Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Best Last-Minute Food Costumes for Halloween

chip on your shoulder costume

Like any medium for procrastination, there is an art to last-minute Halloween costume development and construction. We’ve all been there, frantically duct-taping beads to a white shirt in hopes that it’ll eventually look like something. Anything. If you’re there now, sweat dripping from your brow in need of some last-minute inspo, we say look no further than the fridge or pantry.

Food is fun, beloved, and universally understood. From dad-approved puns to iconic food brand mascots, cult classics and the downright cute; we reached all the way to the back of the fridge, behind that mysterious Chinese container and a half-empty bottle of Riesling to bring you the very best last-minute and DIY food costumes for Halloween 2019.

Some foods that have just floated to the top of the heap when it comes to international fandom. You know them, you love them (too much, probably) and that’s exactly why they make great eye-roll and LOL-inducing getups.

Cult Food Costumes

Sriracha Bottle

Sriracha costume shirt

Amazon

That Sriracha has earned cult status is an understatement. Bottled in California and beloved from coast to coast, this Thai-inspired bottle is ubiquitous. For less than $30 you can snag a Sriracha emblazoned t-shirt and clever green “cap” from Amazon.

Sriracha Shirt and Green Cap Set, $25-$30 on Amazon

Bonus: you can wear them all year round.
See It

Avocado

I know what you’re thinking, our avocado obsession has gone too far. From puns to memes and cutesy patterns, it’s all gotten a little tired and Halloween is no exception UNLESS you’re one of two things…

Chrissy Teigen and you and your baby are just this damn cute in your matching avo-outfits.

OR…

You’re pregnant and turn the baby bump into the avocado seed. I mean, c’mon!

Avocado Shirt, $16.99 on Amazon

Make other avo lovers green with envy.
See It

Kale

kale shirt Halloween costume

Amazon

And if all else fails. Just go as kale

Food Brand Mascots

Food mascots run the gamut from cheeky to sexy and downright upsetting (looking at you Domino’s Pizza Noid). These are some of our all-time favorites that everyone knows AND loves.

Chiquita Banana or Carmen Miranda

I don’t know all that much about Chiquita Banana and Carmen Miranda but I do know that they both wore fruit on their head and if they ended up on the same cycle of “Real Housewives” there would be major drama.

Find a fun flashy dress at the thrift store and achieve the signature headdress via Oh Happy Day.

Carmen Miranda Fruit and Flower Turban, $64.50 on Etsy

If you don't want to DIY, pay someone to DIFY.
See It

Jolly Green Giant

Jolly Green Giant costume

Amazon

A DIY version of this is perfect for any tall guy (or girl!) and easy to do as long as you don’t mind being encased in green paint from head to toe for the entire weekend. Hit up Michaels or Amazon for some fake green leaves and then fire up the glue gun. You also have full consent to throw frozen peas at people all night.

36 Fake Green Leaves, $6.99 on Amazon

Break out your hot glue gun.
See It

Mr. Peanut

Planters Mr. Peanut costume

Amazon

This is one to have fun with. All you need is a top hat, monocle, and cane and people will get the picture, so go ahead and give it your own spin. If you want that full Mr. Peanut effect, check out this shockingly on-point egg crate mattress construction!

Peanut Costume, $40 on Amazon

If you're fresh out of mattress foam...
See It

Top Hat with Attached Monocle, $19 on Amazon

Add your iconic accessories.
See It

Black Cane, $13 on Amazon

And don't forget to twirl your cane!
See It

Colonel Sanders

Did you know the Colonel was a real person and led a totally fascinating, if not brutish life? He was involved in a real-life shootout with a business rival, for instance, and once put a hex on a Japanese baseball team (as one does). So…with this you can bore people to death with endless facts as you dazzle in an iconic and fairly easy to assemble costume. Rubber chicken mandatory.

Southern Colonel Wig and Beard, $15 on Amazon

Tie and glasses not included.
See It

Rubber Chicken, $7 on Amazon

Everyone should own one.
See It

Dos Equis Guy

Speaking of exhausting, I know this one has been done, but all you need to freshen this overly-memed mascot up is to come up with some fresh taglines and you’ll be back in good graces. The rest is easy: pinstripe suit, Ernest Hemingway beard, and a 12-pack of Dos Equis, of course.

