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Brandied Cranberry Sauce
When I think of decadent holiday cooking and cocktails, brandy always comes to mind. A generous amount transforms cranberry sauce into the most delicious accompaniment to turkey or your choice of roast. Holiday spices, cranberries, and dried fruit, which plumps while cooking, lend even more festive flavor. A touch of orange lends bright citrus that cranberries just seem to crave. Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite feast of the year, and I’m always looking for new ways to serve up something that will make loved ones feel joyful. Special ingredients and little touches always seem to do the trick. While you could omit the dried fruit, I recommend a combination…
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Cheddar and Parmesan Gougères (Cheese Puffs)
Light and airy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, gougères make crowd-pleasing appetizers, snacks, or accompaniments to your favorite mocktail or glass of wine. Watch them puff in the oven then try one, and you’ll know why the French often serve these cheese puffs as the hot bite at an apéro, that beautiful moment to gather before dinner and unwind. Traditionally gougères are made with Comté or Gruyère, but I love the combination of aged cheddar and parmesan in this recipe. The base is pâte à choux, a versatile pastry from which you can make a variety of savory and sweet treats such as éclairs and cream puffs. Instead…
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Cranberry Orange Mocktail with Ginger and Spice
On the cusp of winter, which happens to be peak citrus season, I’m sharing my cranberry orange mocktail with ginger and spice. I love non-alcoholic drinks for the holidays, and with New Year’s Eve celebrations coming, this is a flavorful option that everyone can enjoy. Certainly you might put out some spirits for those who wish to add a splash, but this drink is absolutely delicious on its own. Berry flavor comes in the form of a cranberry spice syrup than can be used in lots of holiday drinks, while the citrus component can come from mandarins, blood oranges, clementines, or your preferred variety. Save a few slices for the…
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Pine Nut Cookie Bars
Festive ingredients and a simple baking method make for the perfect holiday cookie. With pine nuts in caramel topping a shortbread base, these cookie bars satisfy the need for something golden and toasty on the dessert table. Still tender when baked, the nuts lend a delicate texture and their nuanced, buttery flavor. Whether you’re making Christmas cookie boxes, looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, or sharing dessert at a holiday gathering, think about the shape of your cookie bars before serving. They can be cut in a variety of ways with a knife or cookie cutter and always come out looking like lacy gold ornaments. Just be sure to save…
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Cranberry Mostarda
Tangy and just a tad sweet, cranberry mostarda adds holiday flavor to cheese and charcuterie boards, baked Brie, and even sandwiches, which is how I have been enjoying it lately with sliced pork tenderloin on brioche. As the name suggests, mustard lends this condiment its signature flavor. Fresh and frozen cranberries and interchangeable in this recipe, so I recommend stocking up while they are available at the market and freezing some so you can make this recipe throughout the winter months. From cranberry sauce to a linzer torte which makes a delicious alternative to a classic Thanksgiving or holiday pie, cranberries always make it to my table throughout the colder…
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