Photo by Wendell T. Webber
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Tasteful Gifts
Recipes by Stephanna Bottom
Packaging by Kelli Ronci, November & December 2005
Forget the fruitcake
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 Scandinavian Gingerbread Cakes
Gingerbread cakes—or gembertaarts—are wildly popular during the holidays in Sweden, where the baking season begins on December 13, Santa Lucia Day, and doesn't end until the beginning of the New Year.
 Russian Sbiten
Sbiten is the traditional holiday drink in Russia—a perfect antidote to that country's cold winter and often sold on street corners by vendors known as sbitenshchik. You can make an alcoholic version by substituting a hearty red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, for the water.
 French Truffles
Chocolate truffles, with their classic cocoa coating and irregular shape, were named after the rare fungus so prized in French cuisine. Each of the following four recipes makes two dozen truffles. You can easily halve each recipe to make fewer of each kind—or pick just two flavors to include in your gift boxes.
The following recipes are courtesy of L'Academie de Cuisine.
 Bûche de Noël
This traditional French cake, served during the Christmas season, is designed to represent the yule log that is kept burning throughout the holidays.
 Chocolate-Dipped Candied Orange Rind
The perfect little chocolate treat to give as a stocking stuffer or hostess gift. Simple to make and delicious. A real crowd pleaser.
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