HOLIDAY GIFT: Robert Lambert Fruitcake

Even if you like fruitcake, the fruitcakes from Robert Lambert will raise the bar beyond any other fruitcake you’ve had. It is fruitcake for those in the know. It has nothing to do with the mass-produced versions loaded with neon candied fruit. Robert Lambert, a cookbook author and pastry chef, is one of America’s great…
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THANKSGIVING: Chocolate Turkey Place Settings

A scrumptious two-bite chocolate turkey, delivered in a beautiful gift box from Burdick Chocolate.   For the Thanksgiving dinner table, we have long used chocolate “place settings,” a [confusing] name given to a party favor presented at each place setting [of flatware and dishes]. For many who follow this tradition, the place setting is a…
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FOOD FUN: Hand Pies Grow Up

[1] Hand pies plated as a gourmet dessert at Sirena Cocina Latina in San Diego (alas, now closed). [2] Use cutters to make prettier pies, and crimp the edges with a fork (here’s the recipe from Driscoll’s Berries). [3] A ham, brie and fig jam hand pie with grainy mustard sauce (here’s the recipe from…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Healthy Valentine Gifts

[1] For good health: extra virgin oil (photo courtesy Kiklos). [2] For low calories: artisan pickles, like a gift collection from Rick’s Picks. These Hotties for your hottie are just $6.99 (photo courtesy Rick’s Picks). [3] No calories: Chocolate seltzer or diet chocolate soda. [4] A healthy dinner: sashimi (photo courtesy Kabuki Restaurants). [5] For…
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Bourbon Caramel Apples Recipe With Jim Beam Or Other Favorite Whiskey

To celebrate its Apple Bourbon—available year-round but especially popular in fall recipes—Jim Beam has stepped beyond cocktails to caramel. Yes, you can dip your caramel apples into an easy homemade caramel that incorporates a cup of Jim Beam Apple Bourbon. No time to buy Jim Beam Apple Bourbon? Use what you’ve got on hand (including…
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