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Faux-Ca Cola Spritz

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A stemmed glass with a light cola colored cocktail, a gold cocktail shaker and a mason jar with a bubble gum pink vodka, surrounded by bubble gum and bubble gum wrappers

Cola fans will find our Faux-Ca Cola Spritz quite refreshing! This cocktail was originally inspired by the excess of wrapped bubble gum found in the bottom of the kiddos’ trick-or-treat bag. You can chew the gum for a moment of super sweetness, followed by a less flavorful, stiff wad of gum to give your jaw a workout, OR… you can infuse your favorite vodka, and create a surprisingly delicious spritz. The combination of the bubble gum vodka and the bittersweetness of Averna, with its hint of licorice flavor, creates a cola-like taste that is truly enjoyable.

How to Infuse Your Bubblegum with Vodka 

It might sound a little crazy, but hear us out. Take ten pieces of that Double Bubble you love and mix it with two cups of vodka. Then, let it sit for at least 48 hours — so there’s a little prep time involved in this cocktail. If you aren’t satisfied with the flavor, leave it for up to 7 days. Then, you can combine into your Cola Spritz.  

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A stemmed glass with a light cola colored cocktail, a gold cocktail shaker and a mason jar with a bubble gum pink vodka, surrounded by bubble gum and bubble gum wrappers

Faux-Ca Cola Spritz


  • Author: Justin Matase

Description

Don’t let the kids have all the fun.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz bubble gum-infused vodka
  • .75 oz Averna
  • Club soda to top off


Instructions

  1. Add ice, infused vodka and Averna to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Shake and strain into stemmed wine glass filled with ice.
  3. Top with club soda.
  4. Enjoy!

Recipe by Justin Matase
Styling and Photography by Keith Recker

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Esteban Mezcal Negroni

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Two drinks, brown in color, sit in two rocks glasses. Esteban Cocktail

Tequila, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth come together to create a “mezcal negroni.” Bringing a balance of different types of flavors, the Esteban cocktail is for those who love smoky flavors and want that little extra smoke in the Negroni.

Why a Mezcal Negroni?

Mezcal is effective in a Negroni because of its strong character. With a weaker spirit, you’d risk creating a watery mélange of liquors that didn’t bring out the best character of each one. Conversely, if you had three liquors with similiar flavors, they would end up cancelling each other out. Campari is bitter, Vermouth is sweet, and then Casamigos Mezcal has a smoky, complex flavor you’ll taste on the finish of the drink.

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Two drinks, brown in color, sit in two rocks glasses. Esteban Cocktail

Esteban Mezcal Negroni


  • Author: Sarah Cascone

Description

Vermouth, mezcal, and campari combine in a delicious Negroni variation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz Casamigos Mezcal
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • Garnish: Grapefruit Twist
  • Finishing Salt


Instructions

  1. Add liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
  2. Add all the liquid ingredients to a mixing glass that is filled with ice and stir with ice.
  3. Strain the liquid into a rocks glass that has a large square ice cube.
  4. Twist a grapefruit peel over the cocktail to release the citrus oils into the cocktail and garnish with the twist, then add a tiny pinch of salt to open up the flavors.

 

Recipe by Sarah Cascone
Photography by Dave Bryce

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On Trend 2023: Shine On with Metallics This Fall Season

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We can scarcely get dressed without the gleam of gold or the shimmer of silver. Men and women alike crave a hint of shine when dressing for work or for pleasure. We often work a crisp metallic something-or-other into our interiors. Why?

Metallics telegraph a luxury message. Our species’ ancient fascination with gold, silver, platinum, copper, and bronze is still with us today. Also, you can count on metallic finishes to be relevant for more than a few months. Those silvery loafers you covet will be just as wonderful next year, and probably the year after that, as they are today.

Here are ten gleaming ways to embrace the 2023 metallics trend this season. Shine on with metal fashion, friends!

