Neejohrskoken, in our local northern German dialect, means "New Year's cakes." I always associated the recipe with my father, one of the rituals to celebrate his birthday.

The French term 'pique-nique' originally described an occasion where each participant contributed a share of the food and wine. But picnic, as we use it today, really came into its own in post–revolutionary France, when newly enfranchised citizens used the recently liberated royal grounds for their own entertainment.

The southern English countryside insinuates its way into your senses gradually. As you drive along country roads you don’t notice anything except trees, bushes, trees, no pavements, more trees.

The nibbles offered at holiday parties must be copious, varied, and exciting. This is a festival, not a perfunctory office gathering.

Here I am giving you some new ideas to explore, using typical ingredients, to bring a little fillip to the timeworn feast. They will deliciously accompany and gorgeously garnish the resplendent, moist turkey.