Whether your philosophy is “Happiness is homemade” or “I only have this kitchen because it came with the house,” you’ll find folks crowding ’round your counter or table this month. After all, one saying that’s true in any home is “No matter where I serve my guests, they seem to like my kitchen best.” If it’s your personal domain, you may have trouble making your culinary magic surrounded by adoring fans. One solution? Put them to work!

D Is for Delegate

Homemade soups and stews are warming and welcoming, so pass out the veggies, scrub brushes, peelers, and paring knives, and let the fun begin. Everyone loves salad that’s chockfull of fresh goodies, but who likes all the prep work? Your kitchen companions will be glad to help while catching up on the latest news. Choose dishes that offer a job for everyone, from peeling apples for pie to cutting cookie shapes from dough. Be sure to include at least one family “heirloom”—that tattered, yellowed paper with Grandma’s recipe for the special dish that everyone expects to enjoy at family gatherings.

For children, cooking offers important life skills. They’ll practice math, measuring, reading, and how to follow directions. They’re also more likely to try unfamiliar foods if they’ve helped prepare them. Invite the teens in too; they may chat more easily about what’s going on in their lives while they’re peeling carrots or sauteing mushrooms.

In these uncertain economic times, you and your wallet will appreciate the simple joys of being at home among friends and turning out sumptuous stews or delectable desserts. In fact, one survey found that 55 percent of Americans are eating out less than they did a year ago.

Cooking at home is a joy for the senses—the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, the fragrance of seasonings, and, oh, the tastes of fresh homemade! Shop for fresh, local produce and quality herbs and spices. Everything you need, minus your kitchen crew, is available at your local Natural Foods stores.

Here are some of our favorite holiday recipes we recommend you try throughout the holiday season:
Pear and Toasted Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Roasted Pumpkin and Carrot Soup
Roasted Squash with Leek and Barley Pilaf
Roasted Turkey
Rich Mushroom Gravy
Big Breakfast Popovers
Spinach Latkes
Macroons
Chestnut Cheesecake with Carmel Sauce
Cranberry Eggnot Biscotti