Monday, January 14, 2019

How to Set Up a DIY Super Bowl Buffet

Super Bowl: Beer Cocktails for the Big Game Day

Super Bowl drinks beer cocktails

If you can’t bring yourself to drink another Keystone Light during the Super Bowl, fear not: Shaken, stirred, sometimes just poured—these beer cocktails are exactly the choice you need to make at halftime.

Of course, if you prefer to sip your craft beer straight, that’s also a fine option. In that case, check out which beer glass is best for each style (hint: Solo cups did not make the list). Whether you trust your fellow super fans with actual glass or not, be sure to complement these beertails with all the classic Big Game grub, from buffalo wings and pizza to chili and dip.

TOSSWARE 18-ounce Shatterproof Pint Glasses, 12 for $14.99 on Amazon

These unbreakable, BPA-free, and recyclable plastic beer glasses are the perfect option for parties.
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Hound Dog Hooch

Hound Dog Hooch beer cocktail recipe

Calgary Herald

Bring summer back with this refreshing pink lemonade–based cocktail that’s topped with the wheat beer of your choice. Gin, Cointreau, and pink lemonade are combined with a layering effect that looks beautiful in a pint glass. The National beer hall in Calgary serves the Hound Dog Hooch in a Mason jar, and you can easily scale up the recipe for a batch of boozy lemonade. Get the Hound Dog Hooch beer cocktail recipe.

Steamroller

Steamroller beer cocktail recipe

Chowhound

This San Francisco treat is made with a bottle of Anchor Steam beer that’s used to top off a shaken cocktail composed of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, rye whiskey, and Heering Cherry Liqueur. This cocktail is slightly sweet and complements the malty notes in the beer. If you don’t like the strong cherry flavor you can substitute another liqueur—even some peach schnapps will do. Get our Steamroller recipe.

Gridiron Punch

Gridiron Punch beer cocktail recipe

Chowhound

This easy 3-ingredient cocktail is made from pineapple juice, herbaceous Yellow Chartreuse work, and the malty amber ale of your choice. Refreshing, in more ways than one! Get our Gridiron Punch recipe.

Black Velvet

Black Velvet beer cocktail recipe

Chowhound

This cocktail is so simple you can hardly call it a cocktail. Snag a Guinness from your football buddies and pour it into a tall glass (or a champagne flute, if you’re feeling fancy); top it off with some Champagne and call it an afternoon. Get our Black Velvet recipe.

Coupe de Ville

beer cocktail with Grand Marnier and tequila

Chowhound

Fresh-squeezed orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and 12 ounces of Mexican beer (like Dos Equis, or if you must, Corona) blend easily into a big-batch cocktail that you can serve to the whole gang on game day.

French Monaco

French Monaco beer cocktail recipe

Saveur

A classic among French teenagers, the French Monaco is a delectable combo of lemonade, pomegranate syrup, and a pale lager (like Stella Artois) shaken together in a cocktail shaker with ice and strained into a tall glass. Get the French Monaco recipe.

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

raspberry beer cocktail recipe

Pretty Plain Janes

Fresh raspberries make this a really special drink, and it’s easy to whip up while watching the game. Combine fresh raspberries, Corona, pink lemonade, and vodka for a fantastic alternative to just another brew. Get the Raspberry Beer Cocktail recipe.

Spicy Beer Cocktail (Michelada)

spicy beer cocktail recipe (michelada recipe)

Isabel Eats

An excellent pairing with wings, this spicy beer cocktail contains lime, hot sauce, and several savory umami-boosters, including Clamato (don’t knock it til you try it—but don’t serve it to vegetarians either, ’cause it’s made from clam juice and tomatoes). A spicy salt-and-cayenne rim enhances the burn in the best way. Get the Spicy Beer Cocktail (Michelada) recipe.

Shandy Beer Cocktail

classic beer shandy cocktail recipe

How to Feed a Loon

The classic summer shandy is great during football season too. Fresh ginger and lemon juice punch it up, and a healthy dose of vodka doesn’t hurt. Get the Shandy Beer Cocktail recipe.

Lot 49 Applejack Beer Cocktail

Pumpkin ale forms the basis for this delicious drink. Mix together bourbon, applejack, vanilla pumpkin syrup, cinnamon, and three ounces of pumpkin beer for a perfect wintry brew. Get the Lot 49 Applejack Beer Cocktail recipe.

For more Super Bowl recipes and other advice and tips, check out our Super Bowl headquarters!

In honor of Super Bowl LIII, Chowhound is teaming up with CBS Sports, TV Guide, and CNET to dole out a touchdown-worthy prize package including an LG OLED 65-inch TV (courtesy of Daily Steals), a 6.5 Liter Chefman Air Fryer, and $125 in gift cards for CBS All Access! Enter to win before 3:30 p.m PT on February 3, 2019.

Related Video: Beer Cocktails

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 Make Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

This article is brought to you by Bai.

