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Gnocchi with Wild Boar Ragu

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A cast iron pan filled with wild boar ragu, with various spices and peppers scattered on a dark surface around the pan.

Chef Don Winkie opened his Plum Borough restaurant 80 Acres in 2014. He’s been cooking up a storm ever since, bringing a palette influenced by his years in Santa Fe and his time working at local italian bistro.

What is Wild Boar?

Chef Don knows his way around chile, spices, and the Italian classics. This gnocchi dish brings together the flavors of poblano, chipotle as well as ‘cingiale’ or wild boar, a classic northern Italian specialty.

Cinghiale are wild free roaming pigs, and cooking their delicious meat is easier than you might think. Think of it much like a pork shoulder: with the right spices and slow cooking, you cannot go wrong. In fact, if you’re unable to locate wild boar from your local purveyor or market, pork will make a fine stand in.

What does Wild Boar taste like?

Wild boar has a pork like consistency, but its darker color and strong, nutty rich flavor separate it from its farmed counterpart. In Chef Don Winkie’s kitchen at 80 Acres, these differences become the basis for a truly remarkable ragú to serve with light as well as savory gnocchi.

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A cast iron pan filled with wild boar ragu, with various spices and peppers scattered on a dark surface around the pan.

Gnocchi with Wild Boar Ragu


  • Author: Chef Don Winkie

Description

Upgrade your weeknight pasta dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs boneless boar shoulder (substitution suggestion: boneless pork shoulder)
  • 3 large, dried ancho chilies
  • 2 poblano, seeded and chopped
  • 2 chipotles (from can of chipotles in adobo)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 ¼ cup red wine
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 medium yellow onions, sliced
  • 1 cup golden raisins


Instructions

  1. Place dried chilis in sauce pan, cover with water, bring to boil, remove from heat, and let stand for 30 minutes.
  2. Drain water from chilis. Combine softened chilis, poblano peppers, chipotles, cilantro, red wine, orange juice, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth.
  3. Place ½ of the onions and ½ of the golden raisins in the bottom of a 4 quart Dutch oven. Position the boar on top of the bed of onions and raisins. Season the boar with salt and pepper. Place remaining onions and raisins on top of the boar. Pour puree over the boar. Cover the pot and roast at 350’ until boar is tender.
  4. Remove the boar from the pan and allow to cool slightly.
  5. Shred the meat with a fork.
  6. Pour the braising liquid into a food processor. Puree until smooth.
  7. Combine the puree and the boar.
  8. Serve atop fresh ricotta gnocchi or pasta of your choice.

Recipe by Chef Don Winkie
Story by Justin Matase
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce
Videography by Dana Custer and Ariella Furman

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Stream the Best Halloween Movies and Pair Them with Cocktails

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An apple cider margarita in a Halloween-inspired glass

October is here, and that means it’s time to fully immerse yourself into the spooky season! This year, we’re taking your annual movie marathon to the next level by giving every flick a custom, boozy upgrade. Forget the basic bowl of cheap candy. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of your must-watch Halloween movies—from new horror films to classic animation—right beside creative, on-theme cocktails and all the streaming information you need. This way all your information is in one place to ensure your night of chills is perfectly mixed and ready to go. Get ready to grab your shaker, dim the lights, and settle in for a hauntingly delicious home screening experience. 

Halloween Movie Cocktail Pairings and Where to Stream Them

Hocus Pocus– The Witch’s Brew

A green cocktail on a black background, styled for Halloween with spiders and smoke surrounding it

Available to Stream on Disney+ (as is the sequel!)

Possibly the most famous witches out there, the Sanderson Sisters are three wonderfully wacky coven members who hate children and want nothing more than to use their spellbook. These three take us through a movie full of laughs as they battle along with little Dani, her brother Max, friend Allison, and magical cat Binx. To brew up a wickedly delicious cocktail to match, try a combination of Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice. Not only will the cocktail become an evil green tone but each sip balances the melon Midori and orange Cointreau with tart lime juice.

Practical Magic– Apple Cider Margarita

An apple cider margarita in a Halloween-inspired glass

Available to Stream on Tubi and HBO Max

If Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman taught us anything it’s that midnight margaritas are ALWAYS a good idea. We’re upping your magical margarita sesh with an Apple Cider twist. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a witch to craft this recipe. Though, it does help to have a few friends over, turn on the famous scene, and dance the night away. We recommend serving this margarita with a cinnamon sugar that adds a warming, autumn feel to this apple cider creation. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas– Black Death

A complex, creamy cocktail with notes of anise and the haunting darkness of a moonless night.

Available to Stream on Disney+

The dead (possibly undead?) characters in The Nightmare Before Christmas would be head-over-ankle-bones in love with this Black Death cocktail. Follow along with Jack Skellington and his quirky crew of creatures like Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie as you sip an anise-forward beverage. To get the dead, dark, black color of this recipe, all you need is activated charcoal powder. From there, the complexness of gin, fernet, pastis, simple syrup, and egg white foam take over. You could always relabel this drink’s title as Deadly Nightshade too if you plan on hosting a watch party.

Twilight– Van Helsing Takes Manhattan

A bourbon cocktail with vampire teeth and garlic beside it

Available to Stream on Disney+ and Philo (as are the sequels!)

