Better Homes & Gardens December 2014 Recipes

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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