over the EDGE wine picks for New Year's Eve

I'm indecisive about two major things:

1. Which discount underwear to purchase at Century 21
2. Picking wine 

That's why I have my gal pal and wine expert Kristen Siebecker (aka Wine with Kristen) to steer me in the right direction. No matter what awkward situation I may find myself in (and trust me, there have been plenty), I know I'll at least arrive with something appropriately drinkable. Kristen took on the challenge of 5 wildly different New Year's Eve wine scenarios. 

CLICK HERE for

"Over the EDGE Wine Picks for NYE and Beyond"

appearing on EDGE Media Network

Cute, right? Visit Burgenland in Austria—they all look like this.
Austria. Unique Like You
(photo: Matthew Wexler)

what to do with oil besides light your menorah

I had the pleasure of traveling with food writer, recipe-tester, and all-around cool chick Leah Koenig this fall as we traversed the Austrian countryside in search of the best Blaufränkisch and Wiener schnitzel the country had to offer. They practically had to ship us back in cargo, we ate and drank so much, but that didn't stop Leah from hopping back on the culinary bandwagon for some die-hard recipe development for the foodie website CHOW.

Hanukkah (aka The Festival of Lights) starts tonight and one of the traditional foods of this 8-day gift-giving and candle-lighting love fest is sufganiyot (doughnuts). Leah spent hours developing some off-the-chart variations on a classic, so break out your cast iron skillet and a tub of Crisco and get to it. 

CLICK HERE  for

"Jelly Doughnuts Reinvented:

Creative Sufganiyot for Hanukkah"

                                                       

                           Apple Cider Sufganiyot with Salted Caramel (photo: CHOW)

drink me

Stratford Shakespeare Festival is North America's largest classical repertory theatre, but there isn't enough iambic pentameter in the world to help you get through a 36-hour family meltdown known as Christmas. That's where Stratford University comes in.

Stratford University (with campuses located throughout the East Coast, India and online) offers a variety of degree and recreational courses in culinary arts and hospitality. They also happen to have Brett Chappell on staff. With a Certified Wine Educator designation from the Society of Wine Educators, Chappell has drawn upon his food, beverage and fine dining experience to whip up a couple of foolproof, easy-to-make, holiday drink recipes that will be sure to keep your cheeks (and your disposition) rosy this Christmas.

Twisted Hot Toddy
1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1/4 oz orange juice
3/4 oz sugar syrup
4 oz hot water
1 lemon wheel
1 clove
1 candy cane

Mix bourbon, orange juice, hot water in a warmed mug.
Stud lemon wheel with clove and float in drink.
Garnish with candy cane.

Holly Berry
1/2 oz almond liqueur
3 oz cranberry juice
Prosecco, or other sparkling wine
1 sprig mint

Chill all ingredients.
Mix almond liqueur and cranberry juice in a wine glass.
Top with prosecco (be prepared to wait for mousse to subside).
Garnish with mint sprig.

10 healthy holiday tips

The folks at The Daily Meal recruited me to divulge some healthy culinary alternatives for getting through the holidays. Me... who studied at the French Culinary Institute and melted more butter than Mount Vesuvius. 

Fear not, Roo de Loo'ers—I called upon two of my favorite kitchen compadres: Alejandra Ramos and Olivia Dupin. They chirped in with some creative ideas and I did a morning meditation over chai tea to crank out a few more.

Making responsible choices shouldn't be a drag during the holidays, unless you're RuPaul. Take a peak and consider making at least one healthy adjustment to your holiday eating habits. Your heart (and mine) will appreciate it. 

CLICK HERE for

"10 Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season"

appearing on The Daily Meal

See... now doesn't that look healthy?
(Minus the bacon and blue cheese.)
photo: Matthew Wexler