Here are features filed under Holidays : Winter:

• A few cooking fundamentals to make your holiday dishes even more delicious With the melding of families through marriage and other relationships, we pick up a few new holiday recipes - or twists on traditional dishes - that then get passed down through the family. Here are some easy, inventive ways to brighten up your holiday fare.

• Holiday cooking tips for GERD Holidays are centered around food, but for the nearly 19 million Americans - including kids - who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, the holidays can be a painful and unhappy affair.

• The shelf life of holiday herbs and spices Can you imagine your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie without the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg? Didn’t think so. But if you have had the same little jar or spice in your pantry for a year or more, you may not be getting the full spice bang that you expect. It might be time for a good long look at your spice rack.

• 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Party While moms and dads are rushing around with the December 25th deadline looming, kids count the days and minutes until Santa's arrival. For many, it seems like Christmas will never come. Help your children pass the time by planning a special party. Kimberly Lainson has details.

• A Slow-Cooker New Year A lot of us have a very efficient and time saving appliance sitting high on a kitchen shelf collecting dust. What is it? It's the slow cooker! Author Monica Resinger shares her favorite slow cooker recipes, which also happen to be traditional fare for New Year's Day!

• A Tisket, a Tasket Making gift baskets for the holidays can be a lot of fun, but first you need to get organized! Here are recipes and instructions that author Lara Brooks uses to make her gift baskets, together with some tips and hints for making these, the ultimate in homemade holiday gifts.

• All About Hanukkah Hanukkah is the festival of freedom, lights and miracles. Learn all about it here and try some great Hanukkah recipes!

• Bewitchin' Halloween Treats from the Kitchen The custom of donning make-up and goofy clothes on Halloween is a rite of passage for most children. Insert wide-eyed smiles and the joy of spending time alone with Mom in the normally age-restricted kitchen space to make calorie-dripping concoctions? Now that is the recipe for happy kids!

• Christmas Candy from the Microwave The holiday season is officially here (just in case the store decorations that went up in October didn't give you enough warning). During the seasonal rush, run to your microwave to make candy in just minutes. All of these recipes are great for gift-giving, too and no candy thermometer required!

• Christmas Family Menu and Wine Pairings Spread holiday cheer this season with easy, festive recipes that incorporate the sights and smells of Christmas and pair deliciously with wine.