For those seeking the sophisticated bitterness of a classic Negroni without the spirits, Chef Richard Sandoval presents a crisp and botanical alternative. This Aloe & Apple White No-Groni from the Art of Zero-Proofcollection elegantly reimagines the 1910s original. It swaps gin for the herbal notes of Seedlip Garden 108. Additionally, it tempers the aperitif’s bite with fresh aloe vera and a tart apple shrub. The result is a balanced, pre-batched cocktail that’s both a refreshment and a revelation.
Ready to expand your zero-proof bar? Click here to see an entire lineup of craft mocktails, from smoky classics to bright sours.
Crafted for the modern drinker by Chef Richard Sandoval, this zero-proof, 1970’s inspired mocktail from the Art of Zero-Proof collection confidently steps beyond simple fruit mixes. This sophisticated drink is a direct descendant of the modern classics that inspired it: the fruity Bramble and the medicinal Penicillin. The Blackberry Penicillin masterfully blends the smoky depth of lapsang souchong tea with the bold spice of a ginger-honey shrub. Plus, it includes Lyre’s N/A bourbon. It is finished with a lush blackberry swirl. Thus, it delivers a multi-layered sip that redefines what a spirit-free drink can be.
Ready to shake up your Dry January? Discover more refined, non-alcoholic creations like the Blackberry Penicillin here!
For Dry January—or any month—we’re featuring a no-alcohol cocktail that proves zero-proof doesn’t mean zero complexity. The Smoked Old Fashioned from Chef Richard Sandoval’s Art of Zero-Proof collection honors the original’s 1850s roots. It introduces a new layer of craft. With N/A bourbon, homemade bitters, and a final aromatic veil of smoke, it’s a ritual in a glass. It’s proof that the craft of cocktail making thrives, with or without the alcohol.
If you are intrigued by the Smoked Old Fashioned, click here to find more Dry January Mocktail recipes!
Does your New Year’s resolution include a shift in your eating habits? Centered on high fats, low carbs, and no sugar, the keto diet has become a popular choice for weight loss and increased energy. Whether you’re looking into trying keto for the first time, or you’ve already embraced the keto lifestyle, we’ve got 10 keto-friendly recipes that are perfect for any meal — even dessert!
It’s hard to ignore the sweet cravings you get while on keto. But low-carb recipes, like this Keto Lemon Cranberry Quick Bread, can satisfy all those sweet tooth cravings while simultaneously being a guilt-free, quick, and easy choice.
One-pan dinners make for easy preparation and cleanup. Cook up this keto-friendly Salmon and Tomato recipe for a delicious, no-fuss seafood dinner that’s high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in carbs.
Who says you can only enjoy pumpkin in the fall? You won’t believe that these pumpkin donuts are keto-friendly. Thanks to pumpkin puree and cream cheese, you wind up with a moist, not-too-sweet treat with just the right amount of spiced flavor.
There are so many positives to making this delicious and warming, protein-filled soup for lunch or dinner. The anti-inflammatory properties of butternut squash and other ingredients make this dish a home run for staying healthy while indulging in comfort. The addition of lentils adds another layer of wellness and also helps make each bowl fulfilling.
The ease of preparation makes this Breakfast Bake recipe a good choice when you want something convenient enough to prepare at the last minute. It’s also versatile enough to be prepared ahead of time. Plus, it’s full of prosciutto, cheese, tomatoes, and of course, eggs!
Free of carbs and rich in protein, chicken is a high-quality protein option when following a keto diet. In this Roast Chicken recipe, it’s combined with a delicious Spicy Green Sauce that includes some other keto-approved ingredients such as mayo, sour cream, and basil.
Wrapping tender chicken breasts in prosciutto and mozzarella then serving with a lemon artichoke cream sauce means indulgence without the extra carbs. By skipping flour and adding high‑fat, low‑carb ingredients like prosciutto, cheese, and herbed Boursin, this recipe keeps carb counts low while boosting protein and healthy fats.
This Crispy Roasted Lemon Chicken delivers juicy, tender meat under a golden, crispy skin, with notes of lemon, rosemary, and sage. Pair the chicken with non‑starchy vegetables or a green salad to keep the plate satisfying and aligned with Keto goals.
