Cuisine at home November/December/January/February 2022

It’s hard to believe the holidays are here, another year is coming to a close, a new one will begin, and winter will descend upon us. After last year, I’m trying not to take anything for granted, so I’m more grateful than ever for all of you and for all of the people I work with. You, our subscribers, make it possible for our small staff to do something we love — churn out issues filled with Test Kitchen-approved recipes, tips and techniques, along with accurate and compelling articles. And this expanded issue is chock-full of all that — inspirational content that allows you to spend time in the kitchen and around the table with those you hold most dear. Sheet pans make an appearance in a few articles (including…

THE BUZZ | WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY COOKIE? Holidays are meant for turning your kitchen into a full-on bakery. And since we love holiday cookies, we thought we’d share our must-have cookies and memories for the season. Share your favorite holiday cookie and memory with us on Facebook or Instagram by using #thebestholidaycookies and don’t forget to tag us @cuisineathome. HOW SWEET IT IS: Holiday Cookies With my maternal grandfather hailing from England and my mom coming from Canada, classic, buttery shortbread cookies have been a part of my holiday traditions my entire life. I distinctly remember leaving plates of cookies for Santa, piled high with shortbreads adorning the top (my grandad ALWAYS squirreled them away!). And as soon as I was old enough, I helped my mom make them, and now, every…

FREEZE TAG I make a lot of candy, especially around the holidays, and Peanut Butter Balls are always requested. I’ve found freezing the peanut butter balls a bit will result in a nicer chocolate coating. First, refrigerate the peanut butter filling, then roll into balls, place on a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet, and freeze for one hour. Then simply remove the balls from the freezer and dip them into melted chocolate for a smooth and pretty finish. ANGIE MATHEWS SABILLASVILLE, MD WINNING TIMESAVERS ZAP IT When I need room temperature butter in a hurry it’s no problem. I place a stick of butter in the microwave on “defrost” for up to 20 seconds, turning it every 5 seconds. The butter softens to perfect consistency every time. DANIELLE FISHER JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL DRESS FOR SUCCESS Recently as I was getting…

EMBER HEATED COFFEE & TRAVEL MUGS They say you can’t take it with you, but Ember mugs make it much easier. If you like it hot or hotter (even an hour later), Ember makes it easier again. These cups are the epitome of the 21st century. Well-crafted, beautifully sleek mugs use advanced technology to give any hot beverage drinker their perfect “cuppa” every time with a flexibility they could have only wished for. Bluetooth-enabled, the Ember can be programmed from a smart phone to the exact temperature you’re seeking, with precise, consistent heat. To find out more details about these innovative products go to ember.com BLUE DIAMOND MIXES Blue Diamond’s R&D department has stepped up the better-for-you baking products game with baking mixes and microwavable cake cups using almond flour as the main…

WHETHER YOUR FAVORITE holiday memory is cooking up goodies in the kitchen with mom or grandma, or just eating your way through all those marvelous seasonal treats, these classic homemade candies are just right for serving or gifting to your family and friends. Marble bark is the ubiquitous sweet this time of year, but making it in your own kitchen can be especially satisfying — swirling the dark and white chocolate together, then decorating the top with crushed peppermint candies. It’s quick and easy and oh-so sublime for gifting. This penuche [puh-NOO-chee], a creamy fudge-like candy, is easier to make than traditional recipes. Instead of boiling and keeping an eye on the thermometer, adding powdered sugar to this brown sugar fudge adds body, plus no candy thermometers are necessary! A huge hit with…

THE SECRET’S OUT — whether you call them sheet pans or baking sheets, they aren’t just for baking cookies. The versatile vessel easily knocks out all-in-one meals with little effort on your part. And it’s one of the big reasons they’re popular for weeknight fare. The biggest issue you’ll likely have is deciding which one of these four complete dinners to make first. Chicken parm is one of those meals that’s loved by all, but can be fussy to make ... except this version that’s streamlined for weeknight ease. The classic dish gets a contemporary makeover with no pounding, some panko, and purchased marinara (there are some great options). Trust us. Quesadillas are popular for a reason. They’re not complicated and you can fill them with just about anything. But you can…