It’s looking like the holidays will be different this year. With social distancing still advised, we’ll be spending more time at home than usual. A few good distractions are in order to keep us jolly— why not get creative in the kitchen?
Last year we looked at traditional holiday meals around the world; this year we’ll look at the classics closer to home.
We tracked down seven Canadian holiday treats to inspire you. Get out your bowls, wooden spoons, measuring cups, and put on some music!
Canadian Treats to Make At Home
Flapper Pie
If you know about flapper pie, you’re probably from the prairies (especially Manitoba). It’s a dessert that was popular in the 1920s, which might be why it’s called “flapper pie”) but has been somewhat forgotten.
It has a graham cracker crust, custard filling, and meringue top. How could we forget about a delight like that? Try the recipe here.
Snowball Cookies
Snowballs are one of the classic Christmas treats in Newfoundland. They’re messy, fudgy, and delicious— a true star at holiday parties.
A mixture of fudge, oatmeal, and coconut make snowball cookies irresistible.
Sugar Pie
This one’s a classic in Quebec and many other francophone places in the world. It has a creamy filling with a crispy pie crust. It can even be made with maple syrup, like this recipe!
Butter Tarts
Butter tarts are similar to sugar pies, though they’ve definitely made a name for themselves! The main difference between the sugar pie and the butter tart is that butter tarts don’t have flour in the filling.
You likely don’t need a description of this delicacy, as it’s popular all over Canada (especially in Ontario). Either way, if you haven’t made butter tarts in a while, maybe it’s time to try again?
Rum Balls
Now, many people have tried rum balls a few times and decided against them.
Sometimes the recipe is dry, or you just weren’t expecting the boozy taste. Either way, they might just deserve another chance!
Yule Log
While the yule log is popular all over the world, you’re likely to find one on Christmas eve in French-Canadian homes.
This recipe says the tradition goes back for centuries; although instead of a cake, the yule log was a huge, slow-burning log that stuck out the fireplace.
Nanaimo Bars
Yes, they even have their own postage stamp. The legendary Nanaimo bar is a fun and fairly easy one to knock off the list.
A crunchy crust, custard middle, and chocolate top? Yes please.
It’s a great time to try new recipes to add to your Christmas cookie tray. After all, if we’re cooped up inside we may as well surround ourselves with good food!
What are your favourite holiday treats? Are there any you had growing up that you miss?
