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This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies
This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies Move over gingerbread and sugar cookies — sesame balls are quietly making their way onto holiday dessert tables this year.  Traditionally found in Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines, these golden, chewy orbs are earning a buzzworthy reputation as a standout complement to classic Christmas sweets. Known as Jian Dui in Chinese cuisine and Bánh Cam in Vietnamese culture, sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour, stuffed with sweet fillings like red bean or lotus paste, and fried to perfection.  The result? A crispy exterior coated in toasted sesame seeds, with a sa…
West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford
West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford A West Point grad from the region is one of only 32 students nationwide to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford in the fall of 2025. Orange County resident Shepherd Dzina of Tuxedo Park and three other cadets were awarded the scholarship on Saturday, Nov. 16. Dzina is an economics major currently serving as the Brigade Executive Officer at West Point, managing logistics and operations for over 4,400 cadets. He also leads the Finance Club and conducts research with the Army’s Office of Economics and Manpower Analysis. He has interned with the US International Develop…
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says Move over, stuffing and cranberry sauce – this Thanksgiving side reigns supreme in the eyes of New Yorkers. Of all the delectable dishes to play second fiddle to the turkey, sweet potato casserole is the most popular in the Empire State, according to AllRecipes. The website analyzed its data from Turkey Days past to come up with its list of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state, based on recipe search volumes. A holiday staple for many, sweet potato casserole is typically made with brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and cinnamon, and topped with gooey marshmallows. Home…
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues As dry conditions continue, open fires have been banned in Westchester County-owned parks. The ban was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 6 by Westchester Parks officials, who also said it was effective immediately.  The ban follows a Drought Watch declared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Tuesday, Nov. 5 as a result of low precipitation levels. According to parks officials, wooded environments in parks such as camping sites and remote areas have an increased fire risk because of the rain shortage.  During the ban, charcoal and propane fires are only a…
Fallen Westchester Police Officer Was About To Become Grandfather Fallen Westchester Police Officer Was About To Become Grandfather
Fallen Westchester Police Officer Was About To Become Grandfather Richard Cunningham was a decorated police officer, but he's being remembered for his work outside of uniform following his sudden death last week.  Northern Westchester resident Cunningham, age 60, of Peekskill, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 31. He had been serving as a detective with the Greenburgh Police Department. He left behind a wife and three adult children. His obituary said that at the time of his death, Cunningham was about to become a grandfather. Police have not disclosed the cause of his death.  Cunningham was born in the Bronx in 1964 and joined the…
Food Network Chef Nancy Fuller Lists 'Extraordinary’ Historic Hudson Valley Farmhouse For $4M Food Network Chef Nancy Fuller Lists 'Extraordinary’ Historic Hudson Valley Farmhouse For $4M
Food Network Chef Nancy Fuller Lists 'Extraordinary’ Historic Hudson Valley Farmhouse For $4M If this spectacular New York farmhouse looks familiar, there’s a reason for that. Food Network star and chef Nancy Fuller is parting ways with her historic Hudson Valley estate, located in Columbia County outside the city of Hudson. Asking price? $3.995 million. The 75-year-old Fuller, who co-owns Ginsberg’s Foods and appears as a judge on the Food Network competition series "Holiday Baking Championship," has filmed more than 80 episodes of her own show, “Farmhouse Rules” at the property, known locally as Locust Dale Farm. Situated on 143 “peaceful farmland” acres, the impressive residen…
Turkey Day Saved: Westchester Resident Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans Turkey Day Saved: Westchester Resident Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans
Turkey Day Saved: Westchester Resident Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans The homemaking guru and queen of Thanksgiving has spoken: she’s canceled the holiday get-together at her home, not the holiday itself. No need to fear — Thanksgiving is not actually canceled, Northern Westchester County resident and cooking icon Martha Stewart has announced, days after she professed that she was simply “turkeyed out.” In a three-slide Instagram carousel posted on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 21, she clarified to worried fans that she had not, in fact, given up the festive holiday altogether. Earlier Report: Katonah Resident Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving “What…
Westchester's Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving Westchester's Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving
Westchester's Martha Stewart Cancels Thanksgiving Iconic homemaker and longtime New Yorker Martha Stewart said in an interview that she’s canceling Thanksgiving this year. Too much turkey? New, updated story - Turkey Day Saved: Martha Stewart Clarifies Thanksgiving Plans On Thursday, Nov. 16’s episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the Northern Westchester County resident and lifestyle guru revealed that she will not be hosting Thanksgiving this year. “Oh, I gave up Thanksgiving,” Stewart told Clarkson during her interview. Related: Martha Stewart's Bedford Home Available To Rent For Thanksgiving-Inspired Vacation “Nine gues…
Beloved Mom, Yonkers Native Dies At 45: 'Heart Bigger Than The Moon' Beloved Mom, Yonkers Native Dies At 45: 'Heart Bigger Than The Moon'
Beloved Mom, Yonkers Native Dies At 45: 'Heart Bigger Than The Moon' A much-loved mother from Northern Westchester is being remembered as a selfless, delightful person who was always ready to spend her time helping others. Thornwood resident Christina Nassar died on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the age of 45, according to her obituary. Born in 1978, Nassar was raised in Yonkers before eventually marrying Kal Nassar in 2007 and moving with him to Thornwood. There, they welcomed their three children, Nicole, Christopher, and Joseph.  Those who knew Nassar knew that she was a deeply caring mother who always went out of her way for others, especiall…
Westchester Restaurateur's Popular Stamford Diner To Appear On 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' Westchester Restaurateur's Popular Stamford Diner To Appear On 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'
Westchester Restaurateur's Popular Stamford Diner To Appear On 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' A popular Fairfield County diner known for making everything from scratch has hit the big-time with an upcoming appearance on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," starring Guy Fieri.  The Stamford Diner located at 135 Harvard Ave., is known for the sign with the giant cup of coffee and its famous matzo ball soup, giant sandwiches and entrees, and uber-friendly service. So, when Guy Fieri's crew came knocking wanting to showcase the diner it was no surprise to owner Ari Thanos who owns four other restaurants in the region and is opening a fifth next month. But still, when Guy …
Award-Winning Chef To Take On Next Challenge In Westchester Award-Winning Chef To Take On Next Challenge In Westchester
Award-Winning Chef To Take On Next Challenge In Westchester An award-winning chef who has made numerous appearances on popular television shows will soon be taking on a new challenge in Westchester. Chef Stephen Mandracchia, a Mamaroneck native who has worked in several prestigious clubs, restaurants, and hotels, has been named the new Director of Food and Beverage at Broadview at Purchase, a retirement community located on the campus of the State University of New York at Purchase.  Beginning his career in his family's commercial seafood business, Mandracchia has over 25 years of experience as an executive chef and was…
Man Found Dead In Cove Worked With NYC Opera, Became Chef Man Found Dead In Cove Worked With NYC Opera, Became Chef
Man Found Dead In Cove Worked With NYC Opera, Became Chef A man whose body was found in a Long Island cove has been identified as a former employee of the New York City Opera and a chef who had a lifelong passion for music. Keith Viagas, of Sag Harbor, died on Saturday, Aug. 6, from drowning near his home in Sag Harbor Cove. He was age 63. Viagas grew up in Franklin Square, attending both John Street School and H. Frank Carey High School, where he appeared in musicals, according to his obituary. His late father, Anthony Viagas, was a jazz musician, and Viagas lived in a home filled with music.  "At one point Keith would be pl…
