The Italian Plum Torte gets a summery twist with this Strawberry Cake recipe. Savor the sun-ripened flavor of strawberries and build your own version.
Our Strawberry Cake’s Italian Plum Torte Inspiration
This recipe adds to the dozens of versions we’ve read (and of the many we’ve made and enjoyed) of Marian Burros’s legendary 1979 Italian Plum Torte. Her dry batter absorbs fruit liquids in a gorgeous way, even as it rises and reaches up to blanket the fruit placed on top before baking. As strawberry season approaches, this version will help you celebrate the return of summer and delicious, sun-ripened fruits and veggies. After you’ve tried it once or twice, perhaps it will inspire you to build your own flavor profiles into the recipe and make one more delicious version in Ms. Burros’s honor.
Recipe, Story, and Styling by Keith Recker Photography by Dave Bryce
Our longtime Kids Table contributor Kelly Kinsey created this fun fruit sammies recipe featuring fresh fruit and creme cheese. Bring the kids in to participate in the making of these good foods. The fun is part of the process!
Fun Fruit Sammies Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Sliced strawberries
Sliced pineapple
Sliced oranges
Slider buns, Hawaiian buns, pretzel buns, or slices of Italian bread
8 oz package of Philadelphia cream cheese
1 cup Fresh or Frozen blueberries (if frozen, thaw to room temp and drain off excess liquid)
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tbsp orange zest
INSTRUCTIONS
Slice fresh fruits. Depending on the appetites involved, estimate per kid (or adult!) 2 large strawberries, half an orange, 1 slice of pineapple.
Choose your bread. Salty pretzel buns are fun and tasty, but better for older tastebuds and dexterities. Soft breads like slider buns, Hawaiian buns, and slices of Italian bread are great for younger kids.
In a food processor or with a mixer, blend an 8 oz package of cream cheese with the blueberries, sugar, and zest. This will keep, covered in fridge, for about a week after making.
Toast the bread if you like a little bit of melting in the cream cheese.
Spread cream cheese mixture generously on both sides of your bread. Layer sliced fruits on one half of the bread, and top with the other.
Recipe by Kelly Kinsey / Story, Styling, and Photography by Keith Recker
Fresh strawberries and Aperol bring fruity, bittersweet flavors to the classic Negroni in this riff crafted by hip, Downtown gastropub, The Commoner. The four-ingredient recipe is easy to blend up at home — give it a quick stir with some ice, and you’re ready for cocktail hour!
Traditionally speaking, the Negroni uses equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet red vermouth and always comes with an orange wheel garnish.
What is Carpano Bianco in This Strawberry Negroni?
Carpano Bianco is one of Carpano’s many vermouth styles, which has been making Italian vermouth since 1786. This specific type one is considered the most aromatic and elegant. This Carpano Bianco has a slight yellow hue and an exotic, citrus flavor. You’ll find light notes of cocoa beans and almonds plus a subtle hint of wine beneath its bold taste. It’s a great choice for our Strawberry Negroni Bianco, adding a floral touch to this already tasteful traditional cocktail.
Blend all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix/better to do in a batch), and strain through a fine-mesh colander lined with cheesecloth.
Once strained, add 3 oz of the cocktail in a mixing glass with ice and stir 40-48 times.
Strain over fresh ice in a double rocks glass and serve with a half of a strawberry as a garnish.
A twist of a peel of lemon is always a great idea when using strawberry and gin… salud!
Recipe by The Commoner Photography by Brittany Spinelli
Savor the sweet, summer flavors of strawberries and rhubarb in this riff on the classic negroni from bartenders Cat Cannon and Cecil Usher of Mindful Hospitality Group. The sweet infusions of fresh, summertime fruits blend seamlessly with smooth, sexy spirits into a delicious cocktail.
What Does Rhubarb Add to a This Negroni Recipe?
This springtime ingredient is fantastic for adding a new flavor to cocktail recipes you’re used to making over and over again. Rhubarb is usually pretty tart, almost with a sour undertone. Though, when combined with sweet elements like in our Strawberry Rhubarb Negroni, it becomes the perfect balance of both ends. Not to mention, spirits that you infuse with rhubarb gain this gorgeous light pink color.
