Authentic French and Croatian Dishes to Celebrate the World Cup Final

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Every four years, viewers around the globe tune in to see what country will emerge triumphant in the World Cup. This year’s final game pits Croatia against France. While both nations are clearly great at soccer, they’re even better at food. If you’re looking to serve up some thematically appropriate nibbles during your World Cup viewing party and impress your guest with your worldly cooking abilities, then look no further. Even those who don’t care one bit about sports will be so distracted by the deliciousness of a plate of macarons and povitica to even notice the score. You’ll emerge the true winner, no matter what the outcome.

If you’re rooting for France:

Crêpes

Chowhound

Crêpes are a staple of French cuisine and should be an integral part of your World Cup viewing party, whether you’re rooting for France or not. The ultra-thin pancakes can be served sweet or savory. So stack them high and fill them with everything from Nutella to brie. You will not be disappointed! Get our Basic Crêpes recipe.

French Chocolate Macarons with Chocolate Ganache

Chowhound

The cookie most associated with France might look dainty and sophisticated, but it’ll have you drooling like a kid in candy, err pastry, shop. A platter of these instantly Instagrammable desserts will win over all your guests, especially if you’re ambitious enough to go the homemade route. Get our French Chocolate Macarons with Chocolate Ganache recipe.

Steak au Poivre (Peppercorn Steak)

Chowhound

If you really want to impress the carnivores in your life, try your hand at steak au poivre. Take a ribeye (or a filet mignon, if you’re feeling really fancy) and encrust it with peppercorn for a hearty and satisfying dinner. Get our Steak au Poivre (Peppercorn Steak) recipe.

Baked Escargot in Mushroom Caps

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Escargot gets a bad rap. Slimy at its worst and snobby at its best—only you can prove both reputations wrong by feeding your guests this snail-based recipe. Get our Baked Escargot in Mushroom Caps recipe.

If you’re rooting for Croatia:

Black Risotto

Chasing the Donkey

This gorgeous-looking dish gets its dark color from the black ink of a cuttlefish. Top with an octopus for a seafood feast for all the senses. Get this Black Risotto recipe.

Zagorski Štrukli

Croatia Week

This doughy, cheesy recipe is a staple of Croatian cuisine—one that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Get this Zagorski Štrukli recipe.

Sarma 

These stuffed cabbage leaves may take a while to make, but the result is worth it, especially if you want to fill your home with the aroma of ham and sauerkraut. Get this Sarma recipe.

Povitica

Love Is in My Tummy

This extravagant swirl bread is truly a work of art. Maybe you’ve seen it featured on the “Great British Baking Show,” where contestants struggled to get the proportions just right. Take all the time you need at home to construct this monster of a loaf. We swear it’ll be worth the effort just to see reactions from your guests. Get ths Povitica recipe.

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How to Make Healthier French Fries

As summer tempts us with its delicious fried fare, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet — and french fries, a snacking staple, can be especially enticing. However, while fries are pretty hard to imagine replacing, we’ve collected a few delicious contenders that could scratch the itch in a more nutritious way.

Be sweeter.

While it makes for a less traditional tasting french fry, sweet potatoes offer an excellent alternative and increase a fry’s nutritional value. Check out our excellent Sweet Potato Fry recipe, using only cornstarch, ghee, minced garlic, paprika, chili powder and black pepper. Be sure to avoid overcrowding the pan with fries in order for even cooking and pull them out when they appear golden brown.

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Embrace spices.

While french fries are often defined by the flavor they take on, consider cutting back on the salt and incorporating other, more nutritional spices. Garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and onion powder are just a few flavorful alternatives to avoid heavy sodium intake. If you’re opting for sweet potatoes, think about using a sweeter spice — like cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg. (Go easy on the sugar though! We’re trying to be healthy here.)

Forget the fryer.

Consider this — “French Fries” are not at all french. They actually were made popular in the United States after American soldiers learned the recipe from some French-speaking Belgians. If the word “french” is a fallacy, why not nix “fry” too? Slice a few potatoes into ½” pieces, going longways. Put the potatoes in a bowl with two tablespoons of olive oil, or just enough to entirely coat each potato. Add spices of your preference – garlic and parmesan are a classic, but you could also go the direction of spicy cajun.

Instead of a fryer, pop them in the oven on a baking pan lined in foil and covered in cooking spray or oil. Bake them at 450 degrees for 10 – 15 minutes, or until brown. By avoiding the fryer, this baking method cuts out a lot of the grease — and if they’re not from france and we want a more accurate alliteration, we could dub these fries “Belgian Bakes.” Another oil-free option is the grill, just be sure to keep an eye on them — turning the french fries often to avoid sticking.

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Nix the oil.

Combined with the baking method, this simple ingredient swap replaces the oil with another crisping agent — whisked egg whites or broth. By using these healthier alternatives, your french fry still has the crispiness you want without the weight of using heavy oils. Consider spicing the egg whites or broth before saturating the potatoes for extra flavor — or don’t, leading us to our next point.

Go potato-less.

