We know that sometimes cocktail recipes can seem like a handful, so here’s a Snakebite Cocktail that uses only two ingredients. That’s right, all you need is a can of Guinness and your favorite hard cider. I first encountered this drink at Pittsburgh’s Monterey Pub, where a friend prefaced recommending it with “I know it sounds weird, but…” I was intrigued enough to try it, and I now have become an evangelist for it as a simple cocktail order that impresses bartenders or bar guests. Plus, the name is just so much fun. Even if you’re not a beer drinker or a Guinness lover, the addition of a sweet and tart cider completely changes the flavors. You get a bit of bitterness from the stout, chased by creamy, fruity notes.
Where Does the Snakebite Come From?
The Snakebite originated in the United Kingdom, where it gained popularity in the 1980s. It makes sense with Guinness being such a popular beverage in the United Kingdom and Ireland. At its start, it was common among goths and punks, perhaps because of its edgy-sounding name and its high alcohol content, along with cheap price. Want to get drunk fast, for only a few dollars? The Snakebite is your drink. But don’t knock it ’til you try it. As my friend said, it might sound unappetizing at first, but this snakebite is more delicious than venomous.
There are many ways to enjoy Easter Sunday and rather than how you celebrate, it’s about who you celebrate with that makes a difference. Warmer temperatures and sunnier skies call out for a party with those you love. Suddenly, sometimes seemingly overnight, you can stand outside in the sun with bare arms. Crocuses and daffodils start to peep out through the frigid soil. All of this sets the scene for Easter, a holiday all about renewal and rejuvenation. Whether it has spiritual meaning for you or you just love the Easter Bunny, these Easter recipes and tips will make sure that you have everything you need to have the best holiday you can.
The Ultimate Guide to EasterSunday
Dying and Using Up Easter Eggs
One of the quintessential signs of Easter is Easter eggs. Any other day and hard-boiled eggs would be just another addition to your salad but on this holiday, they’re a crucial centerpiece. Start off your celebration by dying your eggs for the Easter Bunny (or for delectably eating, we won’t judge!) Rather than going to the store and grabbing one of those kits that seem to be more pain than promise, try dying your eggs naturally this year. Using various vegetables and spices found in everyday kitchens like turmeric or red cabbage, you’ll create beautiful, vibrant colors on your Easter eggs. Plus, we think mixing your own natural dye adds to the fun.
But, if you’re looking for other options, there are plenty of different ways to dye your eggs including Ukrainian Pysanky. In the Ukrainian culture, they intricately dye and draw on eggs to create detailed patterns. Though you can also opt to use flowers, shaving cream, and even onion skins to create unique looks as well.
Wine is a large part of Easter celebrations because of its connection to Judeo-Christian culture. Whether it’s turning water to wine, sharing bread and wine at the last supper, or Moses’ daily offerings, wine has always been a part of God’s story. Even during a Passover Sader, followers are told to drink wine as a way to honor the redemption of the Jews from slavery. No matter what main dish you’re choosing to feature this year, you can find a wine pairing for your Easter ham, lamb, or whatever else you may enjoy.
For those who are not a fan of wine, maybe you’d prefer a Cottontail Cocktail that proves that kids shouldn’t get to have all the fun at Easter. It uses chocolate syrup alongside vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, club soda, and an egg white for a delectable foam on top. It’s like those little chocolate malted Easter eggs you used to eat as a kid but in adult-form. And in case you’re craving another sugary sip, our Peep-a-tini Cocktail gets its sweet inspiration from your marshmallow Peeps friends.
Do we have you feeling like a kid at heart yet? If not, our next collection of cocktails and mocktails are sure to throw you back to your youth. Growing up, we all heard the song, “Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail…” But as an adult, we’d rather drink through Peter Cottontail’s tune instead. Whether you’re sipping on the Hoppity cocktail that focuses in on a hoppy IPA base , or a carrot juice-infused mocktail called Hoppin’ Down the Bunny Trail, you’ll want to hippity hoppity over to your own shaker.
Ham & Savory Dinner Dishes
What would Easter be without a glistening ham or rack of tender lamb on the dinner table? Other than the curing of winter meats lining up with Easter’s timing, we eat ham on Easter since ham/pigs are a symbol for springtime and decadence after straying from meat for the Lenten season. On the other hand, lamb is more of a delicacy as its luxury price-tag makes it perfect for special occasions. Not to mention its association with symbols of sacrifice and new life.
