15 Products That Make Drinking Wine So Much Fun

When it comes to wine, there’s not much to complain about. In fact, it’s essentially the only thing that gets us through the end of a long work week. (That and the prospect of sleeping in and devouring a stack of pancakes on Saturday morning. But we digress.)

Though sipping on Chardonnay or a stiff red is always a good time, the nightly weekly routine has gotten a little stale. Luckily for us, the world of wine product creators has taken a more humorous approach to some of its latest offerings, making the act of drinking a little less desperate, and more entertaining (though there will always be that fine line).

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite gadgets to hit the market. Grab a bottle, your favorite glass, and scroll down to check them out. Cheers!

Canvas Flask

Amazon

That weekend hike with your in-laws sounds a little less horrible now, doesn’t it? Stock up and stay hydrated. And by hydrated, we really mean pump your veins with the good stuff and enjoy nature at your own pace. Buy it here.

Wine Bottle Glass

Amazon

They say a glass of wine a day can keep the doctor away. We say we found our glass. Buy it here.

Turtle Wine Holder

Amazon

Come out of your shell and share your stash with turtle friends. This guy wants to keep you company, but he’s a bit of a bottle hog. Bartender, cut him off, why don’t you? Buy it here.

Bull Aerator

Amazon

Aerating your wine helps to keep it dry, smooth, and crisp. It’s an investment any wine-o should make if he or she wants to ensure a quality pour. And that’s no bull. Buy it here.

Wine Condoms

Amazon

Safety first, wine-loving friends. Stay protected with these clever condoms. And if it’s your first time, don’t be too nervous. They’re easy to use and you’re in control. Buy it here.

Corkscrew Screwdriver and Hammer

Amazon

Getting hammered is taken quite literally with this multi-purpose tool (though we’re not entirely sure we want to encourage handiwork while drinking). Don’t drink and drill. Buy it here.

Wine Pourer Rack

Amazon

Things can get a little (how do we phrase this?)…unstable after a few glasses to many, but not with this metal rack that also serves as a reliable and steady (important) pourer. It sure beats having to buy boxed wine, right? Buy it here.

Pig Cork Holder

Amazon

If there’s one thing that’s going to enjoy eating your leftover corks, it’s a pig. But when will this adorable holder ever NOT be full of your Happy Hour leftovers? When pigs can fly. Buy it here.

Carafe with Oak Stopper

Amazon

So simple, yet so pretty. It’s one of those purchases you’ll probably stare at for three months, but never use. Or you’ll just play with the oak ball stopper until it rolls under your couch and you forget about its existence altogether. Buy it here.

Wine Door Stopper

Amazon

Invite people into your drinking lair, but only if they come prepared with bottles. Should they show up empty-handed, turn them away and tell them to come back with triple the amount you already have. It’s only fair. Buy it here.

Magnetic Glass Markers

Amazon

You’ll never have to scream “that’s mine!” during a house party again. It’s the small things in life that make the biggest difference. And for that reason alone, we call dibs on the moustache. Buy it here.

Pinot Noir Bottle Candle

Amazon

Those notes of blackberry and vanilla may be getting lost on the tongue, but this candle offers drinkers a full sensory experience. Because why should you just sip your wine when you can also smell it? Buy it here.

Wine-Themed Coasters

Amazon

These aren’t going to stop you from spilling your favorite Merlot all over your friend’s white blouse, but they’ll make you chuckle. On a Friday afternoon after a hellish week, that’s all that matters. Buy it here.

Long Stem Champagne Flute

Amazon

We want to cheers everyone with these things. The stem is tragically attention-seeking, but still classy AF. How unfortunate it will be when we fill these with André and not Dom Pérignon. Buy it here.

Eve Wine Decanter

Amazon

This may resemble a snake, but it’s far from scary. In fact, please bring us all the venom. K, thanks. Buy it here.

from Food News – Chowhound http://ift.tt/2hOSo5I
via IFTTT

A College Student’s Guide to Grocery Shopping on a Budget

For college students, upgrading from that tiny dorm room to a spacious apartment is like hitting the jackpot. One of the best parts of having an apartment is being able to trade in the boring dining hall food for the power to cook your own meals in your very own kitchen.

