Homemade Assorted Flavored Sugars

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November 14, 2023

A small Christmas tree decorated with Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Ornaments.

When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Ornaments warm the soul in a way that a space heater cannot. Help heat up those you love with an edible gift of decadent cocoa and marshmallows. Plus, the look of these treats is so festive you’ll want one (or a whole bundle) for your own tree.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix in Ornaments Recipe

Each ornament is the perfect amount of hot cocoa mix for 6 ounces of milk. This info can be placed on a small tag and tied to each ornament if desired.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
2 cups powdered milk
1 cup dried mini marshmallows
1 cup festive sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

Sift the powdered sugar followed by the cocoa in a large bowl to get rid of any lumps.
Stir in the powdered milk and whisk well until everything is combined.
Using a funnel, fill each ornament with 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix.
Top each one with mini marshmallows and festive sprinkles. This can be kept in the pantry for 6 months.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Holiday Granola Recipe

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November 14, 2023

Add some glee to your holiday celebration with our Holiday Granola Recipe. It’s sure to keep Aunt Edna from getting hangry at family get-togethers, and it may encourage little Cousin Timmy to eat something besides candy for breakfast! Clear sacks tied with red and white twine elevate these homemade edible treats into treasured (and snackable) gifts. All ages will enjoy this straight-from-your-kitchen gesture of love.

Holiday Granola Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 lb 5 oz rolled oats
4 oz wheat germ
6 oz flour
8 oz brown sugar
6 oz sesame seeds
12 oz mixed nuts (any kind you like; we prefer pistachios and walnuts)
1 cup EVOO
1 ½ cups honey
12 oz dried fruit (we used cranberries)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Mix everything together except for the dried fruit.
Heavily spray a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer the mixture to the baking sheet.
Bake at 325 degrees until lightly golden brown.
Turn down oven temperature to 225 degrees and bake for about 2 hours until the granola is dry. Be sure to mix every half hour or so, making sure everything is dried evenly.
Remove from oven and let cool. Mix in dried fruit and bag up or leave in an airtight container.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Herb-Infused Olive Oil

By

Abdul Rafay

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November 13, 2023

Two textured clear glass bottles with cork closure, filled with homemade herb-infused olive oil made with dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

Add exquisite flavor to your dishes with this herb-infused olive oil. Prepare a bottle for yourself and several extras for gifting. Your food-loving friends and family will be thrilled to receive a beautiful homemade gift straight from your kitchen to theirs.

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Herb-Infused Olive Oil

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

Why settle for plain, old olive oil?

Ingredients

Scale

6 dried rosemary sprigs
6 dried thyme sprigs
4–6 cups olive oil
6 dried oregano sprigs

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Instructions

Add sprigs of dried herbs to the desired bottles.
Fill bottles with olive oil. These will last up to 3 months in a cool dry place such as a pantry.
Place the oil away from heat and light and keep it in the fridge for a longer shelf-life.

If you’re interested in the bottles for storage, check out the best one.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Kit Recipe

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November 12, 2023

A mason jar filled with whiskey, oranges, sprigs of spices, and much more.

This Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Kit is for the whiskey lover in your life. Start with a locally distilled whiskey. Place dried cherries, orange slices, thyme, and sugar in a Mason jar. Does your someone special like baking spices? Add some fresh ginger. Do they love cherries? Add extra. Perhaps they are vodka drinkers? Swap out the whiskey and the cherries, and add fresh lime and a few dashes of orange bitters instead. Just three days later: a scrumptious, personalized gift is ready for giving.

History of the Old-Fashioned

The Old-Fashioned is one of the most classic cocktails out there, originating in the very first bar manuals in the early 1800s…but we’re making the Old-Fashioned “new” with this craft cocktail kit take on it. The Old-Fashioned was a take on the overly complex cocktails that had Chartreuse, Absinthe, Curacao or other liqueurs. Some true-blue cocktail fans started asking for a cocktail in the “old fashioned” style: spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. No frills. But no frills doesn’t have to be low-brow, and this cocktail’s enduring popularity shows its greatness.

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Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Kit Recipe

Author: Anna Franklin
Yield: 1 jar 1x

Description

A Mason jar adds a touch of homey charm to this recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

1 qt Mason jar
5 dried orange slices
1/4 cup dried cherries
3 dried thyme sprigs
1 cup sugar cubes
Local whiskey of your choice

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Instructions

Place all ingredients in Mason jar.
Once you are ready to use, fill to the top with whiskey and let infuse for at least 3 days.
Once the liquor is ready, use it in flavorful cocktails.
This cocktail-in-a-jar can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 1 year.
For excellent giftable nibbles to enjoy with your cocktail, try our Salty Snack Mix Recipe!

