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  4. Better Homes & Gardens December 2014 Recipes

Better Homes & Gardens December 2014 Recipes

Headshot of Food Editor, Sheena Chihak, RD
By Sheena Chihak, RD February 19, 2016
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The latest recipes from Better Homes and Gardens are a celebration of the season. We pulled together irresistible holiday sweets guaranteed to get you on the nice list, plus five divine cranberry dishes -- no jellied sauce here. Our inventive make-ahead breakfast casseroles include creative flavors like fig and goat cheese, and peanut butter and jam.
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Make the holiday season oh-so-sweet with festive desserts like almond wreath cookies, orange-cream fudge, and reindeer palmiers. These festive recipes make delicious gifts and show-stopping party desserts.

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Winter Wonderland Cake

Winter Wonderland Cake
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Wow your crowd with this pretty-in-pink almond cake. Four frosted layers are topped with a forest of airy meringue trees for a truly unforgettable dessert.

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Hanging Stocking Cookie

Hanging Stocking Cookie
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It wouldn't be Christmas without cookies and milk. These crafty sugar cookies are guaranteed to get you on the nice list.

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Reindeer Palmiers

Reindeer Palmiers
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With a playful nod to everyone's favorite reindeer, these flaky, crispy cookies have just the right amount of sugar and spice.

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Almond Wreath Cookie

Almond Wreath Cookies
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Love marzipan? These cookies are a must -- you'll adore the toasty, nutty flavor. For gorgeous gifting, tie them up with a pretty red ribbon.

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Malted Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Malted Chocolate Whoopie Pies
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Vanilla and chocolate get a remix. Vanilla malted milk powder in the dough pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate ganache filling.

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Coconut Spritz Cookies

Coconut Spritz Cookies
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These rich, crispy spritz cookies get a double dose of coconut flavor. For the ultimate Christmas tree centerpiece, pipe the cookies in circles and stack.

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Cherry-Coconut Angel Rolls

Cherry Coconut Angel Roll
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Plenty of coconut and candied cherries in the filling gives these rolls unmistakably festive color and flavor. Just one buttery bite and you'll know why we call them angel rolls.

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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffle Mice

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Truffle Mice
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Elicit oohs and ahhs from your guests with these cute chocolate mice. Kids (and adults) will love catching these fun sweets.

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Candy Cane Cookie Sleds

Candy Cane Cookie Sleds
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This whimsical table topper adds festive flair to any holiday table and takes just a bit of assembly. We used oversize candy canes and tea biscuits for this version.

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Cranberry Fruit Jellies

Cranberry Fruit Jellies
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Add sparkle to your holiday table with these jewel-tone homemade candies. For effortless entertaining, serve them right from the refrigerator.

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Gingerbread Mug Cake

Gingerbread Mug Cake
Credit: Con Poulos
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This dessert is a cinch to make with the help of your microwave. Even better, microwaving results in an incredibly moist cake because it steams to bake through.

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Candied Cranberries and Cranberry Syrup

Candied Cranberries & Cranberry Syrup
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Crunchy, sweet, tart -- cranberries aren't just for sauce. They're our secret to the ultimate holiday snack mix.

Test Kitchen Tip: Save the syrup from cooking -- it's great in cocktails and drinks.

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Orange-Cream Fudge

Orange Cream Fudge
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We all love chocolate fudge at the holidays, but this orange-and-vanilla sweet is downright irresistible.

Test Kitchen Tip: Be sure to use high-quality white chocolate. It really shines here.

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Puff Pastry Tarts

Puff Pastry Tarts
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Layer upon layer of flaky homemade pastry gets a pretty pocket of jam-filled goodness. We're partial to the star, but these tarts can be cut in any shape you want.

 

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Macadamia Nut Cranberry Shortbread

Macadamia Nut Cranberry Shortbread
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This simple shortbread is buttery and decadent. Cranberries add an unexpected zing while macadamia nuts add crunch.

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White Chocolate Creme Dip

White Chocolate Creme Dip
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We love the combination of melted white chocolate and marshmallow creme. Get creative with your dippers -- our favorites include cookies, crackers, and even spoons.

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Spiced Citrus Cocktail

Spiced Citrus Cocktail
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Layer cranberry and lemon for a beautiful holiday cocktail. Don't forget the gumdrop garnish!

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Marcona Almond Toffee

Marcona Almond Toffee
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Buttery, thick toffee gets a layer of white chocolate and salted nuts for major crunch.

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Cherry-Lime Pistachio Pralines

Cherry-Lime Pistachio Pralines
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Pistachios and fresh lime zest give these nostalgic pralines a wonderfully unique taste and texture. The star ingredient here, though, is fruity cherry oil.

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Polka-Dot Cheesecake Sandwich Bars

Polka-Dot Cheesecake Sandwich Bars
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Spoonfuls of sweet jam give this silky cheesecake its playful spots. The double graham cracker crust makes it a handy treat.

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Honey-Vanilla Cream Puffs

Honey Vanilla Cream Puffs
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There's plenty to love about these airy cream puffs. In our opinion, nothing beats classic whipped cream filing -- but try jam and chocolate, too!

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Wine-Poached Pears

Wine Poached Pears
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Highlight the season's best produce by poaching pears in wine and spices. Our secret to presenting these pretty pears? Serve them in a quick sauce made from melted vanilla ice cream.

