Sweet treats are a part of Christmas memories

HOW IS IT CHRISTMAS always seems to sneak up on us? Even though we have been planning and shopping since the beginning of November?

Every year feels like it has flown by, and once again the elves in the kitchen are in a flurry of activity. Our team for the most part enjoys the Christmas rush.

There is the usual debate as to when the Christmas music should be on the radio, but the spirit is in the air! Christmas cookies will be in full swing by the time this article is in print and that is a good sign that Santa is on his way.

Every family has their favourite treats for the holidays, the little appetizers or sweets that are their specialties, made with love and care. They spark memories of a special person or time, capturing a good feeling perhaps long gone but in memory never forgotten.

As we ramp up to the Christmas season, enjoy those moments and gifts of time. Put those phones and tablets down and enjoy the people around you – make some feel-good moments and share a cookie or two. Happy cooking!

Lemon Cranberry Pecan Balls

1/4 cup butter 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup pecans 2 Tbsp. dried cranberries 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1-1/2 tsp. lemon zest

Place butter, sugar, flour in food processor. Pulse together until flour has moistened.

Add pecans, cranberry, lemon zest and vanilla, then pulse again until fully combined. Don’t over work – you can use your hands to finish the work in a bowl.

Take dough and roll into small, one-inch balls. Place on parchment paper about 2” apart. Place in fridge to rest for an hour.

Bake in oven at 325 F until the dough is firm to the touch, about 8-10 minutes. You don’t want a lot of colour.

Allow to cool and dust with icing sugar.

These cookies freeze well as dough or as baked cookies. Decorate with icing sugar once the cookie is thawed. Enjoy!