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Turmeric Lemon Beignets

By
Emma Riva
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0
Powdered sugar topped beignets sit in a black bowl while a plate of beignets sits unfocused in the back.

Are donuts not your thing? Our Turmeric Lemon Beignets is a spin on a French and Cajun beignet recipe. It combines the vibrant flavors of turmeric and lemon to create a unique and unforgettable treat. It’s sweet and decadent but also savory, with the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric.

About Beignets

The word beignet literally means “bump,” fitting to the shape of this adorable pastry. They originated in France, but really rose to prominence in New Orleans with French colonists coming to the American South. They’ve become a big part of Creole cooking, and are a great thing to eat for Mardi Gras, when the whole point is to gorge yourself on fattening decadence before a lean Lent. If Turmeric Lemon Beignets don’t take you all the way to that party time feeling, try our Mardi Gras cocktails.

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Powdered sugar topped beignets sit in a black bowl while a plate of beignets sits unfocused in the back.

Turmeric Lemon Beignets

  • Author: Gabe Gomez
Print Recipe

Description

A new way to enjoy donuts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup warm whole milk, about 100°F
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Whisk well and set aside for approximately 10 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.
  2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the eggs until smooth. Add warm milk and continue beating. Gradually mix in flour until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the yeast mixture. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Add butter, turmeric powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
  4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 2 hours.
  5. In a large enameled cast-iron pan, heat vegetable oil to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
  6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 1/4-inch thick square. Cut the dough into two-inch squares.
  7. Carefully slip the dough squares into the hot oil and fry them until they puff up and turn golden brown. Transfer the beignets to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  8. Dust the freshly fried beignets with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately.

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Story by Gabe Gomez
Photo courtesy of Keesha’s Kitchen

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6 Cocktails for Mardi Gras

By
Emma Riva
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0
Two cocktails brown in color in square rocks glasses

Mardi Gras is the explosive party right before Lent where over a million tourists come to the city of New Orleans to celebrate with locals on Bourbon Street in the French quarter. While the colorful beads and masks can be a little gaudy, there’s an undeniable mystique to New Orleans with its mixture of French, Spanish, and African cultures that together form the Cajun and Creole subcultures. New Orleans’ magic has enchanted everyone from Anne Rice in Interview with the Vampire to Tennessee Williams in A Streetcar Named Desire.

Whether you’re traveling or just want to celebrate at home, here are six Mardi Gras cocktails to indulge. You can also pair them with a spread of Mardi Gras recipes from New Orleans’ long history.

6 Cocktails for Mardi Gras

Sazerac

Two cocktails brown in color in square rocks glasses

The Sazerac is the “official cocktail of New Orleans.” It originated on Royal Street at the Sazerac Coffee House, hence its name. While it’s similar to an Old-Fashioned, it uses rye instead of bourbon, and what makes it special is the absinthe-washed glass you serve it in. For many, it’s their first introduction to absinthe, and it’s a popular “bartender’s choice” cocktail around the world.

Absinthe Spritz

An absinthe spritz on a white background

Absinthe was once thought to make you go mad, and while it doesn’t exactly have psychedelic effects, it does get you pretty, let’s say, impaired. But, for better or worse, that’s part of the Mardi Gras tradition. This Absinthe Spritz waters the spirit down a little bit and elevates it into the spritz craze of the 2020’s. But, reader beware: Serve this to someone expecting an Aperol Spritz and they may be in for more than they bargained for.  Get ready for a visit from the absinthe fairy…

Sidecar

Two orange, yellow cocktails in coupe glasses. sidecar cocktail

Like the Sazerac, the Sidecar has its roots in the bars of New Orleans. While the English colonists were busy being Puritans, the French and Spanish brought their love of liquor and revelery to New Orleans. And the world of American craft cocktails is all the better for it. The Sidecar originated in Europe, but found its way to New Orleans in the 1800s, and is a perfect Mardi Gras cocktail to transport you to the smoky streets of the Garden District.

Spicy Thai Pimms Cup

Golden cocktails with fresh herbs, spices, and garnishes make up a Spicy Thai Pimms Cup on a bar.

The Pimm’s Cup is the house drink at Napoleon House in the French Quarter of New Orleans, despite Pimm’s being a British liqueur. This is for those who might want to deviate from the brown liquor and try something a little healthier (or as healthy as alcohol can be, anyway). Our Spicy Thai Pimm’s Cup uses jalapeño infusions for a fun, spicy twist.

Strawberry Daiquiri

Two tall glasses hold strawberry daiquiris, frozen and topped with strawberries and lime slices as more strawberry and lime slices lay on the table below.

This daiquiri is colorful and expressive, just like the vibe of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.  The daiquiri also has a mixture of Caribbean and Spanish influences, originally coming from Cuba. When you’re drinking a daiquiri, it’s hard to be worried about anything in life. That’s the true spirit of Mardi Gras.

Gin Fizz with Rizz

The Gin Fizz with Rizz: A tall, thin highball glass with a cocktail topped with champagne on a black background with a gold cocktail shaker, lemon, and the bottle cork as styling elements.

Guess what? This is another cocktail America has the bohemian culture of New Orleans bars to thank for. (What did the thirteen colonies bring to the party? The Protestant work ethic and smallpox?) Henry C. Ramos invented the Ramos gin fizz in 1888 at his bar, the Imperial Cabinet Saloon on Gravier Steet in New Orleans. Since then, there have been many takes on it, but ours has “rizz,” perfect for Mardi Gras if you’re on the hunt for someone to try your rizz out on in the Bourbon Street bar crawls.

