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Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Orange Maple Butter

Grilled Sweet Potatoes 1

Sweet potatoes: I’m a fan. Also: butter, and maple syrup, and orange – getting them all together on one plate makes me happy. The warm orange-infused maple butter, which takes all of two minutes to get going in a small saucepan, could be drizzled over split roasted sweet potatoes, but grilling them adds a slightly charred, smoky flavour that seems well suited to fall and winter, even though grills tend to be summer appliances.

Whether they’re labeled yams or sweet potatoes, go for the smaller, longer ones, so that they don’t take forever to cook through to the middle. All you need to do is toss them in a pot whole and cover them with water – you bring the lot to a boil and let it go for about half an hour, until the potatoes are tender. This part can be done ahead of time, if you want to get a head start on dinner, or have minimal prep work once the roast or turkey is out of the oven.

sliced sweet potatoes

So the tender sweet potatoes are sliced into thick slabs, then grilled – I brushed these with a little oil first – send your husband outside (he may need a jacket) if you don’t have a super sleek indoor grill (I don’t) – and if you do happen to have one, they’ll grill on both sides, and you won’t even need to hover with tongs. They’re already cooked, so you just need some nice char marks. Four minutes.

grilling sweet potato

At some point, lob a chunk of butter and a few glugs of maple syrup into a small saucepan and grate some orange zest in as it comes to a simmer; don’t add juice, or it will wind up too runny, and you want the maple butter to stay on your potatoes. Trust me.

sweet potato syrup

London Drugs asked me to help get the word out about their selection of kitchen appliances for the holidays, and I’m happy to, having stopped in on many occasions for an emergency hot plate/deep fryer/coffee grinder. I love that you can do all your Christmas shopping at the drugstore, and pick up things like a KitchenAid Stand Mixer and Rose’s Lime Cordial (they have an awesome selection of British imports) along with your toothpaste and toilet paper.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes 2

This recipe is well suited to the Tfal Optigrill – a gadget I don’t have, but will be cooking with at an event next week – it’s like a panini press extreme, able to do things like burgers and chicken and even steaks – with a cooking sensor that gauges the thickness of whatever it is you’re cooking. Which isn’t quite as important when you’re doing slabs of sweet potato.

And London Drugs has offered up a $100 gift card so that one of you can go shopping – for yourself or someone you love a lot – and pick up a fun new kitchen toy. Something fun and gadgety, like an Actifry, or classic, like the aforementioned stand mixer, or festive, like a Breville Waffle Maker (want!), or fancy, like the brushed stainless steel Cuisinart Countertop Steam Oven, or newfangled, like a Breville Fast Slow Cooker (electric pressure cooker). So many fun kitchen toys, so little time.

To enter to win the $100 LD gift card, leave a comment here. I want to know what you’re making for the holidays!

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Orange Maple Butter

AuthorJulie

Yields1 Serving

3-4 small-medium dark fleshed sweet potatoes
olive or canola oil, for brushing
¼ cup butter
¼ cup pure maple syrup
finely grated zest of half an orange (a teaspoon or so)

1

Put the potatoes whole into a large saucepan or small pot, cover with water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, until just tender when poked with a knife. Pull them out of the water and set aside until they're not steaming hot. Meanwhile, heat the butter, maple syrup and orange zest in a small saucepan until melted and smooth.

2

Cut them, with their skins on, into thick slices or lengthwise into quarters. Brush with oil and cook on a preheated grill, turning with tongs, for a few minutes, or until char-marked (and heated through if you cooked them ahead). Serve the grilled potatoes warm, drizzled with maple butter.

Ingredients

 3-4 small-medium dark fleshed sweet potatoes
 olive or canola oil, for brushing
 ¼ cup butter
 ¼ cup pure maple syrup
 finely grated zest of half an orange (a teaspoon or so)

Directions

1

Put the potatoes whole into a large saucepan or small pot, cover with water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, until just tender when poked with a knife. Pull them out of the water and set aside until they're not steaming hot. Meanwhile, heat the butter, maple syrup and orange zest in a small saucepan until melted and smooth.

