Q: I'm planning Christmas dinner for a mixed group of vegetarians and meat-eaters. I would like to make one vegetarian main and one meat main (doesn't have to be turkey or poultry) that will go with the same standard Christmas side dishes. Any ideas?

Sent by Alana More

Getting a head start on holiday shopping is one way to ease December stress. Another way is to check your pantry now for holiday baking essentials so you can avoid beginning a recipe and realizing you're out of sprinkles, parchment paper, or your cookie cutters are sub-par. We have a few great tips to get ready for holiday cookies, quick breads, cakes and pies. More

You get two recipes for the price of one today! First we have cashews tossed with brown butter and sage, and then there are cocoa-dusted cashews for those of us with a sweet tooth. Neither recipe takes more than a few minutes to bring together, making this our new favorite snack for holiday get-togethers. More

Holiday gifting is in the air. Store window displays became festive overnight and neighbors are stringing lights. I always spend the week before December thinking through people's gifts, what to buy and what to make. This year, I'm making more gifts than buying and starting early to avoid the accompanying stress. First up: customized tea blends for family and friends! More

One blessing in having such an early Thanksgiving this year is that it gets us into the holiday spirit with a little more time to spare for planning and making gifts. Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's a good time to look ahead to those warm little gifts from the kitchen that are so appreciated by friends, coworkers, teachers, and party hosts. If you're looking for some inspiration for these edible gifts, then we've got you covered. Here are 15 of our all-time most popular homemade gifts, from the best chai mix, to homemade doggie treats, to granola, to beer and pretzel marshmallows. (Yes!) There's a simple, delicious liqueur, and homemade flavored salts. Read on for these and more — each a tasty, simple gift from the kitchen. More

Are you looking for an inexpensive way to box up treats this holiday season? Leave it to Martha Stewart to provide the perfect solution. All you'll need is a craft punch (or some scissors) and a little wax paper. More

Finding affordable, airtight containers to package food gifts in a pretty way is one of the challenges of giving homemade treats. Plain white soup or ice cream containers fit the bill — they're sturdy yet lightweight, and are ready to be decorated however you like. More

Even here in Los Angeles, the evenings are finally chilly enough to warrant a mug of something warm and spiced. I've been dressing up plain apple cider with cranberries, which give this seasonal drink a lovely, rosy tartness. More

The only thing I might like better than brussels sprouts roasted to a crisp are thinly sliced raw brussels sprouts dressed with a bright vinaigrette and toasted nuts. This salad takes a little more time to make than the usual shaved sprouts salad, but the extra work is worth the flavor and texture combination of nutty brown butter vinaigrette, crunchy brussels sprouts, crisp slices of sweet apple and toasted hazelnuts. And unlike most salads, it tastes even better the day after it's made. More

Whether you're planning a low-key holiday meal or sneaking in a midweek dinner date amid other holiday plans, put these tender pork chops glazed with brown sugar on your list. It's one of those dishes that is so easy and so simple, and yet feels like a special feast all its own. More