The Heart-Shaped Kitchen Accessories That Will Make Your Valentine’s Day

If you’re going to go ahead and really do Valentine’s Day, then commit hard, especially in the kitchen. A dish of heart-shaped raviolis or a tray topped with delicate heart cakes are sure to make your special someone, or anyone at your singles-only dinner party, smile. Which is exactly why we rounded up these heart-shaped cooking and baking accessories that will add an extra beat (see what we did there?) to whatever you’re planning—whether it’s dinner for two, watching slasher movies with friends, or celebrating with mom and dad. (No judgements here.)

Nordic Ware Sweetheart Waffler, $52.79 on Amazon

Nordic Ware/Amazon

It’s this easy to make your morning waffles a little sweeter if you’re doing breakfast in bed. Also? As if you won’t use this anyway after February 14th.See It

Heart Ravioli Stamp, $8 on Sur la Table

Sur la Table

Pasta is for lovers and we can’t think of a more charming first course than a dish of ravioli hearts.See It

Staub Heart Cocotte, $214 on Sur la Table

Staub/Sur la Table

Not only will it look terrific on your stove, but this enamel cast-iron cocotte is perfect for the one-pot, stove-to-table meal.See It

Emile Henry Ruffled Heart Pie Dish, $49.95 on Williams Sonoma

Emily Henry/Sur la Table

Present your sweet pie to your sweetie pie in a baking dish that’s just as pretty as the tart itself.See It

Beehive Heart Pie Scooper, $60 on Etsy

Beehive Handmade/Etsy

Then serve up your dessert with this heart and arrow pie server—subtle enough for year-round use.See It

Silicone Mini Heart Baking Pan, $12.99 on Target

Trudeau/Target

And if mini desserts are more your thing, go for these delicate cupcake molds.See It

Harold Import Co. Heart Creme Brulee, $29.99 on Amazon

Harold Import Co./Amazon

If you’re hosting a dinner party or making a dinner just for two, there’s nothing more impressive than making personal crème brûlées.See It

Metal Heart Cookie Cutters, $3.99 on Target

Wilton/Target

Even if you loathe Valentine’s Day, there’s no way you won’t get into the mood once you break out the frosting and sugar cookie dough and go to town with these adorable cookie cutters. Just don’t forget the dusting sugar.See It

Ginger Ray Wooden Heart Confetti, $5.99 on Target

Ginger Ray/Target

Top your table with reusable confetti. (Can you think of anything more 2019?)

Candlewick Heart Dishes, $24.50 on Etsy

Amocat Vintage/Etsy

These vintage, bead-edged serving dishes make the perfect gift for that someone in your life who knows design and needs a bowl of M&Ms on his or her coffee table, obviously. Plus there are dupes available all over Etsy (see more here, here, and here).See It

Related Video: How to Make Heart-Shaped Hand Pies

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.

from Food News – Chowhound http://bit.ly/2HCU6UN
via IFTTT

The Best CBD-Infused Chocolates and Treats for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is coming. You’re not sure what to get. You’ve done flowers. You’ve done jewelry, and you’ve probably done chocolates too, but this year you want to be cool. You don’t want to be all…uncool.

While THC edibles are still working their way through the slow but steady legalization process, CBD-infused foods have fast become the darling of the natural remedy and homeopathic world. Depending on where you are, you can get CBD drizzled on or infused into anything from artisan coffee to ice cream and, of course, chocolates too!

With none of the psychotropic effects that THC (full force marijuana) impart, CBD (cannabidiol) is reported to deliver mild relief from ailments like anxiety, joint pain, and a slew of others. Manufactures from Vermont to California have jumped into the CBD game with chocolates, caramels, hard candies, and teas.

As Erin Barry, an advocate who works with and sells organic CBD products at Nutty Steph’s in Vermont, told me recently, “herbal supplements are gaining popularity as folks are looking for pharmaceutical alternatives, and our collective society doesn’t seem to be getting healthier from drugs made in a lab.” There are still some vagaries with what you can legally purchase where, so consult with the retailer and your state’s laws before ordering, but here are a few of our favorite CBD chocolates and sweet treats to give this Valentine’s Day.

