Cooking, drinking, merriment

Daily Newsletter for Sunday, December 18, 2016

Dear Almanac readers, 

A week to go before Christmas, and we're thinking about food (what's new?).

Planning to bake a ham? Roast a goose? Make a beef rib roast? See our Christmas Dinner Recipes.

Attending or throwing a cocktail party? We've got Christmas Appetizer Recipes—from an easy cheese ball to stuffed mushrooms.

And check out George Washington's favorite concoction for celebrating Christmas at Mount Vernon. Holy smokes!

Sincerely,

Your Almanac Editors

Fetched a cake fer little Jake, 
And fetched a pie fer Nanny, 
And fetched a pear fer all the pack 
That runs to kiss their Granny! 
–James Whitcomb Riley
Sunday, December 18, 2016
353rd day of the year


Brad Pitt (actor) was born on this day in 1963.
Zsa Zsa Gabor (actress and socialite) died on this day in 2016.
 

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Christmas Desserts!

Christmas Dessert Recipes
Browse our favorite Christmas dessert recipes, including gingerbread, Christmas cake, stollen, fruitcake, pies, cookies, candy, and more! It’s pure deliciousness for all of your holiday feasts and festivities.
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George's Eggnog

George Washington's Christmas Eggnog
Here is a recipe for Christmas Eggnog from our first president, in the exact words as they were written by George Washington himself. Our favorite instruction is the last one: “Taste Frequently.” This was one of Washington’s favorite concoctions for celebrating Christmas at Mount Vernon. (Get ready. It will knock your socks off!)
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Get the recipes that folks rave about! We invited Almanac readers to share their best recipes—the favorites served at family gatherings, potlucks, parties, and supper tables. You’ll love the heartwarming, humorous, and true stories that these cooks tell, too!
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Christmas Dinner Ideas

Christmas Dinner Recipes
Browse our top Christmas dinner recipes, from ham and rib roast to goose and lasagna. We’ve also added Christmas side dishes and soups to round out the meal!
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For those who like to keep an eye on the sky! Features dramatic photography, weather proverbs, historical weather events, trivia, and more.
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Holiday Appetizers

Christmas Appetizer Recipes
Ho, ho, ho! Here are 12 of our favorite Christmas appetizer recipes. Whether it’s classic deviled eggs or our famous cheese ball, find some great ideas that go from the appetizer staples to elegant hors d’oeuvres.
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The Algonquin people named the Full Snow Moon after this time when the heaviest snows fall.
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A Christmas Pie Crust

How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust
If you’re making a top crust for your pie, making a lattice top is quick and easy. This short video will show you the process.
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The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Calendar

Force spring flowers indoors: Cut forsythia, dogwood, or crabapple branches. Before placing in a vase, mash the cut ends…
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