Home Blog Page 100

Baby Kale Salad with Citrus-Marinated Artichoke Hearts

0
Baby Kale Salad with Citrus-Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Lemon Vinaigrette on a white plate with a fork in the salad and a container of dressing to the left.

Appealingly light and bright, this baby kale salad is also satisfying. Its ingredients help keep the digestion healthy in spite of winter’s rich comfort foods. Citrus, like spring, is known for its energizing qualities, encouraging renewal and growth. Artichokes have detoxifying and tonifying properties that aid in liver function, and they are one of the highest fiber vegetables. For other health-conscious salad recipes, check out our best salads of 2024.

About Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke “hearts,” which we put into our winter health baby kale salad, are the edible part of the artichoke flower, the bud at its center. We combined it with baby kale for a dish full of antioxidants and vitamins. Artichoke hearts contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Eating foods like artichoke may reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. They’re also high in fiber, which aids digestion. 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Baby Kale Salad with Citrus-Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Lemon Vinaigrette on a white plate with a fork in the salad and a container of dressing to the left.

Baby Kale Salad with Citrus-Marinated Artichoke Hearts


  • Author: Kristen Palmer

Description

A delicious winter salad full of antioxidants.


Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

  • 14 oz can artichoke heart quarters
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp peppercorns
  • 5 oz box of fresh baby kale
  • 1 cup Brazil nuts, chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and halved

For the dressing:

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 olive oil
  • 2 tsp agave syrup
  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper


Instructions

  1. Drain artichokes. Combine olive oil, salt, vinegar, lemon juice, citrus zests,thyme leaves, and peppercorns in a jar or a small bowl. Shake jar or whisk to combine.
  2. Add artichokes to marinade and adjust, so the artichokes are covered. Setaside in the refrigerator and marinate the artichokes for at least four hours, preferably overnight.
  3. To serve, toss kale in dressing. Just before serving, top with a sprinkle of nuts, onion slices, and olives. Remove artichokes from the marinade and drain of excess liquid. Nestle artichoke quarters on side of platter or serving bowl.

Story and Recipe by Kristen Palmer
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Defying Gravity, A Wicked Cocktail

0
In a coupe glass sits a Defying Gravity Wicked cocktail white in color while the glass is tangled in a vine.

As the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation takes flight this November, immerse yourself in the magical world of Oz with this enchanting cocktail. This cocktail blends the vibrant flavors of mint, lime, and citrus with the mysterious allure of green absinthe from Lawrenceville Distilling. The creamy texture of egg whites adds a touch of elegance, making it the perfect libation to enjoy as you soar into the clouds. Needless to say, this cocktail will have you belting it out with Cynthia Erivo in her show-stopping rendition of “Defying Gravity.”  

A person pours a white cocktail from a shaker into a coupe glass that's tangled in vines on a black background.

How Long is Wicked in Theaters?

Wicked hit theaters on November 22, 2024. The film starts Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch. This prequel to The Wizard of Oz, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, explores the origins of these iconic characters. Wicked will likely remain in theaters into early 2025, given how much hype its release generated. Fans will have to wait until November of 2025 for the release of part two, Wicked: For Good.

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
In a coupe glass sits a Defying Gravity Wicked cocktail white in color while the glass is tangled in a vine.

Defying Gravity, A Wicked Cocktail


  • Author: Sarah Cascone

Description

Defy gravity with this flavorful and sophisticated cocktail.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mint leaves
  • 1 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 1 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 4 oz gin (we used The Botanist)
  • 1/2 oz absinthe (make sure it’s green in color)
  • 2 egg whites


Instructions

  1. Place mint leaves in the bottom of the cocktail shaker.
  2. Use a non-textured muddler and gently press, turn, and release. Repeat a few times to release the oils of the mint leaves. Be careful not to over-muddle which will release a bitter flavor.
  3. Add lime juice, simple syrup, gin, absinthe, and egg whites to shaker. Dry shake the ingredients without ice vigorously for about 20 seconds.
  4. Add ice and shake again until frost forms.
  5. Strain into chilled coupe glass.
  6. Garnish with mint leaves.

Recipe by Sarah Cascone
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Heavenly Poundcake with Coconut and Nutmeg

0
Two slices of moist, golden poundcake served in a rustic brown bowl, covered in a white drizzle or custard and garnished with dark red blood orange slices, with a glass of milk and houseplants nearby.