But we all know that “with great power comes great responsibility,” and groceries don’t just buy themselves. Here are some ways college students can successfully take on food shopping without breaking the bank.

1. Buy in bulk

“Sometimes it pays to stock up,” says Elizabeth Matteo, a registered dietitian at Boston University’s Sargent Choice Nutrition Center. “You may find certain products have a lower cost per unit when you bulk-buy.”

Be careful that you’re not buying too much of something that’s perishable, though: “Know whether you can use up the items or store them safely for later use,” says Matteo.

Dry foods like beans, pasta, rice, and oatmeal are the way to go for bulk-buying, along with other household products like toilet paper, toothpaste, and laundry detergent.

It might also save you some trips to the store, so you can get some more studying in.

2. Shop seasonal

When you buy fruits and veggies during their peak seasons, not only do they taste better, they are also cheaper!

3. Go in with a plan

“Think about what meals you plan to prepare and whether you can utilize similar ingredients across meals to minimize food waste and maximize your dollar,” says Matteo.

Make a list on a piece of paper or in the Notes app on your phone and stick to it. If not, I guarantee you you’ll forget everything you need once you step into the overwhelming grocery store.

4. Don’t be embarrassed of using coupons

As a broke college student, coupons can be your best friend. Websites like Coupons.com and SmartSource can help you access savings on tons of grocery items. Big chain grocery stores also tend to have digital coupon services.

5. Take advantage of student discounts

There are a lot of perks to being a student, and discounts are one of them. Keep an eye out for student discounts and always, always have your student ID on hand.

6. Eat before you go to the store

This may seem obvious, but never, and I mean never, go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. You’ll end up with a cart that’s packed to capacity with food you probably don’t even like. A full stomach will ensure you’re buying only what you need.

Budgeting doesn’t end at the store—there are ways to minimize spending back at your apartment, too.

Matteo says, “Plan to use perishable goods earlier in the week before they spoil, and think about repurposing dinner leftovers for lunch the next day.”

Also don’t forget about the benefits of a freezer: “Store extra ingredients in freezer-safe containers or try batch cooking and dividing up leftovers into individual portions to freeze for another day,” she adds.

Here are some easy recipes using ingredients you probably already have on your grocery list.

Basic Chicken Fajitas

Chowhound

All you need for this delicious recipe is some chicken, veggies, and tortillas, in addition to flavors like chili powder and garlic that you probably already have in your cabinet. It’s an ideal meal if you’re hosting some friends for the night and want to impress them. If you’re feeling extra hungry, serve with some guacamole or salsa. Get our Basic Chicken Fajitas recipe.

Basic Garlicky Spaghetti

Chowhound

You really can’t go wrong with yummy, garlicky pasta and it has to be one of the easiest meals you’ll ever make. If you’re missing the protein, you can always add in some chicken, shrimp, or whatever meat you have lying around. Get our Basic Garlicky Spaghetti recipe.

Vegetarian Taco Salad

Chowhound

The beauty of salads is that you can put just about anything you want in them, and this recipe calls for a variety of beans, tomatoes, peppers, and more delicious ingredients. It’s a great dish to make a large portion of and divide into lunch for multiple days. The dressing calls for ranch dressing, sour cream and, of course, taco seasoning for a boost of extra flavor. Get our Vegetarian Taco Salad recipe.

— Head photo: flickr (1Flatworld).

from Food News – Chowhound http://ift.tt/2hOSU3v
via IFTTT

How to Make Gnocchi From Scratch

Gnocchi is beloved throughout Italy where the airy pillows of pasta are seen as a way to stretch the budget because they are an inexpensive way to quell hunger pains using only four humble ingredients. Potato gnocchi is probably the most common version today but durum wheat, chestnut, or barley flours were the go-to starches up until the mid-nineteenth century.

