RECIPE: Mistletoe Margarita, A Christmas & New Year’s Margarita Cocktail

The mistletoe plant has ovoid green leaves with small white berries. Why is it associated with Christmas? Here’s one explanation: The Druids of Britain (think Stonehenge), circa 100 C.E., thought that mistletoe had magic properties: a cure for disease, a fertility aid, protection from witches and so forth. In a special ceremony held in late…
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Holiday Cocktails To Use Up Spirits & A Cranberry Caipirinha Recipe

Do you find yourself with bottles of spirits you don’t use often: the Limoncello you bought on impulse, the cachaça you used once to make Caipirinhas, the saké you never get around to drinking with take-out sushi? Could you use the space they take up to store something else? Look for holiday cocktail recipes that…
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RECIPE: Make Parmesan Popcorn

Asiago cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano (products made outside the official P.D.O. area in Italy are called Parmesan) are versatile and delicious cheeses that can pop use it pop up everywhere—including on gourmet popcorn. Regular old cheese popcorn is seasoned with Cheddar or Parmesan cheese powder, made by removing the moisture from the cheese. But you…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make Hot Mulled Wine For The Holidays

You can serve mulled wine in a mug, brandy snifter, wine glass or other vessel of choice. Photo courtesy Spice Islands.   Mulled wine, a traditional winter drink in northern Europe, is hearty red wine that’s warmed, sweetened and spiced. It’s a popular holiday drink. The word mulled means heated, sweetened and spiced. The expression…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make Dumplings Or Ravioli From Thanksgiving Leftovers

If you still have Thanksgiving leftovers, this tip from Chef Johnny Gnall shows how to turn them into favorite comfort foods: dumplings or ravioli. If you have questions or suggestions for tips, email Chef Johnny. At Thanksgiving, just about every content source offers you a new take on what to do with leftovers. Here’s my…
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