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Bûche de Noël

Bûche de Noël

Dec 08, 2011 10 Comments by  
Filed under baking | cakes | chocolate | desserts | gluten-free | testers choice | vegetarian

We’ve no clue why the French felt compelled to roll chocolate cake with ganache in the likeness of a log. But with a taste like this, who the heck cares?

Jewish Hanukkah Doughnuts

Jewish Hanukkah Doughnuts

Dec 07, 2011 1 Comment by  
Filed under desserts | testers choice | vegetarian

Don’t let the name mislead you. These doughnuts are cause for celebration in and of themselves, regardless of one’s occasion or denomination.

Braised Saffron Carrots

Braised Saffron Carrots

Dec 07, 2011 5 Comments by  
Filed under gluten-free | sides | veggies | testers choice | vegetarian

Carrots of any hue–or many hues–take a turn for the better when braised in olive oil with a pinch of saffron and a splash of sherry vinegar. ’tis a sweet-tart side dish sensation.

Hanukkah Cookies

Hanukkah Cookies

Dec 07, 2011 Leave a Comment by  
Filed under baking | cookies | bars | desserts | vegetarian

These spectacular–and, we swear, simple–cookie creations can be yours with your favorite roll-out cookie recipe, our royal icing, and these handy how-tos.

Sugar Christmas Snow Cookies

Sugar Christmas Snow Cookies

Dec 06, 2011 12 Comments by  
Filed under baking | cookies | bars | desserts | testers choice | vegetarian

What exactly is a snow cookie? It’s a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth moment of loveliness, and it’s as easy to roll and bake and decorate as it is to admire–and devour.

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Dec 06, 2011 1 Comment by  
Filed under baking | cookies | bars | desserts | testers choice | vegetarian

The cutest, sweetest, happiest gingerbread people ever, right? They also happen to be the fastest, cheapest, unfussiest gingerbread cookies we’ve encountered.

Quentin’s Grandma’s Rugelach

Quentin’s Grandma’s Rugelach

Dec 06, 2011 13 Comments by  
Filed under baking | cookies | bars | desserts | testers choice | vegetarian

“Transcendent” is how the author describes these rugelach. We’d like to add “flaky,” “tender,” and “perfect” to the list of apt adjectives.

Chocolate and Cinnamon Swirl Meringues

Chocolate and Cinnamon Swirl Meringues

Dec 06, 2011 4 Comments by  
Filed under baking | cookies | bars | desserts | gluten-free | testers choice | vegetarian

Whoever first thought to beat sugar and egg whites into pillowy peaks has our gratitude. So does author Annie Rigg for swirling in cocoa and cinnamon.

Chocolate-Dipped Molasses Cookies

Chocolate-Dipped Molasses Cookies

Dec 06, 2011 3 Comments by  
Filed under baking | cookies | bars | testers choice | vegan | vegetarian

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

Black Pepper Cookies

Dec 06, 2011 8 Comments by  
Filed under baking | cookies | bars | testers choice | vegetarian

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

Royal Icing

Dec 06, 2011 Leave a Comment by  
Filed under cookies | bars | desserts | gluten-free | the arsenal™ | vegetarian

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

Onion Thyme Tart

Dec 05, 2011 18 Comments by  
Filed under entrees | pies | tarts | testers choice | vegetarian

“Delicate.” “Flaky.” “Perfect.” “I could not stop eating this tart!” That’s what folks are saying about this recipe that’s a cinch to make–and even easier to devour.

Warm Pear and Blue Cheese Tart

Warm Pear and Blue Cheese Tart

Dec 02, 2011 14 Comments by  
Filed under desserts | pies | tarts | testers choice | vegetarian

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

Pastina Stars with Butter and Milk

Nov 29, 2011 31 Comments by  
Filed under pasta and grains | testers choice | vegetarian | weeknight winners™

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

Pan-Roasted Mushrooms

Nov 28, 2011 16 Comments by  
Filed under gluten-free | sides | veggies | testers choice | vegetarian

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.

Stilton and Walnut Crackers

Stilton and Walnut Crackers

Nov 23, 2011 6 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | baking | entertaining | hors d'oeuvre | testers choice | vegetarian

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

Pumpkin Quick Bread

Nov 23, 2011 14 Comments by  
Filed under baking | breads | breakfast | testers choice | vegetarian

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.

Spiced Maple Pecan Pie with Star Anise

Spiced Maple Pecan Pie with Star Anise

Nov 19, 2011 5 Comments by  
Filed under baking | desserts | pies | tarts | testers choice | vegetarian

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.

Seasonal Vegetable Tempura

Seasonal Vegetable Tempura

Nov 15, 2011 1 Comment by  
Filed under sides | veggies | testers choice | vegan | vegetarian

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.

Velvet Mashed Potatoes

Velvet Mashed Potatoes

Nov 14, 2011 12 Comments by  
Filed under gluten-free | sides | veggies | testers choice | vegetarian

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.