CL - December 2016

G I F T G U I D E : 75 F I N D S F O R E V E RYO N E O N YO U R L I ST

WIN $15,000+ IN PRIZES P. 8 8

190 + HOLIDAY IDEAS A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S

Party-Ready Fashion and Beauty

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THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE

DECEMBER 2016 Style 13 LASH OUT The best mascaras for maximum length, volume and definition

16 SHEEN QUEEN Our grown-up takes on glittery makeup

22 #WETHECURVY Sparkly plus-size fashions for your next holiday soirée

24 TURN IT UP Two versions—one bold, one subtle—on five party looks: metallics, ruffles, sequins, lace and velvet

33 INTO THE WILD We show you how to wear faux fur for everyday

Health 35 GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LOT Reap the wellness rewards of volunteerism and philanthropy

38 ASK US ANYTHING Our experts offer advice for coping with stress

41 CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM

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Avoid overeating and other holiday-season pitfalls with these smart strategies

Living How a courageous canine became a hero when his family’s home went up in flames

52 TRUE PATRIOT Comedian Mike Myers on what being Canadian means to him

54 BOOKS

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PARTY-READY MAKEUP 4

This month’s new-release novels (plus one memoir) will have you hooked

56 LEAD THE CHARGE Stay on budget this gift-giving season with these pro tips

PHOTOGRAPHY, CARLYLE ROUTH (WOMEN)

49 WONDER DOG

HOLIDAY FASHION

132

75 GIFT GIVING MADE EASY

NEW COOKIEEXCHANGE CLASSICS

Cook & Eat 91 INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT Enjoy sweet, syrupy molasses in three unexpected ways

Home 61 THE LUXE LIFE Glamorous home decor for the holidays featuring glitter and gold

69 DECK THE BOUGHS Three modern takes on tree trimming

72 PARTY FAVOURS Stylish hosting essentials for your New Year’s fête

Holiday 75 THE 2016 GIFT GUIDE Our most covet-worthy presents for every person (and pet) on your list

On the Cover G I F T G U I D E : 75 F I N D S F O R E V E RYO N E O N YO U R L I ST

97 QUICK & EASY Five fresh and weeknightfriendly ways to feed your family with chicken

106 MIX MASTER Our mix-and-match holiday menu works perfectly with one of three mains

61

116 SEATED IN STYLE Add some creativity to your holiday tablescape with this five-minute craft

DAZZLING DECOR

119 BREAD WINNERS Fresh-from-the-oven breads and beyond-basic butters you’ll love

124 DOUBLE PLAY Pick one of three flavours for Christmas dessert—then, make it big or bite-size!

130 THE BIG DIP This easy trick will elevate your sweets tray in just three steps

132 SMART COOKIES Include these next-level holiday treats in this year’s baking lineup

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 EDITOR’S NOTE | 10 LIFE LESSONS | 142 RECIPE INDEX | 146 CULINARY CONFESSIONS

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

EST. 1975 | VOL. 41, NO. 12 | DECEMBER 2016

VICE-PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER Lucie Dumas

GROUP PUBLISHER, TORONTO Sandra E. Martin

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jes Watson FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Julia McEwen HOME & GARDEN DIRECTOR Sarah Gunn TEST KITCHEN SENIOR FOOD EDITOR Irene Fong FOOD EDITOR, PRINT & DIGITAL Jennifer Bartoli CONTRIBUTING FOOD EDITOR Jennifer Danter INTERNS Sarah Ingratta, Andrew Via

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F E STI V E FAV E S

THE BIG WIN

T

Christmas

HE HOLIDAY SEASON IS FINALLY HERE, yet the Canadian Living team has been busily preparing for it for months. It’s not only because of our farahead printing deadlines and dedicated gift-guide sleuthing; some of us are just so unabashedly into the season, we’re motivated year-round.

Home & Garden director Sarah Gunn, for example, starts her decorating in earnest on Nov. 1. “Christmas is my favourite season,” she explains. “It was huge in my house as a child, and I want to make it magical for my kids.” It’s no wonder that someone with so much talent for decor can do exactly that. “I probably have 10 bins of decorations in my basement,” she laughs. “And I buy more every year.”

Festive preparations begin even earlier in the Test Kitchen, with visions of sugarplums dancing around as early as May. Throughout the summer, a parade of scrumptious dishes and desserts bursts through the kitchen’s doors, with Christmas dinner consumed during the hottest days of the year. (Admittedly, there’s a certain pleasure in feasting on Christmas cookies while wearing a sundress—even if it doesn’t jibe well with swimsuit season.)

Meanwhile, Olga Goncalves Costa, our editorial operations and assistant business manager, has been setting aside our extra office goodies—the lovely items people and businesses send to us as samples—to give to charities since January. “I start early.

I want to make sure every family member has something special,” she says. By the time the Christmas break rolls around, her office is chockablock with gifts to package up for families in need. Every year for the past nine years, she’s delivered baskets brimming with gift cards, housewares and toys.

I never manage to get the tree up or the decorations out a day before December, but I appreciate how Canadian Living’s countdown to Christmas gets underway early in the year. It takes all those months to pack so much goodness into these pages, and, much like any thought-out gift, we hope you like them. From everyone here at Canadian Living, we wish you and your family a joyous and restful holiday season, regardless of how you celebrate—or how prepared you may be.

Jes Watson, editor-in-chief

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

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MIX THIS MEAL I couldn’t decide which main I liked the best of our three holiday options—meat, seafood or, yes, the vegan strudel.

Each was created to pair with four delectable sides (those polenta squares!), meaning your guests will be delighted no matter their preference.

Check out the menu, starting on page 106.

GET GIVING Our feature on the health benefits of generosity (starting on page 35) has inspired me to do even more to help others this holiday season—and beyond. Find additional ways you, too, can lend a hand at canadianliving.com/ waystogiveback.

PHOTOGRAPHY, JACLYN LOCKE. HAIR AND MAKEUP, JUKKA/MOROCCANOIL/M.A.C COSMETICS/PLUTINO GROUP. DRESS, PINKTARTAN.COM

THE 12 MONTHS OF

It’s official. As part of “The 2016 Holiday Gift Guide,” our editors have rounded up our biggest prize pack ever—with more than $15,000 in prizes to be won. Flip to page 88 for all the details on how to enter!

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Life lessons

Sarah

ON HER BIGGEST SONG

MCLACHLAN

“ ‘Angel’ has had the most resonance. It gets played a lot at funerals; as sad as that is, it’s really beautiful to me. It’s validation to know that something I’ve created has made an emotional impact.”

“It’s a mix of traditional Christmas hymns and more modern carols and songs I love. One of the great things about making a Christmas record is that they’re some of the best songs ever written, as far as melodies go, and they’re really fun to sing.”

ON A PROUD MOMENT

O N H E R LOV E O F C H R IST M AS

“My younger daughter was complaining about not having the right pair of shoes. My older daughter said to her, ‘You know, there are a lot of people in the world who don’t have any shoes. You’ve got, like, six pairs, so why are you complaining?’

Quietly, I thought, Awesome!”

“I like the frenetic, manic pace building up to it.

Then, it arrives and you can finally relax. We always have a big open house and sing carols.

It’s about family, friends, eating and singing.”

ON DRESSING UP

On her new album

SARAH MCLACHLAN HAS FOUND PEACE AND JOY AT HER HOME ON CANADA’S WEST COAST WITH HER TWO DAUGHTERS AND HER CHOCOLATE LAB PUPPY. NOW, 10 YEARS AFTER HER FIRST CHRISTMAS ALBUM, SHE’S RELEASED WONDERLAND, WITH ITS CAREFULLY CHOSEN MIX OF CAROLS. SHE TELLS US ABOUT HER LOVE OF THE HOLIDAYS, HER BEST ADVICE AND HER PLANS FOR 2017.

“Half the time, I look like a bag lady. I hardly leave the house, except to drive my kids to school and to go hiking, so my wardrobe is pretty limited. Onstage, I get to be a little more fashionable and wear things that are flashier; I’m a bit of a magpie, so I like sparkly things.”

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

BY ANDREA KARR

On her favourite show

On her literary crush

“I just finished the last episode of Game of Thrones and I’m so sad. I always wait to buy the whole season, then binge.”

“I’m rereading The Orenda.

I love Joseph Boyden; I love everything about him. His writing is so exquisite. It’s juicy and violent and beautiful.”

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On her plans FOR 2017 “I’m really looking forward to taking my girls to the beach and surfing in Tofino, B.C.”

PHOTOGRAPHY, KHAREN HILL (PORTRAIT); SHUTTERSTOCK (FEATHER); GETTY IMAGES (PRESENT, MCLACHLAN AT PIANO, SNEAKERS); ISTOCKPHOTO (SURFBOARD)

from

Wonderland dropped on Oct. 21.

Skin loves oil.

Try oil to cleanse. We do the most damage to our skin when we wash, so the first step in good skincare is gentler washing. Oil dissolves oil, so makeup, which is oil-based, is washed away without excessive rubbing. To learn how Lipidol is using oil to pioneer a more natural way to look after skin, visit lipidol.com. Available at Walmart for $8.97.

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HAIR AND MAKEUP, VANESSA JARMAN/NARS/P1M.CA. STYLING, JULIA MCEWEN. TOP, LOFT.COM. EARRINGS, EXPRESS.COM. CHOKER, ALDOSHOES.COM

LASH OUT Our desert-island beauty pick? Mascara, of course! Whether you’re looking for falsie-inspired drama or something a bit more subtle, we’ve got your best bets when it comes to formulas, brushes and brands.

BY ALEXANDRA DONALDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLYLE ROUTH

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

W H AT’ S YO U R M AS CA R A G OA L? LENGTH

VOLUME

DEFINITION

Your lashes are…

You want your lash look to be…

Do you prefer natural beauty brands?

M.A.C Cosmetics Instacurl Lash Mascara comes with a curved wand that hugs your lash line and helps add some curl. $28, maccosmetics.ca.

SUPER SHORT Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Spider Effect Mascara was inspired by bold lash looks on the runway, so expect dramatic, luscious lashes that last. $10, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

FALSIE-LEVEL FIERCE

NOT NECESSARILY

Do you need a waterproof formula?

Do you like to play around with your eye look?

BOLD, BUT STILL NATURALLOOKING Almay One Coat Multi-Benefit Mascara boosts volume and definition, while also working to strengthen your lashes with keratin.

The result?

An impossibly lush fringe that looks natural. $10.50, walmart.ca.

YES

I LIKE SWITCHING UP MY STYLE CoverGirl So Lashy!

Mascara by BlastPro gives you plenty of versatility with three ways to use the unique brush—lengthening, volumizing and separation—plus, it gets hard-to-reach lashes for extra definition. $13, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Revlon Ultra Volume Waterproof Mascara boasts a mega-lash effect by using a triple-groove brush with short and long bristles. This means maximum volume without clumps—all in a waterproof formula. $12, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

I KEEP IT PRETTY CONSISTENT The Estée Edit The Edgiest Up & Out Double Mascara is doubleended. The bristle brush offers volume, while the moulded brush lifts and separates lashes for an incredibly defined look. $28, sephora.ca.

NO

The look you’re after is…

Looking for something unexpected?

DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA L’Oréal Paris Féline Mascara by Voluminous provides bold, dense and full lashes in an ultra-glossy black formula, bestowing you with a look like Lady Gaga or Kim Kardashian West. $13, amazon.ca.

ELEGANT GLAMOUR Annabelle Outlash Mascara gives you a hefty dose of volume with a twisted brush that also fans lashes. The formula features carnauba extract, which conditions lashes to give your eyes that old Hollywood soft-focus glow (think Audrey Hepburn or Ava Gardner). $10, annabelle.com.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

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YES

YES, PLEASE!

NOT REALLY

Ilia Beauty Mascara is a great green option with a twist. You can go with basic black (Nightfall), but we recommend opting for a shade with subtle colour, like Macao, a coppery hue that will brighten your whole face. $31, beautymark.ca.

Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara perfectly separates lashes while boasting a natural formula— featuring such goodfor-you ingredients as organic pomegranate and acai oils and organic cocoa and shea butters. $36, beautycounter.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY, THINKSTOCK (EYELASHES)

SUPER STRAIGHT

SHEEN Queen If you thought your days of wearing sparkly shadow or gloss were behind you, you were wrong. This most magical time of year demands unapologetically dazzling makeup. Let us show you four shimmering looks that prove glitter can be for grown-ups.

BY JULIA M C EWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIE RAINVILLE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY OLIVIA COLACCI/ORIBE/M.A.C COSMETICS/JUDYINC.COM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

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HALSTON HERITAGE DRESS, THEBAY.COM. EARRINGS, BANANAREPUBLIC.CA. ILLUSTRATIONS, THINKSTOCK

GOLDEN HOUR There’s a reason metallics are a holiday favourite: They make you sparkle.

Draw attention to your eyes with a twinkling wash of golden shadow. Skip harsh yellow-tinged tones and, instead, swipe your lids with a cool gold or rich copper shade. Pair with polished skin, a light-pink pout and an unfussy hairstyle.

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Don’t let cringe-worthy flashbacks of middle-school beauty blunders turn you off of glitter forever. Sparkle doesn’t have to be gaudy; when used strategically, and in moderation, it can look ethereal and sophisticated.

We especially love turquoise glitter layered over a thick cat eye for a little extra glitz.

EARRINGS, EXPRESS.COM

WALK THE LINE

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS DRESS, MICHAELKORS.CA. EARRINGS, BANANAREPUBLIC.CA

AMUSE-BOUCHE It may be 2016, but in the lipstick department, it feels a lot like 1996. Shimmering lip shades are back in full force, only this time around, they’re less frosted and more metallic. A good entry point to this look is layering glittery gloss over red lipstick.

Once you feel comfortable, upgrade to a metallic liquid lipstick and keep the rest of the makeup soft and pretty.

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

The secret’s out. If you want to fake a healthy glow, grab the highlighter. For a lit-from-within radiance, mix your foundation with a pea-size drop of liquid highlighter before applying. If you’re a real glow-getter, dust a shimmery powder onto the tops of your cheekbones, then blend. The golden rule is to choose a highlighter that’s the right shade for your skin tone: silvery pink for fair skin, gold for olive colouring and bronze for darker complexions.

TOP, EXPRESS.COM. EARRINGS, ALDOSHOES.COM

EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED

GET THE LOOK

This year’s glittering holiday beauty looks are easier to achieve than you think, and these products will help you get there.

GOLDEN HOUR Cover FX Perfect Light Highlighting Powder in Candlelight, $42, sephora.ca.

M.A.C Cosmetics Foiled Shadow in Enchanted Forest, $24, maccosmetics.ca.

Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Kitten, $42, sephora.ca.

Make Up For Ever Star Lit Powder in 12 and 14, $25 each, sephora.ca. Kiss Gel Fantasy Nail Kit in To the Max, $11, kissusa.com.

WALK THE LINE M.A.C Cosmetics Glitter in Reflects Turquatic, $26, maccosmetics.ca. Bite Beauty Multistick in Gelato, $28, sephora.ca. Lise Watier Smokey Kohl Velours in Nude Velours, $23, lisewatier.com. Urban Decay Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner in Deep End, $27, urbandecay.ca.

Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Ocean Light, $41, chanel.com.

Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Lip Tint in Whisper, $29, sephora.ca.

AMUSE-BOUCHE Vichy Idéalia BB Cream SPF 25, $37, vichy.ca.

Nyx Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Speed of Light, $10, nyxcosmetics.ca.

Maybelline New York Shine Shot Prismatic Lip Topcoat, $12, maybelline.ca. Caryl Baker Visage Eye Shadow in Pixie, $18, carylbakervisage.com.

Fresh FreshFace Instant Glow Luminizer, $59, sephora.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOFFREY ROSS (PRODUCT)

EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Beautiful Color Bold Illuminating Liquid Highlighter in Golden Kiss, $32, elizabetharden.ca. Art Deco Golden Bronze Oil Drops, $30, shoppersdrugmart.ca. L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator in Ice, $17.50, lorealparis.ca. Joe Fresh Highlighter Powder in Luster, $8, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion in 1, $43, sephora.ca.

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

1

#W ETH E C U RV Y

Skip sequins and try a starburst of embellishment.

3 2

FIND MORE STYLISH PLUS-SIZE FROCKS AT canadian

I call these personality pants—so keep the rest of the outfit simplified.

4

Shine On

These chromed pumps work like a neutral.

Deck the halls this holiday season with dazzling picks and tips from our plus-size style star, Meredith Shaw.

FULL DISCLOSURE: MY FAVOURITE COLOUR IS SPARKLE. Sequins, rhinestones, beading and appliqués aren’t just for the likes of Las Vegas showgirls (hello, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez!); they’re also available for us mere mortals to delight and dazzle in. I realize not everyone is a fan of the more-is-more approach to holiday dressing, but maybe that’s because of some absurd notion that having a curvy body relegates you to a life on the sidelines in a boring LBD. That’s rubbish! No matter your size, you deserve to be in the spotlight—and the holiday season is the perfect time to dip into twinkling embellishments and gilded trimmings. From subtle sparkle to full-on shine, here are my steadfast ways to add twinkle to your outfits this season.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

1 . S PA R KS F LY Keep your blazer or blouse looking cool, not corporate, by choosing one with a bit of draping—and a whole lot of sparkle. Wear it with dark skinnies and neutral heels, and you’ll slay at any holiday soirée.

Love & Legend blouse (sizes 12 to 26), $78, additionelle.com.

2 . TA I L O R M A D E A-line skirts and dresses used to be my go-to because they highlight the waist and glide over lumps and bumps.

Oh, how wrong I was. A pencil skirt is super flattering; the trick is to find one in a thick

22

material with enough structure so it acts like shapewear. If skirts aren’t your thing, try glittering trousers.

Studio Kady jacquard pant (sizes 14 to 28), $125, eloquii.com.

Junarose dress (sizes 14 to 24), $100, gussiedup.ca.

3 . T H E PA R T Y D R E S S When it comes to office parties, keep the silhouette sophisticated with a sheath dress—glittering, of course— that hits just below the knee.

But if the bash is with friends or out on the town, let your sexy self soar by rocking a plunging neckline. Either way, all eyes will be on you!

Embellished dress (sizes 0 to 26), $145, gatsbylady.com.

4 . T H AT B L I N G T H I N G You can go from frumpy to festive with a few carefully chosen accessories: an embellished clutch, a sequined scarf, metallic pumps or a twinkling belt. Don’t play it safe with just silver and gold tones; look for navy-, magenta- or hunter green–hued sparkles and chromed finishes.

Necklace, $65, aldoshoes .com. Rose-gold pumps, $52, justfab.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY, JENNA MARIE WAKANI (SHAW). HAIR AND MAKEUP, CIA MANDARELLO/ORIBE/CHARLOTTE TILBURY/P1M.CA

living.com/ partydresses.

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“The Jumping Jack”

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On the hunt for a head-turning festive getup with all the holiday fixings?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re of the minimalist mindset or you prefer to max out on details—we’ve got both camps covered.

BY JULIA M C EWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLYLE ROUTH HAIR AND MAKEUP BY VANESSA JARMAN/ MOROCCANOIL/ M.A.C COSMETICS/P1M.CA

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

..

turn

a

l it

t le

If cascading ruffles are too precious for your taste, give the fashion detail a discreet nod on a three-quarter-length bell sleeve.

Dress, $185, anntaylor.com.

Earrings and ring, aldoshoes.com. Bracelet, winners.ca. Michael Michael Kors bag, michaelkors.ca.

A spiralling ruffle snakes its way down from the neckline, doubling as a statement accessory for this simple sheath silhouette.

a lot

Karl Lagerfeld dress, $199, thebay.com.

Earrings, swarovski.com.

Rings, pandora.net.

Clutch, callitspring.com.

Architectural ruffles build the foundation of a dramatic l o o k— p e r fe c t w h e n d re s s i n g fo r a p a r t y. T h i s s e a s o n’s ruffles are like stiff waves, still feminine but with a modern t wist .

MAKE

waves 25

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

bling a lot

IT ON

If your wardrobe aspirations are to light up the night while working the party circuit, look no further than a sequin-covered LBD. Michael Michael Kors dress, $395, michael kors.ca. Earrings, bananarepublic.ca.

Bracelet and shoes, winners.ca. Clutch, callitspring.com.

If you shy away from sequins for fear of looking like a pageant queen, skip the full-on glitz and team a sequined tank with sleek white widelegged trousers.

It’s chic with a hint of twinkle.

Top, $75, gapcanada.ca.

Pants, $124, and faux-fur scarf, bananarepublic.ca.

Earrings, aldoshoes.com.

Watch, michaelkors.ca.

a

l it t ...

le

Sequins are a holiday essential—there’s no getting a ro u n d i t . B u t n ot a l l s p a r k l e i s c re ate d e q u a l . U s e t h i s sh iny det a il a s t h e st a r of t h e s h ow or pl ac e i t st rat e gi c al l y. .

a

l it t le Take an artful approach to metallic threads with a mash-up of unexpected materials, then prepare to rake in the compliments all day (and all night) long.

Sweater, $159, linethelabel.com.

Pants, $39, joefresh.com.

Earrings, bananarepublic.ca.

Watch, swarovski.com.

Clutch, aldoshoes.com.

Shoes, express.com.

You know what pairs great with gilt? More gold. No, seriously.