2

Cut them, with their skins on, into thick slices or lengthwise into quarters. Brush with oil and cook on a preheated grill, turning with tongs, for a few minutes, or until char-marked (and heated through if you cooked them ahead). Serve the grilled potatoes warm, drizzled with maple butter.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Orange Maple Butter
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142 comments on “Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Orange Maple Butter

  1. Mairi
    November 15, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    Mmmmm……maple butter. Super yum Julie.
    Hubby makes smoked salmon that I gleefully gift to family, friends & teachers. LD sells vacuum sealer bags that we use a lot of!
    I’m making tiny jars of cranberry mustard & gonna find some nice containers for the homemade vanilla I’ve got brewing. Thanks for that recipe too!

  2. Lora
    November 15, 2013 at 9:35 pm

    I am making Best of Bridge Nuts and Bolts, as I always do. It is my dad’s favorite present during the holidays.

  3. Denese
    November 15, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    I think I shall have to simulate the Bark Thins that I get as Costco. They seem simple (good dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds)and are not too sweet. Tonight we enjoyed them with some slices of pear. Very versatile for serving or gifting.

  4. Ben
    November 15, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    I’m planning on making some more candied orange peel, and using up the last of last year’s in copious baked goods.

  5. CarrieM
    November 15, 2013 at 11:17 pm

    I’m making fruitcakes – light and dark – tomorrow and then salt caramels!!!

  6. margo
    November 15, 2013 at 11:22 pm

    Tried and trues: tourtiere, smoked turkey, spanakopita, mince tarts, yeast waffles, fudge and speculaas…
    something brand new I want to make is cranberry orange cinnamon-type rolls… they look gorgeous and I suspect they’ll taste scrumptious too.

  7. Susan
    November 15, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    As we are traveling to our kids this year the baking will be some favorites like pecan bars,flatbread crackers and tourtiere. Kind of nice to let the younger generation do most of the cooking, although it may be difficult to stay out of their kitchens !

  8. Allison E.
    November 16, 2013 at 12:37 am

    I haven’t even thought about Christmas yet. Is that bad?! But I am making a chopped italian salad for a potluck this week… Does that count?!

  9. Janet
    November 16, 2013 at 1:14 am

    Just made a large fruitcake yesterday, and will be making chocolates and homemade turtles.

  10. Sandy
    November 16, 2013 at 4:56 am

    Maple fudge,chocolate fudge and cinnamon candy. It wouldn’t be Christmas without them.

  11. Jacqueline
    November 16, 2013 at 5:29 am

    Pork pies – a dessert I’ve only heard of in my native Cape Breton. It’s a shortbread base, pressed into mini muffin tins so that they have a little divot, which you then fill with a date mixture and top with maple frosting!

  12. Jayne
    November 16, 2013 at 5:32 am

    I usually roast the whole sweet potato in tin foil, but your recipe looks delicious! Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt & pepper and Asian sticky rice.

  13. Sheila
    November 16, 2013 at 5:50 am

    My two little g’babies are a little older this Christmas (2 and nearly 2), so looking forward to making shortbread cookies with them!

  14. Joanne
    November 16, 2013 at 6:13 am

    I’d love to get a waffle iron to try making your mashed potato waffles for breakfast!

  15. Julie
    November 16, 2013 at 6:16 am

    We will be making tourtiere, a staple for any who grew up in Quebec. And I’ll ask my 4 year old daughter which of her grandmother’s recipes she also wants to make, probably the chocoloate pizza and the iced sugar cookies.

  16. Rebecca
    November 16, 2013 at 7:04 am

    Love this series of posts on holiday ideas – yams and butter are my fav! Maple syrup must make them to die for ????

