This article was written by Kristel Matousek and was featured in our December issue of Home By Design magazine. Recipe and photographs by Kristel Matousek from www.photoricalfood.com. To visit the original Home By Design article, click here.

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BAKED BRIE WITH CRANBERRIES & WALNUTS

To make the cranberry sauce, combine the sugar, water, and zest in a saucepan. Place the pan over moderate heat and simmer for 5 minutes to dissolve the sugar and reduce. Add the cranberries to the prepared syrup and let simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Add the orange juice, then use an immersion blender to blend the sauce smooth, or to desired consistency. For cranberry garnish, reserve a few cranberries prior to blending, and roll them in granulated sugar to coat.

To make the candied walnuts, melt the butter in a frying pan over low heat, and stir in the water and sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved and begins to bubble, add the nuts to the pan, tossing to coat.

Remove from heat and stir as it cools. Spread the nuts out across the surface of the pan so they don’t clump when cooled. Let cool in the pan.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the Brie on a parchment-lined pan and into the oven to bake for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve on the parchment or transfer to a serving plate. Top with the cranberry sauce, candied walnuts, and whole cranberries. Serve immediately.

CHICKEN SALAD ON CUCUMBER SLICES

In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the chicken salad. Chill before serving. Serve atop cucumber slices.

WHIPPED RICOTTA WITH PEAS AND POMEGRANATE SEEDS

In a food processor, combine the ricotta and heavy cream, and process until thick and smooth. Add the peas, mint, parsley, and lemon juice, then pulse until smooth. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Garnish with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds and serve.