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.

Alright, we are now full-swing into a somewhat manic phase of holiday baking. And no plate of Christmas treats would be complete without gingerbread cookies. I was thinking outside the gingerbread “man” cookie cutter… I have instead been inspired by my recent immigration to the twitterverse and opted for “gingerbread tweets” in the shape of twittering birds (and other shapes, too).  This gingerbread cookie recipe is a spicy variation with the standard ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, and adds a little extra edge with a subtle dash of piquant cayenne pepper.

Who knew one pie pumpkin from our Tap Root Farms CSA food box would stretch so far? Two batches of pumpkin scones, pumpkin pancakes, and now pumpkin pie, and I still have a cup of pumpkin purée left.

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.