W E E K N I G H T

weeknight cooking comin’ in hot

During the busy holiday season, casseroles step up as the simple suppers and make-ahead meals we need. These modern takes focus on fresh flavors.

Crunchy toppings are essential for texture contrast with soft fillings.

RECIPES BEGIN ON PAGE 171.

in North Dakota, where blogger and cookbook author Molly Yeh lives, a “hotdish” is known as the queen of casseroles. The term, used primarily in parts of the Upper Midwest, denotes a particular type of casserole, one that includes a protein (meat), veggies (usually canned or frozen), starch (tater tots are a go-to), and sauce (typically a canned soup). They’re a full meal in a single dish.

Molly says she thinks of the hotdish as an equation. Scanning her pantry for new inspiration, she uses the format to create hotdish recipes with unexpected combinations.

S H AWA R M A C A S S E RO LE

Not everyone has a neighborhood kabob shop, but anyone can make this Middle Easternspiced rice and turkey hotdish. Pita chips on top provide necessary crunch, and the finishing combination of green herbs and a drizzle of lemony tahini sauce keeps it fresh.

[ M E E T] molly yeh

In her fi rst book, Molly on the Range, the star of Food Network’s Girl Meets Farm shares the story of moving from Chicago to New York then to North Dakota. Getting to know her new home, the Chinese-Jewish food writer embraces the cozy potluck staple of hotdish. Her second book, Home Is Where the Eggs Are, set for publication in fall 2022, promises even more creativity in showcasing the dish’s versatility.

H OT D I S H H OW-TO

Hover your smartphone camera over this code to watch how we assemble this casserole.

Gigante beans give this casserole substance, but cannellini beans work too.

D I LL C H I C K E N E V E RY T H I N G BAG E L B I S C U I T C A S S E RO LE

Matzo ball soup meets pot pie in this hotdish. In place of a pastry crust, it ’s topped with biscuits showered in salty, garlicky everything bagel seasoning. It was inspired, Molly says , by nostalgia for the meals she ate at Jewish delis growing up.

S P I CY W H I T E B E A N C A S S E RO LE W I T H C A L A B R I A N C H I LE S

“ We’re a bean-loving family,” Molly says. “ They ’re such a great canvas for fl avors.” In this Italian-inspired casserole, gigante beans are the backdrop for fi ery Calabrian peppers, broccoli, and a crispy bread crumb crust. “Beans are an amazing hotdish addition because they ’re hearty and creamy, and you don’t have to worry about overcooking them.”

[ S TA P L E S ] BASE LAYER

To make a Chinese hotdish that refl ects her heritage, Molly uses pantry items to create layers of fl avor.

B L AC K B E A N GA R L I C S AU C E Deeply savory, this paste is made with fermented black beans. Use it to stir-fry vegetables or make a sauce for steamed fi sh. Lee Kum Kee, $3.50; walmart.com

L A P C H E O N G (C H I N E S E S AU S AG E ) Jerky fans will love this cured pork sausage for its sweet-salty fl avor. Also called lap xuong, it is often seasoned with rice wine and soy sauce, and makes a great addition to fried rice. Kam Yen Jan, $13; amazon.com

C H I L I C R I S P The crispy bits in this oil-base hot sauce are fried shallots, garlic, and other aromatics. While deep red, it ’s not wildly spicy. It ’s excellent on noodles or eggs. Fly By Jing, $15; fl ybyjing.com

Lap cheong (Chinese sausage) is optional but adds pleasant chew and sweetness.

C H I N E S E TA K E - O U T C H I LI C R I S P C A S S E RO LE

Chinese-inspired hotdish recipes in church cookbooks often call for cream soup, Molly says, “but there’s not a lot of dairy in Chinese cooking.” This chili oil-drizzled rice, pork, and cabbage version refl ects “the type of fl avors and Chinese food I grew up with.” ■

Ginny Stalker believes in fairy tales— at least when it comes to creating them. “I have always wanted my home to have a magical qualit y, like walking

through the pages of a storybook,” says the my house is secondhand, and that’s designer and blogger behind Au Petit Salon. intentional because, for me, it’s all about the “Both my parents worked in theater, so I hunt,” she says. Take the vintage Henredon grew up surrounded by sets and color. I had sideboard she painted dark green and put a unique education watching people create in her kitchen to function as a built-in. Or these incredible visual stories. And that’s the the antique mantel she added to the upstairs approach I take in my own home, especially family room—despite the absence of a during the holidays. fireplace. “Certain I want every room things speak to to feel like a me, and I know that beautiful scene that if I love something, expresses who we I can make it work. are as a family.” It’s not about

Her home—a matching; it’s more converted barn in about marrying New York’s Hudson things together in Valley—has been in unexpected ways.” her husband’s The same holds family for more true for her holiday than a century. The decor. It’s an couple moved here assortment of in 2012, and over family heirlooms the past nine years and old finds, Ginny has slowly including her and purposefully grandmother’s curated a bright 1950s glass maximalist look ornaments and the reflecting her take 1970s velvet fruit on design. “If ornaments she there’s a choice scored at a thrift between gray and store. Ginny also pink, I’m always loves the ambience going to go pink,” twinkle lights add, she says. Exhibit A: so she incorporates the pair of fuchsia swivel chairs them everywhere, winding them that demand a double take in the through an arrangement of books living room. “They actually really above her living room fireplace and ground the space, considering I use around the eclectic gallery wall of pink as a neutral. Color is art. “It’s such a magical time of the emotional, and I like to infuse year,” she says, “and whatever I emotion into a space.” can do to give my family tangible,

She also uses one-of-a-kind visual memories of this season, pieces to bring soul to her rooms. I’m doing it. I hope my kids always “I bet 75 percent of everything in remember these moments.”

all in the family Ginny Stalker with husband Matt and children Otis and Charlotte. Their woodsy property has been in Matt ’s family since 1902.

E A R LY C H E E R Ginny starts decorating early, beginning with subtle holiday decor in November.

To set a nostalgic tone, Ginny hangs heirloom stockings— she and Matt still have theirs from childhood—and a garland strung with pom-poms and wood beads. The antique mantel creates the look of a fireplace.

fi nishing touches

A cabinet under the stairs displays amaryllis fl owers and pieces from Ginny’s favorite Christmas village. Mistletoe tied to the banister and vintage ornaments hanging from cabinet hardware add whimsy.

The fireplace in the living room, below, anchors the family ’s main gathering place. Ginny designed the book installation to stand in for art. “I layered books in the palette I love—pinks , yellows , reds , oranges—and wove tiny twinkle lights through them,” she says. The brass fire screen and cocktail table supply more shimmer.

small wonders

Ginny creates a woodland scene inside the family room faux fireplace, far right, tucking her felt animal collection in among branches and garlands. Mesh metallic fabric adds a sparkly backdrop. “I want to create little magical moments around my house so my children can experience wonder everywhere they look ,” she says.

decked out walls

The gallery wall, opposite, is Ginny’s favorite “work of art ” in the house. She uses clear kite string (her secret weapon) to layer paintings and mementos on top of each other. The montage disguises the television in the middle of the wall.

trimmings

Ginny based the family room tree decor on the palette and style of a complete set of vintage velvet fruit ornaments she found at a thrift store. She attached faux berries (from a deconstructed wreath) to branches with florists wire.

J E W E L T O N E S Ribbon in Ginny’s signature pinks and oranges ties in with the rest of the decor.

WE LOVE Ginny gave the refrigerator a custom look by painting it too.

I use colors as puzzle pieces, pulling them together to create this complete story in one space.

GINNY STALKER

easy treats

Every year, Ginny makes batches of cookies from one dough recipe, below. “I’ll do traditional thumbprints with jam, cutouts with pistachios and chocolate, and one I transform into a kind of snickerdoodle with cinnamon and sugar. It keeps things simple, yet we get a nice variety.”

retro fi t

The kitchen table is made of fl oorboards taken from the original barn when it was converted into a home. The rug delivers warm colors and covers a multitude of spills. “I use rugs to bridge design gaps ,” Ginny says. “ This one has the exact green shade as the sideboard.”

green goodness

In lieu of built-in cabinetry, Ginny painted a vintage Henredon sideboard Studio Green by Farrow & Ball. The pietra dura marble used for the countertop was a Facebook Marketplace fi nd. She adorns it all with garlands —faux evergreen on top and fabric eucalyptus branches at the base. ■

CA RDA MOM GINGERBREA D TREES

These coniferous confections beg to be displayed, whether dancing down your dining room table or sweetening up your fireplace mantel. Constructed from spiced Swedish gingerbread and decorated with royal icing, they can be created in any size and style of trees you like. We used 4-inch and 51/2-inch tree cutters for our forest.