We’ve heard whispers that the kind of holiday calories in coconut poundcake don’t count because they’re happy. Hmmm. Maybe, and maybe not. But we know for sure that baking is cathartic and eating the results is indeed happy. It’s even happier to share the results.

Heavenly Poundcake with Coconut and Nutmeg Recipe

We adapted a poundcake recipe handed down from an old friend’s grandmother to give it a deeper flavor profile. You get the tropical flavor of coconut and then a bit of warmth from the nutmeg that balance each other out. Try it. You’ll love it as much as we did.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Two slices of moist, golden poundcake served in a rustic brown bowl, covered in a white drizzle or custard and garnished with dark red blood orange slices, with a glass of milk and houseplants nearby.

Heavenly Poundcake with Coconut and Nutmeg


  • Author: Keith Recker

Description

Perfect for the holidays or any other celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp rum extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • Nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

For the drizzle:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup calvados or apple brandy
  • 1/4 cup sugar


Instructions

  1. Let’s start with the French concept of “mise en place,” which requires the cook to measure and prepare all ingredients so that everything you need is in front of you. Begin with the butter, eggs, sour cream. Measure the butter and sour cream and put them in bowls on your countertop. Crack the eggs into a bowl. Then move on to everything else.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325 F.  Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
  3. Now make yourself a cup of coffee. Drink it slowly. And now you can begin the recipe.
  4. Why the fuss about mise en place? Why the coffee? It’s really important that all the ingredients be at room temperature when you make the batter. This is a dense cake that bakes for a long time, and you don’t want a cold batter going into the oven.
  5. Cream the butter and sugar until they’re a bit fluffy. Add eggs and beat well.
  6. Add sour cream and the three extracts and three pitches of nutmeg. Beat well.
  7. Add flour, salt and baking powder. Beat well.
  8. Add coconut and beat for a 30 seconds. With a spatula, be sure that coconut is evenly combined with batter.
  9. Pour batter into the greased and floured Bundt pan. Transfer to oven and back for just over an hour. Don’t peak. It won’t be done any sooner!
  10. Test with a wooden skewer. Sometimes an extra few minutes is required. When the skewer emerges dry, remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. With a butter knife, very gently separate the cake from the sides of the pan. Turn the Bundt pan over onto a cake plate. Tap here and there until the cake drops onto the plate.
  11. Whisk the drizzle ingredients together.  Quickly grill some fresh fruit. Spread a tablespoon or two of drizzle onto a dessert place. Cut a still warm slice of the cake and put it on top. Drizzle more onto cake. Garnish with fruit.
  12. You’re going to love this cake!

Recipe and Styling by Keith Recker

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.

The Bene Gesserit, a Dune: Prophecy Cocktail

0
A tall glass sits on a bar with an orange and red hue to represent the Bene Gesserit in Dune Prophecy.

A powerful sisterhood like the Bene Gesserit from Dune: Prophecy deserves a strong, bold cocktail.

About Dune: Prophecy 

Frank Herbert’s 1965 book, Dune, brings to life a future society of interconnected planets ruled by an emperor and an oligarchy of patrician families. It’s a dystopian vision about the corruption of power and money…and religion. Herbert himself wrote five more books about the world of Dune — also known as the planet of Arrakis — and the Atreides and Harkonnen families whose struggle for power and survival is at the center of the novels. While the men overtly vie for power and primacy, a sect of priestesses, the Bene Gesserit, exert enormous influence behind the scenes. It is they who set the traps and pull the strings. It is they who really run things. Two recent films directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, have made the characters of this world part of our collective consciousness.

The founding of the Bene Gesserit is the subject of Prophecy, a prequel currently produced by HBO. The new series takes place 10,000 years before the Dune chronicles, and it stars Emily Watson and Travis Fimmel.  All we can do is make this cocktail and brood about its revelations and plot twists.

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A tall glass sits on a bar with an orange and red hue to represent the Bene Gesserit in Dune Prophecy.

The Bene Gesserit, a Dune: Prophecy Cocktail


  • Author: Justin Matase

Description

A cocktail fit for a sisterhood.


Ingredients

Scale


Instructions

  1. In a shake filled with ice, add bourbon, red absinthe and Campari.
  2. Stir with a barspoon until deeply chilled.
  3. Pour into a coupe glass.
  4. Pour a spoonful of Amaro Averna over the back of a barspoon.
  5. Express a twist of lemon over the drink, and toss the twist in.

