Seasonal Recipes

A cookie swap is one of my favorite December traditions. Everyone bakes one big batch, brings it in a tin, and goes home with a mix of everything. Here are three dependable recipes that travel well, plus a few tips for hosting your own swap. How a Cookie Swap Works Invite 6 to 10 friends and ask each person to bake one kind of cookie. Ask everyone to bring about half a dozen cookies per guest, plus a few extra to sample. Have each baker bring a small card with the cookie name

Simple Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 potatoes, 1 can diced tomatoes, 6 cups broth, thyme, salt and pepper Steps: Chop the vegetables and sauté the onion, carrot and celery in a little oil for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, broth and thyme. Simmer 25 minutes until tender. Season to taste. Cozy Hot Cocoa Ingredients: 2 cups milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, a splash of vanilla, a pinch of salt Steps: Whisk the cocoa, sugar and

Lemon Herb Pasta Ingredients: 8 oz pasta, 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, zest and juice of 1 lemon, fresh parsley or basil, grated Parmesan, peas or asparagus (optional) Steps: Cook the pasta, adding the vegetables for the last 2–3 minutes. Drain, saving a splash of pasta water. Toss with oil, lemon, herbs, cheese and a little pasta water until glossy. Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients: baby spinach, sliced strawberries, a handful of nuts, crumbled feta, balsamic vinaigrette

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta A perfect shareable bite for summer happy hours. Ingredients: 4 ripe tomatoes (diced), 1 garlic clove (minced), fresh basil, olive oil, salt, a sliced baguette Steps: Mix the tomatoes, garlic, chopped basil, a drizzle of oil and salt. Let it sit 10 minutes. Toast the baguette slices. Spoon the tomato mix on top and serve right away. Watermelon Mint Cooler Ingredients: 4 cups cubed watermelon, juice of 1 lime, a few mint leaves, ice, sparkling water (op

Cooking with the seasons is one of my favorite ways to make home feel warm. Each time of year brings its own colors, flavors and little rituals. Here are simple, cozy ideas to try, no fancy equipment needed. The Perfect Mulled Apple Cider A comforting cup for chilly evenings and happy hour gatherings. Ingredients: 1/2 gallon apple cider, 2–3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 4 whole cloves, zest of 1 orange (plus slices to garnish) Steps: Pour the cider into a pot and add the sp