Instead of filling up on carbs, try opting for a different veggie. Our Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries with Marinara Dipping Sauce offer a healthy crunch, and our Veggie Chips are another great snack alternative that imitates a fried potato chip. Veggie Chips boast the perfect guiltless binge snack — and with just a little creativity, other roots like parsnips and rutabagas can replace traditional potatoes for more of a nutritional punch.

While in general, fries hold a special snack place in most of our hearts, it’s not hard or expensive to create healthier alternatives. Baking fries, minding your spices and oils, and considering nixing the potato all together are just a few options we have in the kitchen to turn our guilty pleasure into a nutritious, guilt-free satiation. So next time you need a side for your cheeseburgers or a snack between meals — consider opting for some healthier, alternative french fry varieties.

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What’s in Season in July?

Hello Summer, hello July, and welcome to month 7 of our Monthly Produce Guides!

This is the season we wait all year for, the time of plenty. Our gardens, local famers markets, and supermarket produce sections are filled with glorious choices.

If July isn’t National Zucchini Month, it should be, right? If you garden, you might be regretting that decision to plant more than a couple zucchini plants, as each one produces enough zucchini to feed a family of four. No worries! We have you covered with dozens of recipes for zucchini and summer squash.

Continue reading "What’s in Season in July?" »

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Don’t Let a Lack of Outdoor Space Stop You From Entertaining This Summer

What says summer more than barbecuing? (Hint: pretty much nothing.) Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have expansive and Pinterest-worthy backyards to host our nearest and dearest for some grilling and cocktails. For those of us unlucky enough to have to sweat through the warmer months in tiny studio apartments, entertaining between Memorial Day and Labor Day can be tough.

So what exactly do you do when you want to entertain and your only “outdoor” space is your fire escape or the hallway outside your apartment? Here’s how to host a festive summer party even if you don’t have a backyard.

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

The first thing you need to do if you’re throwing a bash in a cramped space is to temporarily get rid of any furniture or decor that makes the space feel untidy. “First, declutter your inside space,” says Anticipation Events owner Elizabeth Tulipana. “You will be surprised how much room you have if you shift around some key furniture pieces.” Stash unneeded furniture in a bedroom or spare closet and use some folding chairs to make sure there’s enough seating for your guests, without crowding your space with bulky furniture.

Bring Summer Indoors

Emily Henderson

Don’t have access to outdoor space of your own? Bring the outside into your home, recommends Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs. “Bring in the palms!” Correale says. “Bring in extra plants and place around your space. Maybe add a bit of string lighting around the windows or in the space. Use a summer gingham tablecloth or something that screams summer.” Throw together a tropics inspired playlist or pull up Spotify and queue up some island-y music.

Keep decor on theme as well, says entertaining expert Jennifer Porter of Satsuma Designs LLC. “Light a beachy scented candle in the powder room to keep every room welcoming,” Porter says. You can also use stir sticks, festive drink umbrellas, and serve up apps on skewers to “turn up the summer celebrating,” she says.

Skip The Fridge And Stove

Tiny fridges and lack of counter space can make prepping for a party a real pain, experts say. Instead, come up with a menu that requires minimal prep. “Platters for finger foods that don’t need refrigeration are sure to be a crowd-pleaser,” Tulipana says.

Correale suggest sticking to grilled or cooked proteins like beef, chicken, or fish kebabs and room temperature sides that don’t require refrigeration or heating up, like a grilled corn salad, heirloom tomato salad, grilled asparagus, or farro or lentil salad.

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Don’t have access to a full size grill? Get a tabletop one or fake grill marks with a versatile panini press.

Rethink The Bar

When you don’t have a large refrigerator or bar area, you have to work with what you have. Don’t have much surface area to keep drinks chilled? “Use the bathtub as a giant cooler,” says  Correale. “Fill with ice and fill with champagne, wine, vintage sodas [and] artisanal water bottles.”

Limited counter space means it’s probably best to avoid an elaborate bar or drinks set up. Instead, make one or two special drinks, says Tulipana. “This will eliminate bottles and cans from event mess,” she says.

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Borrow Outdoor Space

It might seem obvious, but keep in mind that just because you don’t have outdoor space doesn’t mean you don’t have access to it. If you can’t quite convince your suburb-dwelling friends to host a soiree, you can plan a meetup with friends at a local park. Make it a potluck so all the cooking duties don’t fall on you and tote along a Frisbee, horseshoes, or a bocce ball set. You can search here to find a park near you where you can host your get-together (and make sure to read up on any grilling and food and drink regulations for your meeting spot). Happy picnicking!

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10 Summer Flatbread Recipes That Look Like Works of Art

The term “too pretty to eat” may be one of the most overused expressions among foodies. (“Foodies” is another great example of an industry word that deserves a premature death, but I digress). That being said, these sweet and savory flatbread recipes, most of which highlight the beauty of summer fruits, may actually live up to the cliché. From berries and peaches to pears and figs, the seasonal indulgences, utilized at the peak of their harvest, pair perfectly with cheeses, fresh herbs, and greens. Frankly, I’m not sure if I want to eat the dishes on this list or hang them in an museum. Scroll through and decide for yourself.

