Start the New Year with These Beef Recipes

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December 3, 2024

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, it’s time to indulge in a hearty and delicious meal on New Year’s Day. Beef, a symbol of strength, prosperity, and good fortune, is the perfect choice for a New Year’s feast. Its rich flavor and versatility make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re grilling steaks, braising a pot roast, or slow-cooking a flavorful stew. So, let’s dive into some beefy goodness and ditch the pork for something even more mouthwatering.

Start the New Year with These Beef Recipes

Beef Wellington with Crosshatched Potatoes & Roasted Carrots

Ring in the New Year with this elegant and indulgent Beef Wellington. This classic dish is perfect for a special occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Paired with crispy, golden-brown potatoes and sweet, roasted carrots, this meal is a feast for the senses.

Beef Stew with Wild Mushroom

Packed with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce, this stew is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s night. Whether you prefer to slow-cook it on the stovetop or use a pressure cooker for a quicker meal, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s hearty and flavorful to get you through the winter.

Boozy Braised Beef Short Ribs

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary masterpiece. By braising a beef short rib in a bath of red wine and stout, you’re embarking on a flavor journey that’s as rich and satisfying as it is simple. The result? A tender, fall-apart short rib smothered in a velvety, deeply flavored sauce

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cheddar Cheese Grits

Start your year off by indulging in the ultimate comfort food with this savory recipe from Chef Jackie Page. Short ribs are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce. Served over creamy cheddar cheese grits, this dish is the epitome of Southern comfort and perfect for a warming celebration.

Beef Osso Buco by Taste of Home

A round white bowl of mashed potatoes topped with beef, gravy, and carrots. — Photo Courtesy of Taste of Home

This classic Italian dish features tender, fall-off-the-bone beef shanks simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables. The addition of zesty gremolata adds a bright and refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress even yourself with your own cooking skills.

Roast Beef Tenderloin With Garlic and Rosemary by Bon Appétit

A white platter full of round roast beef tenderloins with herbs on top. — Photo Courtesy of Bon Appétit

This beef tenderloin recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture for the wintertime. The meat is seasoned with a fragrant garlic-rosemary paste and seared to perfection before being slow-roasted to juicy tenderness. Top it with a tangy horseradish yogurt and serve with creamy mashed potatoes for something way different than the usual pork and sauerkraut.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Drink Your Way Through the Twelve Days of Christmas with These Cocktails

By

Emma Riva

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December 3, 2024

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Twelve cocktails for the twelve days of Christmas, staged with cheery decor

Ever wondered why the classic Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has so many verses, and why somebody would ever want that many birds? Well, we have a more convenient holiday plan for you. Behold our Twelve Days of Christmas cocktails from some of the most talented bartenders in Pittsburgh, where TABLE headquarters are located. Each bar team was tasked with one verse, and they went above and beyond with their interpretations of each drink. These cocktails will spark up any drink menu. And you can always make them later in the year to bring back some of the glitter and glow of the holiday spirit.

Twelve cocktails for Twelve Days of Christmas shot in a side view on a cheery, holiday decor table

Drink Your Way Through the Twelve Days of Christmas with These Cocktails

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

An orange Christmas mocktail staged with Christmas decorations and a red pear

We started out with a mocktail from Katrina Tomacchio of LOADED for a Christmas drink that everyone can enjoy. Since it’s the verse that repeats the most times, we wanted the most universally accessible drink to celebrate it. Katrina used Knudsen pear juice, Jackworth non-alcoholic ginger beer, and Ritual Zero Proof Dark Rum alternative to create a fragrant Christmas mocktail.

Two Turtle Doves

Good things come in twos, like tequila and mezcal. This cocktail from Rachel Sinagra of Fig & Ash blends these two classic spirits together with Bauchant and coffee liqueur. The turtle dove is a symbol of peace and friendship. So, enjoy with two (or more) of your best friends, or cozy up with this drink for a peaceful solo night.

Three French Hens

A yellow French cocktail staged in a coupe glass and garnished with a feather

Alexander Riola of Fish Nor Fowl used three French liquors. It’s got Citadelle, from the oldest gin distiller in France, yellow chartreuse, and Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur for a little note of spice. This perfect pares-ski cocktail also uses nutmeg, cinnamon, and aquafaba to create a balanced and inventive drink that will warm you up on the coldest days.

Four Calling Birds

A nick and nora glass with a bright yellow Aviation cocktail in it

The further you get into “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the more you start to wonder just who actually wants this many birds. No birds were harmed in the making of this cocktail, which mixes the recipes of the Aviation and the Paper Plane. Hannah McKee of Con Alma wanted to combine two of her favorite four-part drinks to create this unique cocktail.

Five Golden Rings

A limoncello cocktail with five drops of olive oil in it, staged with golden Christmas ornaments

Limoncello is liquid gold. Vallozzi’s of Pittsburgh makes its own. But, you can make Laura Karner and Stephanie Yarup’s recipe with your favorite version of this citrus digestivo. (They recommend Il Tramonto Limoncello and Sogno di Sorrento Limoncello). Five drops of olive oil call to mind the rings in the only verse of this song that’s an actual object you might be able to gift. Though, according to the PNC Christmas Price Index, it’s going to cost you $1,245 for those rings.

Six Geese a-Laying

A Grey Goose cocktail staged with a few eggs and Christmas decorations for a golden, festive touch

Aiden Leyland of The Commoner immediately thought of classic vodka Grey Goose for the sixth verse of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” It’s not just vodka—though a shot of Grey Goose is also sometimes welcome during the holidays. This delightful Christmas cocktail uses Génepy, matcha syrup, and toasted oat to create a more complex flavor profile.

Seven Swans a-Swimming

A Hemingway daiqiuri in a glass shaped like a swan, staged next to Christmas trees

Audrey & Lisa from LoBar Cocktail Services win for presentation. That wow factor of that swan glass is pretty unbeatable. You can buy one on Amazon yourself if you’d like. Their version of the classic Hemingway Daiquiri has a luxurious, tropical flair, and will transport you to a sunny beach somewhere…at least for a moment.

Eight Maids a-Milking

A set of festive coquito cocktail glasses staged on a holiday-themed table

Coquito is a Puerto Rican holiday classic, and Brandon Mohney of Bar Botanico loved the staff trips to Puerto Rico where he got to sample it. While the later verses of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” get a little nonsensical, this cocktail is one of our favorites from the series. With coconut milk, this version of coquito is vegan for everyone to enjoy.

Nine Ladies Dancing

A spice cocktail staged over sheet music paper, garnished with a sprig of thyme and a lemon peel

Put on your dancing shoes with this spice-forward cocktail from Larkin Kolls and Jamie Cumberledge of Esquina Cantina. Don Julio Blanco tequila, fig and thyme syrup, and bergamot purée come together to form a lively, fresh cocktail. This will get more than nine ladies out on the floor!

Ten Lords a-Leaping

A ten-apple fan sits in an orange apple bourbon cocktail with a thick layer of foam, staged for Christmas

Cam Dickson of Ritual House cautioned that this apple bourbon cocktail could be called “ten lords a-sleeping.” It’s full of strong liquor that could, well, knock you out rather than get you leaping. Shake this up at home, cozy up with some blankets and Christmas movies, and you’re set for a blissful holiday night in. The ten-slice apple fan adds an extra festive touch to the drink.

Eleven Pipers Piping

A champagne flute sits on a staged Christmas set for this champagne spiced cocktail

Colin McNamee of COBRA got creative with this verse and used Piper Sonoma Sparkling Wine, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, to represent “eleven pipers piping.” This sparkling wine cocktail could be perfect for a New Year’s toast. Or, use it for pre-dinner glass clinking at your holiday party.

Twelve Drummers Drumming

A red rum cocktail on a Christmas set dusted with artificial snow beside a golden Christmas tree

The final “Twelve Days of Christmas” cocktail, from Spencer Warren of The Warren Bar & Burrow, is a straightforward shake into a Collins glass with rum, ginger liqueur, cinnamon, and edible flowers. Merry Christmas!

Story by Emma Riva
Production by Star Laliberte
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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8 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

By

Emma Riva

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December 3, 2024

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A blank calendar for January, showing the start of the new year

As December comes to a close, maybe you find yourself wondering if you should even have a New Year’s resolution. Some people think New Year’s resolutions set us up to fail, and that is possible. But you can take small steps to be healthier in mind, body, and soul…and achieve your goals for the new year.

Just for fun, here are some of the TABLE staff resolutions:

“Read more and make time to read every day.” – Online Editor Kylie Thomas
“I pick a word to focus on throughout the year and try to hold that in my thoughts and actions as I go through my daily life.” – Sales Enablement Executive Zack Durkin
“I’m planning on starting yoga.” – Sales Intern Ethan Chmura
“Vacation more.” – Director of Operations Star Laliberte
“I resolve to be irresolute. Certainty is SO yesterday.” – Editor in Chief Keith Recker

Mine is to try some new wines and have a better work life balance. But, if none of those appeal to you (and maybe you do want a little certainty), try these healthy New Year’s resolutions.

8 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

Get Fit(ter)

Regular gym rats probably roll their eyes when January comes around and suddenly newcomers flock to the weight rack in search of self-betterment. Or maybe you roll your eyes at the influencers on social media telling you to start doing Pilates to improve your health, when they already look perfect. Alas, I regret to inform you, they are right. Exercise does actually make you feel better. You can start small and exercise in the privacy of your own home with YouTube channels like Blogilates or EMKFIT. Or, join a low-cost gym like Planet Fitness to start your fitness journey at a lower commitment.

Try a New Kitchen Skill

There’s the adage that men hit thirty and either get way too into curing meats or World War II history. Or was it Ancient Rome? But it is true that as you get older, you start to explore more niche hobbies to fill your time. Fermenting, curing meats, or making your own pasta can be fun ways to experiment in the kitchen. Many things you buy at the store can be homemade, and learning to make wine or make bread is a fun pastime for the midwinter months when the days are gray and there’s nothing better to do. Check out a book like The Art of Fermentation or buy tchotchkes like a curing meat kit or a pasta maker.

Learn a New Language

With tools like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, it’s easier than ever to learn a new language on your phone or computer. Replace doomscrolling with something better for your brain. In the United States, over 53 million people speak Spanish, so what’s your excuse? You can also find a conversation partner from anywhere in the world on Busuu. Just a little bit of practice every day can turn language learning into a habit.

Start a Meditation Practice

Meditation is another one of those potential eye rolls that does turn out to actually be true. Yes, every smug namaste-saying wellness professional on earth will tell you that, but the fact is that it has a real benefit in your day-to-day life. The podcast Search Engine’s recent episode “How do you sit quietly in the middle of a storm?” is a good guide for people who might feel like meditation is not for them. Rev. angel Kyodo williams, a Zen priest, eschewed of upper case letters, and author of Radical Dharma, appears in the episode. She speaks about how for those who didn’t grow up with “mindfulness,” it can be harder to access, but there are many ways to meditate, including moving, singing, and other things that don’t involve just sitting still.

Cut Down on Alcohol

Dry January is a good way to start the New Year for both your liver and your wallet. Try one of our mocktails if you want to get creative with it. Or, just stick to mineral water, fruit juice, and herbal teas. Maybe you keep Dry January going for a few months, or you just take the time to reflect and clear your head to start out the year.

Eat More Vegetables

Rather than cutting things out of your diet, maybe take steps to add more vegetables into your diet. Salads are one of the easiest home meals to make and can brighten up your day. Try recipes like Roasted Beet Salad, Lemon Za’atar Salad, or Baby Kale Salad with Artichoke Hearts from our Best Salads of 2024. There are lots of creative ways to use vegetables, like roasting them or incorporating them into stews, or even just as a side. Your body and mind will thank you!

Be Nicer

When we talked amongst ourselves about our New Years’ resolutions, one thing that came up was that that while physical health is important, it often sets you up to feel disappointed. One thing you can do that costs nothing is to tell people in your life you appreciate them. Life is short, and getting to spend another year with your loved ones is a blessing.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Maddie Bazzocco

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Is the “Dirty Kitchen” 2025’s Biggest Home Trend?

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Emma Riva

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December 3, 2024

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All the cool kids have one, and it’s becoming a major trend in design. But what is a dirty kitchen, and is it for you? Although the terminology sounds like it’s a place to get your freak on with your partner while having some sort of erotic food fight, it’s actually a second—typically smaller—fully-loaded second kitchen.

Is the “Dirty Kitchen” 2025’s Biggest Home Trend?

While similar to a scullery, it’s more kitted out. It’s a place for full-on cooking that allows the main kitchen to remain, when desired, un-sullied. It lets you act like a caterer in your own home, preparing full meals backstage and delivering them to . . . yourself. No smell of sautéed onions lingering in the air, no missed splatters of raspberry coulis, no bulky appliances hogging the countertops. Your guests can mingle, sip wine, and nibble on hors d’oeuvres while never having to see the chaos or being asked to chop celery. It suggests you have staff (even if you’re the staff) and an abundance of space.

The basic premise is that the kitchen has become a hub, more of a “living” space than a “work” space. The “dirty kitchen” provides a sort of separation of church and state. It relegates the messy prep to another part of the house (although it’s usually right next door). It’s also a way to say, “I spent $12K on this La Cornue range and I don’t even use it!” (I wonder if appliance manufacturers will start offering appliance shells without the inner workings for such spaces?) The idea is also that while your new space might be called “dirty” is still beautiful.

A “Dirty” Luxury

If you entertain a lot—especially large crowds—one might be for you. It saves you from having you have to make the kitchen look presentable before your guests arrive. Ditto looking at piles of dirty dishes while guests are still lingering over the Port at the table in your open-plan home. (If you have a second kitchen, I hope you’re serving Port.)

On the flip side, it can be part of the fun to have people see the work in progress. Sometimes, it’s part of the experience to have your guests be drawn into the kitchen by the appealing smell of baking cherry pie or simmering coq au vin. To be asked to pitch in, to share in creating the meal. Some of my favorite meals are ones where everyone gets their hand dirty. It can be enjoyable to have people lift the lids to see what’s inside and help make the salad between sips of wine.

Statistics show that homes listing a second kitchen when offered for sale are rising. So, it’s a trend that’s expected to be here for awhile. But what’s so wrong with seeing the man or woman behind the curtain?

Story by Stephen Treffinger
Photo courtesy of Hensley Homes

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Pistachio Wreath Cookies

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Emma Riva

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December 3, 2024

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This Pistachio Wreath Cookie recipe is perfect for a holiday party as winter approaches. This recipe makes 48 pistachio cookies, so your guests should come hungry. Ilea Shahan, Marla Harvey, and Jane Schwab brought this recipe to our cookie table competition, and it’s safe to say we couldn’t resist them because of their beauty and their flavor.

A pile of pistachio wreath cookies — Photo by Laura Petrilla

These Pistachio Cookies Are Actually…Healthy?

If you’ve ever had pistachio ice cream, you might wonder why these cookies aren’t green. Well, we hate to give you a “Santa Claus isn’t real” moment, but that coloring in pistachio ice cream is artificial. Pistachios themselves, though, are actually a naturally healthy source of protein and antioxidants as well as a source of compounds that have anti-inflammatory qualities. So, don’t feel too guilty about indulging in pistachio goodies this holiday season!

Three bakers, Ilea Shahan, Marla Harvey, and Jane Schwab, sit in front of a window with a plate of pistachio wreath cookies in front of them — Photo by Laura Petrilla

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Pistachio Wreath Cookies

Author: Ilea Shahan, Marla Harvey, and Jane Schwab

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Description

A great way to spruce up your holiday table!

Ingredients

Scale

270 g all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 /2 tsp kosher salt
150 g sugar
50 g pistachios, finely chopped
226 g unsalted butter, room temperature
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
330 g powdered sugar
1 /4 cup whole milk

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Instructions

Combine flour, cardamom, and salt in a bowl.
In a food processor, combine the granulated sugar and pistachios, process until finely ground.
Transfer pistachio sugar to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add butter and beat until smooth, scraping sides of bowl as needed.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
Portion the dough into two pieces and shape into discs, allow dough to chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness.
Cut cookies using a scalloped cutter then transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze. Scraps can be rerolled once.
After chilling cookies for at least 30 minutes, put in the oven preheated to 350 degrees.
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cookies should be set and just beginning to brown on the edges.
Allow to cool completely before finishing.
Mix together the powdered sugar and milk to make a thick icing to top the cookies.
Spread icing using an offset, then sprinkle the top with the finely chopped pistachios.

Recipe by Ilea Shahan, Marla Harvey, and Jane Schwab
Photography by Dave Bryce and Laura Petrilla

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Cherry Pistachio Sandwich Cookies

By

Emma Riva

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December 3, 2024

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A plate of pistachio sandwich cherry cookies on a piece of glassware

These cherry pistachio sandwich cookies by Melissa Noce are both delicious to eat and beautiful to look at it. She combined the sweetness of a Maraschino cherry with the nuttiness of pistachio to create an unforgettable flavor experience with these cherry cookies. This was a hit at our cookie table competition!

A glass plate of cherry pistachio sandwich cookies — Photo by Laura Petrilla

History of Maraschino Cherries

The term “maraschino” comes from the marasca cherry, a variety native to Croatia. People originally preserved the cherries in a liqueur made from the same fruit, which was popular in the region. In the 19th century, American entrepreneurs began to import maraschino cherries and their liqueur, enjoying the unique flavor. They used these cherries as a luxury item in cocktails and desserts. During Prohibition in the 1920s, maraschino cherries became even more popular as they were used to garnish cocktails, maintaining their status as a classic bar staple. Now, you can enjoy them in cookie form! If you still haven’t had your fill of cherries after these cherry cookies, try our Cherry and Orange Luxardo Buttercream Frosted Brownies.

Melissa Noche with her pistachio cherry cookies — Photo by Laura Petrilla

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