(Porcini) Soup’s On!

Mushroom of the Week (Porcini) Soup’s On! Our resident mushroom expert Gary Gilbert is back with some “souper” ideas for easy and delicious warm winter dinners. M …

YOURS & MINE : Holiday Traditions

There are holiday traditions in aspirational books and television shows. Then, there are the real family traditions to celebrate the holiday season. Here are some good ones shared by local familiar faces. From an annual Christmas Eve date with a book to baking countless pies, locals celebrate this season in their own ways.

Welcome Home

When Allie’s Beach Street Cafe closed last spring, all of Manchester wondered what might be next for the space in the heart of downtown. The answer is 35 Beach, a completely reimagined eatery with a new, beautiful interior and a fusion menu.

Alex Pineda and Noe Ortega are The New Landing

The Landing in Marblehead has been a mainstay restaurant for decades, but in recent years a new operations team and two chefs with a big Boston pedigree has taken over. Kris McGinn checked it out.
Craterellus ignicolor

Mushroom of the Week: Fungal Fruitings

All of our seemingly endless summer rains have produced some interesting fungal fruitings! Typically, we have a mid-summer drought, or worse, and can only collect fall species, but this year, we …
courtesy image

The Pink Moment: Mayflour Bakery Shines in Essex

For the past five years, Kris McGinn has been praying that a bakery would open in Essex. Wth Mayflour Bakery opening, her call is answered.

Mushroom of the Week: Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the Woods.  Its bright orange colors can shine through the woods

Chicken of the Woods is one of the “Top 4” easiest edible mushrooms to identify.   It is right up there with Morels, Puffballs, and the Shaggy Mane. Its bright orange colors can shine …

Slate plate with cremini mushrooms on table
The common White Button Mushroom is probably the most famous fungal fruiting body of them all.  It is found in virtually every grocery store in the world.   Eaten raw, or cooked, it is an …
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The Caprese Fantastica (above) with burrata stracciatella, organic cherry tomatoes, and grilled Virgilios ciabatta is a popular new menu item, but the Cobb Salad (below) is a loved staple.
Hitting the Mark with Outdoor Dining
SPRING IS THE BUFFER SEASON, when daylight savings time brings an extra hour of sunlight, and the cool air starts to warm.  Summer’s coming, and locals start thinking about outdoor dining around …
Vidalia’s — Hello Again
Melissa is trying to understand what the space should be.  She is standing in the middle of the sun filled room, toggling between produce, baked goods, artisanal groceries, and the insanely good …
Brick Caps, Hypholoma lateritium, (Photo: Bernard Spragg)
The Joys of Winter Mushrooms
It may be surprising, but one can find a few edible wild mushrooms during wintertime.  The good thing is that hunting them gives you something to do while you’re cross-country skiing or walking in …

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Food stories from around the web

Convenient Breakfasts to Kickstart the New Year

(Family Features) Starting the morning on the right foot can set the tone for a productive day. Even when crunched for time before work or school, eating a filling breakfast like this Quick Breakfast Skillet or One-Pot Rice Shakshuka before heading out the door is an important part of setting yourself up for success.

The Ultimate Guide to Game Day Hosting: 6 tips to host a game day gathering like a pro

(Family Features) From kickoff to the final whistle, game day is all about spending time with friends and family while rooting for your favorite team. When it's your turn to host, you can bring all the fun of a tailgate party to the comfort of your couch with the proper plan for hosting and recipes like Hot Honey Bacon Cheddar Dip with Pretzel Bites.

Flavorful Snacks Packed with Lean Protein

(Family Features) Living a happier, healthier life often begins in the kitchen. From lunches on the go to sit-down family meals, keeping flavor at the center of your meal planning is key to maintaining healthy habits.
Snack Smarter With Protein Tortilla Chips
Snack Smarter With Protein Tortilla Chips
(NewsUSA) - Do you crave crispy, tasty tortilla chips, and want a snack that you and your family can feel good about? If so, then you'll be happy to hear about a new chip that is now available …
Tackle Wellness Goals by Adding a Touch of Green: Better-for-you recipes inspired by savory salad kits
(Family Features) Around the start of a new year, many people are setting their wellness intentions, from incorporating a variety of greens into meals to boosting daily step goals, drinking more water and practicing gratitude.
6 ways to prioritize mental wellness this year
(BPT) - The new year means resolutions, reflection and recharging. It's a fresh start, a time when new, healthier habits seem possible. This year, along with eating healthier and exercising more, …
5 sous vide recipes that are sure to impress holiday guests
(BPT) - The holiday season is the time for hosts and home chefs to shine. Of course, cooking a holiday feast for friends and family is time-consuming, and with so many moving parts, accidents do …
Registered Dietitian Amy Goodson's Tips and Recipes for a Delicious Holiday Gathering
(BPT) - This holiday season, make your gatherings sparkle with festive appetizers and easy party tips that will impress guests and take the stress out of hosting. From cozy family get-togethers to …
Recipes, tips & food info

Cozy, Comforting Recipes to Take On the Cold

(Family Features) Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that's ready in about half an hour. For another true cent saver, try Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with a Better-for-You Swap

(Culinary.net) Baking doesn't have to be hard when you make simple swaps and use ingredients that keep things easy.

Perfect Homemade Holiday Decor with a Pop

(Culinary.net) These Holiday Wreath Popcorn Treats and Cranberry Popcorn Balls join forces for a dashingly decorative and delicious dessert that show off your festive side.

5 expert tips to create an effortless holiday spread

(BPT) - Nothing brings folks together during the holiday season like food. Whether you're hosting a low-key gathering or throwing a festive party, choosing and preparing the right food can make the …

How to Feed a Couple or Crowd: 5 Easy, Filling Recipes for the Busy Holiday Season

(BPT) - It's the most wonderful time of the year, and as family and friends gather to mark the festivities, more often than not, they'll be doing so around the table. Each feast is an opportunity to …

Less stress. More magic. Holiday hosting made simple.

(BPT) - It's December. And you know what that means. It's time to finish that list and check it twice. Nobody is feeling the holiday bustle quite like the host. From buying the gifts to wrapping the …
Ready, Set, Entertain! 5 Must-Have Tools for Holiday Hosting
(BPT) - From big brunches to cozy dinners, get ready for holiday gatherings with kitchen tools that will delight your guests and make hosting easier. Here are five products that will elevate your …
7 delicious ways to add fruits and vegetables to your holiday feast
(BPT) - Holiday gatherings are all about friends, family, and fabulous food — and adding more fruits and veggies to the mix can be a great way to keep the party delicious and nutritious. Only 1 …
Dark Sweet Cherries Are Key to Secretly Healthy Holiday Sides
(BPT) - The holiday season is here, and that means celebrations and gatherings are in the works. And where celebrations and gatherings are found, so are indulgent dishes to complement and enhance the …
Fall into Cafécore: Your Guide to a Home Café Setup
(BPT) - Feeling nostalgic for the ambiance of neighborhood coffee shops before takeout and apps became the norm? You're not alone. In early 2024, Pinterest predicted a trend called Cafécore, …
America’s farmers grow top ingredients to the cheers of beer drinkers.
Anheuser-Busch Celebrates American Growers
(NAPSI)—Behind every sip of Anheuser-Busch’s industry-leading beers is a farmer who worked hard to grow the high-quality rice, barley, corn, or hops inside that beer. That is why Anheuser-Busch …

How To Deep Fry a Thanksgiving Turkey to Perfection: Chef Secrets Revealed!

How To Deep Fry a Thanksgiving Turkey to Perfection: Chef Secrets Revealed!

(NewsUSA) - The popularity of deep-fried turkey continues to rise and it’s no wonder, a 12-pound turkey takes less than 45 minutes to cook! The rule of thumb is 3.5 minutes per pound. Home cooks …

Make Your Holiday Bar Merry and Bright with Seagram’s Escapes

Make Your Holiday Bar Merry and Bright with Seagram’s Escapes

(NewsUSA) - The winter holidays are here, and whether you are hosting a large crowd or intimate group of family and friends, you can up your holiday bar game without much effort.When planning your …

Transform Holiday Leftovers into Vibrant, Flavorful Meals

(Family Features) Reinvent your holiday extras through fresh takes on classic dishes like this comforting Leftover Holiday Biscuit Pot Pie or spicy Leftover Turkey Carnitas Tacos.

More food ideas

(BPT) - The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with family and friends, whether at an intimate dinner or a lively gathering. One of the simplest ways to impress your guests …
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