The following are the three Christmas treats we just could not do without. When DH and I were first married I tried out various recipes for various goodies and eventually settled on these three. I only make them at Christmas time and I only use the best ingredients; no margarine or artificial flavourings.


Melting Shortbread

Make at least 1 week before Christmas.

3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup icing sugar
1 pound (2 cups) butter
Cream butter and add sugar and work together thoroughly until creamy. Sift the flour and cornstarch and add. Whip together until fluffy, and until mixture breaks. Roll a small amount (1 -2 Tbsp) of dough into a ball and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten the ball and place a half a maraschino cherry in the middle. Bake at 325F until light brown (approx 20 minutes).




Nanaimo Bars

Base:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
4 tablespoons Cocoa
2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Filling:
1/4 cup butter
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar

Top:
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate
1 teaspoon butter
Mix the 1/2 cup butter, granulated sugar, egg and cocoa. Set over boiling water and stir until mixture resembles a custard. Combine crumbs, coconut and walnuts. Combine with the custard mixture, blending well. Spread and press tightly into 9 X 9 inch pan. Chill.
Cream the 1/4 cup butter, milk, custard powder and icing sugar. Spread over mixture in pan. Let harden.
Melt the chocolate over hot water, add butter and blend well. Spread over the filling. Refrigerate.



Butter Tart Bars

Base:
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup butter

Filling:
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1 egg beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup currants
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Combine base ingredients until crumbly. Press into bottom of ungreased 8 inch pan. Bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Cream butter and sugar, add egg, salt, currants, walnuts and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Spread over base. Bake at 375F until browned. Refrigerate.