Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Skip Starbucks and Make These 5 Alternative Lattes Instead

When the urge for a rich, toasty beverage strikes, it’s sometimes hard to justify the need for comfort and warmth against the desire not to overindulge in caffeine or sugar, chief among the things you tried to leave behind in December toward a healthier January. Herbal tea is lovely and all, but somehow doesn’t quite feed the need following the afternoon peppermint latte habit you picked up over the holidays.

But espresso and sugar do not define a latte. Brief lesson in Italian: “latte” means “milk.” The milk defines a latte, literally. A hand-warming mug of your preferred milk or dairy alternative doesn’t necessarily need to amount to a liquid candy bar with the octane to keep you sleepless until springtime; it all depends on how you mix it.

So you can have your latte, and drink it too, with these five products that can offer you a (wholesome) afternoon delight without regret.

Turmeric Latte

Gaia Golden Milk Powder, $16.14 on Amazon

Amazon

If you were in a coma in the 2010s, then you might have missed the message that turmeric is now basically the best stuff on earth. Golden in color, it is actual gold where health is concerned, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-brain and heart functioning qualities. Fortunately, it also happens to have an appealing taste, especially when paired with a touch of ginger and natural sweetness from dates. So kick your destructive afternoon peppermint latte habit and steer yourself instead toward immortality.Buy Now

Rooibos Latte

Bos Organic Rooibos Tea Bags, 40 for $14.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Rooibos is a red, woodsy-flavored tea grown only in South Africa that precisely evokes time spent outside among the trees. Think yerba mate, but with a really cool accent. Steeped in milk, it is an excellent replacement for hot chocolate, with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a little sweetness. The hint of exoticism in the name with those unwieldy Dutch vowels also gives a certain après-sled vibe to the festivities.Buy Now

Charcoal Latte

Suncore Activated Charcoal Coconut Powder, $9.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Name another warm beverage that can help detoxify your kidneys AND whiten your teeth? Go ahead, I’ll wait. Up there with turmeric, activated charcoal also sprung into our collective health consciousness in the last few years, offering myriad benefits, not the least of which is the ability to make everything look super goth. It doesn’t actually taste like much on its own, despite its intensely brooding look, but this simple Detox Charcoal Latte recipe from Darn Good Veggies gives it a vanilla vibe with very little sugar.Buy Now

Lavender Latte

European Lavender Flowers, $14.95 on Amazon

Amazon

There are foodstuffs with the power to heal you when ingested, and then there’s lavender, which both has the power to heal you and also has the power to soothe you on smell alone. Rather than a pick-me-up, use this gentle, aromatic latte as a calm-me-down, either before bedtime or in the middle of a hectic work day. This Lavender Bedtime Milk recipe from Kale and Caramel combines lavender pods with hemp and walnuts for a delicious, natural alternative to Xanax.Buy Now

Cardamom Latte

Spicy World Green Cardamom Pods, $6.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Cardamom is a one-man pumpkin spice, and is here for those craving a creamy chai latte without the sugar bomb and caffeine. (Wait, chai has caffeine? Yes.) Gently crushed whole cardamom pods steeped in milk, as in this Cardamom Honey Milk recipe from Striped Spatula, are everything nice, but hold the sugar and leave the spice.Buy Now



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Elevate Your Game Day Grub With Wine Pairings for Pizza, Wings & More

best Super Bowl wine pairings

Wondering what wine pairing goes with pizza? Or wings, or chili?

That must mean it’s almost time for the Super Bowl (aka, the chance to eat some of your absolute favorite finger foods in abundance). Pigs in a blanket, pizza, nachos, wings—they all seem to find a place on your game day plate. In fact, you may even end up enjoying the food more than the game (and that’s OK with us!).

Side Wine CatchesBest Wine SubscriptionsWhile many of these foods go well with an assortment of beer, your palate may fancy a sip of wine or two. But what type of wine would pair well with these snacks?

We asked Jon McDaniel, founder of Chicago, Illinois-based Second City Soil and Liz Martinez, sommelier and beverage director at Prime + Proper in Detroit, Michigan about which wines will pair the best with everything on your Super Bowl spread.

So get ready to open a bottle of something other than beer, or have a bit more fun and create an entire game day grub wine pairing party for your guests with these ideas.

Buffalo Wings

Easy Baked Buffalo Wings recipe with blue cheese

Chowhound

Pair with: Syrah

Buffalo wings paired with a fruitier, not necessarily fuller bodied Syrah can be pretty fun for a couple of reasons,” says Martinez. “The fruit in the wine sort of acts like a cooling agent with the spice, leaving you with a really nice mid palate. You can taste more of the nuances in the sauce and the wine. Also, the tannins don’t really fight the tannin in the chili spice. They kind of just play along nicely with each other.”

TOSSWARE Shatterproof Recyclable Wine Glasses, 48 for $47.99 on Amazon

These BPA-free glasses are perfect for parties, and if you want to wash, you can reuse them rather than recycle.
Buy Now

Nachos

Loaded Chicken Nacho recipe

Chowhound

Pair with: Beaujolais Nouveau

“There are so many flavors with nachos that a good sparkling wine would be great with it,” McDaniel says. “Also, Beaujolais Nouveau would be great with nachos as the adult Juicy Juice taste would pair well—and Nouveau expires after Super Bowl, so drink it up.”

Potato Skins

baked potato skins with sour cream, cheese, and bacon

Chowhound

Pair with: California Chardonnay

“A classic California Chardonnay would be great with the potato, the cheese, the sour cream—Chalk Hill from Sonoma is a good example. It has a little buttery note and a little oak and texture to go great with potato skins,” says McDaniel.

Pizza

whole wheat Margherita pizza

Chowhound

Pair with: Dolcetto or Barbera

Pizza is great with Dolcetto or Barbera from Italy. These are grapes that have a soft fruitiness to them and can work well with the sweetness in the tomato sauce. Equally, they have the ability to pair well with a number of savory toppings, like meaty pepperoni or sausage, and cheese. This wine can also work with a charcuterie board,” explains Martinez.

Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon and Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers recipe

Chowhound

Pair with: Gewurztraminer

“The spicy, cheesiness would also do well with a wine with a little fruitiness to it. A Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer from Alsace has the richness and floral aromas to really cool down the heat and bring out the creaminess of the cheese,” notes McDaniel.

Chili

smoked chili

Chowhound

Pair with: Zinfandel

According to Martinez, “Chile con carne is a classic and can be difficult to maneuver, as it can vary a lot in spice and have an array of other flavors, that can include smoke and sweetness. I love Zinfandel with chili. Not only does it have a stewed fruit quality and just enough structure to stand up to the weight of the chili, Zinfandel and smoke are a match made in heaven.”

Chips and Guacamole

tortilla chips and guacamole

Chowhound

Pair with: Sauvignon Blanc (or Muscat)

“I love guacamole so much!” says Martinez. “And the spicier the better! When it comes to the serrano or jalapeño spice, I really like to focus on the green flavors in the dip, and keep it going with a wine that mimics those flavors. A zesty sauvignon blanc from New Zealand that has those freshly cut grass notes, is a great pairing, and acid in the form of citrus and grapefruit helps cut through the rich avocado. Or if you really want to get creative, a dry muscat can be just as enticing, with its incredible aromatics that lift all of the flavors in the guacamole and lightens things up.”

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket recipe

Chowhound

Pair with: Champagne

Champagne, because Champagne goes with everything,” explains McDaniel. As If we needed another excuse to drink bubbly.

If mixed drinks are more your thing, check out these Super Bowl cocktail recipes from master mixologists—or craft some beer cocktails for a happy medium.

For even more Super Bowl recipes and recommendations for stepping up your Big Game, visit our Super Bowl headquarters. And chat about your menu plans with other Chowhounds too!

Related Video: Step Up Your Wing Game



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Score Big With Super Bowl Foods You Can Make in a Crock Pot

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket recipe

Chili certainly gets the most love when it comes to the Big Game, but that’s not all that should be on your menu when hosting the biggest sporting (and some might say, eating) event of the year. This go round, why not give your slow cooker a break from the usual by trying an unexpected slow cooker snack, meaty main, or drink to serve up? With this list of Crock-Pot Super Bowl recipes, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

In fact, you might need to borrow another slow cooker if you can’t make up your mind.

Related Reading: The Best Big Game Party Snacks to Order Online

Slow Cooker Sides, Apps & Snacks

What is game day without dips, wings, and other not-quite-main-course nibbles?

Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip


Super Bowl foods don’t exactly have a health halo, but that doesn’t mean veggies can’t be part of your spread. A creamy, gooey dip like this one will keep everyone happy through halftime and beyond. Get the Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe.

NFL Team Slow Cookers (all teams), $29.99+ on Amazon

Bonus points if your slow cooker shows your team spirit.
Buy Now

Slow Cooker French Onion Dip

Easy Slow Cooker French Onion Dip recipe

Chowhound

French onion dip is another sure bet, but it’s also a time suck (if you’re going to caramelize the onions properly—which you should be, or what’s the point?). Cooking the onions low and slow in the Crock-Pot is a genius move that means the only hands-on parts are slicing veggies and mixing everything up at the end. Get our Slow Cooker French Onion Dip recipe.