The trick to bringing these metallic fabrics together is to choose different textures in slightly different tones.

The warmth and the sheen help make the outďŹ t cohesive.

a lot

Blouse, $130, winners.ca.

Skirt, $90, gapcanada.ca.

Earrings, bag and shoes, aldoshoes.com. Bracelets, hillbergandberk.com.

W h et h e r t h ey ’re i n c o o l s i l ve r o r r i c h g o l d , m et a l l i c st y l e s c an b e foun d eve r y w h e re . Tr y t h i s sh iny trend by means of silver slacks or a gilded skirt.

H E AV Y

Metal 27

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Velvet CRUSH

A perennial holiday favourite, this luxurious, cold we at h e r– f r i e n d l y fa b r i c i n st a nt l y e l evat e s d re s s e s ,

..

bla ze r s an d b l ous e s , gi vi n g t h e m an ai r of rom an c e.

a lot Go big or go home in head-to-toe velvet by pairing a ruby-red blazer with dagger-shaped lapels and swooshing bell-bottoms.

Michael Michael Kors blazer, $355, and pants, $195, michaelkors.ca.

Blouse, $34, joefresh.com.

Earrings and rings, aldoshoes.com. Brooch, bananarepublic.ca.

On the other end of the spectrum, a slightly oversize navy velvet camisole worn with a graceful skirt lends a delicate dose of holiday glam.

Top, $60, loft.com.

Babaton skirt, $165, aritzia.com. Choker and bracelet, banana republic.ca. Clutch, express.com.

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l it t le 29

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

a

l it

t le

This ultrafeminine fabric—once reserved for the boudoir, weddings and, well, doilies—has come a long way. Work this ladylike material into everyday attire as a dainty trim.

Tuxedo blazer, $240, and clutch, banana republic.ca. Blouse, $95, tristanstyle.com. Michael Michael Kors culottes, $195, michaelkors.ca.

Earrings and shoes, aldoshoes.com. Ring, swarovski.com.

Upgrade your little black dress to a jewel-tone lace frock.

The magenta hue is every bit as dramatic as black but less predictable.

a lot

Gabby Skye dress, $128, thebay.com.

Earrings and clutch, aldoshoes.com. Ring, bananarepublic.ca.

2016 | C

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AMAZING

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Lace

Th is refin e d fab r i c wal ks t h e l i n e b et we e n c oquett i s h a n d c o n s e r vat i ve . I t s t i m e l e s s e s s e n c e a d d s a l i tt l e drama and gives new life to just about any outfit.

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

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SHOP THE TREND

THE BROOCH Add a bit of holiday flair with a brooch (or two or three).

This small accessory can make a major impact.

THE EARRINGS When it comes to hoops, size matters.

Don a large, but slim, set with an unexpected embellishment in the back.

Gold-toned parrot pin, $35, bananarepublic.ca.

Faux-fur jacket, $259, linethelabel.com.

Hoop earrings, $155, erintracy.ca.

T H E C OAT Faux fur doesn’t have to be saved for subzero weather or a fancy soirée. Incorporate it into everyday wear; this short bomber style is a great substitute for a cardigan or a leather or denim jacket.

T H E B R AC E L E T Skip larger-than-life baubles in favour of a pretty gold cuff.

Faux-fur vest, $59, joefresh.com.

Feather bracelet, $62, bananarepublic.ca.

Faux-fur jacket, $129, garciajeans.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY, CARLYLE ROUTH (MODEL). HAIR AND MAKEUP, ANNA NENOIU/CHARLOTTE TILBURY/P1M.CA

THE DRESS T H E B AG The charming doctor’sbag silhouette is sleek and sophisticated, while still being large enough to house your essentials.

Move over, stripes; the chevron pattern is blowing up this fall.

Not only is it playful and retro but it’s also super flattering, giving you the illusion of added length.

Suede doctor’s bag, $230, bananarepublic.ca.

Chevron dress, $170, bananarepublic.ca.

Faux-fur jacket, $170, lechateau.com.

INTO THE

Wild

Fuzzy, fluffy, furry—no matter how you refer to faux fur, the statement fabric can sometimes look gimmicky. But you can wear a textured topper, from office to holiday bash, all the while being cozy, confident and chic. Here’s proof!

T H E B O OT I E S Instead of your typical pumps, put your best foot forward in a pair of caged booties.

Lace-up booties, $195, ninewest.ca.

BY JULIA M C EWEN

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Eye Health

Wonderful to have good eyes Madeleine wrote to us to tell her story of how Blue Berry™ has impacted her quality of life and helped her enjoy her favorite hobby: painting beautiful landscapes.

“

M

y name is Madeleine Fournier. I am retired and live in Montreal. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in nature, painting beautiful plants and landscapes.

Macular Degeneration In my later years, my eyes began to weaken. I was very sad about this, because I love painting, which is demanding on the eyes and requires accurate vision.

When I went to my optometrist, he diagnosed me as having age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and told me this unfortunately gets worse with time.

Read about Blue Berry™ Then, in a magazine, I noticed an ad about Blue Berry, and read about a man who had used it to maintain his eyes. In hopes of getting the same results, I bought a box at my local pharmacy, and started the same day.

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ILLUSTRATIONS, SHUTTERSTOCK (HANDS, BACKGROUND); THENOUNPROJECT.COM (HEART)

Give a little, GET A LOT It’s no secret that being generous can make you feel good.

But did you know it can also alleviate stress, lower blood pressure and deliver anti-aging benefits?

BY LESLEY YOUNG

35

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Help Wanted being generous can reduce mortality rates by up to 25%

donating money to a worthy cause can lower your blood pressure

Volunteering can help alleviate symptoms of depression– and it’s linked to better overall health for seniors

w

HEN LISA FIELDING, 41, moved to Burlington, Ont., her mother-in-law suggested she join Beta Sigma Phi, a nonacademic sorority with chapters across the country, as a way to meet new people.

(Her mother-in-law had moved around a lot in the past, and as a longtime member herself, found the group helpful when it came to making friends.) Lisa, who has dysthymia—persistent mild depression that “makes everything feel grey”—figured she’d give it a try, expecting to make a friend or two. She had no idea she’d also get mental health benefits; but, as it turns out, the volunteer work she did through the organization was a reliable mood booster. “Volunteering makes me feel much better,” she says. “It’s instant, and that feeling lasts for a short while.”

Lisa isn’t quitting her medication, but she is hooked on the high that being generous to others gives her, whether that means wrapping gifts for the local hospital at Christmastime or weeding the garden at a children’s respite on weekends.

According to Ashley Whillans, a researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Social Cognition and Emotion Lab in Vancouver, Lisa is onto something. Being generous with our time or our money has proven health benefits for a host of ailments, from high blood pressure to depression, she says. In fact, it might not be so strange to one day receive a prescription for volunteerism in addition to traditional medicine.

Hilary Davidson, a visiting scholar at Rice University in Houston and author of The Paradox of Generosity, thinks this is especially likely when it comes to mental health. “Research has shown that, when we give to others, our stress hormones go down, our serotonin [feel-good hormones] levels go up and we generally feel a sense of calm,” she says. “It’s called giver’s glow.” The upshot?

Donating time to a worthy cause could lessen the effects of depression, particularly if you do it

36

consistently. (Though Davidson does suggest committing your time incrementally so you don’t feel stretched.)

Doing good deeds can also alleviate social anxiety. According to a 2015 study by The University of British Columbia, people who shovelled a neighbour’s driveway or carried groceries for a stranger enjoyed reduced levels of shyness. “People with social anxiety expect social situations to go poorly, but giving with an act of kindness resolves that,” says the study’s lead researcher, Jennifer Trew, a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of psychology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. “You’re setting yourself up for a positive interaction, plus you’re strengthening social bonds.”

And, she says, you don’t have to have a social anxiety disorder in order to benefit.

There are quantifiable physical gains to being generous, too. “Helping others can reduce mortality rates by up to 25 percent,” says Stephanie Brown, a researcher and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y. Her hypothesis is it activates an ancient caregiver instinct in all of us that triggers, among other benefits, a release of the hormone progesterone, which helps balance our immune system. But data suggests your motive matters; you won’t get that benefit unless your generosity comes from an altruistic place. “We have an innate, biological drive to take care of the vulnerable,” says Brown.

“But if you feel coerced to give, or you are doing it to learn more about yourself, you don’t activate those feel-good hormones.”

While much of the research around the health advantages of generosity has focused on contributing your time, donating money also has positive effects; charitable donations can reduce your blood pressure, says Whillans. “After our subjects spent money on others, we observed a consistent, immediate reduction in blood pressure that was the same as starting a new exercise routine,” she

Every Set

of Lost Keys Has a Story “We lost our keys at a hockey game out of town, including our expensiveto-replace smart key for the car. Our War Amps key tag did its job when our keys were returned to us last week by courier, much to our relief.”

– War Amps supporter says. Her theory is that spending on others protects our hearts by lowering stress and giving us a sense of autonomy—we feel empowered by the act of helping others. But don’t just sign up for automatic donations; the health impact may be stronger if you’re thoughtful about choosing a charity and you know where the money is going.

Many of these benefits are particularly evident in older people—it turns out doing good has antiaging benefits! A review of 74 studies led by Nicole Anderson, an associate professor in the psychiatry and psychology departments at the University of Toronto, showed that volunteer work is associated with better overall health for older adults, including lower rates of depression and lower mortality. Anderson adds that volunteering is an important lifestyle component for maintaining health and well-being in later years, though preliminary research suggests there’s a limit to its effectiveness; her work shows the health benefits of volunteer work diminish after two to three hours per week.

The research is certainly promising, and it likely won’t be long until scientists can say exactly how much volunteer work or charitable giving is required per week to reduce stress or strengthen our hearts. But there’s no reason to delay. Davidson says the simplest place to start is by focusing on small ways you help the people you care about.

“We often underestimate the benefit of helping others,” adds Whillans. “It’s important to overcome this way of thinking and know that small actions can make a big difference.”

Spending on others protects our hearts by lowering stress and giving us a sense of autonomy—we feel empowered by the act of helping others.

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001

Expert Advice

AS K U S

ANYTHING

Q U E ST I O N

Stress happens—but our experts have answers to your questions about getting a handle on it, keeping your diet on track and still scoring some z’s.

When I get stressed, all my healthy eating habits go out the window. How do I make sure I eat well when life gets busy?

— Robin, 52, Lethbridge, Alta.

TAKE A FELINE-FOCUSED BREAK Does Grumpy Cat make you giddy? Research suggests watching cat-related media may boost your mood and energy and lessen feelings of anxiety. But don’t overdo it—be reasonable with your kitty-viewing consumption.

STRESS CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH IN SURPRISING WAYS. FIND OUT HOW AT

canadianliving.com/stress.

Q U E ST I O N

My mind always races at the end of a super-stressful day.

What are some techniques to help me wind down?

— Xondra, 39, st. john’s, N.L. A | It helps to get off of your devices and out of your head, and to try to focus on each of your senses. Look out the window at a tree.

Listen to soothing music or take in nature’s night sounds. Touch a soft blanket or a cozy pillow and appreciate how it feels. Choose a scent you love—lavender is soothing—and light a candle or apply an essential oil or a moisturizer. We use our senses to help centre ourselves; when we step out of our worries to appreciate a comforting smell or sound, it gives us more breathing space.

Rebecca Higgins, community educator for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Toronto

Q U E ST I O N

What are the long-term effects of stress? — Jen, 34, Toronto

A | Eating foods that are high in fat and sugar seems to have a feedback effect that inhibits activity in parts of the brain that produce stress. They truly are comfort foods in that they appear to counteract stress—which may contribute to people’s stressinduced cravings for sweets or junk food. However, there are some easy ways to keep your diet on track.

1. Mindfulness meditation.

Take a mental timeout (even 10 minutes can help!) by practising meditation. This time for reflection can help you create a space between stress and your response; you’ll be more likely to react in a compassionate, rational way.

2. Exercise. When we experience stress, negative energy builds up inside of us. Physical activity can help alleviate that buildup, so listen to your favourite soundtrack (the musical Hamilton is my pick right now) and hit the street or dance it out in your living room.

3. Talk to someone. When going through a difficult period, use your network of support and connect with others, or speak to a therapist who can provide you with the necessary tools to work through that stress.

A | Stress is unavoidable, but if we change how we react Eli Puterman, assistant professor at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver

to or recover from it, then we can think, feel, eat and sleep better. A prolonged and heightened degree of stress can wear down our bodies and minds. In the long run, stress can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease, and it can negatively impair our immune system and lead to sleep and digestive issues.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

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Jaime Saibil, registered psychotherapist, Toronto

PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK (LAVENDER); HAYLEY ANDOFF PHOTOGRAPHY (HIGGINS). ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM

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Health & Beauty

I panicked –

My hair was thinning!

Maya was shocked by the change in her hair.

Fullness and volume were replaced by thinness and lifeless hair. She had to do something.

Here is her story:

T

he hair I found in my brush, in the shower and on my cardigan was unfamiliar to me.

It was thinning like never before.

How could this be happening?

I had to do something I found out my mother experienced the same problems when she was younger, and she simply accepted her fate. But so much of my personality is in my hair, and I did not want to have the same problems. I had read about the importance of hair nutrients, so I decided to focus on the inside rather than on the outside, and went looking for a good supplement.

My hair now feels fuller I was recommended a natural product called Hair Volume™.

I have now used it for 2 months DQG , DP UHDOO\ VDWLVÀ HG ZLWK WKH product. My hair feels full and healthy and even my nails feel much stronger. The shedding has also almost stopped. This is proof to me that proper nutrition on the inside helps you look your best on the outside. I highly recommend Hair Volume to women who have the same issues as I had.”

Maya N., Sweden

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CURB YOUR

enthusiasm Let’s face it: No one really sticks to just one drink at the holiday party or chooses salad over a side of stuffing at the annual family dinner. But it is possible to #treatyourself in a healthy way. Here’s how.

IS READ ETHYOU B E F O R PA R T Y HIT THECUIT! CIR

PHOTOGRAPHY, GETTY IMAGES

BY TRALEE PEARCE

41

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

ecember can feel like a never-ending marathon punctuated by so many sprints: There are moments when you wish you could just crawl into bed, and others when you feel like you’ll blink and miss out on the real fun. But don’t lurch from party to buffet, suffering the drawbacks of overindulging (carb-induced bloating, party planner’s anxiety, a serious shortage of sleep) without a plan. We’ve polled the experts for their best advice on making the most of the season without ending up irritable, achy and ready to hibernate.

THE TRIP UP

Overeating Cheese trays, sausage rolls, an endless supply of cookies and chocolate at the office—food is ubiquitous at this time of year. But it’s a myth that the average person gains 10 pounds over the holidays—a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2000 found it’s actually less than a pound. Still, you won’t feel great if you eat everything in sight. Here’s how to sample the bounty without feeling sluggish.

You know there are empty calories in Christmas candy— but don’t forget the sugar in cocktails and eggnog.

Be a snack snob. “It’s amazing how all the little things add up,” says Taylor, a spokesperson for Dietitians of Canada. So be picky. Rank seasonal treats, then “eat your favourite and skip the rest,” she suggests.

THE TRIP UP

Poor Food Choices It’s ironic that, during a season of overeating, we ingest fewer of the nutrients we need, as we drink high-calorie beverages instead of water and replace healthy snacks with sugary treats. And to make matters worse, falling behind on exercise can actually increase the impact of those indulgences. In a 2013 study published in The Journal of Physiology, researchers found that after just one week of overeating and not exercising, participants showed poor blood-sugar control and their fat cells were undergoing potentially long-term metabolic changes.

Go for a run. That same study showed there was one thing participants could do to mitigate the ill effects of their dietary choices: Spend 45 minutes on a treadmill daily. While more research is needed, these findings suggest D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

exercise does more than burn calories; it may also affect how the body metabolizes sugar.

Write it down. Start a food journal, not as a diet tool but as a reality check, suggests Lalita Taylor, an Edmontonbased dietitian. Writing down what you eat can help uncover patterns. If you realize you had a doughnut for breakfast and a glass of eggnog in the afternoon, skip the cheesecake at dinnertime to make room for other nutrients.

Drink smart. Cranberry juice, eggnog and cocktails are all major sources of sugar, so treat them the same as tiramisu or trifle. In fact, Taylor suggests pitting sugary drinks and foods against each other: Savour a glass of fine red wine and pass on dessert, or dig into a piece of pie and sip water.

42

breakfast or a cookie binge, you may feel like fasting for the rest of the day. Instead, plan your next healthy snack or meal and make sure you’re eating every three to four hours. “Going into a meal hungry will lead to overeating and excess calories,” says Taylor.

The ideal snack balances protein with carbs, so try a quarter cup of almonds alongside an apple or a tangerine.

Have a buffet plan. Research out of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., has shown that, when faced with variety, most of us will overeat. “We don’t want to miss out on anything,” says Taylor. At your next self-serve meal, don’t jump in before you’ve done reconnaissance. Identify the caloric fillers worth skipping, such as bread, crackers and cheese.

Then, try the Eat Well Plate method: half of the plate is vegetables, a quarter is whole grains and a quarter is protein.

PHOTOGRAPHY, STOCKSY UNITED. ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM

Keep eating. After a decadent

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Be active. Exercise reduces stress hormones, so if you can schedule a full workout as “me” time, do. If not, find 10 minutes here and there, suggests Taylor. Walk with a buddy at work on your lunch break, and get outside to build a snowman with the kids—anything that gets you some physical activity, says Boldrick.

THE TRIP UP

It’s always tough to find time for exercise, but during the holidays, fitness can be sidelined in favour of nights out, family travel and shopping for gifts.

Amanda Boldrick, manager of health and fitness at the YMCA of Central East Ontario, says the number of personal-training appointments can drop by up to 50 percent over the holidays.

Plan for a recovery week.

If you exercise regularly, check your calendar and identify your busiest week in December.

Make those seven days a gymfree recovery week, and stick to a regimen for the four to six weeks prior, suggests Boldrick.

This will give your body time to rest before gearing up again, she says. Don’t sit on the couch and watch Netflix, though.

Boldrick encourages people to take walks and stay mobile during the recovery period.

Stay above the fray. Spending time with THE TRIP UP

Stressing Out There’s a moment when the December calendar is blissfully empty. And then it isn’t. At a time when we’re supposed to be enjoying friends and family, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and overscheduled, sapping the joy out of the season and leading to less healthy food choices as well as raised levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin, which are linked to chronic disease.

Shrink your workout. Do you have four minutes to spare?

Then high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is your friend.

The HIIT theory is that exercisers can reap aerobic benefits from very short bursts of intense exercise. Boldrick recommends an app called Tabata Stopwatch Pro, which has an adjustable timer to steer users through 20- or 30-second intervals of squats, planks, pushups and jumping jacks.

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Edit your party plan. It’s OK to RSVP “no” to parties that you don’t want to attend, and when it comes to hosting, don’t feel pressured to pull off a big party. “Instead of planning the same elaborate dinner for 20, have a drop-in day event,” says Dimerman.

One drink is equal to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine or 1½ oz of spirits.

Get social. While personaltraining appointments drop in December, group classes hold steady, says Boldrick. Not only does working out with others motivate us, but staying social also gives our overall wellness a lift. Plus, a Spinning or yoga class takes planning out of the equation at a time when you can feel overloaded with making decisions, says Taylor.

family can come with high expectations and unhealthy tension. “If you come together out of obligation, rather than because you want to, resentment and anger is bound to come through,” says Toronto family therapist Sara Dimerman.

Find a way to spend a little less time with your clan, or figure out a different way to respond when triggered by a loved one.

THE TRIP UP

Too Many Cocktails You lost track of your martini intake last night, and you’re paying for it today. It goes without saying that having a dry day is a good idea, but there are other ways to bounce back and prevent long-term damage to your liver. (And the next time you imbibe, stick to the daily two-drink maximum for women.)

Hydrate. This one’s a no-brainer, but water is the only place to start, says Taylor. Next, look for something to replenish electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. Though she doesn’t usually recommend them, in this case, Taylor says sports drinks are OK.

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They’ll help you rehydrate, especially if you don’t like drinking water.

Take vitamin C. One of the byproducts of alcohol metabolism is a toxin called acetaldehyde. Vitamin C, either in juice or 500-milligram tablet form, can help neutralize its effects, which include liver damage, says Taylor.

Eat cereal. Unsweetened cereal is a secret weapon, says Taylor, because it can help soothe your stomach. Plus, many varieties are fortified with B vitamins, which are crucial to overall health and can be lost to a night of tippling.

PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK (WEIGHTS); GETTY IMAGES (GLASSES). ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM

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SWEET CELEBRATION

Lack of Sleep Maybe you stayed up college-era late at that soirée. Or you woke up at 5 a.m. to make your flight to visit family. Don’t panic. Judith Davidson, a sleep researcher and clinical psychologist at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., says a night or two of staying up too late doesn’t need to wreak havoc on your system.

THE TRIP UP

The Holiday Blues It might be the most wonderful time of the year on paper, but for some of us, it can be hard to feel merry.

These tips can help you battle the blues. (If your mood doesn’t lift, see a doctor; you might be suffering from seasonal affective disorder or depression.)

