Your Ultimate Guide to Hanukkah

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December 4, 2025

Hanukkah is a great way to get people together and entertain. Though it’s less of a show than Rosh Hashanah or Passover, it celebrates resilience, one of the most resonant themes of Judaism. If you really think about it, there’s irony in today’s version of the holiday: while the Hanukkah story starts with the Maccabees fighting to save the Jewish people, we now sit around listening to Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah song and eating chocolate money. But the Jewish toast of l’chaim—to life—is relevant to every holiday. It’s a blessing to just be alive and spend time with loved ones.

On a more metaphysical level, Hanukkah isn’t just the Jewish holiday that happens to be around Christmas. It’s an affirmation that miracles do happen. It’s also a great time to start conversations about what being Jewish means and how you can bring your values into everything, including your cooking. Maybe you don’t love going to temple or just don’t find resonance in organized religion. Food can be a great way to celebrate Jewish identity culturally, too. With that in mind, we’ve compiled our Hanukkah recipes, drinks, and desserts for an ultimate guide to Hanukkah entertaining.

Your Ultimate Guide to Hanukkah

Mains: Focus on the Latkes, but Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

Carrot and Beet Latkes

This is a slightly healthier take on the classic potato latke, though given how much oil you cook them in, that’s all relative. But the carrots and beets are full-flavored and enjoyable in their own right, and as our chef writes, with this dish there are no mistakes.

Gluten-Free Latkes

A round blue platter with 5 potato latkes , two small bowls with sour cream and applesauce, 3 gold forks, and a smaller lighter blue plate with 3 smaller latkes, and a blue linen.

Here’s a still-delicious substitution you can make if you have a guest with a gluten sensitivity. Note, though TABLE’s recipes are our creative spins on latkes, there’s nothing wrong with the classic, no-frills recipe. The New York Times has a good one, and one entertaining thing to do is to scroll to the comments section to see everyone arguing about how it’s different than how they make it. Hey, as the saying goes: two Jews, three opinions…

Potato Rösti

Though rösti potatoes aren’t technically the same as latkes, it’s a bit of a tomato-tomahto situation. This Swiss potato pancake is very similar to the classic latke, but incorporates egg and flour more heavily than a latke does. They’re slightly easier to make than latkes and a lot less messy, as Sarah Jampel of Bon Appetit argues. (Jampel has a bold stance that like many holiday foods, latkes are overrated). So, give rösti a chance if you’re sick of soggy latkes and batter disasters.

Brisket

You can’t go wrong with brisket. Jonathan Haskel Baar developed this recipe for Passover originally, but you can enjoy brisket any time of year. Baar’s recipe is full of details in every step so you can make that perfect, crowd-pleasing brisket that even the most curmudgeonly guest will compliment you on.

Sweet Fried Eggplants

Hélène Jawhara Piñer’s 2021 cookbook Sephardi: Cooking the History chronicles the many recipes that make up Jewish cuisine in Spain and North Africa, including a huge array of eggplant recipes. This is one of the many delicious ways you can use eggplant to replace meat in a Hanukkah meal, if you so choose.

Desserts: Chocolate and Donuts Abound

Isfeng

These Andalusian donuts are a hugely popular Hanukkah recipe in Jewish communities in North Africa, and Hélène Jawhara Piñer shared them with us. If you’re tired of the ordinary sufganiyot, this is a great new donut option that’s equally delicious.

Maqrut

This pastry is made with honey, dates, and orange blossom and comes from Morocco and is another fried delicacy to remember that oil that lasted eight nights. Though the lamp lasted a long time, these pastries won’t be long at your table.

Baklava

Consider baklava as a snack-able small plate before or after the meal, if you’re having a larger gathering. Though you can definitely cater them, they’re surprisingly easy to make yourself, and help anchor your cooking in the Mediterranean, where the Hanukkah story began.

Chocolate, Tahini and Honey Cake

Chocolate, Tahini & Honey Cake with Sesame Snap and Chocolate Ganache Decoration

This is basically a perfect Hanukkah dessert. Tahini is a staple in Middle Eastern cooking, chocolate elevates gelt (the gold-wrapped choclate coins we eat on Hanukkah), and honey symbolizes prosperity and good luck in Jewish tradition. So, this is a great Hanukkah recipe to try out to finish off your meal with a winner.

Cocktails: Kosher Liquor, Celebratory Toasts

Hanukkah 75

Our signature take on a French 75, with a special Hanukkah sparkle in its color scheme. This is a great party cocktail no matter what your faith is, but also works to make Hanukkah feel extra-special.

Chocolate Espresso Martini

Continuing with the theme of elevating gelt, you could do a cute seasonal take on this cocktail with a piece of gelt or edible gold leaf for garnish. But it’s also just hard to argue with the deliciousness of a chocolate espresso martini.

Back to Black

Did you know that Amy Winehouse was Jewish? Winehouse once said that “Being Jewish to me is about being together as a real family. It’s not about lighting candles and saying a bracha.” Toast to the diversity of Judaism and the many talented people who came before us with this Amy Winehouse-inspired drink. Also, the licorice liquor in it is just delicious.

Kosher Cocktail

Two cocktails, bright ref in color sit in wine glasses and are garnished with lemon round, pomegranate arils, and mint leaves

If you have guests who keep Glatt kosher (the strictest form), consider making this cocktail to be sure they have something to sip. While you might think keeping kosher only means no pork, for more observant people, everything has to be produced in a kosher facility. Check out this list of kosher bourbon for more ideas about kosher liquor.

Mensch Martini (Manischewitz Cocktail)

A cocktail in a martini glass in red color with a lemon twist garnish.

We found a way to make sweet Manischewitz even tastier. Since you’ll already have a bottle available at your table, you might as well mix in Greenalls Citrus Grandis Gin (completely kosher), dashes of orange bitters, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra tang. Talk about an easy way to bring joy into your celebration.

General Tips

There’s no such thing as too many candles. Hanukkah is the festival of lights, so go all out on the lights. Putting together a menorah is a fun activity, but candles at your table also add a nice ambiance.
Since Hanukkah sometimes falls on Christmas, consider that your party may turn into Chrismukkah, depending on who’s invited.
Sides for latkes are divisive. Just buy everything. Sour cream and apple sauce are the two most popular, so you’re usually safe if you have both of those.

Chag sameach!

Story by Emma Riva

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Your December 2025 Horoscope for the Full Moon in Gemini

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 4, 2025

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A pink sky behind a full moon with clouds covered in snow adn pine trees to represent a December horoscope.

The last Full Moon of 2025 arrives on December 4 in Gemini, highlighting themes of truth and perspective. Mutable by nature, Gemini thrives in moments of transition, when one cycle gives way to the next. Ruled by Mercury, the messenger god, it emphasizes communication of all kinds: speaking, writing, and listening. Its role is to test theories, ask questions, and connect ideas. Conclusions can come later; with Gemini, the joy is in discovery.

Tension is inherent in any Full Moon, as the Sun and Moon stand in direct opposition – a natural pull between reason and emotion, action and reflection. Full Moons call for closure, something Gemini often resists. Across the zodiac, the Sun in Sagittarius seeks coherence and conviction. Where Gemini inquires, Sagittarius responds. Full Moons on this axis often turn theory into ideology and invite people to take a side. Conflict plays out as information spreads, attention narrows, and opinions multiply. (Nothing new to the macro-environment, it must be said.)

What you can do during this period is watch how information is handled – whether it leads to insight and connection or confusion and division. With the Sun traveling alongside Mars, conversation may feel more forceful than usual. The impulse to be “right” (if such a thing exists) can overtake the desire to understand other people or divergent concepts. Our capacity to simultaneously hold two truths, even seemingly contradictory ones, is going to be tested.

The Moon’s square to Saturn adds restraint, a reminder that truth needs context and certainty takes time. The message of this Full Moon: remember to keep perspective especially when you’re being pressured or persuaded.

Mars Pushes, Saturn Pauses

Mars and Saturn have their fingerprints all over this Full Moon. The Sun’s conjunction with Mars in Sagittarius amplifies urgency, while Saturn’s square from Pisces brings delay. If Mars is a gas pedal, Saturn is a brake. Saturn demands proof, a plan, and the logistics. With Mars’ impulsivity and action-first agenda, it inevitably leads to frustration on both ends.

In mutable signs, this dynamic feels like a bottleneck, or decisions being pushed around from one court to another (literally or figuratively). Pressure mounts as conversations heat up, decisions stall, and patience wears thin. Still, there’s a way to work with this: when emotions are high, a little caution can be useful. Treat these pauses as welcome reprieves from hasty conclusions. If no decision feels best, then perhaps that’s the point: to reserve energy until a better solution presents itself.

Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn Work Together

Mercury, the ruler of this Full Moon, offers some reprieve against the heaviness of Saturn and Mars. Having just stationed direct and now forming a grand water trine with Jupiter and Saturn, Mercury facilitates an easy flow between the planets. (A grand trine means that three planets are forming a perfect triangle in the sky, this time in water signs.) That flow can be productive – but it can also act as an accelerator, with nothing in place to slow it down.

Water trines have a history of fast outcomes. Major treaties have been signed under patterns like this – but such signatures have also coincided with major upheavals, from the protests that sparked the Reformation to the sinking of the Titanic. In each case, change unfolded quickly because the problem could easily snowball and resistance was low. That’s the image to keep in mind: things move easily in grand trines, but they don’t always stop where we’d like them to.

In practical terms, expect words, decisions, and actions to travel further than expected. Communication can smooth misunderstandings or start shifts you can’t immediately control. Be clear with your communication, wise and discerning, and you should get the most out of these three operating together.

The Moon at the North Bending

This Full Moon squares the lunar nodes, placing the Moon at what astrologers call the Northern Bending – the highest ‘above’ the Sun it can get, just as tides reach their peak. It marks a natural high point, the crest before release.

If you’ve been building toward something, this lunation can help it stand on its own – complete, visible, and ready to breathe on its own. If a problem has been rising, this same fullness can bring matters to a head. Either way, the energy now begins its steady exhale over the next two weeks.

Consider using this ebb and flow to your advantage. If you need to address something touchy and pressurized, wait until the week leading up to the New Moon on December 19, when tempers cool and perspective settles. But if you have an easily overlooked idea that needs a little extra lift, aim closer to the Full Moon itself on December 6, when the momentum of circumstance is at its strongest.

The Moon on Rigel, the Ankle of Orion

Finally, the Moon aligns with the fixed star Rigel, at the ankle of Orion. Rigel combines the influences of Jupiter and Saturn, a brilliant mix of lofty ambition and rigorous discipline. It’s also the signature of steady progress, success that comes through skill, and victory without luck or shortcuts.

The star is on the ankle of the great warrior Orion, where the Scorpion is said to have stung Orion to death. The image reminds us that talent alone isn’t enough. The same persistence that builds mastery can just as easily tip into burnout, or push us into extreme conditions that will cost us. Classical texts describe Rigel as granting recognition through labor but warn that maintaining it requires sustained effort.

The guidance, then, is to consider ways in which we might better measure risk as we chase after our own future victories.

Seasonal Guidance: Mid-Season Check-In

By early December, daylight shortens and temperatures drop. The air turns colder and drier, and the body naturally begins to conserve heat and energy. It’s a time to close open loops, finish what can be finished, and simplify routines. Rest, heavier meals, and steadier rhythms help keep the system balanced as activity around you ramps up. The goal isn’t to withdraw, necessarily, but to adjust your pace. If you protect decreasing energies, you can keep on engaging with the world.

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

Dry cold can scatter heat, leaving you quick to fatigue or irritation. The fix is moderation: eat cooked food with moderate spice, rest before exhaustion sets in, and keep strength work short and regular. Too many events or late nights thin reserves fast, so choose a few things you can show up to fully. Clear daylight, reliable meals, and quiet evenings stabilize the system better than trying to push through the season.As the year cools and schedules fill, your natural warmth becomes both asset and responsibility. Fire’s heat can dwindle quickly in the season’s cold, dry air – or flare under pressure. Keep it steady with grounding habits: consistent meals, strength-focused movement, and pauses that let energy settle. Choose warmth that sustains – time with close friends, sunlight when possible, food that strengthens digestion. The pace of late fall asks for endurance, not acceleration. Protect vitality by pacing output and letting rest refuel ambition.

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

You are naturally structured, but late autumn adds extra bulk to that instinct. When the air dries out, joints tighten and routines can become rigid. Simple warmth (oily food, baths, stretching, and slower mornings) keeps flexibility. Wrap up unfinished work, and don’t crowd the calendar; consolidation does more good than expansion now. Small domestic order – clean spaces, prepared meals, steady rest – can anchor you while the year winds down.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

The cold season dries the nerves first. Ideas multiply but focus thins, so reduce inputs and slow the pace of talk, screens, and errands. Schedule short breaks, one clear task list, and predictable meal times. Travel is fine if it’s straightforward; avoid itineraries with too many variables. Good food and steady rhythm help ground thought. Social life works best in calm settings where conversation can move at a human speed.

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Cold and dryness draw moisture from your element, which can dull motivation or heighten sensitivity. Keep warmth close – soups, cooked grains, tea, steady bedtime. Alternate activity and rest instead of running one into the other. You absorb atmosphere easily, so protect margins around gatherings. Smaller company and slower tempo help emotion settle instead of overflow. The goal is not withdrawal but measured participation, staying warm inside while the outer world cools.

Sabian Symbol for 13° Gemini:

Two people, at widely different points, are in conversation with each other by means of telepathy.

This image points to communication that functions across distance – mental, physical, or emotional. Two individuals remain connected through shared focus or mutual understanding, even when they are not in direct contact. The image reflects Gemini’s core principle: the exchange of information and perspective.

In practical terms, this speaks to how easily ideas circulate now. A single thought, message, or intention can travel farther than expected and reach people who share a similar wavelength. The symbol describes correspondence that doesn’t have to rely on proximity.

It’s a symbol that also highlights the need for discernment. Increased receptivity brings the potential for confusion, assumption, or misplaced interpretation. It’s awareness and clarity that become the filters through which understanding stays accurate.

What Might December’s Full Moon in Gemini Mean For Your Zodiac Sign’s Horoscope?

Aries

Conversations will be moving fast under this Gemini Full Moon. Maybe too fast? With Mars stirring impatience, suddenly everyone has an opinion and needs an answer ASAP. Text messages, group chats, or private DMs carry extra charge, especially if tension’s been brewing. Saturn will be urging you to think before hitting send too fast – even if your first instinct is to worry about the consequences later. As an Aries, you’re wired for quick offense, but this week a calm word or well-timed check-in will land better.

Taurus

Some financial themes could be getting a reality check under this Full Moon – and the truth might reveal something you’ve been avoiding or ignoring. It’s a spend-heavy time of year, but with the economy doing what it’s doing, even small choices hit differently. Mars stirs the urge to splurge while Saturn forces you to check the math. Use this to your advantage. A clearer budget – or conversation about shared costs – will do more for your peace of mind than a temporary indulgence. Now that Mercury’s back on track, your money math is ready to make better sense.

Gemini

This is your Full Moon, and it’s coming in strong. You’ve likely been in nonstop output mode – pitching, performing, maybe even posting – but with Mars in opposition to your sign, now suddenly everyone’s a critic. Saturn’s tension from Pisces adds pressure around your work and increased sense of responsibility. If you’re feeling a barrage of criticism around you, try to remember that it’s just a transitory thing. Before reacting, take a breath and check what could be other people’s projections versus actually useful feedback. Your chart-ruler Mercury is direct again, allowing you to reshape your narrative and presentation more precisely.

Cancer

It’s December, and chances are you’re being pulled in a dozen directions at once. You’ve been holding everything together for everyone else – but even caretakers need care. With the Full Moon lighting up your house of rest and recovery, positioned at the Northern Bending, there’s a quiet reminder that joy matters more than productivity. Jupiter is retrograde in your ascendant yet still in good aspect to Mercury, planet of curiosity. This is your cue to do something simply because it feels good – to let enjoyment itself be the point. Be intentional, avoid multitasking, and stay present in whatever brings you that lift.

Leo

Everyone suddenly wants your time, your input, or your talent – which, sure, isn’t the worst problem to have. It’s the time of year when your calendar can fill up fast, but be careful with doing it. Lions take naps, too! There’s a lot of activity across your financial and leisure houses, which means it might not be a bad idea to spend a little and have some fun. Watch for reciprocity issues with others. The spotlight’s on, making it easier to notice any imbalances.

Virgo

You might find yourself kicked into refinement mode this season. The pace is busy, but your focus is sharper than it’s been in weeks. The Gemini Full Moon spotlights your public life and how you manage responsibility, while quieter tensions in home and partnership spaces remind you that support systems matter, too. This is a good time to streamline, because there’s only so much of you to go around. Take someone else’s advice as you go about it, too – this Full Moon brings good luck from connections around you.

Libra

This Full Moon activates the part of your chart that governs ideas, travel, and perspective, while the Sagittarius planets pull your focus toward the everyday and logistics. It’s stimulation on all sides – plans forming as fast as they shift – and it’s easy to be overwhelmed and overstimulated. When everything feels urgent, it’s harder to know where and how to prioritize. Slow the conversation, even briefly, so your attention can catch up to all the activity. This is a big component in maintaining a ‘present’ mindset.

Scorpio

The Grand Water Trine flowing through your chart moves things easily – ideas, payments, emotions – and that can be both a blessing and a hazard. End-of-year spending, long family visits, or joint decisions might speed up faster than planned. Pay attention to what’s accelerating and why. You can still ride the momentum, but stay aware of the costs, literal or otherwise. The steady move for this Full Moon is pacing instead of reacting to everything – which is a good general lesson for us all to consider, anyway.

Sagittarius

This Full Moon describes you surrounded by lots of other people, and that’s where the tension can arise. You’re probably clearer on what you think and less inclined to keep it to yourself. Mars in your sign turns up the volume, so even simple conversations can get charged fast. Notice what happens in your body before you speak: that rush, that sense of release. Sometimes it feels good to let thoughts fly, but that quick relief can echo longer than you meant it to. A measured use of this Full Moon might be finding a release that still feels right the next day.

Capricorn

It’s never really a question if a Capricorn can hold it all together. But this Full Moon lights up the parts of life that keep everything running behind the scenes – and that’s where the strain shows first. You’ve been running a tight ship, but maybe too tight. When the body feels it, the mind does too. December always brings extra demands, but this time it’s worth listening for the creaks in the system. You don’t need to stop but ease the pressure where you can. Quiet fixes now prevent louder ones later.

