The Sentinel: Food & Drink

If you love food, here are the top cities you need to move to this year

If you enjoy eating and tasting unique flavors from around the world. Here are five cities that should be at the top of your list.

For anyone who truly enjoys good food, choosing where to live can shape everyday happiness. Certain places offer incredible meals on every corner, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Finding cities you should move to if you love food means looking for diversity, quality, and unique local flavors.

These five cities provide not only delicious dishes but also food experiences that can inspire and satisfy all tastes. So, whether it’s fresh seafood, exotic spices, or creative culinary twists, the right city can turn eating into an exciting adventure every day.

New York City: A global feast for every taste

New York City offers endless dining options from every corner of the world. Street vendors, diners, and fine dining restaurants fill the city’s neighborhoods with rich flavors. Home-cooked meals and famous food markets both play important roles here. Many recipes and food traditions bring the family together during special occasions or simple weeknight dinners.

Food carts in New York offer great price and delicious food when you are on the go.

The city’s energy pushes chefs to innovate while honoring classic dishes. Whether craving a slice of pizza or a Michelin-starred experience, choices are endless. New Yorkers enjoy a fast pace, but good food always finds time. This city invites food lovers to explore constantly and enjoy new culinary discoveries every day.

San Francisco: A Food Lover’s Dream with a Unique Local Flavor

San Francisco delivers a vibrant food scene that blends tradition with innovation. From fresh seafood by the bay to globally inspired flavors shaped by its diverse communities, the city offers something for every palate. But beyond the food itself, settling here involves more than just eating well.

To truly make San Francisco feel like home, explore neighborhoods until you find one that fits your lifestyle, get familiar with nearby shops and cafes, and connect with people who share your interests. Local farmers markets, food trucks, and neighborhood eateries aren’t just about meals—they’re ways to build routine and community. Embracing the city’s culture through its food can help you feel grounded in your new surroundings. Whether you’re tasting iconic sourdough or discovering a new fusion dish, San Francisco turns everyday dining into a way to belong.

Japanese street food vendor cooking yakitori

Tokyo: Tradition meets modern flavors

Tokyo offers an impressive mix of food experiences that draws many people in. This city combines ancient recipes with innovative twists. So, if you ever decide to come to or live in this city, here are some highlights you should be aware of:

Fresh sushi from the Tsukiji market
Authentic ramen shops in every neighborhood
Street food like takoyaki and yakitori
Elegant kaiseki dining that honors seasonal ingredients
Trendy cafes offering unique desserts and drinks

Among the cities you should move to if you love food, Tokyo ranks high for its balance of tradition and new tastes. The food culture encourages trying something different daily. Exploring local markets and small eateries leads to surprising discoveries. The city’s culinary world invites those seeking variety, quality, and rich flavors all in one place. It offers a constant flow of fresh ideas alongside deep-rooted customs.

Bangkok: The heart of street food delights

Bangkok offers an exciting street food scene filled with bold, spicy flavors. Food stalls and markets serve authentic dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. The city’s food culture emphasizes freshness and bold tastes. Food lovers often seek out perfectly grilled seafood, a local specialty found in many night markets. Walking through neighborhoods, aromas of herbs and spices fill the air.

Bangkok’s food options cater to all budgets and cravings. Exploring small eateries reveals recipes passed down for generations. The city’s fast pace contrasts with the relaxed way food is enjoyed. Every meal feels like a celebration of rich ingredients and local traditions. Bangkok remains a top choice for those eager to experience flavorful street food and authentic Thai cuisine.

Barcelona: One of the best Cities you should move to if you love food

Barcelona offers diverse food experiences that excite every palate. The city mixes old recipes with modern twists. With that said, here are some foods that food lovers in Barcelona should try:

Traditional tapas like patatas bravas and jamón ibérico
Fresh seafood dishes from the Mediterranean coast
Seasonal Catalan specialties made with local ingredients
Creative plates at new, affordable eateries
Sweet treats such as crème Catalana

The city continues to attract chefs who respect traditions while adding new flavors. Exploring markets like La Boqueria reveals a wide range of fresh produce and spices. Barcelona’s food scene invites curiosity and rewards every visit with delicious discoveries. This city combines a rich culinary history with a growing number of exciting new restaurants. It makes dining here both familiar and surprising, perfect for food lovers ready to explore.

How to find a great city for food lovers

Finding the right city for food lovers means looking beyond famous dishes and trends. Start by exploring local markets and street food options where simple meals, like potato salad, reveal regional flavors. Next, check for a variety of restaurants that offer both traditional recipes and creative new dishes. Pay attention to places with fresh ingredients and a culture that values cooking. Also, consider cities where food brings people together regularly, whether for casual bites or festive meals.

