Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and for those hosting a family dinner, there can be a lot of pressure when it comes to preparing the perfect meal.

Luckily, there’s alcohol.

Besides the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, there are also drinks to be served. Why not step it up an ounce or two with some fancy...Read more

PITTSBURGH — During the pandemic, Bill Semins was happy to have a lot more free time on his hands. However, because all his favorite restaurants and bars were forced to close during the lockdown, he had nowhere to go for a great adult beverage.

So the Pittsburgh lawyer took on a task he normally would have left to the professionals: creating ...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — There was some extra octane in the snifters this year when the research began on my annual holiday whiskey list. As my trusty panel of neighbors, friends, and spirits geeks gathered to sip and sift through the candidates, we were looking at a surprising number of new labels boasting triple-digit proofs. That’s because American...Read more

New Year’s Eve may traditionally include a glass of champagne and/or a kiss with a special someone, but come New Year’s Day, the traditions all encompass what’s on the menu.

Specifically in the South, eating a bowl of black-eyed peas and collard greens has become the standard on New Year’s Day. Many celebrating the new year might just ...Read more

Hanukkah, a.k.a. major brisket season, is here. A classic Jewish holiday food, brisket is a cinch to prepare and a great accompaniment to latkes, which require much more hands-on attention. One large brisket can feed many and last for several meals (it's better the next day and improves every day thereafter), easing the cooking pressure for the ...Read more

We have dipped back into our archives and to republish some of our top cookie recipes.

Happy baking!

Brickle

60 or more saltine crackers

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 (12-ounce) package chocolate chips

Chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cover large jelly roll pan (about 13 by 15 inches) with foil. Coat ...Read more

We all love our turkey and many of us would find it hard to turn down a piece of homemade pumpkin pie, especially if it's served with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. But we also know the truth about America's favorite food-focused holiday: Thanksgiving would be nothing more than a boring turkey dinner if not for the cornucopia of side dishes...Read more

For many, deciding what to make with any leftover Thanksgiving turkey is as simple as grabbing two slices of white bread and a jar of mayo.

Others prefer to toss the roasted meat with noodles, mushrooms and cheese in a creamy casserole such as tetrazzini or tuck it into a golden pastry crust in a scrumptious pot pie. My family's personal ...Read more

Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year, which means there's a good chance of costume parties this weekend. If you're the host, and need a quick and easy treat that speaks to the season, this Halloween version of the popular peanut butter truffle known as buckeyes is sure to be a hit.

Crafted from a creamy mix of peanut butter, butter and ...Read more

Two recipes that will fortify ghosts and goblins of any age before an evening of trick-or-treating.

When Halloween falls on a weeknight, it's a mad dash to get kids home, fed and in costume before embarking on an evening of tricks and treats. But thanks to two pantry staples — ramen and a can of French onion soup — a warm, filling meal can ...Read more

The countdown to Halloween has kicked off.

If your spooky season plans involve a cozy night in, you may want to consider some Halloween-themed games. We’ve rounded up a few the whole family will love.

Trunk or treat

Whether you’re gearing up for a night on the town, having people over or staying in with the kids, trunk or treat is a great...Read more

There are stories well-planned and stories spontaneous.

This tale sits at the sticky-sweet spot where these tacks collide.

My editor, Cassie Armstrong, and I have planning calls on occasion to discuss stories upcoming — and the Halloween season is a fun one for recipes. In the past, I’ve featured eyeball-studded cocktails and creative ways...Read more

There’s something about the transition from summer to fall that stirs up a feeling that it’s time to slow down. Maybe it’s the hope of cooler temps, the leaves turning color, or maybe it’s simply the adrenaline crash from activity-filled vacations and back-to-school madness that makes many of us want to hit the pause button.

Whatever ...Read more