In order to prepare your dinner table for your finest guests (your beloved friends and family), browse our list of lamb and ham recipes for Easter. You’ll have recipes like a traditional Crown Roast of Lamb with Mint Sauce alongside more modern favorites like a Ham with a Blueberry and Yuzu Glaze. No matter which protein you choose this year, accompany it with a homemade Italian Easter Bread. Its subtle sweetness and buttery spread on top will have you grabbing slice after slice.
Easter Sweets and Desserts
Don’t fill up on your dinner too quickly! There are plenty of desserts and Easter sweets to indulge in that involve fun hands-on decorating and a delicious product.
The rabbit is an ancient symbol of fertility, but it’s also become one of the most enduring Easter symbols. To represent this mascot of the holiday, try making Chocolate Pretzel Bunny Treats. These are a fun and simple way to get kids involved in the kitchen with the use of pretzels, M&Ms, and white chocolate.
Or, if you don’t mind getting a bit messy, create Cardamom Peep Crispy Treats that use Peeps for the marshmallow base. Their rainbow finish is undeniably beautiful.
But, for an overall show-stopper, Carrot Miso Cupcakes are just grown-up enough with a little bit of umami flavor. Plus, miso has a lot of health benefits so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
A conclave generally happens behind closed doors. Sometimes it’s just a gathering of people with shared interests looking for a deep-dive into their shared passion. But when a conclave of Roman Catholic cardinals convenes after the death of a pope, it’s much more than that. It’s a secret political event with potentially world-changing effects. That’s the subject of the movie, Conclave.
This Oscar-nominated film begins with the death of a fictional pope, and ends with the election of his successor. In between…a series of dramatic twists and turns. We probably should not say much more for fear of spoiling your first viewing of this beautifully written drama starring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci. After making this cocktail as an aperitivo, why not dive into Stanley Tucci’s culinary journeys with some Stanley Tucci-inspired recipes?
After Conclave became a Best Picture nominee, we asked bartender Jason Renner at Italian bistro Bar Marco to come up with a cocktail that could capture its tension and lush cinematography. The Conclave’s recipe includes a red wine syrup, crafted from Montepulciano. It contributes an earthy sweetness, while gesturing at the deep-rooted traditions of the Catholic Church.
What is Conclave the Movie About?
Choosing a new pope is not easy. Conclave dives into the unseen complexities of the Roman Catholic Church and the secrets that hide beneath its gorgeous surfaces. The film follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) who must oversee the conclave that will elect his mentor’s successor. Throughout the process, he discovers actions and ideas that could completely undermine the church and its reputation. The story opens our eyes to the inner workings of one of the largest, most powerful religions in the world. The Holy Spirit is supposed to guide the conclave of cardinals and, depending on how you view the results, it may have done exactly that.
After a long day of hard work, sometimes you need a little something to take the edge off. In the coal country of central and eastern Pennsylvania, Lithuanian and Belarusian immigrants used the “coal miner’s cure”: boilo, modeled after Lithuanian krupnika, which combines vodka, honey, spices, vanilla, and citrus peel, and then is left to age. Krupnika, usually sipped at room temperature, is common at wintertime Slavic celebrations and holidays. Boilo, served hot like a toddy, is sipped right away. Given how easy it is to make at home, it’s a fun project to share with friends on any given winter night.
About Boilo
Boilo is often served in a batch, however, this recipe makes only one drink. If you prefer to batch it, double or triple the ingredients. You can buy it ready-made if you’d rather taste someone else’s. Coal Country Boilo, a woman-owned company in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, sells boilo batch kits that take out the guesswork. But when I learned about it, I wanted to try it myself.
Like many recipes with strong folk traditions behind them, however, the measurements are inexact. Think about your audience when you decide how much moonshine to put in there: easy does it for the uninitiated. I used Honest Hillbilly, a clear whiskey from Pittsburgh-based Lucky Sign Spirits. I love Lucky Sign’s liquor, and Honest Hillbilly remains faithful to pre-prohibition methods of distillation. Lucky Sign’s goal was to “reclaim” moonshine, often used as a pejorative, as a part of Appalachian and American history on the whole. So, I thought it would be perfect for Boilo. But you can use whichever liquor you like. Some people use ginger ale in their Boilo, some swear by Four Queens whiskey, but at the end of the day, the best Boilo is the one you develop for yourself on a chilly winter evening.
