Figure 8 Baltic Birthday Bread

Gisela Fleich of Mount Brydges, Ont., is from Estonia, where this special bread is as common for birthday celebrations as chocolate cake is in Canada. Her children appreciate being feted with this taste of heritage baking, and Gisela also surprises friends of Estonian background on their birthdays.

Matcha Shortbread Trees With Sprinkles

These brilliant green shortbread cookie trees are just what Santa ordered this holiday season. 

Kugelhopf Baba au Rhum

Enjoyed at breakfast in Alsace, this bread is also seen on the dessert table. Baba au Rhum is a derivative, and when baked in a kugelhopf or Bundt pan then soaked in rum syrup, it's a spectacular dessert.

Strawberry Puff

Not quite a souffle not quite a crepe, this intriguing baked pancake relies entirely on eggs to puff it into a crusty and tender case for fruit. Use a nonstick skillet with an ovenproof handle (or wrap regular handle with foil) or a seasoned cast-iron skillet. Before preheating the oven, place racks in centre and bottom positions. The puff is baked on the centre one and the other one should be out of the way so that the top of the puff doesn't touch it.

Orange Almond Flourless Snacking Cake

This naturally gluten-free cake is so moist and delicious you won't even miss the flour. And it keeps for days in an airtight container at room temperature— perfect for treats or desserts throughout the week.

Eccles Cakes

It all began with a recipe involving a calf's foot filling (the less said, the better), but Eccles cakes are now one of Britain's most famous sweet treats.

Probably more famous than the town from which it comes, the Eccles cake began its rise to popularity in the 1790s in what is now part of Greater Manchester, where bakers James Birch and his apprentice-turned-rival William Bradburn battled for supremacy in the apparently fiercely competitive fruitcake market.

These small round patties of flaky pastry with a currant filling are not to be confused with similar-looking Chorley cakes (less sweet) or Banbury cakes (more oval). Today Eccles cakes hold a special place in the nation's heart, which not even their unappetizing nickname -- "dead fly pies" -- can diminish.

 

Quick Cassoulet Stew

This hearty French stew (named after the earthenware pot that it's traditionally cooked in) normally takes hours to prepare. Using canned beans and chicken thighs (instead of the usual duck confit) allows you to get it on the table in just minutes!

Rib Eye Steak With Gorgonzola Sauce

The rib eye is a well-marbled cut of beef, making it one of the richest steaks out there. For the best flavour, it's worth a visit to your local butcher, who's sure to have the best quality available. Sitting down to this meal is a great reason to open that bottle of red you've been saving for a special occasion!

Firefly Tarts

Playful and bright, these tarts come to life as fireflies with the help of lime curd–lit bottoms and almond wings. To carefully remove the tart shells from the pan, cover them tightly with a kitchen towel, invert and tap the edge of the pan on the counter to release the shells. Eat any remaining filling right out of the bowl. It's that good!

Corn Bacon Quiche