    Thinking about what to do about Xmas makes me feel slightly anxious and overwhelmed! I’m just back to work after mat leave and life with two kids is crazy busy. Luckily, my mom will be visiting for Xmas and can give me a hand with the baking. The one thing I do know about Xmas – we will do a gingerbread house with our four year old as she LOVES that part of Xmas. She even remembers doing it last year!

  17. Carolyn
    November 16, 2013 at 7:20 am

    I’m really looking forward to making some new yeast breads for Christmas breakfasts. Also, the usual traditional foods which bring back happy memories of my grandparents.

  18. Debra.
    November 16, 2013 at 7:50 am

    I will make Christmas cake as always and generously dose it with brandy and sherry every now and then! I always cook brussel sprouts to go with the christmas meal, my family favourite is panfried with a spicy almond butter, garlic sauce.

  19. David
    November 16, 2013 at 8:00 am

    Gingerbread houses! Every year my family has a gingerbread challenge and 12 teams vie to put together the most creative house.

  20. Pauline
    November 16, 2013 at 8:03 am

    Lots and lots of shortbread. My family would disown me if I didn’t make them.

  21. Meta4
    November 16, 2013 at 8:13 am

    I make gingerbread houses with my grandchildren. For my husband and the adults I make Swedish Janson’s temptation, many kinds of pickled herring, meatballs and a side dish made from apples, pickled beets, whipped cream and mayo.

  22. linda
    November 16, 2013 at 8:16 am

    shortbread!!!!!

  23. Jen
    November 16, 2013 at 9:33 am

    We’re making ginger cookies!

  24. Tagyn
    November 16, 2013 at 9:48 am

    We have lots of company coming this year for Christmas so I will try to get lots of baking done- shortbread cookies, fudge, sugar cookies to name just a few!

  25. Kirsten
    November 16, 2013 at 9:50 am

    Ironically, I just started some Christmas cooking yesterday – I made some taquitos and french onion soup to have in the freeze for some easy meals when we have company and I’d rather visit than cook.

  26. CathyH
    November 16, 2013 at 10:05 am

    I always make my Mom’s icebox cookies, butter tarts and white chocolate bark with pistachios and dried cranberries. Very festive looking and east to make.

  27. Nurse Jennifer
    November 16, 2013 at 10:37 am

    I am making mint brownies for a baking exchange that I’m in, a pan of lemon squares for my family and then lots and lots of cookies to nibble on over the holidays. The LD gift card would be awesome for a new kitchen tool. Thanks for the chance.

  28. Dana
    November 16, 2013 at 10:46 am

    So this year we are having a party, which we normally don’t do. And just as we sent the invitations out, you started your 12 Days posts. Yay! The Grilled Asparagus is definitely on the list, probably these too! Looking forward to the next posts!

  29. Lori
    November 16, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Those look super yummy and dead easy! A great combination in my opinion.

    This year I’m making a gingerbread house and a little gingerbread outhouse to go with. It’s in the design stages now.

    I bet I could find much of what I need to complete this project at London Drugs.

  30. Stephanie
    November 16, 2013 at 11:12 am

    Apple cranberry galettes!

  31. Roslyn O
    November 16, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Yum – these sound good – I think I will try them!
    I like to try out new recipes all the time even at the holidays. One recipe I always make, and get requests for is Chocolate almond sandwich cookies from a Canadian living magazine years ago. Makes a big batch, my kids help (well, teenagers – they don’t take too kindly to being called ‘kids’!) and they are delicious with afternoon tea!

  32. Alison
    November 16, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Holiday menu not quite confirmed yet…but some kind of benny and mimosas will definitely be a go for the first part of the day!

  33. Sue
    November 16, 2013 at 11:44 am

    English toffee

  34. Susy
    November 16, 2013 at 11:45 am

    I’m making Three Ginger Cookies. And I’m really excited that I now know a place to get Rose’s Lime. I got hooked on it living in Kenya a few years ago!

