Short-order goodies: Spiced nuts are an easy homemade treat everyone loves. Mix 2 cups (500 mL) of nuts (almonds, pe<strong>ca</strong>ns and <strong>ca</strong>shews) with a beaten egg white and 1 / 4 tsp (1 mL) to 1 / 2 tsp (2 mL) each of your favourite spices (cinnamon, <strong>ca</strong>yenne and cumin work well). Spread onto a parchment paper-lined tray and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 min. For an even easier idea, drizzle pretzels with melted white and dark chocolate and set in the fridge. Maple-Walnut Fudge Don’t have a <strong>ca</strong>ndy thermometer? Visit compliments.<strong>ca</strong>/inspired for some handy tips to help you know when your fudge is ready. Prep time: 15 min. Total time: 45 min., plus cooling Makes: 36 pieces 2 cups (500 mL) sugar 1 / 2 cup (125 mL) <strong>Compliments</strong> Pure Maple Syrup 3 / 4 cup (175 mL) milk De<strong>ca</strong>dent Chocolate Squares In Step 2 of this recipe, we “temper” the eggs (bring them up to temperature) by first mixing a small amount of the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Don’t skip this important step or the eggs will cook. Prep time: 30 min. Total time: 60 min., plus chilling time Makes: 60 squares 1 pkg (512 g) <strong>Compliments</strong> Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 1 / 2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter 3 / 4 cup (175 mL) 35% cream 1 / 4 cup (60 mL) coffee liqueur 2 1 / 2 cups (625 mL) <strong>Compliments</strong> Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and Chunks 6 <strong>Compliments</strong> Large Eggs 2 / 3 cup (150 mL) sugar 1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 13 x 9 in. (3 L) baking pan with parchment paper. Press cookie dough into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 min. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 275°F (140°C). 2. Meanwhile, heat butter, cream and liqueur in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips and stir until smooth. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale yellow. Temper the eggs by adding a bit of the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture. Slowly add the rest of the chocolate mixture into eggs and stir until well blended. 3. Pour chocolate mixture over the cookie base and bake until chocolate has set, about 45 min. Remove from oven, let cool completely and refrigerate overnight. Use parchment paper to lift the squares out of the pan and cut into 60 pieces with a hot knife. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 week. per serving (1 square): 130 <strong>ca</strong>lories, 2 g protein, 7 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 14 g <strong>ca</strong>rbohydrates, 1 g fibre, 35 mg sodium, 3 mg potassium Pinch of salt 2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter 1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract 1 pkg (100 g) <strong>Compliments</strong> Chopped Walnuts, toasted and cooled 1. Mix sugar, maple syrup, milk and salt in a large saucepan. Cook over low heat (without stirring) until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. 2. Cook mixture until it reaches 234°F to 240°F (112°C to 116°C) on a <strong>ca</strong>ndy thermometer, or until a teaspoonful forms a soft, flexible ball when dropped into cold water. Remove pan from heat and add butter. Do not stir. Let fudge cool to 110°F (43°C) or until the bottom of the pan feels barely warm to the touch, 30 to 45 min. 3. Stir in vanilla and beat fudge with a wooden spoon until it is slightly thickened. Add walnuts and continue beating until fudge begins to lose its glossy finish. Quickly spread fudge evenly into an oiled or parchment paper-lined 8 in. (2 L) square pan. Cool completely before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. per serving (1 PIECE): 80 <strong>ca</strong>lories, 1 g protein, 2.5 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 15 g <strong>ca</strong>rbohydrates, 0 g fibre, 10 mg sodium, 10 mg potassium Festive touch: Simplicity is best when packing up goodies to give as gifts. Elegantly show<strong>ca</strong>se your treats by placing them in Mason jars and tying on a string of gold ribbon. They’re also lovely wrapped in cellophane or placed in a teacup or decorative box. You <strong>ca</strong>n also give away your baking secrets by including the recipe with the gift. Sweet Staples Keep these chocolate supplies in your pantry and you’ll always be ready to bake. <strong>Compliments</strong> Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and Chunks, 300 g, $2.29 <strong>Compliments</strong> Cocoa, 250 g, $3.99 24 <strong>Inspired</strong> | winter 2009
festive cocktail party celebration time From brunch to cocktails to an elegant dinner, enjoy three fantastic parties complete with food, drink and decorating ideas. We’ve made entertaining so easy, all you need to do is add the people. <strong>ca</strong>sual brunch buffet elegant evening dinner compliments.<strong>ca</strong>/inspired 25
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