Issue 78
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Table of Contents
From Our Readers: Tips and Timesavers4
Online Extras
Pfeffernüsse
Ingredients
1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1⁄4 tsp. baking soda
1⁄4 tsp. <em>each</em> ground black pepper, ground clove, ground nutmeg, ground allspice
1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1⁄4 cup molasses
1 Tbsp. water
1⁄4 cup ground pecans
Directions
Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and spices; set aside.
Beat butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Beat in brown sugar and granulated sugar, creaming until smooth.
Beat in egg yolk, molasses, and water; beat smooth.
Gradually beat in flour mixture and pecans; batter will be thick. Working on a lightly floured surface with a small amount of dough at a time (about 2 Tbsp.), roll dough into a pencil shape. Using floured kitchen shears, snip dough into1/8- to 1/4-inch pieces onto a greased baking sheet. Bake cookies in a 350° oven until brown and crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
Per 6 cookies: 19 calories; 1g total fat; 3g carb.; 4mg sodium; 3 cholesterol; 2 sugars
Wake up with Coffee Cake6
Gifts for coffee lovers, and all about coffee beans.
Cuisine Notes: Q & A8
A look at different types of flour, Mexican vs. Spanish chorizo, salted vs. unsalted butter, how confectioner's sugar got its name - and more.
Pomegranates10
Only available for a few months during the year, these culinary jewels sparkle in holiday recipes.
Holiday Chowder12
We offer a lightened classic soup, homemade crackers that are great for munching, and a spicy seasonal trifle for dessert.
Whole-Wheat Oyster Crackers14
Gingerbread Trifles with lemon curd & grapes15
Survival Guide to Holiday Drinks16
Try our slimmed-down version of a party-season favorite.
Holiday Dinner - Turkey or Beef?18
Whether you prefer turkey or a standing rib roast, you'll love our show-off versions of these classic holiday entrées - and our easy gravy made without drippings.
Rosemary Butter-Basted Turkey Breast20
Rosemary Butter-Basted Turkey Breast with apple, sweet butternut squash & chard
Salt-Crusted Standing Rib Roast22
The Sides Make the Feast24
Maple Syrup Sweet Potatoes26
Brussels Sprouts au Gratin27
Brandied Carrots & Parsnips, Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes28
Scalloped Corn New Orleans-Style30
Simply Italian32
Belgian Endive Salad with sweet pepper vinaigrette34
Salted Caramel Tart35
Little Bites, Big Flavor36
You might not want to wait for a party to share these showy, delicious little morsels with everyone you know. Best of all, each one can be made ahead.
Salmon Mille-Feuille38
Crab and Polenta Bruschetta39
Potted Shrimp with tomatoes & herbs40
Mexican Parfaits with crispy tortilla strips41
Chocolate-Pomegranate Cakes42
Cheesecake or Pecan Pie?44
Craving two desserts? One bite of this elegant sweet will solve the problem, but you still may want to eat two slices.
Tamales at Home46
We show you everything you need to know to make this delicious Latin American holiday classic. Feliz Navidad!
Online Extras
Mexican Chorizo Filling
This recipe makes a great filling but can also be used for a Latin hash or even breakfast sausage.
Ingredients
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. brown sugar
1⁄2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1⁄4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1⁄4 tsp. ground clove
1 lb. ground pork
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Combine chili powder, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, brown sugar, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl. Add pork and vinegar; blend mixture until combined.
Sauté sausage mixture in oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until browned, 8–10 minutes. Chill filling until ready to fill tamales.
Per 1/4 lb.: 349 calories; 9g saturated fat; 28g total fat; 3g carb.; 545mg sodium; 1g fiber; 19g protein; 82 cholesterol; 1 sugars
New Mexico's Cookie 50
A spicy little sweet to enliven any holiday cookie tray.