  35. Lori McLachlan
    November 16, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Some form of sweet potatoes, we love them and there are so many ways to cook them. Maybe loose meat tacos, a Christmas Eve tradition that may move to Boxing Day this year. Veggie chili/soup since we will be in the woods this year. Who knows what other inspiration will strike….

  36. Elaine
    November 16, 2013 at 11:52 am

    Oh gosh, kitchen supply stores are like glorious shopping black holes for me!

    Holiday cooking: flavored salts, chocolate-dipped dried fruits, and smoked sausages (for gifting), and pate w/ shallot jam (for bringing, and scarfing down while in the kitchen w/ my mom)

  37. Trina
    November 16, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Christmas tradition in our house…The daughter (19 years old) DEMANDS Greek style baby back ribs and lemon roast potatoes.

  38. Deb
    November 16, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    My new favourite – browned butter butternut squash with sage

  39. Gillian
    November 16, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Maybe this will convince my children that sweet potatoes are the bomb! I always make my make ahead Christmas morning Sausage Casserole…. tradition! 2 of my 3 children are getting the cooking/ baking bug. My 13 year old son made the Thanksgiving pies, pastry and all without Mum’s help. My 10 year old daughter has taken to perusing my cookbooks. Your potato skins are next on her trial list!

  40. Sue Kendall
    November 16, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    Cookies, cookies, cookies!! and the traditional tourtiere! So many types of cookies to make – shortbread and sugar cookies and gingerbread and pecan balls egg nog cookies. yum!

  41. ladyloo
    November 16, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    I’m making a cheesy, butternut squash casserole, and this thing called corn casserole, which is not a casserole at all. It’s just corn swimming in cream cheese and it is delicious.

  42. Amy
    November 16, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    These look amazing. consider them added to the list for dinner this weekend! As for Christmas, I’m starting my baking 🙂 I leave the turkey to my more experienced family members, but the sweets and baking are all mine!

  43. Vicki
    November 16, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I’ll be making bacon wrapped sausages as a yummy side. A family fave (even with the Italian in-laws) and takes me back to my childhood Christmases in England. Also, Yorkshire pudding. They’re not just for roast beef. Only 40 more days. YUM!

  44. Kathy
    November 16, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    I always make chocolate peanut better balls. Everyone loves them and they are my go to hostess gift. Let it snow!

  45. Robin @ Farewell, Stranger
    November 16, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    I’m going to make tourtiere for Christmas Eve – our tradition! Haven’t decided about baking or treats. Depends if I want to eat them all myself. 😉

  46. Lisa
    November 16, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    I can’t wait to try this recipe tonight (perfect for a snowy Saturday evening dinner). As for what I’ll be making over Christmas? I created my own Almond Butter Cookie recipe years ago that has become a staple over the holidays for family and friends. They are so buttery and soft with just a hint of almond. Yum.

  47. Maija
    November 16, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    I’ll be making pulla (sweetish bread from Finland). On this blustery soup-weather day I’m making carrot soup with coriander and hummous.

  48. Silvi
    November 16, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    Ginger cookies and sugar cookies made already! Next up is some truffles, nothing says Christmas like chocolate. Christmas supper will be homemade perogies yumm!

  49. Lorraine
    November 16, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    Yams for sure will be on the Christmas menu this year. I just discovered that you can eat the skins and they are almost as good as a great baked potato skin.

  50. Vivian
    November 16, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    I want to try “Stained Glass Sugar Cookies” this year. Also Saltine Toffee. Then try making some gluten-free crackers that don’t taste like cardboard!

  51. Gillian C
    November 16, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    I haven’t thought yet about Christmas (yikes). But yesterday made orange and cumin glazed almonds to take to a party, and they are something I have gifted for Christmases past.

  52. Lisa Shea
    November 16, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    My holiday must-bake are my mom’s shortbread cookies. Butter, flour, cornstarch and icing sugar, rolled and cut into very basic shapes, because the dough is too tender to do fancy ones. Mmmmmm….

