Big coffee sellers have expanded their offerings over the years.

 
Some people don’t like flavored coffee, so our strategy is:

HOW TO FLAVOR YOUR OWN COFFEE

You don’t have to buy flavored coffee: You can make your own from regular whole beans or ground coffee. While flavored coffee is typically made by soaking the beans in flavored extracts, the home approach takes the old-fashioned route with real spices.

Whole Bean Technique

Mix crushed cinnamon sticks and a few optional cloves with whole beans at a 1/2 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons ratio of spice to coffee). Store in a tightly capped jar for 2-3 days to allow the flavors to infuse. Grind together and brew.

Ground Coffee Technique

Mix 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice per 1 tablespoon ground coffee. Stir and brew. Add a splash of vanilla or rum extract and serve.

We love all the creative potato recipes from the folks at the U.S. Potato Board. You can find them at PotatoGoodness.com.

This recipe for Festive Papas Tapas is a twist on the classic baked potato bar (pick your own toppings).

Instead of a baked potato, thick slices of russet potatoes are grilled or roasted, and then serve as a blank canvas for toppings. The slices of potato have fewer carbs than an entire potato, so those who tend to shy away can dig in as well.

What kind of toppings? Anything. We have some recipes below, or you can use pesto or pico de gallo straight from the jar.

Prep time for the potatoes is 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes.

This recipe is gluten free and a hit with both kids and adults.

Festive potato tapas. Photo courtesy
PotatoGoodness.com.

Ingredients For 6 Servings

1. PREHEAT grill or oven to 400°F. Thinly slice potatoes length wise to 1/4 inch thick, discarding ends. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

2. PLACE on grill or prepared baking sheet in single layer and cook for 10 minutes on each side. Serve with room-temperature toppings.
 
POTATO TOPPINGS

Bruschetta: 2 medium tomatoes diced, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves (1 teaspoon) of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss together in a bowl and spoon on top of potatoes. Optional: Add chopped chicken to Bruschetta topping.

Classic Baked Potato: 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped. Mix all ingredients except 1 tablespoon of chives in a bowl and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with remaining chives.

Lemon Herb Yogurt: 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, juice of 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper to taste. Mix together in a bowl and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with dill sprigs.

Mediterranean: 1 container (6 ounces) feta cheese, 1 can (2.25 ounces) sliced drained olives, 1 medium tomato diced (optional), salt and pepper to taste. Toss together in a bowl and spoon on top of potatoes.

Pico de Gallo: 1/2 cup pre-made pico de gallo or mix 1 medium tomato diced, 1 small onion finely chopped, 1 green onion chopped, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with extra cilantro.

 
HOW MANY TYPES OF POTATOES HAVE YOU HAD?

Check them out, along with the history of potatoes, in our delicious Potato Glossary.

And it’s affordable—made with compared to $2,500 per pound this year (a pound buys a lot of truffles).

The best truffle splurge for $15 is this black truffle and white truffle duo from d’Artagnan. You can also check at your local fine food retailer.

You can use either truffle butter (you may enjoy both equally or prefer one variety over the other) to create easy yet impressive recipes:

 
See the different ways to use truffle butter and more about this affordable luxury in our review.

One of our favorite foods to enjoy with wine: truffle butter on baguette slices. Photo by Melody Lan | THE NIBBLE.

It’s flavored with tiny pieces that break off from the truffle. They can’t be sold at top dollar like whole truffles, but are purchased for a fraction of the price by manufacturers, who add them to butter or infuse them in olive oil.

Note though that most of the truffle olive oil out there is not made with real truffles. Most manufacturers use artificial truffle flavor and aroma: truffle molecules re-created in a lab.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t good: many of the artificially-flavored products are delicious. But if you’re paying more than $20 for truffle oil, read the label to ensure that it’s infused with real truffles.

RECIPE: CRANBERRY MAPLE COOLER

Ingredients For 1 Drink

1. COMBINE the bourbon, cranberry jam, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cranberry juice in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously.

2. STRAIN over ice, add a splash of soda and garnish with cranberries.

Man bites dog. Photo courtesy Walker’s.

 
In 2013, 10 cents of every purchase goes to ASPCA initiatives to end animal cruelty and homelessness.

Check them out at US.WalkerShortbread.com.