Holiday, Living it UP!

Hi friends. Thank you for all your happy holiday emails. It's a good feeling to have so many appreciative viewers watching Living it UP! around the country. I know everyone is busy with family, work, church and activities, especially this time of year. So, I will keep inspiring you with recipes and ideas for a simple, happy holiday at Daily FOOD; leaving you more time for family and friends.

This weekend let's make gluhwein, eggnog, spiced nuts and roasted chestnuts. 

Next week, together, we’ll count down Christmas with many festive recipes and holiday celebration plates. And promise, I won't dare you or double-dog dare you.

Scene from A Christmas Story, 'I double dog dare you!' | 1983

Three Generations of Shortbread

The Heritage Shortbread story is heart warming and so are their all natural sweet biscuits. Willow McGrain's South Carolina Lowcountry kitchen is where each and every buttery-rich shortbreads are baked from. The century old shortbread recipe was never written down- I'd say, the best kept family secret from Willow's Scottish origin. I wonder if Willow's great-great-grandmother imagined her holiday baking tradition would become a holiday shopping demand around the country? You can get them or send them.

Authentic Sacher Torte

Exclusively available at the Hotel Sacher Wien, the Hotel Sacher Salzburg, the Café Sacher Innsbruck, the Café Sacher Graz and at the Sacher Shop in Bolzano. Just like 175 years ago, the cakes are covered with apricot jam, iced with chocolate and packed in wooden boxes by hand. 

This Hotel Sacher specialty is a purely natural product, made without chemical preservatives. The "Original Sacher-Torte" is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream and a cup of "Original Sacher Café". More than 300,000 cakes are produced at the Hotel Sacher per year, more than half of them are sent to destinations all over the world. 

If you missed your flight to Vienna this weekend, order takeout: Order by December 8th to receive prior to Christmas: Original Sacher-Torte 19.50-39.50 EUR plus 26 EUR for 14 day air mail delivery (aprox $59-$85U.S.).

Turkey Countdown: Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Suggestions

24 hours from now you'll be plating-up Apple Brined Turkey, Herb Gravy, Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie. 

So, tonight let's whip up a quick-n-easy light pasta with a zesty red sauce. I’ve prepared my Eggplant and Rigatoni on my TV show and for many of you at my cooking classes and book signings. Simply the best quick pasta sauce, period. So tonight let's keep it easy. 

While nibbling on some Brie Calzone and Savory Crab Cakes, you may want to consider these wines. First I always say- any wine you enjoy is a great wine; but if pairing with turkey and need a suggestion; Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are two good vino choices. 
image, © Douglas Allen | istock.com
We’ll be posting Daily FOOD posts very early on Thanksgiving and Friday. If you happen to wake up early on Thanksgiving to watch the parade, I’ll have some great breakfast and brunch recipes waiting for you. And, on Friday, when you’ll be busy shopping, I will have you covered with some easy leftover ideas and recipes.