Aquarius

This Full Moon lights up your creative house and reminds you how good it feels to be engaged again. New ideas! New avenues for getting things done! The Grand Water Trine running through your chart brings work, money, and daily rhythms into rare but welcome harmony. With those parts clicking, space opens up – mentally and physically – for ideas to move freely. Think of it like the muse is visiting, and all you have to do is make room for it. The timing’s right for imagination to meet execution.

Pisces

Messages, repairs, and family dynamics pile up like holiday leftovers – ’tis the season, after all. Luckily, you’re better equipped to stay centered even if everyone else isn’t. And that’s what this Full Moon is highlighting: your sensitivity as your superpower. It helps you pick up on what’s unsaid, sense the temperature of any room, and de-escalate tension without making a scene. You don’t need to absorb everyone’s feelings to understand them. When things get chaotic, protect your peace. And don’t underestimate how calming that can be for everyone around you.

Horoscope Author

Wade Caves, based in Brooklyn, NY, is an astrological consultant and educator specializing in problem-solving applications of astrology. He teaches astrological divination and astronomy at the School of Traditional Astrology. Wade also publishes his work on world astrology through Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk. He even hosts the World Astrology Summit. A conference dedicated to the advancement of astrology for global problem-solving. Website: wadecaves.com • skyscript.co.uk/inmundo. Email: hello@wadecaves.com.

Story by Wade Caves
Photo Courtesy of Yann Allegre

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Festive Family-Fun at Kennywood’s Holiday Lights

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 4, 2025

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Three boys play with a tree wrapped in green lights.

Even on the December days where the sun doesn’t shine or snow doesn’t fall on the ground, there’s still plenty of festive family-fun waiting for you at Kennywood during their Holiday Lights season. We took family of five, Angela Syput, husband Ben, and their three boys, into the park to experience all the magic for themselves.

A family walks through a rainbow tunnel of lights.

A Christmas tree in the distance with lights in front of it.

What to Explore at Kennywood’s Holiday Lights

We know what you’re thinking. Kennywood in the cold of winter? Yes! The land of rollercoasters takes a bit of a step back from the end of November to the beginning of January, but there’s still plenty to see as the park transforms into a glowing wonderland.

A tree and stand wrapped in red and green lights.

Holiday Lights at Kennywood keep most of the park open to explore. The second you walk through the tunnel entrance you’ll feel like a kid again as lights cover just about everything you see and characters such as nutcrackers and princesses roam throughout. But this is just the beginning.

A boy licks whipped cream off his finger.

Take the trail to your left to walk through dripping blue lights that hang from the trees over to where the dining hall is or back to the Kennyville Stage like we did. We found it to be a prime spot for eating under the glow of lights with holiday music in the distance to set the mood and live performances on the stage.

Chicken tenders and fries in a basket with a peppermint shake.

Our three little friends requested hot cocoa, peppermint shakes from Carousel Burger Co, as well as chicken tenders and at Holiday Lights, every wish is granted. We also added in Candy Cane and S’mores funnel cakes from Star Refreshments so the parents had a little extra snacking, too. But, there is plenty of other seasonal fare to try like a Loaded Thanksgiving Sandwich, Holiday Candied Popcorn, and Red & Green Sprinkled Dip Cone for those warmer days.

A young boys covers his eyes and sets his head against a green lit tree.

After our family filled up on hot tenders and tasty treats, a sugar rush meant it was time for rides and sight-seeing.

What Rides are Open at Kennywood’s Holiday Lights?

Even though temperatures are far from where they are in the summer, there are over 20 rides open along with other hands-on activities to enjoy. Since we had a group of boys in tow, a trip on the train was a no-brainer.

A young boy points at gingerbread men in a display.

New this winter season, the train turns into Gingerbread Junction, displaying scenes of gingerbread characters throughout the ride. The theme even extends beyond the train ride to turn the surrounding area into a gingerbread paradise.

A family walking into Gingerbread Junction.

A young boy looks as his face is lit by his phone flashlight.

Another must for any trip to Kennywood is the carousel. Not only is the nostalgia factor like a warm hug, but the extra lights and decor for the holidays create a mystical atmosphere. This spot is also a great place to relax for a few rotations — and take some photos while you’re at it. It’s like a ride and a rest all at once.

A boy and his mom smile on the carousel.

A boy holds onto a metal pole in front of him.

Other Activities

Outside of the rides, though, Kennywood keeps you busy with tree lighting ceremonies and light shows all throughout the evening. You can even head over to Christmastown and meet Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble, as well as Sam the Snowman for photo opportunities.

A family stands in front of a Christmas tree lit in Rainbow lights.

Of course, the big man himself, Santa Claus, is available so your little one can request their wishlist for the year. Then, when you’re done meeting all these famous faces, make your own Santa hat and ornament to take home and wrap your experience up with a nice little bow.

A boy looks up at a red and white lit tree.

Our family had the time of their lives making memories together under twinkling scenery. Between the thrill of rides, delicious eats, and festive theming, Holiday Lights brought the spirit of the season right into the hearts of our entire group (photographer and organizers included)!

Story and Photography by Kylie Thomas
Production by Ethan Chmura
Special thanks to Angela and Ben Syput, their three wonderful boys, and Taylor Bulischeck at Kennywood

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Pittsburgh Events: Your Guide to December 8-14

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 4, 2025

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We know you’re busy out shopping for gifts and preparing for get-togethers but don’t you deserve a moment to yourself, too? The week of December 8-14 is one of your last chances to savor the holiday season before it’s entirely over. To us, savoring the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to go to a holiday-themed event. Rather, it’s a celebration of those you love and the joy of living. Appreciate the smaller things in life from a live orchestral performance to a drink at a Charlie Brown pop-up bar.

Pittsburgh Events Happening December 8-14

A man and a woman look over a book together. — Photo Courtesy of The Jane Austen Society of North America

Why Isn’t Mr Darcy a Lord? and Other Questions

Carnegie Library, December 9

The Jane Austen Society of North America, Pittsburgh Region invites you to come have all your questions about the Regency era answered. Even if late 18th- and early 19th-century norms of nobility and marriage might be hard to understand, the themes of Austen’s work are universal and even still apply to us today.

A large choir sings together holding music in binders. — Photo Courtesy of Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh

Messiah

Heinz Hall, December 9

Another mainstay of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s holiday season returns for winter 2025. Handel’s Messiah, which you’ll know as the renowned “Hallelujah chorus,” has been performed for many decades and always brings the holiday spirit resonantly to life. Plus, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh joins the symphony for this special event.

Sapphire & Lace Flower Cottage, December 11

Why not practice your cookie icing skills ahead of time with a pro. Micah Made Cookies helps you to create gorgeous Nutcracker-inspired designs that will wow even the harshest critics of the holidays. You’ll receive six cookies to decorate along with tools, icing, a thank-you cookie, hot cocoa bar, and tips to keep decorating at home.

A rack of clothes and accessories inside a Pittsburgh store. — Photo Courtesy of Diana Kauffman Designs

Beaver Street, December 11

Experience Sewickley’s most stylish holiday celebration that also helps you get through your gift list. This exclusive evening invites guests to sip, shop, and savor their way through participating boutiques. Plus if you make your way through every featured shop, you’ll be entered to win a basket full of goodies from these retailers.

The sign for a Snoopy holiday bar. — Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Holiday Festival

Pittsburgh Holiday Festival

Monroeville Convention and Events Center, December 13

Experience a European and World-themed Christmas market alongside a festive holiday pop-up bar all under one roof. Explore booths full of unique gifts, artisan crafts, and tasty treats to get your loved ones for the holidays. Live music, sing-alongs, and photo opportunities help make sure your day out shopping with the family is an enjoyable one.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Micah Made Cookies

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What’s Hot on Pittsburgh Menus with Hungry Jess: December 2025

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 4, 2025

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A bowl of soup with herbs and noodles all on a white place setting.

Great holiday excursions can exist from casual walk-ins with family to a fancy GNO… and everything in between on Pittsburgh menus December 2025. 

While December in Pittsburgh means freezing temperatures and the sun setting at 4 p.m., it’s also a festive time filled with nostalgia and excitement. After all, one of the most magical aspects of Pittsburgh is that the city really is what you make of it. 

In case you’re feeling inclined to stay inside and hibernate before a new year arrives, let this list serve as inspiration to get out and explore the spaces that are sure to deliver inklings of holiday cheer. 

What Dishes are Hot and New on Pittsburgh Menus: December 2025

A Re-Opened Parisian Oasis at Poulet Bleu

3517 Butler Street, Lawrenceville 

If you haven’t caught wind of the news, Poulet Bleu is back open after an almost three-year hiatus. While the restaurant holds memories from the past, this is an exciting time to make new ones with returning favorite dishes. The French Onion soup is a testament to the restaurant’s legacy and exactly what you should order on a cold December evening. 

While reservations are few and far between, one of the best-kept secrets is to catch seats at the bar. Pro tip: You’re usually able to find a seat or two around the 8:30/9 p.m. mark. Oh, and the soufflé is also back to dive into, because what more do you need? 

The Lion as a Cocktail Bar to Cozy Up

1207 Allegheny Ave, North Side

Self-described as a cocktail hideout, this is the spot for you if you’re looking to unwind and get together with the spirit-loving friends in your life. 

While they’re known for spinning vinyl and serving snacks, the cocktail concept is one I haven’t seen too often: a rotating menu of infused spirits. You pick a spirit, the bartenders ask you a few flavor preference questions, and boom! Dealer’s choice is the vibe. 

They’re open seven days a week, making this an ideal spot for a post-work or pre-holiday party vibe-out.   

Japanese Comfort Food with a Side of Sake at Fujiya Ramen

815 S Aiken Avenue, Shady Side 

Talk about a rediscovered staple for me. I would order religiously from Fujiya during the pandemic, and recently went in for drinks and dinner with a friend. Their bar is underrated, while serving up various sake and beer selections alongside stunning cocktails you’ll want to snap a picture of (and try not to sip so fast). 

While the ramen has always been the go-to order, I stepped outside my norm and opted for the Gyudon: a rich, savory rice bowl topped with marinated beef, onions, ginger, and scallions. I’m still thinking about this dish that surprisingly warmed me up just as much as a bowl of brothy ramen. 

If you’re looking for more of a snack and drinks vibe, the karaage with spicy mayo, pork buns, and gyoza are all fantastic options. 

What’s currently on your own hot list? Send me a note to jess@hungryjessbigcity.com!

Story and Photo by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess)

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Online Pittsburgh Shops for Last Minute Gifts

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 4, 2025

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Various small chocolates on a green plate.

Christmas is right around the corner and if you’re like us, you probably procrastinated a little bit too long to order all your presents. Hurry! Here is your wake-up call to get on your computer and make sure you dive into local last-minute gift options before it’s too late. Check out these online Pittsburgh shops to order so you get your purchase before Christmas Day.

Online Pittsburgh Shops for Last Minute Gifts

Mazza Wines

This Lake Erie region winery serves up sips of all your favorite types of wines and has something for any imbiber on your list. Choose from an array of classic bottles as well as new-school options like a canned cider made from PA apples. Find rare dessert wines, ports and sherries, and a very fine rosé, The Perfect Rosé. (Keep in mind that rosépairsd well with holiday turkey or ham.) You can get 3- or 6-packs of holiday-curated bottles as well.

Tabbara Chocolates

Tabarra goes way beyond grabbing a box of chocolates off the grocery store shelves. If you’re looking to gift something as sweet and memorable as your loved one, get their handmade bonbons for a delicious treat that looks like modern art and can even come in a beautiful gift box. You might be able to snag limited seasonal varieties as well. New for 2025, they have a Christmas Advent calendar that is among the most sophisticated we’ve seen.

Farmer’s Daughter

Create a personalized bouquet full of color for your partner or favorite host to break the frigid cold of winter. Choose from several bouquets and arrangements with the option to add on felt pennants with a fun message that express how you feel about your person, whether it’s silly or serious. Holiday flower varieties are available for pickup until the day before Christmas Eve.

