We all need a rest lately, and luckily…tequila is here to help in this Marigold Margarita. When Andrea Duran, former mixologist at Paloma in Santa Fe, said we needed a rest, we had no idea what she meant. But she explained.
What is “Reposado” Tequila?
Resposado means “rest” or “rested” in Spanish, and refers to the oak-barrel aging process of two to 12 months before bottling tequila. An aging process of one to four years yields a tequila that is considered an Añejo. Golden oaky notes are prominent with a delicious and slightly tart finish. A sip or two later of this Marigold Margarita and we felt rested indeed. If you want to learn more about tequila, check out our liquor education article on the best bottles of Tequila Blanco.
A reposado cocktail that pleases the palate and the eye.
Ingredients
Scale
2 oz 1414 ArteNOM Reposado Tequila
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
.5oz fresh lime juice
.5oz Giffard Elderflower liqueur
Instructions
Add your ingredients into your shaker, add ice, shake well, and strain into a martini glass with dried marigold petals, demerara sugar, and salt rim (mix marigold sugar salt well for maximum effect).
Recipe by Andrea Duran Styling by Justin Matase Photography by Tira Howard
Please support the hard working organizations included in TABLE Magazine’s 2022 Giving Guide. These local organizations need your support this holiday season.
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What’s our region’s most significant strength as it faces the economic and health challenges of 2023? YOU!
Inflation and entrenched social inequities put one in five Pittsburghers in a battle to find access to healthy, adequate food every day. Thanks to the generosity of individual, family, corporate and foundation donors, the region’s nonprofit agencies have done everything in their power to address food insecurity and many other challenges faced by our neighbors.
From mental health and addiction recovery services to legal assistance, food pantries and meal deliveries, from day care to training and education for adults, addressing the needs of the people who need the most help is the mission of some of our finest local organizations. With your help, they will continue their good and effective work.
They need all of us to join in to make our region the place it aspires to be: a home and a haven for all who live here, and a place where each of us can rise up and realize our potential. Let’s all invest in our neighbors this holiday season. It’s the best gift you could ever give yourself, and your community.
ANIMAL FRIENDS
Animal Friends has made a positive impact in the lives of millions of pets and people for nearly 80 years. Today, this vital organization is a resource for life-saving companion animals in our community… and so much more.
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh changes lives and strengthens communities through food by providing culinary training and opening career pathways to individuals who experience barriers to employment.The results of their programs include opportunities for success and lifelong careers.
Familylinks serves individuals and families across Western Pennsylvania through more than 20 integrated community, behavioral, and social programs. The organization is committed to creating thriving communities of healthy and strong people.
Foster Love Project’s mission is to show love in action to children impacted by foster and kinship care through the provision of goods, services and support. When children and foster parents start their relationship, the organization is there to ease the transition.
Happy, Healthy, Whole! The JCC, among the largest social service, recreational and educational organizations in the region, is open and accessible to everyone, providing childcare, preschool, after-school and camping programs, senior adult activities, fitness and wellness, special needs and neurodiverse services, cultural activities, social justice and civic engagement, and scores of programs for the community.
The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial educates current and future generations about the events of September 11, 2001, and the Flight 93 story, in addition to supporting projects and educational programming at Flight 93 National Memorial.
Since 1998, The Woodlands has been enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities and chronic illness by providing a barrier-free environment, innovative programs and activities, and an impassioned, nurturing staff. The organization’s fully accessible 52-acre campus in Wexford, PA provides year-round residential and non-residential programming for all ages.
Through its historical and 21st-century attractions, Rivers of Steel showcases the region’s industrial and cultural heritage—offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Behind the scenes, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization—through community partnerships, heritage development, and the preservation of local recreational and cultural resources.
Healthy Start supports healthier pregnancies, safer births, and stronger families in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The organization’s goal is to end infant mortality, especially for Black families, through free perinatal care, community-based education, and one-on-one support to new parents in their homes.
Everyday thousands of our neighbors turn to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for help with food. Ending hunger takes us all working together —food pantries and meals programs, schools, volunteers, donors, grocery stores and regional distribution partners. Eliminating hunger is a community initiative. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania welcomes girls from all backgrounds and abilities to be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. Serving over 15,000 girls across 27 counties in Western Pennsylvania, Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Landforce nourishes a culture of self-empowerment for people aspiring towards meaningful and stable employment while protecting and improving the environment. Landforce commits to building a just world, where everyone belongs, lives in a healthy environment, and surpasses their greatest dreams.