Autumn leaves, cloudy weather, cold nights, it all screams Twilight in our book! We know the Twilight series is not inherently a Halloween franchise but vampires and werewolves, along with the dreaminess of these characters (shoutout to the hot dads Carlisle, Charlie, and Billy) is a good enough excuse in our minds to indulge. The Van Helsing Takes Manhattan cocktail would probably take out the entire Cullen family with its addition of garlic simple syrup and garlic clove garnish but since we’re humans, we’re free to enjoy.

Friday the 13th– Bloody Beet Red Mocktail

A blood beet red mocktail sits in a tall glass with black salt on the rim and a skull sitting in the background.

Available to Stream on Peacock, Paramount+, and AMC+

We couldn’t make a Halloween movie list without including a classic slasher film. Friday the 13th is a bloody but not overly scary introduction to horror movies. Our Bloody Beet Red Mocktail is the perfect pairing for its deep blood-red color and unexpected sweetness of beet juice. Friday the 13th is a great horror movie for those who may be a little more on the jumpy side since its old charm gives it a fictional tone. Not to mention, there are 12 movies in the series so if you watch the first and find yourself wanting another mocktail, feel free to hold a marathon. 

Halloweentown– All Hallows’ Eve Non-Alcoholic Spritzer

In a short cocktail glass sits a non-alcoholic spritzer in red and orange colors with a plastic spider on top.

Available to Stream on Disney+ (as are the sequels!)

Who doesn’t love a nostalgic throwback for Halloween time? Halloweentown is one of those kid movies that entertains the adults just as much as the kids. Plus, many grew up around its release so it’s great to venture back into the arms of Marnie and her whole family. Orange like the pumpkin mascots of Halloweentown, this spritzer takes non-alcoholic ginger beer and brightens it further with blood orange, lemon juice, and mint leaves. 

Beetlejuice– Mischievous Demon

Two cocktail glasses hold a yellow cocktail with green on the bottom with a smoking rosemary and lollipop garnish on top.

Available to Stream on HBO Max (as is the sequel!)

The recipe for our Mischievous Demon cocktail comes from the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2024. But, you can choose the first or second film to put on (or make it a double feature) while you finish off the black and white lollipop garnish. To create our own showtime special, we shake up basil leaves, apple cider, simple syrup, lemon juice, G.E. Massenez Apple Pomme Prisonniere Calvados, and add fresh rosemary sprigs for smoking. 

Nosferatu– The Drop of Blood

A glass of Nosferatu cocktail with a pink rose petal garnish, creating the illusion of a drop of blood in the drink.

Available to Stream on Amazon Prime Video 

Whether you choose to watch the original 1922 film or the 2024 remake, The Drop of Blood cocktail was quite literally made for Nosferatu. All it takes is one drop of this vodka, Cointreau, white grape juice, and lemon juice mix for the passions of Nosferatu to overtake you. A garnish of rose petals and grenadine creates a drop of blood effect that’ll have you thirsting for more than just Count Orlok.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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The Ultimate Halloween Party Playlist and Menu

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A green cocktail on a black background, styled for Halloween with spiders and smoke surrounding it

We believe your haunted Halloween gathering should be a fully immersive sensory experience with music, cocktails, mocktails, and treats for all! The vital heartbeat of any spooky soiree is a perfectly curated soundtrack. But, the true magic lies in pairing that vibe with equally thrilling treats and cocktails.

Get ready to ditch the generic party plan as we unveil the ultimate guide to making your night a fright to remember. A handcrafted Halloween playlist with pop, gothic rock, classic horror scores, and so much more gets meticulously matched with themed menu items. We take your “Thriller” and serve it alongside a suitably sinister sip or take your “Time Warp” and give you a sickly sweet treat accompaniment. All you have to do is gather your ingredients and click play on the playlist below!

The Ultimate Halloween Party Playlist and Menu

Monster Mash by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt Kickers- Monster Rice Krispy Treats

A set of monster rice krispy treat Halloween dessert cookies with candy eyes and candy corn on them

“(They did the Mash) they did the Monster Mash…” What even is a Monster Mash anyways? Nevertheless, you can create your own monster out of Rice Krispy Treats to match all the wacky descriptions in this song. This one is super fun for the whole family to make so just turn on this track and get to the making!

Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.- Marshmallow Monster Popcorn

Two green bowls with white polka filled with green marshmallow covered popcorn with pretzel sticks and candy eyes.

If there’s one treat that’s an ode to Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man combined it’s this Marshmallow Monster Popcorn. Green and gooey, you can form these popcorn balls into whatever shape you like. Then, stick on pretzel sticks and googly eye candies to bring your orbs to life. Now that’s a treat you’ll want to call all your friends and family to try!

Thriller by Michael Jackson- Zombie Cocktail

spooky halloween cocktail recipe

The zombies in Michael Jackson’s music video for Thriller inspire our Zombie Cocktail. Its fiery orange and red color invites you to sip a potent mix of white rum, spiced rum, orange liqueur, orange juice, lime juice, bitter, and an extra special addition of passion fruit jelly. It’s a little sweet, a little tart, and so scrumptious you might find yourself partying close to midnight.

Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell- Halloween Espresso Brownies

A Halloween brownie in a sheet pan drizzled to look like a spider web.

