Classic Cocktail and Snack Pairings for Election Night

A piece of Malva Pudding sits in a white bowl dish with a scoop of white cream on top and nuts.

Malva Pudding is a South African dessert which features a spongey texture and big apricot flavors. Think of an almost marshmallowy-soft cake that resembles a tres leches and you’ve got a serving of Malva Pudding. This recipe uses a Creme Anglaise made from the simple ingredients of heavy cream, butter, and sugar. When you bite into a serving of this decadent Malva Pudding, you’ll feel the warmth of the pudding melt in your mouth alongside a creamy, sweet sauce that finishes each bite.

The dessert is a favorite of David Arment, a prominent collector of South African wire baskets. Read all about his magnificent collection, which he has gifted to Santa Fe’s Museum of International Folk Art. The collection’s first exhibit is happening in November 2024.

Where Does Malva Pudding Come From?

This popular South African dessert gets its origins from Cape Dutch settlers. In fact, Malva Pudding is thought to have made its appearance sometime during the mid-1600s, probably in connection to Dutch East India voyages back and forth between Europe and the southern tip of Africa. With a bounty of fresh ingredients like fresh apricots available in the temperate microclimate of the Cape, it’s easy to see why this recipe took hold in the culinary lexicon of South African kitchens.

Malva Pudding

Author: Nicole Appels
Yield: 8 Servings 1x

Description

This South African dessert features a warm pudding-cake with a sweet, creamy sauce overtop.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pudding:

1 cup granulated sugar 
1 egg
1 tbsp apricot preserves
1 tbsp butter + extra for greasing the baking dish
1 cup milk
1 tsp vinegar 
1 cup all-purpose flour 
1 tsp baking soda 
1/2 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup unsalted butter 
1 cup granulated sugar 
1/2 cup hot water

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Instructions

For the Pudding:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease an 8×8” square Pyrex dish.
Beat the sugar and eggs until thick and lemon colored, then add the preserves and mix through.
Melt the butter and milk in a saucepan then stir in the vinegar.
Sieve, or simply mix together the flour, soda and salt in a bowl.
Alternate wet and dry ingredients into egg mixture and mix until combined.
Pour into the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake until the pudding is brown and well-risen — depending on your oven and oven dish this will be between 30-50 minutes.

For the Sauce:

In a saucepan, melt together the ingredients for the sauce, and stir well.
Pour it over the pudding as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Leave to stand awhile before serving. Serve warm. Because it’s rich, it does not really need enhancement, but if you want, serve vanilla ice cream with it, or even better, bourbon pecan ice cream.

Recipe by Chef Nicole Appels, The Mystic Santa Fe / Styling by Keith Recker / Photography by Tira Howard

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The Protea, aka a Guava Margarita

By

Justin Matase

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October 28, 2024

A person with rings holds a short cocktail glass with a Guava Margarita inside in an orange color, garnished with a lime and rimming salt.

A margarita is great choice of drink for gathering friends and family together. But…it’s exciting to mix up something different for them once in a while. Give this classic cocktail a guava upgrade the next time you go to salt your rim. This margarita mixes your favorite tequila, fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier, and guava juice. The taste is strong, a little tart, and a little spicy from the addition of pepper rimming salts. Chances are this Guava Margarita may just become your new go-to for cocktail hour.

What is Grand Marnier?

Grand Marnier is a type of orange liqueur that’s a blend of cognac and bitter orange-flavored liqueur. It’s a good way to add a bit of orange sweetness to a cocktail without overpowering the other flavors in it. You’ll find it at a 40% ABV, which isn’t a lot but when in cocktails like our Protea (Guava Margarita), it makes a big difference that you can taste and feel. If you don’t happen to have Grand Marnier available, you can substitute it for other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Triple Sec.

