Van Helsing Takes Manhattan, A Bourbon Cocktail

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October 14, 2024

A bourbon cocktail with vampire teeth and garlic beside it

This bourbon cocktail brings you a classic a Manhattan with a Halloween twist. We’ve used Wigle Whiskey’s Vampire Bourbon, but feel free to substitute with any red corn bourbon of your choice. One of these bourbon cocktails a day keeps the vampires away thanks to garlic simple syrup and garlic garnish. It might not be a good idea to invite your friends Dracula, Edward Cullen, and Lestat over for a drink when you’re serving this. That party won’t end well. Maybe let the vampires at your party sip on one of our other Halloween cocktails.

Tips for Making a Bourbon Cocktail

It’s important to make sure that your flavors are balanced when you’re doing a mixology project with bourbon. This is why we’ve used sweet vermouth and simple syrup here. The strong, smoky taste of bourbon often needs something else to balance it out. This recipe asks for stirring, but it’s also important to know when to shake and when to stir. Shake cocktails that include juice or cream, and stir those that are spirit-forward, like this one.

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Van Helsing Takes Manhattan

Author: Zack Durkin

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Description

A cocktail fit for a creature of the night.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cocktail

2 oz Wigle Whiskey Vampire Bourbon*
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
.5 oz garlic simple syrup
Garlic clove to garnish

For the Garlic Simple Syrup

4 – 5 medium cloves of garlic
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

For the Cocktail

Pour all liquid ingredients into a mixing glass and add ice
Stir for about 30 seconds
Strain into your favorite stemmed glassware
Garnish with garlic clove
Enjoy

For the Simple Syrup

Bring one cup of water to a boil
Quarter garlic cloves and ad to the boiling water
Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes
Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes
Add sugar and stir until dissolved
Allow garlic to macerate for 30 minutes
Once cooled, pour syrup through a mesh strainer into a storage container and store for up to 2 weeks in refrigerator

Notes

*Vampire Bourbon can be substituted for another red corn bourbon. High rye bourbons can be used as well. Both red corn and rye add spicy notes to the bourbon. This profile emulates the rye traditionally used in a Manhattan.

Recipe by Zack Durkin / Photography by Dave Bryce

7 Simple Ways to Use Halloween Candy in Baked Goods

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Jordan Snowden

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October 14, 2024

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Have you tried baking as a way to indulge in Halloween candy? With store aisles brimming with Halloween candy, the temptation to rip into one of those colorfully wrapped sugary treats is at an all-time high. Why not treat yourself, and enjoy the sweets in a grown-up capacity? Give those bite-sized bars an easy and delicious upgrade by turning them into brownies, cookies, and cakes. We can’t guarantee the following Halloween candy baked goods will be any lower in sugar content, but they’re definitely high in fun.

7 Simple and Creative Ways to Use Halloween Candy in the Kitchen

Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies

Because sugar and corn syrup are not really flavor profiles anyone brags about anymore, we worked up this blondie recipe with a key ingredient: spiced rum. It elevates the recipe’s components into something brag-worthy indeed. Try it: you’ll like it. Also… a sugar high is likely to ensue. Put some Pink Floyd on the Sonos and let it wash over you.

Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread

Reese’s are a crowd favorite for Halloween. While it may be hard to find some of them leftover after the holiday, our Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread is the perfect accompaniment if you do. Soft bites of chocolate and peanut butter combine with moist crumbles of banana bread. Talk about a treat that Elvis would enjoy due to his love for peanut butter and banana.

Fudgy Peppermint Patty Brownies

This Halloween candy baked goods recipe is as simple as can be. The only trick is to pour only half the batter into the pan before adding chopped peppermint patties, and then covering them with the other half. Placing whole patties on top about 8 minutes before baking is complete gives just enough time for gentle melting and the gorgeous appearance of a bit of creamy mint.

Monster Rice Krispy Treats

Let your little one’s creativity run wild with these circular Monster Rice Krispy Treats. Your child can help make this recipe from start to finish due to its simple instructions and ingredients. After the treats are baked, use different halloween candies to create your custom monster face such as candy corn and eyes.

Halloween Candy Bark

The kids will have a spooky good time in the kitchen helping you create this ghoulish Halloween candy bark recipe. With all the different Trick or Treat goodies and spooky colors, this snack is equally delicious and fun.

Easy Twix Cold Cake (No Bake)

Cookie and caramel create the best no bake dessert. Our Easy Twix Cold Cake contains a Twix-like filling and actual candy bars chopped up on top. It’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, even those left after munching on a vat of Halloween candy.

Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake

No matter your stance on Halloween candy, this Buttermilk Cake with Rum Buttermilk Frosting transcends any no-sugar illusions you might be harboring. It is delicious and homey, even as it tickles the taste buds in intriguing ways. Who knew that buttermilk and spiced rum could combine in such a delightful way?

Story by Jordan Snowden

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From Vision to Reality: How a Decor Specialist Can Bring Your Dream Space to Life

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staff-author

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October 11, 2024

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An interior with a long staircase and a couch on the left side and modern decor.

Creating a beautifully designed space is often more challenging than it seems. Whether it’s transforming a new home, upgrading an office, or revitalizing a retail store, turning a design vision into reality requires more than just an eye for style. This is where a decor specialist becomes invaluable. A decor specialist doesn’t simply design a room; they curate an experience, transforming spaces by blending creativity with technical know-how to bring your dream to life.

How a Decor Specialist Can Turn Your Ideas Into a Stunning Reality

Understanding Your Vision

The first step for any decor specialist is to understand your needs, desires, and aesthetic preferences. This process often begins with a consultation where they learn about your lifestyle, the purpose of the space, and how you want to feel when you enter the room. Do you want a space that feels relaxing, energizing, or inspiring? Are you drawn to a minimalist aesthetic, or do you prefer bold colors and eclectic elements?

With this understanding, the decor specialist can start to build a clear picture of your vision. They will create mood boards, sketches, or digital renderings to give you an idea of what your dream space could look like, offering you the chance to provide input and make adjustments along the way.

Access to a Network of Resources

Another significant advantage of working with a decor specialist is their access to a wide range of resources that may not be available to the average homeowner. From exclusive furniture and fabric suppliers to trusted contractors and artisans, they can source high-quality materials that align with your vision and budget.

A professional decor specialist also stays up-to-date with the latest design trends and innovations, ensuring that your space will feel both timeless and contemporary. This access to industry professionals and materials can make a substantial difference in the final look and feel of your space.

Managing the Project from Start to Finish

One of the greatest benefits of hiring a decor specialist is that they manage the entire project, from the initial concept to the final reveal. This includes overseeing the logistics, handling any unforeseen challenges, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring that deadlines are met. Their role as a project manager ensures that you don’t have to worry about the details, allowing you to enjoy the design process and the final result.

This level of organization and expertise is invaluable, especially when it comes to managing multiple aspects of a project at once. With a decor specialist on board, you can rest assured that your dream space will be executed flawlessly, with minimal stress on your part.

Don’t Forget Personal Liability Insurance

While the creative aspects of design are exciting, it’s important not to overlook practical matters when transforming your space. One critical consideration is to make sure you have personal liability insurance. This insurance can protect you financially if an accident occurs during the renovation or design process. For example, if a contractor or worker is injured on your property, personal liability insurance can help cover medical expenses or legal fees.

Even after the project is complete, this type of insurance provides ongoing protection in case a guest or visitor is injured while in your newly designed space. It’s a small but crucial step to safeguard your home and investment, providing peace of mind as you embark on your design journey.

Expertise in Space Planning

One of the greatest challenges in interior design is optimizing the use of space. It’s easy to be inspired by images on Pinterest or Instagram, but what works in one space might not translate to another. A decor specialist knows how to evaluate your specific space and recommend furniture arrangements, lighting options, and decor elements that fit seamlessly into your home or office.

With their experience, they can foresee potential issues and create solutions that maximize the beauty and functionality of your environment. For example, they can help you avoid common mistakes like choosing furniture that is too large or small for a room, or lighting that doesn’t complement the natural light of the space.

Attention to Detail and Personalization

What sets a professionally designed space apart is the attention to detail. A decor specialist is skilled at incorporating subtle touches that reflect your personal style, whether it’s custom-made furniture, curated artwork, or a carefully chosen color palette that ties the room together.

This level of personalization ensures that your space feels unique and tailored to your tastes, rather than a replication of mass-produced trends. Every corner, piece of furniture, and decorative item is carefully chosen to harmonize with your vision, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.

Final Thoughts

A decor specialist serves as a bridge between your vision and reality. They bring together creativity, technical skill, industry knowledge, and project management to ensure that your dream space comes to life seamlessly. With their expertise, what might seem like a distant vision can become a tangible, well-executed reality—one that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.

If you’re looking to transform your space into something truly special, partnering with a decor specialist is the key to turning your dreams into a beautiful and functional reality.

Photo Courtesy of Rhema Kallianpur

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Chef Joey Hilty’s Fall Dinner Menu

By

Jordan Snowden

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October 11, 2024

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An aerial view of a fall dinner menu spread featuring bread, meats, tomatoes, a fresh salad sprinkled with cheese, and more.

Joey Hilty, co-owner of fine dining restaurant The Vandal, describes his recipe development process as “very millennial. I grew up with everything at my fingertips, whether it be the internet or all of the cookbooks that exist up to this point. What I usually do is try to taste the idealized version of the dish I’m trying to create.” That said, we’d call this an ideal fall dinner menu spread for fall — beautifully seasonal, comforting, and full of classic flavors.

Start with a curated collection of antipasti for the table, says Hilty, who views those little plates of goodies as essential to creating a communal feeling. “Trying new things, experiencing a sensory sort of thing together, is what keeps all of us coming back for more.”

The focal point of the meal is roasted lamb shoulder balanced with a sweet and sharp Mostarda Mantovana, an Italian take on quince chutney. On the side, creamy and crispy rösti potatoes, bejeweled with trout roe, crème fraîche, and sprinkles of chives and dill. Serve a simple salad of greens with Hilty’s sherry vinaigrette — and a delicious depth of flavor comes together with a snap.

For dessert, Joey recommends his horchata-inspired rice pudding, topped with candied bites of tender pumpkin. “It’s sweet, salty, and earthy all at the same time,” he says.

Chef Joey Hilty’s Fall Dinner Menu

Sherry Vinaigrette

Sherry vinegar gives your salad a refreshing depth of flavor you might not usually find in home salad making. Making vinaigrette at home can be easy and fun. It’s a welcome addition to your midday lunch or as a side with your dinner

Potato Rösti with Smoked Trout Roe

This Swiss-inspired dish is hearty, with the addition of trout roe for extra flavor. The thin radish slices and speckling of roe make for a beautiful presentation at the table. This is a very similar dish to a latke, so it works for winter holidays too!

Braised Lamb with Quince Mostarda

Quinces are one of Hilty’s favorite fruit, an underrated addition to savory cooking. It’s perfect for autumn, with those warm, vanilla floral flavors we associate with the changing seasons.

Rice Pudding with Candied Pumpkin and Caramel

This is a classic from Chef Hilty’s kitchen. He calls it “sweet, salty, and earthy all at the same time.” It’s inspired by the

Recommended Wine Pairings from Alexandra Cherniavsky

“With Joey’s salad with sherry vinaigrette, Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity flirts with the dressing’s tangy bite.

Alongside the lamb shoulder and rösti potatoes, Carmine’s dark fruit and body round out the complex flavors.

A dessert-style Riesling will join the caramel and pumpkin in a sweet ending to a wonderful fall dinner menu.”

Story Nicole Barley / Photography Dave Bryce / Styling by Keith Recker / Wine Pairings by Alexandra Cherniavsky for PA Wines / Dinnerware by East Fork Pottery and Steelite

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Braised Lamb with Mostarda Mantovana

By

Jordan Snowden

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October 11, 2024

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Braised lamb is given notes of autumn when adorned and balanced with a sweet and sharp homemade mostarda Mantovana, an Italian take on quince chutney. Quinces are one of Pittsburgh Chef Joey Hilty’s favorite things about the fall, and this recipe makes use of all of their best qualities.

Tips for Making Mostarda Mantovana

While the quinces are a bit more time-intensive than other fruits, the floral, vanilla-like flavor is well worth it. You can use the below mostarda recipe the same way you would chutney. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a larger batch when quince is in season, and you can use it year-round. Mostarda Mantovana is not for the faint of heart. It does require multi-day maceration, and we’ve called for mustard oil, which due to its illegality in the US, you may have to get, shall we say…creative with making it. What you’re doing is letting the fruit sit in the syrup to maximize the flavor. Be patient and make sure you’ve done every step with care, from the peeling to the proportions syrup, because with making Mostarda Mantovana you’re in it for the long haul.

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