Slow Cooker Party Mix

slow cooker party mix

Chowhound

The name says it all: What spells a get-together more than classic party mix? Try this smoky take on the store-bought version to give your guests something to munch on while they’re mingling pre-kick off. Get our Slow Cooker Party Mix recipe.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wings

easy crock pot wings

Chowhound

Pretty much nothing goes together quite like wings and football. Forego the overpriced delivery options this year and serve up some tender wings with minimal effort. Try this recipe for a spicy, saucy take that only requires a few minutes of prep time. Get our Slow Cooker Hot Wings recipe.

Jolly Barnyard Chicken Wings, $14 on Porter Road

Starting with high quality wings makes things even better.
Buy Now

Jalapeño Popper Dip


The best Super Bowl parties have a plethora of dips on the menu, so don’t stop at just one (or even two). Serve up this cheesy and heat-filled concoction with chips or crackers that are strong enough to withstand lots of dipping. Get the Crock-Pot Jalapeño Popper Dip recipe.

Spiced Nuts

Five Spice Glazed Nuts recipe

Chowhound

Spiced nuts can work as a welcome addition to a cheese platter or veggie tray or be put out in bowls throughout your home, so even those who aren’t watching the game can chow down, too. You won’t regret serving this up as a snack. Try this Crock-Pot Sweet and Spicy Nuts recipe.

Slow Cooker Mains

When warm-up is over and you’re ready to make the big play, these Crock-Pot main course recipes are all perfect for game day.

Pulled Pork

spicy slow cooker pulled pork sandwich

Chowhound

Hosting a bunch of meat-loving folks for the festivities this year? Then pulled pork is exactly what you should be serving up to your carnivorous friends and fam. This spicy recipe can work as the centerpiece for nachos, tacos, and sandwiches, or eaten solo for those still trying to stick to their New Year’s resolutions and cutting carbs. Get our Spicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. (Or try our Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket recipe, pictured at the top of this page, in all the same applications.)

Shredded Buffalo Chicken


Looking to trade in buffalo wings for something slightly less messy this year? Then shredded buffalo chicken is what you’re looking for. Serve it up in sandwiches or atop a sweet potato for a filling meal. Don’t skimp on the ranch dressing (or blue cheese, if you prefer)! Get the Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Bacon Compote

slow cooker bacon jam or bacon compote

Chowhound

If your crew is bacon-obsessed, then this compote will be a sure hit. Spread some on crostini if you want to make your affair a bit more high-brow, or use it as a topping for burgers and watch them disappear before the first quarter is even over. Get our Slow Cooker Bacon Compote recipe.

Slow Cooker Chili

slow cooker chili recipe

Chowhound

When all else fails, SO much can be done with a good chili recipe, so don’t be afraid to fall back on your greatest hits. Put it over rice, nachos, or serve as-is for a slow cooker game day hit for the whole gang. Add fresh diced jalapenos and whatever other garnishes you like for extra flavor. Get our Spicy Crock-Pot Chili recipe.

Related Reading: 11 Ways to Use Up Leftover Chili

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes


A baked potato bar is a perfect way to feed a crowd (and adding toppings turns the potatoes into a bonafide main event), but cooking the spuds in a Crock-Pot is an even easier option than using the oven—and more importantly, it frees that space up for pizza or oven baked wings. Plus, the naked spuds can be a canvas for practically any and all of the above recipes, including the dips. Get the Crock Pot Baked Potatoes recipe.

Slow Cooker Drinks

In case you desire something other than a cold one to wash everything down.

Hot Cider

slow cooker spiked wassail

Chowhound’s Wassail

Hunting for an alternative to beer to sip on while watching the game? Then slow cooker cider is exactly what you’re looking for. Add in some rum for anyone 21-plus, or leave it virgin for the whole party to enjoy. Even if it’s frigid outside, you’ll warm right up with this beverage. (As a bonus, your home will smell amazing as this brews.) Try this Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider recipe.

