Year: 2007

Northwest Cioppino

Today I went shopping for Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas Eve is usually hectic around my house. People are taking care of last minute details…

Mulled Cider served in a glass cup amid autumn leaves.

Mulled Cider with Citrus, Cinnamon and Cloves

Autumn into winter, Mulled Cider is the perfect drink to welcome the season. Fragrant with citrus, cinnamon and cloves and mellowed by caramelly notes of brown sugar, this easy to make beverage is a delight to the senses. Serve it with a plate of seasonal cookies or as a refreshing beverage all on its own.

Thyme Hazelnut Lemon are topped with Lemon Icing and presented on a square plate.

Thyme, Hazelnut and Lemon Cookies

Lemon thyme, hazelnuts and lemon zest work together to flavor the dough for these slice and bake cookies. Then a squiggle of tart Lemon Icing finishes Thyme, Hazelnut and Lemon Cookies with a touch of easy elegance. So much more than just a bright complement to an assortment of holiday sweets, these little gems stand alone as a welcome treat in any season.

Russian Teacakes

No cookie baking marathon at my house is complete without making at least one batch of Russian Teacakes. After putting the batter for Chocolate Crinkles in the refrigerator…

A precarious stack of Ginger Cookie Sticks on a small wooden tray.

Ginger Cookie Sticks

A surprisingly simple recipe, Ginger Cookie Sticks require no eggs or other leavening. Much like Meltaway Cookies, these cookie sticks have a tender flaky texture with a light buttery crumb. Topped with candied ginger and sparkling sugar, Ginger Cookie Sticks are pretty and fragrantly festive, all without a lot of fuss.

Italian Supper Soup, made with orzo, white beans, and spinach in a vegetable broth, served in a shallow white bowl.

Italian Supper Soup

Easy to make on short notice, or even prepare in advance, Italian Supper Soup combines pantry staples with fresh spinach to create a warm and nourishing dinner option that accommodates a challenging schedule.

A Beautiful Pecan Pie topped with a starburst of pecans beside a pie server and folded napkin.

A Beautiful Pecan Pie

This Pecan Pie makes a deliciously festive dessert for the holidays while using less sugar than many traditional recipes. Toast the pecans or add a thin layer of chocolate for added interest. If you watch carefully while baking, this pie will look just as beautiful as it tastes.

A slice of Rustic Apple Pie on a plate atop a vintage apron with the cut pie in the background.

Baking a Rustic Apple Pie

I dive into pie baking with the best of intentions, but all too often, life’s little distractions get in my way. Still, what my Rustic Apple Pie lacks in beauty it makes up for in fresh apple flavor and hot from the oven deliciousness.

Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Pecans served in a Courier and Ives Ironstone serving bowl.

Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Pecans

Bacon and onion add a savory balance to brown sugar and sweet potatoes in this delicious side dish. Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Pecans integrates flavors that work perfectly with a holiday menu while keeping it simple and nutritious enough to be welcome all year.

Two braided loaves of Pumpkin Yeast Bread on a black wire rack set on a wooden table.

Pumpkin Yeast Braids

Transform pumpkin and brown sugar, along with flour, salt and yeast, into a wonderful seasonal bread. The dough for Pumpkin Yeast Braids can be shaped into braided loaves or, if you prefer, into sweet little biscuits to serve with brunch or dinner.