Apricot Orange Yogurt Muffins

While everyone's focus is on Christmas dinner, it's always nice to have something special for Christmas morning as well - nothing that takes too much time, mind you, but something that looks and tastes great. A muffin pleases the little and big folks who can nibble as they participate in the splendid chaos of opening stockings.

Walnut Shortbread

Crisp cookies are a simple accompaniment to the Golden Pineapple in Vanilla Orange Syrup, along with an after-dinner espresso. Choose California walnuts, available in bulk-food stores.

Grilled Lobster with Parmesan Pangrattato

Garlic Cheese Cigars

 Asiago will give a sharper cheese flavour than creamier and milder Fontina.

Apple Spice Cupcakes

A cinnamon-infused cream cheese icing graces the tops of these ultra-moist cupcakes. The mix of apples and fragrant spices makes them an ideal harvest dessert.

Rice Pudding With Apple-Rhubarb Compote

Rice pudding gets a flavour-bursting upgrade with our bright apple-rhubarb compote. 

Pastitsio Pie

Spicy Chocolate Cinnamon Shortbread

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Mini-Cakes with Lemon Glaze

Even if you are gluten-intolerant, you can have this gingerbread and eat it too. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a loop of lemon rind.

Saucy Brussels Sprouts

Tender Brussels sprouts in a cheesy sauce is an easy make-ahead dish.