Holidays recipes

This recipe, though fussy to make, is attractive and tasty. Cheryl Kaufenberg of Darien said it came from a very old Better Homes & Gardens magazine

Jewish rugelach with a flaky cottage cheese dough, apricot jam, cinnamon-sugar, walnuts, and currants rolled into golden crescents. A holiday cookie jar essential for Hanukkah or Christmas.

Rugelach four ways: a single cream cheese pastry dough turned into raspberry-almond crescents, layered chocolate-pecan squares, apricot pockets and honey-pecan triangles. Holiday cookie tray showstopper.

A vegan butternut squash pie with soy milk and agar flakes, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, garnished with pecans and a barley malt glaze. An egg-free and dairy-free twist on the classic holiday pie.

Fermented black beans can be found at Asian markets; but if unavailable, you can substitute prepared black bean sauce.

Made with ground beef, pine nuts, almonds and chestnuts, this stuffing is perfect for any holiday you celebrate!

A no-bake chocolate hazelnut cheesecake: a buttery cookie crumb base under a creamy, gelatin-set filling swirled with choc-hazelnut spread and cookie pieces, dusted with cocoa. No oven required, just chill and serve.

Containing candied fruit and topped off with frosting, this bread is perfect as a small snack after dinner.

Experimentation led Mary Ann Zarczynski of Franklin to create this recipe, which she described as "very rich and delicious."

Lighter cranberry apple cookies made with egg whites and skim milk, loaded with fresh fruit, cinnamon, and orange zest. A guilt-free holiday cookie that yields 2 dozen.

Baked curried fruit casserole with pears, peaches, pineapple, apricots, and cherries layered with slivered almonds in a buttery brown sugar curry glaze. A retro holiday side dish that's best made a day ahead.

Very popular in Asian restaurants, can be used as a appetizer or main dish, both work very well.

San Francisco-style cioppino with clams, lobster, shrimp, and red snapper in a saffron-tomato wine broth with fennel. Italian-American seafood feast.

Ukrainian potato-cheese filling for varenyky made with mashed potatoes, cheddar, bryndzia, and butter-fried onions. A traditional pierogi filling with real depth.

Flaky filo pastry rolled around a rich tomato, mushroom, and roasted cashew filling with red wine and basil. A savory vegetarian strudel that steals the show at Christmas dinner.

Instead of reaching for the margarine, try this sweet butter that is sure to a kick to sandwiches or toast.