The Protea (Guava Margarita)

Author: Justin Matase

Description

A sophisticated twist on a classic margarita.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup tequila (overpour a little here)
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (overpour here, too)       
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
3 tbsp guava juice
Fresh lime for garnish and rubbing lip of glasses
Los Poblanos Piquante Cocktail Rimming Salts

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Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher. Add ice. Stir with barspoon. Let sit for 5 minutes and stir again.
While mixture rests, rub glasses with lime. Rim in Los Poblanos spicy cocktail salt.
Add ice to glasses. Fill with cocktail. Garnish with wheel of lime and a sprinkle of edible flower petals. Serve.

Recipe by Justin Matase
Styling by Julia Platt Leonard
Photography by Tira Howard

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Sweet Potato Cheesecake

By

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October 26, 2024

A Sweet Potato Cheesecake with a wreath of gingerbread cookies and whipped topping garnished with fall springs and pecans on a wooden surface.

This sweet potato cheesecake recipe has a delectable ginger snap cookie crust and a rich, hearty filling. This works as an alternative for pumpkin pie at a Thanksgiving table, or you can decorate or garnish it different ways to make it seasonally appropriate for any holiday. For more ways to add yams to your holiday table, try these sweet potato recipes.

Sweet Potatoes? In Cheesecake? It’s More Likely Than You Think

Maybe the first cheesecake you think of is the New York classic slice, but cheesecake can trace its origins back to ancient Greece, where a form of cheesecake was made with cheese and honey. The Romans later adopted the recipe, spreading it throughout Europe. The combination of sweet potatoes and cheesecake likely emerged in the Southern United States. The first recorded recipes began appearing in the ’70s and ’80s. As Southern cuisine gained popularity, particularly in the context of soul food and comfort dishes, sweet potato cheesecake became a favorite dessert, often served during holidays and family gatherings.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

A more savory spin on a cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

8 oz gingersnap cookies crushed (about 25 cookies)
4 tbsp unsalted butter melted

For the filling:

2 lb sweet potatoes
24 oz cream cheese room temperature (three 8-ounce packages)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs room temperature
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Tightly wrap a 9 inch springform pan in heavy duty foil. This step prevents leaks when using a water bath.
Lightly spray the springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Blend the ginger snap cookies in a food processor until it has a sand like consistency.
In a medium bowl, stir together crushed gingersnap cookies and melted butter until thoroughly combined.
Press the crumbs into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan.
Bake gingersnap crust in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove pan from oven and cool completely.
Increase oven temperature to 400°F.
Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce each sweet potato several times with the tines of a fork.
Bake until tender, about 50 minutes. Cool sweet potatoes completely. Once sweet potatoes are cool, peel and puree them in a food processor
Return oven to 350°F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with your paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Make sure to scrape down the bowl in between each egg.
Add in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, heavy cream and sweet potato puree and mix until smooth.
Pour batter into prepared crust. Place pan into a larger pan and pour boiling water into the larger pan until it is halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.
Bake 55-60 minutes, the edges will appear to be set, but the center will still have some jiggle to it. At this point, turn off the oven, but leave the door cracked and allow the cheesecake to rest in the cooling oven for one hour.
After one hour has passed, carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place on a cooling rack to cool completely. Once the cheesecake is completely cooled, place it into the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
Before serving, top with whipped cream, chopped pecans and gingersnap cookies.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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A Horoscope for the 2024 Presidential Election

By

Wade Caves

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October 26, 2024

A collage of various American flags to represent the 2024 presidential election.

Quilted into the horoscope for the 2024 presidential election is a season of profound change and challenge for the United States. Planetary positions and their historical echoes offer a useful perspective with which we can prepare for the coming months.

Echoes from Fall 1991

The autumn of 1991 may seem an oddly specific moment to turn to today, but the astrology of that period is closely mirrored in the astrology of fall 2024. Three key events from 1991 stand out as particularly relevant to the present.

First, the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas became a watershed moment. Previously taboo topics like sexual harassment burst into the national spotlight, forever changing the landscape of workplace conduct and gender relations in America.

