Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Cookies

Kids need fibre, too. Rule of thumb: their daily fibre intake should equal their age plus five. For a simple way to boost fibre in a treat, opt for this whole wheat version of their favourite cookie.

Almond Cupcakes with Butter Icing

Ground almonds give these cupcakes a rich flavour and a nice moist crumb.

Brown Butter Linguine and Scallops

Scallops are a great alternative to chicken on a busy weeknight. Cooked to perfection in just 5-6 minutes, you'll spend more time boiling the linguine!

Thai-Style Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Croisant Bread and Butter Pudding

The use of croissants instead of regular dried bread enhances the light and buttery richness of this dessert. A special treat would be to serve it warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream.

Carrot Purée with Brown Butter

Halibut with Shrimp and Champagne Beurre Blanc

Beurre blanc, or white butter, is a classic French sauce made by gradually whisking cold butter into a wine reduction.

Gluten-Free Butter Tart Bars

These bars, from 125 Best Gluten-Free Recipes (Robert Rose, 2003, $19.95) by Donna Washburn and Heather Butt, are a tasty treat the whole family will enjoy. Look for xanthan gum, gluten-free baking powder, potato starch, rice flour and tapioca starch in health food and bulk food stores. Potato starch and rice flour are also available in most supermarkets.

Peanut Butter Shortbread Sliced Cookies

It's handy to have a few logs of slice-and-bake cookies in the freezer, ready to pop into the oven at a moment's notice. If you have cookie lovers on your Christmas gift list, wrap a few of these shortbread logs in foil, then festive paper. Top each cookie with a peanut if you like.

All-Butter Gingerbread Cookie Dough