Chocolate Christmas Village Cake
This season is all about over-the-top indulgent desserts, and this one definitely takes the cake!
This season is all about over-the-top indulgent desserts, and this one definitely takes the cake!
This is an elegant, health-wise version of a Canadian favourite that shows you don't have to sacrifice big taste for health. Bison is a red meat alternative that is becoming increasingly popular due to it's lower fat content and because it is naturally raised, hormone-free, nutrient-dense and tastes wonderfully flavourful. Alberta raises some of the best bison on earth, providing Canadians with a local source of this amazing food. Last year, I made a commitment to myself to live healthier and lose weight. So far, I have lost nearly 80 lbs, and attribute much of my success to being creative and finding healthy alternatives to higher-calorie favourites. In many cases, like with these bison burgers and oven fries, I find that the healthy version tastes even better than the original! I use Yukon Gold potatoes as they give the best result for oven fries, but they are also an inherently Canadian ingredient, being "invented" at the University of Guelph and produced locally all over Canada, including a farm not 5km from my residence here in BC. I love being able to buy local produce, and am often inspired by our delicious, full-flavoured local produce.The salad that accompanies this meal is a low-fat version of the traditional Caesar that is a fraction of the calories and offers a fresh, clean taste.
This entire meal is 598 calories, 20g fat, 43g protein, 71g carbs. Compare this to a conservative estimate of a typical restaurant-style 1/4 lb cheeseburger, fries with herbed mayo, and ceasar salad at 1200 calories and 77g of fat, and you can see that it's a pretty amazing reduction! As well, this meal tastes fresher, more flavourful and delicious than any from a restaurant...it's a win win!
The holiday season is full of traditions, and getting the family together to make an annual gingerbread project is one of the most enjoyable. This vintage truck at the Christmas tree lot will appeal to both young and old, plus it’s easy for little hands to decorate. You can bake and cut out the pieces ahead of time, then put them all together in an afternoon of fun.
Take simple tree ornaments to the next level with these pretty 3D cookies. Place them in clear jars on your holiday table, then pass them out as impressive party favours at the end of the night. For a perfectly even green tint, thoroughly knead the food colouring into the dough.
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a slice of this gorgeous vanilla and black currant layer cake. Ready-made rolled fondant makes a polished finish so easy to create.
These fun holiday character cookies are a great afternoon project for you and the kids. Hit up your local bulk store to stock up on edible decorations for the eyes and noses. Once the cookies have cooled, divvy them up according to how you'd like to decorate them—there's enough icing to make several of each character. Keep in mind, you'll need half of the white icing for the Santa cookies, and half for the snowmen.
Roasted and stir-fried vegetables are layered between flavoured quinoa to create a healthy and colourful take on vegetarian lasagna. My middle daughter is the lone vegetarian in a household of meat lovers. I find lately I've been incorporating more and more vegetarian options into our meals. It's easier on the family budget, the environment and our collective waistlines! That being said, I do find it more difficult to find a vegetarian meal that is "company worthy". This recipe, created with local veggies, is substantial enough to satisfy meat eaters and impressive enough for a casual dinner with friends. While I love how nutritious quinoa is, I sometimes find it a bit bland. Mixing the quinoa layers with 3 different sauces adds a flavour boost. Use the vegetables listed or try ones that are in season in your local area. If you select items that are fresh and colourful you can't go wrong. While the ingredient list looks long don't be daunted, most of the work is building the lasagna layers and the preparation is not complicated. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a light green salad for a delicious, healthy and budget-friendly (under $40 including salad) dinner with friends.
This impressive gingerbread house is a treat to decorate. Download the templates at canadianliving .com/gingerbreadhouse and use it to cut your shapes. Then, use any leftover dough to make gingerbread people, animals and other decorations for your house. Look for cake boards at craft stores, or ask your local bakery for one.
