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Maple-Roasted Buttternut Squash Pudding Cakes
After we asked you to share your best holiday recipes, we received many tempting entries for celebrating Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, and so many other special days. Margee Berry won second prize in our recipe contest with this fall-themed dish!
Photo credit: Vaughan Communications/ Sam Jones
CAKES:
2 ½ cups peeled, cubed butternut squash
1 tablespoon plus ¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs
TOPPING:
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
¼ cup chopped, pitted dates
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/3 cup chopped pecans
For cakes:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter or grease sides and bottoms of eight 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups. Set ramekins into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Get out a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, combine squash, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and olive oil. Toss to coat, then spread squash onto baking sheet. Roast squash, turning once, for 18 minutes, or until golden.
- Transfer squash to a blender or food processor along with ¼ cup maple syrup, evaporated milk, sugar, cornstarch, and pumpkin pie spice. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Add eggs, whirl just until blended; divide into ramekins. Pour enough hot water into baking dish to come 1 inch up the sides of ramekins.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cakes are just set and tops are golden. Remove ramekins from water and let cool slightly or come to room temperature before serving. Top each with the cranberry topping.
For topping:
- In a pan over medium heat, bring cranberries, dates, maple syrup, and brown sugar to a slight boil. Stir often until cranberries start to pop. Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Makes 8 servings.
The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac is available wherever books and magazines are sold. Support local booksellers whenever possible! A full list of stores that carry The Old Farmer’s Almanac is available at Almanac.com/Wheretobuy. Print and digital copies of The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac are also available online at Almanac.com/Shop and on Amazon.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac—with its iconic yellow cover and classic corner hole—originates from Yankee Publishing Inc., a 100% employee-owned company in Dublin, New Hampshire. The Almanac’s editors also produce their annual Garden Guide, digital monthly magazine EXTRA!, The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids (Vol. 10 now available), and a collection of wall and desk calendars, including The Old Farmer’s Almanac Planner. They also publish a collection of gardening titles, such as the Container Gardener’s Handbook (released in Spring 2024), the Flower Gardener’s Handbook, and the Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook (now in its seventh printing!).
Daily Almanac wit and wisdom are available through Almanac.com, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and the Amazon Echo voice assistant.
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Stomp Rocket®: A Gift Guide Essential for Active, Screen-Free Fun!
Looking for an affordable, fun, and educational gift that keeps kids moving? Look no further than Stomp Rocket®—the award-winning, family-owned brand that has delighted children and families for 30 years! Stomp Rocket® toys are 100% kid-powered, making them a great way to encourage outdoor play and spark curiosity. Available for children as young as 3 years old, these toys are affordable, with each set priced under $30. Whether it’s launching rockets, racing cars, or performing cool stunt plane tricks, Stomp Rocket® keeps kids engaged, active, and off screens.
Affordable and Engaging Toys
Stomp Rocket® offers a variety of exciting products, including:
- Stomp Rocket® Space Collection ($24.99) ASTRA 2024 Award Winner. Ignite your cosmic curiosity and stomp to launch three iconic NASA spacecraft in the air – SLS Rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Saturn V Rocket, with an adjustable launch stand. – For ages 5 years and up.
- Stomp Rocket® Original Dueling™ ($19.99) – Includes four Ultra Stomp Rockets® and a special dueling launch stand with two launch pads with air hoses. Eight rockets are also available ($29.99). – For ages 5 years and up.
- Stomp Rocket® Original Stunt Planes™ ($29.99) – Three different stunt planes designed by aeronautical engineers to do a variety of amazing tricks! For ages 5 years and up.
- Stomp Rocket® Ultra Rockets™ ($19.99) – Includes four foam-tipped rockets that fly up to 200 feet in the air! Also available with six rockets ($24.99). For ages 5 years and up.
- Stomp Rocket® Jr. Multi-Color ($19.99) – Take turns launching multicolor rockets with your friends and family. Includes eight Jr. multicolor rockets, launch Stand and pad with air hose. Amazon bestseller! For ages 3 years and up.