In the 1700s, people went crazy for gin. No, really. The “Gin Craze” was a historical event, when suddenly common people were drinking liquor, which was previously only enjoyed by the upper classes. Daniel Defoe, a British author at the time, commented that “the Distillers have found out a way to hit the palate of the Poor.” British paupers made gin in bathtubs and sinks. Wheelbarrows clattered across the cobblestones of British cities, herbaceous liquor sloshing in rusted metal. Dutch leader William of Orange’s soldiers got drunk on it. Middlesex magistrates called it “the principal cause of all the vice & debauchery committed among the inferior sort of people.” Many died. But the cat was out of the bag, so to speak: aqua vitae, liquor infused with herbs, could be made by anyone.
In other parts of the world, liquor like vodka was enjoyed by everyone. But in Britain, the wealthy drank wine and brandy and the poor drank beer, until gin came around. However, people of all stripes have gone on to enjoy versatile gin as one of the most versatile cocktail mixers. We’ve set out to break down the basics of gin and why it’s remained so beloved over the years.
What is Gin?
In the broadest possible definition, it’s a neutral spirit infused with botanicals. What separates it from other herbal liqueurs like amaro is that the dominant botanical is juniper. “Some people say it tastes like pine, or like ‘Christmas,’” Vance Henderson, a brand ambassador from Hendrick’s Gin told TABLE. Henderson noted that people often love it or hate it. “Gin’s nucleus is the juniper,” he said. Its origins come from genever, a Dutch spirit from the 11th century still made today in the Netherlands.
Like vodka, gin gets its qualities from the container the distillers use and how many distillations it goes through. Each brand and style has its own process, but a basic distillation process looks a little something like this, from York Gin:
It might look like a Rube Goldberg machine, but this is a fairly simple chemical process that distillers customize depending on how much of each botanical they want your palate to experience.
Old Tom gin falls somewhere in between genever and modern London Dry gin, and is much closer to the grain-derived spirit the Brits were drinking in the 1700s. Because grain spirits became hard to come by in England, gin evolved into coming from a neutral spirit and essentially becoming flavored vodka.
If you’re really brave, Navy-Proof Gin comes in at 57% alcohol—enough for a soldier to spill it on gunpowder and light the powder. Nowadays, this overproof gin is mostly used to stand up to other elements in mixed drinks.
Meet the Brands
Because it’s not as highly regulated or as specific as whiskey, there’s a lot of brand loyalty. A Tanqueray drinker probably won’t want Bombay Sapphire, and an Empress 1908 drinker probably won’t enjoy Plymouth. To show just how diverse gin can be, take a look at some of these brands and their botanicals:
Hendrick’s, a Scottish brand which uses rose and cucumber at the end of the distillation process to give it a unique flavor. Vance Henderson described Hendricks’s strategy as “to zig when other brands zag”—they
Bombay Sapphire, with its trademark shade of blue, is one of the most recognizable brands. It uses ten ingredients: almond, lemon peel, liquorice, lemon peel, juniper berries, orris root, angelica, coriander, cassia, cubeb, and grains of paradise.
Plymouth, made in Plymouth, England, has an earthier flavor than London dry. It’s both the name of a brand and its own style.
Silent Pool, made with a whopping 24 botanicals that create a bergamot and citrus aroma and a fresh flavor.
Los Poblanos, an independently owned brand in New Mexico specializes in a lavender-based spirit. It has royal Velvet, Provence, Munstead and Buena Vista lavender combined alongside additional botanicals including hollyhock, orange, rose and lemongrass.
Empress 1908 has a number of bottles available, but one of their most prevalent is Indigo that contains eight signature botanicals, including the butterfly pea blossom that gives it its vibrant colors.
Why Drink Gin?
While most other clear spirits you can mix with just about any other spirit, gin is more complex and stands on its own. Its aromatics are comparable to wine’s in complexity. Sometimes just smelling it is enough, before it even hits your tongue. Gin’s connection to history is part of its appeal—it can make you feel sophisticated and Victorian, part of a larger story and something bigger than yourself.
For more, check out the rest of our liquor education series:
2025 was particularly strong for Déco Off, the annual show in January where fabric and wall covering showrooms in Paris pull out all the stops and show off their latest. It occurs at the same time as Maison et Objet (which I also covered), so it’s an extraordinarily busy time.
The View from Paris’s Déco Off Showrooms
My first stop was a spectacular installation by Pierre Frey in Saint Germain, where he took over a derelict hotel, the Hôtel de Guise, to show off his new Deserts collection. Each room was more beautiful than the previous one, spread out on three floors. Frey managed to put layer upon layer without it ever looking overdone. (Although minimalists were probably a bit put off!)
Jim Thompson showed an impressive number of new collections, including new Ikats (a resist-dyeing technique with strong history in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, as well as Central and South America) for which he is justifiably famous). Ikats both real and simulated showed up in many (many!) places, in forms both traditional and fresh. It was interesting to see how something so specific and so well-known can present so many personalities, depending on how it is treated.
Jim Thompson’s textile work.
New York-based Lori Weitzner presented a new collection inspired by the Alhambra, including a print, Darro, inspired by floor tiles there. She also showed me some sustainable paper wall tiles made from abaca pulp that were captivating in their simplicity
Sahco, now owned by Kvadrat, displayed lots of snakeskin prints (it is, after all, the Chinese Year of the Snake), shown alongside an appealing graphic weave and some solids. They also debuted a new wool and modal fabric that they draped artfully around the showroom.
Prints and Patterns on Full Display
My first full day of appointments began at Schumacher on Rue Jacob, a stretch of charm where a cluster of the showrooms showing during Déco Off are located. There were many gems to be found there, including collections by Johanna Ortiz and Timothy Corrigan. Ms. Ortiz presented an always-welcome updated take on the tropical chic, another staple of Parisian design.
Johanna Ortiz’s interior at Schumacher.
Both Samuel and Sons and Houlès debuted charming trims, and managed to make this kind of old-fashioned element look entirely modern. Samuel & Sons’ Kaleidoscope was passementerie reinvented, and Ilana picked up on the eyelash theme I’d seen around town. Houlès’ Sofia braid trim took the snake theme in a whole new direction.
Several trends appeared in various forms, including scary creatures (gargoyles, griffins, snakes); all sorts of representations of eyelashes (prints, lace, etc.); basically linen everything (this is Paris, after all); faux suedes and velvets; luxe outdoor fabrics that look every bit as appealing as their indoor counterparts; wall coverings and paneling made from wood, cork, water hyacinth, and other natural materials.
Another thread (silk, I suppose) I picked up on was corn. At least two manufacturers (Schumacher and Barry Dixon for Vervain) showed prints inspired by or made from prints of ears of the stuff.
At the bar at Hôtel de Crillon, a 33€ “corn forward” cocktail was on offer from the Autumn Harvest menu. It’s a mix of rye whiskey, corn, sherry, pecans, citrus juice, and clarified milk, described as “a clarified milk punch that captures the sweet, mellow essence of corn milk, offering a smooth and soothing sip.”
Photo by Cris Barnett
Santé! Until next year, Paris designers.
Story by Stephen Treffinger Photo courtesy of Pierre Frey
Pisces, symbolized by two fish bound together at the tail but swimming in opposite directions, represents duality immortalized in the celestial sphere. As the final sign of the zodiacal wheel, Pisces marks the Sun’s last journey through the heavens before the astrological new year begins at the spring equinox. This positioning gives Pisces a unique perspective – one that carries the accumulated wisdom of the entire zodiacal cycle.
Pisces, the Navigator
The Piscean nature expresses itself through gentleness and adaptability, rarely manifesting as harsh or unyielding. Those born under this sign often display a natural affinity for fluid movements and organic forms, finding comfort in environments that eschew rigid structures and sharp edges. Their appreciation extends to music, art, dance, and any pursuit where grace and fluidity are valued.
This inherent flexibility, while a source of creative and emotional strength, can sometimes manifest as difficulty in maintaining firm boundaries or making definitive decisions. Pisces may find themselves drifting between options, reluctant to commit to a single path when they can sense the merit in multiple directions.
Yet this sign’s connection to the fertile period of early spring reveals its great potential. Just as the Earth awakens with new life during this season, Pisces possesses the beguiling ability to nurture growth in whatever sphere they choose to focus their attention. This generative quality allows them to bring creative projects and personal aspirations to fruition, even if the path there isn’t always linear.
Pisces and the Seasons
As with the other signs, it’s important to note that the sign of Pisces and the constellation of Pisces are not the same thing. Constellations are groups of stars visible in the night sky, while zodiacal signs are equal divisions of the Sun’s apparent path throughout the year, known as the ecliptic. The zodiacal signs are linked to the seasons, not the stars themselves.