Recipe by Justin Matase
Photography and Video by Cody Baker

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

French Onion Soup

0
A large bowl of french onion soup.
Classic French Onion Soup brings all flavor to cold weather comfort.

When the first snow flurries hit the ground is when we officially enter soup season. French Onion Soup has a special place in our hearts because it requires a central technique for good cooking—caramelizing onions. Browning or caramelizing onions is an exercise in patience and expands basic cookery chops in building flavor. It’s a cooking tenet applicable anywhere but should be mastered here in all its melty goodness. Try some more soups in our Best Soup Recipes of 2024!

History of French Onion Soup

Better known as soupe à l’oignon, this soup has been around since Roman times. Culinary legends as famous as Simone BeckLouisette Bertholle and Julia Child have all fallen in love with classic onion soup recipes. Food writer Waverley Root is another soup lover. Going even further back, novelist Alexandre Dumas of Three Musketeers fame was also a fan. This soup gained popularity partially because of how easily accessible onions were to the poor in France. It’s simple and delicious for anyone, though, not just a medieval French peasant!

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A large bowl of french onion soup.

French Onion Soup


  • Author: Gabe Gomez

Description

Enjoy a classic soup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Bouquet garni; thyme, bay leaf, and parsley
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Pinch of freshly milled black pepper
  • French baguette
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère


Instructions

  1. Add butter to a large pan, fold in onions and slowly saute until carmelized under low to medium heat. Caramelizing onion takes time and patience. Let the onions sit and stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning. The onions should have a thick and syrupy consistency when ready, approximately 20 minutes.

  2. Once the onions are caramelized add wine and bring up to a low simmer for five minutes. Slowly fold in the flour to thicken the mixture.

  3. Warm broth over low heat in a separate pot and add to the onions slowly. Add bouquet garni, a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring to a low simmer.

  4. Prepare the oven broiler. Cut four slices from the baguette. Place four oven-proof containers on a baking sheet. Fill the containers with soup and add bread slices atop each container. Top each with grated Gruyère and broil in the oven for three and four minutes. Serve warm.

Story and Recipe by Gabe Gomez
Photography by Sheri Silver

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition

Ring in 2025 with First Night Pittsburgh

0
A glowing lamppost from Pittsburgh's First Night celebration

One of the challenges of New Year’s Eve is finding a celebration that can appeal to everybody. Maybe you can’t drink like you used to, but your friends want to hit the clubs, so you want a pre-game activity you can all do together. Or maybe you’re bringing up a toddler and unsure what you can do that’s both family-friendly and celebratory. First Night Pittsburgh from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust provides an all-night celebration with options for all ages.

First Night Festivites for the Kids

The night will start off with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display at 6PM at the Highmark Stage at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. These fireworks kicking off the celebration with a bang over downtown. Plus, they’re early enough that kids can celebrate and still get to bed at a reasonable time. 

To keep the family fun going, try the Family Rave at 6:30-7:30PM at the Highmark Stage. At Liberty Magic on Penn Avenue, Luis Carreon will be doing exclusive shows all night to delight kids and adults alike with “A Glimpse of the Beast.” And, back by popular demand this year, the Ice Maze is fun for all ages. Nearby, kids can race LEGO cars, then enjoy the New Year’s Eve Parade through the Cultural District at 8PM.

Music and Entertainment Galore

See what your luck is like for 2025 with tarot readings at the Benedum Center from 6PM-10PM. Bring your questions to Dr. Amber Epps, owner of Arts & Crafts: Botanica & Occult Shop. Epps is joined by two other experienced tarot readers, artist Maggie Negrete and event planner and “solitary witch” Elizabeth Kivovitz.

Legendary Pittsburgh jazz musician Roger Humphries and his Big Band will be doing a tribute to Ray Charles starting at 6:30 PM. For more jazz, you can head to the Greer Cabaret Theater to hear Pittsburgh music mainstay of the Beehive era Phat Man Dee.

At the Highmark Stage, friend of TABLE Frzy will be ringing in the new year starting at 10:45 and going past midnight. Frzy is known for his lively energy and killer stage presence. But he also has a heart of gold. Take a look at our winter feature Frzy’s Gratitude Feast to learn a little bit about the man behind the swagger. The best part? Like many First Night events, it’s free.

