Classic Nanaimo BarsThe Nanaimo bar is a legendary Canadian treat that requires no baking and is named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. It consists of three layers: a graham, almond and coconut crumb base; custard icing in the middle; and a layer of chocolate ganache on top. This is a gluten free adaptation of the official recipe.Bacon and Leek QuicheThis delicious and easy flaky crust is best refrigerated for at least an hour before rolling. Can be made into one 10 inch round quiche or quite a few muffin tin sized ones (which freeze and reheat very well) they're great for parties and entertaining. If you're making muffin sized quiches, the bake time is 20min. For a vegetarian option substitute roasted red pepper for the bacon.Gluten-Free StuffingA key part of any turkey dinner and usually off-limits to those of us who can't eat wheat, this stuffing is heavenly.Cranberry SauceCranberry sauce is easy to make at home and adds a nice personal touch to your holiday meal, I like to make mine with a hint of citrus. It's not just great with your turkey dinner but also with some gluten-free turkey, cranberry and brie sandwiches.Black Forest CakeBlack Forest Cake is a favourite birthday dessert in our family so to have it made gluten-free is an amazing treat, it's not as complicated to make as it looks, as the recipe is pretty forgiving.Cranberry Walnut Baked BrieA decadent delight, easy yet impressive. Naturally gluten-free, sweet, nutty and easy to play with recipe… allergic to walnuts? try some toasted pumpkin seeds or almonds, Not a fan of Brie? It’s amazing with Camembert… This is a recipe that’s easy to experiment with and delicious no matter what the combination. Perfect for your holiday entertaining!Apple PitaAn apple pita is a Croatian apple pie that has a light cake like crust, it's more like a bar than a pie. I made this recipe gluten free after learning it from my Grandmother. It's great for gatherings at any time of year.Shortbread Cookies with Walnut CentresThis cookie is a family favourite, it's one of my grandma's Croatian family recipes that I have managed to make wheat free. We affectionately refer to them as turds in a blanket. The wheat free version is a little softer than the original but it still tastes amazing. Note: make the filling first as it has to cool and thicken before usingLemon Shortbread CookiesI make these cookies every Christmas, lemon isn’t usually considered a Christmassy flavour, but the cookie cutters determine how festive a cookie is and I always make these ones snowflakes at Christmas. At Halloween I make pumpkins, Valentines I make hearts, they’re great for any occasion, the perfect light gluten-free treat.Orange MadeleineMadeleine are traditional shell shaped cakes from northeastern France. They’re a light and delicious dessert that is great for dipping in tea or coffee or served with whipped cream and fruit. This is a great treat to make because it’s so fast and easy, as well as tasting flavourful and impressive.Rum BallsMy uncle Jack made these Rum Balls every Christmas, they’re a family favourite, naturally gluten-free with only 5 ingredients. They’re incredibly easy to make but need to be made 2 days in advance, so keep that in mind in your preparations.GingerbreadAs soon as the pumpkin spice season ends the gingerbread season starts. This gluten-free gingerbread has a classic spicy flavour that makes the Christmas season complete, I usually make bite sized (2″) dunkable cookies but it also makes a great gingerbread people or houses.