During the past 90 years, members, volunteers and staff have planted trees and gardens, protected wildlife, habitats and streams, cared for Fallingwater, conserved land and maintained trails for all to use. The organization works to ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same natural resources we cherish today.
Mothers and their children return to a substance-free life together through compassionate, faith-based recovery services. The organization sheltering people in recovery and their families so that they can confidently transition into the community.
As a faith-based community, Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh supports those who are most oppressed and continues the order’s 1500 years of seeking God in community, ministry, and prayer. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Westmoreland Food Bank provides hope for families throughout Westmoreland County facing hunger. Hope is found in boxes filled with nutritious foods and in programs that provide security and opportunity. For people throughout the county, the Westmoreland Food Bank ensures that those in need receive more of what they need. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Since 1902, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh has fulfilled its mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Empower. To Amaze. Our passionate team serves over 6,000 amazing children each year, helping families to reach their full potential through educational services, autism services, outpatient physical and behavioral health services, early intervention, and child and family services. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Since 1972, Little Sisters haveservedthe needs of the elderlypoorof Pittsburgh. Clients over the age of 65 and financially needy receive the order’s love, care, and hospitality. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh works to eliminate racism and empower women by offering accessible childcare, after-school STEM education for girls, basic needs and financial assistance, supportive housing, and direct advocacy that empowers those we serve educationally, socially, and economically. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
For over 100 years Easterseals has been leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for children and adults with disabilities. Easterseals Western and Central PA provides over 15 programs and services across 47 counties in Pennsylvania, supporting over 12,000 individuals and their families in their local communities. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs and conserving the environment. Visitors wander and wonder through 65 of acres of cultivated gardens and woodlands. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium connects people to wildlife, inspiring community members to conserve nature for future generations. Celebrating its 125th year in 2023 as a premiere family destination, your support helps the Zoo’s 600 resident species, country-wide education programming, and 93 conservation projects spanning all seven continents.
Buttery, soft and jam filled — What could be better?
The jam-filled, buttery soft Linzer cookie has been a favorite of cookie lovers for centuries. This traditionally Austrian treat is not only a popular addition to the Christmas cookie tray, but it’s also a recipe enjoyed year-round, especially in this version from Casey Renee at Confections Pgh.
LINZER TART COOKIE RECIPE
Yields 12 cookies
Ingredients
3 sticks of butter (12 oz)
3 cups sugar
2 egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 cups almond flour
1tsp salt
Jam
Powdered sugar
Instructions
In a mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and 1cup of sugar until pale. Add in the egg yolks one at a time, then the vanilla.
Mix 2 cups of sugar with the almond flour and salt in a separate bowl, then add to the dried ingredients. Mix until well combined. The dough will be sticky.
Roll the dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper to about 1/4” thickness. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Lift parchment, turn over and lift other parchment to release the dough.
Punch with a round or fluted cookie cutter (these will spread). I used a 2 inch diameter cutter. Punch a hole in the middle of half.
Chill dough for at least an hour.
Bake tops and bottoms separately at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, until edges begin to brown.
Once cooled, dust the ones with holes in the middle with powdered sugar using a sifter, these are your tops.
Place a dollop of jam in the middle of the bottom cookies, about half a teaspoon depending on the size of the cookie.
Place your powdered sugared tops onto the bottom cookie.
Any fruit of your choosing can be used in this delicious recipe that also includes vegan substitutions.
Jen Urich, owner of Farmer X Baker and Root and Heart Farm, shares this delicious Blueberry Bars recipe with TABLE readers. This recipe is versatile, in that you may replace any fruit of your choosing for the blueberries, and, for those who eat a plant-based diet, switch out the butter for a vegan plant-based substitute.
Blueberry Bars Recipe
INGREDIENTS
For the Crust:
1 stick (1/2 cup) plus 5 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan plant based butter, room temperature, and more for pan
1 cup sugar
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or we use GF flour (Bobs Red Mill)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
For the Filling:
1 pound blueberry or fruit of choice (3 cups), pitted
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter an 8-inch square cake pan. Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides; butter parchment.