CRÊPES Yield:

Total Time: Difficulty: INGREDIENTS 1 cup (240 mL) 1 cup (240 mL) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) 1 cup (125 g)

10 to 12 crêpes or 2 ½ cups (600 mL) batter 21 minutes Intermediate

evaporated skim milk egg substitute or 4 large eggs granulated sugar or other sweetener, to taste all-purpose flour

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Crêpe is done when set on top and lightly browned on bottom.

Plan your holiday party at vitamix.ca/holiday-cheer

Consider supplements. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression. Omega-3 fatty acids and St. John’s wort may be potentially beneficial “add-on” therapies, according to the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments.

Talk to your doctor.

Get moving. Exercise is now an important part of treating anxiety and mild depression because it stimulates the production of endorphins, those brain chemicals that elevate mood.

Don’t sleep in. Try not to sleep in for more than an hour past your usual wake-up time, says Davidson. This, along with sticking to your usual bedtime, will help your circadian sleep-wake rhythm remain stable.

Resist the urge to go to bed early, which will make it more difficult to fall asleep and could start a pattern of poor sleep.

Take a nap. If your first impulse is to close your eyes, you’re on to something. You needn’t—and shouldn’t—set aside much time for it, either. For most people (not including shift workers), a nap of under 60 minutes between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m. is enough to refresh you and won’t mess up your bedtime, says Davidson.

Don’t dwell on it–research shows most of us can function quite well after a bad sleep.

Plan ahead. If you know you tend to feel lonely during the holidays, invite a friend to celebrate or travel with you. If being cooped up with your extended family gets you down, discuss these issues ahead of time and ask your loved ones for help, says Dimerman.

BACK ON TRACK As the new year looms, even the most ardent holiday indulger can admit it’s time to return to normal. Make it easier by taking these baby steps before December is done.

Be the dessert boss.

Trying to give up sweets while they’re still kicking around is impossible.

Toss or give away extra candy and, if you’re invited out, offer to make dessert so you can sub in healthy ingredients.

Grocery shop.

Set yourself up for success by stocking the pantry with healthy foods like fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds, whole grains, nut butters and Greek yogurt.

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Refresh your breakfast.

Small dietary shifts can make a big difference, and breakfast is a great time to regain control.

Try oatmeal with fruit and nuts, or a banana and almond butter in a whole wheat wrap.

PHOTOGRAPHY, ISTOCKPHOTO (ORNAMENT); GETTY IMAGES (SLEEPING MASK)

A delicate, French-inspired dessert makes for an elegant finish to holiday meals. Blend up batter to create delicious crêpes and try filling them with a strawberry purée or your favourite fruit. Celebrate the season with the ultimate culinary companion, the Vitamix blender.

THE TRIP UP

YO U M A K E T H E M O M E N T. V I TA M I X M A K E S E V E RY T H I N G E L S E .

TA K E A W H I F F O F F O R E V E R

GAIN ORIGINAL

BY G A I N

Keep out of reach of children © 2016 P&G.

WoNdEr GUTTER CREDIT JOSIE PORTILLO ILLUSTRATIONS,

dog

When disaster struck last Christmas Eve, the Hawman family never imagined the hero of the day would be their rescue dog, Rex.

BY ANDREA KARR

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S

ANTANA HAWMAN was only a few minutes away from her acreage northeast of Saskatoon, driving her three young kids and nephew home from Christmas Eve dinner, when her husband’s name lit up her caller ID. Though she wouldn’t normally answer the phone while driving—especially at night on the dark country road—she knew Mitch would call from his truck, which followed just behind them, only if it was urgent. Mitch’s frantic voice leaped from the speaker. He had just spoken with his mother, Noreen, who was visiting for the holidays but had stayed home for the evening with a fever and aches and pains; while she had been sleeping on the couch, the house caught fire. It was now burning to the ground.

As Mitch raced home, Santana called 911, watching an orange glow rise to the sky. “It was

little interest in the young couple or their 11-month-old daughter, Marley. They were drawn instead to a friendly puppy that was sitting in his kennel, wagging his tail. He sat next to the family for an hour in the visitation room, even allowing Marley to hang on to his neck. Though he was only eight months old, he was calm and well behaved.

Rex came home with the Hawmans that day. No one could have predicted that, years later, he’d thank them with an epic act of bravery.

That fateful Christmas Eve, Noreen watched her son’s family leave for dinner, then took a sleeping pill and fell asleep on the couch. When the house caught fire, three smoke detectors went off, but she slept through them all, curling herself deeper into the cushions. Rex began barking and pawing at Noreen, trying to rouse her, but the sleeping pill was strong and she simply turned away.

When Noreen didn’t respond, Rex’s survival instinct kicked in.

Though almost nine years old at the time and much slower than he used to be, he found the strength to grab hold of Noreen’s pajama leg with his teeth and yank multiple times, dragging her onto the ground. surreal,” she says. “I had all four kids with me, so I was trying to keep it together and not freak out.” She tried to give details to the operator, but all she knew was that Noreen had jumped into the family’s third vehicle and pulled it out of the driveway, so she was safe and warm on that cold winter night. As Santana drove toward her swiftly burning home, her next thought was of the family’s pets: four dogs, four cats, two rabbits and a hamster.

As soon as Santana pulled up to the house, she started counting the dogs: Rex, an eight-year-old German shepherd–Alaskan malamute cross, was howling; Ozzy, a Norwegian elkhound puppy, was running back and forth, unsure of what to do; Capone, the five-month-old golden retriever–Pyrenees baby of the family, was sitting in shock; and Phoebe, a schnauzer-Lab, was planted on the road, far from the house. “She wouldn’t even come to us,” remembers Santana. “I had to pick her up and put her in the vehicle.” Three of the cats survived, but the family’s indoor cat, Bella, died in the fire, along with the hamster and rabbits. An ambulance ferried Noreen to the hospital, and neighbours took in the kids and dogs, as Santana and Mitch watched their house burn out.

It wasn’t until the following day, after Noreen was released and Santana noticed a rip in her pajama pant, that the family received the full story of that horrific night. “What happened?” asked Santana. “Rex,” responded Noreen.

Rex had been part of the family since September 2007, when the Hawmans rescued him from the Saskatoon SPCA. Santana and Mitch originally had another dog in mind—a fluffy chow-chow mix that ended up showing

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When Noreen didn’t respond, Rex’s survival instinct kicked in. Though almost nine years old at the time and much slower than he used to be, he found the strength to grab hold of Noreen’s pajama leg with his teeth and yank multiple times, dragging her onto the ground. As soon as she hit the floor, she was jolted awake and sprang into action, grabbing the dogs and leading them out the front door. If Rex hadn’t persevered, Noreen likely would have been trapped in the fire.

By Boxing Day, the local community had the Hawman family placed in a rental home, and everyone stopped by to pet “the hero dog.” His story made the 6 o’clock news and was featured in local papers, which is how the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, an annual event in Toronto honouring pets that have performed life-saving feats, caught wind of Rex’s heroic act. He was awarded a medal in May 2016.

“It was super emotional,” says Santana. “You meet these other fantastic families and their amazing pups, and then you watch your dog walk up there. He’s got no idea what’s going on, but you’re just so proud.”

The Hawmans have rebuilt on the site of their former home, and they made sure to take extra precautions when it comes to fire safety: There’s a fire extinguisher in the garage, another under the kitchen sink and a third in the upstairs hall closet. They’ll never know what caused the fire, which makes it difficult for them to relax, but at least they’ve got Rex keeping a watchful eye. “Each night, he’ll walk around the whole house to see where everybody is before he lies down and goes to sleep,” says Santana.

“We’re his people. He’s always with us.”

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g E A o r U U s o C Canines These pooches, all Purina Animal Hall of Fame inductees, showed amazing loyalty and courage in the face of potential tragedy.

TEXT, ANDREA KARR (SIXTH SENSE, RISKY BUSINESS, BRAVE HEART); STACY LEE KONG (GOOD COMPANY)

The Purina Animal Hall of Fame is an annual ceremony that recognizes heroic animals from across Canada—to the tune of 172 inductees in its 48 years. The vast majority are dogs, but there have also been feline inductees—and even a horse! This year, in addition to Rex, a Saskatoon-area pooch who saved a family member from a house fire (find his story, opposite), four other Canadian canines were honoured. Read on for their heartwarming tales.

Sixth Sense

Risky Business

Late one evening, Matthew Church returned from a bike ride complaining to his wife, Patricia, of pain in his shoulder and elbow.

She gave him a couple of Aspirin, and he went upstairs to watch TV while Patricia read by the fireplace downstairs, the family’s labradoodle, Zola, at her feet. Moments later, Patricia heard a thud from upstairs.

She would have brushed off the noise, but Zola began to bark and growl at Patricia. Confused by Zola’s behaviour, Patricia followed the dog upstairs, where Matthew was lying facedown without vital signs. He’d gone into cardiac arrest, but because of Zola’s protective instincts, the ambulance arrived in time to restart his heart and save his life.

Raya, a five-year-old black Labrador retriever–Norwegian elkhound mix, loves elk hunting with her owner, Brent Cote, and his mother, Trudy.

On a warm fall day in 2015, one such outing turned out to be much more exciting than usual. They’d been hiking for several hours when dusk fell and they began making their way back to their truck, walking along the edge of the forest. Out of nowhere, a bear burst out of the brush and charged toward the family in an effort to protect her cub.

In an instant, Raya leaped in front of Brent and Trudy, barking and growling at the bear. After three attempts at charging, the mom and her cub were forced to retreat. Because of Raya’s bravery, the trio was able to escape without injury.

Good Company Port Alberni, B.C., resident Kayla Aolick credits her golden retriever, Shadow, with helping restore her independence. Kayla has epilepsy, the aftereffect of a cancerous brain tumour that was removed when she was 11, and her episodes were once so bad that she couldn’t go anywhere alone. But since the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides matched her with the seizure-detection dog four years ago, things have been very different. Shadow warns Kayla when a seizure is coming on—and he may be the reason she now experiences fewer episodes. With Shadow around, she and her family don’t stress out as much about what will happen if a seizure strikes; they know he’ll alert Kayla, get her mom or even push her medical-alert button, if necessary. From taking cooking classes to running errands solo, Kayla can finally live a more independent life.

Brave Heart Toronto Police Service Canine Unit Const. Steve Balice rarely goes anywhere without his police dog, Lonca. One November evening, the duo was stationed at the back entrance of a residential address, while the rest of the Emergency Task Force entered through the front door. Const. Balice saw an armed man running from the building, seemingly headed toward the officers out front, so he shouted numerous warnings before finally releasing Lonca to bring the suspect down. The man proceeded to strike Lonca in the face with a machete—but he didn’t let go until the suspect finally surrendered. Though bleeding, Lonca assisted in the capture of a second suspect before being rushed to the veterinary hospital, where he received five stitches on his face and two staples in his paw. The suspect who attacked Lonca was the first in Canada to be charged under Quanto’s Law, a piece of legislation enacted in 2015 to protect law-enforcement animals, military animals and service animals.

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Mike Myers’ Top Spots

T R U E PAT R I T If there’s a list of quintessential Canadians, Mike Myers must be near the top—especially with the release of his new book, a heartfelt but humorous take on what being Canadian means to him.

VICTORIA Ride the ferry from the mainland and have high tea at the Fairmont Empress.

B A N F F , A LTA .

Get an outdoor seat at the Fairmont Banff Springs and stare at the mountains.

BY ANDREA KARR

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

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TORONTO Hop onto the ferry to Centre Island and take a spin on the mini train at Centreville Theme Park.

QUEBEC CITY Take in the architecture and enjoy a pea soup at Aux anciens Canadiens.

H A L I FA X Grab a bite to eat and “watch the parade that is Halifax. For such a small city, it has unbelievable nighttime energy.”

Canada (Doubleday Canada) by Mike Myers, $40.

PHOTOGRAPHY, TOM MUNRO (PORTRAIT). ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM

As an actor and a screenwriter, Mike Myers election of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“He has put such a fantastic face to the is famous for a lot of things, including Canadian experience,” says Myers. He likes his time with Saturday Night Live and that Trudeau is building on his father’s his roles in Wayne’s World, Austin Powers legacy, notably, “the ideas that no man is and Shrek. But perhaps nothing defines an island, that we are our brother’s keeper him more than being Canadian. So when and that the strength of a democracy is Penguin Random House asked him to not how well we agree but how well we write about his birthplace for the sesquidisagree.” In a sense, these simple ideas centennial in 2017, he didn’t think twice. are our mission statement, says Myers, “In my head, I’ve been writing a book and it’s an increasingly appealing one; in about Canada for 53 years,” he says, “and a world full of chaos, the Canadian ideals I didn’t even know it.”

Canada is a memoir of sorts, specifically of peace, order and good government are suddenly “looking a lot sexier.” exploring Myers’ relationship with our Though Myers lives in the U.S. with country, from his childhood to the present. his wife and three kids (he’s been there “It’s not a definitive portrait of Canada; for 30 years), his house showcases his it’s not a definitive history,” he clarifies.

Canadian pride. “I have a Pierre Trudeau Instead, the book focuses on the impact bust the second you walk into my house,” that Canadian culture—from CBC to the he says. “I have a Toronto Maple Leafs to Canadian flag on my Expo 67—had on Myers’ mantel. My brother early life, and the ways it “IT’S A VERY SUBTLE Paul and I have tons of still influences him today.

EXPERIENCE, BEING Mountie stuff. My kids Add references to the allCANADIAN. WHEN have maps of the United Canadian traits of good manners, fairness, incluPEOPLE ASK ME WHAT States, where each state is a different colour and sivity, self-deprecation WOULD BE A TYPICAL Canada is just this pink and mellowness, and CANADIAN THING, blob. I’ve tried, as best you’ve got Myers’ perI SAY, ‘RIDE THE sonal picture of Canada.

SUBWAY IN TORONTO.’ I can, to draw in the provinces. It’s part of While the book is THE SEATS AREN’T their heritage.” rooted in Myers’ homeRIPPED UP, THERE It’s clear that, for grown experiences, he ISN’T GRAFFITI Myers, where you live also speaks to his hopes EVERYWHERE, YOU’RE doesn’t overshadow for the future—especially SAFE, IT’S CHEAP— where you came from. the future of Canadian IT’S THE EVERYDAY Once a Canadian, always government. He’s particua Canadian. larly excited about the CIVILITY, TO ME.”

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MYSTERIOUS TALES

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Whether you’re into historical fiction, page-turning thrillers or revealing memoirs, you’ll find something to read among this month’s new releases.

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE!

Halloween might be the holiday of choice for atmospheric storytelling, but this posthumous collection of short stories by the Queen of Crime, P. D. James, puts a Christmas spin on the whodunit to delightfully macabre effect.

The four tales feature a mysterious inheritance, a family reunion gone awry, an illicit affair and a questionable suicide. And while the clues are there, it’s not until the final paragraph that the miscreants are revealed. You’ll have visions dancing through your head…but they likely won’t be sugarplums. — Alexandra Donaldson The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories (Knopf Canada) by P. D. James, $28.

LIGHT READ

Witchy Women

The Witches of New York (Knopf Canada) by Ami McKay, $35.

Readers first met one of the titular witches in this historical read in author Ami McKay’s last bestselling novel, The Virgin Cure. Then called Moth, she was a fiercely independent girl who, by the end of the book, found herself working as a sideshow attraction.

Now a grown woman going by the name Adelaide Thom, Moth has embraced her powers and runs a tea shop–cum–magic emporium with a fellow witch, Eleanor St. Clair.

Centuries after the Salem witch trials, magic is still viewed with suspicion by society at large, though that doesn’t stop posh ladies from dropping in for palm readings, charms and potions. Then, one sunny September afternoon, a young woman named Beatrice arrives at their doorstep. Untrained but clearly powerful, Beatrice can see and hear things no one else can. At the tea shop, she finds a sense of belonging, while Adelaide and Eleanor quickly come to care for this wayward girl. But when Beatrice disappears, the witches must acknowledge the anti-occult sentiment that has been bubbling up throughout the city—and find their protégé, before it’s too late.

Told through McKay’s signature combination of prose, period advertisements, newspaper clippings and other ephemera, her third novel offers both a compelling, fastpaced story and a peek into New York of the late 1800s, a time when a woman could carve out an independent life— but society would prefer she didn’t. — Stacy Lee Kong

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Maybe Baby Bridget Jones is back, and this time, she’s got a bun in the oven. In Helen Fielding’s fourth novel about the British singleton, timed to coincide with a movie covering the same events, our charmingly awkward protagonist is the linchpin in yet another love triangle.

Some time after breaking up with Mr. Darcy, they meet again and sparks fly. The trouble is, shortly thereafter, they fly with someone else, too. Then, Bridget realizes she’s pregnant, and she doesn’t know which man is the father. — SLK Bridget Jones’s Baby: The Diaries (Knopf Canada)

by Helen Fielding, $30.

POLITICAL THRILLER

Where There’s Smoke In Robert Harris’s latest thriller, the Pope’s sudden death has triggered the secretive process of electing a new pontiff.

Harris lifts the veil on the clandestine negotiations, caustic infighting and taut intrigue as the Holy See transforms the black smoke of dissent to the white smoke of consensus over a heartpumping 72-hour period. A must for any lover of political fiction, Conclave offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the Catholic Church’s most critical election. — Jes Watson Conclave (Random House Canada)

by Robert Harris, $25.

PERFECT FOR A QUICK READ

SCHOOL OF ROCK Rock ’n’ roll icon Robbie Robertson’s new memoir is more than a star-studded trip down memory lane.

If you’re familiar with the rootsrock ensemble The Band, then you undoubtedly know Robbie Robertson, the group’s primary songwriter, producer and guitar player extraordinaire. But you might not know that Robertson is a half-Jewish, half-Mohawk Canadian from the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario, or that his main musical influences include southern blues, rock and jazz. Those details—and more—are laid out in this extensive memoir, written over five years of reflection, which recounts Robertson’s start on the streets of Toronto all the way through to The Band’s legendary goodbye concert, captured by Martin Scorsese in his “rockumentary,” The Last Waltz.

Of course, Robertson had a little help from his friends.

And they’re all here, casually dropped into a narrative that spans decades: Dylan, Hendrix, Clapton, Hawkins and Mitchell, plus guest appearances by a couple of Rolling Stones and Beatles. But while Robertson’s list of contributions and collaborations is impressive, it’s his attention to musical detail that makes this a mustread for any lover of ’60s and ’70s rock ’n’ roll. Day-by-day accounts, guitar changes, amp issues, chord progressions, sonic breakthroughs—you can consider Testimony the ultimate backstage pass. — AD Testimony (Knopf Canada) by Robbie Robertson, $35.

The Twenty-Three (Doubleday Canada)

by Linwood Barclay, $23.

Final Destination If you’re looking for a clever thriller, The TwentyThree is your ideal read. The final installment in Linwood Barclay’s Promise Falls trilogy wraps up the story of a seemingly cursed town that has seen three years of horrific murders and gruesome stunts tied to the number 23. In this gripping conclusion, citizens all over the town of Promise Falls wake up one morning plagued with dizziness, racing hearts, low blood pressure and vomiting—and the mystery condition is sometimes fatal. What ensues is a dramatic search for the cause of the sudden sickness, all while past grievances, petty rivalries and the discovery of multiple new murder victims threaten to destroy many families already barely hanging on.

Barclay is a master of the genre and will keep you up late into the night, torn between savouring every detail and racing to the end. Be sure to read the first two books in the trilogy before diving into this latest juicy read; you’ll have a much richer sense of the characters and an even more suspense-filled journey if you follow the series from tip to tail. — AK

ACTION ADVENTURE

I Spy

READ THEM ALL

It’s 1996 and Jack Reacher is still a major in the U.S. army’s Military Police Corps. After receiving a medal for a mission, he’s ordered to report to night school—a front for an assignment involving the FBI and the CIA. The task: Find an American in Hamburg, Germany, who’s trying to sell an unknown entity (a bomb? A bioweapon? Insider info?) to a jihadist organization, then discover what the entity is. Reacher is as confident and skilled as ever, and “the American” is the perfect bad guy: unpredictable, slightly unhinged and obsessed with his ultimate goal. — Andrea Karr Night School: A Jack Reacher Novel (Delacorte Press)

by Lee Child, $37.

YOU COULD WIN!

Head over to canadianliving.com/clbooks for your chance to receive one of four prize packs with all seven of this month’s top picks and to subscribe to the Penguin Random House book lover’s newsletter.

No purchase necessary. Contest ends Nov. 18, 2016, 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/clbooks. There are four (4) prize packs available to be won. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing question required. Odds of winning depend on the number of online entries. Visit canadianliving.com for eligibility requirements and complete contest rules.

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Lead the Charge Determined to avoid overspending this holiday season?

These easy tips will help you manage your gift list and stick to your budget. BY ANDREA KARR

IT’S LATE, THE MALL’S CROWDED

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PHOTOGRAPHY, STOCKSY UNITED

and you’ve been shopping for hours—yet, you’re still no closer to finding the perfect Christmas gift for that someone special. Maybe the season got away from you, and you missed earlier sales, or perhaps you’re just not into online shopping. Either way, you’re wandering from store to store, hoping to find that just-right mix of thoughtful, useful and affordable. But the clock’s running out, so you grab the first gift that ticks the first two boxes, even though it costs triple your budget. Sound familiar?

