Classic peanut butter cookies are decorated with white candy melts, marshmallow slices, mini chocolate chips, peanut butter cup hats, and colorful sprinkles to look like adorable melted snowmen. These playful, whimsical cookies are a guaranteed hit at holiday cookie swaps and a fun baking project for kids and adults alike.

Spaghetti tossed with Italian olive oil-packed tuna, tomato bruschetta topping, briny capers, and a kick of red pepper flakes. A pantry-friendly Italian classic that makes a satisfying solo dinner in under twenty minutes.

Oatmeal-raisin cookies made with rendered chicken fat (schmaltz) and butter are spiced with cinnamon and cloves, then chilled for at least an hour before baking to produce an exceptionally chewy, rich texture. These unexpected cookies showcase how schmaltz adds a savory depth that elevates a familiar classic into something wholly original.

Delicate branzino fillets baked and topped with a bright citrus gremolata of lemon, orange, and fresh herbs. An elegant, light main course worthy of a French chef guest.

A puffy, golden oven-baked pancake risen in a preheated cast-iron skillet, served with a vibrant strained raspberry-orange sauce. A dramatic yet effortless breakfast-for-dinner that is just the thing after a long day of travel.

Tamarind paste, tejocotes, piloncillo, guavas, oranges, pears, prunes, raisins, cinnamon sticks, and cloves are simmered together into a fragrant, fruity punch with an optional splash of rum or brandy. This traditional Mexican Christmas punch fills the house with warm spice aromas and brings authentic holiday spirit to any festive gathering.

Val and Sophie's easy to make guacamole recipe.

A tender food processor crust made with lard and butter cradles Granny Smith apples spiced with brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg under a woven lattice top, served with dollops of mascarpone whipped cream. This heirloom family recipe is the definitive all-American apple pie, with a flaky, old-fashioned crust and a filling that honors tradition in every spiced, buttery bite.

Thin zucchini slices are blanched until pliable, rolled around a ricotta-herb-mozzarella filling, nestled into marinara sauce, and baked at 400°F until bubbly. These elegant vegetable rolls offer all the comfort of traditional rollatini while keeping things lighter with zucchini standing in for pasta.

A four-layer cake made with grated zucchini, brown sugar, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is frosted between the layers only with a ginger cream cheese frosting studded with crystallized ginger. This striking naked cake puts a bold, spicy twist on the classic zucchini cake, letting the rustic layers and pops of candied ginger take center stage.