Designers Andrew Fisher, left, and Jeffry Weisman, and their dog, Charrito, welcome many visitors to their San Miguel de Allende home. “The climate and the region’s focus on growing results in a rich bounty of organic produce,” Andrew says. “We take advantage of that supply to create delicious food and an elegant but casual environment.” Elegance comes from a grand courtyard table dressed to indicate style is important but intense formality is not....

1 ¼ cup sifted powdered sugar 5 tablespoon maple syrup

Tips Layer snowmen between pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Meringue Santa Hats: Prepare as directed except after all the sugar has been added in Step 2, beat in red food paste or gel.* Spoon meringue into a new disposable pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe meringue into 1 1/2-inch tall hat shapes that are wider at the base and narrower at the top, pulling tip off to the side at the top to create a hat tip....

¼ teaspoon instant coffee crystals 2 tablespoon whipping cream 2 cup sifted powdered sugar 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur Whipping cream Test Kitchen Tip: Use a small metal spatula to smooth and square off the sides of the dough log.

2 medium oranges, peeled, sectioned, and chopped 1 ripe large avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and chopped ¼ cup chopped red onion ¼ cup snipped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoon lime juice ½ teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce ¼ teaspoon salt

Zones 6 to 10 Soil and Light Rich, well-drained soil; full sun to light shade. Planting Plant corms in spring 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Special Helps “Lucifer” is one of the best-known cultivars. Mulch well for winter in Zone 6. Sometimes can be grown in Zone 5 in a protected spot with excellent drainage.

**Clarified Butter: Melt 1/4 cup butter over very low heat without stirring; cool slightly. Pour off clear top layer; discard milky bottom layer.

1. Start with a Mirror Anchor your dresser with a large mirror. You can lean it against the wall or hang it above the dresser—your pick. A mirror lets light bounce around the room and creates the feeling of a larger space. Having a mirror on (or above) your dresser also aids in getting ready in the morning. It’s a win-win. 2. Light Up Your Space We love household items that serve multiple purposes....

1 ½ sifted powdered sugar 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel 2 tablespoon orange juice To bake ahead: Prepare as directed, except do not drizzle with Orange Icing. Place cooled twists in a freezer container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, preheat oven to 325F. Place twists on two baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Drizzle with Orange Icing.

¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon snipped fresh basil (or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried basil) 1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme (or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) ½ teaspoon snipped fresh marjoram (or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram)