RECIPE: Seasonal Apple Cider Cocktail

Seasonal and sweet, apple cider is a timely and delicious ingredient for fall and winter cocktails. It’s part of Union Square Cafe’s seasonal cocktail. Combined with applejack and gin, this cider cocktail is easy to make at home. Our thanks to Union Square Cafe and the Florence Fabricant/The New York Times for the recipe. The…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Save Your Honey Bears

[1] Nugget, the honey bear gets a new job: as a drink holder, served in a rocks glass with a garnish of leaves (substitute something edible, like pineapple or cucumber spears). Concept from Sunday In Brooklyn, photo by Eric Medsker.   The honey bear bottle: so adorable that many people choose their honey just because…
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PRODUCTS: Valentine Gifts That Aren’t Chocolate

Not everyone wants chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Here are three better-for-you options for that someone special.     1. LAUDEMIO FRESCOBALDI EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL There are enough excellent EVOOs out there to make decision-making difficult. So here’s an easy choice: Marchesi de Frescobaldi Laudemio Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil (photo #1). Silky and elegant,…
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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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