"I am still convinced that a good, simple, homemade cookie is preferable to all the store-bought cookies one can find."
James Beard
Welcome to the December issue of Seasoned Cooking. December is filled with holidays that call for good food to be shared with good friends. This month, we’re on a mission to make sure you are ready for the holidays with elegant meals, simple treats and even some low-stress menus for keeping everything running smoothly.
We begin with a look at the season’s finest treats. Christmas cookies are an important part of the holiday scene. Whether it’s a plate of cookies left for Santa or gingerbread ornaments adorning your tree, cookies have a special place in the traditions of the holiday. We start you off with a look at some simple recipes and tips in the Kitchen Focus column. You’ll learn how you can make homemade cookies a special gift without having to spend all your time in the kitchen. And, of course, we’re asking you to share your favorite cookies – and hopefully the recipes too – in the Seasoned Opinions column. If cookies aren’t your cup of tea, try the individual fruit crisps that are featured in this month’s Happy Endings column. In addition to a great starter recipe, there are hints and tips about how to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. What a great gift!
And, if you’re looking for something wonderful to wash those treats down with, look no further than our special feature that’s all about hot toddies and how to make them. Holiday Spirits will have you celebrating the season in no time with time honored traditional beverages that will warm you heart and soul.
Of course, there’s more to the holiday season than sweets! Look to Phil’s International Flair for an elegant oyster recipe. With Christmas and New Year’s Day just around the corner, oysters with a creamy béarnaise sauce will have you wishing that this festive time of the year lasted just a bit longer. And, if you are looking for another way to celebrate without the traditional turkey or ham, look to the Ingredient SpotLight and a recipe featuring beef tenderloin. Of course, the holidays also bring a bit of stress to even the most organized among us. To help keep stress at bay, the Rush Hour column offers a toss together stew that can be made in your slow cooker. A meal of hearty stew that cooks itself while you are able to do something else? Boy, this issue is full of gifts!
There's a lot more to enjoy in this month's issue of Seasoned Cooking -- from a look back at previous Christmas articles to a fun pumpkin French toast recipe that fits nicely into the holiday season. Enjoy and here's to a seasoned lifestyle.