The twelve zodiacal signs can be grouped into three categories based on their relationship to the seasons. The cardinal signs mark the beginning of each season and are associated with change and new beginnings. The fixed signs fall in the middle of each season and are known for their stability, determination, and resolute nature. Lastly, the mutable signs stand between the close of one season and the start of the next. These signs are associated with adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to navigate change with ease.
As a mutable sign, Pisces presides over the transition between winter and spring, embodying the fluid nature of this seasonal shift. This transitional quality is fundamental to your nature, dear Pisces. You excel in environments that allow for flexibility and adaptation, where rigid structures give way to more organic processes.
The mutable mind of Pisces often finds itself navigating between different states, much like the season it represents – neither fully winter nor completely spring. This adaptability grants you remarkable versatility but can sometimes make it challenging to establish firm foundations. Your fluid nature allows you to bridge different worlds and perspectives, making you an invaluable mediator and creative problem-solver.
New Goals for Pisces
Establish practical routines: While your adaptable nature is a strength, creating consistent daily practices can help ground your energy. Consider implementing a morning ritual that combines both structure and flexibility – perhaps a gentle exercise routine followed by creative visualization.
Develop decision-making frameworks: Your ability to see multiple perspectives is valuable, but can sometimes lead to decision paralysis. Create a simple system for evaluating choices, perhaps using a journal to track your intuitive responses alongside practical considerations.
Hold your sensitivity productively: Your heightened awareness of environments and emotions is a tool that can be refined. Practice setting aside specific times for absorbing and processing information, balanced with periods of focused action.
What Qualities Does Pisces Have?
The zodiac signs carry distinct qualities connected to both their elemental nature and seasonal position. Pisces, as a water sign, is associated with the phlegmatic temperament – cool and moist in nature. This manifests as adaptability, emotional receptivity, and an intuitive understanding of environments and relationships.
In the phlegmatic temperament, we see Pisces’ characteristic ability to flow around obstacles rather than confronting them directly. This quality grants them exceptional emotional intelligence and adaptability, though it can sometimes lead to taking the path of least resistance rather than what might be most beneficial in the long term.
The mutable quality of Pisces adds another layer to this phlegmatic nature. While all water signs share certain traits, Pisces’ mutability makes them particularly responsive to their environment. This combination can create individuals who are highly empathetic and adaptable, but who may need to consciously develop their ability to maintain boundaries and personal stability.
When it comes to diet and wellness, Pisces benefits from foods that help balance their cool, moist nature. While they may naturally gravitate toward comfortable, familiar foods, incorporating warming and slightly drying elements can help maintain equilibrium. This is especially important during transitions between seasons, when their mutable nature makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes.
Best Foods to Balance Pisces
For most seasons, these foods are good for supporting the phlegmatic temperament associated with Pisces:
Land proteins: Duck (especially when roasted, as it provides warming qualities), pasture-raised chicken, lean lamb, and turkey. These meats offer protein while providing varying degrees of warming properties.
Seafood: Wild-caught fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Also includes warming shellfish like oysters and mussels, which provide zinc and minerals that support metabolic function.
Grains: Traditional warming grains like steel-cut oats, organic quinoa, and millet. These provide sustained energy while being easily digestible and offering warming properties to counter phlegmatic tendencies.
Plant foods: Deeply colored root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots; warming alliums like garlic and onions; nutrient-dense leafy greens including kale and spinach; and warming fruits like ginger-spiced pears and stewed apples.
Fermented foods: Natural probiotics like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and aged cheeses, which support gut health while providing warming properties.
Beverages: Fresh ginger tea with honey, turmeric golden milk, cinnamon-spiced drinks, and warming broths made with medicinal mushrooms and herbs.
Warming spirits (if desired): Small amounts of aged spirits like cognac or whiskey, or full-bodied red wines rich in resveratrol.
Spices and herbs: Warming spices like ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon; digestive aids like cardamom and fennel; immune-supporting herbs like thyme and sage.
In the autumn and winter months, when the phlegmatic temperament may need more warmth and dryness to stay in good health, it’s advisable to emphasize these foods:
Land proteins: Grass-fed beef, venison, and organic turkey dark meat, which provide additional warming properties needed in cold seasons.
Seafood: Rich fish like black cod and halibut, plus warming shellfish like shrimp and scallops.
Grains: Buckwheat, rye, and wild rice, which offer more warming properties than summer grains.