Our friends at Barberry Farm shared an afternoon with us, making these sippable gifts for some of their clients.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Salty Snack Mix Recipe

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November 12, 2023

Two big mason jars filled with a salty snacks mix like chips, pretzels, and more.

This Salty Snack Mix Recipe for officemates, neighbors, Game Day guests, and crunchaholics of all stripes is addictive. Spicy, savory, crisp and delicious, it will not last long. It’s so delicious that we recommend making a double batch so that you can keep some in your pantry for the midnight munchies. A little tip: when we make this ourselves at home, we are apt to add candied peanuts and salted cashews to the mix.

Salty Snack Mix Recipe

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cheese crackers
2 cup mini saltine crackers
1 bag garlic-flavored bagel chips
2 cups mini pretzels
1 stick butter, melted
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
2 tbsp dried ranch powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl mix together cheese crackers, saltines, pretzels, and bagel chips. Set aside.
In a small sauce pot, add butter, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and cracked pepper. Drizzle over snack mix and gently toss making sure everything is evenly coated.
Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with ranch powder. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until everything is slightly golden brown.
Let the snack mix completely cool on the counter before adding to jars.

Recipe and styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe

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November 12, 2023

Stacks of homemade Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies on a green table.

Who wouldn’t be thrilled to get their own private stash of homemade Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies? It would be very difficult to share the subtle creaminess of cinnamon buttercream paired with tender, buttery gingerbread. So, we recommend that they be quickly hidden away. But, package them in a cute box and you’ve got a perfect Christmas gift for those you love the most. The cookies without the buttercream are also a tempting accompaniment to a mug of café au lait sipped slowly on a winter Saturday. By a roaring fire. With someone nice.

What is Buttercream?

Surprisingly, buttercream is basically exactly what it sounds like. Buttercream is a rich and creamy frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, and a liquid ingredient like milk, cream, or even sometimes, fruit juice. It’s a versatile frosting that can be used to frost cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It’s also known for its ability to incorporate various flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and even cinnamon like we use below in our Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies. The key to a good buttercream is to ensure that the butter is at room temperature and that the ingredients are well-combined.

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Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

Gift your loved one a delicious edible treat this year.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

For the cinnamon buttercream:

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3–4 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

For the cookies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
Stir in egg, vanilla, and molasses. Whip 1-2 minutes or until it turns a light brown color.
Stir together remaining ingredients.
Scoop a 1 ½ teaspoon-ball of dough into your hands and roll. Coat in granulated sugar. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake 6-7 minutes or until outside looks cooked but inside is still soft and gooey. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet before moving to cooling rack.

For the cinnamon buttercream:

Mix butter, sugar, vanilla, cream, and cinnamon together until a thick and smooth frosting forms.
Pipe a small amount of buttercream onto one cookie. Top with another cookie and sprinkle the edges with festive sprinkles. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Serve or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Tempeh and Bok Choy Stir Fry

By

Jordan Snowden

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November 12, 2023

A grey plate sits off to the left side of the frame with a grains and greens, a gold fork sits on the right side of the plate. To the right of the frame is a green beverage in a glass. Tempeh & Bok Choy Stir Fry recipe

This simple vegan dish, full of strengthening minerals, nutrients, and detoxifying ingredients, is perfect for after a holiday party. Sea vegetables are full of nutrients, help replenish, and detoxify. Bok choy, a Chinese cabbage, is high in fiber and helps in flushing and rejuvenating our digestive system. A quick stir-fry makes it easily digestible and nourishing. Try making it for dinner and then save the leftovers for lunch the next day. By taking a step forward to bring more meatless options into your diet, you add a full spectrum of nutrients as well.

What is Tempeh?

Tempeh, like tofu, is made from soybeans, and comes in block form. Unlike tofu, tempeh is a fermented soy product with a stronger flavor while also going through minimal processing. Tempeh has a firm, chewy texture which also makes it a good alternative to animal protein. It can be found at most grocery stores in the cooler section with other vegan and meatless foods. Arame, also used in this recipe, is a sea vegetable that can be found in dry form in most natural food stores.