The combination of coarse black pepper, smoked paprika, harissa, garlic, and thyme in this recipe creates a crust that enhances the richness of the lamb without heavy sauces or breading that kills a keto diet. Think bold, savory flavor with a peppery, aromatic spice rub that massages into a tender leg of lamb.
Swordfish with Pork Belly brings together char‑grilled swordfish and brined pork belly for a luxurious main course. Plus, we’re including goat cheese and charred Brussels sprouts to add layers of texture and taste. This recipe is a great way to avoid grains, sugars, and starchy sides and get your healthy fats in.
The Mediterranean Diet is considered by quite a few experts to be the best option for many of us. It focuses on the food practices of the Mediterranean region with an emphasis on heart-health. Usually this includes dishes that feature vegetables, whole grains, seafood, beans, nuts and seeds, and especially olive oil, while avoiding foods like red meats, processed sugars, and refined grains. Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure are great goals, but the its the unique flavors and vivid energy boost you get from healthy ingredients will keep you coming back for more.
If you’re not sure how to start incorporating the Mediterranean diet into your lifestyle, here are some recipes that provide the essential ingredients that’ll become your new best friend.
Salmon is one of the top protein choices in a Mediterranean diet and it’s easy to see why. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help promote heart health through reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. Try it combined with the just as healthy and helpful pomegranate in this Marinated Salmon meal for a lovely blend of tastes and benefits.
There’s nothing quite like a hearty stew that’ll have your stomach full of fresh, flourishing ingredients. This Mediterranean Stew makes substantial use of farm-grown vegetables, homemade marinara sauce, and plenty of seasonings. Lose yourself in the comforting flavors of cannellini beans, carrots, tomatoes, onion, and kale, all key elements of the diet.
Beans are a satisfying part of a healthy meal. They’re rich in iron, protein, and dietary fiber. These White Bean Tuna Salad Wraps are not only delicious but are loaded with nutrients perfect for midday pick-me-ups. The tuna is also soaked in olive oil rather than water to increase vitamin D and selenium intake.
A mixture of hearty potatoes, almonds, Greek yogurt, and other wellness ingredients make up the skordalia in this recipe. When combined on a wrap with salted cod and fermented beets, you’ll see why this dish is a winner for lunch and dinner. Plus, you’ll learn to make your own whole-grain pitas at home.
Inspired by Persian dishes like Jeweled Rice, this healthy vegetarian dish fuses the warm, savory appeal of lentils with fresh nuts, raisins, and pomegranate seeds. The addition of nuts and seeds bring in the proteins you miss from meat while also helping lower the risks of heart disease.
Couscous, made from whole wheat flour, contains plenty of protein and fiber. That’s why it’s part of the Mediterranean diet. It’s also a lovely platform upon which to build a meal like this Simple Chimichurri Shrimp with Couscous. Everything you need can be found at your local grocery store…and you can even pick up some store-bought chimichurri in case you don’t have time to make your own.
Bring a platter of this Salmon Poke with Yuzu to the table when you want to impress guests with a dinner that just happens to be part of your Mediterranean Diet plan. The ingredients–from the wafer-thin slices of lotus root and Fresno chile, to green pops of color from avocado purée–create a dazzling display of contrasting yet complementary flavors and textures.
Chickpeas are another excellent source of protein and are used frequently in Mediterranean cooking. After frying up these fritters, you’ll slather them with a homemade ricotta and top with salty anchovies. They make a great snack or can be made as an appetizer for any party.
Lentils are high in both fiber and protein, plus they offer up substantial amounts of iron, manganese, folate and phosphorus – all essentials to healthy human bodies. You’ll get your daily helping of lentils along with plenty of veggies in our Italian Lentil Soup. It’s not just great for your body but great for your taste buds too.
Seafood like mussels are one of the most important parts of a healthy Mediterranean diet. In this case we use them in a recipe for Coconut Curry Mussels. This dish also includes the goodness of olive oil, green chilis, Roma tomatoes, and unsweetened coconut milk. You can even replace the ghee for more olive oil to suit your needs.
Speaking of mussels, this seafood stew takes advantage of fresh mussels, cod, calamari, monkfish, tuna, and shrimp. Our Sopa de Mariscos soaks these ingredients in a seafood stock alongside spices, carrots, fennel, tomatoes, garlic, and onion. This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a special dinner without the guilt afterwards.
Prawns take center stage in this healthy recipe that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. We coddle Wonton Noodle-Wrapped Prawns into lettuce leaves and top with avocados, jalapeños, radishes, cilantro, toasted sesame, cucumbers, microgreens, and a drizzle of sesame ginger dressing. You’ll be completely satisfied when the end product tastes even better than it looks.
Swordfish and other seafood are encouraged in the Mediterranean diet as lean sources of high-quality protein as well as healthy fats. This Grilled Swordfish recipe combines the smoky flaky nature of swordfish with a pineapple salsa that adds notes sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Seeds, lentils, fresh vegetables, this Pickled Baby Carrots recipe has it all. The bright pickled vegetables bring acidity, while the lentils help to healthily fill you up, and a smoked labneh made with the Mediterranean diet staple Greek yogurt finishes things with its creaminess.
Just looking at this hearty bowl full of wellness makes our mouth water. This Black‑Eyed Peas Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a citrusy dressing. Legumes are another must in Mediterranean‑inspired eating, carrying plant‑based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Sweet crab, shrimp, and octopus stuff into crisp roasted peppers over top of a silky cashew sauce for a dish that’s as impressive and flavorful. Even though this Seafood Stuffed Poblano Peppers recipe creates its cashew sauce using crème fraîche, we recommend using Greek yogurt instead for a lower volume of fat.
Whenever it comes to the holiday dinner table, or frankly any gathering, there’s one dish that is a must-have no matter what entree you’re supporting or how big of a crowd you’re serving. Mashed potatoes. You can bet we’ll always have room on our plate for these creamy, delicious mounds of tender potatoes, milk, and butter. Even during weeknight dinners, mashed potatoes reign as an easy and versatile side dish.
While we can all agree on the importance of mashed potatoes, the world cannot seem to come to a consensus on how to make the best mashed potatoes. Do you heat your milk before adding it? Melt your butter first? Only use a certain kind of potato?
If you responded passionately to one or more of those questions, you’re not alone. Most of us have a go-to recipe that we stick with, out of habit or nostalgia. However, what if we push boundaries and pit mashed potato against mashed potato? What recipe would come out on top?
We gathered a group of 12 TABLE Magazine friends to taste test four famous chef’s mashed potato recipes and one from our own Editor-in-Chief, Keith Recker. After sampling each recipe, our guests marked down their rating from one to three, one being the worst and three being the best. We also asked them to mark down if they thought the recipe was an everyday recipe or a holiday one as well as any additional comments. Our consensus? Well you’ll just have to read ahead to find out.
Taste Testing Five Celebrity Chef’s Mashed Potato Recipes
Who doesn’t love a little garlic with their potatoes? Julia Child’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes start off with cooking 30 cloves of garlic in butter. You add flour and eventually hot milk to turn that into a smooth and flavorful béchamel sauce. Then, you rice the potatoes and whip in her flavorful sauce along with a handful of finely chopped parsley. Its velvety texture, thanks to the béchamel sauce, invites you in but it’s that hefty garlic flavor that leaves you coming back for more. Our group decided this was one of their favorites of the recipes due to its ability to please just about everyone. It’s a safe bet but still takes you outside your comfort zone.
If you’re looking for a recipe that leans more towards the traditional and the familiar, Martha Stewart is the chef for you. Her Classic American Mashed Potatoes are as simple as it gets with five ingredients including Yukon Gold potatoes, nutmeg, salt and pepper, butter, and heavy cream or whole milk. While there’s not a lot of flavor going on here, these are sure to be among the creamiest potatoes you’ll ever try. These middle of the road potatoes are great when you want your main dish to stand out and be the star. But, if you’re looking for something to take your potatoes to the next level, then you might want to keep searching. To quote one of our tasters, “I think she discovered this recipe when she was in jail.”
