Pigs in a Blanket with 3 Party-Perfect Dips

Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Author: Keith Recker

Description

Make golden-brown, perfectly wrapped pigs in a blanket with the use of mini hotdogs.

Ingredients

Scale

1 8 oz package Pillsbury™ Crescent Rolls
1 12 oz package mini cocktail weiners

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Instructions

Use a paper towel to pat dry the mini cocktail weiners.
Cut crescent roll dough triangles in half.
Wrap mini weiners in the dough.
Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes until golden bown.
Serve piping hot with our trio of party-perfect dips!

Harissa and Chili Mayo Dip Recipe

Author: Keith Recker

Description

Add a bit of spice to your pigs in a blanket.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mayo
1 tbsp harissa (more to taste, if you like!)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp chili flakes (more to taste, but go easy on the heat)
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
Cover and let sit for an hour before eating.
If there is any left over, cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Horseradish and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Author: Keith Recker

Description

Dip into a zesty new sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp horseradish (can be cut back to 1 tbsp if you prefer a little less “heat”)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined. You can add a bit more olive oil to loosen the cream cheese into a dip consistency.
Taste the mixture and feel free to add more horseradish if you like!
Cover and let sit for an hour before eating.
If there is any left over, cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Jalapeño Mustard Dip

Author: Keith Recker

Description

You don’t have to rely on plain old mustard to dip into.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Dijon mustard
Dash of olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 cup pickled jalapeño peppers, chopped fine
1 tsp cumin seeds

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
Taste. Add more chopped jalapeño peppers if desired.
Cover and let sit for 1 hour before eating.
If there is any left over, cover tightly and store in fridge for up to 1 week.

Recipes, Styling, and Photography by Keith Recker
Story by Star Laliberte

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Ultimate Beer Cheese and Easy Honey Mustard

By

Star Laliberte

-

January 15, 2024

Six soft pretzels on a brown paper with a bowl of orange beer cheese, and a bowl of yellow honey mustard all on a white textured surface.

Get ready to party with our Ultimate Beer Cheese and Easy Honey Mustard recipes. These mouthwatering dips are the perfect accompaniment to a tailgate, game day house party, or an evening watching a movie at home. Add a tray of fresh baked soft pretzels from your local grocery freezer department, and you’re ready to go.

Ultimate Beer Cheese and Easy Honey Mustard Recipes

The Step-by-Step Beer Cheese Recipe

Gather all of your ingredients from the recipe below, and let’s get started!!

Step 1:

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of flour and whisk until incorporated.

Step 2:

Add 1 cup milk, and whisk into the butter and flour mixture.

Step 3:

Add your cheeses, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4:

Slowly add 2/3 cup of your favorite IPA and whisk until incorporated.

Step 5:

Reduce heat to low and stir just until smooth.

Step 6:

Serve warm with warm soft pretzels straight out of the oven.

The full recipe…

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Ultimate Beer Cheese and Easy Honey Mustard

Author: Anna Franklin

Ingredients

Scale

For the beer cheese:

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup milk
2/3 cup IPA beer
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded or diced
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded or diced

For the homemade honey mustard:

1/4 cup yellow mustard
2 tablespoons each of whole grain mustard, honey, and mayonnaise

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Instructions

For the beer cheese:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
Whisk in flour.
Whisk in milk.
Add cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dijon, and Worcestershire sauce into the saucepan.
Slowly add beer and whisk until incorporated.
Continue cooking over medium heat, cooking sauce until thick and bubbly.
Reduce heat to low, and stir just until smooth.
Serve warm soft pretzels.

For the honey mustard:

Mix all ingredients together until evenly incorporated.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Want more tailgate and game day recipes?

Recipes and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Star Laliberte

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Braised Cabbage and Beans

By

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January 10, 2024

A blue bowl holdsbraised cabbage and beans topped with a lemon slice and accompanied by a fork, spoon, and glass of lemon water.

In our Braised Cabbage and Beans recipe you get a hearty dose of both of these superfoods along with tasty vegetable stock, spicy peppers, and a bit of lemon juice for that tangy zing. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare and warms the soul during the cold days of winter. The specific type of canned peppers we use are quite spicy. If you’d like something more mild, you can replace them with canned roasted red peppers.

Light up the stove and get a-cookin’, folks. You’ll be glad you did.

What Makes This Cabbage and Beans Recipe so Nutritious?

While the virtues of cabbage may be obvious (it’s good for you!), beans are another healthy choice to incorporate into your diet. Their antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients, prevent cell damage, help promote a healthy digestive system, and fight off diseases.

