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There’s a chill in the air, which means the season is upon us for warm gatherings around holiday tables with friends and family. With such hectic schedules this time of year, we’re all looking for stress-free ways to enjoy the holidays.

When it comes to food, a simple appetizer can make an elegant statement. Choose flavorful ingredients right from your pantry, such as raisins.

The sweetness of raisins adds a wonderful depth of flavor to savory dishes, and they become even more succulent when plumped in juices or wine.

Try this easy and delicious raisin recipe for your next holiday party. California Raisins, port wine and rich pecans make a decadent filling for Brie cheese wrapped in a warm, flaky puff pastry. Simply plate the Brie with an assortment of crackers, a sliced baguette and apple or pear slices for an impressive holiday appetizer.

Baked Brie with

California Raisins

Makes 20 servings

1 wheel of Brie cheese (about

two pounds), chilled

1/4 cup California Raisins

1/4 cup port wine

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons toasted pecans

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Maybe it was Mom’s classic sugar cookies or Grandma’s gingerbread that made the holidays so memorable for your family. As the years go by, it’s hard to imagine the holidays without the flavors and aromas of treasured foods that evoke memories of celebrations past.

“Foods and their aromas have special meanings throughout the year, but nothing compares to the flavors and scents of the holidays,” said Stan Dorsey, vice president of research and development for Cinnabon Inc. “There’s something about the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg or brown sugar wafting through the air that takes us back to cherished holiday memories.”