A D E E R A D D ITI O N What’s a cookie forest without a few woodland creatures? Add whatever animal shapes you like.

S N OW S C E N E If you want to create a wintry forest, you need snow. Fill a large tray with granulated sugar to nestle the trees in.

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY AND FILL YOUR COOKIE TREES ARE GREAT FOR GIFTING AND

STA R T R E AT M E N T Pipe stars from melted candy coating, then dust with gold edible glitter.

SPARKLING NO-BAKE WAFER TREES

Don’t have a lot of time to bake? Try this clever hack. Slice purchased sugar wafer cookies on the diagonal. Melt vanilla candy coating to “glue” the triangles together and decorate the trees. The final touch? Clear coarse sanding sugar adds a little holiday sparkle.

B R U S H ST RO K E S Pipe tinted royal icing from a small open tip to mimic bottle-brush branches.

THINK OF A CUTOUT COOKIE AS A BLANK CANVAS. THERE’S NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO DECORATE— LET YOUR INNER ARTIST PLAY.

ZESTY LIME SA NDW ICH COOKIES

In-season citrus gives both the shortbread dough and the buttercream filling a crisp, fresh flavor. When it comes to decorating, the possibilities abound. Here, bottle-brush trees inspired royal icing “branches.” A simpler option: Skip the frosting and roll the edges in holiday sprinkle mix.

MATCHA-DRAGON FRUIT SLICE- AND-BAKE TREES

Believe it or not, these bright beauties get their gorgeous hue from two all-natural ingredients: dragon fruit and matcha. For an intense green that holds up to baking, use ceremonial-grade matcha powder. Dragon fruit powder is available at many health food stores and online, but if you can’t find it, freeze-dried raspberries blitzed in the blender will do the trick.

S I M P LE S H A P I N G Forming the dough into a triangular log takes the work out of shaping perfect cookies. Just slice and bake.

V I B R A N T O M B R É Use paste food coloring to get the deepest color for your buttercream.

M A PLE BUTTERCREA M CUTOUTS

Tap the forest ’s sweetest gift—maple syrup—to flavor the dough and frosting for these treats. While the shingled leaves look complicated, they’re not hard to achieve: Simply pipe dots of buttercream, then pull the icing into shape using the edge of a rounded spoon or butter knife.

S N OW-TO P P E D A flurry of powdered sugar is an easy finish, but a quick dip in melted chocolate would be sweet too.

NUT BUTTER SHORTBREAD TREES

A bit of cornstarch mixed into the flour is the secret to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of these classic cutouts. Meanwhile, the rich, nutty flavor comes from a combo of almond butter and almond extract. n

THE SOLE HOLIDAY LIGHT S: STRINGS OF WARM WHITE BULBS ON THE TREE.

“My core colors never change, no matter what holiday it is,” Karen says of her home’s white, gray, and earthy brown palette. Low-fuss dried citrus rounds and a small collection of handmade ornaments let the tree’s beauty shine.

imple, rustic, and welcoming, Karen Emile’s suburban Los Angeles home reflects her uncomplicated style—and her revamped approach to the holidays.

“A few years ago I was running around buying gifts until midnight like I had some quota to fill,” she says. “I was wrapped up in things that take away from what the holidays are really about.” Her solution: spend less time buying and more time being with family and friends focused on things that are easy, natural, and handmade.

Today the holidays unfold slowly and sweetly throughout Karen and husband Shawn’s 1950s ranch home. When the calendar flips to December, Karen simmers cinnamon sticks in water daily to spice the air and begins her version of a popular holiday game, hiding a family of stuffed mice for sons Aiden, 15, and River, 4, and daughter Brooklyn, 9, to find. On Christmas Day, the kids get a new mouse, a tradition so anticipated it makes Brooklyn happy-cry.

For decor, Karen turns to cedar wreaths and garlands, pine sprigs slipped in earthy vases, candles, and fresh fruits, plants, herbs, and flowers. Her passion for vintage finds—well-documented on Instagram (@milkandhoneylife)— appears in every room. The kids make no-frills ornaments from wood or clay, and kraft paper and fabric envelop the gifts.

The humble approach feels just right in the home’s all-is-calm neutral setting. “I can’t tell you how special it is to simplify and spend time making things together,” Karen says. “That’s the best gift of all.”

Hot-glue florists wire or picks to pinecones and attach to garlands. ➳

Decorate existing greenery in your yard or bring a cut or artificial tree outdoors.

come on over!

