Comfort and Joy
Photography by Adam Milliron, Cayla Zahoran, and Rachel Stadelmeier

There’s so much excitement in the air this time of year, and that’s something we are always thankful for. So, we’re celebrating our family of friends and farmers in this issue of Edible Allegheny Magazine with eggnog toasts (page 32), an exclusive excerpt from Michael Pollan’s book Food Rules — to remind us just how important real, whole food is to our bodies and communities (page 26) — and a calendar full of holiday happenings (page 6).

Speaking of excitement, we recently wrapped the third installment of our Best Farmers’ Market in Pittsburgh Contest, awarding the honors to the hunky King Brothers of Freedom Farms in Butler. The August/ September Edible Allegheny cover boys won by a landslide — which came as no surprise to us after the overwhelming response that issue received.

We also can’t wait to tally the votes of our Best Coffee Awards contest. It’s the second annual year we’ve asked you, our readers, to tell us what’s hot in the world of Pittsburgh coffee. We’ll be publishing the results in our next issue!

Until then, we have plenty of suggestions for renewing your dedication to you in 2012. In the midst of all the planning, partying, and presents, we know that it’s important to relax. As the ground rests under a blanket of snow, pausing until the next planting season, so too do we need to rest and recharge. If your body and mind are craving calm after the hectic holidays, read our story on restorative yoga (page 22). There are poses to try at home and workshops to attend.

Perhaps you find solace standing at the stove, stirring or sautéing — I know I do! If that’s the case, keep busy in the kitchen with all kinds with seasonal recipes, featuring winter-ready ingredients, including cranberries (page 14), and combinations of potatoes, leeks, and carrots (page 28). We’ve even got a feature story on how to eat local during the farming off-season — and that’s something that definitely makes us happy.

Happy Holidays!

Nicole Barley

Senior Editor