Reading reviews and food blogs helps spot hidden gems. Finally, experiencing the city’s food firsthand through visits or tasting tours reveals what makes each place special for food lovers. This approach ensures the choice fits personal tastes and offers daily culinary adventures.

Discover your next food destination

Finding the best cities you should move to if you love food means looking beyond just a meal. These places offer the chance to explore new tastes, try fresh ingredients, and enjoy cooking traditions that keep evolving. Moving to a city with great food means opening the door to endless flavor discoveries and memorable dining moments. For food lovers, location matters as much as passion, and choosing a city with a rich food culture can make every day more enjoyable and full of delicious surprises.

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Wynk brings THC Seltzers to Midwest and South with strategic expansion

With its presence already established in Illinois, Wynk is becoming a familiar name in a fast-evolving space of cannabis culture.

URBANA - As cannabis culture continues to gain ground across the United States, one brand is carving out its niche with a low-key, socially friendly twist. Wynk, a hemp-derived THC-infused seltzer brand, is expanding its distribution footprint once again, this time into Wisconsin, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas. The move signals the brand’s growing influence in the alternative beverage market, particularly in regions new to cannabis-derived drinkables.

Photo courtesy Wynk/PR Newswire

With its presence already established in states like Georgia, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut, Wynk is becoming a familiar name in a fast-evolving space. The brand’s core appeal lies in its approachability: low-dose THC, zero calories or sugar, and a flavor-forward lineup that includes Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist, Juicy Mango, and Tangerine.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill expanded the legality of hemp-derived products under certain THC thresholds, the market for these beverages has grown rapidly.

This latest regional rollout comes on the heels of key distribution partnerships. Wynk has aligned with Sarene in Kentucky, C&M Sales in Arkansas, United - Johnson Brothers in Alabama, and Beechwood Sales & Service in Wisconsin. These relationships are helping bring the product to grocery chains, liquor stores, and independent retailers alike.

In Kentucky, for example, Wynk is now stocked at well-known outlets like Total Wine and Liquor Barn, while Alabama consumers can find the brand at Piggly Wiggly. Arkansas residents are seeing the product pop up in cities such as Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Harrison. And in Wisconsin, Wynk becomes the first THC beverage in the Sheehan Family of Brands portfolio.

Part of Wynk’s appeal is rooted in science. Thanks to nano-emulsification technology, which breaks THC into particles that are absorbed faster by the body, consumers can feel the effects in as little as 10 minutes—offering a more predictable and palatable experience than traditional edibles. That consistency, coupled with social flexibility and the absence of alcohol, has helped drive demand.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill expanded the legality of hemp-derived products under certain THC thresholds, the market for these beverages has grown rapidly. Many brands have entered the space, but few have captured the blend of taste, control, and accessibility that Wynk seems to prioritize. Available locally at Binny’s Beverage Depot for $23.99 per 12-pack (with store card), the product represents a new frontier in casual, cannabis-adjacent consumption.

As more consumers seek alternatives to alcohol for social occasions or wellness reasons, Wynk’s growth reflects a broader shift in behavior—especially in communities where traditional cannabis use has been slower to gain mainstream traction. With this latest expansion, Wynk is placing a firm foothold in new territories and giving consumers more choices in how they unwind.

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Supercharge your brain, 20 foods that will boost your brain health

Ultra-processed foods have been trending lately, with health experts giving them more attention than usual because of their negative effects on people’s health.

Photo: David J. Boozer/Unsplash

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

Dr. Tiffini Franada

PEORIA - Pondering what cooking options are best for your brain? Here’s some food for thought.

Tiffani Franada, DO, is a neurologist with OSF HealthCare who specializes in Multiple Sclerosis. Part of her passion is working with patients choosing brain-healthy diets and lifestyle, which prevents neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

The MIND diet

"The MIND diet is a combination of the Mediterranean diet, which is healthy fats, olive oils, fish, fruits and vegetables. And the DASH diet, which is a low-sodium diet,” Dr. Franada says. “It's particularly helpful for patients who live with hypertension (high blood pressure). The two of those combined seem to be very effective at preventing the development of Alzheimer's."

Patients on the Mediterranean diet often have lower levels of inflammatory markers in their spinal fluid. Higher levels are suggestive of Alzheimer's. Patients also perform better on cognitive testing, Dr. Franada adds.

