Q: My Puerto Rican mother has been cooking Christmas Eve dinner for my Italian father's family since the '90s. The problem: they only eat pasta or plainly-seasoned meat, which creates some creative roadblocks for my mother. Any ideas for dishes to serve to a large, picky Italian crowd?!

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Q: My boyfriend and I want to have a nice Christmas dinner celebration before we both go off to our respective hometowns for the holiday, but a traditional dinner entails a lot of food that the two of us can't possibly finish. Any suggestions for a holiday dinner menu for two? More

This past week was a rainy, gray one in Seattle and I had a little time to sneak away and do some holiday baking. I find the afternoons are the best time for me to tackle a recipe—mornings are often busy with writing tasks and evenings are filled with social obligations. And on those afternoons, it's nice to take it slow and enjoy a warm, festive beverage while baking. You often read about wine and food pairings, but what about cookie and warm beverage pairings? More

This holiday my loved ones will receive goats, honeybees, and community gardens – not literally, but in the form of symbolic gifts that help people truly in need. If you, too, are looking for a gift for someone who has everything, or a unique way to nourish individuals, families, and communities, check out these Rescue Gifts from the International Rescue Committee. 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

Are you feeling the holiday rush yet? If you've had enough, knock a few holiday cookies off your list without even turning on your oven. Check out these cool no-bake ideas! More

Q: I'd love to make cookies or other edible gifts for my kids' teachers, but heard that many teachers may just prefer gift cards. Any teachers reading The Kitchn? What would you like for holiday gifts?

Sent by M 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

There are all sorts of wine lovers out there, from the casual sipper to the cork dork to the serious collector. Wondering what to buy your wine-loving friends and family? Read on for some great gift ideas. More

Thinking of sharing the bounty from your holiday cookie baking marathons with friends far and wide? Make sure those tasty cookies of yours arrive with nary a crumb out of place. Here are some tips for packing up your cookies and sharing the sugary joy.


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