Butter Pecan Blondies

The rich caramel flavour of buttery baked pecans makes these blondies, the brownie's light-coloured cousin, purely irresistible. Be sure to stir the pecans while they're still warm so they don't harden into one big piece.

Savoury Cheddar Cheesecake Spread

Serve Savoury Cheddar Cheesecake Spread with buttery crackers and sliced baguette. With its perfect balance of creamy, spicy, sweet and savoury, there will be no leftovers. It just gets better with every bite. Look for peach chutney in specialty food stores. Substitute mango chutney if you can't find peach.

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Toasted walnuts add crunch to rich and creamy maple ice cream. Use medium or amber maple syrup for the best flavour.

Moussaka

Sesame Dulce Bars

Every cookie tray needs a standout treat that's anything but cookie-cutter, so make this yours! Choose thick dulce de leche, the caramelized sweetened condensed milk commonly used in South American desserts, for the best texture.

Grapefruit Thyme Shortbread Bars

Tart grapefruit gives refreshing flavour to these savoury shortbread cookie bars. Gradually add the food colouring to the glaze, alternating between red and orange, until you get a light coral colour. The tint will intensify as the glaze dries, so stop adding food colouring when it's a touch lighter than your desired shade.

Dark Christmas Cake

For a nostalgic holiday throwback, add this boozy fruitcake to your must-bake list. It’s a super make-ahead dessert.

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pies

Don't let the ingredient list intimidate you. This recipe yields two pies – one for dinner and one to freeze for a busy day ahead.

Skillet Chicken Cobbler

This is just like chicken pot pie – but easier, faster and made in a skillet. If your nonstick pan has a plastic handle, wrap it in a double layer of foil to make it ovenproof.

Candy Cane Cheesecake

Add restaurant pizzazz by drizzling chocolate sauce onto each plate before adding the cheesecake.