Fiber-rich foods

"In regard to carbs, whole grains are probably best, and they have really good fiber in them. As well as things like legumes and beans which have good fiber levels, which make you feel full for longer," Dr. Franada says.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) lists many high-fiber foods here. Lentils, vegetable soups, whole-wheat bread and pasta make the list. As well as fruits and vegetables like apples, apricots, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

Berries and antioxidant production

"Blueberries are great, really berries of all kinds. They really help that antioxidant production," Dr. Franada says. "For vegetables, leafy greens are really helpful. They have a good amount of folic acid, which helps to reduce homocysteine (amino acid) in the brain. Homocysteine promotes inflammation and shrinkage in the brain, and we want to reduce that."

“Fats are not the enemy”

The word “fat” oftentimes has a negative connotation to it. Dr. Franada says there are healthy fats out there that offer benefits to brain health.

"Fats are not the enemy. Healthy fats are good for the brain. Your brain requires them, like fatty fish (salmon), which have good Omega-3s in them. If you don't eat fish, flax seed is a great alternative," Dr. Franada says. "Walnuts also have great, healthy fat in them. As well as olive oil, which has monounsaturated fatty acids which protects against inflammation in the brain."

Lean meats, like chicken and turkey, can be good for brain health because there’s healthy amounts of protein and fiber in them, Dr. Franada says.

Don’t dismiss dark chocolate!

"Dark chocolate is great. Dark chocolate has good amounts of antioxidants. Of course, all things in moderation. But a dark chocolate square once a night, not a bad thing," Dr. Franada says. "Also, caffeine! Believe it or not, a cup of caffeine, like coffee or tea, can help with focus, attention and is helpful for the brain."

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that help brain functions

Photo: Elena Leya/Unsplash

Dark chocolate benefits brain health by providing antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and improve cognitive function. Its flavonoids enhance blood flow to the brain, while compounds like phenylethylamine and serotonin precursors help boost mood and reduce stress. Regular consumption in moderation may support memory, focus, and long-term neuroprotection.

Dr. Franada recommends having your caffeinated drink of choice early in the morning, right when you wake up, instead of later in the day. Having it later in the day can give you a lot of energy, which leads to you not sleeping well at night. Sleep is also extremely important for brain health.

Foods to avoid

Ultra-processed foods have been trending lately, with health experts giving them more attention than usual because of their negative effects on people’s health. High sodium, added sugars and excessive amounts of bad fat headline are the reasons why we should avoid them, with these elements being linked to diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Obesity is typically part of a metabolic syndrome, where a person has elevated blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol. This puts patients at risk for stroke, sleep apnea, Alzheimer's and many other health issues. Those risk factors can put someone at risk for neurological disease.

"Heavily processed foods are not great for the brain or the heart. Excess sugars, like added sugars, should be avoided as well. If you're going to have sugar, have something with natural sugar in it," Dr. Franada says. "Berries are much preferred to things with added sugars. Also, white bread and processed carbs should be avoided, too."

Effect on white brain matter

"There's some real-world data showing that the Mediterranean diet can prevent white matter changes on the brain, which are little white spots that develop on patients’ brains as they get older. It's also seen in patients with vascular risk factors," Dr. Franada says. "If you follow the Mediterranean diet pretty strictly, you can prevent getting those white spots. They also found people who adhere to that diet have better structural integrity. The left and right sides of the brain talk better to one another."

What about cheat days?

If you exercise five or six days a week and give yourself a “cheat day” where you splurge a bit, evaluate how the food feels in your body. Instead of packing on the calories and going bananas, Dr. Franada recommends reeling it in a bit and focusing on moderation.

"You'll probably start to recognize it doesn't feel so great," Dr. Franada says. "Maybe it's a chocolate dessert at night, or something smaller that you can do to still stay with your healthy diet, just in smaller quantities."

Dr. Franada cautions against super rigid diets that make you "fall off the wagon" after a few weeks. "You have to find something that's sustainable for you," Dr. Franada adds.

10 Health recommendations for the new year

Ready to quit smoking in 2025? Ask your doctor for resources and guidance for quitting tobacco and nicotine.

Photo: Lil Artsy/PEXELS

StatePoint - Looking to improve your health in 2025 and beyond? Check out these recommendations from the American Medical Association:

Make nutritional tweaks: Reduce your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100% fruit juices, is associated with a higher mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Drink water and choose nutritious, whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry.

Get active: A recent study published in JAMA found that putting down the TV remote and going for a walk can improve healthy aging—highlighting the importance of small everyday habits. Adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

Get up-to-date: Get your vaccines in advance of respiratory virus season—including the annual flu vaccine and the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone six months and older, as well as pregnant people. People 65 and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months later.

