Cider-rific

Apple cider is a fall staple in Maine, but it’s not just for drinking. You can spice up the sweet-tart beverage in McCormick’s recipe for Chorizo with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Cider. To prepare, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup chopped onion and 2 cloves finely chopped garlic; saute about 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add 2 teaspoons paprika and cook 1 minute. Add 1 cup apple cider and 2 bay leaves, broken in half; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Add 1 pound chorizo, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces, and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; simmer an additional 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Serve hot with hearty bread to dip in sauce. If you use Mexican, nonsmoked chorizo, add 5 minutes to simmer time. Serves 12.

Sweets for the sweet

November is National Diabetes Month, and the folks at Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream are offering a free booklet that gives diabetics “The ‘Scoop’ on Ice Cream.” The brochure gives tips on which frozen treats are safe to eat. To order, visit www.icecreamusa.com/brochure or write to: The Scoop, Good Humor-Breyers, P.O. Box 19007, Green Bay, WI 54307-9007.

Pick a pie

Apple, pumpkin or pecan? Your choice of pies says a lot about you, according to a recent survey conducted for Pillsbury. People’s pie preferences start early in life, and, big surprise, apple pie is a favorite, with cream or silk pies coming in a close second. The survey found that people who like apple, cherry, peach and pumpkin pie consider themselves sweet, traditional, genuine and all-American, but pumpkin lovers are significantly more likely to live alone. The cream or silk pie represents sweet, irresistible, easygoing and fun-loving traits – and women were more likely than men to say they have a “cream pie personality.” Conversely, men are more likely than women to have a pecan pie personality. People in the Western part of the country prefer berry pies, and those who prefer citrus pies are more likely to be 55 or older, and they associate their personality with being unique, fun-loving and irresistible. Pass the pie!