Glassworks and Feathers

These two stores on Walnut Street share a website with a wide range of items to make your holiday shopping that much easier. At Glassworks, you’ll find classic gifts with emphasis on tabletop items perfect for the home lover in your life. You can even choose from a selection of monogrammable items for an extra thoughtful touch. At Feathers, you can shop the fine bed and bath products such as linens, bedding, and much more.

Fox and the Fleur

A floral shop and boutique combined, Fox and the Fleur features signature arrangements and quality plant care essentials that your green-thumbed friends would love to receive. In addition to wildflowers and seasonal blooms, their assortment of candles, body care, and home items creates the perfect bundle for someone who appreciates a combination of comfort and whimsy. You can take home a holiday wreath for yourself while you’re there, too.

Kingfly Spirits

A locally distilled spirit is a thoughtful gift that brings about warmth, laughter, and plenty of smiles. Choose from classics like blanco tequila, white rum, rye whiskey, or surprising finds like limon cello, grappa, or their own bitters. Around the holidays you can also find bar-quality tools and gifts, bottled cocktails, and more to suit the spirit-aficionados in your life.

De Fer Coffee & Tea

Primarily a café, De Fer has a tightly curated online retail space that is not immediately thought of as a shopping destination, but deserves to be. The chic foodie offerings here are ideal for picking up something small last minute or building a thoughtful gift basket in one stop. Bold branded tinned fish, coffee and tea variety packs, honeys and cocktail bitters, gourmet chocolate bars, candles, and more can be found on shelves.

Synthesis

This unique plant shop is unlike any other in Pittsburgh, specializing in full-sun plants inspired by the owner’s decade in California. Pick up a “green sculpture” (aka a cactus) for the aesthetically-driven plant lover in your life, or shop an array of intentionally-chosen botanical goods. Western-esque cards, pins, candles, pots, fragrances, and more can be found here.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Museum Shops to Check Out in Pittsburgh for Unique Gift Ideas

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 4, 2025

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The inside of the Mattress Factory Gift Shop for the museum with white shelves and a green banner.

Nothing is more embarrassing than giving someone a gift they already have. Thankfully, that’s very unlikely to happen when shopping at museums and specialty gift shops that offer truly unique items. Is your friend a Van Gogh fan? Then, there’s an ornament for you at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Is your hip mom a Warhol silk screen aficionado? The art books at the Warhol will fuel her imagination. No matter which of these stores you buy from, you’re helping to support the institutions that inspire us 365 days a year…and that’s a gift for us all!

Unique Museum Gift Shops in Pittsburgh

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art hosts an annual Holiday Mart at the Museum Shop featuring both their custom wares and a selection of local artisans, this year December 4-6. Find things regionally-made jewelry, ceramics, prints, and more. Enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate and cookie station, free gift wrapping and crafts, as well as a cash bar with a selection of drinks.

Carnegie Museum of Art

Every time you visit the Carnegie Museum of Art, you probably find yourself wandering into the gift shop, amazed by the aesthetically-pleasing products on display. Shop from unique art books and supplies, prints, jarred goods, sculptural kitchen wares, totes, artisan jewelry, and much more. The kids gifts here are particularly strong, as evidenced by their presence on TABLE’s 2025 gift list for kids.

Carnegie Science Center

The XPLOR Store at the Kamin Science Center, formerly the Carnegie Science Center, is a “wonderland of discovery,” filled with many toys and trinkets for kids whether they’re interested in space, gardening, wildlife, or robots. Think science-themed ornaments, experiment sets, books, and interactive gadgets (like planetarium projectors or working microscopes) for kids of all ages.

Mattress Factory

You won’t find a more adventuresome group of installations than at the Mattress Factory. Their gift shop is just as original. The selection ranges from simple museum-branded merch to limited edition artist pieces and media, perfect for collectors operating at various price points. Explore objects inspired by the various exhibitions in the museum or dive into their Mattress Factory collection of totes, tees, and also sweatshirts to show your support.

Contemporary Craft

Ideal for the most stylish and sophisticated person on your list, everything you see at the Contemporary Craft Store is created by craft artists from around the country. Choose from practical and decorative items in a range of mediums, including glass, heirloom-quality furniture, one-of-a-kind statement jewelry, handwoven fiber art, metalwork, and wooden items, knowing that your purchase will support working artists and the craft economy.

The Andy Warhol Museum

Pop culture icons populate The Andy Warhol Museum Store. Browse books, toys, stationary, decor, and accessories based on famous figures from Andy Warhol to David Bowie to Salvador Dali. The shop is a great spot to find something for the bold personality in your life — art and music lovers, pride-enthusiasts, as well as die-hard yinzers are all on the table. They even have a category for pets and the pet-obsessed.

The Frick Pittsburgh

The art on display at The Frick can’t be found anywhere else. The same is true for The Frick Museum Store which echoes the eclectic character of the museum and the city where it sits. Find books on local interests, a selection of home items, a built-in jewelry counter, and also kids items inspired by the history of transportation and titans of industry.

Phipps Conservatory

The Shop at Phipps, inspired by the zillions of plants that reside there, brings botanical information, design, and goodies into the gift bag. Gift a flourishing house plant to dress up someone’s winter blues. Or if they don’t quite have a green thumb, buy a glass or felt flower that’ll last forever. Gardening-related goods are just the beginning here — grab apparel, puzzles, water bottles, decorative notecards, and more for your nature lover.

National Aviary

The National Aviary’s Gift Shop can help you get in touch with your natural side with books on birds, stitched decorative pillows, board games, kid-friendly binoculars, as well as wildlife-tracking gadgets. You don’t even have to buy admission to get into the store. It’s a great place to get your holiday shopping to take wing — especially for bird and animal lovers of all ages.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Do your little ones love dinosaurs or are they fascinated by insects? Then let The Carnegie Museum of National History Shop take them on some brainy adventures with real fossils and stones, hands-on activity kits, and plenty of fun learning resources that let them pretend to be a botanist or archeologist. Teens and adults can find something here too with henna tattoo kits, candles, 3D wooden puzzles, chess sets, and more.

Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

One of the biggest pulls of the shops at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is the selection of soft, top quality stuffed land or aquatic creatures that children can carry along with them as they visit their favorite IRL animals. But that’s not all they have to offer. Pick out a gift of fine jewelry, comfy zoo apparel, fun books, play adventure sets, or even a little snow globe that shows snow falling on the famous zoo.

