Newsflash...it'sofficially getting colder. As the frigid temperatures settle in for the season, you may have to dress in layers and keep up with those runaway gloves, but the cold weather isn't all bad; it also brings delicious drinks that are great for warming the body and the spirit. One such beverage is Kinderpunsch, (also called "children's punch") and it is a Christmas tradition in Germany.

Easter is a ham's time to shine, but Thanksgiving or Christmas—fuggedaboutit! "No more!" says the pig. Tired of being the other meat, your ham is claiming center stage this holiday season. Move over turkey! Chef Jaimie Oliver adds a Caribbean spin to pork with this recipe for Spicy Jerk Ham. 

A few years I got the opportunity to interview Patrick and Gina Neely of the Food Network and we talked about a variety of things.  Among the recipes mentioned, was creamed collard greens.  I tried this recipe and it has been a winner for me. It puts a spin on the classic African American preparation of collards and gives a robust earthy taste to what would be the typical creamed spinach.

Lasagna is making its way onto many a holiday table. Increasingly, it's a standard at Thanksgiving in the U.S. However, just because it's a standard, doesn't mean you have to use a standard recipe. Try this recipe for matzo lasagna. It's another spin on lasagna—a kosher spin.  

Ingredients

1. Six pieces of matzo
2. Two eggs
3. 18 0z or one container of ricotta cheese
4. Spinach (optional)
5. One teaspoon of salt
6. One teaspoon of pepper

Click this link for recipe instructions