CL - December 2017

real life made simple

Canadian Living

65+

best gifts FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST (YOU COULD WIN ONE!)

Holidays MADE EASY 4-INGREDIENT APPETIZERS BEEF WELLINGTON STEP-BY-STEP CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

THE POWER OF GIVING AND HOW IT GIVES BACK

3 SHOW

STOPPING CAKES EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT FROM THE VINYL CAFE

festive fashions 15

bake the cover SNOWY WINTER FOREST CAKE PAGE 123

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DECEMBER 2017

Contents Fashion & Beauty 21

24

27

34

EYE OF THE TIGER Master the cat-eye makeup technique #WETHECURVY Style this sparkly tunic to wear day or night GET-READY GUIDE Prime your skin for glamorous holiday makeup GET THE PARTY STARTED This season’s luxe looks for a whole lot less

Life & Community 58

60

62

68

98

SERENITY NOW The surprising health benefits of giving MONEY TALKS How to choose the right financial adviser for you CHRISTMAS AT THE VINYL CAFE Find a comfy spot to read an exclusive excerpt from one of Stuart McLean’s collections BOOK CLUB ’Tis the season of fireside reading. Here are our favourite books this month

Special 47

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Find presents for everyone on your list (furry friends included).

Don’t forget to check out our 12 Days of Giveaways, too!

27 47

110

DECEMBER 2017 Health & Fitness 74

76

78

80

90

ASK AN EXPERT Doctors answer the most common questions about arthritis, thyroid disease and menopause

88

90

96

98

MEATLESS MONDAY Crush curry cravings with a Thai veggie noodle bowl IN SEASON Clementines in a Moscow mule? Yes, please!

GET MOVING This upper-body workout circuit will tone arms and strengthen core stability

100

SUPERFOOD The immune-boosting benefits of turmeric

106

FOUR-INGREDIENT APPETIZERS You heard right—only a few ingredients needed to make these holiday appies

110

HOLIDAY ELEGANCE Wow your guests by preparing our classic beef Wellington

118

ON A ROLL Sweet or savoury pull-apart rolls make easy bread wreaths

MIX MASTER One bargain console table fits mid-century and chinoiserie styles

122

WINTER WONDERLAND Spectacular Christmas cakes inspired by the season’s first snowfall

CRAFTS Deck your tree with DIY doughnuts, cupcake and macaron ornaments

130

BIG BATCH Three delicious dinners from two salmon fillets

138

LAST BITE Wrap up the holidays with rich truffles

HUNGER GAMES Emotional eating triggers and the solutions to get you through the holidays

Home & Garden 86

Cook & Eat

ORIENT EXPRESS Holiday decorating tips inspired by the Far East

QUICK & EASY Soups, salads and a lean turkey Bolognese to lighten up weeknight dinners

I N EVE RY ISSUE 12 EDITOR’S LETTER 13 LETTERS 16 REAL LIFE MADE SIMPLE 137 RECIPE INDEX

PHOTOGRAPHY, MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING, CLAIRE STUBBS & ASHLEY OUELLETTE TOTH PROP STYLING, RENÉE DREXLER/ THE PROPS

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It’s all about you.

let’s

One of my favourite things about Canadian Living is the abundance of no-fuss, quick-to-put-together dessert recipes that can just as easily grace the table at the end of a fabulous meal as they can be devoured while on the sofa, in my pj’s, ZLWK 1HWÀL[ FXHG WR D FODVVLF KROLGD\ PRYLH But every once in a while, I’m after something sweet that’ll stop my guests in their tracks—especially at Christmastime, ZKHQ ,¶P DOUHDG\ SXOOLQJ RXW DOO WKH VWRSV (QWHU RXU VWDQGRXW &KULVWPDV FDNHV SDJH 7KH UHFLSHV DUH VWUDLJKW IRUZDUG and not super time-consuming; and the resulting cakes— ZHOO OHW¶V MXVW VD\ WKH\¶UH QRW \RXU VWDQGDUG IUXLWFDNH :H WKLQN WKH\¶UH PDJQL¿FHQW EXW ZH¶OO OHW \RX MXGJH IRU \RXUVHOI

Better yet, each cake is adorned with the prettiest holidayinspired decorations (page 128), which are not only a

cinch to create but also make for confections that are totally Instagram-worthy (share your results with us #FDQDGLDQ OLYLQJ XVLQJ &/JHWFRRNLQJ

Besides taste-testing cake, one of the best parts of this MRE LV WKH FRQYHUVDWLRQV ZLWK \RX RXU EHORYHG UHDGHUV 7KURXJK \RXU OHWWHUV DQG VRFLDO PHGLD FRPPHQWV , IHHO OLNH ,¶YH PDGH D ZKROH JDQJ RI QHZ IULHQGV <RXU QRWHV R̆HU WKH EHVW LQVLJKW DQG FRQVWUXFWLYH FULWLFLVP DQG WKH VWD̆ DQG I can’t help but blush at your compliments (shown on the RSSRVLWH SDJH :KHWKHU \RX¶YH EHHQ ZLWK XV IRU WKH SDVW \HDUV RU \RX¶UH ÀLSSLQJ WKURXJK \RXU ¿UVW LVVXH , ZDQW WR H[WHQG D KXJH WKDQN \RX IRU UHDGLQJ Canadian Living DQG IRU VKDULQJ \RXU WKRXJKWV DQG VWRULHV ZLWK XV $OO WKH best for a magical holiday season and a joyful new year!

Erin McLaughlin cl.readers@tva.ca @erinmclaughlin1 instagram.com/erin.mclaughlin1

12 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY, GENEVIÈVE CARON. HAIR AND MAKEUP, JUKKA/DAVINES/MAKE UP FOR EVER/PLUTINO GROUP. FENDI DRESS, HOLTRENFREW.COM

editor’s letter

letters

You Love Our

new

look!

Thank you to all of our readers who wrote in to say how much you enjoyed the recent issues of Canadian Living. We love hearing from you, so keep the letters coming!

I love your “new beginnings” format in the October issue.

I enjoyed reading [about] the We Families [“The Incredibles”], fashion and beauty and, of course, your recipe section. Can hardly wait to try your Thanksgiving recipes. —Rita I particularly enjoyed “Great Reads” [October 2017], but I also liked your features on Canadians doing a range of interesting and unusual things, the article about Alias Grace [“Canadian Grace”] and just about everything I read.

Keep up the good work! —Margaret I was in the process of deciding not to renew, but having received the October issue, I was impressed! I also like your tagline, Real Life Made Simple. I immediately went online and renewed subscriptions for myself and my daughter. —Virginia Just wanted to say I loved “Good Grains” [November 2017].

Fantastic recipes and presentation. Exactly what I want. —Ellen I’ve been a subscriber to Canadian Living since 1987. Of all the changes made in recent years, this is by far the best and, I think, truest to the spirit of the magazine. Looking forward to more good things in the months ahead. —Debbie

It’s great to see that much of the CL content I’ve loved since the magazine’s inception is still (or again) in evidence, especially the delicious recipes printed on one page each—so convenient for tearing out and saving. Good work so far, and so good to see this iconic magazine getting back on track. —Ruth

I was so excited when I read your October issue. The changes brought back the reason I’ve subscribed to your magazine for 26 years: recipes, design and crafts. I missed you and am so glad you’re back! —Susan Corrections: The recipe for Classic Gingerbread Cookies (November 2017) should read: Roll dough by 1 tbsp into balls. In “Doctors in the House” (November 2017), the diabetes answer should have been attributed to Dr. Lorraine Lipscombe, and the lactose-intolerance answer should have been attributed to Dr. Kymm Feldman.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 13

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© Procter & Gamble, 2017

EST. 1975 | VOL. 42, NO. 12 | DECEMBER 2017 VICE-PRESIDENT, TVA PUBLICATIONS Lyne Robitaille

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A 75% larger back* provides up to 10 hours of protection, so you can sleep through the night.

*vs. Always Ultra Thin Regular with wings © Procter & Gamble, 2017

real life made simple

this month

1

Hip Hangout

The luxe location for our fashion shoot this month is Toronto’s Drake Commissary (drakecommissary.ca), an accessible bakery, bar and larder.

Grab a bite, meet friends for drinks or pop in for a quick to-go coffee and breakfast— all in the eclectically decorated space that’s as stunning as our festive outfits in “Get the Party Started” (page 34). While there, our food editor Paul Lillakas got behind the counter to whip up some exclusive CL holiday cocktails with the Drake Hotel’s bartender Sandy De Almeida.

This Christmas Nog creation is a decadent (but essential) seasonal party provision.

CHRISTMAS NOG MAKES 3 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 5 MINUTES STANDING TIME 4 HOURS TOTAL TIME 4¼ HOURS

2 oz 2 3 tbsp 6 tbsp ¼ cup 2 oz ½ tsp ¼ tsp

bourbon large eggs superfine sugar 2% milk whipping cream (35%) brandy grated nutmeg ground cardamom

In canning jar, combine ¼ cup cedar wood chips and bourbon; shake and let stand for 4 hours.

In blender, combine cedar bourbon, eggs, sugar, milk, cream, brandy, nutmeg and cardamom; blend until smooth.

For more of Paul and Sandy’s festive coctail recipes, visit canadianliving.com/festivecocktails.

16 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY, CARLYLE ROUTH (WOMAN, COCKTAIL); MAYA VISNYEI (CRÊPES); ISTOCKPHOTO (MATCHA POWDER); KENDRA MURPHY (TREE). ILLUSTRATION, EMILIE SIMPSON

16

tricks, tips and ideas we love

2

TOP CHEF TIPS

Celebrated Toronto chef Romain Avril knows a thing or two about keeping hungry people happy. His go-to for festive dinner parties is a technique called sous vide: a foolproof, hands-off method of cooking that guarantees perfect results every time. When we caught up with him, Avril was perfecting his Matcha Crêpes Suzette (right). If that’s too adventurous for you, make this crowd-pleaser the classic way (page 116).

4

TINY TREE No space for a full-size tree? Take your cue from Vancouver-based stylist Kendra Murphy and get creative with fresh greenery and a blank wall.

3Gourmet Glossary

5

Matcha is the finely ground powder of shade-grown green tea leaves (making it super rich in detoxifying chlorophyll) used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Good-quality matcha (usually labelled ceremonial grade) is a tasty combination of sweet and umami.

STAIN FIGHTERS

Where food and drinks go, spills will follow—but some of the best stain fighters are already in your cupboard.

• Pour salt onto red wine stains to absorb moisture before soaking the fabric and laundering it. Or pour a splash of white wine over the spot and blot with paper towel. Wash in cold water.

• Lift lipstick smears with a piece of white bread rolled into a ball and blotted on fabric. Launder as usual.

• Place brown kraft paper over spilled candle wax and heat with a warm iron; the wax will lift onto the paper.

• Sprinkle grease spots with cornstarch and let sit for a few hours. Soak with a drop of dish soap, if necessary.

6

Royal Affair

Pains au chocolat, macarons, bûche de Noel—we’re already in love with the French confections that baker Giselle Courteau has conjured up for her cookbook, Duchess Bake Shop. Named for the popular bakery Courteau co-owns in Edmonton, this book is the culmination of more than eight years in the baking business, and a sublime inspiration for everyone who loves to bake…and eat.

DUCHESS BAKE SHOP (Appetite)

by Giselle Courteau, $35.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 17

7

TASTE TESTERS

Protect your Sunday bests (or, let’s face it, your precious pj’s) during late-night baking sessions or weekend Bolognese making with Canadian Living’s new line of textiles.

Canadian Living APRON & OVEN MITT, $40, bedbathandbeyond.ca.

Check out our new collection!

SMART SNACK

Pistachios have a lot of things going for them, and a low calorie count is one of them: A serving size of 30 nuts contains just 100 calories. Bonus: Snacking on in-shell pistachios has been shown to encourage more mindful eating by slowing down consumption.

11

9

Jellybean Lane CANDLES, $30 each, foggyislandcandles.ca.

MARITIME MEMORIES

These cute East Coast–themed candles from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Foggy Island Candles are made from 100 percent soy wax and contain wooden wicks that crackle as they burn. Our favourite this season?

Mummer’s Christmas from the Jellybean Lane collection. With its pretty packaging and soothing scent, how can we not be obsessed?

GLOBAL BEAUTY

Superstar model Gigi Hadid (right) has collaborated on a new collection with Maybelline New York, the same beauty brand she’s been the face of since 2015. Packaged in Hadid’s signature millennial-pink shade, the line features the themes East Coast Glam and West Coast Glow, evoking Hadid’s coast-tocoast jet-setting lifestyle. You may not need to book a ticket to New York or Cali to get in on that globetrotting vibe—but you do need to act fast because we predict these limited-edition products will sell out quickly.

18 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

GIGI HADID X MAYBELLINE COLLECTION, $12 to $17, amazon.ca.

Advent calendars filled with chocolate are so five years ago. Instead, give the beauty devotee on your list a version loaded with glam products. This year, every category is covered, including makeup, skin care, bath products and accessories.

The mini sizes provide a fun, clever way to discover new favourites. Our pick for best value is the Sephora Collection Winter Wonderland Advent Calendar for $56—a considerable savings!

SEPHORA COLLECTION Winter Wonderland Advent Calendar, $56, sephora.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOFFREY ROSS (APRON, OVEN MITT); ISTOCKPHOTO (PISTACHIOS). ILLUSTRATION, GENEVIEVE PIZZALE

8

10

Calendar Girl

12 CANADA’S COVER GIRL

Maye Musk (mother of Tesla CEO Elon Musk) is a 69-year-old Canadian model who’s the latest face to be added to CoverGirl’s beauty roster. Over the past year, the cosmetics giant’s mission has been to push the message of diversity and inclusivity in the beauty world, adding its first male ambassador, James Charles, and Muslim beauty vlogger Nura Afia. Keep the diversity coming, CoverGirl!

13

You’ve Got Mail

Make sure your holiday greetings make it on time.

Canada Post recommends these dates for sending cards and parcels: Dec. 1 for international.

Dec. 12 for parcels and cards going to the U.S. Dec. 18 for cards and Dec. 20 for Xpresspost packages within Canada.

14

15

BOW TIES Adorn all those holiday gifts with the prettiest bow ever. Here’s how.

ICE AGE

In honour of the NHL’s 100th birthday, Canada Post has issued a collection of holiday stamps featuring legendary Canadian hockey players—perfect for the hockey fan or philatelist in your life.

1

NHL Legends STAMPS, $5.50/booklet of 6, canadapost.ca.

m te Le ltima The U mecooks y k @luc

2 Squa sh & Qu @sist ers.kit inoa Pilaf ch

3

4

16

Foodie Follow

Share your CL creations with us on Instagram! If you’ve made one of our recipes, take a snap and tag us with #CLgetcooking.

Follow us @canadianliving

erin on M

ie gue P

Believes in breakfasting like the locals, in taking the roads less travelled, and that nothing’s ever just ancient history.

Meet Stefania.

YOUR TOUR DIRECTOR

Stefania shares her when in Rome spirit in all she does, whether she’s bringing Greek myths to life in Athens or pointing you toward Sorrento’s hidden gems.

She’s one of the expert Tour Directors on our 175+ tours worldwide who’ll help you uncover the best of your destination. With Go Ahead Tours, you don’t just follow a guide— you experience the world alongside another passionate traveller like you.

Guided travel, done differently. goaheadtours.ca | 1.888.376.1290

look of the month SIMPLE CAT EYE

PHOTOGRAPHY, GENEVIÈVE CARON. HAIR AND MAKEUP, JUKKA/DAVINES/MAKE UP FOR EVER/PLUTINO GROUP. TOP, JOEFRESH.COM. EARRINGS, SWAROVSKI.COM

It looks intimidating, but a cat eye isn’t as high maintenance as it appears. With a few tips from Plutino Group makeup artist Jukka—and a bit of patience— you’ll be adding these subtle flicks to your makeup routine every day.

fashion & beauty look of the month

21

we the curvy

holiday beauty

24 27

effortless chic

the elements

34

42

FASHION & BEAUTY look of the month

Eye Tiger 22 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

Nothing says polished and pulled together more than a precise cat eye. Here’s how to master the look in a few simple steps.

TEXT ALEXANDRA DONALDSON

GUTTER CREDITS......

OF THE

the STEPS

Draw a thin line with eyeliner at the lash line, following your eye shape from the inner to the outer corner of your lid.

With a bit of eyeshadow powder on a straight-edged brush, mark where you want the cat eye to be.

“Use your natural eye curve to determine where the flick should be,” says Jukka.

With the eyeshadow mark as a guide, create the flick with eyeliner. Start thin, adds Jukka. “You can always add more.”

To finish, thicken the flick with eyeliner. “If you’re a beginner, practise a few times on the back of your hand first,” says Jukka. “And don’t do the cat eye flick in one straight line.” Draw smaller strokes, then connect the dots.

MARK

LINE

FILL

pick YOUR FORMULA The look you’re after, plus your skill level, will dictate which product you use to achieve a cat eye.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOFFREY ROSS (PRODUCT). TOP, TEDBAKER.COM. EARRINGS, SWAROVSKI.COM

PAINTER’S PALETTE Using a gel pot and a fine brush will give you basic control and definition.

M.A.C COSMETICS 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush, $24, maccosmetics.ca.

STILA Smudge Pot, $26, sephora.ca.

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner, $12, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

PEN PAL Felt-tipped liquid liners are straightforward but require a steady hand and lots of practice for precision.

M.A.C COSMETICS Brushstroke Liner, $24, maccosmetics.ca.

COVERGIRL Get in Line Liquid Eye Liner, $12, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

high high low

PENCIL MARKS For a softer take, use a pencil to achieve the cat eye. It’s a daytimefriendly way to wear this trend—and much more forgiving if you make a mistake.

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $25, urbandecay.ca.

HARD CANDY Take Me Out Liner, $5, walmart.ca.

low high low

THE

SILVER TUNIC We love this Joseph Ribkoff tunic (sizes 14 to 22) from Toni Plus for its ombré metallic detailing and versatile length.

metallic 1 tunic 3 ways

Do you think sparkle should be reserved for evenings? With help from the right extras, our #WeTheCurvy columnist, Meredith Shaw, shows us how to get our shine on—even when the sun is up!

wow

Turn this brilliant tunic up a few watts with the addition of a tulle skirt. If tulle is too girlie for your esthetic, try a circle skirt in a structured material. Put the exclamation point on this look by stepping out in a Cinderellastyle shoe, like these glittery flats.

Joseph Ribkoff TUNIC, $170, toniplus.com. SKIRT, $82, torrid.com.

CLUTCH and SHOES, winners.ca.

Find fashion to flatter every shape at canadianliving.com/wethecurvy.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GENEVIÈVE CARON (SHAW). HAIR AND MAKEUP, JUKKA/DAVINES/MAKE UP FOR EVER/PLUTINO GROUP

FASHION & BEAUTY #wethecurvy

Think of an extraordinary moment in your life. Do you know what could have made it a bit more magnificent?

Donning something dazzling. Clothing that’s sequined or tinged with metallic doesn’t mean you’re craving attention; it means you like dressing up—and that’s OK! In fact, it’s fabulous.

ALL THAT

GLITTERS

Shine this holiday season with one of these dazzling picks— all available in extended sizes.

L&L jacquard TOP (sizes 12 to 26), $72, additionelle.com.

weekend

There’s no shorter path to great style than skilfully combining unexpected things.

It might seem unusual to pair a glittery top with jeans and a field jacket, but it works.

Velvet DRESS (sizes 2 to 20), $180, joseph ribkoff.com.

JACKET, $70, and JEANS, $60, hm.com/ca.

Joseph Ribkoff TUNIC, $170, toniplus.com. Matt & Nat x Indigo BAG, indigo.ca.

BOOTIES, aldoshoes.com.

work

One of the major benefits of highshine clothing is that it speaks for itself.

Team this tunic with fitted black slacks and chic loafers to easily transition from office cubicle to office party.

Metallic fabrics show your curves, which is a very good thing—just make sure your shape is on point with a smoothing bra.

Joseph Ribkoff TUNIC, $170, toniplus.com. PANTS, $50, reitmans.com. Expression EARRINGS, thebay.com.

steal

37

$

Metallic TOP (sizes XXS to 3X), $37, reitmans.com.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 25

CANADIAN LIVING PROMOTION

CHECK IT OUT F E AT U R E D

P R O D U C T S

Become a Master of Charcuterie!

For the upcoming holidays, impress your guests with a perfect display of your favourite deli meat with a little help from the Mastro® and San Daniele® Charcuterie Trio.

A delicious combination of prosciutto, Genoa salami and salami with prosciutto will make your entertaining super convenient. For recipe ideas and inspiration, go to our new website, sharemastro.com.

F R O M

O U R

A D V E R T I S E R S

New Double Serum More than just a serum, Clarins Double Serum is an intensive antiaging treatment that contains 21 of the most powerful plant extracts in terms of antiaging benefits.

Its unique double formula combines the best active ingredients to boost the skin’s fi ve vital functions. Skin looks immediately radiant and more beautiful! clarins.com

Help Protect and Correct Prevage® Anti-Aging Daily Serum is a revolutionary cosmeceutical treatment containing idebenone, currently the most effective antioxidant* for addressing the visible signs of aging.

This moisturizing serum targets wrinkles, sun damage, age spots and discoloration and is proven to help improve the look of firmness, tone and radiance. elizabetharden.com/prevage *When compared to alpha lipoic acid, kinetin, vitamin C, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10.

Double Take With the new duo™ by La-Z-Boy®, get standout style with the power to recline at the touch of a button. Choose from a variety of styles in more than 900 fabrics and leathers. la-z-boy.com

PHOTOGRAPHY, MARIE RAINVILLE. HAIR AND MAKEUP, OLIVIA COLACCI/ORIBE/CHANEL/JUDYINC.COM

holiday beauty FASHION & BEAUTY

Get-Ready GUIDE

What makes holiday beauty so much fun? The chance to break out of your comfort zone! We’ve got two stunning looks that flatter all ages and complexions to keep you glowing all season.

PRODUCER JULIA MCEWEN

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 27

PRE-

GAME Real talk: Makeup alone will not get you looking your best. In order for makeup artistry to have its top effect, it’s crucial to care for the canvas: your skin. Healthy moisturized skin will help cosmetics stand the test of time—or at least a night of celebrating!

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PREPARATION

PRIMER

FOUNDATION

CONCEALER

POWDER

Whether you have oily, dry or somewhere-inbetween skin, apply an oil to toned cleansed skin. Thick creams can create a waxy residue that may cause foundation to pill or look uneven, while an oil protects the lipid layer and keeps skin moisturized and dewy.

Don’t neglect this step. Primers create a smooth canvas for makeup, but they don’t just smooth skin, blur pores and keep makeup in place; they also brighten and add a soft matte finish.

Some can even give your skin a lit-fromwithin glow.

To prevent eyeshadow from falling off the lids and settling in creases, first make sure you prime your eyelids with a dab of creamy concealer. Use a drier (thick stick) concealer on blemishes and dark spots so it will adhere better.

If your skin is on the oily side, powder is essential. Dust your T-zone with translucent powder to absorb oil, keeping the rest of your visage powder-free for a fresh-faced glow.

1. PIXI BEAUTY Rose Oil Blend, $34, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

2. BENEFIT The Porefessional Pearl Primer, $42, sephora.ca.

Foundation formulas can be found in all forms, including cushion compacts, sticks and sprays. However, go with a good liquid foundation for a special occasion for fuller coverage. Apply a quarter-size amount on the back of your hand, then dip a damp sponge into it. Start by perfecting the middle of your face (that’s where most of the product should go to cover up redness), blending outward.

3. REVLON Youth FX Fill + Blur Foundation, $22, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

28 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

4

4. MARCELLE City Concealer, $10, marcelle.com.

5

5. LAURA MERCIER Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $47, sephora.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOFFREY ROSS (PRODUCT). TOP, PAIGE.COM. EARRINGS, ANNTAYLOR.COM

Start with your skin

4

To find the right foundation shade, you’ll need to determine your skin’s undertone. Find out how at canadianliving.com/undertone.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 29

LOOK 1

BRIGHT EYES The best part of a classic dark liner? It’s great on everyone, defining all eye shapes and colours. Another can’t-go-wrong look?

Champagne shadow teamed with copper accents. Follow these four steps for partyworthy eye makeup.

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SWEEP ON BASE COLOUR A shimmering beige or champagne cream shadow helps brighten eyes with its lightcatching flecks.

1. REVLON ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow in Crème Brulee, $9, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

the eyes have it 2

4

SWIPE ON EYELINER

ADD MASCARA

Most cream eyeshadows will act as a primer, helping powder shadow stay put.

Brush it across the eyelid from the outer corner into the crease. For a smokier look, wrap it around the outer bottom lash line.

For an even look, create small dashes with the eyeliner from the inner to outer corner of your upper lash line, making it thicker as you go. Connect them in one swoop.

Wipe off the wand with a tissue or the top of the mascara tube, then wiggle it at the root of lashes first to deposit extra colour.

This technique helps plump up fine hairs and give maximum length.

2. JOE FRESH Eye Shadow in Pretty Penny, $6, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

30 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

3

APPLY ACCENT SHADE

3. CLARINS Graphik Ink Liner, $30, clarins.ca.

4. L’ORÉAL PARIS False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara, $15, lorealparis.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOFFREY ROSS (REVLON, JOE FRESH, GLOSSIER, CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ). TOP, PAIGE.COM. EARRINGS, ANNTAYLOR.COM

2

1

2 BLUSH

LIPSTICK

Using a creamy highlighter, target the high points of your face: across the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose and on the cupid’s bow of your lips.

Blend a rosy shade into the apples of your cheeks while you’re smiling. If you have dry skin, use a cream formula; oily skin types should stick to a powder.

Put it on straight from the tube (instead of with a brush) to deposit the most colour.

HIGHLIGHTER

1. SEPHORA COLLECTION Blush & Luminizer On the Go Stick in Miss Flirty, $10, sephora.ca.

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1

3. CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ Intense Rouge à Lèvres in Bamboo, $75, holtrenfrew.com.

2. GLOSSIER Cloud Paint in Puff, $22, glossier.com.

2

3

ROSY

GLOW You’re in the final stretch! Add a radiant rosiness to your complexion by gently patting and blending highlighter and blush into your skin with a fingertip for a soft-focus glow. A swipe of creamy lipstick is the last step before you head out.

finishing touches

LOOK 2

SULTRY EYES If you’re aiming to dazzle without any bright colour or glitter on your eyes, try bold eyebrows teamed with a dramatic set of lashes. The look is seductive yet sophisticated while being flattering for all face shapes, ages and eye colours.

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DEFINE EYEBROWS Beef up your brows using an eyebrow pencil or a powder and an angled brush to create small strokes that look like hairs. Set the look and hold hairs in place by combing with a coloured brow gel.

1. BENEFIT Foolproof Brow Powder, $32, sephora.ca.

2

DUST ON EYESHADOW Your lashes and brows are the statements of this look, so choose a cool beige or subtle khaki shadow to dust across your lids; stop at the brow bone.

2. CARYL BAKER VISAGE Eyeshadow in Faith, $18, carylbakervisage.com.

32 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

lashes and brows that wow 3

4

ADD MASCARA

APPLY LASHES

Swiping on mascara before applying faux lashes will help create a tacky base for false lash strips to stick to.

Snip the lash band into two pieces (it’s easier to work with). Use your finger to dip the outer-corner piece in the glue. Wait 10 seconds, then apply along your lash line. Repeat with the inner piece.

3. DR.HAUSCHKA Volume Mascara in Black, $42.50, dr.hauschka.com.

4. KISS Blooming Lashes, $8, walmart.ca.

5

SWIPE ON EYELINER Define your lash line and blend in the band from the faux lashes using a liquid liner for a seamless finish.

5. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Curvitude Liner, $12, walmart.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOFFREY ROSS (CARYL BAKER VISAGE, KISS, MAYBELLINE NEW YORK, COVERGIRL, NARS, SHISEIDO). TOP, MICHAELKORS.CA. EARRINGS, ANNTAYLOR.COM

2

1

BRONZER

2

3

4

BLUSH

LIP LINER

LIPSTICK

Sweep a sparkle-free bronzer under your cheekbones, then dust your temples and forehead. If you have dry skin, skip the powder and opt for a creamy formula.

Apply a rosy shade to the apples of your cheeks, blending it in while you’re smiling.

Use a cream formula on dry skin; those with oily skin should stick to a powder.

With a pencil that closely matches your lips’ natural colour, fill them in completely using short, feathery strokes.

This method avoids creating one harsh line.

1. GUERLAIN Terracotta Bronzing Powder, $63, guerlain.com.

2. COVERGIRL TruBlend Blush, $14, walmart.ca.

3. NARS Precision Lip Liner in Halong Bay, $30, sephora.ca.

Apply lipstick directly from the tube, stopping before the edges of your mouth—too much pigment there will cause smudging. Spread the colour as close to your lip line as possible with a lip brush.

4. SHISEIDO Rouge Rouge Lipstick in Curious Cassis, $35, thebay.com.

1

2 3

4

VERY

BERRY

finishing touches

Pairing defined lashes and beautifully groomed eyebrows with one powerful punch of colour on the lips is a modern way to achieve a holidayworthy makeup look. Pick a reddish hue (think poppy or berry) to add a festive touch.

FASHION & BEAUTY effortless chic

lace up This lacy top is versatile enough to work with faux fur, sequins or a tuxedo blazer.

34 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

Faux-fur JACKET, $275, aritzia.com. TOP, $70, rw-co.com. JEANS, $80, gapcanada.ca. EARRINGS, thomassabo.com. Erdem x H&M BROOCH and CLUTCH, hm.com/ca. RINGS, banana republic.ca. SHOES, marshalls.ca.

TUXEDO BLAZER, $150, RW-CO.COM. SEQUINED BOMBER JACKET, $585, PAIGE.COM

HE TT GE Don the sequins and flaunt the flounce— the holidays are the most wonderful time of year for brilliant fashion.

PRODUCER AND STYLING JULIA M C EWEN PHOTOGRAPHY CARLYLE ROUTH HAIR AND MAKEUP ANNA NENOIU/P1M.CA MANICURE RITA REMARK/ESSIE CANADA SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE DRAKE COMMISSARY, TORONTO

showstopper Need a spectacular ensemble for holiday brunch? Add a statement coat to classics such as a white shirt and fitted trousers.

tulle takeover (Opposite page) Nothing says party like a tulle skirt. Give it a grown-up feel by choosing a midi length and pairing with a bodysuit; the bodyskimming style means no bulky fabric around the midsection.

(Above) Erdem x H&M COAT, $249, hm.com/ca. SHIRT, $125, aritzia.com.

PANTS, $123, lisettel.com. GLASSES, bonlook.com. EARRINGS, rebekah price.com. BRACELET, banana republic.ca. RINGS, lechateau.com.

Michael Michael Kors BAG, michael kors.ca. SHOES, anntaylor.com.

PHOTOGRAPH, Maxwell N. Burnstein.

(Right) BODYSUIT, $60, lechateau.com. SKIRT, $110, anntaylor.com. EARRINGS and CLUTCH, bananarepublic.ca.

BRACELET, rebekahprice.com.

RING, ilovebiko.com. Erdem x H&M SHOES, hm.com/ca.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 37

dream team Feminine flounces and crushed velvet are two heavy-hitting festive trends that always seem right—and are downright fanciful.

ruffle your feathers (Opposite page) Velvet and sequins not your thing? Instead, try floaty feathers as an accent. When adding to your holiday look, don’t overwhelm with too much colour—let the feathers take the spotlight.

(Above) TOP, $79, whbm.com.

CULOTTES, $98, aritzia.com.

EARRINGS, lechateau.com.

BRACELET, ilovebiko.com.

SHOES, bananarepublic.ca.

(Right) Michael Michael Kors TOP, $185, BRACELET and CLUTCH, michaelkors.ca. PANTS, $90, rw-co.com. Erdem x H&M EARRINGS, hm.com/ca. SHOES, winners.ca. MURAL, Alex McLeod.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 39

show of hands Looking for a festive nail colour without glitter? Rita Remark, Essie Canada’s lead nail artist, suggests Ring in the Bling. “The way it reflects the light gives it a silky effect,” she says, “almost as if the nails are lit from within.”

ESSIE Nail Polish in Ring in the Bling, $10, essie.ca. EARRINGS, bananarepublic.ca. RINGS, anntaylor.com.

For festive cocktail recipes, visit canadianliving.com/festivecocktails.

sparks f ly If spaghetti straps are a deal breaker, layer over a dress shirt, turtleneck or tee for extra coverage.

Erdem x H&M DRESS, $249, hm.com/ca. TOP, $35, oldnavy.ca.

Michael Michael Kors EARRINGS, michaelkors.ca. BRACELET, banana republic.ca. BAG, winners.ca. SHOES, lechateau.com. MURAL, Alex McLeod.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 41

FASHION & BEAUTY the elements

get the LOOK Faux-fur JACKET, $178, gapcanada.ca.

TOP, $55, loft.com.

SKIRT, $40, zara.com.

lace up Keep the fancy going strong up top with a luxe-looking faux-fur jacket and a lace blouse. Juxtapose them with a denim midi skirt.

steal SHOES, $39, joefresh.com.

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$

Bomber JACKET, $120, lechateau.com.

CULOTTES, $89, loft.com.

SHIRT, $30, hm.com/ca.

showstopper

steal

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$

42 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

BOOTIES, $118, loft.com.

Love this look on the model but think you’re too petite to pull off the print and oversize lengths? An easy fix is choosing similar pieces with shorter hemlines.

If there’s one time of year when you’re allowed to go a little over the top in the wardrobe department, it’s the holidays.

Sequined DRESS, $295, lechateau.com.

TOP, $50, anntaylor.com.

steal

50

$

sparks fly

BAG, $24, joefresh.com.

SHOES, $50, hm.com/ca.

If the combo of sequins and pattern is a bit excessive for you, try a singletone sequined frock in a floor-grazing length for added drama.

EARRINGS, $15, winners.ca.

steal

15

$

PANTS, $124, bananarepublic.ca.

dream team SHOES, $50, callitspring.com.

TOP, $60, lechateau.com.

Pink and grey together is ethereal, but if it’s not in your colour wheelhouse, try navy and white. This wrap top and creamy slacks give a wintry minimalist nod.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 43

FAVOURED BY EVENINGWEAR DESIGNERS AND STARLETS ALIKE,

GOLD ACCENTS AND LIQUID-METAL MATERIALS ARE CROPPING UP EVERYWHERE. Stirrup PANTS, $50, reitmans.com.

CLUTCH, $40, gapcanada.ca.

steal

50

$

EARRINGS, $65, anntaylor.com.

ruffle your feathers Feathers a little out of your realm?

No problem. Stick with this most decadent colour pairing of gold and black.

The sumptuous combination is the right amount of opulence yet still refined.

TOP, $153, josephribkoff.com.

SWEATER, $25, winners.ca.

steal

25

$

EARRINGS, $14, joefresh.com.

SKIRT, $79, guess.ca.

SHOES, $49, joefresh.com.

44 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

tulle takeover Adore this party look yet want to temper the sparkle and inject more playfulness?

Choose a vivid colour, like red, and pair the tulle with a creamy knit sweater.

Holidays

ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW

ENTER FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN two tickets to see The Tenors in concert on their Canadian holiday tour, a copy of their latest festive album, Christmas Together, plus the chance for a special meet and greet with the musical sensation!

To enter, visit: canadianliving.com/tenors No purchase necessary. Contest ends Dec. 10, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Contest is open to all legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who have reached the legal age of majority in their province/territory of residence at the time of entry. To enter, visit canadianliving.com/tenors.

Prize is available only for the specific date of the concert listing in that city. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing question required.

Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible online entries received. Visit canadianliving.com/tenors for eligibility requirements and complete contest rules.

Shop our stylish bedding, bamboo sheet sets, towels and bath rugs in-store and online at bedbathandbeyond.ca.

Bold prints add punch to any bedroom

Patterns inspired by Canada’s rugged landscape

See more of the CANADIAN LIVING BEDDING COLLECTION exclusively at

PHOTOGRAPHY, ISTOCKPHOTO (BOX). ILLUSTRATION, ISTOCKPHOTO

The art of present picking is a delicate one, but we can assure you that even the fussiest friend or family member would be thrilled with one of these thrifty gifts, ranging from $4 to $99.

From the amazing to the super cute, these inexpensive ideas are for everyone on your list.

PRODUCER JULIA MCEWEN

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 47

for the first lady in your life

$

99

1

AND UN DER Sh

ow Mo you lov m how much e her w ith th pretty, though ese tful and use ful gifts .

2

7

With its bright lighting and extreme magnification, this mirror will help Mom get ready for her close-up.

This bracelet for a small or large mug brews loose-leaf tea!

6

4

5 1. SCARF, $95, bananarepublic.ca.

2. Sullivan Street double FRAME, $95, katespade.com. 3. Craig and Karl limited-edition Aeroccino 3 MILK FROTHER, $99, nespresso.ca.

4. Ommo TEA INFUSER, $28, drake generalstore.ca. 5. Leather TRAY in Teal, $63, leatherology.com. 6. Brass CANDLEHOLDERS, $49 each, westelm.com. 7. Conair Reflections LED MIRROR, $53, amazon.ca.

48 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY, ISTOCKPHOTO (GIFT TAGS). ILLUSTRATIONS, GENEVIEVE PIZZALE (MUG, BRANCH)

3

18

stocking $ DER r ND UN o f A s r e f f u st the whole family

3

loves a Everyone d with fille stocking oh-so n tiny—a d asures. le—tre affordab

2 1

Proudly Canadian purveyors of quirky patterned socks, YoSox also offers a sock-ofthe-month club.

Nothing says cute and Canadian quite like a maple syrup fashion accessory.

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7

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6

1. PINS, $10 each, drakegeneral store.ca. 2. Joe Fresh WATCH, $14, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

3. LUGGAGE TAGS, $13/set of 3, marshalls.ca. 4. Glass ORNAMENT, $10, indigo.ca. 5. Stemless WINEGLASS, $18, indigo.ca. 6. Arcade game SOCKS, $12, yo-sox.ca.

7. The Lemon Square LEMON COCONUT SQUARE, $4 each, oneofakindonlineshop.com.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 49

for your main men

$

99

AND UN DER

Spoil e most dis ven the husban cerning dad, do he spoil r partner like s your f amily.

This drone has three speeds and comes wit h a built-in camera for video recording and still shooting.

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1

7

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5

1. Propel Maximum X12 video DRONE, $99, walmart.ca.

2. HBC Collection x Drake General Store ONESIE, $60, thebay.com. 3. SHAVING SET, $50, marshalls.ca. 4. Arborist provincial TUQUE, $30, drake generalstore.ca. 5. Wild & Wolf GLOBE, $80, indigo.ca.

6. Casamigos Reposado TEQUILA, $80, casamigos tequila.com. 7. Tabletop FOOSBALL TABLE, $25, marshalls.ca.

50 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

Keep your man warm while letting him show pride for his province or territ ory.

4

ILLUSTRATIONS, GENEVIEVE PIZZALE (MOTIONS, PAPER AIRPLANE, SCARF)

3

$

for your furry friends

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ER AND UND ur fourThank yo r their ls fo footed pa ip panionsh m o c . cuddly s e iz r p t e pe with thes

2 1

These silicone boots are easy to put on—and they'll stay on, too.

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7 6

5

This dog bowl's maze design helps slow down rapid eaters.

1. Catnip TOY, $7, marshalls.ca.

2. Wellies BOOTS, $30, canada pooch.com. 3. Poinsettia dog COLLAR, $15, petsmart.ca.

4. Food DISH, $15, ebay.ca/ holiday. 5. Beaver Canoe paddle TOY, $11, petsmart.ca. 6. PET BED, $33, petsmart.ca. 7. Beaver Canoe dog HOODIE, $35, petsmart.ca.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 51

for the hostess with the mostest

$

30

2

AND UN DER Sa

y “Than ing me” ks for havw these tr ith one of eats tail or to the h ost’s ta ed stes.

1

This Earl Grey–infused maple syrup will surely elevate any brunch!

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7 1. GLASSES, $25/pair, indigo.ca.

2. APRON, $30, indigo.ca. 3. Illume Demi Vanity Tin CANDLE in Balsam & Cedar, $14.50 each, indigo.ca. 4. Nicolas Vahé SALT With Parmesan Cheese & Basil, $16, drakegeneralstore.ca. 5. Quo Cosmetic CRACKERS, $15/pkg of 6, shoppersdrugmart.ca. 6. Jelly Belly MINI BEAN MACHINE, $30, thebay.com. 7. Drake Pantry Earl Grey Infused MAPLE SYRUP, $29, drakegeneralstore.ca.

52 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

6

Give your host a set of these cute mini crackers. Each boasts a lip gloss inside.

5

ILLUSTRATIONS, GENEVIEVE PIZZALE (MUSIC NOTES)

4

40

$

for the fun & festive kiddos

ER AND UND

tment of An assor al at’ll appe goodies th rs and ste to young alike. s n e te

This star-studded rotating projector light is making a case for nightlights being cool no matter how old you are.

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Connected to a smartphone, this techie treat offers an immersive 360-degree view.

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Who doesn't love to open a new set of pj's on Christmas Eve?

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5

1. Desktop TABLE HOCKEY, $27, ebay.ca/holiday. 2. Arespark star nightlight PROJECTOR, $23, amazon.ca. 3. Hype wireless karaoke MICROPHONE, $40, thebay.com. 4. PAJAMAS, $16, joefresh.com. 5. HAIR BAND, $10, joefresh.com. 6. Bluetooth SPEAKER, $25, winners.ca.

7. VIEW-MASTER virtual reality starter pack, $35, indigo.ca.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 53

our 12 days of WISH LIST

1

Winter is here, so slip into this beauty from The North Face’s newest collection of premium winter coats.

2

Cryos down PARKA, $900, thenorthface.com.

Celebrate the VIP cook in your life with this vibrant high-quality cast-iron French oven.

FRENCH OVEN in Cerise, $380, lecreuset.ca.

3

This spectacular diamond-studded watch, with its rose-gold stainlesssteel case, absolutely dazzles.

Bulova Rubaiyat WATCH, $1,195, thebay.com.

This latest from the Rolls-Royce of blenders has five preprogrammed settings.

4

A3500 Ascent Series BLENDER, $820, vitamix.ca.

5

The woman who has everything probably doesn’t have this decadent facial set infused with anti-inflammatory gold.

Omorovicza Gold FACIAL SET, $705, omorovicza.com.

54 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

6

This diminutive smart oven does it all—including roasting a turkey and air-frying french fries—right on your countertop.

