The Best Christmas Ever

Christmas Eve

Kick off the festivities with a cozy evening full of good cheer.

Christmas Day Breakfast

Wake up to something hearty and satisfying before you dig into those presents under the tree.

The Big Feast

This is it—the moment you've been waiting for. Make it extra special this year with a show-stopping menu.

All the Cookies

Don't forget the best part of the holiday—lots and lots of cookies!

danish-pastry-092616.jpg / Photo by Shutterstock

Danish Pastry Braid

When Beatrice Ojakangas published *The Great Scandinavian Baking Book* in 1988, she won a lot of fans—including Julia Child—who asked Ojakangas to be on her television show. There Ojakangas demonstrated how to make this simplified version of traditional cardamom-scented Danish pastry.

Beatrice Ojankangas / 09.26.16

Sorghum and Apple Sticky Pudding / Photo by Johnny Autry

Five Spicy Sweeteners to Bake With This Fall

Tis the season to bake with warm, deep flavors—so set that boring white sugar aside and try these sweeteners instead.

Sam Worley / 09.26.16

shawarma-spiced-braised-leg-of-lamb / Photo by Dan Monick

How to Buy and Prep a Leg of Lamb

Grass-fed vs. grain-fed? Should you trim the fat? A meat expert answers our most pressing leg of lamb questions.

Janet Rausa Fuller / 03.25.16

Bucatini All'Amatriciana

It's hard not to love this classic Italian pasta—it's just the right mix of spicy and sweet.

Maialino / 01.03.16

Savory Mushroom and Parmesan Palmiers

Store-bought puff pastry makes these savory "elephant ears" an easy bite-sized appetizer for your next party.

Union Square Events / 12.29.15

Lobster Toasts With Avocado and Espelette Pepper

A zesty lobster salad instantly turns avocado toast into something elegant and cocktail party-worthy.

Union Square Events / 12.29.15

Leftover Christmas Cookies and Eggnog Pie / Photo by Matt Duckor

What to do With Leftover Christmas Cookies

You'll never have to toss stale cookies again.

Matt Duckor / 12.26.15

Chestnut Soup with Bacon and Chives / Charles Masters, food styling by Chelsea Zimmer

How to Cook Chestnuts for Christmas (and Every Other Day)

In fact, there are three ways to get chestnuts out of their shells. And when you do, you can use them for cakes, stuffings, salads, soups—or simply on their own.

Mindy Fox / 12.23.15

French Spice Bread Hero / Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks

The French Fruitcake You Still Have Time to Make for Christmas

Actually, this French spiced bread is better than fruitcake. And it's a heck of a lot easier.

Katherine Sacks / 12.22.15

French Spiced Bread

Kamel Saci, head baker at New York's Il Buco Alimentari, flavors his pain d'épices, a classic French spiced bread, with a vibrant spice mixture of star anise, ginger, and cinnamon from spice blender La Boîte. It's great for a sweet toast in the morning, or it can be sliced thinly and served with pâté for a pretty party appetizer.

Kamel Saci / 12.22.15