I adapted this recipe from an old community cookbook, modernizing and stream lining it a bit, but I can’t imagine its origins. Maybe Scandinavian? Or a take on a French quatre epices? A Byzantine tradition? I don’t know, but the unusual spice combination lightly sweetened with honey really sets this bread apart. I want there to be some story that this is … [Read more...] about Holiday Spice Bread with Whipped Honey Butter
Snacks And Starters
Cheddar Chutney Spread
It is always nice to have a simple, quick party recipe in you back pocket during the holidays. Something you can whip up quickly and without too much pre-planning and take to the party of gathering you forgot about – you know, you volunteered a month ago to bring a snack, but completely let it slip your mind. And this is it. Good ingredients make a good recipe, and by … [Read more...] about Cheddar Chutney Spread
Eggnog Bars
I can’t make it through the holiday season without the flavor of eggnog. I cook and bake with eggnog in all sorts of ways, from Overnight Eggnog French Toast Caserole to Eggnog Pie and I fall for all the eggnog seasonal flavors on the grocery shelves. That perfect holiday richness with the whiff of nutmeg really puts me in the holiday spirit. These simple bars are a … [Read more...] about Eggnog Bars
Red Velvet Pound Cake
Christmas is the perfect time for red velvet. It’s the festive color of the season, and it is just so fun. I’ve made Red Velvet Polka Dot Cookies and Red Velvet Surprise Cupcakes, and experiment with even more ideas. But this may be the most practical. Pound Cake is such a holiday staple – it’s easy to make, keeps well and freezes beautifully. Serve hefty slices with … [Read more...] about Red Velvet Pound Cake
Spiced Dolly Bars
In the kitchen, surrounded by a surfeit of holiday baking supplies, I had a sudden craving for Hello Dolly Bars. I love Hello Dollies (or Seven Layer Bars or Magic Bars, whatever you call them), but they are not something I generally make, because I have lots of friends for whom it’s their standard recipe for to parties and weekends away. So I generally rely on others for my … [Read more...] about Spiced Dolly Bars