Nutty Steph’s Chocolate Bernie Bars, 12 for $55

Nutty Steph’s

Nutty Steph has been dosing the good people of Montpelier, Vermont for years now with her wild and wonderful CBD and THC chocolate creations (they also happen to be mom’s favorite). A great deal at just $55 for an entire case, Steph’s will ship anywhere in the U.S., and yes, of course there’s a tribute bar with Bernie on the case. Join the revolution!See It

HighOnLove Chocolate Body Paint, $48

HighOnLove

The only thing your S.O. will love more than eating their high end CBD chocolate on Valentine’s Day, is eating it off of YOU! That’s why HighOnLove (clever) created this saucy and smearable cannabinoid oil-infused chocolate body paint (aka the ultimate ULTIMATE aphrodisiac) in a darling heart-shaped bottle. Buy some now and thank us later.See It

Tasty Hemp Oil CBD Chocolates, 4 for $28

Tasty Hemp Oil

With four pieces in each box and 10 mg per piece, Tasty Hemp Oil chocolates make a lovely gift in any of their three fab flavors: dark chocolate, dark chocolate mint, or raspberry milk chocolate.See It

Calivolve Matcha Chocolate Truffles, 4 for $30

Calivolve

These dark chocolate CBD truffles from Calivolve are steeped with organic, raw matcha and 20 mg of CBD in each. The sleek Los Angeles-based company run by two badass weed-whispering ladies uses adaptogens and superfoods in the truffles to help rejuvenate body and mind. The childproof packaging is pretty brilliant, too!See It

Colorado Hemp Honey Chill Sticks, 10 for $30

Colorado Hemp Honey

So maybe BAE gets down with CBD but not chocolate so much (hey, nobody’s perfect). Colorado-based Made By Hemp has a full line of CBD treats that include these nifty CBD-infused honey chill sticks in a few fun flavors, like mandarin and ginger, all made with 100 percent raw honey and 15 mg of CBD in each stick.See It

AUR Chocolate Bon Bons, 9 for $46

AUR

AUR Chocolate Bon Bons are made in small batches with high quality Trinitario and Criollo cocoa beans, with 10 mg of CBD hemp oil per truffle. With super interesting flavors that include chai tea, vanilla oat milk, and salty coconut, a box of nine bon bons runs $46 and includes 2 day shipping!See It

Taste Paradise Hard Candy, 4 pieces for $7.95

Taste Paradise

Taste Paradise has as comprehensive a line of CBD and THC edibles as any in the game. From chocolates to snack bars, peanut butter and even honey, try em’ all, but we’re particularly fond of the hard candies in fun flavors like watermelon, raspberry, tangerine, and apple, with 10 mg of CBD per candy.See It

Grön Indulge Gift Box, $275

Grön

This gift is truly indulgent, as the name implies, for the next level CBD-loving Valentine. Featuring CBD caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, body balm, face mask, tincture (CBD oil), AND assorted chocolate bars, it will have your guy or gal calm, cool, and collected until next February.See It

Cocorau Raw Superfood Cacao Power Bites, 2 for $15

Cocorau

Made with raw cacao from Peru and no sugar or dairy—only raw almonds, cacao, honey, coconut oil, Himalayan salt, and vanilla—these organic CBD bites by Cocorau (New York) will help power your Valentine up while simultaneously soothing aches, pains, and anxiety.See It

Healthy Hemp Oil Chocolate Bars, $24.99

Healthy Hemp Oil

For the classic chocolate bar experience, Healthy Hemp Oil makes theirs with natural and organic ingredients and 60 mg of calming CBD. Available in two flavors: milk chocolate caramel coconut and white chocolate peach hazelnut.See It

Ardent CBD Caramel Infusion Kit, $35

Ardent

For the DIY sugary sweetheart in your life. Ardent Cannabis recently launched a CBD caramel infusion kit just in time for Valentine’s Day. The DIY set pairs perfectly with half a gram of cannabis (choose your favorite strain; THC or CBD). Then drip the sticky stuff over your favorite dessert (or body part) and let the good times roll. It’s $35 for the basic Caramel Infusion Kit and $210 for the proprietary Nova Decarboxlylator, so you can infuse anything you like.See It

Buddha Teas, $19.99 – $69.99

Buddha Teas

If your sweet lovah doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, might we suggest this water-soluble CBD tea line from Buddha Teas? With blends like Chamomile, Peppermint, Matcha, and Turmeric & Ginger, you’ll be in their mellowed good graces in no time. A bundle of teas runs $69.99, and a single box is $19.99.See It

Sweat with Bec’s Chocolate Bites, $5

Sweat with Bec

If there was such a thing as a Valentine’s Day stocking, these little chocolate bites would be perfect stuffers. Give a package or two alongside the beautiful jewelry or watch you bought. Made with high quality ingredients and no funky chemicals, these are available on Poplar, a marketplace and helpful source to navigate the CBD universe.See It

Related Video: How to Make Homemade Vegan Cookies with CBD

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.

from Food News – Chowhound http://bit.ly/2Usf9uN
via IFTTT

Is Getting an Air Fryer Worth the Investment?