J Crew’s Gracie Top Handle Bag

The Gracie’s sleek lines and compact proportions will make you look cool, calm, collected, and well-dressed. The structured top handle recalls the Golden Age of Hollywood. The detachable crossbody strap allows for more casual styling. The croc-embossed leather gleams with a delicate metallic foil, guaranteeing a noticeable gleam for extra-special occasions.

Tom Dixon’s Bell LED Lamp

gold mushroom looking lamp. 2023 metallics trend.

Available at Mr. Porter, Tom Dixon’s ‘Bell’ LED lamp is made from polished gold-tone steel. Its glimmer and gleam will reflect the textures and colors of the room you place it in. The domed shade has a concealed diffuser to emit a soft glow, while an integrated dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness. It’s fully portable and offers up to 9 hours of charge.

Urban Outfitter’s Serena Puff Mini Tote Bag

silver mini bag. 2023 metallics trend

On the go? A breezy mini tote bag in a crinkle-quilted finish can carry the essentials of the day. The boxy silhouette and easy-access zip top are complemented by soft carry handles. A removable, adjustable cross-body strap is included. If you prefer to avoid animal leathers, have no fear: this bag is made of water-resistant polyurethane.

J Crew’s Limited Edition Knee-High Boots in Croc-Embossed Metallic Leather

These boots were made for…being looked at. Loads of visual drama are built in, whether you choose the silver version shown here, or the gold version. The limited-edition run features an almond-shaped toe and the special gleam of a delicate metallic foil finish. Durable rubber sole.

Stuart Weitzman’s Rae Mini-Bucket Bag

gold foil purse 2023 metallic trend

The on-the-go glamour of this crushed metallic leather bag is the result of elevated details that meld fashion and function. Sized to accommodate your essentials du jour, it’s made in Italy with a drawstring closure. A detachable top handle and an adjustable shoulder strap mean you can wear it just as you like.

J Crew Collection Classic Fit Sequin Shirt

Shimmery gold jacket. 2023 metallic trend

A comfortable, everyday silhouette soars into the realm of glamour with lots of sparkling sequins. Available in gold (shown here), as well as navy and a very pale terra cotta. Lined on the inside for comfort, matching skirts are also available.

Stuart Weitzman’s Parker Lift Loafer

silver penny loafers 2023 metallic trend

A classic menswear-inspired penny loafer gets a modern edge with a black lug sole and a crushed silver leather upper. Every step you take will reflect a bit of your moonshine onto the noonday crowd or the midnight posse.

Free People’s Gold Rush Long Sleeve T

All-over silvery sequins on a printed sheer body. Stunning colors from amber to hot pink to lavender. A slim silhouette. This is a top that will get every party started.

Baublebar’s Jaskamal Hoop Earrings

gold and silver earrings. 2023 metallics trend

These glittering statement hoops combine a gold-plated sunburst with the glitter of reflective glass beads. You’ll want to pull your hair back to reveal their full glory. Huggie closure. Hypoallergenic.

Free People’s Dagget Western Boots

gold metallic cowboy boots. 2023 metallics trend

Calling all urban cowgirls! When western-inspired boots from Jeffrey Campbell get the gilded treatment, how can we resist? Embroidered details, a pointed toe and 3-inch block heel complete the look.

Story by Keith Recker

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Your Guide to 2023’s Best Fall Sweaters: Blue Zone

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Photo courtesy of Imogene + Willie

Blue is true. Blue is reassuring. It’s classic but also vibrant and fresh. It’s most often chosen by people across the world as their favorite color. What tones of blue are right for you? Because we are well in love with a range of blues from clear skies to moody midnight, you’ll have to decide for yourself. Of special interest: the last three entries here, all naturally dyed indigo sweaters. They will age with the subtlety and charm of your favorite pair of jeans which get better with every wearing.

NN07’s Sky Blue Ribbed-Knit Sweater

a light blue cable knit sweater

The designers at NN07 aim to create clothing that will last not just a season but a lifetime. This blue gem, easy to layer over a collared shirt or a tee, is a blend of alpaca, wool, and synthetic fibers. Its ribbed structure provides extra warmth.