Fake Short Beard and Mustache, $16 on Amazon

The most interesting faux facial hair in the world.
See It

Morton’s Salt Girl

Not going to lie, this one could be totally fabulous if you pull it off like this girl did. Check out the costume components and prepare to slay. PLUS, if someone whips up a batch of margaritas, you’re absolutely prepared.

Purple Umbrella, $27 on Amazon

It'll keep you stylish and dry after Halloween is over too.
See It

Yellow Mary Jane Flats, $8-$20 on Amazon

Matching shoes are a nice touch.
See It

Morton's Salt (pack of 2), $7.99 on Amazon

Don't forget the most important part.
See It

The Oh-So-Cute Costumes

When it doubt, make it cute!

Grapes

Amazon

This grape costume is adorable and you’re obviously carrying a bottle of wine all night. Bonus points for soberly referring to the wine as “an urn of relatives no longer with us.” This one is easy to DIY with purple baloons or snag this one from Amazon for less than $40.

Purple Balloons, $4 on Amazon

Blow 'em up and you're halfway there.
See It

A Banana

Not to be out-cuted is this banana costume from blogger Studio DIY, who has a million and one sassy food costumes ideas to choose from.

Candy Necklace & Sweet tooth

This couples costume idea (also from Studio DIY) is pretty cute, too, not gonna lie.

Hot Glue Gun, $11 on Amazon

Have glue gun, will travel—and craft like mad.
See It

Sushi

View this post on Instagram

one salmon nigiri comin right up

A post shared by essie🦋 (@essieyangg) on

All you really need to make this work is a pillow, some colorful cloth, and a hot glue gun. After that, you can get all kinds of crazy creative.

Salmon Pillow, $10 on Amazon

Sure, this looks a little fishy, but in the best possible way.
See It

Professor Broccoli

I don’t totally know what’s going on here but I know I like it. Bonus points if your name is Rob. Broccoli Rob for the win.

Broccoli Beanie Hat, $10 on Amazon

Start a trend. Or turn heads, at least.
See It

Food Pun Costumes

The holy grail of food costumes. Nail it and you’ve won Halloween. Go too high-concept and prepare to spend your entire night making the same desperate plea to strangers as they stare blankly back.

Chip on Your Shoulder

chip on your shoulder costume

Party City

You could definitely make one, but for for just $5.99 you could also have this hilarious chip with strap delivered to your door. Chip on your shoulder is definitely a mood too, so be sure to pick fights and one-up people all evening to drive it home.

Cool Ranch

Step 1: Buy this t-shirt.

Step 2: Add a pair of simple black wayfarers.

Step 3: Be cool.

Oversize Black Sunglasses, $6 on Amazon

Deal with it.
See It

Deviled Egg

Ok, you’ve probably seen this one before but admit it, you giggle a little every time you do.

Egg Yolk Shirt, $18 on Amazon

Just add horns. And maybe a tail. And a pitchfork to really get the point across.
See It

Chicken Caesar

This one might be tricky to make completely at home (although not impossible). Start with this reasonably priced chicken suit and add a Roman toga (sheet) and gold leaf crown.

Chicken Costume, $35 on Amazon

Don't forget to perfect your chicken dance.
See It

Gold Laurel Leaf Crown, $7 on Amazon

Hail Caesar—and Halloween costumes that actually keep you warm.
See It

No matter what you decide to go as, have a delicious, fun, and happy Halloween. Eat way too much candy, scare a few small children, but whatever you do…don’t go as Salt Bae.

Related Video: How to Make Delicious Fake Blood for Halloween



from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2SuTNwH
via IFTTT

This High-Tech Electric Gooseneck Precision Kettle Is Half Off (Today Only)

This ain’t your grandma’s tea kettle. The KitchenAid Gooseneck Kettle is more like something 007 would use and right now it’s more than 50% off as part of Best Buy’s Deal of the Day. 

In addition to looking cool as heck, the stainless steel gooseneck kettle — perfect for tea or coffee — sits atop its own electric heat source and quickly heats to temperatures customizable in 1-degree increments, ranging from 140 – 212 Fahrenheit. The on-lid display shows you exactly how hot the water is for a perfect brew every time. 

