Whenever you’re craving chicken noodle soup but want to switch things up a bit, Chicken and Orzo Soup is there. With the use of leftover rotisserie chicken, you can easily turn these scraps into a pot of soup simmering with delicious herbs. We also take inspiration from Rachael Ray to make sure it’s simple to make but carries big flavor.
What is Orzo?
This noodle comes from a mix of durum wheat semolina flour and water. Whether it’s in soup or pasta dishes, orzo finds its place as an accompaniment with its small, long shape that’s almost like rice. You can use orzo almost as if it’s risotto, surrounding it with a broth that it can absorb the flavor of. In our Chicken and Orzo Soup, feel free to switch things up with other tiny pasta types like pastina or stelline that have small star shapes.
Deeply rich and flavorful soup adapted from Rachael Ray to feature rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp fresh garlic
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 cup mushrooms, halved (cremini or button work well)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
⅔ cup orzo pasta
2 cups arugula, chopped
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for topping
Instructions
First, you’ll want to combine the chicken stock and water in a medium pot. Bring these two to a gentle simmer as you continue with the recipe.
Using a large soup pot, add in the extra-virgin olive oil and heat it over a medium-high heat. Stir in the chicken, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, garlic, onion, carrot, and mushrooms. Add salt and pepper as you like then cook covered for 6-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Next, pour your stock from earlier into the large pot and bring everything to a boil. At this point, you can add the orzo past and cook by your instructions, usually around 8 minutes while stirring occasionally.
After the orzo is cooked, you can remove the pot from the heat and then stir in the arugula and basil. To finish things off, add the lemon zest and discard the bay leaf.
To enjoy, we recommend a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, and dill on top.
Looking for more ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Check out our article for leftover chicken recipes featuring stocks, casseroles, pastas, and more.
Recipe by Mark Chutko, Adapted from Rachael Ray Photo Courtesy of You Le
New Italian Restaurant Cork & Crust Opens in The Oaklander Hotel
Opening on Monday, January 26, Cork & Crust is your introduction to authentic Italian food with a Pittsburgh twist. First, you experience the welcoming, industrial style, low-lit dining area and bar that represents the heart of the steel industry perfectly. Once you’re seated, the painstaking preparation of each dish and meticulous attention to the smallest details means any menu choice you extends that first impression into a great experience.
Meet Chef Kristin Butterworth of Cork & Crust
Chef Kristin Butterworth is known for her work turning Nemacolin‘s Lautrec into a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond level. This three-time James Beard Award semifinalist also has experience as the Executive Sous Chef at the Forbes Five-Star Sea Island Resort on Georgia’s southern coast.
She brings this background into Cork & Crust’s extensive menu and specialty bar program.
Feeling Thirsty?
At the center of the bar offerings is a curated wine list rooted in Italian tradition, featuring both classic reds and aromatic whites sourced from quality vintners in Europe and California. Let the staff lead you in exploring a range of options to pair with pizza, pasta, and small plates alike. The wine selection is complemented by artisan cocktails and plus rotating local and regional beers.
When we ventured into Cork & Crust, the Piccante Spritz caught our eye. It layers aperol, prosecco, and pink pepper corn-infused agave. It’s a trip to the Amalfi coast of Italy without the expensive plane ticket.
If you’re opting out of the alcohol though, an Italian soda is a must. Personally, we recommend the White Peach. It’s just sweet enough, with a simple flavor that goes well with any dish. There are also apple and orange versions.
Spicy Roasted Castelvetrano Olives
Exploring the Food Menu
At the heart of the food menu are Neapolitan-inspired wood-fired pizzas, crafted with an artisan touch and bold flavor profiles. Each recipe honors classic Italian techniques but also add fun and creative twists.
Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with candied jalapeño
We tried a Spicy Pepperoni pizza that coats a thin crust with tomato sauce, mozzarella, crunchy pepperonis, hot honey, basil, and candied jalapeños for a bit of sweetness. Every pizza also comes with little dishes of smoked sea salt, chili crisp, and parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top, as well as a bottle of signature house-made hot sauce. This allows you to venture into combinations that take this pizza further than you could imagine.
