Thursday, December 13, 2018

The Top 10 Friday Food Finds of 2018

Hundreds of products have been tested (we’re still not over that offensive salmon jerky from a few weeks ago), pounds to the waistline have been added, and we’re now well equipped to *officially* announce our Top 10 Friday Food Finds of 2018! From desserts and salty snacks to drinks and maple syrup, our list has something for everyone. These are the best of the best from the Taylor Strecker Show, earning unanimous approval during our biweekly taste-testing segments. Scroll down to check out what grocery items made the cut, including links to purchase them yourselves. Cheers to a happy 2019! May it be full of equally delicious eats and definitely not salmon jerky (again, still not over it).

Blue Bunny Mini Swirls (Mint Cookie Crunch)

Original Review: This may go down as one of our favorite frozen treats in taste-test history. At only 150 calories, the mini Drumstick-esque cones are delightfully complex and multi-layered, boasting rich ice cream, cookie crunchies, a chocolate shell, chocolate cone, and decadent fudge center. It was actually difficult to discuss them because we were so busy consuming them. Good on you, Blue Bunny. Good. On. You.

Whisps Cheese Crisps (Various Flavors)

Original Review: ALERT, ALERT. There is now a brand dedicated entirely to cheese crisps. We repeat: CHEESE CRISPS. These are not only low in carbs and high in protein, but effing delicious. Seriously. How can one mess up baked cheese intended to be eaten as crackers? The tomato basil flavor will remind you of pizza Combos (but in the best way possible), and we can’t wait to sample what else they have in store. Bring on the Lactaid, please.

Undercover Quinoa Crispy Quinoa Snack (Dark Chocolate) 

Original Review: Stop what you’re doing, discard that half-eaten apple, and run to your nearest grocery store. NOW! This is one of the best things we’ve sampled on the show. The crunch, the chocolate, the quinoa: It’s simply perfect. We’re actually kicking ourselves for not thinking of this snack idea sooner, because chocolate-covered superfoods are far more superior than puffed rice or corn flakes. Calling it early: Undercover Quinoa will make our list of the top 10 products from 2018.

Chuao Chocolate Bar (Potato Chip)

Original Review: Holy crap. As soon as the segment ended, this was the only thing we continued to eat and finish. There is nothing better than a good sweet and salty combo and these are worth the temporary break in diet. Chuao, a Venezuelan chocolatier, prides itself on developing innovative flavor profiles, so we can’t wait to get our hands on something else.

Moon Cheese (Various Flavors)

Original Review: You don’t have to be Neil Armstrong to enjoy these carb-free snacks. Taylor was bold enough to say that Moon Cheese was her all-time favorite product I’ve ever brought on the show. Quite the statement! While I’d have to agree that these are delicious, I’m a bigger fan of their Sriracha variety. And why? Salt. What can I say? I’m a sucker for whatever increases my blood pressure.

Eat My Shortbread

Original Review: This was our favorite from the bunch today, but it’s pretty difficult to eff up a treat that’s predominantly butter and sugar. That being said, these are particularly moist and flavorful, and we love the clever name and packaging. I highly encourage readers to support small businesses like this one. Products are more innovative, of higher quality, and made with a not-so-secret ingredient: love.

Red Rock Deli (Red Curry Coconut)

Original Review: It’s no surprise that these have been dubbed as “Australia’s favorite potato chips.” In fact, we’re thinking they may stand a chance stateside due to their unique flavor offerings. This red curry coconut variety was almost like biting into a bowl of tom yum soup, which is always a good thing. No complaints here, other than wanting an even stronger flavor dusting, like one you’d find on a Dorito or Pringle.

Once Again Amoré Hazelnut Spread

Original Review: Watch your back, Nutella. There’s a chocolate hazelnut spread in Whole Foods town and it’s coming after your non-organic, basic self. While Once Again’s AmorĂ© iteration may be runnier than its competitor, it has a brownie batter-esque consistency that makes it simply irresistible. My favorite way to eat this is directly out of the jar, in bed, with zero shame. Just let me live.

Runamok Maple Syrup (Jasmine Tea Infused)

Original Review: Your waffles and pancakes will be getting a major upgrade with this jasmine tea-infused organic maple syrup. Everything was on point, from the subtle floral flavor to the slightly runny consistency, and we were literally spooning it from the bottle (which looks like a bottle of whiskey). Pro tip: Use this in place of honey for your tea. You’re welcome.

Ocean Spray Pink Cranberry Juice

Original Review: I had the luxury of traveling to Massachusetts to check out one of Ocean Spray’s cranberry bogs and this new juice is legit. If you’re a fan of cranberry‘s flavor profile, but not a fan of its tartness, this special pink batch strikes a happy medium. Taylor and Rob raved about it, as well as the company’s decision to donate a part of their proceeds to breast cancer research. Vodka cranberries for a cause? I’ll drink to that.



