Our featured recipe, Gingerbread Men Cookies , are as fun to make as they are to eat.  These are perfect for gifting, and as you know, anything home made is always the best gift!

And, speaking of gifts, why not try some of these other cookie recipes - Sugar cookies, Cornflake Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Bars and more - Christmas Cookies Part 2

Chef Mani Niall has a list of recipes that will help with your holiday planning!  Read Mani's article, A few Brunch ideas and One Big Show Stopper , and try some of his recipes, just in time for the holiday.
Almond and Cherry Scones -Use the thin sliced “slivered” almonds for the crunch and dried cherries for their wonderfully sour burst of flavor. Serve with butter and more agave syrup on the side.

Figgy Orange Muffins (an essential whole grain recipe) -Better than figgy pudding. Figs and whole grains are a match made in heaven. Whole grain muffins may dry out quicker, but then you can split them and toast em up with plenty of butter and honey or maple syrup on the side. Yum.

“Burnt Sugar” Caramel Almond Cake -The simple caramel syrup, made with no need for candy thermometers, infuses both the cake and the icing. The crunch of the almonds, ever so slightly tannic, cuts the richnes of the icing nicely. Refrigerate any extra caramel syrup and drizzle it, warmed, over ice cream.

Warm Scallop Salad w/ Bacon, Oranges and Mixed Greens -Okay, this is one of those recipes-you actually have to grate and peel an orange! It will take all of two minutes, and well worth the results. Served warm, along with a pot of rice, makes this a meal.

 Kwanzaa . . . A Lesson Worth Trying by Karen Mitchell-Wilcher -

Kwanzaa keeps the holidays going in a special way. Many African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa during the last week of December. The celebration lasts seven days, December 26 through January 1.  read more... Recipes: Zucchini Bread and Ground Nut Soup

Chef Eddie is busy in the Clabber Girl demonstration kitchen, and new is, the classes at Clabber Girl are growing in strength and numbers!  This month's recipe is from one of his latest classes:  Ciambellone allo Zafferano or  Saffron Ring Cake. 

One of the classes that we just had was a Tuscan Style dinner and while doing the research for the class I discovered a recipe for a great holiday cake. read more...

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Your comments, recipes and cooking tips are welcome as always. Send via e-mail to: pmeeks@clabbergirl.com.

Happy Holidays, and we'll see you next time!