10 Must-Have Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

So you’ve decided to hop on the road and explore the wonders of ‘Murica by car. Great! Like your vehicle, you’re going to need lots of fuel (in the form of food, of course) to get you from place to place. Since we’re pretty much the Stephen Hawking of snacks here at Chowhound, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite energy-boosting, healthy, and easily transportable nibbles to set you on the right path when it comes to mindful eating. In fact, you can kick those fast food and convenience store pit stops to the curb if you prep and buy the following products in advance. Bon voyage!

Buddha Bowl Popcorn with Coconut Oil

Amazon

Popcorn is binge-friendly and it’s inevitable that you’ll finish an entire bag. Feel less guilty with this health-conscious brand that cooks kernels in coconut oil and seasons with himalayan salt. We’re actually pretty sure that Buddha would have approved. Buy it here.

Biena Ranch Chickpea Snacks

Amazon

Since hummus spoils, snack on the next best thing: roasted chickpeas. These baked delights will remind you of Cooler Ranch Doritos, which is obviously never a bad thing. Buy it here.

Mary’s Gone Crackers Pretzels

Amazon

It’s not a pretzel at all, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. If you can get past the deceptive advertising, you’ll love noshing on these crunchy, whole grain rods. Buy it here.

Stevia-Sweetened Lily’s Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds

Amazon

Chocolate is necessary in any situation, but it’s absolutely mandatory during a summer road trip. The only remedy to arguments about radio control and backseat driving is chocolate. It’s a proven fact. Buy it here.

Duke’s Hot and Spicy Smoked Sausages

Amazon

It’s human nature to have random cravings for meat, but too much fast food and sugar-laden jerkies can take a heavy toll on your body. These flavorful tiny sausages are the perfect alternative to Quarter Pounders. In fact, we eat these almost every single day. Buy it here.

Seapoint Farms Dry-Roasted Spicy Wasabi Edamame

Amazon

Scared of dozing off behind the wheel? Grab a handful of these wasabi-coated soybeans for an instant energy jolt. You may want to be in park, though. They surely pack a punch! Buy it here.

Nuttzo Mixed Nut Butter

Amazon

You don’t need to be paleo to enjoy your new favorite nut blend butter. Cashews, almonds, brazil nuts…it looks like Julie Andrews’ “Favorite Things” is going to need a modernized update. Buy it here.

Rhythm Zesty Nacho Kale Chips

Amazon

It’s no Chalupa Supreme, but this nacho cheese kale chip variety may curb your desire to head to Taco Bell (which will also save you a trip to the bathroom. A true win-win.) Buy it here.

That’s It Apple-Strawberry Bar

Amazon

This isn’t going to come close to a real apple or pint of fresh strawberries, but it will surely satisfy a craving for fruit. Plus, you get the added benefits of fiber and immunity-supporting vitamin C. Yay to good health. Buy it here.

 Quest Protein Crisps

Amazon

These may be bland in taste, but protein is essential when it comes to daytime snacking. And wouldn’t you rather crunch into something than drink a boring protein shake? It’s all about convenience. here.

from Food News – Chowhound http://ift.tt/2rEmBc3
via IFTTT

Lemon Blueberry Scones

I’ve made so many variations of these scones over the years that I can’t even remember which ones were first! The basic dough is extremely adaptable, and I love coming up with different fruit, spice, and glaze combinations depending on the season.

For this early summer version, I just folded fresh blueberries right into the dough, then topped the scones with a puckery-sweet lemon glaze.

Continue reading "Lemon Blueberry Scones" »

from Simply Recipes http://ift.tt/2rHSdsy
via IFTTT

Pudding Recipes For When You Can’t Be Bothered With Crust

Summer is too hot to mess with all the fuss that crust entails when you want something sweet and homemade.

Enter pudding. It’s easy. It’s simple. It’s the way to go. Check out our favorite puddings, from fruity versions to decadent chocolate desserts. Take the pie out of the equation and just go with the filling. It’s awesome.

1. Mango Pudding

Chowhound

This uber-sweet, tropical fruit is a perfect summer flavor for pudding. This recipe doesn’t take much, and we like it like that. Get our Mango Pudding recipe.

2. Butterscotch Pudding Pops

Chowhound

Six ingredients: That’s all you need to make this treat a reality for your lazy summer days. Oh, and you’ll need to plan ahead, because freezing doesn’t happen in a half hour or anything. Get our Butterscotch Pudding Pops recipe.

3. Deep, Dark Chocolate Pudding

Chowhound

To taste even more of this rich, chocolatey experience, reduce the sugar by a third or more. It’s still decadent. Get our Deep, Dark Chocolate Pudding recipe.

4. Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Chowhound

Forget even watching your milky sweet rice on the stovetop. With this recipe, you can let all vigilance go and sit by the pool. Get our Slow Cooker Rice Pudding recipe.

5. Strawberry Bread Pudding with Créme Fraîche and Whipped Cream

Chowhound

This is pretty decadent in a bright, summery way. Make use of seasonal strawberries and don’t go light on the cream. Get our Strawberry Bread Pudding recipe.

— Also try our Easy Banana Pudding recipe.

from Food News – Chowhound http://ift.tt/2txMRRW
via IFTTT

What is the Difference Between a Manhattan and a Perfect Manhattan?

The Manhattan is one of the most iconic and beloved classic cocktails that you can order.

Nothing makes you feel like more of a boss than sitting down alone at a dimly lit bar and asking for this boozy beverage, like you just walked out of a meeting with Don Draper and the cast of Mad Men. A classic Manhattan is made with only three simple ingredients: whiskey, vermouth, and bitters (and sometimes garnished with cherries or a lemon peel). You’re likely to already have these common ingredients on hand, but if you’re looking to mix it up, there are also many different iterations you can play around with, especially with liquor choice and the flavor of the bitters. Some people prefer to stir their Manhattans, but they are often prepared in a cocktail shaker and strained into a chilled glass—you can serve a Manhattan in a classic martini glass, coupe, or short rocks glass.

But what’s the difference between a Manhattan and a Perfect Manhattan? It turns out it’s not just the absolute best, most carefully measured, gold standard of Manhattans that makes for a Perfect Manhattan…it’s actually a distinction based on the vermouth. When talking about cocktails, the differences between dry, sweet, and perfect are all about what type of vermouth you’re using, and how much of it. Vermouth is classified as a fortified wine, which means it contains a fairly low alcohol content and is infused with a variety of botanicals and herbs. Manhattans are typically made with sweet vermouth, so the “sweet” distinction isn’t necessary in the name. “Perfect” implies a 50/50 blend of sweet and dry vermouth—so when you order a Perfect Manhattan, you’ll taste the addition of the dry vermouth.

But does anybody actually order a Perfect Manhattan? Celebrity mixologist Matt Siegel, a former bartender at New York’s Eleven Madison Park and owner of the In the Spirit Of Hospitality Group, has found that the requests for Perfect Manhattans are few and far between: “I think I’ve made one, maybe two, in my life. There are definitely Manhattan variations that incorporate Dry Vermouth (i.e. the Brooklyn, which is incredibly delicious), but for the most part people want their Manhattans the traditional way.”

The decision to use rye whiskey or bourbon is up to you—for a cocktail with only three main ingredients, there sure are a lot of delicious combinations that you can experiment with.

Check out our 7 recipes for Manhattans and try to make it until cocktail hour before you start pouring.

1. Perfect Manhattan

Chowhound

If you think a traditional Manhattan is a little bit too sweet, then try our recipe for a Perfect Manhattan made with half sweet vermouth and half dry vermouth. The angostura bitters, rye whiskey, and cherry are, in fact, perfect together. Get our Perfect Manhattan recipe.

2. Classic Manhattan

Chowhound

Our recipe for the classic Manhattan dates back to 1874. Two parts rye whiskey to one part sweet vermouth, two dashes of angostura bitters, and a cherry—it’s hard to beat. Get our Manhattan Cocktail recipe.

3. Cuban Manhattan

A tropical Manhattan perfect for a summer happy hour, this cocktail is made with rum instead of whiskey. Get our Cuban Manhattan recipe.

4. The Southern Slope (Bourbon Manhattan)

The New York Times

This bourbon Manhattan makes for quite a stiff drink…the addition of apricot liqueur adds a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the sweet vermouth. Get the recipe.

5. The Clint Eastwood

Saveur

A spicier take on the traditional Manhattan, the Clint Eastwood has bourbon, orange bitters, and the most decadent of cocktail cherries—the Amarena cherry imported from Italy. Get the recipe.

6. The Metropolitan (Brandy Manhattan)

The Spruce

The Metropolitan is also known as the Brandy Manhattan—this rendition follows the classic Manhattan recipe except you’re using brandy and some simple syrup as a substitute for the whiskey. Get the recipe.

7. Southern Manhattan

The Taste SF

A real treat, this southern Manhattan is made with pecan, magnolia, and habanero bitters for some added Southern flair. Get the recipe.

*Special thanks to bourbon aficionado and conscientious Manhattan recipe tester Anthony Marciano for additional research.

–Head image by Chowhound, using: Punch/Food & Wine.

from Food News – Chowhound http://ift.tt/2sDbwYL
via IFTTT