Smart OVEN Air, $600, breville.ca.

Customize your jewellery with these elegant stackable and switchable rings!

7

8

The most-coveted small appliance in the beauty department, this hair dryer’s focused airflow and intelligent heat help prevent damage.

Iconic silver stackable Pebble RING, $150, Muse RING, $175, Bee Chic RING, $150, and Rock & Pearl RING, $150, birks.com.

Supersonic HAIR DRYER, $500, dysoncanada.ca.

9

This all-in-one Fitbit watch tracks your sleep, heart rate and cardio. Plus, it’s water-resistant and stores your music.

Ionic ACTIVITY TRACKER, $400, fitbit.com.

10

And don’t forget the gift to yourself.

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Queen-size MATTRESS, $850, endy.com.

11

12

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Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.

Designed to be a keepsake, this charm bracelet celebrates life’s milestones.

Sweetie made-to-order BRACELET, $500, linksoflondon.com.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 55

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motivation of the month HOLIDAY HELPERS The best way to give? Give back!

Set aside some time this season and secure your position on Santa’s “nice” list: Spend Christmas morning volunteering at a soup kitchen, adopt a family to spoil, deliver stockings of toiletries to a women’s shelter or ask for donations to a favourite charity in lieu of gifts.

PHOTOGRAPHY, ISTOCKPHOTO

life & community serenity now

money talks

exclusive excerpt

great reads

58 60 62 68

LIFE & COMMUNITY serenity now

The Power of Giving Redefine the way you give for the health of the whole family.

TEXT LIZA FINLAY ILLUSTRATION WENTING LI

About this time each year, we are reminded that it’s better to give than to receive.

This old adage is usually doled out to youth medicinally, in an admonishing tone designed to shame them into reluctant appeasement for receiving a paperback (again) when what they really wanted was a PlayStation.

Sometimes it’s all about the delivery. While a spoonful of sugar does help get those medicinal morsels down, even better is a healthy side order of science. It turns out Grandma was right: It is, in fact, healthier to give than to receive. And there’s proof.

A colleague of mine studied 115 adults living with HIV-AIDS and found that social interest (acting in the interests of others) and selfWUDQVFHQGHQFH WKH DELOLW\ WR ¿QG PHDQLQJ EH\RQG VHOI ZHUH VLJQL¿FDQWO\ FRUUHODWHG ZLWK improved well-being. In another notable study, researchers tracked adults with cardiovascular disease and found that those who helped others experienced markedly lower rates of subsequent cardiac events and depression.

It’s this simple: By helping others, we help ourselves—physically, mentally and emotionally.

This is likely not earth-shattering news to most of you. We are a generous bunch, with almost half of all Canadians over the age of 15 volunteering some of their time.

We’re all wired for empathy. We’re born with the hardware we need to feel compassion and generosity. But like that clamshell in your basement, the circuitry gets rusty and overwritten if it’s not used—so we should nourish it in the youth around us. We see the circuitry start ¿ULQJ LQ LQIDQF\ 7KH ¿UVW VWHS WRZDUG VHOI WUDQVFHQGHQFH LV VHOI VẊFLHQF\ DQG WKDW LV witnessed by the instinctive urge of babies to pull to sitting, then to standing, then to reach for that elevator button (which is why kids go ape if you press the button before them). They want to be like us. They have a preternatural need to belong. If we play our cards right, they grow to realize that a crucial part of belonging is contributing to the whole.

58 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

So here’s what I recommend: Plan family giving together and discuss what everyone would be willing to give up so the family, as a whole, can give more (my clan serves meals at a local RXWUHDFK FHQWUH EXW MXVW DV JHQHURXV LV DQ R̆HU to shovel an elderly neighbour’s driveway).

Acknowledge family members’ steps toward socially interested living. Do so and you’ll see more giving—in family, friends and the kids around you. Even better? You’ll have helped them live a healthier life.

LIZA FINLAY IS A REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND AUTHOR OF LOST & FOUND: THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF WOMEN AT MIDLIFE.

THIS MONTH

TRY THIS

Your daily mantra is simple, and it’s this: My contribution counts.

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LIFE & COMMUNITY money talks

Find the Perfect Financial Adviser for You

Ask these seven questions to ensure that you find the right fit.

TEXT SCOTT HANNAH

SO YOU’VE MADE WKH GHFLVLRQ WR VHH D ¿QDQFLDO

adviser—great! Together, you can work toward growing your VDYLQJV DQG PHHWLQJ ¿QDQFLDO JRDOV OLNH UHWLULQJ FRPIRUWDEO\ %XW EHIRUH \RX HQWUXVW \RXU ¿QDQFLDO IXWXUH WR D WRWDO VWUDQJHU GR \RXU GXH GLOLJHQFH &KHFN WKH DGYLVHU¶V EDFNground and have a meeting to determine whether his or her H[SHULHQFH DQG TXDOL¿FDWLRQV DUH D ¿W IRU \RX 0HHW ZLWK DW OHDVW WKUHH SHRSOH EHIRUH \RX PDNH \RXU FKRLFH DQG WUXVW \RXU JXW ,I \RX¶UH QRW WRWDOO\ FRPIRUWDEOH ¿QG VRPHRQH HOVH 7KLV LV RQH RI WKH PRVW LPSRUWDQW PRQHWDU\ GHFLVLRQV \RX ZLOO PDNH VR JR LQ SUHSDUHG WR KDYH D IUDQN GLVFXVVLRQ GRQ¶W VHWWOH IRU OHVV +HUH DUH VRPH NH\ TXHVWLRQV WR DVN WR KHOS \RX FUHDWH WKH IXWXUH \RX ZDQW

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK

2

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PLANNER AND WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS? Find out what the

HOW WILL YOU SELECT INVESTMENT PRODUCTS FOR ME? Will the

DGYLVHU¶V FUHGHQWLDOV DUH &KHFN ZLWK SURYLQFLDO UHJXODWRUV WR VHH LI WKHUH KDYH EHHQ DQ\ FRPSODLQWV ORGJHG RU GLVFLSOLQDU\ DFWLRQ WDNHQ

adviser choose from a broad range of investments from different companies or offer only particular products, like mutual funds from certain companies? Does the adviser make more money by recommending one product over another? Will the adviser earn money every time he or she buys or sells a product?

60 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

3 WITH WHAT SERVICES WILL YOU PROVIDE ME?

Some advisers have a limited scope and sell only insurance and mutual funds, while others provide tax, financial- and estate-planning services.

4 HOW MANY CLIENTS DO YOU HAVE WITH A SIMILAR FINANCIAL SITUATION TO MINE?

5

7

HOW ARE YOU PAID?

DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES I CAN CALL? If the adviser

Be clear on whether the adviser charges a fee for services or is commission-based.

6 HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET AND WILL YOU BE AVAILABLE BY PHONE AND EMAIL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

says no, take that as a sign to politely leave and find someone else to work with.

SCOTT HANNAH IS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE CREDIT COUNSELLING SOCIETY. FOR MORE INFO, VISIT MYMONEY COACH.CA.

ILLUSTRATIONS, ISTOCKPHOTO

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Christmas Vinyl Cafe AT THE

It’s been less than a year since we said goodbye to one of Canada’s beloved storytellers, Stuart McLean.

Listening to his one-hour CBC Radio show, The Vinyl Cafe KDV EHHQ DQ XQṘFLDO QDWLRQDO SDVWLPH VLQFH )RU PDQ\ RI XV 'DYH DQG 0RUOH\ WKH ¿FWLRQDO VWDUV RI PDQ\ RI KLV VWRULHV IHHO OLNH IDPLO\ /XFNLO\ WKH\¶UH LQYLWHG WR VSHQG WKH KROLGD\V ZLWK XV RQH PRUH WLPH LQ D QHZ DQWKRORJ\ Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe— DQG KHUH¶V DQ H[FOXVLYH ORRN DW RQH RI RXU IDYRXULWH VWRULHV EHVW UHDG ZLWK D FXS RI FRFRD LQ KDQG

62 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

EXCERPTED FROM CHRISTMAS AT THE VINYL CAFE. COPYRIGHT © 2017 BY THE ESTATE OF STUART MCLEAN. PUBLISHED BY VIKING CANADA, AN IMPRINT OF PENGUIN CANADA, A DIVISION OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE CANADA LIMITED. REPRODUCED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE PUBLISHER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LIFE & COMMUNITY exclusive excerpt

CHRISTMAS AT THE

TURLINGTONS’ DAVE AND MORLEY TAKE CHRISTMAS DISASTER TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.

ILLUSTRATIONS, ISTOCKPHOTO

N

o one in God’s great creation gives themselves over to Christmas more than Morley’s neighbour Mary Turlington—to the season and the spirit behind it, to be sure, but not only to the season and the spirit: to the whole nine yards, to all the noise that surrounds Christmas.

“I’ve chosen my Christmas colour,” Mary announced triumphantly to her husband, Bert, one night last summer.

“I’m doing cinnamon this year.”

Notice it’s not “we.” Not “we are” doing cinnamon.

For Mary Turlington, Christmas is a solo sport.

“We’ll need a copper tree,” she said to Bert a few days later.

And catch that shift: it’s an important distinction.

Mary writes the score, but Mary expects her husband, Bert, to be in the band. By right of marriage, Bert is enlisted, inducted, and suited up.

Mary, who is taken up with and over by Christmas every year, became particularly focused on this Christmas at the end of November.

Until the end of November, Mary believed her mother and her sister and her sister’s husband and their four children and her brother and his kids were all coming to her house for Christmas.

But one by one her family had bailed. Her brother got D QHZ MRE DQG FRXOGQ¶W D̆RUG WKH WLPH DZD\ +HU VLVWHU¶V husband got sick. Her mother said, “I don’t know. I don’t know. If no one else is coming maybe I should stay home.”

Anyone else might have been disappointed. Anyone else so caught up in Christmas preparations might have fallen apart. What’s the point? they might have asked.

I work so hard and no one cares.

Mary didn’t fall apart. Mary dug deeper.

“It means we can do things my way for a change,” she said to Bert.

Apparently, Mary, who had been all about commitment, had also been all about compromise.

“I thought I was going to have to do turkey again this year,” said Mary. “Emma’s so conservative on the question of turkey.”

On the question of turkey at Christmas, Bert felt pretty conservative himself. But he was conservative enough not to mention it.

Instead of being unsettled that her plans were unravelling, Mary was becoming unleashed. She was Mary, Unshackled.

“What do you think of henna?” she said to Bert one night.

“Who?” asked Bert.

“If we hennaed your hair,” said Mary, “think of how nice you would go with the copper tree.”

Mary had, apparently, shifted into some previously undiscovered Christmas gear. And Bert, who had always been delighted by his wife’s Christmas cheer, was beginning to feel something that was not delight. It was a bigger feeling than delight, a whirling sort of feeling.

Fear.

Bert was afraid Mary’s Christmas was about to overtake him. He felt like the Cadillac in that song about the little Nash Rambler.

“Beep, beep,” said Bert.

“What?” said Mary.

“Oh nothing,” said Bert.

As Christmas got closer, Mary set out their collection RI &KULVWPDV FDQGOHV²D SDUDGH RI OLWWOH SDUḊQ PHQ and women in chipped red-and-yellow choir robes.

“I know they are cheesy,” she said, “but I love these more than anything.”

The candles had been in Mary’s family since before she was born. Mary’s parents had bought the choirmaster DQG KLV ZLIH RQ WKHLU ¿UVW &KULVWPDV WRJHWKHU D PDQ DQG D ZRPDQ VLQJLQJ WKHLU OLWWOH SDUḊQ KHDUWV RXW Mary’s mother added to the candle collection each time she had a child.

When her children married, Mary’s mother added wax ¿JXUHV IRU HDFK QHZ KXVEDQG RU ZLIH $QG WKHQ IRU HDFK RI WKH JUDQGFKLOGUHQ $IWHU ¿IW\ &KULVWPDVHV WKHUH ZHUH now twenty-three candles that lived, eleven months of the year, wrapped in tissue at the bottom of a shoebox, and spent the holiday season marching along the mantel, the WZR RULJLQDO FDQGOHV DW WKH KHDG RI WKH SDUḊQ SDUDGH Only one candle had ever been lit. When Mary’s sister’s ¿UVW KXVEDQG OHIW KHU IRU KLV DHURELFV LQVWUXFWRU 0DU\¶V mother removed his candle from the collection. She burned it in the front window on Halloween. Then she scraped what UHPDLQHG RI WKH FDQGOH R̆ WKH ZLQGRZ IUDPH ZUDSSHG WKH little wax puddle in beautiful gold foil, and mailed it to the R̆HQGLQJ H[ KXVEDQG WKH IROORZLQJ &KULVWPDV Ever since then, the candles have assumed iconic status.

Every Christmas, Mary’s mother picks up her candle and says, “Maybe, when I die, you could place mine on my FṘQ DQG OLJKW LW ´ “We’ll never light them,” said Mary. “Never.”

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 63

The first words out of his mouth were

“My God…what happened to your tree?”

Mary found a local welder to make a copper tree. He came to the house to measure their living room in early December. “I’m going to use steel,” he said, “but it will be oxidized steel, so it will be copper-coloured. It will look sort of…sort of…” He was searching for the right word.

“Dead?” said Bert.

That was the night Mary told Bert she had settled on scallops for Christmas dinner. ³, DP JRLQJ WR SRDFK WKHP LQ VD̆URQ ´ VKH VDLG ³VR they will look nice with the tree.”

That was the moment that galvanized Bert. That was the moment he decided the time for action had arrived.

He was standing in his driveway when lightning struck.

1RW OLWHUDOO\ OLJKWQLQJ EXW FORVH 7KHUH ZDV D ÀDVK DQG D ORXG FODS DQG %HUW MXPSHG EDFN KLV KDQGV À\LQJ XS WR protect his head. As he stood there, uncertain what had MXVW KDSSHQHG D JLDQW VHW RI ¿EUHJODVV UHLQGHHU DQWOHUV fell out of the sky and planted themselves in the front lawn right beside him.

Bert stared at the vibrating antlers, thinking how ironic it would have been, given his current situation, to have been taken out by a giant Christmas decoration.

Then he looked up and spotted his neighbour Dave running down the sidewalk with his face covered in soot and his eyebrows singed.

“You’ll never believe what just happened,” said Dave, panting.

It was obvious to Bert what had to be done. Mary needed to be distracted, or Christmas, as Bert knew and loved it, was going to be lost. If Mary’s family wasn’t going to show up and do the job, Bert needed someone else to take up the slack. Someone to preoccupy her. Someone who rubbed up against his wife a bit, the way her sister did.

“Hey,” said Bert. “Dave, good to see you.”

And that is why, two weeks later, at two o’clock on Christmas afternoon, Morley looked at her husband across the mess of their living room and said, “If we’re going to get to the Turlingtons’ on time, we’d better start getting ready.”

Dave was standing by the couch in his pyjamas, kneedeep in wrapping paper. He was holding his present for Morley. It looked as if it had been wrapped by a small animal with no opposable thumbs.

“This is for you,” he said, holding out the package to Morley. He kicked his way toward her as if it was an October afternoon and he was kicking his way through a leaf-strewn park.

“I love you,” he said.

64 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

Sam, twelve years old and crawling through the paper toward the back of the tree like a caver, stopped dead and looked over his shoulder at his parents. “Will you two please stop talking like that in front of me? It’s inappropriate,” he said.

At two o’clock in the afternoon at Dave’s house, Christmas was still in full swing.

Next door, however, at the Turlingtons’ house, at Christmas Central, there was very little evidence that Christmas had ever happened.

The Turlington twins had already taken their presents back to their rooms and put things away in their drawers and cupboards. And while Sam dove under a pile of paper as if he was snorkelling, the Turlington twins, dressed in their matching Christmas sweaters, were at the diningroom table writing thank-you cards. Eighteen-year-old Adam was sitting on the sofa carefully folding wrapping paper and sorting it into two neatly labelled boxes: one marked Recycle and one marked Reuse. Mary was vacuuming, in a pair of gold kitten-heel shoes. $QG QRZ WKHVH WZR GL̆HUHQW FXOWXUHV ZHUH DERXW to be brought under the same roof.

Dave and Morley, Sam and Stephanie, were heading up the Turlingtons’ walk.

As they stood on the Turlingtons’ stoop, Morley turned and took Dave’s arm at the elbow.

“Best behaviour,” she said.

“Very best,” said Dave, nodding earnestly.

He meant it.

They were both thinking of other dinners at the Turlingtons’—of the competitive strain that seemed to hover between Dave and Mary, of the abrasive discussions, political and pedestrian.

Dave took a deep breath.

“Very best,” he said again as he reached out and rang the bell.

Mary opened the door. There was an uncomfortable beat before anyone said anything.

Mary was wearing a long black evening gown and gold HDUULQJV +HU KDLU ZDV D VWUDQJHO\ DUWL¿FLDO VKDGH RI RUDQJH sprayed and pulled tightly up into a bun. The expression on her face suggested that she had been expecting the queen but was faced instead with a man from the stables.

If you could have seen inside both of them, Mary in KHU IRUPDO GUHVV DQG 'DYH LQ KLV FRUGV DQG D ÀDQQHO VKLUW you could have watched their hearts sinking, both of them thinking, How did I get myself into this?

He glanced down at the bowl. There were dried cranberries in there, and what looked like bits of cinnamon stick, but what he had thought were tiny crackers or sweetSRWDWR FKLSV ZHUH QRZ ORRNLQJ VXVSLFLRXVO\ OLNH WKH VWX̆ you might use at the bottom of a hamster cage. His teeth ground away at what he now realized were cedar shavings.

It dawned on him that he was eating Mary’s Christmas potpourri. When he looked up to see if anyone had noticed, he caught Mary staring at him from the living room.

Instead of spitting into his hand, which was what he had been about to do, Dave smiled gamely and swallowed.

Bert handed Morley a glass of wine and reached for his camera. “Hold it there, Dave,” said Bert.

The more Dave tried, the worse things got.

“Just don’t touch anything,” whispered Morley, taking a clove-studded orange from Dave’s hand.

Before either of them had time for a second thought, 'DYH VDZ 0DU\ 7XUOLQJWRQ¶V &KULVWPDV WUHH IRU WKH ¿UVW time. It had a steel trunk and steel branches and steel needles and steel decorations. Dave, who had been expecting greenery, blinked. To Dave, the tree looked… rusty. The tree looked sharp, like a kind of giant, corroded medieval weapon. Or a bombed-out electrical WRZHU OHIW URWWLQJ LQ WKH ¿HOGV RI D ZDUWRUQ FRXQWU\ These are the thoughts that were tumbling through Dave’s mind as he stood in the hall with his mouth open. $QG WKH YHU\ ¿UVW ZRUGV WKDW FDPH RXW RI KLV PRXWK were not “Happy Christmas, Mary,” or “Mary, you look ZRQGHUIXO ´ 7KH ¿UVW ZRUGV RXW RI KLV PRXWK ZHUH ³0\ God...what happened to your tree?”

Morley saw Mary’s jaw twitch. She thought she heard a faraway whoosh. It was the sound of an evening of merriment being sucked from the house.

Dave glanced helplessly at Morley.

I’m trying, his expression seemed to say.

Morley stared back: Try harder.

Bert ushered everyone into the living room, posing them around the rusting tree, chatting with forced cheeriness. He pulled out his new digital camera.

“Everyone smile,” said Bert hopefully.

'DYH GLG WU\ KDUGHU ,Q DQ H̆RUW WR VKRZ 0DU\ WKDW he appreciated her hospitality, he sank his hand into a bowl of gourmet snack mix that was on the hall table. %XW DV VRRQ DV KH SRSSHG WKH VWX̆ LQ KLV PRXWK KH NQHZ he had a problem.

Everyone was in the kitchen. And everyone was busy.

0DU\ ZDV GXVWLQJ WKH WXUNH\ ZLWK VD̆URQ 0RUOH\ ZDV tossing the salad. Bert was taking pictures.

“What can I do?” Dave whispered to Morley.

“Just be helpful,” said Morley. “Look around for something that needs doing and do it.”

Dave couldn’t see anything that needed doing in the kitchen. He went into the dining room.

7KHUH ZHUH ÀRZHU SHWDOV DQG OLWWOH SLHFHV RI EURQ]H coloured glitter all over the table.

He went to the hall closet and got the hand vac and hoovered them up.

7KHQ KH SLFNHG XS PDWFKHV IURP WKH EX̆HW DQG KHDGHG toward the mantel. One by one, he lit the wicks in the heads of the little wax choir. The twenty-three candles cast a remarkable glow.

It dawned on him that he was eating Mary’s

Christmas potpourri.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 65

There was a whoosh

and a flash and the pudding went up

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LIFE & COMMUNITY great reads

Book

Club

Canadian Living staffers love a good book— and we know you do, too! Here’s our roundup of titles to tempt you into enjoying a peaceful hour or two spent in solitary splendour during this season of social events.

Sara’s

PICK

Beartown

Malagash

FICTION

FICTION

(SIMON & SCHUSTER)

BY FREDRIK BACKMAN, $25.

(ECW PRESS)

BY JOEY COMEAU, $16.

