Chocolate-Dipped Molasses Cookies

Though the name doesn’t give it away, these subtly spiced cookies are vegan-friendly, though we sure as heck couldn’t tell it from their I’ll-have-just-one-more appeal. Shhhh.

Black Pepper Cookies

It’s no surprise that a traditional Scandinavian cookie would be warming. Chalk it up to an inspired melding of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and cocoa.

Royal Icing

Whether your knack for cookie-decorating leans toward fancy schmancy or basic buttons on gingerbread people, you need a foolproof royal icing. Look no more.

Onion Thyme Tart

What are folks are saying about this hors d’oeuvre that’s a cinch to make and even easier to devour? “Delicate.” “Flaky.” “Perfect.” “I could not stop eating it!”

• Quick Glance
• 20 M
• 1 H, 40 M
• 18

Warm Pear and Blue Cheese Tart

No savory cheese plate, this tart sits squarely on the sweet side of things. It’s lovely as a last course–and even lovelier alongside a generous pour of port.

Pastina Stars with Butter and Milk

We’ve got stars in our eyes! And our bowls, and our spoons, thanks to pastina, a teensy star-shaped pasta that just may be the cutest supper in the solar system.

Pan-Roasted Mushrooms

Mushrooms and butter and garlic, oh my! Think you’ve been there, done that? Trust us, you haven’t. Not like this. Read on to understand this recipe’s brilliance.

Apple Spiced Bourbon Toddies

Infinitely more complex than the toddy of yore, this little number owes its lure to cider spiked with a hint of star anise and quite an indecent glug of bourbon.

Stilton and Walnut Crackers

Perhaps the simplest precursor to a dinner party ever. Just make the savory shortbread dough, freeze it, slice it, and bake it at the very last second. You’re welcome.

Pumpkin Quick Bread

Home cook and storybook savant T. Susan Chang explains how she eventually came around to baking this quick, fragrant, subtly sweet loaf from a gourd of fairy tale proportions.

• Quick Glance
• 20 M
• 2 H
• 14

Liquor Lollipops

These lovely lollies’ unexpected and intriguing taste may prove elusive to those not in the know. Subtle never tasted so sweet.

• Quick Glance
• 20 M
• 20 M
• 4

Spiced Maple Pecan Pie with Star Anise

Here’s a nifty little trick. Reduce maple syrup until sticky, infuse it with spice, and rely on it to impart its ridiculously intense essence to pecan pie.

• Quick Glance
• 30 M
• 4 H, 20 M
• 5

Seasonal Vegetable Tempura

We could stare at this breathtakingly stunning tempura all day. Breathtakingly, staggeringly stunning–and genius, too, in terms of using up those languishing veggies in your fridge.

Baked Mushrooms, Broken Bread

An elegant side that conspires to fancy up the form–as well as the flavor–of that enduring entertaining icon, the stuffed mushroom.

Velvet Mashed Potatoes

No mere mash, this creamy potato puree owes its uber velvetiness not just to butter and cream, but to an inexpensive and everyday kitchen tool.

• Quick Glance
• 15 M
• 35 M
• 12

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

What’s not to love about Brussels sprouts–yes, Brussels sprouts–when they’re buried beneath nutty, buttery Gruyere? Nothing. Nothing at all.

Bourbon Sweet Potatoes

One way to down your sweet potatoes? Drown them in butter, sugar, bourbon, and maple syrup. It’s The Southern Way. And we can’t say as we have a problem with this.

Raw Cranberry Relish

This sassy little something to go with your Thanksgiving turkey requires just cranberries, orange, sugar, booze, and a blender. Nope, it’s not a cocktail.

Parmesan Potato Gratin

We used to get our gratins and escalloped confused. But then we figured out that gratins contain cheese, escalloped just milk or cream. Guess which one we prefer?

Deep-Fried Turkey

Crisp, burnished skin and moist, impossibly tender meat can be yours this Thanksgiving. The only trick is not catching the garage on fire.