Plant foods: Hardy winter vegetables like parsnips and turnips; spicy greens like arugula and watercress; medicinal mushrooms like reishi and shiitake; mineral-rich sea vegetables.
For cool tempered Pisces, a Smoked Bourbon Old Fashioned is just what this sign needs. Warming spirits like bourbon are exactly what helps support Pisces when the changing of the seasons occurs. When vulnerability comes about, mix up this cocktail for a way to bring Pisces to their senses.
Pisces’ appetizer/starter comes in the form of Grilled Oysters with Roasted Green Chile. Shellfish are great for this sign no matter what season it is. The addition of green chile here is an intense blow of dry heat that really assists Pisces in the autumn and winter. But don’t worry, the familiarity of fresh cracked black pepper is great for this sign’s phlegmatic temperament.
Powerful protein is a fueling source for Pisces and adds another source of warmth. Our Crispy Chicken Thighs with Leeks and Mushrooms combines that needed protein with part of the onion family and medicinal mushrooms. Here Pisces gets a little of everything that they need, pulling from elements of the cooler and warmer months.
As a side, this Winter Greens Salad offers a combination of root vegetables, spicy greens, leafy greens, and hardy winter vegetables. Parisian carrots, arugula, lettuce, turnips, kale, and red onion hit all the checkmarks for plant foods in all seasons. Plus, the vinaigrette uses lemon juice, hemp seeds, dill, garlic, and scallion for extra warming and healing properties.
No matter where your birthday falls within Pisces, this Apple Tarte Tatin with Homemade Puff Pastry contributes to the comfort that this sign desires. Apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a toasty puff pastry heats up Pisces’ heart. It’s also a dessert that takes time and care to make, which Pisces will appreciate.
Bio
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 and 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.
This is the perfect soup for those months in fall and spring when you think it’s still a little too warm for soup season, but you nonetheless need something warm and comforting. We served it at our end of summer party on one of the last warm evenings of September. Curry Squash Soup will warm you up just enough, like the soup equivalent of a light jacket or sweater.
The History of Curry
The word “curry” comes from the Tamil word kari, which means “sauce.” Scholars think people started eating it around 2500 BCE in Pakistan, making it older than Christianity, much older than the United States, and more venerable than most other types of food. It’s “spiced meat, fish or vegetable stew,” as defined by Colleen Sen in her book Curry: A Global History, but from there, there are countless variations.
Whether it’s Japanese curry rice, Trinidadian curry goat, or Thai pumpkin curry, people around the world enjoy it. It has earned a place in many cooking traditions in part because of Silk Road trade routes linking Asian, Middle Eastern, and European cultures together. Spice made up a valuable and fascinating part of Silk Road commerce. Later, British colonization of the Indian subcontinent brought curry to the Caribbean and Europe. Indian traders and residents strongly influenced the cuisine of East Africa, the Indonesian archipelago, and Indochina.
Many cultures shaped curry dishes to suit their own tastes, and honestly, we love it in ALL its forms. With this Curry Squash Soup, you can enjoy a vegan dish that strikes a balance between simple techniques and inventive ingredients.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Split squash length wise and place cut side down on a foil wrapped sheet tray.
Rub the outer skin with oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Roast for 45 minutes or until tender to the touch. The skin will become hard like a shell.
Flip the squash over on the sheet tray and allow to cool while preparing the remaining ingredients.
In a separate pot over medium-high heat add the remaining olive oil, onions, fennel, garlic and spices.
Allow onions and fennel to lightly caramelized, golden color.
Scoop the squash from the skin and add to the onion mixture. Add the vegetable stock and remaining ingredients.
Stir mixture to fully incorporate ingredients.
Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Stir to keep ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Turn heat off and purée soup using an immersion blender, purée until smooth. If the soup is thickening too much, add small amounts of vegetable stock at a time until you reach a smooth light consistency.
Season with additional salt as needed.
For the coriander crème:
Combine all ingredients and mix throughly until homogenous.
Reserve for plating.
For the pepita brittle:
In a heavy bottom sauce pot on medium-high heat, add the sugar and water. Mix until all sugar is wet. Place over heat and allow to cook, without touching it, until the bottom begins to caramelize.
Gently add pepita and spices.
Turn to low heat and allow to cook for 8 minutes until the temperature reaches 300 degrees. Stir to keep seeds from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Allow mixture to cool for 2 minutes.
