Recipe Mutiny: 06/18/19

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

11 Snazzy Star-Shaped Products for your Fourth of July Party

What’s the 4th of July without a little sparkle? Put yourself in the Independence Day spirit by loading your party with as many star-shaped elements as possible—it’s like adding decorative fireworks, but without any actual fire or the potential of a hospital visit. From super-fun decor ideas to ingenious ways to serve up the food in your spread (the Fourth is really about the food, right?), we promise that each of these picks will have you, um, seeing stars. (Sorry, had to.)

Webake Silicone Ice Cube Trays, 3 for $9.99 on Amazon

Amazon

When you’re not using these silicone molds to make slow-melting ice cubes for cocktails or a sparkling punch, they’re also genius for molding Jell-O, soaps, even DIY crayons—just melt unwrapped crayons in the mold, which is safe in the microwave, freezer, and oven.Buy Now

Twinkle Star 100 LED 49 FT Star String Lights, $16.99 on Amazon

Amazon

If you’re not game to fight the crowds at a fireworks display, you can light up the night and add some serious sparkle to your backyard party with star-shaped twinkle lights. They’re made for indoor and outdoor use, which means you can drape them over trees, doorways, or windows—and unlike fireworks, they won’t fizzle out in a few seconds.Buy Now

Poolmaster 36-Inch Patriotic American Stars Tube, $22.99 at Swim Outlet

Swim Outlet

Nothing says “U-S-A! U-S-A!” more than spending the Fourth at a lake or a pool. Take along these star-shaped floaties, which come in a pack of three so you can share with your whole crew. Plus they’re totally on hue.Buy Now

BigMouth Inc. Inflatable Patriotic Star Pool Cupholder Floats, 3 for $7.81 on Amazon

Amazon

While you’re at it, get some miniature star-shaped floats to keep your drinks cool (and upright) in the pool. (Our favorite spiked seltzers and low-carb beers for summer would be just the thing to keep you hydrated.)Buy Now

Ginger Ray Star Shaped Disposable Plates, $5.99 at Target

Target

Maybe you’re more of a rose gold person than the traditional red, white, and blue. These star-shaped plates, which come in a set of 8, set a more sophisticated tone for a chic backyard BBQ.Buy Now

Sun Squad™ Plastic Star Chip and Dip Serving Platter with Lid, $7 at Target

Target

The best part of the Fourth of July weekend? The snacks, obvs. Serve up veggies and dip or chips and salsa in this totally on-theme platter. The dip cup even comes with a lid so it won’t spill everywhere on the car ride over to the party. Genius.Buy Now

Star Melamine Dip Bowls, 3 for $9.56 at Sur La Table

Sur la Table

These adorable star-shaped bowls are the perfect size for nuts, candies, and guac. Plus, they’re made of melamine, so you can use them at the pool or the park, then pop them in the dishwasher when it’s all over.Buy Now

RWB Star Shaped Shutter Shading Glasses, 12 for $7.95 at Walmart

Walmart

These. Glasses. If there’s a cooler way to show off your patriotism on July 4th, we’re not aware of it. And they come in a pack of 12, so your entire party will be decked out for your Instagram snaps or the neighborhood parade.Buy Now

Stars & Stripes Pasta, 2 packs for $5.80 at World Market

World Market

Take your pasta salad game to the next level with this star-shaped pasta. (There are also flags and bells in the mix.) Trust us, whatever recipe you use—even if it’s mac and cheese—the end result will just taste better with this patriotic note.Buy Now

Wilton Star Grippy Plastic Cookie Cutter, $.97 at Walmart

Walmart

Sure, you could use it to make star-shaped confections, but this cookie cutter isn’t just for cookies: use it to shape sandwiches, Jell-O, fondant, and cakes at your Independence Day party. Best of all, you can take it out again during the holidays.Buy Now

Silicone Star Cupcake Liners, $5.65 on Amazon

Amazon

How cute, right? Use these dozen individual liners to make celebratory cupcakes or muffins. We love the idea of blueberry or raspberry muffins if you want to stay in palette.Buy Now

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These Outdoor Entertaining Hacks Will Help You Keep Your Cool This Summer

Drop Everything and Get Peeling: This Garlic Peeling Hack is Sweeping the Internet

If you’ve ever cooked with garlic (and really, who hasn’t?) you know that the task of peeling it can be tedious and annoying. Not only is it time-consuming, but it also leaves your fingers sticky and smelling of garlic after peeling away layer after layer to finally get to the garlic clove in the center. Because of this, garlic lovers have tried out various time-saving hacks, including shaking the garlic between two metal bowls, but the most recent garlic-peeling hack is going viral on Twitter, in part thanks to celebrity and Jill-of-all-trades, Chrissy Teigen.

