A Host Of Holiday Treats

This is the season to indulge. There are so many treats both food and drink to make. Yet the question is what to make. LUckily there's a slew of recipes to choose from.

Yesterday's New York Times Wednesday Food section offers ideas and recipes to make any holiday ,from Hannukah to Christmas to Kwanzaa brighter. Regular contributorsJoan Nathan, Yewande Komolafe and  Chritina Morales supply with a some good ones perfect for just the family or for gatherings. Ms Nathan has an excellent recipe for flaky cheese pies,  sambousektaken from Syrian Jews.These were invented centuries ago when the Sephardic Jews escaped the Spanish Inquisition. They can be  filled with Munester, mozzarella or kashkaval cheese, a Balkan based cheese. They sort of look like empanadas.  with a half moon shape and pinched edges. They can be filled with meat and onions too if you want something different.Sesame seeds can be pressed into the pastries for more flavor as well. They're baked in a 350 degree Farenheit oven.

For sweet try two of Yawande KOmolafe's recipes. Both use a yeasty brioche dough. One recipe are buns filled with whipping cream and a red fruit jam such as strawberry, raspberry, red current or mixed fruits. The other is a tasty fried doughnut recipe Keep in mind you can also fry the holes for more tasty treats.They're fried ina neutral oil like vegetable. Nutmeg is added to this recipe to give them a warm spiciness. The dough for both recipes has to be proofed for forty-five minutes before shaping. What to drink with this? The festive crema, a staple in many Caribbean Christmas celebrations. Christina Morales 's recipe has the traditional mix of evaporated milk blended with coconut milk and condensed milk. What gives it kick is a dark one, preferably Rhum Barbancourt. Star anise and vanilla extract give ti more flavor.If you want to vary it try Jamaican rum which will give the drink a darky earthy color and more of a molasses flavor.

These treats are perfect for any Hannukah or Christmas party. The flavors are varied and differennt than the traditional treats of the season. Try them for a different spin.