  53. Vincci
    November 16, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    Those look AMAZING. Every year for the past couple of years, my sister and I make a double-batch of gingerbread cookies (Dorie Greenspan’s Spice Roll-out Cookies with double the spices, to be exact) and we spend the afternoon decorating them. We’ve been known to make gingerbread girls wearing bikinis being creeped on by old gingerbread men wearing speedos! 😛

  54. Roberta
    November 16, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    I will be making your sweet potatoes on the grill in Texas!

  55. BettyC
    November 16, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Christmas cake has been mellowing for two months now with liberal doses of spirits to keep it moist. The countdown will soon be on for the many batches of Poppycock that are requested by co-workers, friends and family every year.

  56. Chantal
    November 16, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Hi Julie,
    My sister is coming to visit this Christmas and we are making gingerbread, several batches to create the ultimate spongy but sharply ginger tasting cake. We have already planned all the variations: butter vs oil, lemon rind vs vanilla,molasses vs none are a few we have been texting back and forth about. I can’t wait!

  57. Kristin
    November 16, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Planning to make Lamb Cassoulet for Friendsgiving in a couple of weeks – and I know where to find a great recipe!

  58. Trinh
    November 16, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    I’m doing prime rib for dinner with my fam. Other than that baking gifts for the neighbours!

  59. JaniceT
    November 16, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    I’m picking up the ingredients for your rosemary pecan crisps. Always a favourite around here.

  60. Amanda
    November 16, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    Totally not food related, but I’m making swants today…. I’ll be giving out granola for the holidays.

  61. AmyB
    November 16, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    I recently tried my first lattice-topped apple pie and I’m looking forward to improving on it over the holidays!

  62. Danielle
    November 16, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    I will make first a variety of different extracts to gift. I’ve made vanilla a few years now. It wouldn’t be Christmas without pfefferneusse a small German spice cookie!

  63. Jeannette
    November 16, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    I would love to win $100 to spend at London Drugs for a larger waffle iron (holiday brunchs) or a bigger, programmable crockpot to make a come n’ go type meal. I have most of my baking done, just need to make some meals now for impromptu drop ins…

  64. Feliciac
    November 16, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    I’d like to try to make cheesecake for the first time, something pumpkin. Now that I have a new kitchen, I also plan to make a ton of cookies, bars, and possibly try making perogies to celebrate my roommate’s polish heritage. A gift card from LD would make all of that so much easier.

  65. Kristi A.
    November 16, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    Lots of cookies, of course! I make them and give them as teacher gifts and bring them to the neighbours. That way, I can make a big assortment of cookies without having huge amounts staying in my house!

  66. Jaime
    November 16, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    I can’t wait to make a batch of chewy chocolate ginger cookies!

  67. Larry
    November 16, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    We will make a few tourtieres. I also buy all kinds of things at the drug store!

  68. Anita
    November 16, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Am going to make your homemade vanilla – now on the hunt for the perfect little gift jars.

  69. Melissa
    November 16, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    Sugar cookies!!!!!!!!!!!

  70. Karen
    November 16, 2013 at 6:23 pm

    I get treated to Christmas dinner this year since my recently married daughter has invited us over for the holidays. I will take some special Apple, Orange and Cranberry Sauce.

  71. Joann
    November 16, 2013 at 6:36 pm

    Love sweet potatoes grilled in the summer. Never thought of doing them for Christmas. I will be making my fabulous deviled eggs this season – sprinkle of paprika on top to finish it.

  72. Danielle
    November 16, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    This year I just have baking to do, aside from appy’s at our annual party that we host. But with baking there will be a shortbread caramel tart, ginger molasses cookies, and shortbread cookies. Also thinking about making dried soup fixings in mason jars as gifts!

  73. Nancy S
    November 16, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    Lots and lots of shortbread and gingerbread cookies!

  74. Marilyn T
    November 16, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    Always make my carrot nut bread/loaf as my Xmas pudding, healthier option with a bit of flax and fruit chopped into it as well as applesauce to cut down on fat and sugar. Only healthy thing we eat all Christmas. Love your blog.

