Author

trinity

Browsing

Find these winter essentials at a store near you!

LINEA INTIMA,
OAKVILLE


Cold feet? Slip into these snuggly slippers and you’ll never want to take them off. They’re so fluffy, it’s like walking on clouds. Available at Linea Intima in Downtown Oakville.
lineaintima.ca

NICETYS
OAKVILLE


Winter survival is about warm soups and homemade cooking, so Souper Cubes are a must! Freeze and store soups, stews, sauces, and other foods in 1-cup portions. Remove, reheat, and use the exact amount you need.
shop.nicetys.com

DUNDAS CHOCOLATE SHOP
DUNDAS


A good hot chocolate after a day of tobogganing is essential! Our pick is the 5 Chili Bullet by Chocosol, and available at the Dundas Chocolate Shop in Downtown Dundas!
dundaschocolate.ca

BOS & CO
BURLINGTON


“Cold nose, Warm Toes”. The Hudson Boot is made in Portugal from genuine leather and lined with merino wool, with a thermo rubber sole that stays flexible in cold temperatures. The perfect boot to take on winter!
bosandco.com

HOMEBODY STUDIO
OAKVILLE

This luxurious organic hand cream is crafted with pure vegetable lipids. Yuzu is a citrus scent that is a delicate blend of mandarin and grapefruit. A must-have for winter survival!
thehomebodystudio.ca

CENTRO GARDEN
BURLINGTON


Indoor plants can improve air quality and help create a calmer, more relaxing environment by reducing stress. They also boost mood and focus, making indoor spaces feel healthier and more pleasant to spend time in. Find a wonderful selection at Centro Garden in downtown Burlington!
centrogarden.com

ROAM
BURLINGTON


The Coast fleece throw has the perfect blend of softness and style, made from luxe Turkish cotton with eyelash fringe and a cozy fleece lining. Whether you’re curling up in the living room, adding warmth to your bed, or enjoying the outdoors, the Coast throw has you covered.
withroam.ca

You’d think that working at a museum might be a quiet, low-key job, but Carolyn Cross, Supervisor at the Oakville Museum, gets to delve into long buried mysteries. Occasionally she even receives a thrilling surprise — like the time Joe Johnson hand delivered precious artifacts to her.

“He said the Smithsonian offered him a substantial amount of money for [his grandfather’s] Freedom Papers,” Cross told Look Local, “but he wanted to donate them to the Oakville Museum and have them reside and be preserved where his ancestors found their freedom and laid down their roots.”

In honour of Black History Month, here’s the story of how Branson Johnson and other freedom seekers escaped slavery and made Oakville their permanent home:

In the mid-1800s, Oakville’s harbour at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek was a gateway with an extraordinary role. Established in 1827 and made a legal Port of Entry in 1834, Oakville was linked to American ports that were also key stops on the Underground Railroad. This “railroad” was not made of tracks and trains, but of secret routes, safe houses and brave people, Black and White, who helped enslaved African Americans escape north to freedom.

Freedom seekers crossed Lake Ontario in the holds of grain and lumber schooners captained by abolitionists willing to risk their ships, their livelihoods and sometimes their lives. Others were hidden by Black sailors and dockworkers on Great Lakes steamers or stowed away among cargo. They arrived at a harbour that served both as a stopping place and, for some, a new beginning.

Many who reached Oakville continued on to larger Black communities in Hamilton, Toronto and southwestern Ontario. Others chose to stay and establish roots in Oakville, Bronte, Trafalgar Township and the surrounding countryside. They cleared land, built farms, opened small businesses, and founded churches that became the heart of community life.

When Oliver Parker Johnson passed a family heirloom pocket watch onto his son, Joseph, little did he know the secret it contained. 

“As I scrubbed the back, the watch fell open and the (freedom) papers fell out.” – Joe Johnson, 2008.

Life here, however, was not without barriers. Black residents faced limited job opportunities, social exclusion and racism. Many worked as labourers, domestics or in physically demanding industrial jobs. Yet they also sent their children to local public schools that – unusually for the time – were not formally segregated. They served in the militia, joined town bands and sports teams, and helped shape the Oakville we know today. Their experiences remind us that Oakville was both a place of refuge and a place where the struggle for equality continued long after the journey north was over.