RSV can be dangerous for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend those 75 and older, and 60 and older at high risk for severe RSV, get vaccinated. Immunizations are also available to protect babies from getting very sick from RSV. This is important because RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization nationwide.

If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including GetMyFluShot.org. You can also reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by covering coughs and sneezes, frequently washing your hands, wearing masks, improving air quality, and staying home if you are sick.

Get screened: Make an appointment for preventive care, tests and screenings to help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

Know your blood pressure numbers: Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand your blood pressure numbers and take necessary steps to get hypertension under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. If checking your blood pressure at home, visit ValidateBP.org to see if your device has been tested for accuracy.

Learn your type 2 diabetes risk: Take a 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, which carries a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss.

Drink only in moderation: If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

Quit tobacco and nicotine: Ask your doctor for resources and guidance for quitting tobacco and nicotine. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

Follow dosage instructions: When taking prescription opioids or other medications, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take the full course to prevent antibiotic resistance—a serious public health problem.

Manage stress: Good mental health is part of good overall health. Get sufficient sleep (at least 7.5 hours per night), exercise and ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.

More health resources and tips can be found by visiting ama-assn.org.

“The best way to address the post-holiday doldrums is to do something good for your health,” said Bruce A. Scott, M.D., president of the AMA. “Even small, positive choices you make now can have a big impact on your long-term wellbeing.”

Recipe |
Cowboy Caviar; impress everyone with this quick appetizer for your next family gathering

Culinary.net - If you're looking for a new dip for your next get-together and tired of the same boring salsas and layered dips, this Cowboy Caviar may quickly become a family favorite.

Also known as Texas Caviar, this bean salad can be a hit with loved ones at birthdays, holidays, graduations, reunions and more. It serves well with tortilla chips but can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Plus, it's a breeze to make and can be even simpler when prepared the night before your big event.

Visit Culinary.net to find more quick and simple appetizer recipes. Here is how you lasso this together in just a few minutes.

Cowboy Caviar

What you will need:

1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn
1 can (15 ounces) black beans
1 bunch cilantro
3 Roma tomatoes
2 jalapenos
1/2 red onion
bell peppers (mix of green, red, orange and yellow, as desired)
tortilla chips, for serving

Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon paprika
1 lime, juice only
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Step by step preparation:

Drain and rinse corn and black beans; dry well.

Finely chop and dice cilantro, tomatoes, jalapenos, onion and bell peppers.

To make dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, paprika and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Mix vegetables with dressing. Serve with tortilla chips.

Your guide to enjoying the pumpkin spice season

Photo: Sabuzak Kim/Pixabay

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

DANVILLE - Pumpkin spice lattes, apple crisp macchiatos and chai lattes are staples of fall and winter. The drinks can boost your mood and energy and liven up social gatherings.

But drinker beware, says Caroline Brundage, a dietetic intern with OSF HealthCare. She says the concoctions contain more added sugar (sugar not naturally occurring in an ingredient) than you’d think. Some drinks have 50 grams or more of added sugar, she says. And Brundage has noticed more coffee shop drinks with higher levels of saturated fat.

“The biggest risk [of overconsuming these drinks] would be weight gain,” Brundage says. “That can lead to heart disease, diabetes and obesity.”

Her advice to enjoy fall drinks but stay healthy: modify the drinks, and consume them in moderation.

Ingredient swaps

Brundage suggests you do your research before getting hooked on a sugary drink. Look at the nutritional facts for high levels of added sugar, carbohydrates or saturated fat. If you’re purchasing on a coffee shop app, see how you can customize the drink. She points out a couple examples at Starbucks:

A 16-ounce apple crisp oat milk macchiato typically has four pumps of apple brown sugar syrup and a spiced apple drizzle topping. Ask the barista for two pumps and to skip the topping.
A 16-ounce pumpkin spice latte also has flavor pumps (four pumps of pumpkin sauce) and a topping (whipped cream), plus whole milk. Reduce it to two pumps, skip the topping and go with almond milk for fewer calories.

“That will probably cut your sugar intake by over half,” compared to a regular pumpkin spice latte, Brundage says. “So you can still enjoy that pumpkin spice flavor. You’re just not consuming all that added sugar.”

You can also ask your coffee shop if they have a sugar free syrup to use in your drink.

Another option is to make the drinks at home. A plus, Brundage says, is you know exactly how much of each ingredient is in the drink.

“There’s sugar free pumpkin spice creamer [at stores]. If you have an espresso machine, you could do two shots of espresso. Pour some creamer and unsweetened almond milk over that. Add in cinnamon,” Brundage suggests. She says cinnamon adds fall flavor without adding calories.