  75. Lorelei
    November 16, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    Salted caramels 🙂

  76. Charlotte
    November 16, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    My holiday fav = roasted Brussels sprouts (with a touch of parmesan)

  77. Michelle Hu
    November 16, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    Pressure cooker roast! A tender bison roast with mushroom gravy in 35 minutes. I can’t live without my pressure cooker 🙂

  78. Rana
    November 16, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    I will be making the whole she-bang. My parents will be coming for the Holidaze and I can hardly wait! Will be putting the gift certificate for London Drugs to good use for sure.

  79. rena
    November 16, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    Well now I definitely want to try this! Otherwise hoping to make some donuts this year for Hanukkah!

  80. Jen
    November 16, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    cookies! are you doing a cookie exchange again this year?

  81. Lyn
    November 16, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Hubs’ favorite nuts no bolts recipe, pumpkin caramel loaf, and shortbread.

  82. Anonymous
    November 16, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    Caramel popcorn, making some early to mail to my kids who are away at university living in residence. A treat for studying, exams will be soon.

  83. Fiona
    November 16, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    Shortbread, shortbread, shortbread!

  84. Beverley
    November 16, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    My daughter-in-law, my 3 granddaughters and I get together … on what we refer to as “Cookie Day” and make cookies, cookies, and more cookies as well as many other Christmas fare… We keep on going til we run out of time and there is always more then enough to last until the end of January 🙂

  85. Maryam
    November 16, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    Apple butter caramels!

  86. Bonnie
    November 16, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    Just bought some great large jars taht I’ll be filling with cookies and tying ribbon around for home-made gifts. Haven’t picked the recipes yet.

  87. Crystal
    November 16, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    Gingerbread men.

  88. Evelyn
    November 16, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    Nanaimo bars!

  89. Melanie
    November 17, 2013 at 7:47 am

    Lots of goodies and make ahead breakfast foods for Christmas morning!

  90. Dana
    November 17, 2013 at 8:02 am

    I’m making butter tarts!

  91. Theresa
    November 17, 2013 at 9:54 am

    My book club is getting marinated pork tenderloin bites, Asian slaw, strawberries piped with cheesecake filling and drizzled in chocolate, chopped shrimp in sour cream and chive sauce served in endive boats and home made cream puffs with warm custard. We are reviewing the Giller short list 😉

  92. Erica B.
    November 17, 2013 at 10:10 am

    On the list this year: cinnamon rolls, the gramercy tavern gingerbread, cranberry curd tarts, ginger tarts sour cream sugar cookies, and pecan pie cookies.

  93. Erica B.
    November 17, 2013 at 10:11 am

    ^butter tarts, not ginger sorry…must have gingerbread on the brain 😉

  94. the other Al
    November 17, 2013 at 10:27 am

    who’s the silver fox? tell mike I’m liking the new dew!

  95. the other Al
    November 17, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Oh right I was supposed to tell what I’m making for the holidaze.

    HASTE!

    as in get outta dodge

  96. Jill
    November 17, 2013 at 11:04 am

    I want to make lots of food gifts these holidays! Truffles, almond roca, lemon curd and your homemade vanilla extract!

  97. Amanda
    November 17, 2013 at 11:19 am

    I’m going to be making a lot of candied walnuts as gifts. They were a huge hit last year,

  98. marianne
    November 17, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Being of German heritage, I will be baking a few Christmas stollen to give away to family and friends.

  99. Barb
    November 17, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Fruitcakes are made, I’ll take a request or two from significant other and that’s it for sweet stuff. May get a fresh turkey this year.

  100. NicoleT
    November 17, 2013 at 11:21 am

    The fruitcake is made, just the almond roca left to do and some other treat for family members who don’t like fruitcake – maybe my new favourite ciabatta bread recipe.