Before we get into the specifics of Anthony Bourdain’s butter-rich recipe, we should note you need to serve these potatoes as soon as you make them. If the butter sits too long, it becomes a bit of a congealed mess. However, when these mashed potatoes come fresh out of the pot, they’re one of the most delicious recipes we have ever had. So you might be wondering, just how much butter goes into these mashed potatoes? Six sticks of unsalted butter. That’s right, there are six sticks of butter in this vibrant golden recipe.
While this might sound like too much, we promise it’s not. When it first comes out the potatoes absorb the butter so well that you don’t have that pooling on top that you normally get when mixing in melted butter. This is one of those recipes that left us asking, “Why does butter have to be so good?”
Manchego cheese is lovely, flavorful cheese with a nutty sweetness and a hint of salt. This also makes an excellent cheese to melt into mashed potatoes since it cuts through all the other ingredients. For José Andrés’ Manchego Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you’ll also use olive oil instead of butter and plenty of roasted garlic to form a flavor that’s unlike any other mashed potatoes you’ve had. These potatoes actually split our group into a discussion about what mashed potatoes should be and what is too outside the box. Some of our tasters loved the sharp manchego taste and the light indulgence of olive oil. But, other tasters thought the manchego took over the flavor a bit too much, resulting in mashed potatoes you would prefer a smaller serving of.
While our Editor-in-Chief is not a famous chef, we do have to say he makes some mean mashed potatoes. Recently, Recker explored the possibilities of what can be added to mashed potatoes. Looking for a bit of a kick, he prioritized green chile and then took the recipe from there. His Cheddar Green Chile Mashed Potatoes add a savory bite to your usual cheddar mashed potatoes. They’re the most flavorful on our list due to the perfect combination of green chile heat and rich cheddar cheese. He notes that he came up with the recipe while trying to find a way to elevate his usual roasted chicken. Our group immediately dug into these piles of cheese-drenched potatoes that are truly a holiday specialty. It’s one of those recipes that you keep on hand for when you really want to impress your guests. Try the recipe for yourself here.
A Note on Reheating Mashed Potatoes
If we learned one important thing from this taste test it’s that mashed potatoes are not meant to be reheated, period. Unless you decide to press your leftovers into pancakes that you fry in oil, reheating flattens textures and flavors. When you reheat mashed potatoes, something weird happens with the consistency. The whole thing starts to break down and fall apart, separating butter from potato and creating a grainy texture. In order to get the best mashed potatoes possible, we recommend making them right before your dinner. This way they’re still warm and utterly fluffy, allowing the ingredients to meld rather than separate.
So, What is the Best Mashed Potato Recipe?
We know it sounds cheesy but it’s true: The best mashed potato recipe is the one you enjoy with the people you love. We found that while sitting around a large table together as our own little family, no matter what mashed potatoes we were tasting, we were satisfied. So, feel free to stick to the classic recipe you know and love. Or, try something new that brings a bit of adventure to your dining table. Either way, you’re eating mashed potatoes, and that’s one of the best ways to live.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photos Courtesy of Keith Recker
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on even the most organized guests. If you’re headed to a festive dinner or overnight stay and realize you need a thoughtful host or hostess gift now, don’t panic. These classic, easy-to-find options are always appreciated and never feel rushed. Plus, each of them ensure your gift goes to good use rather than just sitting around someone’s house for decades.
The Best Last Minute Host and Hostess Gifts
Flowers/Plants
A fresh bouquet or a small potted plant instantly brightens a home and adds a little life when the dead of winter hits. Go for seasonal blooms or greenery. If at all possible, you should also choose something that doesn’t require immediate arranging. This way your host can set your gift as a centerpiece right on the dining table. In need of a spot to get your flowers from? These Pittsburgh nurseries have you covered.
Wine
A good bottle of wine is a timeless host gift that’s been around since your grandparents were young. When picking out a style, choose something versatile that pairs well with a variety of meals. Otherwise a crowd-pleasing red or sparkling option is perfect for when you’re in doubt. Just ensure the house you’re headed too has a corkscrew on hand or you may just want to add that in as well. For suggestions, check out our article on the best bottles to gift during the holiday season.