In a remote sylvan Swedish town, three things are true: Everyone knows everyone, hockey is king and something truly horrible is about to happen. When the star of the juniors, who is set to take his team to a big win, is accused of assault, the town is torn apart. As intimate and compelling as it is devastating and heart-wrenching, this novel delivers an important commentary on rape, rape culture and the dangers of allowing celebrity idolization to dictate right and wrong. It harks back to so many headlines in the news these days and is hands down one of the best books I read this year. —SC

Sunday’s father is dying. She’s only an adolescent but old enough to know she’s sad and she’s angry and she doesn’t want him to go. So, in her grief, she starts a project and begins to record everything her father says in the hopes of having him “live” forever. A glimpse into Sunday’s family was all it took for me to be invested in this preteen girl and her introspective journey through the pain of a parent’s illness. —AD

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR? TELL US (AND SEE OUR STAFF PICKS) AT CANADIANLIVING.COM/BOOKCLUB.

68 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

The Shoe on the Roof FICTION (SIMON & SCHUSTER)

BY WILL FERGUSON, $32.

Trying to emerge from his revered psychiatrist father’s shadow, Harvard medical student Thomas 5RVDQR̆ KDV VWDUWHG DQ H[SHULPHQW LQ DQ H̆RUW WR FXUH WKUHH homeless men who claim they’re Jesus Christ by bringing them together—there can’t be three saviours in the world. When his IDWKHU ¿QGV RXW DOO JRHV DZU\ DQG Thomas starts to unravel. From miracles and messiahs to madness and murders, this tale teeming with irreverent charm and tragic heroism is another gem from this Giller Prize–winning author. —SC

READ IT, She’s released 19 studio albums, but most Joni Mitchell fans come back to one particular song or lyric. Mine?

“A Case of You,” which is inspired by, coincidentally, another famed Canadian poet, Leonard Cohen. —AD

SEE IT The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (DOUBLEDAY)

BY MARK HADDON, $21.

PHOTOGRAPHY, MIRVISH PRODUCTIONS (THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME)

The National Theatre’s Olivier and Tony Award–winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is taking Canada by storm.

Adapted from Mark Haddon’s beloved 2003 novel about Christopher Boone, it’s about an autistic 15-year-old whose world is turned upside down when he works to uncover who’s behind the mysterious death of his neighbour’s dog. —AE

OUR STAFF REVIEWERS

The Sun and Her Flowers

Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell

POETRY

BIOGRAPHY

(SIMON & SCHUSTER)

BY RUPI KAUR, $20.

(HARPERCOLLINS)

BY DAVID YAFFE, $35.

Have tissue at hand because this book of short and sweet poetry will tug at your heartstrings. Taking readers on a lovelorn journey through chapters such as “Wilting,” “Falling,” “Rooting,” “Rising” and “Blooming,” Canadian author (and illustrator) Rupi Kaur touches on themes of weakness and resilience, loneliness and community, history and legacy. The kind of book you can digest in the tiniest morsels and still feel nourished, it’s something you’ll want to read aloud to anyone around—my friends can attest to that! —SC

, ¿UVW GLVFRYHUHG -RQL 0LWFKHOO¶V album, Blue, as a preteen while rooting through my parents’ music collection.

It was simple and honest and yearning, and I was hooked—the sad, soulful love songs are ripe for a teenager’s angst. %XW DGXOW PH ORYHV -RQL 0LWFKHOO PRUH and as I read about her life—detailed meticulously and with love in David <D̆H¶V ELRJUDSK\²LW¶V KDUG QRW WR EH amazed by her success. An Albertaborn Canadian who inspired awe in HYHU\RQH VKH PHW 0LWFKHOO PDVWHUHG music in a way that resonates with us all. National treasure, indeed. —AD

Alexandra Donaldson loves reading literary fiction, essay collections, dark humour, Canadian authors and magical realism. This, and the fact that she’s one of our resident fashion editors, makes her the closest thing we have to Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Sara Cation has wept-in-public her way through a litany of literary heartbreaks, from The Little Prince to A Little Life, but she’s buoyed by the humour of Shteyngart and the prose of Safran Foer. She’ll read anything set in North Korea or India but never touches self-help books or cheesy romances…not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Amanda Etty has an affinity for nail-biting thrillers and smart, funny books written by smart, funny women. She’s always on the hunt for her next favourite novel, although she’s currently working her way through a stack of parenting books (toddlers, right?).

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 69

Canadian Living promotion

A Newfoundlander in Canada MEMOIR (DOUBLEDAY)

BY ALAN DOYLE, $33.

Hot Reads

From a Great Big Sea frontman’s adventures on tour to a tour-de-force coming-of-age novel, these hot-off-the-press tomes are perfect for the book lovers on your holiday list.

Musician and actor Alan Doyle reminisces about his tours of Canada with his band, Great Big Sea, in his second book, presenting coast-to-coast adventures such as peeing “up” Moncton, N.B.’s Magnetic Hill and hosting elevator parties in Saskatoon. Doyle’s tales are engaging, and like his music, they come from the heart.

Smitten Kitchen Every Day

Editor’s

PICK

Turtles All the Way Down YOUNG ADULT (DUTTON BOOKS)

BY JOHN GREEN, $26.

If the title doesn’t grab you (it’s a common phrase used in relation to infinite regress or the “unmoved mover” paradox), the author certainly will. John Green, known for his emotionally driven young-adult novels (you may have heard of The Fault in Our Stars), returns to the category with this moving story about 16-year-old Aza Holmes, who suffers from anxiety and is attempting to solve a mystery with her best friend. As Aza contends with her own inner monologue, which is a cacophony of doubting and worried thoughts, she digs deeper into the disappearance of a billionaire—who just happens to be the father of an old camp friend.

YOU COULD WIN! Head over to canadianliving.com/contests for your chance to win one of four prize packs with all four of this month’s hot reads and to subscribe to the Penguin Random House book lover’s newsletter.

70 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

COOKBOOK (APPETITE) BY DEB PERELMAN, $40.

Leave it to Smitten Kitchen blogger and cookbook author Deb Perelman to provide us with more than 100 reasons to cook (when you can surely think of hundreds of reasons not to). These unpretentious recipes include everything from drop biscuits to pizza beans to two chewy oatmeal-raisin chocolate chip mega cookies. Yum!

The Music Shop FICTION (BOND STREET BOOKS)

BY RACHEL JOYCE, $32.

Rachel Joyce’s latest is a love letter to the power of music. In it, a struggling record shop attracts an eclectic group of customers through its owner, Frank, who instinctively knows what music they’ll respond to. When the enigmatic Ilse appears, though, Frank must do some soul-searching of his own. Charmingly written with lots of background to well-known tunes—from Puccini to Duke Ellington to the Sex Pistols—The Music Shop is a must-read for those with a song in their heart.

No purchase necessary. Contest ends Dec. 6, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Contest is open to all legal residents of Canada who have reached the legal age of majority in their province/territory of residence at the time of entry.

To enter, visit canadianliving.com/contests. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing question required. Odds of winning depend on the number of online entries. Visit canadianliving.com/contests for eligibility requirements and complete contest rules.

PRESENTS

home for the

holidays YOU’RE INVITED

Enjoy a seasonal feast, complete with dinner and drinks, hosted

by Canadian Living food editor Paul Lillakas as he demonstrates delicious homestyle Tested-TillPerfect holiday recipes.

Join us!

Thurs., Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Twist Gallery 1100 Queen St. W., Toronto

TICKETS ARE ONLY $65 MUST BE LEGAL DRINKING AGE

To purchase tickets, visit canadianliving.com/vip.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

TAKE HOME A GREAT GIFT BAG!

Avoid eating unripe or insufficiently cooked elderberries, which can be poisonous.

health hack of the month IMMUNEBOOSTING ELDERBERRY SYRUP A big batch of this syrup is just the ticket for taking on flu season.

We swear by a spoonful of this tasty herbal remedy made from cinnamon, ginger, honey and antioxidant-rich elderberries to keep our bodies in tip-top shape all winter long.

Learn how to make your own elderberry syrup at canadianliving.com/ elderberrysyrup.

PHOTOGRAPHY, KAYLEY MCCABE

health & fitness ask an expert

get moving

superfood

body talk

74

76

78

80

HEALTH & FITNESS ask an expert

DR. JACQUELINE HOCHMAN, RHEUMATOLOGIST, WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL, TORONTO; DR. CATHERINE KELLY, PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL, TORONTO; DR. MICHELLE JACOBSON, GYNECOLOGIST AND MENOPAUSE SPECIALIST, WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL, TORONTO

Doctors IN THE HOUSE

This issue, our experts answer your questions on arthritis, thyroid disease and hormone therapy.

Q

I have arthritis.

What can I do to avoid flare-ups during the busy holidays?

Dr. Hochman says “Here are seven strategies for easing arthritis pain during the holidays: Pace yourself, and take a break.

Minimize the repetitive activities you do with your hands. Instead of chopping vegetables with a knife, for instance, use a food processor.

Do as many seated tasks as possible, like gift wrapping or making decorations, to reduce joint pain and conserve energy.

Pay attention to positioning.

When you’re carrying bags, hold them at waist height to protect your joints.

Use a cart or luggage on wheels when shopping or travelling.

Wear a brace or splint when doing repetitive activities.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising.”

74 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

Q

Is thyroid disease more prevalent in women? How can I find out if I have it?

Dr. Kelly says “Thyroid disease is more prevalent in women, and risk increases with age. Thyroid disease often runs in the family. It can be temporary— lasting a few weeks—or more permanent.

“The more common diagnosis of hypothyroidism—an underactive thyroid—is defined by constipation, sluggishness, irregular or heavier periods, a lower body temperature and weight gain. Symptoms for lessprevalent hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid—may include anxiety, insomnia, sweating, fine tremors, heart palpitations, lighter periods, an increase in bowel movements, weight loss and shortness of breath.

“If your health practitioner suspects that you have thyroid disease, he or she will measure your thyroid hormone levels with a blood test and check your family history and what medications and supplements you’re using, which can affect or interfere with your thyroid’s measurement.”

Q

I’m entering menopause. What do I need to know about hormone therapy?

Dr. Jacobson says “Menopausal hormone therapy is the use of prescribed medication to treat women experiencing menopausal symptoms. It’s also used to prevent cardiac, bone and brain disease in women who have undergone premature menopause.

The goal of hormone therapy is to treat patients with an appropriate dose of estrogen and progesterone to improve their symptoms.

“During a visit to your health practitioner, expect the following: 1. List your symptoms, for example, hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disturbances.

2. Evaluate your quality of life: Are these symptoms impacting your day-to-day activities?

3. If your life is suffering due to these symptoms, the doctor can develop an individualized treatment plan that takes a variety of factors, such as age and medical history, into account.”

Send your health questions to cl.readers@tva.ca.

MAKE

When something is made with love, it shows— whether it’s the food on your holiday table or the hand-built machine that helped you prepare it.

Vitamix® Ascent™ Series blenders, with revolutionary smart technology, are built to make quick, easy recipes for years to come, guaranteed. So you can savor every special moment with the ones who mean the most to you.

Visit vitamix.com/make-merry and celebrate the season with special offers, recipes and more.

TRAINER’S

HEALTH & FITNESS get moving

TIP

Upper-body strength

1

Wondering when’s the best time to work out? Nike master trainer Eva Redpath suggests following your body’s clock. “If you’re an early bird, morning exercise could be ideal. If you’re a night owl, evening might be best; however, be sure to follow it with a calming bedtime routine, including light stretching or meditation, to put you in a relaxed state for sleep,” she says. “If your schedule allows, a lunchtime workout, with the accountability of coworkers, is always a good option. Consistency and the ability to commit are most important. So the best time of day to exercise is when it works for you.”

modified triceps pushup eight to 12 reps x three sets

START HERE Begin in a kneeling position.

1 PLACE YOUR HANDS ON THE FLOOR SHOULDER-WIDTH APART, KEEPING YOUR SHOULDERS IN LINE WITH YOUR HANDS. 2 BEND AT THE ELBOWS TO LOWER YOUR CHEST TOWARD THE FLOOR, KEEPING YOUR ELBOWS TIGHT TO YOUR SIDES. 3 PUSH UP. REPEAT.

VIDEO

HOW-TO Master your technique: Watch Eva do these moves at canadianliving.com/ getmoving.

76 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY, GENEVIÈVE CARON. HAIR AND MAKEUP, JUKKA/DAVINES/MAKE UP FOR EVER/PLUTINO GROUP. CLOTHING AND SHOES, NIKE.COM

Nike master trainer Eva Redpath’s upperbody circuit tones and builds support while improving core stability.

Keep your core engaged, and focus on form over repetitions. A pushup can always be modified by doing the exercise from your knees.

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SLEEP WELL START HERE Begin in a plank position with your elbows in line with your shoulders.

2

plank walks eight to 12 reps x three sets

1 PLACE ONE HAND ON THE FLOOR, FOLLOWED BY YOUR OTHER HAND, KEEPING YOUR CORE ENGAGED.

Christy lives in Ontario.

She recently came across the natural remedy Melissa Dream™, which relieved her long time battle with sleepless nights.

Here is her story:

All I wanted was to sleep through the night !

2 PUSH UP INTO A HIGH PLANK POSITION. 3 RETURN TO THE STARTING POSITION. REPEAT.

The past few years I’ve had trouble getting a complete night’s sleep.

I fall asleep but wake up a few hours later and just lay there. It was draining and all I wanted was to sleep through the night.

I WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NATURAL

3

overhead pike pushups

eight to 12 reps x three sets

I never tried medications, as I am scared of becoming dependent, so I was looking for natural solutions. When I first noticed Melissa Dream, in its yellow package, I was immediately intrigued. The ingredients made complete sense to

me, as I have used many of them in teas and knew they were safe.

NOW I AM SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT So I tried Melissa Dream! I started sleeping a little better every night until, by the third night, I had a deep and wonderful sleep all night long. Now, in the mornings, I feel great and I have much more energy. My sleep is back to normal, and I am so much better at tackling the chores of the day. I am truly happy I found this product!

START HERE Begin in a high plank position.

1 PUSH YOUR HIPS BACK AND UP INTO A PIKE POSITION. 2 BEND AT THE ELBOWS, LOWERING YOUR UPPER BODY TOWARD THE FLOOR.

PLANT EXTRACTS THAT MAKE YOU SLEEP ALL NIGHT LONG !

3 PAUSE, THEN PUSH BACK UP UNTIL YOUR ARMS ARE STRAIGHT. REPEAT.

Melissa Dream™ is based on the newest studies of how plant extracts can be used to calm your mind and body. It has been documented, that within 30 minutes of taking the ingredients in these tablets, you feel a deep relaxation that relieves stress and gently makes you feel sleepy. There are no side effects, no waking up drowsy, no dependency. It’s simply nature doing its work.

EVA REDPATH IS A WOMEN’S FITNESS LEADER AND CANADA’S NIKE MASTER TRAINER. FOR WORKOUT AND WELLNESS INSPIRATION, FIND EVA ON INSTAGRAM @EVAREDPATH.

Melissa Dream™ is available at participating pharmacies and health food stores. For more information or to purchase online, please visit our website or call 1-877-696-6734. www.newnordic.ca

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 77

Online Store

HEALTH & FITNESS

superfood

HOUSEKEEPING

TIP

Turmeric Warming, peppery and slightly bitter, this rhizome has long been prized in eastern medicine. Modern VFLHQFH KDV VLQFH FRQ¿UPHG that it can help heal and prevent a laundry list of ailments.

Turmeric’s bright pigment can cause staining that won’t disappear using water alone.

Use detergent to lift a stain from fabric before gently dabbing it out. Sunlight can also fade a turmeric stain.

TEXT AMANDA ETTY RECIPE JENNIFER DANTER & THE TEST KITCHEN

THE BENEFITS

• Turmeric has a high concentration of curcumin (the bright yellow pigment that gives curry powder its golden hue), an anti-inflammatory antioxidant. According to Canadian expat Sarah Britton, a Copenhagen-based certified nutritional practitioner, holistic nutritionist and author of Naturally Nourished, it may lower cholesterol, reduce menstrual pain, protect the liver from toxins and soothe an upset stomach by aiding digestion and easing gas and bloating.

• Turmeric extracts have been shown to be as effective

as ibuprofen for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and the rhizome has been recognized by Health Canada as a powerful anti-inflammatory and joint-pain reliever.

• Britton recommends using the spice as a remedy for minor

cuts and skin irritations: Combine a teaspoon of ground turmeric and enough coconut oil to make a paste; apply to the infected area for up to an hour, then rinse.

Z TATA HARPER

BEAUTY

Recovery Gel, $42, jacoband sebastian.com.

NOTES

Take advantage of turmeric’s antioxidant and skin-healing benefits.

U KIEHL’S Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, $50, kiehls.ca.

78 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

Y NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES Deliciously Ella Rose, Lime & Cucumber Moisturiser, $51, nealsyardremedies.ca.

V WELL TOLD HEALTH Anti-Inflammatory Booster, $35, welltold.com.

GOOD

FOR YOU Season with black pepper, which helps your body absorb curcumin (the substance that gives turmeric its superfood status).

TURMERIC CHICKEN SOUP

PHOTOGRAPHY, MAYA VISNYEI. FOOD STYLING, CLAIRE STUBBS. PROP STYLING, RENÉE DREXLER/THE PROPS

MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 40 MINUTES REFRIGERATION TIME 1 HOUR TOTAL TIME 2½ HOURS

8 14 cups 2 tbsp 1 cup 2 2 2 1 1 ½ tsp ½ cup

bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed cold water cider vinegar chopped fresh cilantro stems or fresh parsley stems shallots, quartered carrots, coarsely chopped large cloves garlic, smashed piece (1 inch) fresh turmeric (unpeeled), thinly sliced piece (½ inch) fresh ginger (unpeeled), thinly sliced salt (approx) chopped fresh cilantro leaves or fresh parsley leaves

In Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chicken, water and vinegar; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; simmer for 30 minutes, skimming and discarding froth.

Stir in cilantro stems, shallots, carrots, garlic, turmeric and ginger; partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes.

Remove from heat; using tongs, transfer chicken to cutting board. Using 2 forks, shred into bite-size pieces; sprinkle with salt.

6WUDLQ EURWK WKURXJK ¿QH PHVK VLHYH LQWR VHSDUDWH large saucepan; discard solids. Return chicken to broth; stir in cilantro leaves. Season with salt to taste.

PER EACH OF 6 SERVINGS about 171 cal, 30 g pro, 5 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), trace carb (trace dietary fibre, 0 g sugar), 155 mg chol, 493 mg sodium, 611 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 11% iron, 2% vit A, 8% folate.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 79

ILLUSTRATIONS, ISTOCKPHOTO

HEALTH & FITNESS body talk

Hunger Games The holidays can wreak havoc on your wallet and \RXU ZDLVWOLQH 7KLV VHDVRQ don’t let your emotions snowball until WKH\ JHW WKH EHWWHU RI \RX TEXT GRACE TOBY

What is emotional eating?

“It’s the act of using food to cope with an unpleasant or negative emotion when the sensation of physical hunger is not present,” says Rachel Molenda, a Toronto-based emotional-and-disordered-eating coach DQG FHUWL¿HG KROLVWLF QXWULWLRQLVW

Determine your trigger Not sure if you fall into the stress-eating or mindless-snacking camp? Keep an emotionaleating journal (similar to a food diary), where you note what you eat, when you eat and how you feel (bored, stressed, lonely) before and after HDFK PHDO VXJJHVWV 0ROHQGD $IWHU MRXUQDOLQJ for a few days, a pattern should crystallize and provide insight into your emotional triggers and WKH FRQQHFWLRQV EHWZHHQ \RXU PRRG DQG IRRG

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 81

Five reasons you may be

emotionally eating

1

2

3

Boredom

Stress

Sadness

Once the tree is trimmed and the gifts are wrapped, we’re all for a soupçon of hygge (the Danish concept of getting cozy). But do you find it difficult to wind down, or are you easily bored with mundane tasks? “We’re conditioned to be constantly stimulated or busy,” says Molenda.

“The moment we have free time, we don’t know how to fill the vacuum, so we load up on food to take its place or bring a burst of pleasure to humdrum tasks.”

If stress-eating sugar cookies is your go-to to get through the holiday rush, there might be something physiological behind it.

“When we’re stressed, our adrenal glands produce cortisol—the hormone responsible for increasing appetite—because the brain has sent a message that we’re in fight-orflight mode,” says Molenda. When you’re in this frenzied state, you might crave highcarbohydrate foods that could fuel this feeling to fight or flee.

STRATEGIES Ask yourself, “Am I physically hungry?”

Rate your hunger on a scale from zero to 10, with zero being hangry and 10 being post-buffet satiated.

You may need to eat if you rate your hunger as a four or less.

If you rate it as a five or more, you may not be really hungry. Note how you’re feeling mentally, emotionally and physically when the urge to eat strikes.

STRATEGIES Deep breathing is one of the best and quickest ways to shift your body into restand-digest mode.

Is the most wonderful time of the year actually the worst? For many, the festive season can evoke feelings of loneliness and melancholy, which might stem from the loss of a loved one or a failed relationship. “Most of us have been taught to remove the feeling of pain the moment it strikes and are not content to sit with our own discomfort,” says Molenda. “Food is often used to reduce the intensity of a lowspirited mood or to provide instant pleasure.” However, the temporary relief you receive while drowning your sorrows in a tub of candy cane ice cream could later result in feelings of guilt and shame.

Feed your appetite, not your feelings Whether you’re craving something salty or sweet, Kiki Athanassoulias, a Toronto-based healthy-eating coach, shares some food swaps that are sure to satisfy.