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A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Cheesecake

Christmas Candy Recipes with 6 Ingredients or Less

3-ingredient easy christmas candy

The weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday are filled with plenty of parties and get-togethers, so what are you going to bring the host? These six-ingredient-or-less candy recipes are the answer—an easy and homemade gift. Plus, many of these candies keep for a few weeks; simply double the batch and store in the fridge for the next occasion to come around. Classic candies like peppermint, peanut brittle, and fudge come together with only a few ingredients and only take a little bit of time and love to make. Check out the recipes for easy Christmas candy, from quintessential Peppermint Patties to festive Christmas Chocolate Truffles.

Hand-Carved Wood Bark Bowl, $19.99 at World Market

These rustic-yet-modern wooden bowls are an eye-catching contemporary update to the traditional candy dish, and perfect for displaying your treats in style.
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Homemade Peppermint Patties

homemade peppermint patties (chocolate mint candy)

Oh Nuts Blog

Mint is so classically Christmas—it’s fresh and bright flavor cuts through the decadence of quality dark chocolate. If you’re looking to really punch up the holiday flair, add some red or green food coloring to the minty center. Get the Homemade Peppermint Patties recipe.

Christmas Caramels

homemade caramels

Simply Whisked

Forget the cookies! These easy homemade caramels are exactly what Santa is looking for. Wrap these treats in waxed paper for easy storing and gifting. Get the Christmas Caramels recipe.

Homemade Holiday Lollipops

homemade Christmas holiday lollipops

Just a Taste

Looking for a last-minute treat to fill up the stockings? These simple lollipops are made with just three ingredients: water, sugar, and a few sprinkles! The only specialty item you’re going to need is the lollipop stick, found at most craft stores. Get the Homemade Holiday Lollipops recipe.

Peanut Brittle

sea salt peanut brittle

Layers of Happiness

Peanut brittle may be old school, but it sure is delicious! This retro candy tastes even better when it comes out of your own kitchen—break off pieces and store in pretty gift tins for an easy present. Get the Peanut Brittle recipe.

Chocolate Caramel Marshmallows

chocolate caramel marshmallows

Domestically Blissful

Candy doesn’t have to be complicated. These marshmallow treats are made from three store-bought ingredients, and you can even get creative with the extra sprinkles. Go with sea salt for a grown-up twist, or stick with everyone’s favorite: chocolate sprinkles. Get the Chocolate Caramel Marshmallows recipe.

Candy Cane Meringues Kisses

vegan candy cane meringue kisses

Wallflower Kitchen

Meringues are so sweet and satisfying, but they do take a little skill and a candy thermometer. These cloud-like candies are made from whipped meringue, ribboned with peppermint, and hardened in a warm oven until ready for packaging. Get the Candy Cane Meringues Kisses recipe.

Homemade Christmas Gumdrops

homemade Christmas gum drops

Mom on Time Out

When’s the last time you had a gumdrop? Skip the store-bought and set out a bowl of homemade gummy treats. These candies get their texture from no-sugar-added applesauce and a little color from packaged Jell-O! Get the Homemade Christmas Gumdrops recipe.

2-Ingredient Christmas Fudge

easy Christmas fudge (frosting fudge)

Belly Full

Get creative with color combinations with this classic fudge recipe. These sugary treats use frosting and white chocolate melting candies to make the basic batter. Divide into three bowls, dye with food coloring, and layer as you wish! Get the 2-Ingredient Christmas Fudge recipe.

Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Trees

peanut butter cup christmas trees

One Little Project

These adorable treats have exactly zero baking or cooking time—ideal for getting the kids involved! Simply stack pre-made candies with sturdy royal icing to decorate these mini Christmas trees. Get the Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Trees recipe.

3-Ingredient Christmas Candies

3-ingredient easy christmas candy

Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This candy recipe could not be easier. Two mini candy canes touch to form a heart and are filled with delicious white chocolate! Garnish with festive sprinkles to jazz up the presentation. Get the 3-Ingredient Christmas Candies recipe.

Peppermint Oreo Truffles

peppermint Oreo truffles

Handle the Heat

Oreo cookies are crushed and mixed with cream cheese to make the most delicious truffle filling ever. Simply dip the chilled balls into melted chocolate and garnish with crushed candy canes for a super simple treat. Get the Peppermint Oreo Truffles recipe.

Christmas Chocolate Truffles

easy Christmas chocolate truffles

Lord Byron’s Kitchen

These truffles require a little bit of cooking, but the decadent centers make it all worth it. Set the truffles into mini muffin liners and into small gift boxes for a thoughtful present idea. Get the Christmas Chocolate Truffles recipe.

For more holiday hacks, tips, tricks, and recipes, check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas and Holiday Entertaining Headquarters.

Related video: How to Make 2-Ingredient Holiday Desserts

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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Edible Holiday Gifts That Are Vegan-Friendly

11 Sparkling Wine Cocktails for the Holidays

sparkling holiday Champagne cocktail recipes

Sparkling wine is synonymous with celebration, so it’s no surprise that sparkling cocktails can pull your holiday event together with a simple pour, stir, and twist. Whether you’re hosting a spirited brunch or an evening affair, feel free to play around with different types of sparkling wine, but keep your grand cru Champagnes in the chiller. This is a time to showcase your inexpensive bottles.

Cristal D'Arques Lady Diamond Glass Goblets, 6 for $54.99 at Target

These gorgeous goblets are a nice alternative to familiar flutes, and they're made from Diamax material that's dishwasher-safe.
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French 75

French 75 Champagne cocktail recipe

Chowhound

The French 75 is a classic Champagne cocktail: traditional, elegant, and best suited for a cocktail party. Get our French 75 recipe.

Persimmon Champagne Cocktail

Persimmon Champagne Cocktail recipe

Eat Well 101

Sweet persimmons make this a lovely, complex little cocktail that’s super simple to make. Just be sure your Hachiya persimmons are really soft and ripe. Get the Persimmon Champagne Cocktail recipe.

Cherry Sugar Fizz

Cherry Sugar Fizz (cherry Champagne cocktail recipe)

Chowhound

The bobbing cherries make this sweet cocktail feel extra playful. It would definitely be a crowd-pleaser at a party, but there’s no reason you couldn’t make some with a few friends for an evening in. Get our Cherry Sugar Fizz recipe.

Sparkling Rosemary Pomegranate Mimosas

Rosemary Pomegranate Mimosa recipe

Joyful Healthy Eats

Pomegranates are one of the best reasons to look forward to winter. The floral and herbaceous notes in this drink are wonderful on a chilly winter’s eve, and it’s a cinch to create. Get the Sparkling Rosemary Pomegranate Mimosas recipe.

Yellow Bicycle

Yello Bicycle champagne cocktail with elderflower liqueur and yellow Chartreuse

Chowhound

Be careful! Even though this drink feels light, it’s a potent blend. It addition to Prosecco, it contains both elderflower liqueur and yellow Chartreuse, and it’s sure to liven up any party. Get our Yellow Bicycle Cocktail recipe.

Prosecco Negroni (Negroni Sbagliato)

Prosecco Negroni (Negroni Sbagliato)

Chowhound

The Italian word sbagliato translates to “mistaken.” Legend has it this drink was invented when a bartender accidentally grabbed a bottle of Spumante, instead of gin, while mixing a Negroni. It was a happy accident, and these cheery drinks are perfect before a meal. Get our Prosecco Negroni (Negroni Sbagliato) recipe.

Pear & Thyme Fizz

Pear and Thyme Fizz Champagne cocktail recipe

Camille Styles

The thyme gives this bubbly concoction a savory kick. This is an easy yet impressive cocktail that you can mix up for guests in a matter of minutes. Get the Pear & Thyme Fizz recipe.

Hibiscus & Ginger Champagne Cocktail

Hibiscus & Ginger Champagne Cocktail recipe

Spoon Fork Bacon

The dried hibiscus flower makes these cocktails as beautiful as they are delicious—they could double as decoration at a holiday party. Get the Hibiscus & Ginger Champagne Cocktail recipe.

Holiday Sparkler

Brown Sugar Spiced Champagne Cocktail recipe

Chowhound

Brown sugar and baking spices make this a warming winter cocktail; brandy doesn’t hurt, either. It’s a perfect pick-me-up for when the next snowstorm hits. Get our Holiday Sparkler Cocktail recipe.

Poinsettia Punch

Cranberry Orange Champagne Punch recipe

Chowhound

Cranberry and orange are a natural combination. This beauty is easy to make in large batches, it’s citrusy, and it reeks of holiday cheer. Get our Poinsettia Punch recipe.

Champagne and Sorbet Float

Champagne sorbet floats with lavender

Chowhound

Winter got you down? Indulge in a little escapism with this fanciful sorbet-and-lavender cocktail. Get our Champagne and Sorbet Float recipe.

Related Video: How to Open a Champagne Bottle

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Classic Mignonette

Classic MignonetteGet Recipe!


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How To Make Holiday Cookies With A Spritz Cookie Press

Yes, I’m Jewish and grew up celebrating Hanukkah. But my family also has a few beloved Christmas traditions too, like roasting chestnuts and watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (There were even a couple years when my mom gave us the okay to hang stockings.) And yet, nothing beats my favorite holiday activity—making spritz cookies, those delicate, sugar-dusted, whimsically-shaped buttery biscuits.

I remember the day my mother found the spritz gun; she was digging around in the pantry and finally emerged with an ancient—okay, more like vintage—box in her hands. It had never been used and was still wrapped in kitschy, ‘60s-era packaging. I had no clue what it was, but she seemed unusually excited about it. “It’s a cookie press,” she told me.

Completely Delicious

We flipped through the accompanying recipe book together, whipped up a light buttery batter, loaded it into the press and practiced making flowers, hearts and Christmas trees until we got them just right. (It’s almost like making shapes with a Play-Doh machine and takes some practice.) I think the best part was decorating them with pastel sprinkles and green sanding sugar. Okay, that’s a lie—the best part is eating them once they’ve cooled from the oven.

You know those big blue tins of Danish butter cookies? Spritz cookies are like those, but better, because they’re not sitting in a tin can for months on end. If you’re looking to do some easy baking but want to turn out the kind of aesthetically pleasing cookies that will make you look like a pro on Instagram, these are for you. Here’s how to get started with a spritz cookie press.

A Kitchen Magpie

Equipment

Since it’s the kind of gadget you’ll use over and over again, be sure to find a cookie press that’s easy-to-use and won’t fall apart. While vintage-design cookie presses can still be found online, there are several modern options sold by Oxo and Valuetools that work well and are reasonably priced.

When you’re ready to start using your spritz, press the cookie directly onto an ungreased metal baking sheet that’s no warmer than room temperature (or you can even chill it in the refrigerator). Also, know that mixing is key for this type of cookie. It’s best to use either a stand mixer or electric mixer for these recipes.

OXO Good Grips Cookie Press with Stainless Steel Disks, $29.95 on Amazon

Make charming and uniform cookies at home with this spritz cookie press!
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Ingredients

As tempted as you may be to try your favorite cookie recipe in a press, don’t — especially if it’s a refrigerated dough. Instead, stick to making a cookie recipe designed specifically for use in a cookie press.

Preparation

Make sure your press is clean, since leftover dough can easily get stuck in the nooks and crannies. If you’re using a new press, gently wash it out with warm water and let it dry completely.

When you’re ready to use your cookie press, simply place a design disc on one end, fill the canister with dough, seal the other end, place the tip down against the baking sheet and either press the button or twist (depending on your press’s mechanics) to get the dough to come out through the disc-end. It may take some practice to get it right but pretty soon, you’ll be making uniform cookies like a master.

Storage

Like most cookies, these will keep for several days in a sealed container placed in a cool, dry spot. To help them last longer, either refrigerate or freeze them.

Recipes

Classic Spritz Cookies

A Kitchen Addiction

With just seven ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and a great place to start if you’ve never tried using a cookie press before. If you’re worried they’ll be boring, remember that you can bedazzle them with any combination of sprinkles, food coloring, and decorating sugar. Get the Classic Spritz Cookies recipe yourself.

Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Chowhound

While this particular recipe was adapted to be made with a pastry bag and star tip, you can still use it in your cookie press. Cream cheese adds an addictive richness to the dough, and is the perfect accompaniment to the raspberry jam in each cookie’s center. Get our Cream Cheese Pinwheels recipe yourself.

Cookie Press Gingersnap Cookies

A Kitchen Magpie

Basically, Christmas in cookie form. Made with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar and molasses, these tend to brown up quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid burnt edges. Get the Cookie Press Gingersnap Cookies recipe yourself.

Lemon Spritz Cookies

Completely DeliciousWhile they’re often associated with Christmas, spritz cookies can be made any time of year. This recipe, made with lemon zest, lemon extract, and topped with a lemony glaze, could also work at a summer picnic. Get the Lemon Spritz Cookies recipe yourself.

Peanut Butter Spritz Cookie Recipe

Ellie and Addie

Looking for a lighter version of the beloved peanut butter kiss cookie? This recipe calls for similar ingredients — peanut butter, brown sugar and chocolate — but, once baked, offers a more tender, delicate crumb than the original. Get the Peanut Butter Spritz Cookie Recipe yourself.

Mama Knows Gluten Free

Got a cookie-lover in your life who can’t eat gluten or dairy? Try making this version, which uses shortening, gluten-free flour, and gluten-free baking powder for a batter that’s soft and light. If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can replace it with vanilla instead. Get the Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe yourself.

The Kitchen Prep Blog

If sprinkles aren’t your thing, try dipping your cookies in melted chocolate, instead. This recipe also calls for using yogurt to get a softer texture once the cookie is baked, and the flavor is brightened with the addition of orange zest. Get the Chocolate-Orange Yogurt Spritz Cookies yourself.

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

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