Christmas Cookie Recipes

2023

Whole Wheat Cranberry Nut Bread (Deaf Smith) from Peigi

Tart and Nutty

While I was making Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade today for Thanksgiving, I remembered Peigi had given me this recipe; so, I hijacked a cup of cranberries to make it.   Delicious!  --B

Paper Bag Apple Pie

Unconventional but Very Good

Yes, you bake it in a paper bag. Thought of making it because we now have paper grocery bags on hand due to New York state banning plastic bags earlier this year. 

Scallops with Pancetta, Pureed Butternut Squash and Lima Beans

Edamame would work well if you don't like lima beans

Porcini Powder and Magic Mushroom Soup (Patricia Wells)

My new cooking superpower

You may have noticed that I have using porcini powder in my Fall cooking. I have discovered it provides an earthiness and umami to meats and veggies.

Acorn Squash with Smokey Blue Cheese

Savory not Sweet

I've made this dish twice now, and keep thinking about making it again.  I have never had acorn squash this way.  The blue cheese is an unexpected delicious element.

Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Sauce

Easy and Versatile 

I revisited this new recipe over the weekend to be sure my ingredients were in the right quantities.  I am glad I did because the apple cider was much sweeter this time, so I had to add more Worcestershire sauce at the end to keep it in balance.  You don't want this to be an overly sweet sauce.  It's the intensity of the apple flavor from the reduction which makes it memorable.

Crudités Mustard Lemon Zest Dipping Sauce

 

Individual Dipping "Boats"

I have been experimenting with how to serve guests during Covid.  At first, I made individual platters for each person for safe handling. Next I created a tray for each couple or "pod" to share.   Most recently, I am making a large platter, so each guest can take a dipping boat, then select what they want, versus me picking for them. I offer small side plates and little forks, too.  No cross contamination. 

Zucchini Canapes (Jacques Pepin)

Parmesan, Smoked Paprika, Poppy Seeds and Toasted Sesame Seeds

Jacques Pepin has a new cookbook called Quick & Simple.  He is one of my all time favorite TV chefs and cookbook authors.  Plus he is a painter, too.  The new cookbook is filled with his colorful work.