Recipes with Julie Van Rosendaal: Holiday cookies for a good cause

© Julie Van Rosendaal These Nanaimo bar cookies take all the classic flavours of a Nanaimo bar and transform them into cookie goodness. Whether you're able to join us or not, you may be interested in the recipes we're making this year. Just before the shortbread is done, melt the butter in a small saucepan and whisk in the golden syrup, icing sugar, ginger and vanilla. To make the filling, beat the butter, icing sugar, custard powder, cream and vanilla (if you're using it) until smooth and fluffy, adding a bit more cream or icing sugar as needed to create a spreadable frosting. In a small bowl, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.