“You can also do your own pumpkin spice latte. Get canned pumpkin puree, and whisk it up with one tablespoon of maple syrup,” she adds.

Skip the whipped cream or other sugary toppings on these homemade drinks, too.

When and how we drink

Brundage says if you commit to a healthy diet and exercise then want a once-a-week sugary drink reward, the health concerns are not huge. But if you swing through the Dunkin’ drive through a few times per week, you need to keep her advice at the forefront. Consider swapping ingredients, purchasing a smaller size, making the drink at home or cutting back on the number of drinks.

Brundage also likes to pair these drinks with a protein-rich food to make her feel fuller and help prevent blood sugar spikes.

UIUC studies link between toddler food access and development

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - Parents wanting to ensure their children have nutritious meals can serve as their best example, according to new data.

Research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign involved looking at study participants' amount and availability of unhealthy beverages and food in their households. A Home Food Inventory -- a checklist of 190 items in 13 food categories used to monitor the food environment -- found processed foods, candy and microwaveable items were more attainable.

Jenny Barton, assistant research professor for the Center for Childhood Obesity Research at Pennsylvania State University, said the study focused on the physical development of toddlers.

Children often imitate their parents when it comes to food choices.

"The two-year-olds in this study are gaining mobility -- they're gaining autonomy -- to be able to walk around the house," Barton pointed out. "And then I think by age four, they are starting to be able to reach for things in the home, in the kitchen."

The home food inventory further examined how the location of fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, freezer and inside cabinets can hinder a toddler's access to them, how often foods in the household are consumed, and how parents' interaction with their children during a meal affects a child's food habits.

Children often imitate their parents when it comes to food choices. A U.S. Department of Health report said it can take up to 10 attempts before children accept a new food. Barton noted her work followed the consumption of whole grains and refined grains. She concluded refined grains are eaten more often by children because parents tend to buy it more often.

"They're just not purchasing them, to the degree that we would like to see people purchasing whole grains," Barton emphasized. "That's probably helping explain some of that phenomenon in terms of children having similar diets as their parents."

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 report showed unhealthy dietary patterns starting at age 2-18 may lead to obesity and a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease in later life. The publication also advised parents to reduce or eliminate cereals with added sugar, switch from fried to roasted vegetables and substitute high-sodium meats with ground lean meats.

Recipe |
Make your St. Patrick’s Day spread green with envy

Culinary.net - Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family.

Layered with a smooth cream cheese and mozzarella mixture then topped with crisp cucumber and a stem of green bell pepper, these St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches are easy and cute, which makes them a fan favorite at nearly any green gathering. They’re also sprinkled with lemon juice to add a little acidity and create a nice, light bite.

Plus, this recipe is quick to make. When you’re in a rush to get everything on the table for the party, it’s easy to throw together and get on the platter in next to no time.

The sandwiches pop off the plate with their bright, seasonal garnishes. While sure to attract attention and have your loved ones asking “Where did you get this idea?” they’re also an easy way to sneak a few vegetables into your kids’ diets.

For more festive recipes and ideas at Culinary.net.

St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches
Yield: 8 sandwiches

8 ounces plain cream cheese spread, softened
1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
salt
4 English muffins
24 slices cucumber
8 thin slices green pepper
fresh cilantro leaves
lemon juice
lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

In bowl, mix cream cheese spread, mozzarella cheese and salt well.

Split English muffins in half. Cut each muffin half into shamrock shape.

Spread cheese mixture over each muffin half.

Place three cucumbers on each “shamrock,” one on each “leaf.” Use green pepper slice as stem. Place cilantro leaf on top of each sandwich.

Sprinkle sandwiches with lemon juice and add lemon slices, for garnish, if desired.

For a quickie dessert this week, make a batch of Whoopie Pies

Family Feature - If you’re looking for an easy dessert to make this week, this Whoopie Pie recipe below is the perfect way to cap off weeknight meals. These won't last long, so you will probably want to make a couple of batches at a time. Whoopie Pies are also an awesome midday snack with a cup of hot chocolate or afternoon cup of coffee.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

1 box spice cake mix

1 1/2 cups apple butter

1/2 cup canola oil

2 eggs

8 ounces cream cheese

4 tablespoons butter

3 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

How to put them together

Heat oven to 350 F.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In large bowl, whisk spice cake mix, apple butter, oil and eggs.

With ice cream scoop or large tablespoon, spoon batter into rounded heaps, about 2-3 inches in diameter, onto parchment paper. Space spooned batter 2 inches apart.

Bake 14 minutes. Let cool.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla; beat until blended.

Frost flat sides of pie halves and place halves together.

Refrigerate and store in sealed container.

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