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America Inspired

Demo: Making Christmas candies and cocktails

The ideal food for the holidays is one that is both delicious and looks beautiful on the table.  In this demo, learn how to make candied cranberries and orange peels.  Their vivid colors make them look as much like decorations as snacks.  You'll also learn how to candy nuts, for a snack that is both sweet and hearty and tastes like a little bite of Heaven.  And to go with your snacking, a classic cocktail you can make with the leftovers from candying.

What's sustainable about candy and cocktails?  Sugar is a preservative, so candying increases the life of fruits and nuts.  Orange peels are the part of the fruit you'd normally throw away, so you're reducing garbage by making this tasty treat.  And the sugar syrups left over from candying don't have to go down the drain, either.  They're perfect for adding sweet flavor to drinks.  For a non-alcoholic alternative, try them in lemonade or iced tea.

What's more, you can use local cranberries and honey in these recipes.  See why bees are so important in this slide show.

 
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, Boston Sustainable Food Examiner

Leah Bloom is a foodie who loves French fries as much as fiddleheads. She strives to eat humanely and sustainably, but isn't above the occasional fast food meal. Join her on a gastronomic journey that's good for the planet and your palate. E-mail her.

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