What could be more classically festive than apple pie? Simple, homey and ultra delicious, apple pie is a family favorite, a dessert fancied by all family members — from the blithe toddler to the merry great grandparents, everyone will be angling for a slice of this luscious Dutch apple pie.

I wanted to put together a few words on the use of butter in baking: why it’s better than margarine, how it can actually be good for you, what kinds to use, how to store it, and how to bake with it. It seems that a few words have turned into many, and despite a temptation to edit it down, I’ve been indulgent and left it all on the page for you to absorb because, hey, it’s butter, one of the cornerstone ingredients of baking.

Although I’m not a huge fan of egg dishes, quiche is one of my favorite meals which works well for brunch, lunch or dinner, served with a light side salad or on its own. And quiche can be prepared up to a day ahead, reheated, or even served at room temperature.