Weekly Wrap-Up (12/25-12/31)

In case you missed them, we’ve compiled our favorite blog posts of the week all in one place so you can read, get inspired — and cook!

 

24 Days of Holiday Cookies Leading up to Christmas, we featured one standout cookie recipe every day of December on The Blender. See all 24 delicious days below — and here’s to a happy, home baked holiday season!

Chicories: 5 Ways 5-Star Ratings Let chicories shine by trying one of these five recipes, all top-rated by our customers. Whether dressed and tossed into a salad or cooked slowly in a hearty soup, the crisp, bitter leaves lend unique flavors to each dish.

30 Days of Juicing This 30-day program gradually incorporates high-nutrient ingredients into delicious juices. Start with sweet and refreshing ingredients such as berries and carrots, then slowly add nutritious leafy greens and earthy vegetables to gain the maximum health benefits. By day 30, you’ll be craving the “mean greens.”

Why Do You Cook? Cooking means something different for everyone — whether it’s for comfort, family or health; to entertain; or to make memories. We want to hear what really inspires you. Tell us why you cook and share your stories in the comments!

New Year’s Eve Mocktails From a sparkling punch to a refreshing spritzer, here are three great mocktail recipes for your sipping pleasure this Saturday night (and each can also be adapted to create an alcoholic version). Happy New Year and cheers!

Why We Cook at Williams-Sonoma At Williams-Sonoma, we’re passionate about food — both in the office and at home. As we explore the many reasons why people cook, our team members tapped into their own inspiration and motivation. Read on to learn how cooking makes us feel, and tell us your stories, too.

Top-Rated Comfort Food Favorites We’ve gathered our top five favorite comfort food recipes, as rated by our customers. After all, is there anything better than a warm kitchen filled with the enticing aromas of home cooking?

All That Sparkles: International Bubbly 101 There’s no more festive way to get everyone in the party mood than by popping open a bottle of bubbly. Here’s the low-down on our expert’s favorite international sparkling wines for the holidays or any time you want to add some sparkle to your day.

3 Deliciously Easy Bubbly Cocktails Sparkling wine and Champagne can transform and elevate a cocktail. Try one of these simple and festive bubbly cocktails for your New Year’s Eve celebration.

How to Soften Your Butter in a Jiffy You know the story: You gear up to bake and always forget to bring butter to room temperature first. Here’s a trick to get rock-hard butter ready for mixing ASAP.

Simply Pairing Party Foods & Sparkling Wine Here’s a sommelier secret: Sparkling wines and Champagne are food-pairing champions. Keep in mind these few simple ideas when choosing a bubbly to go with your New Year’s Eve party menu.