One of the first mentions of gnocchi was in an Italian cookbook written in the 14th century and it is believed that it was introduced to the country from the Middle East where similar recipes have existed for centuries. In the 20th century, Italians migrating to South America took their cherished gnocchi recipes with them and today, gnocchi is as popular in many South American countries as it is in Italy.

One of the most important things to avoid doing for a perfect plate of gnocchi is over-kneading the dough. Too much flour will make it tough and the general rule of thumb is to use one potato per person. Gnocchi can be frozen and used at a later time by first tossing the gnocchi with a dusting of flour and then distributing it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing it for at least two hours. At this point, transfer it to a covered container and freeze. The gnocchi should not be thawed, but instead boiled frozen in a pot of salted water.

1. The basic recipe for gnocchi includes five large Idaho potatoes, three cups of semolina flour, a half teaspoon of salt, and one egg.
2. First bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the potatoes. Boil them until fork tender, about 25 minutes. Transfer them to a colander and once they are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and pat the potatoes dry with a paper or side towel.
3. Rice the potatoes.
4. Sprinkle a clean work surface with all-purpose flour and distribute the riced potatoes over the flour until it is about one inch thick. Top with the semolina flour and sprinkle with salt. At this point, add any ricotta, Parmesan cheese, dried herbs, or additional ingredients that you are using in your recipe.
5. Use your fingers to create a well in the center and break the egg into it. Using a fork, slowly incorporate the potatoes and flour into the egg.
6. Bring the dough together with your hands and knead until it comes together into a shaggy ball.
7. Knead it gently and be careful not to overwork it. Once it has come together into a smooth ball, shape it into a rectangle on your work surface.
8. Using a bench scraper or a sharp knife, cut it into 1-inch thick slices.
9. Roll each slice out into a 1-inch thick rope. Using the knife or bench scraper, cut each rope into 1-inch long segments at an angle. The gnocchi can rest at this stage for up to 45 minutes.
10. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the gnocchi in batches so as not to overcrowd it. Once it rises to the surface in about two to four minutes, transfer it using a slotted spoon or spider to a plate or baking sheet. Once all of the gnocchi is ready, incorporate it into your preferred sauce and cook for an additional two minutes.

Crispy Gnocchi with Basil Pesto

Two Peas and Their Pod

Crisping gnocchi gives it an addictive, slightly crunchy texture in this recipe and the basil pesto adds both a bright flavor and pop of vibrant color. Get the recipe.

Gnocchi with Pomodoro Sauce

Foodie Crush

Tomato sauce is a traditional gnocchi pairing. This recipe is a rustic way to celebrate gnocchi’s many virtues through the use of earthy tomatoes and a variety of herbs. Get the recipe.

Gnocchi with Chicken, Kale, Green Garlic, and Lemon

Peach Dish

This is a lovely gnocchi recipe to celebrate the close of summer. Green garlic adds a zingy flavor and flash of color. Get the recipe.

Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola

Kenwood

Gorgonzola is a funky addition to potato gnocchi, enhancing both its flavor and its texture with a silky cloak of sauce. Get the recipe.

Sage and Apple Butter Pasta with Gnocchi

Platter Talk

Gnocchi is not necessarily a dessert ingredient but the sweetness of apple butter brings it as close as it can get and the addition of sage keeps it rustic. Get the recipe.

Cocoa Gnocchi with Mascarpone and Walnut Sauce

Manu’s Menu

This is an exciting, full-blown gnocchi dessert recipe that is as sophisticated as it is fun for the palate. Add a dash of cinnamon to the cocoa for even more unexpected flavor. Get the recipe.

— Head photo: Chowhound.

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

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte Is Here (Sigh) and You Can Brew It at Home

We know that pumpkin spice latte season creeps earlier and earlier every year, but an early August debut is simply unacceptable. Chill the eff out, Starbucks. We’re still applying sunblock.

