The Essential Canadian Christmas Cookbook    by Lovoni Walker Order:  USA  Can Lone Pine, 2004 (2004) Softcover      Reviewed by Martina Bexte Christmas is definitely one of the busiest times of the year and as Lovoni Walker says in her introduction to The Essential Canadian Christmas Cookbook, 'it's a comfort to have a cookbook filled with all your favorite things to cook for the holiday season - from truffles and cookies for gifts to the perfect roasted turkey, the delicious recipes are all right here in one book'. True to her word, she presents a wonderful smorgasbord of appetizers, soups, main dishes, salads, side dishes and sweet treats that will tantalize and delight the palate. Choices range from traditional favorites like gingerbread men and cinnamon shortbread to the more earthy flavors of side or main dishes like 'roasted beet salad with maple vinaigrette' or 'roast goose with blackberry port sauce'. Walker began her career in Australia where she worked for Women's Weekly as a food stylist. After coming to Canada she established her own company where she and her staff develop and test recipes for catering services, restaurants, ad agencies and TV cooking shows. This cookbook is a collection of over 80 classic Christmas recipes from the very simple to the more complicated. Whatever the occasion, from brunch to potluck to larger family gatherings, you'll find recipes to fit the bill. Each is laid out with easy-to follow instructions, and beautifully presented with full colour photos. Many include helpful and time-saving 'Do-Ahead Tips'. The Essential Canadian Christmas Cookbook will become a well-used addition to your cooking library, not only for the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews