TIP OF THE DAY: Cranberry Royale Cocktail

Along with all of the wine recommendations below, here’s our favorite holiday apéritif, a version of a Kir Royale (Champagne with framboise—raspberry liqueur). Instead, serve Cranberry Royales as an apéritif this holiday season, a combination of cranberry liqueur and any sparkling wine. 1. First pour the cranberry liqueur into a Champagne flute—an inch or more,…
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RECIPE: Apricot Pumpkin Bread

For Thanksgiving weekend, how about some apricot pumpkin bread, delicious for breakfast, brunch, snacks and tea sandwiches. This recipe is courtesy of B & R Farms, apricot growers who sell their delicious products at California farmers markets and to wholesalers. For more recipes, visit BRFarms.com. RECIPE: APRICOT PUMPKIN BREAD Ingredients 1 large egg 1 cup…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Truffle Juice

Add truffle flavor to a dish with some of this brilliant juice, available at specialty food shops. Created by soaking Italian and French truffles in a brine, it’s an easy way to introduce the heady flavor of truffles to a dish. We use it in sauces, soups and stocks where we don’t want the added…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Tomato Stand-Ins

When tomatoes are out of season—or you just don’t have any at hand—simply substitute roasted red peppers (pimientos) or marinated sundried tomatoes. Both are available in jars, and can be kept on your shelf ready for sandwiches, salads, plate garnishes, hors d’oeuvres, pastas and any need you have for flavor and color. Try peppadews too,…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Sandwich Splendor

Try your turkey and swiss “half and half.” Photo courtesy Sargento. When serving sandwiches, offer a variety of condiments and recommend that diners mix and match: one half of a roast beef, ham or turkey sandwich with chutney, one half with Roquefort Dijon mustard, for example. It’s like having two different sandwiches, and just one…
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