Heinz History Center

Pickle pajamas, anyone? The History Center Museum Shop leans into all things Pittsburgh. From Heinz ketchup memorabilia to vintage city photography, regional history books, as well as locally made goods, it’s easy to find something for the Steel City devotee in your life. Their sports section is especially fun, with Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers–themed gifts that go beyond the usual merch.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

The Children’s Museum Store is a gem for design-driven, kid-centered gifts. Think wooden toys, high-quality art supplies, STEM kits, picture books from indie publishers, Mister Rogers merch, puppets, and more. It’s playful but thoughtfully curated for developing minds — ideal for gifting something that sparks creativity rather than adding to the toy pile.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Mattress Factory

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11 Cocktails Inspired by Christmas Movies

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 4, 2025

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Watching Christmas movies and specials with friends and family is one of our favorite holiday activities. These movies have touched our hearts, taught us light lessons, and helped us believe in the magic of the season. When you sit down to watch your favorites this year, make it a holly jolly experience with 11 cocktail recipes inspired by the films and tv programs, including warming beverages and odes to your favorite characters. You can even get the kids involved with simple non-alcoholic options that are fun for the whole family.

11 Cocktails Inspired by Christmas Movies

**Buddy’s Breakfast (Elf)**

Streaming on HBO Max and various days on Freeform

A snowy surface with a cola cocktail in a clear glass adorned with lots of red, green, and white holiday candy sprinkles as garnish on the glass made to remind you of Buddy's breakfast in the move Elf.

Unlike Buddy’s “unusual” breakfast in Elf, you won’t find spaghetti in our Buddy’s Breakfast cocktail. But since Santa’s helpers really do have a culinary passion for maple syrup, what you will find is a lovely sense of elf culture in what we think is the world’s best cup of… rum and coke. Pure maple syrup and a touch of vanilla take the otherwise basic cocktail to another level.

**Melted Snowman (Frosty the Snowman)**

Airing on NBC on Dec. 4 at 8:30 p.m ET and Dec. 9 at 8:00 p.m, during Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, and streaming on Hulu, Peacock, and Disney+

A Melted Snowman cocktail with an edible face sits in the middle of snow and trees.

Frosty the Snowman warms the hearts of viewers everywhere, just as the sun melts Frosty towards the end of the movie. It’s a traditional animated holiday film and chances are you’ve seen it play on the television since you were little. Bring your own little Frosty right into your home with the Melted Snowman cocktail. The detailed, edible touches make this drink come to life.

**Clarence’s Mulled Wine (It’s A Wonderful Life)**

Airing on E! all day Nov. 27 and on NBC Dec. 24 at 8:00 p.m, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Xumo Play, and PLEX

Two stemless wine glasses with mulled wine sitting on a snowy surface with pine greens, garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and an orange slice.

Our version of Clarence’s Mulled Wine is just as the guardian angel in It’s a Wonderful Life ordered, “heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves.” You may not earn your wings, but you definitely feel a little lighter while sipping on this mulled wine.

**Mean and Green (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)**

Watch the 2000 movie on Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, watch the 1966 movie on E!, USA, SYFY, and NBC, or watch both back-to-back on NBC Christmas day at 8:00 p.m, you can stream the original on Peacock or the live-action on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video

A green cocktail in a clear textured glass with dill "whisker "garnish to represent the Grinches hair, sitting on a pile of snow with a green shiny Christmas bulb and pine trees in the background, appropriately titled Mean and Green.

Mean and green. Grumpy and greedy. Sour as a pickle. He’s a mean one, that Mr. Grinch. He’s also painfully relatable for those of us who have a grumpy person we’re trying to lure into the spirit of the season. Our Mean and Green cocktail is here to help. Brighten that grinchy someone’s day with this unexpected, delightfully delicious drink.

**Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)**

Airing on NBC on Dec. 5 at 8:00 p.m, Dec. 11 at 8:00 p.m, and during Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas

A cocktail glass filled with Rudolph's Red-Nose Punch topped with a cranberry and pretzels on the glass.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose! Now it can be the sippable centerpiece of your holiday. Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch takes the winter cranberry flavor you love and turns it into a deliciously cute cocktail for all party guests. It’s also easy to make this a non-alcoholic drink by leaving out the vodka and using a pump of raspberry syrup instead.

**Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate (The Polar Express)**

Airing on TBS Nov. 27 and 28, TNT Nov. 28 and 29, and AMC all through December, streaming on Hulu, and HBO Max

A clear mug of hot chocolate on a snowy surface with evergreen clippings and dried ancho chili peppers.

When it comes to Christmas special inspired cocktails, “Yo we got it!” Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate is a must for your viewing of The Polar Express. We take hot seriously in this recipe, but not so serious that your mouth can’t handle the heat. This fun drink gives you a warmth in temperature, as well as a little heat on the palate.

**Happy Christmas Boozy Root Beer Float (A Charlie Brown Christmas)**

Streaming on Apple TV, streaming for free on Apple TV+ this year on Dec. 13, and Dec. 14

Two boozy root beer floats I frosted mugs overflowing with frothy root beer on a snowy surface with colorful Christmas ornaments and greenery.

When you’re scrolling through listings of annual holiday specials to watch, surely this classic favorite A Charlie Brown Christmas will come to mind. Set aside time to stream this seasonal favorite with our Happy Christmas Boozy Root Beer Float, inspired by the time-honored cartoon, in hand. It’s a wintry spin on a spiked float with a hint of minty flavor. Modify the recipe for the kids by eliminating the alcohol and adding 2 tsp of 1883 Maison Routin Peppermint Syrup.

**Cousin Eddie’s Trailer Fuel (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation)**

Airing on TNT in November and AMC in December, streaming on Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+

A red can of beer pours into a glass of Cousin Eddie's Trailer Fuel surrounded by snow and trees and garnished with a lime wheel.

Cousin Eddie, with his rusty trailer and his goofy love for his family, stands out in this comedy. His jokes and his grin have inspired a goofy drink that only he would make. We call it Cousin Eddie’s Trailer Fuel. Give a trial run to this sort-of-fancy (by Eddie’s standards, at least) “Beer-garita” that uses margarita ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.