- Stomp Rocket® Jr. Glow™ ($19.99) – Launch glow-in-the-dark rockets up to 100 feet in the air for daytime and nighttime fun. This mega pack includes seven rockets. For ages 3 years and up.
- Stomp Rocket® LED Power Rockets ($19.99) – Three foam-tipped rockets with LED lights inside fly up to 100 feet in the air. LED rockets are bright enough to use as a flashlight with an auto off feature! Available at Target exclusively For ages 5 years and up.
- Stomp Rocket® Stomp Racers™($19.99/single; $29.99/dueling) – See how fast your car will go and jump off the ramp for extreme racing and tricks as you race to the finish. For ages 5 years and up.
All of these sets are conveniently available at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and local retailers, ensuring you can find the perfect gift for any child.
Award-Winning and Trusted Brand
With more than 20 million toys sold worldwide, Stomp Rocket® has earned the trust of parents and kids alike. The brand has won numerous prestigious awards, including the Mom’s Choice Gold Award, Creative Child Magazine Best Toy Award, and the Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award.
Encouraging Active Play and Learning
Stomp Rocket® isn’t just about fun—it also offers STEM learning opportunities, helping children explore science and physics through play. The brand has been frequently featured in top media outlets like Good Housekeeping, Forbes, and The Today Show, making it a staple name in quality children’s toys.
Perfect for Any Occasion
With a wide range of products under $30, Stomp Rocket® is perfect for any gift guide. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a special treat, these toys are sure to inspire creativity, exercise, and joy in children of all ages.
Discover more about Stomp Rocket® at www.stomprocket.com and follow them on Instagram @originalstomprocket.
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Discover Ignacio Gana’s Gold Black Collection: A Fusion of Art, Elegance, and Symbolism
Ignacio Gana, the renowned Chilean-born, Miami-based artist who was honored as “Artist of the Year” by the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017, is making waves once again with his Gold Black Collection. This series of sculptures, inspired by the vibrant spirit of Miami, seamlessly blends sensuality, harmony, and elegance through its striking use of gold and black. The gold symbolizes luxury and prosperity, while the black represents depth and mystery, adding layers of sophistication and timelessness to the pieces.Gana’s collection, particularly the standout piece “Flamingo Girl”—a bronze sculpture that symbolizes a journey of transformation and joy—offers rich narratives for features on elegant decor and the intersection of art and lifestyle. This is a significant piece for Gana as it marked a milestone in his career when it was installed in Miami’s prestigious Design District neighborhood. Gana explained that this is, “a work that speaks of change, of daring to leave the comfort zone, to jump into the pool in search of happiness, to have fun, to enjoy life, all with a bit of irony and humor.”Another prominent piece in the collection is “Peace Face” which is a striking and symbolic sculpture that features a stylized human face depicted with a serene and contemplative expression. The sculpture, composed of bronze, incorporates elements of geometric abstraction, such as fragmented sections and overlapping planes, adding depth and complexity to the piece.“Lucky Duck” is a playful and whimsical piece that embodies Ignacio Gana’s flair for combining humor with artistic elegance. Due to the quirky yet refined nature of this piece, the sculpture can be the perfect fit for almost any space. From contemporary homes, to children’s spaces, to corporate offices, this sculpture is certain to add a light-hearted element.About Ignacio Gana:Ignacio Gana is a renowned Chilean painter and sculptor. Each of Gana’s artworks has a strong narrative, representative of his imagination and appreciation of the human form and are showcased worldwide in open public spaces, museums, or private collections in individuals’ homes. His inspiration comes from life itself. Gana was selected as the “Artist of the Year” by the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017. For further information, visit ignaciogana.com. -
Introducing SwapBandIt™: The Ultimate Apple Watch Band-Changing Tool
Switching your Apple Watch band should be fun, not frustrating. That’s where SwapBandIt™ comes in—the perfect accessory for effortless band changes, whether you’re transitioning from a casual look to a sophisticated style or simply want to match your mood.
Why Choose SwapBandIt™?
Effortless and Quick Band Changes
SwapBandIt™ makes changing your Apple Watch band as easy as 1, 2, 3. Just press, slide, and change! No more struggling with stubborn clasps or wasting time—SwapBandIt™ allows you to seamlessly switch bands in seconds.
Perfect for Everyone
Designed with busy individuals in mind, SwapBandIt™ is ideal for anyone who wants to simplify their Apple Watch band changes. It’s also a game-changer for those with limited dexterity due to conditions like carpal tunnel, arthritis, or mobility issues. SwapBandIt™ takes the hassle out of band switching, making it a breeze for everyone.
Versatile, Durable, and Compact
Built to last, SwapBandIt™ is compatible with all your favorite Apple Watch bands, from sporty to elegant styles. Its compact, portable design means you can take it anywhere, ensuring you’re always ready to switch bands on the go—whether you’re at work, at the gym, or out for a night on the town.
Elevate Your Style with Ease
Your Apple Watch reflects your personality, mood, and lifestyle. Whether you’re gearing up for a workout with a sporty silicone band or dressing up for a night out with a sleek leather loop, SwapBandIt™ ensures you’ll never have to struggle with switching styles. Easily transition from casual comfort to high-end sophistication in seconds.
Designed for Comfort and Convenience
At SwapBandIt™, we know that your Apple Watch is more than just a gadget—it’s an extension of who you are. With this innovative tool, we’ve made it easier than ever to quickly change bands to match your mood, outfit, or activity. Spend less time fumbling with band changes and more time enjoying the look and feel of your Apple Watch.
Take Control of Your Watch Wardrobe
Whether you’re switching from a woven fabric band for relaxed weekends to a metal loop for a formal event, SwapBandIt™ makes the process seamless. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to convenience. With SwapBandIt™, you can focus on what really matters—choosing the perfect band to express your unique style.
Own your time and style with SwapBandIt™. Effortless band changes for every Apple Watch user, every day.
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Tech savvy podiatrists step up their game by launching app for designing custom shoe inserts at home
A Florida technology company has launched a new mobile phone application called MediScan, which allows users to create the same medical-grade custom shoe inserts a podiatrist would normally prescribe, without the need to physically see a doctor. MediScan Custom Orthotics, which was founded by two Florida-based podiatrists and a longtime expert from the medical device industry, offers the exact same orthotic devices and custom shoe inserts a patient would normally receive from their podiatrist, without the burden of having to schedule and visit a doctor’s office.
These inserts can help with foot pain, foot aches, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, tendonitis, bunion prevention and general everyday comfort.
Within the application, users are guided through the creation of reliable 3D lidar scans of their feet using their phones or tablets. Those scans are then sent for review to a MediScan podiatrist who will then design the custom shoe implants based on the user’s unique needs. The finished product is then sent directly to the doorstep of the user, without the patient ever having to step foot in a doctor’s office.
“MediScan is about much more than providing the highest quality custom shoe implants to get patients up and moving again. This is really an advancement for modern medicine, as a whole,” said Dr. Bret Brennan, a podiatrist and MediScan’s co-founder. “We are combining the ease and convenience of telehealth with the creation of custom orthotics, drastically cutting the time it takes for patients to receive the solution that’s right for them. We’re thrilled to launch our mobile app today, and we’re excited to see our brand-new technology in action.”
Ultimately, MediScan will make it easier for people of all ages and athletic abilities to get moving again, and will help them do so at a record pace. By using MediScan, patients can receive their inserts without having to wait to get on a doctor’s calendar, which can often take weeks.
Additionally, MediScan Custom Orthotics can be delivered anywhere in the United States.
The company is the brainchild of Brennan and Dr. Anh Nyugen, who run a successful multi-location podiatry practice in the Tampa Bay area. Additionally, Donald Dykstra, a medical device expert who has worked in the industry for more than a decade is also a founding partner.
The concept for MediScan came about during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Dr. Bret Brennan and Dr. Anh Nyugen, podiatrists who run Healthy Feet Podiatry and two of the four owners of Mediscan, saw a drastic decline in patients coming to their practice in-person. They began to think about how to deliver reliable custom orthotics to patients, without those patients having to leave their homes. After a couple of years of mobile application development and testing, along with honing the craft of making custom shoe implants using 3D scanning technology, MediScan was officially launched. The company hopes to deliver reliable custom orthotic solutions to the entire country.