Mr. Porter’s Berry Mélange Sweater

Designed by Mr. Porter with premium yarns and a gorgeous fit, this sweater has been meticulously knitted in Italy with alpaca, wool, and nylon fibers in two colors: a cloudy blue or an earthy green. We love both, but the “blue sky thinking” that blue tones can imbue is just what we need right now.

J Crew Relaxed V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

A sensually relaxed fit allows you to show a little shoulder if you like. But the comfort and beauty don’t stop there. Reinforcing the virtuous, trustworthy symbolism of blue, this sweater is made from cashmere and certified as responsible by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), a nonprofit that promotes sustainable agricultural development across the globe. As the foundation’s first U.S. member, J Crew sources cashmere that is certified to the AbTF’s The Good Cashmere Standard®, which ensures the welfare of the cashmere goats, protects natural resources, and improves the working conditions of farmers and farmworkers in Inner Mongolia.

J Crew Cable-Knit Stretch Cardigan

This blue automatically transports us to happy times. Is it azure, turquoise or… could it be the cerulean tone discussed at length by Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada?  Inspired by classic Irish sweaters, this deliciously chunky cardigan is made of a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. As if its classically comfortable fit weren’t enough, there’s a bit of stretch in the yarns to guarantee easy wearability.

Imogene + Willie’s Cable Knit Cardigan Dipped in Natural Indigo

Only a hundred of these sweaters have been hand-knit with 100% wool yarns from Japan by Imogene and Willie. Each one is hand-dipped in natural indigo dye, which makes for gorgeous shadows and highlights… and guarantees that the garment will wear and weather to reflect its journey with you. Just like a beloved pair of indigo jeans. The gentle aging of the blues will only increase your passion for this lovely piece.

Todd Snyder’s Indigo Knit Studio Coat

Is it a chore coat? Is it a sweatshirt? Yes to both questions. Made from soft French terry and dyed with real indigo, this true-blue color will fade handsomely over time — just don’t wear it (or wash it) with your lights. Workwear-inspired details include durable double- and single-needing stitching throughout and functional button cuffs. Designed to hit at the hip and made for easy layering, wear it as you would a cardigan or light jacket.

Todd Snyder’s Cotton Indigo Crew

This all-cotton crewneck sweater is light enough to layer. Its natural indigo colors, which have been artfully washed for nuance and a multiplicity of blue tones, enhance the texture of the knit. Don’t wash with lights: natural indigo washes out a bit in the laundry, just like your favorite pair of jeans.

Story by Keith Recker

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Your Guide to 2023’s Best Fall Sweaters: Perfectly Neutral

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Photo courtesy of Free People

The hottest color trend for fall sweaters is… wait for it… no color at all. Quiet, soothing, non-confrontational neutrals calm us down. They attract a quieter sort of attention than the brights of the moment. And because their appeal is destined to last, you can be sure that your investment of wardrobe dollars will pay off across a lifetime of wear.

Everlane’s Felted Merino Funnel-Neck Pullover

An easy, boxy fit envelopes you with a chunky rib stitch in a perfect shade of ivory. The seamless funnel neck curves sensuously to frame your face and shoulders in a way that’s comfortably modern. Made with responsibly sourced felted merino yarn certified by the folks at Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).

Everlane’s Cloud Crewneck Sweater

This relaxed sweater starts with saddle shoulders, which allow the sleeves to hug your shoulders and upper arms with a graceful weightlessness. The sweater is made with lightweight yet chunky alpaca-merino blend yarn. The subtle Tiger’s Eye color allows this piece to layer easily with just about everything already in your closet, refreshing your fall/winter look for years to come.

Buck Mason’s Beachcomber Highland Alpaca Cardigan

The laidback, effortless California style of this Buck Mason cardigan means that it looks as good as it feels. Knitted from 5-gauge Peruvian alpaca/merino yarns, the sweater boasts a V-neck, a drop shoulder, two pockets, ribbing at the cuffs, neck, and hem, and a button front closure. Is there anything that wouldn’t look chic-er with this thrown over it? We don’t think so.