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Tempeh and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Author: Kristen Palmer

Description

A vegetarian stir fry full of fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp mirin
1 tbsp grated ginger
3 garlic cloves, grated
1/2 tsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp coconut aminos
1 tsp brown sugar

For the stir-fry:

2 packages tempeh
1 cup water
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup dried arame
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 lb carrots
1 medium white onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium bok choy
4–6 servings brown rice
3 tbsp neutral oil
3 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Combine ingredients for the sauce. Whisk or blend and set aside.
For tempeh, combine water with salt in a saucepan. Cut each block into 24 rectangles. Place in pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Place dried arame in a bowl and cover with cool water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let soak to reconstitute, then drain.
Peel carrots and slice on the diagonal into ¼-inch rounds and place in a bowl. Cut the onion into half-moons and add to carrots along with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Thoroughly wash bok choy and slice into ribbons, setting aside in a separate bowl.
Before you start stir-fry, begin to cook rice according to package directions.
To start stir-fry, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Add carrots, onions, and garlic and cook on medium-high stirring for 6-8 minutes, until carrots are tender-crisp.
Add more oil if needed, push carrots to edge of pan and add bok choy to center. Sauté just until lightly wilted.
Remove vegetables from the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil and 2 tsp of sesame oil to the pan. Add tempeh and stir-fry until browned. With heat at medium, add sauce. As it comes to a bubble, add cooked vegetables and arame. Stir to combine. Serve with rice and top with cilantro.

Story and Recipes by Kristen Palmer
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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A Musical Thanksgiving Feast With The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

By

Keith Recker

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November 12, 2023

Randall Goosby plays the violin with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

A gorgeous plenitude of music unfolds November 24 and 26 with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s BNY Mellon Grand Classics 5: Thanksgiving with the Symphony. The program features American violinist Randall Goosby playing Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s “Hollywood Concerto.” Music Director Manfred Honeck finishes the offering with effervescent Austrian waltzes and polkas to kick off the holiday season. To help you plan your symphonic night out in Pittsburgh, PSO staff share some of their favorite Heinz Hall-adjacent restaurants and cocktail spots.

Randall Goosby, a protégé of Itzhak Perlman, makes his Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra debut with Korngold’s Concerto in D major. Dubbed as the “Hollywood Concerto,” Korngold wrote it after his escape from Nazi Germany landed him in Los Angeles. He became a successful composer of movie scores, winning Oscars in 1936 (Anthony Adverse) and 1938 (The Adventures of Robin Hood), and the Concerto in D major draws upon lush, dramatic themes from cinematic music.

At 13 years old, American violinist Goosby became the youngest winner ever of the Sphinx Concerto Competition. Since then, he has gone on to play with the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Nashville Symphony, and more. He has held recitals at Kennedy Center, Kravis Center, and Wigmore Hall.

Completing the program, waltz king Johann Strauss II, and other members of the Strauss family, return with the annual PSO tradition of festive Austrian waltzes and polkas. Music Director Manfred Honeck hails from Austria, and he brings bright and tender insight into his conducting of these gems.

After you’ve reserved your tickets for Thanksgiving with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, plan your night out in Downtown’s Cultural District with visits to the following bars and restaurants.

Pre-Performance Cocktails

The Bar at Eddie V’s

PSO president Melia Tourangeau recommends this lively spot, known for its highly professional service and its lovely drinks. The cool weather is upon us, so the warming ginger notes of a Pomegranate Mule may be just the thing.

Con Alma

Shelly Fuerte, PSO’s Vice President of Popular Programming, often takes out-of-town guests to Con Alma for a libation. We’re especially fond of their Negronis, as well as their Sidewinder, which combines Courvoisier, lemon, and pickled Mandarin orange.

Dinner

Bae Bae’s Kitchen

Prepare for the drama of the “Hollywood Concerto” with the bold flavors of BaeBae’s Korean-inspired cuisine. Jacob Joyce, Associate Conductor of PSO, is known to frequent this Downtown spot, with musician colleagues and friends. Among the many delicious options, the Korean Fried Chicken Wings are a must.

Gi Jin

Another bold option for dinner, Gi Jin specializes in sushi, hand rolls, and gin cocktails. You’ve never heard of gin and sushi? Perhaps it’s time to explore the originality on offer at this spot, evidenced by a dash of local grape jam on the Hamachi Crudo plate, or matcha tea-infused Matcha Misu for dessert. You might see PSO President Melia Tourangeau there.

Nightcaps

The Warren

Just around the corner from Heinz Hall, The Warren is the creation of Spencer Warren, and his exuberant hospitality is its hallmark. Dare we say that all the nightcaps here are delicious? Perhaps that’s why PSO VP Shelly Fuerte recommends it.

40 North

It’s a short drive from Heinz Hall, but worth the trip–not just for their clever cocktails but also for dinner. Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce is perhaps drawn there for the sensitively compiled wine list, or for the briny Dilly Bean Martini.

Story by Keith Recker / Photography by Grace Liu Anderson

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Find Your Perfect Tree at These 6 Pittsburgh Farms

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November 12, 2023