Jenny Harper is Senior Culinary Specialist for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

It’s true — the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, fixing dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Senior Culinary Specialist for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This space lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

(Family Features) The post-holiday season has us putting away our holiday décor and making New Year’s resolutions. One resolution that I intend on keeping is to spend more time doing what I really enjoy … baking. Nothing makes me feel quite as grounded and worthwhile as when I’m creating goodies.

The holiday season was a warm-up for my baking equipment, and the baking season keeps my kitchen warm all winter. When I can also spend kitchen time with my daughter and her friends — passing on baking tips and skills, and creating good memories with them — well, I guess that’s multi-tasking of the best kind!

Warm hearts with some home-baked goodies:

• It’s a new year: Try a cookie, bar, cake or pastry you’ve been interested in baking. During the holidays we focus on making our best, classic baked goods. Now’s the time to try something new.
• Ask your teens or ’tweens for input on “something new”: Kids tend to be less stuck in the “same old” routine as adults are.
• Plan to take trays of home-baked goodies to an appreciative audience: a group home in your community, a retirement complex, your local fire station. Call ahead to check on any restrictions.

Who doesn’t love the classic cinnamon-scented snickerdoodle? Try this contemporary twist on this all-American favorite: Snickerdoodles studded with dried cherries and whimsical swirled chocolate morsels will impress everyone before they vanish. Better plan to make multiple batches!

Sweet inspiration for baking is always available at www.VeryBestBaking.com.

CHERRY-CHOCOLATE STUDDED SNICKERDOODLES

 Makes 4 dozen cookies

 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 2/3 cups (10-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Swirled Real Semi-Sweet & White Chocolate Morsels, divided

1 cup (6 ounces) dried cherries, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. COMBINE flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in 1 1/4 cups morsels and cherries.

COMBINE remaining sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Roll dough into 1 1/4-inch balls and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Top balls with remaining morsels.

BAKE 12 to 14 minute or just until centers are set. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition information per serving (1 cookie): 120 calories, 45 calories from fat; 5g total fat, 3g saturated fat; 15mg cholesterol; 50mg sodium; 19g carbohydrates; 0g fiber; 10g sugars; 1g protein, 4% Daily Value vitamin A; 2% Daily Value iron.