We’ve all had it: Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad. It’s sure to show up at every summer picnic pot luck. And, whether you want to admit it or not, you love it. We can’t quite figure out how or why salad became part of its original title, but apparently, it is now referred to as Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Bars, and that seems to be more appropriate.
However, don’t settle in on that title too quickly. We’re taking this beloved traditional dessert to an elevated status and giving it a new name: Elevated Strawberry Gelatin Pretzel Cake (if you can think of a shorter title, please chime in).
Disclaimers About Our Elevated Strawberry Gelatin Pretzel Cake
This recipe is not meant to swap out the full-fat ingredients. Nothing low-cal here. You can expect a very rich and delicious experience with every bite. Think cheesecake, without the baking, and use the freshest strawberries the summer season has to offer. If you want to get a little creative, try using a different berry in place of the strawberries for a whole new dessert.
Recipe, Food Styling, and Story by Star Laliberte Prop Styling by Keith Recker Photography by Dave Bryce
Photo by Emily O'Donnell, Courtesy of Children's Theater Festival
Dare we say it… the beautiful weather seems to be here to stay. Capitalize on the gorgeous Pittsburgh days while we have them the local events below.
Photo by Deneka Peniston
Made Local with Leon Ford Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, May 18
At 19, new father Leon Ford was shot five times during a traffic stop by a Pittsburgh police officer, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Ford discusses his discovery of the power of forgiveness while offering a thought-provoking look at the future of policing in the United States in his new memoir, An Unspeakable Hope.
Photo by Tom Little, Courtesy of the Mattress Factory
As Below, So Above Mattress Factory, Running until May 19, 2024
Mattress Factory’s newest exhibition comes from Japanese American artist Shohei Katayama. The solo installation draws inspiration — and its title — from “As Above, So Below,” an ancient Greek phrase that explores interconnectedness throughout higher and lower realms of existence. Katayama invites viewers to consider and challenge their reality and place in the world.
Photo by Emily O’Donnell, Courtesy of Children’s Theater Festival
EQT Children’s Theater Festival Pittsburgh Cultural District, May 19 to 21
Find over 50 free activities and performances throughout the Downtown area this weekend during the annual EQT Children’s Theater Festival. Whether the little one in your life enjoys magic, gaming, or crafts, the lineup featuring musicians, magicians, storytellers, street artists, art stations, creative learning workshops, face-painting Leggos, and more is sure to please any particular kiddo (and adults!).
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
The Sleeping Beauty Benedum Center, May 19 to 21
You’ve most likely read the book or seen the movie, but what about the ballet version? Drama and romance take center stage in this production, choreographed by Ronald Hynd and set to an iconic Tchaikovsky score.
Artist Princess Nostalgia, photo by Vondre Clark
Millvale Music Festival Millvale, May 19 and 20
The largest gathering of free performances by local musicians returns this weekend for two days of rockin’ entertainment. Get ready for the festivities with the festival’s 2023 Spotify playlist below.
Photo courtesy of Square Cafe
Square Cafe 20th Anniversary Party Square Cafe, May 20
Did you know Square Cafe has been providing Pittsburgh with delectable bites for almost two decades? In honor of 20 magical years, the East Liberty eatery invites the entire family for breakfast, brunch, or lunch to dance with DJ Cake and enjoy Square Cafe’s famous mini biscuits on the house. Alongside a photo booth, balloon art, prizes, and more, the cafe is offering exclusively made 20th-anniversary merch featuring a special Square Cafe unicorn created by Baron Batch. But there’s more! Throughout the day, this custom-made merch will be gifted to customers while one lucky patron gets to take home a piece of Baron Batch’s artwork.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the special occasion than by treating Mom to a delicious brunch? Whether you’re hosting a small gathering at home or showing up at Mom’s place with something special, we’ve gathered some mouthwatering recipes that are sure to impress. So, let’s get cooking and make this Mother’s Day a memorable one!
