RECIPE: Potato Latkes With Garam Masala Spice

It’s been an unusual year, so how about an unusual spin on potato latkes, a traditional food for Chanukah / Hannukah (the difference in spellings)? Lovers of fried potatoes and Indian food will enjoy these Tikka Masala Latkes—latkes flavored with tikka masala spices. Mint Yogurt Sauce replaces the traditional applesauce an/or sour cream. Infusing classic…
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RECIPE: Merlot Hot Chocolate & The History Of Merlot

[1] Splash some Merlot into your hot chocolate for a cold weather warm-up (photos #1 and #4 © California Wine Institute). [2] Merlot pairs with many foods, including burgers and pizza (photo © Sutter Home). [3] For an after-work or pre-dinner glass of wine, pair Merlot with your favorite nibbles (photo © Rebelle Restaurant |…
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TIP OF THE DAY: How To Tell If A Pear Is Ripe…& Ways To Serve Pears

World Pear Day is December 8th. The history of pears is below. Pears are one of the few fruits that don’t ripen successfully on the tree. They’re picked when they have reached full size, but before the onset of ripening. It sounds simple: To test if a pear is ripe, apply gentle pressure to the…
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FOOD FUN: Snowman Pancakes

It doesn’t take that much longer to turn everyday pancakes into snowman pancakes (photos #1 and #3) for Christmas and the rest of winter—if you plan it right. Thanks to Krusteaz, maker of premium pancake/waffle and baking mixes, for the idea. Krusteaz makes pancake mix in several flavors (Blueberry, Buttermilk, Chocolate Chip, etc.), including Pumpkin…
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RECIPE: Ginger Cookies

December 4th is National Cookie Day. While there seems to be an endless variety of cookies worldwide, there are eight basic types of cookies. The recipe below is for the ginger cookie—a seasonal choice that is neither gingerbread nor gingersnaps. Ginger cookies are a type of drop cookie. A ball of dough is dropped onto…
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