**Ginger Snap Cocktail (Santa Claus Is Coming to Town)**

Airing Nov. 30 on ABC and throughout Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, streaming on Peacock and Hulu

Two clear glass mugs with a ginger snap colored beverage garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon on a snowy surface with a shiny Christmas bulb and little pine trees in the background.

The classic Christmas special Santa Claus Is Coming to Town portrays Kris Kringle as a ginger. His memorably red mop of hair inspired us to create this Ginger Snap Cocktail, a brew that warms you with its temperature as well as its delicious blend of spices. If the little ones want to join in, match a batch without the rum. It’s perfectly lovely without the spirits.

**Stroopwafel Flip (Miracle on 34th Street)**

Airing on fetv Nov. 27 and 28, FMC Nov. 28 and 29, and on Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, streaming on Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video

A creamy looking cocktail in a coupe glass with a crushed waffle cone rim on a snowy surface with cone trees and pine trees in the background.

This Dutch-influenced quaff came to us because of the Sinterklaasje song Kris Kringle chants to a little Dutch girl early on in Miracle on 34th Street. This holiday classic makes our watch list every year, perhaps because of its heartwarming message that reminds us, goodness exists in the world if you simply…believe.

**Red Ryder Punch (A Christmas Story)**

Airing on TNT Dec. 3, throughout Dec. 24 and 25 on TBS and TNT, and streaming on HBO Max and Hulu

Red Ryder Punch is a gin based cocktail with the flavor of tangy-tart hibiscus, and a hint of blueberry sweetness. Inspired by Ralphie’s iconic “official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock, and this thing that tells time,” from A Christmas Story, it is a refreshing cocktail that packs a nice punch of flavor.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Chicken and Dumplings

By

Abdul Rafay

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December 4, 2025

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A cast iron pot filled with thick chicken and dumplings stew, featuring large herb dumplings, chunks of chicken, diced carrots, celery, and potatoes, seasoned with thyme, set on a dark wooden surface with a blue cloth and antique spoons.

For Bill Fuller, the force behind Big Burrito Group restaurants Mad Mex, Eleven, Casbah, Sobah, Kaya and Alta Via, Chicken and Dumplings is a family tradition, a dish he first had as a child. “My mother was a busy single mom, who didn’t always have the time to get it right, but I loved it, even if her dumplings were chewy and her broth bland.”

Fuller took that family staple and perfected it, finding the perfect combination of tender dumplings and thick, supple broth of which his wife–a Chicken and Dumplings fan herself–approves. These days, he’s cooking for a new generation of Fuller; his daughter. “Three generations of the most important women in my life all love Chicken and Dumplings,” says Fuller.

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Chicken and Dumplings

Author: Bill Fuller

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting dish features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth.

Ingredients

Scale

3 or 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
chicken stock (recipe below)
2 cups onions, diced
5 to 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 cups carrots, diced
1 cup celery, sliced into half moons
1 cup celery root, peeled and diced
2 lb Red Bliss or small Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dumplings (recipe below)

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Instructions

Place chicken in large pot. Cover with chicken stock and bring just to a simmer. Cook until chicken is just done. Remove, and cool.
Add all vegetables and thyme to stock. Season well with salt and pepper, and add more stock if necessary. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are done.
While vegetables are cooking, remove chicken meat from bones and shred or dice large. Add to pot when vegetables are cooked.
Spoon in dumplings while keeping pot at a simmer. When completed, simmer for a few minutes. If broth becomes too thick for your taste, add a little more stock. (Personally, I like it thicker.) Also, check seasonings: salt and pepper make a world of difference in a simple dish like this.
Scoop out two bowls, and eat in front of the fireplace with some Champagne and crusty bread.

Notes

For perfect dumpling dough, give the butter and eggs time to warm to room temperature before preparing the dumplings.

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Chicken Stock

Author: Bill Fuller

Print Recipe

Description

A slow-simmered stock made with chicken, vegetables, garlic, and herbs creates a deep, flavorful base.

Ingredients

Scale

5 lb chicken necks and backs (a whole chicken or various pieces and parts work well enough)
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 carrot, peeled and copped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 heads garlic, split crossways
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
Lots of sprigs fresh thyme

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Instructions

Place chicken (organs are good too, but not livers!) in stockpot with onions, carrots and celery.
Place garlic and herbs in pot. Cover with cold water to 1 inch above ingredients and place pot on stove. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a minimal simmer*.
Skim fat and foam immediately. Cook 2 hours at a low simmer, skimming fat and foam regularly. When done, skim fat and strain through a coarse mesh strainer. Strain again with a fine mesh strainer.

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Dumplings

Author: Bill Fuller

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, pillowy dumplings made with eggs, butter, and flour add heartiness to the broth.

Ingredients

Scale

6 eggs, room-temperature
1/4 lb butter, softened to the point that it is partially melted (one stick)
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Whisk eggs lightly to break yolks. Add butter and incorporate well. There may still remain little pieces of butter in the eggs. Add flour and seasonings, and stir in gently. Do not over-work the dough. It should be soft and sticky, a little thicker than a batter but not as tight as a soft dough.
Place a small amount of dumpling dough onto a spoon and scrape two or three dumplings into the simmering pot with another spoon. When the dumplings float, allow them to cook a minute or two more. Remove and taste. If the dumpling falls apart, add a little more flour and stir it in gently. If the seasonings need to be adjusted, add salt and pepper.
Continue to scrape dumplings into pot. I like to make them the size I get when I scrape 4 or 5 off a large tablespoon. Bring back to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.

Recipe by Bill Fuller, Big Burrito Restaurant Group
Styling by Quelcy Kogel
Photography by Adam Milliron

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50 Holiday Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Festive Sweet Tooth

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 3, 2025

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Sugar cookies shaped like snowflakes on a black background!

The holidays are officially here, meaning so is the season of indulgence! Cozy cookie swaps, show-stopping cakes, and playful treats keep your plate full of sweets when the holidays hit. Whether you crave the comforting warmth of classic chocolate chip cookies, citrus‑infused confections, or more traditional holiday pastries, we’ve got you covered. This collection of 50 holiday dessert recipes is your ultimate guide to curing any sweet tooth, impressing guests, and filling your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of the season. Get ready to bake, share, and savor every sugary bite!