It’s a cruel fact of life: fried food is so good for your tastebuds (and nucleus accumbens), and so not-great for pretty much all the rest of you. Sure, you can bake things instead of frying them, but it’s just not the same. Enter: the air fryer.

After being inundated with slow cooker and Instant Pot content from every corner of the internet, you may have kitchen gadget fatigue by now, but allegedly, this other wunder-appliance can turn out all the crispy, crunchy fried foods you love with way less fat. (And despite its many virtues and seemingly miraculous culinary capabilities, the Instant Pot does not yet have a crisping function.)

Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer, $99.99 on Amazon

This mid-size model is well-reviewed and also functions as a dehydrator, if you like more bang for your buck.

See It

The air fryer works by circulating super hot air around foods with just a thin coat of oil (some recipes add no oil at all), so you’re looking at at least around 70 to 80 percent less fat than traditional deep frying would use. It’s also much less terrifying than a pot of viciously bubbling oil that can spatter and burn, and fairly easily catch fire, and there’s no need to wrangle with disposing a quart of smelly used cooking grease once you’re finished. Naturally, air fryers can handle healthier versions of all the usual suspects, from chicken nuggets and egg rolls to potato chips and french fries, whether freshly made or frozen.

But wait—as with any other infomercial-worthy product, there’s more! The air fryer, like the Instant Pot, also makes quick(er) work of cooking in general; since almost everyone is pressed for time these days, shaving even just a few extra minutes off of the dreaded waiting-for-dinner limbo is a bonus.

Amazon

And you can use an air fryer to make a range of other non-fried foods, like pizza, bacon, roasted garlic, toasted nuts, brussels sprouts, and even cakes. Why would you do that, you may ask? Well, why not? It could be a boon to those with tiny kitchens and those with no stoves at all, and potentially a good summer option for anyone, since it wouldn’t heat the whole room like a traditional oven. Plus, if you commit to buying an appliance, the ideal aim is to use it as often as possible in order to feel you’ve gotten your money’s worth.

Speaking of money, prices vary widely, but expect to spend at least $60; one of the the top-rated models on Amazon is currently $61.93, but similar models run closer to $100—and some, like the Ninja Foodi Multi Cooker, top $200 (but to be fair, it does have more functions than plain old air fryers).

Ninja Foodi Multi Cooker, $218.67 on Amazon

It's a pressure cooker, steamer, and air fryer, along with several other things, in one—plus, it has a roomy 6.5-quart capacity.

See It

Pay attention to size, too; the standard seems to be around 3.5 to 3.7 quart capacity across brands, but you can find “XL” versions that go up to 5.3 and 5.8 quarts, and even really large 16-quart models.

So is it worth it? As with many things, you truly have to try it yourself before you can say. If you already have a convection oven, there’s no need to bother, since air fryers are really just mini versions of them. Otherwise, some potential drawbacks to consider would be the extra counter and cabinet space the appliance takes up, the reality that most models can’t cook a large amount of food at one time, and the fact that they can produce uneven results, depending on what brand and size you purchase. And even some avowed air fryer fans admit that the taste and texture of air-fried foods aren’t exactly like what you’d get with eight inches of oil and a metal basket—yet many are willing to make that small compromise for the benefits of relatively healthier eating and easier, less-messy cooking.

Presto Fry Daddy Electric Deep Fryer, $24.19 on Amazon

When the ultimate crunch is more important than health-consciousness, only true deep-frying will do.

See It

You still can’t live on air-fried chicken alone (at least probably not for very long). But you can enjoy all your favorites a little more frequently and with fewer potential consequences—health and safety-wise—if you embrace the power of air frying.