Strawberry, Pear, and Pesto Flatbread

Carl’s Bad Cravings

This is the best use of red and green I’ve seen since Christmas. Juicy strawberries paired with delicate pears and pesto is the flavor profile I never knew I needed in my life, but now can’t get enough. Get the recipe.

Grilled Flatbread with Potato, Chèvre, and Herbs

Chowhound

Tangy goat cheese and herbs make this masterpiece a perfect grilled treat for summer. Get our Grilled Flatbread with Potato, Chèvre, and Herbs recipe.

Peach, Basil, and Mozzarella Flatbread

Tastes Better from Scratch

Having this flatbread every day for lunch would be peachy-keen, but only during the summer months. If you’ve ever tried a peach during the winter, you know that it’s almost as bad as snow, ice, the flu, and every other horrible aspect of the season. Get the recipe.

Blueberry, Feta, and Honey-Caramelized Onion Flatbread

Kitchen Confidante

You had me at honey-caramelized onions with this one. While feta and blueberries are certainly delicious ingredients, I just want more of the onions. (And a breath mint, please.)  Get the recipe.

Pear, Bleu Cheese, and Walnut Flatbread

The Novice Chef Blog

Pear with me as I devour this pear, bleu cheese, and walnut flatbread in less than 30 seconds. No matter the season, this classic combo never goes out of style. Just ask Taylor Swift. Get the recipe.

Grape, Brie, and Arugula Flatbread

Tidy Mom

While I certainly prefer my grapes in rosé, this is an excellent plan B. In fact, it probably pairs amazingly with rosé or any summer blend. Let’s get this happy hour started, like, yesterday. Get the recipe.

Blackberry, Basil, and Ricotta Flatbread

The Stay at Home Chef

If you’re reluctant to buy blackberries, pairing them with ricotta is the perfect introduction to the seed-heavy fruit. It will absolutely be worth the hour of flossing you’ll have to do after. Get the recipe.

Bacon, Onion and Fig Flatbread

Chowhound

The bacon craze is still out of control, which means I despise people who say “everything tastes better” with it. WRONG. In fact, let’s change things up a bit and make the following statement: bacon tastes so much better with figs. Don’t believe me? Try it yourself. Get the recipe.

Grilled Cherry, Goat Cheese, and Arugula Flatbread

Recipe Runner

The George Washington cherry tree incident may be a myth, but I can imagine a young future president chopping one down to make this recipe. How else was he supposed to reach the cherries? Either way, #worthit. Get the recipe.

Raspberry Nutella Flatbread

Go Go Go Gourmet

I obviously wouldn’t leave a dessert flatbread off this list. Do you think I’m crazy or something? Nutella is a no brainer, but the tartness of raspberries take this dish from delicious to death-inducing. And I say that in a great way, obviously. Get the recipe.

Related Video: Flatbreads Around the World

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No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

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What Is Coconut Sugar and Is It Actually Good for You?

As more and more people seek to cut sugar from their diets, the search for natural and healthier alternatives has ramped up exponentially in recent years. Beyond agave and stevia, there’s another sweetener that’s garnered a lot of attention as of late—coconut sugar. But what exactly is it? And is it really that much better for you than typical cane sugar?

Coconut sugar is made from coconut palm sap. While it’s similar to palm sugar, it’s technically made from a different type of palm plant. The liquid sap is collected after cuts are made to the flower of the coconut plant. The sap is then heated until the water evaporates. What’s left are brown, granular crystals that are similar in appearance to raw sugar, though slightly smaller in size.

In terms of taste, coconut sugar doesn’t actually retain any coconut flavor. Instead, it’s much more similar to brown sugar and some claim it to have an even slight;y caramel taste. If you choose to use it in place of sugar in recipes, coconut sugar can be substituted on a 1:1 ratio. Given coconut sugar’s coarser texture, it can take longer for it to dissolve in liquids, so be mindful of that while mixing ingredients while baking as well.

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But is it actually healthy? Compared to granulated sugar and high fructose corn syrup: yes, definitely. Those sweeteners just contain empty calories and supply zero nutritional value. But while coconut sugar does retain some of the nutrients found in coconuts, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium, there are other sources that provide those minerals in larger amounts without coconut sugar’s high calorie count; comparable to that of regular sugar.

However, while coconut sugar is still loaded with fructose, it does have a lower glycemic index (GI) than typical sugar. GI is a measure of how quickly food raises blood sugar levels. Standard sugar has a GI of 60, while coconut sugar’s GI is around 54, though it can vary by batch and individual. This modest difference may or may not have larger long-term health implications, but more research needs to be done in this arena.

Even though the coconut craze rages on in other arenas (think coconut oil and coconut butter), it doesn’t automatically get a nutritional pass based on the fruit it’s derived from. In other words, coconut sugar is only a slightly healthier alternative than regular sugar and far from a miracle substitute. Debates continue to rage on, especially in the paleo community as to whether or not coconut sugar is an acceptable addition to the low-carb lifestyle. Ultimately, the best advice is the most cliché: Consume coconut sugar in moderation, just as you would anything else.

Related Video: How to Drink a Coconut

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