When the holiday season begins I make two lists, one for gift shopping and the other is a list of the cookies I plan on baking. I haven’t gotten my list finalized yet but this recipe from Betty Crocker looks like a good one to add to it.
Classic Sugar Cookies (Cookie Exchange Quantity)
3 cups […]

Holiday cooking can be a hectic experience. One way to make it go a bit easier is to select some recipes that can be made ahead of time.
Eggnog
1 qt. milk
12 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups bourbon*
1 Tbl. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg, divided
1 qt. whipping cream
Heat milk […]

My two favorite pumpkin bread recipes are one that makes two loaves (these make nice gifts) and one for muffins but I don’t always have the time it takes to mix the dough and monitor the baking so here’s one for use in the bread machine.
Pumpkin Bread (Bread Machine - one 2 lb. loaf)
2/3 cup […]

From The Advocate in Baton Rouge, LA:
Cheesecake Squares
Makes about 4 dozen
1 cup flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup pecans, chopped fine
1 stick butter, melted
16 ozs. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup plus 6 tbls. sugar, divided
2 tsps. vanilla, divided
3 eggs
2 cups sour cream
Maraschino cherries, if desired, for decorating
To make crust, in a small […]

Newspaper food and cooking columns can be an excellent resource when searching for holiday recipes. Here are some links to Mother’s Day recipes from around the U.S.
The Burlington Freepress (Vermont) has Decadent French Toast Souffle and instructions for making a Rice Krispie Treat Mug (for dessert - don’t use it for serving a beverage!).
Decadent […]

Run for the Roses Strawberries
12 large, fresh strawberries, washed
3 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon sour cream
mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Slice off the stem end of each strawberry to form a flat base. With the base down, cut each in half vertically to within a 1/4″ of the base. Make another […]

Hard-cooked eggs will keep in the refrigerator for about one week. If you have a basketful left over from Easter, here’s some recipes to help you use them up.
Deviled Eggs
6 large hard-cooked eggs
2-3 Tbl. mayonnaise
1 tsp. honey mustard
salt and pepper
paprika
Slice a small sliver off the end of each egg then cut each in […]

What could be better for “the greatest two minutes in sports” than some recipes that can be prepared in two minutes?
Levy Restaurants has some quick and delicious Derby recipes including:
Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail
1 lbs Jumbo Lump Crabmeat - picked through for shells
1/2 cup Lemon Aioli - see recipe
Focaccia Crostini or Crackers 12 each
1 tbls Chives […]

For each gift you will need:
Clean 1-quart jar with lid
index/recipe card
decorations for the outside of the jar - ribbons, fabric, paint, silk flowers…
Chocolate Lovers Cookies
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt (1/8 teaspoon)
3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cups white chocolate chips
Pack brown sugar into the […]

Easter Menu from Family Circle:
Honey-Herbed Cornish Hens
4 Rock Cornish game hens (6 pounds total), rinsed and patted dry
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1. Using kitchen shears or a sharp […]