Story by Emma Riva

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Must-Try Wines in 2025

By
Emma Riva
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0
A glass of wine on a green background

We’re a month and a half into 2025, and, given the weather, we may be looking for a lift. Trying a few new wines is a lovely way to change up your routine and elevate the cocktail and dinner hours. TABLE’s wine expert Adam Knoerzer suggests 4 must-try bottles.

Must-Try Wines in 2025

Sparkling

Ken Forrester “Sparklehorse” 2019 (Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Made entirely of chenin blanc, this Cap Classique is aged for 18 months on the lees, plus an additional couple of years in bottle, and offers a rich mouthful of creamy bubbles redolent of baked apple, pie crust, and pear tart.

White

Galen Glen Stone Cellar Riesling 2022 (Lehigh Valley, PA)

Some critics out there have called this Pennsylvania’s best white wine, and it’s hard to argue with that. It’s simultaneously rich in aromatics and flavors of citrus, peach, and apple. But, it remains razor sharp and light on the palate and finishes dry, too. It’s plenty juicy and delightful now, but you can hang onto this for years if you want a more honeyed and richer expression. 

Rosé

GD Vajra Rosabella 2023 (Langhe, Italy)

While we often gravitate toward southern France for pink wines, head instead to Piedmont, Italy, for this absolute delight. Made from Nebbiolo, the powerful red grape of Barolo and Barbaresco, this rosato is a gem thanks to its aromas and flavors of red raspberries, tart grapefruit, and zesty apple. This wine is incredibly food-friendly, too, and makes an excellent partner for charcuterie.

Red

Bodegas Vegalfaro “Caprasia Anfora” Bobal Crianza 2020 (Utiel-Requena, Spain)

It’s hard to believe this kind of quality comes at such a low price, but that’s often the case with Spanish wines – including this Bobal from the Valencia region. If you like dark fruits (think blackberries, mulberries, plums) with a hint of toastiness and herbs like lavender, this wine is for you. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and it’s made from organic grapes to boot.

Story by Adam Knoerzer
Photo by Lia Bekyan

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Is There a Good Foie Gras Alternative?

By
Emma Riva
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0
A vegan alternative to foie gras sits on a white plate on a white background

Foie gras is a great example of a food that’s more appetizing if you don’t know how it’s made. To get the best goose liver, farmers force-feed geese through a process called gavage—which includes using a tube into the protesting animals’ open mouths.

Is There a Good Foie Gras Alternative?

India, Australia, Israel, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, among others have all banned foie gras production. French law claims that foie gras is part of France’s cultural and gastronomic heritage, however. If you love the taste, but hate the cruelty, is there a path forward? At TABLE, we wondered: is there a good foie gras alternative out there?

A map of countries that have banned foie gras.
Countries where foie gras is banned in red, countries known for producing it in blue. Courtesy of Wikipedia.

Meat Alternatives to Foie Gras

There are a couple of approaches to an alternative foie gras. First, while my country of heritage, Switzerland, has banned foie gras, they also get a lot of French tourists. So, they had to come up with some alternatives, and plant-based isn’t a very popular option in Central Europe. Happy Foie out of Switzerland produces geese liver very similar in texture to foie gras, but without the cruelty of force-feeding.

Additionally, Foie Fin is goose liver without the exaggerated fat concentration, significantly less expensive but similar in texture. This is another Swiss innovation, sold at the Swiss grocery chain Migros.

An infused chicken liver is another route to go, suggested by chefs in the state of California, which banned foie gras.

Plant-Based Foie Gras

If you want a plant-based foie gras alternative, Voie Gras is a limited release, plant-based version from Nestlé, made using miso paste. “Faux gras” is a French recipe made of tempeh. Full Plants has a recipe with raw cashews, cocoa butter, nutritional yeast, and Cognac. Nuts and mushrooms mimic the fatty texture and rich flavor of foie gras…and no geese are involved.

Is there cruelty in the harvesting of cashews or the production of cocoa butter? Whatever the mean factor of those activities might be, it’s better than geese with feeding tubes. It’s also likely better for your health. If you really can’t live without foie gras, it’s worth it to know that alternatives are out there.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of Four Paws International

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Best Winter Comfort Food Recipes

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A chicken wild rice soup dish on a white background.

There are still weeks and weeks left before a glimmer of green and a whisper of warmth lightens the gloom of winter. We crave comfort. So, what do we do? Give in? Never. We light the oven and get busy in the kitchen. We feed our friends and family. And in that loving gesture we find comfort. Double down on the comfort food with these farm-to-table recipes that start with preserved goods, meats and winter produce from local farm stores. Some farm stores are even open all year long, so keep them on your shopping list even in winter.

Best Winter Comfort Food Recipes

Apple & Mustard Braised Pork

Apple mustard braised pork staged with bowls of Shenot's mustard.

Vidalia sweet onion mustard relish and jalapeño mustard bring bold flavors to this braised pork dish. Apples and apple cider also come into play, and the aromatic magic of caraway seeds helps, too. Pork shoulder, raised with care and principle, gets lifted into next level flavor with no trouble at all! All you have to do is get the ingredients and the rest is easy-peasy.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A chicken wild rice soup dish on a white background.

Jennifer Schwalm of Goodness Grows Farm shares an old family recipe! This soup was made of Thanksgiving leftovers and taken to hunting camp to sustain the fathers and sons out looking for deer. It’s simple, homey goodness will sustain you, too, whether you start with the bones of a leftover turkey or a couple of chickens you prepared for dinner and keep in the freezer to make soup.

