TIP OF THE DAY: An Edible Centerpiece For Christmas

Flowers are lovely, of course. And arrangements of seasonal fruits and pine—lady apples, clove-studded oranges, pomegranates, pine cones and branches—have been our centerpiece of choice. But how about an edible centerpiece that becomes part of dessert? There’s nothing more charming than an old-fashioned gingerbread house as a holiday centerpiece. And if the gingerbread is top…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Truffle Oil Spray

It’s truffle season, and while we love the aroma and flavor of truffles, our budget doesn’t afford them often. So when we encountered an easily affordable spray bottle of Grand’Aroma Truffle Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Fratelli Mantova, we thought, “Why not?” We know that most truffle oils are flavored with “truffle essence”—laboratory approximations…
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RECIPE: Eggnog “Martini”

The Eggnog “Martini” in sunny Napa Valley. Photo courtesy Boon Fly Café | Carneros Inn.   Can you call any a cocktail poured into a Martini glass a Martini? Of course not; otherwise you’d call a Cosmopolitan a Cranberry Lime Martini with triple sec substituting for vermouth. The Martini is a cocktail made with gin…
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FOOD FUN: Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees

Turn refrigerated cinnamon bun dough into Christmas trees. Photo courtesy Immaculate Baking Co.   What’s for breakfast on Christmas? How about these Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees—with a side of eggs or oatmeal for nutrition. This recipe comes from Immaculate Baking Co., which makes refrigerated cookie dough, pie crusts, biscuits, scones and other doughs in natural,…
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GIFT: Gourmet Cocoa And Hot Chocolate

Winter Hot Chocolate is a classic cocoa mix with a touch of vanilla. Photo courtesy Lake Champlain Chocolates.   “Forget Christmas gifts this year,” said our friend Gerard, when he called to invite us to his annual party and gifting frenzy. “At this point in our lives, none of us needs another scarf, another basket…
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