VIP Options

But what if you want the VIP treatmet? If, like socialite and fraudster Anna Delvey once barked in Netflix’s Inventing Anna, you believe “VIP is always better,” you can get that special treatment at First Night. The pass includes access to gourmet stations, an exclusive VIP lounge, and complimentary parking passes for as low as $65.

A full list of First Night events is available via the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s website.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo via The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Butterscotch Bread Pudding

0
A plated dessert featuring a thick slice of golden-brown bread pudding topped with caramelized peach slices and crumble, resting on a creamy butterscotch sauce on a white plate.

Desserts have a way of bringing comfort and joy, and few recipes capture that feeling better than bread pudding. Chef Steve Paul previously of Shadyside’s Acorn shares his unforgettable Butterscotch Bread Pudding—a rich, creamy dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to treat yourself.

What’s Different About This Butterscotch Bread Pudding?

What makes this bread pudding stand out is its balance of flavor and texture. Made with brioche or challah, velvety custard, and a decadent butterscotch sauce, this recipe is pure indulgence. The soft, custard-soaked bread pairs beautifully with the deep sweetness of butterscotch, while vanilla and cream add a luxurious finish.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Holly Jolly Opera Torte by Andrea Carros-Schrenk, certified executive pastry chef and teacher at CCAC. - JUDGES' & PEOPLE'S CHOICE 2ND PLACE

Holly Jolly Opera Torte


  • Author: Andrea Carros-Schrenk

Description

This holiday inspired version switches out coffee for pistachio, raspberry, and spiced orange. 


Ingredients

Scale

For the spiced joconde sponge:

  • 3.5 oz/99 g almond flour
  • 3 oz/85 g powdered sugar
  • 1 oz/28 g cake flour
  • 1 tsp/1 g ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp/1 g ground ginger
  • 1 pinch allspice
  • 1½ tsp/4 g grated orange rind
  • .50 oz/7 g vanilla
  • 5 oz/142 g eggs
  • 4 oz/113 g egg whites (at room temperature)
  • .5 oz/7 g sugar
  • 1.5 oz/43 g unsalted butter, melted

For the orange syrup:

  • 5 oz/142 g water
  • 5 oz/142 g sugar
  • 1 oz/ 28 g orange juice concentrate
  • ½ vanilla bean (split lengthwise)
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick

For the pistachio french buttercream:

  • 4 oz/ 113 g egg yolk (pasteurized preferred)
  • 1 oz/28 g sugar
  • 7 oz/199 g sugar
  • 1 oz/28 g corn syrup
  • 2 oz/56 g water
  • 18 oz/510 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • .50 oz vanilla
  • .50 oz/142 g pistachio paste (available online or at baking supply stores)

For the raspberry ganache: 

  • 4 oz/113 g heavy cream
  • 6 oz/170 g Ruby chocolate (coins or shaved, available online; can substitute with white chocolate but flavor changes )
  • 1 oz/28 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 oz/28 g raspberry concentrate (available online)

For the dark chocolate and oil mixture:

  • 2 oz/56 g semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (coins or shaved)
  • .50 oz/14 g vegetable oil

For the dark chocolate and butter glaze:

  • 6 oz/170 g semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (coins or shaved)
  • 3 oz/8 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1.5 oz/43 g corn syrup

For the marzipan:

  • 2 oz/56 g almond paste
  • .50 oz/8 g corn syrup
  • 1.5 oz/43 g powdered sugar (sifted)


Instructions

For the spiced joconde sponge:

  1. Combine sifted almond flour, powdered sugar cake flour, spices, and eggs-whip until light and airy approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Separately whip whites to a soft peak-slowly rain sugar over whites and continue to whip to just firm peak-gently fold into spiced base. When meringue is almost incorporated, fold in melted butter, making sure to thoroughly blend throughout batter.
  3. Spread joconde sponge evenly over a Silpat lined ½ sheet tray.
  4. Bake at 400 degrees until till golden brown and just firm to the touch-time will vary based on oven used, normally no more than 10 minutes, cool completely. Carefully remove from Silpat and cut into three EVEN portions (approx. 5.5 inches x11.5 inches). Note: Freezes well, can freeze for easy removal from Silpat.
  5. This makes a thin joconde layer-if a slightly thicker layer is desired convert ingredients by 1.5x.

For the orange syrup:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a stainless pot, bring to a boil.
  2. Allow to cool, store in refrigerator until use.