Every year on the first Sunday in February, Americans gather in front of their televisions to watch football and chow down on foods that are mostly deep-fried and pair well with ranch dressing. Which is a tradition that’s swell and all, but sometimes even the most steadfast rituals deserve to be shaken up, and these healthy Super Bowl snacks are still super delicious too.

This year, instead of serving the same-old gut-busting spread, why not put out an array of healthy-but-delicious foods that will supply the energy you need to cheer on the action through the final quarter? Not only will it create a positive tone, it will also set the stage for an extra festive gathering—you’ll want to put up plenty of decorations in your favorite team’s colors.

Crock-Pot NFL Cook & Carry Slow Cooker, $59.99 on Amazon

Cheer on your favorite team as you cook for the big game!
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We’ve come up with a menu that will help you eat like a real champion on Super Bowl Sunday. And while you’re putting together your superfood feast, don’t forget to stock up on some smart beverages as well, like Bai. With a range of antioxidant-infused, fresh fruit flavors that contain only five calories per serving and have no artificial sweeteners, Bai will help you score big in the health and happiness departments. Just make sure to set up a few coolers and fill them with ice: that way, the juice will stay cold and refreshing while also being easy to grab during the game.

1. Crock Pot Taco Soup

Your slow cooker isn’t just for rib-sticking stews. This Tex-Mex style crock pot soup with lean ground meat keeps it hearty while still packing in nutritious vegetables and beans. Get our Crock Pot Taco Soup recipe.


You don’t have to follow a gluten-free diet to enjoy this carb-less pizza crust made from cauliflower and goat cheese. It’s an absolutely delicious vehicle for any and all toppings that your heart desires. Get our Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe.
 

Hummus can be so much more than just a plain ‘ol chickpea dip. This recipe takes it into Tex-Mex territory with the addition of black beans, lime, jalapeño, and cilantro. Get our Spiced Black Bean Hummus recipe.

4. Toasted Almond Guacamole with Apricots

Guacamole might just be the one game day classic that gets a healthy pass. But you can make it even more worth the while by adding in nutrient-packed ingredients. Calcium-loaded almonds and fiber-rich apricots not only up the ante, but bring some crunch and sweetness too. Get our Toasted Almond Guacamole with Apricots recipe.

5. Red Pepper Hummus

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are full of energy-boosting protein. We like to add In red bell pepper too, not just because of its zesty taste and bright color, but also for its dose of vitamin C. Get our Red Pepper Hummus recipe.

6. Garlicky Kale and Spinach Dip

Ditch those gooey, gunky dips for one that is completely feel-good: this pesto-esque crudité topper contains not one, but two nourishing leafy greens. Get our Garlicky Kale and Spinach Dip recipe.

7. Sweet Potato Chips

You won’t feel guilty about eating chips by the handful when they’re made from nutritious ingredients and baked in the oven. These sweet potato chips are not only crispy and satisfying, but also have an addictive, candy-like flavor too. Get our Sweet Potato Chips recipe.

8. Pressure Cooker Black Bean Chili

Your chili can still be five-alarm without setting off any health alarms. This vegan version is based around a soulful mix of spiced black beans, tomato, and corn. Get our Pressure Cooker Black Bean Chili recipe.

9. Buffalo Cauliflower

Wings are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to foods that taste good slathered in buffalo sauce. These crispy cauliflower bites take brilliantly to the stuff as well. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. Get our Buffalo Cauliflower recipe.

10. Salmon and Asparagus Kebabs

Finally, some food on a stick that you can feel good about. Between the chunks of omega-3-rich salmon and the vitamin A-packing bits of asparagus, there’s something wholesome in each bite. Get our Salmon and Asparagus Kebabs recipe.

11. Chicken Sloppy Joes

By swapping out beef for lean chicken, you can make sloppy joes that feel lighter and not as over-the-top. They’re still plenty saucy and savory, though, just in case you were worried. Get our Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe.

12. Vegetable Fajitas

You might want to call these fajitas Tex-Fresh instead of Tex-Mex: they’ve got enough whole vegetables to make even the most committed herbivore happy. Get our Vegetarian Fajitas recipe.

Related Video: How to Make the Perfect Dip for Your Super Bowl Party

For more Super Bowl recipes and other advice and tips, check out our Super Bowl headquarters!

To commemorate Super Bowl LIII, Chowhound’s joining forces with CBS Sports, TV Guide, and CNET to give away a prize package that includes an LG OLED 65-inch TV (courtesy of Daily Steals), a 6.5 Liter Air Fryer, and $125 in gift cards for CBS All Access. Enter to win before 3:30 p.m PT on February 3, 2019!

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 Impress Your Friends with Insane Super Bowl Food Creations

edible football stadium

The commercials. The halftime show. The office betting pool. The copious amounts of beer and pizza. These all are quintessential parts of the Super Bowl.

