Magical Dishes Inspired by "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

Pears have held a significant place in history since ancient China and Greece. A symbol for immortality, they're also juicy and filled with flavor — making them a prime pick for a fruity dessert. Use refrigerated pie crust and in-season pears to make these Little Pear-Raspberry Potpies for Christmas Eve dinner.

Spread a little peace — and sweetness — around this holiday by letting your imagination take flight. Create a treat in the shape of the turtledove's cousin with these stylish Dove-Shaped Sugar Cookies. Be sure to leave out a plate for Santa, too!

If your holiday feast is limited to just a few friends and family members, Cornish hens — compact, succulent, and simple to cook — make an ideal dinner choice. Try this Cherry-Glazed Cornish Hens recipe, which requires only minutes of prep work, as a main dish alternative.

"Calling birds" are actually blackbirds — not quite the makings for a delicious meal! Instead, try a spin on the idea with Mexican Mole Chicken, a boneless chicken breast smothered in a blackish-brown mole sauce. Ready in just 13 minutes, this recipe is a great choice for the hectic nights leading up to the 25th.

When hunger comes calling, we opt for our favorite kind of golden rings: onion! This hefty Ultimate Steak Sandwich with Salad Italienne, stacked high with crispy rings, is a quick and easy dinner to serve the kids before you head out to an adults-only holiday party.

We know that geese didn't lay the eggs in your fridge, but there's no need to let technicalities get in the way of this creamy dish. Stovetop Spinach and Swiss Cheese Strata is a hearty and healthy way to start Christmas day — after the presents have been unwrapped, of course!

Despite being in the same family as ducks and geese, swans have been a much-lauded — and protected (read: not eaten) — bird for centuries. So we went with something else of the swimming variety — cod — spun into a creamy Fish and Veggie Chowder. Whip up this quick batch of soup in less than an hour for a warming winter dinner.

Milk is the essence of many prized desserts, and creamy Chocolate Pots de Crème are no exception. Demure-looking but decadent, they're sure to please the most finicky dinner party guest — especially once spruced up with piped whipped cream in the shape of snowmen.

Your taste buds deserve to leap for joy — and an airy meringue is just the ticket! These Mint Meringue Kisses keep it light and lively, with a wintry blend of spearmint extract and crushed mint candies mixed throughout. Give as a homemade treat or add to your cookie platter for Christmas night.

They aren't quite ladies, but these Gingerbread Girls can dance and prance with the best of them. Guests of all ages will adore these playful treats — and savor them, given their spiced mix of ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and molasses.

These sophisticated Lime Snowflakes and Ornaments sugar cookies (made with grated lime zest and juice) require a different kind of piping…icing! A pretty addition to any dessert platter, they'll give partygoers more flavor than they ever expected.

Dinnertime stomachs grumbling louder than a 12-piece band? Satisfy that hunger with these crispy Oven-Fried Drumsticks. With a batter of egg whites and mustard and a coating of spice-laced panko bread crumbs, this main course is a healthier dinner option in a season filled with culinary decadence.