Meet Branson Johnson

One powerful thread in this story belongs to the Johnson family. Branson Johnson was an African American from Maryland who obtained his Certificate of Freedom in 1855, a crucial legal document in a time when Black people in the United States were required to carry “freedom papers” to avoid being seized as runaway slaves. Branson carried that precious parchment hidden inside a pocket watch as he travelled to Canada. In the 1860s he settled in Oakville, where he and his wife, Amanda Shipley, raised a large family and became pillars of local Black life.

The certificate and the very watch that protected it for so many years are preserved at the Oakville Museum. They are more than historical curiosities; they are tangible proof of a family’s determination to safeguard its freedom, and a rare window into the lived realities behind the broader story of the Underground Railroad. Generations of Black Oakvillians followed in these footsteps, working, worshipping, raising families, building businesses and contributing to public life. Their achievements helped shape Oakville’s economy, culture and character and continue to influence the town we know today.

Whether during Black History Month or any time of the year, taking the time to engage with this history is a meaningful way to honour those who sought freedom here, and to ensure their courage, resilience and achievements remain part of Oakville’s shared story for generations to come.

Carolyn Cross is Supervisor at the Oakville Museum

By Carolyn Cross               

A well-designed kitchen looks beautiful and supports the way a household lives, gathers, and moves through the day. From hurried weekday breakfasts before school to late-night snacks, homework on the island, and kitchen party conversations, this space truly becomes the focal point of a home. 

Every renovation starts with a vision and careful planning. Working with a designer or contractor will help bring that vision to life within your budget and ensure you get the necessary permits in place before you begin. Whether you’re ready to renovate or simply collecting inspiration, these local kitchen companies offer ideas to spark your own dream space.

The Wright Kitchen Done Right

The Wright Kitchen understands that this room is the heart of a home, and no two designs are the same. They recently worked with a client who purchased an older house with the intention of renovating and personalizing the space. The original kitchen was disconnected from separate dining and family rooms, and their goal was to achieve a more functional flow for their young family.

“The client wanted a more classic and timeless kitchen, which happened to be on trend at the moment,” says Nicole Jenkins, Designer at The Wright Kitchen. “We achieved this by pairing creamy white and medium wood tone cabinetry, choosing to finish exposed cabinet ends with two-inch wide columns. Taj Mahal Quartzite counters were used to add texture, depth and warmth, and we mixed in polished nickel handles and knobs to infuse character into the space.”

There are a lot of little decisions that go into a kitchen renovation. An experienced designer can guide clients through the process. “One of my favourite details in this kitchen is the mitered stone apron front sink,” Jenkins notes. “I also love the soft texture and shape of the curved drywall hood.”

Chervin Kitchen & Bath Showstopper

This renovation is rooted in collaboration and thoughtful design. Working alongside West Oak Interiors and Ledgerock Custom Homes, Chervin Kitchen and Bath brought the homeowner’s vision to life: a timeless, elegant space inspired by traditional European charm rather than fleeting trends.

“We are especially proud of how we were able to reflect the homeowner’s goals,” explains Paula Lang, Cabinetry Designer at Chervin Kitchen and Bath. “I love working on projects where people choose what they love, not what others would want. Tell me what inspires you, and let’s turn that vision into something truly unique.”

Lang says the custom treatments took this project from “nice” to “luxurious”. The kitchen includes clever and discreet functionality. Every detail, from the backsplash to the limestone and plaster range hood, and from the marble counter tops to the walnut cabinetry, brings rich, earthy tones throughout the space. “Design for a balance between beauty and livability.  Choose materials and design elements that you love because those elements will be timeless to you forever.”

K Design for Your Designs

When a client asked for a family-friendly renovation, K Design Custom Cabinets delivered. The goal was a warm, inviting kitchen where the homeowner could cook and bake with her young children and make memories gathering for family meals.

Standout features include natural rift-cut oak, which creates a cozy environment with a hint of Scandinavian inspiration, white oak rollouts in the pantry for easy ventilation of root vegetables, and spill ledges under the ceramic farm sinks to protect the cabinets. 

“One unique solution was concealing the electrical outlets in the bottom of the upper cabinets,” explains Karolina Bartosz, Designer at K Design Custom Cabinets. “This kept the backsplash clean and seamless.” Another thoughtful detail is the built-in dog feeding station, complete with a water dispenser. 

