While turkey and ham often take center stage during holiday meals, there's one festive treat that consistently captures the spirit of the season more than any other: the Christmas cookie. From simple shortbread to elaborately decorated creations, these sweet treats embody holiday traditions and bring communities together in Calgary.
The Sweet Taste of Community Spirit
This holiday season, several of Calgary's most prominent chefs are channeling their cookie enthusiasm into supporting local families in need. Francine Gomes of Cluck N Cleaver, Liana Robberecht of Brew+Bloom, and Andrea Harling of The Sweatered Hen are among the culinary professionals baking up special creations for the Global Calgary cookie sale, which benefits The Magic of Christmas charity.
The event, which began in 2018, was founded by Robberecht along with her then-colleague Jason Mckay (now with Modern Rentals) and Global Calgary's Leslie Horton. The concept brings together chefs from across the city—including those not typically known for baking—for a massive public cookie exchange that raises crucial funds for families struggling during the holiday season.
How the Cookie Sale Works
The Magic of Christmas Cookie Sale operates on a simple but effective model that ensures both community engagement and significant charitable impact. Here's what participants can expect:
Customers purchase cards for $25, which grants them access to a mixed baker's dozen of cookies. They then navigate the expansive common area at the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen, where various vendors stamp their card for each cookie selected.
The scale of the operation is impressive: each participating chef and baker prepares at least 300 cookies, squares, or other treats. They receive assistance from volunteers, including hospitality students from SAIT, ensuring the event runs smoothly while providing valuable real-world experience for aspiring culinary professionals.
Restaurants involved include well-established Calgary favorites such as:
- Salt and Brick
- Charcut
- Rouge
- Reds Diner
Creative Cookies with Heart
Liana Robberecht, who serves as creative culinary director at Brew and Blossom in Edmonton but maintains strong Calgary connections through previous roles at the Calgary Petroleum Club and WinSport, expresses genuine passion for the humble cookie's potential.
"I'm obsessed," Robberecht admits. "You can turn anything into a cookie. You could do a Thanksgiving turkey cookie if you wanted to."
This year, Robberecht has created a special espresso bourbon chocolate cookie for the event, while Francine Gomes of Cluck and Cleaver is contributing a chocolate chip s'mores cookie featuring gooey marshmallow and graham cracker elements.
The event not only provides delicious treats for attendees but also highlights what Gomes describes as Calgary's uniquely collaborative culinary scene. "Of all the cities I've worked in, Calgary's chef community and restaurant community is the most collaborative," she notes.
The Magic of Christmas, the beneficiary organization, uses the proceeds to deliver gifts, food, and holiday cheer to families facing financial hardship during what should be the most joyful time of year. Attendees can choose to freeze their cookies for holiday gatherings or enjoy them immediately—the important thing is that every bite supports a worthy local cause.
