A New Twist on Old Favorites

Every year I like to try my hand at some new approaches to holiday baking and work the kinks out so you get the benefit of my trial and error. Delicious and foolproof versions of old favorites. Quick breads, candy and anything to go with a mug of hot chocolate or egg nog are a sure fire way to make you, your friends and holiday guests happy.

I was racking my brain for an idea to make a moist, sweet and decidedly wintery quick bread (as an antidote to one more cranberry bread) when I glanced at a bowl of sweet potatoes . The eureka moment struck and the results are in. I use the same approach to making this bread as I do to glazing sweet potatoes; a little ginger, brown sugar and a dash or orange.

I have been crazy about smoked paprika since I first discovered it on the shelf of a specialty store several years ago. Spain and Hungary have numerous varieties of paprika all quite distinct and superior to the mild, bland stuff I grew up with. Here it pairs nicely with pumpkin seeds, adding just a hint of smoky complexity, not an overpowering heat, to temper the sweetness of the brittle.

Marshmallows are amazingly foolproof for the novice candy maker. Fluffier, tastier and alot more fun than store bought, too. While this is still warm (see note), feel free to spread it over a cake and then top with a chocolate glaze, or spread on graham crackers, sprinkle with chocolate chips topped with another graham cracker for your own homemade s’mores.

Honey Vanilla Marshmallow Kisses
What can I say about marshmallows? Everyone loves them. (My version calls for honey to replace the corn syrup). I like to make these in gigantic chocolate chip shapes, suitable for floating on top of a mug of hot chocolate. Which is, after all, the reason marshmallows exist.

Sweet Potato Walnut Bread
Use the shredding disc on a food processor to make it easy to grate the sweet potato. This bread stays remarkably moist for at least 5 to 6 days.

Smokey Pumpkin Seed Brittle
This is a simple riff on peanut brittle. Use raw pumpkin seeds, available in the bulk section at natural foods stores. Be sure to store airtight to keep crisp and “brittle”.