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The fact is many of us are living beyond our means—and not just during the holidays, but year-round. According to Statistics Canada, last year ended with a bang: We had recordhigh debt, owing $1.65 for every dollar of annual disposable income. While holiday shopping isn’t solely to blame, if you want to avoid spending setbacks this year, it’s worth the time to make a plan before you get to zero hour at a crowded shopping mall.

Kelley Keehn, an Edmonton-based personal finance educator, says that’s the best way to curb overspending and the credit-card debt that comes with it. “Figure out whom you’re buying for, your budget and your ideal items,” she says. Then, “research the best places to get the items you need.”

The best way to do that? Go online to find the cheapest price for that camera or hot new toy, or make use of the many free cash-saving apps: RedLaser or ShopSavvy (both available for Android and iOS) make it easy to compare prices offered at online and brick-and-mortar retailers. And though most gift-list apps are Christmas-themed (think Santa’s Bag—Christmas Gift List for iOS, or Christmas Gift List for Android), they’re handy tools no matter what you celebrate, especially when it comes to setting a budget and tracking your spending for each recipient.

Then, says Keehn, keep an eye on your spending when you’re in store.

If you start going overboard—and over budget—take a breather. Ask the salesperson to hold your items, then go for a snack or bathroom break. As a fail-safe, only purchase gifts that have a generous return policy. That way, if you have buyer’s remorse later on, you can get your money back, says Keehn.

Another option is to completely overhaul your family’s gift-giving strategy.

“I got everyone together a number of years ago and asked, ‘What did I buy you last year?’ ” recalls Keehn. “Most of my family couldn’t remember—kind of shocking, because I spent so much time and money getting those things—and I couldn’t remember, either.” While Keehn’s family decided to go entirely without gifts for a couple of years, that’s an extreme measure.

Instead, your family could try secret Santa or set a modest budget to ensure that no one feels pressured to spend tons of cash. And keep in mind that you can reevaluate your gift-giving strategy next year.

GET THE SCOOP ON THE TOP FIVE MONEY MISTAKES TO AVOID AT

canadianliving.com/money.

CHEAP & CHEERFUL

Three thoughtful, affordable gift ideas.

D A I LY A F F I R M AT I O N S

For anyone who could benefit from a little positive thinking, The Five-Minute Journal ($27, indigo.ca) can help redirect attention to affirmations and inspiring “listicles” in just five minutes daily. “I do it every day,” says Kelley Keehn, an Edmontonbased personal finance educator.

“And I buy it for everyone. I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend more time being grateful?”

P E R F E CT P R E S E N TAT I O N

High Marks Just because you have a credit card doesn’t mean you should use it. But if you do decide to pay with plastic, here’s what you need to know about keeping your credit score healthy.

1 2 3

Don’t run up your credit-card balance to more than 50 percent of its limit. If your limit is $1,000, never have a balance of more than $500.

Resist the urge to sign up for department-store credit cards.

They’re easy to obtain if you have low credit, and they have high interest rates, so owning one will make you look desperate for credit and will lower your credit score.

Pay your bills by the due date, but be aware that the statement date might be different. The statement date is the day that your creditcard company will file with the credit-reporting agency, and it sometimes falls after the due date. If you make a big charge to your card after the due date and don’t pay it off before the statement date, your credit score could take a hit.

4

Don’t apply for too much credit at one time. If you request a new credit card, register for a new cellphone and lease a laptop within a short period, you might be flagged as high risk and get declined.

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Whip up batches of your favourite cookies for a few close friends and family members, but don’t just toss them into a tin.

“Remember, it’s often about the packaging,” says Keehn, “especially with the incredible paper and ribbons available at dollar stores today. Let your packaging showcase what you made.” You can even include the recipe on a handwritten card.

GOAL KEEPER

If a loved one has a dream such as scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef or running a marathon, help her visualize that goal. Start by purchasing a cute but affordable picture frame, then fill it with a photo (from a website, a magazine or an old calendar) that represents that passion. On a card or the back of the frame, “ask her to think of one thing she’s going to do in the next year to achieve that goal,” says Keehn. “Tell her you want to hear from her in a year to see if she did it.”

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

keep your

home Safe

CANADIAN LIVING X TD

turn off worries about your house Your first line of defence against break-ins is to make your house look lived in–and good locks are a close second. So before you head out of town, be sure to: • Put your lights on staggered automatic

timers so they turn on and off at varied moments throughout the evening.

• Ask a trust-worthy friend or neighbour

to inspect the interior and exterior of your home every few days.

• Keep intruders at bay by installing motion-

sensitive lighting around the perimeter of your property.

• Add dead bolts to all exterior doors.

• Place a block of wood in the track of every

sliding door.

• Secure pet entrances.

If you plan on being away for more than A couple of weeks: • Turn off electrical circuits and unplug your

microwave, televisions, radios and clocks.

• Shut off water to the washing machine and leave

the lid open to prevent mildew and mould.

• Consider shutting off the water supply

altogether and draining the plumbing system to keep pipes from bursting.

• Arrange heating, plumbing and electrical

Planning a winter escape? Follow these tips to prep yourself and your nest, before you fly south.

pack to relax Why wait until you arrive when you can start your vacation en route? Stash a sleeping mask and earplugs in your bag so you can tilt the seat back (in flight or if you’re the passenger in a car) and have a restful slumber. They’ll block out morning sun and latenight noise around your beach house, condo or hotel room.

Dress in layers and stash an extra sweater in case it’s cool on your journey, and to ward off chilly breezes at your destination, even if the forecast predicts sun and warm temperatures.

inspections to comply with the “away” provisions of your home insurance policy.

• Book snow removal for your driveway, paths,

sidewalk and roof.

MANAGE YOUR MONEY

don’t carry cash. Instead, open a

do make arrangements for paying

do sign up for a U.S.-dollar credit card and make all of your U.S. purchases with U.S. dollars.

do visit your regular financial institution before you consider buying a property or taking out a mortgage across the border.

bank account that lets you transfer funds from home as you need to.

your bills while travelling and when you return home.

protect your health Purchase travel medical insurance before you leave your home province or territory.

If you already have coverage, let your provider know of any changes to your health, medication or dosages. Otherwise, your policy could be invalid.

Furniture with tons of wow factor. As in, “Wow, I can’t believe it’s all La-Z-Boy.”

If you thought you knew La-Z-Boy, think again. There are so many great-looking options, from sofas to chairs to sectionals and more — all with the La-Z-Boy comfort you’ve come to know and trust.

If you still can’t believe it, just wait until you sit down.

See the full collection in our new Style Book at la-z-boy.com

THE

When it comes to holiday decorating, lush fabrics, warm accents and a moody palette keep things cozy.

PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK (GOLD PAINT)

TEXT BY GRACE TOBY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGUS FERGUSSON PROP STYLING BY TAMARA ROBBINS GRIFFITH

The clean, modern lines of the fireplace shine thanks to crisp white paint.

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Homeowners Liv Judd Soye and Brian Soye with their kids, Vendela and Malin.

t lifestyle expert and TV personality Liv Judd Soye’s house, the holidays don’t kick in to high gear until Christmas Eve, when she sets a pot of clove- and almondscented gløgg, or mulled wine, to simmer on the stove and everyone unwraps a fresh set of pajamas.

These traditions—a combination of her Norwegian and British heritage, as well as the Irish roots of her husband, Brian Soye, and the customs she’s starting with their two young daughters, Malin, 4, and Vendela, 2—are the most important part of the family’s celebrations. “Having deep-rooted traditions is something that ties us together and helps us feel connected to family back home in Norway and Ireland,” she says.

That European background, and her childhood years spent in northern Saskatchewan, also helped shape her glam but relaxed esthetic. The family’s midtown Toronto home features warm woods, dark walls and mixed metals. “I like glamour, but I don’t want anything to look too perfect. My trick is to add in a few unexpected twists,” she says.

For the holidays, Judd Soye plays up this palette, mixing gilded elements with blackand-white patterns to create a dazzling look that carries throughout the house.

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GO FOR

ļ

Left: In the family room, luxurious grey walls make for a dramatic backdrop. Reflective, shining accents add elegance, while a contemporary tufted sofa and a raw-wood coffee table have a grounding presence.

ij Ľ IJ ň If you have a fake tree, add in a few real twigs, gathered from the backyard or a local park, for visual interest, texture and added fullness.

Elton sofa, westelm.com. Coffee table, Christmas tree, mirror, artwork, cushions, throw and rug, homesense.ca. Dior Gray 2133-40 paint (on walls), benjaminmoore.com.

Below: Accessories are the easiest way to add sparkle for the holidays. But don’t feel obligated to strictly stick to gold tones.

“Layering a mix of metallic shades makes a space feel less opulent and more current,” says Judd Soye.

Penguin sculpture, stocking hangers and stockings, homesense.ca.

“A TRADITION FROM MY CHILDHOOD IS TO PLACE A CLEMENTINE IN GREEN WRAPPING AT THE BOT TOM OF A STOCKING, WHICH PERFECTLY FILLS OUT THE TOE.”

Swap out everyday pillows for seasonal sequined ones—and add a few black accents for impact.

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Sculptural and large-scale, this standout light fixture is an eye-catching focal point.

ij Ľ IJ ň Use a rug to delineate zones in larger rooms. This one defines the boundaries of a small sitting area and adds subtle pattern underfoot.

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SHINY

& BRIGHT

Left: Glass-front uppers put Judd Soye’s prettiest dishes and glassware on display, but solid lower cabinets are a must for wrangling clutter. Black-and-white stripes are a recurring motif throughout the home; here, they pop against the light-colour cabinetry and countertops.

A vintage-look tiered tray is a chic way to display baked goods or ornaments—or both.

Gold-plated three-tiered tray, homesense.ca.

Below: Small, eclectic vignettes—like this agate tray, which holds ornaments and a mini bottle of bubbly—add personality and an extra hit of shine.

Tray, homesense.ca.

B R E AT H I N G

Ů Ķ Ľ

Opposite: Everything from kidfriendly “crafternoons” to family gatherings happens in the kitchen, so this long, narrow space needed a clean, pared-down galley layout.

Cabinetry and appliances run along one wall, helping it feel airy and spacious, as does the abundant natural light. The walls and cabinets are painted in similar hues, which gives the illusion of space, while the island offers plenty of seating—and some extra storage.

CHIC

ķIJ Ľ

Left: A decorative shallow bowl filled with ornaments is festive (and easy to execute!). Mix up the patterns for a playful vibe, but keep your palette restrained for maximum impact.

Bowl and ornaments, homesense.ca.

Cabinets, ikea.ca. Pulls, gingers.com.

Pendant, westelm.com.

Rug, homesense.ca.

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DRESSED TO

" Ű ŋ

A dedicated dressing room might seem like a luxury, but this multi-use space does it all. The converted attic loft, just steps up from the master bedroom, houses wall-to-wall closets, the master bath, a nook for Judd Soye’s office and a space for her girls to play when she’s getting ready for the day.

Wardrobe and cabinets, ikea.ca. Bench, gold branch tree and rug, homesense.ca.

Pulls, gingers.com. Simply White OC-117 paint (on wall), benjaminmoore.com.

The closets are a combination of a prefab wardrobe system and kitchen cabinet fronts that give the look of built-ins.

A bench upholstered in luxe velvet is a stylish place to perch.

Lucite legs keep the high-impact pattern visually light.

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ij Ľ IJ ň Design a space your child can grow in to. The striped chair and saturated rug will work in a more grown-up bedroom just as well as they do in this nursery.

ij

AS S U R E D

Clockwise from top left: In Vendela’s room, an oversize reindeer (adorned with a playful wreath) adds a toddler-friendly holiday touch. Felt banner, faux sheepskin, reindeer, felt wreath and rug, homesense.ca. Playful patterns and a colourful gallery wall are fun counterpoints to the sharp grey-and-black palette in Malin’s room. Quilt, sheets, white metal trunks and rugs, homesense.ca. A sweet pom-pom garland adds an unexpected hit of merriment to a vintage dresser. Garland and pouf, homesense.ca. To accommodate the main Christmas tree downstairs, two armchairs were transplanted to the master bedroom, where they create a welcoming, if temporary, sitting area. Bed and chairs, westelm.com. Cushions, duvet cover and side table, homesense.ca.

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NATURALLY FESTIVE shop bouclair.com

One of Home & Garden director Sarah Gunn’s favourite things about this time of year is trimming the tree. Whether your holiday style is modern, romantic or more on the traditional side, she has a new take on Christmas-tree decorating just for you.

PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS. ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM

Number each gift and turn the tree into an Advent calendar.

The Giving

TREE

Wrap your tree in mini gifts.

Vary the size of the packages for visual interest, but keep the look uniďŹ ed by sticking to a simple colour scheme; in this case, we were inspired to create a traditional red-and-white palette.

Once wrapped, presents were tied to branches using coordinating ribbon and twine.

High Park seven-foot lifelike pine tree (throughout), canadiantire.ca.

Marcel sofa, Woodford coffee table and Hugo rug, urbanbarn.com.

Cushions, tonicliving.com. Essex mantel, hearthmanor.com. Simply White OC-117 paint (on wall), benjaminmoore.com.

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Remove flowers from stems when placing them at the top of the tree.

Holiday

ROMANCE

Switch up textiles to tie in with your tree theme.

A fabulous floral tree sets the scene for a pastel Christmas. Simply place several large faux blooms in shades of the same colour throughout the branches. The best part?

The flowers can be popped into a vase when the tree comes down!

Faux flowers, michaels.com. Blåregn throw, ikea.ca. Forever Frenched art print, annawithloveshop.com. Cushion, tonicliving.com.

Wispy Pink 2005-70 paint (on wall), benjaminmoore.com.

TRYING TO DECIDE BETWEEN A REAL OR FAKE TREE? WE BREAK DOWN THE PROS AND CONS AT canadianliving.com/christmastree.

Modern

FAMILY

Adorn your tree with your favourite family memories. Flip through photo albums together (or scroll through images on your phone) to make choosing pictures part of the fun. Scan the images, print them in black and white on sturdy matte paper, then cut them out, leaving a white edge. Next, perforate each one with a hole punch, and use twine to make a loop through the opening to hang on a branch.

It’s sure to be a conversation starter!

Wrap gifts in kraft paper and add graphic black-and-white ribbon for a modern look.

Malsjö glass-door cabinet, ikea.ca. Footed serving bowl, potterybarn.com. Bunny Gray 2124-50 paint (on wall), benjaminmoore.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS

Fill a bowl with painted pinecones for a chic seasonal display.

Tassel-topped food picks will brighten your table.

1

Spread the love with cool utensils.

2

3

4

Faux-bois placemats add sophisticated texture to your tabletop.

9

BEST BUYS

Party Favours 5

Set the stage for your next soirĂŠe with these pretty essentials.

BY SARAH GUNN

8

Double (the) dip with marble and wooden bowls.

7 6

1. Essex servers, $75 to $90, cb2.com. 2. Multicolour serving picks, $10 per pack of 20, bonjourfete.com.

3. PC wood-grain foil placemats, $6 each, realcanadiansuperstore.ca. 4. Faceted-handled spreaders, $13 per set of four, homesense.ca.

5. Wells decanter, $60, crateandbarrel.com. 6. Champagne coupe with gold-plated trim, $5, homesense.ca. 7. Agate coasters, $97 per set of four, westelm.com. 8. Marble and wooden dip bowls with spoon, $35, indigo.ca. 9. Sculpted salt-and-pepper shaker set, $34, westelm.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, JODI PUDGE (SPREADERS)

Inspired by 1950s design, this sculptural decanter was handmade by master glassmakers.

Canadian Tire name, logos and trademarks are owned by Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. Š 2016 Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. All rights reserved.

For more ideas and inspiration, visit canadiantire.ca/canvas

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Discover more at a Le Creuset Boutique or find a retailer at LeCreuset.ca

Cookware | Bakeware | Tableware | Accessories

the 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS. STYLING, RAYNA SCHWARTZ

Gift e d i u G

Whether you’re shopping for your BFF, your significant other, kids or even Fido, we’ve rounded up tons of thoughtful, stylish gift ideas—plus, budget-friendly options and a little something for the tree.

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T H E 2 0 1 6 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1.

2.

3. steal!

CANADIAN MADE

4.

for the

8.

5.

adventurist If you have a hike-loving, 5K-running, canoepaddling gal in your life, encourage her outdoorsy ways with these nature-ready picks.

Fitbit’s classic tracker gets a sleek update this season.

7.

splurge!

6.

1 Field Guide Notebooks, $5 each, marshalls.ca. 2 Music Matters Sharper Image waterproof speaker, $90, thebay.com. 3 Photo Finish WholeHome glass camera ornament, $7, sears.ca. 4 Sock It to ’Em Yasmine Louis highway socks, $18 per pair, oneofakindshow.com. 5 Rain Check Olivia rainboots, $65, kamik.com. 6 Paddle On Honor artisan canoe paddle, $385, norquayco.com. 7 Step by Step Flex 2 activity trackers, $130 each, fitbit.com.

8 Water Works Copper water bottle, $32, drakegeneralstore.ca.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS (CONFETTI). ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM (MOUNTAINS, PERFUME BOTTLES); SHUTTERSTOCK (CIRCLE OUTLINES AND DOTS)

Take your tunes anywhere with this waterproof speaker.

1.

2.

for the

beauty sleuth She is your go-to source for makeup advice, has serious updo skills and is always ready with a skin-care recommendation. Here’s the latest beauty loot she’s lusting after.

3.

A glam tray will keep her makeup collection contained.

7.

steal!

6.

5.

...

4.

1 The Eyes Have It Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 20 Eyeshadow Palette, $124, sephora.ca. 2 Lovely Lashes Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Party Eyes ornament, $32, charlottetilbury.com. 3 Brush It Off Bobbi Brown Holiday Travel Brush Set, $185, bobbibrown.ca. 4 Chic Catchalls Metallic marble-print trays, $7 each, homesense.ca.

5 Tip to Toe Formula X X in the City Nail Polish Set, $44, sephora.ca. 6 Skin Secrets Fresh Mini Mask Spa, $115, sephora.ca. 7 A Helping Hand L’Occitane en Provence Hand Cream Bouquet, $60, loccitane.ca.

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T H E 2 0 1 6 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1.

3.

Colourful utensils add a dash of fun to any kitchen.

2.

for the

foodie Everybody has that one friend who throws stellar dinner parties and always has sweet treats to share. Reward her generosity this holiday season with these picks.

7.

CANADIAN MADE

Enjoy this rich spread on toast or English muffins—or straight out of the jar!

5.

6.

1 True North Cookie cutters, $25 per tin of four, thebay.com. 2 Classic Condiment Felt ketchup ornament, $13, drakegeneralstore.ca. 3 Tool Time Kate Spade New York kitchen tools, $40 per set of 3, indigo.ca. 4 Bring on the Bubbly Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, $71, veuveclicquot.com. 5 Party Prep Canadian Living: The Special Occasions Cookbook (Juniper Publishing), $35, simonandschuster.ca. 6 Go Nuts PC Black Label Pistachio Spread, $15, pc.ca.

7 Dry Run Herringbone tea towel, $34, avrilloreti.etsy.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS (CONFETTI). ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM (WHISK, BICYCLE)

4.

CANADIAN MADE

1.

steal!

3.

2.

Keep little heads warm with this adorable hat.

for your

littles Whether they’re for your own kiddies or for those of family and friends, these mostly tech-free presents will have the youngsters in your life kicking it old school.

6.

4.

Try a brand-new take on the traditional Rubik’s Cube.

7.

5.

1 Hat’s Off Fawn baby animal hat, $24, kombicanada.com. 2 Dolled Up Classic Moana doll, $25, disneystore.com.

3 Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Modern Cabin felted reindeer ornament, $8, thebay.com.

4 Creature Comforts Jamie Bennett Little Bellwoods plush embroidered reindeer toy, $50, oneofakindshow.com.

5 Puzzle It Out Rubik’s Spark, $35, rubiks.com. 6 Teatime Dessert tower, $40, svan.com.

7 Sweet Dreams Crewcuts boys’ pajama set, $60, jcrew.com.

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T H E 2 0 1 6 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E Get a cool leash for the style-conscious pup.

1.

splurge!

2.

3.

for the

4.

7.

Animal lovers will appreciate a thoughtful gift for themselves, and a little something for Spike or Fluffy, too.

6.

5.

1 Gimme Shelter Pod-style pet bed, $40, homesense.ca. 2 Stick to the Schedule Dog planner, $15, hallmark.ca. 3 Learn the Ropes Found My Animal natural-rope collar, $83, oldfaithfulshop.com. 4 Hang Time Wooden bird hooks, $9Â each, kikkerland.com. 5 Pardon My Frenchie Sir Charles Barkley French bulldog ornament, $14, westelm.com. 6 Festive Fun Gingerbread rope dog toy, $8, homesense.ca. 7 Sweater Weather Martha Stewart Pets dog coat, $22, petsmart.ca.

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Photogra hy, SIAN ... RICHARDS (CONFETTI). ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM (FISH, PURSE)

pet-obsessed

2.

Luxe velvet makes these slippers both comfortable and snazzy.

1.

3.

8.

4.

splurge!

for the

trendsetter Your most fashion-forward friend would be thrilled to find any of these chic gifts under the tree.

This garment steamer is a practical addition to her fashion arsenal.

6.

5.

...

7.

