Monday, December 17, 2018

Christmas Beer: Your Guide to Decking (Not Wrecking) the Halls

Which Cookie Goes Best with Your Favorite Milk?

Cookies and milk are a classic combination. They go together like peanut butter and jelly, burgers and fries, and…well, cookies and milk. And while a glass of whole milk paired with a warm chocolate chip cookie will always reign supreme, sometimes you want to switch things up. Or you’re lactose intolerant. Either way, there’s a cookie milk combo for everyone. Below, some ideas. Trust us when we say, Santa will thank you.

Chocolate Milk And Peanut-Covered Peanut Butter Cookie Slabs

Chocolate and peanut butter: another classic combo. These little morsels are practically made for dunking, too.

Try our Peanut-Covered Peanut Butter Cookie Slabs recipe for yourself!

Santa Cookie Plate and Milk Jar Set, $29.95 on Amazon

Make it official with this cookie and milk tasting set!
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Strawberry Milk And Crackly Sugar Cookies

Is there anything more nostalgic than strawberry milk? It’s super sweet and takes you right back to being a kid and not worrying about stuff like cavities. It should only be paired with a cookie that can match its sugar factor like these buttery wunderkinds.

Try our Crackly Sugar Cookies recipe for yourself!

Eggnog And Super-Sized Ginger Chewies

It is FINALLY time for eggnog! If you’re like us and always open up the first carton of eggnog for dessert on Thanksgiving, then pairing a cookie with this thick, holiday-only life milk makes total sense. Since eggnog goes great with holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, try these ginger-packed sugar bombs.

Try our Super-Sized Ginger Chewies recipe for yourself!

Almond Milk And Chocolate-Drizzled Coconut Macaroons

Chowhound

While it sounds like a tough recipe to tackle, these coconut macaroons are a no-brainer (and surprisingly doable). The coconut pairs amazingly well with the nuttiness of almond milk and—depending on the kind of chocolate you melt down to drizzle over the top—the recipe is dairy-free.

Coconut Milk And Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These chocolate morsels dusted in powdered sugar taste like a brownie-cookie hybrid from the sugar gods, and the slight bitterness from the cocoa cuts the strength of the coconut flavor of this non-dairy pleaser.

Try our Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe for yourself!

Soy Milk And Shortbread Lemon Bars

Shortbread Lemon Bars

This one may seem a little odd, but there’s actual science behind this, trust us. Unflavored soy milk is slightly bitter. It doesn’t exactly have the natural richness or sweetness that you’d find in regular dairy milk. So, if you’re looking for a cookie to go with a more bitter milk, you have to cut the bitterness with either a sour, tart, or sweet component. Luckily, these lemon bars have it all.

Try our Shortbread Lemon Bars recipe for yourself!

Rice Milk And Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Prevention Magazine

Rice milk is perfect for people with extreme allergies, as it’s free of dairy, soy, and nuts. Surprisingly, it’s sweet like regular dairy milk, but it’s just a little more watery in consistency. Because it’s so sweet, you’ll want a tart cookie to balance it out. This gluten and dairy-free option does just that, and might eliminate any residual guilt.  

Try Prevention’s Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies recipe for yourself!

Banana Milk And Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies with Ganache

Let’s face it—banana is a strong flavor. So, when coming up with a cookie to go with this strange-ish dairy alt, we couldn’t decide what goes better with bananas: chocolate or peanut butter. Luckily, Chowhound has a recipe for a cookie that’s equal parts both. This is a dessert fit for The King! (Seriously, Elvis Presley loved bananas. That was a whole thing.)

Try our Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies with Ganache recipe for yourself!

White Russian And Gluten-Free Almond Crinkle Cookies

Since the White Russian tends to be on the sweeter side so the cookie you pair with it should be nutty. This gluten-free almond crinkle cookie works well with a creamy cocktail. And if you want a bit of a mocha flavor, drizzle some dark chocolate on top.

Try our Gluten-Free Almond Crinkle Cookies recipe for yourself!

Irish Cream And Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies

Irish cream goes great with coffee and chocolate cake, so why not put both of those flavors in a cookie to dunk right into a glass of Irish cream on the rocks?

