• Pineapple Linzer Cookies
    Baking

    Pineapple Linzer Cookies

    The first snow of the season fell outside my kitchen window as I baked these cookies, and by the time I sifted powdered sugar onto the rows of cooled tops with their cutout stars and other shapes, both sides of the pane had quite a snow globe feel. When you make these buttery linzer cookies and their pineapple filling, your kitchen will take on a festive feel regardless of view, though if you can time it right, there is nothing like a roaring oven for coziness during a snowstorm. Ingredients Cookies 2 ½ cups flour 1 cup pecan halves ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 ¼ cups…

  • Holiday Cranberry Sauce
    Food

    Holiday Cranberry Sauce

    Thanksgiving calls for a proper feast. While the first sighting of a pumpkin inspires some to plan Halloween costumes or jump ahead to gift-giving lists, autumn has me thinking about turkey, stuffing, and every dish that makes the feast delicious. Now that Thanksgiving is a little over a week away, I finally can share the holiday cranberry sauce recipe that will be on my table this year. Homemade cranberry sauce is a holiday essential that is simple to prepare and adds vibrancy with its ruby tone and bright flavor. In this recipe, tart cranberries are made irresistible with the addition of brown sugar, Cointreau, and a touch of balsamic vinegar…

  • candied lemon slices
    Living

    Host a Stress-Free Holiday Party

    The holidays are most definitely here. With less and less time for last-minute preparations, those of us who are hosting parties can benefit from simple ideas to keep things calm and scrumptious. Throughout my recipes and tips, I advocate slowing down to enjoy the results of time spent in the kitchen, as well as the ingredients and processes involved. Savor the act of cooking while you uphold your own food traditions and experiment with creative approaches. Certainly, admiring the magnificent shape of star anise seems easier during the lazy summer, but I still make sure to slow down and enjoy Christmas and New Year’s preparations. Fresh herbs, spiced wine, and…