Yesterday the mode, social media star and cookbook author exclaimed “WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT” in reaction a video about a garlic-peeling hack she discovered on Twitter causing to viral, natural, all over the internet.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT https://t.co/tLEl5BtQr3

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) June 17, 2019

The video in question was posted by Twitter user @VPestilenZ, and shows her gently stabbing each individual garlic clove and easily pulling the whole clove out of the skin. The video makes the whole process look incredibly simple and seemingly leaves your hands clean and free of garlic stench.

As someone who makes a lot of Korean food, this is the best method for getting garlic peeled!
pic.twitter.com/14GGJDQhRj

— 𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖆 ✣ 𝖑𝖔𝖗𝖉 (@VPestilenZ) June 17, 2019

Related Reading: 13 Easy Appetizers That Are Heavy on the Garlic

So what’s the catch? Does this method of peeling garlic really work as flawlessly as the video makes it appear to? And if it does, then why are we only now hearing about this hack?

Everyone on the internet has been wondering the same thing, leading many of them to test this out for themselves, and the results have varied.

“I am skipping work today to peel garlic,” said this guy.

— Introverted Social Butterfly 🦋 (@PNW_Rebel) June 17, 2019

Quite a few people who have tested out the method say the video is deceiving that this hack doesn’t work. Instead of the cloves popping out easily, they break and crumble after being speared with the knife, or as seen in the video below, they don’t get separated from the skin at all.

that garlic peeling video is a straight up lie pic.twitter.com/wJHgRbgBi3

— julien (@juliensolomita) June 17, 2019

Vented Ceramic Garlic Storage Keeper, $14 on Amazon

A perfectly designed home for your precious bulbs.

Buy Now

Others who have tested it have been semi-successful, saying that this method does work but that it definitely isn’t as easy as the video makes it look. Those who have been able to successfully perform this garlic-peeling hack suggest using a paring knife.

It worked for me! This person is obviously more proficient, but in principle it worked; the garlic just popped out when I stabbed and twisted it. I feel so betrayed for not being taught this before. (Knife on left worked best.) pic.twitter.com/imoKUcLjag

— Patrick Alba (@patrickthealba) June 17, 2019

So what do you think? Are you a skeptic? Have you tried it out yourself? If so, leave us a comment down below to let us know how it turned out! And Chrissy, if you’re reading this, know that I’m patiently waiting for you to video-test this hack!

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Butterscotch Cookies

Love butterscotch? Then put these cookies on your list! These crispy, crunchy butterscotch cookies made with brown sugar and browned butter, perfect for dunking in milk or coffee.

Continue reading "Butterscotch Cookies" »

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10 Stylish Coolers Way Nicer Than the Ones You Grew Up With

Growing up, when my parents brought out the cooler it meant that a fun adventure was about to begin. Usually, this involved a long car ride to my Grandma’s house, made bearable thanks to my Mom’s tea sandwiches and the Wham album that she’d blast from the tape deck. Our cooler of choice: a compact “Little Playmate” by Igloo. In the 1980s, the two-toned white and turquoise cooler seemed like the epitome of style. However, it wasn’t long before the jaunty writing wore off and the white plastic faded to a gross yellow color. Functional, yes. Stylish? Not so much.

In recent years, coolers have received a major glow up. From retro-inspired hard-sided coolers to chic insulated bags, you can now go to your next outdoor gathering in style. Here are a few coolers that will have you looking and feeling cool all summer.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia 77 Quart Centennial Rolling Cooler, $139.00 at Target

Target

Ditch your go-to aged Coleman cooler or Rubbermaid bin full of ice for this chic retro-inspired rolling cooler by Hearth and Hand with Magnolia. Perfect for your next backyard shindig, the plastic lid and liner keep your beverages cool, making serving drinks to your guests a total breeze. Plus, with two compartments, you can easily keep adult and kids’ beverages separate.Buy Now

Titan Deep Freeze Rolling Cooler, $89.99 at Amazon

Amazon

Sometimes being a little “extra” is a good thing. Such is the case with this Titan rolling cooler. Made for the picnic maximalist, the Titan Deep Freeze can hold up to 100 pounds. In other words, you can fit a lot of stuff in here. Featuring a leak-proof, easy-clean, antimicrobial lining, an insulated front compartment, a detachable bottle opener, and large sturdy wheels, this cooler is sure to fulfill all of your camping, tailgating, and picnic needs.Buy Now

Igloo Latitude 60 Quart Roller Cooler, $44.99 at Target

Target

The classic Igloo cooler gets a serious style upgrade in a refreshing mint green hue. Unlike coolers of yore, this one includes a built-in mobile device stand with tall “backstop” that allows you to park phones and tablets off the ground for easy access and viewing. With large wheels and tie down points to secure chairs and towels, this roomy cooler makes a trip to the beach, park, or pool a piece of cake.Buy Now

SunnyLife Large Portable Insulated Beach Bag Cooler, $30.00 at Amazon

Amazon

You can’t help but love this adorably cheeky beach bag cooler made by Australian summer accessory company SunnyLife. Pay homage to the 1990s while keeping your food and beverages at an optimal temperature with this insulated beach bag. If space is an issue, the soft construction makes it easy to store.Buy Now

Cathy’s Concepts Striped Backpack Cooler, $54.60 at Target

Target

Step into your next picnic or beach day with this adorable striped backpack cooler. Fully insulated to ensure your beverages stay cool, it also features ample pockets so that your picnic essentials stay organized while you’re on the go. Even better: you can personalize it with the letter of your choice.Buy Now

Amerihome BT07536 Picnic Cooler, $59.26 at Amazon

Amazon

Pay tribute to summers past with this Amerihome cooler. While the styling may be retro, this cooler is lined with a thick and durable plastic that helps to keep the contents cold. You can easily carry 18 cans (canned wine, anyone?), 12 bottles, or the food of your choice. No bottle opener? There’s one attached to the side of the cooler. All of this wrapped up in a durable bright red powder-coat finish designed to resist scratches and rust.Buy Now

Sun Squad 24 Can Cooler Palm Leaf Cooler, $20.00 at Target

Target

Cheap and cheerful, you can’t go wrong with this cute and compact cooler. Fully insulated, it features a durable lid and base constructed of EVA material. Need to grab a drink? The lid has a quick-hatch panel for easy access and built-in cup holders. Because no one likes it when their favorite foods or drinks leak onto their daily essentials, the cooler also features a zippered front pocket for quick access to your keys, cell phone, and more.Buy Now

ONIVA Bongo “Sliced Watermelon” Insulated Collapsible Cooler, $28.21 at Amazon

Amazon

Like a juicy slice of freshly cut watermelon on a hot day, there’s something irrefutably irresistible about this soft sided cooler. However, if you’re concerned it’s all style and no substance, fear not. Along with having a 12 quart capacity, the collapsible design with sturdy internal panels allows the cooler to also be a seat that holds up to 250 pounds.Buy Now

SunnyLife Women’s Cooler Bucket Bag, $25.00 at Amazon

Amazon

Let’s face it—not every outdoor social gathering requires a picnic sized cooler. Sometimes you just want to bring a chilled bottle of rosé and some hummus to share with friends at the beach or park. This mini-cooler will keep your bottle cool and upright with room to spare for snacks.Buy Now

Pink Engel UC19 Ice/Dry Box, $69.99 at Amazon

Amazon

An update on a classic, this stylish cooler serves double duty as a dry box—keeping out moisture and/or dust from your valuable electronics, emergency kits, and cameras. Made for adventures of all kinds, the airtight gasket keeps hot air out and the cold air in. It’s also waterproof up to a depth of 3 feet—making it ideal for keeping your precious goods dry—whether that’s a killer potato salad or high-priced electronics.Buy Now

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American-Made Whisky, Wine & Beer for the 4th of July

If you’re having a 4th of July BBQ, then it’s likely you’re stocking the thing with beer, wine, and a little liquor. And if you’re stocking it with beer, wine, and a little liquor, it might as well be American-made beer, wine, and liquor (following me here?). As much as we love our imports, it’s good to “shop local” and with so many great American upstarts in the booze category, it’s more fun than ever to sprinkle in a few newbies in, along with those old standbys.

Bourbon is widely thought of as the most prominent and popular alcohol to originate here, our very own “native spirit,” and the West coast has long churned some of the world’s best summer red and white wines. And then there’s beer. The U.S. has more amazing craft breweries than the rest of the world combined (probably). So yeah, you’ve got options.

Here are some of our favorite American-made beer, wines, and whiskeys (and maybe one vodka) to try for the 4th of July.

American Whiskey & Bourbon

Whiskey just feels right for the Fourth. And sure, we dig American mainstays like Maker’s Mark and Eagle Rare but they’ve pocketed plenty of our coins over the years. There are truly tons of great up-and-coming whiskey producers worth checking out this summer.

Balcones Texas Bourbon, $59.99 on Drizly

My dad (a moderately staunch Jim Beam drinker who swears it’s as good as anything) and I had a tasting of Beam and Balcones Texas Bourbon recently. No shade to Jim Beam, a fine bourbon at a fine price, but even my dad had to admit it was the superior pour.

Brewers Batch Virginia-Highland Whisky, $39.99

This Virginia distillery works with local beer brewers to create their mash. The result is a clean golden whiskey with apple, vanilla, and banana notes; a muted spice, and bready finish.

Hudson Manhattan Rye, $39.99 on Drizly

This spicy rye whiskey made in, you guessed it, New York is rich and complex with black pepper that slides into a sweeter buttery finish. It has some national distribution and can be found almost anywhere in the northeast and of course, online.

Sons of Liberty Cask Bourbon, $39.99 on Drizly

A little distillery that could: This operation started up in the smallest of the 13 original colonies, Rhode Island, about a decade ago. They make a few smooth-as-heck whiskeys and even a few vodkas and malted drinks, but for my money, the cask-strength bourbon is the best bottle that comes out of distiller doors.

American Beers

If you think there are a lot of new whiskeys on the scene, your head will explode trying to get a handle on all the American microbreweries dotting the map (over 7,000 at last count). What’s more, if you’re trying to reconcile your love of beer with a low calorie or low carbohydrate lifestyle for summer, there are a ton of fantastic new low-carb beers on the market, too.

Swipe Light: Southern Tier Brewing

If you’re fond of beer, like me, but not as fond of the accompanying beer belly (also, like me) you’re giddy with the recent advent of full-bodied, dare-I-say hoppy beers in the low cal low carb category? Southern Tier’s new release has a paltry 110 calories and nice citrusy hop. Perfect for summer and 4th of July weekend.

Coleman Cooler Steel-Belted Cooler, $69.99 on Amazon

A slick, durable cooler to house your summer BBQ booze.

Buy Now

Summer Shandy: Leinenkugel’s

This may sound like anything but an American brand but the brewery is actually based in Wisconsin and founded back in 1867! Their awesome shandies can be found nationally, especially during summer months, and for good reason. It’s light and fruity but not overly sweet, so still awfully refreshing on a hot summer afternoon.

Daytime IPA: Lagunitas

Lagunitas

This is one of the better low-carb beers to hit the market in recent years. Slightly lighter than your average IPA but with a nice balance, and just 4% ABV so you can drink responsibly, but also endlessly.

Ballast Point Lager

Ballast Point

Ballast Point is a nice balanced lager for all your summer BBQ and fourth of July needs. It’s made in San Diego and can be found nationally It’s clean drinking and if you’re drawn to Budweiser, Heineken or other medium body lagers, give Ballast Point a shot to change things up and support a smaller brewery.

Summer Love: Victory Brewing, $7.49 on Drizly

Victory

Summer Love, a beach or BBQ-ready seasonal from Philly. A lovely and crips drinkable golden ale hailing from one of the most important sites of the American Revolution.

American Wines

And lest we forget the wine. It’s not news that this great nation is chock full of fabulous wineries (even if most happen to reside on the west coast). Here are a few perfect for summer as recommended by our editorial team.

Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cab Sauvignon, $18 on Wine-Searcher

A surprisingly fresh Cabernet, says our resident wine wiz, Pamela Vachon, great for pairing grilled meats, plus it has a built-in charity function benefitting veterans, so yeah, patriotism!

Flowers Pinot Noir, $39.49 on Vivino

Flowers

Our Editor at Large Joey Skladany‘s go-to red for any special occasions or fancy summer BBQ‘s. Smooth, easy-drinking and pairs well with food. At $60, you may not want to stock the bar with it, but is the perfect bottle to bring as a gift.