Tom Ford Wool and Cashmere Blend Sweater

Exclusive to Mr. Porter, this Tom Ford sweater is crafted of wool and cashmere-blend yarns. Lightly brushed for a plush, soft handle, it is available in cream, white or classic black. Classic crewneck and ribbed cuffs and waist. 67% wool, 33% cashmere.

Brunello Cucinelli Fair Isle Jacquard-Knit Sweater

Brunello Cucinelli’s clothing is famous the world over for beautiful craftsmanship, exquisite materials, and impeccable design choices. This sweater lives up to the line’s stellar reputation with soft alpaca and cotton yarns knitted in a traditional Fair Isle pattern. Perfect for holiday parties, après-ski cocktails, or just a brisk walk in the crisp winter air.

J Crew Classic Fit Cashmere Crewneck

This versatile sweater is available in eighteen colors, but classic heathered camel speaks to us in the voice of quiet luxury and long-term appeal. You can layer both under and over this lovely piece, dressing it up for an evening party or down for a last-minute gift-run for stocking stuffers.

Free People Easy Street Tunic

Available in several fresh colors, there is no fresher choice than a painterly white. So comfortable and free-flowing, you’ll wear it with anything and everything, from Friday after work until daybreak on Monday morning.

Story by Keith Recker

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A Behavioral Therapist’s Take on Kids and Veggies

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A bowl filled with colorful and various veggies. get kids to eat veggies
Photo by Nadine Primeau

Let me say, right from the start, that my kids, seven and five years old, eat basically everything. There are some minor exceptions: squash, sardines, eggplant, and “smelly” cheese. I continue to encourage them to try those foods every now and again because taste buds do change, and I want to help you get your kids to eat fruits and veggies.

As a behavioral therapist, I definitely have an unfair advantage when it comes to mealtime shenanigans. Puppy-dog eyes, phony compliments, fake promises, and downright refusals have zero effect on me when it comes down to eating what has been served. I wish that I could say I am motivated purely by concern for their health and nutrient intake, but mostly, I am determined for my children to be polite, open-minded, adventurous eaters.

I like to cook; I like to eat; I like to explore different cultures and customs. I want my children to participate in these experiences with me. And also, because I definitely don’t want them to turn their noses up at foods someone else might serve just because they aren’t familiar with them.

Make a Rule and Stick to It

Kids are not equipped to make all of their food choices at young ages, which is why it’s imperative for parents to remember that they have the ability to make a rule and stick to it. Think of these concepts as a construct to help your children broaden their horizons and learn to be flexible, adventurous humans! After all, you don’t want them to miss out on rich, varied, cultural experiences because not every restaurant has chicken fingers.

Here’s the simple secret: One bite.

Before eating any “preferred” food, you must require your little love to partake in “one taste.” If after they have chewed, swallowed, and evaluated, they do not have to eat anymore. Not for forever, mind you, just until that food pops up again at a different mealtime. Showing the same approach with your own food skepticism goes a long way.

It’s important to remember that it takes taste buds at least 10 different times to decide whether or not they like a food! Personally, I’m on round 8 with okra, and second round with escargot. So far, minimal progress in the “likes” department, but what matters is my willingness to try, modeling that approach to my kids. Going public with my own baby steps forward has brought my own children, and other numerous patients that I work with, immense success.

Tips and tricks to guide you in rewriting your family’s food rules:

  • Serve a meal that contains both new foods and foods that your child already loves. But remember: they can’t have the favorites until they try the newbies!
  • Expand their interests by involving kids in meal planning, shopping, prepping, and cooking.
  • Teach your kids about foods and recipes from around the world, including what children in different cultures eat.
  • Read about food-based professions such as cheesemonger, butcher, baker, and chef.
  • Watch cooking shows and videos with your kids.
  • Let your kids make and name their own food creations!
  • Lastly, and most importantly, refuse to engage in a power struggle. Wait for the “one taste” as long as it takes. You will quickly find “the wait” becomes less and less, and the food that they like becomes more and more!