A tray of cookies, a warm batch drink, and some festive porch decorations are all you need for a cozy, casual outdoor party.

Drape extra blankets around seats or invest in a couple of heat lamps to keep guests toasty.

FOOD STYLING: JENNIFER PETERSON; RECIPES BY: SHAUNA SEVER t hrowing a holiday open house on the porch takes some of the pressure off hosting: The event feels more casual and requires less prep (you don’t even have to vacuum before guests arrive). In a compact space, your decorations will make a greater impact too. Take your cues from Scandinavian style, combining natural textures with red accents to telegraph warmth and merriment.

rope wreath

Inspired by braided bread, this wreath pairs humble rope with luxe velvet. It’s made by weaving nine strands of rope with red ribbon then hot-gluing the braid to a fl at wreath form. Hang jingle bells around the center of the wreath to ensure a holiday soundtrack every time you open the door. See “Workbook,” page 162, for complete instructions.

window snowfl akes

These wintry decorations are so easy to make that the kids can do it while you fi nish the party prep. The craft sticks are simply painted then glued into star or snowfl ake shapes. (Follow our examples or come up with your own.)

Spray with glitter paint for shimmer. Make your own bow (use heavy or prewired ribbon so it has structure) or buy premade.

greenery gnomes

These lighthearted Scandinavian-style gnomes are an instant icebreaker. They’re made of plastic nursery pots covered with sheet moss and artifi cial greenery. A wool dryer ball stands in for a nose, and the slouchy hat is fl eece wrapped around wooden dowels. Scan this code with your smartphone to watch a how-to video.

Your mailbox is a decorating opportunity— simply wrap a ribbon around it.

the PARTY setup

Work with what you’ve got. Mix and match whatever mugs you have, whether they ’re a holiday theme or not. If you don’t have a bar cart, improvise by using a side or folding table covered with a tablecloth or piece of red fabric. Put your drink dispenser on a pedestal for an easy pour. Placing drink and snack stations in separate parts of the porch prevents traffic jams.

Make a few extras to use as gift toppers.

VENEER ornaments

A little folding and gluing transform strips of wood veneer (sold in crafts stores) into graphic star or snowfl ake-like shapes. Use our templates and instructions to form your desired shape, then hot-glue your ornament onto looped string for hanging. Painting one layer of the veneer bright red makes the ornament really stand out on the tree.

Our new TV special takes you behind the scenes of this party and shows you how to make the food and crafts. Visit BHG.com/TVshow to watch.

GNOME ornaments

These little guys are sweet peeking out of tree branches and can double as party favors. They come together with a few craft supplies and glue. Wooden Easter eggs form the bodies and wool roving the fl uff y beards. (Find full instructions in “Workbook,” page 162.)

birdseed

Birdseed becomes earthy ornaments for outdoor trees. Mix 1 cup birdseed, 1∕4 cup fl our, 1∕4 cup water, and 2 Tbsp. corn syrup. Spoon into cookie cutters; let dry 24 hours. Dangle ornaments from twine looped through a hole formed with a skewer. ■

Rotate the frame as you braid, tightening the strands as you go.

rope WREATH

◆ Cream craft paint ◆ Paintbrush ◆ 18" flat wreath form ◆ 45' of 12 mm cotton rope ◆ Medical tape ◆ 2 yards each of ⁷∕8"-wide and ³∕8"-wide red velvet ribbon ◆ Hot-glue gun ◆ Clamp ◆ Mini silver jingle bells ◆ 4"-wide red velvet ribbon ◆ Florists wire ◆ Large jingle bells 1. Paint wreath form; let dry. Add second coat if needed. 2. Cut nine strands of rope a few inches longer than the circumference of wreath form (approximately 60" each for an 18" wreath form). Tape each end as you cut to ensure rope does not unravel. 3. Cut one length of 7/8"-wide velvet ribbon to same length as rope. Fold in half lengthwise and secure with hot glue. 4. Make three bundles of three strands of rope, securing them together at one end using hot glue. 5. Slightly overlap ends of bundles with 7/8" red ribbon in the middle. Secure ends to wreath form with clamp. 6. Braid rope by crossing right bundle over to center, then crossing left bundle over to center. Weave ribbon in and out of center braid. Repeat around form. 7. When you’ve worked your way around the form, trim ends of rope and ribbon if needed and rewrap ends with tape. 8. Glue beginning and end pieces, and intermittently around the wreath, to form. 9. Hot-glue mini jingle bells to red ribbon. 10. Wrap a piece of 4"wide velvet ribbon around the section where the taped ends of the braid meet, securing on the back with glue. 11. Make a double loop with 4" ribbon. Gather in the center with florists wire and wrap with another piece of folded 4” ribbon to make a bow shape. Secure in the back with glue. Cut ³∕8" velvet ribbon to desired lengths and tie to large jingle bells. Secure with hot glue to the top of wreath. 12. Hot-glue bow to top of wreath. Hot-glue a looped piece of florists wire to the back for hanging.