Bartosz advises homeowners to “create a folder with your favourite photos and ideas, then trust your designer to turn them into an aesthetically pleasing and functional space.”

By Nicole Hilton

Local Links

The Wright Kitchen
4087 Harvester Road, Unit 4, Burlington
thewrightkitchen.com

Chervin Kitchen & Bath
276 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
www.chervin.ca

K Design Custom Cabinets
1064 South Service Road East, Oakville
www.kdesigncabinets.com

Every holiday season, Oakville comes alive with familiar traditions, from the tree lighting downtown to neighbourhood streets glowing with festive lights. One event, however, has become a favourite for residents who love design, architecture, and a chance to support local charities: the Oakville Holiday Home Tour organized by St. Andrews.

Running for more than four decades, this tour invites the community to step inside a curated selection of homes decorated for the season. Eight homes across Central Oakville, Old Oakville, Southwest Oakville, and West Oakville participated in 2025, each offering a different take on holiday styling and reflecting the character of its neighbourhood. With designers contributing to every stop, the tour has evolved into a snapshot of Oakville’s design culture as much as a festive outing.

This year, one of the featured homes belonged to an agent with the Goodale Miller Team. The residence, a recently completed custom build in Central Oakville, stood out not only for its architecture but also for the thoughtful way it embraced seasonal decorating. As a team deeply rooted in Oakville’s neighbourhoods, GMT was proud to see one of its own homes included in this long-standing community event.

The homeowners partnered with Sheridan Nurseries to style the home for the tour, choosing a natural and cohesive approach that felt true to the home’s design. The home itself was designed by Keeren Design Inc. and built in 2023 by Butler and Lowe Inc., a local builder who also completed another stop on this year’s tour. Their work, combined with Sheridan Nurseries’ holiday styling, created a cohesive look that resonated with visitors. While the seasonal décor offered a moment of inspiration, the experience also highlighted the craftsmanship and planning that shape many of Oakville’s custom homes.

Beyond the design and architecture, the tour continues to make a meaningful contribution to the community. Proceeds support several local organizations, including Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Kerr Street Mission, Fareshare Food Bank, Home Suite Hope, Canine Vision Canada, and Ian Anderson House. Each year, the event raises funds for initiatives that directly affect families across Oakville.

“The tour has become a lens into Oakville’s culture, showcasing the town’s strongest examples of how architecture, design, and philanthropy intersect. The range of homes highlight how quality construction remains central to Oakville’s identity.” — the Goodale Miller Team

Another hallmark of the Home Tour is the range of designers involved. Each stop on the route is styled by a different firm or design professional, offering visitors a variety of perspectives and ideas. This year’s lineup included Debeck Interiors Inc., Baudit Interior Design, Studio E, Lucy Lennox Interiors, Lisa Gray, Hali MacDonald Interiors, RP Design, and Sheridan Nurseries. Their collective effort transformed the event into a town-wide celebration of creativity.

With its blend of beautiful homes, charity support, and design inspiration, the Oakville Holiday Home Tour continues to be one of the town’s most-loved traditions. Whether residents joined for décor ideas, neighbourhood exploration, or simply the festive atmosphere, the 2025 tour offered something for everyone.

For the full story and complete photo gallery of the Central Oakville home, visit the Goodale Miller Team blog: goodalemillerteam.com/blog/oakville-holiday-home-tour-custom-home

Have you ever heard bells jingle in July? Seen a man in a red suit fall off a roof in September? Watched a happy couple dance under faux snow in June? These sights are not uncommon in these parts. In any given month, film crews flock to our charming neighbourhoods to make movie magic in time for Christmas.

In the 1994 Walt Disney feature film The Santa Clause, fictional character Scott Calvin of fictional town Lakeside, Illinois, is played by the real Tim Allen and filmed in the very real town of Oakville, Ontario, Canada. He accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, and then finds himself filling in for the real Santa Claus one Christmas Eve. Scenes feature Lakeshore Road, as well as 17 Chisholm Street — Scott’s house in the movie — and the storefront of Swiss Interiors, a long-time business in Oakville’s downtown. 

The film’s creators built a convincing small-town USA setting, but we know better!