Try our Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies recipe for yourself!

Bourbon-Spiked Eggnog And Vermont Maple Cookies

Everyone knows the best way to drink eggnog is with a slug of bourbon. Everyone should also know that Bourbon goes great with maple and nuts, so it’s a good thing these Vermont maple cookies are chock full of both.

Try Complete Recipes’ Vermont Maple Cookies recipe for yourself!

Related Video: 7 Cookies You Can Make in Under an Hour

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.



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How Coconut Water Is Made

These days, your run-of-the-mill grocery store usually carries several brands of coconut water, packaged in tropically suggestive cartons and boxes promising ultra-hydration. And we’re certainly buying what’s on the shelves—between 2007 and 2014, the American coconut water market grew by almost 3,000 percent! But, when you throw a coconut water back post-workout or after a rough night out, what exactly are you getting? And how is that coconut water produced?

You might have enjoyed a coconut cut fresh from the tree if you’ve ever been on vacation to say, Tulum. Perhaps after a bit of machete work, you learned first-hand that coconut water is delicious and ready-to-drink, straight from the coconut. As Vita Coco explains, “coconut water is the clear, fat-free liquid that’s inside a young coconut.”

Vita Coco

Since coconut water is pretty much ready-to-go in the coconut, what else happens before it reaches the grocery store shelves? Well, after harvesting, washing, and cracking open the coconuts, pasteurization is used to preserve the coconut water and extend shelf life. Companies like Vita Coco and ZICO use thermal pasteurization, while pricier brands like Harmless Harvest touts a “ proprietary multi-step micro-filtration process.” Both techniques make for a longer-lasting coconut water.

Vita Coco Coconut Water, Peach Mango (Pack of 12), $20.42 on Amazon

Try one of the many fun flavored coconut waters available!
See it

So what do you get for paying more? One big difference shows up in the color of the coconut water—some bottles of Harmless Harvest are sometimes pink. This particular style of coconut water contains antioxidants that may turn the liquid pink when encountering light and the producer chooses not to hide this natural reaction by adding any ascorbic acid or vitamin C. ZICO also avoids additives (but does use opaque packaging, so any color changes would not be obvious), while Vita Coco includes less than one percent additional fruit, sugar, and ascorbic acid.

Harmless Harvest

If sourcing is important to you, it is worth knowing that Harmless Harvest procures its coconuts from Thailand and gives back to Thai farming communities with an “ecosystem-based business.” Vita Coco also practices social responsibility through the Vita Coco Project with contributions in Sri Lanka and the Philippines, while also sourcing from Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. ZICO does not list any similar programs, but notes that they work with farms in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Unless you have easy access to fresh coconuts (and are handy with a machete), your best bet for enjoying a refreshing coconut water will be buying one of the packaged brands. Sip (maybe out of a coconut-shaped cup?) and channel those tropical breezes.

Related Video: Dos and Don’ts of Breakfast Smoothies

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.



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How to Slice a Holiday Ham

Even though turkey gets top billing on Thanksgiving, there is another meat option that should get some love, too: ham. Not only is it a juicy, sweet, and delicious alternative to the traditional bird, it’s much easier to carve! Here’s what you need to know about slicing a ham.

First things first, you want to make sure you have the proper equipment. Reach for a cutting board that is big enough for the ham to sit on, a paring fork to help you navigate the cutting, and a super sharp knife. Not sure if your knife is sharp enough? Use the old paper trick. If your knife can easily cut through a piece of paper, you’re good to go. If not, then you’ll want to sharpen it before you get started.

Amazon

And if you need a good knife to do the job, take a look at this DALSTRONG Slicing Carving Knife.See It

Now that you have your gear on hand, you can delve into the actual slicing part. (Avoid slicing the ham until just before serving, to help the meat maintain its moisture.) You’ll want to start by slicing off two or three slices from the outside, parallel to the bone. This will create a flat surface for you to slice the rest of your ham. Turn the ham to rest on that base.

