Posts for November 28th 2011

gift guide

Holiday Gift Guide: Baking Newbies

Baking is one of those cooking joys that takes a lot of hard work and precision.

Baking is one of those cooking joys that takes a lot of hard work and precision. The whole process can be a little intimidating to someone just starting out in the kitchen. If you have a baking newbie in your life, prepare to cross her off your list after checking out this gift guide. These 10 colorful treats are sure to bring some sweetness to the holiday and help her out in her new endeavor. Who knows? Maybe she'll even bake up a batch of your favorite cookies to say thanks!

Holiday

Let's Dish: What's Your Must-Make Holiday Dessert?

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I should be stuffed and not thinking about food.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I should be stuffed and not thinking about food. But honestly, all I can think about are the delicious holiday dessert recipes that I'm dying to make: gingerbread, sugar cookies, cheesecake, fruitcake, peppermint bark! There's nothing like the smell of holiday sweet treats baking away in the kitchen. So now we're wondering, what are some of your must-make holiday desserts? Do you try new things or do you have a trusted recipe that you swear by every year? Tell us in the comments.

cheese diablo wafers

Cheese Diablo Wafers

I usually double the recipe because these go quickly!

I usually double the recipe because these go quickly!

From Camilla Salem, YumSugar

Cheese Diablo Wafers

Cheese Diablo Wafers

Ingredients

1/2 pound shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients together by hand, until everything is well incorporated and forms into a dough.
  3. Roll pieces of dough into 1 inch balls and line evenly on baking sheet.
  4. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they have flattened out and are brown around the edges.

Makes approximately 15 wafers.

Come Party With Me

10 Holiday Party Ideas

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the holiday countdown officially begins.
White Elephant

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the holiday countdown officially begins. There are exactly 33 days left in the calendar year, and if you haven't started planning your holiday party yet, pick an evening and invite friends over for some good eats, delicious drinks, and general merriment! From an ugly sweater party to a classic cookie swap, we've got 10 awesome ideas, complete with menu suggestions, drink recipes, and decorating tips, to inspire you.

Original Recipes

Use Up Your Russets With a Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

If you find yourself drowning in russet potatoes after Thanksgiving – I know I usually tend to buy way too much – fret not.

If you find yourself drowning in russet potatoes after Thanksgiving – I know I usually tend to buy way too much – fret not. Here's a creative way to use them up. Mash them, and then bake them with a cheesy, breadcrumb crust for a crunchy, creamy, and indulgent dish. You can also use any leftover mashed potatoes you have from your holiday feast and just skip a few of the recipe steps! Keep on going for the recipe!