Hallmark Holiday Dundas

The town of Dundas is so legitimately historic and quaint, its downtown sometimes finds itself festooned with holly and fake snow in the middle of summer. That’s because the town has caught the attention of Hallmark moviemakers.

Parts of Inn Love by Christmas were filmed in Dundas. This 2020 Hallmark film has it all:  a visit to Grandma for the holidays, a good-looking, strong-willed woman and her rival, a good-looking, strong-willed man. Both want to purchase the same inn. Sparks fly, romance ensues, and all is merry!

The Christmas Cure uses the 19th-Century architecture of Dundas as a backdrop for some of its scenes. An ER doctor comes home for the holidays and reconnects with her high school sweetheart. Her father, also a doctor, is retiring. Should she take over his practice, move back home and let love into her life? Or is a big-city career her true calling? (Hint: Snow is prettier in small towns.) Scenes were shot in early autumn, so viewers might spot some green leaves on trees. 

We locals are fortunate to get that picture-postcard atmosphere close to home, but it’s fun to spot something familiar on screen. So, the next time you get a sense of deja-vu while streaming a holiday flick, press pause. That just might be your street under styrofoam snow.

By: Michelle Morra

When it comes to holiday fun, nothing beats an old-school crafting session. Whether your kids are bursting with creativity or just looking for something to do on a chilly afternoon, crafting always brings a little extra sparkle to the season. 

From handmade gifts to clever wrapping ideas, here are some holiday crafts that are as practical as they are playful.

Sock Snowmen 

White tube socks make sweet no-sew snowmen. Fill a clean sock with rice or dry beans and tie off sections with elastic bands to form the body and head. Decorate with markers, and glue on buttons and scraps of fabric for scarves and hats. Add a few drops of essential oil to the rice and these snowmen double as seasonal air fresheners.

Pinecone Reindeer

Next time you’re out for a walk, gather a few pinecones. Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and pipe cleaners for antlers. Kids can make a whole reindeer crew to sit on the mantel or hang from the tree. Add a name tag and they become charming homemade place cards for the holiday dinner table.

Jar Candle Holders

Recycling bin full of glass jars? Great! Wash and dry them, then have kids decorate with tissue paper, Mod Podge, and a bit of ribbon. Slip in a battery operated tea light and bask in the glow of this handmade gift. This one’s not just pretty, it’s upcycling at its sparkliest.

Homemade Snow Globe

Empty jars also make lovely wintry scenes. Glue a small toy to the inside of the jar lid and let it dry. Fill the jar with water, add glitter, and a few drops of glycerin to slow the sparkle. Screw the lid on tight, give it a shake, and enjoy your whimsical snow globe!

Cinnamon Stick Star Ornaments

These crafts smell amazing and double as natural air fresheners.
Glue five cinnamon sticks into a star shape. Wrap twine around the joints for support and hang with ribbon. Decorate with small buttons or dried orange slices for an old-fashioned touch.

Handprint Ornaments

Trace your child’s hand on cardboard or felt and cut out 10 to 15 handprints. Glue them in layers around a cardboard ring to form a wreath. Add red paper “berries,” a bow, or even a photo in the centre. Add the year and their name to create the cutest crafted keepsake.

DIY Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags

Store-bought wrapping paper and gift bags are definitely convenient, but if you’ve got a little extra time and creative energy, try making your own! DIY gift wrap is fun and totally one-of-a-kind.

  • Wrapping Paper: Spread out plain brown paper or the back side of old paper grocery bags. Use cookie cutters dipped in paint to stamp on trees, stars, or snowflakes. Optional: Add a little glitter. 
  • Gift Bags: Take any plain paper bag and add ribbon handles, stickers, or hand-drawn snowmen. Potato stamping is another fun way to add colour and personality. Just carve a simple shape into half a potato, dip in paint, and stamp away.

Friendship Craft Night

Invite friends over for a festive “crafternoon.” Set up a table with supplies, old magazines, jars, ribbon, and fabric scraps. Provide examples for what to make or let them create whatever holiday masterpiece comes to mind! It’s social, screen-free, and everyone goes home with something handmade… and probably some glitter in their hair.

Looking for some holiday craft inspo? Be sure to pop into a local craft store for ideas and supplies. Happy crafting! 

