TO GRILL THE PERSIMMONS: Preheat a grill or grill pan; make sure the grates are clean. Brush persimmon slices with oil or melted butter, sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and salt, and place on grill.

Every December, certain Christmas treats disappear almost instantly.You go back for them the next week and they’re gone — wiped out by shoppers who know the rules of festive snacking: if you like it, ...