Archive for December, 2011

Unusual Dessert Recipes for the Holidays

For those who are just too tired of candy canes, pumpkin pies and eggnog, I hear you. My family and friends have a penchant for culinary experimentation, especially around the holidays, so I thought I’d share the best and most unusual holiday and Christmas dessert recipes.

Break out your chef’s hat, iron your apron, and most important of all – expand your horizons. You’ll never know if you like something until you try it!

Korean Flower Cookies

A good friend of mine makes a batch of these adorable confections every December. While she won’t give me her top-secret family recipe (brrr), she says the recipe at the above link is a good approximation. These sweet, cinnamon-y treats are great for anyone who likes their cookies on the chewy side.

Cherry Soup

This is a big Christmas favourite at my household. You will need:

• 4 cups of water
• 1 pound of cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 dollop of Greek yogurt
• 3/4 cups of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of flour

Bring cherries to a slow boil in water and brown sugar. Once they’re plump, put them on simmer. Stir in flour slowly and whisk to avoid lumps. With the Greek yogurt, you can either add it to the soup while it simmers (mix gently to make sure it incorporates evenly) or wait till the soup cools and garnish it with a spoonful.

Simmer for up to five minutes, cool and serve with a cinnamon stick. If cherries aren’t your thing, you can substitute with your favourite berries, or mix and match. It’ll be yummy either way.

Spicy Mayan Chocolate Cookies

Consider this Christmas cookie recipe the more exotic cousin of salted caramel. The heat in these treats comes from cayenne pepper, which you can adjust as you see fit. Fun tip: make an extra spicy batch and a super mild batch, mix them together and don’t tell anyone which is which.

Chai Gingerbread Bars

If you don’t want to go too out of left field, just put an new twist on a holiday classic. The taste of chai infused in soft, warm gingerbread? There’s a no-brainer. These are especially delicious with a nice cup of tea after you’ve opened all your presents.

Red Bean Cookies (Cantonese Style)

I grew up with red bean desserts and I can’t imagine a Christmas without them. This cookie recipe takes a little more preparation than the others on the list, but trust me, it’ll be worth it. If you have trouble finding some of the more exotic ingredients check out your nearest Chinatown, health food store or farmer’s market.

Are there any ‘unusual’ holiday or Christmas desserts you enjoy? Leave us a comment!