How about a plan for New Year’s? No, not a plan for 2026 (that can wait until February). How about a drinking plan so you can pair the right moment with the right beverage? From wine to beer to booze, we have a few splurges and smart buys that we think will fit in nicely…
By KATIE WORKMAN, Associated Press Perhaps you’re one of those people who are very thoughtful and assiduous about planning the Big Holiday meals. You’re on top of the appetizers, entrée, the sides, the dessert. Maybe you even iron your linen napkins. But then you slap your proverbial forehead when you realize you didn’t think about…
Editor’s note, December 25, 8 am ET: This story is being republished for the holiday season. It was originally published in 2020. It might seem unbelievable given that the “Christmas creep” now begins before Halloween, but the true Christmas season actually starts on Christmas Day itself. That’s right: December 25 marks the official start of…
By Nicole Hvidsten, The Minnesota Star Tribune December seems to fly by at a record pace. In addition to the hustle and bustle of daily life, there are seasonal concerts, parties, and friends who want to connect before year’s end. It’s easy to give up on the dinner routine. Related Articles Make these 3 holiday…
Not long ago, going cashless felt novel. Today, tapping a card—or clicking “Pay now”—barely registers. Expectations have shifted quickly, and by 2025, consumers largely assume payments will run themselves. The commercial pressure is real: merchants lose an estimated $18 billion per year to abandoned carts, and every failed transaction costs roughly $12 in direct and…
Hosting a holiday gathering? Time to break out the punch bowl. Punch is a host’s secret weapon: It can be made in advance, frees you from bartending duty all night and sets the tone with a festive centerpiece. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to the season, like an allspice-and-rye blend (see the Sand Dunes Punch recipe…
There’s something undeniably festive about an upside-down dish — the split second of suspense before the flip, followed by the reveal of a caramelized, shimmering top. This savory polenta tart delivers that same sense of drama and makes a gorgeous vegetarian centerpiece for the holidays. A layer of delicata squash and red onion bakes beneath…
For your upcoming Christmas, New Year’s Eve or other holiday party, consider baking up this indulgent holiday appetizer, courtesy of cookbook author Palestrina McCaffrey, in her new cookbook “The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook, Volume 2” (Adams Media, $20). It’s a social media favorite, and for good reason. “Topped with fresh thyme, sweet honey, and tangy cranberry…
By AYESHA CURRY I call this the “So This Is Christmas Cocktail.” But the drink, from my cookbook “The Full Plate,” is perfect for any family celebration, whether it’s actually Christmas or not. Related Articles Recipe: Miniature chicken pot pies warm the soul Maximalism is back in cocktails with bold colors and flavors British baker’s…
By Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Now that your lawn is strewn with fallen leaves and you’re reaching for a sweater instead of sunscreen, it’s probably time to revamp the weekly menu to include the hearty, warming foods associated with fall. And what’s easier to cozy up to on a chilly autumn evening than a homemade…
