Make-Ahead Recipes
Root Beer Float Cookies
Extra points for creativity, root beer fans far and wide will appreciate the addition of this gem to a holiday cookie platter. And don’t forget Christmas in July! As many great recipes start, Tricia Trainer discovered her winning root beer float cookies accidentally. She spied them on a holiday cookie plate, thinking they were molasses…
Swedish Cookies
This classic slice and bake cookie is easy to make and tastes similar to a pecan sandie. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. When I first baked this recipe for Swedish cookies, I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to get. As with many recipes that have endured for generations, the baker…
Holiday Raspberry Chocolate Bars
Easy to make, pretty in color, and customizable with different jams, these festive bars are an easy holiday win! A lovely balance of sweet, tart, and a little crunchy, this easy bar cookie recipe is truly a winner. In fact, the festive bars were one of eight winning recipes in the 2024 Fig holiday cookie…
Slovak Kolache (Cold Doughs)
Think of these cookies as a smaller version of a danish, with a heavenly cream cheese pastry and dollop of your favorite jam. Until recently, I had never heard of a kolache. For those who may be in a similar boat, kolache (pronounced kuh-‘laa-chee) comes from the Czech and Slovak word koláčky, meaning little cake…
Ginger Snaps
Chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, this perfectly spiced ginger snap cookie recipe has stood the test of time and is a welcome addition to any cookie platter! One bite of Ed Mills’ ginger snap cookies took me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The warm, spiced aroma and flavor to match.…
Fig Holiday Cookie Recipe Contest
Judging Fig magazine’s 2024 holiday cookie contest was a sweet job, and I’m delighted to share the winning recipes, which are endlessly creative and oh-so delicious! Counters covered in flour and sugar, the sink full of mixing bowls and spatulas, and the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from a hot oven—these are the…
Kitchen Sink Breakfast Cookies
A hearty, wholesome combination of odds and ends you likely have on hand, these one-bowl cookies are worth waking up for! (gluten-free and vegan optional) When I first started making these cookies, my boys were little and there wasn’t much my younger son would eat. The only thing he wanted was milk, and he would…
Lavender Syrup
Lavender Syrup is simple to make and adds a sweet, floral note to hot and iced coffee and tea, lattes, lemonade, cocktails, desserts, and more. A clever trick makes the syrup a pretty shade of purple! The first time I had a lavender latte, I didn’t finish it. Despite rave reviews from friends who claimed…
Apple Cake
No frosting is needed for this rustic cake that is studded with tender apples and comes together in a single bowl with pantry staples. Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce. (Or my favorite, salted caramel ice cream!) My grandmother’s apple cake brings back so many memories. Economical and…
Mix and Match Trail Mix
A wholesome trail mix is easy to make and offers much room for variation, from basic nuts and dried fruit to an assortment of delicious extras. Recipe includes our favorite combinations! I love nuts of all kinds. Their crunch is appealing, and the balance of fats and protein makes them an especially satiating snack. As a…
Fall Slaw
A bag of slaw mix offers a convenient shortcut in this crisp, wholesome, seasonal salad. The easy vinaigrette is loaded with flavor and can be used in a variety of other salads. Not many recipes have extended runs on the weekly dinner rotation in our house. The continual need to develop new recipes means the…
Pickle Sushi
With just three basic ingredients (and no raw fish!) pickle sushi makes a delicious snack, appetizer, or lunch box addition. A fun kitchen project for kids too! When teaching kids cooking classes, I’ve found it helpful to start with recipes that are easy to pull off but offer a little wow factor. My goal is…