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FoodTrients Shares the Secrets to Longevity with a Diet from Okinawa
Okinawa is in the southern-most prefecture of Japan, straddling the East China and the Philippine seas. Besides being known as the location of a U.S. Army base, Okinawa is one of the five ‘Blue Zones’ described by journalist, author, and National Geographic fellow, Dan Buettner. These are five populations throughout the world with unusually high numbers of individuals who live happier, healthier lives, often to one hundred and beyond.
Grace O, the visionary behind FoodTrients, derives her philosophy of graceful, healthy aging from the dietary practices observed in the vibrant Blue Zone regions.In a nutshell, what these societies have in common is they:1. Exercise naturally in their everyday activities, walking, gardening, building, etc.2. Maintain purpose throughout their lives.3. Take time each day to de-stress.4. Belong to a society or faith-based organization.5. Put families and friends first.6. Choose or were born into societies with healthy behaviors.And when it comes to eating, residents of ‘Blue Zones’:– Drink alcohol moderately, regularly, or not at all.– Eat until they are just 80% full.– Consume a mostly plant-based diet.The cuisine of Okinawa is even more vegetable-centric than the typical Japanese diet. Okinawans dine on a menu that is heavy in whole grains, soy products, and vegetables, both from land and sea. As a result, they enjoy a level of heart disease that is one-fifth that of Americans, as well as lower rates of cancer.One of the mainstays of the Okinawan diet is a purple sweet potato called, beni imo. Like other highly colored fruits and vegetables, including cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and red cabbage, these sweet potatoes are high in flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds. They also contain large amounts of cell-repairing vitamin E and lycopene. There is also a domestic sweet potato with purple skin and flesh, called the Stokes Purple® that is available late August through winter. Okinawa purple sweet potatoes have buff-colored skins and purple flesh and are available fall through winter. For optimal sweetness and fluffiness, both should be baked lower and longer than other potatoes—about 90-120 minutes at 350 degrees (though you may have to experiment). These potatoes are delicious baked, slit open, sprinkled with salt and pepper with a squeeze of lime juice. You can also top them with a little sour cream or plain Greek yogurt and sprinkle with chives.Try this delicious fall recipe featuring purple potatoes.Tropical Purple Potato SoupServes sixHere’s a tropical-style soup featuring purple potatoes that will dazzle your friends. It contains a healthy dose of herbs and spices that help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure.
Ingredients:2 medium sweet onions, sliced then chopped into ¼” pieces1 ½ Tbs. vegetable oil such as avocado oil2 medium purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾” cubes1 serrano chili, seeded and minced3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced½” slice fresh ginger, peeled and minced1-14 oz. can coconut milk (or 1 ½ cup macadamia milk)2 ½ cups water¼ tsp. ground turmeric½ tsp. ground corianderSea salt to taste3 cups cooked riceChopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnishInstructions:1. Sautee the onions in the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes.2. Add the sweet potatoes, the serrano chili, garlic, and ginger; cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.3. Add the coconut (or macadamia) milk, water, turmeric, coriander, and pinch of salt; bring to a boil.4. Reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.5. Place a scoop (1/2 cup) of rice in a shallow bowl and ladle the soup over; top with chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime.About FoodTrientsFoodTrients® is a philosophy and a resource dedicated to the foods and rejuvenating nutrients that help us fight the diseases of aging and promote longevity. All of the recipes combine modern scientific research and medicinal herbs and ingredients from cultures around the world. They’re loaded with flavor and superfoods, which promote wellness, increase energy and vitality, improve skin, and help people look and feel younger.
About Grace OOver a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. Grace launched FoodTrients.com in 2010 where she shares age-defying superfoods from around the world and creates delicious recipes with them. Grace is the author of three award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life; The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, and the multi-award-winning Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.For more information and recipes visit www.FoodTrients.com.You May Also Like
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