Cranberry Martinis

Another holiday beverage, this one with alcohol. Servings: 2 drinks Source: Ina Garten INGREDIENTS DESCRIPTION For a delicious and festive holiday drink you can make quickly, simply combine the ingredients in advance and shake them up when guests arrive. DIRECTIONS Place the cranberries and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl, cover and microwave for 30 seconds. Set … Read more

2 Mocktails

Not for Dry January, but for a holiday celebration with a pregnant niece. Hibiscus Fizz Mocktail Servings: 1  Source: Alison Roman DESCRIPTION It’s hard to beat the natural sweetness, unique tartness and stunning color of hibiscus, but this fizzy drink can be modified with any chilled tea. Don’t turn away at the mention of apple cider vinegar: … Read more

Basil Gin and Tonic

I went to make Slick Shoes, but cucumber soda was nowhere to be found. Close enough! Beverages, Make Ahead Servings: 10-12 INGREDIENTS For drink (batch): To serve: DIRECTIONS Mix ingredients, except soda and lime, in a large jar. Let sit for a day or two. Strain. Fill pint glass or collins glass with ice. Add 2 oz … Read more

Green Tofu Skewers

Appetizer, BBQ, Vegan, Vegetarian Servings: 8  INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS Cut tofu into 1 inch cubes. Drain well on paper towels. Put hot sauce, soy sauce, and white miso paste in a blender with 3 chopped scallions and garlic cloves. Blend with 1/4 cup water until smooth. Marinate tofu overnight in the sauce. Soak skewers in lemon water, … Read more

Lemon-Herbsaint Poppers

Servings: 64 Source: David Guas DESCRIPTION These are great served at a cocktail party or a garden party, passed around on a platter with small demitasse spoons. They’re bright yellow and taste of citrus with the unmistakeable anisey twang of Herbsaint. Herbsaint is a New Orleans creation that debuted right after the repeal of Prohibition, crafted to take … Read more

Orange and Pecan Cream Cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes  Servings: 8  Source: Paul Harsha INGREDIENTS For dip/spread: DIRECTIONS Chop pecans in a food processor.Add cream cheese, orange juice, and zest then process until combined.  NOTES Adapted from a post by Ganga on BlueSky

Passover

Passover for us is a communal affair, best observed with friends, preferably at a restaurant seder. This year, we stayed home and made Ruth Reichl’s Matzo Brei and this amazing Lamb Tagine from the Boston Globe. Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Peas Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Total Time: 2 hours Servings: 6  Source: Sally Pasley Vargas … Read more

Tomato Water Martini

INGREDIENTS Tomato Water: Drink: Garnish: DIRECTIONS Tomato Water: Purée tomatoes and salt in a robot coupe. Wrap purée in a triple layer of cheesecloth and place in a chinois with a bowl underneath. Let sit overnight. Chill reserved liquid before using. Drink: Put gin and tomato water in a shaker with ice. Shake. Spritz glass with vermouth, pour in mixture, … Read more

Garlic Basil Mayo

I used this as a lobster tail dipping sauce, but it is perfect for this time of year. Ingredients: Directions: Add all ingredients except for olive oil to food processor.  Blend for about a minute and slowly add the olive oil. I just pour it in to the little spout on top and let it … Read more