Christmas Cookies to Make & Share

'Tis the season to gather your favorite cookie recipes (and boxed cookies for those of us with an ever-growing "to-do" list) to make and share.  Traditional chocolate chip cookies enhanced with fine Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla will impress even the most discriminating cookie aficionado.  Amy's Cookies Classic Gift Tin makes for a lovely gift for just about anyone on your list with a wide variety of flavors.  Explore our cookie recipes and gifts for a very sweet holiday!

CLICK ON A COOKIE TO GET THE RECIPE OR PURCHASE >

Download the free printable version of our holiday cookie roundup here >

Recipe: Savory Cheesecakes

With holiday entertaining looming in the no-so-distant future, it's time to gather ideas for sharable party foods that will impress.  Our savory cheesecake recipes are a sophisticated alternative to traditional party dips. Served with crackers of any kind, they make a beautiful presentation.  The corn relish cheesecake has a bit of a spicy kick to it, while the tomato artichoke version is milder with a creamy richness.

CORN RELISH SAVORY CHEESECAKE

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups Cherith Valley Hot 'n Spicy Corn Relish
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 green onions (tops only), chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Cream together cream cheese and eggs until smooth.
2. Stir in next 4 ingredients.
3. Pour into well-greased 6-inch springform pan or oven safe baking dish.
4. Bake at 350 degrees fro 45-60 minutes, until center is firm.
5. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with corn chips or crackers.

Artichoke Tomato Bruschetta Savory Cheesecake

• 10 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 jar Elki Artichoke Tomato Bruschetta
• 1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese

1. Beat cream cheese and eggs until smooth.
2. Stir in bruschetta and cheese.
3. Place in a 6-inch spring form pan or in a small baking dish.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-60 minutes, until center is firm.
5. Turn off oven and let cheesecake sit for an hour in the oven with door closed.
6. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and chopped red bell pepper.
7. Serve with crackers.

The Savory Pantry Guide to Dijon Mustard

Dijon has long been a staple of our pantry.  But dijon has come a long way and with more flavor infusions than ever before!  Below you'll find all of the varieties we carry and some of our favorite ways to use them. From salad dressings to meat dishes you'll get alot of mileage out of each and every option. 

Fall Cocktails: The Hudson Standard Old Fashioned

While we do love bourbon, something about a traditional Old Fashioned has always seemed a bit overpowering. The addition of the Hudson Standard Apple Coriander Maple Shrub seems to add just enough flavor to balance out the strength of the bourbon and bitters, and make this fresh take on a classic cocktail far more palatable.  

Hudson Standard shrubs & bitters are made in the Hudson Valley region of New York state, where the leaves are showing their most vibrant fall colors.  We can't think of a better way to celebrate this time of year than with a cocktail infused with the flavors of the season.

Hudson Standard Old Fashioned

• Fresh orange wheel
• 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters, such as Fee Brothers or Bar 40
• 2 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz The Hudson Standard Apple Corriander Maple Shrub
• single maraschino cherry (optional)

1. Muddle orange and bitters in an empty glass to release the essential oils.
2. Fill glass with ice.
3. Add Bourbon and shrub.  Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
4. Stir and Enjoy! (DO NOT SHAKE - this will bruise the liquor causing it to get cloudy and bitter)

Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cups

We're combining two of our MOST popular products into one easy entertaining recipe. Savvy cooks start stocking their pantries in the early days of fall with New England Cranberry Pepper Jelly .... perfect for the upcoming holidays, but a product versatile enough to use year round!  As the label says, this pepper jelly is "spicy but not too hot" and includes whole cranberries suspended in the most wonderful mixture of sweet and savory jelly we've ever tasted. 

Clever hostesses keep our miniature pastry shells on hand for last-minute entertaining and unexpected guests.  We've shared sweet and savory recipes that make great use of these pastry cups, but the potential fillings are endless!  Since the cups freeze well, and our jams and jellies have an extended shelf life, you'll never regret keeping both in your own pantry!

Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cups

• 20 Miniature Pastry Shells
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 4 oz plain goat cheese
• pinch of salt & pepper
• 5 or 6 fresh sage leaves, minced
• New England Cranberry Pepper Jelly

1. Combine softened cheeses, salt/pepper, and sage in a bowl.
2. Spoon into pastry cups and broil for 5-7 minutes.
3. Top with desired amount of Cranberry Pepper Jelly and serve.