For those who are already over summer (shame on you) and are ready to dust off the ol’ Ugg boots (shame on you, again), our favorite coffee giant has decided to drop a grocery store bomb by introducing two new pumpkin spice latte products. And they’re on shelves NOW. We repeat, they are on shelves now. As in 43 days until fall now.

Meet the ready-to-drink Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Flavored Ground Coffee. The former is a “high-quality arabica coffee with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove spices, and creamy milk” at a suggested retail price of $2.79. Since cold brew is totally on trend, it only makes sense for the twin-tailed mermaid to capitalize on its success. She’s the color of money for a reason.

Starbucks

The latter is Starbucks’ “lightest roast coffee with notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg” with a suggested retail price of $9.99. Paper cups with incorrectly spelled first names are not included, though your favorite mug will certainly suffice.

Starbucks

The duo joins four of last year’s popular offerings: Pumpkin Spice Caffe Latte K-Cup Pods, Iced Espresso Classics Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks VIA Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Chilled Coffee Drink.

While a launch date for the actual store-bought PSL has yet to be announced (thank goodness), we still think this a bit overkill. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good pumpkin spice moment, but we’re still too busy grilling watermelon and sipping rosé to care about the orange gourd.

Check back with us in October and our tune will have certainly changed. But for now…no. Just no. Stop the madness. We don’t want to partake.

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

Roman-Inspired Mixed-Green Salad (Misticanza alla Romana)

Want a truly great mixed green salad full of vibrant lettuces, flavorful herbs, and bitter greens? You're not going to find it in the pre-mixed salad section of your supermarket. Instead, make your own with the freshest whole heads of lettuce, radicchio, herbs, dandelion, and more. This incredibly simple recipe is inspired by the Roman salad called misticanza, which traditionally combines several wild greens. It's unlikely most of us outside of Rome can find those greens, but we can capture the same spirit by combining a good mix of tender, bitter, and herbaceous greens. Get Recipe!

from Serious Eats: Recipes http://ift.tt/2vSrAae
via IFTTT

Doritos Blazin' Buffalo Mix

Doritos Blazin' Buffalo Mix adds to the brand's Mix lineup, which includes four different Doritos shapes and flavors in one bag for a multi-sensorial experience with new mixes.

from Subscribe to Preparedfoods.com's RSS Feed http://ift.tt/2fvoYsA
via IFTTT

International Delight Coffee Creamer Innovation

The breakthrough innovation is said to transform ordinary home-brewed coffee into a frothy latte in five seconds with just the touch of a button.

from Subscribe to Preparedfoods.com's RSS Feed http://ift.tt/2vHnJ00
via IFTTT

Produce Tops Organic Shopping Lists

New research from Mintel reveals that half (50%) of consumers say they are most likely to purchase organic fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, compared to other food categories

from Subscribe to Preparedfoods.com's RSS Feed http://ift.tt/2urVQcg
via IFTTT

Grass-Fed Hamburgers, Hot Dogs

New products are part of the company’s grass-fed Naked Beef line—hamburgers and hot dogs.

from Subscribe to Preparedfoods.com's RSS Feed http://ift.tt/2wx0mUm
via IFTTT

Blackberry Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

This unusual cake gets its all-natural flavor and color from an infusion of fresh blackberry purée. To manage the purée's high moisture content and acidity, reach for bleached cake flour to keep the cake fluffy and light—accept no substitutions! Whether finished with fruity whipped cream or tangy cream cheese frosting, this simple blackberry cake makes an easy summer dessert or a slightly indulgent addition to brunch. Get Recipe!

from Serious Eats: Recipes http://ift.tt/2vmssD9
via IFTTT

Best Honey Beer

More than 100 entered, but only one came out on top. Gossamer Wings from The Tap Brewery in Bloomington, Ind., took home “Best in Show” honors at the 2017 Honey Beer Competition, hosted by the National Honey Board. This year’s competition had 106 made-with-honey beer entries, which were submitted from craft breweries throughout North America.

from Subscribe to Preparedfoods.com's RSS Feed http://ift.tt/2uJf0WB
via IFTTT