Try this favorite smoothie as a gateway to green.

Story Kelly Kinsey

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Sabine’s Hulk Smash Green Smoothie with Blueberry Ice Bombs

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A green liquid sits in a small clear glass surrounded by various fruits and nuts. green smoothie recipe

Managing mealtime with picky eaters is tricky. But with a bit of finesse, your kids will be on the fast track to healthy eating. One trick to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your little one’s diet is to utilize green smoothies. This way, they can get a bunch of nutrients in one drink, like this green smoothie, instead of trying to eat each fruit or vegetable separately.

Below, Behavioral Therapist Kelly Kinsey shares her favorite smoothie recipe as a “gateway to green” eating with kids. Discover more of her tips and tricks for rewriting your family’s food rules here

What Nutrients Are in this Green Smoothie? 

This smoothie gets its green color from the baby kale in it. Kale has Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and tons of calcium and fiber. So, from the get-go, this smoothie is a delicious way to get some healthy nutrients in. Coconut milk, which gives the smoothie a fuller body, is also incredibly rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Chia seeds are also a superfood, with 11 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber.

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A green liquid sits in a small clear glass surrounded by various fruits and nuts. green smoothie recipe

Sabine’s Hulk Smash Smoothie with Blueberry Ice Bombs


  • Author: Kelly Kinsey

Description

A smoothie that both kids and adults will enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups vanilla coconut milk (or unsweetened)
  • 3 handfuls of baby kale or spinach
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 handful of ice


Instructions

For the smoothie: 

  1. Put all green smoothie recipe ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree.
  2. Pour into a glass over a few ice bombs. Serve.

For the blueberry ice bombs: 

  1. In an ice tray, submerge 2 to 3 blueberries per cube and freeze overnight.
  2. You can also get creative with edible flowers, raspberries, and other bite-sized fruits and veggies.

Story by Kelly Kinsey
Photography by Erin Kelly
Styling by Keith Recker

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Snickers Cookies, Levain Bakery Style

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Three large Snickers Levain Bakery cookies on a plate with a cup of coffee, a small vessel of creamer, and raw sugar on a spoon

Give in to an ooey gooey confectionary craving with our Snickers Cookies (Levain Bakery Style) recipe. We took it over the top with these delightful (and quite large) cookies, by using a copycat Levain Bakery recipe as a starter. If you’ve indulged in the infamous New York-based gooey cookie, you understand the appeal.

What is Levain Bakery?

Levain Bakery started in 1995 on New York’s Upper West Side, a project of Constance MacDonald and Pamela Weekes. They developed their signature cookie while training for an Ironman Triathlon, knowing they needed an immense amount of calories. Their gigantic 6oz gooey chocolate chip cookie came out of that need, and it served the purpose deliciously. (Let’s hope they didn’t run the Ironman right after eating that cookie, for their sake…) Since then, it’s gone on to spawn many copycats, including this Snickers cookie, which you can make if you’re not lucky enough to live in New York.  Just to note, the candy bars make this a very gooey cookie. You can cut back to 22 bars (approx. 3 cups) if you would like something a bit more crisp. 

 

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Three large Snickers Levain Bakery cookies on a plate with a cup of coffee, a small vessel of creamer, and raw sugar on a spoon

Snickers Cookies, Levain Bakery Style


  • Author: Star Laliberte

Description

A copycat recipe for one of New York’s most iconic cookies!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cubed cold Butter
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch
  • 3/4 tsp Baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • 30 Fun-sized Snickers bars frozen and coarsely chopped (approx. 4 cups) 


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 410 degrees.
  2. Using the paddle attachment of your electric mixer, cream together the cold butter cubes until fluffy (approx. 4-5 minutes)
  3. Once the butter and sugar are well incorporated, add the eggs one at a time to incorporate.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flours, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients into the butter/sugar until incorporated. Do not over mix.
  6. Mix in the Snickers.
  7. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Bake 4 balls at a time on a large cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes.
  8. Let them rest for a about 10 minutes to set.