For the pistachio french buttercream:

  1. In a mixer with whip attachment-whip egg yolks and sugar on high speed for 5 minutes to create a ribbon.
  2. Begin the syrup by combining sugar, corn syrup and water in a stainless-steel pot, brush down sides of pot with a wet brush before heating (to dissolve any sugar crystals on side of pot). Bring to a boil, continue to cook until registers 240 Fº, turn off heat.
  3. With the mixer on low speed-carefully pour syrup into (ribbon) yolk base in a steady stream-between the whip and side of the bowl-turn speed to high and whip till cooled (room temperature).
  4. With the mixer on low speed add butter to the cooled base, turn mixture up to medium speed-continue to whip until a smooth buttercream is achieved. Add vanilla and pistachio paste, mix to thoroughly incorporate.

For the raspberry ganache: 

  1. Bring heavy cream to a boil in stainless steel pot. Turn off heat, pour over ruby chocolate in a bowl, allow to set 5 minutes.
  2. Pulse with immersion blender or stir gently with wire whip.
  3. Add softened butter and raspberry concentrate, blend to incorporate.
  4. Refrigerate until use, with plastic wrap touching top of ganache, can be frozen.

For the dark chocolate and oil mixture:

  1. Melt chocolate either in a dry bowl over a water bath or in microwave.
  2. Add oil, blend to smooth.
  3. Does not require refrigeration, store at room temperature. Can be reheated.

For the dark chocolate and butter glaze:

  1. Melt chocolate either in a dry bowl over a water bath or in microwave.
  2. Add butter and corn syrup. Stir to incorporate. Should be easily pourable/spreadable consistency when used.
  3. Store in refrigerator.

For the marzipan:

  1. Combine almond paste and corn syrup thoroughly.
  2. Add powdered sugar until a smooth pliable consistency is achieved, may need more than amount in formula as almond paste texture varies by brand.
  3. Add desired color(s).
  4. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

To assemble:

  1. Place a half sheet of parchment on work table-place one of the pre-cut joconde sponge layers on parchment.
  2. Thoroughly coat first joconde layer with warm chocolate/oil mixture-flip over onto parchment paper and brush other side of joconde with orange syrup. Pipe or spread an even layer of pistachio buttercream-approximately same thickness as the joconde layer.
  3. Place second joconde sponge on top of buttercream layer and brush with orange syrup, if buttercream seems soft refrigerate to firm before next step.
  4. Pipe or spread an even layer of the raspberry ruby chocolate ganache over soaked joconde layer-approximately same thickness as the joconde and buttercream layers. If ganache is a bit firm allow to soften to room temperature or loosen with a spatula.
  5. Place third joconde layer on top and brush with orange syrup. Apply an even layer of pistachio buttercream, approximately same thickness of previous layers.
  6. Place in refrigerator to set (may freeze at this point). When firm, place a clean piece of parchment paper on top of buttercream and flip assembled cake over using a sheet tray on top.
  7. Peel off the parchment paper from chocolate coated bottom and replace with a new piece of parchment paper. Flip back over and smooth pistachio buttercream top if necessary.
  8. Place cold assembled cake on a wire rack over a sheet tray.
  9. Pour the dark chocolate/butter glaze (should be a fluid consistency) over top of firm buttercream. Quickly spread with an offset palette knife to coat and achieve a smooth even finish. Place in refrigerator to set.
  10. Once the chocolate/butter glaze is set, using a warm knife, square off sides of cake, cleaning knife after each cut. Slip off parchment paper and place on same size cake board or desired serving platter.
  11. Complete with a festive garnish of marzipan holly and fresh raspberries. Optional: additional chocolate décor garnish.

Notes

After use vanilla bean for the orange syrup, it may be rinsed, dried and reused for vanilla sugar.

Over whipping the french buttercream will eventually melt the buttercream. Completed buttercream may be stored in either the refrigerator or freezer-allow to temper to room temperature before rewhipping.

Recipe by Steve Paul
Photo by Brittany Spinelli

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.

Keep Your Holiday Gift Wrapping Eco-Friendly

0
An eco-friendly wrapped gift, tied with twine and a natural paper tag with a stamped Christmas tree, next to a woven yellow fabric roll.

Americans add approximately four million tons of gift wrap to landfill in just the last quarter. This is a statistic we can change by following “the three Rs.”

