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.

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.

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.

We celebrated Valentine’s Day a day late, at home, with a dinner worthy of the best date-night steak house: a smoked salmon starter, filet mignon with broccoli, and a rich, dark, chocolate cherry cake for dessert.

Cream of Broccoli soup is thick and warming with florets of fresh broccoli floating in a rich broth flavored with fresh herbs and warm spices.