How do you know it’s the holidays in your home? The cinnamon-ginger smell of fresh baked cookies float from the kitchen throughout, drawing family members near for some midday snacking before the annual feast. By rule of thumb you must wait until the cookies are completely cooled before eating, but who can resist chewy coconut macaroons and snowball bites waiting to be devoured still warm and gooey?
Don’t limit yourself to the traditional holiday cookies when it’s your turn to show off your flour and sugar handy work. Incorporate traditional ingredients into not-so-traditional recipes and spice up the dessert tray. Peppermint crescent cookies have an extra kick as the first bite reveals the secret powdery almond cookie. Make your own turtles with mixed nuts and rich globs of chocolate poured over shortbread cookies. And no one will suspect a thin layer of caramel under the chocolate, but everyone will enjoy it. Make holiday cooking a family event and enjoy the fruits—or chocolates—of your labor. •