Related Reading: Best Coffee Subscriptions for Every Type of Coffee Drinker

And maybe you’ve heard of pour-over coffee? It’s one of the best ways to get consistent and clean coffee but requires a precision pour over the ground beans. This KitchenAid kettle with slim gooseneck spout is designed to give you just the control you need. 

KitchenAid Precision Gooseneck Electric Kettle, $50 (originally $100) on Best Buy

Best Buy

Right now and for today only the kettle is down under $50 (originally $100). By comparison, the same kettle sells for $100 on KitchenAid’s website and since Best Buy offers free shipping on the unit (or pick up at your local store), the price you see is the price you get.Buy Now

Amazon has also matched Best Buy’s one-day sale price (plus free shipping) in case you prefer to order from Jeff Bezos’ outfit.



from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/32WvAEj
via IFTTT

Valerie Brunmeier’s Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Tacos and pasta! Why didn't we put these two together before? This one-skillet dish full of Southwestern flavors and pasta comes together in a flash with pantry staples. Your new favorite weeknight go-to!

Continue reading "Valerie Brunmeier’s Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet" »



from Simply Recipes https://ift.tt/32Z40pY
via IFTTT

10 Insider Tips for a Barcelona First-Timer

Near-perfect weather year-round, friendly locals with seemingly no worries, iconic food and culture—it’s a no-brainer why Barcelona had been a bucket-list destination for years, but I was overwhelmed by the number of tips, tricks, and recommendations breathlessly bestowed upon me by both travel professionals and BFFs. These inevitably yielded to an onslaught of familiar travel questions: Where do I eat first among all of the restaurants, from boundary-pushing and Michelin-rated to traditional hidden gems? What part of town do I stay in? Which museums are worth a visit? Am I going to have time to see it all? As someone with a neurotic tendency to meticulously plan detailed itineraries as far in advance as possible, I wanted to make sure I was guaranteeing an exciting and, perhaps most important, well-rounded trip. Here are my biggest takeaways, which will certainly come in handy for anyone heading to the popular Spanish city for the first time.

1. Consider ditching a hotel for an apartment

View this post on Instagram

I ❤️🇪🇸 y our @plumguide apartment.

A post shared by Joey Skladany (@joeyskladany) on

If you’re hoping to avoid the stuffiness or sterility of an expensive hotel and want to live life like a local, an apartment is going to be your best bet. We opted for a loft in Barcelona’s bustling, though central Gothic Quarter and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The Plum Guide, which graciously hosted us for a couple days, has become an authority for European vacation rentals, holiday homes, and short-term lets. Their easy-to-navigate site showcases properties that have been personally verified by “home critics” and presented in a way that mirrors an upscale and exclusive matchmaking service like Raya. While there isn’t a swipe left or right option, I did feel like I was picking a perfect match for a hot first date. And that hot first date did NOT disappoint.  The space was stunning, accented by authentically Spanish touches like wooden ceiling beams and terracotta floors that led to a mini, albeit adorable balcony.  You truly can have the comforts of a home while you’re away from home and we were grateful to have found this homey respite after long days of walking, drinking, and eating entirely too much street-side gelato.

2. Eat tapas anywhere. Seriously…

View this post on Instagram

Boatside paella party. #🎉

A post shared by Joey Skladany (@joeyskladany) on

Many restaurants will tout their tapas or pintxos (small snacks on toothpicks in bars) as “the best in Barcelona,” but it’s harder to find crappy food than amazing food, so feel free to stumble into any tapas bar along your route, stuff your face with plates of patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and gambas al ajillo, and relish in the best that this Mediterranean metropolis has to offer. A few recommendations to start: quirky La Pepita in Gracia, trendy Vivo Tapas near the Diagonal metro stop, and Ziryab Fusions Tapas Bar in El Born (a perfect lunch before hitting up the Picasso Museum). More likely than not, you won’t be disappointed. And if you are, the plate is usually small and inexpensive. Cue Jay Z’s “On to the Next One.”