So, theoretically, if you’re going to put yourself in the shoes of the paranoid main character in Rockwell’s famous hit, Somebody’s Watching Me, you’ll probably feel an anxious energy like you’ve had a burst of caffeine. Well, to get that same effect, you can bake up these Halloween Espresso Brownies. Plus, you can decorate the top with any spooky design of your choice.

Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo- Van Helsing Takes Manhattan

A bourbon cocktail with vampire teeth and garlic beside it

All you girlies who have ever had your heart broken! Sing it now, “BLOODSUCKER, FAME-F*CKER, BLEEDING ME DRY LIKE A GODDAMN VAMPIRE.” Alright, now that we’ve gotten that off our chests, Van Helsing Takes Manhattan could destroy any evil ex with a helping of garlic simple syrup. It’s a savory take on a Manhattan that proves garlic’s great for more than just a seasoning. 

Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Show– Candied Apples

Red, candied apples sitting on a dark table, one apple has a bite taken out of it

Something about the Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Show puts everyone in a trance as they follow along to the lyrical dance instructions. Much like this tune, Candied Apples are a staple to the Halloween season. Maybe just this time around we can change “It’s just a jump to the left,” to “Take a bite of your apple.”

Spooky Scary Skeletons by Andrew Gold- Halloween Coffee Cake

A Halloween-themed coffee cake on a black background.

While you don’t need a skull mold to make our Halloween Coffee Cake, it is the best way to decorate your dessert table for the holiday. What would Halloween be without Spooky Scary Skeletons, anyways? Each moist slice of this cake bursts full of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans. Once you add your cup of coffee to your plate, you’ll have enough energy to jump around to this catchy song. 

Superstition by Stevie Wonder- Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake

Three peices of Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake sit on three separate plates.

As Stevie Wonder sings through his list of superstitions, beat the superstition that Halloween candy doesn’t below in the kitchen. We’re using leftover Butterfingers to top the rum buttercream frosting that takes this from a regular cake to something special. Plus, the cake itself is soaked in rum for a full-bodied flavor profile. 

Stabbing in the Dark by Ice Nine Kills- Pickled Pumpkin Heads

A glass jar with Pickled Pumpkin Heads in a dark setting, meat and bones sit off to the left. pickled pumpkin recipe

Really, you can choose any of Ice Nine Kills songs to go on your Halloween playlist. This hard-rock band bases many of their songs off of horror movies. Their song Stabbing in the Dark tells the story of Halloween through Michael Myers’ eyes. To go along with this ghastly tale, we’re pickling pumpkin heads as an edible decoration. 

Tubular Bells from The Exorcist– The Green Beast

A green cocktail on a white table

While you may not know the name of the theme from The Exorcist, we’re sure after the first few notes your fight or flight sense kicks into gear. The one image that really sticks in our mind from this movie is Regan’s memorable puking scene. Never before has vomit been so green, practically as green as our Green Beast cocktail. This low calorie (but strong) cocktail uses Hendricks, Cointreau, Genepy, thyme syrup, cucumber juice, lime juice, a topping of tonic, and a spray of absinthe. 

This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas– Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies

Three green plates with slices of Candy Corn Blondies on top.

Since the creepy folks of Halloweentown from The Nightmare Before Christmas care most particularly about Halloween candy, it only seems appropriate to make candy corn the star. We think Jack Skellington would be quite proud of these Rum Pecan candy Corn Blondies. They’re subtlety sweet with a hint of spice from the rum as well as the nuttiness of pecans.

The Phantom Of the Opera– Earl of Darkness Chocolate Tart

Layers of Earl Grey caramel filling and rich chocolate ganache nested into a cocoa crust make up this delectable chocolate tart. On a black background sits the chocolate tart with a single triangle slice cut out.

“The Phantom Of the Opera is there, inside your mind.” Much like the haunting thoughts that cross Christine’s mind of The Phantom, this Earl of Darkness Chocolate Tart never leaves ours. Its deep, rich, chocolatey ganache meets a creamy caramel and crispy cocoa crust. A sprinkle of sea salt on top meshes all these layers into one, dreamy bite. 

Psycho Killer by Talking Heads- Bloody Beet Red Mocktail

A blood beet red mocktail sits in a tall glass with black salt on the rim and a skull sitting in the background.

You better not “Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away” from this Bloody Beet Red Mocktail! A Psycho Killer would go crazy for this mocktail that drips a deep red color thanks to the use of beet juice. When you add in blood orange juice, lime juice, and agave, you form layers of flavors that tone down the sweetness of beets and allow every element to shine.

Season of the Witch by Donovan (or Lana Del Rey)- The Witch’s Brew

A green cocktail on a black background, styled for Halloween with spiders and smoke surrounding it

Our Witch’s Brew cocktail is an honor to witches everywhere with its lime green hue and addictive flavor. Its simple mix of ingredients utilizes Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. A bit of dry ice expels a spooky smoke that turns your cocktail glass into a cauldron. The second you see this cocktail coming your way you’ll know it’s time for the Season of the Witch

Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Halloween Candy Bark

Halloween Candy Bark in various colors with halloween cnady baked in on top.