One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo

A plate of chicken meatballs in creamy orzo, staged on a white table.

Nothing beats homemade, and that goes for meatballs, too. These fresh, light meatballs get their start with basil chicken sausage. The rest is simple: seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a fun in the kitchen with the kids to shape the meatballs. In no time at all you will marvel at the deliciousness.

Roasted Brussels Sprout and Balsamic Onion Galette

A Brussels sprout galette with red onion on it, cut into triangular slices.

We started this beauty off with a lovely pie crust mix. Layered on top are red onions simmered in balsamic vinegar, and shredded mozzarella and Meadow Delight cheeses. After a little time in a hot oven, you have a delicious Meatless Monday entrée which you can enjoy with a glass of dry Erie region white wine.

Winter Greens Salad

A plate of salad on a white background, paired with vinaigrette.

Fresh winter greens completely change the way you think of salads in the season of snow. Try this salad and you will be as impressed as we were with the beauty and flavor of Parisian carrots, turnips, kale, and arugula. Goodbye to boring iceberg lettuce in a bag.

Winter Veggie Bake

A bowl of Winter Veggie Bake with honeynut squash and cauliflower sits with a wood spoon inside it on a picnic table.

Winter vegetables like honeynut squash and cauliflower distill the power of sun and soil into edible form … and their sustaining magic never fails to delight! This winter delight adds Italian sausage, a lovely white wine sauce, and grated cheeses. The results? A memorable side dish or a stand-alone entrée.

Recipes and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Cocktail Recipes for Your 2025 Grammy Nominees

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
2 orange cocktail in rocks glasses on a black surface with dehydrated orange slices as garnish. The front cocktail is being poured by a woman's hand

The 2025 Grammy Awards are right around the corner and we’re cheering on our favorite nominees with a matching cocktail! On February 2nd, we’ll be glued to our screens watching music’s biggest night, celebrating the year’s top artists, and anticipating who will take home those gold gramophones. But why just watch when you can elevate your Grammy viewing experience with a delicious cocktail in hand inspired by who wins? So, mix up a drink, put on your best party outfit (even if it’s just your favorite PJs), and let’s toast to another incredible year of music.

Cocktail Recipes for Your 2025 Grammy Nominees

Taylor Swift’s Shake Up the Lover 

2 tall narrow orange cocktails with a pick sugar petal and raspberry garnish with a deep red background, Taylor Swift cocktails

It’s no surprise pop goddess Taylor Swift appears all over the 2025 Grammy Nominees list. This year she’ll be going for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Pop Vocal Album of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Pop Duo/Group Performance of the Year with Gracie Abrams. We’re throwing it back to her old hits with our Shake Up the Lover cocktail. It’s a sweet symphony of sparkling water, passion fruit simple syrup, triple sec, lime juice, and vodka. We also include a raspberry for garnish in honor of her use of classic, bright red colors. All you have to do is shake it up, shake it up. 

Teddy Swims’ Smokin’ Hot Teddy

Two glasses hold a hot toddy orange liquid with lemon slices inside and a smoking cinnamon stick on top to represent Teddy Swims in a cocktail.

If you’ve heard Best New Artist nominee Teddy Swims’ song Lose Control, you’ve probably lost yourself in his gritty, passionate vocals. The unique sound of his voice that is so mesmerizing to hear comes from years of smoking and drinking. While his habits have slowed down, he’s still a fan of a mix of tequila and whiskey which inspired our Smokin’ Hot Teddy recipe. It’s warm and soothing, much like many of Teddy’s songs. Just be sure you don’t have one too many: that ends in a sobbing session to his album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy. 

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet

A limoncello spritzer cocktail on a white background

She’s short (5 foot to be exact), sweet, and always ready for the bright spirits of a limoncello spritzer. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ‘n Sweet is tangy, fizzy, and fun, much like her album from last year. While you may know her from Disney Channel, this actress is making big waves in the pop scene with her spicy lyrics and stunning smile. This year she’s up for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Engineered Album. Plus, her songwriter, Amy Allen is up for an award as well. 

Post Malone’s Sunflower

2 orange cocktail in rocks glasses on a black surface with dehydrated orange slices as garnish. The front cocktail is being poured by a woman's hand

Even years after his artist premiere, Post Malone is still stealing the hearts of listeners everywhere. His reach goes beyond his own music too as many of his collaborations are up for awards this year. We’re honoring one of our favorite Posty songs, Sunflower, with a summer-loving cocktail thanks to the homemade lemon simple syrup. Think of a classic Screwdriver Highball with the less acidic elements of a Cosmopolitan. At the 2025 Grammy Awards he’ll be vying for Record of the Year, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year for his feature with Taylor Swift, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Beyoncé, Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Country Song with Morgan Wallen, Best Country Album, Best Recording Package, and his songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon is also up for an award.

Beyoncé’s Queen B(ee) and Prickly Pear

a look in on a light green tile surface and white background of a dark pink cocktail in a tall glass with mint, blueberry and watermelon garnish, and a honey yellow cocktail tin a stemmed glass garnished with honeycomb and a drip of honey from a honey stir stick held by a woman. Beyoncé cocktail

Last year was a big year for our Queen B, Beyoncé. She’s strolling into the country music scene and is absolutely killing it. While we still get the pop royalty we all know and love, this move to country music shows us a different side of Beyoncé. Our Queen B(ee) and Prickly Pear cocktails show off the versatility of this singer with one being sweet and the other being tangy. They’re the perfect marriage of all eras of Beyoncé’s life from Destiny’s Child to Cowboy Carter.

