Pop and Thistle

Author's posts

Pet Profile: The Tenacious American Staffordshire Terrier

Since the American Staffordshire Terrier is famous for its fighting ability, it is no wonder that this powerful breed has a muscular build. However, there is much more to this breed than its unfortunate heritage as an aggressive fighter. Many Staffordshire Terrier lovers praise this breed’s affectionate and loyal family nature. The Staffordshire Terrier was …

Continue reading

Quotes for the New Year

Here are some of our favorite thoughts on renewal and beginnings to welcome 2022 and help get you ready for the new year. And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. -Rainer Maria Rilke For last year’s words belong to last year’s languageAnd next year’s words await another voice. …

Continue reading

Classic Quotes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

The Peanuts characters have long been an integral part of the holidays for many Americans. Every year when the Charlie Brown specials would show on network television, families naturally gathered for the event.   The show “A Charlie Brown Christmas” debuted on CBS on December 9, 1965, and is still welcome in our living rooms year after year. Peanuts and …

Continue reading

Holiday Dessert Recipes from Around the Globe

What better time than the winter holiday season to indulge your craving for a superb dessert? There are hundreds to choose from, but these international Christmas recipes can add a taste of something unique to your holiday festivities. Yuletide Gingerbread For a traditional American treat, bake some gingerbread. Ingredients: 2 eggs 1/4 cup molasses 1/2 …

Continue reading

Christmas Plants Rooted in Centuries-old Histories and Traditions

Each Christmas decorated trees, twinkling lights and familiar carols take center stage in creating a festive holiday atmosphere. Certain plants play key roles as well: church altars banked with poinsettias, mistletoe hung over doorways, and holly adorning floral arrangements. Ironically, the histories of most Christmas plants have pagan roots (pardon the pun!), some dating back …

Continue reading

Pork Medallions with Sage and Port

Yule impress with port wine-infused pork medallions Give your guests the gift of great food this holiday season with the delicious, nutritious, and festive combination of pork tenderloin and port wine. Port adds elegant flavour, depth, and richness to holiday meals. It easily stands up to the heat of cooking and combines well with a …

Continue reading

Hasselback Potatoes Stuffed with Cheddar and Bacon

Elevate the regular old baked potato with this impressive side dish for your guests. Stuffed with cheddar and bacon, these potatoes are not only delicious but a showstopper as well fanning out delightfully as they bake. “The trick here is in using wooden spoons (or chopsticks) as guides while cutting almost-but-not-all-the-way-through,” says Chef Tom Filippou, …

Continue reading

Chocolate Hazelnut Bûche de Noël

The showstopper dessert of the holiday season This classic dessert is sure to be a conversation piece in your holiday dinner. The sugared cranberries are a pretty garnish and take this cake to the next level. “A classic Bûche de Noël, or French yule log cake, is one of the most impressive holiday desserts you …

Continue reading

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Baked Alaska

Ice cream nestled on cake and wrapped in toasted meringue is so irresistible. We’re struggling to figure out why the baked Alaska disappeared from popular culture in the ’60s. As luck would have it, this impressive layered dessert is poised for a comeback, and we’re leaning into it hard with our peppermint hot chocolate-inspired version. …

Continue reading

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups

Get the kids in the kitchen with hot chocolate-inspired cookie cups The holidays are a busy time for families, between shopping for the perfect gift, hosting out-of-town guests, attending get-togethers and baking. Not only is baking a quintessential part of the festive season, but it is also a delicious way to spend a wintery day …

Continue reading