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102334562- casseroles-sq

No pancakes allowed! Spend your Christmas morning with your family instead of at the stove! Treat your holiday house guests to these make-ahead casseroles and enjoy a leisurely homemade brunch.

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Ham and Cheese Brunch Casserole

Ham and Cheese Brunch Casserole
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This melty casserole starts with ham and cheese sandwiches. A slathering of sweet pepper jelly cuts through the richness.

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Peanut Butter-Berry Brunch Casserole

Peanut Butter-Berry Brunch Casserole
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Everyone's favorite brown bag lunch is reimagined for breakfast. Bites of peanut butter, cream cheese, and jam are made even better with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.

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Fig, Pancetta, and Goat Cheese Brunch Casserole

Fig, Pancetta, Goat Cheese Brunch Casserole
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This is no ordinary breakfast casserole. A few elegant ingredients rise and shine in this company-worthy brunch bake.

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Kale, Chorizo, and Red Bean Brunch Casserole

Kale, Chorizo, and Red Bean Brunch Casserole
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Part breakfast, part lunch, this hearty casserole will keep you full and satisfied. A mix of kale, red beans, and flavor-boosting chorizo jump starts the day.

 

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102334564-cranberry-sq.jpg

There's more to cranberries than sauce. Discover the sweet, tart versatility of winter's favorite fruit with these savory dinner recipes.

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Cranberry Borscht

Cranberry Borscht
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Think of borscht as a cold soup? Our winter-weather version is served steaming hot with the comforting flavors of cranberries, bay leaf, and horseradish.

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Cranberry-Orange Chutney

Cranberry-Orange Chutney
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This zesty chutney is perfect for topping fish, chicken, and pork. Cooking the fruit in bacon drippings gives this sauce rich, savory flavor.

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Cranberry and Sage Squash Casserole

Cranberry and Sage Squash
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This vegetarian dish is loaded with the flavors of sage, cranberries, and blue cheese. Simply layer and bake until it's cheesy, brown, and bubbly.

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Cranberry-Pistachio Meat Loaf

Cranberry Pistachio Meatloaf
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Give your meat loaf the seasonal treatment. The flavors of cranberry, curry, and pistachios ensure this familiar dinner dish is anything but expected.

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Short Ribs and Cranberry Gravy

Short Ribs & Cranberry Gravy
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These sweet and savory short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. Even better, the whole meal comes together in just one pot.

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This Hanukkah, set the table with traditional holiday dishes. Every dish here is classic but with a modern twist.

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Beef Brisket with Dried Fruit

Beef Brisket with Dried Fruit
Credit: Andy Lyons Cameraworks, LTD
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The secret to great brisket? Don't rush it! The meat needs to cook slowly until it's incredibly tender and flavorful.

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Arugula Fennel Salad

Arugula Fennel Salad
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We love the way peppery arugula and sweet pineapple play together in this light salad. Thinly sliced fennel adds crunch.

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Jerusalem Noodle Kugel

Jerusalem Noodle Kugel
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An updated take on classic kugel, this version starts with vermicelli noodles and gets heat from cracked black pepper. We like to serve it sliced in big wedges and topped with parsley.

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Blood Orange Toddy

Blood Orange Toddy
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Toast the season with this warm and wonderful party drink. Keep the winter chill at bay with spicy cinnamon and sweet orange.

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By Sheena Chihak, RD

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 39
    2 of 39 Winter Wonderland Cake
    3 of 39 Hanging Stocking Cookie
    4 of 39 Reindeer Palmiers
    5 of 39 Almond Wreath Cookie
    6 of 39 Malted Chocolate Whoopie Pies
    7 of 39 Coconut Spritz Cookies
    8 of 39 Cherry-Coconut Angel Rolls
    9 of 39 Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffle Mice
    10 of 39 Candy Cane Cookie Sleds
    11 of 39 Cranberry Fruit Jellies
    12 of 39 Gingerbread Mug Cake
    13 of 39 Candied Cranberries and Cranberry Syrup
    14 of 39 Orange-Cream Fudge
    15 of 39 Puff Pastry Tarts
    16 of 39 Macadamia Nut Cranberry Shortbread
    17 of 39 White Chocolate Creme Dip
    18 of 39 Spiced Citrus Cocktail
    19 of 39 Marcona Almond Toffee
    20 of 39 Cherry-Lime Pistachio Pralines
    21 of 39 Polka-Dot Cheesecake Sandwich Bars
    22 of 39 Honey-Vanilla Cream Puffs
    23 of 39 Wine-Poached Pears
    24 of 39
    25 of 39 Ham and Cheese Brunch Casserole
    26 of 39 Peanut Butter-Berry Brunch Casserole
    27 of 39 Fig, Pancetta, and Goat Cheese Brunch Casserole
    28 of 39 Kale, Chorizo, and Red Bean Brunch Casserole
    29 of 39
    30 of 39 Cranberry Borscht
    31 of 39 Cranberry-Orange Chutney
    32 of 39 Cranberry and Sage Squash Casserole
    33 of 39 Cranberry-Pistachio Meat Loaf
    34 of 39 Short Ribs and Cranberry Gravy
    35 of 39
    36 of 39 Beef Brisket with Dried Fruit
    37 of 39 Arugula Fennel Salad
    38 of 39 Jerusalem Noodle Kugel
    39 of 39 Blood Orange Toddy

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