3. …but do splurge on one fancy dinner

One restaurant hot ticket (of many) in Barcelona is at the appropriately-named Tickets, an Albert Adrià establishment well-deserving of its Michelin star. We experienced 20-plus courses of Catalonian bliss, only to be brought into a Willy Wonka-esque dessert bar with more dishes to savor. The service was impeccable, the drinks were strong, and the standout bites include a deconstructed olive-S, a sour and oddly frozen carrot crisp, and nearly everything that is served with bread (which was wrapped in ham and used as a vessel for sinfully rich truffle cream with cheese). Your credit card will cry as it’s swiped, but the once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience is absolutely worth the indulgence.

4. Book a flamenco show

Attending a flamenco show felt like an almost-too-touristy activity to do, but would have been one of our biggest regrets, had we not. The music, dancing, and overall passion was a delicious slice of culture that set the tone for our entire trip. My recommendation is Palau Dalmases, though there are many other historical venues that will certainly satisfy a craving to clap your hands and shimmy what your mama gave you.

5. Go to a neighboring island that isn’t Ibiza

It may be a tourist’s instinct to venture to Ibiza for a more tropical Spanish escape, and while the island certainly is beautiful, it’s not the only one that’s less than an hour plane ride away. We chose Mallorca as a weekend getaway, which offered a picturesque blend of mountains, oceans, and James Bond movie-worthy coves. While Palma (the capital) is bustling with people from all over the world, I implore travelers to reside in a less-populated area like Alcúdia, home to our favorite hotel of the trip: Hotel Can Mostatxtins, which graciously put us up for a few days to experience the property. The boutique beauty sits pretty among the historical town’s rustic streets, a modern beacon of luxury with a fabulous restaurant, spacious and airy rooms, and a famous dip pool housed in a cave (Speedos encouraged). It also is central to some of the island’s most gorgeous east coast beaches, making it a conveniently short drive to aquatic treasures and oceanside food options. Perhaps most appealing of all was Hotel Can Mostatxtin’s friendly and accommodating staff who provided us with some of our favorite dining, shopping (a nearby gift shop with the most scrumptious locally-grown olives), and excursion recommendations from the entire vacation. Frankly, a trip back to the majestic island and this wonderfully charming boutique hotel is worth the airfare alone.

6. Order wine with every meal

But make sure it’s a Spanish varietal like a leathery and cherry-forward tempranillo or a dry and bubbly cava (Spain’s version of sparkling) for a more authentic experience. It’s not abnormal to see locals enjoy a glass or two over lunch on a weekday, which made me seriously question what I am doing with my life and why America doesn’t follow suit. #priorities

7. Visit La Sagrada Família around sunset

View this post on Instagram

Never been more inspired to take photos in my life. #🌅

A post shared by Joey Skladany (@joeyskladany) on

Sure, the external architecture of Gaudi’s famed chapel is stunning and makes for an A+ Instagram shot, but it’s the stained-glass windows inside that really shine. And they shine more than ever as the sun sets, lighting the white space on fire with an orange and yellow haze that will turn anyone into a believer.

8. Walk everywhere and allow yourself to get lost

View this post on Instagram

This place sure is ugly.

A post shared by Joey Skladany (@joeyskladany) on

The beauty of Spain is that no two streets look alike. Every detail down to the color palettes of the facades, tiles of roofs, and narrowness of cobblestone streets is strikingly different, creating a visual overload that demands the latest iPhone camera. Ubers are also banned, so getting from one side of the city to the other isn’t cheap by taxi. (As if you needed another excuse to gorge on all the paella and churros. Walking will take care of that.)

9. Stay up late and explore the nightlife

We were really impressed with the area’s cocktail scene, with bars like Plata serving cleverly-concocted cocktails that are as fun (the use of props!) as they are delicious (fresh passionfruit!). Bartenders aren’t shy about incorporating the region’s freshest produce, nor do they skimp on alcohol volume like many American dive bars. And while it may be tempting to get a good night’s sleep: Don’t. The city truly comes alive into the wee hours of morning and can be capped with another round of—you guessed it—tapas.

10. Go in with zero expectations

View this post on Instagram

Gelat-ho. #🍦

A post shared by Joey Skladany (@joeyskladany) on

This is easier said than done, but as someone who suffers from wanting to manage every second of a European itinerary, I can assure you that Barcelona will not lend itself nicely to these controlling habits. The city is blissfully chaotic and the best way to experience it is to surrender any preconceived notions of what it means to have a good time and just stereotypically live in the moment. Perception is rarely a reality when it comes to travel, after all, and this is the opportunity to truly let yourself (and all of your annoying habits) go. Wander, drink wine, laugh, and disfruta!



from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2MWq0fp
via IFTTT

Monday, October 28, 2019

Fall in Love with Leaf-Colored Tableware

Food52 Staub cookware collection

The best fall tableware is obviously colored like autumn leaves—these red, yellow, and orange tablecloths, cups, plates, napkins, and serving pieces will look beautiful long after the last real leaf falls.

Fall is officially in full swing, and that means new flavors, new orders at Starbucks, and new scented candles for around the house. As we get further into the fall season, you may also find yourself hosting more parties than you normally would, what with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and maybe even a Friendsgiving or two.

Autumn EntertainingFall Dinner Parties 101If you’re hosting, you’ll definitely be focusing on preparing food and drinks—and you’re right to do so! But don’t forget that fall is the most aesthetically pleasing season, especially once the leaves have changed colors. Fall is all about warm hues like soft, deep reds, oranges, yellows, and browns, and you should capitalize on that for your next dinner party!

Follow this guide to shop for leaf-colored tableware that your dinner guests will absolutely fall for.

Linen Napkins, 4 for $39.95 at Sur la Table

Sur la Table

If you’re looking to throw a dinner party that’s more elegant than your standard paper plates and napkins, Sur la Table has beautiful linen napkins that you can buy in sets of 4. The best part is that they come in a variety of colors, so you can set your table with a mix of different shades to mimic a pile of fallen leaves. If you want to go with a true fall color scheme, I would suggest buying these napkins in “cranberry,” “honey,” “butter,” and “rust.”Buy Now

Food52 x Staub Turmeric Cookware Collection, $99-$299 on Food52 (normally $159-$359)

Food52 Staub cookware collection

Food52

If your favorite season is fall (which it definitely should be), you may be looking for a more permanent fall-themed aesthetic. You’re in luck; Food52 sells Staub cast iron cookware including rice cookers, grill pans, and cocottes. While the pieces are all super high quality, we can’t neglect the color! Everything in this collection is a beautiful orangey-yellow, totally reminiscent of leaves getting darker as we get further into the fall season. I’m telling you, this cookware will give your kitchen such a cozy ambiance.Buy Now

Related Reading: Le Creuset’s New Truffle Color Is Perfect for Fall

Grelucgo Hemstitched Polyester Table Runner, $23.99 on Amazon

orange table runner

Amazon

I’m not the biggest fan of tablecloths, but I do love table runners. I think they’re simple to maintain, more easily interchanged than a tablecloth, and they add something really sophisticated to your kitchen table (when I was in college, my roommates and I put a runner on our dorm’s kitchen table to make the space feel more homey). Grelucgo makes affordable and beautifully-stitched table runners that are available in deep cranberry red and pumpkin orange, making them the perfect complement to the fall dinners on your table.Buy Now

The Pioneer Woman’s 3-Piece Scalloped Edge Serving Bowls, $12.99 at Walmart

Pioneer Woman serving bowls

Walmart

If anyone knows her way around the kitchen, it’s the Pioneer Woman. Her serving bowls are super affordable, come in three different sizes (perfect for any-sized party), and the patterns on the bowls are really cute. If they’ve been in your cart for a while, fall is the perfect time to finally press “Confirm Purchase;” the bowls are predominantly orange, red, and golden in color, so they’ll match your fall décor perfectly.Buy Now

Harvest Plaid Tablecloth, $44.96-$59.96 at Sur la Table

fall plaid tablecloth

Sur la Table

I know I just said I prefer a runner to a tablecloth, but I know a lot of people out there would disagree with me. My grandma, for instance, used to have a different tablecloth for every season and every holiday. So if you’re anything like her, you should invest in Sur la Table’s harvest plaid tablecloth. It’s a cranberry red which, in case you haven’t noticed by now, is my personal favorite fall color (I always liked the red leaves that fell from the trees, too!). And the dark color of the tablecloth will make the colors of your food pop and look that much more appealing. If you fall in love with this tablecloth, Sur la Table also sells an apron, oven mitts, and table chargers in the same pattern. (And if you want to spend a little less, Target has a plaid tablecloth in brown and cream with yellow and rust accents for under $20.)Buy Now

