

Tis the season of cookies and squares, and although these don't pop into my head when I think of Christmas, they’re a welcome addition to any festive platter nevertheless. Not only are they light and fluffy and refreshing - making them the perfect cap to those heavy Christmas meals - but they're also super easy to make. Not to mention, versatile - if you switch out your square pan for a round pan, you've got yourself a fancy little pie! ;)

Tip: If you’re a bit paranoid about using raw eggs in the recipe, leave them out, or better yet, skip the middle layer altogether and just double up on the top whipped layer.

Christmas Pep Talk!

Christmas is amazing for so many reasons, but for us fatties and closet fatties alike, one of the best parts of the season is the grub! I mean everywhere you go there's a platter of food in front of you; from cheeses to fruits to crackers to cookies to fruitcakes to chocolates and candies, it's a smorgasbord of treats that will tempt even the most hardcore healthy eater. This doesn't even include the chocolates you get as gifts, or the special drinks and booze you will consume while being merry. Oh! and let's not forget the celebratory meals like Christmas Dinner or New Years Dinner, or the fact that you have a constant source of junk in your house, 'cause God forbid you not have anything to offer visitors should they stop by.

You may as well admit it now, you're probably going to be a little cushier by the new year... but then again, that's what New Year's resolutions are for, right?! Christmas is really the one time each year (aside from the scattered vacay) that you can indulge yourself without guilt. You are alive. You are with friends and family. Friends and family that have baked you all kinds of treats (or at least spent the money on them), to bring YOU joy as you visit. So don't deny them the pleasure of making you happy with deliciousness, and more importantly, don't deny yourself. It's Christmas for god's sake! Cut yourself some slack! Now get out there, spread some cheer, and have a very Merry Christmas!!

The reason I get a little 'cushier' during the holidays, Mom's Christmas Spread (2011)  Top plate: Newfie Hor D'oeuvres, Sociables Crackers; Middle Plate: Baguettes; Bottom Plate: L-R Moirs Cake, Shortbread Wreathes, Dream Squares, Boiled Fruitcake, Date Squares, Dominoes, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and in the middle Dutch Dainties.

Fruited Marshmallow Dessert

If you're ever looking for a last minute, quick-fix dessert, this is it. Not only does it take a very brief time to prepare, it's simple and tasty. I've never met a person who hasn't loved it. Bonus is, they usually assume you've worked hard to make it! So simple and so delish.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

I’ve always loved Pineapple Upside Down Cake and now I understand why! Turns out it’s nothing but butter and sugar... and a little bit of shortening… oh! and canned sugary pineapple! Mmmm sugar coma’s are the bomb! :) In all seriousness, it’s obviously not the best thing for you, but who cares? as long as you’re not stuffing it in your face every other day, one piece, once or twice a year won’t hurt. It’s a treat, and a delicious one at that, indulge yourself!

White Chocolate Candy Cane Whip

I first concocted this recipe last Christmas while messing around in my kitchen. Not sure how it came to be, but it was a big hit. It tastes like Christmas. It looks like Christmas. Best of all, it's completely versatile. You can use it to ice your brownies, top your ice cream, or top special Christmas waffles on Christmas morning! There's also the eat-it-straight-out-of-the-bowl-option that I'm a fan of ;) Regardless of how you eat it, you will love it!

The Ultimate Fun Foodie-Friendly Gift List

 

All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier every year. Because of this, I feel we lose track of time a little easier. One minute you're complaining about the neighbour across the road with their tree up November 1, then the next you're fighting your way through crowds December 20th, wondering where the time went, desperately searching for those 'last few items' on your list. And let's be honest with ourselves, those 'last few items' are never as 'few' as you thought they were!

So with December 1st just days away, I feel it's necessary to remind you all that if you haven’t already, now is the time to tackle your Christmas shopping! Lucky for you, I just happen to have compiled a list of pretty wicked foodie-themed gifts.  There’s not a person I know, foodie or no, that wouldn’t love at least one item on this list. So have at ‘er and happy hunting! I hope you find some great ideas ;)

Oh and have a listen to Mariah as you browse, one can't Christmas shop without Christmas music, am I right?

Stip T's - Sesame and Coconut Crusted Turkey Strips

When I was a kid, the only thing I ever ordered anywhere I went was chicken fingers and fries. The Monkey Finger Platter was a favourite of mine at Jungle Jim's, and classic 'Bay' chicken finger platters would make my day! I kid you not. Now that I'm older, and am exploring new foods and dishes, chicken fingers and fries are a rarity. With that said, when I do get a craving for chicken finger deliciousness, I follow this recipe. Some of the best fingers I've had! Highly recommended as a healthier alternative to the deep fried version. Love the toasted coconut! Thanks again to Looneyspoons for another AMAZING recipe. Can't praise them enough!

Strip T's & 'All That Jasmine' Rice, another Looneyspoon's recipe.

Apple-Blueberry Crunch

Bliss

After a meal of soup failure - by failure, I mean a soup that tasted like nothingness, with rice that literally sucked the remaining pot liquor dry (didn't even know that was possible)?! - I was left with a tremendous need to redeem/comfort myself with deliciousness.

Enter Crunch. One of my all-time favourite desserts. It's sweet, delicious, a bit 'crunch'-y and oh-so-satisfying, especially after a savoury meal (or a failed one in this case). Like many of my recipes, this was a favourite growing up. Typically, we would have either blueberry or apple crunch, but last week, with both on hand, I stared destiny in the face and created my new favourite version, Apple-Blueberry!