Second, the collapse of the Soviet Union redefined global politics almost overnight. The end of the Cold War made the United States the world’s sole superpower. This seismic shift had far-reaching consequences for geopolitics, economics, and cultural exchange worldwide.

Lastly, tensions between the U.S. and Israel over settlement policies tested their diplomatic ties. Their complex dance of alignment and disagreement foreshadowed the intricate nature of Middle Eastern politics in the decades to come.

Similar themes are likely to resurface this fall. Debates about Supreme Court reform, including proposals for term limits and ethical guidelines, echo the institutional challenges highlighted by the Thomas hearings. (Interestingly Justice Thomas is, once again, in the spotlight for impropriety.) The ongoing realignment of global powers, particularly in light of the Russia-Ukraine war, mirrors the geopolitical upheaval of 1991. And the ever-evolving (sometimes tense) relationship between the U.S. and Israel continues to play a crucial role in shaping Middle Eastern diplomacy.

A Horoscope for the 2024 Presidential Election

The 2024 presidential election stands out in this astrological landscape, promising to be a contest of historic proportions. Planetary positions suggest a race fraught with complexity and controversy.

Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, enters the fray with a mixed astrological outlook. Certain celestial alignments favor his candidacy, like his natal ascendant’s prominent placement in the United States’ outlooking chart for 2024. This signature was also active in 2016, and gave Trump the momentum that propelled him to unexpected electoral victory. His vice-presidential pick, J.D. Vance, has his natal ascendant and Venus in the same position, and stands to gain advantage from this uplift. That said, other planetary positions indicate significant hurdles, many of which relate to ongoing legal challenges, shifts in public opinion, and the appearance of a truly formidable adversary.

Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, faces her own set of astrological influences. Her chart suggests a strong capacity to challenge Trump directly, with planetary alignments that could amplify her prosecutorial background and debate skills. Her choice for vice-president, Tim Walz, was a strong pick astrologically. His Moon plugs nicely into the astrology of the year, and his Jupiter (good luck, buoyant allies) aligns with Harris’ natal Moon, helping boost her standing. However, signs warn of potential internal party conflicts and a tumultuous nomination process. And the Moon/Jupiter alignment between Harris and Walz suggests some struggles with this ticket in 2028 – but that is not what is before us now.

The astrological patterns surrounding both tickets underscore the importance of informed voter engagement. As citizens, our role extends beyond simply casting a ballot; it involves critically examining each candidate’s policies, track record, and vision for the country’s future. The planets may set the tone, but it is our collective decision-making that ultimately shapes the outcome.

Post-Election Themes

Planetary positions this fall hint at the possibility of delays, legal challenges, and prolonged negotiations surrounding the results, underscoring the need for a robust, transparent, and resilient democratic system.

In the event of an inconclusive or heavily contested outcome, the role of institutions like the courts and Congress could become crucial. The Constitution provides mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes, but the astrology of 2024 suggests these procedures may be put to the test in unprecedented ways. Understanding these processes, and supporting them, is key to maintaining faith in our democratic institutions.

We Can Prepare for These Potential Challenges By

Familiarizing ourselves with election laws and procedures
Staying informed through reputable news sources
Supporting organizations that work to ensure fair and transparent elections
Being prepared to peacefully advocate for democratic principles, regardless of the outcome

Life Beyond the Election

While the election dominates the foreground, other significant events are likely to unfold during fall 2024. The astrological patterns suggest movement on long-discussed Supreme Court reforms. Proposals already submitted from the Biden administration include term limits for justices, stricter ethics codes, and measures to enhance transparency and accountability.

On the international stage, ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war could reach a critical juncture, if the astrology of fall 1991 (when the Soviet Union fell) has anything to teach us. With respect to this war and the one between Israel and the State of Palestine, both escalation and breakthrough diplomatic efforts are shown in the astrology.

Preparing to Make the Most of the Season

The weeks between the election and inauguration could prove to be a critical time for the nation. Astrological indicators suggest a period of intense activity, with potential for both conflict and constructive dialogue. Regardless of the election’s outcome, this transition period will likely set the tone for the incoming administration’s first year.