Braised Cabbage and Beans

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

Cabbage and beans make for a warming and comforting winter meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried mixed beans
1 head green cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable stock, homemade or store-bought
1/2 jar of Shoe String Peppers
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl, rinse and soak beans for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
Cut cabbage into 6 wedges and dice onion.
In a hot dutch oven, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add cabbage wedges. Cook until the outsides are crispy and brown. Add onion, garlic, beans and vegetable stock. Simmer for 1-2 hours or until the beans are fully cooked and tender.
Add in the shoe string peppers, the juice of one lemon, salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Pittsburgh Happenings: January 16-22

By

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January 10, 2024

Three people wait for another person to pour them a glass of wine inside the Gateway Clipper in Pittsburgh — Photo courtesy of the Gateway Clipper

This week in Pittsburgh covers all types of events, from a family outing to little alone time to reflect and plan. Begin the week with an inspiring presentation about Taylor Swift from an event industry professional. Then end the week with a tour of the city skylines and dinner on the famous Gateway Clipper. What could be better?

Muhammad Zaman stands beside a lab table filled with supplies in a blue shirt and tie. — Photo courtesy of City of Asylum

We Wait for a Miracle with Muhammad Zaman

City of Asylum and Virtual, January 16

City of Asylum welcomes author Muhammad Zaman to share his recently released work We Wait for a Miracle: Health Care and the Forcibly Displaced. His book shares poignant stories across continents to highlight the health care experiences of refugees and forced migrants.

9 different colored photographs of women arranged in a grid to advertise the Taylor Swift presentation in Pittsburgh. — Photo courtesy of MPI Pittsburgh

MPI Pittsburgh Presents: Event Planning Advice as told by Taylor Swift Songs

City Winery, January 17

Join prominent event industry professional Kate Patay through a journey of experiences and lessons that can be learned from singer Taylor Swift. Learn how her lyrics can help you achieve your wildest dreams in business and in life.

Four people sit around a table in the Greer Cabaret Lounge in Pittsburgh enjoys various drinks in low lighting. — Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Broadway Trivia

Lounge at the Greer Cabaret, January 17

Buzz Worthy Pub Trivia hosts a night of Broadway trivia across decades of shows in the beautiful Greer Cabaret Lounge. Gather a team of friends or family and compete in five rounds of questions. Try your best to “seize the day” and take the crown!

The bar at Space Bar in PIttsburgh has bartenders hard at work on the right side and people enjoying drinks on the left side with a big moon light overhead. — Photo by Kylie Thomas

Drag Queens in Outer Space Bingo

Space Bar, January 18

Hosts and Drag Queens, Luna and Indi take you on a cosmic journey like no other. Brace yourself for a stellar evening filled with laughter, incredible cocktails, and of course, bingo. Don’t worry if you’re new to bingo, they’ll make sure you have a blast no matter if you win or lose.

Captain’s Dinner Tour and Cruise

The Gateway Clipper Fleet, January 20

Looking for a fun and unique evening out in Pittsburgh? Come aboard the Gateway Clipper for a fabulous dinner and equally fabulous views of the city skyline. Start off with a buffet of strip loin, chicken breast, cheese tortellini, and much more. Then, dance the evening away to live DJ entertainment.

Check out the other events that we’re excited for this month!

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Regina George Mean Girls Cocktail

By

Star Laliberte

-

January 10, 2024

A pink cocktail in a classic margarita glass on a tray with cocktail umbrellas in hot pink and red.

This cocktail is fetch! If you’ve ever been personally victimized by a “Regina George,” this cocktail is for you. It looks sweet, but once you taste it you’ll fall victim to its tang. Really, the Regina George Mean Girls Cocktail is for all to enjoy. We think your father, inventor of the Toaster Strudel, would be pleased to hear about this. #IYKYK

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Regina George Mean Girls Cocktail

Author: Zack Durkin

Description

Perfectly pink for Regina George!

Ingredients

Scale

3 oz London dry gin
1.5 oz of fresh lemon juice
.5 oz of simple syrup
.5 oz of pomegranate syrup* (or grenadine)
1 egg white (or 2 tbsp aquafaba** for vegan version)
Cocktail cherry or umbrella for garnish

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Instructions

Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, pomegranate syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) to cocktail.
Dry shake for 20 – 30 seconds.
Add ice cubes and shake for 15 seconds.
Double strain into your favorite stemmed glass.
Garnish with cocktail cherry or umbrella.
Enjoy!

Notes

Pomegranate Syrup is 2 parts simple syrup with 1 part pomegranate juice.

The easiest form of aquafaba is the juice from a can of chickpeas.

Looking for other pomegranate cocktails? Sip on our Pomegranate Margarita, Pretty Woman Pomegranate Cosmo, Good Luck Sparkling Pomegranate Cosmo, or Pomegranate Prosecco Cocktail.

Recipe by Zack Durkin
Styling, Story and Photography by Star Laliberte

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Mark Chutko’s TABLE Favorites

By

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January 10, 2024

Two bowls filled with a dark reddish brown broth with spicy sausage and greens as butter sits to the left and two spoons sit in the top right.