For a song as fun and hype as Heads Will Roll, our Halloween Candy Bark only makes things better. Let yourself get creative and feel what the music makes you do as you build your own bark from scratch. Feel free to add in whatever candies you prefer. Or, combine all the candies your friends like the most. This way, you keep from losing your head for forgetting someone’s favorite candy.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Blondie Recipes for Fall Baking and Sharing

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A stack of Samoas Blondies sits on a marble table top with more in the background and a few Samoas in the front of the frame.

There is an enduring charm to the blondie that we just can’t deny loving. The often-overlooked cousin of the classic brownie deserves just as much admiration. With its distinctly buttery, caramelized brown sugar base and chewy, fudgy texture, the blondie offers something different. Not only does it have a comforting warmth but it’s also a versatile bar that’s a blank canvas for countless mix-ins. From chocolate chips and nuts to various fruits and candies, you can truly let your imagination run wild. Dive into the world of blondies and explore the essential recipes below that will help you master this golden dessert.

Blondie Recipes

Dark Rum Blondies

Dark Rum Blondies with butter spread on a serving plate with wild flowers scattered around.

A little light and a little dark keeps us happy! These bars of sweetness pair with a helping of dark rum to bring these two sides into harmony. Not only are the blondies flavored with dark rum but so is the topping and whipped cream.

Pumpkin Blondies

A baking pan of pumpkin blondies with a square slice topped with cream cheese frosting and chocolate shavings on a small plate.

Since we consider blondies to be a fall treat, the ultimate autumn upgrade would be to add pumpkin. But we don’t stop there, this recipe also includes chocolate chips, warming spices, and a cream cheese frosting on top.

Samoas® Blondies

A pile of Samoas Blondies lay on a marble table top with lightly toasted tops.

Even though Girl Scout Cookies season is in the springtime, we think the flavors should be available all year-round. So, to make up for these missing bundles of joy, try these bars full of chocolate chips and sweetened coconut flakes. If you happen to have a box of Samoas (or a similar cookie) lying around, you can add those into the mix too.

Dirty Blondies with Chocolate, Hazelnut & Coffee

Dirty Blondies with Chocolate, Hazelnut & Coffee - Decadent and chewy blondies loaded with chocolate chunks and toasted hazelnuts

While you may find the chocolatey-ness of brownies a bit overwhelming, the more subtle base of a blondie leaves plenty of room for add-ins. These Dirty Blondies are the best way to dress up snack time since the recipe uses two types of chocolate, sea salt, ground coffee, and hazelnuts.

Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies

Three green plates with slices of Candy Corn Blondies on top.

We know that candy corn is a hot topic. You either seem to love it or hate it. But, we think there’s a third option where you only like it in a recipe like this. These Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies burnish the sugary sweet of candy corn to a deeper, richer flavor thanks to spiced rum and crushed pecans.

SunButter® Blondies

Four SunButter® Blondies sit in a brown bowl with raspberries sprinkled around the desserts.

Even those with dietary restrictions and nut allergens can still mix up a blondie that combines various tastes and textures. SunButter® Blondies use SunButter® to give a creamy, silky texture to your blondies. We like to include dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and black sesame seeds too for an extra touch.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Kid’s Choice Mocktail

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A tall glass of an orange and yellow kid's choice cocktail, garnished with a lime slice and mint, sits on a dark surface.

Why do we need a Kid’s Choice Mocktail for our holiday celebrations? Because we want everyone to celebrate with us! Anyone who has tried to cook for a kid knows how difficult their picky palates can be. Both parents and littles alike will appreciate the familiar childhood flavors of apple cider, lemon, and cinnamon in this spirit-free mocktail. It’s a classic fall quaff that’s suitable for everyone.

Psst…For a more grown-up version, add 1.5 ounces of your favorite spirit!

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A tall glass of an orange and yellow kid's choice cocktail, garnished with a lime slice and mint, sits on a dark surface.

Kid’s Choice


  • Author: Kate Fellers

Description

This spirit‑free mocktail blends apple cider, lemon, and homemade cinnamon syrup for a sweet and cozy drink kids will love. Topped with sparkling soda and a cinnamon stick, it’s refreshing for all ages, with the option to add a splash of spirits for adults.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 oz apple cider
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • Natrona Bottling Bitter Lemon Soda, to top


Instructions

For the Syrup:

  1. Add 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup water and 4 cinnamon sticks broken into pieces to a small pot over medium heat and stir frequently until sugar has dissolved completely.
  2. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature and strain off solids.
  3. Bottle and refrigerate for up to 1 month.

For the Cocktail:

  1. Add all ingredients except for bitter lemon soda to a cocktail shaker. Shake briefly to combine, about 10 seconds.
  2. Strain over ice into a double rocks glass and top with Natrona Bottling Bitter Lemon soda or mixer of choice. (Ginger beer or club soda would also work well here.)
  3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Story by Maggie Weaver
Recipes by Kaitlin Fellers
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Boozy Drunk Uncle Cocktail

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A rocks glass of drunk uncle cocktail with a large ice cube and an orange peel, next to a gold Christmas ornament.

Even if you don’t have a literal drunk uncle, you can still find someone exuding Drunk Uncle Energy at the dinner table. The prototypical Drunk Uncle loves brown spirits, big ice cubes, and completely made-up “facts,” so why not give him two out of three of these with a variation on the Old Fashioned? The good news? After a Drunk Uncle Cocktail, a turkey dinner, and a La-Z-Boy, he’ll be passed out with the remote in no time. Hey, don’t change the channel…he’s watching that!

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A rocks glass of drunk uncle cocktail with a large ice cube and an orange peel, next to a gold Christmas ornament.

Drunk Uncle


  • Author: Kaitlin Fellers

Description

This playful twist on the Old Fashioned mixes cognac, rye, and a rich brown butter syrup for a smooth, indulgent cocktail. Finished with bitters and an orange peel over a big ice cube, it’s the perfect drink for anyone bringing “Drunk Uncle Energy” to the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 stick salted butter
  • 1 oz Remy Martin VSOP Cognac
  • 1 oz Old Overholt 114 Rye
  • 1/2 oz brown butter syrup
  • 4 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 dashes Regan’s Orange bitters
  • Orange peel


Instructions

For the Syrup:

  1. In a pot over medium heat, add 4 cups brown sugar to 2 cups water, stirring until completely dissolved.
  2. In a small saucepan, add 1 stick of salted butter, whisking continuously over medium-low heat until the butter has melted completely and it begins to brown and foam.
  3. Remove from heat and slowly add your brown butter into your brown sugar syrup.
  4. Remove brown butter syrup from heat and let sit for 30-40 minutes or until it reaches room temperature.
  5. Strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Bottle and refrigerate for up to one month.

For the Cocktail:

  1. Add all ingredients to a large mixing glass, top with ice, and stir to combine–about 20-30 seconds.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Story by Maggie Weaver
Recipes by Kaitlin Fellers
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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The Babysitter’s Fruity Winter Cocktail

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A tall pyramid of small glasses filled with a vibrant red-orange

The babysitter is usually stuck at the kids’ table because they’re a recent graduate themselves. Hanging somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, they’re too cool for the spirit-free beverages the kids are slurping down but not quite ready for the full-bodied reds their parents are enjoying with dinner. Enter: The Babysitter, a fruity stepping stone to enjoying cocktails. Try in a tall glass with dinner or split it into shots to get everyone to join in on the fun.

What Makes Our Babysitter Cocktail?

This fun drink sits between playful and grown‑up, mixing spiced pomegranate syrup with vodka, citrus, and grenadine. It’s light, fruity, and easy to share at the table.

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A tall pyramid of small glasses filled with a vibrant red-orange "The Babysitter" cocktail, with a small red Christmas ornament next to it.

The Babysitter


  • Author: Kaitlin Fellers
  • Yield: 35 shots 1x

Description

A cocktail for the kid at heart.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 cloves
  • 5 white peppercorns
  • 1 whole nutmeg, roughly cracked
  • 8 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 1/2 oz Tito’s
  • 1 ½ oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½  oz spiced grenadine syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters


Instructions

For the syrup:

  1. Over medium heat, toast 3 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 5 white peppercorns and 1 whole nutmeg (roughly cracked) until fragrant.
  2. Add 8 oz pomegranate juice and 1 cup white sugar. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved and let simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
  4. Let cool to room temp. Bottle and refrigerate for up to 1 month.

For the cocktail:

  1. Add all to a cocktail shaker, top with ice, and shake to combine, about 20-30 seconds.
  2. Strain with a cocktail strainer and fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice shards.

Notes

This recipe will make about 3-5 shots, depending on the size of the shot glass.

Story by Maggie Weaver
Recipes by Kaitlin Fellers
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Pine Needle Shortbread Cookies

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A dark green plate filled with Christmas tree-shaped shortbread cookies, some dusted with powdered sugar.

The chill of winter gives us the perfect excuse to turn on the oven, warm up the kitchen, and try our hands at a new cookie recipe. One of our latest favorites comes from TABLE Magazine collaborator Anna Franklin, whose appreciation for a walk in the woods is expressed here in cookie form!

Pine Needle Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These shortbread cookies bring a touch of the outdoors inside, made with finely chopped pine needles blended into a buttery dough. Baked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re a fragrant winter treat that pairs beautifully with a cozy drink. Better yet: pine needles are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Enjoy!

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A dark green plate filled with Christmas tree-shaped shortbread cookies, some dusted with powdered sugar.

Pine Needle Shortbread Cookies


  • Author: Anna Franklin

Description

An easy to make cookie with a subtle, aromatic flavor perfect for the Winter holidays.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped pine needles
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 lb butter


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Put the flour, cornstarch, and pine needles in a food processor and blend until the pine needles are finely chopped and mixed into the flour. (This will make the pine needles very fragrant, but the flavor will mellow out once they are cooked.)
  3. Combine the powdered sugar, salt, and butter with a pastry cutter into pea-sized pieces.
  4. Add flour and mix until evenly incorporated and the dough forms into a ball.
  5. Roll out dough to barely ¼-inch thick on a floured surface, and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
  7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar once cool, and serve. Grownups might try them with a cold glass of pine-infused Retsina wine from Greece.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Story by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce
Plate by FD Ceramics

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Your October 2025 Horoscope for the Full Moon in Aries

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A full moon hides behind a twisty, black bare tree.

The first lunation of the new season is finally upon us: a full Moon in the middle of Aries. It takes place on October 6 at 11:47pm.

Aries is one of the equinoctial signs; when the Sun crosses Aries and Libra, we get quick turns and sudden shifts that prepare the ground for what follows. Change under these signs is often fast and visible, but things don’t tend to settle; instead, space is cleared, and some direction gets set that moves us toward a conclusion. The effect is heightened because Aries carries the charge of Mars and, secondarily, the vitality of the Sun. The result is a sudden burst of energy, adrenaline, and movement after the wishy-washiness of the Virgo–Pisces axis that we visited in last month’s eclipses.

The Ram of Aries is youthful and forward-leaning, sometimes brave, sometimes rash. Under this lunation there’s a push to speak, act, or decide without much delay. That can be useful as action gets easier, but don’t expect humility in your day-to-day encounters. Admitting fault or apologizing isn’t the Aries way, even when people want to talk. Arguments and public debates are as likely to shed fire as light under configurations like this.

Full Moons always draw attention to relationship dynamics; here the focus is less on harmony and more on honest engagement. This is a good time to notice where you’re eager to take a stand or try something new, while remembering that first impulses set tone even if later revisions will follow.

Venus and Saturn with Jupiter’s interlude

Venus moves through a demanding meeting with Saturn, a contact that presses on love, partnership, art, and mutual understanding. The period often comes with some relationship strain, coolness in affection, or a forced accounting of what a bond is worth. Money matters can feel tight and priorities that should be soft start to sharpen under this opposition.

Saturn is retrograde, so unfinished business returns – past partners, unresolved debts, or choices left unsettled may resurface. Before that reckoning, Venus draws on a brief and supportive link to Jupiter. This can appear as a gift, an encouraging ally, a financial lift, or a creative opening that renews confidence. Taurus, Libra, Virgo and Pisces feel these themes most closely, yet everyone may observe them in personal life, cultural stories, or public figures navigating love and value under pressure.

The Lights Square Jupiter

Both Sun and Moon form tense squares to Jupiter, inflating mood and ambition beyond practical limits. Feelings swell with hope for growth, yet can push faster than conditions allow. The Moon shows this through emotional reach – generosity, optimism, and faith that more is possible. The Sun amplifies the urge to expand plans, take risks, or preach a big idea. Cancer, Sagittarius and Pisces take the brunt of this surge, but anything touching both lights is likely to be felt universally.

Some astrologers (myself included) might suggest that the challenge this describes is one scale: commitments, spending, or promises may exceed real capacity. At its best, this aspect drives learning and wider perspective; it tests belief systems and long-term vision against lived reality, encouraging measured growth and confidence grounded in what can actually be carried forward. Whatever the case, molehills become mountains under Jupiter contacts, and one micro-moment can come to define the whole period – for better, worse, or neither.

The Mars-Heavy Sky

This full Moon lands in Aries, Mars’ daytime sign, while Mars itself stands strong in Scorpio. Mercury has just crossed into Scorpio as well, tying everyday speech, writing, and news directly a sharpened blade. Information moves quickly and with keen edges; debates spark and actions follow fast. Aries pushes outward and initiates, while Scorpio Mars works with depth and strategy – together they create movement that is both immediate and penetrating. Mercury’s role adds friction to conversation, contracts, and the small exchanges that shape daily life. Cooling these conditions comes through the kind of steadiness we see in the earth signs: slow your reactions, check facts before answering, ground choices in tangible evidence. Discernment keeps action effective and prevents heat from turning to flames.

The Moon on Alpheratz, the Hair of the Woman in Chains

This full Moon rises on Alpheratz, the bright star marking Andromeda’s head. In myth, Andromeda is the princess chained to a rock as sacrifice to the sea monster sent by Poseidon, later freed by Perseus. Her story is one of peril and release, or vulnerability and heroic rescue.

Astrologically, Alpheratz has long been read as a fortunate star, blending the warm, generous qualities of Jupiter with the grace of Venus. It suggests independence, freedom, and the power to emerge from limitation with dignity intact. When joined with the Moon, the star’s influence turns inward and personal: emotional courage, creative self-possession, and the ability to break free from inherited or imposed bonds.

Placed here at the first full Moon of autumn, Alpheratz offers an image of reclaiming agency as seasons shift. It encourages working through what constrains us – be they expectations, old fears, even cultural patterns – while honoring the resilience gained from those very same struggles.

Seasonal Guidance: Fall is Finally Here

Autumn begins as the year tips from heat toward coolness and from the active, outward push of summer into a slower, more inward rhythm. The air dries, nights start to lengthen, and a subtle coolness replaces summer’s restless blaze. In humoral terms, we leave the choleric (hot and dry) months and enter a more melancholic time (cold and dry). Energy can feel sharper but also thinner. This is the season to steady yourself against increasing dryness, preserve warmth without overheating, and cultivate routines that protect mood and resilience as the outer world grows cooler and darker.

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

Fire signs are naturally warm and dry, and autumn’s cool dryness can leave them parched and a bit over-wound as temperatures fall. Focus on moisture: stewed fruits, broths, cooked grains with a little oil. Use spices lightly and drink more warm liquids than you think you need. Keep movement early and steady rather than late or explosive; save ambition for when the body feels nourished. Evening rituals that quiet the nerves – reading, stretching, slow conversation – help keep inner fire from running too fast as days shorten.

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

Earth is cool and dry by nature, and the season adds another layer of dryness that can harden routines and slow digestion. Counter with warmth and gentle moisture: roasted vegetables, slow-cooked meats or legumes, spiced grains, and a bit of healthy fat. Avoid long fasts and cold salads. Walk after meals or do moderate, warming exercise to keep circulation easy. Small variations in routine – a new route, fresh flavors, occasional outdoor meals – help prevent autumn from becoming heavy and rigid.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

Air signs carry lightness and motion, but the dry, cooling turn of autumn can make energies brittle and easily depleted. Anchor with warm, substantial foods: lentils, root vegetables, hearty grains. Eat at regular times rather than grazing. Protect sleep by reducing evening screen time and giving the mind a quiet landing. Choose rhythmic, moderate movement – cycling, dance, brisk walking – to keep the body engaged without scattering energy. Social life is healthy in balance; give yourself clear pauses to restore steadiness.

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Water is cool and moist, and autumn’s cool dryness can draw that moisture away, leaving energy flat and mood thin. Keep meals warm and moist – soups, stews, hot cereals – and drink hydrating teas through the day. Skip extremes of raw or very spicy food that strip what little moisture remains. Gentle morning exercise and stretching help keep circulation smooth without draining reserves. Prioritize emotional replenishment: calm surroundings, trusted friends, and regular sleep all help sustain vitality as the season deepens.

Sabian Symbol for 14° Aries: in a quiet moment, a creative individual experiences the flow of inspiration

This image is about craft, story, and continuity. A figure sits at day’s end, working threads into pattern. There’s a practical and creative side to weaving a blanket, which offers warmth and protection, but may be done so in bright, vibrant colors and pictures. Multi-generational weavers are often quoted saying that each thread holds memory: inherited skill, cultural knowledge, even the quiet dignity of making something by hand. In a world that often prizes speed and novelty, this symbol asks us to value slow creation, work done carefully, without rush, when no one is watching.

The setting Sun suggests time passing and light fading; the day’s energy is nearly spent. Yet rather than scramble or chase more, the weaver keeps at their work. The weaver is enjoying a private rhythm, losing themselves in the act of shaping something real from what once lived only in their imagination. Maybe this symbol is a call to translate inner vision into tangible form, to let work become meditative and meaningful.

Under this full Moon, the symbol certainly seems to encourages steady attention to craft and heritage – to the “warp and weft” of life itself. It favors practical expression over endless thought, and warns against letting dull routine erase meaning. Work that honors tradition, skill, and care builds both security and a quiet sense of place.

Find the October Full Moon in Aries Horoscope for Your Zodiac Sign

Aries

This full Moon can heighten anxiety and make everyday pressures feel sharper than usual. Yet Mars, your ruling planet, is powerfully placed in Scorpio, signaling strength and deep reserves. You’re well positioned for progress if you can step back and hold the bigger picture in view. Decisions made now have momentum, but they land best when taken from a calm, measured frame of mind. Keep adrenaline in check so your drive works for you rather than scattering focus.

Taurus

This full Moon may feel demanding. Venus, your ruling planet, moves into a hard exchange with Saturn, bringing relationship or financial strain into focus. At the same time, Mars crosses your seventh house cusp, energizing partnerships and encounters with others. Astrologers joke about this transit as “going to war” because it often feels combative, though most conflicts are symbolic rather than literal. Expect extra friction and try not to force perfect outcomes. Next month looks gentler; for now, respond steadily and avoid pressuring yourself to solve everything at once.

Gemini

Saturn is nearly finished with its long stay in your tenth house of career and public standing. Saturn moves slowly and tends to bring large, structural challenges rather than single dramatic events – extra responsibility, pressure to mature, or delays in advancement. As it prepares to leave, those burdens begin to ease. You may find yourself stepping into responsibility with more confidence, or watching obstacles dissolve so work feels lighter. Career matters aren’t effortless yet, but the path forward grows clearer and more manageable.

Cancer

This lunation may pull you in several directions at once. Work could bring sudden developments or chances to make a strong impression and move forward. At the same time, themes of leisure and creativity ask for space, so leave room for personal joy. Travel looks touchy under this Moon – if plans are set, review details carefully and prepare for changes. Aim to balance ambition with replenishment so you can seize opportunities without letting stress drain your reserves.

Leo

Attention turns toward family, home, and close ties – including elders and long-standing relationships. This full Moon highlights those spaces as worth time and effort. The Venus–Saturn opposition touches your second and eighth houses, so be deliberate with spending and shared resources; keep finances clear and avoid knots that take months to untangle. Travel shows promising signs under this sky – planning or short trips could refresh perspective and help balance heavier domestic themes. Invest in security while leaving space for movement.

Virgo

This full Moon highlights the Venus–Saturn opposition, placing extra weight on relationships and emotional sensitivity. Protect your natural tenderness; don’t let the world’s heaviness press too hard on your heart. At the same time, local life looks lively and promising. Neighborhood gatherings, markets, and outdoor events before the chill sets in can lift spirits and connect you with supportive people. Revisit old friends or familiar spaces for grounding. Gentle social activity and nearby pleasures help balance heavier feelings and restore some coziness.

Libra

It may be time to make some financial calls, Libra! This is a good time to take decisive action with money – investments, savings, or improvements to your home and surroundings. Hard work is paying off, yet the pace could push toward burnout if you don’t pause to restore yourself. Regeneration matters; even short breaks or day trips can help reset energy. Steady progress should be preferred over huge leaps, and make choices that secure your future while keeping daily life sustainable.

