Thanksgiving Ideas and Giveaway Winner!

Oh, you guys. You know, I was genuinely curious to hear about your favorite holiday cookies when I threw the question out there for the cookie cutter giveaway. But I've gotta say, I never expected to have all your answers get me so excited for the holidays. I absolutely loved reading all your responses and will be thinking about all the great inspiration you've given me as I start planning this year's cookie tins. A big hooray! goes to the randomly selected winner of the Ann Clark holiday cookie cutter gift set...

Lisa, who said "My favorite holiday cookie is the sugar cookie."

Simple and to the point, Lisa. I like it! Contact me at pieceofcakedesserts (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so I can send the set your way. And also so we'll all know where to go and greedily expect lots of adorably decorated sugar cookies.

After hearing about so many of your favorite holiday treats and so many stories that go along with them, I know you're not dealing with a shortage of good ideas as we head into the holiday baking season. But because I want to return the favor of all your holiday baking inspiration and because I'm a Type-A list-maker, here are some suggestions for a great Thanksgiving dessert table from the Piece of Cake kitchen. Enjoy!

Chewy Apple-Oat Bars with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. An apple pie-oatmeal cookie-cheesecake hybrid. If you have a problem with that combination, there's something wrong with your soul.

Caramel Crumb Bars. Because nothing says holiday eating like butter, butter, butter and sugar in various forms.

Cheese Cake from Denmark. Made with firm-ripe Bosc pears or sweet, crisp apples like Fujis or Honeycrisps, this is like no other cheesecake you've ever had before.

Apple Cider Pudding Cake. An easy and unusual recipe that results in a tender, moist apple-studded cake that creates its own dessert sauce, with a layer of pebbly streusel on top.

Plum Crumble Tart. This tart screams fall. Easy and so pretty. Make it your own by swapping out the plums with other firm-ripe fruits and adding different spices.

Lemon Bars. One of my personal favorites. Light, sweet-tart, and completely refreshing. The perfect button on a big, elaborate meal.

Espresso Brownies. The only recipe from the Piece of Cake kitchen that has a mix involved, and I wholeheartedly endorse it. With a few extra pieces of flair, the chocolate lovers in your holiday crowd will think they were made from scratch, and your sanity will be saved with this quick and simple but totally decadent recipe.

Pumpkin Tart. Because it's Thanksgiving, for crying out loud!