PortablePortable High Top Party Bar, $64.99 on Amazon

Do you absolutely need a portable party bar? Yes.

Buy Now

Barboursville Viognier, Virginia, $24.99 on Vivino

Barboursville Winery

Viognier is Virginia’s signature varietal and a fun one to try for such an American holiday, says Vachon. Full-bodied with tropical fruit, this Virginian will please many a palate.

A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris $14.49 on Total Wine

A to Z Wineworks

One of my personal favorite summer whites. If you’re cooking up some fish along with your dogs, burger, and BBQ for the Fourth, this Oregon Pinot Gris with tropical notes and a balance of acidity will make the perfect companion.

*Honorable Mention Vodka

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, $14.39 – $39.99 on Drizly

Tito’s continues to be one of the best stories in booze over the last decade, plus. Smooth as all get out, this American vodka brand out of Austin, Texas, has always given back through big charitable donations and other programs. An American liquor brand you can truly feel good about spending your coins on.

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Tuna Again?! Why You Should Consider Eating the Same Lunch Every Day

If you’re as indecisive as I am, choosing what to eat for lunch every day of the week can be a stressful or daunting task. With endless options in and around midtown Manhattan, it’s nearly impossible to choose what to eat, let alone where to get it from. This might sound like a good problem to have but, having spent significant time on many a morning, scrolling through Instagram’s foodie accounts hoping to come across lunch-spiration, I decided this is largely a waste of time. After reading an article published by The Atlantic that’s been circling the food world, which posits (based on several accounts) that eating (mostly) the same lunch every day is good for your overall health, focus, and sanity, I thought this might be something worth trying.

At first, the idea of eating the same thing over and over seemed drab, but the article makes some pretty solid points about its inherent benefits. The author explains that by bringing the same lunch each day, you’re eliminating the time consuming, distracting, and sometimes downright stressful task of debating what to eat, keeping you more focused, and increasing productivity. Often times we end up selecting a fairly forgettable salad or sandwich, too, so the part of the argument contends we wouldn’t be missing an important food experience, in the grand scheme of things.

Oxo Good Grips Leakproof On-The-Go Salad Container, $16 on Amazon

This three-layer salad container separates your different ingredients and even had a mini compartment for dressing.

Buy Now

More importantly than upping productivity levels, bringing the same lunch can help you make healthier eating choices or stick to a diet, if that’s a goal. By planning your lunch ahead of time and packing it in the morning, you’re far more likely to choose a thoughtful and balanced meal that will provide proper nutrients and energy for the day. Essentially, you’re saving yourself from yourself, so you won’t give in to a greasy slice of pizza as you make your way towards Sweetgreen with the best of intentions. It goes without saying that if you make a habit of eating a big mac and fries every day, you’re not going to see health benefits from a same-lunch-on-repeat program, but if you stick to a salad or protein-packed sandwich, it could have a pronounced and positive impact on your weekly diet.

Related Reading: 6 Cookbooks That Are All About Salad

Now, just because the base argument is to eat the same meal every day, doesn’t have to be the exact same tuna salad sandwich on wheat. It’s okay to say yes to lunch with co-workers every now and then or make small alterations to your day-to-day meal in order to add some variety and still net benefits from a semi-consistent lunch routine. If it’s a salad you’re sticking to, go for different proteins, rotating between grilled chicken, sliced turkey, salmon or tofu. If it’s a sandwich, switch up your condiments, or add in some different veggies to keep things from growing dull.

ZUZURO Insulated Cooler Lunch Box, $29.95 on Amazon

This three compartment lunch bag comes complete with 3 containers and 2 ice packs.

Buy Now

In case this monotonous lunch lifestyle still seems too much like a snooze fest to you, here are some easy lunch ideas that might spark some inspiration. Or try the salad our executive editor Hana Asbrink is obsessed with.

And finally, remember the benefits don’t just end with increased time, focus, and nutrition; with the average storebought salad costing well over 10 bucks, just think how much money you’ll save if you prep and pack your own healthy lunch every day. Many celebrities even swear by eating the same thing day after day too; in fact, Kim Kardashian claims to eat the same salad for lunch every day, which we can only imagine is for budgetary reasons as much as anything else.

Ok, now I’m sold.

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