RECIPE: Cherry Tonic (Mocktail) & More Recipes For Washington’s Birthday

[1] Have a cherry juice tonic to celebrate Washington’s birthday (photo © Liv Friis-Larsen | iStock Photo). [2] Cherry pie is always welcome. Here’s the recipe for this beauty. February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day (photo © Cherry Marketing Institute). [3] Cherry cheesecake with chocolate glaze. (Here’s the recipe from Betty Crocker. April 23rd…
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Cakes, Gateaux, Tortes, Tortas, & Tarts: The Difference

[1] A torte is a short, dense, single-layer cake. Here’s the recipe for this beauty, a chocolate-pecan torte, which even has its own holiday: August 22nd (photo © All We Eat). [2] An almond coconut torte: one dense layer. The recipe developer called this a cake, which is the broad category. But within the world…
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Valentine Brownies, Quick Or Old School, Plus 5 Brownie Holidays

[1] Share the love with heart-shape brownies. [2] Dutched cocoa removes the bitterness by adjusting the pH with alkali. [3] Use the best quality chocolate chips. We like Ghirardelli and Guittard (photos 1, 2 and 3 courtesy King Arthur Flour) [4] Dutched cocoa at left, and natural cocoa at right (photo courtesy Silk Road Spice…
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RECIPE: Peppadew Martini & More Ways To Use Peppadews

For Martini lovers, here’s a twist for Valentine’s Day: A peppadew stands in for a red heart on the cocktail pick, along with anything else you like. (Or, you can stack two or three peppadews on a pick.)     ADDITIONAL MARTINI GARNISHES Cocktail onion Cornichon/gherkin Cucumber chunk Lemon peel Olive Pepperoni slice Pickled garlic…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Drink Pink (& Red) For Valentine’s Day

[1] A favorite sweet treat: the Cosmopolitan. Here’s the recipe (photo courtesy Kitchen Swagger). [2] For savory palates, the Bloody Mary is spot on. Here are recipes (photo courtesy Bonefish Grill). [3] Pink sparkling: affordable and delicious (photo courtesy Martini & Rossi).   A couple of years ago, we proposed a Valentine’s Day dinner/buffet with…
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