Citizens Can Play a Vital Role During This Time By

Advocating for a smooth and peaceful transition of power
Engaging in constructive dialogue across political divides
Supporting initiatives that promote national unity and healing
Holding leaders accountable to democratic norms and values

While challenges lie ahead, so too do opportunities for meaningful progress and renewal of our civic system. The parallels with 1991 remind us that periods of upheaval can lead to positive transformations when met with courage, attention, and action.

Story by Wade Caves / Illustration by Shane Powers

Wade Caves, based in Brooklyn, NY, is an astrological consultant and educator specializing in problem-solving applications of astrology. He teaches astrological divination and astronomy at the School of Traditional Astrology. Wade also publishes his work on world astrology through Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk and hosts the World Astrology Summit, a conference dedicated to the advancement of astrology for global problem-solving. Website: wadecaves.com • skyscript.co.uk/inmundo. Email: hello@wadecaves.com.

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Spiced Cranberry Tart

By

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October 26, 2024

This spiced cranberry tart takes baking with cranberries to the next level. Go way beyond simple cranberry sauce this fall by making something that will really get your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing over your baking capabilities. The pomegranate seed garnish here adds a fresh flavor kick, while an oat-based crust makes it a filling end to a holiday meal. Try these other cranberry recipes if you want, too!

Baking Tips for a Cranberry Tart

Before baking, you want to blind-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes. When baking the tart itself, make sure to keep an eye on your cranberry tart while it’s in the oven. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Spiced Cranberry Tart

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

This tart makes an enjoyable holiday meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cranberry curd:

1 ¼ cups sugar
1 pound fresh cranberries
¾ cups orange juice
Zest from 2 oranges
5 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cinnamon stick

For the crust:

2 cups rolled oats
¼ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch fine sea salt
½ cup unsalted butter softened

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Instructions

Set the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest and sugar in a large pot over medium heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, until most of the cranberries have burst and all are soft. Turn off the heat.
Remove the cinnamon stick and use an immersion blender (or transfer the mix to a blender or food processor) to blend the cranberries into the juice. Through a fine mesh sieve, pour the puree into a bowl (or back into the pot if you used a blender). Press to squeeze out all the juice from the berries.
Crack all the eggs into a bowl, and one by one add them to the mix, whisking as you do (we don’t want the heat of the puree to start cooking the eggs before they are whisked in). Once all the eggs are mixed, whisk them with the puree very well.
Pour the curd back into the pot and set it over medium low heat. Cook until the curd thickens and covers the back of a spoon. The curd will thicken on the bottom first, be sure to stir it every 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Stir the butter into the curd until it fully melts. At this point you can transfer to an airtight container.
For the crust – In a food processor, add the oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon and sea salt. Process on high until the oatmeal is finely ground – about 2-4 minutes.
Add the butter in slices then run the mixer on low until the dough starts to come together in a sticky, shapeless ball. Scrape the bowl to incorporate all the flour and run to ensure it’s well mixed.
Press the crust into the bottom of a 10” tart pan with a removable bottom. Take your time to even out the bottom layer and press it up the sides. Use the bottom of a measuring cup dusted with powdered sugar to help you press it into shape.
Chill the crust in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 F and par-bake the crust for 25 minutes
Pour the cranberry curd and smooth into an even layer. Set the tart in the oven for 20-22 minutes, until the sides don’t move when jiggled but there’s a slight jiggle in the center of the tart.
Chill first at room temperature, then set in the fridge to chill for 4-8 hours, or up to 2 days.
Garnish with fresh whipped cream and pomegranate seeds before serving.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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The Negronish, A Low Calorie Negroni Variation

By

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October 26, 2024

A low calorie Negroni cocktail with an orange peel in it.