FOR BOREDOM Before you have a snack attack, assess if you’re truly hungry or if you’re just thirsty.

First, drink a glass of water.

FOR STRESS Instead of scarfing down your dinner in two bites, have a meal that takes time to eat, like a bowl of hot soup.

FOR SADNESS If you have a case of the holiday blues, it might be a sign you’re seeking dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. Rather than going elbow-deep into a box of chocolates, toss two tablespoons of raw cacao nibs into a smoothie or some yogurt; raw cacao contains phenethylamine, a natural compound that helps increase endorphins and other pleasure-inducing neurochemicals in the brain.

FOR DISCOMFORT Opt for lighter, more nourishing choices that still provide the comfort you crave—mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes on top of a shepherd’s pie, for example.

FOR ANGER Practise the art of delayed gratification. Give the craving 10 minutes to pass, then if you’re actually hungry, create a calming experience with a cup of chamomile tea and a healthy snack, for instance.

82 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

*

room for more *fun.Make Break up a boring to-do list by taking a yoga class or going ice-skating.

*

Book a session with *a natural health-care practitioner to develop a protocol to support your adrenal glands.

Be more descriptive *about what you’re feeling, which can make it easier to take action.

Shift your thinking from I’m stressed to I’m stressed because I feel overwhelmed by my to-do list and worry I won’t get it all done. Create a plan of action to deal with the cause of the stress.

STRATEGIES Acknowledge your sadness. This may be an uncomfortable practice, but it’s crucial to address what you need and why.

*

Connect with a *friend to hug it out.

Practise some self*care: Take a bubble bath or Zen out with a mini meditation.

The War Amps Key Tag Service It works! Nearly 13,000 sets of lost keys are returned every year.

4

5

Discomfort

Anger

If your idea of yuletide spirit is consuming a gingerbread house reminiscent of your childhood traditions, then it might be time to honour those memories using a different method. “We learn from a young age to seek food as a form of comfort when it’s used to console us during moments of sadness, loneliness or discomfort,” says Molenda. Whether it’s to soothe a boo-boo or a breakup, certain foods, such as cookies and milk, can hold symbolic and sentimental meaning that we use to fill a void during a highly emotional time.

Along with the joy and the merriment, Christmastime can be a period of frustration and blame. The holiday season is ripe for bringing out irritation or rage, in the form of a small misunderstanding or a fullblown family feud.

“Many people carry anger with them without realizing it,” says Molenda. “Often, those who have a hard time expressing how they feel will turn to food. The anger may trigger the eating, which can intensify the emotion with a sense of disappointment for poor eating choices.”

STRATEGIES Get to the root of the problem by asking yourself what you’re feeling in an effort to identify what isn’t being fulfilled and what you need.

*

or talk*ingJournaling with family or friends can help soothe hurt feelings or sad memories.

STRATEGIES Physically release the anger. Try punching or screaming into a pillow, which may help relieve some of the fury.

“

Thank you for the safe return of my keys!

My car fob would have cost $265 to replace, so I am especially happy to have it back.

– Joffre

”

Protect the valuables on your key ring with a War Amps key tag and help support programs for amputees.

Jericho’s running legs were funded by The War Amps.

*

*

List the things that are annoying you or making you see red. You might be surprised by the actual root cause.

acknowledg*ingAfter the source of your annoyance, if you’re truly hungry, be mindful when snacking.

Order key tags online.

The War Amps 1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca Visit our website to make a donation or for information about leaving a gift in your will.

Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001

colour of the month PRETTY PINK From millennial to magenta, every little girl’s go-to hue is actually enjoyed by everyone. Adult women?

Of course. Adult men? You bet!

(Remember Ross’s salmon shirt on Friends?) This season, we’re bringing this sweet shade to gifts and garlands, baubles and beverages, complementing traditional red, green and blue with something more modern, playful and unexpected.

Touches of grey take pink from young and girlie to chic and contemporary.

PHOTOGRAPHY, RYAN BROOK

home & garden mix master

crafts

decorating

86

88

90

HOME & GARDEN mix master

CONSOLE

table

Bargain!

One show-stopping piece inspires two outstanding decorating looks.

PRODUCER MORGAN LINDSAY

OUR FAB FIND!

CHINOISERIE

ORNATE SHAPES, LAYERS OF BRASS AND GOLD, BOLD SHADES AND LOADS OF TEXTURE CREATE THIS RICH LOOK.

Whether you prefer contemporary or classic decor, this multitasking transitional console, with its clean lines and modest proportions, is simple—and sophisticated— enough to make itself right at home...in any home.

MID-CENTURY

SLEEK SILHOUETTES, WOOD TONES, GRAPHIC MOTIFS AND FRESH COLOURS DEFINE THIS CALI-COOL LOOK.

Kaia CONSOLE in White, $299, structube.ca.

Surya aged-gold MIRROR, $481, lowes.ca.

Conner MIRROR, $180, eq3.ca.

U Downpour Blue 2063-20 PAINT, benjaminmoore.ca.

Z Langley Street Ginsberg RUG in Light Grey/Gold, $210, wayfair.ca.

Z Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Oregon TABLE LAMP, $214, wayfair.ca.

V Cool Lemonade 6098-32 PAINT, sico.ca.

Z Roar + Rabbit Ripple TABLE LAMP in Turquoise, $259, westelm.com.

Y Jute Lohals RUG in Natural, $99, ikea.ca.

86 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

80,800 CANADIANS WILL DIE THIS YEAR FROM CANCER WE CAN’T ACT FAST ENOUGH When you give to Stand Up To Cancer Canada you enable top researchers and doctors to work together — in real time — to accelerate breakthrough treatments for patients today.

ACT NOW. SAVE LIVES. Please visit standuptocancer.ca to donate now.

Photo by Greg Williams.

Eddie Redmayne Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador Stand Up To Cancer Canada is a program of EIF Canada, a Canadian Registered Charity (Reg. #80550 6730 RR0001).

Stand Up To Cancer Canada brand marks are licensed trademarks of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

HOME & GARDEN crafts

doughnuts Add some unexpected sweetness to your holiday decor with these sparkly DIY ornaments made to resemble the most delectable treats.

MATERIALS [ ƙ LQFK ZRRGHQ WR\ ZKHHOV with recessed hubs • Flat white spray paint • White dimensional fabric paint • Small foam brush • Clear glue • Pink glitter • Ribbon

HOW TO

1 Using the spray paint, paint

each wheel. Repeat with as many coats as needed to cover. Let dry.

2 To create the “icing,” squeeze

the fabric paint onto one side of the wheel (it should look natural, as if the glaze on a real doughnut was drizzled over top). Let dry.

SUGAR

coated PRODUCER CATHERINE THERRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY DONNA GRIFFITH

88 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

3

Using the brush, apply glue to the fabric paint. Sprinkle the glitter over top to cover. Let dry; WDS R̆ H[FHVV JOLWWHU 5HSHDW with the other wheels.

4

String a ribbon through each wheel’s hole; hang.

Wooden TOY WHEELS with recessed hubs, craftparts.com.

RIBBON, michaels.com.

CRAFT

TIP

To easily and evenly spray paint the wheels all at once, insert several wooden chopsticks into a block of Styrofoam; slide one of the wheels onto each. Spray the wheels all over; remove when dry.

HOW TO

1 To create the “icing,” using

the brush, apply the school glue to the top third of the ornament (it should look natural, as if the icing on a real cupcake was drizzled over top). Sprinkle the glitter over top to cover. Let dry; WDS R̆ H[FHVV JOLWWHU

2 8VLQJ WKH KRW JOXH Ḋ[ WKH SRP SRP QH[W WR WKH RUQDPHQW cap and the baking cup to the bottom of the ornament.

cupcake

String the ribbon through the ornament cap; hang.

MATERIALS

ORNAMENT, POM-POM, BAKING CUP and RIBBON, michaels.com.

• Pink ball ornament • Small foam brush • White school glue • Pink glitter • Hot glue • White sparkly pom-pom • Pink silicone baking cup • Ribbon

macarons MATERIALS • Scissors • Metallic gold baker’s twine • Hot glue • Two-sided standard bottle caps in pastel hues • Small foam brush • White school glue • Glitter (in corresponding colours)

VIDEO

HOW-TO Watch how easy it is to make these delightful ornaments. Visit canadianliving.com/ ornaments.

3

HOW TO

1 Cut a 6-inch long piece of

twine; knot the ends together.

8VLQJ WKH KRW JOXH Ḋ[ WKH NQRW to the inside of one bottle cap.

2

Carefully holding the bottle FDS ZLWK \RXU ¿QJHUWLSV DSSO\ a thin strip of hot glue around the crimped edge; quickly place D VHFRQG FDS RQ WRS RI WKH ¿UVW so the crimped edges align, SUHVVLQJ ¿UPO\ WR VDQGZLFK the twine between.

3 Using the brush, generously

apply a coat of school glue to the seam of the bottle caps. Holding the twine out of the way, roll the edge of the “macaron” in the glitter to cover. Repeat with the other bottle caps. Let dry; hang.

Two-sided standard BOTTLE CAPS in White, Purple, Light Blue and Pink, bottlecapco.com. BAKER’S TWINE and GLITTER, michaels.com.

Instantly imbue your holiday festivities with Far Eastern flair using these everyday finds from your local Asian market.

PRODUCER MELISSA DIRENZO TEXT ERYN CHESNEY PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI

90 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

THIS SEASON, try decking out your dinner party with these six quick and easy Asian-inspired crafts. Red is synonymous with festivity, good fortune and joy, and paired with hits of gold and touches of greenery, it’s the perfect colour for celebrating.

ONE BAMBOO PLACEMATS Update these basic buys by taping off equal horizontal “stripes” on the surface and spray painting the rest gold for a holiday effect.

SILK JEWELLERY ROLLS These inexpensive, ubiquitous Chinatown finds work beautifully as cutlery holders. Simply wrap your flatware inside and tie loosely together.

A small sprig of greenery slid into each calls to the holiday theme.

TWO CERAMIC TEACUPS Ceramic Asian teacups filled with snips of evergreens and wrapped with red silk bows make unique place holders. Write your guests’ names on cards and affix each to the top of a toothpick to be placed inside. The arrangements also make lovely take-home gifts at the end of the night.

SMALL GLASS CUPS Spray the outsides of plain drinking glasses with adhesive and roll them in gold glitter. Then, fill with bits and pieces, such as tealights and toothpicks, and scatter the glasses around the room.

THREE

JAPANESE PAPER Create your own festive frills by rolling and taping ornate Japanese paper onto the ends of plain toothpicks and cutting it into decorative strands.

Whether used for stirring stiff drinks or selecting hors d’oeuvres, they’re a cheery touch.

Globe-trotters, rejoice! The holidays don’t have to mean traditional decor and conventional colours.

92 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

FOUR PAPER LANTERNS Everyday Chinese paper lanterns can be transformed into holiday “ornaments” by topping each with a cap created by cutting strips of sturdy gold paper and taping them into circles around the lanterns’ string. Hang them at varying heights above your table to effect an attention-grabbing display.

PHOTOGRAPHY, ISTOCKPHOTO (PATTERNED LANTERNS)

DRINK COASTERS Pick up some inexpensive coasters and spray them with a coat of gold paint to give your bar cart the Midas touch.

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

trend of the month ROSE WATER COCKTAILS

Rose water also pairs well wit h lemon, lime and berries.

Rose water is distilled from the flower’s petals.

A dash adds the aroma of the blooms to cocktails and desserts. Though it has been used for centuries in Middle Eastern, Indian and Chinese cuisines, rose water is relatively new to the average Canadian bartender.

ROSY HOLIDAY GIN & TONIC MAKES 2 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 MINUTES

2 oz 2 tsp ½ tsp 1 cup ice cubes 2

gin pomegranate liqueur rose water tonic water sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)

PHOTOGRAPHY, MAYA VISNYEI. FOOD STYLING, CLAIRE STUBBS. PROP STYLING, RENÉE DREXLER/THE PROPS

Divide gin, pomegranate liqueur, rose water and tonic water evenly among rocks glasses.

Top with ice cubes; garnish with rosemary sprigs (if using).

RECIPE PAUL LILLAKAS & THE TEST KITCHEN

PER SERVING about 138 cal, 0 g pro, 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 16 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 15 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 6 mg sodium, 0 mg potassium.

cook & eat quick & easy

holiday appetizers

holiday dinner

100 106 110

one dough two ways

118

christmas cakes

big batch

122 130

COOK & EAT meatless monday

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

thai veggie curry Thai red curry paste is IXOO RI ÀDYRXU EXW OHVV spicy than its green counterpart. The result is a rich, creamy dinner that spells comfort in every bite.

RECIPE THE TEST KITCHEN

96 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

MAKES 4 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 35 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 35 MINUTES

⅓ cup 2 tsp 2 3 tbsp 1 ½ cup 2 tsp ¼ cup 1 tbsp ½ tsp 3

unsalted cashews vegetable oil cloves garlic, minced Thai red curry paste can (400 ml) coconut milk water grated lime zest lime juice packed brown sugar salt (optional) heads baby bok choy, quartered lengthwise 3 pkg (each 200 g) cooked udon noodles 1 large carrot, julienned Thai basil leaves (optional) 4 lime wedges (optional) In large dry skillet or wok, toast cashews over medium-high heat until fragrant,

1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to cutting board; coarsely chop. Set aside.

In same pan, heat oil over medium heat; cook garlic for 30 seconds. Add curry paste; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Stir in coconut milk and water; bring to boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, brown sugar, salt (if using) and bok choy; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Add noodles; cook, gently stirring, until warmed through and curry is slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.

Divide among serving bowls; sprinkle with carrot and cashews. Garnish with basil and lime wedges (if using).

PER SERVING about 523 cal, 12 g pro, 29 g total fat (19 g sat. fat), 61 g carb (5 g dietary fibre, 8 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 45 mg sodium, 535 mg potassium. % RDI: 11% calcium, 39% iron, 92% vit A, 35% vit C, 18% folate.

PHOTOGRAPHY, MAYA VISNYEI. FOOD STYLING, CLAIRE STUBBS. PROP STYLING, CATHERINE DOHERTY

If you can’t find udon noodles, swap in rice noodles or linguine.

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

ONLY $6.99

Find flavourful inspiration, new family favourites and old loves in this year’s collection of Tested-Till-Perfect holiday baking recipes.

Also available to purchase online

canadianliving.com/holidaybaking

COOK & EAT in season

clementines This citrus fruit makes a cocktail that’s perfect after a long day of holiday shopping.

WHILE WE LOVE eating sweet clementines straight out of hand, the juice is so delectable that it begs to be used for something special—like a cocktail! Buck tradition and lace a classic Moscow mule with bright, fresh notes of the fruit’s nectar. Bonus: Brush the leftover clove syrup on our Gingerbread Cake (page 125).

NOTES FROM THE TEST KITCHEN Three fabulous flavour pairings for clementines.

BASIL Elevate brunch with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves in a fruit salad made with clementine segments and chunks of cantaloupe.

to a parchment paper– lined tray; refrigerate until the chocolate is set. Wrap for a hostess gift or add the treats to a holiday dessert tray.

CHOCOLATE

BRANDY Use strips

Dip half of each clementine segment in melted dark chocolate. Transfer

of the fruit’s zest for extra flavour in brandy-based afterdinner digestifs.

98 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

CLEMENTINE MOSCOW MULE MAKES 2 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES

3 tbsp 3 tbsp 2 tsp ice cubes 2 ⅔ cup

water granulated sugar whole cloves

strips clementine zest clementine juice (about 2 to 3 clementines) ¼ cup lime juice (about 1 to 2 limes) 3 oz vodka crushed ice 8 oz ginger beer 2 sprigs fresh mint

In small saucepan, bring water, sugar and cloves to boil over medium-high heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; VWUDLQ WKURXJK ¿QH PHVK VLHYH LQWR bowl. Set aside.

Fill cocktail shaker half full with ice cubes. Add clementine juice, lime juice, vodka and 1 tsp of the clove syrup; shake vigorously until well chilled.

6WUDLQ WKURXJK ¿QH PHVK VLHYH LQWR JODVVHV KDOI ¿OOHG ZLWK FUXVKHG LFH Top with ginger beer; garnish with zest and mint.

PER SERVING about 187 cal, 1 g pro, trace total fat (0 g sat. fat), 24 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 21 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 4 mg sodium, 179 mg potassium. % RDI: 3% calcium, 1% iron, 82% vit C, 10% folate.

PHOTOGRAPHY, MAYA VISNYEI. FOOD STYLING, CLAIRE STUBBS. PROP STYLING, RENÉE DREXLER/THE PROPS

RECIPE JENNIFER DANTER & THE TEST KITCHEN

N E H C T I .

K R E G G A SW WITH EXPERT BLENDS OF UP TO FOUR CHEESES SHREDDED FRESH OFF THE BLOCK, THE TASTE OF CRACKER BARREL WILL HELP YOU FIND YOUR KITCHEN SWAGGER.

NOW THIS IS CHEESE.

COOK & EAT quick & easy

what’s for

dinner?

The holiday season abounds with rich, heavy foods, so find balance with lighter or veggiedense weeknight meals.

RECIPES JENNIFER DANTER & THE TEST KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS PROP STYLING RENÉE DREXLER/THE PROPS

100 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

ON THE TABLE IN PROTEIN POWER BOWLS MAKES 4 SERVINGS

2 tbsp 1 tbsp 2 tsp 1 tbsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp ¼ tsp 3 tbsp 1 1 1 16 2 2 4 cups ½ cup 1 cup

balsamic vinegar ground cumin grated orange zest orange juice garlic powder smoked paprika salt cayenne pepper olive oil can (540 ml) no-salt-added chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry large zucchini small red onion cherry tomatoes small sweet red or yellow peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped boneless skinless chicken breasts packed baby spinach pitted Kalamata olives, halved tzatziki

Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven; preheat to 450°F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

In large bowl, stir together vinegar, cumin, orange zest, orange juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt and cayenne pepper.

Whisk in oil. Add chickpeas; toss to coat.

Using slotted spoon, transfer chickpeas to 1 prepared pan, letting excess oil drip back into bowl (don’t wash bowl). Roast on top rack for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut crosswise into ½-inch thick pieces. Cut red onion in half lengthwise; thickly slice. In same bowl, toss together zucchini, red onion, tomatoes and red peppers. Transfer zucchini mixture to 1 side of second prepared pan.

30

MINUTES

In same bowl, add chicken; turn to coat.

Transfer chicken to prepared pan alongside zucchini mixture.

Roast on bottom rack, stirring zucchini mixture and chickpeas halfway through, until instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of chicken reads 165°F and chickpeas are crunchy, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove both pans from oven.

Thinly slice chicken. Divide spinach, zucchini mixture, chicken, chickpeas and olives among bowls; top with tzatziki.

PER SERVING about 552 cal, 38 g pro, 26 g total fat (21 g sat. fat), 46 g carb (10 g dietary fibre, 12 g sugar), 80 mg chol, 1,306 mg sodium, 1,264 mg potassium. % RDI: 18% calcium, 39% iron, 81% vit A, 310% vit C, 92% folate.

Garnish wit h kale sprouts.

Watching your sodium intake?

Omit the Kalamata olives and salt.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 101

ON THE TABLE IN

40

MINUTES

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

Cook a big batch of lentils on the weekend to use in this and other recipes. If tight on time, substitute drained and rinsed sodiumreduced canned lentils.

This flavourful soup is packed with vitamins A, C and E, which help bolster the

BISTRO SQUASH & LENTIL SOUP MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

3 tbsp 1 1 ½ tsp 3 2 1 1 2 tsp 1 cup

olive oil large onion, chopped carrot, chopped each salt and pepper cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed sprigs fresh rosemary butternut squash, peeled and chopped (about 6 cups) pkg (900 ml) sodium-reduced chicken broth lemon juice cooked lentils (preferably Puy)

102 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

immune system.

1 cup water (optional) ¼ cup crumbled herbed goat cheese fresh parsley (optional) In Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 tbsp of the oil over medium heat; cook onion, carrot and ¼ tsp each of the salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and rosemary; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in squash and broth; cover and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk together

remaining oil, salt, pepper and the lemon juice; stir in lentils. Set aside.

Remove saucepan from heat; discard rosemary. Using immersion blender, purée soup in batches until smooth; strain through ¿QH PHVK VLHYH LQWR FOHDQ VDXFHSDQ ,I VRXS is too thick, add water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency.)

To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Spoon lentils over top; sprinkle with goat cheese DQG SDUVOH\ LI XVLQJ

PER EACH OF 6 SERVINGS about 234 cal, 9 g pro, 9 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 32 g carb (8 g dietary fibre, 8 g sugar), 5 mg chol, 629 mg sodium, 728 mg potassium. % RDI: 11% calcium, 19% iron, 220% vit A, 48% vit C, 47% folate.

ON THE TABLE IN

TEST KITCHEN

30

MINUTES

ORANGE GINGER STEAK SALAD

TIP

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

750 g 1 tsp ½ tsp 2 tbsp 1 tsp 2 tsp

flank steak salt pepper natural peanut butter grated fresh ginger Asian chili paste (such as sambal oelek) 1 tsp liquid honey 3 tbsp orange juice ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar 1 pkg (340 g) broccoli slaw 1 pkg (142 g) baby kale fresh broccoli sprouts (optional)

Bulk up the broccoli slaw with more chopped broccoli.

Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven; preheat broiler to high. Place large rimmed baking sheet on bottom rack to heat.