This year, she’s tearing up the artist list with nominations in Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Post Malone, Best Melodic Rap Performance, Best Country Solo Performance, Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Miley Cyrus, Best Country Song, Best Country Album, and Best Americana Performance. Even without including her songwriter RAYE’s nomination and her producer Ian Fitchuk’s nomination, it puts her at a whopping 11 nominations.

Ariana Grande’s Defying Gravity

In a coupe glass sits a Defying Gravity Wicked cocktail white in color while the glass is tangled in a vine.

Ariana Grande’s role in Wicked as Glinda may have been a bit of a distraction from her releases of 2025 but the Grammy Awards were certain to spot her talent. While we don’t have a cocktail for her own music, we do have one that celebrates her success and incredible voice as Glinda the Good Witch. We still hear her echoing “I hope you’re happy” in our heads when we think of Defying Gravity. This cocktail is simply enchanting with its mix of lime juice, simple syrup, mint, gin, and green absinthe. While we wait to see the results of her acting performance in award shows, we cheer her on for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Brandy & Monica, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Dance Pop Recording.

Morgan Wallen’s You Proof

Two mason jar mugs with what looks like ice tea garnished with lemon and mint on a wooden surface with melting ice. cubes

Two years since Morgan Wallen’s last album and we’re still waiting for another. But, in the meantime, he’s premiering on tracks with stars like Post Malone. This pop-country, twangy duo makes their song I Had Some Help chart-worthy. In fact it’s under nominations for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Country Song. Though, his songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon did also receive a nomination for Morgan’s song Lies Lies Lies. Either way, we’re happy to listen along with whatever this cowboy wants to do. Our You Proof cocktail contains a kick of bourbon Morgan would love along with a spicy ginger finish.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Balsamic Onion Galette

By
Emma Riva
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0
A Brussels sprout galette with red onion on it, cut into triangular slices.

We started off this beautiful galette with easy-to-make pie crust mix. Layered on top are red onions simmered in balsamic vinegar, and shredded Mozzarella and Meadow Delight cheeses. After a little time in a hot oven, you have a delicious Meatless Monday entrée which you can enjoy with a glass of dry Erie region white wine.

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Boiled Brussels sprouts are the classic food that a picky kid refuses. Something about the slimy texture, the leafy green color, and the blobby shape. But one of the things about Brussels sprouts is that most people who don’t like them just haven’t had them cooked properly. And, they’re really good for you, defying the myth that things that are healthy have to be less delicious. This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Balsamic Onion Galette is a decadent way to enjoy fresh vegetables and reap the many health benefits. Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants that can help reduce cell damage and inflammation, as well as anti-cancer compounds. They’re also a good source of fiber, which supports digestion. Their many vitamins help with tissue repair and immune function as well. 

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A Brussels sprout galette with red onion on it, cut into triangular slices.

Roasted Brussels Sprout and Balsamic Onion Galette

  • Author: Anna Franklin
Print Recipe

Description

A crispy, elevated way to enjoy Brussels sprouts.

Ingredients

Scale

For the balsamic red onions:

  • 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium or 1 extra-large red onion
  • Pinch pf red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

For the galette:

  • 2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
  • 1 ½ to 2 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Meadow Delight cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 package pie crust mix, prepared by package instructions

Instructions

  1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts by slicing them thinly on a mandolin. Drizzle the sprouts with 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil and toss well. Rub the oil into the sprout leaves so they’re all lightly coated in oil. Toss with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and set aside.
  3. To prepare the red onions, slice them thinly on a mandolin.
  4. Warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a dash of salt. Toss to combine.
  5. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the onions are nice and soft.
  6. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Continue cooking, uncovered, for a few more minutes, until the balsamic vinegar has condensed and mostly absorbed into the onions. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  7. Prepare the pie dough as directed and roll out into a 1/4” thick round. Place the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  8. Top the dough with an even layer of red onions, followed by the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the Brussels on top, then finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, leaving 2 inches of pie crust around the edges. Once all your toppings are on, fold the pie crust edge up around the toppings.
  9. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the pie dough is golden brown and the Brussels sprouts start to get brown and crispy. Serve warm.

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Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Does Alcohol Have Health Benefits?

By
Emma Riva
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0
A selection of natural wines at Apteka, showcasing the diversity of flavors and styles in the world of natural wine.

Few vices are as enduring as alcohol. For millennia, people have been indulging with little concern in pleasures like wine and beer, often at a scale that doesn’t exactly paint a picture of health. It’s only in recent years that “wellness” has become much of a talking point. Major news outlets have, just in the last couple of months, weighed in on the fact that alcohol’s health benefits outweigh its potential benefits. But as I did Dry January (okay, maybe “Damp” January, as my line of work made total abstinence difficult) and reflected on my impulses around drinking, I found myself wondering whether there’s a benefit to drinking.

Does Alcohol Have Health Benefits?

Yes and no. Just to be clear: There are many, many reasons not to drink, including simply not enjoying it. No one should feel pressure to engage in a behavior they don’t want to engage in, let alone one that puts their health at risk. The presence of more sober options than ever before is a net good. In addition to the toxic load it places on your body, drinking can contribute negatively to your mental health, too, as a depressant substance.

But the WHO’s declaration that alcohol is a “a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance,” and that there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume, is perhaps alarmist. The recent reporting around alcohol’s health risks feels, sometimes, like another symptom of our society’s over-optimized, neurotic Protestant work ethic that prioritizes what is empirically Good and Pure over the nuances and subtleties that make life worth living.

Alcohol’s Health Drawbacks, Deconstructed

“Deep Links Between Alcohol and Cancer” from the New York Times seems damning at first glance. And, just to be clear, alcohol is not spinach. It’s caloric and sugary. And it affects your motor function and increases your impulsivity. It’s not exactly healthy. But neither is the standard American diet, rife with microplastics, carcinogens, ultra-processed foods, and God knows what else.

Alcohol is an easy scapegoat. Surgeon Vivek Murthy has even pushed for a cancer-risk label like those on tobacco products. But the risks of alcohol and cigarettes are not equal. And the results presented by the Times are a little misleading. It’s necessary to read these statistics with an understanding of relative risk and absolute risk. Relative risk is the outcome of a situation compared with other factors. Absolute risk is the outcome on its own merits. A clear way to think of this is that absolute risk looks at being struck by lightning out in the world. Relative risk, then, looks at being struck by lightning while holding a kite next to an electrical tower. Considering only the relative risk skews data to make something look more dangerous than it is.

Wine blogger Tom Wark broke this down. Using the numbers from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, a popular data set, in practice this looks like: 17 of 100,000 premature female deaths (1.73%) result from breast cancer. Drinking 2 glasses of wine per day, a female’s absolute risk of developing breast cancer increases to 2.2%. Alcohol adds only one half of a percent. For numbers geeks, Wark’s reporting is illuminating: the relative risk reported by the Times isn’t the whole picture.

This relative vs. absolute risk is a common misattribution in media statistics. It’s worth looking for this error in everything you read, not just reporting about alcohol risk.  One of Rabin’s reporting’s main points, though, is that most people don’t know alcohol can increase your cancer risk (even if only by a very small margin). This is a fair point, as being an informed consumer is important. But if you’re obsessing over a 2.2% cancer risk in two glasses of wine while puffing on a mint-flavored vape pen ten times a day, you may want to consider the bigger picture. You may want also want to rethink about that processed ham sandwich you have for lunch almost every day. And the mini-pack of Oreos that follow it.

A Doctor’s Perspective

Dr. Laura Catena sits in the interesting position of being both a medical doctor and a fourth-generation Argentine winemaker.  Catena has been outspoken about the fact that overconsumption of alcohol often comes from a lack of understanding of moderation. Americans, after all, aren’t known for their moderation.

In an interview with Forbes, Catena said of government regulations around drinking that “Countries should invest in education about what moderation means and how to drink in moderation. There are many tools available to do this: drinking from half bottles, marking your glass with a 3-ounce and 5-ounce line, only drinking with friends, putting alcohol in a hard-to-access location after you’ve had your daily allocation. In summary, the same things we do when we are trying to eat less chips and cookies.”

She also noted that “There is good literature showing that many people can drink wine in moderation. We do not see this with heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and even cigarettes.”

Social Benefits of Alcohol

Rather than trying to die on the hill of alcohol being as physically healthy as kale juice, I want to propose something else. Going out for drinks with a friend, to me, is a “healthier” behavior than spending those two hours at home in front of my computer binge-rewatching Succession while scrolling on Instagram in another tab. The epicurean pleasure of enjoying wine, beer, and spirits is one that grounds you in the moment, in the physical world, and is best enjoyed in the company of others. Most young millennials and Gen Z people fall much more into binge-watching than binge-drinking.

If you’re really going to think about your health, your digital diet is as important as your culinary one. Your social life is also worth taking into consideration. One statistic that troubles me as much or more than alcohol’s cancer risk is how lonely Americans are. People host fewer gatherings on average, maybe due to the risks associated with socializing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness and social isolation puts you at a higher risk of both mental and physical ailments.

An Ayurvedic Take

Perhaps you read all of this and think okay, of course wine writers and winemakers think wine isn’t bad for you. Ayurvedic teacher Kyle Roberts, who has no relation to the alcohol industry, also had a take. “The Ayurvedic perspective is that everything is medicine and everything is poison. To say that alcohol isn’t poison is wrong, but to say that it isn’t medicine is also wrong.” Alcohol has the potential to become addictive. “It’s a force, and you have to figure out how you relate to that force,” he said.

Roberts pointed to the fact that his meditation teacher starts drinking beer early in the day. Drinking or not drinking shouldn’t be a measure of spiritual purity.  “You can think of drinking as more what benefit do you get, and at what cost? For people that like to drink, maybe that little bit of cost—compromised sleep, something with weight management—is worth it. For many people in communities that are long-lived, in Blue Zones like Greece and Italy, there’s a modest amount of alcohol. It just depends on the individual.” He also added that historically, alcohol, particularly wine, had a place in religious and spiritual traditions, including Ayurveda. He added, “They don’t call it ‘spirits’ for nothing.”

Risky Business

There are plenty of high-risk behaviors many of us engage in every day that we don’t analyze nearly this deeply: driving, flying, taking both hormonal and non-hormonal birth control, eating food laced with microplastics, or wearing clothing with synthetic fibers. Here is a perhaps less empirical proposition. If you’re going to be ingesting chemicals anyway, you might as well have some fun in the meantime. But, really. None of us are going to live forever, whether we drink two glasses of wine a day or five.

Harry Eyres, writing for Master of Wine Tim Atkins in “Is There Any Justification for Wine?” reflected that: “Wine, like other artforms, has purely sensuous, emotional, intellectual elements, and can be appreciated at all those levels. Above all, it is, or can be, part of culture, not merely a gluggable route to anaesthesia or oblivion  […] hobbies need no justification beyond the pleasure one derives from them.” In contemporary life, we’re more and more often asked to optimize, monetize, and streamline every element of who we are. You can just like wine. Or beer. Or whiskey. It’s okay. The Morality Police aren’t coming for you.

A Way Forward

It is important to note that, as stated earlier, there are real reasons not to drink. Some people should not drink. Period. Alcohol has wrecked lives, and twelve-step groups and other sobriety methods are a necessary way to take back some control and heal. We aren’t trying to argue that drinking is entirely good or bad.

Addiction to alcohol is a real risk, and like sugar, tobacco, and many other substances, brands and producers have incentives to sell it to you without acknowledging those risks. We have no interest in being an advocate for the liquor industry, or in denying that addictive substances are addictive. But a neo-Prohibition world where we obsess over the potential health risk of alcohol creates a world where people have less developed risk analysis skills. Socializing, too, poses a risk, of embarrassment or judgment. Falling in love opens you up to pain, and a loving, long-term relationship correlates to gaining weight. Life itself isn’t risk-free, nor is alcohol. That doesn’t mean that it should be treated like poison.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Laura Petrilla

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Your Full Moon Horoscope: February 2025

By
Wade Caves
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0
A forest in the winter of February covered in snow from tree tops to the ground.

This Full Moon horoscope for February 2025 brings some interesting dynamics into play, with Mercury joining the usual Sun-Moon opposition. The Sun and Mercury are passing through the stars in the constellation Delphinus, the Dolphin, which typically brings an upbeat and sociable energy. However, this constellation also suggests we should look carefully at situations where surface-level pleasantries might be masking a lack of substance or commitment. This theme of examining what lies beneath friendly facades runs through many of the forecasts this February.

Planetary Shifts in 2025

There’s a notable shift in planetary motion since late 2024 – Jupiter and Saturn have both resumed direct movement, while Mars has turned retrograde. This brings welcome forward momentum for those with strong Jupiter or Saturn placements (particularly Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces), while Aries and Scorpio might feel the need to pause and reassess their approach.

Some particularly fortunate alignments are showing up for Libra, Cancer, and Capricorn, with significant stars moving into prominent positions in their charts. These configurations suggest both personal and professional opportunities. Meanwhile, both Pisces and Virgo are seeing strong indicators for romantic developments, with Pisces getting an especially promising forecast in matters of the heart.

Making Decisions in February’s Full Moon

The key to making the most of this Full Moon lies in balancing optimism with thoughtful observation (thanks to Delphinus and, to a lesser extent, stars emphasized in the neck of the serpent Serpens) – particularly in situations where things might not be exactly as they appear on the surface. Watch for chances to advance your position, but take the time to ensure that what you’re seeing is what you’re actually getting.

There’s real potential for positive change this month, particularly for those who can maintain their awareness while moving forward with their plans. Just remember – sometimes the most valuable opportunities come disguised as ordinary moments, so stay alert and ready to recognize them when they appear.

Your Full Moon Horoscope: February 2025

Aries

Your planetary ruler is retrograde for the moment, dear Aries, and will continue so for the next few weeks. This is a better time for review than for action, and for spending more time thinking about how you’re fitting into the local community, how you’re communicating with others, and the agreements you make day to day. Jupiter has finally stationed directly in your 2nd house of finances, so I hope this brings some much-needed relief to this area of life. For this Full Moon, watch where you accept the influence of friends – there are indications that this month could surface some areas where friends present themselves with a smile, when they really have something else to say or express. I’d encourage you press for detail with a clarifying question or two, just to be sure.

Taurus

I’d say there are two big focuses for you this full Moon, Taurus. The first is to make sure you’re mindful of the buzz about you, what folks experience and have to say. Are you coming across the way you intend? Are you finding the support you need, and ensuring you stand up for yourself? This is going to be a good month for litmus testing, so try some new things out in terms of communicating and see where that gets you. The second theme is to watch for some misleading activity in your professional life. Are people doing what they say they’re going to do? This Full Moon has the signature of more promises made than kept, and you’ll want to find your voice to be sure everyone’s on the same page.

Gemini

I’ve got some good news for you, Gemini – it looks like you’re finding your feet, and are ready to press your advantage. I can see some lines of success and good fortune in the short-term, but one thing to keep in mind is that the particular signature showing these has a notoriously ‘neutral’ quality to it. If you don’t grab for the prize, someone else will – for better or worse! Go for what’s been on your heart and mind, especially if you can say you’ve laid the groundwork. There’s a specific avenue here that’s pointing to moves securing financial gains, if that helps you zero in. Do be mindful of romantic attention in the workplace, whether courting it or giving it – I would not advise it at this time, even if there is a nice distraction there.

Cancer

While I can see clear indications of potential gains, shining Crab – particularly in areas of recognition and personal goals growth – there’s a strong caution against rushing headlong into new ventures. Your natural intuition might be heightened during this period, but there’s also a risk of letting impulse override wisdom. This is a time when success is very much within reach, but the path requires a delicate balance. Be mindful of any urge to force issues or push too aggressively against resistance. The current energies support thoughtful progress rather than bold leaps. If you’ve been considering a career move or professional initiative, ensure your planning is thorough and measured – quick wins might be tempting, but lasting success requires patience right now. For any big financial decisions, wait a bit for better stars.

