What Is the Difference Between Seltzer and Club Soda?

As more and more of us are kicking our soda habits, we turn to seltzer and club soda to get our fizzy fix. (Yes, LaCroix addicts, we see you!) Both beverages are bubbly classics that add some well-needed texture to any drink and taste refreshing in their own right. While the two might seem completely interchangeable, there are actually some notable differences between them. (Though they’re barely perceptible, so we can’t really blame you for not noticing.)

We’ll start with club soda. The drink consists of carbonated water that contains the addition of mineral-like ingredients to enhance the flavor. If you read the label carefully, you’ll probably notice the inclusion of items like potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate. Seltzer, on the other hand, completely lacks these additives. As a result, club soda sometimes has sodium which isn’t found in other carbonated beverages.

But do the extra minerals found in club soda have any impact on the flavor? The answer really depends on how sensitive your tastebuds are. Most people can’t detect a difference, though a selective few say otherwise. However, the fizzy liquids can essentially work in lieu of one another in most mixed drinks. Tonic water, however, is in a whole different category. It has a distinct, bitter taste, as it contains quinine and can’t be interchanged with other carbonated beverages. It also goes without saying that nothing else goes better with gin.

Now that we’ve established the similarities and difference among these mixers, try using them in the cocktail (and mocktail) recipes below.

Green Apple Sparkler

Green apple syrup and sparkling water combine for a sweet, yet tart taste that is beyond refreshing. Kids will especially prefer it to boring, old apple juice. Get our Green Apple Sparkler recipe.

Pink Gin Fizz

If you’re looking to go beyond gin and tonics this summer, try out this cocktail, which utilizes club soda and grenadine instead. It’s a more colorful and less bitter drink perfect for these warm weather days. Get our Pink Gin Fizz recipe.

Kiwi Soda

Fresh kiwi and lime juice lend a tropical flair to any sparkling water you choose to add them to. Get our Kiwi Soda recipe.

Mutticano Cocktail

This playful take on the Americano cocktail contains a refreshing mix of vodka, Campari, orange juice, and club soda. Get our Mutticano Cocktail recipe.

Homemade Strawberry Soda

Add some fizz to your strawberries this summer with this fun, all-ages drink. Get our Homemade Strawberry Soda recipe.

Guinness Cream Soda

Here’s a boozy version of cream soda that utilizes club soda, vanilla liqueur, and the froth of a Guinness stout for a drink that’s unforgettable. And no, it’s not too heavy for summer. Get our Guinness Cream Soda recipe.

Gin and Tonic 

This classic cocktail is a summertime staple and obviously it’s the best way to use up any leftover tonic water you’ve got sitting in your fridge. I mean, is there any other use for it? Get our Gin and Tonic recipe.

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Light and Airy Mousse Recipes to Serve During Summer

Pretty, Simple, Sweet

Summer is when our body goals magically align with our dessert preferences: light as a feather. And no other dessert is lighter and fluffier than a deliciously whipped mousse. Whether it’s traditional chocolate or a refreshing summer berry, mousses come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. It’s the perfect companion to ripe fruit or the perfect warm weather treat to eat straight from the bowl glass.

We’ve rounded up 11 recipes that will have you seriously reconsidering your relationship with pies, cakes, ice cream, and cookies. Scroll down and check them out.

Basic Chocolate Mousse

Don’t let the “basic” in this recipe’s title turn you off from the idea that simple, velvety chocolate mousse is one of the best parts of summer. Use it as a pool dip for strawberries or just inhale it straight from the bowl. We approve either way. Get our Basic Chocolate Mousse recipe.

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Cooking Classy

The only way to effectively counter lemon’s citrusy bite is to add cream cheese and sugar. Why? We don’t ask questions…it’s science. Get the recipe.

Whipped Lavender Berry Mousse

Kitchen Love Stories

This vegan mousse is a bit more work, but worth it for that beautiful shade of purple alone. Luckily, it’s also silky, fluffy, and bursting with berry flavor. Get the recipe.

Triple-Layer Pomegranate Mousse

Tayana’s Everyday Food

If you’re searching for texture in all forms (well, three), this pretty-in-pink indulgence has got you covered. Get the recipe.

Passion Fruit Mousse

Mutt and Chops

This classic Brazilian passion fruit mousse is dangerously easy to make, with a sunny sweet-sour flavor and brilliant summer color. Get the recipe.

S’Mores Mousse

Cooking Classy

Who knew your favorite summertime treat tasted even better on a spoon? Now if only we could only figure out how to start a campfire. Get the recipe.

Mint Oreo Mousse

Spend with Pennies

Nothing is more refreshing than the taste of mint and no store-bought cookie is more delicious than an Oreo. Put them together and you’ve a dessert that’s refreshingly delicious. Get the recipe.

Salted Caramel Mousse

Baking Ginger

The only salty thing that rivals the beach is salted caramel: an appropriate flavor for any season. Plus, it beats that disgusting caramel apple dip they still sell in your grocery store’s produce aisle. Get the recipe.

