Erin Jeanne McDowell, author of "Savory Baking," explains how she approaches savory baking for friends and family during the holidays. For McDowell, it starts with careful planning and simple recipes, like her spicy cheesy crackers. She also shares the cardinal rule for baking during the holidays. "Don't make something for the first time when you're having friends and family over," McDowell said. "It's just too stressful and it takes away the most enjoyable part." To hear more about McDowell's recipes, and why she wants everyone to bake more pies, watch the full "Salon Talks" with Ashlie Stevens here: www.salon.com/tv/video/qpk3hp