Toasted coconut adds a chewy texture and tropical flavour to these tasty treats. The batter is suited to lots of variations: Substitute other dried fruits for the cherries or use pecans or walnuts instead of the almonds.
These pretty silver dollar–size pancakes crowned with smoked salmon are a party favourite. For a richer topping, substitute crème fraîche for the light sour cream. If you like, add a grind of coarse black pepper right before serving.
These cookies pack a citrus punch with candied orange peel, orange marmalade and an orange liqueur icing.
Double your pleasure by swirling milk chocolate with white chocolate in a semifrozen dessert. Serve with raspberries, fresh if available or just thawed, and chocolate sauce, if desired.
Meatballs, a perennial party favourite, are even more delicious with the addition of Italian sausage. Serve with toothpicks and perhaps a garnish of chopped fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Offer some crusty bread to soak up all the sauce.
To soak dried fruit in rum quickly, microwave with rum on medium-high for 1 to 2 minutes or until hot. Let cool until room temperature, 1 hour.
When making a large batch of cookies, there's no better way to bake more than one rack at once than in a convection oven. The heat and air circulation makes them golden every time without having to switch and rotate the baking sheets. You can also roll out the dough between waxed paper to 1/4-inch (5 mm) thickness and cut out shapes, such as shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day.
Sweet glacé cherries and vivid pink icing give these sumptuous brownies a nostalgic retro look. Make them a couple of days ahead, then spread on the fruity icing just before serving.