Pat steak dry with paper towel; season both sides with ½ tsp of the salt and the pepper.

In large bowl, whisk together remaining salt, peanut butter, ginger, chili paste and honey; whisk in orange juice and vinegar.

Add broccoli slaw and kale; toss to combine.

Using tongs, transfer steak to prepared pan; broil on top rack, turning once, for 8 minutes.

Remove from oven; transfer to cutting board. Tent with foil; let rest for 5 minutes.

Drizzle salad mixture with pan juices; toss to combine. Divide salad mixture among plates. Slice steak across the grain; garnish with broccoli sprouts (if using).

Serve alongside salad.

PER SERVING about 273 cal, 31 g pro, 13 g total fat (5 g sat. fat), 9 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 4 g sugar), 59 mg chol, 521 mg sodium, 587 mg potassium. % RDI: 7% calcium, 24% iron, 36% vit A, 135% vit C, 40% folate.

Since natural peanut butter isn’t as thick as regular, it blends easily into dressings.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 103

ON THE TABLE IN

35

MINUTES

SKINNY TURKEY BOLOGNESE MAKES 6 SERVINGS

250 g 2 tbsp 2 2 1 1 tbsp 2 tsp ¼ tsp 454 g ¼ cup 1 1 tsp 2 cups 2 tbsp

whole wheat fettuccine olive oil carrots, diced stalks celery, diced onion, chopped Italian seasoning garlic powder salt lean ground turkey chopped sun-dried tomatoes can (796 ml) crushed tomatoes granulated sugar chopped baby spinach (approx) nutritional yeast (optional)

104 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

In large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain; set aside.

Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook carrots, celery and onion, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender-crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt; cook for 1 minute. Add turkey and sun-dried tomatoes; cook, breaking up with spoon, until turkey is beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar; reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Stir in spinach until wilted.

Serve over pasta; sprinkle with nutritional yeast (if using).

PER SERVING about 390 cal, 23 g pro, 12 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 52 g carb (8 g dietary fibre, 12 g sugar), 60 mg chol, 559 mg sodium, 954 mg potassium. % RDI: 11% calcium, 36% iron, 63% vit A, 30% vit C, 24% folate.

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

Nutritional yeast, with its salty, cheesy taste, is an excellent substitute for Parmesan. Find it at health food stores or in the natural food section of the grocery store.

ON THE TABLE IN EGG, AVOCADO & BLACK BEAN BURRITOS MAKES 4 SERVINGS

1 1 1 cup ⅓ cup ¼ cup 1 4½ tsp ¼ tsp 8 ⅓ cup 1 tbsp 4

avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped mango, peeled, pitted and chopped no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed minced red onion chopped fresh cilantro jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced lime juice salt large eggs shredded cheddar cheese unsalted butter large soft whole wheat tortillas, warmed

In bowl, stir together avocado, mango, black beans, ¼ cup of the red onion, the cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice and pinch of the salt. Set aside.

In separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cheddar, remaining red onion and salt. In large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook egg mixture, stirring, just until set, about 5 minutes.

Spoon egg mixture in centre of each tortilla; top with avocado mixture. Roll up tightly; serve immediately.

PER SERVING about 567 cal, 25 g pro, 29 g total fat (9 g sat. fat), 25 g carb (11 g dietary fibre, 8 g sugar), 403 mg chol, 702 mg sodium, 569 mg potassium. % RDI: 18% calcium, 29% iron, 30% vit A, 32% vit C, 61% folate.

Stay full longer with the protein boost from eggs and beans.

30

MINUTES

COOK & EAT holiday appetizers

RECIPES JENNIFER DANTER & THE TEST KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS PROP STYLING RENÉE DREXLER/ THE PROPS

FOUR-INGREDIENT

Appetizers

Make a great impression with these quick hors d’oeuvres made using staples you’re bound to have on hand.

Change it up Don’t love olives?

Use a mixture of cheeses instead, such as bocconcini, feta, Gouda or smoked mozzarella.

SICILIAN MARINATED OLIVES MAKES 3 CUPS HANDS-ON TIME 5 MINUTES MARINATING TIME 1 HOUR TOTAL TIME 1¼ HOURS

1 tbsp 3 cups ¼ cup 1

fennel seeds mixed green and black olives olive oil orange, halved crosswise

In dry skillet, toast fennel seeds over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

In bowl, combine fennel seeds, green olives, black olives and oil.

Using vegetable peeler, peel zest in strips from 1 of the orange halves; add to olive mixture. Squeeze juice from peeled orange half into olive mixture.

Thinly slice remaining orange half; gently stir into olive mixture.

Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate, gently stirring every 20 minutes, for 1 hour, or refrigerate in airtight container overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.

PER ¼ CUP about 43 cal, trace pro, 4 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 2 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, trace sugar), 0 mg chol, 325 mg sodium, 13 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 4% iron, 1% vit A.

Start with deli olives.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 107

veggie version

meaty version

Start wit h store-bought pizza dough.

MINI ITALIAN PIZZA BITES MAKES ABOUT 28 SQUARES HANDS-ON TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES

350 g ¼ cup 2 cups 4 to 6

store-bought pizza dough prepared pesto (such as Classico) grated smoked mozzarella cheese slices prosciutto, torn

108 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

Position rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 500°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. On lightly floured work surface, roll out or press dough into 16- x 8-inch oval.

Transfer to prepared pan; prick all over with fork. Brush with pesto, spreading to edge; sprinkle with 1½ cups of the mozzarella.

Bake until crust is light golden and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Arrange prosciutto over crust; top with remaining mozzarella. Bake until bottom of crust is golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes; slice into 2-inch squares.

PER SQUARE about 65 cal, 4 g pro, 3 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 7 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 1 g sugar), 9 mg chol, 159 mg sodium, 9 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% calcium, 3% iron, 2% vit A, 6% folate.

Change it up Make it vegetarian: Substitute ⅓ cup thinly sliced sundried tomatoes for the prosciutto.

Start wit h frozen peas.

CREAMY PEA CROSTINI MAKES 16 PIECES HANDS-ON TIME 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 MINUTES

2 cups ½ cup 2 tsp 16

If you’re not a fan of smoked cheese, use pizza mozzarella, Gouda or Fontina.

frozen peas, thawed soft herb-and-garlic cheese (such as Boursin) (approx) lemon juice slices (¼ inch thick) baguette, toasted

In food processor, purée together 1½ cups of the peas, the cheese and lemon juice until smooth; spread on baguette slices. Garnish with remaining peas and more cheese, if desired.

PER PIECE about 68 cal, 2 g pro, 4 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 7 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 1 g sugar), 6 mg chol, 122 mg sodium, 33 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 4% iron, 3% vit A, 5% vit C, 9% folate.

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

For extra flavour, rub toasted baguette slices with a halved garlic clove.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 109

COOK & EAT holiday dinner

beef WELLINGTON

Holiday Elegance

This sumptuous spread will make a holiday dinner to remember. While you deserve bragging rights for preparing our classic beef Wellington, it’s easier than it looks!

RECIPES PAUL LILLAKAS & THE TEST KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS PROP STYLING RENÉE DREXLER/ THE PROPS

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 111

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

Make it vegetarian by swapping one to two teaspoons of miso paste for the anchovy fillets.

PEAS & EDAMAME WITH GREMOLATA BUTTER MAKES 10 TO 12 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES

¼ cup 2 tsp 2 tbsp 2 tbsp 6 1 tsp ½ tsp 4 cups 4 cups 4 cups

unsalted butter, melted grated lemon zest lemon juice finely chopped fresh parsley anchovy fillets, finely minced pepper salt snow peas, trimmed sugar snap peas, trimmed frozen shelled edamame

112 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

In bowl, stir together butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, anchovies, pepper and salt. Set aside.

In large saucepan of boiling water, cook snow peas, snap peas and edamame until tender-crisp, 1 to 2 minutes.

Drain; return to saucepan. Add butter mixture; cover and let stand for 1 minute. Toss to coat.

PER EACH OF 12 SERVINGS about 94 cal, 5 g pro, 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 7 g carb (3 g dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 12 mg chol, 159 mg sodium, 292 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% calcium, 13% iron, 9% vit A, 50% vit C, 41% folate.

BALSAMIC BEET & SWEET POTATO TART MAKES 8 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 1 HOUR REFRIGERATION TIME 1 HOUR TOTAL TIME 3½ HOURS

Pastry 1¼ cups ¼ tsp ½ cup ¼ cup Filling 1 1 tbsp 2 1 tsp 1 ½ cup ¼ cup 1 tbsp 2 tsp 4 1 cup 75 g 2 tsp

all-purpose flour salt cold unsalted butter, cubed ice water (approx) small sweet potato olive oil shallots, minced salt large red beet (about 200 g), trimmed, peeled and coarsely grated water balsamic vinegar packed brown sugar chopped fresh thyme large eggs sour cream goat cheese fresh thyme leaves

Pastry ,Q ERZO ZKLVN ÀRXU ZLWK VDOW 8VLQJ SDVWU\ EOHQGHU RU NQLYHV FXW LQ EXWWHU XQWLO PL[WXUH UHVHPEOHV FRDUVH FUXPEV ZLWK D IHZ ODUJHU SLHFHV GUL]]OH ZLWK LFH ZDWHU WRVVLQJ ZLWK IRUN DQG DGGLQJ XS WR WEVS PRUH LFH ZDWHU LI QHFHVVDU\ WR IRUP UDJJHG GRXJK 6KDSH LQWR VPDOO VTXDUH ZUDS LQ SODVWLF ZUDS 5HIULJHUDWH XQWLO FKLOOHG DERXW PLQXWHV 2Q OLJKWO\ ÀRXUHG ZRUN VXUIDFH UROO RXW SDVWU\ WR ó LQFK WKLFNQHVV )LW LQWR ÀXWHG [ LQFK WDUW SDQ WULP WR ¿W 3ULFN ERWWRP RI FUXVW DOO RYHU ZLWK IRUN UHIULJHUDWH IRU PLQXWHV 3UHKHDW RYHQ WR ) /LQH FUXVW ZLWK IRLO ¿OO ZLWK SLH ZHLJKWV RU GULHG EHDQV %DNH RQ ULPPHG EDNLQJ VKHHW RQ ERWWRP UDFN RI RYHQ IRU PLQXWHV 5HPRYH SLH ZHLJKWV DQG IRLO %DNH XQWLO JROGHQ WR PLQXWHV /HW FRRO LQ SDQ RQ UDFN Filling 0HDQZKLOH SULFN VZHHW SRWDWR DOO RYHU ZLWK IRUN PLFURZDYH RQ KLJK XQWLO VRIW DERXW PLQXWHV :KHQ FRRO HQRXJK WR KDQGOH FXW LQ KDOI 6FUDSH RXW KDOI WR PHDVXUH FXS RI À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

XVLQJ WLS RI NQLIH VZLUO WR FUHDWH PDUEOH H̆HFW &UXPEOH JRDW FKHHVH DQG WK\PH OHDYHV RYHU WRS %DNH XQWLO VHW DERXW PLQXWHV /HW FRRO IRU PLQXWHV EHIRUH VHUYLQJ PER SERVING about 319 cal, 10 g pro, 20 g total fat (11 g sat. fat), 25 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 7 g sugar), 135 mg chol, 464 mg sodium, 331 mg potassium. % RDI: 8% calcium, 14% iron, 59% vit A, 10% vit C, 30% folate.

TEST KITCHEN

MAKE-AHEAD Assemble roast a day ahead; refrigerate, covered in plastic wrap, overnight.

Before baking, brush pastry with remaining egg, then bake as directed, increasing cooking time by 5 minutes.

hearty quinoa STUFFING

dijon & chive CREAM SAUCE

114 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

KE THE PERFECT A M

BEEF WELLINGTON BEEF WELLINGTON MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 1 HOUR REFRIGERATION TIME 1 HOUR TOTAL TIME 3½ HOURS

1.125 to 1.35 kg tenderloin premium oven roast ½ tsp salt 1 tbsp vegetable oil Mushroom Duxelles 3 shallots 650 g cremini mushrooms 3 tbsp unsalted butter ¼ tsp salt ⅓ cup red wine 3 cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed 4½ tsp prepared horseradish 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp sodium-reduced soy sauce ½ tsp pepper

ILLUSTRATIONS, CLARE MALLISON (BEEF WELLINGTON); ISTOCKPHOTO (FORK AND KNIFE)

Assembly 12 slices prosciutto 3 sheets (1½ pkg) frozen butter puff pastry, thawed 1 large egg, lightly beaten ¼ tsp flaked sea salt Pat roast dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt; rub to coat. In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown roast, turning occasionally, on all sides, 4 to 7 minutes.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Mushroom Duxelles Meanwhile, In food processor, pulse shallots until minced; set aside. Working in batches, pulse PXVKURRPV XQWLO ¿QHO\ FKRSSHG In same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat; sauté shallots, mushrooms and salt, stirring frequently, until no liquid remains, 10 to 15 minutes. Add wine, garlic, horseradish, mustard, thyme, soy sauce and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture begins to brown and no liquid remains, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool completely.

Assembly Remove twine from roast, if necessary. On work surface, place two 2-foot long pieces of plastic wrap, overlapping 1 inch on long sides. Arrange prosciutto vertically in 2 rows along centre of plastic wrap, overlapping slightly to create rectangle large enough to enclose roast. Evenly spread Mushroom Duxelles over prosciutto, leaving 1-inch border. Place roast in centre; roll up prosciutto tightly, tucking in ends to seal completely. Roll up plastic wrap tightly; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Stack 2 large rimmed baking sheets to create double layer; line with parchment paper.

Place 1 pastry sheet on prepared baking pans. Cut second pastry sheet into 2 pieces, one 3 inches wide and one 7 inches wide. Place 1 long end of 3-inch piece against bottom end of pastry sheet on pan to create 13- x 10-inch rectangle; using ¿QJHUV SUHVV WRJHWKHU WR DGKHUH Carefully remove plastic wrap from roast. Place roast lengthwise in centre of 13- x 10-inch pastry; brush pastry surrounding roast with some of the egg.

Cover top half of roast with remaining whole pastry sheet; cover rest of roast with 7-inch piece, overlapping slightly. Using hands, press pastry against sides of roast to seal edges. Trim all but 1 inch of the excess pastry around base; crimp. (Use excess pastry to make decorative cutouts, if desired.) Brush all over with remaining egg; using tip of knife, score top. Sprinkle with salt.

Bake until instant-read thermometer inserted in centre of roast reads 120°F, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

PER EACH OF 10 SERVINGS about 521 cal, 37 g pro, 30 g total fat (14 g sat. fat), 24 g carb (3 g dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 118 mg chol, 813 mg sodium, 839 mg potassium. % RDI: 3% calcium, 39% iron, 10% vit A, 2% vit C, 8% folate.

1

HOW TO ASSEMBLE BEEF WELLINGTON 1. Arrange prosciutto

10 x 7

2

10 x 3

3

13 x 10

vertically in 2 rows along centre of plastic wrap, overlapping slightly to create rectangle large enough to enclose roast.

Evenly spread Mushroom Duxelles over prosciutto, leaving 1-inch border. Place roast in centre; roll up prosciutto tightly, tucking in ends to seal completely.

Roll up plastic wrap tightly; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Place 1 pastry sheet on prepared baking pans.

Cut second pastry sheet into 2 pieces, one 3 inches wide and one 7 inches wide. Place 1 long end of 3-inch piece against bottom end of pastry sheet on pan to create 13- x 10-inch rectangle; using fingers, press together to adhere.

3. Place roast lengthwise in centre of 13- x 10-inch pastry; brush pastry surrounding roast with some of the egg.

10 x 10

4

4. Cover top half of roast with remaining whole pastry sheet; cover rest of roast with 7-inch piece, overlapping slightly. Using hands, press pastry against sides of roast to seal edges.

5. Trim all but 1 inch of

7 x 10

5

the excess pastry around base; crimp. (Use excess pastry to make decorative cutouts, if desired.) Brush all over with remaining egg; using tip of knife, score top.

HEARTY QUINOA STUFFING MAKES 8 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 55 MINUTES

2 tbsp 1 1 1 2

DIJON & CHIVE CREAM SAUCE MAKES ¾ CUPS HANDS-ON TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES

2 tbsp 2 ½ cup

unsalted butter shallots, minced cream sherry or dry sherry Dijon mustard whipping cream (35%) salt sliced fresh chives water (approx) (optional)

1 tsp 2 cups 4 cups 2 tbsp ¼ tsp ⅓ cup

olive oil small red onion, diced large carrot, diced large stalk celery, diced cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed ground thyme rainbow quinoa, rinsed sodium-reduced chicken broth or vegetable broth lemon juice salt coarsely chopped fresh parsley

In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook shallots, stirring frequently, until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add sherry and mustard; cook until liquid is reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes.

Strain; discard solids and return liquid to pan. Add cream; cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is thick enough to coat back of spoon, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in salt and chives. If sauce is too thick, add water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency.

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat; sauté red onion, stirring, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add carrot and celery; sauté, stirring occasionally, until carrot is tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; sauté, stirring, for 30 seconds.

Add quinoa and broth. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until no liquid remains, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. )OX̆ TXLQRD PL[WXUH ZLWK fork; stir in lemon juice and salt.

Transfer to serving dish; sprinkle with parsley.

PER 1 TBSP about 129 cal, 1 g pro, 13 g total fat (8 g sat. fat), 3 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 1 g sugar), 43 mg chol, 86 mg sodium, 43 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 1% iron, 12% vit A, 1% folate.

PER SERVING about 209 cal, 8 g pro, 6 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 32 g carb (5 g dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 398 mg sodium, 334 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% calcium, 17% iron, 30% vit A, 7% vit C, 29% folate.

3 tbsp 1½ cups pinch 2 tbsp 1 tbsp

ROMAIN AVRIL’S CRÊPES SUZETTE MAKES 16 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 1 HOUR STANDING TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1½ HOURS

Sake-Soaked Oranges 2 tbsp sake ¼ cup granulated sugar 4 oranges, segmented Crêpes 2 cups ¼ cup 3 tsp 2 cups 4 2 tsp 2 tbsp

all-purpose flour granulated sugar matcha powder (optional) 2% milk large eggs vanilla unsalted butter, melted

Suzette Sauce 1⅓ cups granulated sugar ¼ cup water 1 cup orange juice Assembly ¼ cup orange-flavoured liqueur Sake-Soaked Oranges In large microwaveable bowl, combine sake with sugar. Microwave on medium until sugar is dissolved, 45 to 60 seconds. Add oranges; stir to coat. Set aside.

Crêpes In large bowl, whisk WRJHWKHU ÀRXU VXJDU DQG PDWFKD powder (if using). In separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs DQG YDQLOOD SRXU RYHU ÀRXU PL[WXUH ZKLVNLQJ XQWLO VPRRWK 6WUDLQ WKURXJK ¿QH PHVK VLHYH into clean bowl; cover and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Heat 8-inch nonstick skillet or crêpe pan over medium-low

heat; brush lightly with some of the butter. Pour scant ¼ cup of the batter into pan, swirling to coat bottom; cook, turning once when edge begins to curl, until light golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer to plate; cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining butter and batter.

Suzette Sauce In heavybottomed saucepan, stir sugar with water over medium-high heat just until sugar is dissolved.

Boil, without stirring, but brushing down side of pan with pastry brush dipped in water, until PL[WXUH WXUQV OLJKW DPEHU WR 11 minutes. Remove from heat; averting face, stir in orange juice until smooth. Return pan to medium-high heat; cook, stirring RFFDVLRQDOO\ XQWLO PL[WXUH LV reduced to 1¼ cups, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to heatproof bowl.

Assembly In large skillet, heat Suzette Sauce over medium heat for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low; add 1 crêpe, turning to coat. Using tongs, fold crêpe into quarters; transfer to large serving platter or roasting pan. Repeat with remaining crêpes; top with drained Sake-Soaked Oranges.

In small saucepan, heat RUDQJH ÀDYRXUHG OLTXHXU RYHU medium heat for 1 minute; remove from heat. With long match or barbecue lighter, ignite; ZKLOH ÀDPLQJ SRXU RYHU FUrSHV :KHQ ÀDPH JRHV RXWV VHUYH immediately.

PER SERVING about 183 cal, 5 g pro, 4 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 31 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 19 g sugar), 54 mg chol, 32 mg sodium, 116 mg potassium. % RDI: 5% calcium, 7% iron, 6% vit A, 18% vit C, 16% folate.

TEST KITCHEN

TAKE

This fresh spin on a classic dessert is inspired by chef Romain Avril of Toronto’s Lavelle restaurant (he uses matcha green tea powder in his).

Discover more about Avril on page 17.

ho ur s.

romain avril’s CRÊPES SUZETTE

M AK EAH EA D: C over cooked

up or f te era g i refr ap; r w astic crêpes with pl

to

24

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 117

COOK & EAT one dough two ways

pull-apart pesto BREAD WREATH

RECIPES ALANNA LIPSON & THE TEST KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS PROP STYLING RENÉE DREXLER/THE PROPS

on a roll

These gorgeous bread wreaths do double duty: They’re warm pull-apart rolls for guests to enjoy and an attractive centrepiece to anchor the table.

118 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

This makes a great holiday brunch dish and can be prepared the night before: Refrigerate the dough after the first rise; complete in the morning.

chocolate hazelnut BREAD WREATH

Change it up Line a rimless baking sheet with parchment paper. Before the second rise, arrange the dough balls in a tree shape instead of a wreath and continue with the recipe.