Spicy Pepperoni Pizza
Guests can also explore a variety of elevated small plates that are encouraged to be shared amongst the table. We personally split the Cauliflower Pitt-catta which comes in a dreamy swirl of basil pesto and lemon-caper butter. But there’s also short rib and chicken milanese to try.
Cauliflower Pitt-catta
In addition to pizza, another main attraction at Cork & Crust is the pasta. Each dish reflects traditional preparation with attention to texture and sauce balance, complementing the wine-forward beverage list. The Yinzer “Ravioli” is a must for any Pittsburgher. Don’t let the name fool you, these are some of the most luxurious pierogis you’ll ever have. Featuring a potato filling, they rest on a bed of cracked black pepper cream with toppings of parmesan, charred pearl onions, and chive. A dash of the aforementioned hot sauce is a nice add-on.
Yinzer “Ravioli”
What’s for Dessert?
Then, at the end of it all, comes dessert. Chef Kristin is also the brains behind the decadent sweets on the menu. TRUST US: you’ll want to save room. Our table enjoyed to both the Chocolate Panna Cotta and Lemon Tiramisu.
Chocolate Panna Cotta
For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Panna Cotta embeds a silky butterscotch filling inside a milky creamy chocolate accompanied by a pistachio biscotti leaf, whipped mascarpone, and brown butter powder on top.
Even those who aren’t a fan of sweets can find solace and satisfaction in the Lemon Tiramisu. Limoncello is the star of the show here as it soaks the ladyfinger cookies at the desserts’ base and intertwines with a lemon mascarpone. The candied lemon and powdered sugar topping are a sure sign of deliciousness ahead. It’s smooth, creamy, and loaded with just the right amount of tart citrus. One of our group decided he would have to come back every day for a dose of mood-lifting deliciousness.
Lemon Tiramisu
Make a reservation quickly! Cork & Crust is a comfortable, approachable, and excellent new spot on the dining scene. Get ready to relax into Chef Kristin’s heartwarming food.
While you wait for your reservation, try one of Chef Kristin Butterworth’s TABLE Magazine recipes for Asparagus Ravioli.
As temperatures drop to freezing and below, there’s nothing quite like making a warm, comfort food recipe that reminds you of home. Whether you’re craving hearty soups, scrumptious pizza, cozy dinners, or indulgent desserts, there are plenty of abundant ingredients to satisfy your cravings. Explore our collection of recipes that will keep smiles on your family’s faces throughout the season, even as snow coats the ground.
Comfort Food and 2026 Food Trends
As 2026 kicks into gear, there are rising tensions in just about every part of the world. Whether it’s in your own life or something the whole country is facing, concern and stress stay in our bodies, leaving us unrested and frustrated. While prices continue to rise and political leaders divulge into larger fights, you need a way to relax and discover a safe space in the food you eat. Comfort food can be a way to experience nostalgia and remind you of the good in life. The warm temperature and flavors that are familiar are everything to a stressed brain and body. This year, comfort food is more crucial than ever.
An essential comfort food, Mac and Cheese is a dish loved by all ages. This classically baked version ensures a crispy, cheesy crust with a gooey, warm inside. The best part is the short ingredient list means you probably have most of the basics already in your pantry and fridge.
A red, meaty ragù sauce is just the thing you need on a cold, gloomy day. This Stanley Tucci Inspired Tagliatelle al Ragù will take you back to Sundays at grandma’s house. If you want the ultimate comfort meal, serve it with a soup or salad and fresh baked loaf of bread.
A casserole reminds us of family. It takes us back to gatherings with aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many others. Take yourself to that happy place with our Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole. It’s got a bit of a kick from the green chile with layers of cheese, chicken, tortilla pieces, onion, and a delicious broth.
Who doesn’t love a bowl of chili when they’re in need of something comforting? Even better than your regular chili recipe, this one is made with Wendy’s chili in mind. It’s got chunks of peppers, plenty of beans, ground beef, and stewed tomatoes with green chilies. You can also get creative with your toppings though we opt for sour cream, cheese, and scallions.
Making this Beer Brat Stew in advance means you can come home from a hard day and immediately find comfort in a bowl. Fingerling potatoes and beer brats soak in a bath of stout-infused stew. It’s hearty and great alongside a slice of country bread.
Looking for a recipe that doesn’t require too much prep? These Pumpkin Pancakes are a breakfast, lunch, or dinner option thanks to pumpkin puree and an apple compote. You’ll be taken back to your childhood when a stack of pancakes on your plate was one of the best meals.
We’re elevating the Southern comfort of Chicken and Dumplings with butternut and acorn squash. These two additions add a little sweetness to this bowl full of farm-fresh ingredients. Plus, learning to make dumplings from scratch comes in handy for other recipes too like soups.
You cannot indulge in comfort food without having a Homemade Tomato Soup next to your favorite type of grilled cheese. For this soup recipe you can use canned tomatoes for ease or make use of tomatoes from your garden. Either way, the creamy, savory broth will have you licking the bowl completely clean.
The cushiony dough and warm filling of a pierogi makes it undeniably a comfort food. These Carrot Pierogis use a veggie and ground pork filling that’s full of flavors like garlic, ginger, and soy.
You could order a pizza out… or you could customize your own Pesto Veggie Flatbread Pizza at home. By utilizing ready-to-use ingredients like store bought pesto, a flavored olive oil, and premade flatbreads, this recipe is a breeze and visually stunning.
If you’re choosing a burger for lunch or dinner then you might as well go all-out with it. This Hawaiian Burger starts with a perfectly cooked patty then piles it high with bacon, tomato lettuce, your choice of cheese, as well as a homemade pineapple and red onion jam.
Looking for a comfort meal that’s elegant too? Making Orecchiette Pasta from scratch takes some patience but is well worth the result. In this recipe, we’re mixing this pasta with a sauce made from foraged mushrooms, pork, vegetables, and cream.
If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s more on the classic side, this Stanley Tucci Inspired Pasta alla Norma is for you. Here we pull together lightly fried eggplant and rigatoni pasta in a simple red sauce. Serve with cheese on top and bread for sopping up the sauce.
Mashed potatoes are the holy grail of comfort foods. In order to warm your body at the same time, we’ve made Green Chile and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes that add a kick of heat. The Hatch green chiles and red chiles creates a spicy base but the cheddar and creamy potatoes cool things down. Plus, you can check out our Celebrity Mashed Potato Taste Test to find out what the all-time best recipe is.
Everyone needs a dessert for the best way to end a comfort meal. Our Mocha Chocolate Brownies take cocoa to the extreme with an espresso-chocolate frosting on top. Nothing calms the soul quite like a dose of chocolate.
Possibly one of the most loved desserts, Chocolate Chip Cookies are a snack for anytime. When you’re sad, bite into these gooey rounds of rich chocolate. When you’re happy, bake up a tray to put a smile on those around you.
Whether it’s served on its own or à la mode with a scoop of ice cream on top, a slice of Apple Pie is like a warm hug. This recipe will teach you to make your own flakey crust and includes a crunchy sugar topping.
Stanley Tucci, the captivating actor known for his award-winning performances in films like The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games, harbors a passion that extends far beyond the silver screen: food. More than just a casual foodie, Tucci has emerged as a culinary enthusiast, captivating audiences with his television program, Searching for Italy and his cookbook The Tucci Cookbook. Get ready to explore a collection of dishes that are not only delicious but are influenced by the warmth and personality of this beloved actor. Seasoned cooks and beginners alike will love these Tucci inspired, approachable recipes that offer a delightful invitation to explore the world of Italian flavors. So, grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure with Stanley Tucci!
Every good pasta dish starts with a flavorful and savory sauce. This Maria Rosa Tomato Sauce is the perfect base to any pasta shape your heart desires. It’s robust with large, fresh tomatoes, spices, herbs, and other veggies. Plus, it’s similar to the one Tucci makes in episode one of Searching for Italy.
Simple but invigorating, this Pasta alla Norma is a great recipe to have in your back pocket. Rigatoni pasta is matched with lightly fried eggplant for a contrast of textures. Finish it off with a homemade red sauce using olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, and basil.