HANDSTAMPED treat bags

◆ Holiday design templates (see QR code, opposite) ◆ Foam craft sheets* ◆ Craft knife ◆ Cutting mat ◆ Hot-glue gun ◆ Wood disks ◆ Kraft paper ◆ Ink pads in desired colors ◆ Paper bags ◆ Stamp cleaner/pad ◆ Paper punch ◆ Assorted twines/ cords ◆ Assorted bells or ornaments

1. Trace designs onto foam sheets and use craft knife to cut shapes. (*Tip: Thinner foam is better for more intricate designs.) 2. Hot-glue cut foam to wood disks to make stamps. 3. On a surface protected with kraft paper, ink the stamps and press onto bags. Use stamp cleaner between color changes. 4. Fill bags with treats, fold, and punch holes at top. Lace holes with twine; add fun bells or ornaments.

VENEER ornaments

◆ Template ◆ Thin birchwood veneer sheets ◆ Hot-glue gun ◆ Craft paint ◆ Paintbrush ◆ Cording

1. Trace template nine times on wood veneer; cut out. 2 . Fold wide end of each strip up and under diagonal edge, overlapping ¼" to create cone shape. Secure overlapping section with hot glue; hold for a moment to allow glue to set. 3. Hot-glue sides of cones to each other to create a wreath shape.

4. Paint inside or outside of wreath; let dry. 5. Hot-glue a small, looped piece of cording to back side of ornament for hanging.

GNOME ornaments

◆ Wooden craft eggs with flat bottoms ◆ Craft paint ◆ Paintbrush ◆ Hat template

◆ Assorted felt ◆ Cording ◆ Hot-glue gun ◆ Mini jingle bells ◆ Wool roving bunch ◆ Small wood balls

1. Paint wooden egg; let dry. 2. Trace hat template onto felt and cut out. Form hat by creating a cone shape. Place a loop of cording, long enough to hang ornament, at top of hat; secure with hot glue. Hotglue hat at seam and glue bells in a row onto hat. 3. Hot-glue a small piece of wool roving to egg to create beard, trimming to shape if needed. Hotglue hat to egg, slightly overlapping beard; glue ball nose at top of beard. 4. Cut a ¼"-wide strip of felt (in same or different color as the hat) long enough to wrap around egg. Hot-glue felt band around hat base, slightly over top of ball nose; trim any excess in back.

greenery GNOME

◆ Two plastic pots (one slightly smaller than the other—we used 12" and 8") ◆ Hot-glue gun ◆ Roll of sheet moss (14"×48") ◆ Faux greens and berries (about three bunches) ◆ Wool dryer ball ◆ Zip tie ◆ Three 22½" wooden dowels ◆ Wire clippers ◆ 1 yard fleece fabric 1. Stack pots inverted, hot-gluing smaller pot to top of larger pot; let dry. 2. Cut moss sheet lengthwise into three strips. 3. Cut each of the strips into three 14"-long sections. Starting at base of bottom pot, glue strips vertically to pots, slightly overlapping, until pots are covered, except for 4" to 5" at top. 4. Hot-glue faux greens to moss on one side, overlapping to create a full beard shape. Trim stems as needed. Hot-glue wool dryer ball at top of beard for a nose. Hotglue berries to greens. 5. Use zip tie to bind three dowels together at one end. Open to form a tripod structure and place into holes of top pot. (Use clippers to widen drainage holes if needed to fit dowels.) 6. Cut fleece into a 27" square and fold in half to make a rectangle. Cut in half diagonally starting from a corner on folded edge. Hot-glue right sides of large triangle together at cut edges. Turn right side out; place over dowels, creating hat. ■

G E T C RA F T I N G ! For all our templates, scan this code with your smartphone camera or go to BHG.com/ HolidayPorch.

A tripod of wooden dowels forms a frame for the gnome’s fl eece hat.