The holiday season brings with it the warm glow of family gatherings, cherished traditions, and, of course, hearty meals. For anyone looking to infuse their Christmas celebrations with the essence of Canadian culinary culture, Rose Murray’s Canadian Christmas Cooking: The Classic Guide to Holiday Feasts offers an inspiring and practical guide. Authored by Rose Murray, one of Canada’s beloved culinary figures, this book is both a treasure trove of recipes and a celebration of the country’s diverse food heritage.
First published decades ago and recently updated, Canadian Christmas Cooking embodies timelessness. Murray captures the heart of Canadian Christmas traditions, emphasizing the importance of seasonal, local ingredients and hearty, comforting dishes. The cookbook feels like a love letter to the past while remaining accessible to the modern home cook. Instead of relying heavily on photographs of the dishes, as older cookbooks often did, the author uses vivid commentary to convey her passion for each recipe.
The book is thoughtfully organized to guide readers through every aspect of holiday hosting, from appetizers to desserts. Each recipe is introduced with a personal anecdote or historical tidbit, adding warmth and context to the culinary instructions. This approach not only provides step-by-step guidance but also invites readers to connect with Canada’s rich food traditions.
Murray’s recipes are practical, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Canadian heritage. The collection spans the gamut from traditional favorites to unique regional specialties. Highlights include her take on tourtière, a classic French-Canadian meat pie; roast turkey with sausage dressing, a centerpiece worthy of any festive table; and her signature maple sugar pie, a sweet tribute to Canada’s iconic ingredient. One historical dish to wow your guests, is the Roast Duck with Apricot-Rice Dressing and Pan Gravy in our Recipe section. Not crazy about apricots? Replace it with any other fruit that you enjoy.
For those with a taste for lighter fare, the cookbook offers plenty of salads, vegetable sides, and seafood dishes, reflecting Canada’s diverse food landscape. Murray also dedicates attention to baked goods, with recipes for fruitcakes, shortbread, and butter tarts—perfect for creating a nostalgic Christmas spread.
What sets this cookbook apart is its holistic approach to holiday entertaining. Murray doesn’t just teach you how to cook; she guides you through hosting with poise. From menu planning and timing tips to advice on setting a festive table, the book is as much a hosting manual as it is a recipe collection.
Her recommendations for make-ahead dishes are particularly helpful for busy home cooks, allowing for stress-free preparation and more time to enjoy the festivities. This focus on practicality makes the book approachable for beginners while offering enough depth to intrigue seasoned cooks.
Rose Murray’s Canadian Christmas Cooking is more than just a cookbook—it’s a companion for creating cherished holiday memories. It blends tradition with practicality, offering recipes and insights that resonate with the heart of Canadian Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this book will become a go-to resource for holiday feasts. Purchase a copy of this timeless treasure at https://www.whitecap.ca/Detail/1770501924 or go to our Giveaway section to win a valuable addition to your cookbook shelf.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to make their Christmas gatherings a little more delicious and a lot more meaningful. A timeless guide to festive feasting.
Recipe and cover reprinted with permission from Rose Murray’s Canadian Christmas Cooking by Rose Murray, published by Whitecap Books, © 1979,2013. Cover design by Andrew Bagatella and Michele Furbacher. https://www.whitecap.ca/Detail/1770501924