Candles
You may think of candles as a basic holiday gift but they’re elegant and practical which is a win-win in our book. If you’re not sure what scent your host enjoys, look for subtle, cozy ones like pine, vanilla, or citrus. These all suit the winter season without overwhelming the space. Bonus points for beautiful packaging that doubles as décor and a wood wick that sets the mood as if there’s a burning log in the fireplace.
Cookies/Other Holiday Treats
Edible gifts are always a win. Whether it’s bakery cookies, artisanal chocolates, or festive holiday treats, these gifts can be enjoyed immediately or shared with guests. With our help, you can even make up your own edible gifts here like infused spirits, cases of cookies, and Earl Gray Salted Caramels for snacking.
Olive Oil/Balsamic Vinegar
In case your hosts are not the drinking type, there’s a different kind of bottle you can gift this holiday season. High-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegar feels both luxurious and useful. Plus, both are something we often wouldn’t buy ourselves but would be more than happy to receive. It’s a thoughtful choice for hosts who love to cook and a gift that won’t collect dust on a shelf.
The gift that just keeps on giving, a subscription to our print copy of TABLE Magazine provides you with entertainment, recipes, helpful tips, and lots more all throughout the year. For those hosts who appreciate food, design, and entertaining, this magazine showing up to their door is sure to bring a burst of joy anytime it arrives. Not to mention, you may just inspire them to gift a subscription next holiday, too.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo Courtesy of Kateryna Hliznitsova
In Dry January we’re mixing up some of our favorite drinks for a kickstart to the month! Mocktails don’t have to be basic mixes of fruit juice and soda: they can push the limits and incorporate flavors you’d find in a deluxe craft cocktail, but without the alcohol. For instance, why settle for a glass of cranberry juice when you can have a take on a martini with non-alcoholic spirits and fruity simple syrups? Take the first step in your creative mocktail process with the recipes below and then you’ll learn how to customize and craft your own.
This Peach Basil Bellini Mocktail utilizes the delicate aroma of a homemade peach puree base with the balanced sweet and savory flavor of basil simple syrup for an overall sensation of comfort and welcome. Its mellow flavor and warm appearance are served in a champagne flute topped with your favorite sparkling, non-alcoholic white wine for a touch of classic elegance.
Muddled berries form a flavorful explosion of fresh fruit in this Wildberry Sparkler Mocktail. The addition of lemon juice to this naturally sweet sip adds the perfect amount of tartness. This bubbly delight will not disappoint.
Finding creative ways to make drinks for those who are abstaining from alcohol might feel challenging. But using prepared beverages like kombucha, with interesting additions like the Mystic Mixture cordial, helps to take the guesswork out of the “mixology.” The zing of lemon, the tang of kombucha, and blueberries make this mocktail taste like a dream…and it’s great for you!
Don’t feel like you have to miss out on the taste just because you’re opting for a mocktail. The Spicy Orange NA-rgarita is a margarita sans tequila but still carries an equal amount of flavor and liveliness thanks to spicy agave syrup made from jalapenos and agave nectar.
Who doesn’t love sipping a Piña NO-lada by the beach? Coconut and pineapple are the stars of this tropical paradise in a glass. Learn how to make your own piña colada mix and muscovado syrup for a genuine handcrafted mocktail. Plus you get to garnish the drink with a cherry on top!
Citrus fruits are at their peak in winter, and their sunny tang does a body good. So does the bite of vinegar and the heat of ginger. They all come together in this easy and delicious Lemon Ginger Shrub. Just use sparkling water instead of sparkling wine for an elegant and refreshing mocktail.
This martini mocktail utilizes dragon fruit — which is high in fiber, a good source of magnesium, and is packed with nutrients — resulting in a drink that not only tastes good but is also good for you. Leftover homemade dragon fruit and passion fruit simple syrups can be saved for future mocktail nights.
Craving the tingly thirst-quenching goodness of a mojito? This Watermelon-Cucumber NO-jito uses slices of oh-so-fresh watermelon and cucumber. Add in your favorite non-alcoholic spirit, ginger beer, and lime juice to complete this crisp and vibrant beverage.
We’re swapping the classic Bloody Mary for something a bit more health-forward. Juicy beet and blood orange juices give this mocktail its deep ruby hue and an earthy, sweet flavor. We balance it all out with fresh lime, a touch of agave, and a coarse pink salt rim. This recipe was made with Halloween in mind, but rest assured that it’s good all year long.