Recipe by Star Laliberte
Platter by Steelite
Styling and Photography by Keith Recker

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Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread

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A partially sliced loaf of peanut butter cup banana bread on a brown and white floral plate with a small bowl of whipped butter and a little dish of wrapped Reese's peanut butter cups.

This Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread recipe was inspired by the rare chance of excess Halloween candy (or maybe a regrettable sweet tooth splurge.) We can pretend the added bananas make the bread just a tad bit healthier…

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A partially sliced loaf of peanut butter cup banana bread on a brown and white floral plate with a small bowl of whipped butter and a little dish of wrapped Reese's peanut butter cups.

Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread


  • Author: Star Laliberte

Description

The ultimate banana bread recipe!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium ripened and mashed bananas (400g)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 8 snack-size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (frozen for at least 23 hours) + more for the top


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325F.
  2. Grease and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, mix together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you reach a well incorporated paste-like consistency.
  5. Add in your mashed bananas, followed by the eggs, mayo, lemon, and vanilla, to the other wet ingredients.
  6. Once all of your wet ingredients are mixed together, fold in the dry ingredients. Then, fold in the coarsely chopped peanut butter cups.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  8. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool completely before removing from the pan.
  10. Store at room temperature in an air-tight container.

Recipe and Story by Star Laliberte
Photography and Styling by Keith Recker

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7 Indoor Activities to Stay Busy During the Pittsburgh Winter

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A women throwing an axe at an axe throwing bar. Indoor Activities Pittsburgh
Photo courtesy of Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing Bar

When temperatures drop and the rain starts to fall, it’s time to bring the fun indoors. Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or a casual walk through a garden, Pittsburgh has you covered with plenty of ways to keep busy. Start marking your calendar with these seven indoor activities to stay warm and bustling. 

Arsenal Bowl

Combine a night out at the bar with friends and old-school bowling at Arsenal in Lawrenceville. The alley has 22 lanes and makes sure to keep the music going. Some nights, they host live music from bands around the city. Plus, if you work up an appetite, they have a food selection ranging from chicken sandwiches to pizza. 

Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing Bar

Axe throwing has gained popularity in the last few years for its friendly competition and adventurous spirit. At Lumberjaxes in Millvale, your group gets a private lane and multiple game options. Have a blast trying to get a bullseye while sipping on specialty-curated drinks. During the winter months, they also have a Sliders Ice Curling Bar with the same atmosphere and ice-curling games. 

Puttery

Mini golf is an in-demand summer activity, but this indoor course, combined with two full-service bars, makes it just as popular in the winter. Each of the three courses contains interactive props and decorations featuring unique themes. The Library course uses oversized books, the Lodge takes you to the Rocky Mountains, and the Garage makes cars an obstacle.

Phipp’s Conservatory

If you’re missing the outdoors and the bloom of flowers, Phipp’s is the best immersion into nature. There are plenty of plant and flower displays along with ponds, bridges, and trees to stroll along. The flower show changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to see under the natural sunlight.

Shorty’s Pins x Pints

If you’re not the best bowler, give duckpin bowling a try. This smaller take on the game has a ball that fits in your hand, leaving the other hand open for a pint of beer. Shorty’s is also retro-themed, from the drinks to the music. Grab some friends and reserve a lane, or try some of the other vintage games like foosball, shuffleboard, or pinball.

Escape Room Pittsburgh

For the people who enjoy puzzles, Escape Room Pittsburgh has six different rooms to try. You’ll have an hour to work through different riddles, gadgets, and mysteries to make it out. The Homestead location has rooms different from others in the city, too. One of the current featured rooms is called Carnegie’s Millions, based around the founder of Pittsburgh, Andrew Carnegie, and a secret society. 

Pinball Perfection

Something about the dings and lights of pinball machines makes them addictive. Thankfully, you can pay a flat rate at Pinball Perfection to play on over 300 devices for an hour. This is a hands-on museum featuring machines from the 1930s to modern times. Be sure to check out what new pinball restorations are happening while you’re there. 

Story by Kylie Thomas

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