My favorite thing about reading a printed magazine is the escape from screens. It’s a tactile, real object I can hold in my hand and enjoy, preferably at a coffee shop where I can watch people in between articles and inevitably run into a friend—or meet a new one.

If you choose to walk through this paper portal, this magazine can bring you back to real life, actually reality. People, places, and things.

For example, read Maddy Sweitzer-Lame’s article, “Cheers to Her.” It’s all about women changing the Philadelphia wine scene. And guess what? You can taste these wines and meet these women by signing up for the next tour. Incredible!

You don’t drink? Me neither. Check page 31 for find owner Robin Cummiskey’s picks for festive nonalcoholic drinks this holiday season. Then invite friends over to share it. Have you been to Guzo Cafe, a new Ethiopian cafe in South Philly, or Downtime Bakery, just opened in Mount Airy? Once you learn a little about them in these pages, I know you’ll want to visit, just like I did.

Want to learn more about the cheesemaker behind all the viral headlines about the cheese vending machine that circulated earlier this year? Author and cheese expert Hannah Howard will take you behind the scenes at Perrystead Dairy on page 20. And I bet it will have you seeking out those cheeses for your holiday snacking boards.

Put your phone down. Step away from the laptop. Turn off the TV. Let this issue usher you from the world of bits and pixels to the world of bites and pie. And then go taste and explore. Happy Holidays!

Joy Manning,
Editor

COMFORT AND CONVIVIALITY

More than celebrating just the holiday season, I hope this issue helps us all ease into Winter. Because once the holidays have passed, we still have a long winter ahead of us. This winter, I’m looking to incorporate as much hygge into my life as possible.

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a feeling of contentment and coziness that comes from comfort and conviviality.

To me, this usually means curling up with a big cozy blanket, a mug of great locally roasted coffee, a good book and the stack of Edible magazines that arrive at my door from around the country each season. (I highly recommend subscribing to our fine publication plus another from a town or destination you love, like Jersey, Vermont, South Florida, etc. Head to ediblecommunities.com to find out more.) It will also mean nights staying in playing games with family – my son’s current favorite is Clue – and celebrating small moments with one of Joy’s small cake recipes.

In another month or so, I’ll be itching to leave the house again and will be grateful for our second Women in Wine Tour led by Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé at Tiny Table Tours and I hope to see you there.

Until then, wishing you all a very happy holiday season and a winter full of hygge.

Jen Honovic Herczeg,
Publisher