Cacio e Pepe quite literally means cheese and black pepper. They’re the main staples of this pasta dish alongside lemon zest, arugula, and a helping of olive oil. Though if you want to stick to this dish’s Roman roots, you can leave out of lemon zest and arugula for a more traditional approach.
When you need to whip together a meal quickly, let Penne all’ Arrabbiata be your guide. It does have a bit of heat due to the chili oil we include, but you can easily leave it out if you’re not a fan of spice. This eight ingredient dish combines a sauce made from scratch and al dente penne.
If you’re a fan of risotto and also happen to enjoy the umami, earthy flavor of mushrooms, this recipe is going to be your own little slice of heaven. Your basic risotto is getting an upgrade with threads of saffron, white wine, and dried porcini mushrooms. How could one say no to such a cozy and comforting dinner?
Guanciale is the key ingredient to making this Bucatini all’Amatriciana so special and delicious. This cured pork cheek adds a smoky and crispy element to an already mouth watering dish. Though if you don’t have guanciale available you can always substitute it for bacon or pancetta to get a similar result.
In Tucci’s series, he notes that for a true Carbonara guanciale, pork jowl, is the most important element to showcase. It adds a rich, salty flavor to this creamy sauce. Since this recipe uses only six ingredients, we recommend buying of a high quality to ensure the best dish possible.
Get your dose of delicious, crunchy zucchini with our Spaghetti alla Nerano. Instead of a red sauce, you’ll find a dose of cheesy garlic butter that compliments the zucchini. It’s a little different from your basic penne and sauce without going too far away from tradition.
Ragù sauce is a thick, red sauce that uses beef chunks and a savory red wine for a rich, irreplaceable taste. In this dish, it’s added to tagliatelle pasta which are thick, flat, ribbon-like noodles made from eggs. Needless to say, between these two elements you’re sure to leave the dinner table feeling satisfied.
Remember that Maria Rosa Sauce that’s mentioned earlier in this article? Well it just got even better when we toss in Italian sausage, rigatoni, and a Calabrian chili sauce for a bit of heat. It’s a little bit of tradition and a little bit of modernity all in one.
Yet again our Maria Rosa Inspired Sauce sets your plate up for success in our Cannellini Beans and Greens. You may know Cannellini beans better as white kidney beans. Packed full of protein, these beans combine with Lacinto kale to create a recipe that’s healthy but still fulfilling. We recommend serving this recipe alongside crusty bread for dipping in that irresistible sauce.
No meal could be complete without a martini from the man himself. Tucci shared this recipe in Food Network’s Be My Guest, Season 3, Episode 2 featuring host Ina Garten. Try his dry Gin Martini for yourself alongside any of the pasta dishes above for a truly Stanley Tucci evening.
After all your hard work, you deserve to indulge in a dessert that Tucci fawns over in the Amalfi coast. This citrus-infused cake is refreshing and light after a hearty meal of pasta. Not to mention it gives you a chance to use that limoncello that has been hanging around the house.
35 features received nods for the 98th Academy Awards, and 33 of the Oscar nominees can be watched now (or soon) either in theaters or via streaming services.
Where to Watch 2026’s Oscar Nominees
While a few films are running ahead of the pack — if you haven’t, you should probably get to Sinners and One Battle After Another as soon as possible — Oscar completists have a lot to watch between now and the big night.
A total of 35 feature films received nods when the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards were revealed this morning (January 22) as well as 15 short films. The morning contained a record-breaking tally: Sinners earned an impressive 16 nominations, claiming the record for most nods received by a single film. (Previously, a trio of films were in a three-way tie with 14 nominations apiece: All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.)
Those seeking to complete the fabled Oscars Death Race (seeing each and every nominated feature and short before Oscar night) have a tall order ahead, even in terms of simple logistics: The nominees are spread across theatrical screenings, streaming services and digital on-demand platforms, with some yet to see wide availability in the United States.
For cineastes looking to catch up without the pressure of seeing all 35 features, though, there are plenty of options … for all but two films, as surprise Best Original Song nominee Viva Verdi! and Best Documentary nominee Cutting Through Rocks are currently unavailable outside of film festivals.