Oh—and there’s supposedly a football game, too. Cool.

Arguably the biggest sporting and TV event of the year, Super Bowl traditions render this American ritual an official holiday on the calendar. If you’re not hosting a watch party, chances are you’re attending one, and the food and drink will be as central to the event as a strong satellite signal. In fact, the USDA says we eat more food on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year, excluding Thanksgiving. While there’s nothing wrong with making it easy by ordering a bunch of pizzas—after all, Americans ordered around the area of 12.5 million pizzas last Super Bowl—or bringing over chips and dip, you should aspire this year to make your Super Bowl food contributions the Instagram-worthy talk of the town.

Football Stadium Chip And Dip Sports Serving Set, $34.20 on Amazon

The most festive way to serve snacks for the big game!
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The key to get everyone ooh-ing and ahh-ing and snapping pictures is to either create an amazing visual display or devise the most calorie-laden bomb in the world. That being said, it’s not just about making the world’s most loaded nacho tray or going super avant-garde with a mega sushi boat. Your contribution still needs to be football-themed, whether it’s dyeing everything team colors or fashioning foods into stadiums, helmets, or footballs.

Where to start, though? Unsurprisingly, the internet is chock full of photos of football-themed buffets, so much so that you could easily get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices or get discouraged because you’re just not that artistic. Or have that much free time. Luckily for you, I’ve pulled together a curated sample of the best creations out there to get your imagination going, and provided some time-saving alternative recipes to inspire you to make this the Best. Super Bowl. Party. Ever. Just remember to take a picture before everyone digs in.

Inspiration #1: The Snack Stadium

Football Snack Stadium

football snack stadium

Game Day Style

A mega snack stadium is like the Lombardi Trophy of football food creations, and there are a lot of them out there. This one’s a winner for the sheer height without the need for cardboard retaining walls. It’s especially functional as you can slowly dismantle the stadium wall’s french bread outer layer to eat the guacamole, black bean, and spinach dip inside. Extra points for the ingenious use of cheese for the stadium lights—isn’t the Super Bowl an evening game, after all? If you don’t have the time, money, or energy to build such a behemoth, create a stadium with walls and fans made of anything dippable—bread, baby carrots, whatever—and build it only one layer high. Now you’ve got your local suburban stadium, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Sandwich Stadium

edible football stadium

Instagram

Prefer to make your stadium a meal instead of a snack? It’s hard to tell how tall this monster is, but it impressively has more than just chips and dip: Hoagie retaining wall, mini pizzas in the stands, pigs in a blanket, and more. Pity the poor guest who would show up with salsa and a bag of chips to this party.

Jello Shot Stadium

Jello shot football stadium

Kegworks

This may be easier to put together than a food snack stadium, but I hope whoever designed this one has a lot of people at their party or it could get dangerous. Then again, a host could get creative and put non-alcoholic Jell-O in there…or pudding…or cupcakes… hmm, the ideas are endless. Get the recipe.

Edible Football Stadium

easy edible football stadium for Super Bowl

A Cozy Kitchen

Does the thought of even attempting one of the above stadiums make you break out in a cold sweat? Then this football stadium is perfect for you, along with the rest of us who have jobs and lives and budgets. With easy assembly materials you can be assured that after your modest party of ten people leave, all of the food will be gone, too. Get the recipe.

Inspiration #2: The Giant Cheese Ball

Pepperoni Pizza Football Cheese Ball

pepperoni football cheeseball

Mom on Timeout

Nothing says “I hate my arteries” quite like a football-sized ball of cheese. And there are a lot of jumbo cheese balls out there. Cheese is so malleable, when put together the right way it’s easy to mold into a football shape. This one takes the delicious ridiculousness a step further and encrusts the entire thing in pepperoni. And that’s after the cheese is mixed with bacon. It’s like a triple-cheese pepperoni pizza without the crust. If you’ve got guests fighting over whether to get a pepperoni or cheese pizza, this will satisfy them both. The best news? It’s easy to make. Get the recipe.

Chocolate Chip Football Cheese Ball

chocolate chip football dessert cheese ball

Mom Endeavors

Have enough savory foods? Go for the dessert cheese ball. Instead of tangy cheese, this one is based in sweeter cream cheese. And since for some reason the cheese can’t be appreciated on its own, this one is also encrusted in a topping: chocolate chips. Nilla wafers serve as utensils. Get the recipe.

Inspiration #3: Anything Else Shaped Like a Football-Related Thing

Handheld Football Seven Layer Dip

seven layer football dip

Cupcake Project

Truthfully, anything football-shaped will win you at least a pat on the back from your guests for creativity. The recipe for this compact football-shaped dip says you should cut into it with a fork and knife, but go for gluttony gold and just chow down on it like a sandwich. Between the seven layers of crunchy cornmeal, the black beans, refried beans, and more, this will impress your guests and put them into a food coma all in one fell swoop. Their diet can re-start tomorrow. Get the recipe.

Chocolate-Covered Football Strawberries

chocolate covered strawberry footballs

Plain Chicken

If you’re going for a more elegant football theme than just plain gluttony, chocolate-dipped strawberries are a winner. It’s super convenient that the strawberries are already sort of football shaped, so all you need to do is dip and decorate. Get the recipe.

Football Stadium Cookies

football sugar cookies for Super Bowl dessert

Bake at 350

If you’re been making a lot of football-shaped things and are tired of staring at oblong foods, or just want an easier shape, these stadium cookies are for you. Use store-bought shortbread cookies or make your own. You could even go crazy and make a giant cookie with every yard line drawn out. Sprinkles, icing, and square corners: It’s a recipe for success. Get the recipe.

Salted Beer Soft Pretzel Footballs

salted beer soft pretzel footballs

Hungry Happenings

Beer? Pretzels? Beer pretzels? Winner. Amazingly, these nifty looking football-shaped pretzels are only made with four ingredients, and you don’t even have to make the dough from scratch. They’ll take you a bit of time, but it’s a fun hand-held themed food that will impress your guests. Get the recipe.

Watermelon Football Helmet

watermelon football helmet fruit salad

Watermelon.org

Okay, fine, I’ll put something healthy in here, though it’s an anathema to Super Bowl traditions. Fill with whatever fruit you like. You’ll need strong carving skills, but the result will be centerpiece worthy. Luckily this recipe has a how-to video to help you along. And hey, at least it’s not shaped like a football. Get the recipe.

Related Video: How to Make the Perfect Dip for Your Super Bowl Party

To commemorate Super Bowl LIII, Chowhound’s joining forces with CBS Sports, TV Guide, and CNET to give away a prize package that includes an LG OLED 65-inch TV (courtesy of Daily Steals), a 6.5 Liter Air Fryer, and $125 in gift cards for CBS All Access. Enter to win before 3:30 p.m PT on February 3, 2019!

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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The History of Buffalo Wings

Super Sunday is fast approaching, which means football playoff parties are in full effect. If there’s one dish that has become a signature football meal, it’s Buffalo wings. So, in honor of America’s favorite football food, I thought I would recount the history of Buffalo wings.

A lot of different foods have controversial origin stories. One person will claim they invented it, while another establishment will say they made it first. When it comes to Buffalo wings, the controversy is a little bit different. Many accounts suggest Anchor Bar was the birthplace of the Buffalo wing, but exactly how Anchor Bar came to make what’s become a nearly ubiquitous appetizer is a little more mysterious.

According to Anchor Bar, the official story is that on March 4, 1964, former owner Teressa Bellissimo whipped up the original batch. Late that night, friends of Teressa’s son, Dominic, a bartender at the restaurant, came to see him. Because they were so hungry, he asked his mom to make a late night snack for his friends. She went to the kitchen where she deep fried some chicken wings and mixed them in a special, spicy sauce. They were an instant hit with Dominic’s pals, and over the course of the next 55 years came to be the Super Bowl staple they now are.

Meal Prep Spices Hot Wing Seasoning, $12.99 on Amazon

Try making your own wings this football season!
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Okay, so where’s the controversy? Well, apparently, there have been rivaling accounts to come out of the Bellissimo family over the years. One tale suggests that Frank, Teressa’s husband, and co-owner of the bar, asked his wife to make something special for his predominantly Catholic crowd to enjoy once the clock struck 12 a.m. Many of the patrons were abstaining from meat, and he wanted to show his appreciation for their patronage. She went to the kitchen, and came out with Buffalo wings. Still another account offered by the Bellissimo crew throughout the years suggests that Anchor Bar received a surplus shipment of wings that week, so Frank asked his wife to make something with the extras.

What’s the full, real story? Who knows. Unfortunately, no one is still around to set the record straight. But one thing seems pretty clear: Teressa Bellissimo made the first Buffalo wing on March 4, 1964. Now, at this point it’s important to specify what constitutes a Buffalo wing. A traditional wing is made with parts of a full chicken wing. First, the drumette, flat, and pointer are separated from each other. Then, the drumette and flat are deep fried. Next, they are tossed in a sauce made of butter, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. Finally, they are served with celery and blue cheese.

This distinction is important because there’s another origin tale floating around that suggests the Bellissimos didn’t actually invent Buffalo wings at all—John Young did. According to a story that ran in The Buffalo News, Young laid claim to inventing the Buffalo wing prior to the Bellissimos. The thing is, his wings don’t resemble what we now know of as Buffalo wings. While he deep fried his wings, they were whole, dipped in batter, and sauced with a tomato-based, tangy Mambo sauce (with no butter). What’s more, they weren’t accompanied with blue cheese or celery. As a result, I think it’s clear that John Young certainly helped make wings popular as a consumable, sought after part of the chicken. Before you scoff, this was actually no small feat. Prior to the 1960s, wings were either discarded or used for stock since they have far less meat than breasts, thighs, and legs. He also likely paved the way for the plethora of sauces that we now put on drumettes and flats, from BBQ to teriyaki. But he didn’t invent the Buffalo wing. That honor goes to the Bellissimos.