Regardless of this mocktail’s inspiration from the 12 Days of Christmas, it’s still a delicious mocktail for pear lovers any time of year. Crisp pear juice meets lime and a subtle touch of vanilla along with a non-alcoholic dark rum alternative and ginger beer.
Tart cherry juice, zesty lemon, and a hint of fresh ginger match with a homemade vanilla honey syrup for a mix of sweet and tangy. Top it all with your favorite sparkling soda, kombucha, or probiotic drink to make this mocktail truly your own.
This Gin and Tonic Mocktail is for more than just mothers! Pick our your favorite non-alcoholic gin alternative before mixing with lemon and tonic. A hint of butterfly pea flower syrup adds subtle floral notes as well as a beautiful color that make this feel far from your average mocktail.
Even though you may not be drinking this month doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the simple deliciousness of a Pickleback. All you need to do is find your favorite non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, add in pickle juice of your choice, and finish with lime juice and simple syrup. All the fun of the Pickleback shot without the pain after.
This cozy, alcohol-free take on an Old Fashioned leans into rich, toasty flavors without feeling as heavy. We’re infusing notes of chocolate and toasted marshmallow with the depth of a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative. The finished product is a smooth, slightly smoky sip.
These Healthy Mocktail Shots offer a fun way to enjoy alcohol‑free drinks in small portions. Choose from a mix of nutrient‑rich ingredients like fresh greens, ginger, turmeric, and fruit juices. Each is bright, refreshing, and good for you too. Sip them on their own or serve all four as an edible rainbow.
Wine is a great gift because it is inherently meant to be shared. This means that your gift goes beyond the reciever you have in mind and into their circles of family and friends. Your gift can be the centerpiece of a family meal, drinks with friends and commemorating a special occasion. These special events can be the beginning of a memorable moment or the creating of a core memory… all thanks to you!
A flirty and jovial Spanish sparkling wine that is an on-budget crowd-pleaser! Makes a great gift wine. Dry and effervescent, it will kick off a wide range of holiday occasions without breaking the bank.
Gorgeous Nebbiolo hails from the small but high quality wine region of Langhe, nestled in Italy’s Piedmont region. This is a great bottle to gift during the holidays. It’s layered yet delicate, and will pair well with most holiday meals.
The gem of the Loire Valley will make you the gem of the party. This high acid and crisp white wine is perfect for many main dishes, including turkey and ham.
The name is born from Pope John XXII who encouraged viticulture in the area and created a sort of papal summer retreat. This was wine made by priests from the best french vines for the Pope. This is an incredible regal wine that if decanted properly (one hour in advance) will be smooth and silky to the tongue. Please advise your reciever that this special bottle that should be for a special occasion with loved ones.
What better way to kick off the holiday season than by uncorking a bottle of champagne. Ruinart is a wonderful sparkling rosé because it has a perfect of red fruit and brioche notes. This elegant bottle will impress your host and hostess with its ability to pair well with many dishes — but particularly with hors-doeuvres.
Story by Camila Alarcón Cordón Photography by Dave Bryce
A buttery crust holds layers of silky passion fruit curd and rich chocolate mint truffle, creating a vibrant balance of tangy and deep cocoa flavors in this Caribbean Christmas Tart. Topped with a swirl of toasted marshmallow fluff, this dessert by Chef Dianne DeStefano evokes the warmth of island holidays while nodding to classic Christmas decadence. It’s tropical sunshine wrapped in holiday spirit.
The Third Place Winner of Our Holiday Bake Off
We held our second annual TABLE Magazine Holiday Bake Off where five professionals and five student pastry chefs went head-to-head in a battle for the most decadent. Third place in the judges’ category went to Chef Dianne DeStefano of Lilith for this Caribbean Christmas Tart, featuring passionfruit curd and chocolate mint truffle. Inspired by her business partner Jamilka Borges’s Puerto Rican roots, she developed the combination after creating a similar wedding cake. Though she’d participated in other events, this was her first competition and she loved how it connected local culinary talent.
