Langley pop artist Marika Siewert insists, amidst releasing her new CD and hosting and participating in empowerment events for girls and women, on finding quality time with her husband and three children.

The 32-year-old Willoughby singer and songwriter has enjoyed fame with two singles making it to the top five on Canadian radio charts, a number one song in Korea, and numerous songs used by the television and film industry.

Before ramping up her marketing campaign for her newest album, Unstoppable, in the new year, she's excited to spend the next few weeks focusing on family and Christmas.

One Siewert family tradition is baking sugar cookies, but not just any sugar cookies.

CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE POPS!

You can use your preferred type of ingredients - organic, wholewheat, gluten-free, etc.

Ingredients:

125g butter

50g sugar

175g flour

To decorate:

Cookie sticks (from Michaels) Jelly Tots (a special English sweet from Langley's own Black Pudding Imports. They carry amazing Christmas sweets and gifts!) Sprinkles, icing sugar: your choice! Whisk butter in a bowl till soft, add sugar gradually, then fold in the flour.

Roll out dough. Use shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Lay cookie sticks on cookie sheet, and place shapes on top of sticks. Press gently to secure so they will bake on the stick.

Bake in oven 300ºF for 25 minutes.

Ice and decorate with Jelly Tots, sprinkles, decor of your choice.

Eat and enjoy!

- Marika Siewert, Singer/songwriter