PULL-APART PESTO BREAD WREATH

GARLICKY BASIL BUTTER

MAKES 25 ROLLS HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES RISING TIME 2 HOURS TOTAL TIME 2¾ HOURS

MAKES ½ CUP HANDS-ON TIME 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 MINUTES

4¾ cups 3 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 tsp ¼ cup 1½ cups 1 2 cups ⅓ cup

all-purpose flour (approx) granulated sugar quick-rising (instant) dry yeast salt unsalted butter, cubed 2% milk large egg grated Parmesan cheese prepared pesto

In large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of the ÀRXU WKH VXJDU \HDVW DQG VDOW ,Q VPDOO VDXFHSDQ PHOW EXWWHU RYHU PHGLXP KLJK KHDW UHPRYH IURP KHDW DGG PLON DQG OHW VWDQG XQWLO PLON LV ZDUPHG DERXW PLQXWH 3RXU PLON PL[WXUH LQWR ÀRXU PL[WXUH DGG HJJ 3DUPHVDQ DQG WEVS RI WKH SHVWR 8VLQJ ZRRGHQ VSRRQ VWLU XQWLO VRIW UDJJHG GRXJK IRUPV 7XUQ RXW RQWR OLJKWO\ ÀRXUHG ZRUN VXUIDFH NQHDG DGGLQJ DV PXFK RI WKH UHPDLQLQJ ÀRXU DV QHHGHG WR SUHYHQW GRXJK IURP VWLFN LQJ XQWLO VPRRWK DQG HODVWLF GRXJK ZLOO EH VOLJKWO\ WDFN\ WR WKH WRXFK EXW ZRQ¶W VWLFN WR KDQGV WR PLQXWHV 7UDQVIHU WR ODUJH JUHDVHG ERZO &RYHU ZLWK SODVWLF ZUDS OHW ULVH LQ ZDUP GUDIW IUHH SODFH XQWLO GRXEOHG LQ VL]H DERXW KRXU /LQH LQFK URXQG SL]]D SDQ ZLWK SDUFK PHQW SDSHU SODFH ò LQFK GLDPHWHU ERZO XSVLGH GRZQ LQ FHQWUH RI SDQ 3XQFK GRZQ GRXJK 7XUQ RXW RQWR OLJKWO\ ÀRXUHG ZRUN VXUIDFH GLYLGH GRXJK HYHQO\ LQWR SLHFHV 6KDSH SLHFH LQWR EDOO IROGLQJ HQGV XQGHU QHDWK DQG SLQFKLQJ DW ERWWRP UROO RQ ZRUN VXUIDFH LQ FLUFXODU PRWLRQ VHDP VLGH GRZQ LQWR VPRRWK EDOO 5HSHDW ZLWK UHPDLQLQJ GRXJK SLHFHV $UUDQJH EDOOV LQ ULQJ VKDSH DURXQG ERZO DUUDQJH UHPDLQLQJ EDOOV DURXQG ¿UVW OD\HU 5HPRYH ERZO &RYHU ZLWK SODVWLF ZUDS OHW ULVH LQ ZDUP GUDIW IUHH SODFH XQWLO GRXEOHG LQ VL]H DERXW KRXU 3UHKHDW RYHQ WR ) %DNH XQWLO UROOV DUH JROGHQ DQG VRXQG KROORZ ZKHQ WDSSHG WR PLQXWHV %UXVK ZLWK UHPDLQLQJ SHVWR /HW FRRO IRU PLQXWHV EHIRUH VHUYLQJ PER ROLL about 154 cal, 6 g pro, 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 20 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 19 mg chol, 210 mg sodium, 69 mg potassium. % RDI: 8% calcium, 9% iron, 4% vit A, 22% folate.

½ cup 1 2 tbsp

salted butter, softened small clove garlic, finely grated or pressed minced fresh basil leaves

,Q VPDOO ERZO PL[ WRJHWKHU EXWWHU JDUOLF DQG EDVLO 6HUYH DW URRP WHPSHUDWXUH PER 1 TSP about 34 cal, trace pro, 4 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), trace carb (0 g dietary fibre, 0 g sugar), 10 mg chol, 27 mg sodium, 3 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% vit A.

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT BREAD WREATH MAKES 24 ROLLS HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES FREEZING TIME 1 HOUR RISING TIME 2 HOURS TOTAL TIME 4 HOURS

4¾ cups 3 tbsp 1 tbsp 1½ tsp ¼ cup 1½ cups 1 1 cup 2 tsp

all-purpose flour (approx) granulated sugar quick-rising (instant) dry yeast salt unsalted butter, cubed 2% milk large egg chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella) icing sugar

,Q ODUJH ERZO ZKLVN WRJHWKHU FXSV RI WKH ÀRXU WKH VXJDU \HDVW DQG VDOW ,Q VPDOO VDXFHSDQ RYHU PHGLXP KLJK KHDW PHOW EXWWHU UHPRYH IURP KHDW $GG PLON OHW VWDQG XQWLO PLON LV ZDUPHG DERXW PLQXWH 3RXU PLON PL[WXUH LQWR ÀRXU PL[WXUH DGG HJJ 8VLQJ ZRRGHQ VSRRQ VWLU XQWLO VRIW UDJJHG GRXJK IRUPV 7XUQ RXW RQWR OLJKWO\ ÀRXUHG ZRUN VXUIDFH NQHDG DGGLQJ DV PXFK RI WKH UHPDLQLQJ ÀRXU DV QHHGHG WR SUHYHQW GRXJK IURP VWLFNLQJ XQWLO VPRRWK DQG HODVWLF GRXJK ZLOO EH VOLJKWO\ WDFN\ WR WKH WRXFK EXW ZRQ¶W VWLFN WR KDQGV

WR PLQXWHV 7UDQVIHU WR ODUJH JUHDVHG ERZO &RYHU ZLWK SODVWLF ZUDS OHW ULVH LQ ZDUP GUDIW IUHH SODFH XQWLO GRXEOHG LQ VL]H DERXW KRXU /LQH LQFK URXQG SL]]D SDQ ZLWK SDUFKPHQW SDSHU SODFH ò LQFK GLDPHWHU ERZO XSVLGH GRZQ LQ FHQWUH RI SDQ ,Q VPDOO PLFURZDYHDEOH ERZO PLFURZDYH FKRFRODWH KD]HOQXW VSUHDG RQ KLJK XQWLO PHOWHG DERXW VHFRQGV

3XQFK GRZQ GRXJK 7XUQ RXW RQWR OLJKWO\ ÀRXUHG ZRUN VXUIDFH GLYLGH GRXJK LQ KDOI 5ROO KDOI LQWR [ LQFK UHFWDQJOH /HDYLQJ ò LQFK ERUGHU DW ORQJ VLGH VSUHDG KDOI RI WKH FKRFRODWH KD]HOQXW VSUHDG RYHU GRXJK 6WDUWLQJ DW ORQJ VLGH RSSRVLWH ERUGHU WLJKWO\ UROO XS SLQFK VHDP WR VHDO 5HSHDW ZLWK UHPDLQ LQJ GRXJK DQG FKRFRODWH KD]HOQXW VSUHDG )UHH]H RQ SDUFKPHQW SDSHU±OLQHG FXWWLQJ ERDUG XQWLO ¿UP DERXW KRXU :LWK VKDUS NQLIH FXW HDFK GRXJK ORJ LQWR SLHFHV $UUDQJH SLHFHV FXW VLGH XS LQ ULQJ VKDSH DURXQG ERZO DUUDQJH UHPDLQLQJ SLHFHV DURXQG ¿UVW OD\HU 5HPRYH ERZO &RYHU ZLWK SODVWLF ZUDS OHW ULVH LQ ZDUP GUDIW IUHH SODFH XQWLO GRXEOHG LQ VL]H DERXW KRXU 3UHKHDW RYHQ WR ) %DNH XQWLO UROOV DUH JROGHQ DQG VRXQG KROORZ ZKHQ WDSSHG WR PLQXWHV /HW FRRO IRU PLQXWHV 'XVW ZLWK LFLQJ VXJDU MXVW EHIRUH VHUYLQJ PER ROLL about 198 cal, 5 g pro, 7 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 29 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 10 g sugar), 15 mg chol, 159 mg sodium, 120 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% calcium, 12% iron, 3% vit A, 24% folate.

CARAMEL DIPPING SAUCE MAKES ⅔ CUP HANDS-ON TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 10 MINUTES

2 tbsp 6 tbsp ½ cup 1 tbsp pinch

water granulated sugar whipping cream (35%), warmed unsalted butter, cubed salt

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about 33 cal, trace pro, 2 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 3 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 8 mg chol, 14 mg sodium, 4 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% vit A.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 121

COOK & EAT the new christmas cakes

Winter

Wonderland The cakes are simple to assemble and the decorations (turn to page 129) are easy to make. The result: three showstopping creations that taste as fantastic as they look.

RECIPES ALANNA LIPSON & THE TEST KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS & ASHLEY OUELLETTE TOTH

va nilla coc & onut 122 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

ILLUSTRATIONS, ISTOCKPHOTO

PROP STYLING RENÉE DREXLER/THE PROPS

SNOWY VANILLA CAKE WITH COCONUT MERINGUE ICING, EDIBLE BIRCH BARK AND SUGARED ROSEMARY

SNOWY VANILLA CAKE MAKES 16 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 2¼ HOURS

1½ cups 2¼ cups ½ cup 1 tsp 3 cups 2¼ tsp ½ tsp 1½ cups

unsalted butter, softened granulated sugar liquid egg whites vanilla all-purpose flour baking powder each baking soda and salt buttermilk

Assembly Coconut Meringue Icing (see recipe, right) ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut Edible Birch Bark (see recipe, page 129) Sugared Rosemary (see recipe, page 129) 3UHKHDW RYHQ WR ) *UHDVH DQG ÀRXU WKUHH LQFK URXQG FDNH SDQV OLQH ERWWRPV ZLWK SDUFKPHQW SDSHU 6HW DVLGH ,Q VWDQG PL[HU ZLWK SDGGOH DWWDFKPHQW EHDW EXWWHU ZLWK VXJDU XQWLO ÀX̆\ %HDW LQ HJJ ZKLWHV DQG YDQLOOD ,Q VHSDUDWH ERZO ZKLVN WRJHWKHU ÀRXU EDNLQJ SRZGHU EDNLQJ VRGD DQG VDOW %HDW LQWR EXWWHU PL[WXUH DOWHUQDWLQJ ZLWK EXWWHUPLON PDNLQJ DGGLWLRQV RI ÀRXU PL[WXUH DQG RI EXWWHUPLON 6FUDSH LQWR SUHSDUHG SDQV VPRRWKLQJ WRSV %DNH XQWLO FDNH WHVWHU LQVHUWHG LQ FHQWUHV FRPHV RXW FOHDQ WR PLQXWHV &RRO LQ SDQV IRU PLQXWHV ,QYHUW RQWR JUHDVHG UDFNV SHHO R̆ SDUFKPHQW SDSHU /HW FRRO FRPSOHWHO\ Assembly 8VLQJ VHUUDWHG NQLIH WULP WRSV RI FDNHV WR OHYHO LI QHFHVVDU\ 6SUHDG WVS RI WKH LFLQJ LQ FHQWUH RI FDNH SODWH WRS ZLWK FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH XS 6SUHDG ó FXSV RI WKH LFLQJ RYHU FXW VLGH FRYHU ZLWK VHFRQG FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH GRZQ 6SUHDG ó FXSV RI WKH LFLQJ RYHU WRS &RYHU ZLWK ¿QDO FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH GRZQ VSUHDG ZLWK FXS RI WKH LFLQJ 8VLQJ R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH VSUHDG WKLQ OD\HU RI WKH LFLQJ DOO RYHU FDNH 5HIULJHUDWH XQWLO ¿UP DERXW PLQXWHV 8VLQJ R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH VSUHDG UHPDLQLQJ LFLQJ DOO RYHU FDNH VPRRWKLQJ VLGH DQG WRS 3UHVV FRFRQXW LQWR LFLQJ RQ WRS RI FDNH *HQWO\ SUHVV (GLEOH %LUFK %DUN GDUN FKRFRODWH VLGH IDFLQJ LQ LQWR VLGH RI FDNH RYHUODSSLQJ SLHFHV VOLJKWO\ *DUQLVK WRS RI FDNH ZLWK 6XJDUHG 5RVHPDU\ 6WRUH DW URRP WHPSHUDWXUH IRU XS WR KRXUV PER SERVING about 984 cal, 7 g pro, 64 g total fat (41 g sat. fat), 90 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 73 g sugar), 139 mg chol, 470 mg sodium, 182 mg potassium. % RDI: 10% calcium, 12% iron, 45% vit A, 18% folate.

COCONUT MERINGUE ICING MAKES ABOUT 8 CUPS HANDS-ON TIME 35 MINUTES REFRIGERATION TIME 2 HOURS TOTAL TIME 2¾ HOURS

1 2⅓ cups 1¼ cups 3 cups ½ tsp

can (400 ml) coconut milk granulated sugar liquid egg whites butter, softened and cubed coconut extract

5HIULJHUDWH FDQ RI FRFRQXW PLON IRU KRXUV WR DOORZ FUHDP WR ULVH WR WRS :LWKRXW VKDNLQJ RSHQ FDQ DQG UHPRYH ò FXS RI WKH FUHDP 6HW DVLGH ,Q VWDLQOHVV VWHHO ERZO VHW RYHU VDXFHSDQ RI JHQWO\ VLPPHULQJ QRW ERLOLQJ ZDWHU ZKLVN VXJDU ZLWK HJJ ZKLWHV XQWLO VXJDU LV GLVVROYHG DQG FDQG\ WKHUPRPHWHU UHDGV ) 7UDQVIHU HJJ PL[WXUH WR VWDQG PL[HU ZLWK ZKLVN DWWDFKPHQW ZKLVN XQWLO VWL̆ SHDNV IRUP DQG PL[WXUH LV FRROHG FRPSOHWHO\ DERXW PLQXWHV ,I RQO\ VRIW SHDNV IRUP DIWHU PLQXWHV SURFHHG ZLWK UHFLSH DV GLUHFWHG ,W ZLOO \LHOG VOLJKWO\ OHVV LFLQJ

6ZLWFK WR SDGGOH DWWDFKPHQW EHDW LQ EXWWHU FXEH DW D WLPH XQWLO EOHQGHG ,QFUHDVH VSHHG WR PHGLXP DQG EHDW XQWLO VPRRWK 0L[WXUH PD\ ORRN FXUGOHG EXW ZLOO FRPH EDFN WRJHWKHU %HDW LQ FUHDP DQG FRFRQXW H[WUDFW

Use leftover coconut milk to make smoothies or add to oatmeal.

PER ½ CUP about 224 cal, trace pro, 19 g total fat (12 g sat. fat), 15 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 15 g sugar), 46 mg chol, 125 mg sodium, 12 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 1% iron, 15% vit A.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 123

GINGERBREAD CAKE WITH CLEMENTINE CREAM CHEESE ICING, ROYAL ICING TREES AND SUGARED CRANBERRIES

gi ng erb r cle ead & mentine 124 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

GINGERBREAD CAKE MAKES 16 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 40 MINUTES REFRIGERATION TIME 1 HOUR TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS

4½ cups 2½ cups 4½ tsp 3½ tsp 2½ tsp 1 tsp 3 1½ cups ½ cup 1½ cups

all-purpose flour packed brown sugar ground ginger baking soda cinnamon salt large eggs, lightly beaten vegetable oil fancy molasses hot water

Assembly Clementine Cream Cheese Icing (see recipe, right) Royal Icing Trees (see recipe, page 129) Sugared Cranberries (see recipe, page 129)

CLEMENTINE CREAM CHEESE ICING MAKES ABOUT 7½ CUPS HANDS-ON TIME 5 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 5 MINUTES

1½ 1½ cups 4½ tsp 1½ tsp 9 cups

pkg (each 250 g) cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, softened grated clementine or orange zest vanilla icing sugar

,Q ODUJH ERZO EHDW FUHDP FKHHVH ZLWK EXWWHU XQWLO VPRRWK VWLU LQ FOHPHQWLQH ]HVW DQG YDQLOOD %HDW LQ LFLQJ VXJDU FXS DW D WLPH XQWLO VPRRWK PER ½ CUP about 250 cal, 1 g pro, 14 g total fat (8 g sat. fat), 33 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 32 g sugar), 38 mg chol, 42 mg sodium, 21 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 1% iron, 13% vit A, 1% folate.

TEST KITCHEN

MAKE-AHEAD Bake the cakes: Before icing and assembly, double-wrap baked and cooled cakes in plastic wrap, refrigerate overnight or overwrap in foil as well and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before icing and decorating.

Make the icing: Refrigerate icing in airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and beat thoroughly in stand mixer before using.

Ice the cake: Loosely cover iced cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Bring to room temperature for at least 1 hour before decorating.

3UHKHDW RYHQ WR ) *UHDVH DQG ÀRXU WKUHH LQFK URXQG FDNH SDQV OLQH ERWWRPV ZLWK SDUFKPHQW SDSHU 6HW DVLGH ,Q VWDQG PL[HU ZLWK ZKLVN DWWDFKPHQW ZKLVN WRJHWKHU ÀRXU EURZQ VXJDU JLQJHU EDNLQJ VRGD FLQQDPRQ DQG VDOW :KLVN LQ HJJV RLO DQG PRODVVHV 6ORZO\ ZKLVN LQ ô FXS RI WKH ZDWHU :KLVN LQ UHPDLQLQJ ZDWHU MXVW XQWLO FRPELQHG EDWWHU ZLOO EH WKLQ 6FUDSH LQWR SUHSDUHG SDQV VPRRWKLQJ WRSV %DNH XQWLO FDNH WHVWHU LQVHUWHG LQ FHQWUHV FRPHV RXW FOHDQ WR PLQXWHV &RRO LQ SDQV IRU PLQXWHV ,QYHUW RQWR JUHDVHG UDFNV SHHO R̆ SDUFKPHQW SDSHU /HW FRRO FRPSOHWHO\ Assembly 8VLQJ VHUUDWHG NQLIH WULP WRSV RI FDNHV WR OHYHO LI QHFHVVDU\ 6SUHDG WVS RI WKH LFLQJ LQ FHQWUH RI FDNH SODWH WRS ZLWK FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH XS 6SUHDG ó FXSV RI WKH LFLQJ RYHU FXW VLGH FRYHU ZLWK VHFRQG FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH GRZQ 6SUHDG ó FXSV RI WKH LFLQJ RYHU WRS &RYHU ZLWK ¿QDO FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH GRZQ VSUHDG ZLWK ò FXSV RI WKH LFLQJ 8VLQJ R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH VSUHDG WKLQ OD\HU RI WKH LFLQJ DOO RYHU FDNH UHIULJHUDWH XQWLO ¿UP DERXW PLQXWHV 8VLQJ R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH VSUHDG UHPDLQLQJ LFLQJ DOO RYHU FDNH VPRRWKLQJ VLGH DQG WRS UHIULJHUDWH XQWLO ¿UP DERXW PLQXWHV 7RS ZLWK 5R\DO ,FLQJ 7UHHV DQG 6XJDUHG &UDQEHUULHV EHIRUH VHUYLQJ 6WRUH DW URRP WHPSHUDWXUH IRU XS WR KRXUV PER SERVING about 957 cal, 7 g pro, 48 g total fat (17 g sat. fat), 129 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 100 g sugar), 108 mg chol, 525 mg sodium, 295 mg potassium. % RDI: 9% calcium, 21% iron, 26% vit A, 2% vit C, 28% folate.

