7 nichol recipes

Thin-pounded beef tenderloin steaks, pan-seared golden and draped in a flambéed brandy sauce with mushrooms, shallots, and Dijon. A classic bistro showstopper in just 25 minutes.

Greek souvlaki with lamb or pork marinated overnight in olive oil, lemon, white wine, garlic, and oregano then grilled on skewers. Includes a smart make-ahead method for parties.

Nicole's cheesecake features a sugar-cookie crumb crust, a cornstarch-stabilized cream cheese filling, and a sprinkle of crumbs on top. A quick 1-hour square cheesecake, no water bath needed.

St. Nicholas cookies are buttery, spiced Dutch-style holiday cookies loaded with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and chopped almonds. Slice-and-bake or press into carved wooden molds.

Baked lamb shanks braised in tomato sauce with oregano, onion, and parsley. Slow-roasted until the meat falls off the bone in a simple, Greek-style tomato braise.

Old-fashioned lemon meringue pie with a cornstarch-thickened filling, real lemon juice and zest, and a golden billowy meringue topping. Tart, sweet, and absolutely classic.

Traditionally baked during 'Sinterklaas', a feast on 5 December (6 December in Belgium and Germany) on which little children receive gifts from the holy St. Nicholas, the partial inspiration for Santa Claus. In Germany, Pfeffernüsse are traditionally made during the Christmas season.