Leo

This Full Moon brings two distinct storylines into focus for you, dear Leo. In your personal connections, there’s a growing sense that surface-level harmony might not be serving you as well as you’d like. It’s time to look beneath the pleasant veneer of your relationships and address what’s been tactfully avoided. While this might feel uncomfortable, you’ll find that honest conversations lead to deeper understanding and stronger bonds. On the professional front, there might be some intense energies at play, particularly around power structures and leadership. While your natural charisma usually serves you well, this is a time to be especially mindful of how you navigate office politics. Watch for situations where ambition might cloud judgment, and be particularly careful about aligning yourself with workplace drama or power plays.

Virgo

As a Virgo you’re typically excellent at organizing and categorizing, but there might be some hidden or overlooked resources in your network that could prove invaluable. This is a particularly good time to audit not just your financial picture, but also your broader support system. Be especially mindful of situations that seem too good to be true, particularly around financial opportunities or offers of help. Your natural skepticism serves you well here, but don’t let it prevent you from accepting genuine assistance. On the romantic front, the stars are aligned for some excitement, whether you’re paired up or single. This is an excellent time to break out of your comfort zone – maybe try that restaurant you’ve been curious about, or say yes to the unconventional. Time to expand some horizons!

Libra

This Full Moon marks an especially fortunate period for you, dear Libra, with multiple indicators suggesting that your personal projects and professional endeavors are particularly well-starred. However – and this is important – while luck is on your side, you’ll want to resist any urge to rush forward without your usual thoughtful consideration. I’m seeing particularly positive indicators around career advancement, but the key to maximizing these opportunities lies in balancing your characteristic grace with a new sense of decisive action. Your professional sphere is especially activated, with potential for recognition or advancement, but be mindful of any tendency to push too forcefully or make hasty decisions just because things seem to be going your way. This is a time when your natural gifts for harmony and balance can really shine, particularly in situations requiring both charm and assertiveness.

Scorpio

This is a time for measured steps and careful consideration, Scorpio. While your intuition is typically razor-sharp, the current celestial weather suggests a need for extra vigilance in how you move through both personal and professional spheres. Your tendency to probe beneath the surface serves you well right now, but be mindful of becoming too focused on uncovering hidden agendas – sometimes things are exactly as they appear. There’s a notable tension between your public and private lives at the moment, and finding the right balance might feel like walking a tightrope. You might feel pressure to be more visible or social than usual, but don’t let this push you into uncomfortable territory. Trust your instinct for detecting what’s beneath the surface, but temper that with some patience. The best moves right now are the ones that have been carefully considered from all angles.

Sagittarius

You might find yourself on the receiving end of some unexpected reactions this full Moon, Sagittarius – but here’s the key thing to remember: these are likely more about others working through their own stuff than anything you’ve actually done. This would be an excellent time to accept that dinner invitation from your more philosophical acquaintances, or to reach out to that friend who always seems to know just what to say. On the domestic front, the stars are supporting some home-based renewal. When was the last time you really made your space feel special? This doesn’t have to be a major renovation – even something as simple as rearranging your favorite reading nook or adding some new plants could bring unexpected joy. Small changes at home could have a surprisingly uplifting effect on your overall outlook right now.

Capricorn

We’ve got mixed energies shown this Full Moon, dear Capricorn. In your professional sphere, I’m seeing some particularly fortunate alignments that suggest your natural diligence could really pay off. There’s a special kind of grace around your work efforts right now – the kind that can turn even routine tasks into opportunities for recognition. There are some complex influences in your social circle(s) that call for extra discernment. While group activities and friendships are highlighted, you’ll want to be particularly mindful about which invitations you accept and which circles you spend time in. Let relationships develop at their own pace, and be especially wary of any workplace connections that seem to be moving too quickly from professional to personal. Your trademark patience combined with careful observation will help you distinguish the truly beneficial connections from the others.

Aquarius

This Full Moon brings an important moment of truth-telling for you, Aquarius. While you might favor diplomacy and intellectual detachment, it’s time to get real – particularly in your closest relationships. It may surprise you to discover just how much you’ve been smoothing things over with a smile when you have something quite different to say. This isn’t about becoming harsh or abandoning your characteristic idealism, but aligning the inner with the outer. In professional matters, watch carefully for situations that might not be exactly what they seem, especially in workplace dynamics. Pay special attention to any gut feelings about professional situations or opportunities – if something feels off, take the time to investigate why. This is a period where transparency in all your dealings will serve you far better than vagueness, even if being direct feels uncomfortable.

Pisces

This Full Moon suggests a need for some strategic patience, dear Pisces, particularly when it comes to negotiations or agreements of any kind. While you might feel pressure to finalize deals or come to terms on important matters, the cosmic weather suggests that waiting might serve you better than rushing to closure. If you can delay major decisions or commitments, especially those involving resources or exchanges, you might find yourself in a stronger position a few weeks from now. However, it’s not all about holding back – there’s some truly lovely energy around matters of the heart right now. Whether you’re single or attached, there’s potential for something quite special to blossom.

That said, watch for potential partners or romantic interests who might be wrestling with their own identity or direction – while everyone’s on their own journey of self-discovery, you’ll want to be sure you’re not getting entangled with someone who might pull you off your own path.

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.

