TIP OF THE DAY: Holiday Champagne Alternatives

Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Eve, Champagne is a tradition in holiday homes; that is, holiday homes with means. Champagne, by far the most famous sparkling wine in the world, is in the highest demand. But can only be produced on limited acreage, the region of Champagne, in northeast France. The worldwide demand…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make A Cranberry Wreath…And A Mistletoe Ball

[1] Make a cranberry wreath for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or [2] a cranberry and mistletoe “kissing ball” for Christmas (photos 1, 2 and 4 courtesy Ocean Spray). [3] Were cranberries served at the first Thanksgiving? No one knows* (photo courtesy Good Eggs).   Sure, you can buy evergreen wreaths galore during the holiday season. But…
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GIFT OF THE DAY: Gingerbread Scone Mix

November 21st is National Gingerbread Day…and also a reminder that it’s easy to make gingerbread scones with a $6.95 gourmet boxed mix from King Arthur Flour. We typically give small gifts to our Thanksgiving guests, and last year it was these scone mixes (this year it’s the Gingerbread Cake and Cookie Mix). The one-pound box…
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Turkey Napkin Fold & The History Of Napkins

Does someone in your family have a crafty streak? Let him or her do the napkin folding for Thankgsgiving dinner. You can find different looks online, but we like this simple-but-elegant version from Martha Stewart. Here’s how to fold it. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to start folding. Test your skills and your napkins in advance.…
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RECIPE: Frozen Pumpkin Tiramisu & The History Of Tiramisu

Given the popularity of tiramisu in the U.S., we’re surprised we haven’t come across a frozen pumpkin tiramisu before this one. Instead of layering the ingredients in a bowl or pan, this recipe takes the extra step of building it in a springform pan, so it emerges looking like a frozen soufflé. The recipe is…
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