Q: I’m in charge of dessert for an annual family Christmas party and need to serve two dozen people. No dietary restrictions; chocolate is loved by all but it doesn’t need to be the main ingredient. I want to do something a little more special than cookies or bars.
Sent by Sally
• $4 to $20
“You are unbeatable.” “Much apeachiated!” “Eternally grapeful.” These cute food-themed cards come with a gift: a recipe on the back. They’re just right for post-holiday thank you notes, and they come either singly or in a collected box.
4.32 / 5 Stars | 64 Reviews
by Komal
“Tender cooked chickpeas are simmered lightly with tomatoes, lemon juice and onions in a spicy blend of toasted cumin seeds, chili powder and lemon pepper. Served warm, this makes a deliciously fragrant appetizer.”
My family has a tradition of seeing a movie together in the week leading up to Christmas, and usually there’s much discussion beforehand, with arguments and advocates for certain films. But the last two years haven’t been contentious: we all knew we’d see The Hobbit, conveniently broken into (bombastic) pieces as it was.
And last year, as I was on Christmas Eve dinner duty, I thought I’d cook up a surprise after our movie experience: a full hobbit dinner! Here’s what I made, in case you might be inspired to do something similar after the final chapter of the trilogy.
It’s the longest night of the year tonight but darkness isn’t something to fear or avoid. I like to think of this night as the coziest night of the year, one where I light a lot of candles and don’t hesitate to turn up the heat a little. It’s a night to invite friends over for a cup of something hot and boozy and wear a pretty cashmere sweater, even if it isn’t a fancy gathering.
4.31 / 5 Stars | 277 Reviews
by Michele O’Sullivan
“Cumin and lime juice add a real zing to these chips, and they’re best when served warm.”
