The Essential Canadian Christmas Cookbook

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

If you are tired of the same old Christmas spread, this attractive
little book by food consultant Lovoni Walker should help you break out
of the sage-and-onions routine. Its 75 recipes are divided into six
chapters: “Appetizers and Soups,” “Main Dishes,” “Salads and
Side Dishes,” “Brunch,” “Sweet Treats,” and “Drinks.” A
few of the recipes, such as the Glazed Ham and Christmas Cake, reflect
the traditional Canadian Christmas palate. The majority, however, are
definitely new faces under the mistletoe: Spicy Antipasto, Artichoke and
Cheese Dip, Sweet Meatballs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce, Seafood Pouches
with Lime Dipping Sauce, Roasted Potato Salad, Roast Beef with
Horseradish and Bacon Stuffing, Lamb and Red Wine Braise, Maple Glazed
Salmon, Sweet Chili Chicken Skewers with Lime Aioli, Grapefruit Fennel
and Hazelnut Salad, Vegetarian Lasagna, and Peach Lime Daiquiris.

Traditionalists will be relieved to find some customary Christmas
recipes in the dessert chapter, including Rum Balls, Ginger Bread Men,
Cinnamon Shortbread, and Christmas Pudding with Two Sauces. For
non-traditionalists, there is Lemon Curd and Cranberry Baked Cheesecake
and Cashew and Apricot Chocolate Bark.

Because Christmas ’tis the season to be busy, Walker offers lots of
time-saving tips and recipes that can be made before company comes
through the door. Scores of gorgeous full-colour photographs feature the
dishes. Although the words “essential” and “Christmas” are part
of the title, most of these recipes are suitable for any occasion.