Category Archives: Tempting Treats

Happy Oktoberfest!

Posted on September 18, 2021 by Mary Fletcher Jones

The Bavarian folk festival Oktoberfest officially starts at noon today and lasts through October 3rd. The first Oktoberfest was a public celebration of King Ludwig’s marriage in 1810. The festival involves parades, horse races, marksmen contests, traditional costumes, agricultural exhibits, … Continue reading →

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Pumpkin Martini recipe

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Do you like pumpkin pie? Do you like martinis? Here’s a concoction that sounds deadly! (In a good way). This recipe makes two. Ingredients 4 oz vanilla vodka 1 oz heavy cream (or half and half). That’s 2 and half … Continue reading →

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Happy National M&Ms Day (did you know…?)

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Today is National M&Ms Day! I did a little research and learned some interesting things about M&Ms. History of M&Ms The milk chocolate candies were introduced in the U.S. in 1941. The son of the owner of the Mars company … Continue reading →

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Sheet pans and Dutch ovens for fall and winter feasts

Posted on October 11, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

If you like to cook and you plan to cook more while remaining safer at home this fall and winter, you might want to invest in a sheet pan and an enameled cast iron Dutch oven. If you already have … Continue reading →

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Happy National Pumpkin Spice Day

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Happy Pumpkin Spice Day! Did you know pumpkin spice does not contain pumpkin? Of course, it is a spice blend that was designed to make pumpkin pie. Pumpkin spice contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, mace and allspice. Here are some … Continue reading →

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A savory, easy-to-make beef stew

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

When it gets cold, what tastes better than beef stew you’ve made yourself?  This is how I make it. Ingredients 1-3/4 lb. beef stew chunks 1 tsp Garlic salt 1 tsp Pepper 1 tsp Paprika 1/4 cup flour 2 Tbsp … Continue reading →

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Make Apple Nachos

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

There are lots of ways to make apple nachos, but I like my version, because it is fast and easy. UNLIKE caramel apples, which are about as fast and easy as major surgery. But apple nachos taste just as good … Continue reading →

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Two Brews for Oktoberfest and Halloween

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Mary Fletcher Jones

On a recent visit to the Reston Total Wine store, I asked for some recommendations for pumpkin spiced brews. There were lots of those…and I like pumpkin ale. But he steered me to two “Marzen” beers, instead. Marzen beers are … Continue reading →

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Halloween wines

Posted on October 19, 2019 by Mary Fletcher Jones

“I never drink…wine.” — Count Dracula That’s okay, Count, more for us! I visited Total Wine in Reston (Plaza America location) in a quest for Halloween wines and they did not disappoint. I was provided with two recommendations. Witching Hour … Continue reading →

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Fall flavors – German gourmet treats in Virginia and D.C.

Posted on October 12, 2019 by Mary Fletcher Jones

It’s fall and that means Oktoberfest! While the official Oktoberfest celebration in Germany may have ended, in the states we’re still celebrating with brats and beer. Where can you find the best German food around these parts? I have two … Continue reading →

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