Quick Ginger Tips Ginger root is used in many Asian dishes and adds a nice spice to any marinade. When purchasing ginger, look for a thick root with no dried spots. All you need is a spoon and a Mircoplane to have freshly grated ginger. With a spoon scrape off the rough skin.  You can peel only part of the ginger [...]

I'm a big fan of the sugar cookie recipe by Alton Brown of the Food Network. You can use your favorite cookie recipe or in a pinch use the pre-made dough from the store. These cookies are great for Valentines Day as well, just use heart shaped cookie cutters. If you are making your cookie dough, add 1/2-3/4 (depending on how minty you like it) [...]

Sometimes you find a recipe that simply can't be topped!  In this case,  I like to use a sugar cookie recipe by Alton Brown of the Food Network.  You can use your favorite cookie recipe or in a pinch use the pre-made dough from the store.  I like to give these cookies as a gift to co-workers or my UPS driver, and they are a perfect party [...]

I make the frosting up to 5 days ahead. Since the cookies are store bought I keep them on hand throughout the holidays so I always have a quick dessert on hand. Makes 1 dozen Ingredients 1/2 cup or 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature 2 Tablespoons pumpkin puree a scant 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/4 cup brown sugar 24 [...]