Cooking and hosting are traditions I inherited from the women in my family. They have been passed on from one generation to the next, starting with my great-grandmother. I had an incredibly special bond with my great-grandmother, who I affectionately called Oma, and my first memories with her started in the kitchen. I remember sitting on the countertop while I watched her prepare a special or daily meal. She would always give me a task so that I felt included — mostly peeling a vegetable or another simple task that a 4-year-old could complete safely.
A Family History of Hosting
Hosting is a talent that my grandma thrives on. From creating the most delicious and special meals for birthdays and holidays to the classic Sunday lunches, she makes to bring our family together. Every meal is completed by a bottle of wine that my grandfather carefully selects to support her divine cooking. While food and wine have always brought us together, they are especially appreciated now, after two years of careful distance.
My mother inherited both cooking and hosting from the incredible women that raised her. Something that has always stuck with me is how special small bites can be when hosting a meal, and deviled eggs were always one of her preferred hors d’oeuvres. Since I live far from her these days, cooking certain foods can trigger comforting memories, almost closing the long distance between us. On Mother’s Day, I will raise a glass of bubbly to her and hope that my deviled eggs can be an eighth as good as hers.
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In a heat-proof glass jar, place at least 10 peppercorns and sliced onions into half moons. Boil a cup of water, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of white vinegar and salt and pepper. When boiling, add 3 tablespoons of sugar and dissolve. Add mixture to jar. Cover and let it come to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
An Unusual Wine Pairing
When you have a savory dish with smoky flavors like these bacon-deviled eggs, you want to balance but at the same time highlight the flavors. The Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé is packed with red fruit flavors. The notes of strawberries and raspberries play a great counterpart to the salty flavors of the pork. Champagne is a more traditional pairing for this “bubbles and brunch” combination designed to celebrate the special mom or mother figure in your life.
Traditional wine recommendation: Champagne
Experimental pairing: Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé
Story by Camila Alarcón Cordón
Photography by Dave Bryce
Styling by Keith Recker
Orange lentils make for a witty pairing with corn and asparagus in this vivid Lentil Asparagus Corn Salad that also flirts with edible flowers and snippets of torn mint. We’re especially romanced by Chef Sam DiBattista’s of Vivo Kitchen‘s Lemon-Honey Cayenne Dressing — lip-warming and tart.
Health Benefits of Asparagus and Lentils
Asparagus is low in calories but rich in nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to any healthy meal. It’s an excellent source of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Asparagus is also high in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress. Additionally, asparagus contains prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome. Lentils are an affordable nd versatile source of plant-based protein, making them an essential food for vegetarians and vegans. Rich in iron, lentils help maintain healthy red blood cells and combat iron deficiency anemia. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion, reduces cholesterol, and supports weight management by promoting feelings of fullness. Together in this Lentil Asparagus Corn Salad, they make a powerfully healthy combination.
Recipe by Sam Dibattista of Vivo’s Kitchen
Photography by Adam Milliron
Styling by Ana Kelly
Sip sip hooray! TABLE's Star LaLiberte dreams up a Mother’s Day cocktail whose sunny smell of springtime, and gin-forward flavor, get the party started.
Many of the gatherings I plan for family or friends begin with a cocktail. It may be something cool and refreshing, warm and comforting, a traditional recipe, or one creatively fashioned to fit a theme. Some come with spirits, but not always. No matter the season or the event, the choice of a welcome drink sets the tone for the festivities. Plus, it is the start of a cohesive theme. Yes, I am “that” person. I find great pleasure in creating themed celebrations where new memories are birthed, and fond memories recalled.
Why Make a Spring Pea Mother’s Day Cocktail?
Since having my own children, each year for Mother’s Day, my mom buys me flats of beautiful flowers and herbs for my garden and patio. With the smell of freshly cultivated soil and spring rain wafting upward from the ground, I plant each one. That smell of pure springtime reminds me of the sweetness of my mother and also the treasure of motherhood. It is also the smell of a new season bursting forth with new life, something we all celebrate.
This year, I will toast to my mom and to my kids with a Mother’s Day cocktail that recalls this annual spring planting ritual.
Story by Star Laliberte Photography by Dave Bryce Styling by Keith Recker