Midwest Living Holiday Cookbook 2001
Nutcracker Sweet Torte [1]

The recipe for this rich, nut-filled torte comes from a Decorah, Iowa, reader who makes it for holiday gatherings. It's especially festive served with sweetened whipped cream and garnished with rosemary and cranberries.
Party-Time Brisket [5]

Barbecue sauce, liquid smoke and spices flavor this slow-cooked beef. Slice or shred, and serve on buns or French-style rolls for easy party eating.
Punch with a Punch [9]

This ruby-red beverage gets its kick from tequila. If you'd prefer a nonalcoholic option for your guests, use lemon-lime carbonated beverage instead of the tequila.
Punch with a Punch [10]
Vegetable Tray Masterpiece [13]

Sweet peppers make colorful containers for a quick-and-easy blender dip. Serve with assorted vegetable dippers, crackers or chips.
Spunky Holiday Shrimp [17]

Dunk marinated shrimp in a garlic-and-tomato mayonnaise for a party-perfect appetizer. When you're pressed for time, use precooked shrimp.
Colorful Sparkling Sugar Cookies [21]

A Decorah, Iowa, reader passed along the recipe for these much-loved treats, which she enjoys bringing to cookie exchanges.
Dazzling Holiday Sirloin Salad [25]

This classic salad, topped with caramelized onion vinaigrette, will satisfy holiday diners who want a lighter main dish.
English Muffins In a Loaf [29]

This easy-to-make yeast bread comes from the former Sherlock on Watson Bed and Breakfast in Ripon, Wisconsin. Slice and toast before serving, and top with soft Honey Butter.
Almond-Raspberry Kisses [33]

The recipe for these luscious raspberry-filled thumbprint cookies comes from The Heidel House near Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Elves' Best Brownies [37]

Guests at the Angel Inn in Green Lake, Wisconsin, enjoy these fudgy brownies on cookie trays.
Elves' Best Brownies [38]
Scarlet Swirl Cheesecake [41]

A blend of cranberries, sugar and orange juice make the scarlet swirl inside this cheesecake as well as the sauce on top.
Opryland Stuffed Chicken [45]

Tuck corn bread, almonds and cranberries inside chicken breasts for this holiday main dish, from the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
Luscious Fruit Parfaits [49]

Layer fresh cranberries, applesauce, kiwifruits, pineapple chunks and mandarin orange sections with flavored yogurt for this breakfast or brunch treat.
Wake Up Ham-and-Egg Baskets [53]

Try serving this no-fuss breakfast dish with warm-from-the-oven rolls or muffins.
Peach of a Crumble [57]

Cranberries make this peach crumble special--no surprise, since the recipe comes from Canoe Bay resort near Chetek, Wisconsin. Wisconsin produces more cranberries than any other state in the nation. Serve with your choice of store-bought ice cream if you don't have time to make the Hint-of-Ginger Ice Cream accompaniment.
Peach of a Crumble [58]
Heavenly Chiffon Cake [62]

Doris Heikes of Decorah, Iowa, enjoys bringing this dessert to potluck buffets. The tender cake is topped with Browned Butter Icing and sliced almonds or chopped nuts.
Regal Pork Roast [66]

Cherry-pecan bread stuffing fills this pork crown roast, a centerpiece for any holiday dinner.
Regal Pork Roast [67]
Season's Eatings Pumpkin Soup [70]

Sprinkles of salty ham cracklings top this soup from Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri.