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Eating well

Baking memories: Easy holiday cookies

Holiday bakers, rev your mixers. It’s time to bake some memories. Like many, I’ll be baking the traditional family favorites that I grew up on; chocolate chip, peanut butter crisscross and buttermilk cookies sprinkled with festive sugars. The no-roll drop Sugar Cookies are big and soft and remind me of my grandmother who baked these nutmeg-scented cookies and kept them in a special tin for all her favorite grandchildren. As a teenager, I helped my mother with the cookie baking and introduced some new recipes to the cookie tray. A favorite was Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies, ...

Are you looking for ways to turn butter, sugar and flour from ordinary baked goods into extraordinary holiday cookies? Once you understand some of the science behind cookie baking, you’ll see the difference these tips and tricks make. This year, your cookies will be the first ones to disappear from the table and everyone will ask for the recipes. Start with quality ingredients The best cookies begin with the best ingredients. Splurge on good spices — ground cinnamon and nutmeg lose potency over time, so replace them if they’ve been sitting in the pantry for years or, better yet, ...

Craft an edible holiday classic from the comforts of home

METRO — Symbolism features prominently throughout the holiday season. When walking around in December, or even earlier, individuals can’t help but notice lighting displays, decked out Christmas trees in town centers and other symbols that are synonymous with the holiday ...

Christmas cookies embody the joy of holiday cooking

METRO — The holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without food. The joyful spirit of the season lends itself to sharing a bite if not a full meal with family and friends. Perhaps that explains why so many people embrace the joy of baking each holiday season. Some bake to honor and continue family traditions, while others spend hours crafting cookies to put a smile on the face of loved ones each holiday season. Whatever it is that inspires individuals to break out the measuring cups, flour and whisk, cookie fans undoubtedly appreciate that spark of confectionary creativity. ...

Make-ahead appetizers

Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have officially ushered in the holiday season it’s time to make a to-do list and check it at least once a day to keep stress at bay. Decorating, shopping, gift wrapping, cleaning, baking and entertaining, oh my. To lessen the load so that I can enjoy the festivities alongside my guests I like to prepare a variety of appetizers ahead of time, place them in the freezer, then heat up a few, or a lot, as needed, whenever company stops by. Nothing says “welcome” like a warm heartfelt smile and a platter of hot tasty snacks. Depending on the ...