Fran Brennan, Recipe Tester

Last-minute gift, anyone? Repurpose your Christmas tree by infusing vodka with a sprig or three. A celebratory and cinch of a project that extends the Christmas spirit–and spirits.

• (5)
• 5 M
• 5 M
• 24

An inspired take on a classic, this simple, sassy granola recipe is yours to follow to the letter or tweak to your (or your most picky family member’s) content.

• (5)
• 15 M
• 55 M
• 15

When vinegar meets skillet, a sweetly sour pan sauce is created that lends the perfect touch to this quick weeknight chicken.

• (4)
• 45 M
• 1 H, 5 M
• 19

There’s a lot to like here. The caramelized sweetness of sweet potatoes and onions. The salty and tangy creaminess of feta. And the knowing that you’re doing something decent for yourself without it tasting like penance.

• (2)
• 10 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 15

These little lovelies contain sugar and spice and everything nice–including an oh-so-buttery oat streusel and a batter so enticing you’d never, ever guess it’s good for you.

• (3)
• 20 M
• 55 M
• 14

Bread that’s homemade, healthful, and has no need for kneading? Believe it. All that’s left to do is let this rugged loaf bake while you bask in its impending goodness.

• (16)
• 30 M
• 1 H, 30 M
• 65

Summer at its simplest, not to mention it’s most splendid, seeing as how five minutes of effort yields a meal that rivals round-trip tickets to Italy.

• (8)
• 20 M
• 50 M
• 35

Although these paletas are Mexican through and through, the melding of yogurt, fruit, and honey is luscious in any language.

• Quick Glance
• 25 M
• 1 H, 5 M
• 12

Flaunting an ever-practical, always-stunning, goes-with-anything white, this coconut cake glams up holidays, dinner parties, bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, and Tuesday nights.

• (3)
• 25 M
• 1 H, 15 M
• 27

This Southern creation is a simple affair. Just eggs, butter, sugar, and, of course, lemon, it’s a pleasantly homey dessert, perfect for any afternoon or occasion.

• (1)
• 10 M
• 55 M
• 14