It’s ironic that National Sangria Day is celebrated in the gray cold of winter*, when it’s traditionally considered a summer drink. But December 20th is National Sangria Day, and more sangria fans have been enjoying it year-round. As the recipe below shows, you can easily turn sangria into a winter refreshment. Get seasonal with the […]
What’s for brunch during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival Of Lights? Latkes! Latke is the Yiddish word for a pancake made from grated potatoes. Some call it a potato pancake; but “latke” is original word*. The name comes from the East Slavic oladka, “small fried pancake.” That in turn derives from Hellenistic Greek for olive oil. […]
It’s been an unusual year, so how about an unusual spin on potato latkes, a traditional food for Chanukah / Hannukah (the difference in spellings)? Lovers of fried potatoes and Indian food will enjoy these Tikka Masala Latkes—latkes flavored with tikka masala spices. Mint Yogurt Sauce replaces the traditional applesauce an/or sour cream. Infusing classic […]
[1] Splash some Merlot into your hot chocolate for a cold weather warm-up (photos #1 and #4 © California Wine Institute). [2] Merlot pairs with many foods, including burgers and pizza (photo © Sutter Home). [3] For an after-work or pre-dinner glass of wine, pair Merlot with your favorite nibbles (photo © Rebelle Restaurant | […]
[1] A pomegranate spritz—juice and club soda—is a non-alcoholic alternative to holiday cocktails (photo © Rawpixel | Pexels). [2] Festive, biodegradable paper straws. These are available on Amazon (photo © Ououps). Here’s a holiday beverage that’s non-alcoholic, fun, even good for you. For those who don’t drink alcohol, or don’t want any more of […]
December 20th is National Sangria Day. Sangria is a wine punch or cocktail that originated in Spain long ago, with roots in ancient Rome (here’s the history of sangria). There are countless recipes for sangria, made with red, white or rose wine, including sparkling wine; and with different spirits, juices and fruits. Here’s a recipe […]
December 4th is National Cookie Day. While there seems to be an endless variety of cookies worldwide, there are eight basic types of cookies. The recipe below is for the ginger cookie—a seasonal choice that is neither gingerbread nor gingersnaps. Ginger cookies are a type of drop cookie. A ball of dough is dropped onto […]
Try this seasonal spin on salsa: Switch out the tomatoes and garlic for cranberries and apples. Low in calories and gluten free, you can keep it in the fridge for snacking or as a general condiment: mixed into yogurt for breakfast or lunch, as a creamy dip with the yogurt, as a salad dressing with […]
[1] What to serve before holiday dinners: Bourbon Milk Punch (photos #1 and #2 © Woodford Reserve. [2] Woodford Reserve makes several expressions of Kentucky Bourbon, including a double-oaked version that’s a real find for oak lovers. They also distill malt, rye and wheat whiskeys. [3] You can serve milk punch in whatever glasses you […]
This festive mocktail is a refreshing apéritif for the holidays—and can be made into a cocktail with a splash of gin, tequila or vodka (we like gin or flavored vodka best). Or, see the tip below to add spirits, including flavored vodka. Thanks to Pampered Chef for the recipe. RECIPE: CRAN-RASPBERRY FIZZ Let […]