TABLE Magazine Associate Publisher, Mark Chutko loves winter fare. He leans in to recipes that are warm and delectable when the weather outside is frigid and cold. Soups and chilis are staples of the wintertime hours he and his wife, Diana, spend in the kitchen. They enjoy the simplicity of these hearty, good-for you-dishes, and cooking them at home just makes them taste even better. He loves getting his three kids involved in the kitchen, especially when they’re all chopping and chatting all the way to a hearty winter stew. Here are some of Mark’s late winter essential recipes that make great use of winter produce and many locally grown ingredients.

Escarole and Beans

Warm and savory with a bit of spice, our Escarole and Beans takes basic ingredients and makes them into a fabulous bowl of flavor. It’s made with marinara sauce, escarole, Great Northern beans, chicken stock, and just the right amount of seasoning. Not to mention, the versatility of this dish allows you to serve it as a side or as a meal with some cooked shrimp over top.

Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli mixes navy beans with your choice of pasta and a homemade sauce. It’s a fool proof weeknight dinner. After cooking, pair it with your favorite wine and you’ve got a romantic dinner for two when the kids are away.

The Best Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe

Winter and chili go together like peanut butter and jelly. A hot bowl of spicy tomato broth with beans and ground beef is the perfect thing to keep you cozy. This recipe takes inspiration from Wendy’s Chili and brings the famous dish right to your kitchen. No more long nights waiting in the drive-through line!

French Onion Soup

Caramelizing onions for a French Onion Soup may sound tricky, but it is entirely possible! Yes, it takes some patience. With a little bit of time, and delicious ingredients like fresh Gruyère cheese, you’ll be happy you took the time to make this bowl of excellence.

Spicy Sausage and Greens Soup

Don’t let the short ingredient list of our Spicy Sausage and Greens Soup fool you. The taste of this soup packs a punch with the natural flavoring of the hot sausage and escarole. The taste experience expands when you add tomato sauce and mushroom broth. It’s so easy to be won over by this mouthwatering combination.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Quinoa Nourish Bowl

By

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January 9, 2024

A Quinoa Bowl filled with egg, avocado, kale, and more on a green plate beside a drink, chili oil, and a spoon and knife.

The whole-grain source of quinoa leaves it with a high fiber content, making it the perfect base for a nourishment bowl. It helps lower cholesterol, steady blood pressure, and even promotes a healthy digestive system. Contributor Anna Franklin magnifies these wellness elements with the addition of lacinato kale, greek yogurt, and avocado in her Quinoa Nourish Bowl. All these yummy ingredients come together mixed with savory red onion, protein-filled egg, and a bit of chili oil for maximum flavor and bodily happiness.

Quinoa Nourish Bowl Recipe

(Makes 1 bowl)

INGREDIENTS

3 leaves lacinato kale, chopped from Clarion River Organics
1/4 red onion, sliced from Who Cooks For You Farm
1/2 cup quinoa, cooked by package directions
1 egg
1/4 cup greek yogurt
1/2 avocado, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Drizzle of chili oil for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

In a skillet cook chopped kale and onion with a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper.
Poach or fry egg, keeping the yolk runny.
Place cooked veggies, egg, yogurt, sliced avocado and chili oil on top of cooked quinoa and enjoy!

Try our Winter Power Bowl for another wellness recipe!

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Nespresso Affogato

By

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January 9, 2024

Two glasses of Nespresso Affogato with pizzelle garnishes in front of a Nespresso machine with a shot of espresso brewed beneath it.

Forget elaborate pastries and complicated cake techniques at your next cocktail hour or party. Our Nespresso Affogato, Italy’s answer to the perfect dessert pick-me-up, is where simplicity meets pure indulgence. A shot of rich, hot espresso meets a scoop of your favorite ice cream, melting it slowly. Plus, it’s one of 2024-2025’s trending ingredients for the way it can transport you to Italy in one scoop. It’s a dish full of textures and flavors; hot and cold, bitter and sweet, each bite an explosion of contrasting sensations. This recipe is an adventure for your taste buds and shows the power that a few perfect ingredients can have. Plus, the best part is with a Nespresso machine by your side, crafting this culinary masterpiece takes mere minutes.

Using Nespresso

While you can use any type of espresso for an affogato, we find that Nespresso pods provide a delicious balance between bitter and roasted flavors. Their premium selections range to fit any type of coffee drinker, even if you’re not normally a fan of espresso. You can choose from lighter, more delicate blends to the richness of more heavily roasted varieties. Don’t forget to recycle the capsules after brewing.