Story Wade Caves
Photo Courtesy Of Ainārs Cekuls

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11 Romantic Wines for a Sensual, Decadent Valentine’s Day

By
Emma Riva
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0
A romantic glass of sparkling rosé wine on a black background

Wine is synonymous with romance, but it’s also an aphrodisiac—the mere smell can arouse us. Mark Antony imbibed on his first night of courtship with Cleopatra. Jewish philosopher and scientist Maimonides encouraged men to drink red wine to improve their virility. Whether this is a placebo effect from the relaxed atmosphere a glass of wine produces is up for debate, but there’s no doubt that a well-curated bottle of wine is one of the most romantic additions to a Valentine’s Day soirée.

Just as there are many different kinds of people, there are many different kinds of wine. Picking the most romantic bottle doesn’t necessarily mean picking the most expensive one, but rather finding what best suits your beloved’s unique palate. We turned to experts for the most romantic wines to celebrate the decadent sensuality of this ancient pleasure that implores us to slow down and enjoy each other. If you like, you can pair these with our Aphrodisiac Board for Two.

11 Romantic Wines for a Sensual, Decadent Valentine’s Day

Phillippe Gamet Heurte Loup

“I believe that champagnes made with red grapes such as Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir are so much more decadent and sensual to the senses than a white-grape based champagne,” sommelier Alexander Riola told TABLE. He pointed towards Philippe Gamet Heurte Loup, made entirely of Pinot Meunier, as having aromas that “start to stir something inside of you that’s nearly primal in feeling.” There are notes of cinnamon, ginger, dried pears, and white cherry that balance the umami-like quality the Meunier showcases here.

Contrada S ‘Sciara Nuova’ Etna Rosso

Riola proclaimed Etna Rosso “the sexiest wine.” I’m inclined to agree that there’s just something about that Sicilian volcanic soil. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to step foot in Sicily, you’ll acknowledge that it’s a hot-blooded place. This Etna Rosso’s grapes are planted on soil enriched by recent lava flows from Mt. Etna, giving it a minerality that amplifies its bright fruit qualities. Riola noted that the aroma is part of what gives it its romance. Notes of dusty hay mingle with sandalwood to create a deeply sensual feeling.

Domaine Faury Saint-Joseph

Northern Rhône is Syrah’s “proper home,” and the terroir allows its famous dark fruit flavors come out fully. “There’s a certain meatiness in this wine, like a prosciutto fattiness, that comes out from the palate, leaving it silky and wanting more. Purple florals like violets encourage the black olive subtleties to present themselves in a fun yet mysterious way. It makes you go ‘mmmm’ in a tone you mostly use for your partner,” Riola said.

Francois Villard Viognier

For those who love perfume-y wines, this Viogner is a perfect one. Riola said that it “stood out in white wines in the sexy date night range.” It has bright honeysuckle and peach on the palate that lead the way into rose aromatics. Pair with a bouquet of roses, and you’ve got a beautiful Valentine’s Day gift.

Semillón Isidore Vineyard

At a tasting I attended, winemaker Derek Mossman said that one of the reasons he loves wine is that “People need more romance in their lives.” This Chilean-grown Semillón is refined and smooth, with tasting notes of lemon juice, candied lemon peel, and a touch of bee pollen mixed with white flowers. It’s an elegant amber in color due to the skin-contact process used in its making. In this bottle, Semillón, usually a blending grape, gets to shine on its own. Perhaps this is a good gift for a partner whose individuality you want to celebrate.

Extradimensional Wine Co Yeah! Mystery Train

Conversely, this wine embraces the sensuality and mystery of the multifaceted. At 40% Old Vine Grenache, 39% Old Vine Zinfandel, 15% Old Vine Carignane, 5% Old Vine Mourvèdre, 1% Chenin Blanc, this isn’t just any “red blend.” Winemaker Hardy Wallace tries to take what we think we know about wine and creative something new. This is a wine for the free-spirited, multilayered lover whose parts come together to create a dynamic, one-of-a-kind partner.

Claus Preisinger Puszta Libre!

Restaurant professional Johanna Colaizzi, who’s spent much time with the wine list at James Beard Award semifinalist Apteka, pointed to Austrian Claus Preisinger’s blend of Zweigelt, St. Laurent, and Pinot Noir as an upscale but affordable red. Puszta Libre can spark up a romantic dinner because it shows you know something off-the-beaten-track about wine. We think that’s sexy!

Brachetto d’Acqui

Sommelier Adam Knoerzer thinks Brachetto d’Acqui, an Italian red frizzante is the ideal Valentine’s Day wine because of how well it pairs with chocolate. It has notes of candied strawberry, orange zest, black currant, and apricot that pair perfectly with a bar of dark chocolate or a candy heart. Or a kiss.

Thibault Liger-Belair, ‘Les Deux Terres’

Tyler Borne of Solera Wine Co said that “This wine is the definition of elegance. A blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay from Burgundy, it is focused yet delicate. A true showstopper.” It gets its name from the blend of Bourgogne and Beaujoulais, hence “the two soils.” This combination makes for the ultimate indulgence. This will give you something to talk about as your evening winds its way to a romantic denouement.

Fábulas ‘Fortitudo’ Montepulciano

Borne also recommended this rosé of Montepulciano from Abruzzo. “Light pink and beautiful, with notes of strawberry and rose petals. It’s a sexy wine.” Even the bottle of this wine looks sensual, and once the pour starts, you’re treated with a cherry-pink color and aromas of raspberry and pomegranate.

Christian Madl Signature Collection Rosé Brut

Made in the Méthode Traditionelle in the wine regions of Austria, this is not just an “Americans at brunch” kind of rosé. This wine has a big and juicy flavor with a lot of structure to it. “I don’t know if there’s a more romantic wine than sparkling rosé,” Borne said.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Kevin Kelly

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