This bark makes a lovely holiday gift from the kitchen. Fill a plate or cup with candy, then gather up clear cellophane around it and tie with red and green ribbons. —Susan Wacek, Pleasanton, California
While the buttery, maple-scented filling is inspired by classic pecan pie, we swap in toasted walnuts and add chopped fresh cranberries for a beautiful pop of color and tart flavor contrast that cuts the sweetness.
Ancho chile powder, made from dried poblano peppers, adds a mild heat, which is mellowed by the sweetness of the preserves in the glaze. Serve this dish with smashed red potatoes.
Elevate simple cranberry sauce from holiday table condiment to life of the party by pairing it with Cabot cheddar cheese in this recipe for cranberry cheddar pita bites.
Pumpkin and cranberry really say holiday in these moist, spiced-filled doughnuts. They are so good…try not to eat them all in one sitting. —Carolyn Cope, Allston, Maryland
