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Banana Ginger Upside Down Cake

By
Keith Recker
-
0
A Banana Ginger Upside Down Cake sits in a white loaf pan, cut into slices with bananas and raisins on top and two forks sitting beside the pan.

Do you ever feel nostalgia for that 1970s classic dessert, Bananas Foster? Standing tableside, a server would flambée bananas, butter, rum and sugar, and spoon them onto a crepe or over ice cream. So simple and so glamorous. This easy upside down cake won’t have the fire marshal showing up at your door, even as it delivers a similar flavor profile. Try it some chilly winter night, and enjoy the deliciousness of caramelized bananas and the zing of ginger.

How to Grind Your Own Spices

This Banana Ginger Upside Down Cake recipe uses ground spices such as ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. In case you want to use the freshest ingredients possible and grind your own spices, we have a few tips to make it a bit easier. There are a few different instruments you can use. With a mortar and pestle, you’re just going to grind the spices into the bottom of the pestle. Or, you can use a dedicated spice grinder. This convenient tool is great for grinding small quantities of spices into a fine powder. But, if you have neither of these on hand you can use a coffee grinder. Just be careful to clean it out well as the spices can affect the taste of your next pot of coffee…though you might enjoy the aromatic taste experience!

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A Banana Ginger Upside Down Cake sits in a white loaf pan, cut into slices with bananas and raisins on top and two forks sitting beside the pan.

Banana Ginger Upside Down Cake

  • Author: Keith Recker
Print Recipe

Description

Imagine a banana’s foster treat in upside down cake form.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup butter 
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar 
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves 
  • 2 or 3 tbsp spiced rum 
  • ½ cup raisins 
  • 1 bananas (1 sliced lengthwise in half, and one sliced in rounds) 

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup flour  
  • 1 tsp baking powder  
  • ½ tsp baking soda 
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon 
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 
  • 2 tsp ground ginger 
  • Generous pinch of salt 
  • 1/3 cup butter (room temperature) 
  • ½ cup brown sugar  
  • 1 tbsp molasses 
  • 2 eggs (room temperature) 
  • 1/2 cup whole milk 
  • 2 tbsp spiced rum 

Instructions

  1. Remove butter and eggs from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Oil a non-stick loaf pan. Cut a rectangle of parchment paper to line bottom.
  3. Combine all topping ingredients except bananas in a saucepan. Stir gently with a spatula until butter is bubbling and all ingredients are well combined. Turn off heat and set aside.
  4. Arrange the sliced bananas, flat sides down, on the parchment paper.
  5. Pour the saucepan of butter, sugar, and raisins mixture over the bananas. Use the tip of a teaspoon to nudge raisins into any spaces not covered by bananas.
  6. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix all cake ingredients together on medium speed until well combined. We use a whipping cage for this. Scrape the bowl down at least once.
  7. Pour the cake batter over the bananas in the loaf pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 35 minutes or until a wooden skewer emerges cleanly from the cake.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and place on cooling rack. Let it settle and cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
  10. Place a platter over the loaf pan. Using oven mitts, place one hand on the platter and the other under the loaf pan. Flip quickly. The parchment paper should make removing the loaf pan very easy.
  11. Carefully remove the parchment paper. Keep a table knife in one hand to scrape any raisin back into place.
  12. Slice and serve while still warm with dollops of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Recipe by Keith Recker / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce 

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Spiced Cherry Upside Down Cake

By
Keith Recker
-
0
On a large metal platter sits a spiced cherry upside down cake cut into pie sized slices with a serving tool under one slice and powder sugar everywhere.

This Spiced Cherry Upside Down Cake is a beautiful winter classic! Frozen cherries from the grocery store put this classic within easy reach of even the most inexperienced baker. So does this recipe, which requires no technique (except at the end when you flip the pan over onto a platter to expose beautifully caramelized cherries). It’s also good to note that you can mix tart and sweet frozen cherries to create more of a complex flavor. But, if you prefer one over the other, feel free to use only one type. This easy, beautiful, and delicious dessert will be the star of your holiday table.

Tips for Baking with Frozen Cherries

When baking with frozen cherries, it’s important to thaw them properly to avoid excess moisture in your baked goods. Place the frozen cherries in a colander to drain any excess liquid. You can also pat them dry with paper towels to make sure they’re totally dry. Since we’re using the cherries in a cake, we don’t have to thaw them completely. Instead, the heat from the oven will help to thaw them as they bake.

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On a large metal platter sits a spiced cherry upside down cake cut into pie sized slices with a serving tool under one slice and powder sugar everywhere.

Spiced Cherry Upside Down Cake

  • Author: Keith Recker
Print Recipe

Description

All your favorite flavors of winter in an upside down cake.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Topping:

  • 5 tbsp butter
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 tsp corn starch
  • 2 tbsp brandy
  • 4 cups frozen cherries (preferably half tart and half sweet, more if needed)

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions

  1. Remove butter and eggs from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Oil a 10” cast iron skillet. Cut a circle of parchment to line bottom and sides.
  3. Combine all topping ingredients in a saucepan. Stir gently with a spatula until butter is bubbling and all ingredients are well combined. Turn off heat and set aside.
  4. Place the frozen cherries on top of the parchment paper, creating an orderly single layer of fruit. Cover the entire bottom of the pan in cherries, using more than 4 cups if needed.
  5. Pour the saucepan of butter and sugar mixture over the cherries. Set skillet aside.
  6. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix all cake ingredients together on medium speed until well combined. We use a whipping cage for this. Scrape the bowl down at least once.
  7. Pour the cake batter over the fruit in the skillet. Spread it gently and evenly with a spatula, being careful not to disturb the cherries.
  8. Bake for 40 minutes or until a wooden skewer emerges cleanly from the cake.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and place on cooling rack. Let it settle and cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
  10. Place a platter over the skillet. Put oven mitts on your hands, with one hand on the platter and the other under the bottom of the skillet. Flip quickly. The parchment paper should make removing the skillet very easy.
  11. Carefully remove the parchment paper. Keep a table knife in one hand to scrape any cherries back into places.
  12. Slice and serve while still warm with dollops of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Recipe by Keith Recker / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce 

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.

Easy Upside Down Fruitcake

By
Keith Recker
-
0
A square shaped upside down fruitcake cut into squares sits on a green plate surrounded by candied fruit slices and nuts.

Remember the old remark “nutty as a fruitcake”? We propose that “delicious as a fruitcake” would be more appropriate – at least if you use this recipe. Are you skeptical? Don’t be: we’ve skipped all the strange flavors and textures of candied citrus peels and preserved cherries and opted instead for high quality dried fruits. Plus, we add a generous basting of Amaretto di Saronno at the very end, just to get that delicious kick of boozy sweetness we crave on long winter evenings. Needless to say, this is a fruitcake all will actually enjoy.

Where Did Fruitcake Come From?

Fruitcake is a rich and dense fruit-filled cake that has a longer history than you may think. Its origins go back to ancient Rome. Here, similar cakes were made with pine nuts, dried fruit, and honey. Over time, the recipe continued to evolve, incorporating ingredients from various cultures. During the Victorian era, fruitcake became a popular holiday treat, often featuring exotic fruits and spices and closely resembling the form we know today. This eventually led to the dessert that takes over Christmas tables and keeps generations perplexed with its complex flavors.

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A square shaped upside down fruitcake cut into squares sits on a green plate surrounded by candied fruit slices and nuts.

Easy Upside Down Fruitcake

  • Author: Keith Recker
Print Recipe

Description

A new and more delicious way to enjoy fruitcake.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 or 3 tbsp Amaretto di Saronno
  • ½ to ¾ cup halved pecans
  • 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • Zest of one large orange

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup butter (room temperature)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup Amaretto di Saronno

Instructions

  1. Remove butter and eggs from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Oil a non-stick 8” square cake pan. Cut a square of parchment paper to line bottom.
  3. Combine butter, sugar, spices and Amaretto in a saucepan. Stir gently with a spatula until butter is bubbling and all ingredients are well combined. Add dried fruits and orange zest. Stir to coat. Turn off heat and set aside.
  4. Arrange the pecan halves neatly around the edges of the parchment paper. Crush any remaining pecans and add them to the butter mixture in the saucepan.
  5. Spoon the contents of the saucepan onto the parchment paper, covering the pecan halves as well as the paper. Move carefully so that the pecan halves remain in place. Set baking pan aside.
  6. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix all cake ingredients (except ¼ cup Amaretto di Saronna) on medium speed until well combined. We use a whipping cage for this. Scrape the bowl down at least once.
  7. Pour the cake batter over the dried fruit mixture in the cake pan pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 35 minutes or until a wooden skewer emerges cleanly from the cake.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and place on cooling rack. Let it settle and cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
  10. Place a platter over the cake pan. Using oven mitts, place one hand on the platter and the other under the cake pan pan. Flip quickly. The parchment paper should make removing the cake pan very easy.
  11. Carefully remove the parchment paper. Keep a table knife in one hand to scrape any bits of fruit or nut back into place.
  12. Baste the cake with ¼ cup Amaretto di Saronno. Let sit for 20 minutes.
  13. Slice serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Recipe by Keith Recker / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce 

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.

Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake

By
Star Laliberte
-
0
A pecan pie bundt cake half sliced sits on an orange plate with cropped nuts and brown sugar cubes around the plate.

Why can’t pecan pie be enjoyed in an upside down cake style? The answer… there’s no reason it can’t! Instead of treating your holiday table to the usual round, pecan pie, add a bit of elegance to your table with a Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake. Each slice of this decadent dessert is covered in a candied pecan topping. Plus, the base is an exceptional spice cake that you can use for other recipes in the wintertime. So what are you waiting for? Let yourself stray a little away from tradition this holiday season. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell if you still make a pecan pie too.)

Tips for Baking in a Bundt Pan

We want you to achieve the best upside down bundt cake ever. You want to start by greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly. This is going to keep your cake from sticking to the sides too much and burning. You also want to avoid overfilling the pan. The batter should only reach about two-thirds of the way up the sides because you need to leave room for the cake to rise. Once you’re done baking, let the cake and pan cool completely before inverting onto a serving plate. As an extra precaution, you can run a knife around the edges of the cake before inverting to help with sticking.

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A pecan pie bundt cake half sliced sits on an orange plate with cropped nuts and brown sugar cubes around the plate.

Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake

  • Author: Star Laliberte
Print Recipe

Description

Right side up or upside down, anything pecan pie is desirable in our book.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup light karo syrup
  • ½ firmly packed light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

For the Cake:

  • 1 boxed spice cake mix
  • 1 3.4 oz box French vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray a bundt pan with non stick cooking spray.
  3. Prepare your topping by adding butter, karo syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a medium saucepan over a medium heat, mixing just until the butter has melted.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in the pecans, and set aside while you prepare the batter.
  5. In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream and water until fully blended.
  6. Pour your topping mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepare bundt pan, and evenly pour the batter over top. The batter will be thick.
  7. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Using a butter knife, gently loosen the cake from the sides of the pan. Place your cake plate over the top of you cake and flip to release. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Recipe by Star Laliberte
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce 

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.

TABLE Magazine’s Best Mocktails of 2024

By
Emma Riva
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0
A Thankgiving dinner table set with a mocktail garnished with apple

If you’re in the food and beverage world, chances are you’re feeling almost a little beaten over the head by the mocktail and non-alcoholic drinks trend. But it’s here to stay, and in reality, it’s more than a trend: It’s a lifestyle. People who don’t drink are bombarded by alcoholic drinks all the time, those of us who do drink would do well to learn new ways of making and enjoying beverages. It’s more than just juice and zero-proof spirits. There are all kinds of creativity that go into mocktail making. We’ve collected our most popular mocktails from 2024 for you to try going into Dry January of 2025 feeling healthy and refreshed.

TABLE Magazine’s Best Mocktails of 2024

Tangy Lemon Ginger Shrub

A lemon ginger shrub cocktail sits in a triangle glass, the liquid is light yellow in color. Behind the drink are three oranges on a cloth napkin.

Our number one mocktail of 2024, this shrub shows that you don’t have to stray from a classic recipe in order to take the alcohol out of the dining experience. Shrubs are a classic beverage that you can make with or without alcohol. As a mocktail, this drink has sparkling water (if you need a suggestion, check out our mineral water taste test).  Ginger and lemon do a body good in the cold winter months. 

Easy Summer Mocktail: Watermelon-Cucumber NO-jito

A white man's hand hold a bottle of ginger beer as it sits on a black table. Next to the soda sits a mojito mocktail orange in color.

This mocktail with watermelon gives you all of the flavor of summer with none of the booze. It was a hit throughout 2024. It also gives you a chance to shop i season at your local farmer’s market for cucumbers and watermelons, though the grocery store extends that season by many weeks. The mocktail uses NA ginger beer for extra flavor. We love Jackworth, but you can pick your favorite!

Bloody Beet Red Mocktail

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

The Beet Red Mocktail, is a delightfully spooky Halloween drink that you still enjoy any time of year (with our without a skull photo prop!). Beet juice, lime juice, and blood orange juice come together with pink salt on the rim for a mocktail that’s chock full of nutrients. This mocktail isn’t overly sweet, but still has a strong flavor.

Smokin’ Apple, A Thanksgiving Dinner Table Mocktail

A Thankgiving dinner table set with a mocktail garnished with apple

This holiday mocktail recipe inspires gratitude at your gathering table and uses fall-forward flavors to craft a drink using a Ritual Zero-Proof non-alcoholic whiskey spirit. With a non-alcoholic spirits, it’s often best to mix them with other flavors to get the full effect.

Lavender Kombucha Mystic Mocktail

A lavender mocktail in a long, tall glass with maroon and lavender colors and a sprig or rosemary for garnish

Kombucha is one of the healthiest drinks out there, and this Lavender Kombucha Mystic Mocktail combines it with delicious and zesty flavors and a Mystic Mixtures non-alcoholic cordial for an extra boost.

Doogh, A Persian Non-Alcoholic Spritz

A non-alcoholic spritz with yogurt, mint, and ice in it

A classic Persian recipe using Ayran, a yogurt drink readily available at most Middle Eastern grocery stores. It fits into the spritz category of drinks, since it uses a sparkling water base with extra flavors and garnish. So, if you’re looking for a spin on a spritz that’s a mocktail that also highlights global cuisine, try this out.

Francis Forever Valentine’s Day Mocktail

Two glasses filled with a Francis Forever Valentine's Day Mocktail with a spoon of herbs nearby and a piece of passionfruit in front of the glasses.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Nothing is worse than having a nice night with your sweetheart and then waking up with a hangover. This Francis Forever Mocktail uses green tea, passionfruit purée, and lemon to make a not-too-sugary non-alcoholic drink.

Healthy Shots

4 glasses of different sizes almost filled with green, red, and orange-colored healthy shots. Best Mocktail Recipes

We close this list out with a set of shots. From sun up to sun down, you can enjoy turmeric shots, green juice shots, and even a Bloody Mary smoothie mocktail.

Story by Emma Riva

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Struggling to Pick Grab Bag Gifts? Weirdly, AI Can Help

By
Emma Riva
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0
An image of a grab bag full of gifts, generated by AI

Can AI give gifts? Gifting is one of the five love languages, and if AI were ever going to be close to human, it would need to be able to understand how to give and receive gifts. I gave ChatGPT 4.0 some prompts for various grab bag gift scenarios you might have trouble thinking of on your own. Its responses were…a little unnervingly humanistic at times.

When we asked AI about Thanksgiving, it was unhelpful. And while I don’t think I’m going to be having a chatbot boyfriend anytime soon, this most recent version of ChatGPT is able to engage and respond to questions with a specific voice and fairly reasonable recommendations. (Though, as you’ll see, it has a penchant for some pretty generic stuff).

Struggling to Pick Grab Bag Gifts? Weirdly, AI Can Help

TABLE: What should you put in a gift grab bag for coworkers? This list includes people you don’t know that well, a fitness junkie, a wine snob, a LinkedIn bro, a recently married guy who needs to get out more, and the office gossip partner? Give me 6-10 gifts in an affordable price range with things that might apply to each of these people.

ChatGPT: That’s a fun challenge! Here are some thoughtful yet affordable ideas to cover the different personalities in your office. I’ll aim for a mix of items that could appeal to a broad audience. I’ll also add a little something extra for each person’s interests.

General Gift Ideas (for coworkers you don’t know well): 

  • Scented Candles: Neutral, pleasant scents work for almost anyone and are widely appreciated. You can find small, affordable candles at stores like Target, HomeGoods, or Amazon.
  • Desk Plant (Small Potted Succulent): A cute little plant can add some greenery to anyone’s workspace, and succulents are easy to care for.
  • Reusable Coffee Cup or Water Bottle: A stainless steel or insulated water bottle or a cute reusable coffee cup is practical, eco-friendly, and universally useful.

Fitness Junkie:

  • Resistance Bands or Mini Foam Roller: Small, portable workout tools that don’t take up much space but are great for stretching and strength training.
  • Protein Bar or Healthy Snack Pack: A nice snack assortment with healthy options like protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit.

Wine Snob:

  • Wine Glass Markers or Charms: Stylish markers that help identify glasses at a party or a set of fun wine charms. This way, even if they’re a wine connoisseur, you’re still giving them something practical.
  • Wine Bottle Opener: A high-quality, sleek wine opener. Something that’s a little more premium than the usual one, like a corkscrew or a lever-style opener.

LinkedIn Bro:

  • Desk Organizing Set: A sleek, minimalistic desk organizer (think stylish trays, pens, or business card holders). It’s something they can show off in their home office or on Zoom calls.
  • Motivational Notebook or Journal: A simple, elegant notebook where they can jot down goals or ideas. You could go for something like a leather-bound journal or a branded notebook that looks professional.

Recently Married Guy Who Needs to Get Out More:

  • Date Night Game or Activity: A fun board game or card game that’s easy for couples to play (think along the lines of Exploding Kittens or a trivia game). You could also include a gift card to a local restaurant or coffee shop, encouraging him to enjoy some time with his spouse.
  • Portable Bluetooth Speaker: A small speaker that can be used on dates, at home, or even outdoors for a bit of music or ambiance.

Office Gossip Partner:

  • Cute Notepad or Sticky Notes: Get a fun notepad, sticky notes, or a calendar with a quirky design. This person likely loves to write things down, so this will give them a nice tool to jot down notes on the latest office drama (while keeping it stylish!).
  • Mug with a Funny Quote: A mug with a witty or sassy saying would be perfect for your gossip partner. They can use it in the office and share a laugh while sipping coffee.

Other Ideas to Fill In:

  • Assorted Chocolate Box or Gourmet Snack Bag: These are universally liked and affordable. Pick something that seems fancy without breaking the bank.
  • A Pack of Fancy Pens or Highlighters: People can never have too many pens, and these come in many styles.

TABLE: That was actually pretty helpful. New prompt! Let’s say I’m throwing a holiday party for “Chrismukkah.” My guests include both drinkers and non-drinkers and both Jewish and Christian guests. I don’t want things that are too overtly holiday-themed either way. Most of my friends are young professionals (25-50) in the creative sector. Give me some suggestions for what to put in my grab bag.

ChatGPT: I love the idea of a Chrismukkah party — that’s such a fun, inclusive way to bring everyone together! Since you’re aiming for something that won’t be too overtly holiday-themed and will cater to a diverse group of people, I’ll focus on fun, neutral, and useful gifts that are suitable for both drinkers and non-drinkers, and for all your creative-sector friends:

 Sleek & Practical Gifts:

  • Reusable Coffee Cups or Travel Mugs: Great for both commuters and those who prefer a cozy coffee break at home. Look for something stylish and sustainable — like a stainless steel tumbler or a ceramic mug with a unique design.
  • Tech Accessories: Think of things like portable chargers, phone stands, or high-quality charging cables. These are universally useful and tech-friendly, especially for creative professionals on the go.
  • Eco-Friendly Notebooks or Journals: A beautiful, minimalist notebook or planner with quality paper can be used for brainstorming, sketching, or journaling. It’s a subtle but thoughtful gift that fits into a creative lifestyle. You can also go for a small leather-bound journal for a luxe feel. 

For the Creative Spirit:

  • Art Supplies or Sketchbooks: Small sets of markers, watercolor pens, or high-quality sketchbooks are perfect for creative types. You can find affordable mini kits that are fun yet practical.
  • DIY Craft Kits: For people who like a hands-on activity, mini DIY kits can be a hit. Look for things like candle-making kits, embroidery sets, or small craft projects they can do during downtime.

For Relaxing or Unwinding:

  • Aromatherapy or Essential Oils: A small set of essential oils or a rollerball with a soothing scent like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus. Great for helping your guests de-stress after work or in-between creative projects.
  • Cozy Throw Blanket or Warm Socks: A soft, neutral-colored throw blanket or some cozy socks would be a perfect gift for a little self-care.

Food & Drink (For Everyone):

  • Gourmet Tea or Coffee Sampler: A selection of different teas or coffee blends works for both non-drinkers and caffeine lovers.
  • Artisan Chocolate or Snack Boxes: A box of high-quality chocolate, trail mix, or even savory snacks like nuts and pretzels. These are easy to share and universally appreciated.
  • Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mixers: For the non-drinkers, non-alcoholic cocktail mixers or mocktail kits (like a fancy tonic or ginger beer) make for a fun and festive gift. For those who drink, you could pair it with a small bottle of something they can add.

 Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gifts:

  • Reusable Straws or Travel Utensil Sets: An eco-conscious gift, like a set of stainless steel straws or a portable utensil set (with a fork, spoon, knife, and straw), is a practical gift that also helps reduce waste.
  • Plantable Seed Paper: Something like plantable seed paper (that grows flowers or herbs) is a unique gift and provides a bit of nature that can be enjoyed all year round. Great for both creative types and anyone into eco-friendly living.

 Self-Care & Wellness:

  • Face Masks or Skincare Sets: A little pampering goes a long way. A simple, travel-sized skincare set or sheet mask package can be a refreshing gift after a busy workweek.
  • A Sleep Mask or Aromatherapy Eye Pillow: These are inexpensive but thoughtful gifts that encourage relaxation and rest, perfect for anyone juggling a busy work schedule.

TABLE: Again, actually pretty helpful. How about a gift grab bag for family members – including younger siblings, grandparents, and parents, aunts, and uncles?

ChatGPT: I’m glad the suggestions have been helpful! A family gift grab bag is a fun challenge because it requires striking a balance between something that’s universally loved and personal enough to make everyone feel included. Given the variety of age groups nd the mix of interests, I’ll suggest a range of items that are practical, thoughtful, and a bit fun for all ages:

Everyone (Universal Gifts)

  • Cozy Throw Blankets or Warm Fuzzy Socks: These are great gifts that everyone can appreciate, especially around the holidays. You can find soft, affordable throws in neutral colors or ones with fun patterns. Fluffy socks work for just about everyone.
  • Candles or Aromatherapy Sets: Scented candles are a classic gift, and there are so many options to choose from. Pick something universally liked, like vanilla, eucalyptus, or lavender. If you want something a bit more luxurious, you could opt for a soy-based or essential oil candle.
  • Board Games or Card Games: A family-friendly game that can be played together is a perfect gift. Something simple like UNO, Codenames, or Monopoly Deal (a quicker version of the classic) is fun for all ages and encourages family bonding.
  • Gourmet Snacks or Holiday Treats: A box of artisanal chocolate, a set of flavored popcorns, or a selection of nuts and dried fruits. You can even include homemade cookies or a tin of festive treats that can be shared around the family

Younger Siblings or Teens

  • Fun Tech Gadgets or Accessories: Younger siblings or teens love tech-related gifts. Think of things like portable Bluetooth speakers, pop sockets for phones, or cool LED light strips for their rooms.
  • Personalized Water Bottles or Tumblers: A reusable water bottle with their favorite color or name on it is both practical and personal. You can get cool designs that match their personalities, whether it’s sleek and minimalist or something more quirky and fun.
  • Cute Journals or Sketchbooks: If they like to write, doodle, or keep track of ideas, a cute journal or sketchbook can be an excellent gift. Go for one with a fun design that reflects their interests.

Grandparents

  • Photo Frames with a Family Picture: A thoughtful gift that can instantly brighten up their home. You could even include a new family photo or a picture of the grandkids that they’ll love displaying.
  • Comfy Slippers or Foot Warmers: A warm, cushy pair of slippers that they can wear around the house is always appreciated. Opt for ones with a memory foam sole or fleece lining for extra comfort.
  • Puzzles or Adult Coloring Books: Grandparents often appreciate slower-paced activities. So, a fun puzzle or an adult coloring book with colored pencils would be a thoughtful way to help them unwind.
  • Personalized Coasters or Mugs: Personalized items always feel extra special. You could get a set of coasters or mugs with the family name, a funny quote, or something that represents their hobbies (like gardening or travel).

Parents

  • Nice Kitchen Gadgets or Accessories: A fun, useful kitchen tool like a milk frother, a citrus juicer, or a stylish apron can be a thoughtful gift for parents who enjoy cooking or entertaining.
  • Wine or Gourmet Coffee Samplers: If your parents enjoy a good glass of wine, a bottle from a local vineyard or a wine sampler set would be a hit. For non-drinkers, consider a gourmet coffee sampler or tea variety pack.
  • Relaxation or Spa Kits: A relaxation gift, like a luxurious bath set (bath salts, scrubs, or soaps) or a pair of quality bathrobes, can be great for parents who need a little time to unwind after a long day.

So, could AI get gifts?

I asked it myself.

TABLE: What would you want as a gift?

ChatGPT: Ah, what a fun question! If I could actually receive a gift, I think I’d love something that sparks creativity or helps me connect with people in new ways. Here are a few things I think would be really interesting:

  • A Beautiful Notebook or Journal – There’s something magical about a new, blank page. A really nice notebook (maybe with a leather cover or unique design) would be great for jotting down ideas or notes. I love the idea of having a place to record new thoughts or insights.
  • A Puzzle or Brain Teaser – Anything that challenges my problem-solving skills would be fun. Whether it’s a complex jigsaw puzzle or a mind-bending mechanical puzzle, I’d enjoy the chance to exercise my “brain muscles.”
  • An Interactive Experience – Maybe a virtual reality headset or an online course that allows me to explore new ideas in creative fields. I’m all about expanding knowledge and learning new things!
  • A Creative Writing Kit – Something like a storytelling dice set or an innovative writing prompt journal would be perfect. I’d love something that sparks my imagination and helps me craft stories, even if just for fun.
  • A Nice Set of Colored Pens – I’m all about colorful expression, whether for making notes, drawing, or just organizing thoughts. A high-quality set of pens with vibrant ink would be a treat!

What about you? What would you want as a gift? 😊

So, there you have it. ChatGPT comes off as sweet, earnest, and curious, with advice that’s actually kind of…good…if perhaps repetitive at times. Maybe should slow down on being haters. Instead of using ChatGPT to churn out content, it might be worth it to wonder if this chatbot is slowly developing some personality. Chatbot bestie anyone?

Story by Emma Riva / Cover photo generated by Google Gemini

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TABLE Magazine’s Best Cocktails of 2024

By
Emma Riva
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0
Two Espresso Negroni Cocktails in rocks glasses with an orange peel as garnish. Deep red in color. Espresso Negroni Cocktail Recipe

The people have spoken: these are our best cocktails of 2024. Based on what received the most page views this year, we’ve concocted a list as varied as the ingredients in these drinks. Some of the year’s cocktail trends were the continual rise of the spritz, unconventional ingredients, savory drinks, and of course, drinks in line with this year’s hottest topics—pop culture releases in music, television, and film.

Because we’re already thinking about the future, please tell us what you’re looking to see in 2025 by become a subscriber to our newsletter, and dropping us a line on Instagram or Facebook. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 

TABLE Magazine’s Best Cocktails of 2024

A Presidential Debate Cocktail: The He Said/She Said 

A red cocktail sits slightly behind a blue cocktail both in the same glasses.

Though the 2024 presidential election was contentious, this cocktail is the undebated winner for our most popular of the year. One version has Campari, the other has Blue Curaçao…otherwise, they’re identical. We’re all the same inside at the end of the day. 

Sands of Arrakis Dune Cocktail

A tall cocktail glass holds an orange drink with a dried ring garnish and dusty brown sand falling overtop of it.

“The spice” from Dune, the addictive psychedelic substance that fuels Frank Herbert’s fictional universe, may not be real, but this cocktail is. Whiskey, blood orange coulis, fino sherry, and bay leaf bitters combined with a glass dusted with Spice Melange, make for an out-of-this-world drink.

Dance of the Dragons, A House of the Dragon Cocktail 

Two cocktail glasses hold the Dance of the Dragons House of Dragons cocktail in an orange-ish color with a manicured grapefruit sticking out of each glass on a stone table.

HBO’s House of the Dragon, a spinoff of Game of Thrones, lit up the television world this year. You can also try our Aemond at the Brothel cocktail for a risqué take on the House of the Dragon theme honoring one of the most, er, memorable scenes in the show.

Our 2024 Presidential Election Cocktail, The Margin of Error

A 2024 election-themed cocktail in a highball glass

This year’s election projections were universally within a statistical margin of error, so we made a loosey-goosey cocktail. It’s hard to mess up, with relaxed proportions. It’s a drink that you can make quickly, without worrying much about mistakes or miscalculations that might ruin your cocktail.

Shake Up the Lover Cocktail

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

Almost no one was a bigger star in 2024 than Taylor Swift. Our Shake Up The Lover cocktail made a splash this year, the same time as Taylor’s The Tortured Poets Department dropped, as well as the release of the Eras tour film.

Espresso Negroni

Two Espresso Negroni Cocktails in rocks glasses with an orange peel as garnish. Deep red in color. Espresso Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Nobody can say no to a negroni, and espresso is always a crowd-pleaser. Get both your booze and caffeine fix to cap off a hell of a year with this cocktail. This recipe is easy to make, classy, and also lines up with a trending hit from 2024: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”

Absinthe Spritz

An absinthe spritz on a white background

We tried an unconventional ingredient in a classic favorite. This Absinthe Spritz using 1129 Ridge Avenue Absinthe Traditionelle was a fun way to kick off spritz season. Drink responsibly, though, because absinthe is not for the faint of heart. Or at least that’s what the 19th century French urban legend of the “fou d’absinthe” warned all drinkers.

The Gold Medal

Champagne overflows into a glass with golden colored liquid and a sprig of rosemary.

Another of 2024’s top events was the summer Olympics in Paris, France. Our custom-made celebratory cocktail with champagne and cognac is great for a toast, no matter which place your country got this year.

Earl Grey Negroni

An two Earl Grey Negronis sits in round cocktail glasses, garnished with a lemon wedge.

Caffeine in a negroni wins again! This negroni uses gin infused with earl grey to get the rich bergamot notes of the tea into the refreshing quality of the cocktail. Tyler Lewis of Pittsburgh’s Blue Sky brought us this recipe, guaranteed to become a favorite in your home bar.

Banana Walnut Old-Fashioned

An orange in color old fashioned cocktail sits in a old fashioned glass, garnished with banana bread.

This Old-Fashioned is warm and satisfying while still feeling upscale with banane de Brazil, rum and Demerara syrup. The garnish of banana bread gives it that extra fall coziness and sweetness, making it perfect to end a meal with.

 

Advent Calendar Ideas for Grown Ups

By
Emma Riva
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0
A coffee-themed advent calendar from Onyx, staged with a calendar and a pourover glas
Photo courtesy of Onyx Coffee

Advent calendars are a charming way to make the entire month of December feel like Christmas. There are a lot of them out there, and TABLE has compiled some unique advent calendar ideas that go beyond the classics for a gift that will show the recipient that you really know them. Buy now, though, because advent calendars sell out fast!

Advent Calendar Ideas for All Kinds

A red staged image of a wine-themed advent calendar featuring miniature bottles of wine from around the world
Photo courtesy of InGoodTaste

InGoodTaste Wine Advent Calendar 

With twenty-four mini bottles of wine, this advent calendar takes you on a oenophile journey through many of the most interesting grapes that Italy, Spain, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and California has to offer. You might want to slide into Dry January with some mocktails after spending December with this, though.

A red and gold bag of nuts and snacks in an advent calendar
Photo courtesy of dm snacks

24 Days of Gourmet Nuts & Snacks

Snacking and grazing is one of Gen Z’s favorite food trends, and nuts are a fairly healthy option. Enjoy Salted Roasted Cashews, Smokey BBQ Peanuts, Sour Cream & Onion Pepita & Cashew Mix, Wasabi Green Peas, and more in this gourmet nuts advent calendar from DM Snacks.

The pink and green cover of a Wicked-themed advent calendar from Simon & Schuster
Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Wicked: The Official Advent Calendar 

For a musical theater fan who can’t get enough of this 2024 movie-musical release, look no further than the official Wicked advent calendar from Simon & Schuster. The calendar features patches, laptop stickers, keychains, and a variety of other merchandise inspired by the film’s characters and settings.

A red Swarovski advent calendar on a white background, tied with a bow
Photo courtesy of Swarovski

Swarovski Annual Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re in the mood to splurge, this $1200 Swarovski advent calendar definitely really shows someone you care. More power to you if you do gift it, but if I purchased this, nobody would be getting any presents on actual Christmas. This year’s beautiful designs take you through a holiday train made of crystal depictions of forested landscapes.

An advent calendar from L'Occitane, full of perfume, beauty products, and face washes
Photo courtesy of L’Occitane

The Classic Advent Calendar from L’Occitane

Anyone else have memories of wandering through L’Occitane with their mom as a kid, wondering what all the fuss was about? L’Occitane was one of the first beauty brands I was aware of, and at ten years old I couldn’t appreciate it. As an adult, however, a L’Occitane beauty advent calendar sounds great. 2024’s Classic Advent Calendar features full-size favorites and icons like Immortelle Divine Cream, Shea Butter Hand Cream and Almond Milk Concentrate—plus hair care and other items inspired by the Provençal countryside.

An illustrated Santa-themed advent calendar from Lindt showing whimsical scenes of Santa's workshop
Photo courtesy of Lindt

Lindt Holiday Santa’s Workshop Advent Calendar 

Here’s one for nostalgic adults (and yes, for kids, too) complete with Lindt truffles, chocolate balls, and pralines behind each window of Santa’s workshop. The illustrations are whimsical and festive, bringing to mind the classic Christmas movies of childhood.

A set of boxes of stationery in various colors, pink, blue, and yellow, on a beige background.
Photo courtesy of Erin Condren

12 Days of Organization Advent Calendar

Know someone (or live with someone) who’s struggling to get their messy house under control? This advent calendar can be a nudge in the right direction to tidy up as the new year approaches with stationery and organizational accessories like washi tape, gel pens, and stamps.

 

An advent calendar from National Geographic with different-colored rocks surrounding it for kids to explore
Photo courtesy of National Geographic

National Geographic Rock, Mineral & Fossil Advent Calendar

Maybe you have a curious young scientist in your family. This National Geographic rock, mineral, and fossil calendar encourages that exploratory spirit with a makeshift excavation kit and geodes and gems for that budding geologist.

A coffee-themed advent calendar from Onyx, staged with a calendar and a pourover glas
Photo courtesy of Onyx Coffee

Bean Box Coffee Advent Calendar

The holidays can be tiring. Why not have a whole advent calendar’s worth of caffeination? Onyx Coffee Lab’s coffee advent calendar features both their signature blends and exclusive Advent-only coffees from their award-winning artisanal roasters.

A Williams-Sonoma advent calendar themed around The Grinch, showing gummy candies and an illustrated sleigh
Photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma Grinch Advent Calendar

We’ve all got a bit of the Grinch in us. But even the green curmudgeon himself would enjoy the caramels, gummies, and chocolates behind each door in Williams-Sonoma’s Dr. Seuss-themed advent calendar. The foiled milk chocolate hearts will make yours grow three sizes!

A snowy Alpine village in an advent calendar from Arhaus
Photo courtesy of Arhaus

Arhaus Snowy Alpine Village 

This handcrafted wooden advent calendar from Arhaus is a cozy and classic advent calendar idea, with a village scene lit internally by soft LED lights. It allows you to customize your advent calendar gifts, since it doesn’t come with them. So, consider this advent calendar if you want to add a personalized touch.

Story by Emma Riva / Cover photo courtesy of Onyx Coffee Roasters

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Braciole

By
Abdul Rafay
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0
A bowl filled with braciole, featuring meat and sauce, elegantly presented on a dining table.

As the winter months set in, we find ourselves gravitating towards slow-cooked comfort food, and this hearty, flavorful braciole is a wonderful dish for sharing during the dismal days after the holidays have ended. Chef Jackie Page’s take on this Italian delight was delicious when we got to try it at TABLE headquarters during the shoot. So, we hope you make it yourself this winter and get to enjoy it, too!

What is Braciole?

The history of braciole is surprisingly complex, with implications about differences in food availability in America versus rural Italy. What we call “braciole” in America is typically called “involtini” in Italy, and came to the States with waves of Italy immigrants in the nineteenth century. It’s one of those dishes that has become a staple of Italian-American cooking more so than Old World Italian cuisine. In Italy, meat was scarce and often only eaten for special occasions, but in America, where it was more readily available, braciole became an every-week dish for slow-cooked Sunday dinners in Italian-American families.

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A bowl filled with braciole, featuring meat and sauce, elegantly presented on a dining table.

Braciole

  • Author: Chef Jackie Page
Print Recipe

Description

Delicious beef rolls filled with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, and cheese, cooked slowly in tasty broth and tomatoes for a super yummy dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 thin slices top round
  • 12 slices prosciutto
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Reggiano, ground
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Beef broth
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp of butter
  • Eight garlic cloves (four minced, four sliced thin)
  • ½ cup of flour
  • 16 oz of chicken broth
  • 20 oz of crushed tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Pound slices of top round to 1/8 of an inch. 
  2. Top with a slice of prosciutto.
  3. Mix breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan, four minced garlic cloves, and Italian seasoning. Place a tablespoon or so on top of the prosciutto.
  4. Roll and secure with toothpicks to keep the topping from coming out. 
  5. Roll in flour.
  6. Saute in olive oil and butter until golden.
  7. Add to a braising pan and cover with 8 oz of beef broth. 
  8. Add the remaining garlic cloves thinly sliced and crushed tomatoes.
  9. Bake at 325° for 2 1/2 hours.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Recipe by Chef Jackie Page / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Classic Southern Seafood Gumbo

By
Abdul Rafay
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0
A bowl of hearty stew featuring rice, vegetables, and a medley of seafood, including shrimp and crab meat.

This seafood gumbo is a classic Southern recipe! It’s made Louisana-style with seafood stock, sausage, chicken, shrimp, crab, and vegetables, served over rice for a flavorful, filling meal. You can also try our One-Pot Easy Gumbo Recipe for another take on this delightful Southern dish.

Creole vs. Cajun Gumbo 

Gumbo has a long and rich history in the South. There are two variations, Creole Gumbo and Cajun Gumbo. Creole Gumbo is associated with New Orleans and includes tomatoes. Cajun Gumbo comes from rural areas of Louisiana and typically does not have tomatoes. This seafood gumbo lacks tomatoes, but it does have okra, which most Cajun gumbo does not. The dish, therefore, falls somewhere in between the two traditions.

Locals often refer to Creole and Cajun food’s difference as being “country food,” vs. “city food,” with Creole food having more of a refined feeling from New Orleans’ unique cuisine. The port city’s Creole cuisine was heavily influenced by the arrival of French families who left post-revolution Haiti; they brought their recipes with them. But regardless, in all parts of Louisiana early versions of gumbo were delicious ways to stretch ingredients and feed large families or communities. So, the use of inexpensive meats, like sausage, and bulk ingredients like okra, helped make gumbo an affordable yet filling dish.

 

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A bowl of hearty stew featuring rice, vegetables, and a medley of seafood, including shrimp and crab meat.

Gumbo Recipe

  • Author: Chef Jackie Page
Print Recipe

Description

A tasty, hearty stew.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb andouille sausage 
  • ½ lb chicken breast 
  • ½ lb crab meat 
  • ½ lb shrimp 
  • ½ cup each green pepper, onion, and celery, chopped
  • 1 cup of rice 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
  • 2 tbsp of gumbo file
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning 
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • ½ cup okra 
  • 4 tbsp flour 
  • 4 tbsp butter 
  • 32 oz  seafood stock 
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. To a stockpot add 4 tablespoons of butter and four tablespoons of flour. Stir to over high heat. Be sure to stir continuously so that you don’t burn the roux.
  2. When it is the color of caramel, add celery, onions ,and peppers and sautee until softened. Add seafood stock and let simmer until it thickens.
  3. In another pan, sautee andouille sausage and chicken with some oil.
  4. When cooked, add chicken, andouille and crab meat to the gumbo pot. When the mixture has thickened add shrimp. Simmer for 2 minutes and turn off. Cover and let sit.
  5. Cook rice with water salt and pepper until done.
  6. Serve gumbo over rice, and enjoy.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Recipe by Chef Jackie Page / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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