DeSerres, Oakville https://www.deserres.ca

Queen Bee Creations, Burlington https://queenbeecreationshome.com Bead-Dazzled, Burlington https://www.bead-dazzled.ca

By: Lisa Thornbury

Entertaining season is upon us. It’s time to light a candle or two, bring out those festive platters, and have fun making (and eating) hors d’oeuvres. Whether you’re hosting your own get-together or joining a potluck, the following no-fuss, inventive snacks are wonderful additions to your holiday menu. No utensils required!

Charcuterie Nachos

Say goodbye to chopping veggies, melting cheese and cooking up beef or beans. Charcuterie nachos are a simpler, more elegant twist on the traditional snack. Just lay out your favourite chips on a platter, layer as you like, and tear on some prosciutto. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and a touch of lemon zest for a bright kick. Sea-salted kettle chips work best for this appetizer, but feel free to get creative. There are so many chip flavours out there! For locally sourced cured meats, check out Farmhouse Artisan Cheese in Oakville.

Smoked Salmon Waffle Sticks

Waffles aren’t just for breakfast — they make the perfect base for a variety of flavours. Their little divots are ideal vessels for tasty toppings. Cut your waffle into even strips, about 3 to 5 squares wide depending on size. Rectangular waffle makers work best, but traditional round ones are fine too — just trim the edges. You can find great waffle makers at Nicetys or Think Kitchen. Fill each square with smoked salmon, herb cream cheese and capers for a rich, crowd-pleasing finger food.

Mortadella, Burrata and Pistachio Crostini

This winning trio of ingredients is showing up on menus around the world, and for good reason. Together on a baguette, they are a fun twist on bruschetta. Start by drizzling baguette slices with a quality olive oil from The Splendid Olive, The Urban Vine, The Olive Oil Dispensary, or Olives en folie. Toast the drizzled slices in the oven, watching closely — they can go from golden to burnt quickly! Let the toast cool, then top with fresh burrata, mortadella and crushed salted pistachios. A drizzle of honey is optional but adds a lovely sweetness.

Shrimp & Avocado Rice Paper Cups

Did you know that rice paper bubbles and crisps beautifully when shallow-fried? To make cups, cut sheets into even squares and fry in vegetable oil one at a time, gently pressing the centre with tongs or a spoon so the sides curl up. Mix cooked, cooled shrimp with cubed avocado, a dash of soy sauce, maple syrup and sesame oil. Spoon the mixture into the crisped cups and top with toasted sesame seeds. For quality produce and pantry staples, check out Village Boutique Foods or Picone’s Fine Foods.

Whipped Feta Dip

Start with a good quality feta (the kind that comes in brine, not pre-crumbled). In a blender or food processor, blend with cream cheese or Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice or zest. Use this as a base and get creative. Minced garlic and oregano make it Mediterranean. Dill makes it dilly. For a salty-sweet punch, add crispy prosciutto or bacon and drizzle with warmed honey. And if you want this popular dip to scream Christmas, add maple syrup and top with dried cranberries and crushed pistachios.

Salted Butter Dates 

The secret to this addictive hors d’oeuvre is high-quality salted butter — try Cow’s, available at Denninger’s. Slice dates lengthwise (without cutting all the way through) and remove the pits. Stuff each one generously with butter, and top with a bit of flaky salt. Trust me on this. Chill on a baking sheet, then remove about five minutes before serving. The cold, salty butter against the sticky-sweet date is an unexpected yet unforgettable pairing.

Not making your own appetizers this holiday season? Opt for catering from these great local businesses!

The Platter Company
175 Plains Road East Unit 1, Burlington
theplattercompany.ca

Indulgables
185 Main Street North, Waterdown
indulgables.ca

Gouda Thyme
550 Speers Road, Oakville
goudathyme.com

Boffo’s Fine Foods
334 Kerr Street, Oakville
boffos.net

The Block Co
395 John Street, Burlington
theblockco.ca 

By Lauren Medeiros

12 Months, 12 Themes, 12 Adventures for Readers!

The Burlington Public Library (BPL) is inviting the community to make 2026 a year of adventure and discovery by joining the BPL Reading Challenge! Online registration is now open for the free 2026 challenge. The goal of the challenge is to read one book on a featured theme each month starting in January 2026. 

