Holidays recipes

Chocolate fruitcake: cocoa-cream cheese batter studded with candied cherries, golden raisins, pecans and a hint of brandy and rum. The fruitcake for people who don't think they like fruitcake.

Great for using up turkey left overs after a Holiday feast. The fruit, nuts and seasonings give the salad a unique flavor.

Holiday Bavarian pie layers a rum-spiked custard, whipped egg whites, and heavy cream into a chilled, no-bake filling. Topped with shaved chocolate or grenadine, it's a make-ahead showpiece for festive tables.

Holiday harlequin fudge stacks dark chocolate-walnut over white chocolate-cherry in one loaf pan. A two-toned, brandy-laced Christmas fudge for cookie trays and tins.

Gingered holiday chutney simmers Anjou pears, red and green bell peppers, lemon, lime and crystallized ginger in a brown sugar vinegar syrup. A sweet-tangy condiment for cheese boards, ham, turkey or roasted pork.

Rich chocolate fudge cake with instant coffee and sour cream, topped with a glossy fudge nut glaze. A single-layer showstopper for holiday dessert tables.

Old-fashioned date and nut drop cookies spiced with cinnamon and cloves, made with egg yolks and buttermilk. A chewy, fruit-studded holiday cookie with a nostalgic name.

Anise holiday spice cookies with anise, lemon, and vanilla extracts plus a peppery warm spice blend of nutmeg, cloves, and mace. The grown-up Christmas cookie that tastes like a German bakery in December.

Holiday brunch egg casserole loaded with diced ham, Monterey Jack, cottage cheese, and green chiles. A make-ahead crowd-feeder that bakes up puffy and golden for Christmas morning.

Don't bother reaching for the tea bags, enjoy this great holiday drink on a cold winter day.

Holiday eggnog pie with a creamy vanilla-eggnog-rum filling set in a baked pie shell, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. A no-fuss Christmas dessert using pudding mix as a shortcut.

My mother makes this Cardamom bread every Christmas morning. It's a real treat.

Moist holiday turkey with an orange juice butter baste and a salt-rubbed cavity that locks in juices. A simple roasting method for a juicy, golden-skinned whole turkey.

A cozy turkey and biscuit bake: leftover turkey in a creamy sauce with peppers, mushrooms and spinach, ringed with homemade garlic biscuits and baked golden. A holiday leftover rescue.

Holiday fruit bars: a brown sugar shortbread crust topped with a chewy raisin, candied cherry, and lemon-zest filling. Cookie-tin classic for Christmas and gift trays.

Shrimp Newburg in a creamy white wine and sherry sauce with turmeric, green peas, and heavy cream. An elegant holiday entree served over rice or noodles.