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Tips

An eco-friendly wrapped gift, tied with twine and a natural paper tag with a stamped Christmas tree, next to a woven yellow fabric roll.

Reduce:

Avoid layers of wrapping paper that are discarded seconds after opening. Instead, let your gift speak for itself with minimal wrapping. Add a thoughtful, handmade tag with a personalized message. Garnish naturally with sprigs of greenery, a pinecone, found bird feathers, or the end of a skein of yarn.

A vintage green wooden bench topped with a white fur throw, holding several gifts wrapped in reusable fabric and natural materials like furoshiki.

Re-use:

It’s time to rethink single-use items, like traditional wrapping paper. Enter furoshiki – the zero-waste Japanese art of wrapping with fabrics that you can use again and again. Take this a step further by wrapping your gift in a secondary gift: a tea towel, a cloth napkin, even a scarf that the recipient can reuse.

A gift wrapped in brown paper with a braided yarn ribbon and a sprig of fresh thyme, on a rustic shelf.

Recycle:

Give a second life to newspaper, an old map, pages from a tattered book, or even a brown paper bag. Create bands of contrasting papers for rich visual effects. Ecoprint with floral waste or windfall botanicals. Save ribbon and scraps of yarn all year round and deploy them now in braids or single strands. Creative reuse centers provide a veritable trove of found and donated materials. Remember not to add glitter, sparkles, plastics, or other non-recyclable elements: these create downstream consequences that are easily avoided.

Story by Anne Reynolds
Styling by Quelcy Kogel
Photography by Erin Kelly
Materials from Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.

The Best Party Wines

0
Bartender pouring red wine from bottle into glass indoors, closeup

As with party guests, finding the right balance for the best party wines can be tricky. Parties, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small and intimate affairs bringing together our nearest and dearest, and others are created for crowds of hundreds, perhaps even thousands. Most gatherings are geared for groups somewhere between these two extremes. There is, however, one constant. Most of those invited will imbibe, and you’ll want to know which wines will refresh your revelers.

Your guests’ preferences will vary, and you’ll want to serve options that can be enjoyed under all circumstances. The bigger the bash, the more complicated it becomes. With that in mind, selecting wines for a party comes down to two key principles: versatility and value. It’s with these precepts in mind that I propose the following party-friendly powerhouses.

Sparkling wine is synonymous with celebrations, and there’s no better way to kick things off than with bubbles. That said, not all sparkling wines are created in the same way. The resulting styles (and sticker shock) can be stupefying. 

The Best Party Wines

Best Prosecco

If you’re looking for a brunch-friendly bubbly, the pop of Prosecco is perfect. Made in the Charmat or tank method, these wines undergo a secondary fermentation in a giant pressurized tank. This produces wines that are fresh, floral, and fruit-driven with notes of pear, peach, and blossoms.

To buy: These budget-friendly beauties will run you between $12 and $19 for a bottle, and they’re perfect for your bellinis and mimosas. Bisol is a particularly reliable producer to procure.

Best Crémant

On the other hand, you’ve got sparkling wines made in the traditional (or Champagne) method, which differ in character. The secondary fermentation in this method occurs in the same bottle in which the wine will ultimately be sold. So, the yeast has a far greater impact on the finished product. As a result, these wines develop toasty notes that can range from bread dough to pie crust, often with a nutty profile on the finish. The problem? Champagne, in particular, can be a pricy proposition for a party.

Look instead for a Crémant, a sparkling wine produced in the style of Champagne from one of eight other designated regions in France. While the base grapes may vary by region (for example, Chenin blanc often is used in the Loire while Chardonnay and Pinot noir are preferred in Burgundy), they’re all made like Champagne at a fraction of the cost.

To buy: Pierre Sparr’s offering from Alsace is a delight that will set you back $19.99 a bottle, but nearly any Crémant in the $15 to $25 range will surely satisfy.

Best White Wines

When it comes to whites, you’ll want something to wet your whistle without overwhelming the palate. Again, versatility is key. Look for bottles and grape varieties that are fermented in neutral containers like stainless steel or concrete. Pinot Grigio is popular at parties because of that prized neutrality. Many a Chardonnay, particularly from California, can have a prominent influence of either oak or buttery notes from malolactic conversion. That can clash with foods or prove overpowering.