A simple variation on a classic Negroni, no frills, with a similar flavor profile but slightly different overall sipping experience. A Negroni is a great cocktail if you’re trying to have a tasty and decadent but also relatively low-calorie drink. A lot of bartenders don’t tend to think about calorie content when they mix drinks. You might, however, and if you want something a little bit more jazzed up than a vodka soda, this is the recipe for you. Jason Renner of rustic Italian wine bar Bar Marco brings us this recipe for a Negroni variation for curious home bartenders who want a little taste of la dolce vita at home.

What Makes This Different from a Classic Negroni

A negroni usually uses gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This version of it swaps out the Campari for a little bit of Aperol and a little bit of Fernet Branca. The Fernet and Aperol create a more complex flavor profile, energized by the herbaceous bitterness of Fernet. The Campari is allowed to take a little bit more of a center stage in this version of it, rather than the gin diluting it.

The Negronish

Author: Jason Renner

Description

A play on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale

1 oz sweet vermouth
.75 oz Aperol
.25 oz Fernet Branca
Orange peel for garnish

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Instructions

Add sweet vermouth, Aperol, and Fernet Branca into mixing glass. Stir until well-chilled.
Strain into rocks glass over large ice cube.

Recipe by Jason Renner / Photo by Star Laliberte

Low Calorie Aperol Sour

By

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October 26, 2024

An aperol sour staged on a white background

This aperol sour is a delicious, lower-calorie cocktail from the bar team at lovely hotel bar Spirits & Tales atThe Oakland. It’s only about 159 calories and uses Aquafaba rather than egg white for the classic “sour” cocktail look. For another take, try this Classic Whiskey Sour.

What Makes this Aperol Sour “Sour”?

You have probably heard of a whiskey sour, the most popular version of a sour. But sour cocktails are really any blend of lemon and lime juice, a base liquor, and a sweetener of some sort. Many use egg whites, but they don’t have necessarily have to. This sour uses aperol as the base liquor, a lighter aperitivo known best as the base for the ever-popular aperol spritz. This pairs well with the citrus element of the sour cocktail.

Aperol Sour

Author: Amnelis Cruz

Description

A low-cal cocktail with Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

Scale

1 oz of Aperol
1 oz of gin
1 oz of lemon juice
.25 oz honey syrup
Aquafaba for foam

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Instructions

Add Aperol, gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and aquafaba to a shaker and dry-shake for 30 seconds without ice
Add ice and shake again for 15–20 seconds, until well-chilled.
Strain into coupe glass and garnish with orange.

Recipe by Amnelis Cruz / Photo by Star Laliberte

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Vintage Rugs, An Instant Pedigree on Your Floor

By

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October 26, 2024

In an ideal world, we’d all have time to travel around the world, combing through markets in exotic locations, picking up one-of-a-kind pieces along the way, including the occasional well-worn vintage rug. If that’s not your lifestyle, you’re certainly not alone.

Buying vintage rugs that someone else has taken the time to source has several benefits, including having a stunning, hand-crafted piece of history on your floor. Also, it’s a chic form of up-cycling, putting fewer new materials into circulation and keeping items out of landfill.

Vintage rugs bring a sense of time and place to your room, and tell a story (even if you have to make it up!) They are generally soft underfoot from years of wear, and many allow you to introduce a dose of pattern without overwhelming the space.

Rejuvenation

Part of the Williams-Sonoma family, Rejuvenation is a sustainable home furnishings retailer. Part of their collection consists of vintage rugs, some of which go through their Portland restoration studio.

Revival

Revival sources vintage rugs from across Turkey and Morocco, each between 30 and 100 years old, handwoven from high-quality materials that can last for many years if well cared-for. A pair of entrepreneurs founded Revival Rugs looking for high quality vintage rugs, transparently sourced, and at prices that weren’t ridiculously high. They’re having a Cyber Monday sale, so snag while you can!

Kilim

Kilim offers vintage wool rugs from Turkey, Iran, and other countries from 2nd half of the 20th century. Each is hand-knotted, and they sometimes shear the surfaces to soften the designs.

Story by Stephen Treffinger

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Pumpkin Decorations for Your Fall Table

By

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October 26, 2024