Gougeres are melt-in-your-mouth French cheese puffs that make delicious and impressive hors d'oeuvres. And good news for soon-to-be-busy holiday entertainers: you can make them ahead of time, and freeze them for up to a month! Amanda Gold includes her recipe for a Fontina & Herb version in this article featuring several make-ahead party treats.

It's easy for me to fantasize about the person who bakes for last-minute company. This person keeps her home so squeaky clean that you can see your reflection in the kitchen windows. Her calendar is color-coded to reflect the family's numerous extracurricular activities and social plans.

Read more
Photo by Craig Lee, special to The Chronicle / SF