TIP OF THE DAY: Strawberry Wreath

No matter how many pies, cakes and cookie platters were served at Christmas dinner, our mom always put out one more dessert: fresh fruit salad. It always had takers, from calorie counters to healthy eaters to people avoiding lactose, gluten, refined sugar, whatever, to people who were too full to eat something rich. But as…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Winter’s Seasonal Fruit, Citrus

While many delightful fruits have gone “on hiatus” until next summer, winter is not without its comforts: citrus fruits. Get your fill of the winter citrus bounty, and especially seek out varieties you haven’t had before. All of the following are different species in the Citrus genus: order Sapindales, family Rutaceae.   BLOOD ORANGES A…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Cranberry “Mistletoe” Kissing Ball

You don’t need to buy mistletoe to encourage people at holiday get-togethers to kiss. Instead, substitute this “holiday kissing ball” from Ocean Spray. First head to the crafts store, then pick up fresh whole cranberries. You can pick up an extra bag or two for a Valentine Kissing Ball (and if you prefer, a foam…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Winter Fruit Compote

First: What’s a compote? A popular medieval European dessert that faded out of style in the mid-20th century, compote (COM-poat), also referred to as poached or stewed fruit, is mix of fruits cooked in a syrup. Although a single fruit can be cooked in the same manner, a variety is more interesting. In fact, the…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Almost Apple Pie (Slow Cooker Apples)

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away (see below), it stands to reason that an apple dessert helps, too. We have two slow-cooker apple recipes for you today. The second is like apple pie filling. Both are classic fall and winter desserts, suitable for weeknights or for company. They can be served warm,…
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