Here’s our rundown of where to watch the nominated films, at least as of this writing; check updated lists on your favorite streaming services at the end of the month, and keep a close eye on showtimes near you for in-theater showings (which, of course, is the best way to watch).
Pittsburgh’s culinary scene is once again in the national spotlight as local chefs and restaurants earn recognition as James Beard Award semifinalists for 2026, one of the most prestigious honors in the American food world. This year, Chef Jamilka Borges of Shadyside’s Lilith is a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category for her distinctive blend of Puerto Rican and Sicilian-inspired cuisine. Apteka in Bloomfield also secured a spot in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category, showcasing their approach to food and drink. These accolades from the James Beard Foundation highlight Pittsburgh’s growing influence on the national scale and honor the creativity and skill that’s right in our own city.
Pittsburgh’s Chef Jamilka Borges of Lilith and Restaurant Apteka Named 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists
What is the James Beard Award?
A program of the James Beard Foundation, the James Beard Awards are like the Oscars of food. These awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in restaurants, food media, and hospitality across the United States. Judges look for culinary excellence and consistency, including skill, technique, and a strong point of view in what they are creating. Commitments to sustainability, ethical sourcing, inclusivity, and positive workplace practices, can also play a role.
Chef Jamilka Borges | Photo by Tom O’Connor
Chef Jamilka Borges for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
Tucked away off the main streets of Shadyside sits the intimate restaurant Lilith. It’s the creation of Chef Jamilka Borges and Chef Dianne DeStefano and it centers around thoughtful cuisine blending multiple cultures. Chef Borges grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico and it’s a huge influence on everything she makes. Her dishes combine influences from different parts of the world to present you quite often with something you’ve never tasted before. Chef DeStefano brings Sicilian heritage to the restaurant’s “coastal cuisine” point of view.
At Lilith you’ll find a farm-to-table, handcrafted attitude. This means all their stocks, sauces, breads, and pastries are made in-house daily. The quality comes across instantly as her food wraps its arms around you and embraces you in a warm hug. But, in everything Chef Borges does, you’ll find a deep connection to the Pittsburgh community. For her, embracing locality isn’t just a state of mind, it’s a lifestyle.
Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski of Apteka | Photo by Laura Petrilla
Apteka for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
This Bloomfield restaurant and natural wine boutique has built a reputation in Pittsburgh for its thoughtful, adventurous beverage offerings that go perfectly with its all-vegan, Eastern and Central European menu. Apteka’s beverage program is not your average list of wines at a restaurant. Instead, it stands out for its carefully curated selection of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, many of which highlight minimal-intervention winemaking and emphasize the importance of regional character. Often, the wines come from very small scale growers and vintners you are unlikely to see on other wine menus in the United States. They pair these wines with house-made cordials, fermented drinks, and other nonalcoholic options that celebrate craft and tradition.
The James Beard Award semifinalist designation reflects Apteka’s dedication to hospitality, education, and a unique beverage experience. In fact, this isn’t their first rodeo in James Beard nominations. Co-owners and Chefs Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski have been contenders in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category, year after year. They advanced to the finalist round in 2023.
Learn more about these two and how they’ve influenced the culinary landscape in our article on rising chefs.
All finalists for the James Beard Award 2026 will be announced on March 31.
TABLE Magazine to host Pittsburgh’s Top Bartenders in a competition for the Best Cocktail Recipe!
Twelve bartending teams from Pittsburgh’s top establishments will participate in a competition where YOU are the judge. Each team will be assigned a spirit provided by one of 12 participating local distilleries to build a cocktail worthy of your vote for Best Cocktail Recipe.
Join us as we raise our glasses to passionate mixologists who will unleash their creativity to bring their vision to life in every shaken, stirred, and garnished cocktail. Selecta will be spinning the hottest beats, bringing the party vibes to life.
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026 Time: 6:30-9:30pm VIP Entry: 6:30pm General Entry: 7pm Location: ROOST Pittsburgh 250 Forbes Ave Suite 201 Downtown Pittsburgh Tickets: General Admission $75, VIP $130 – Purchase tickets here!
