Cider Cocktails – Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe, Sparkling Pear

Cider cocktails: We don’t get enough of them. It’s our own fault, since we habitually order one of our three favorite cocktails instead of going for the seasonal specialty. Eating seasonally means drinking seasonally, too. So from now through the end of holiday season, we’re going to enjoy cocktails with fall and winter ingredients, returning…
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RECIPE: Pumpkin Flan, Delicious & Gluten Free

Pumpkin flan. Photo courtesy South Water Kitchen | Chicago.   Unless you bake with gluten-free flour, Thanksgiving guests following a gluten-free diet can’t enjoy your pumpkin pie. So Roger Waysok, executive chef of South Water Kitchen in the Chicago Loop, suggests a gluten-free alternative: pumpkin Flan. His recipe, below, is easy for to prepare and…
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PRODUCT & GIFT: Zhena’s Pumpkin Spice Tea

EDITOR’S NOTE 2020: Alas, this wonderful company disbanded operations in 2018. Instead of a chocolate turkey party favor, this year we’re sending our Thanksgiving guests home with a tin of pumpkin spice tea from Zhena’s Gypsy Tea. Zhena blends caffeine-free rooibos tea (pronounced roy-boss) into a warm, soothing cup that mimics the flavors of pumpkin…
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FOOD FUN: Strawberry Ghosts, A Better Halloween Snack

Better for you Halloween treats. Photo courtesy Driscoll’s.   BOO! These white chocolate covered strawberry ghosts are a fun treat, and a better-for-you alternative to traditional candy. The prep time is 30 minutes, but half of that is making the broomsticks. If you don’t have the time or the interest in the crafts portion, just…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Pumpkin Custard With Maple Pecan Crunch

As an alternative to pumpkin pie—or perhaps in addition to it—how about some pumpkin custard? It’s eggier and richer than conventional pumpkin pie filling, and because there’s no crust, it’s gluten free. This lovely recipe, from Nielsen Massey, is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. If you don’t have ramekins or custard cups, use 6-ounce teacups. How…
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