Three Young Chefs From Westchester County To Appear On MasterChef Junior Three Young Chefs From Westchester County To Appear On MasterChef Junior
Three Young Chefs From Westchester County To Appear On MasterChef Junior Three Westchester County residents will appear in the upcoming season of MasterChef Junior.  The eighth season of the cooking show, which was filmed before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, will premiere at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, on FOX.  The show gives children the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills during a series of challenges. This season will include 14-year-old Jillian Maher, of Yonkers, 13-year-old Liya Chu, of Scarsdale, and 15-year-old Maclain Rockett, of  South Salem, among the cast.  Liya said she has been cooking since the age of 7 and …
Zach Chmelecki, Former HS Football, Lacrosse Player In Westchester, Dies At 23 Zach Chmelecki, Former HS Football, Lacrosse Player In Westchester, Dies At 23
Zach Chmelecki, Former HS Football, Lacrosse Player In Westchester, Dies At 23 Zachary Thomas Chmelecki, of Rye Neck, died on Tuesday, Jan. 26. He was 23. Zack was born Oct. 13, 1997, to Charles and Lisa (nee Zaccaria) Chmelecki. A football and lacrosse player, he played for Iona Prep and later Rye Neck High School where he graduated in 2015.  Later in his life, he was passionate about surfing, fishing, and cooking.  "Zack was a presence; his smile brightened every room he entered," according to his obituary. He leaves behind his mother, Lisa, and sister, Nicole, along with his grandmother, Rita Chmelecki. Zack's father, Charles, died in August 2020 at a…
COVID-19: Retailer Closing Hudson Valley Location COVID-19: Retailer Closing Hudson Valley Location
Covid-19: Retailer Closing Hudson Valley Location A popular retailer has filed for bankruptcy and plans to permanently close nearly half its stores, including one in the Hudson Valley, after temporary store closures amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Kitchen goods retailer Sur La Table made the Chapter 11 filing late this week, saying 51 of 121 stores will close. The Seattle-based company, founded in 1972, brands itself as "the leading retail destination for those passionate about cooking and entertaining." The company announced it would sell its remaining stores and brand names to Fortress Investment Group.  …
Longtime Waccabuc Resident, Computer Pioneer John A. Moore Dies Longtime Waccabuc Resident, Computer Pioneer John A. Moore Dies
Longtime Waccabuc Resident, Computer Pioneer John A. Moore Dies John A. Moore, a longtime resident of the hamlet of Waccabuc in Lewisboro, died on Thursday, May 2 in Jupiter, FL. John was born in Watertown, NY, son of Anna and Clare Moore. The family eventually moved to Syracuse, where John later graduated from Syracuse University. After pioneering in the computer world, John joined Reader's Digest in the '70s where he was a group systems analyst. After years with the Digest, he and a partner formed their own fulfillment business. He retired in 2000 to go on to enjoy the good life of golf, travel and family. John had a never-ending thirst for knowledg…
Holiday Season Heightens Importance Of Safe Food Handling, USDA Says Holiday Season Heightens Importance Of Safe Food Handling, USDA Says
Holiday Season Heightens Importance Of Safe Food Handling, USDA Says The USDA has issued a food safety reminder to all of those planning to cook or transport large amounts of food for upcoming holiday gatherings this season. Here are some of its takeaways: When it comes to doneness, don’t just chance it; use a food thermometer to determine the internal temperature of whatever meat you’re cooking. Here’s where they should fall: Ground beef: 160 degrees F Duck: 165 degrees F Veal: 145 degrees F Turkey: 165 degrees F Pork: 145 degrees F Steak: 145 degrees F Goose: 165 degrees F Beef, pork, lamb, and veal should also rest for three full minutes before being ca…
Hit Reality Show To Feature Teacher From Westchester Hit Reality Show To Feature Teacher From Westchester
Hit Reality Show To Feature Teacher From Westchester A part-time high school English teacher from Mamaroneck -- who auditioned for the popular Fox reality show, "MasterChef," last fall while working in North Rockland -- appears on the upcoming season. Daniela Savone auditioned for "MasterChef" in October. After making the top 80 cut, she resigned from her North Rockland teaching position of 15 years to pursue her cooking dreams in California. Savone, a Mamaroneck High graduate is a "temporary leave replacement" at MHS. Savone taught Italian cooking through the adult continuing education program at North Rockland…