An all-white theme is an elegant, creative way to showcase some holiday temptations and be a little different without too much work. It also lets your guests know you have put some thought into spoiling them at this special time of year.
During the holiday season shortcuts are always welcome when it comes to entertaining family and friends—especially with food. When time is tight and the “to do” list keeps getting longer, let the grocery store do most of the work. Keep things simple by buying the basics and jazzing them up.
Classic English eggnog, decadent French macarons, German stollen fruit bread, and Scottish shortbread—with these four traditional holiday treats you can achieve the “wow factor” with minimal effort. They will also give an international feel to your dessert table.
Eggnog, a festive drink originally from England, is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and alcohol. The eggnog bought in grocery stores is non-alcoholic, but rum or brandy can be added later. Eggnog can be spiced up by adding cinnamon and cloves. Add a frothy dollop of freshly whipped cream to top it off.
The French macaron is made with egg whites, ground almonds, sugar, and flavourings, for a delicate sweet treat. Buy white ones and roll the edges in crushed candy canes to give them a holiday touch. Tip: For children, roll the macarons in coloured sprinkles.
Stollen is a yeasted fruit bread from Germany studded with small jewel-like candied fruit, raisins, and almonds. It is delicious served mid-morning or mid-afternoon with a cup of tea. Stollen can be bought filled with a rope of marzipan, or plain without the marzipan. Dust heavily with confectioners’ sugar for a decadent look.
A holiday staple, shortbread is made with flour, butter, and sugar, and is available in all shapes and sizes. They can be dipped in chocolate, drizzled with an icing glaze and topped with sprinkles, or simply dusted with confectioners’ sugar.