VIP Experience
Your VIP Experience includes early entry into the VIP Lounge, where you will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, a welcome drink, and more!
Why spend Valentine’s Day in the same bedroom where you spend every other night? Take this holiday as an opportunity to go all out and try something new. Valentine’s Day hotel packages are ready to sweep you off your feet for the evening. Many of these offers feature aphrodisiacs like chocolates, cheese, and champagne, which will be waiting for you in the room to get your celebration started. With the path to romance smoothed out on your behalf…the night awaits!
Delight in the Grand Romance Package by the Fairmont, located in Downtown’s Cultural District. After you take in a show at the Benedum Center, check into your room with valet service plus a bottle of champagne and chocolates waiting for you on the pillow.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day away from home this year with a day carefully curated staycation by Nemacolin. Order flowers, pastries, charcuterie, or a special wine to be delivered to your room. Then, indulge in a special dinner menu before finding bliss together at the Woodlands Spa with a couples escape. Plus, you can explore other amenities like indoor golf or the year-round outdoor hot tub.
The From Omni, With Love package at the Omni William Penn Hotel adds a little extra elegance to their already exquisite hospitality experience. Sip a bottle of sparkling wine paired with a sweet chocolate treat and a $50 date night credit. Linger a while with late check-out. Explore more treats specially arranged by the concierge. Plus, if you bring your pup along you can get them a festive bandana, pink pup-cup, and a Valentine’s treat upon arrival too.
Looking for the whole sha-bang? You can book the Dinner Date Night at the historic Priory Hotel on the North Shore. It includes either a stay for two in one of our stylish guest rooms, a bottle of chilled wine waiting in your room, a $75 dinner voucher to one of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants with Uber transportation, and complimentary grab and go breakfast the next day.
Make an unforgettable memory this Valentine’s Day with a stay at luxurious Mansions on Fifth. Their Romance, Romance Package gets you an overnight stay with an arrangement of a dozen roses, champagne or wine, and a snack plate ready upon your arrival. Finish the stay with breakfast delivered to your room the next morning for a truly relaxed and magical experience.
Plus, check out our Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day to ensure your holiday is the best it can be, even if you’re just staying at home.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you know what that means! You better have all your dinner reservations in place, presents bought and wrapped, and the dream date planned out. Let’s be honest though: chances are you’re probably running a little behind on that checklist. Don’t worry, we’re here to make sure your Valentine’s Day goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re spending the day with your husband, wife, partner, family, or friends, there’s plenty to do to celebrate this day of love. Here’s everything you need to make the perfect day, from cocktails and gifts to the romantic dinner. You’ll be more than prepared.
Yes, it’s true! Men really do outspend women on Valentine’s Day. It’s the only holiday where men go all-out to ensure only the best for their beloved. Check out our article to learn all about how this can be from shopkeepers and researchers alike.
Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade dinner, cooked from scratch. Instead of spending tons of money on a night out, stay in this Valentine’s Day and surprise your date with an extravagant meal made with your own hands. Many of our recipes use simple steps which help you all along the way, so even if you’re a beginner-level chef, we have the perfect recipe for you.
When you go to mix up a Valentine’s Day cocktail this year, don’t skimp out on the cheap stuff. Instead, head to a Pittsburgh distillery that crafts their liquor with the utmost care. Spirits like gin, whiskey, or vodka meet creative makers who master recipes and even infuse their bottles with specialty flavors. You’ll notice the difference in texture and flavor as you support local and add a shot to your evening.
This year, instead of turning to a bottle of wine, spice things up with complex, flavorful cocktail and mocktail creations. Not only are the results delicious, you’ll have some bonding time in the kitchen while you shake up these sensual sips.
But, if your lover is attached to their wine, shop for a special bottle that makes the day more romantic. Whether you prefer reds, whites, or rosés, we have options that show you care and leave your evening with a relaxing atmosphere.
If the sensuality of Valentine’s Day doesn’t get you in the mood then our Aphrodisiac Board for Two sure will. Our board is made up of all the ingredients that boost your sexual health and add a bit of romance to any date night. From Pickled Asparagus to Oyster Shooters, who knows if you’ll even make it to the main course.
