Janet Reeves' Coffee Buttercream Cake

Marina Keeping didn't need to ponder over which of her mother's recipes was her favourite: it's the layered coffee buttercream-filled cake that Janet Reeves, author of One Potato, Two Potato (Ragweed Press, 1987) always made for birthdays. It's rich and buttery, in the style of Eastern European cakes, and even a small slice is enough to satisfy. Reeves, an inveterate recipe collector since the age of eight, got this recipe when she helped out as a teenager in the home of a Polish-born doctor in her home town of Kensington, P.E.I.

White Chocolate Margarita Mousse

This light, tangy dessert flavoured with tequila and lime makes a refreshingly special finish to any festive meal. For that extra flourish, serve the mousse garnished with finely grated lime rind in sugared margarita or martini glasses.

Cranberry Fruit Chutney

Fresh and tangy yet sweet enough to satisfy, this burnished red condiment pairs beguilingly with turkey, ham, goose and duck. Save some for pork loin roasts and chops, too.

Hearty Black Bean Soup

Hearty and delicious, this soup looks great with its dollop of sour cream on each serving. If you like, puree the soup before adding the coriander; just reserve about 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the whole beans to garnish each bowlful.

Burnished Squash Wedges

Seasonings of cumin and thyme pair with maple syrup to glaze these beautifully bronzed squash wedges.

Seed Bread

Organic red fife flour is available at most bulk food stores. If you can't find it, use graham flour.

Grape Tomato Bursts

1599 - Arctic Gardens CLIENT Recipes top and bottom

Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Buttermilk Dressing

Zucchini and Ricotta Shells