RECIPES FOR COMFORT DURING THE CANADIAN HARSH WINTERS

 Recipes for Comfort during the Winter Season

Warm Spiced Apple Smoothie (Renata Richardson)

  Ingredients:

2 small apples or 1 medium apple - no need to peel, just core and dice.

1/2 cup of milk or plant-based

1/2 cup of water

1/4 cup of yogurt, Kefir or Cottage Cheese

1/4 cup of large flake or quick oats

1 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar

1 tablespoon of hemp hearts, or flax meal (optional)

1 tablespoon of all-natural peanut butter or another nut or seed butter of your choice

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

a pinch of salt to taste

How It's Made

In a microwave-safe measuring cup or in a small pot on the stove, heat the milk and water until hot, about 1 and a half to 2 minutes in the microwave.

Core and dice the apples, leave the skin on the fibre benefit, they blend in smoothly.

Add the apples and hot milk/water to a blender; a personal-size blender is perfect for this. You can also use a handheld immersion blender, but it may not get as smooth.

Add the remaining ingredients.

Blend until smooth, at least one minute on high.

Pour into a pretty cup or glass and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. If you are on the go, pour into a thermos-style container to take with you. 

Refrigerate leftover; they are delicious reheated or cold. 

Soft Italian Amaretti Cookies  La Cucina Di Serena 

Overview

These amaretti are tender, chewy, and naturally gluten-free. They use almond flour and whipped egg whites for a light texture, with a hint of citrus and floral almond notes.

Ingredients

2 cups finely ground almond flour

1 cup powdered sugar

2 large egg white

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/4 tsp orange blossom water (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

Pinch of salt

Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk almond flour, powdered sugar, salt, and lemon zest until evenly combined.

3. Whip egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Add almond extract and orange blossom water.

4. Fold gently: Use a spatula to fold the egg whites into the almond mixture until a sticky dough forms.

5. Shape cookies: Scoop 1 tbsp portions, roll into balls, and coat lightly in powdered sugar.

6. Bake: Place on the sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 20–22 minutes until tops crack and edges are set.

7. Cool and store: Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

8.  Tip: These cookies deepen in flavor after 24 hours. Perfect for gifting or pairing with espresso.

Christmas Sugar Sprinkle Cookies  Nonna Clarissa

Overview

These drop-style sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and festive — no rolling or chilling required. Perfect for kids and holiday decorating.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in egg, yolk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Make dough: Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined.

6. Add sprinkles: Fold in sprinkles gently.

7. Scoop and bake: Drop 1 tbsp portions onto a baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set.

8. Cool and decorate: Let cool fully. Optionally, drizzle with icing or add more sprinkles.

9. Variation: Add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract for a minty twist, or roll in colored sugar for sparkle.