Better Homes & Gardens December 2009 Recipes

Check out our latest recipes from Better Homes and Gardens magazine: holiday recipes, Christmas cookies, Scott Peacock's classic oyster stew, and more.

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Icicles and Snowballs Cookie

This artful cookie, pictured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens' December issue, combines two recipes. Strawberry-flavored shortbread, cut into free-form diamonds using the short edge of a rectangular tart pan, is topped with lemony snowball cookies.

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Strawberry Shortbread Icicles

Strawberry preserves and pink peppercorns (from penzeys.com)add zing to typically subdued shortbread.

See Strawberry Shortbread Icicles recipe

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Lemon-Ginger Snowballs

Tea provides just the right mix of bright flavor and spice in these festive cookies. They're rolled in coconut or white nonpareils for a festive touch.

See Lemon-Ginger Snowballs recipe

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Chocolate-Raspberry Tassies

The rich, gooey filling in these tarts has a hit of raspberry liqueur.

See Chocolate-Raspberry Tassies recipe

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Vanilla and Chocolate Santa's Sandwiches

These delicate cookie sandwiches feature a raspberry-cream filling.

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Christmas Brownies

These dense chocolate brownies are filled with chopped chocolate pieces and sweet candied cherries.

See Christmas Brownies recipe

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Christmas Blondies

Fruitcake ingredients -- brandy, candied cherries, and walnuts -- fill these bar cookies.

See Christmas Blondies recipe

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Vanilla and Mocha Angel Wings

These buttery, powdered sugar-dusted crescents feature delicate vanilla flavor.

See Vanilla and Mocha Angel Wings recipe

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Roast Loin of Pork Stuffed with Dried Apricots and Plums

For a festive take on a traditional holiday main course, cookbook author Diane Morgan fills her pork roast with dried apricots and plums.

See Roast Loin of Pork Stuffed with Dried Apricots and Plums

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Spinach, Pear & Shaved Parmesan Salad

Cookbook author Diane Morgan adds zip to her pretty holiday salad with a simple, yet irresistible, mustard vinaigrette.

See Spinach, Pear & Shaved Parmesan Salad recipe

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Thyme Potatoes au Gratin

Fresh herbs, unexpected spices, and a tomato-Parmesan topping put a fresh twist on classic potatoes au gratin. "I assemble this dish the day before, cover and refrigerate it, then let it stand 20 minutes at room temperature," says cookbook author Diane Morgan.

See Thyme Potatoes au Gratin recipe

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Sauteed Green Beans with Shallot Crisps

For a new twist on a classic holiday side dish, cookbook author Diane Morgan tops fresh green beans with crisp shallots and onions.

See Sauteed Green Beans with Shallot Crisps recipe

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Eggnog Cheesecake with Candied Kumquats

This rich holiday cheesecake is flavored with eggnog, bourbon, dark rum, and brandy. Cookbook author Diane Morgan adds sugared kumquats for a dazzling garnish.

See Eggnog Cheesecake with Candied Kumquats recipe

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Savory Focaccia Pie

For a speedy and budget-friendly dinner, top focaccia with tomatoes, Italian sausage, baby spinach, and tangy feta cheese.

See Savory Focaccia Pie recipe

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Papaya & Coconut Chicken Salad

Coconut-crusted chicken tops fresh greens, papaya, and blueberries. A homemade vinaigrette adds a spicy-sweet kick.

See Papaya & Coconut Chicken Salad recipe

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Cowboy Steak Tacos

Soft tortillas are filled with steak smothered in a spicy sauce, corn relish, cilantro, onion, and sweet pepper.

See Cowboy Steak Tacos recipe

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Ginger Shrimp & Rice

This Asian-inspired shrimp and rice dish is topped with an irresistible mango chutney and green onions.

See Ginger Shrimp & Rice recipe

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Circles & Squares Vegetable Pasta Soup

Suppertime staples, such as frozen hash browns, canned tomatoes, and frozen veggies, make this satisfying soup a cinch to prepare.

See Circles & Squares Vegetable Pasta Soup recipe

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Cappuccino Pot Roast

Sandra Lee gives pot roast a holiday-worthy twist with a sprinkling of gremolata, a bright and flavorful combination of lemon peel, parsley, and garlic. Cappuccino cups are a clever alternative to bowls.

See Cappuccino Pot Roast recipe

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Creamy Potato Soup

Gruyere adds richness and earthiness to this creamy potato soup. Fresh herbs and a slice of Swiss cheese make a tasty garnish.

See Creamy Potato Soup recipe

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Sonoma Toast

Melted cheese, juicy tomato, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of olive oli top toasted sourdough bread.

See Sonoma Toast recipe

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Pear and Walnut Salad

Fresh pear slices are topped with tangy blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and a zingy pear liqueur-mustard dressing.

See Pear and Walnut Salad recipe

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Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

We've combined two holiday favorites, and added a cinnamon-spiced vanilla glaze, for a cozy breakfast treat your holiday guests will love.

See Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls recipe

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Avocado Pesto-Stuffed Tomatoes

Fresh cherry tomatoes are filled with a flavorful mixture of avocado, cream cheese, and pesto for a delicious, bite-sized appetizer.

See Avocado Pesto-Stuffed Tomatoes recipe

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Bacon-Peach Pinwheels

A mixture of crisp bacon, sauteed onion, peach preserves, and pecans baked into refrigerated crescent dough create a scrumptious dinner side.

See Bacon-Peach Pinwheels recipe

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

Coffee adds depth to the homemade frosting that tops these peanut butter bar cookies.

See Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars recipe

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American Classics: Oyster Stew

Chef Scott Peacock makes this classic winter favorite shine with plump oysters and a creamy broth.

See Classic Oyster Stew recipe

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Better Homes & Gardens December 2009 Recipes

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Icicles and Snowballs Cookie

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Strawberry Shortbread Icicles

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Lemon-Ginger Snowballs

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Chocolate-Raspberry Tassies

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Vanilla and Chocolate Santa's Sandwiches

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Christmas Brownies

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Christmas Blondies

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Vanilla and Mocha Angel Wings

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Roast Loin of Pork Stuffed with Dried Apricots and Plums

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Spinach, Pear & Shaved Parmesan Salad

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Thyme Potatoes au Gratin

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Sauteed Green Beans with Shallot Crisps

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Eggnog Cheesecake with Candied Kumquats

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Savory Focaccia Pie

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Papaya & Coconut Chicken Salad

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Cowboy Steak Tacos

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Ginger Shrimp & Rice

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Circles & Squares Vegetable Pasta Soup

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Cappuccino Pot Roast

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Creamy Potato Soup

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Sonoma Toast

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Pear and Walnut Salad

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Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

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Avocado Pesto-Stuffed Tomatoes

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Bacon-Peach Pinwheels

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars