Blog – Page 119 – Food Drink Magazine

Coffee in Different Cultures

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November 6, 2019

Today almost everyone in the world drinks coffee. Some drink to get them going in the morning, while others enjoy few cups of coffee throughout the day. Coffee is known to bring many health benefits but only if drank in a controlled amount. But, do we know when this amazing drink started to be made.

There are many different legends about the origin. Every culture tells it differently. But there is one legend that got my attention. The coffee that today is grown worldwide comes from many centuries ago from the ancient forests in the Ethiopian plateau. It was discovered by accident by goats. Yes, by goats.

The story starts when Kaldi noticed that his goats have become energetic after eating “berries” from a tree. So, when they did they weren’t able to sleep during the night. He shared this discovery with the monastery and they started to make drinks from the coffee beans. He was able to stay alert and awake during the evening prayers. Later the discovery was shared in Arabian Peninsula. Slowly the coffee was spread all across the world.

Cultures serve and make coffee in different ways. But before we get into that here is a reminder about the 15 Health Benefits of drinking coffee:

Lowers the chance of cancer
Lowers the risk of Sclerosis
Stronger DNA
Less risk of heart attack and diseases
Parkinson’s protection
Reduces depression and suicide risk
Alzheimer’s disease protection
Lowers the Risk of Diabetes
Liver cirrhosis protection
Better fiber intake
Helps with social skills
Better health overall
Longevity
Retinal Damage Prevention
Prevents cavities

Italy: Espresso

There is no to-gogo – cup in Italy. If you do order one they will instantly know that you are a tourist. For them, Espresso is a to-go Coffee. Espresso is a strong coffee served in small cups.

Turkey: A Turk Kahvesi

This is a famous Turkish coffee drink that is even popular in many Balkan countries. While people love drinking this coffee with and without sugar the true traditional version should be very, very sweet. The coffee must be strong, black and sweet. Traditionally is made in a copper pot – cezve and it is served with chewy candy on the side.

Denmark: Kaffee

One of the countries that are classified as the highest consumer of coffee in Denmark. Coffee is very important in their culture and it can be found on every corner.

France: “Café au Lait”

In France, the days start with coffee made with milk, hot. It is served in wide cups so that you can dip croissants or baguettes in.

Cuba: Cubano

In Cuba coffee is served at any change throughout the whole day. But it must be strong. It is served in small cups as shots and it is enjoyable during socialization with friends, coworkers, and family.

Ethiopia: Buna

Coffee’s birthplace, Ethiopia. Here there are many coffee ceremonies and coffee is a distinguished part of their culture. The processes of brewing and also serving can last even 2 hours. Traditionally the buna is served with butter or salt and not with sugar.

Austria: Melange

The traditional coffee drink in Austria is Melange. It is similar to a cappuccino. This drink contains steamed milk and espresso. It is topped with whipped cream or froth.

How do you drink your coffee? Do you follow your traditional way of drinking coffee? Share with us. Also, if you have a special coffee recipe that you enjoy please share with us coffee lovers to try it out.

Worldwide delectability: Asia

Bailey Woodean

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November 5, 2019

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Asia — Image by Quang Nguyen vinh from Pixabay

There are far too many tasty dishes around the world to be listed here in a single article. But, I was curious to find out what the most palatable cuisines are based on the continent. As it turns out, even breaking the world up into continents doesn’t cover the variety of the most delicious cuisines around the world.

So, the only way to avoid an endless list of deliciousness and delectability from every corner of the world is to pick one from each continent that could properly represent that continent in particular. In this article, I will discover the most delicious dish in Asia!

buddhist — Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

The Continent of Asia

Asia is without a doubt the largest and most populated continent in the world. The human population of the continent is more than 4.400 billion people. Asia is the origin of some of the very best food in the world. Their dishes are so beloved that we have countless Asian restaurants that cook and sell Americanized versions of Asian food all over the United States. In my research on Asian cuisine, I found that the list of popular meals is quite impressive. One meal, in particular, seemed to have a bit more attention than others. Chinese eggplant and minced pork!

Chinese eggplant and minced pork is also served with a delicious garlic sauce. This specific Asian dish is originally from the Asian country of China. The recipe can be made with the minced pork to add an extra aspect of flavor or can be made without it for vegetarian and vegan consumers.

The ingredients for Chinese eggplant and minced pork with garlic sauce are as follows (thanks to a recipe by Elaine on www.chinasichuanfood.com):

2 long Asian Eggplants
Pinch of salt
¼ cup of minced pork
1 teaspoon of minced ginger
½ tablespoon of Chinese cooking wine
3 tablespoons of cooking oil (divided)
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1 thumb of ginger, sliced
2 green onions (white and green halves divided)
½ tablespoon doubanjiang (spicy ingredient, skip for a milder flavor, double for extreme heat)
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
⅛ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon of sesame oil

To make the Chinese eggplant and minced pork with garlic sauce recipe, follow the directions below:

Cut off the ends of the eggplants and then chop the large portion of eggplant into smaller cubes. Leave the skin of the eggplant on for extra flavor.
Put the cubed eggplant into a large pot of water, add salt and allow to soak for 10 minutes
Drain completely and set aside
Marinate the minced pork with minced ginger, salt, and cooking wine. Set aside
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok and fry the eggplant cubes for 6-9 minutes.
Carefully remove the eggplant while leaving the oil in the pan
Stir-fry the minced pork next, until white in color.
Transfer the pork out
Reheat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in the wok and fry green onion white parts, garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang (if you’re using it)
Add the eggplant, minced pork, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well
Top with green onion halves and put steamed rice on the side

*Elaine from www.chinasichuanfood.com recommends adding cornstarch to the eggplant to keep them from absorbing too much of the oil.

Fun Fact!

In my research, I found the words “Chinese eggplant” used several times. I decided to take it upon myself to find out if there was a difference between regular eggplant and Chinese eggplant. It seems that the eggplant that is likely found in grocery stores around the United States is not Chinese eggplant, but rather globe eggplant. Globe eggplant will have a thicker skin and more seeds than the Chinese eggplant. The globe eggplant will also add more flavor to the dish than a typical Chinese eggplant. So, either type of eggplant can be used in this recipe, but the Chinese eggplant is likely more true to the original.

Recipe sources from www.chinasichuanfood.com

Up and Coming Restaurant Chains Worth a Try: Part 4

Ossiana Tepfenhart

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November 5, 2019

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Up and Coming Restaurant Chains Worth a Try: Part 4

If you haven’t noticed, we really are going hard on finding the best new chain restaurant brands of the year. That’s why we are doing a total of five different articles covering the newest major and indie food chains that are making a major splash among diners across the nation.

In this portion of our series, we’re going to take a look at some of the newest, trendiest, and most surprising chains to make their way into our hearts. Watch out for these awesome venues in a neighborhood near you!

Pokeworks

Poke bowls are a type of “open face sushi” hailing from Hawaii, and in recent years, their popularity exploded. One of the biggest chain venues to cater to the increased demand for this Asian-Hawaiian treat is Pokeworks. This fast-casual venue has started to pop up everywhere on the East and West Coasts thanks to their fresh fish and delicious recipes.

This venue is a great place to go for lunch, or for a customized poke bowl. If you haven’t tried it yet, you absolutely have to. Sushi bowls are just as good as they sound!

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

This isn’t a new chain restaurant, per se, but it’s definitely gaining more traction than ever before. This hyper-upscale, pricey restaurant is quickly becoming the go-to venue for people who want amazing, juicy, and flavorful butter steaks paired with mouthwatering side dishes.

A true carnivore’s heaven, this steakhouse brings out excellent cuts of meat, specialty butters, and a cooking method that really has to be experienced in order to be fully appreciated. It may be a splurge, but it’s worth every little penny.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Ruth’s Chris may be a steak lover’s heaven, but if you are a fan of seafood, Eddie V’s is the newcomer you need to watch. This top rated chain restaurant prides itself on fresh fish, delicious steaks, and a country club ambiance that few other restaurants can match.

This old school lounge and restaurant offers nightly music, happy hour specials, and a vibe that makes you feel like you’re part of the old boys’ club. What’s not to love?

Maggiano’s Little Italy

In a world where pizza delivery services and fast food reign supreme, it’s nice to see that some chain restaurants are taking a more old school approach. Maggiano’s Little Italy, for example, serves way more than just pizza and does it using classic Italian flavors.

Along with having seriously impressive pasta dishes, Maggiano’s is gaining clout for having chefs provide cooking tips to fans and for giving their restaurants an ambiance that avoids the common trappings of a chain franchise. Maggiano’s did its hometown of Chicago proud.

The Ainsworth

Perhaps one of the smallest chains to be featured on this list is The Ainsworth, and honestly, it deserves more recognition than it gets. This upscale restaurant chain is mostly based in the NYC tri-state area, and is known for having seriously impressive surf and turf. This is the very same restaurant that served wings made with 24-Karat gold, paired with champagne.

It pretty much embodies the look of modern decadence, and their (literally) golden wings are proof of it. Expect big things from this little chain in the future.

The truth behind your coffee creamer

Bailey Woodean

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November 4, 2019

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I did not grow up in a coffee creamer household. When I started drinking coffee around the age of 14, I simply enjoyed it black! On occasion, I would add a little sugar but, even that was rare. It wasn’t until 2011 when my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I started dating. His family were big fans of French Vanilla creamer, and still are. I would soon find myself becoming a happy member of that club.

Lately, I find myself trying to let go of the coffee creamer cult. I think by revealing the truth behind it, I may be able to go back to black!

So, what is coffee creamer?

Coffee creamer is an artificial sweetener that can be added to coffee to manipulate the flavor. Some creamers are powdered and do n’t require refrigeration. Others are liquid and they most certainly need to be refrigerated. Creamer can come in a variety of flavors from French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Cinnamon Bun, Pumpkin Spice, and even Reese’s peanut butter cups. These coffee additives may be tasty, but they are undoubtedly full of sugar and fat…and, not the good kind.

If you can’t stand the thought of taking hour coffee black but, you want a healthier option to typical coffee creamer then maybe you could consider almond milk, coconut milk, butter, or even sticking with the standard sugar and milk. According to www.weightandwellness.com, there are even a few recipes for creamer alternatives that are healthy and tasty!

1-2 tablespoons of cream, 1-2 drops of stevia, and a dash of cinnamon

Or, you could try…

2 teaspoons-1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and a drizzle of maple syrup

Or, you could even try…

1-2 tablespoons of coconut milk, a drizzle of honey, and a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice

These three options offer flavors that are complementary to coffee without adding too many calories and less fat content than typical coffee creamer. They are also cheaper than buying coffee creamer already made. To prove my point, the following ingredients are found in the creamers currently in my refrigerator.

Nutritional facts of our creamer bottles

French Vanilla

The French vanilla creamer we have right now is actually labeled “fat-free“. We don’t normally buy the fat-free creamer because let’s face it, it’s not as good but, I digress. This creamer is 25 calories per tablespoon serving. It is made with water, sugar, vegetable oil, canola oil, sodium caseinate, sodium citrate, artificial coloring, and many more ingredients that add up to a fat-free nutrition-free bottle of garbage. The label also features a “non-dairy”, “lactose-free“, and “gluten-free” description.

Cinnamon Roll

We almost never purchase odd or “seasonal” flavored coffee creamers. For some reason, my husband decided to try this one, yet another reason he shouldn’t shop alone, but again, I digress. The cinnamon roll flavored coffee creamer is 30 calories per tablespoon serving. It is also “lactose-free“. Although, it does have water, sugar, sunflower oil, natural and artificial flavors, sodium caseinate, and potassium phosphate as well as many more! Yet another bottle of sugar-flavored garbage.

The truth is

The truth of the matter is that coffee creamer, whether it is in liquid or powdered form, is an artificial sweetener that may add flavor to your coffee, but it is also not a nutritious or beneficial use of your daily calorie requirement. Personally, I find it hard to justify putting anything in my body that I can’t pronounce. Which is the beauty of the three previously listed recipes! The ingredients are simple, natural and pronounceable! Best of all, they are healthier options without sacrificing flavor.

Super, superfoods, and recipes!

Articles

Bailey Woodean

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November 4, 2019

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Superfoods have been widely discussed and are typically brought up around New Year’s Eve due to many people making resolutions to eat healthier and live better. However, I feel that there is more to superfoods than using them for a resolution, though it is a good one!

What makes a food a “superfood”?

These foods have elevated nutritional values without being high in calories. Most of them are great sources of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Fruits

Berries are super high in antioxidants which control free radicals. They boost blood sugar, insulin, fiber intake, and lowers cholesterol. Berries are also incredible for skin health and may help fight cancer.

Avocado is full of fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and folate. It is one of the most highly regarded superfoods!

Coconut is an odd, hairy, tropical fruit that is described as a superfood due to its ability to assist in fat loss and improving brain function. Coconut comes in a variety of forms including raw, shaved, as coconut milk, and even coconut oil. Each type is nutritionally dense and can be added to a variety of cuisines.

5 ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars (thanks to www.beamingbaker.com)

2 ½ cups unsweetened coconut flakes, shredded, or raw chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil, solid or melted
¼ cup and 2 tablespoons coconut cream
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Chocolate top layer

½ cup vegan chocolate chips or chopped paleo chocolate (use dark chocolate to double the superfood!)
¼ cup coconut cream

Line baking pan with wax paper
Add first four ingredients to a food processor, blend until wet and sticky
Pour coconut mixture into pan
Press down and smooth
Use double boiler method to heat ingredients for chocolate layer until soft and melted
Smooth chocolate over coconut layer in pan
Freeze for 40-70 minutes
Slice and enjoy

Vegetables

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that provides vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants to the human body. These nutritious, green vegetables are great for burning belly fat and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cauliflower is another cruciferous vegetable, it is usually white. This vegetable is also high in vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B, and antioxidants. It is said that cauliflower can help protect human cells.

Zucchini is a great and versatile vegetable. It is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A as well as fiber, donate, and potassium. Zucchini and other squash can be fried baked, stuffed or made into a casserole. The flower blossoms of the zucchini plant are also edible and contain their own nutritional benefits such as only having 5 calories.

Sweet potatoes are sources of beta carotene and vitamin A. They also contain fiber, calcium, iron, selenium, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are often eaten around the holidays and may be referred to as yams which would be false, they are two different vegetables. More recently, sweet potatoes have been seen in the form of sweet potato fries that are often paired with honey for dipping.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries (thanks to www.foodnetwork.com)

Olive oil, for tossing
5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ inch long then ¼ inch wide strips, using a crinkle cut knife
Oil
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon if seasoning mixture as follows:
1 cup salt
¼ cup black pepper
¼ cup garlic powder

Preheat given to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Line a sheet with parchment paper
Toss fries in oil to coat
Sprinkle with seasoning mixture and paprika
Spread fries on baking sheet, don’t overcrowd
Bake until tender and golden brown, turning occasionally
Cook 20 minutes, let cool and serve

Other super, superfoods!

Leafy greens
Chia seeds
Salmon
Eggs
Dark chocolate
Chickpeas
Ginger
Beets
Turmeric

Why Are French Restaurants Dying Out?

Ossiana Tepfenhart

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November 3, 2019

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When it comes to making fine food, very few countries have a reputation as solid as France. France is allegedly the birthplace of the modern restaurant, not to mention one of the top gastronomic tourism destinations in the world. The recipes take a notorious amount of skills to make, and taste downright decadent. It’s the motherland of fine dining.

France’s reputation for food should make French restaurants incredibly popular in the United States, but they’re not. They are actually shuttering their doors at a breakneck pace due to a lack of interest. As a fan of French cuisine, it broke my heart to hear this.

I didn’t get it. It didn’t make sense! I had to know why French restaurants are vanishing from America’s streets. Here’s what my research revealed…

Price Point Problems

The United States is all about enjoying great food, in large quantities, at a decent price. We pay for the food and want a bargain. French restaurants are notoriously expensive, with much of the pricing coming from sourcing rare ingredients that take days of expert preparation to create.

The food’s hefty price tag is necessary if you want quality. It pays for labor that takes far longer than typical dinner prep. It pays for sourcing and importing. It’s a quality over quantity position French chefs take. Americans typically look for quantity first, then ask about quality.

Sadly, most people don’t want to pay large prices for small platters.

Lost In Translation

There’s definitely an element of culture clash to this puzzle, especially when it comes to ambiance and traditions. French fine dining is codified when it comes to service and presentation. Americans aren’t about codified etiquette or minor details.

In France, a dining experience takes several hours when you hit a restaurant. This is not because of slow service issues. It’s because people in France want to spend time savoring food, ambiance, and the company they keep. Dining there is an experience, not just a meal.

A lot of Americans can’t handle the idea of a three-hour meal. Americans want it all in a fast pace, including food and service. This flies in the face of what French restaurants want to offer, and it ends up irritating many diners.

There’s a serious culture clash between the two countries’ approach to food, dining, and ambiance. This makes many Americans view French restaurants as snooty and pretentious, when it’s really more about tradition than anything else.

It’s Not Trendy

French cuisine was once the gold standard of fine dining, but that’s no longer the case. People are opening up their eyes and mouths to new cuisine styles. With the high price of French fare and the increasingly visible cultural divide between our eating styles, it’s not surprising that French restaurants are falling out of favor.

If you read expat reports of living in France, you will find even more reason to avoid French fare. Many of them claim that the quality of restaurant fare has plummeted in recent years, leaving expats wondering what went wrong. The bad press isn’t helping French cuisine’s ailing reputation.

As for this foodie, I’ll always be a fan of French dining. So, forget the haters. It’s an experience to enjoy. Raise your wine glass and have some foie gras with me. Vive la France!

A chef’s most valuable tools

Bailey Woodean

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November 3, 2019

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In the world of a chef, the most important tools in their arsenal are their knives! This is true of any type of chef, be it homemakers to executive chefs in high-class establishments. Investing in a good set of knives is essential to preparing your meals efficiently, and properly. The best way to choose your knives involves visiting a kitchen supply store near you that sells knife sets. Then, handle each knife brand and style until you find the one that feels the most natural to you.

When choosing a knife set, you should be familiar with each type of knife as well as what it is used for.

The butcher knife

This is a knife with a heavy blade. The butcher knife isn’t designed for detailed chopping or cutting of any kind. Instead, the butcher knife would be better used to divide meat and fish into slab sections.

The cleaver

Cleavers are knives with very wide, squared-off blades. They are not designed for anything other than chopping through bone-in meats.

The chef’s knife

The blade on this knife is narrower in shape than either the butcher knife or the cleaver. The chef’s knife is designed to slice through cooked meat as well as chop and mince vegetables and various other foods.

The slicing knife

As you may guess, the slicing knife is used to cut or slice something thin. Usually, it involves roasted meats which need to be held still with the help of a two-prong device while the knife does the slicing.

The bread knife

This is one of the long knives in a set or butcher block. The blade is thinner than most of the others and it is likely one of the only knives in your set with a serrated edge. The bread knife is used for exactly that cutting loaves of bread into slices.

The salad knife

This type of knife is not usually included in a standard knife set. You may have to look for one at your local kitchen supply store and find the right one for you. This type of knife is about medium length and is designed to chop the ingredients for salads.

The paring knife

This is a much smaller knife than the previously listed. It is developed with a narrow blade which is perfect for slicing small fruits and peeling skin off of other fruits such as apples.

There is also citrus knives which have small, thin, flat blades. They are used to peel, divide, and core citrus fruits.

Tools of the trade

My personal butcher block knife set is the Tools of the Trade brand. It is a 20 piece set which includes.

A utility knife
A chef’s knife
A bread knife
A boning knife
A tomato knife
A cooks knife
A paring knife
A santoku knife
A slicing knife
8 steak knives
A stainless steel sharpening rod
Shears

This is a great set of knives, in my opinion. They work really well if you keep them sharp and hand wash them. They can be put in the dishwasher, but it will cause them to rust faster and for the blades to dull quicker. None of the knives are too heavy or uncomfortable when handled.

Hands and taste buds

While the knife is the most important tool that a chef can buy for their toolbox, the two things that nogreat chef can be without are his hands and taste buds! A chef requires hands to prep and cook the foods he or she is passionate about. They also need a perfected palate (which requires the use of taste buds) to put together complementary ingredients which results in a tasty meal!

Up and Coming Restaurant Chains Worth a Try: Part 3

Restaurants

Ossiana Tepfenhart

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November 2, 2019

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Up and Coming Restaurant Chains Worth a Try: Part 3

The new franchise explosion isn’t done yet! With McDonald’s and other mainstream restaurant chains losing ground at a breakneck speed, more restaurants than ever before are working to fill up that gap with new concepts, new brands, and new ways to enjoy food with friends.

We’ve gone through some of the biggest names popping up across the country, as well as some more indie brands that are poised to make it big. Here come five more restaurants that you should watch for when they come to your neighborhood below!

Chain Restaurant — Photo by **Artem Beliaikin** from **Pexels**

Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar

I’ll admit it; I put this in the article simply because I couldn’t stop laughing at the name. That being said, this 16-location, Harrisburg-based restaurant chain is rapidly expanding thanks to their upscale eats and casual ambiance.

This is a venue where you can grab Wagyu beef burgers, gluten-free goodies, and all the draft beer you can want. If you love the idea of hitting a sports bar, but can’t stand low-quality food with a high price tag, Arooga’s is going to be a major hit with you.

Bluestone Lane

Bluestone Lane is one of the only franchises in this series to be based out of the United States, but that only seems to make it more popular. This Aussie cafe chain is all about bringing a uniquely modern, cozy ambiance to coffee enthusiasts who want to sip artisan brews and eat Insta-worthy treats.

Out of all the new chains we’ve seen, Bluestone Lane has the most Instagram-friendly menus and setting. Visually speaking, it’s great. Food-wise, it’s wonderful. We’re thrilled to see its flagship store in New York City, and smell the goodness from their Brooklyn roastery.

Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar

Considering how popular wine culture has become among Millennials, it’s not surprising that at least one semi-casual wine bar would end up on this list. Zinburger is a wine bar that also served up burgers, shakes, and bar food, all made from scratch.

Low-lit, intimate settings with upscale bar food seem to be a serious winner with its audience. Though the Arizona-based chain only has about two dozen locations, it’s pretty clear that it will expand fairly rapidly in the near future.

Public School on Tap

No, it’s not a restaurant that serves those foul-smelling chicken nuggets you remember from lunch period. Public School on Tap, also known as PS on Tap, is an ultra-upscale gastropub that is all about educating people on fine, seasonal meals complete with complementary beer pairings.

Though this restaurant chain has under 10 locations, the sheer amount of press it’s gotten is a testament to its serious potential. Each restaurant venue has its own number, too, just like regular public schools. Anyone who wants a little whimsy with their artisan wings will definitely appreciate what’s on the plate here.

Cantina Laredo

If you’ve been wondering where all the delicious Tex-Mex food went to, here it is. Cantina Laredo is a chain restaurant that is focused on delivering modern Mexican cuisine in an upscale surrounding. Genuine Mexican fare with an elegant presentation make this a real unique venue among a sea of kitschy cookhouses.

This venue is extremely popular in Texas, which says something pretty serious when it comes to the kind of food you should expect here. After all, Texans always seem to know where the best food will be.

Chip and Dip pairings with recipes!

Recipes

Bailey Woodean

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November 2, 2019

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As well as drink pairings to consider for your next football party!

Football season is here and that means it’s snack time! Are you hosting your friends for the first time and don’t know how to pair chips and their dips? Or, maybe you’re a seasoned hostess and just looking to shake things up? Either way, we have some of the best chip and dip pairing recipes and even which drink of choice would be the best option for that type of chip.

Potato Chips (the classic or wavy kind)

The best potato chip dip (thanks to www.deliciouslysprinkled.com)

2 (8oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (12 oz.) jar Heinz chili sauce
2 teaspoons onion salt
potato chips

In a large bowl, using an electric hand or stand mixer, whip cream cheese, chili sauce, and onion salt until creamy and smooth.
Place dip in a covered container. Put in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Serve with potato chips and enjoy.

Potato chip drink pairing

The best alcoholic drink pairing is probably a Shiraz-Cabernet wine.

Tortilla chips

Cilantro lime dip (thanks to www.dizzybusyandhungry.com)

1 cup mayonnaise (I used light)
1 cup sour cream (I used light)
1 cup chopped cilantro (no need to be picky about getting all the stems out)
4-5 tablespoons lime juice (I like 5!)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, to allow all the flavors to combine.
Serve as a dip with chips or bread, or use as a topping on fish, chicken, or hamburgers.

Tortilla chip drink pairing

The recommended alcoholic drink to pair with tortilla chips is, you guessed it, a Margarita! But, if you are not a fan then you may consider sauvignon blanc.

Fritos (corn chips)

Chili Skillet dip (thanks to www.tablespoon.com)

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons ranch dip mix (from 1-oz package)
1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos™ Scoops™ corn chips
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Heat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, stir cream cheese, sour cream and dip mix until completely combined. Spread in bottom of ungreased 8-inch ovenproof skillet. In the same bowl, mix chili and green chiles; stir to combine. Spoon over cheese mixture in skillet; top with Cheddar cheese.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling on edges and cheese is melted. Coarsely crush 1 cup of the corn chips. Top with crushed corn chips and green onions. Serve with remaining chips.

Frito or corn chip drink pairing

A sauvignon blanc wine would pair nicely with Fritos or corn chips.

Pretzels

While many pretzels are paired with beer cheese, nacho cheese or spicy mustard you may want to consider something a little different.

Margarita Dip (thanks to www.taketwotapas.com)

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
8 ounces whipped topping
8 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
1/4 cup tequila or lime liqueur
1 tablespoon triple sec
1 cup powdered sugar
lime zest (for garnish)

Cream together the butter and cream cheese.
Add in the triple sec and spirit of your choice (tequila/lime liqueur) and stir to combine.
Add the powdered sugar.
When all the above is combined, fold in whipped topping.
Place in serving dish or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Serve with salted pretzels.

Pretzel drink pairing

While I am sure there is a wine that would pair nicely with pretzels should you prefer it, the best option is a Brown Ale or an IPA.

Fall In – Season Food You Must Include in Your Diet

Articles

Maja Bilbilovska

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November 1, 2019

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Fall In – Season Food You Must Include in Your Diet

Yes, we can easily buy frozen broccoli, cranberries, watermelon, and strawberries in the store, but is it healthy to eat veggies and fruits that are not in season. We should always be like the weather and eat only in seasonal fruits. Storm the framer’s markets and you will find incredible seasonal produce and trust me they will taste amazing.

Each season is magical but we will never taste that magic if we always buy produce that is not in season. The anticipation, waiting, and imagining, is what makes it magical. Then once the seasonal fruit or veggie you love is finally in the season it will taste magical.

Also, keeping it seasonal means that we are staying on a healthy diet. Earth knows what we need to stay healthy each season and provides for us all the essential nutrients through the produce. For example, in winter we have oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc. These are all packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants that will keep us away from the flu. While in summer we get all the refreshing and sweet products to help us in the hot days. Well, when it comes to fall we have the best comfort food. After all, we need something comforting during those rainy and cloudy days.

Apples

Apples are rich in Vitamins B6, B2, B1, C, E, and A, also in fiber, copper, and manganese. They are great for weight loss (depending on the diet you follow), lower risk of Diabetes, have prebiotic effects and great for the good bacteria in the gut.

Beetroots

No cholesterol or fat, beetroots are nutritious because they are rich in calcium, iron, manganese, fiber, folate Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin K and copper. Beetroots can help with improving the blood flow, lowers blood pressure. Plus they are amazing to increase the exercise performance.

Cabbage

As a low-calorie veggie, it is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins such as Vitamin B6, Manganese, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Fiber, and more. It helps with inflammation, improves digestion, Heart health, Lowers blood pressure, and Lowers cholesterol. The best part is that it can be easily added to your meal plan because you can serve in salads, main dishes, and breakfast.

Pomegranate

While it is a hassle to eat this fruit you must add it in your fall meal plan because there are many health benefits that you can get from it. First of all, it has medicinal properties, It is Anti-inflammatory, fights against prostate cancer and breast cancer, lowers blood pressure, fights joint pain and arthritis, lowers the risk of different heart diseases, might help in treating erectile dysfunction, fights fungal and bacterial infections and improves memory and exercise performance.

Other fall veggies and fruits you must eat are:

Brussels Sprouts
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cranberries
Figs
Grapes
Mushrooms
Parsnips
Pears
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Yams and Sweet potatoes
Swiss Chard
Winter Squash

Now you are ready to plan your fall meals. You know all the veggies and fruits that will help you stay healthy this fall. Just make sure to buy them from the farmer’s market. This will ensure better taste and healthier produce.