Nut

Spiced cranberries top chilled orange slices for a sweet-tangy contrast in this colorful salad.

This inventive salad is a terrific addition to any summer buffet. For this party, also prepare red cabbage coleslaw, or buy some at the market or a take-out spot.

Because the more traditional dark fruitcakes aren't really to her liking, senior editor Sarah Belk created this one, filled with her favorite nuts and dried fruits. To make these gifts even more festive, she suggest decorating the glazed cakes with additional dried fruits and nuts.

If whole blanched almonds aren't available, substitute whole raw almonds with skin on.

Dense, moist, and delicious, this bread is great as a quick snack or with a bit of whipped honey butter for afternoon tea.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

A crisp is one of the easiest desserts that a nonbaker can make.

Executive editor Barbara Fairchild has a reputation as the staff chocoholic, so it's no surprise that her kitchen gift for the holidays is a big batch of brownies. A tried-and-true recipe from her mother, these treats are rich and very moist.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The sweet oranges and the smoky bacon in this salad balance the gentle bitterness of the radicchio; the pecans give the whole thing a nutty crunch.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.