1 Rise and Shine Clutch, $50, aldoshoes.com. 2 Luxe Kicks Michael Michael Kors embellished velvet slides, $198, michaelkors.ca. 3 Gold Rush Vince Camuto necklace, $78, thebay.com. 4 Flower Power Olivia Burton Enchanted Garden rose-gold watch, $199, holtrenfrew.com. 5 Class Act Ms. Party Dress fox ornament, $15, indigo.ca. 6 Wrinkle Remover Reliable Dash 100GH hand-held garment steamer, $99, reliablecorporation.com. 7 Book List The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo (Gallery Books) by Amy Schumer, $37, simonandschuster.ca. 8 Hold My Calls Flirting Eyes iPhone 6 case, $13, ebay.ca.

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T H E 2 0 1 6 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1.

3.

2.

8.

for your Your best bet when shopping for him?

Make sure your pick is stylish but not fussy, has a hearty dose of nostalgia and, of course, is seriously cool.

4. steal!

This retro sweatshirt has an option for every province and territory.

5.

6.

CANADIAN MADE

1 For the Record USB turntable, $70, marshalls.ca. 2 Ice, Ice, Baby WholeHome glass skates ornament, $7, sears.ca.

3 Scents Appeal Oscar de la Renta Gentleman Eau de Toilette, 100 mL, $88, quadrantcosmetics.com. 4 Perfect Timing Waterbury chronograph watch, $175, timex.ca. 5 Movie Magic Star Wars salt and pepper shakers, $26 per pair, ebay.ca. 6 A Close Shave D.R. Harris Arlington Shaving Soap in Mahogany Bowl, $60, oldfaithfulshop.com. 7 Provincial Pride Arborist provincial sweatshirt in Yukon, $98, drakegeneralstore.ca. 8 Dressed to Impress Tortoise and hare sterling-silver cuff links, $270, linksoondon.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN ...

RICHARDS (CONFETTI). ILLUSTRATION, THENOUNPROJECT.COM (SHIRT)

main man

7.

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The BLUETOOTHÂŽ word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Nikon Corporation is under license.

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T H E 2 0 1 6 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

3.

CANADIAN MADE CANADIAN MADE

2.

1.

Air plants are the new succulent— and these have quirky charm.

for the

decorista 8.

Pineapples have been a symbol of hospitality since the 1600s, when it was a coup to serve one to guests.

7.

6.

5.

1 In the Air Mikafleur Design porcelain jellyfish planters, $35 to $40, oneofakindshow.com. 2 Graphic Content Duo prints wall art (unframed), $35 per pair, bellopop.etsy.com. 3 Pattern Play Canadian Living Meadow Lake collection square throw pillow, $45, bedbathandbeyond.ca. 4 On the Clock Polka-dot clock, $20, hallmark.ca. 5 See the Light Jo Malone London Miniatures Candle Collection, $130, jomalone.ca. 6 True Colours Glitterville pineapple arrow ornament, $15, indigo.ca.

7 Bright Idea Seven-inch bowl, $46, brika.com. 8 Midas Touch Metallic pouf, $70, homesense.ca.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS (CONFETTI). ILLUSTRATION, THENOUNPROJECT.COM (LAMP)

4.

Who do you turn to for help with paint colours, decorating inspiration and the occasional crafternoon? This girl. These items are what she’s been Pinning.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE ®

WITH DURACELL

Duracell is celebrating 10 years of supporting children’s hospitals across Canada.

For every pack of Duracell batteries purchased at Walmart in the month of December, Duracell will make a donation to Children’s Miracle Network.

#1 TRUSTED BRAND POWER LONG LASTING IMAGINATION

© 2016 DURACELL © & ™ LUCASFILM

Rapid Fire Imperial AT-ACT playset by Hasbro

T H E 2 0 1 6 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

2.

1.

Win all the snowball fights with this handy gadget.

Trendy pins are great for kids and grown-ups alike.

3.

stocking stuffers

Under 7.

These small surprises will make the people on your list smile—no matter their personality—and won’t break your budget.

CANADIAN MADE

CANADIAN MADE

6.

5.

4.

1 Retro Cool Enamel pins, $8 each, pennypaperco.com. 2 Let It Snow Snowball maker, $4, ebay.ca.

3 Pantry Favourite Terra Delyssa Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Infused With Garlic, $5, terradelyssa.com. 4 Word of Mouth Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick Duos, $17 each, sephora.ca. 5 Alphabetical Order Nadège Thé Vert Grand Cru Chocolate, $10, nadege-patisserie.com. 6 Sweet Treat Happy Holidays Squish Mix gummy candies, $8, squishcandies.com. 7 Cream of the Crop Philosophy Hands of Hope Ornament, $14, sephora.ca.

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PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS (CONFETTI). ILLUSTRATION, THENOUNPROJECT.COM (STOCKINGS)

$20!

You make a treat. We donate a toy.

Show your little ones what it means to give this holiday season. Share a photo of your Rice Krispies* creation using #TreatsForToys or at TreatsForToys.ca, and help make a difference.â€

T H E 2 0 1 6 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1.

CANADIAN MADE

These stud earrings feature an unexpected sapphire accent; the gems are said to be a symbol of everlasting love.

2.

3.

you can

win!

Make your favourite coffee aficionado’s mornings that much nicer. This coffeemaker remembers preferences, from temperature to strength, and changing beans is a breeze with its one-click technology.

! s y a w a give

Like a Roomba for your lawn, this robotic mower makes yard work easy.

10.

Some gifts are so cool, they’re worth the splurge—and these big-ticket picks certainly fit the bill. And you could win each and every one!

GO TO: canadianliving.com/holidaycountdown FOR MORE DETAILS.

9.

We’ve never see an air purifier this goodlooking—and it’s a fan and heater, too.

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Treat the shoe lover in your life to a pair of classic riding-style boots. They’re made from Roots’ exclusive vintage leather and will only get softer with age.

PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS (CONFETTI). ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM (UMBRELLA, PRESENTS)

Our 10 days of

A quality Canadian-made coat will keep even the fussiest friend or family member toasty.

You could win a four-night stay at this adult-only luxury resort.

4.

Ultrathin and ultralight, this laptop comes in gold or grey and makes working from home an exercise in glamour.

7.

8.

5.

This high-tech set comes with a sleek cellphone, a 360-degree camera and a virtual-reality headset.

CANADIAN MADE

Movie nights, gaming and must-see TV all look far better on this high-deďŹ nition smart TV.

total in prizes:

$15,767 6.

1 Smell the Coffee Saeco Moltio carafe, $1,500, thebay.com. 2 Shine On Vera Wang Love Collection cultured Akoya-pearl earrings, $1,499, peoplesjewellers.com. 3 Right Foot Forward Equestrian boots, $338, roots.com.

4 Hello, Sunshine! Four nights at Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, $5,102, iberostar.com.

5 Getting Warmer Laurentia parka, $829, quartz-co.ca. 6 Showtime Toshiba 49-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $800, bestbuy.ca. 7 Good as Gold Asus ZenBook Flip UX360, $999, bestbuy.ca. 8 Call Me, Maybe G5 + Friends cellphone and accessory gift pack, $1,800, lg.com. 9 No. 1 Fan Pure Hot+Cool Link purifier heater, $700, dysoncanada.ca.

10 High-Tech Handyman Automower 315 robotic lawn mower and installation kit, $2,200, husqvarna.com.

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The weather outside is frightful, but the brie is so delightful.

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays in St. John’s or visiting family in Vancouver, locally made cheeses are a truly Canadian pleasure.

Canadian Aged Cheddar

Canadian Gouda

Canadian Brie

For delicious recipes visit

INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT

MOLASSES With its deep amber colour, sweet flavour and syrupy texture, ooey-gooey molasses isn’t just for gingerbread. Here are three unexpected ways to enjoy this liquid gold that go way beyond the holiday cookie exchange.

BY IRENE FONG & THE TEST KITCHEN

PHOTOGRAPHY, JODI PUDGE. FOOD STYLING, ASHLEY DENTON. PROP STYLING, MADELEINE JOHARI

Store molasses at room temperature for up to 18 months.

Fast and flavourful ways with chicken

Mix-and-match Christmas menu

Perfectly paired breads and spreads

Easy or advanced festive desserts

Holiday treats to elevate your cookie tray

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Know What You’re Working With Molasses is made by boiling down the juice of sugarcane— but not all varieties are equal in terms of intensity.

FA N CY The lightest of the three, fancy molasses has a sugary, tangy flavour. It’s best for sweeter applications, like our spiced hot chocolate (see recipe, right).

COOKING Cooking molasses is boiled longer than fancy, giving it a slightly more intense taste that’s versatile enough for sweet and salty recipes. Try it in our Braised Balsamic and Molasses Lamb (see recipe, opposite).

S P I C E D M O L A S S E S H O T C H O C O L AT E

In saucepan, heat 3 cups milk over medium heat just until steaming and bubbles form around edge. Whisk in 85 g good-quality dark chocolate (about 3 oz), chopped; 2 tbsp fancy molasses; ¼ tsp cinnamon; and pinch nutmeg until smooth. Pour into 4 heatproof mugs; top with cinnamon sticks and ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional).

Makes 4 servings.

PER SERVING: about 245 cal, 7 g pro, 12 g total fat (6 g sat. fat), 28 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 23 g sugar), 16 mg chol, 92 mg sodium, 532 mg potassium. % RDI: 23% calcium, 14% iron, 12% vit A, 3% folate.

B L AC KST R A P This ultra-concentrated variety is robust and slightly bitter. It’s most commonly used in strongly flavoured savoury dishes, such as baked beans.

Add a splash of whisky for a warming grown-up drink.

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BRAISED BALSAMIC AND MOLASSES LAMB

Sprinkle 4 lamb shanks all over with ¼ tsp salt and pinch pepper. In large Dutch oven, heat 2 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat; cook lamb, turning occasionally, until browned all over, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate; set aside. In same pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook 2 onions, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; and pinch pepper, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 4 sprigs fresh thyme; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in ¼ cup each balsamic vinegar and cooking molasses, 2 tsp packed brown sugar and 1⅓ cups water. Return lamb to pan; bring to boil.

Cover and braise in 350°F oven until lamb is fork-tender, about 1½ hours. Transfer lamb to plate; keep warm. Discard thyme.

Skim fat from surface of cooking liquid.

Bring cooking liquid to simmer; cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Return lamb to pan; cook for 2 minutes. Garnish with 1 sprig fresh thyme, torn, if desired.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

PER EACH OF 6 SERVINGS: about 297 cal, 35 g pro, 9 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 19 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 12 g sugar), 106 mg chol, 448 mg sodium, 1,014 mg potassium. % RDI: 14% calcium, 35% iron, 1% vit A, 8% vit C, 35% folate.

EASY OVE N - BAKE D CRISPY TOFU

M O L A S S E S T E R I YA K I SAUCE

Drain and cut 2 pkg (each 350 g) extra-firm tofu into 1-inch cubes; pat dry with paper towel. In bowl, toss together tofu, ½ tsp salt and pinch pepper. Sprinkle with ¼ cup cornstarch; toss until well coated. Drizzle with 2 tbsp vegetable oil; toss to coat.

Arrange in single layer on greased rimmed baking sheet.

Bake in 400°F oven, turning occasionally, until golden all over, about 25 minutes.

Arrange tofu on serving dish; drizzle with ½ cup Molasses Teriyaki Sauce (see recipe, right). Sprinkle with 1 each green onion and red finger chili pepper, thinly sliced diagonally, and ¼ tsp sesame seeds, toasted.

In small saucepan, stir together ½ cup sodium-reduced soy sauce, ¼ cup fancy molasses, 2 tbsp packed brown sugar, 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger and ¾ cup water; bring to boil.

Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Discard ginger.

Whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water; whisk into soy sauce mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week.)

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Makes about 1 cup.

PER 1 TBSP: about 31 cal, trace pro, 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 7 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 5 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 269 mg sodium, 99 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 3% iron.

PER EACH OF 6 SERVINGS: about 250 cal, 17 g pro, 13 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 17 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 7 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 667 mg sodium, 315 mg potassium. % RDI: 18% calcium, 18% iron, 1% vit A, 3% vit C, 11% folate.

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WHAT IF PIE DIDN’T NEED A FORK?

THE NEW PC CHOCOLATE PECAN Pie BAR ®

In the PC® kitchen, the more we explore, the more we discover — like our new easy-to-serve, eatwith-your-hands PC® Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar. Discover this season’s PC® Insiders Collection™ and all-new ways to holiday at pc.ca/insiders.

All trademarks & logos are trademarks of Loblaws Inc. ©2016 Loblaws Inc. All rights reserved.

Simply nothing artificial.

Chicken Fried Rice

NEW Healthy Choice SIMPLY frozen meals are made with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, so what you see is what you get. And what you get is something delicious.

Available in the frozen aisle in 5 delicious flavours.

WEEKNIGHTS

Q U I C K + E ASY Update your dinner playbook with five fast and flavourful chicken entrées to feed your family any night of the week.

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BY GILEAN WATTS & THE TEST KITCHEN

M O N DAY

Sloppy Chicken Tacos

.. PUDGE. FOOD STYLING, ASHLEY DENTON. PHOTOGRAPHY, JODI PROP STYLING, MADELEINE JOHARI

TESTED TILL PERFECT

In small bowl, stir together ½ cup sour cream, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tsp lime juice; cover and refrigerate until ready to use. In large nonstick skillet, heat 1½ tsp olive oil over medium-high heat; cook 450 g lean ground chicken, breaking up with spoon, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Scrape into bowl; set aside. In same pan, heat 1½ tsp olive oil over medium heat; cook 1 small onion, chopped, and 3 cloves garlic, minced, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup tomato-based chili sauce (such as Heinz Chili Sauce); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp each chili powder and ground cumin; ½ tsp each ground coriander, sweet paprika and pepper; and ¼ cup water. Bring to simmer.

Stir in chicken. Divide chicken mixture among 8 corn taco shells, warmed; top with sour cream mixture and 1 cup each shredded carrot and purple cabbage.

Makes 4 servings.

NUT-FREE

PER SERVING: about 517 cal, 26 g pro, 29 g total fat (8 g sat. fat), 38 g carb (7 g dietary fibre, 10 g sugar), 97 mg chol, 940 mg sodium, 578 mg potassium. % RDI: 14% calcium, 24% iron, 60% vit A, 43% vit C, 28% folate.

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Thinly slice 1 red finger chili pepper to make 1 tbsp; set aside. In bowl, combine 450 g lean ground chicken; ⅓ cup panko or dried bread crumbs; 2 green onions, minced; 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed; and 2 tsp each grated fresh ginger and sodium-reduced soy sauce. Firmly roll by 2 tbsp into balls; arrange on rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. In large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat; cook meatballs, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, in saucepan, heat 2 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté 3 heads bok choy, quartered; 2 carrots, thinly sliced; and 1 green onion, thinly sliced, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add 2 slices (scant ¼ inch thick) fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, finely grated or pressed; and half of the chili pepper. Sauté for 1 minute. Stir in meatballs, 2 cups sodium-reduced chicken broth and 1 cup water; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until instant-read thermometer inserted in several meatballs reads 165°F, about 5 minutes. Discard ginger slices. Stir in 2 tsp lime juice, 1 tsp sodium-reduced soy sauce and ¼ tsp salt. Divide meatballs among serving bowls; top with broth mixture. Sprinkle with 1 green onion, thinly sliced, and remaining chili pepper.

Makes 4 servings.

DAIRY-FREE

NUT-FREE

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PER SERVING: about 326 cal, 23 g pro, 21 g total fat (5 g sat. fat), 11 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 87 mg chol, 695 mg sodium, 409 mg potassium. % RDI: 10% calcium, 17% iron, 94% vit A, 38% vit C, 20% folate.

...

Asian-Style Chicken Meatballs in Ginger Soy Broth

Apple Cranberry Crisp | 11 g of fibre

Chicken Parmesan | 5 g of fibre

Good things come from

Ultimate Burger | 11 g of fibre

allbran.ca/recipes

/allbranca

Did you know?

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When our recipes call for boiling salted water, use two tablespoons of salt for every 20 cups of water.

For lightly salted, halve the salt.

W E D N E S DAY

Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs With Smashed Potatoes Sprinkle 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs with ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. In Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 tsp olive oil over mediumhigh heat; cook chicken, turning once, until browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer to plate; set aside. In same pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat; cook 2 Gala apples, cored and cut in ½-inch thick wedges, turning once, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to separate plate; set aside. In same pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; and 2 sprigs fresh thyme, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Pour in ½ cup dry hard cider; cook, scraping up browned bits, until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Stir in ¾ cup sodium-reduced chicken broth, 2 tsp Dijon mustard and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper; bring to boil. Add chicken and any accumulated juices.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer until juices run clear when chicken is pierced, about 18 minutes. Transfer chicken to clean plate. Discard thyme. Whisk 2 tsp all-purpose flour with 1 tbsp water; add to sauce and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in apples. Meanwhile, in large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook 800 g red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and cut in 1-inch chunks, until tender, about 15 minutes; drain. Return to pan; cook over medium heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add ½ cup milk, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and pinch each salt and pepper; coarsely mash together. Serve with apple mixture and chicken.

Makes 4 servings.

NUT-FREE

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PER SERVING: about 566 cal, 22 g pro, 30 g total fat (10 g sat. fat), 51 g carb (6 g dietary fibre, 14 g sugar), 98 mg chol, 1,047 mg sodium, 1,215 mg potassium. % RDI: 9% calcium, 21% iron, 11% vit A, 58% vit C, 20% folate.

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Butter Chicken Skillet Mac and Cheese Sprinkle 340 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed, with pinch each salt and pepper. In large castiron or ovenproof skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat; cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink inside, about 5 minutes.

Transfer to bowl; set aside. In same pan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat; cook half onion, chopped, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle in 4 tsp all-purpose flour; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in 1½ cups milk and ½ cup prepared butter chicken sauce; cook, whisking, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, about 4 minutes. Stir in 1½ cups each Cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted. Stir in chicken and 1 tsp tandoori masala (optional).

Meanwhile, in large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook 2 cups elbow macaroni according to package instructions for al dente; drain well.

Stir pasta into chicken mixture until coated. Sprinkle with ¼ cup each Cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese; broil until top is bubbling and lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Let stand for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

TIP FROM THE TEST KITCHEN Named after the intensely hot clay ovens used in Indian cooking, tandoori masala is a blend of garam masala, garlic and onion powders, ground ginger and cayenne pepper. Look for it in the spice aisle of your grocery store.

.

NUT-FREE

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PER EACH OF 6 SERVINGS: about 569 cal, 36 g pro, 31 g total fat (19 g sat. fat), 35 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 6 g sugar), 123 mg chol, 653 mg sodium, 370 mg potassium. % RDI: 47% calcium, 13% iron, 27% vit A, 2% vit C, 44% folate.

CANADIAN LIVING PRESENTED BY

You’re Invited!

Join Jennifer Danter, executive Food editor, for dinner and a cooking demonstration. Watch as the Canadian Living Test Kitchen prepares delicious dishes from The Special Occasions Cookbook with the new Philips Airfryer.

Then enjoy a seasonal feast of Canadian Living dishes in the company of our editors.

All guests take home their own copy of our new cookbook, featuring more than 250 Tested-Till-Perfect festive recipes— a $35 value!

Join Us!

Tues., Nov. 15, 2016 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

2nd Floor Events 461 King St. W., Toronto

Tickets are only $55

GIFT BAG

VALUED AT

$120

MUST BE LEGAL DRINKING AGE

Images are representative.

Exact menu to be determined.

Space is limited. To purchase tickets, visit canadianliving.com/vip.

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F R I DAY

Spicy Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks With Crispy Chickpea Salad In large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp sodium-reduced soy sauce, 1 tbsp Asian chili sauce (such as sriracha), 1 tsp sesame oil and 4 cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed. Remove 2 tbsp to small bowl; set aside. Add 8 bone-in skin-on chicken drumsticks to remaining maple syrup mixture; toss to coat. Arrange on parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast in 425°F oven, turning once, until juices run clear when thickest part of chicken is pierced, about 35 minutes. Brush with reserved maple syrup mixture; sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Broil until browned, 1 to 2 minutes. While chicken is roasting, measure out pinch each salt and pepper. In bowl, toss together 1 can (540 mL) chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry; 2 tsp each olive oil and Asian chili sauce (such as sriracha); 1 tsp lime juice; and half each of the salt and pepper. Spread in single layer on greased rimmed baking sheet.

Roast in 425°F oven, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden, about 20 minutes. In large bowl, whisk together 4 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp lime juice, ½ tsp maple syrup and remaining salt and pepper. Add 5 cups lightly packed arugula and half small red onion, thinly sliced; toss to coat.

Top with chickpeas. Serve with chicken.

Makes 4 servings.

DAIRY-FREE

NUT-FREE

Crunch time

GUTTER CREDITS...

Patting the chickpeas dry removes excess moisture, ensuring a crispy texture.

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PER SERVING: about 573 cal, 35 g pro, 31 g total fat (7 g sat. fat), 39 g carb (6 g dietary fibre, 19 g sugar), 123 mg chol, 682 mg sodium, 671 mg potassium. % RDI: 13% calcium, 26% iron, 12% vit A, 20% vit C, 40% folate.

home for the holidays

It’s that time of year again. The time when friends and family gather to celebrate the magic of the season. That’s why Metro is always there, with all the ingredients you need, to create perfect holiday moments. From our family to yours, happy holidays from your neighbourhood Metro.