  101. Julee
    November 17, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    My husband is Dutch, so now we make boterkoek (“butter cake”) every year, except it’s not really cakey, more rich and dense. It’s got a whole whack of almond extract in it, as so many good Dutch desserts do. Very European.

    On a much less sophisticated front, we’ll also be making Oreo balls again. One package of Oreos plus one package of softened cream cheese ground up in the food processor, then dipped in chocolate. We call them “truffles” when we want to feel more classy. Perfect straight from the freezer.

  102. Randi
    November 17, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    Starting the cookies in a couple weeks. Doing your vanilla extract next week.
    Gonna make some coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur as well!

  103. Kirsten
    November 17, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    Thanks for the Christmas ideas. I’ll be making krumkake this Christmas- a Norwegian cookie that’s easy but looks super fancy.

  104. Leigh
    November 17, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    I’m making almond paste, blue cheese and figs in puff pastry. Nothing to put in a jar or box up as a gift as so many of your talented readers are doing – they go too fast!

  105. Susan
    November 17, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    I’m making lasagne , candied pecans, coconut pumpkin squares and roasted acorn squash.

  106. Karen S
    November 17, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    Butter tarts.

  107. Rebecca
    November 17, 2013 at 10:50 pm

    Actually planning to downgrade my Christmas cooking/baking this year. While I love to cook, I love my kids more and want to spend less time cooking and more time loving, (although we will spend lots of time in the kitchen together). Squares! Veggies! School lunches! Oh my!

  108. Erin W.
    November 17, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    I’m caught in that place of wanting to do something new and different, but knowing that people (including me!) will miss our traditions if I stray too far. So when my son returns from uni, he and I are going to find a couple of new things to try. (But we might have the traditional items that fall off the list prepared in the freezer for Boxing Day – our board game day tradition.)

  109. Janice
    November 17, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    Made the sweet potatoes for dinner tonight with baked halibut – YUMMY!!! Rave reviews! Will most definitely be making these again…..and AGAIN! Thanks, Julie.

  110. Jeremy
    November 18, 2013 at 1:09 am

    We still love that quinoa salad you showed us how to make. Its a favorite around here.

  111. Rose
    November 18, 2013 at 5:56 am

    Hi Julie
    I’ll be making my Mclarens/cream cheese ball rolled in walnuts, shortbread and overnight egg and sausage brunch for Christmas morning. Thanks for all you do, Julie!

  112. cj
    November 18, 2013 at 8:12 am

    Nuts and bolts are at the top of the list for sure followed by several varieties of fudge to divvy up as gifts and coconut candy…a family Christmas staple.

  113. Colleen
    November 18, 2013 at 8:32 am

    Whipped shortbread at least. For some reason, one of my husband’s colleagues really likes my shortbread so every Christmas I make a batch for her.

  114. Cathy
    November 18, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and for gifting and nibbling I’ll be making antipasto, whipped shortbread, chewy ginger cookies, and a few bars, perhaps Nanaimo and lemon meltaways. I’ll also be making some treats for the dogs in our family out of your cookbook!

  115. Crystal
    November 18, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    Brown Sugar Shortbread and Gougeres…Yum!

  116. Jenna
    November 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    Medjool dates stuffed with manchego cheese and mango chutney then wrapped in bacon!! YUM!!!!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  117. Lynne
    November 18, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    I will be making myself sleep for the holidays…no seriously, I will be. Besides that, I plan to make my secret Chai and pack it in little jars as gifts this holiday season. Love the other ideas people have posted too 🙂

  118. Colette
    November 18, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    A root vegetable slaw with a warm mushroom vinaigrette that I saw at a demonstration at the Penticton market on the Thanksgiving long weekend (had it then too)

  119. Mallory @ Because I Like Chocolate
    November 18, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Perfect grill marks on these! I am making so much I am not sure where to begin! Lots of sweets and desserts, that’s for sure!

  120. Marjorie
    November 18, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    Lots of baking and decorating sugar cookies!

