Pies aren't usually among the gluten-free goodies in grocery stores. This all-purpose crust solves that problem. The pastry is delicate, so roll it out between sheets of parchment paper to keep it from crumbling. That will also make transferring it to the pie plate a cinch. Dust the paper lightly with tapioca flour between rolls if you find the pastry is sticking to it.
A traditional holiday recipe, this popular Yule log is a cinch to make in stages, ready to assemble the day before serving.
Even in Nanaimo, B.C., the origin of the Nanaimo bar is contested. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that Canadians love this triple-layered treat. Over the years, creative Canucks have used the traditional elements of this dessert in Nanaimo bar–flavoured martinis, cupcakes and more. We've married it here with an éclair to create an especially rich pastry.
This impressive treat from the Breton region of France is made by folding together layers of pastry that have been spread with butter and sprinkled with sugar. As they bake, the butter and sugar create a crispy, caramelized crust outside and a gooey sauce inside.
The flavour of gingerbread cookies magically becomes a fork-friendly moist cake complete with candy decor. Gather little hands to help decorate and many mouths to help devour this sweet holiday treat. For the best gift-wrapped look, choose 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide fruit leather candy strips.
My dad is the family's official butcher and meat carver, expertly chopping barbecued duck and pork into bite-size pieces on his makeshift butcher block. When carving turkey, Dad (who loves his gadgets) always trusts his electric carving knife for what he insists is “even” slicing. That carving knife has been the butt of many jokes over the years, but using it has turned into tradition, and our turkey dinners would not be the same without it.
My mom would make Dad's favourite dumplings – called gao ji – to serve alongside a steaming bowl of congee or fried noodles. Traditionally these dumplings are pleated on one side, but we have eliminated this step to simplify the recipe. Enjoy them as is, or with a little soy sauce or Chinese red or black vinegar for dipping. You'll need at least 45 wrappers, and you can freeze any leftovers. – Irene Fong
This focaccia dough is moist and a bit difficult to handle at first. It needs a long kneading (easiest in a stand mixer) and a rise overnight in the refrigerator to come together in texture and flavour. To prevent the dough from taking on any fridge odours, place the covered bowl in a plastic bag. Whole spelt flour gives a wonderful and subtle nutty boost to the flavour of the white flour; you could replace it with whole wheat flour, if you prefer. To prepare the chipotle peppers, soak them in boiling water until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove stems; split and seed.
Crusty on the outside, this Italian-inspired loaf has a wholesome chewy texture inside. It uses a biga, an Italian starter, similar to a French levain but much drier. It's easy to make and just takes a few minutes the day before baking; just make sure your bowl is large because it will rise quite high while it stands overnight.
If the stomach is indeed the way to a loved one's heart, then this ultra-decadent chocolate cake is sure to seal the deal. Just as easy and versatile as a cake mix— but way more moist and delicious—it's a recipe you'll want to make again and again.
Picture this: a rich, brownie-like chocolate cake topped with chocolate mousse, whipped topping and garnished with even more chocolate. Sound divine? It is! Italian meringue gives the mousse a light, fluffy texture without the addition of gelatin. If you can include dairy in your dessert, substitute whipped cream for the nondairy whipped topping.