Beat butter with sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed. Reduce speed to medium-low, add flour and salt, and beat until dough forms clumps but does not completely hold together. Press 2 1/2 cups flour mixture into bottom and 1 inch up sides of prepared pan.
Filling: In a medium bowl, stir together cherries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and salt. Pour into crust. Crumble remaining flour mixture (about 1/2 cup) evenly over top, squeezing to create clumps.
RECIPE BY JENNIFER URICH / STYLING BY ANNA CALABRESE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE BRYCE
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Tasty Bakery’s Beverly Tominello offers up her recipe for classic, crowd-pleasing Peanut Butter Cookies. You may well have a favorite recipe, maybe even a family one, but hers is worth trying for its perfect crumbliness and sumptuous peanut flavor. The best part is that it doesn’t take long at all to make these cookies. Need a last minute dessert for a party? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Simply reserve some time for prep, 10-12 minutes for a baking, and a moment for cooling then you’re ready to head out with delicious cookies in hand.
Can You Use Crunchy Peanut Butter in Cookies?
Yes, you can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter in a peanut butter cookie recipe! In fact, it can add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to your cookies that you would not normally receive in creamy peanut butter. The crunchy peanut butter pieces will provide a satisfying contrast to the smooth cookie dough. However, keep in mind that using crunchy peanut butter might slightly alter the texture of the cookies, making them a bit more crumbly. But that also makes them perfect for crumbling over a bowl of ice cream or using as a topping on cakes and other desserts.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two baking trays with parchment paper.
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
In another bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter, and both sugars. Once light and fluffy, add in the egg and vanilla.
On low speed, slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until dough forms. Do not overmix.
Use a large cookie scoop (or roughly 1 heaping tablespoon) and place rounded balls of dough onto a cookie sheet, leaving about 1 inch in between each ball for spreading. Sprinkle the top of each ball of dough with a small amount of sugar.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once removed from the oven, let cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Recipe by Beverly Tominello
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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A fascination with farming and quality grains leads the folks at Mediterra into some wonderful food adventures. One example: this cookie made with purple barley. The chemistry of cookie baking turns the anthocyanins contained in the grain into fascinating colors, while maintaining the rich, nutty flavor profile of the barley. Everyone at the TABLE studio loved tasting the results of this delicious sweet (but not too sweet) treat. Try making it for a treat after brunch, for a dessert table at a birthday party, or even for yourself after a rough day at the office.
What is Purple Barley?
Purple barley, also known as black barley (hence why it doesn’t exactly have a complete purple color), is a type of whole grain that contains nutty, almost smokey flavor and a slight purple hue. It’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your diet when used in dessert recipes especially. While it may look intimidating, purple barley is quite easy to cook with and bake with. Its unique color and flavor make it a visually appealing and adds a unique flavor to whatever you’re making.
Baker Olive Pinder of Wild Rise Bakery dives deep into gluten-free grains to create glorious baked goods and recipes that are good to eat and also easy to digest for people with gluten sensitivities. Because he brings a wonderful palate to recipe development, spices and accents of fruit are always both intriguing and balanced. This crisp and crunchy gluten-free cookie recipe is no exception. Plus, it ensures that no matter what gathering you’re having, everyone can indulge in a treat that’s delicious and crunchy.
What is Different About Gluten-Free Flour?
Gluten-free flour is a blend of flours that does not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This makes it suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Common gluten-free flours include rice flour, almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca flour, and buckwheat flour. Each flour has its unique characteristics, so it’s important to choose the right blend for your recipe. When baking with gluten-free flour, it’s often necessary to add binders like xanthan gum or guar gum to help the dough or batter hold together.
For many, the tang of cranberries is the standout of flavor of the winter holiday season. This dark red berry livens up turkey, ham, game, and more. Here, TABLE Magazine Contributing Editor Anna Franklin swirls them into pretty pinwheel cookies that will spark interest at your wintertime cookie table.
Tips for Rolling Spiral Cookies with Filling
Rolling cookies into spirals with a filling can be a fun and creative way to elevate your baking skills. To achieve perfect spirals, start by chilling your dough to firm it up. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and cut it into two discs. Place a dollop of filling in the center of each circle. You want to be sure you do not add too much filling since you still want the dough to be able to seal the filling in. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Then, roll the dough up tightly, starting from the edge and working your way towards the center.
Once you’re done rolling, place the spirals on a baking sheet and bake according to your recipe or wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill before baking if required. For a more elegant presentation, consider adding on a dusting of powdered sugar to the cookies.
A single bite of irresistible flavors — chocolate and peanut butter.
I first found this recipe in 2018; I was familiar with nut rolls growing up, but while doing research for a Pittsburgh cookie-table fundraiser at Spork for Dor Hadash, New Light, and Tree of Life, I fell in love with the flaky dough and endless variety of fillings. After several tweaks, I came up with a less sweet, lighter, crispier cookie that allowed the fillings to really shine. Since then, rugelach has been a regular addition on my holiday trays.
Traditionally, some sort of smooth jam and ground nut is used (raspberry and walnut is super traditional), but this particular combo is my dad’s favorite. @kevileedropsthemic
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER RUGELACH RECIPE
Makes 128 cookies
Ingredients
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp kosher salt
16 oz cold, unsalted butter, about 1-inch cubed
16 oz cold, cream cheese, about 1-inch cubed
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 large egg yolks
Powdered sugar, as needed
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 cups mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Throw the flour, salt, butter, and cream cheese into your stand-mixer bowl.
On the lowest speed, slowly begin to break up the cubes of butter and cream cheese until lima bean-sized “chonks” start to form.
Meanwhile, stir the vanilla into the egg yolks.
Drizzle the yolks into the flour mixture and slowly mix until the dough just begins to clump together. There should be visible streaks of butter and cream cheese.
Transfer to a work surface and divide the dough into 8 equal portions (about 7 ounces apiece) and flatten into 1-inch-thick disks.
Wrap each disk in plastic and chill at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
Sprinkle your work surface and the surface of the dough liberally with the powdered sugar and begin to roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and about 1/8-inch thick.
Sprinkle the work surface, rolling pin and dough with powdered sugar as needed, it is a sticky dough.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on the surface, going right to the edge of the dough. Sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of the mini chips.
With the sharpest knife in your kitchen, slice the dough (like a pizza) into 16 equal wedges.
Beginning at the short edge, roll the dough like a croissant. Place tip down onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill the shaped cookies for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through baking.
Notes:
Cookies will keep for about a week at room temperature in an airtight container.
Don’t break out the ruler to cube your cream cheese and butter. This is just a general guideline.
Keep an eye on the dough and let it go slow. Those “chonks” are the key to the flaky factor.
The divided, wrapped dough can be frozen; let it thaw in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking.
If your circle isn’t perfect, don’t worry, you won’t see those ragged edges after shaping.
Use smooth peanut butter as chunky will tear the thin dough. If you really want those chunks, toss a few chopped peanuts on top with the chips.
Other filling ideas: Nutella® and hazelnuts, marmalade and craisins, apricot jam and dried sour cherries. Let your imagination run wild!
RECIPE AND STORY BY KEVI LEE FURGASON / STYLING BY ANNA CALABRESE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE BRYCE
TABLE Contributing Editor Anna Franklin dreamed up these tender and tasty morsels especially for National Cookie Day. With Strawberry Rhubarb Jam in a thumbprint at the center, they’d be a welcome addition to any holiday cookie table, and delectable on their own. Not to mention, look how adorable and festive the cookies are with sprinkles that you can change out for any season (think red and green for Christmas but orange and black for Halloween). Just be careful, they may just become the star of your dessert table.
What is Strawberry Rhubarb Anyways?
Strawberry rhubarb is a classic flavor combination. It pairs the sweet, juicy taste of strawberries with the tart, tangy flavor of rhubarb. This dynamic duo is often used in pies, tarts, jams, and other desserts. The contrasting flavors create a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, if you’re not a fan of rhubarb, this is a great way to get into its flavors. The strawberry’s flavor notes ensure the rhubarb does not take over and only adds a nuance.
Mix together butter and 200 grams of sugar in a mixer until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add flour and salt and mix until a dough forms.
In a food processor, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and hazelnuts until the mixture is almost as fine as breadcrumbs. Set aside.
Roll into 1-inch balls and then dip in egg whites and roll in the sugar and hazelnut mixture.
Bake at 325 degrees just until the edges of the cookies are barely browned. Remove from oven, and press a hole in the center of the cookie with your thumb or a teaspoon. Fill with jam and then put back into the oven for 2 minutes just until the jam is set.
