Friday, June 30, 2017

Edible Unicorn Slime Is a Thing, Because Some Trends Never Die

If you woke up thinking “I don’t have enough edible unicorn slime in my life,” as one does, the creative folks at MyRecipes have got you covered. Because some trends just don’t die, no matter how many charcoal lattes or black and white desserts you serve in protest, we now have unicorn in the form of moldable, Nickelodeon Gak-esque goo. Hooray?

In the rainbow slime’s defense, it does look fun to touch and play with. Sure, the edibility element is certainly frightening (especially after it’s been poked and prodded a million times with germ-filled fingers), but the option to nosh at a moment’s notice is always an added bonus. And frankly, we’re also suckers for anything with glitter.

As a curious human, you may also be wondering how the “treat” maintains its fun consistency. The blend, a mix of xanthan gum, coconut oil, powdered sugar, and cornstarch (all of which can be easily found at your local grocery store) isn’t novel, but it’s certainly something you don’t cook with every day. Our only issue is that the slime’s components are quite possible the last thing we think of when it comes to “unicorn insides,” but the imagination (and science!) is appreciated.

So what’s your overall verdict? A great idea that’s worth the time and effort or something that makes you want to fall face first on a unicorn horn? No matter how you feel, it looks like the unicorn craze is here to stay. So just like a birth mark or the decision to get bangs, you better get used to it.



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The Art & Science of Product and Packaging Design

Hear Tulin Tuzel, Chief Technology Officer, discuss Sabra’s approach and how consumer insights and trends influence product and package development. 

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12 Snack Recipes to Make for Work

You’re sitting at your desk when it hits: The nagging feeling that yearns for something to break the monotony. If only there were something delicious to nibble and hold you over until the next meal. And that’s when you remember. The snack! Hidden deep in the recesses of your bag, you dig until you find it, letting out a sigh of relief because all is well with the world.

We’ve all been there.

Snacking successfully at your desk is an art, something they don’t prepare you for in school since your mom had you covered for most of your life. As an adult, you’re on your own and the choices can feel overwhelming. Never fear, we are here to fast-track you to snack game domination.

There are a few things to consider when choosing snacks to bring to work: Avoid ones that are super messy so that they don’t end up all over you, your keyboard, and your desk. Pass on foods that smell funky (no kimchi or hard-boiled eggs, please) and ones that are really rich and heavy (you’ll end up in a food coma).

We prefer making our own because you can prepare a big batch and enjoy them over the week. Plus, it saves money and you’ll probably make healthier choices. The raw, no-cook route is always a great choice, but there are times when snap peas, fruit, and almonds those just won’t cut it. Frankly, you crave something more interesting. You want a snack that you can rely on, one that will help you get through the day because you know it’s there waiting as a reward.

We tackled our snack list by finding ones that would be a good fit for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon treat; the ones that are hearty and made with the good kind of fat to keep you full longer.

All of these are easily transportable and storable so you don’t need a fridge to keep them and won’t have to worry about someone else stealing them. From healthy to indulgent, super easy to slightly complicated, we have a recipe for whatever type of snacker you are.

Chocolate Chunk Granola Bars

Smitten Kitchen

Filled with chocolate chunks, these energy-packed granola bars will keep you going during that afternoon slump. Alternatively, use them as a mid-morning snack if breakfast didn’t quite do it for you. Get the recipe.

Parmesan-Rosemary Biscotti

My Name is Yeh

When you’re reaching for that afternoon cup of coffee or tea, dip one of these bad boys for a European-style siesta. We love Molly Yeh’s savory cheese-and-herb version. Get the recipe.

Superfood Brownie Bites

The First Mess

Doesn’t chocolate make everything better? If you immediately started nodding your head, then you will love these chocolate bites. Get the recipe.

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds

Sally’s Baking Addiction

Make. Instagram. Eat. At least, that’s what we think of every time we look at these addictive chocolate-and-salt-covered almonds. Get the recipe.

Tangy Ranch Cashews

So good that you’ll wish you had a cocktail to pair with it. Think of it as a way to get you ready for post-work happy hour. Get our Tangy Ranch Cashews recipe.

Cocoa-Cayenne Popcorn Balls

Sweet, spicy and crunchy — It has everything that we look for in a snack. Keep these in a small bag, Mason Jar, or Tupperware for easy access. Get our Cocoa-Cayenne Popcorn Balls recipe.

Salt and Vinegar Roasted Edamame

Emilie Eats

These are a much healthier version of salt and vinegar chips. Plus, you can use leftovers in a salad. Get the recipe.

Gourmet Trail Mix

Trail mixes seem to be one of those “to-each-their-own” snacks when it comes to preferences. We love this well-balanced trail mix for when raw almonds don’t cut it, but you can definitely make it your own. Get our Gourmet Trail Mix recipe.

Whole Wheat Coconut Oil Roasted Banana Bread

Lee Hersh

A healthier take on banana bread, this recipe comes with a how-to video if you’re a banana bread virgin. Pro Tip: You want really, really ripe bananas. Get the recipe.

Turmeric and Blueberry Breakfast Muffins with Granola Topping

Green Kitchen Stories

We love the list of suggested swap-outs that come with this wholesome snack. Check out this adorable family’s website for even more suggestions. Get the recipe.

5-Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Tieghan Gerard

For the day you want your entire office to love you. These definitely fall to the more indulgent side of our snack list, but it’s all about balance, right? Get the recipe.

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Baked Donuts

Joy the Baker

These mini doughnuts are the ideal mid-afternoon snack, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea. The baked variety have a different texture to them and are often lighter and airier than fried. Get the recipe.



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Friday Food Finds: Bagel Sandwiches, Coffee Popsicles, Cola Ginger Ale, and More!

Fire up the charcoal and crack open the rosé because the 4th of July has officially arrived. While you may already be salivating over hamburgers, hot dogs, and grandma’s famous potato salad, we taste-tested a bevy of summertime treats that could be exactly what your red, white, and blue-themed picnic needs.

Check out the full clip from Sirius XM’s Wake Up with Taylor below, as well as a breakdown of each product. We’re hoping sparks really fly when it comes to your taste buds.

Black Seed Bagel Sandwiches

Black Seed Bagel

Turning a bagel into sandwich bread is a damn good idea when you’re one of the most recognized bagel brands in North America. We sampled four of Black Seed‘s newest offerings and our thoughts certainly varied. The Mile High (turkey) was a bit boring, the Combo needed a dressing  and the Buffalo Cauliflower wasn’t spicy (kind of necessary for buffalo, right?). That being said, the bread is absolutely delicious and we were beyond obsessed with the chopped liver-based Banh Mi. Just bring on the bacon bits and spicy mayonnaise for everything in life.

KIND Fruit Bites

KIND

We have mixed opinions when it comes to KIND bars and their touted nutritional offerings, but these bites are unquestionably healthy. The only ingredients are various dried fruits and while they certainly resemble fish food or wood chips, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Throw these in your kids’ lunchbox as the perfect alternative to sugar-laden Shark Bites or Disney Princess fruit snacks.

Hi-Chew Bites

Hi-Chew

There’s a reason why Hi-Chews are the most popular candy in Japan. The sweet indulgences tick all of the boxes when it comes to smooth, chewy, tangy perfection. While these particular bites are a fun diversion from the norm (the grape tastes fantastic!), they don’t beat the original. Also, mango was just completely unappetizing. Taylor said it literally tasted like “a butt.”

GoodPop Popsicles

GoodPop

Hallelujah! The folks at GoodPop have found a way to turn cold-pressed coffee into popsicles for summer. The verdict? These are freakin’ delicious. We’ve also tried their strawberry lemonade and banana cinnamon varieties, both of which also pass the Wake Up with Taylor test. Could this be your new favorite summer treat? You’ll have to try them yourself.

Brooklyn Organics Ginger Ale

Brooklyn Organics

Uh oh. While we applaud Brooklyn Organics for rolling out a sugar-free, Stevia-sweetened ginger ale, this tasted a bit artificial. In their defense, we only tried the cola flavor (because it seemed the most interesting), but something was just off. We’ll stick to the brand’s sister company, Bruce Cost, which puts out some of the best ginger ales and ginger beers on the market.



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BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

This post is brought to you in partnership with Stubb’s Bar-B-Que 

As we all know, bacon makes everything better. You know what, though? So does barbecue sauce!

These spicy grilled jalapeño poppers are stuffed with an addictive mix of Stubb’s Sticky Sweet Bar-B-Q Sauce, cheddar and cream cheese, and glazed bacon before being grilled until hot and bubbly.

Continue reading "BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Poppers" »



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What Is the Difference Between a Latte and a Cappuccino?

There are two types of people in this world: latte people and cappuccino people.

Ok, that’s actually not true at all, but it’s true that somehow the question of difference between a latte and a cappuccino has become a hot-button topic for coffee people of all types, from the hater to the dilettante to the professional. Why is it so hard to distinguish between these two drinks? A few different reasons leap to mind, including the fact that they have literally the exact same ingredients—espresso, steamed milk, and foam—and the truth that in most cafés, specialty or not, the baristas are wildly inconsistent with their preparation of both beverages, though not necessarily on purpose (or even knowingly).

Let’s get right to it: What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

Fundamentally, these drinks are defined by their texture, which is determined by the ratio of ingredients: A cappuccino has more foam by volume than a latte does. A latte tends to comprise mostly of gently steamed milk with a kiss of foam on top, just enough so that it’s mostly gone after a sip or two, though it informs the overall mouthfeel of the entire delightful drink. One really easy way to remember this is to translate the word latte from the Italian to the English: It simply means “milk.” (In fact, in lots of smart-alecky Italian bars, if you simply order a latte they will give you a glass of milk; a caffe latte is actually what you want, and will more often produce the correct results.)

The term cappuccino has disputed origins, but many repeat the legend that the drink is named for the Capuchin monks, an order of Catholic brothers who wore brown cowls and shaved their heads bald. If you look down on a properly poured cappuccino, it has a design on it called a “monk’s head,” a ring of brown espresso circling a thick white ball of foam—just like an aerial view of one of these monks, or so it goes. (Just think of a “cap” as a hat, or a topping, of foam—that should help you remember the difference.) Ideally, or traditionally speaking, a cappuccino is meant to be a perfect ratio of the components: 1/3 espresso coffee, 1/3 milk, 1/3 foam.

In many specialty-coffee shops today, however, baristas are trained to add the same amount of texture to their steamed milk by utilizing the same technique regardless of drink. Often the way they compensate for the identical milk is to simply make the drinks different sizes, with a cappuccino running smaller (say, six ounces) and a latte tending a little larger (say, eight, ten, or 12 ounces). The size difference alone changes the perception of texture when there’s any amount of foam involved, but often it’s not enough: If you like foam on your cappuccino (as you should!), you might want to request the barista make it a touch on the “dry” side, which means stretching the milk more to give it an airier, lighter, fluffier texture.

You might like one or the other, or you might like both. No matter how you like your espresso mixed with milk and foam, here are a few recipes and tips to bring you to a level of warm-caffeinated-drink nirvana.

Espress(o) Yourself

@altonbrown/ Instagram

Alton Brown is a coffee nerd from way back and he gets almost everything (except the milk, actually) right in this episode of Good Eats. Watch this for your espresso basics—but turn it off once he goes into the milk section.

Foam at Home

Sweetest Kitchen

It’s hard, but not impossible to make foamed milk (or “frothed” milk, which is a term that makes me vaguely uncomfortable) at home without an espresso machine. If you have a stove or a microwave, you can whip up some whipped milk in basically no time.

Get the French press foam recipe, or try the microwave method.

Turmeric Latte

Kitchen Sanctuary

Once you’ve gotten your milk just gently textured, you’re ready to rock and roll with some of the hottest drink trends. A little sprinkle of turmeric into your espresso or strong-brewed coffee will bring you close to the Instagram craze of a golden latte (or, fine, a golden cappuccino—whatever you prefer). PS: Replace the “instant coffee” in this recipe with the real stuff. You’re worth it. Get the recipe.

Mocha (Which, by the way, is just basically a chocolate latte)

Splash some chocolate syrup into your hot coffee, mix it with steamed milk, and voila, you’ve got yourself a caffe mocha, one of the most perfect drinks to grace the earth. If you’re feeling cappuccino-y, no worries: In Italy and in Australia, cappuccinos often come with a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top, which is basically an invitation to add chocolate however you see fit. (Also, try steaming chocolate milk and mixing it with hot coffee for a treat—you won’t be sorry.) Get the recipe.

Iced Latte

New York Times

Technically an “iced cappuccino” doesn’t really exist (who wants to scoop hot foam onto an iced drink?), but iced lattes are so easy and so delicious you won’t even care. Shaken all together, they can even have a fizzy texture that delights without the fuss! Get the recipe.

Flat White (The perfect marriage of a latte and a cappuccino!)

Ask three Australians or New Zealanders what a flat white is and you’ll probably get three different answers. Generally speaking, the drink appears to be a latte-textured beverage (that is, very little foam) served in traditional cappuccino-size proportions (that is, slightly smaller, say five or six ounces total). The name is cute and ordering it makes one feel well-traveled and savvy, so if you like milky coffee drinks and are easy(ish) to please, this little number might be just the ticket for you. Get the recipe.

— Head photo illustration by Chowhound, using: flickr/Pixabay.



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What to Order at Fast Food Restaurants if You’re Vegan

As a vegan, eating out in a restaurant can be an adventure. If the restaurant isn’t plant-based, you sometimes have to search extra hard to find something that’s equal parts cruelty-free and delicious. But when you do, it’s like you’ve struck gold.

Most American fast food joints and casual sit-down restaurants have something to eat for us herbivores. And that doesn’t just mean fruit salad. It may take a little sleuthing beforehand, but as vegan eating becomes a bigger trend, more eateries are catering to plant-based people.

Check out what  vegan dishes are served at some of the most popular American eateries below.

The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory

While The Cheesecake Factory boasts more than 250 items on its menu, there are not too many vegan options for plant-based folks to choose from. However, any of these are a safe bet to order.

  • Vegan cobb salad
  • Skinnylicious Asian chicken salad (no chicken)
  • Skinnylicious pear and endive salad (no chicken or cheese)
  • Thai lettuce wraps (no chicken)
  • Any pasta with marinara sauce or roasted tomato sauce

Full menu here.

Chipotle

One Green Planet

Chipotle is vegan heaven. You can order pretty much anything (excluding the meat, cheese, and sour cream, obviously) and you’ll be 100 percent satisfied eating alongside your omnivore friends.

  • Burrito or tacos with sofritas, brown rice, black beans, mild tomato salsa, guacamole, and lettuce
  • Salad (no dressing) with fajita vegetables, pinto beans, corn salsa, spicy salsa, extra lettuce, and guacamole
  • Chips and guacamole

Allergen menu here.

Seasons 52

The Fussy Fork

With an entire vegan menu of 12 options, there’s no way you’ll feel left out ordering at Seasons 52.

  • Roasted roma tomato flatbread
  • Blistered shisito peppers
  • Spinach and caramelized Bosc pear salad
  • Vegetarian tasting: wood-grilled kohlrabi steak, vegan paella, asparagus, fennel-roasted onion
  • Vegetables and pasta: sautéed with garlic and tomato-basil sauce

Full vegan menu here.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell

Of the more traditional fast food joints, Taco Bell ranks high for vegan-friendly eats. You’ll have plenty to choose from, including a tasty dessert.

  • Hashbrowns
  • Cinnamon twists
  • Fresco bean burrito
  • Crunchwrap with black beans (no beef, sour cream, or cheese)
  • 7-Layer burrito, fresco style
  • Veggie power burrito with guacamole (no cheese, sour cream, or avocado ranch sauce)
  • Tostada with guacamole (no cheese)
  • Taco Salad with beans (no beef, sour cream, or cheese)
  • Black beans & rice
  • Chips and guacamole or salsa

Allergen menu here.