Scorpio

I’ve got some good news for you: momentum is with you! Mars, your ruler, moves through your first house and doubles the effect of your efforts. This is a period to advance personal goals, launch projects, and assert direction with clarity. Your actions carry unusual weight and follow-through, making now ideal for taking initiative. Over the next two months, others may look to you for guidance or support; how you respond can shape your role well beyond this season. Use the present drive to move forward with focus.

Sagittarius

Old romance may surface – a former partner, lingering feelings, or unfinished story. Give it room to breathe rather than rushing resolution. If love isn’t the issue, Venus at your midheaven can point to friction with friends or colleagues, or a sense of overwork without enough appreciation. Relief builds later this month as Mars moves into a smooth trine with your ruler, Jupiter, giving courage and fresh energy. New plans or adventures started then have tailwind and feel easier to sustain.

Capricorn

You may feel drawn inward just as outer demands pile up. Both spaces matter; use trusted partners and friends to help sort priorities and avoid overwhelm. Saturn, your ruling planet, is preparing to station direct, a turn that strengthens discipline and helps you rebuild momentum after months of reflection (maybe even upheaval). Let others support where they can while you focus on what truly matters. Structure and steadiness are coming back – avoid scattering your energies before that clarity arrives.

Aquarius

Professional power is front and center. Mars energizes your tenth house of career and public reputation, giving you a rare push to act decisively and claim space. Use it to advance, lead, or break through barriers that have slowed you. At the same time, watch financial matters closely. The Venus–Saturn opposition tightens budgets and can stall large investments or shared-resource plans. Strategic restraint now helps avoid strain before conditions improve in 2026. Keep ambitions high while closely managing your bottom line.

Pisces

Saturn is preparing to leave your sign for decades, easing a long period of self-discipline and weighty responsibility. Its final act may involve relationship review, as Venus opposes Saturn from your seventh house. Some romantic disappointments or clarifications could surface. Jupiter in your fifth house offers a release valve: leisure, joy, and creative expression can balance heavier themes. If romance isn’t central now, use this time to play, create, or reconnect with pleasures that renew optimism while Saturn completes its work.

Horoscope Author

Wade Caves, based in Brooklyn, NY, is an astrological consultant and educator specializing in problem-solving applications of astrology. He teaches astrological divination and astronomy at the School of Traditional Astrology. Wade also publishes his work on world astrology through Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk. He even hosts the World Astrology Summit. A conference dedicated to the advancement of astrology for global problem-solving. Website: wadecaves.com • skyscript.co.uk/inmundo. Email: hello@wadecaves.com.

Story by Wade Caves
Photo Courtesy of Pramod Tiwari

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Winter Cauliflower with Ginger and Turmeric Dressing

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Roasted cauliflower with ginger and turmeric on a black plate, drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with fresh greens.

Some of us recognize the virtues of cauliflower…but do not fall in love with it. Skillet roasting helps nudge these folks down the path to veggie romance. But it’s the wonderful dressing suggested by TABLE contributor Rafe Vencio that really makes cauliflower sing. His choice of purple and yellow cauliflower brings a nice visual appeal to the dish as well!

Round out your Meatless Monday meal with other gorgeous dishes from TABLE Magazine; Red Slaw, Green Tomato Chutney, and Rice and Beans. Each dish is thoughtfully and interestingly flavored!

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Roasted cauliflower with ginger and turmeric on a black plate, drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with fresh greens.

Roasted Cauliflower with Roasted Ginger Vinaigrette


  • Author: Rafe Vencio

Description

This recipe turns simple cauliflower into a flavorful dish by searing thick slices in a hot skillet until golden and tender. The star is the roasted ginger vinaigrette, blended with turmeric, garlic, mustard, lemon, and sesame oil, which adds a bright, zesty kick. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s a colorful and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower.


Ingredients

Scale

For the cauliflower:

  • 1 head cauliflower, sliced into ½ inch steak cuts
  • Olive oil or avocado seed oil for pan roasting
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing:

  • 1 cup peeled ginger, use a spoon to scrape the skin off
  • ½ cup fresh turmeric, found in specialty grocery stores
  • 1 cup avocado seed oil
  • 2 large cloves fresh garlic
  • ¼ cup champagne vinegar
  • ¼ cup sherry vinegar
  • If neither or both is unavailable, use apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon and zest
  • Salt to taste


Instructions

For the cauliflower:

  1. Preheat cast-iron on high and wait until it starts to smoke lightly.
  2. Remove pan from heat, add oil and cauliflower then return on the stove.
  3. Lower heat to medium and roast on each side until seared and tender.
  4. Drizzle with dressing and vinaigrette and garnish with watercress or cilantro

For the dressing:

  1. Roast ginger in oil over the stove; heat oil over high heat for 2 minutes to jumpstart, then reduce to low simmer and roast ginger until lightly brown. Let cool before using. Strain oil from ginger.
  2. In a blender, combine ginger, garlic, vinegar, mustard, lemon juice and zest, sesame oil. Blend until smooth, drizzle some oil to help break down. Add oil slowly until emulsified and season with salt to taste.

Recipes and Styling by Rafael Vencio
Photography by Dave Bryce

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