Jasper Christmas Pudding

A recipe steeped in tradition is always part of the Jasper Christmas, starting with the four Christmas in November programs and carrying right through to the real Christmas and New Year's Eve. Serve with Classic Crème Anglaise.

Spinach and Feta-Stuffed Portobellos with Lemony Rice

Large portobello mushrooms are a delicious canvas for a spinach-and-feta stuffing. Quick-cooking rice blends cut down on prep time and help make your meal complete.

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.

Tuna Steaks With Caponata

Carrot Snacking Cake

This all-purpose cake is simple, delicious and wholesome. You can substitute a dusting of icing sugar for the glaze if you prefer.

Gluten-Free Fruity Oat Muffins

These muffins are big on flavour and sure to entice even those who have no trouble with gluten. Play around with the fruit: Try dried blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or chopped apricots. People with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should not buy dried fruit or nuts from bulk bins, since the products may be cross-contaminated with gluten-containing ingredients from another bin. (People often use the same scoop in different bins.) It is best to buy sealed containers.

Pulled Chicken Mole Tacos

Chocolate is one of the most versatile ingredients in baking—cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, mousse...you name it! But did you know you can use it in savoury recipes, too?

Fruit and Nut Crostini

Like thin biscotti, these jewel-studded cookies are crisp and delightful. Use a sharp serrated knife for slicing.

Holiday Hermit Cookies

Associate food director Donna Bartolini knows that busy households will appreciate having ready-for-the-oven cookies in the freezer. These are chock-full of colourful fruit and crunchy toffee nuggets. Be sure to include the baking instructions on a card inside the box. Or bake the cookies and offer them ready-to-eat in a festive cookie tin.

Caramel-Topped Semolina Cake