Subway

Subway

There isn’t too much a vegan eater can get at Subway, unless you just want to fill up on bread and veggies (honestly, that doesn’t sound too bad).

  • Veggie delite sandwich
  • Veggie delite salad
  • Black bean soup

Download allergen menu here.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden

While Olive Garden’s menu isn’t the most vegan-friendly, you’ll be able to find an entrée here.

  • Bruschetta caprese (no cheese)
  • Breadsticks with marinara sauce
  • Minestrone soup
  • Spaghetti with vegan marinara sauce

Download allergen menu here.

Starbucks

As its food menu expands, Starbucks provides more and more for vegans. My favorite breakfast is the bagel with avocado spread and a banana on the side. Plus, most drinks can be made vegan by adding either almond or soy milk instead of dairy.

  • Hearty blueberry oatmeal with agave syrup, nuts, and fresh blueberries
  • Sprouted grain vegan bagel with avocado spread
  • Hearty veggie & brown rice salad bowl
  • Seasonal fruit blend

Full menu here.

Au Bon Pain

Au Bon Pain

Au Bon Pain is plant-friendly galore, particularly with its handful of fresh soup options.

  • Vegetarian chili
  • Barley and creamy lentil soup
  • Tuscan white bean soup
  • Curried rice and lentil soup
  • 12 veggie soup
  • French Moroccan tomato lentil soup

Full menu here.

Domino’s Pizza

For a pizza place that doesn’t specialize in vegan pies, Domino’s got the hookup. By offering a vegan crust, feel free to load up your pizza with as much original sauce and veggies as your heart desires.

  • Thin crust pizza with original pizza sauce and vegetables of your choice
  • Garden salad (no cheese) with balsamic or Italian dressing

Full menu here.

PF Chang’s

Quarry Girl

With four entrée dishes that can be easily made vegan, PF Chang’s makes sure to make its plant-based guests feel right at home.

  • Ma po tofu*
  • Buddha’s feast*
  • Stir-fried eggplant*
  • Coconut curry vegetables*

*Ask to be made vegan. Full vegetarian menu here.

California Pizza Kitchen

A Vegan In Progress

For vegan folks, California Pizza Kitchen has plenty. From apps to entrees, eating vegan at CPK will be no problem.

  • Tuscan hummus
  • White corn guacamole with chips
  • Asparagus and arugula salad (no Parmesan)
  • Shaved mushroom and spinach flatbread (no Parmesan)
  • Dakota smashed pea and barley soup
  • Grilled veggie sandwich (no cheese)
  • California veggie pizza
  • Roasted artichoke and spinach pizza
  • Asparagus and spinach spaghettini (no Parmesan)

Full menu here.

Denny’s

Denny’s

Opt for a number of skillets, oatmeal, or hash browns for a tasty, healthy breakfast.

  • Fit fare veggie skillet (no egg whites)
  • Sante Fe skillet (no eggs, chorizo, or cheese)
  • Supreme skillet (no eggs, sausage, or cheese)
  • Veggie burger with brioche or whole-wheat bun with grilled onions, avocado, barbecue sauce, jalapeños, and sautéed mushrooms
  • Oatmeal with water (no milk)
  • Hashbrowns
  • English muffin (regular, not gluten-free)

Full menu here.



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Chobani Smooth

Chobani® Smooth is a low-fat (1-1.5%) classic yogurt with 25% less sugar and twice the protein of other traditional yogurts.

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Mrs. Thinsters Cookie Thins

The summer selection blends thin sweet, crunchy cookies with tart key lime and fresh whipped cream by the way of premium white chocolate morsels

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Hain Celestial's Cultivate Ventures Makes Acquisition

Better Bean offers consumers "The First Innovation in Beans Since the Can!," prepared beans and bean-based dips sold in chilled deli tubs.

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Tastykake Birthday Kake Mini Donuts

Tastykake's all new Birthday Cake Mini Donuts are bite-sized treats for a summer sweet tooth.

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Tessemae's Expands Clean Label Portfolio

The organic Ketchup and organic BBQ sauce are vegan and contain zero added sugars – a differentiator in an otherwise saturated market.

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