Noritake Colorwave Dinnerware Collection, $6-$249.99 at Macy’s

Macy's fall tableware

Macy’s

If you’re in the market for new plates, bowls, and mugs, you may want to start at Macy’s. Their Noritake dinnerware collection is sturdy, microwave-friendly, and—you guessed it—comes in a variety of colors. I like these plates in particular because they are predominantly white, but the splash of color is very tasteful and stylish. If you’re looking to go with the “fall leaves” color scheme, I suggest buying the collection in “terra cotta” (which is more orange than your standard terracotta), “raspberry,” or “mustard.” The latter is my personal favorite in the collection because it’s a pretty shade of yellow that looks like golden leaves in the fall but would also add a beautiful pop of color to your table in the summer.Buy Now

Painted Wine Glasses, 4 for $69 on Amazon

painted fall wine glasses

Amazon

If you want your goblets to go with your fall décor, these wine glasses from Amazon are beyond perfect. Painted on the glasses are tree branches that are almost bare save for a few red, yellow, and orange leaves. The bottom of the glass is painted with all the leaves that have fallen from the tree. These are great for the fall and are all of a sudden in my Amazon cart.Buy Now

Le Creuset Mugs, $18 at Sur la Table

Le Creuset mugs

Sur la Table

Fall is the start of a long, enjoyable hot chocolate season! There is nothing I love more on a lazy day than holding a hot drink in a giant mug. When you’re serving coffee and dessert at your next fall dinner party, consider these big, beautiful mugs from Sur la Table. If it’s fall colors you want, go for the “flame” and “cerise” shades. The mugs all have an ombre look to them, so are reminiscent of a spectrum of different colored leaves in the fall.Buy Now

Better Homes & Gardens 20-Piece Gold Flatware Set, $19.99 at Walmart

metallic gold flatware

Walmart

During the fall season when your house is decorated in red, orange, and gold like the leaves outside, what could look better than gold forks, knives, and spoons? Luckily, you don’t have to spring for solid gold silverware. Walmart sells beautiful gold cutlery for only $19.99, so you don’t have to break the bank to class up your table this Thanksgiving. (Note: These are currently low in stock, but the rose gold option is also great, and there’s a similar gold 20-piece flatware set for just $10 more if you miss out and can’t wait for these to come back in stock.)Buy Now

Caiden Elegance Damask Placemats, 4 for $18.99 at Target

gold place mat

Target

Placemats are great for a number of reasons. They give your table a little extra panache, keep your tablecloth (or runner) neat, and they can be easily swapped out depending on the season. Target has a wide selection of placemats with a beautiful damask pattern. But remember, we want colors that remind us of fall leaves here, so if you’re interested in these for fall, I’d suggest “red,” “gold,” or “cranberry.”Buy Now

Zak Designs Soup Bowls, $19.80 on Amazon

fall tableware

Amazon

With fall in full swing, we’ll start to see a lot more soups. There are more vegetables in season, and fall flavors lend themselves incredibly well to thick, hearty stews that you just can’t eat until it’s chilly outside (chili and chowder included). Because you’ll want a bowl that makes you feel just as cozy as your soup, try these soup bowls from Amazon. They’re big, durable, and come in great fall colors (try “salmon,” “red,” and “hex orange”—and check out the coordinating pieces too).Buy Now

Disposable Supplies for 48, $24.99 on Amazon

disposable fall tableware

Amazon

Maybe you’re only hosting one big dinner party this season. You don’t want to buy more tableware that will just gather dust in your cabinets, but you want the décor to have that fall feel. Luckily, Amazon sells full sets of disposable tableware for every occasion. What I love about this particular set is that it goes great with the fall theme—you’ll see plates with fall leaves on them, chocolate-brown plastic cups, and burnt orange napkins. Plus, this set is enough for 48 people so, unless you’re throwing the party of the century, one should be enough!Buy Now



from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/36ezF8H
via IFTTT