I'm trying to put together my Christmas candy and cookie list for my after Thanksgiving bake off. Anyone want to share their favorites?

[KyleW]

Anything that has the word Shortbread in it!
My current favorite is Eli Zabar's shortbread recipe as published in The Barefoot Contessa.
Dip them in chocolate, make linzer cookies, pecan shortbreads or, God forbid, eat them plain!

Home made caramels are fairly easy and SO yummy. Cover with chocolate if you really want to gild the lily.

I'm thinking about Pate de Fruits this season - traditional, yummy and they'll keep a while.

Little tarts are a nice step up from cookies - cranberry or pecan or ...

HOLIDAY FRUIT COOKIES


1/3 cup shortening
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon mace
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 1/2 cups mixed fruit
2 cups nuts

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Place 1-inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.