TIP OF THE DAY: Christmas Mocktail Menu

[1] Jingle Belle: 7-Up and bitters with a raspberry-mint garnish (photo © Beatnik | Chicago).   More and more people don’t drink alcohol, and seek club soda or soft drinks at parties. If some of your guests fall into that category, why not create a “Mocktail Menu?” It’s quite easy, and it will bring them…
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RECIPE: Holiday Meringue Drops

Austin, Texas has become a hot city to visit and move to, abetted by its ever-expanding food scene. One place of interest is Fluff Meringues & More is a modern patisserie that proffers European treats in a market full of cupcakes and Southern pecan pie. A meringue cookie is the opposite of these latter favorites.…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Torrone For Christmas

In Italy, torrone (tuh-ROE-nay) is a traditional Christmas dessert, and the most popular candy in Italy. In France, it’s known as nougat: a confection made from egg whites, honey, sugar and toasted almonds. There are many regional variations; some are softer, some chewier. If you’re headed to any Italian city—or have friends who are—ask them…
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RECIPE: Mezcal-Pomegranate Holiday Punch

Pomegranate Mezcal Punch [1] Persephone Punch, made with mulled pomegranate juice (photo © Gem & Bolt). [2] Star anise pods, available from Silk Road Spices (photo © Silk Road Spices. [3] Pomegranate and its arils. The juice is squeezed from the arils (photo © Kelly Cline | iStock Photo). [4] Juniper berries, available from Silk…
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STOCKING STUFFERS: Dandies Peppermint Marshmallows, Little Secrets Peppermint Pieces

Today’s stocking stuffers are for mint lovers.   1. DANDIES PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOWS Dandies Peppermint Marshmallows are a limited-edition holiday treat. Dandies are all-natural, gelatin-free, vegan marshmallows. There’s no high fructose corn syrup or anything artificial: Cane sugar and tapioca syrup are used. Vegan marshmallows taste just like conventional marshmallows, but tapioca starch is used instead…
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