[1] Surf & Turf Bloody Mary with bacon and shrimp from The Wayfarer in New York City. They call it “Fully Loaded,” with a celery stalk and a cocktail pick with cheese, olive and cocktail onion (photo © The Wayfarer). [2] The Hanako San Bloody Mary features an octopus tentacle and a skewer of raw […]

Diet Tips

[1] Bacon lollipops, a yummy cocktail nibble (photos #1 and #2 © Wright Brand). [2] The bacon lollipops are made with applewood smoked bacon. [3] The recipe calls for clover honey, but you can use whatever you have (photo © Bee Harmony).   December 30th is National Bacon Day. These lollipops from Wright Brand Bacon […]

Diet Tips

[1] A Mimosa with orange juice, plus Pomegranate, Pink Grapefruit and Mango Mimosas (photo © Pampered Chef). [2] Transfer the juices into carafes before adding them to the ice bucket. Amazon has four 750ml carafes for less than $ 30. [3] A Grapefruit Mimosa is special when made with pink grapefruit juice. Here’s the recipe […]

Diet Tips

Whenever the topic of Champagne comes up, for special occasions, gifting or fizzy cocktails, we like to remind everyone that there are delicious—and less costly—alternatives to Champagne. Consider these more affordable bubblies at half the price or less: Asti Spumante and Prosecco from Italy. Cava from Spain. Crémant from France. Espumante from Portugal. Sekt from […]

Diet Tips

[1] Eggnog was originally served in a four-ounce cup, called a nog (photo and recipe © Whole Foods Market). It’s the size of a modern punch cup. [2] We like a grated nutmeg garnish on eggnog. You can substitute grated chocolate. (photo © McCormick). [3] If you want to serve a nibble with the nog, […]

Diet Tips

A great gift for any occasion—and especially for a last-minute holiday gift—is a subscription to a meal delivery service. You can send it anytime, in the sum of your choice. The recipient gets an email with instructions on how to select and order his/her meals. We recently received a gift of a week of prepared […]

Diets To Lose Weight

[1] Jingle Belle: 7-Up and bitters with a raspberry-mint garnish (photo © Beatnik | Chicago).   More and more people don’t drink alcohol, and seek club soda or soft drinks at parties. If some of your guests fall into that category, why not create a “Mocktail Menu?” It’s quite easy, and it will bring them […]

Diet Tips