Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

It Only Takes a Pinch

We all know that baking soda is a multi-tasking wonder all over the house, but we like it best when it's in the kitchen, lifting our holiday spirits. Read on for some of our favorite, festive recipes.

Fresh from the Oven

• Baking Soda Tips
• Holiday Central
• Fresh & Festive Kitchen

• Arm & Hammer

Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

Red Velvet Cake

This lavishly frosted beauty holds a mighty sweet secret -- a plush 'n luscious red, chocolatey center. Unwrap some smiles this holiday season. <br> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/red-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/795" target="_blank">Get the Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe</a><b>

Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

Devil's Food

Most folks are trying to make the nice list this time of year, but we say it's okay to be naughty when there's cake involved! Fun fact -- baking soda gives cocoa a slightly reddish tint. How devilish, indeed! <br> <ul> <li> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/devil-s-food-cookies/13" target="_blank">Get the Devil's Food Cookies Recipe</a><b></li> <li> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/1909-devil-s-food-cake/79383" target="_blank">Get the 1909 Devil's Food Cake Recipe</a><b></li> </ul>

Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

Blueberry Buttermilk Coffeecake

Baking soda tames the tang of buttermilk, making for one irresistably creamy coffee cake. We love blueberries, but this recipe works year-round with your favorite in-season fruit. <br> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/blueberry-buttermilk-coffeecake/1536" target="_blank">Get the Blueberry Buttermilk Coffeecake Recipe</a><b>

Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

Pumpkin Cheese Bread

Indulge in the sweet spice of the season with this easy-baking blend of canned pumpkin, cream cheese, cinnamon and cloves. Make a multi-batch and give 'em out as gifts. <br> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/pumpkin-cheese-bread/79181" target="_blank">Get the Pumpkin Cheese Bread Recipe</a><b>

Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

Eating Well's Died-and-Went-to-Heaven Chocolate Cake

This recipe's name says it all! Give in to your cravings and make your guests' night a little brighter with an impossibly deep, dark & chocolatey treat. They'll never guess suspect that the recipe is so smartly slimmed-down. <br> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/eatingwell-s-died-and-went-to-heaven-chocolate-cake/87" target="_blank">Get the Eating Well's Died-and-Went-to-Heaven Chocolate Cake Recipe</a><b>

Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

Pecan Sour Cream Pound Cake

If your guests have been extra-good this year, give into their pleas for a second piece of this scrumptious, orange-glazed confection. Requests for the recipe? No one's been <i>that</i> good. <br> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/pecan-sour-cream-pound-cake/1234" target="_blank">Get the Pecan Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe</a><b>

Secrets of Blissful Holiday Baking

Irish Soda Bread

Greet your guests with the heady, homey aroma of freshly baking bread -- no yeast or major kneading needed, thanks to a simple soda lift. <br> <ul> <li> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/whole-wheat-irish-soda-bread/74355" target="_blank">Get the Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread Recipe</a><b></li> <li> <b><a href="http://recipe.aol.com/recipe/irish-soda-bread/74683" target="_blank">Get the Irish Soda Bread Recipe</a><b></li> </ul>