Check out some of what it can do and see if that’ll sway you. “The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook” promises everything from mixed berry muffins to spicy beef stir-fry, and “Air Fry Everything: Foolproof Recipes for Fried Favorites and Easy Fresh Ideas” covers egg rolls, doughnut holes, and coconut shrimp just for starters—but here are a few home-cooked examples of its abilities:

Air Fryer Sriracha-Honey Chicken Wings

Karen’s Kitchen Stories

The air fryer promises to make crispy chicken wings easy and healthy, and you can coat them with all kinds of flavors, but this spicy-sweet honey-Sriracha sauce is especially appealing. Get the Air Fryer Sriracha-Honey Chicken Wings recipe.

Air Fryer Coffee and Chili Rubbed Rib-Eye Steak and French Fries

Montreal Food Divas

You can make both this juicy steak and oil-free fries to go with it in the air fryer, though not at the same time. Sub in air fryer sweet potato fries on the side if you prefer. Get the Air Fryer Coffee and Chili Rubbed Rib-Eye Steak and French Fries recipe.

Air Fryer Parmesan Dill Fried Pickle Chips

The Creative Bite

Bring the state fair into your home kitchen and make fried pickles! (You can also make more universally appealing and reasonably healthy potato chips in the air fryer if you like.) These are coated in dill-parmesan breadcrumbs, so they’re really rather fancy, as frickles go. Get the Air Fryer Parmesan Dill Fried Pickle Chips recipe.

Air Fried Samosas

Spoon Fork and Food

These crispy dough pockets of spiced potatoes make a great accompaniment to Indian food, of course, and they are much healthier than delivery or take-out versions. Get the Air Fried Samosas recipe.

Keto Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

Two Sleevers

Yes, it does seafood too—beautiful air fryer fish and chips for sure, but you can think even further outside the Gorton’s box and make shrimp scampi, in only 8 minutes. Add some mashed cauliflower if you’re keeping keto, or serve it over pasta if not. Get the Keto Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi recipe.

Air Fried Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Crux Kitchen

Honestly, these could be reason alone to buy an air fryer: squiggles of crisp cinnamon-sugar-dusted dough, with an orange-accented dark chocolate dipping sauce to make you swoon. Get the Air Fried Churros with Chocolate Sauce recipe.

Air Fryer Air Baked Molten Chocolate Cake

Momma Told Me

Want to make mini molten chocolate cakes without heating up your kitchen, and in only 20 minutes? With an air fryer, you can do it any time! Get the Air Fryer Air Baked Molten Chocolate Cake recipe.

Related Video: 7 Mistakes You’re Probably Making With Your Air Fryer

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.

from Food News – Chowhound http://bit.ly/2nHdpPw
via IFTTT

Quinoa Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Spinach

Need a good make-ahead meal? These Quinoa Bowls are loaded with creamy black beans, vitamin packed sweet potatoes, wilted spinach, and crunchy pepitas! Make everything on a Sunday and you have work-day lunches ready for the week!

Continue reading "Quinoa Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Spinach" »

from Simply Recipes http://bit.ly/2TfUxpa
via IFTTT

BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

These BBQ Bacon Jalapeno Poppers are SO GOOD! They're stuffed with BBQ sauce, gooey cheese, and bacon. Throw them on the grill for your next party!

Continue reading "BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Poppers" »

from Simply Recipes http://bit.ly/2FTPnw2
via IFTTT

How to Make the Best Keto Chili

The rampant popularity of the ketogenic diet shows no signs of abating any time soon, so you can find bulletproof coffee and keto fast food options when you’re out and about, but it’s still easiest to make your own keto-compliant food at home. There’s definitely a bit of a learning curve, but it’s pretty easy to make satisfying keto meals. Take chili, for example—the perfect centerpiece of a keto Super Bowl menu, or just for a comforting weekend dinner. Follow a few simple guidelines and you can whip up a pot of keto chili that everyone will love.

Use Plenty of Meat

While the keto diet isn’t an excuse to eat mountains of meat with total abandon, it does allow for high meat consumption, and high-fat meat consumption too. So skip the super-lean ground beef and load up your pot with fattier ground meat and/or well-marbled cuts like rib eye. A mix of ground beef and firmer chunks makes for a more interesting texture.

ButcherBox, $129/box

Get grass-fed beef, heritage pork, and organic chicken delivered to your door every month.

See It

Say Bye-Bye to Beans

If you’re already a devout member of the church of chili con carne, making keto chili won’t be too much of an issue for you, but if you love chili with meat and beans, you’ll have to make some big adjustments—namely, you’ll have to cut out the beans, which are high-carb. If you can’t bear to do it, you can substitute soy beans, which provide vaulable texture, flavor, and nutrients but only one net gram of carbs per serving.

Eden Organic Black Soy Beans, 12 cans for $36.31 on Amazon

Can't quit beans? Stock your pantry with these low-carb alternatives.

See It

Watch Out for Hidden Sugar

Lots of processed foods include a high amount of sugar (plus plenty of other things you don’t need), so beware cans of tomato sauce. Tomato paste is slightly better, and generally acceptable in keto chili recipes since you use a fairly small amount of it in relation to the total volume of other ingredients. And canned tomatoes in their juice are commonly called for, but make sure there is no added sugar in them.

Feel Free to Top It Off

Fear of fat is incompatible with the keto diet, so you can crown your bowl of keto chili with generous amounts of sour cream, cheese, and avocado! But…

Skip the Chips

Yes, chili is fantastic with corn chips and tortilla chips, but you’ll have to skip them if you’re keeping keto. If you’re really craving that crunchy finish, though, try some pork rinds! They’re basically just fat, protein, and salt (as always, be sure to check your labels). Alternatively, you can make keto cheese crisps for a little crunch.

Utz Pork Rinds, $6.49 on Amazon

Pork rinds are keto-approved substitutes for tortilla chips, breadcrumbs, and even pizza crust.

See It

Of course, if you’re more of a cornbread-with-chili person, you can try a keto cornbread recipe that uses gluten-free flour.

Best Keto Chili Recipes

Ready to get cooking? Check out some of these easy and delicious keto chili recipes.

Paleo Keto Chili

Gnom Gnom

This keto chili does call for beer—low-carb and/or gluten-free beer, of course—plus brewed coffee for a little secret ingredient kick. The flavor gets further complexity from lightly caramelizing the onions and browning the ground beef well. Get the Paleo Keto Chili recipe.

Instant Pot Paleo Keto Bacon Chili

Paleo Running Mama

This beefy chili adds bacon to the mix, plus bone broth, bell pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, and chipotle—and it can be made in your Instant Pot. Get the Instant Pot Paleo Keto Bacon Chili recipe.

Instant Pot 6-Quart 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker, $99.95 on Amazon

If you haven't joined the cult of pressure cooking yet, maybe now's the time?

See It

Low-Carb Chili con Carne

Jennifer Banz

This keto chili uses both ground beef and chunks of stew meat for great texture and extra beefy flavor. (You could also try adding crumbled sausage in place of ground beef.) Get the Low-Carb Chili con Carne recipe.

Creamy Pumpkin Keto Chili

The Castaway Kitchen

This keto chili is totally tomato-free, but it does contain some surprising ingredients in addition to the usual ground beef, onion, and garlic—like diced radish, pumpkin puree, a little garam masala, and even avocado oil mayo to enrich the bone broth. Maybe not one for traditionalists, but what if you just called it soup? Get the Creamy Pumpkin Keto Chili recipe.

Vegan Keto Walnut Chili

Abbey’s Kitchen

While keto does usually mean meat, vegetarian and even vegan keto adherents do exist! Walnuts are heart healthy and said to help kick cravings, but they also mimic the texture of ground beef surprisingly well when finely chopped. This vegan keto chili is truly satisfying. Get the Vegan Keto Walnut Chili recipe.

Vegan Keto Chili with Soy Beans

Compassionate Keto

That said, if you have a nut allergy (or just think nuts in chili sounds too odd), try a vegan keto version that uses faux meat and black soy beans. Get the Vegan Keto Chili recipe.

Keto White Chicken Chili

Hey Keto Mama

Another tomato-free keto chili, this white version relies on chicken, cream, and cream cheese—it’s a rich, comforting bowl with a kick from cumin and green chiles. And best of all, it can also made in the slow cooker. Get the Keto White Chicken Chili recipe.

If you’re planning on making a pot of keto chili for your Super Bowl shindig, you should also check out our Super Bowl LIII sweepstakes; we’re teaming up with CBS Sports, CNET, and TV Guide to give away a party-ready prize package including an LG OLED 65-inch TV (courtesy of Daily Steals), a Chefman Air Fryer, and $125 in gift cards towards CBS All Access. Enter for your chance to win before 3:30 p.m PT on February 3, 2019.

Related Video: How to Make Keto Cheese Crisps

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.

from Food News – Chowhound http://bit.ly/2RSgpdv
via IFTTT