Bodybuilder Cookies

Chris Rokosh of Calgary entered our Great Canadian Cookie Contest with these energy-inducing morsels. The surprise ingredient (Cheddar) intrigued us, but it was the delicious taste and crunch that won her first prize.

Chinese New Year Almond Cookies

When my sisters and I visited our grandparents at home, there was no lack of treats, such as these crispy cookies.

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

This cake stays flavourful and moist even when baked the night before serving.

Individual Strawberry Sour Cream Shortcakes

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Pancakes

This makes a thick, fluffy batter. You can find xanthan gum in health food stores or the health-food aisle of some supermarkets. Serve these versatile pancakes with maple syrup and bacon. Or omit the cinnamon and serve with sour cream, chopped chives and smoked salmon. Use two skillets to speed up cooking time.?

Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

This simple batter yields delicious cupcakes – better than any store-bought mix and well worth the extra minute or two it takes to measure the ingredients. Vanilla seeds add the luxurious flavour of real vanilla.

Pumpkin Raisin Loaf

Creaming butter and sugar is a popular task with junior cooks. Beating the butter and sugar thoroughly ensures a light cake, but as soon as the dry and liquid ingredients are added, the less stirring, the better. This tasty loaf, dotted throughout with raisins, is perfect for teatime.

Carol's Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls

Succulent pieces of chicken breast marinated in Asian spices, deep fried to a golden brown and then smothered in an enticing pineapple, red pepper, sweet and sour sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken balls and serve over fluffy basmati rice. Yummy!

Oat and Apple Crumble-Top Muffins

These are like apple pie for breakfast, only they're justifiable! Freeze a batch for a good start to any day of the week.

Everything Cookies

The variety of seeds, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate pleases everybody. Chock-full of flavour, these are ideal for any cookie exchange.