Fran Brennan

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

As buttery and airy as brioche but with a far weightier responsibility than its breakfast chum, challah ensures a sweet new year in Jewish tradition. We'll break bread to that.

Summer at its simplest, not to mention its most splendid. Five minutes of effort yield a meal that rivals round-trip tickets to Italy.