Okay, now it's serious: people who celebrate Christmas are officially down to T-Minus Two Weeks. If you haven't pre-ordered your turkey (or ham or crown roast or or dobosh torte or cheese ball or smoked salmon or fruitcake or pound bag of lentils or split of champagne) don't panic, there's still plenty of help online. While you're surfing online holiday guides, be sure to stop at the following for menus, recipes, inspiration, or just a fun, informative few minutes of holiday cheer.
December rules at AOL Food, where there are areas devoted to everything from foodie gift suggestions to holiday side dishes. You will enjoy the time you spend with the online community discussing family traditions. And don't forget to chime in on which holiday food is your least beloved -- eggnog? Fruitcake? Gelatinous salads? (I'll go first: anything, and everything, mint).
The centerpiece of the venerable Gourmet's online holiday guide is forty years of Christmas cookies. Which ones will you try -- the retro warmth of coconut bars or jelly centers, the crosscultural snow of Galettes de Noel (France) or Kourambiedes (Greece), the pre-New-Year's-diet caloric heights of mocha toffee bars, or the boozy cheer of bourbon balls or chocolate cookies with gin-soaked raisins?
Martha Stewart offers the usual slew of impeccable decor and crafts, but the real action is in the menu section. Why not try Beef Wellington for your holiday table showstopper -- and for gifts, spend a day in the kitchen with the candymaking equipment. Making candy really isn't that difficult, and it will delight anyone whatever holiday they celebrate.
Better Homes and Gardens (login required). Cookies also take center stage at Better Homes and Gardens, where a reader-driven online cookie swap yields such delicacies as almond apricot windows, empanaditas, and spice packages. If these don't satisfy your sweet tooth, there's also a create-a-cookie gallery, ideas for food gifts, and favorite Christmas cookies and bars.
As a dedicated slashfoodie, what online communities are you visiting to make your season merry and bright?
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