Raspberry and White Chocolate Mousse

Jane’s Patisserie

Raspberry and white chocolate go together like my hand and a Corona. In fact, they’re pretty much a match made in summer heaven. Get the recipe.

Marshmallow Strawberry Mousse

Pretty, Simple, Sweet

It’s no surprise that strawberry is summer’s most celebrated berry. To throw it a real party, make this berry heavy and berry, berry good treat. Get the recipe.

Coconut Mousse

Vessy’s Day

Nothing screams vacation like the smells and tastes of coconut. Put that coconut in creamy, whipped dessert form to send you, mentally at least, to the Caribbean. Get the recipe.

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You’re Going to Fall in Love with Kushari, the National Dish of Egypt

Unless you’re Egyptian (or frequent Egyptian or Middle Eastern restaurants), you probably haven’t heard of kushari (sometimes spelled koshary or koshari). But, expect to see this unique menu item—which happens to be the national dish of Egypt—finding its way into the spotlight more and more. That’s thanks, in part, to an increasing number of restaurants serving up this simple yet deliciously exotic delicacy in big cities across the country. We asked Mohamed Momen, chef and owner of New York City’s Kusharista—a fast casual spot that’s poised to become the Chipotle of kushari—to break down his country’s signature dish.

First, a quick history lesson

You’ve got to know the story behind kushari to really understand how a mish-mash dish became popular enough to represent an entire culture and nation. Traditional kushari is comprised of rice, al dente macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, and tomato sauce, then topped with fried onions and a garlic vinegar sauce. Perhaps unsurprising once you see the ingredient list, three different countries each contributed a piece of the culinary puzzle: India is behind the rice, lentils, and chickpeas; Italians working in the restaurants of Egypt added pasta and tomato sauce; and Egyptians themselves topped it all off with those crispy onions and a bright, vinegary sauce to tie it all together. “It’s three different cultures altogether in one meal,” says Momen.

Kushari was originally sold as street food before becoming the crown jewel of brick and mortar shops all over Egypt—in fact, the late Anthony Bourdain, always a champion of quirky culinary gems, once shot an episode in Egypt where he enjoyed kushari from one of the most famous restaurants in Cairo.

Now, on to the flavors

The ingredient roster is random, but somehow they all work together. Authentic kushari starts with a base of rice and lentils, then gets a scoop of plain ol’ macaroni, a spoonful of savory chickpeas, a dousing of cumin-spiced tomato sauce, a heavy sprinkling of crispy fried onion strings, and a drizzle of garlicky vinegar sauce (sometimes accented with a hint of lemon). Extra tomato sauce, vinegar, onions, and chili sauce are sometimes served on the side. “The spices are very basic—just cumin, salt and pepper, and lemon—so it’s not overpowering or overwhelming,” says Momen.

It’s a healthy meal…like, really healthy

Traditional kushari is high in protein, fiber, good carbs, and is vegan. Perhaps that’s why the hardworking Egyptian folks ate it almost every day for lunch. “It’s inexpensive and a high source of nutrients, so it would give them energy to continue working all day,” says Momen.

Today, American restaurateurs like Momen are putting their own spin on the dish (while preserving its authenticity with the theme of the ingredients) to make it even healthier. You can find the traditional dish on the menu of pretty much any Egyptian restaurant. But at places like Kusharista, who’s sole focus is kushari, your bowl is completely customizable, right on the spot—choose from whole grain rice and pasta options, then pile on extra toppings of veggies, nuts, and even meat or fish for when you really need to fuel up. Say “hello” to your new favorite grain bowl you didn’t know you needed!

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Quick and Healthy Summer Recipes You Can Make with Your Kids

Summer is the season of activity. Whether it’s a cross-country vacation, hiking a local trail, or day trip to the beach, there is no slowing down while the sun is out. As a result, we tend to prioritize convenience over healthy eating choices, leading to gas station treats and overly-processed snacks that—while delicious in taste—are chock-full of preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, and other no-no ingredients.

As an alternative, we’ve found four fail-proof, easy, and healthy recipes that will not only give you a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but are also fun to make. These tasty bites also mirror some of our childhood favorites (Sour Patch Kids, Cheez-Its, and popsicles), which makes nostalgia that much more delicious.

We teamed up with Lynn Smith, host of HLN’s Weekend Express, to share the dishes and create them in studio. Check out the clip below, as well as a list of all of the recipes.

It's ♫ summer, summer, summertime. ♫ And so you can sit back and unwind, check out these easy and healthy snacks the kids can make on their own! Chowhound's Joey Skladany has you covered.Recipes: https://ift.tt/2Irh2Bc

Posted by Weekend Express on Saturday, June 23, 2018

Sour Frozen Grapes
– Green grapes
– Sugar-free Jell-O powders
– Toothpicks
– 1 cup water
– 1 tbsp. lemon juice
Preparation:
1. Pour the Jell-O powders into separate mini bowls.
2. Poke the ends of grapes with a toothpick.
3. Dip the grape into water/lemon mixture.
4. Roll the grape in a mix.
5. Set on a parchment-lined tray.
6. You can either refrigerate or freeze. Remove the toothpicks prior to serving and set them in a bowl.

Parfait Popsicles
– 2 cups Greek yogurt
– Variety of fruit
– 2 tbsp. honey
– Granola
– Popsicle mold
Preparation:
1. Puree the fruit in a food processor to create a chunky mixture.
2. Take about two cups of Greek yogurt (sweetened with two tablespoons of honey) and fold the fruit mix into the yogurt gently (so it will create a pretty swirl effect). You can also just toss everything into a blender to make it easier.
3. Add pieces of granola for a crunch.
4. Fill the popsicle molds with Greek yogurt mixture.
5. Pop the tops on the molds and insert popsicle sticks.
6. Freeze the popsicles overnight. Enjoy!

Baked Cheesy Crackers
– 1.5 cups extra sharp cheddar
– 4 tbsp. butter
– 3/4 cup flour
– 1/2 tsp. kosher or sea salt
– 1/2 tsp. nutritional yeast
Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor until it creates a dough.
2. Separate into two patties, wrap in plastic, and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Place one of the patties between parchment paper and roll the dough until thin (about 1/8 inch thick).
4. Use a knife to cut the dough into one-inch squares. You can use a bamboo stick or toothpick to punch holes in the centers for a Cheez-It effect.
5. Sprinkle the crackers with remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. You can also add other spices (like garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, etc.) but nutritional yeast is best for a healthy and super cheesy kick!
6. Repeat with second patty and return dough to fridge to chill. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Transfer the cut crackers to a parchment-lined baking sheet (keeping about 1/2 inch distance between crackers).
8. Bake at 15 minutes until the crackers are golden. You can add an extra minute or two if you want the crackers crispier.

Lynn’s Power Bites
– 2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup peanut or almond butter
– 2/3 cup honey
– 1 cup ground flax seed
– 1 tsp. vanilla extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips or raisins
Preparation:
1. Stir all ingredients together until combined.
2. Roll into balls about the size of a golf ball.
3. Pop them into the fridge for 30 minutes.

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Beat the Summer Heat with These No-Bake Cookie Recipes

Notey

Summer has officially arrived and temperatures are climbing. If the thought of turning on an oven and exposing yourself to more heat sounds simply unbearable, we’ve gathered nine no-bake cookie recipes to prevent you from sweating over your sweets. Because let’s face it, dealing with the sun is already a struggle and ain’t nobody got time for feeling uncomfortable in your own kitchen.

1. No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies

Chowhound

An obvious way to beat the summer heat is sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two cookies, which is exactly what you’re supposed to be doing with these chocolate and oatmeal delights. Just be sure to scarf them down before they melt! Get our No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies recipe.

2. Almond Joy Cookies

Skinny Ms.

Get the taste of your favorite candy bar in no-bake cookie form! Get the recipe.

3. Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies

Spend with Pennies

You’ll never complain about the boringness of corn flakes again with this peanut butter-heavy concoction. Choosy moms choose these. Get the recipe.

4. Healthy Unicorn Cookies

Notey

Our obsession with unicorns is unhealthy, but these cookies aren’t. Satisfy your sugar craving with the wonders of coconut flour and cashew butter. Get the recipe.

5. Fudgy Mint Chocolate Cookies

The Recipe Rebel

They’re no Thin Mints, but they certainly do the trick during the Girl Scouts’ off season. Plus, that mint green frosting looks heavenly. Get the recipe.

6. Hot Cocoa Cookies

Oh Sweet Basil

Who said you can’t enjoy the comforts of cocoa on a warm summer day? Go marshmallow crazy with this cozy drink in summer cookie form. Get the recipe.

7. Samoa Cookies

The Domestic Rebel

Honestly, anything that imitates a Girl Scout cookie is going to taste delicious (see above with the fudgy mint). We’re just busy doing the math so that we can make these guys in bulk. Get the recipe.

8. Irish Cream Cookies

Sugar and Soul

We’ll take any excuse to add booze to our binges. These soft and gooey concoctions are a texture snob’s dream. Get the recipe.

9. Chow Mein Cookies

Wanna Come With

Chinese food takes on a whole new meaning with these crunchy chow mein noodle cookies. If we eat an entire dozen, do we get a fortune cookie as a reward? Get the recipe.

10. Almond Butter Strawberry Thumbprints

Real Simple

We love a good thumbprint cookie and these look delicious enough to grab by the handful. Strawberry is an obvious summer favorite, but feel free to substitute with a jam of your liking. Get the recipe.

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Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken

One of summer’s pleasures is to cook outside on the grill. All the mess stays out of the kitchen, along with the heat.

The beauty of a dish like these grilled chicken thighs with salsa verde is that you have dinner on the table in 20 to 30 minutes, with almost zero prep time. 

Continue reading "Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken" »

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