Noelle Carter is the former Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen director. She left in January 2019.
Snowflake pretzel rods
Time30 minutes
YieldsMakes about 45 pretzel rods
Marzipan stollen
Time1 hour 45 minutes
YieldsServes 16 to 20 (8 to 10 per loaf)
Brown sugar shortbread
Time50 minutes
YieldsMakes 4 dozen bars or 2 dozen wedge cookies
Vegan almond sable cookies with cacao nibs
Time45 minutes
YieldsMakes about 1 1/2 dozen cookies
Triple-Chocolate Brownies
Time1 hour
YieldsMakes about 3 dozen brownies
Gingerbread Heart Houses
Time1 hour
YieldsMakes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on size
Baklava rouláda cookies
Time2 hours
YieldsMakes about 4 dozen cookies
Homemade granola
Time1 hour
YieldsMakes about 2 quarts granola
Homemade cinnamon-spiced whiskey
Time5 minutes
YieldsMakes about 750-mL flavored whiskey
Black Sesame Butter Toffee with Hazelnuts
Time1 hour
YieldsMakes one 12- by 17-inch sheet
Crispix Arare
Time1 hour 30 minutes
YieldsMakes about 9 cups
Ginger Chile Simple Syrup
Time15 minutes
YieldsMakes 4 cups