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Gingerbread Cookies
Ring in the holiday season with a batch of my classic gingerbread cookies, with patterns that fit your holiday mood. Snowflakes, trees, and a scattering of stars filled my baking racks over the weekend while I made the season’s first batch of homemade Christmas cookies. Since my family always made gingerbread without icing, I decorate the centers of each cookie with cut-out patterns so each one is unique. Save plenty of the little shapes and bake them to serve alongside the larger cookies. With warm spices and rich flavor, these cookies lend festivity to the table with their cheerful designs. Once you get into a merry rhythm of rolling and…
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Cranberry Curd Tarts
A vibrant filling surrounded by a festive wreath of pastry crust make these individual cranberry curd tarts destined for the holiday table. Since the braided edges and hand-cut leaves are unique to each tart, they make a beautiful presentation with details we celebrate even more this time of year. Sprinkle on some raw sugar for a bit of holiday sparkle. Certainly these tarts can be made without a decorative crust, and they will be just as delicious. If you would like to make ones similar to those pictured, I have included tips below. As with the crust details, the size of the individual desserts can be adjusted based on the…
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Wheat Berry Salad with Roasted Squash, Spinach and Pear
Finally there is a chill to the air, and we can settle into my favorite part of autumn, the stretch leading up to Thanksgiving. The leaves have been whipping around my yard, and blustery days have me craving heartier salads with ingredients such as those in this wheat berry recipe. Roasted Honeynut squash and pear deliver peak fall flavors while the wheat berries themselves lend the characteristic nutty, slightly chewy texture that give this grain salad the substance we seek as coats and mittens slowly become essential. Freshly made, this vegan dish can be enjoyed warm or room temperature and makes a great Thanksgiving side. Ahead of her time in…
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Homemade Halloween Candy: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
On Halloween you’re more likely to find me melting chocolate until it’s nice and glossy than watching a scary movie. Tending to a dark pool of chocolate, and tasting along the way, is the perfect indulgence for a cozy stay-in Halloween. Since making homemade candy requires a few steps, it’s also a great project if you have some helpers of any age on hand. From stirring the chocolate to spooning the filling and ultimately topping your homemade peanut butter cups, there are plenty of ways to get everyone involved. For the dark chocolate peanut butter cups pictured here, I used colorful toppings from my pantry including matcha powder, naturally colored…
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Maple Pear Sparkler
A sparkling pear drink complements the dishes of fall, offering a refreshing accompaniment to warm spices and hearty meals. This sparkler combines pear juice, maple simple syrup, and a touch of fresh pomegranate and lemon for a festive drink fit for the Thanksgiving table. Bubbles are contributed by mineral water though sparkling white wine such as Prosecco does the trick as well, making this a drink that easily transforms from non-alcoholic to full-on cocktail. Slip a thinly sliced pear into the glass as a garnish, and for an even more festive touch, brûlée it first. Along with garnishes and drink recipes, I discuss mixology according to the seasons in my…
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