Hot Chocolate

spicy Mexican hot chocolate recipe

Chowhound

Any winter occasion is an ideal time to serve up some hot chocolate, for both the kids and the adults. Set up a hot chocolate bar with some of your favorite fixings like chocolate syrup, tons of marshmallows, peppermint and okay, some booze for the grown ups, and let everyone make their own customized drink. Get the Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef



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10 Pot Pie Recipes to Add to Your Repertoire

Turkey Pot Pie recipe

Pot pie is one of the ultimate comfort foods and is surprisingly easy to make. You can assemble it ahead of time for a dinner party and it’s the perfect dish to feed a crowd—you can use anything from a pie plate to a 9-by-13-inch pan or casserole dish (just be sure to adjust your filling amount accordingly, depending on the recipe). Pot pies freeze and reheat well, and you can adapt the recipe to whatever you have in the pantry without a problem. Check out these 10 recipes for pot pie and be sure to try one out this winter.

1. Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie recipe

Chowhound

This large-format chicken pot pie is a casual, comforting way to serve a crowd. Creamed chicken makes a luscious base for this flaky, delicate, veggie-filled treat, which includes peas, celery, fresh herbs, and coarsely chopped potato chunks for added texture. Make a double batch of the filling and keep it in the freezer for a last-minute dinner solution; just make sure to defrost your puff pastry in time if it’s frozen. Get our Chicken Pot Pie recipe.

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $59.90 on Amazon

Try making one big pot pie in a Dutch oven too.
Buy Now

2. Chicken Pot Pie Bites

Mini Chicken Pot Pie Bites recipe

Chowhound

Taking the opposite tack, these miniature pot pies are made by using a cookie cutter to create little pastry shells that are the perfect-size containers for flavorful fillings—you can use rotisserie chicken if you’re pressed for time. Make the pastry shells in advance, and you’ve got an impressive appetizer to wow your guests with. Get our Chicken Pot Pie Bites recipe.

3. Keto Chicken Pot Pie

keto chicken pot pie recipe

James Stefiuk

And if you’re cutting carbs, you can try this keto-friendly variation on chicken pot pie with an almond flour and mozzarella top crust and a super creamy filling underneath. Get the Keto Chicken Pot Pie recipe.

4. Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey Pot Pie recipe

Chowhound

Chicken is not the only game (er, poultry) in town when it comes to pot pie. This is a top-notch way to use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, but it’s so good it’s worth making creamed turkey just for this dish that melts in your mouth under a golden pastry dough topping. We recommend using pearl onions, but if you can’t find them you can also chop up a regular yellow onion and use that instead. Get our Turkey Pot Pie recipe.

5. Fish Pie

British Fish Pie recipe

Chowhound

Mashed Yukon Gold potatoes make a simultaneously fluffy and crunchy topping for this shepherd’s-pie-style take on the UK’s popular pub fare. A few minutes under the broiler after baking and you can really crisp up the potato layer. Minced chives add freshness to white fish fillets; you can substitute canned as you see fit and add additional herbs for color. Get our Fish Pie recipe.

6. Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pies

Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pies recipe

Chowhound

Poached chicken and cremini mushrooms are a tasty combination, especially when mingled inside a flaky pastry crust. You can substitute just about any kind of mushroom in this recipe, but whichever kind you choose, be sure to chop them on the smaller side so you can maximize the mushroom flavor in each bite. Get our Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pies recipe.

Related Reading: Creamy Mushroom Recipes That Don’t Require a Can Opener

7. Vegetable Pot Pies

Vegetable Pot Pies recipe

Chowhound

Chowhound’s vegetable pot pies can be adapted seasonally—this wintry version has parsnips, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, and fresh sage, but switch it up as the weather warms up with more delicate veggies and different herbs as you please. You can use puff pastry from the freezer or make a savory pie crust yourself; whatever combination of vegetables and herbs you decide on will surely be delicious. Get our Vegetable Pot Pies recipe.

8. Phyllo Pot Pie


The classic pot pie takes a low-calorie turn with a few sheets of phyllo dough instead of the traditional pastry topping. Extra-crunchy and arguably just as tasty as the original, this phyllo pot pie can easily be made as a vegetarian option (think spanakopita for inspiration) and it keeps well in the freezer. Get the Phyllo Pot Pie recipe.

9. Beef Short Rib and Ale Pie

Braised Beef and Ale Pie recipe

Chowhound

This is the quintessential British pub order and it will be hard to believe you’re still in your own home after you taste how rich and authentic this beef-and-beer combo is. Choose a brown ale, such as Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale, which will meld nicely with the boneless beef short ribs, or try a lager for a slightly different taste. Get our Beef Short Rib and Ale Pie recipe.

10. Pizza Pot Pies


Pizza and pot pie? It’s not only possible, it’s completely fantastic. Shredded mozzarella, Italian sausage, and biscuit dough make these mini pizza parties a great choice for entertaining with little prep. They look as good as they taste and the pepperoni and oregano topping is an authentic touch. Get the Pizza Pot Pies recipe.



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