Then, starting at the thinner end of the ham and working your way to the thicker end, slice into the ham perpendicular to the bone, using your paring fork to help you. Keep slicing so you have pieces that are about ¼ inch thick, continuing for several slices. Then, take your knife and run it along the edge of the bone, to free the slices. Once you are done with that side, turn the ham and repeat the process, continuing to release the meat from the bone, only slicing as much as you plan to serve at that time.

To store the ham, get a ham bag from your butcher, or store the leftovers in a damp (and clean!) pillowcase in your refrigerator. Not sure what to do with your leftovers? Read ahead for some delicious recipes for repurposing the rest of your ham.

Deviled Ham

Chowhound

Unhappy about having to get back to work right after the holidays? Bring along a sandwich made with this deviled ham recipe to break up the monotony of your typical lunchtime sandwiches and make it easier to get back to the grind. Get our Deviled Ham recipe.

Leftover Ham and Potato Soup

Flavor Mosaic

This soup is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a post-holiday meal on a day when you’re lazing around the house. Top it with some chopped ham for even more flavor. Get the recipe.

White Bean and Ham Soup

Chowhound

Once you try this hearty and filling soup, you’ll want to keep warming up on colder days with it. We’re pretty sure the veggies included in this recipe cancel out all the pumpkin pie you’ve eaten in November, too. Get the our White Bean and Ham Soup recipe.

Bridge Brunch Casserole

Melanie Makes

On the hunt for a cheesy, filling, yet uncomplicated meal to put on the post-holiday brunch menu? Then this casserole is just what you’ve been searching for. Even better, it’s ridiculously easy to make and sure to impress any guests you’re having stay with your for the weekend. Get the recipe.

Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Souvlaki For The Soul

This vibrantly emerald soup is not only visually stunning, it’s a rich addition to your table. The stock is made with a ham hock, which you can buy in advance from butchers or supermarkets. Get the recipe.

Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe

She Wears Many Hats

Another update on the classic ham and cheese sandwich, this Monte Cristo is going to have you drooling. With just the addition of a few ingredients (egg, mayonnaise, and mustard), you get a crispy twist on the standard brown bag lunch. Get the recipe.

Leftover Thanksgiving Ham Cobb Salad

Damn Delicious

After chowing down on all your favorite Thanksgiving goodies, your body is likely craving some veggies. Use leftover ham to throw into this Cobb salad as a post Turkey Day reset. Get the recipe.

Related video: How to Make Ham-Cured Pineapple with Prosciutto and Pomegranate



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Chowhound Gift Guide 2018: 10 Amazon Kitchen Items We Want for Christmas

It’s no secret we love Amazon here at Chowhound – fast, free shipping combined with cheap prices means more stuff in our stockings this Christmas, which is the ultimate goal. As we’ve been making our own Christmas lists at the office, we’ve done the hard part of combing through the infinite amount of Amazon kitchen products in order to curate our top picks. If we had to narrow it down to only 10 items, this would be it. From a beautiful copper saucepan (that doesn’t break the bank!) to a trusty cast iron skillet, keep reading to see what we really want from Santa.

Chowhound

New DEMMEX Hammered Copper Saucepan, $69.90 on Amazon

This copper saucepan is a work of art. When we first unwrapped it at the office we were in awe of its beauty. Even if you don’t cook, this would be a beautiful piece to keep on your stovetop to fool people into thinking you do cook (and to show off your great taste). However, we (obviously) do cook and recommend making a simple tomato sauce to complement this copper masterpiece.See It

Chowhound

Ironwood Gourmet Large Charleston End Grain Prep Station, $56.99 on Amazon

Pssst –this cheeseboard should cost way more money than it actually does. We can’t believe how great it is for the price. Our social media strategist/photographer ended up purchasing one on the spot for her sister for Christmas. It’s that good. At 1.25 inches thick, it’s a hefty board that could be left out on your counter at all times. And the grain in this acacia wood is everything. Use as a cheeseboard, prep board, styling prop, or all three like we’ll be doing.See It

Denby Linen Rectangular Medium Plate in Cream, $54.00 on Amazon 

What’s a charcuterie spread without the olives? While they’re placed on a secondary (smaller) plate here, that doesn’t mean they’re any less important – we just wanted them to have a place where they can shine on their own. This Denby plate is made in England, and the brand has a heritage of more than 200 years in expert design and craftsmanship. So basically, owning this plate makes you one step closer to Meghan Markle. Who knows, maybe she and Harry registered for a few Denby pieces.See It

