Winter

Vanilla Sticks (Vanillefinger)

I came across this recipe when I started my research on Bierberg Bakery. It was published in the All-American Desserts cookbook, in a chapter called “The American Cookie Jar” (Harvard Common Press; ©2003 by Judith M. Fertig). I had no idea that Theresa Bierberg’s vanilla sticks were already famous—melting in mouths of many families nationwide. The book’s author writes, “They’re light and crunchy—and addictive!”

(Marta Madigan)

Makes 12 dozen cookies

Cranberry Spiced Cheese Cake

Recipe from Southern Living, adapted by Tricia Wheeler

Serves 8–10

Crunchy Coated Brie with Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Recipe inspiration from Harrods Food Hall, London, by Tricia Wheeler

Serves 4

French Roast Chicken

Buy a large, free-range organic roasting chicken, pair it with stuffing and roasted local root vegetables - and it will be special enough for any holiday meal.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

By Molly Hays
Adapted from Heidi Swanson, 101cookbooks.com

Yield: 4 dozen

Oat flour is easily made by chopping whole rolled oats in a blender or food processor for 30 seconds, or until they become powder. The peppermint bark mixed into the dough melts during baking. For visible chunks in the finished cookie, reserve 1/3 of the chopped bark from the dough, and sprinkle over cookies when you rap the tray at the 10-minute mark.

Twice-Baked Wholemeal Shortbread Wedges

By Molly Hays

Adapted from Pure Dessert, by Alice Medrich
Yield: 12 wedges

Choose regular whole-wheat flour for cookies, as opposed to hard whole wheat, which contains more protein and is optimal for bread baking.

If you do not have a fluted baking tin, bake in a cake pan lined with foil or parchment, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Note that this dough rests 2 hours.