This Befana Cake recipe is inspired by the Venetian traditions of Pinza Cake which contain cornmeal, dried fruit, fennel seeds and Grappa. In old-world traditions, Epiphany Eve is the date of Twelfth Night (the end of Yuletide) a celebration of the rebirth of the sun. It was marked by plenty of round, sweet-spicy bread-like cakes enriched with dried fruit (and a splash of spirits). These circular cakes were symbolic of the growing light and associated with an ancient star or sun goddesses whose bright light brought an end to the years darkest period and promised the coming of warmer longer days. The old 12th Night Feast became the Christian Feast of Epiphany, which was held – and still is – in honor of the night the Three Magi found the baby Jesus.

The ultimate bite of Christmas cheer!

Pecan Pies are a staple on the holiday table in the southern United States, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them here on the West Coast!

Bursting with sweet and tender apples, apple pie is the perfect after-dinner holiday treat! Dish it up warm with ice cream and a mug of spiced cider, and relish in the flavors and scents of the season.

With the holidays here, baking is an occasion for spending time with the family and passing on traditions. These soft and chewy Classic Sugar Cookies are the perfect recipe to make with children, and are tender and soft with just the right amount of chewiness. They take just minutes to make with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen!

Rich and buttery, these cookies are a holiday classic for a reason!