Origins of the Affogato

The exact origins of the affogato remain a mystery. We know it hails from Italy, which makes sense: it’s the land of espresso and gelato. Pinpointing the exact “when,” however, is a bit of a challenge. It’s thought to have come about after the invention of the espresso machine in the 19th century. It did not become popular until the 1950s, coinciding with the modernization of Italy’s ice cream industry. Others propose a much earlier creation, with one legend even crediting a 17th century friar for its start according to Food & Wine.

Nespresso Affogato

Author: Emma Riva

Description

What could be better than coffee and ice cream? w

Ingredients

Scale

1 big scoop of your favorite ice cream
1 shot of espresso
Pizzelle cookie for garnish

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Instructions

Add your ice cream to a small bowl or rocks glass.
Brew espresso directly over ice cream,
Garnish with a pizzelle cookie and enjoy!

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Pittsburgh Happenings: January 2024

By

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January 8, 2024

A man in a silly costume jumps in the air in front of lights while juggling bowling pins. — Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

It’s January and that means we have a whole new calendar of events in Pittsburgh! The month ahead is filled with music, art, and fun for all. Be wowed by a Broadway show that incorporates Bob Dylan’s music or take the family to see the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra play alongside Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire for a night of magic. Just make sure you start 2024 off with excitement!

A man in a white suit sings at a mic in front of a line of actors on a stage. — Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy

Girl From the North Country

Benedum Center, January 9-14

Hear Bob Dylan’s music like you’ve never heard it before as you adventure alongside a group of wayward travelers in 1934 Minnesota. The Tony Award winning musical makes its stop in Pittsburgh for a beautiful production about music, life and hope.

Comedy Bingo Night

Arcade Comedy Theater, January 12

Experience a hearty stand-up show alongside a competitive game of bingo. This bingo-themed comedy variety show features improv, characters, and more! Audience members will be invited to play bingo between sets — and prizes will be available for any lucky winners.

A team of huskies pulls a sled filled with a family through the snow outside of Nemacolin near Pittsburgh. — Photo courtesy of Nemacolin

Martin Luther King Weekend

Nemacolin, January 12-15

Take your long weekend getaway to the next level with skiing, massages, family-friendly fun in the Kids Club, and more. You don’t need to travel far for relaxation and delights.

Locomotion Exhibition

Carnegie Science Center, January 13-14

Make a special trip to the Carnegie Science Center for a weekend all about the world of trains. Engineers of all ages will get a chance to explore a rail yard full of guest train displays owned and operated by model train enthusiasts.

The Courage to Stand

Heinz Hall, January 17

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is back to chronicle the some defiantly artistic and famous figures. From the opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, full of fate and fury, to the world-building text of Langston Hughes, PSO offer music that outlasts, outshines, and out-dreams all barriers.

Cirque du Soleil: Crystal

PPG Paints Arena, January 18-21

For the first time ever, Cirque du Soleil incorporates ice into its mind-boggling performances. Skaters and acrobats combine traditional circus disciplines with synchronized and freestyle movement on air and ice for an unforgettable experience.

The Magic of Motown

Benedum Center, January 19

Ready to get down to the rhythms of Motown? 15 power vocalists are backed by a six piece band to deliver you all the hits from The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and many more.

Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition

Byham Theater, January 20

This multimedia adventure mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the story of Buck, the offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie. Buck is kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush where he must survive the wild.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra plays on the stage at the Heinz Hall in front of a projector that reads "Let's go to the movies" — Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert

Heinz Hall, January 20-21

It doesn’t matter if you’re Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Everyone can discover the magic of this wizardly epic while a live symphony orchestra performs Patrick Doyle’s musical score and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire plays on screen.

DRUM TAO 30th Anniversary

PNC Theatre, January 27

Established in 1993, this group of talented instrumentalists dreams of creating the best show in the world using Taiko drums from Japan. The drums’ unique and expressive range of sound makes this show so fascinating.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Anti-Inflammatory Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup

By

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January 5, 2024

Two soup bowls filled with orange butternut squash soup topped with shredded leaf garnishes and a spoon.

Inflammation can not only leave you feeling in pain, it can also be a contributor to other issues down the line. Adding healthy foods like turmeric, fresh vegetables, ginger, and lentils into your diet will point you in a positive direction, with healthier outcomes. The more you incorporate the ingredients, the better you’ll find yourself feeling throughout the year. You’ll find all of these goodies and more in our Anti-Inflammatory Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup, which is designed to improve your wellness game! Plus, you can make this Butternut Squash Soup ahead of time to prepare for lunch for the week.

What Makes Butternut Squash Anti-Inflammatory?

Butternut squash is actually one of the best vegetables for you to incorporate into a recipe for health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that bestow its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a rich source of vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. Additionally, butternut squash contains beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. The fiber in butternut squash can also help to reduce inflammation in the gut, promoting overall digestive health.

Anti-Inflammatory Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup

Author: Anna Franklin