The challenge isn’t just about reading more—it’s about reading differently. Choose your own book each month while using the themes to explore genres, styles, and topics you might not pick otherwise. In 2025, over 750 people signed up for the challenge to discover new authors, new voices, and new perspectives.

How it Works:

BPL_Reading_Challenge_Poster_Closeup_optimized_350

The 2026 BPL Reading Challenge is easy to join and take part in:

  1. Register for free online or at any Burlington Public Library branch. Anyone with a library card from Burlington or our Halton Region, Hamilton, and OverDrive partner libraries can join the challenge. Getting a BPL library card is free if you live, work, or attend school in Burlington.
  1. Read one book each month based on a theme. Pick any title that fits the theme. The Library provides recommendations through booklists for print books as well as eBooks and eAudiobooks, to help you choose from a wide variety of options! 
  2. Check in online via the library website to track your progress and have a chance to win prizes! Every completed month earns you an entry into a monthly prize draw and a grand prize at the end of the challenge.

Reading Challenge Themes:

  • January: A book about a journey 
  • February: A book that makes your heart skip a beat 
  • March: A book that makes you laugh out loud
  • April: A book published at least 25 years ago
  • May: A book with extraordinary or magic elements 
  • June: A book that explores identity and acceptance 
  • July: A book with a number in the title
  • August: A book about a real person or event
  • September: A book by an Indigenous author
  • October: A book that features a library 
  • November: A book that sends shivers down your spine
  • December: An old favourite or a new discovery

So what are you waiting for? Join the adventure and make 2026 your best year of reading yet!

The Burlington Public Library belongs to everyone in the community, providing open and equitable access to information, digital & print collections and resources, public computers, and a vast array of programs and services. Six full-service branches and a rural lending location offer welcoming spaces where visitors can explore, discover, reflect, learn, improve, create, and connect with others. Stay in touch with us online at bpl.on.ca, and on Instagram and Facebook @BurlONLibrary.

For further information, please contact:

Krista Schwab (she/her)
Manager, Marketing and Communications 
Burlington Public Library
Office: (905) 639-3611 ext. 1303
Cell: (289) 962-0390 schwabk@bpl.on.ca

Canadians love their hot, cozy, winter drinks, and we grown-ups tend to like them spiked. Why do alcohol and heat pair so beautifully? 

“When spirits are warmed, their aromatic compounds become more volatile, intensifying body and aroma while softening sharp alcohol notes,” says Sam Nasiry at Maverick Distillery in Oakville. “That’s why drinks like mulled wine or hot buttered rum feel so comforting. Heating gently accentuates flavour complexity and natural sweetness without evaporation.”’

Sweet, Silky Sipping

Every bit as tasty and calorie-rich as it sounds, hot buttered rum dates back to colonial USA, when New Englanders were trying to improve the taste of the harsh-tasting rum they were distilling from Caribbean molasses in the 1600s. Essentially, this old favourite consists of a “batter” (made of softened butter, brown sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice) mixed with dark or spiced rum and hot water. Some variations call for vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or even vanilla ice cream for added silkiness.

It goes without saying that hot chocolate is a winter essential, served at ice skating rinks all over North America. Grown-ups and gourmets can augment the appeal of this classic in myriad ways. There’s mint hot chocolate, hot chocolate eggnog, white hot chocolate, Mexican hot chocolate (with cayenne and cinnamon), mocha hot chocolate, peanut butter hot chocolate, and more. Make an even cheerier batch by adding spirits like peppermint schnapps, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, whiskey, or rum.

“Mulling” means to let something stew (in a good way) for a while, just as we “mull over” a brilliant idea. Many hot drinks, including wine, cider, chai, and hot chocolate, grow more delicious when mulled with aromatics such as cinnamon sticks and orange peels.By Michelle Morra

Coffee With Swagger

We won’t tell anyone if you slip a shot of liqueur into your coffee at Christmas brunch. The flavour lends itself magically to a little chocolate liqueur, Irish cream, anise liqueur, orange liqueur, or whiskey. Not just for mornings, spiked coffee is the crown jewel of liquid desserts after a feast. Mix up your favourite recipe for Spanish, Irish, or Monte Cristo coffee topped with whipped cream.

Bear in mind that there’s a right and a wrong way to build a hot cocktail. “The biggest mistake is boiling the alcohol itself,” Nasiry says. “Always add spirits last, after the liquid base has cooled slightly below boiling (around 160–175°F).”

