Tag: Christmas

Compari Iced Shortbread Cookies are topped with Golden Orange Sugar and arranged on a green glass cake stand.

Campari Shortbread Cookies

Delicious buttery shortbread is topped with a brazenly pink icing glaze flavored with the bitter Italian aperitif, Campari. Sprinkled with a pinch of golden citrus infused sugar Campari Shortbread Cookies are the best new cookie recipe I’ve found in years. The dough is easy to make, cuts beautifully, and holds its shape while baking. The finished cookies have a striking appearance making them delightful little bites of holiday cheer.

Festive Endive Salad is composed of fennel, radicchio, endive, walnuts and pomegranate arils in a simple dressing served from a rectangular platter.

Endive, Fennel and Radicchio Salad

This Endive, Fennel and Radicchio Salad is a beauty. Like Christmas itself, it is bright and festive. Adorned in ruffled leaves and lacy fronds it has a sweet appearance. Wrapped simply, in a classic lemon vinaigrette, this elegant salad also delivers a sheer savor.

Pfeffernüsse topped with crushed pink peppercorns are stacked on a silvered dessert plate.

Pfeffernüsse with Cracked Pink Peppercorns

The flavor of this little cookie is bold but balanced. A thin sugar glaze provides the perfect contrast of sweetness while a pinch of pink peppercorns adds a lovely festive flourish. They are pretty on a cookie platter and also perfect served as a single sweet on the saucer beside a cup of good coffee.

Slices of Gingerbread Loaf on a plate topped with Molasses Whipped Cream

Gingerbread Loaf with Marbled Whipped Cream

Gingerbread is one of my favorite flavors and a great place to begin my seasonal baking. I love the combination of spices here, including sweet cardamom, spicy pepper, warm ancho chile and rich cocoa powder. A slice of this deliciously spiced bread with a cup of coffee or warm apple cider is a wonderful way to stave off the chill of the season. 

Gingerbread Cookies with Colored Sugar Sprinkles on a plate

Gingerbread Cookies

Today is Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. The twelve days of Christmas have come and gone. I’ve packed away the holiday snow scenes and frosted decorations. I’ve turned the page on my calendar and started making plans for a new year. I’ve even turned in my favorite Christmas […]

Cranberry Eggnog Salad on crystal plate

Family Traditions – Cranberry Eggnog Salad

Last year I read a piece in Southern Living magazine that had me laughing out loud. “Taking Sides” by Allison Glock described a formidable family tradition in the form of The Cranberry Salad, a side dish that nobody liked but was made and served each Thanksgiving day as a matter […]

A square slice of Gingerbread Coffee Cake in front of a red Christmas Wreath.

Gingerbread Streusel Coffee Cake

Crushed ginger cookies add texture to the streusel crumbs as a robust blend of holiday spices lends festive flavor to this Gingerbread Coffee Cake. Warm from the oven it makes a nice addition to a weekend or holiday breakfast. It tastes great with a warm cup of coffee or Mulled Cider.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries with Pecans

Discoveries on the Produce Aisle Last week I found stalks of Brussels sprouts for sale in the produce section of Sprouts market. A generous quantity of individual sprouts adorned each stout central stalk budding out from the base where each leaf had grown. It caught me by surprise. I don’t […]

A wheel of Gingerbread Scones sprinkled with coarse sugar.

Gingerbread Scones

A pinch of ginger is the perfect way to dress up favorite recipes, both sweet and savory, for the holidays. Take these fragrant Gingerbread Scones for example. The addition of warm spices and a measure of molasses add something special on a cold winter morning. They also appeal to the senses at teatime or as an after dinner treat.

Four Cinnamon Toast Biscotti arranged on a white saucer beside cinnamon sticks and a coffee cup.

Cinnamon Toast Biscotti

What makes Cinnamon Toast Biscotti special is the topping added during the second bake. After cutting the loaves into thick slices and toasting one side, brush the biscotti with a bit of butter. Then sprinkle each cookie with cinnamon and sugar, like a slice of Cinnamon Toast.