Leftover icing is perfect for frosting carrot cake or spreading on French toast.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 125

DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH PEPPERMINT MERINGUE ICING AND CANDY CANES

VIDEO

HOW-TO See how easy it is to make our Dark Chocolate Cake at canadianliving.com/ christmascake.

ch oco l a pep te & int perm 126 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE MAKES 16 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 45 MINUTES REFRIGERATION TIME 1 HOUR TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS

1½ cups 2¼ cups 3 1 tbsp 2¾ cups 1 cup 1 tbsp 1½ tsp ½ tsp 2¼ cups

unsalted butter, softened granulated sugar large eggs vanilla all-purpose flour cocoa powder instant espresso powder each baking powder and baking soda salt buttermilk

Assembly Peppermint Meringue Icing (see recipe, right) ½ cup crushed candy canes 5 to 10 candy canes or peppermint sticks (optional) 3UHKHDW RYHQ WR ) *UHDVH DQG ÀRXU WKUHH LQFK URXQG FDNH SDQV OLQH ERWWRPV ZLWK SDUFKPHQW SDSHU 6HW DVLGH ,Q VWDQG PL[HU ZLWK SDGGOH DWWDFKPHQW EHDW EXWWHU ZLWK VXJDU XQWLO ÀX̆\ %HDW LQ HJJV DW D WLPH EHDW LQ YDQLOOD ,Q VHSDUDWH ERZO ZKLVN WRJHWKHU ÀRXU FRFRD SRZGHU HVSUHVVR SRZGHU EDNLQJ SRZGHU EDNLQJ VRGD DQG VDOW %HDW LQWR EXWWHU PL[WXUH DOWHUQDWLQJ ZLWK EXWWHUPLON PDNLQJ DGGLWLRQV RI ÀRXU PL[WXUH DQG RI EXWWHUPLON 6FUDSH LQWR SUHSDUHG SDQV VPRRWKLQJ WRSV %DNH XQWLO FDNH WHVWHU LQVHUWHG LQ FHQWUHV FRPHV RXW FOHDQ WR PLQXWHV &RRO LQ SDQV IRU PLQXWHV ,QYHUW RQWR JUHDVHG UDFNV SHHO R̆ SDUFKPHQW SDSHU /HW FRRO FRPSOHWHO\

PEPPERMINT MERINGUE ICING MAKES ABOUT 7 CUPS HANDS-ON TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES

2⅓ cups 1¼ cups 3 cups 1 tsp

granulated sugar liquid egg whites unsalted butter, softened and cubed peppermint extract

,Q VWDLQOHVV VWHHO ERZO VHW RYHU VDXFHSDQ RI JHQWO\ VLPPHULQJ QRW ERLOLQJ ZDWHU ZKLVN VXJDU ZLWK HJJ ZKLWHV XQWLO VXJDU LV GLVVROYHG DQG FDQG\ WKHUPRPHWHU UHDGV ) 7UDQVIHU HJJ PL[WXUH WR VWDQG PL[HU ZLWK ZKLVN DWWDFKPHQW ZKLVN XQWLO VWL̆ SHDNV IRUP DQG PL[WXUH LV FRROHG FRPSOHWHO\ DERXW PLQXWHV ,I RQO\ VRIW SHDNV IRUP DIWHU PLQXWHV SURFHHG ZLWK UHFLSH DV GLUHFWHG ,W ZLOO \LHOG VOLJKWO\ OHVV LFLQJ

6ZLWFK WR SDGGOH DWWDFKPHQW EHDW LQ EXWWHU FXEH DW D WLPH XQWLO EOHQGHG ,QFUHDVH VSHHG WR PHGLXP EHDW XQWLO VPRRWK WR PLQXWHV 0L[WXUH PD\ ORRN FXUGOHG EXW ZLOO FRPH EDFN WRJHWKHU %HDW LQ SHSSHUPLQW H[WUDFW

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

If you’re storing meringue-based icing in the fridge, it can separate when being brought to room temperature (it needs to be room temp before icing the cake). Here’s the fix: Transfer ½ cup of the mixture to a microwaveable bowl; microwave on medium until melted, about 15 seconds. Scrape into remaining icing and beat again; repeat if necessary until icing returns to original fluffy texture.

PER ½ CUP about 244 cal, 1 g pro, 20 g total fat (13 g sat. fat), 17 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 17 g sugar), 52 mg chol, 21 mg sodium, 19 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 17% vit A.

To crush candy canes, pulse in a food processor until desired consistency.

Assembly 8VLQJ VHUUDWHG NQLIH WULP WRSV RI FDNHV WR OHYHO LI QHFHVVDU\ 6SUHDG WVS RI WKH LFLQJ LQ FHQWUH RI FDNH SODWH WRS ZLWK FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH XS 6SUHDG ó FXSV RI WKH LFLQJ RYHU FXW VLGH FRYHU ZLWK VHFRQG FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH GRZQ 6SUHDG ó FXSV RI WKH LFLQJ RYHU WRS &RYHU ZLWK ¿QDO FDNH OD\HU FXW VLGH GRZQ VSUHDG ZLWK FXS RI WKH LFLQJ 8VLQJ R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH VSUHDG WKLQ OD\HU RI WKH LFLQJ DOO RYHU FDNH UHIULJHUDWH XQWLO ¿UP DERXW PLQXWHV 8VLQJ R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH VSUHDG UHPDLQLQJ LFLQJ DOO RYHU FDNH VPRRWKLQJ VLGH DQG WRS UHIULJHUDWH XQWLO ¿UP DERXW PLQXWHV $UUDQJH LQFK ZLGH VWULSV RI SDUFKPHQW SDSHU YHUWLFDOO\ LQFK DSDUW DURXQG VLGH RI FDNH 3UHVV FUXVKHG FDQG\ FDQHV LQWR H[SRVHG LFLQJ RQ VLGH RI FDNH FDUHIXOO\ SHHO R̆ SDUFKPHQW SDSHU *DUQLVK WRS RI FDNH ZLWK FDQG\ FDQHV LI XVLQJ 6WRUH DW URRP WHPSHUDWXUH IRU XS WR KRXUV PER SERVING about 808 cal, 8 g pro, 53 g total fat (33 g sat. fat), 81 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 61 g sugar), 170 mg chol, 280 mg sodium, 258 mg potassium. % RDI: 7% calcium, 14% iron, 47% vit A, 18% folate.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 127

holiday cake decorations Our Christmas cakes (turn to page 122) are the perfect base for these sparkling woodland-inspired decorations.

Although these rosemary “trees” look delicious, they’re not edible!

RECIPES ALANNA LIPSON & THE TEST KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS & ASHLEY OUELLETTE TOTH PROP STYLING LARA MCGRAW

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

If you don’t have a piping bag, a heavyduty resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off also works for icing the trees.

128 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

ROYAL ICING TREES MAKES 8 TO 10 TREES HANDS-ON TIME 5 MINUTES STANDING TIME 6 TO 8 HOURS TOTAL TIME 6 TO 8 HOURS

1 tbsp water (approx) 1⅛ tsp meringue powder 7 to 8 tbsp icing sugar (approx) assorted sprinkles or dragées (optional) In bowl, beat water with meringue SRZGHU XQWLO IRDP\ DERXW PLQXWH EHDW LQ LFLQJ VXJDU XQWLO VWL̆ DQG glossy, about 2 minutes. Add more water, ¼ tsp at a time, to thin, or more icing sugar, 1 tsp at a time, to thicken, LI QHFHVVDU\ XQWLO GHVLUHG FRQVLVWHQF\ Spoon icing into piping bag; using VFLVVRUV FXW ó LQFK KROH LQ WLS Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper; arrange wooden skewers, 2 inches apart, on prepared pans. Pipe icing onto skewers in zigzag pattern; top with sprinkles RU GUDJpHV LI XVLQJ /HW VWDQG IRU WR KRXUV PER EACH OF 10 TREES about 83 cal, trace pro, 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 21 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 21 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 2 mg sodium, 0 mg potassium.

SUGARED CRANBERRIES MAKES 1½ CUPS HANDS-ON TIME 15 MINUTES REFRIGERATION TIME 4 HOURS STANDING TIME 2 HOURS TOTAL TIME 6½ HOURS

1 cup 1½ cups 1 cup

water granulated sugar (approx) fresh cranberries

In small saucepan, bring water and FXS RI WKH VXJDU WR ERLO RYHU PHGLXP KLJK KHDW UHGXFH KHDW WR PHGLXP ORZ DQG FRRN XQWLO VXJDU LV GLVVROYHG WR 5 minutes.

3ODFH FUDQEHUULHV LQ KHDWSURRI ERZO pour sugar syrup over top. Let cool to URRP WHPSHUDWXUH UHIULJHUDWH IRU 4 hours or overnight.

Drain cranberries; discard syrup.

Evenly divide remaining sugar among 2 bowls; working in small batches, toss FUDQEHUULHV LQ ¿UVW ERZO RI VXJDU WKHQ in second bowl. Let dry on rack or parchment paper–lined rimmed baking VKHHW IRU KRXUV 5HIULJHUDWH LQ DLUWLJKW FRQWDLQHU IRU XS WR GD\V UROO LQ PRUH VXJDU LI QHFHVVDU\ EHIRUH XVLQJ PER 1 CUP about 42 cal, 0 g pro, 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 11 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 10 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 0 mg sodium, 5 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% vit C.

SUGARED ROSEMARY MAKES 10 TO 12 SPRIGS HANDS-ON TIME 15 MINUTES STANDING TIME 2 HOURS TOTAL TIME 2¼ HOURS

¼ cup ⅔ cup 1

pasteurized liquid egg whites granulated sugar (approx) bunch fresh rosemary

Place egg whites in large shallow bowl; spread sugar over large plate. Separate rosemary into sprigs.

Working with 1 sprig at a time, coat with egg whites; squeeze gently to remove excess liquid. Evenly coat with sugar. Let dry on rack or parchment SDSHU±OLQHG ULPPHG EDNLQJ VKHHW IRU KRXUV 5HIULJHUDWH LQ DLUWLJKW FRQWDLQHU IRU XS WR GD\V VSULQNOH ZLWK PRUH VXJDU LI QHFHVVDU\ EHIRUH XVLQJ

plastic tray or cutting board. (Do not use metal baking sheet, as candy will VHW WRR TXLFNO\ ZKLOH VSUHDGLQJ

In microwaveable bowl, microwave dark chocolate on medium, stirring HYHU\ VHFRQGV XQWLO PHOWHG VHFRQGV WR PLQXWH 8VLQJ VRIW ¿QH WLS SDVWU\ EUXVK SDLQW VZLUOV lines and dots on drawn rectangles; UHIULJHUDWH XQWLO VHW 0HDQZKLOH LQ KHDWSURRI ERZO VHW RYHU VDXFHSDQ RI JHQWO\ VLPPHULQJ QRW ERLOLQJ ZDWHU PHOW ZDIHUV Let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.

5HPRYH GDUN FKRFRODWH IURP UHIULJHUDWRU :RUNLQJ IURP OHIW WR right in small batches, dollop melted ZDIHUV RQWR GUDZQ UHFWDQJOHV 8VLQJ R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH HYHQO\ VSUHDG PHOWHG ZDIHUV DFURVV ¿UVW UHFWDQJOH XVLQJ WLS RI R̆VHW SDOHWWH NQLIH GUDZ lines and circles through melted ZDIHUV WR DOORZ GDUN FKRFRODWH WR SHHN WKURXJK 5HSHDW ZLWK VHFRQG UHFWDQJOH 8VLQJ SDULQJ NQLIH JHQWO\ VFRUH OHQJWKZLVH LQWR LQFK SLHFHV 5HIULJHUDWH XQWLO VHW DERXW PLQXWHV XVLQJ KDQGV EUHDN LQWR VWULSV 5HIULJHUDWH LQ VLQJOH OD\HU LQ airtight container until ready to use.

PER PIECE about 87 cal, 1 g pro, 5 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 10 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 9 g sugar), 1 mg chol, 14 mg sodium, 48 mg potassium. % RDI: 3% vit C, 1% iron.

EDIBLE BIRCH BARK MAKES 16 PIECES HANDS-ON TIME 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 30 MINUTES

7g 1½ cups

dark chocolate (about ¼ oz), chopped white chocolate–flavoured wafers (such as Wilton Candy Melts)

&XW VKHHW RI SDUFKPHQW SDSHU LQWR [ LQFK UHFWDQJOH GUDZ WZR [ LQFK rectangles on parchment paper. Turn over; using tape, adhere to large

VIDEO

HOW-TO See how to make Sugared Rosemary and Edible Birch Bark at canadianliving.com/ cakedecor.

COOK & EAT big batch

fillets of

salmon

When whole salmon fillets are on sale, you can buy two and make three nights’ worth of spectacular dinners. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have enough perfectly cooked fish to reel in two more delicious recipes.

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

Store raw fish in an airtight container at the back of the bottom shelf in the fridge.

RECIPES PAUL LILLAKAS & THE TEST KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI FOOD STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS PROP STYLING RENÉE DREXLER/THE PROPS

130 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

Remember that the fish will keep cooking after you take it out of the oven, so don’t be afraid to remove it while it’s still slightly pink in the centre.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 131

Night 1

SALMON WITH WINTER SLAW

SALMON WITH WINTER SLAW

MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

In a dry skillet, sear lemon halves, cut sides down, over medium-high heat, until caramelized, 1 to 2 minutes.

Dressing In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper; gradually whisk in oil until blended.

Dressing ¼ cup + 2 tbsp cider vinegar 2 tbsp liquid honey 1 tbsp Dijon mustard ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper ½ cup vegetable oil

Winter Slaw Position rack in top third of oven; preheat to 400°F. In large bowl, toss together cabbage, kale, raisins, cashews, pepitas, VXQÀRZHU VHHGV UHG RQLRQ DQG Parmesan; add Dressing, tossing to coat. Let stand for 30 minutes.

Winter Slaw 8 cups packed thinly sliced red cabbage 4 cups packed thinly sliced kale 1 cup raisins 1 cup chopped unsalted cashews, toasted ½ cup pepitas, toasted ½ cup unsalted sunflower seeds, toasted ½ cup packed thinly sliced red onion ½ cup crumbled Parmesan cheese

0HDQZKLOH DUUDQJH ¿VK VNLQ VLGH down, on large rimmed baking VKHHW GUL]]OH ZLWK RLO 6SULQNOH ¿VK with salt, coriander and pepper, pressing lightly to adhere. Bake just until opaque, 8 to 10 minutes; WXUQ RYHQ WR EURLO %URLO XQWLO ¿VK LV EURZQHG DQG ÀDNHV HDVLO\ ZKHQ tested, 4 to 6 minutes.

Sprinkle with parsley (if using).

Serve with Winter Slaw and lemon wedges (if using).

2

skin-on salmon fillets (about 2 to 3 kg total) 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp pepper fresh parsley (optional) lemon wedges (optional)

PER EACH OF 8 SERVINGS about 710 cal, 38 g pro, 48 g total fat (8 g sat. fat), 37 g carb (6 g dietary fibre, 23 g sugar), 76 mg chol, 551 mg sodium, 1,142 mg potassium. % RDI: 22% calcium, 28% iron, 23% vit A, 152% vit C, 55% folate.

SALMON with winter slaw

132 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

Use two spatulas when turning the Salmon Cakes to keep them intact.

Night 2 SALMON CAKES & SPICY TARTAR SAUCE

SALMON CAKES & spicy tartar sauce

TEST KITCHEN

GUTTER CREDITS.....

TIP

Make bite-size party appetizers by halving each Salmon Cake and rounding the cut edge. Bake in 500°F oven, turning halfway through, for 10 minutes. Top each with a dollop of Spicy Tartar Sauce and sliced green onion.

Night 3 THAI SALMON GREEN CURRY

SALMON CAKES & SPICY TARTAR SAUCE MAKES 16 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES REFRIGERATION TIME 1 HOUR TOTAL TIME 1½ HOURS

Spicy Tartar Sauce ½ cup light mayonnaise 2 tbsp minced dill pickle or gherkin 2 tsp Asian chili sauce (such as sriracha) 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp cold water 450 g

cooked salmon, broken in bite-size pieces 2 cups cooked rainbow quinoa ½ cup cold cream cheese, cut in ½-inch cubes 3 green onions, thinly sliced 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 tbsp grated lemon zest 3 tbsp vegetable oil fresh pea shoots (optional) 8 lemon wedges (optional) Spicy Tartar Sauce In bowl, stir together mayonnaise, pickle, chili sauce, lemon juice and water; cover with plastic wrap. Set aside.

Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, stir together ¿VK TXLQRD FUHDP FKHHVH JUHHQ RQLRQV

134 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

mustard, eggs and lemon zest. Shape into sixteen ¾-inch thick patties; transfer to prepared pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 200°F. In large nonstick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium heat; cook half of the patties, turning once, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to separate rimmed baking sheet; place in oven to keep warm.

Repeat with remaining oil and patties.

Sprinkle with pea shoots (if using).

Serve with Spicy Tartar Sauce and lemon wedges (if using) on top of mixed green or Caesar salad.

PER SERVING about 169 cal, 9 g pro, 12 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 6 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 1 g sugar), 52 mg chol, 179 mg sodium, 179 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 4% iron, 5% vit A, 5% vit C, 11% folate.

THAI SALMON GREEN CURRY MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES

1 tbsp ⅓ cup 2 1 to 3 tsp 1 1

vegetable oil green curry paste cans (each 400 ml) coconut milk fish sauce (optional) head broccoli, cut in florets (about 6 cups) sweet green pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup ½ cup 450 g

sliced sugar snap peas sliced green onions (approx) cooked salmon, broken in large pieces 1 tbsp lime juice (approx) fresh basil leaves (optional) In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook curry paste, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in FRFRQXW PLON DQG ¿VK VDXFH WR WDVWH LI using); bring to boil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, green pepper, snap peas and green onions. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender-crisp, 4 to 7 minutes. *HQWO\ VWLU LQ ¿VK DQG OLPH MXLFH MXVW until heated through. Sprinkle with basil (if using). Serve with short-grain rice or rice noodles; top with more sliced green onions and lime juice, if desired.

PER EACH OF 6 SERVINGS about 464 cal, 21 g pro, 40 g total fat (26 g sat. fat), 11 g carb (3 g dietary fibre, 5 g sugar), 47 mg chol, 710 mg sodium, 755 mg potassium. % RDI: 7% calcium, 43% iron, 14% vit A, 100% vit C, 30% folate.

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

Fish sauce has a strong taste that mellows slightly as it cooks. If you’re not used to it, add it in small quantities, until desired flavour is achieved.

thai SALMON GREEN CURRY

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 135

A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA!

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RECIPE INDEX

December 2017 APPETIZERS & BEVERAGES Christmas Nog Clementine Moscow Mule Creamy Pea Crostini Mini Italian Pizza Bites Rosy Holiday Gin & Tonic Sicilian Marinated Olives

16 98 109 108 95 107

BEEF & PORK Beef Wellington Mini Italian Pizza Bites Orange Ginger Steak Salad

115 108 103

BREADS Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Wreath Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pesto Bread Wreath

121 121 121

CANDIES & DESSERTS Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Wreath Classic Truffles Dark Chocolate Cake Gingerbread Cake Romain Avril’s Crêpes Suzette Snowy Vanilla Cake

121 138 127 125 116 123

GRAINS & PASTA Hearty Quinoa Stuffing Salmon Cakes & Spicy Tartar Sauce Skinny Turkey Bolognese Thai Veggie Curry

116 134 104 96

ICINGS & TOPPINGS Clementine Cream Cheese Icing Coconut Meringue Icing Edible Birch Bark Peppermint Meringue Icing Royal Icing Trees Sake-Soaked Oranges Sugared Cranberries Sugared Rosemary

125 123 129 127 129 116 129 129

POULTRY Protein Power Bowls Skinny Turkey Bolognese Turmeric Chicken Soup

101 104 79

SALADS Orange Ginger Steak Salad Winter Slaw

103 132

SAUCES & SPREADS Caramel Dipping Sauce Dijon & Chive Cream Sauce Garlicky Basil Butter Mushroom Duxelles Spicy Tartar Sauce Suzette Sauce

121 116 121 115 134 116

SEAFOOD Peas & Edamame With Gremolata Butter Salmon Cakes & Spicy Tartar Sauce Salmon With Winter Slaw Thai Salmon Green Curry

112 134 132 134

SIDES Hearty Quinoa Stuffing Peas & Edamame With Gremolata Butter

116 112

SOUPS Bistro Squash & Lentil Soup Turmeric Chicken Soup

102 79

VEGETARIAN MAINS & SIDES Balsamic Beet & Sweet Potato Tart Egg, Avocado & Black Bean Burritos Thai Veggie Curry Winter Slaw

113 105 96 132

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To find out more about our recipes’ nutritional information, go to canadianliving.com/nutritioninfo.

CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017 | 137

canadianliving.com

COOK & EAT last bite

Classic Truffles

This year, give the gift of chocolaty decadence with these homemade truffles.

RECIPE ALANNA LIPSON & THE TEST KITCHEN

TEST KITCHEN

TIP

MAKES ABOUT 35 TRUFFLES HANDS-ON TIME 40 MINUTES REFRIGERATION TIME 1¼ HOURS TOTAL TIME 2½ HOURS

340 g ½ cup ¼ cup 1 tbsp Coating 225 g 2 tbsp 1 tsp

semisweet chocolate (about 12 oz), finely chopped whipping cream (35%) unsalted butter, cubed vanilla semisweet chocolate (about 8 oz), finely chopped shortening, unsalted butter or vegetable oil flaked sea salt (optional)

Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Place chocolate in heatproof bowl. In small saucepan, heat cream and butter over medium-high heat just until butter is melted and bubbles

138 | CANADIAN LIVING DECEMBER 2017

form around edge of pan, 1 to 2 minutes.

Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth.

Whisk in vanilla. Cover and refrigerate XQWLO ¿UP DERXW KRXU Using melon baller or teaspoon, drop by rounded 1 tsp onto prepared pans.

Gently roll each to form balls. Freeze until hardened, about 30 minutes.

Coating In heatproof bowl set over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate and shortening, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat; let cool slightly.

:RUNLQJ ZLWK SDQ RI WUẌHV DQG XVLQJ 2 forks, dip each into Coating, tapping forks on edge of bowl to remove excess; return to pan. Sprinkle with salt (if using).

5HSHDW ZLWK UHPDLQLQJ WUẌHV ,I ERZO of Coating begins to harden, rewarm over saucepan, stirring, until softened.)

5HIULJHUDWH WUẌHV XQWLO &RDWLQJ LV hardened, about 15 minutes.

PER TRUFFLE about 104 cal, 1 g pro, 8 g total fat (5 g sat. fat), 10 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 9 g sugar), 8 mg chol, 3 mg sodium, 60 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 4% iron, 2% vit A, 1% folate.

Learn how to make Ginger Pistachio Truffles, Hazelnut Truffles and more at canadianliving.com/truffles.

PHOTOGRAPHY, MAYA VISNYEI. FOOD STYLING, CLAIRE STUBBS. PROP STYLING, ALANNA DAVEY

Use a bamboo skewer instead of forks to dip the truffles.

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