Twelfth Night King and Queen Cake: Traditional Recipe & History

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The celebration of Twelfth Night—the traditional final day of the Christmas season—was once observed with far greater revelry than it is today. Historically, the evening of January 5th was often a livelier occasion than Christmas itself, celebrated with feasting, drinking and particular rituals. Food and drink like lambswool traditionally accompanied the festivities, and two special … Read more

Spicy Peri-Peri Pasta Recipe: Zesty Chicken Penne Dinner

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Creamy peri peri pasta with chicken is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for lunch or dinner. A silky cream sauce blended with peri peri gives the pasta and chicken a bright, slightly spicy kick that’s satisfying without overwhelming the other flavors. Peri peri sauce has become a favorite in my kitchen—its tangy heat works well … Read more

Monday Meal Plan — December 16, 2013: Weekly Dinner Ideas

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I can’t believe Christmas is next week. Even with a calendar full of holiday activities, I keep thinking I have more time to prepare than I actually do. If you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone. Here’s what we’ll be eating this week: Monday: Black Bean Tostadas with Corn Relish. Mexican food feels perfect right … Read more

Tuesday Tip: Smart Glue Uses and Fixes You Need to Know

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I’m always running out of glue or discovering I brought the wrong kind for a project. It happens so often I feel like I could walk into Michael’s with my eyes closed. When you sit down to craft and don’t have the right supplies, it’s frustrating, especially when a glue stick that claims to dry … Read more

Gingerbread Biscotti with Ginger Chocolate Bark Recipe

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Gingerbread biscotti, dotted with chunks of ginger chocolate bark and perfect with a steaming mug of coffee or hot cocoa, is an ideal treat for chilly days. Certain flavors and aromas are tied to the seasons: pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, blueberry pie for the Fourth of July, and gingerbread in winter. The scent of gingerbread … Read more

Punjabi Chole (Chickpea Curry) Recipe — Authentic North Indian Flavor

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Cholay, also called Chana Masala, is a classic Punjabi chickpea curry often served for breakfast with halwa and puri or with parathas. It’s rich, spicy and tangy, and while puris are indulgent, this curry is versatile enough to enjoy with white rice or chapatis too. This version of Cholay leans spicy and gains its balanced … Read more

Pecan Pie Truffle Bites: Decadent No-Bake Dessert Recipe

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Pecan Pie Truffles are a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for autumn. They make a lovely addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table, a sweet school or office snack, or a charming homemade hostess gift. These truffles capture the familiar flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, portable form and are sure to disappear fast. They also … Read more

Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Lime Dressing

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Summer Watermelon Salad   Perfectly refreshing for hot summer days.   Summer Watermelon Salad   Summer Watermelon Salad   Recipe   Prep time: 30 minutes   Ingredients   2 cups watermelon, cubed 1 cucumber, cubed (or substitute jicama) 1 cup blueberries 1/3 cup fresh mint, chopped 1/4 cup feta or blue cheese, crumbled   2 … Read more

Sparkling Lemonade Mimosa with Lemon Brûlée Garnish

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This crisp, refreshing lemonade mimosa with a lemon brûlée garnish combines bright citrus notes with bubbly for a lively, celebratory drink. The caramelized lemon slice adds a sweet, smoky finish that elevates a simple cocktail into something special. Mimosas are a brunch staple, and swapping classic orange juice for lemonade gives this version a brighter, … Read more

Pressure Cooker Ribs: Baby Back, Spare, and St. Louis Style Recipe

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Instant Pot ribs are surprisingly easy and yield tender, flavorful results. Whether you use baby back ribs or St. Louis spare ribs, the pressure cooker shortens cooking time and produces ribs you’ll want to make again and again. Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Ribs can now be a last-minute family dinner. The Instant Pot fits … Read more