It is easy to see why cooks love breakfast casseroles. They can be made ahead. They are hearty and satisfying. They handily serve a group. It's the name that trips us up. People are leery of casseroles, which is why I prefer to call this, my signature crowd-pleasing brunch bake, a savory bread pudding.

A casserole by any other name is swell to eat. More

These are inspired by what my Southern grandmother called "stickies." She would pat out her homemade buttermilk biscuit dough into a rectangle, top it with soft butter and cinnamon-sugar, roll it up into a log, cut it into rounds, and nestle them into a cake pan. Delicious for sure, but some cooks — even accomplished ones — can feel a little intimidated about making homemade biscuits. This short-cut version is equally divine, but really easy. If you can stir up a cake mix, you can make these sticky buns. More

Creamed spinach is a classic, decadent side dish, but it also makes a fine nest for baked eggs. Despite its name, cream weighs down the spinach, so half-and-half or whole milk is a better choice. On the other hand, skim milk is puny, meager, and inadequate. Starting with fresh spinach requires an extra prep step, but the flavor and texture are so superior to frozen spinach that it's worth it. (You can make the creamed spinach the night before!) More

Once you catch the baking bug, there's no going back. First, you set yourself the goal of mastering basic sandwich bread. Next thing you know, you're flipping out tarte tatins and making batches of fresh pão de queijo at a Brazilian-themed dinner party. Whether you've already got the bug or are hoping to catch it, this round-up of our very best basic baking lessons from the past year is the place to start. More

When thinking about giving holiday cookies as gifts this year, there are always a few major considerations. First and foremost, are they delicious? Second, will they keep until the recipient receives them? Last, are they shippable? The winner in all three of these categories is the humble yet delicious biscotti. More

Baking cookies without butter, eggs or dairy isn't as challenging as it seems, especially with the help of these inventive and seasonal recipes from some of our favorite bloggers. From eggnog cheesecake thumbprints to no-bake peppermint patty bars, these cookies capture the festive flavors of the season while also being completely vegan. More

We couldn't be more thrilled about the holiday baking season. And when it comes right down to it, chocolate rules. More

Oh, how I love the subtle sweetness of shortbread mixed with fresh herbs. I am sure to have an herb-scented shortbread on my cookie tray every holiday season, and it all started with one: More

It isn't hard to convince kids to join in the fun of making holiday cookies. After all, the reward is dozens and dozens of cookies, as well as a bonanza of icing, frosting or powdered sugar to decorate them. But not every cookie recipe is a good choice for children; some are too fussy, others combine flavors most kids won't appreciate. These 10 recipes use kid-friendly flavors, include interactive steps that are fun for little hands — chocolate-dipping! sugar-dusting! — and don't require any special techniques. More

Shortbread is a classic holiday cookie for many, and it's one that we make each year in our house. While I tend to stick pretty closely to a classic version, I've started to add small and subtle mix-ins this year to make for a more festive, interesting cookie and one that stands apart from the rest. Here are a few ideas... More