Beverages and Cocktails

Cortland Jab

Makes 1 cocktail This recipe features some of the season’s favorite flavors, with a special ingredient that may be new to you. Before we even get to the shrub, though, we add just enough apple brandy to make it count, fresh apple cider (often produced with sweet Cortland apples, hence […]
Desserts

Cranberry-Apple Brandy Syrup

Makes 3 (8 oz) jars Ingredients 1 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon raisins 1 tablespoon cranberries 3 pieces dried apple 3 dried plums (prunes) 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy Directions Heat brown sugar and water in a small […]
Chef's Notes Plus

Creating Flavored Honey and Maple Syrup

You might be surprised at how many different flavors and qualities of honey there are. And maple syrup, real maple syrup, has a light body and an intense flavor. But, like anything else, there are ways to “gild the lily” for something special. To make a flavored honey or syrup, […]
Family Fun

Decorating Holiday Cookies

Decorating cookies is fun any time of the year, but ‘tis the season for extra special treats to share with your friends and family! Whether you bring them as a gift to your teachers or to grandma’s house, there are so many easy ways to dress up your favorite cookies […]
Chef's Notes Plus, Family Fun

Design Your Own Gingerbread House

Nothing says “Christmas!” like an old-fashioned gingerbread house, and this year, we’re going all out! These cookies are the ideal canvas for all sorts of decorative touches. The dough can be made and baked off in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to decorate or finish. Use […]
Desserts, Free Recipes

Eggnog Bundt Cake

Makes one 9-inch loaf cake This recipe makes enough batter for one large bundt cake or one 9-inch loaf pan. If your bundt pan or loaf pans are on the smaller side, fill the pan about 2/3 of the way full. You can transfer any remaining batter to another cake […]
Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Fried Calamari

Makes 6 small-bite servings Any place where squid swim you will find a different version of fried calamari. Be sure to rinse and dry the squid thoroughly before seasoning it. You can use both the tubes and the tentacles, but you may want to fry them separately. Sprinkle with sea […]
Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Gingerbread: History on Display

“And I had but one pennie in the world, thou should’st have it to buy Gingerbread” -Costard in Love’s Labour’s Lost, William Shakespeare c. 1598 When I was a child, one of my favorite holiday traditions was when my family and I would visit Mystic Seaport in Stonington, Connecticut for […]