Related Video: Buffalo Chicken Kolaches 

Since that night in 1964, Buffalo wings have been on a wild ride. Through the 1970s, folks would mostly encounter the dish in the western part of the Empire State. Later, in the ‘80s, transplants brought the wing down to Florida and opened Hooters. Then, something big happened for Buffalo, and its wings. The Buffalo Bills made four straight Super Bowls. During that amazing run (I know they didn’t win; it’s still amazing), Buffalo wings got some serious publicity, with camera shots of the hometown favorite making their way to the rest of America. This started the great wing proliferation. It’s what’s allowed the Buffalo wing to seemingly be on every corner, and become America’s preferred Super Bowl food.

This year, when you sit down to watch the Big Game with a plate full of wings, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing where they came from. And if you find yourself at a Super Bowl party, you’ll have some interesting repartee to add to the occasion. Finally, if you’ve ever thought of making a batch yourself, here’s an Easy Buffalo Wings recipe to try. They’re broiled instead of fried, so they got that going for ‘em. Which is nice.

To commemorate Super Bowl LIII, Chowhound’s joining forces with CBS Sports, TV Guide, and CNET to give away a prize package that includes an LG OLED 65-inch TV (courtesy of Daily Steals), a 6.5 Liter Air Fryer, and $125 in gift cards for CBS All Access. Enter to win before 3:30 p.m PT on February 3, 2019!

How to Impress Your Friends with Insane Super Bowl Food Creations
11 Super Bowl Wings for Your Appetizer Spread
What is the Difference Between Hot Wings and Buffalo Wings?

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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The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services to Try in 2019

best meal kits reviewed (Blue Apron, Sun Basket, Hello Fresh, Green Chef)

After cooking 12 meals from four of the most popular meal kit delivery services over a two week period, I’m well on my way of reaching my New Year’s resolution to cook more often. I know some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions (including mine) revolve around food. Whether you want to cook healthier, cook more often, and/or lose weight, the solution to all these resolutions is the same—meal kit delivery services. I’m sharing all of my learnings from this crazy experiment with you so you can figure out which kit is best for you and your family.

Overall, I think Sun Basket is the best kit to get you out of your food rut, while Blue Apron is best for gourmet chefs. I’m deeming Hello Fresh the most crowd-pleasing option, and Green Chef best for those following a specific diet plan. Keep reading for details on each kit—from the unboxing process to sitting down to eat that first bite. While I don’t think any one kit is right for everyone, after testing all of these meal kits I am confident that there is a kit that’s right for you.

Sun Basket: Best Kit to Get You Out of a Food Rut

Overall

I loved the variety of unique recipes offered from Sun Basket. I learned new recipes I probably otherwise wouldn’t have cooked, and while these were unfamiliar to me, they were still easy to make due to the detailed cooking instructions.

Sun Basket meal kit review

Kristin Cassidy

Unboxing

Upon opening the large box, each meal was separated into an individual paper bag containing all of the grouped ingredients per recipe. This is how three of the four meal kits packaged their ingredients, so this seems to be the norm. While it kept everything organized, it did seem a bit wasteful, environmentally speaking. Also standard, all meat/seafood was on top of ice packs at the bottom of the box to ensure freshness.

Favorite Meal I Cooked

While I don’t think the Tempeh “Bacon” Bowls with Sage-Roasted Vegetables tasted like bacon, it was still my favorite Sun Basket meal. I had eaten tempeh before but never cooked with it, so making this recipe felt like a fun experiment that broadened my cooking horizons. This meal is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and while I don’t personally subscribe to any one of these specific diet plans, I appreciated how healthy this recipe felt. I also loved that this dish felt filling, and I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. As far as recipe details go, pickling the onions felt fancy and fun, and really added a huge flavor boost. The tart dried cranberries balanced out the smokiness of the tempeh “bacon” marinade.

Sun Basket recipe review

Kristin Cassidy

Other Meals I Cooked

I was immediately taken back to my fall vacation in Morocco by making this Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Artichokes, Tomato-Poached Eggs, and Couscous. It was probably the most exotic meal of the 12 I cooked, and really took me out of my comfort zone (in a good way). To me, this is one of the greatest benefits of doing a meal kit—discovering and trying something new. Poaching the eggs was a fun process, and it added a richness to the dish that paired well with the brightness of the tomato sauce and earthiness of the lamb. One note—this recipe calls for butter but the kit did not include it; instead, it refers to the butter as an item to include “from your pantry.” I noticed when some of the other meal kits had recipes that called for butter, they included it. Most people probably have butter on hand, so I don’t think it’s a huge deal, just a difference I noticed and thought worth mentioning.