Chowhound

Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $58.81 on Amazon 

Another item we were shocked to see the low price tag on is this gigantic cast iron dutch oven by Lodge. We still love the iconic Le Creuset for all its beauty, but this Lodge version is literally $300 less. It’s huge, definitely big enough to feed a crowd this holiday season. We suggest using this mega piece of cookware to throw together some simple soup in between all the holiday madness. If you’re looking for a good tomato soup recipe, try our Classic Tomato Soup.See It

Solino Home Linen Dinner Napkins, 4 for $25.99 on Amazon

The chicest way to wipe the melty cheese off your hands is with a proper napkin. We recently upgraded to using linen napkins nightly at home for dinner instead of paper napkins, and it really has increased our quality of life. Not only is it way better for the environment, but it also makes your life feel just a little bit more put together, even when it’s not. This set is gorgeous –the material is the perfect thickness and the color is saturated. You’ll find the same napkins done by other stores, but this budget buy can stand up to any of themSee It.

Chowhound

Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12-inch, $19.99 on Amazon 

Another cast iron cookware piece we’re crushing on is this quintessential cast iron skillet by Calphalon. It was the highest-selling item our community bought during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so we had to investigate for ourselves. Our conclusion? Everyone should own a cast iron skillet, and this one checks the box. Grab it now while it’s a whopping 60% off! And then make some macaroni like we did (the office was drooling the day we made it).See It

Chowhound

Rose Gold Silverware Set, 20-piece set for $30.99 on Amazon 

The perfect compliment to garlicky spaghetti? Shiny gold flatware. We’ve been eyeing a gold flatware set since Black Friday but haven’t pulled the trigger…until now. This best seller (it has more than 1200 reviews with a 4.6 star rating) has actually sold out in “gold” since we purchased for our photoshoot, but the equally attractive “rose gold” set is still available. Using gold flatware will make even leftovers feel a little more special.See It

Chowhound

BIA Cordon Bleu 12-Inch Porcelain Round Cake Stand, $28.95 on Amazon (site)

We recently held our 2018 cookie bake-off at the office (if you missed it be sure to skim the recipes for inspo) and this cake stand/pedestal is the ultimate vessel for showing off your baked goods this holiday season. It’s crisp white color makes a rainbow of colors pop (aka everything your bake will look good on this), and it’s thick but not too heavy so you can easily transport it from cupboard to counter to table and back again.See It

Chowhound

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet, $20 on Amazon 

If you want perfect cookies, you need the right tools. And this 2-pack of baker’s half sheets are iconic. Our staff loves them, and so do Amazon users – 5000+ 4.5 star reviews can’t be wrong. All that’s left to do is click, buy, and bake. Enjoy!See It

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.



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Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Whipped Cream

Mix it up this holiday season with a modern twist on the classic sweet potato pie! Strikingly purple and undeniably delicious.

Continue reading "Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Whipped Cream" »



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19 Over-the-Top Holiday Foods on the Market This Year

24 karat gold Dom Perignon gummy bears

Extra, extra! ‘Tis the season to be oh so very extra, and that absolutely includes food. Each year as we creep towards Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve, our favorite food brands begin to roll out seasonal spins and limited edition holiday mashups. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you gotta admit they get pretty creative, and if nothing else, keep publicists employed.

Check out the 19 most extra, interesting and over-the-top holiday food items currently on the market. And because we somehow made it through fall, we promise NO pumpkin spice.

Eggnog Flavored Splenda

eggnog flavored Splenda creamer

Splenda

This year Splenda’s in on the Christmas game with their eggnog flavored low calorie dairy creamer, so you can add a little Jesus to your morning joe.
See It

Amazing Grass Holiday Cookie Flavored Superfood Powder

cookie flavored superfood nutrition powder

Amazon

One of the oddest items we came across was this holiday cookie flavored super greens powder from Amazing Grass. Definitely the healthiest and least fun way to get your sugar cookie fix this year.
See It

Peppermint Twist Smirnoff

Sirnoff peppermint twist vodka

Smirnoff

You absolutely need vodka to get through the holidays and we’re getting pretty excited about all the things we could do with this Peppermint Twist from Smirnoff.
See It

Ben & Jerry’s Bourbon Pecan Pie Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry's bourbon pecan pie ice cream

Ben & Jerry’s

While nothing will ever top Ben & Jerry’s (discontinued) Schweddy Balls, their latest holiday creation, a buttery bourbon ice cream with pecans, shortbread, and a whiskey caramel swirl, comes dang close.
See It

24 Karat Gold Champagne Gummy Bears

24 karat gold Chapmagne gummy bears

Sugarfina

This year’s gold medal winner in the extra Olympics goes to Sugarfina’s New Year’s Eve-inspired $150 box of gummy bears made with Dom Perignon and coated in 24 karat edible gold.
See It

Wise Peppermint Mocha Popcorn

peppermint mocha popcorn

Target

To be honest, this one seems like a bit of a stretch, but someone at Wise was not going to let Christmas come and go without putting something crazy out there.
See It

Oreo Flavored Candy Canes

Oreo candy canes

Spangler Candy

It’s honestly hard to imagine life before Oreo cookie flavored candy canes. We are truly blessed.
See It

Jack Daniels Winter Jack Tennessee Cider

Jack Daniels winter special Tennesse cider whiskey

Jack Daniels

This old Jack Daniels recipe is a blend of whiskey and apple cider liqueur and, when heated, sports aromas of orange peel, cinnamon, clove. Holiday in a glass!
See It

Peppermint Bark Keurig Cups

peppermint bark Keurig coffee cups

Amazon

Peppermint bark and Christmas Crack are all the rage. Now you can the experience just by popping in a Keurig cup.
See It

Hanukkah House

Hannukah house kit

Amazon

Occasionally, Hanukkah tries to hijack a Christmas tradition (see Mensch on the Bench) with varying degrees of success. This Jewish spin on the classic gingerbread house is, um, interesting?
See It

Trader Joe’s Peppermint Flavored Hold the Cone

Trader Joe's peppermint ice cream

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s (or “TJ’s,” if you’re cool) is famous for its seasonal items. They can be hit or miss but we’d love to get our holiday hands on these peppermint ice cream cones.
See It

Sugarfina Gingerbread Cookie Bites

gingerbread cookie bites

Sugarfina

These adorable gingerbread cookie bites from the creative candy makers at Sugarfina are enrobed in creamy white chocolate and infused with cinnamon and sugar.
See It

Mint Kit Kat

dark chocolate mint Kit Kat bars

Amazon

Kit Kat is coming at you with a minty version of the the popular chocolate covered wafer candy. Break me off a piece!
See It

Gingerbread Spice Tea

gingerbread tea bags

Amazon

Gingerbread seems to have gotten a little jealous of pumpkin spice and is finding its way into just about everything, including this Celestial Seasonings tea.
See It

Whole Foods Peppermint Gelato

Whole Foods peppermint gelato

Instacart

Not to be outdone by Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods has some limited edition holiday goodies like this peppermint flavored gelato. Need a brush up on mint? Check this out.
See It

Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix with Bits of Candy

holiday funfetti

Pillsbury

What could possibly be more fun than a funfetti cake? A funfetti cake with holiday candy shards mixed in!
See It

Rice Krispies Holiday House Kit

Rice Krispies Treats house kit

Amazon

If you’ve finished your gingerbread house it’s obviously time to start on your Rice Krispies holiday house. Wait, what?
See It

Hanukkah Fortune Cookies

Jewish fortune cookies

Amazon

We could all use a little good fortune these days, so perhaps try opening one of these each of the eight nights after lighting the Menorah.
See It

Starbucks Eggnog Latte

Starbucks eggnog latte in holiday cup

Starbucks

Eggnog, the creamy, eggy delicious milk punch that pops its head out each winter is a natural fit for a coffee collab, and Starbucks never misses a layup. Go ahead, drop a little bourbon in for good measure!
See It


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