To buy: There’s beauty in simplicity, and a mouthwatering Muscadet from France’s Loire Valley (Domaine de la Pépière is a standout producer) ticks all the boxes with high acidity, light body, and gentle notes of melon and orchard fruit. Many Muscadets can be had for under $15, so it can be affordable for even your most sizable shindig. Dry Rieslings from Australia should also be considered with producers like Pewsey Vale and Pikes offering sub-$20 standouts that will change minds and hearts. 

Best Red Wines

For a red, dip your toes into Spain’s treasure troves of old vine Garnacha. Garnacha is great because it’s got low tannin, relatively high acid, and can be enjoyed with a slight chill for those summer soirées.

To buy: Producers like Paniza craft seriously quaffable quality from vines planted in the northern Cariñena region for a mere $9.99, and you’ll find many others that will please your guests with their red fruit-driven, juicy profile in that general price range. Cinsault is another grape that would fit the bill, and you can find plenty of inexpensive examples from Chile and South Africa.

You can’t predict everything that partygoers will prefer, but if you browse the shelves through the lenses of value and versatility, the possibilities are promising.

Story by Adam Knoerzer

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.

Speculaas Gingerbread Cookies

0
Two wooden gingerbread cookie molds, one of which a child's hands are pressing dough into, next to a ball of dough, a rolling pin, and small bowls of flour and sliced almonds.

Nothing says “winter holiday” like gingerbread. The smell alone puts us mentally in front of a roar fire, mug of hot cider in hand, munching on a delicious treat. When we mentioned our nostalgia for gingerbread, our friends at Mediterra smiled knowingly. “There’s a recipe for that,” they said. And here it is.

What Is the History of Speculaas Gingerbread?

Speculaas: A Spiced Biscuit with a Story

Speculaas is more than just a cookie: it’s a window into centuries of European culinary tradition. Since their first appearance in the Netherlands during the late Middle Ages, these spiced biscuits have risen in popularity thanks, in part, to the Dutch East India Company’s lucrative spice trade. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and white pepper—precious imports at the time—were blended into the signature speculaaskruiden, giving the cookies their unmistakably warm flavors.

Speculaas became especially tied to the feast of Saint Nicholas, celebrated on December 5–6 in the Netherlands and Belgium. Bakers pressed the dough into intricately carved wooden molds, producing detailed images of the saint, biblical stories, or folkloric figures. The result was both sweet treat and edible artwork, a centerpiece of holiday festivities.

Unlike the thicker, chewy gingerbread of Germany or England, speculaas is thin, crisp, and deeply spiced. Its influence spread widely: in Germany it became Spekulatius, in Indonesia it mingled with local flavors, and in the 20th century Belgium’s Lotus brand transformed it into the globally beloved “Biscoff.”

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Two wooden gingerbread cookie molds, one of which a child's hands are pressing dough into, next to a ball of dough, a rolling pin, and small bowls of flour and sliced almonds.

Speculaas Gingerbread Cookies


  • Author: Mediterra

Description

These classic holiday cookies are made with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, giving them a rich, fragrant flavor. The dough is chilled, pressed into molds or cut into shapes, then baked until golden brown for a crisp, spiced treat that’s perfect for the winter season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups KA flour
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter (12 T)
  • ¾ cups packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup milk


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, ginger, cloves, baking soda, salt, and white pepper. In the bowl of the stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl, and slowly add honey. Scrape the bowl again and add half the flour mixture and mix until incorporated, then add the milk and repeat with flour mixture. Divide the dough and shape it into 2 disks. Cover in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.
  3. Flour cookie molds. Working with 1 disk at a time, break off small chunks of dough and press into a floured cookie mold. The dough should fill the mold area and there might be a little sticking up the mold, which is ok, just press lightly against a flat surface to smooth it. Tap the long edge of the mold on the counter to loosen the cookies. Transfer the shaped dough pieces to the prepared baking sheets, spacing the pieces 2 inches apart. Chill cookies in pan.
  4. No mold, no problem. Roll the dough out like a sugar cookie and use a cookie cutter. If you have a glass with a crystal bottom, you can press that into the cookie to make a pretty design.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 16–18 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking pan for a couple minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Tips:

  1. For a softer cookie, modify your sugars to the following quantity: ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup honey.
  2. If you would like a sweeter cookie without spice, omit white pepper.
  3. Freeze the cookies again for another few minutes before putting in the oven, this helps the cookies from spreading while baking.

Recipe by Mediterra
Photography by Adam Milliron

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.