TIP OF THE DAY: Alternatives To Champagne

You’ve just spent a pile of money on Christmas. Do you have to spend a mini-pile on Champagne for a crowd on New Year’s Eve? Nope. For starters you can head to Costco and pick up Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne for $19.99 a bottle, compared to a minimum of $27.99 or more for our favorite…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Candy Cane Cocoa Rim

Warm up your day with peppermint-accented cocoa. Photo courtesy Ziploc.   For those living north of the Equator, today* is the the winter solstice, shortest day of the year. Since antiquity, man has celebrated the winter solstice with feasting, gifts, visiting, drinking and more of the pleasures that counter the daily hardships of life. So…
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TIP OF THE DAY: The Five Minute Stackable Appetizer Maker

Some gadgets are a snore. Others really make a difference. In the latter camp is the Five Minute Stackable Appetizer Maker. The device enables you to create bite size, multi-layered gourmet appetizers using everyday ingredients. Yes, even peanut butter and jelly or egg salad seems “gourmet” when made in this format! The manufacturer claims that…
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Mexican Christmas Pudding Recipe: Budin de Rompope, Eggnog Pudding

Oh give us some figgy pudding (photo courtesy Gerry Lerner | London Lennie’s.   Christmas pudding is an English tradition. It has been celebrated in song since at least the 16th century. Thought to bring luck and prosperity to all those who share it, it is typically made five weeks before Christmas, on or after…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Rich Hot Chocolate With Fewer Calories

Just a few sips hit the spot. Photo courtesy Dolcezza Gelato.   The headline is a bit of a tease, because the way to enjoy rich hot chocolate, laden with cream, is to have it in an espresso cup. A mug’s worth can be 600 calories or more. If you’re holding a cup with 12…
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