  121. jake
    November 18, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Hey Julie,

    My mom’s crisp shortbread cookies (with red and green sugar sprinkles) using the same star, tree and bell cookies cutters she did. From the Purity Flour cookbook. If that’s ALL I had/did for the holidays that would be enough. My parents aren’t around anymore, so a nice bit of nostalgia. Christmas for the last 40+ years. Maybe Chinese (?) Chews too – totally old skool – dates, walnuts, a drift of powdered sugar.

    and lots of seasonal cocktails.

    I need to pick up some sweet potatoes…

    cheers,
    jake

  122. WendyJ
    November 18, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Just finishing up the last of the jars of chutneys, jellies and preserves I’ve been canning so they have time to “mature” before they get given away.

  123. Theresa G
    November 18, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Cookies! Am hosting a Christmas Cookie exchange this year and can’t wait to see what folks will bring!

  124. Angi
    November 18, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Yay for any reason to bake! I live for christmas baking:) this year it will be french macarons, bourbon pecan tarts, and chewy ginger cookies..

    Angi ?

  125. Alison
    November 18, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    Christmas cookies (as soon as my mom flies out to help me!)

  126. Sarah
    November 18, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    This year a new gift from the kitchen – zesty Limoncello. Bringing sunshine in to what has already been a cold and snowy fall!

  127. Jen
    November 18, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    I want to make candied orange peel. I was thinking your vanilla would make a great gift, but I need to get on it soon. I am also hoping to make apple butter for hostess gifts.

  128. Sara
    November 18, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    I’ve already started some holiday baking with a gingerbread blondie and may try a caramel stuffed chocolate cookie next!
    It would be so hard to choose which new kitchen appliance to buy 🙂

  129. Jen
    November 19, 2013 at 8:27 am

    On my Christmas list – my great-grandmas’s Ginger Snaps, Upside Down Pear Gingerbread (thanks to you – it’s my fave!), and Tacofino’s Diablo cookies.

  130. Rachael
    November 19, 2013 at 11:54 am

    I’m making rum balls – its a family tradition. But this year we are also making them gluten free with gf ginger snaps for the cookie crumbs. I hope they work out well, but with rum and chocolate holding the works together, how can I go wrong!

  131. Tami
    November 19, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    I’m thinking of making caramel popcorn for the kids this year because the stuff in the store always has ‘nut’ warnings.

  132. Lana
    November 19, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    I have to switch my Christmas baking recipes to gluten-free this year (one of my girls is off gluten now) so that will be my holiday adventure!

  133. Jo
    November 19, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    I made lamb for the first time today. My very carnivourous daughter with a well developed sense of smell wrinkled her nose and said “It smells like deer 🙁 . ” My son with the very underdeveloped sense of smell ate it with gusto! She can tell grass fed. Fortunately tourtiere ( her favorite) has so many spices she can’t tell that I make it with a mix of ground venison and pork.

  134. Julie
    November 20, 2013 at 8:34 am

    I am LOVING reading all these ideas – everything sounds delish!

  135. kt
    November 20, 2013 at 9:48 am

    Gumdrop cake!

  136. Andrea
    November 20, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    My Nonna’s Ameretti Christmas Cake. Buonissimo!

  137. Susan
    November 22, 2013 at 7:04 am

    I love making sugar cookies and icing them in a rainbow of colors….with sprinkles,candy glitter, smarties, etc….

  138. Laurelie
    November 23, 2013 at 7:10 am

    Right now I’m gearing up to make 12 dozen “soft and chewy ginger cookies” for an upcoming cookie exchange!
    I also want to try and make a butternut squash dish to go along woh Christmas dinner.

  139. Leslie
    November 24, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I’m looking forward to making Lemon Angel Wings

  140. Nicole
    November 25, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    I think I’ll try biscotti this year, rugelach, mini linzer tarts, cardamom shortbread,caramel or hazelnut macarons and maybe sacher bars (like the torte married a brownie).

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