Fruit and Spice

Mix red wine with spices, heat it up, and savour a cup of mulled wine. You’ve just time-travelled to the drink’s heyday in Medieval England, where wine was likely safer to drink than the water. If wine was of inferior quality, the English made it taste better just as the ancient Greeks and Romans did — by drinking it warm with a mixture of fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise. Honey, citrus slices, or citrus peels are common additions. The Germans call their mulled wine “Glühwein” — buy a bottle at Denningers or Ikea, and just heat and serve. Note: Though red wine is the traditional base for this festive drink, white and rosé also do the trick.

Recipes abound for hot holiday cocktails, but it can be fun to fuse booze with your favourite flavours and concoct your own special hot Christmas punch, tea, java, cider, or nog. The key, Nasiry says, is to “balance rich sugars (like maple or honey) with acidity (from lemon or citrus) for structure, and use aromatics like cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove sparingly. They should complement, not overpower, the spirit.”

The holidays are about embracing small indulgences. So, when the weather outside is frightful, warm your insides with a steaming cup of cheer.  See page 128 for three hot toddy recipes, courtesy of Maverick Distillery Ltd.

By Michelle Morra

Support local this season & find these fabulous gift ideas at a store near you!

LAKESIDE LIVIN’
100 Bronte Rd, Bronte Village


These LED candles look deceptively authentic: they are coated with real candle wax and equipped with Uyuni’s patented 3D flame that mimics the fluttering of a regular candle, glowing softly in a warm white tone.
lakesidelivin.com

CURATED GIFTS
94 George St Unit 4, Oakville


Gift something unique this season, like these one-of-a-kind handmade sheep – available in black, white or gold, or these cute ceramic houses, each one unique!
townesquaregallery.com

BOS AND COS
3300 Fairview St, Burlington


It’s party time! Step out in style with these Hispanitas, crafted in Spain and complete with a sparkle. Visit the Bos & Co store on Fairview to see their complete sparkle collection!
bosandco.com

MAISON APOTHECARE
1173 North Service Rd W, Oakville


Made Local! This luxurious hydrating lotion contains Vitamin C and probiotics, which help rejuvenate the skin and support its microbiome, along with the aromatic benefits of Neroli essential oil. Pick some up online or head to Maison Apothecare in Oakville!
maisonapothecare.com

RUSTIC DAISY’S
25 Main St S, Waterdown


For the hot chocolate fans out there, these handmade snowman mugs make for the perfect stocking stuffer. Each one is unique and slightly different.
rusticdaisys.ca

LINEA INTIMA
196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville


Step into pure comfort with these MeMoi plush slippers. Perfect for lounging at home or gifting someone special – the ultimate treat for cozy days in.
lineaintima.ca

NICETYS
172 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville


Transform any space in an instant with these stunning Origami Lanterns. Dimmable and rechargeable, they pop-up for use and fold flat for effortless storage.
nicetys.com

IDH CLOSET,
4047 Fairview Street

The Leo & Ugo cardigan features a delicate pearl neckline and a sophisticated pearl button-down front this cardigan adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.
idhcloset

SIMPLY GIFTED
491 Brant St, Burlington


With their curved and sculpted silhouette these Everlasting Candles provide a cozy embrace and evoke the sense of gathering loved ones together.
simplygifted.ca

INTERIOR DESIGN HOUSE,
4047 Fairview St, Burlington


This Scandinavian-inspired stoneware plate features an organic edge and stunningly hand-painted florals in black and white colour.
interiordesignhouse.com

LANA’S
100 Bronte Rd Unit 5, Bronte Village


Cozy, classy, and colour coordinated! Find this look along with many other fabulous fashion finds at Lana’s Boutique in Bronte Village!
lanasbronte.com

ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON
1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington


There are so many unique, locally made gift ideas at the AGB Shop – we love these hand painted, festive pottery pieces by Artables.
agb.life

JUS B’ GAUZE
4019 New St, Burlington


Designed in collaboration with Dame Prue Leith, Prue’s BLISS by ZSISKA brings a fresh twist to one of ZSISKA’s most beloved collections. With 8 new bead designs in vibrant matching colours, you can mix, layer, and wear them your way.
jusbgauze.com