In case the above does not satisfy your intimate cravings, maybe a couple more choices for aphrodisiacs will. Infuse these delights into your dinner, cocktails, or even dessert to make sure your love shows. Plus, some of these ingredients burst with color making everything a little brighter on Valentine’s Day.
Spice up Valentine’s Day with a lovely staycation! Valentine’s Day hotel packages are ready to sweep you off your feet for the evening and take care of all the hard work for you with top-notch room service. Take this holiday as an opportunity to go all out and try something new.
If you want to get your loved one a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day, we recommend you go all-out and visit a Pittsburgh chocolatier. From creamy milk chocolate to more bitter dark and even subtle white, these chocolatiers fill their shops with an assortment of confections. Look for fun shapes, decadent truffles, pretzel clusters, and so much more.
What could be better for dessert than a decadent, chocolate heaven of a tart. A smooth chocolate filling and ganache topping flow over a crumbly crust. We recommend using local chocolate if you are able to, it makes all the difference.
Finish off the best Valentine’s Day ever with special candies and chocolates for your darling. These CBD recipes will help take away any stresses and allow for the rest of your evening to be a relaxing one. Just pop a chocolate in your mouth and cuddle up to a rom-com on the couch.
Staying at home this year? If you’re alone or even if you have a girlfriend or two over, you should shake up a passionate cocktail to match your favorite rom-com. We’ve collected all your favorites like Say Anything then craft each a recipe that embodies the movie such as a Boozy Orange Creamsicle Shake.
Dieting can be hard. Whatever the reason for restricting your diet, it’s not easy to form your world around a specific set of ingredients. But we’re here to show you that following a diet, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or keto, can be easy and delicious too. All you need is the right guide. We’ve made breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert just a click away for all types of diets. Each recipe encourages you to fill your table with nutritious foods that aren’t too out of reach either. So, feel free to start your dieting journey in 2026 with a helping hand. It’ll make your ease into your new lifestyle that much simpler.
Foster Your Dietary Health with These Recipe Guides
Wanting to dive deeper into veganism and vegetarianism but not rule out meat completely? Being a flexitarian encourages a mostly vegetable and fruit filled diet that allows for occasion, small amounts of meats. This means incorporating meats in healthy ways such as in our Beef Bulgogi Bowls that place it beside large portions of radishes, carrots, cucumbers, and kimchi. Or, try a Seafood Escabeche Salad that incorporates lean seafood like calamari, shrimp, and mussels with other plant-based ingredients.
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular in recent years and can make it feel as if you’re living along the coast of some of the most beautiful countries of Europe. It consists of focusing on heart-healthy ingredients to help low cholesterol and blood pressure. These recipes tend to include vegetables, whole grains, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. As you stray away from red meats and processed sugars, you can look forward to meals like Salmon Poke with Yuzu, Wonton Noodle-Wrapped Prawn Lettuce Wrap, and Seafood Stuffed Poblano Peppers.
Everyone’s heard about keto, and for good reason. A ketogenic diet means cutting out sugar, high-carb foods, beans, and more starchy vegetables. Instead, you want your plate to center on high fats for weight loss and increased energy. Think high protein, nutritious vegetables, and full fat dairy. For a keto diet, you’re going to want to stick to meals like Martha Stewart-Inspired Keto Chicken Roll Ups and Santa Maria-Style Dry Rub Lamb. But, there are ways to tweak recipes so you can still enjoy your favorite tastes. Try our Low Carb Keto Lemon Cranberry Quick Bread and Keto Pumpkin Donuts!
Even though you’re on a diet, you still deserve to have your dessert and eat it too! Did you know there are desserts out there for those needing gluten-free, keto, and vegan options? Or, if you just want to take a small healthy step forward, there are recipes for that too. We’ve got a little something for everyone here and we cover as many categories as we can to bring you tarts, cheesecakes, cakes, pies, cookies, and much more. Bake up a Gluten-Free Whole Grain Apple Cider Layer Cake. Or, try your hand at whipping up a Vegan Berry Macadamia Cheesecake. The options are endless.
