December 2015 Editor's Note: Baking Month

Aside from gift shopping and naughty-and-nice lists and the endless stream of parties, there's one thing that really lets us know it's the holiday season: the scent of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger wafting from the oven.

What better month than December to celebrate all things baking? As the holidays get hectic, slow down and make something delicious and warm—Nigella Lawson's five-spice Bundt cake, perhaps, or beautiful matcha gingerbread cookies that will be the star of any cookie swap.

Of course, baking isn't about only sweets, so we've called on Lidia Bastianich to share her recipe for the best baked chicken tenders we've ever tried. We'll also show you how to put together a one-dish salt-baked meal.

And because you don't want to be on anyone's naughty list, we'll be hooking you up with gifts for the food and drink lovers in your life, from the year's best cookbooks to the boozy finds and serving pieces they're coveting. We'll also make sure you're prepped for every party, New Year's and otherwise, with cocktail recipes; the ultimate charcuterie plate, courtesy of L.A. chef Kris Morningstar; and more.

We're looking forward to closing out 2015 on a delicious note with you. Cheers to the holidays!