The Shrimp Stir-Fry with Cambodian Tuk Trey Sauce and Jasmine Rice was easy to make and a cheaper version of a standard takeout dish I’d order. While it wasn’t super memorable compared to the other two recipes, there was nothing wrong with it.

Details

Price/Subscription Sizes: $11.99 per serving for a two-person or four-person subscription at 3 meals/week; $10.99 per serving for a four-person “family-friendly” subscription at 2-4 meals/week

Meal choices per week: 18 with a two to four-person subscription and six with a four-person “family-friendly” subscription

Special diet plans available: Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian options, Vegan, Pescatarian, and Diabetes-Friendly

Is it organic? Yes

Blue Apron: Best Kit for Gourmet Chefs

Overall

I found the recipes in Blue Apron were most likely to be something I’d order in a restaurant. All of the recipes were still very approachable and easy for beginners to make, but I found these dishes tasted a little more elevated than some of the other meal kits I tried.

Blue Apron review

Kristin Cassidy

Unboxing

Of the four meal kits I tested, Blue Apron was the only one that didn’t group together ingredients by recipe in individual paper bags within the large box. Instead, all ingredients were packaged loosely in the box. This makes Blue Apron the greenest option in my opinion, as it used the least amount of packaging compared to the other kits I tried. It was still very easy to group ingredients together by recipe, as the recipe cards included pictures of which ingredients went with which each one. Like all of the other meal kits, any meat/seafood was on top of ice packs at the bottom of the box to ensure freshness.

Favorite Meal I Cooked

Out of all of the delicious meals I cooked throughout this test, my overall favorite was the Seared Cod & Saffron Rice with Lemon-Butter Pan Sauce. The night I cooked this meal I found myself with house guests and a fridge full of meal kit meals, so I ended up making this one for the group—and everyone loved it. The prep time and step-by-step instructions were accurate, the ingredients were very fresh, and the recipe was overall very flavorful. I ended up adding all of the optional red pepper flakes because I like things spicy, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer things on the milder side (or if you’re trying to appeal to a child’s tamer palate). I really enjoyed the addition of kale to the rice, and found the “weeknight hero spice blend” to complement the fish perfectly.

Blue Apron review

Kristin Cassidy

Other Meals I Cooked

I was impressed with the quality of the steak in the Steaks & Brown Butter Sauce With Mashed Potatoes & Fried Rosemary and felt the cooking instructions for the meat was spot-on. However, I ended up roasting the carrots for approximately five minutes longer than the called-for 16-18 minutes, but I do like my vegetables on the crispier side and chalk this one up to personal preference. For the fried rosemary section of the recipe, when I added the herbs to the hot oil as instructed, the rosemary immediately burned. In the future, I would tweak these instructions to heat the oil on low heat instead of medium-high heat. I also thought the potatoes were slightly dry, but did appreciate that they didn’t call for cream or butter.

The Kale & Monterey Jack Quesadillas with Spicy Radish Salsa & Fried Eggs is definitely a dish I’d find myself ordering at brunch. This recipe was super easy and quick to make, and I think it’d be a good one to have (eager) kids help with. The bite of the radishes paired nicely with the kick of the guajillo chile pepper sauce and the creamy queso blanco cheese. I wanted seconds of this one!

Details

Price/Subscription Sizes: $9.99 per serving for a two-person subscription at 2-3 meals/week (same price per meal at both 2 and 3 meals per week); $8.99-$7.49 per serving for a four-person subscription at 2-4 meals/week respectively.

Meal choices per week: Eight with a two-person subscription and five with a four-person subscription

Special diet plans available: Vegetarian options and Weight Watchers (Freestyle)

Is it organic? Some ingredients are organic, but overall Blue Apron is not an organic meal kit delivery service option

Hello Fresh: Best Kit To Please A Crowd

Overall

While I personally wasn’t as inspired with the recipes in Hello Fresh, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good fit for you. In fact, of all the meal kits I tried, I think Hello Fresh was the most crowd-pleasing of them all. The basic, simple recipes seemed particularly family-friendly when compared to other (more exotic) recipes I tried by different companies.

Hello Fresh review

Kristin Cassidy

Unboxing

This meal kit was packaged like most of the others (upon opening the large box, each meal was separated into an individual paper bag containing all of the grouped ingredients per recipe and all meat/seafood was on top of ice packs at the bottom of the box to ensure freshness). As an added perk, they included a Hello Fresh apron that I found to be a fun bonus.

Favorite Meal I Cooked

The Figgy Balsamic Pork with Roasted Green Beans and Rosemary Potatoes was another meal I fed to my house guests (they happened to be visiting as I was having all of these meal kits delivered and I’m not one to be wasteful!), and it was another hit. Although I’m not typically a meat and potatoes kind of person, I actually loved this nostalgic meal with a twist. The figgy balsamic pan sauce was quite flavorful and the addition of rosemary to the roasted potatoes made them feel a little more upgraded than the potatoes I grew up with. The green beans were a crisp, fresh addition and rounded out the meal nicely. One recipe note—similar to the Lamb Tagine in Sun Basket, this recipe called for butter and did not include it, but rather asks you to provide it.

Hello Fresh recipe review

Kristin Cassidy

Other Meals I Cooked

At 1120 calories per serving, the Aioli-Topped Crab Cakes with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and a Cranberry Walnut Salad are definitely a calorie bomb. But crab cakes tend to be a crowd-pleaser, and these were no exception. The light, lemony salad balanced out the creamy crab cakes which were (understandably) quite rich, and the accompanying sweet potatoes were simple and healthy.

The recipe for Vietnamese Chicken Bowls with Sriracha Mayo and Jasmine Rice was another one that seemed like an at-home version of something I’d normally pick up from take-out on the way home. So if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to cook more, then this is a great option for you—the recipe uses fresh ingredients, has accurate cooking instructions, was easy to put together, and makes large portions. My favorite part was the garlicky pan sauce drizzled over the chicken. I found the Sriracha mayo to be less exciting.

Details

Price/Subscription Sizes: $9.99-$8.99 per serving for a two-person subscription at 2-4 meals/week respectively; $7.87-$7.49 per serving for a four-person subscription at 2-3 meals/week respectively.

Meal choices per week: 15 with a two-person subscription and six with a four-person subscription

Special diet plans available: Vegetarian options

Is it organic? Hello Fresh is not an organic meal kit delivery service option

Green Chef: Best Kit For Someone Following A Specific Diet Plan

Overall

I like Green Chef (owned by Hello Fresh) for its versatility in the different specific diet plans available. I tried the Paleo plan, but they also offer Keto, Pescatarian, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options. So no matter which diet you’re following (for health or personal reasons), you’ll be able to find a plan that works for you.

Unboxing

The unboxing process was like most of the other meal kits—each recipe was separated into individual paper bags within the overarching box and all meat/seafood was on top of ice packs at the bottom of the box to ensure freshness. The package did include two free VitaCup coffee pods, which felt a little wasteful because I’m not a K-cup person and therefore had no use for them.

Favorite Meal I Cooked

If boyfriends could vote for their favorite recipe of the 12 I cooked, I’m told this Maple Balsamic BBQ Meatloaf with Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, and Cranberries would be it. While I do personally tend to cook a lot of Paleo/Pescatarian meals, I’ve never actually cooked meatloaf before. This is another good example of how meal kits can help you expand your typical repertoire of the 5-ish recipes you probably continually cook over and over again. The portion of tangy barbecue sauce was generous and helped keep the meatloaf moist and tender, and I was pleased to see such a large portion of bright and fresh vegetables included (even though it only came with one carrot instead of the stated two carrots on the recipe card). This ended up being a recipe I will try to recreate.

Green Chef review

Kristin Cassidy

Other Meals I Cooked

The Chicken Al Pastor Wraps with Bell Pepper, Pickled Onions, Cabbage, and Carrot Slaw was a light meal—at 390 calories per serving, this was one of the lower calorie meals I tested. However, I still found this recipe satisfying. I loved the bright sweetness of the pineapple and the pickled onions—both gave great flavor to a pretty standard dish. The romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh, and the chicken seemed to be of good quality.

The Sausages with Braised Apple and Pan-Seared Acorn Fritters wasn’t a particularly standout dish, but I did think the squash fritters were a nice touch. They were kind of like savory Paleo pancakes.

Details

Price/Subscription Sizes: $12.99-$11.99 per serving for a two-person subscription at 3 meals/week; $10.99 per serving for a four-person subscription at 2 meals/week.

Meal choices per week: Three to five (depending on diet plan) with a two-person subscription and two with a four-person subscription

Special diet plans available: Paleo, Keto, Pescatarian, Vegan, Vegetarian options, and Gluten-Free

Is it organic? Yes

Want to conduct your own experiments? Check out even more healthy meal kit delivery options, or see healthy ingredient swaps and substitutions for those times you’re cooking from scratch!

Related Video: Too Salty? Too Spicy? These Quick and Easy Fixes Will Save Over-Seasoned Dishes

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10 Unique Chili Recipes for the Super Bowl

While January brings winter’s perpetual gloom, it also brings two essential American traditions: the Super Bowl and chili. American Football is so American that only American teams play in the world championships and an American team, obviously, always wins. Originally from Texas in the late 1900s, chili is so American that Americans constantly duke it out to claim their region’s version as “the best” ever.  The combination brings us an adrenaline, beer, bean, and melted cheese-fueled extravaganza that the whole family can enjoy – especially when the halftime show is good (read: Beyonce). I even have friends who never watch sports, but will fight their managers or call out sick to make sure they can enjoy the Super Bowl and all its food-filled glory.

The best part about chili or chili con carne is that it comes in all shapes and sizes—even sin carne (without meat). Essentially, it is just a spicy stew made of meat, fat, chili peppers, and salt. So, even the tomatoes and beans are optional and you can always make substitutions if you’re going all keto this year. This is what makes it such a great dish. Between my recent battles with acid reflux, my sister’s gluten intolerance, as well as the increasing number of people who are paleo, vegan, vegetarian or can’t do dairy, we are entering a world where making American classics requires flexibility. So, if you are living in this brave new world with me, I have decided to put together a list of mouth-watering chilis that keep your taste buds salivating regardless of your diet.

Paleo Chili

Bakerita

Can you keep a secret? This bean-free, non-dairy, and Whole 30 approved recipe is how you honor your New Year’s resolution to get summer abs while indulging in bacon and Italian sausage. This recipe is so good, people have won chili contests. So, you can deny yourself while feeling free to treat yourself. Get the recipe.

Lamb Chili

The Food in my Beard

This decadent chili calls for three types of lamb. It gets smokiness form lamb bacon, heart rich flavor from lamb leg and texture from ground lamb. Dried chilis provide ample heat while creamy white beans and sour cream help cool things down. Get the recipe.

Crock Pot Paleo Sweet Potato Chipotle Chili

Cotter Crunch

Given my general holiday weight gain, one good paleo recipe deserves another. Sweet potatoes and chipotle flavor this hearty, juicy, sweet meat chili. The best part of the recipe is that it is basically only five steps before you garnish and it is done in a Crock Pot. You can cook the perfect meal while making sure the rest of your life is perfect. Get the recipe.

Killer Vegan Chili

Eat Healthy Eat Happy

This vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free recipe had me at avocado instead of vegan cheese, but it didn’t stop there. When I was vegan, I struggled to find satisfying proteins. While veganism is not for me, adding nuts and nut butter to dishes always made my tummy happy and hit tastebud home runs. This recipe cracks this same code by adding walnuts, quinoa, and black beans to get that full range of protein and healthy fat. Get the recipe.

Now that we have been good, why should all the healthy people have all the fun? Let’s move on to some exotic chilis.

Peruvian Chicken Chili with Peanuts

Chicken Satay is a major thing, so this chicken and peanut chili is as well.  Paired with allspice and jalapeño with milk and Parmesan to cut the heat, this chili will take your mouth around the world and back. Get our Peruvian Chicken Chili with Peanuts recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Gourmet

All white bean chilis are significant, but this comfort food combo is a brilliant ode to Super Bowl Sunday. It brings together buffalo sauce for spice and ranch dressing to cut the heat in a chicken broth with sweet corn and white beans. Did I mention the suggested blue cheese topping? Clearly, adding blue cheese is never really a suggestion. So, let’s just refer to that as mandatory. Get the recipe.

Pork Chili Verde

Favorite Family Recipes

The addition of white beans dares to blur the lines between chilis, but a single look at the spicy green stew and you know this is a toasty green chili. Tender pork is cooked with cumin, chicken stock, cilantro, and oregano to a dish that begs for some sour cream and/or tart cheese. My vote is with Manchego or Parmesan as the cheese. Get the recipe.

Chili Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Belly Full

Together, two distinct foods can be terrible, but here they are downright indulgent. Winter is a dark time, so you need your comfort food. Just think, ground beef, garlic, macaroni, and cheddar cheese. Taking the first bite will require a moment of silence or a moment for moaning. To heighten flavor, replace the store marinara with a homemade marinara and, for the love of good cheese, buy some fresh English or Irish cheddar instead of something grated and processed. Trust me. Get the recipe.

Beer and Steam Chili

Sugar Spun Run

Steak is a denser, juicier cut of meat than most people have experienced in chili. This jalapeño and Anaheim peppered chili is coupled with dark notes of cocoa, molasses, and—of course—a nice thick beer. Opt for a milk stout or nut brown ale, but feel free to trust your taste buds. Get the recipe.

Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans

Mom on TImeout

Tired of traditional chili flavors? Break out! After a thorough review, the recipe is still a stew of meat, fat, chili, and salt, so I welcome it to the fold.  The addition of bacon and kielbasa is genius because…bacon and kielbasa. Then, the stewed molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard will make your mouth recall that last great summer BBQ. This chili is basically “winter therapy,” so sign me up. Get the recipe.

To commemorate Super Bowl LIII, Chowhound is teaming up with CBS Sports, TV Guide, and CNET to dole out a prize package including an LG OLED 65-inch TV (courtesy of Daily Steals), a 6.5 Liter Air Fryer, and $125 in gift cards for CBS All Access. Enter to win before 3:30 p.m PT on February 3, 2019!

Related Video: How to Make the Perfect Dip for Your Super Bowl Party



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