Is Your Table Ready for Fall

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS at PlanetDINING.com

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S H O P H E R E

Recipe of the

M o n t h

IN DECEMBER...

..we look around and see smiles on everyone's faces,
breathe in the brisk weather, gaze at the lights twinkling,
and most of all feel a renewed spirit of hope stir somewhere inside us.
It is almost magical, isn't it? Why can't this feeling stay all year long?
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa,
Christmas or any other seasonal tradition;
It is sure to be full of family, values, festivities, special meals,
family traditions, history, and spirit.
I wish for everyone to have a year, a month,
a day....a lifetime full of happy memories, success and health.

Kathy Mehraban
Co-Founder

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Check the NIGHTLIFE area of PlanetDINING.com and see decorated houses from all over the Planet!

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Wish you were in Hawaii for Christmas? With Hilo Hattie's you can be! Shop our newest partner and take yourself to the Islands for Christmas!

If your plans include travel to Hawaii or any other
of our Nations' beautiful states,
then check out our Tourism area.

DECEMBER

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH:

Mission Orchards® has been sending gifts of orchard-fresh fruit for over 60 years. Our fruit is located in California’s fertile western coastal valley, where we patiently nurture our fruit to the peak of perfection before it’s all carefully harvested by hand. Our skilled packers patiently select the plumpest, most perfect fruit. It takes a lot of hard work, but it’s the only way to ensure that you get the best fruit nature has to offer.

At the heart of our company is the Crown Comice ™, a pear so sweet and flavorful that each bite drips with juicy goodness. An experience to be savored and shared! The Crown Comice™ has long played a part during the holidays, both because of its beauty and seasonal rarity. We are pleased to bring the exclusive, gourmet pear to you and everyone on your gift list.

To accompany our Crown Comice™ pear we have wonderful gift baskets, towers and a variety of fruit arrangements that include apples, oranges, grapefruit and many others. You will find just what you are looking for at Mission Orchards®.

A s k ... the Dining Diva:

Dear Dining Diva:

I would love to make Christmas cookies with my little nieces...it would be the first time I have done this on my own. I think they are too young to actually make from scratch, etc. What do you suggest?

-New Aunt, MD.

Dear New Aunt,

Why don't you try the new refrigerated packaged cookies. They are already scored and somewhat decorated so you just have to pull them apart a bit and pop them in the oven. I have included the link for your convenience. I think you will find it very helpful for you and your niece.

Have a question for the DiningDiva? Email: diningdiva@planetdining.com

GIFT BASKETS CAN SOLVE SOME DIFFICULT SHOPPING DECISIONS!

Not quite sure what to get? Try a gift basket from one our our premier partners. I really enjoy sending (or receiving) a gift basket. It is usually full of specialty indulgences that you might not try on your own. I have been the recipient of many and from each, I end up with a favorite that I periodically treat myself to. It is a great idea for those situations when you really don't have any idea what the person wants or likes. Gift baskets send a message that someone is special.

Treat yourself to Dinner

Check out our Restaurant Section.

We have compiled restaurants in all 50 states! More are added daily. See pictures of restaurants, menus and maps. We know you are busy this season , so take some time and meet your friends and family for dinner this holiday season. We only list restaurants that have websites. View the menus and prices, as well as coupons and directions so you can be an informed diner before you head out the door.

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Does your HOLIDAY TRADITION INCLUDE TRAVELING?

This is the biggest season for traveling. We travel to see family, old friends or just to get away to exotic places. We here in the United States have miles and miles of gorgeous lakes, mountains, flowers, campgrounds, cities, and spectacular people all along the way. One of the things I love to do when traveling is to try the local restaurants and food specialties in each area. As a public service, PlanetDINING.com we have included for your enjoyment, links to all 50 of our states' TOURISM sites. You won't believe your eyes. We have included a few of our favorites, for more just click on the TOURISM button.

http://www.experiencewashington.com/

http://www.traveltex.com/

http://www.visitmt.com/

http://www.visitcalifornia.com/state/tourism/tour_homepage.jsp

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"Taste You Can Trust" has been our motto

Today, we welcome all of our new Internet customers, and personally invite each of you to visit us at our Rockefeller Center store and The Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe when next you are in New York. Our company’s motto is Taste You Can Trust so, order with confidence by reading Peter Morrell’s personal tasting notes.

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TOURISM

This month's recipe is taken right from one of our esteemed partners:

Simply the best chicken stew - a wonderful winter supper for family or casual dinner guests.

Serves: 8

Ingredients

1 Tbs. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed

4 large parsnips, sliced

2 cups butternut Squash

2 large carrots, sliced

1 large onion, chopped

5 cups low fat chicken broth

2 lbs. boneless chicken breast

1/2 cup couscous

1/3 cup golden raisins

3/4 cup Stonewall Kitchen Curried Mango Grille Sauce

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Peel and slice carrots and parsnips 1/4" thick. Peel and cut butternut squash into 1/2" chunks. Cut chicken into 1" cubes.
In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and the crushed garlic. Cook until tender.
Add the cubed chicken and cook through.
In a 6 quart Dutch Oven, bring 5 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add carrots, parsnips and squash. Cover and cook until tender. Approximately 5 minutes.
Remove 2 cups of the mixture and puree. Add back into the pot to thicken.
Add sauteed onions and chicken to the vegetable mixture.
Add Stonewall Kitchen Curried Mango Grille Sauce, golden raisins and couscous. Cover and lower heat.
Let simmer for 5 minutes. Stir and let simmer another 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve with rounds of garlic toast.