The holiday season is a time for cherished traditions, festive gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re baking cookies with loved ones, enjoying a cozy drink by the fire, or creating a hearty dish for your holiday table, these classic recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your Christmas celebrations. Let’s dive into four of the Evans Teams favourites: Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies, Cape Breton Slush, Newfoundland Snowballs, and a savoury Mushroom Gravy!
1. Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
A plate of sugar cookies is a staple at any Christmas gathering. These cookies are soft, buttery, and simple to decorate, making them perfect for family baking traditions.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk
- Sprinkles, sugar, or frosting for decorating
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Roll dough into small balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in buttermilk.
6. Decorate with sprinkles or sugar.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just golden. Let cool before adding frosting if desired.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with Santa or gifting to friends and neighbours. Simple, nostalgic, and utterly delicious!
2. Cape Breton Slush
If you’re looking for a festive cocktail to add some cheer to your holiday table, look no further than Cape Breton Slush. This frosty, make-ahead drink has been a favourite in many Canadian homes for decades. It’s refreshing, sweet, and just the right amount of boozy.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups water
- 1 cups white sugar
- 3 cups Cranberry Juice
- 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
- 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
- 2 cups vodka
- Lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
2. Add the tea bags and let steep for about 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool.
3. Stir in frozen lemonade and orange juice concentrates until well combined.
4. Add vodka and mix thoroughly.
5. Pour the mixture into a large freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 12 hours, stirring occasionally. The mixture will form a slushy consistency.
6. To serve, scoop slush into a glass and top with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange for extra flair!
This Cape Breton classic is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Make a big batch, and you’ll have a ready-to-serve drink for impromptu holiday guests.
3. Newfoundland Snowballs
A beloved treat from Newfoundland, Snowballs are chocolatey, coconut-covered confections that are perfect for the holidays. They’re no-bake, easy to make, and an instant crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for coating)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let boil for 1-2 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla, oats, and 1 cup of coconut until well combined.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly until it is safe to handle.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and coat each ball in additional shredded coconut.
5. Place the snowballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
These sweet, chocolatey snowballs are perfect for cookie platters or as a quick snack with a cup of hot cocoa.
4. Savory Mushroom Gravy
Whether you’re serving turkey, mashed potatoes, or a vegetarian roast, this mushroom gravy is a rich and flavorful addition to your holiday meal. It’s hearty, earthy, and perfect for everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or beef broth for a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.
2. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce and dried thyme.
5. Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This savoury mushroom gravy is so good, even meat-lovers won’t miss the drippings! It’s a versatile and comforting addition to any Christmas feast.
Bring It All Together
From buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies to a festive Cape Breton Slush, sweet Newfoundland Snowballs, and a warm, umami-packed mushroom gravy, these recipes capture the magic of Christmas in our households.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Evans Team!
Who We Are
Phil Evans (MBA), Syna Rasmusson (Civil Tech.) Alex Mercer (Realtor), Luke MacGregor (Realtor) and Melisa Simpson (Transaction Coordinator) make up the Dream Team. Phil has a great reputation in the industry and is a strong negotiator. Syna’s connections to trades people are of great value to our clients. She also loves to talk about land development. If you want more information on zoning and subdivision in Halifax Syna is your contact! Alex and Luke are our newest team members who has a passion for helping first time home buyers and investors alike. Melisa is the centre of the Evans Real Estate Universe. She provides the white glove service our customers keep coming back for. Meet our team!