This year, our holiday entertaining goal is an easy-to-execute meal that will knock our guests’ socks off—so we came up with one. Our starter and side ideas work equally well with three main options, so you have to make only one decision: meat, seafood or veggie.

BY THE TEST KITCHEN

TESTED TILL PERFECT

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PHOTOGRAPHY, JODI PUDGE. FOOD STYLING, ASHLEY DENTON. PROP STYLING, MADELEINE JOHARI. ILLUSTRATIONS, SHUTTERSTOCK

master

Citrus & Herb Rib

HOW-TO VIDEO

Say no to lumpy gravy!

Find an easy fix from the Test Kitchen at canadianliving.com/gravy.

roast P. 1 1 1

This impressive roast is coated in a crispy, flavour-packed crust that adds elegance to your dinner plate.

To carve, remove the bones and cut thin slices across the grain. If you have guests who prefer different levels of doneness, save the centre slices for the rare-beef lovers and the outer pieces for those who prefer their meat well done.

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buttery Herbed seafood With White Wine

This festive main is exactly how we like our holiday meals: bursting with flavour and easy to make. The seafood is best cooked at the last minute, but the dish comes together quickly once you turn on the stove. Take the time to prep the ingredients well in advance of mealtime, then get cooking about half an hour before serving. .

GUTTER CREDITS...

P. 1 1 2

.

Vegetarian main dish !

Nutty Quinoa & Mushroom

strudel P. 1 1 2

The hardest part of entertaining? Pleasing all types of palates, especially when you have guests with restricted diets. This savoury vegan entrée is filled with quinoa and mushrooms for a satisfying, delicious meal even meat lovers will enjoy. To serve the strudel as a side, cut it into eight to 10 smaller pieces.

Red quinoa boasts the same nutritional value and nutty, earthy flavour as white quinoa while also adding a vibrant, festive colour to dishes.

side notes

CARDAMOM S W E E T P O TAT O SOUP WITH THICK CREAM A N D P I S TA C H I O S P. 1 1 2

Whatever main you choose, these starters and sides are the perfect accompaniments.

C H E E SY P O L E N TA SQUARES P. 1 1 4

ROASTED WINTER V E G E TA B L E S WITH MAPLE CANDIED NUTS P. 1 1 4

GUTTER CREDITS...

Candied nuts lend a touch of sophistication to this hearty side.

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recipes CITRUS AND HERB RIB ROAST Hands-on time: 30 minutes Total time: 3½ hours Makes: 12 servings Roast: 1 3 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 tbsp 2 2 tsp 1 tsp Gravy: ⅓ cup ⅓ cup 2 cups

A great alternative to roasted potatoes !

⅓ cup 1 tbsp ¼ tsp

beef standing rib premium oven roast (about 3.25 kg) Dijon mustard chopped fresh rosemary chopped fresh thyme cracked black peppercorns cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed grated orange zest salt all-purpose flour dry red wine sodium-reduced beef broth (approx) orange juice Dijon mustard each salt and pepper

Roast: Place beef, bone side down, on

BLOOD ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD P. 1 1 4

greased rack in roasting pan. Brush top and sides of beef with mustard.

Stir together rosemary, thyme, peppercorns, garlic, orange zest and salt; spread over beef, pressing to adhere. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

Roast in 450°F oven for 19 minutes.

Reduce heat to 275°F; roast, basting occasionally if necessary, until instantread thermometer inserted in centre reads 140°F for medium-rare, 2½ to 3¼ hours. Transfer to cutting board; let rest for 15 minutes before slicing across the grain.

GUTTER CREDITS...

Gravy: While beef is resting, discard all but ¼ cup of fat from pan. Sprinkle in flour; cook over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant and golden, about 3 minutes. Pour in wine; cook, whisking, until thickened, about 1 minute. Add broth, orange juice, mustard, salt and pepper; cook, whisking, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in additional broth or water if necessary to reach desired consistency. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into serving bowl. Serve with beef.

PER SERVING: about 529 cal, 43 g pro, 35 g total fat (14 g sat. fat), 4 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 1 g sugar), 116 mg chol, 554 mg sodium, 752 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% calcium, 27% iron, 7% vit C, 11% folate.

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Hands-on time: 35 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Makes: 10 to 12 servings 1 tbsp 700 g 700 g 3 tbsp 4 5 ½ tsp 1 cup 1 cup ⅓ cup 1 tsp 2 tbsp ¼ tsp

olive oil jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 count), peeled and deveined jumbo scallops (20 to 40 count), patted dry butter shallots, diced cloves garlic, finely grated or pressed hot pepper flakes dry white wine sodium-reduced chicken broth chopped fresh parsley grated lemon zest lemon juice each salt and pepper

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; working in batches, sauté shrimp and scallops until shrimp are pink and opaque throughout and scallops are golden and opaque, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to plate; keep warm.

In same pan, melt 1 tbsp of the butter over medium heat; cook shallots, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and hot pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in wine; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced by three-quarters, about 7 minutes. Pour in broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 7 minutes.

Add shrimp, scallops and remaining butter; cook, stirring, until butter is melted and shrimp and scallops are warmed through, about 1 minute.

Remove from heat; stir in parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

PER EACH OF 12 SERVINGS: about 147 cal, 19 g pro, 5 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 4 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 1 g sugar), 93 mg chol, 279 mg sodium, 323 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% calcium, 11% iron, 7% vit A, 10% vit C, 5% folate.

NUTTY QUINOA AND MUSHROOM STRUDEL Hands-on time: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour Makes: 6 servings ⅓ cup ½ cup

red quinoa, rinsed pine nuts, toasted and chopped

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

1 tbsp ½ tsp 6 tbsp 2 1 3 1 tbsp 2 tsp 8 1 cup ½ cup 1½ cups

chopped fresh sage each salt and pepper coconut oil pkg (each 227 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced small onion, chopped cloves garlic, minced Dijon mustard balsamic vinegar sheets frozen phyllo pastry, thawed jarred roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped bottled strained tomatoes (passata) lightly packed baby arugula

In saucepan of boiling water, cook quinoa according to package instructions. Stir in pine nuts, sage and half each of the salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, in nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp of the coconut oil over mediumhigh heat; cook mushrooms, onion, garlic and remaining salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until softened and no liquid remains, about 12 minutes. Add mustard and vinegar; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

In small microwaveable bowl, microwave remaining coconut oil until melted.

Place 1 sheet of the phyllo on work surface with long end facing you; keep remainder covered with damp towel (to prevent drying out). Lightly brush phyllo with some of the remaining coconut oil. Top with second sheet of phyllo; lightly brush with some of the remaining coconut oil. Repeat layers with remaining phyllo and some of the remaining coconut oil.

Spoon quinoa mixture into 5-inch wide strip over top of phyllo, leaving 2-inch border at each short end and 2-inch border at long end farthest from you. Top with mushroom mixture, red peppers, strained tomatoes and arugula. Fold in short ends over borders. Starting from long end closest to you, roll up tightly.

Place strudel, seam side down, on parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet. Brush phyllo with remaining coconut oil. Bake in 400°F oven until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes. Slice crosswise into 6 pieces.

C A R D A M O M S W E E T P O TAT O SOUP WITH THICK CREAM A N D P I S TAC H I O S Hands-on time: 25 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Makes: 10 to 12 servings

Roasting the sweet potatoes before adding them to the broth mixture enhances their sweet, earthy flavour and gives this Indianinspired soup deeper colour.

7 cups 2 tbsp ½ tsp 1 2 2 ¾ tsp pinch 5 cups ½ cup ¼ cup

cubed peeled sweet potatoes olive oil each salt and pepper onion, chopped ribs celery, chopped cloves garlic, minced ground cardamom cayenne pepper sodium-reduced chicken broth or vegetable broth whipping cream (35%) unsalted pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped

In large bowl, toss together sweet potatoes and half each of the oil, salt and pepper.

Spread in single layer on greased rimmed baking sheet. Roast in 425°F oven, stirring once, until tender and lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, in Dutch oven or large heavybottomed saucepan, heat remaining oil over medium heat; cook onion and celery, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, ½ tsp of the cardamom and the cayenne pepper; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of the broth; cook until celery is softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in sweet potatoes.

Working in batches, in blender, purée soup with remaining broth until smooth. Scrape into clean Dutch oven. Stir in remaining salt and pepper and 4 cups water; cook over medium heat until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Ladle into serving bowls.

In separate bowl, beat cream with remaining cardamom until thickened; dollop onto soup. Sprinkle with pistachios.

PER EACH OF 12 SERVINGS: about 139 cal, 3 g pro, 7 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 17 g carb (3 g dietary fibre, 6 g sugar), 13 mg chol, 374 mg sodium, 256 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% calcium, 6% iron, 119% vit A, 18% vit C, 5% folate.

PER SERVING: about 381 cal, 8 g pro, 24 g total fat (13 g sat. fat), 35 g carb (5 g dietary fibre, 5 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 546 mg sodium, 602 mg potassium. % RDI: 5% calcium, 21% iron, 10% vit A, 92% vit C, 30% folate.

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% RDI: 5% calcium, 19% iron, 47% vit A, 18% vit C, 49% folate.

GUTTER CREDITS...

BUTTERY H ERB ED SEAFOOD WITH WHITE WINE

CANADIAN LIVING ENTERTAINS WITH LAVAZZA

readyto roll

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A thermal carafe is a great investment when you’re serving coffee for a crowd. It will keep your coffee hot, prevent overcooking and preserve the flavour, guaranteeing that the last cup is just as nice as the first.

Hosting friends and family during the holidays doesn’t have to be a chore. Prepare treats—like our simple spin on chocolate éclairs—ahead of time so all you have to do is put on a pot of coffee when your guests arrive.

BY THE CANADIAN LIVING TEST KITCHEN

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Before melting chocolate, chop it so that it will melt more quickly and evenly.

Chilled dough is easier to work with than room temperature. If it starts to become too sticky while you’re working with it, pop it into the fridge.

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W

IT

A®

To make ahead, layer finished treats between waxed paper in an airtight container; store for up to five days or freeze for up to two weeks.

Z H L AVA Z

Chocolate Ginger Fauxclairs In large bowl, beat ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened, with 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy; beat in 1 egg and ⅓ cup fancy molasses. In separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp each baking soda and cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground cloves and pinch salt; stir into butter mixture until combined. Roll dough by 1 tbsp into balls; roll each into about 3½-inch long log. Arrange, 2 inches apart, on parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheets. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in 350°F oven until firm to the touch, about 12 minutes. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes; transfer directly to racks to cool completely. Melt 225 g semisweet chocolate (about 8 oz), chopped; spread 1 tsp over top of each fauxclair. Let stand until set, about 1 hour.

Makes about 48 pieces.

FOR MORE COFFEE RECIPES AND OTHER SWEETS THAT PAIR WELL WITH A CUP OF JAVA, VISIT canadianliving.com/coffee.

LAVAZZA.COM

Hands-on time: 20 minutes Total time: 1½ hours Makes: 10 to 12 servings

We love serving roasted potatoes for any holiday meal, but if you’re looking to switch up your sides this year, we can’t recommend these cakes enough.

Creamy polenta becomes a crispy bite-size side when cooled, cubed and browned in a skillet.

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

butter dried thyme dried sage garlic powder each salt and pepper nutmeg sodium-reduced chicken broth cornmeal grated Parmesan cheese shredded Gruyère cheese sour cream Dijon mustard lemon juice olive oil chopped fresh parsley or fresh chives

In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt, pepper and nutmeg, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in broth and ⅓ cup water; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and gradually whisk in cornmeal; cook, stirring often, until thick enough to mound on spoon, about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and Gruyère until melted, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream, mustard and lemon juice.

Scrape polenta into parchment paper– lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square cake pan, smoothing top. Let cool slightly, about 15 minutes. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 48 hours.) Cut into generous 1-inch squares.

In large skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; cook half of the polenta, gently turning occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to serving platter. Repeat with remaining oil and polenta. Sprinkle with parsley.

PER EACH OF 12 SERVINGS: about 121 cal, 4 g pro, 7 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 12 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, trace sugar), 12 mg chol, 234 mg sodium, 45 mg potassium. % RDI: 6% calcium, 4% iron, 4% vit A, 2% vit C, 3% folate.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

ROASTED WINTER V E G E TA B L E S W I T H M A P L E CANDIED NUTS Hands-on time: 15 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Makes: 10 to 12 servings

Candied nuts add crunch and even more sweetness to this side of roasted veggies. Make an extra batch to serve for snacking before dinner—your guests will love them! Trim the brussels sprouts to a uniform size, halving any larger pieces so that they cook evenly.

Vegetables: 600 g brussels sprouts, trimmed 450 g parsnips, peeled and cut lengthwise in ½-inch thick wedges 1 small rutabaga (about 450 g), peeled, halved crosswise and cut in ½-inch thick wedges 1 bunch (about 400 g) small carrots, halved diagonally 1 bag (250 g) shallots, halved ¼ cup olive oil 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme ¾ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper Maple Candied Nuts: ¼ cup maple syrup 1 tbsp butter 1 cup mixed pecan halves and walnut halves, coarsely chopped 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme pinch salt Vegetables: In large bowl, toss together

brussels spouts, parsnips, rutabaga, carrots, shallots, oil, thyme, salt and pepper. Spread in single layer on 2 lightly greased rimmed baking sheets. Roast in top and bottom thirds of 425°F oven, turning vegetables and switching and rotating pans halfway through, 25 to 30 minutes. Scrape into serving platter.

Maple Candied Nuts: Meanwhile, in

small skillet, heat maple syrup and butter over medium heat, stirring, until melted; bring to boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in nuts and thyme; cook, stirring, until sticky and liquid is mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.

Spread in single layer on parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet. Let stand until firm, about 10 minutes. Break into bite-size pieces. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.)

Sprinkle over vegetables.

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PER EACH OF 12 SERVINGS: about 176 cal, 3 g pro, 12 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 18 g carb (4 g dietary fibre, 7 g sugar), 3 mg chol, 176 mg sodium, 381 mg potassium. % RDI: 5% calcium, 9% iron, 41% vit A, 45% vit C, 22% folate.

BLOOD ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD Hands-on time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Makes: 12 servings

Blood oranges add a splash of colour to this winter salad. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size, and store them in your refrigerator or in a cool, dry place for up to a week.

3 3 tbsp 1 tbsp 2 tsp 1 ¼ tsp ½ cup 12 cups 1 ¾ cup

small blood oranges or Cara Cara navel oranges red wine vinegar Dijon mustard liquid honey clove garlic, finely grated or pressed each salt and pepper extra-virgin olive oil torn red or green leaf lettuce small bulb fennel, trimmed, cored and thinly sliced thinly sliced red onion

Finely grate orange zest to make 1 tsp.

Remove remaining peel and pith from oranges; cut oranges crosswise into generous ¼-inch thick slices. Set aside.

In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, orange zest, garlic, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil in thin steady stream until well combined.

(Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 5 days.)

In large bowl, combine lettuce, fennel, red onion and oranges. Drizzle with vinaigrette; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

PER SERVING: about 113 cal, 1 g pro, 9 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 7 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 5 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 82 mg sodium, 195 mg potassium. % RDI: 3% calcium, 4% iron, 35% vit A, 37% vit C, 12% folate.

GUTTER CREDITS...

C H E E SY P O L E N TA SQUARES

Come home to a delicious, juicy fully-cooked meal.

Introducing Hamilton Beach Professional Sous Vide and 6 Qt Slow Cooker, inspired by our 100 years of experience designing products for commercial kitchens. This line of new and exceptional countertop appliances, with professional-level components, also includes the Quiet Shield Blender and the Dicing Food Processor for the serious home cook.

Available at

hamiltonbeach.ca Š 2016 Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.

H O L I D AY D I Y

Seated in

style

Guide your guests to their seats with this chic alternative to traditional paper place cards.

BY SARAH GUNN

PHOTOGRAPHY, SIAN RICHARDS. NAPKIN, $13, ABBOTTCOLLECTION.COM

Mix and match dinnerware for a casual, welcoming tablescape.

materials ONE 12- BY 12-INCH SHEET OF MESH-MOUNTED TILES (We used an arabesque polished-marble mosaic tile from homedepot.ca.)

SCISSORS MONOGRAM STICKERS (We found ours on michaels.com, but you could use any alphabet stickers.)

instructions Peel each tile off the mesh backing. Using scissors, trim any excess mesh. Apply a sticker to the front of each tile.

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Poise

Vata

Centring tea with natural ingredients.

COOL

PITTA

Cooling tea with natural ingredients.

Vigour

Kapha

Uplifting tea with natural ingredients.

FIND YOUR BAL ANCE Tetley Ayurvedic Balance teas are inspired by Ayurveda, a system of knowledge written down 5,000 years ago, which emphasizes that balancing of the mind, body and spirit is essential for holistic well-being.

Working with Ayurvedic experts, our herbal blends were lovingly crafted to address the need for balance during all stages of our lives. Learn more at Tetley.ca/ďŹ ndyourbalance

Visit arlafoods.ca for full product details and great snack ideas.

PHOTOGRAPHY, JAMES TSE. FOOD STYLING, LUCIE RICHARD. PROP STYLING, LAURA BRANSON. ILLUSTRATIONS, THENOUNPROJECT.COM

classic brioche +

ORANGE CARDAMOM BUTTER P. 122

Bread

WINNERS

TESTED TILL PERFECT

These perfectly paired breads and spreads are the ultimate homemade treat. Make them in advance, stash them in your fridge or freezer and then serve to last-minute holiday guests.

BY GILEAN WATTS & THE TEST KITCHEN

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

white sourdough boule +

C U LT U R E D BUTTER

WHITE SOURDOUGH BOULE Hands-on time: 45 minutes Total time: 8 days Makes: 20 servings

You’ll need only a half batch of Sourdough Starter to make this tasty loaf. Pass on the remaining starter— along with instructions on how to feed it (see tip, right)—to friends so they can make their own sourdough bread at home. Serve the boule with our easy Cultured Butter (see recipe, opposite). half 1 cup 4 cups 2 tsp 1 tbsp 1

batch Sourdough Starter (see recipe, right) warm water (100°F) white bread flour (approx) salt cornmeal egg

In large bowl using wooden spoon, stir starter with ¾ cup of the warm water until combined. Stir in 1½ cups of the flour until smooth; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for 12 hours. (Make-ahead: Let rise for up to 24 hours.)

Stir in remaining warm water. Stir in 1¾ cups of the remaining flour and the salt. Turn out onto floured work surface.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

Knead dough, dusting with as much of the remaining flour as needed to prevent sticking, until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease all over; cover with plastic wrap.

Let rise in warm draft-free place until tripled in size, about 2 hours.

Punch down dough; turn out onto floured work surface. Knead dough about 10 times to remove air bubbles; cover with tea towel. Let rest for 10 minutes.

Line 12-cup bowl with tea towel; dust with some of the remaining flour. Shape dough into ball. Place, seam side up, in bowl; cover with clean tea towel. Let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1½ hours.

Dust rimless baking sheet with cornmeal.

Place dough, seam side down, on pan.

Whisk egg with 1 tbsp water; brush over dough. Using serrated knife or kitchen scissors, cut three ½-inch deep slashes in top. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of the remaining flour. Bake in 425°F oven until golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool on rack for 45 minutes.

PER SERVING: about 132 cal, 5 g pro, 1 g total fat (trace sat. fat), 25 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, trace sugar), 5 mg chol, 232 mg sodium, 45 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 13% iron, 25% folate.

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S O U R D O U G H S TA R T E R

In 8-cup container, stir together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup warm water (100°F) and ¼ tsp active dry yeast; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature until tripled in size, about 8 hours. (Make-ahead: Let rise for up to 24 hours.) Refrigerate for 3 days. Stir in ½ cup each all-purpose flour and water; cover and refrigerate for 3 days.

Makes 1 batch.

Feeding the Sourdough Starter with flour and water is essential to keeping the yeast active. To feed, stir in 1¼ cups all-purpose flour and ¾ cup water or milk. Refrigerate for at least 2 days or for up to 1 week. Repeat feeding once a week until ready to use.

CHANGE IT UP

S O U R D O U G H LOAV E S

Follow first 2 paragraphs of White Sourdough Boule recipe as directed.

Divide dough in half. Using floured hands, press into two 1-inch thick circles.

Fold each circle, 1½ inches from edge farthest from you, pressing with hands; repeat folding, pressing each into torpedo shape. Pinch seams to seal. Dust rimless baking sheet with cornmeal. Place

dough, seam side down and 4 inches apart, on pan; cover with clean tea towel.

Let rise until doubled in size, about 1½ hours. Using scissors, cut 3 slashes crosswise on surface of each. Whisk egg with 1 tbsp water; brush over dough.

Sprinkle with 1 tsp of the remaining flour. Bake in 425°F oven until golden and loaves sound hollow when tapped, about 25 minutes. Let cool on rack for 45 minutes.

C U LT U R E D B U T T E R Hands-on time: 30 minutes Total time: 13 hours Makes: about 2 cups

Line fine-mesh sieve with triple layer of cheesecloth, leaving 5-inch overhang.

In food processor, whirl cream mixture until liquid is separated and solid mass is beginning to form, about 10 minutes.

