DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

Tiramisu Dip Espresso, marsala, and mascarpone cheese whipped into an airy dessert dip. Difficulty:  Easy |  Total Time:  10 mins |  Active Time:  10 mins  |  Makes: 3 1/2 cups (8 to 10 servings) By turning  tiramisu  into a dip, you skip all the hassle of making the traditional trifle without losing any of the flavor. We liked strawberries and various cookies as dipping instruments, but the dip could also be spooned into individual cups with a few ladyfingers for a quick, elegant dessert. Game plan:  The dip can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated in a covered container. This recipe was featured as part of our story on summer dips. INGREDIENTS 12 ounces mascarpone cheese (about 1 1/2 cups) 8 ounces ricotta cheese (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons brewed espresso 2 tablespoons Marsala or Kahlúa 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1/2 cup finely chopped bittersweet chocolate INSTRUCTIONS Place mascarpone in a stand mixer fitte

    The attraction of snakes seems to be a huge pull factor, and seemingly the whole world's major  ophidiophillaccs  (snake lovers) often accompanied by their snakes, alongside keen photographers, descend on the small medieval town of  Cocullo , in the  Abruzzo Majella Mountains , ready to take part in this festival which has been re-enacted in its current Christian format each year, apart from 2009.     There are three supposed origins to the   Cocullo Snake Festival ....In the 11th century, apparently  Saint Dominic  cleared the local fields which were being overrun by snakes, and as a sign of thanks, since 1392, the locals parade his statue and snakes around the streets. The second version dates to 700 B.C., locals experienced the same problems in tending to their field and  Apollo  ordered the village to entwine the snakes around his statue so that they would become tame and be able to farm once more. The first origin dates back some 2000 years to the  Marsi  w