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The Giardiniera-tini, A Low Calorie Cocktail

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A giardineira cocktail outside of a fine dining restuarant

This low calorie giardiniera cocktail is a bright, lightly sweet and salty martini from the team at Ritual House, a fun and delicious restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh. All you need is a jar of pickled veggies, vodka, and ice to make this easy, fun recipe.

What is Giardiniera and Why Would You Put it in a Cocktail?

Giardiniera is an Italian condiment made of pickled vegetables, which often is served as a relish or garnish. While your typical martini has olives, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t experiment with other briny vegetables. Plus, a martini is a great low-cal cocktail option. So, the giardiniera cocktail was born as a spin on the martini. The juice used in it is the “brine” from the bottom of the giardiniera jar, just as you would use olive brine in a martini. For a more classic martini, try our Stanley Tucci-inspired martini.

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Giardiniera-tini Cocktail


  • Author: Emma Riva

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz Vodka (we used Tito’s)
  • 1 oz Giardiniera Juice
  • Garnish with Giardiniera, pickled veggies


Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Garnish with gardiniera and pickled vegetables of your choice.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Cam Dickson at Ritual House

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TABLE Magazine’s Stress-Free Election Guide

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A person places their hand on a cup of ginger tea with slices of ginger and lemon sitting inside.

The election season can be a time full of stress. No matter what your political affiliation is, tensions run high and it can bring out the worst in people. We have three cocktails for you, and some healthy living guides, to make sure that you’re feeling your best and keeping your stress levels low.

TABLE Magazine‘s Stress-Free Election Guide

Drink away the election stress…

Margin of Error

A 2024 election-themed cocktail in a highball glass

One of the tensest parts of the 2024 election cycle has been how close it is, with all polls falling within their statistical margin of error. As a result, it’s impossible to predict the outcome. But this cocktail, however, has a low margin of error with simple ingredients most home bartenders already have at hand.

The Ballot Box

A whiskey sour cocktail with an orange peel in it on a black background

This whiskey sour cocktail draws its inspiration from the all important ballot box. Our votes are private, and nobody knows exactly how you’ve voted, which makes our elections both mysterious and admirable. What is not mysterious is the deliciousness of this cocktail.

He Said/She Said

A red cocktail sits slightly behind a blue cocktail both in the same glasses.

One of these cocktails is campari, the other curaçao, but otherwise, they’re the same recipe. This isn’t to imply that both candidates are the same, but instead an invitation to think about the fact that often we don’t realize that we have more in common than we might realize. Mix up one of each and share with a friend.

If you want to skip the booze to relieve election stress…

Yes, drinking is a tried and true way to chill out and make a fun night out of what can be a stressful experience. But, let’s be real, it is not the healthiest coping mechanism for election stress. You might be experiencing some trouble sleeping or some nausea. We talked to some experts to get some natural, healthy ways you can make this election a little more bearable.

How to Naturally Settle an Upset Stomach on Election Day

A person places their hand on a cup of ginger tea with slices of ginger and lemon sitting inside.

Nausea can be a side effect of anxiety and stress. We have some recommendations including ginger, fermented foods, and heat to make sure that you aren’t dealing with physical pain alongside your emotional distress.

Natural Sleep Aids for Election Day Anxiety

A natural sleep aid tea
Courtesy of The Tea Spot

Getting to sleep on that November night can be tough, but looking for these ingredients in herbal tea can offer you a little relief. Remember, no matter what the outcome of the 2024 election is, you’ll still be waking up the next morning to a brand new day.

Story by Emma Riva

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Bobotie with a Twist

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Two black dishes, one with a salad and one with a Bobotie over peas, sit on a tablecloth with flower decor around them.

Bobotie is a classic South African dish of spiced ground meat, baked in a savory custard. This recipe by South African cook Marisa de Bruyn is one of David Arment’s favorites. While the ingredient list may appear long, it’s simple to make, the leftovers are superb, and it freezes well. De Bruyn uses a combination of ostrich and beef, but you can use all beef if you prefer. Either way you’ll end up with a comforting main dish that goes well with rice and a chile jam.  

How Should You Cook Ostrich Meat?

Surprisingly enough, cooking ground ostrich meat is pretty similar to cooking regular ground beef. You’re simply going to sauté the ground meat in a pan with some oil until the meat is browned. Ostrich meat is a lean meat with less than 3% fat so you want to be careful not to dry the meat out by cooking for too long. Generally you want to stick with a cooking time of somewhere from 7-10 minutes and no longer. This way you’ll end up with juicy meat for your Bobotie filling that compliments the golden custard.

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Two black dishes, one with a salad and one with a Bobotie over peas, sit on a tablecloth with flower decor around them.

Bobotie with a Twist


  • Author: Marisa de Bruyn

Description

A savory and comforting entree.


Ingredients

Scale

For the beef:

  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 18 oz ground beef
  • 14 oz ground ostrich (or substitute beef)
  • 1 apple, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 4 tsp mild curry powder
  • 1 tsp mixed herbs
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ½ cup seedless raisins
  • ¾ cup fruit chutney
  • ¼ cup apricot jam
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt and pepper

For the custard: 

  • 113.5 oz can coconut milk 
  • 6 eggs 
  • Salt and pepper 
  • 46 dried bay leaves 
  • 1 cup almonds, finely chopped 


Instructions

For the beef:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place the olive oil and onions in a large saucepan and sauté until the onion is soft.
  3. Add the ground meat and cook for a few minutes until browned, then add 1 teaspoon of salt, the garlic, apple, spices, chutney and jam.
  4. Brown the mixture until the liquids have reduced then add 1 cup of water along with the raisins.
  5. Simmer for about ten minutes, then transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch ovenproof dish.
  6. Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick if desired, otherwise just push them to the side when eating the Bobotie.

For the custard:

  1. To make the custard, mix the eggs with the coconut milk.  
  2. Season well with salt and pepper and pour over the meat. 
  3. Arrange the bay leaves on top and scatter over the chopped almonds. 
  4. Bake until the custard has set and browned on top.  
  5. Serve with rice and chile jam.  

Recipe by Marisa de Bruyn
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Tira Howard

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Consider the Oyster: Oyster Tableware to Set the Scene

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A tower of oysters

In the past, conventional wisdom maintained one should only eat oysters in months ending with “r”, but refrigeration and other factors have made these luscious mollusks viable year-round. On a recent trip to Venice, the Adriatic, and Greece with Viking, I had the opportunity to sample some world-class oysters in Croatia, off the coast of a town named Ston, a little less than an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik.

These beauties had just the right amount of brininess—rather than a saline punch in the face—and a delicious flavor and texture. We took a small boat out to a dock and our bivalves were (literally) pulled up from the water and shucked on the spot, served with nothing more than bread and a slice of lemon—oh, and some delicious local white wine. They were followed by (also freshly-pulled-from-the-water) mussels, another local specialty. If you ever have the opportunity to be in the area, definitely put this on your list.

Otherwise, oysters are plentiful this time of year. Even if you live somewhere landlocked without a good fishmonger nearby, you can get them shipped overnight. To fully enjoy them, it’s good to have the right equipment on hand, and the investment will insure that oysters will always be on the menu.

Consider the Oyster

A set of oyster shuckers and knives

Shucker’s Bundle

This expert set has two different knives (one for thinner, one for thicker oysters) and a cut-proof cloth give you everything you need.

Two books about oysters side by side

A Geography of Oysters: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Oyster Eating in North America by Rowan Jacobsen

The Oyster Book: A Chronicle of the World’s Most Fascinating Shellfish―Past, Present, and Future by Dan Martino

Two books that are essential reading for oyster lovers. Jocobsen love to do a deep dive into a single topic (his book on truffles is magnificent) and you’ll learn an incredible amount. If you want even more information, check out his The Essential Oyster. Martino’s book is a sort of history of man’s relationship to the oyster—including farming, the effects of climate change, and more—and it’s completely fascinating.

Oyster plates, one is white and one is green

New and vintage oyster plates / Hunt and Bloom

Offering their own, new plates beside a collection of vintage oyster plates means there’s a lot of potential for your table. Happy exploring!

A tower of oysters

2-Tier Stainless Steel Seafood Tower / Crate and Barrel

For a really spectacular presentation, fill the two trays with crushed ice and top with a selection of fresh oysters, shrimp—maybe some sea urchin?

An oyster grill pan

Cast Iron Oyster Grill Pan  / Outset 

If fresh, raw oysters are king, the grilled ones are at least princes. Top with herbs and butter and put over coals. In minutes, you’ll have a real treat.

Five oyster forks on a table

Oyster Fork Set / Sticky Bottom Oyster Company

Most oyster forks are just, well, small forks. These have nice wide heads and tines so they grip firmly and avoid fallen oysters. They even come in their own case.

A lemon wrap

Regency Lemon Wraps / The Peppermill

Sure, getting a lemon seed on your oyster isn’t the biggest tragedy, but these wraps are great looking and make your table seem that much more stylish.

