These are the special recipes. The ones that are a little more indulgent, a little more complicated, and a little fancier than the ones we make on an average weeknight. They get an extra splash of cream and a sprinkle of parsley on top. Start planning your next dinner party now because here are our most favorite dishes and small bites for special occasions from this past year. More

Whether your day is starting with a leisurely brunch with friends or a quick grab-and-go on your way out the door, we've got your back when it comes to breakfast. This year, we had indulgent recipes for glazed mini-monkey breads, banana bread pudding, and cheesy breakfast casseroles balanced with oat scones, kale breakfast sandwiches, and fluffy grains with fruit and nuts. Take your pick! There are plenty of ways to start your day off right. More

We are a bunch of eaters on the go — not only during the busy holiday travel season, but also during the rest of the year as we rushing off to classes, meetings, and who knows what else. Our schedules don't have to mean resorting to take-out or scarfing handfuls of trail mix every day. Here are all our best recipes from 2012 that can be made ahead, packed up, and eaten on your schedule. More

We were all about the holiday cookies this week at The Kitchn! We have these festive peppermint cream squares, pink and bright. There were soft gingerbread cake cookies sprinkled with sugar, and vegan, gluten-free coconut snowballs. There were cocoa fritters and rugelach, as well as the most scrumptious toffee-chocolate chip shortbread.

But we didn't neglect dinner. White chicken chil is here for all your winter comfort food needs! Follow it with a rye and ginger hot toddy and you'll be warm, cozy, and well-fed. More

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

Do you have a perfect recipe for cut-out sugar cookies? One that rolls out beautifully and bakes up sturdy yet chewy? What about that killer Nutella cookie recipe — the one that will climb to the top of the cookie exchange? We have these for you today and more — a list of our own very favorite recipes for this high season of holiday cookie baking. More

Don't be deceived by the modest appearance of this eggnog cake. Emma shared a slice with me during a visit this week, and I immediately began plotting seconds. It's creamy and moist inside, with the eggnoggiest of glazes on top — a little nutmeg, a little booze. This is my pick for a new holiday classic.

In addition to that dreamy cake, we had some delicious recipes this week. There was braised chicken in a creamy sauce, over pasta. There was a tutorial on making a picture-perfect loaf of challah bread, and a very pretty relish of pomegranates and olives. There was a lentil pocket recipe for those of you traveling these coming weeks, and a boozed-up peppermint toddy for those of you staying put. Something for everyone! More

With all the holiday hustle and bustle, hangry outbreaks are not uncommon this time of year, much to the chagrin of our significant others. Hangry happens suddenly, unexpectedly, and it won't go away until you do something about it. Fortunately, you can stave off the worst symptoms by making your own personal hangry kit to stash in your purse, messenger bag, or car. More

Got leftover eggnog? Whether it's store-bought or homemade, spiked or vegan, there are so many ways to enjoy its rich, sweet, nutmeg-y flavor. From an eggnog latte to pancake syrup and quick icing, here are (more than) 10 delicious uses. Share your own creative ideas in the comments, too! More