Festive cheese board with orange slices candied in white port

For your holiday cheese board, include a selection of three or more cheeses, with an assortment of soft to firm textures, mild to pungent flavors. Add unsalted nuts, textured crackers and small fruits in a variety of colors. For a festive touch, include these candied orange slices.

Roasted carrot soup with sunflower seed crumble

This soup represents the perfect addition to any meal at any time during the year because of the ready availability of carrots. The crumble makes an ample amount, but it's so good you could also use it to top fruit and yogurt.

Bacon-wrapped prunes (aka "Devils on horseback")

This three-ingredient recipe is a party in your mouth!

Yangmei thumbprint cookies

These thumbprint cookies are a family tradition for Calmei co-founder Charlie Lucero, whose mom, Cindy, originally made them every Christmas with different fruit fillings. The cookies are so good, she said, that she's been making them throughout the year, these days with the addition of yangmei.

Summer melon with shiso and sumac salt

Inspired by Mexican fruit stalls that sell wedges of fruit and jicama topped with chile salt, this simple DIY version gives everyone an opportunity to make their own mini-melon wraps.

Peach toast with garden honey and spicy bush basil

Justin Wangler came up with this idea when his wife was pregnant, and her No. 1 craving was bruschetta piled high with tomatoes. One day, there were no ripe tomatoes in his garden, so he grabbed a peach from the backyard tree and discovered a delicious new take on toast.

Roasted broccoli and mushrooms

Broccoli and mushrooms pair with a rich dressing to make the ultimate roasted vegetable side dish!

Pear Gouda tarts with caramelized onion appetizer recipe

This easy-to-make appetizer is a "perfect little bite with a glass of something nice," Amanda Leveroni said.

Grape and brie bites

 

This one-bite appetizer is full of flavor and decadence!

Dried fruit energy balls

Tracy offers a fresh take on a dried fruit recipe!