Christmas Eve isn’t on a Saturday this year, but it is a special night deserving of a special menu, including Fettuccine Alfredo and a spectacular Chocolate Hazelnut Torte.

Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect special occasion dish – festive and special, rich and creamy, but so simple to make it comes together in 15 minutes, so you have more time for making merry.

This Christmas jazz playlist has all the classics, in instrumental arrangements ideal for tree trimming, cookie baking, present opening, or relaxing by the fire.

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte is a masterpiece that tastes as decadent as it looks, with dark chocolate and hazelnuts flavoring each rich and sinful layer.

In this twist on classic Linzer Cookies, a delicate almond shortbread is filled with raspberry preserves and topped with either powdered sugar or sugared almonds,

This winter salad is simple but special, with tender baby lettuces, juicy cucumber, salty prosciutto and crunchy hazelnuts tossed in a sweet and tangy pomegranate dressing.

Peanut Blossom Cookies are everyone’s favorite Christmas cookie. Follow these tips for the softest, most chocolate-y, peanut-buttery version of the classic.

There’s more to November than turkey dinner. On this chilly Saturday night I made a big pot of warm, saucy, wine-braised beef short ribs, cheesy little crackers to start, and simple but elegant chocolate dipped oranges for dessert.

Apple Streusel Coffeecake starts with a moist sour cream batter, then adds layers of soft, jam-y apples, crunchy brown sugar cinnamon streusel, and a drizzle of bourbon-spiked glaze.

Pinot Noir, salty pancetta, a splash of Cognac and stems of rosemary and thyme flavor the braising liquid that coddles these Pinot Braised Short Ribs.