Scrape mixture into sieve; press on solids with spatula to create well in centre all the way to cheesecloth. Press solids against sides of sieve to drain excess liquid. Let stand for 30 minutes.

Gather edges of cheesecloth and twist to form ball; squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Transfer solids to bowl.

Add enough cold water to cover; drain.

Repeat until water runs clear.

We’ve used a standard food processor to churn this tangy homemade butter. The liquid that’s drained off is buttermilk; if you like, reserve and refrigerate it in an airtight jar or container for up to a week.

Transfer solids to paper towel–lined bowl; pat dry, changing paper towel as necessary, until completely dry. Remove paper towel; stir in salt. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 weeks.)

4 cups ¼ cup 1 tsp

whipping cream (35%) buttermilk salt

PER 1 TBSP: about 92 cal, trace pro, 10 g total fat (6 g sat. fat), trace carb (0 g dietary fibre, trace sugar), 38 mg chol, 79 mg sodium, 15 mg potassium. % RDI: 11% vit A.

In large bowl or 4-cup glass measure, combine cream and buttermilk; cover and let stand at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

Rinse off as much of the milky liquid from the butter as possible, making sure the water runs clear.

Any residual buttermilk will cause the butter to turn rancid much more quickly.

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CLASSIC BRIOCHE Hands-on time: 1 hour Total time: 11½ hours Makes: 20 brioche

This brunch treat is made by forming the dough in the traditional à tête style (individual buns with a smaller dough ball, called a “head,” on top), so everyone gets a serving with the perfect mix of dark-golden exterior and soft, buttery interior. Serve with our Orange Cardamom Butter (see recipe, right).

5½ cups ¼ cup 1 tbsp 2½ tsp 1 cup 6 1 cup 2

all-purpose flour (approx) granulated sugar active dry yeast salt hot water (120°F to 130°F) eggs butter, cubed and softened egg yolks

In stand mixer with paddle attachment, stir together 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, yeast and salt. Add hot water; beat on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low.

Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in 2 cups of the remaining flour.

Add butter, a few cubes at a time, beating until completely combined between additions. Gradually beat in 2 cups of the remaining flour to make soft sticky dough; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 3 hours. (Make-ahead: Let rise in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.)

Gently deflate dough; cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or for up to 18 hours. (Make-ahead: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks; thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours before continuing with recipe.)

Turn out dough onto lightly floured work surface. Using no more than ½ cup of the remaining flour to keep hands floured during shaping, gently knead dough into ball. Divide into quarters; divide each quarter into five equally sized pieces (each about 70 g) to yield 20 pieces total. Remove 1 tsp dough from each piece; roll into 20 small balls.

Shape 1 of the large dough pieces into ball, folding ends underneath and pinching at bottom; roll on work surface in circular motion, seam side down, into smooth ball. Repeat with remaining large dough pieces.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

Divide large dough balls among 20 well-greased brioche moulds or wells of muffin pan. Using scissors, cut deep X in top of each; nestle 1 small ball into each X. Cover with lightly floured tea towel. Let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Whisk egg yolks with 1 tsp water; brush over brioche.

Bake in 400°F oven, switching and rotating pans halfway through, until golden, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool slightly in pans. Remove from pans; serve warm or let cool completely on rack. (Make-ahead: Let cool completely.

Store in airtight container for up to 24 hours or freeze in resealable freezer bag for up to 1 week; thaw in bag at room temperature. Reheat in 325°F oven until warm, about 5 minutes.)

PER BRIOCHE: about 238 cal, 6 g pro, 12 g total fat (7 g sat. fat), 26 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 92 mg chol, 373 mg sodium, 66 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 14% iron, 11% vit A, 33% folate.

For perfect, evenly sized brioche buns, be sure to weigh the dough balls with a kitchen scale.

ORANGE CARDAMOM BUTTER Hands-on time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Makes: about 1 cup

Creamed honey gives this butter an extra-smooth texture and creates the prettiest swirl.

1 cup ⅓ cup ¼ tsp ¼ tsp

butter, softened creamed honey grated orange zest ground cardamom

In bowl, beat butter with 1 tbsp of the honey until fluffy; beat in orange zest and cardamom. Spoon half of the butter mixture into serving dish; drop half of the remaining honey by spoonfuls over top. Repeat with remaining butter mixture and honey. Using skewer or tip of knife, swirl honey into butter mixture, smoothing top. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before using.)

PER 1 TBSP: about 123 cal, trace pro, 12 g total fat (7 g sat. fat), 6 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 6 g sugar), 31 mg chol, 82 mg sodium, 7 mg potassium. % RDI: 10% vit A.

Apply only gentle pressure when grating the orange zest, otherwise you’ll get too much of the bitter pith.

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RUSTIC NO-KNEAD WHITE BREAD Hands-on time: 35 minutes Total time: 15 hours Makes: 24 servings

Our easiest-ever white bread requires absolutely no kneading. Simply fold the dough into a torpedo shape, let rise, then bake! Serve with our Slow Cooker Apple Butter (see recipe, opposite).

6 cups 2 tsp 1 tsp 2½ cups 1 tbsp

white bread flour (approx) salt quick-rising (instant) dry yeast warm water (100°F) cornmeal

In large bowl, whisk together 5 cups of the flour, the salt and yeast. Stir in warm water until well combined; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 12 hours. (Make-ahead: Let rise for up to 18 hours.)

Sprinkle work surface with ⅓ cup of the remaining flour. Scrape dough onto work surface; sprinkle with ¼ cup of the remaining flour. Cover with tea towel.

Let stand for 15 minutes.

Using floured hands, press dough into 1-inch thick circle. Fold dough, 1½ inches from edge farthest from you, pressing with hands; repeat folding, pressing into torpedo shape. Pinch seams to seal.

Dust rimless baking sheet with cornmeal.

Place dough, seam side down, on pan; cover with clean tea towel. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1½ hours.

Using scissors, cut 3 slashes crosswise on surface of dough. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp of the remaining flour. Bake in 425°F oven for 10 minutes. Decrease heat to 375°F; bake until light golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes.

Serve warm or let cool on rack. (Makeahead: Let cool completely; wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze in resealable freezer bag for up to 3 weeks; thaw in bag at room temperature. Reheat in 325°F oven until warm, about 5 minutes.)

PER SERVING: about 105 cal, 4 g pro, 1 g total fat (trace sat. fat), 21 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, trace sugar), 0 mg chol, 192 mg sodium, 32 mg potassium. % RDI: 10% iron, 20% folate.

Your microwave is the ideal place to let the dough rise quickly. It’s well insulated, so it can protect the yeast from any drafts during fermentation.

rustic no-knead white bread

SLOW COOKER APPLE BUTTER

+

S LOW C O O K E R APPLE BUTTER

Hands-on time: 20 minutes Total time: 6¼ hours Makes: about 3 cups

This richly spiced apple butter makes more than you’ll need for a single loaf of bread, but it’ll keep in your fridge for a week or in your freezer for up to two months. Spread it onto warm bread and rolls, or stir it into cake batters in place of applesauce.

8 cups ½ cup ¼ cup 2 tsp ¼ tsp 1 tbsp 2 tbsp

chopped cored peeled baking apples (about 1.25 kg) packed brown sugar granulated sugar cinnamon each ground cloves, ground allspice, nutmeg and salt apple juice or apple cider lemon juice

In slow cooker, combine apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg and salt. Stir in apple juice; cover and cook on high until apples are very tender, about 4 hours.

Scrape mixture into large bowl; using immersion blender, purée until smooth.

(Alternatively, in batches, purée in upright blender.) Stir in lemon juice.

Bring to room temperature, about 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before using.)

PER 1 TBSP: about 23 cal, trace pro, 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 6 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 5 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 13 mg sodium, 24 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% iron, 2% vit C.

For the best flavour, use a combination of your favourite sweet-tart cooking apples.

We used a mix of McIntosh, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Gala.

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Marshmallow-like pavlova is softer on the inside than crispy meringue, but both melt in your mouth.

Mini MERINGUES

Berry Pavlova W R E AT H

TESTED TILL PERFECT

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

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Double Play Whatever your holiday game plan, we have dessert covered.

End your sit-down dinner with a show-stopping confection or opt for more casual baking that will still earn bragging rights.

BY THE TEST KITCHEN

B E R RY P AV L O VA W R E AT H

PHOTOGRAPHY, GUTTER CREDITS...

JODI PUDGE. FOOD STYLING, ASHLEY DENTON. PROP STYLING, MADELEINE JOHARI

Hands-on time: 45 minutes Total time: 3½ hours Makes: 10 to 12 servings

The unmistakable sweetness of this Pavlova is offset with a tart berry topping.

You don’t have to be too fussy about spooning the egg white mixture onto the baking sheet; the more rustic it looks, the better! Add the topping at the last minute so the Pavlova stays crisp.

Pavlova: 1½ cups 6 ½ tsp 2 tbsp 1 tbsp 2 tsp Topping: 2 cups ½ cup 1 ½ tsp ½ cup

granulated sugar egg whites cream of tartar cornstarch white vinegar vanilla fresh or frozen cranberries granulated sugar cinnamon stick grated orange zest frozen blueberries bay leaves or fresh mint leaves (optional)

Pavlova: Line rimless baking sheet with

parchment paper. Using 10-inch (3 L) springform pan as guide, trace circle onto parchment paper. Turn parchment paper over. Set aside.

In food processor, pulse sugar until finely ground, about 30 seconds.

In large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form; beat in sugar, 2 tbsp at a time, until stiff glossy peaks form. Beat in cornstarch, vinegar and vanilla.

Using 2 large spoons, drop egg white mixture by spoonful along inside of traced circle on prepared pan. Bake in 275°F oven just until no longer shiny, about 1 hour.

Turn off heat; open door slightly and let cool completely in oven, about 2 hours.

Topping: While Pavlova is cooling, in

small saucepan, bring cranberries, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange zest and ½ cup water to boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and reaches jam-like consistency, about 10 minutes. Stir in blueberries. Let cool completely, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days; stir in about 1 tbsp warm water to reach desired consistency.)

Spoon cranberry mixture over top of Pavlova. Garnish with bay leaves (if using).

Serve immediately.

PER EACH OF 12 SERVINGS: about 148 cal, 2 g pro, trace total fat (0 g sat. fat), 36 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 35 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 27 mg sodium, 61 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% iron, 3% vit C.

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MINI MERINGUES Hands-on time: 30 minutes Total time: 3½ hours Makes: about 60 pieces

These bite-size treats are fantastic on their own, but for an extra-special finish, you can dip them in chocolate (find out how on page 130) or use them to sandwich your favourite fillings—think dulce de leche, jam, curd or chocolate hazelnut spread.

4 ⅛ tsp 1 cup

egg whites cream of tartar granulated sugar

In large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form; beat in sugar, 2 tbsp at a time, until stiff glossy peaks form.

Using pastry bag fitted with ¾-inch star tip, pipe meringue into 1-inch mounds on parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheets.

Bake in top and bottom thirds of 200°F oven, switching and rotating pans halfway through, until dry, about 2 hours. Let cool in oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven; transfer directly to racks to cool completely.

(Make-ahead: Layer between waxed paper in airtight container; store for up to 1 week.)

PER PIECE: about 14 cal, trace pro, 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 3 g carb (0 g dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 3 mg sodium, 4 mg potassium.

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD CREAM PIE

in plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.)

C H O C O L AT E G I N G E R B R E A D CREAM PIE Hands-on time: 45 minutes Total time: 6½ hours Makes: 8 servings

This pie may have a lot of ingredients, but you’ll likely find most of them in your pantry. Bonus: You can make the pie the night before and then keep it in your fridge until you’re ready to beat the whipped cream topping and serve.

Roll out the extra dough this recipe yields and cut it into shapes to add to your cookie tray (see tip, opposite).

Pastry: 2¼ cups ¼ cup 1 tsp ¼ tsp pinch ½ cup ½ cup ¼ cup 3 tbsp 1 1

all-purpose flour cocoa powder, sifted each cinnamon and ground ginger salt each nutmeg and ground cloves cold unsalted butter, cubed cold lard or vegetable shortening, cubed ice water (approx) sour cream egg egg yolk

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

Custard: 4 2 cups ⅓ cup ⅓ cup 2 tsp 1 tsp ½ tsp pinch pinch 1 tsp ¼ cup

egg yolks milk granulated sugar cornstarch fancy molasses cinnamon ground ginger nutmeg ground cloves vanilla whipping cream (35%)

Topping: ½ cup 2 tsp 1 tsp pinch

whipping cream (35%) granulated sugar vanilla cinnamon

Pastry: In bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa

On lightly floured work surface, roll out 1 of the pastry discs to generous ¼-inch thickness; fit into 9-inch pie plate. Trim to fit, leaving 1-inch overhang; fold overhang under. Prick bottom and side of crust all over with fork.

Roll out remaining pastry disc to ¼-inch thickness. Using 1½-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut out enough shapes to cover rim of crust, rerolling scraps as necessary. Reserve remaining dough for another use.

Whisk egg yolk with 2 tsp water; brush over rim of pastry. Arrange shapes around rim to cover, gently pressing to adhere.

Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg and cloves. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter and lard until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few larger pieces.

Line crust with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake on bottom rack of 400°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove pie weights and foil; bake until no longer shiny, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

Whisk together ice water, sour cream and egg; drizzle over flour mixture, tossing with fork and adding up to 1 tsp more ice water if necessary to form ragged dough. Divide dough in half; shape into discs. Wrap each

Custard: While crust is chilling, in heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, ½ cup of the milk, the sugar, cornstarch, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.

126

In heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat remaining milk over medium heat just until bubbles form around edge; gradually whisk into egg yolk mixture. Return to saucepan; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick enough to mound on spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Strain through finemesh sieve into bowl; stir in vanilla. Place plastic wrap directly on surface. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

Beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold into custard. Spoon into crust, smoothing top; cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 4 hours. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 12 hours.)

Topping: In bowl, beat cream until soft

peaks form; beat in sugar and vanilla.

Spoon over custard, leaving 2-inch border uncovered. Dust with cinnamon.

PER SERVING: about 348 cal, 9 g pro, 16 g total fat (8 g sat. fat), 43 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 16 g sugar), 177 mg chol, 110 mg sodium, 241 mg potassium. % RDI: 11% calcium, 18% iron, 20% vit A, 30% folate.

Roll out reserved dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using 1½-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut out shapes, rerolling scraps as necessary. Arrange, 1 inch apart, on parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheet; sprinkle with 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.

Bake in 400°F oven until no longer shiny, about 8 minutes. Let cool on pan for 2 minutes; transfer directly to rack to cool completely.

CREAM CHEESE GINGERBREAD THUMBPRINT COOKIES Hands-on time: 30 minutes Total time: 2½ hours Makes: about 40 cookies

Gingerbread overload? There’s no such thing! These soft, chewy ginger-spiced thumbprints are filled with a tangy cream cheese icing for the ultimate holiday treat.

A sprinkling of chopped crystallized ginger gives the cookies an added festive touch.

Cookies: ½ cup ½ cup 1 ⅓ cup

unsalted butter, softened granulated sugar egg fancy molasses

¼ cup 3 cups 1 tsp ½ tsp ¼ tsp

cooking molasses all-purpose flour ground ginger each cinnamon, ground cloves and baking soda salt

Spiced Cream Cheese Icing: half pkg (250 g pkg) cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp butter, softened 2 tsp fancy molasses ½ tsp vanilla ½ tsp each cinnamon and ground ginger pinch ground cloves ½ cup icing sugar Garnish: ⅓ cup chopped crystallized ginger Cookies: In large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; beat in egg, fancy molasses and cooking molasses. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda and salt; stir into butter mixture just until combined.

Roll by 1 tbsp into balls. Arrange, 2 inches apart, on parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheets. Supporting opposing sides of 1 ball with 2 fingers, press opposite index finger into centre to create well ½ inch deep and ¾ inch wide. Pinch together any cracks around edge. Repeat with remaining balls.

Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in 350°F oven until no longer shiny, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven; using rounded back of 1 tsp measure, gently press wells to reshape.

Let cool on pans for 5 minutes; transfer directly to racks to cool completely.

C REAM CHEESE GINGERBREAD THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Spiced Cream Cheese Icing: While

cookies are cooling, in bowl, beat cream cheese with butter until fluffy; beat in molasses, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Beat in icing sugar until smooth.

Spoon or pipe heaping 1 tsp of the icing into well of each cookie.

Garnish: Sprinkle icing with ginger.

Refrigerate until icing is set, about 30 minutes. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days.)

PER COOKIE: about 106 cal, 2 g pro, 4 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 16 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 8 g sugar), 16 mg chol, 48 mg sodium, 131 mg potassium. % RDI: 3% calcium, 9% iron, 4% vit A, 7% folate.

Get a double dose of spice from the festive combination of chewy gingerbread and creamy filling.

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C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

C H O C O L AT E A N D P O M E G R A N AT E L AY E R C A K E WITH MASCARPONE ICING

Reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Discard rosemary.

Let cool completely.

Hands-on time: 40 minutes Total time: 3 hours Makes: 12 to 14 servings

Mascarpone Icing: Meanwhile, in bowl,

Cake: 1 cup 1½ cups 2 2 tsp 2 tbsp 2 cups ½ cup 1 tsp ¼ tsp 1½ cups

butter, softened granulated sugar eggs vanilla pomegranate molasses all-purpose flour cocoa powder, sifted each baking powder and baking soda salt buttermilk

Assembly: Invert cakes from pans; peel off

parchment paper. Place 1 cake layer on cake plate; brush with half of the glaze. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of the pomegranate seeds.

Spoon icing into piping bag fitted with large plain tip; pipe about half of the icing into mounds over top of cake layer. Top with second cake layer; brush with remaining glaze. Pipe remaining icing into mounds over top of cake. Refrigerate until icing is set, about 25 minutes. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 2 hours.)

PER EACH OF 14 SERVINGS: about 439 cal, 7 g pro, 25 g total fat (16 g sat. fat), 49 g carb (2 g dietary fibre, 32 g sugar), 85 mg chol, 302 mg sodium, 191 mg potassium. % RDI: 11% calcium, 12% iron, 20% vit A, 2% vit C, 16% folate.

Mascarpone Icing: 275 g mascarpone cheese ½ cup icing sugar 2 tsp vanilla ½ cup whipping cream (35%)

C R E A M Y C H O C O L AT E P O M E G R A N AT E S Q U A R E S

1 tbsp

pomegranate seeds sprig fresh rosemary, torn in small pieces decorating sugar

Cake: Grease two 8-inch (1.2 L) round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper. Set aside.

In large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Beat in vanilla and molasses. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir into butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, making 3 additions of flour mixture and 2 of buttermilk. Scrape into prepared pans, smoothing tops.

Bake in 350°F oven until cake tester inserted in centres comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool completely in pans.

(Make-ahead: Wrap each in plastic wrap; refrigerate for up to 24 hours or overwrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.)

Pomegranate Glaze: While cake is

cooling, in small saucepan, bring sugar, molasses, rosemary and 2 tbsp water to boil, stirring, over medium-high heat.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

PER SQUARE: about 240 cal, 5 g pro, 16 g total fat (10 g sat. fat), 21 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 13 g sugar), 37 mg chol, 124 mg sodium, 82 mg potassium. % RDI: 7% calcium, 4% iron, 10% vit A, 2% vit C, 6% folate.

Sprinkle cake with remaining pomegranate seeds, rosemary and decorating sugar.

Pomegranate Glaze: 4 tsp granulated sugar 1 tsp pomegranate molasses 1 sprig fresh rosemary

½ cup 1

In saucepan, bring pomegranate juice and honey to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly, about 3 minutes. Pour over filling; sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Lift out onto cutting board; cut into squares.

Hands-on time: 20 minutes Total time: 2¾ hours Makes: about 16 squares

Pretty pomegranate seeds make these squares feel festive. If you’re serving them with other cookies, bars or squares, cut them into smaller pieces, as they’re quite rich.

1½ cups ⅓ cup 1 ¼ cup 1 2 tsp ¼ cup ¾ cup 3 tbsp 1 cup

chocolate wafer crumbs butter, melted tub (475 g) mascarpone cheese granulated sugar egg vanilla all-purpose flour pomegranate juice liquid honey pomegranate seeds

In bowl, mix wafer crumbs with butter until moistened. Press into bottom of parchment paper–lined 8-inch (2 L) square cake pan. Bake in 350°F oven until firm and dry, about 8 minutes.

Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

While crust is cooling, in bowl, beat mascarpone with sugar until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour.

Spread over crust, smoothing top.

128

.

Look for pomegranate molasses (also called grenadine molasses) in the international section of grocery stores or in Middle Eastern stores. It adds a lovely flavour to this chocolate cake, but it can be omitted if you can’t find it.

beat together mascarpone, icing sugar and vanilla until smooth. In separate bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold into mascarpone mixture.

Bake in 350°F oven until no longer shiny, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely in pan. Refrigerate until filling is set, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

CHOCOLATE AND POMEGRANATE L AY E R C A K E W I T H MASCARPONE ICING

Rich chocolate and tart pomegranate are a match made in heaven.

CREAMY CHOCOLATE P O M E G R A N AT E SQUARES

129

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

For a coating that's smooth, silky and glossy, always start with goodquality chocolate.

The

TESTED TILL PERFECT

Coating candy, fruit and other goodies in melted chocolate is our go-to way for creating a stunning yet simple sweets tray. Achieve this next-level finish in three easy steps.