Pour onto a parchment lined sheet tray. It may help to lightly oil the parchment paper, or use a non-stick baking mat.
Allow brittle to cool completely. Break into bite size pieces. Keep remaining brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for futurist snacking. You may want to make extra just for snacking.
For plating:
Pour 8 oz of soup in your cup.
Add a dollop of coriander crème, top with brittle bites.
Last year, I went to the Louvre for the first time in 30 years or so and it was a revelation. How could I have waited so long? It’s wonky, it’s cavernous, it’s oddly laid out. It’s glorious. On view now and through July is a spectacular show called Louvre Couture / Art and fashion: statement pieces, couture creations displayed in beautiful rooms. Get your Mona Lisa fill (go early and run once you get in) then head straight to these spots afterwards. After a couple of hours of museum wandering, you’ll be hungry and maybe in need of some caffeine. Fortunately, there are several winning spots within walking distance that can satisfy your every gastronomic need.
Coffee and tea shop on the ground floor, charming cafe on the 1st floor. The food is excellent and the cafe space is delightful. A real find in the area when you want a yummy breakfast or lunch. (I had poached eggs with toast soldiers and it was perfect!)
Finding great vegan food in Paris is easier than in some other places, and this chain is among the most delightful. Spare, clean decor and an excellent menu. (Try the BBQ jackfruit sandwich!) plus juices and other treats to take away.
The recently-opened cafe is stunning. You’ll find classics and reinterpretations that dazzle in both flavor and presentation. The restaurant encourages dining early, skipping the usual aperitif and getting out the door in plenty of time for the theater or opera. Check out the breakfast and brasserie menus . . .
If you need something fast and sweet, this one of the best bakeries in Paris. (I have a list of others, but that’s another story.) Everything is delicious and very beautiful.
One of those places that might be touristy but you have to try it at least once. They’re famous for supremely decadent hot cocoa that comes with a bowl of whipped cream (as if it weren’t rich enough to begin with. Very Parisian!)
Story by Stephen Treffinger Photo courtesy of Angelina Paris
Super Bowl LIX 2025 is set to be an intense showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs so you’re going to want to have a few cocktails handy for the action. Whether you’re gathering with friends, family, or staying home alone so you can yell at the TV as loud as you want, our Eagles and Chiefs cocktails are the ultimate form of team support. Plus, they both respectfully represent the great cities these teams are from with an ode to Philadelphia’s food scene and Kansas City’s cocktail specialties.
When, Where, and How Can I Watch Super Bowl LIX?
Super Bowl LIX kicks off February 9 at 6:30 p.m. EST inside the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game is going to be on major networks like CBS, FOX, or NBC but you’ll want to double check your local listings for any exclusive content. Streaming options are also available through services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other platforms that offer live television viewing.
Who is Performing at Super Bowl LIX?
While the competition between the Eagles and Chiefs are the main show, football and music fans are excited for Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime show. After coming away from the Grammys with five wins for his song Not Like Us (also known as his latest diss on Drake), there’s no telling what songs Lamar will perform, though we’re sure his Grammy hit will be one of them. You can expect his time to start around 8-8:30 p.m. EST and for singer SZA to join him on stage.
Did you know Kansas City actually has a signature cocktail? It’s called the Horsefeather. Wile it may not have originated in Kansas City, it sure has become a staple. A Horsefeather is essentially like a Moscow mule but a bit bolder and drier. Our version of the Horsefeather cocktail for the Kansas City Chiefs is pretty similar to the original recipe but it utilizes various local ingredients and changes up some measurements to make sure you have fun this Sunday. Plus, if alcohol is not quite what you want on game day, you can always substitute the rye whiskey for an NA version, or completely omit it if you prefer. The combination of ginger beer, lemon juice, and bitters is just as delicious and comes without the hangover.
What better representation is there of Philadelphia than the Philly Cheesesteak? This iconic sandwich is full of savory beef slices, provolone cheese, peppers, and onions all on a soft, cushiony bun. That’s exactly what we set out to make with this With Whiz Cocktail. The multiple layers of the cocktail showcase Philly Cheesesteak fat-washed Hornitos Blanco, red and green pepper syrup, lemon, and a provolone cheese foam on top. Talk about filling up on a drink for your meal! The end product is slightly savory with a briney aftertaste as the foam works to bring everything together. Just be sure you make your fat-washed Hornitos Blanco a few days prior to the big game on Sunday.