Try these oyster recipes with the oyster tableware: 

Story by Stephen Treffinger

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Classic Cocktail and Snack Pairings for Election Night

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a grilled cheese in the middle of a marble charcuterie board with red and purple olives and a variety of cured meats

Nothing settle you in for a long night in front of the telly like a delicious cocktail and a tasty morsel. What may be a stressful night in front of your TV can be improved with these classic cocktail and snack pairings any home bartender can master. Invite some friends over, bring out the shaker and the cheese board, and turn the night into an excuse for gathering with your favorite people.

Classic Cocktail and Snack Pairings for Election Night

Whiskey Sour & Charcuterie Board

To pair with a whiskey sour, you’ll need a flavor that the whiskey won’t overpower. Stick to your ribs foods are great choices to pair with a spirit-forward cocktail. A charcuterie board of meats, cheeses, and dried fruits packs the perfect punch.

Espresso Martini & Mocha Chocolate Brownies

The espresso martini is the ultimate classy cocktail for a gathering. Anybody can feel chic with one in their hands. The chocolate and espresso are similar but not too similar, so they complement each other without canceling out the flavor.  The espresso martini can also help you stay up late if you’re watching the polls into the night.

Paloma & Chocolate Pretzel Pie

The grapefruit in the paloma will pair well with the saltiness of the pretzels, plus the tropical freshness of the paloma will keep the pretzels in this rich dish from dimming your palate. There are so many variations of pretzels, too, and a paloma will work with pretty much any of them, so vary this recipe to your choosing.  

Margarita & Chicken Quesadillas with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo

The pairing might seem a little too on-the-nose, but this follows the wine pairing strategy of “if it grows together, it goes together.” There’s a little bit of zest in the margarita that will bring out the flavor of the quesadilla and guac. You can also use a mojito, rather than a margarita, if margaritas aren’t your jam.

Aperol Spritz & Wood-Fired Focaccia

Focaccia is an easy thing to bake and a huge crowd-pleaser at any snack table. Serve it with a little bit of olive oil for dipping on the side. The refreshing tang of the aperol spritz balances out the bread, and the addition of a snack makes sipping on the spritz last longer.

Story by Emma Riva 

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Malva Pudding

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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. 

A woman pipes a sauce onto a servings of Malva Pudding in a white bowl.

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.

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

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  


Instructions

For the Pudding:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
  2. Grease an 8×8” square Pyrex dish.  
  3. Beat the sugar and eggs until thick and lemon colored, then add the preserves and mix through. 
  4. Melt the butter and milk in a saucepan then stir in the vinegar. 
  5. Sieve, or simply mix together the flour, soda and salt in a bowl. 
  6. Alternate wet and dry ingredients into egg mixture and mix until combined. 
  7. 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:

  1. In a saucepan, melt together the ingredients for the sauce, and stir well. 
  2. Pour it over the pudding as soon as it comes out of the oven. 
  3. 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

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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.

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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.

The Protea (Guava Margarita)


  • Author: Justin Matase

Description

A sophisticated twist on a classic margarita.


Ingredients

Scale


Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher. Add ice. Stir with barspoon. Let sit for 5 minutes and stir again. 
  2. While mixture rests, rub glasses with lime. Rim in Los Poblanos spicy cocktail salt. 
  3. 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

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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.

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

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


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Tightly wrap a 9 inch springform pan in heavy duty foil. This step prevents leaks when using a water bath.
  3. Lightly spray the springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  4. Blend the ginger snap cookies in a food processor until it has a sand like consistency. 
  5. In a medium bowl, stir together crushed gingersnap cookies and melted butter until thoroughly combined.
  6. Press the crumbs into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan.
  7. Bake gingersnap crust in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove pan from oven and cool completely.
  8. Increase oven temperature to 400°F.
  9. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce each sweet potato several times with the tines of a fork.
  10. Bake until tender, about 50 minutes. Cool sweet potatoes completely. Once sweet potatoes are cool, peel and puree them in a food processor
  11. Return oven to 350°F.
  12. 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. 
  13. Add in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, heavy cream and sweet potato puree and mix until smooth.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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

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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

  1. Familiarizing ourselves with election laws and procedures
  2. Staying informed through reputable news sources
  3. Supporting organizations that work to ensure fair and transparent elections
  4. 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

  1. Advocating for a smooth and peaceful transition of power
  2. Engaging in constructive dialogue across political divides
  3. Supporting initiatives that promote national unity and healing
  4. 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

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A cranberry tart garnished for fall

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.

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A cranberry tart garnished for fall

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


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir the butter into the curd until it fully melts. At this point you can transfer to an airtight container.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Chill the crust in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 F and par-bake the crust for 25 minutes
  10. 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.
  11. Chill first at room temperature, then set in the fridge to chill for 4-8 hours, or up to 2 days.
  12. Garnish with fresh whipped cream and pomegranate seeds before serving.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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