BY JENNIFER BARTOLI & THE TEST KITCHEN

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

M E LT

DIP

CHILL

In heatproof bowl set over saucepan of gently simmering (not boiling) water, melt chopped chocolate, stirring, until smooth.

Dip goodies into melted chocolate, letting excess drip back into bowl; arrange on parchment paper– lined rimmed baking sheet.

Sprinkle with toppings of your choice and refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 15 minutes.

Transfer to serving platter and enjoy!

130

.

Big

Find the recipe on page 126!

PHOTOGRAPHY, JODI PUDGE. FOOD STYLING, ASHLEY DENTON. PROP STYLING, MADELEINE JOHARI

Sesame seeds, chopped toasted nuts, desiccated coconut and fleur de sel are a few of our fave toppings.

131

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Marzipan Star Cookies P. 137

TESTED TILL PERFECT

smart smart cookies cookies We humbly submit these six treats for inclusion in your holiday baking lineup. They’re so impressive, we promise you’ll be the most popular person at the cookie exchange.

BY THE TEST KITCHEN

.

Maple Almond Tuiles

PHOTOGRAPHY, JODI PUDGE. FOOD STYLING, ASHLEY DENTON. PROP STYLING, MADELEINE JOHARI

P. 137

A lace-like texture and a curved shape make for elegant sweets—and maple syrup adds a Canadian spin.

133

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Nut and Sesame Brittle

GUTTER CREDITS...

P. 137

134

White Chocolate and Coconut Bonbons P. 140

Creamy white chocolate and f laky coconut give your spread a stunning, seasonally appropriate vibe.

135

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Chocolate Ginger Biscotti

..

P. 140

.

136

M A R Z I PA N S TA R C O O K I E S Hand-on time: 45 minutes Total time: 2 hours Makes: about 25 cookies

For a shift from standard royal icing, we’ve topped these sugar cookies with marzipan, a mixture of sugar and almond paste, which is easy to roll out and adds rich flavour. The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating these star shapes. You can colour the marzipan in a variety of hues. Look for it in the baking aisle of your grocery store. ⅓ cup ½ cup 1 ½ tsp 1 cup ¼ tsp pinch 250 g 2 tbsp

butter, softened granulated sugar egg yolk almond extract all-purpose flour baking powder salt red paste food colouring (optional) marzipan liquid honey white decorating sugar, white nonpareil sprinkles, gold dragées and/or edible gold leaf (optional)

In large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar until fluffy; beat in egg yolk and almond extract. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture in 2 additions just until combined. If necessary, knead gently to form smooth dough. Shape into disc; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes. (Makeahead: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

Let dough stand at room temperature until soft enough to roll out, about 15 minutes. Between parchment paper or on lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to scant ¼-inch thickness. Using 2-inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes, rerolling scraps as necessary.

Arrange, 1 inch apart, on parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheets. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in 375°F oven just until cookies are firm to the touch and edges and bottoms are light golden, about 8 minutes.

Let cool on pans for 1 minute; transfer directly to racks to cool completely.

While cookies are cooling, knead enough food colouring into marzipan to reach desired shade (if using); roll out to generous ⅛-inch thickness. Using 2-inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes, rerolling scraps as necessary.

Brush tops of cookies with honey; gently press 1 marzipan cutout over top of each cookie, lining up points and pressing lightly to adhere. Top with decorating sugar, nonpareils, dragées and/or gold leaf (if using).

You can also use this recipe to make cigar cookies. Instead of draping the cookies over a rolling pin, use the lightly greased handle of a wooden spoon.

PER COOKIE: about 103 cal, 2 g pro, 5 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 13 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 9 g sugar), 12 mg chol, 22 mg sodium, 34 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 3% iron, 2% vit A, 4% folate.

Hands-on time: 30 minutes Total time: 1¼ hours Makes: about 16 pieces

MAPLE ALMOND TUILES Hands-on time: 1¼ hours Total time: 2½ hours Makes: about 50 cookies

These crisp, light and nutty cookies make an impressive addition to any sweets tray.

Draping the still-warm cookies over a greased rolling pin creates their signature curve; for a more subtle curve, use a wider-barrelled rolling pin, and for a more exaggerated shape, use a narrow one. ½ cup ½ cup ¼ cup 1 tbsp pinch ⅔ cup ½ cup

butter packed brown sugar maple syrup lemon juice salt all-purpose flour chopped sliced almonds

In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice and salt; cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat; stir in flour and almonds. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)

From batter, form six 1-tsp balls. Arrange, 3 inches apart, on silicone baking mat or parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheet. (If mixture becomes too soft, refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.)

Bake in 350°F oven until golden, flat and bubbly, about 8 minutes. Let cool on mat for 90 seconds.

Working quickly, use small spatula to lift cookies and drape over lightly greased rolling pin. Let cool just until firm, about 5 minutes; transfer directly to rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter; if necessary, refrigerate dough between batches to firm up. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 2 days.)

PER COOKIE: about 41 cal, 1 g pro, 2 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 5 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 3 g sugar), 5 mg chol, 14 mg sodium, 16 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 1% iron, 2% vit A, 1% folate.

137

NUT AND SESAME BRITTLE

This treat tastes like a cross between traditional peanut brittle and sesame crisps. Salted nuts add a nice contrast to the sweet, sticky corn syrup. For the best results, be sure to use an accurate digital candy thermometer.

3 cups ¾ cup 3 tbsp ¼ tsp 2½ cups 3 tbsp 1½ tsp ¾ tsp

granulated sugar white corn syrup unsalted butter salt salted mixed cashews, pecans and/or macadamia nuts sesame seeds, toasted vanilla baking soda

In large saucepan, bring sugar, corn syrup and ¾ cup water to boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil, without stirring but brushing down side of pan with pastry brush dipped in cold water, until candy thermometer reads 235°F or 1 tsp mixture dropped in cold water forms soft pliable ball, about 10 minutes.

Stir in butter and salt; boil, without stirring but brushing down side of pan with pastry brush dipped in cold water, until candy thermometer reads 300°F or 1 tsp mixture dropped in cold water forms hard brittle threads, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Immediately stir in nuts, sesame seeds, vanilla and baking soda.

Immediately pour onto parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Using greased offset palette knife, spread in even layer to desired thickness. Let cool completely in pan. Break into shards. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container in cool dark place for up to 1 week.)

PER PIECE: about 340 cal, 3 g pro, 15 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 53 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 42 g sugar), 6 mg chol, 172 mg sodium, 96 mg potassium. % RDI: 1% calcium, 6% iron, 2% vit A, 2% folate.

BEFORE YOU START YOUR HOLIDAY BAKING, CHECK OUT OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS COOKIES AT

canadianliving.com/cookieexchange.

C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Grapefruit Thyme Shortbread Bars P. 140

Shake up classic buttery shortbread with the unexpected infusion of citrus and herbs.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

138

CR AN-OR ANGE WHITE C H O C O L AT E C H E E S E C A K E Prep: 25 min. | Total Time: 6 hours 30 min. | Makes: 16 servings WHAT YOU NEED

MAKE IT

12 shortcake biscuits, finely crushed (about 1 3⁄4 cups)

Heat oven to 325ºF.

2

Tbsp. butter, melted

4

pkg. (250 g each) Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese, softened

1

cup sugar, divided

2

tsp. vanilla

4

oz. (2⁄3 of 170 g pkg.) Baker’s White Chocolate, melted

4

eggs

1

tsp. corn starch

1

Tbsp. zest and 1/2 cup juice from 2 large oranges, divided

11⁄2 cups fresh cranberries

Combine biscuit crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

Bake 10 min.

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended.

Add chocolate; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended.

Pour cream cheese batter over crust. Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 5 min. or until centre is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim.

Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours.

Meanwhile, mix corn starch and 1 Tbsp. orange juice until blended.

Bring cranberries, remaining orange juice and remaining sugar to boil in saucepan on medium-high heat; simmer on low heat 6 min. or until cranberries are softened, stirring frequently. Stir in corn starch mixture; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 1 min. or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in orange zest.

Cool. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Spoon cranberry glaze over cheesecake just before serving.

W H I T E C H O C O L AT E A N D COCONUT BONBONS

C H O C O L AT E G I N G E R BISCOTTI

GRAPEFRUIT THYME SHORTBREAD BARS

Hands-on time: 25 minutes Total time: 1¾ hours Makes: 16 bonbons

Hands-on time: 30 minutes Total time: 2½ hours Makes: about 30 cookies

Hands-on time: 25 minutes Total time: 2½ hours Makes: 24 cookies

This is the kind of treat that’s ideal for displaying at holiday parties, as they’re beautiful and bite-size—perfect for guests to grab. Serve the bonbons in gold- or silver-coloured mini paper cups for an extra-festive presentation.

These twice-baked cookies are great for gifting because their dryness allows them to be stored for long periods of time and is less prone to breaking. Pipe or drizzle the melted chocolate onto your cookies, if desired.

Tart grapefruit gives refreshing flavour to these savoury shortbread cookie bars.

Gradually add the food colouring to the glaze, alternating between red and orange, until you get a light coral colour. The tint will intensify as the glaze dries, so stop adding food colouring when it’s a touch lighter than your desired shade.

Bonbons: ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened ¼ cup packed brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla ½ cup all-purpose flour pinch salt 2 tbsp unsweetened medium desiccated coconut Coating: 170 g white chocolate (about 6 oz), chopped ½ tsp vegetable oil ½ cup unsweetened medium desiccated coconut Bonbons: In large bowl, beat butter with

brown sugar until fluffy; beat in vanilla.

In separate bowl, whisk flour with salt; stir into butter mixture just until combined.

Stir in coconut.

Roll by rounded 2 tsp into 16 balls.

Arrange on waxed paper–lined rimmed baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Freeze in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)

Coating: In heatproof bowl set over saucepan of gently simmering (not boiling) water, melt chocolate, stirring, until smooth. Stir in oil.

Remove from heat; let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, place ¼ cup of the coconut in shallow bowl and set aside. In skillet, toast remaining coconut over medium heat until golden. Place in separate shallow bowl.

Working with 1 bonbon at a time and using 2 forks, dip 4 of the bonbons into chocolate mixture, tapping forks on edge of bowl to remove excess. Return to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bonbons and chocolate mixture, dipping 4 of the bonbons into the toasted coconut and 4 into the untoasted coconut to coat before returning to baking sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 15 minutes.

PER BONBON: about 106 cal, 1 g pro, 7 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 11 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 8 g sugar), 8 mg chol, 9 mg sodium, 41 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 2% iron, 3% vit A, 3% folate.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

Biscotti: ½ cup 1 cup 2 1½ tsp 1 tsp 2½ cups 2 tsp ¼ tsp 170 g ⅓ cup 1

butter, softened granulated sugar eggs grated orange zest vanilla all-purpose flour baking powder salt dark chocolate (about 6 oz), chopped chopped crystallized ginger egg white

Coating: 140 g dark chocolate (about 5 oz), melted Biscotti: In large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Beat in orange zest and vanilla. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture in 2 additions just until combined. Stir in chocolate and ginger.

Divide dough in half. On lightly floured work surface, shape each half into 12-inch long log. Arrange, 2 inches apart, on parchment paper–lined rimless baking sheet; press to flatten slightly. Whisk egg white with 1 tsp water; brush generously over tops of logs. Bake in 325°F oven until light golden and firm to the touch, about 35 minutes. Let cool on pan for 10 minutes.

Cookies: 1 cup ¾ cup 2 tsp ½ tsp ¼ tsp 2 cups 1 tbsp 2 tsp

unsalted butter, softened icing sugar grated grapefruit zest vanilla salt all-purpose flour fresh thyme leaves granulated sugar

Topping: ½ cup icing sugar 1 tbsp grapefruit juice red and orange liquid food colouring 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional) Cookies: In stand mixer with paddle attachment, or in bowl using wooden spoon, beat together butter, icing sugar, grapefruit zest, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy; stir in flour and thyme just until combined.

Press dough into bottom of parchment paper–lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square cake pan. Using palm of hand, flatten to make smooth even surface. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Using knife, score surface of dough into 24 rectangles; prick each several times with fork. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Transfer logs to cutting board. Using sharp chef ’s knife, cut diagonally into ½-inch thick slices. Stand slices upright, about ½ inch apart, on baking sheet. Bake in 300°F oven until almost dry, about 35 minutes. Transfer directly to racks to cool completely.

Bake in 300°F oven until firm and pale golden, about 55 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes; cut through score lines. Let cool completely in pan. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.)

Coating: Dip 1 end of each biscotti into

Topping: In bowl, whisk icing sugar with

chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on waxed paper–lined baking sheet.

Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 20 minutes. (Make-ahead: Layer between waxed paper in airtight container; store for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks.)

grapefruit juice. Alternately stir in red and orange food colouring to tint icing coral; drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle with thyme (if using). Let stand until set, about 15 minutes.

PER COOKIE: about 159 cal, 2 g pro, 7 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 21 g carb (1 g dietary fibre, 12 g sugar), 22 mg chol, 69 mg sodium, 94 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 10% iron, 3% vit A, 8% folate.

140

PER COOKIE: about 132 cal, 1 g pro, 8 g total fat (5 g sat. fat), 14 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 7 g sugar), 20 mg chol, 25 mg sodium, 15 mg potassium. % RDI: 4% iron, 7% vit A, 2% vit C, 7% folate.

RECIPE INDEX

December 2016 BEEF & LAMB

CUSTARDS & ICINGS

Braised Balsamic and

Custard

126

Orange Cardamom Butter

122

93

Mascarpone Icing

128

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

123

111

Spiced Cream Cheese Icing

127

Molasses Lamb Citrus and Herb Rib Roast

BEVERAGES

Molasses Teriyaki Sauce

DESSERTS

Spiced Molasses Hot Chocolate

92

Classic Brioche

122

Rustic No-Knead White Bread

122

Sourdough Loaves

120

Sourdough Starter

120

White Sourdough Boule

120

Berry Pavlova Wreath

125

128

Chocolate Gingerbread Cream Pie

126

Creamy Chocolate Pomegranate Squares

125

114

Nut and Sesame Brittle

137

140

Chocolate Ginger Biscotti

140

Thumbprint Cookies

127

114

Thick Cream and Pistachios

112

Cheesy Polenta Squares

114

Easy Oven-Baked Crispy Tofu

93

Mushroom Strudel

112

Roasted Winter Vegetables 102

With Maple Candied Nuts

100

= Gluten-Free

= Nut-Free

Sloppy Chicken Tacos

= Dairy-Free

= Vegetarian

97

Spicy Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Cream Cheese Gingerbread

Fennel Salad

114

Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs With Smashed Potatoes

COOKIES

98

Butter Chicken Skillet Mac and Cheese

White Chocolate and Coconut Bonbons

in Ginger Soy Broth

Blood Orange and

Nutty Quinoa and

Asian-Style Chicken Meatballs

Maple Candied Nuts

112

Cardamom Sweet Potato Soup With 128

Mini Meringues

With White Wine

SIDES & VEGETABLES

Cake With Mascarpone Icing

POULTRY CANDIES & NUTS

SEAFOOD Buttery Herbed Seafood

Chocolate and Pomegranate Layer

BREADS

93

With Crispy Chickpea Salad

104

Certain packaged ingredients may contain allergens. Please read food labels carefully for hidden sources of gluten, dairy and nuts.

Grapefruit Thyme Shortbread Bars

140

SAUCES & SPREADS

Maple Almond Tuiles

137

Cultured Butter

121

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR RECIPES’ NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION, GO TO

Marzipan Star Cookies

137

Gravy

111

canadianliving.com/nutritioninfo.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

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CANADIAN LIVING PROMOTION

FOR THE SERIOUS COOK

IT’S TIME TO LEAVE COLD SYMPTOMS BEHIND

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DOUBLE SERUM SIMPLY BECAUSE IT WORKS Almased® is a dietary supplement that helps you boost the fatburning process while retaining muscle mass.

The unique Almased® formula is gluten-free and contains no artificial fillers or flavours, added sugars, preservatives or stimulants. Find out more at almased.ca.

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IT OUT! FEATURED PRODUCTS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS ULTIMATE COMFORT Simone Pérèle is celebrating 10 years of the iconic Andora bra, with an innovative 3D spacer technology offering a second-skin feel, the ultimate comfort and an unrivalled fit that hugs and celebrates women’s curves, up to a G cup. simoneperele.com

Clarins Double Serum is the most complete, intensive agecontrol skin-care essential with its exceptional 20 pure plant extracts. Its unique two-phase formula helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and restore a radiant complexion. clarins.com

YOUR WAY FRAGRANCE SAMPLES Some issues of Canadian Living magazine include perfume strips. If you prefer to receive your copy of the magazine without perfume strips, please write to us at our mailing address.

eat, drink & be merry

SIDE BY SIDE

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with our best holiday party ideas. canadianliving.com/getfestive

From scalloped potatoes to stuffing, these side dishes are sure to impress. canadianliving.com/sidedishes

DECEMBER 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY, GETTY IMAGES (CHEERS); JEFF COULSON (FOOD); STOCKSY UNITED (SCARF); ISTOCKPHOTO (ADVENT BOXES)

Trusted info from Canada’s largest magazine site for women

PROTECTIVE WRAPPER We sometimes mail your issue in a protective wrapper. If you prefer to receive your copy of the magazine without a wrapper, please write to us at our mailing address.

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SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRY You can determine when your subscription expires by checking the mailing label. Our mailing labels are often printed several weeks before the issue is mailed, so please allow six to eight weeks for renewals and changes of address to avoid missing an issue.

BILLING & RENEWAL NOTICES Invoices and renewal notices are generated one week before they are mailed to subscribers. With delivery time, it is possible that your payment or renewal order will cross in the mail without our notice. If you receive yet another notice, please let us know immediately.

CONTACT US If there is any way we can be of service, please let us know.

WE’RE AT YOUR SERVICE:

PURL PERFECTION

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!

Check out this collection of our most stylish—and free!—knitting patterns for scarves, hats and more. canadianliving.com/knitting

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Lynn’s chili tolerance

MOSTLOVED INGREDIENT? Bacon.

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

9

With milk.

8

7

If you were a food, what would you be (and why)? I think I would be an egg.

Eggs are the perfect food; they can be used in so many recipes.

5

C U L I N A RY C O N F E S S I O N S

Your most-loved secret midnight snack? A fried egg sandwich with crispy iceberg lettuce, Cheddar, mayo and sriracha.

Lynn Crawford CHEF, RESTAURATEUR AND TV PERSONALITY

What’s on your Christmas menu?

D M OS T- LO AT HE IN GR ED IE NT ?

For me, Christmas is all about preserving tradition, so many of my dishes are recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation or are inspired by my childhood memories, like my father’s stuffing; he made the best sausage stuffing, and we’ve kept that tradition going.

THREE UNEXPECTED INGREDIENTS WE’RE LIKELY TO FIND IN YOUR FRIDGE:

Tripe.

I have to be honest: I’m not a big fan of tripe. With my Scottish background, it’s a dish I’m familiar with, but I would say it’s my least favourite.

+ AUSTRALIAN FINGER LIMES

4

+ DUCK FAT

146

3

2

Your favourite fast-food joint and what you order?

Whenever I’m in New York, I try to visit the Shake Shack. I like a good cheeseburger.

1

KOREAN HOT PEPPER PASTE

What’s simmering on your stove right now? I’m back for my third season as a judge on Chopped Canada.

And I’m in the proofing stages of my new cookbook, which will be published next fall; it’s focused on cooking with seasonal ingredients.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | C A N A D I A N L I V I N G .C O M

Your culinary hero?

Alice Waters, the proprietor of Chez Panisse [in Berkeley, Calif.] and a pioneer in the local sustainablefood movement.

One thing you want to change most about how you eat? With my busy schedule, I’m not able to follow a regular meal plan. I need to work on that.

ILLUSTRATIONS, JEANNIE PHAN (CHRISTMAS TREE); THENOUNPROJECT.COM (EGG, SANDWICH, APRON, CHEESEBURGER, CALENDAR).

PHOTOGRAPHY, GETTY IMAGES (STUFFING); THINKSTOCK (COFFEE, TRIPE, AUSTRALIAN FINGER LIMES, DUCK FAT, KOREAN HOT PEPPER PASTE)

6

E V I S U EXCL

KATY KAT COLLECTION CREATED BY KATY PERRY

Collect the new makeup I created exclusively for COVERGIRL, and you.

NEW KATY KAT MATTE LIPSTICK

Instead of tight, dry matte, mine is pillowy soft, like a kitten. In my favorite new cool kat shades.

NEW KATY KAT EYE

My new mascara for a 360°cat eye.

Purrfect all day, with no smudging.

In Very Black and Perry Blue.

Katy Perry wears Katy Kat Eye mascara in Perry Blue and Katy Kate Matte in Sphynx.

Katy is wearing lash inserts.

© 2016 P&G

Get them all @ katykatcollection.com

THIS TEENY, TINY CUP WILL PUT DOWN YOUR BIG, BAD COUGH FOR A LONG, LONG TIME.* DAYQUIL COUGH. FOR LONG-LASTING COUGH RELIEF. *For up to 8 hours. To ensure this product is right for you always read and follow the label.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. © Procter & Gamble, Inc., 2016