How to Shake (or Stir!) the Perfect Cocktail

If you think you need to venture to the bar to find a unique, tasty cocktail, think again. You can easily mix up your own creative cocktails and mocktails in the comfort of your own home. The most important part of a great drink is how long the flavor lingers in your mouth. You want to intrigue your taste buds and mind after the sip goes down. These tips are sure to leave a unique, lasting flavor on your tongue.

  • Choose a good quality base liquor or flavor of your cocktail.
  • Use a generous amount of the base spirit.
  • Mix in a tart or sweet ingredient such as lime juice, simple syrup, or liqueur. Remember to keep it simple and balanced, as this will make the flavors last in your mouth.
  • Add a few drops of bitters or a hydrosol, such as rosewater, to add aromatics to your drink.
  • A cocktail that contains delicate flavors or ingredients should be stirred. Be sure to shake any cocktail containing juice or egg whites.
  • To avoid diluting your drink, use larger ice cubes that will melt at a slower pace. In your glass, the ice should be visible about the alcohol line.
  • Take some time to make your cocktail look presentable. A simple lemon twist can add a touch of elegance to your drink.

From A Genius Mixologist: The Only Ratio You Need For Perfect Cocktails [Fast Company]
How to make cocktails: follow these 10 golden rules [The Guardian]
How to Make Perfect Cocktails [Williams-Sonoma Taste]

Irresistible Football-Themed Finger Foods for Game Day

Game day is coming up, and you’re already wondering what to add to your viewing party menu. Finger foods are always a convenient option, but you might want something a bit more sophisticated than the usual nachos and corndogs. Here are three great football-themed finger foods that even the most foodie guests will love.

Zesty Popcorn Mix [bhg.com]
Instead of grabbing a bag of snack mix from the grocery store, make your own using flavorful herbs, spices, and other ingredients. This recipe shows you how to create a sweet, spicy, and salty mixture using unlikely combinations, such as dried apricots, cayenne pepper, and popcorn.

Shanghai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce [myrecipes.com]
For an Asian-inspired appetizer, these tasty spring rolls have a gourmet taste without the gourmet preparation. Simply combine ground pork, fresh shrimp, and vegetables with a homemade sweet chili sauce on the side, and wrap the whole thing up in spring roll wrappers to create a handheld dish your guests will devour.

Football Cheese Ball [allrecipes.com/]
Transform the usual cheese ball into a football to make the perfect dish for your upcoming game day bash. This one is especially great if you’re pressed for time, as it’s very easy to whip up and serve with your favorite crackers.

4 Tips for Serving a Safe Food Buffet

If you’re hosting a large party, you’re likely concerned with serving tasty foods, but your goal should also be to keep those foods safe for your guests. Here are a few helpful tips that will keep your food buffet just as healthy as it is delicious.

  1. Wash your hands. The first thing you should do when preparing a food buffet is wash your hands. This prevents you from spreading germs to your guests, but it also helps to keep you safe from food borne illnesses caused by raw meat, eggs, and other ingredients. Be sure to wash your hands each time you refill the buffet, as well.
  2. Cook foods completely. It’s safe to keep foods out on a buffet, provided that they’re cooked properly beforehand. Meats like beef and pork chops should be cooked to at least 145º F, while chicken and poultry should reach at least 165º F.
  3. Use the proper serving tools. If you’re serving hot foods, be sure to store them in a chafing dish, slow cooker, or warming tray to keep them from changing temperature. Cold dishes can be served in nesting bowls over bowls of ice, and they must stay at 40°F or lower in order to stop the growth of bacteria.
  4. Abide by the two-hour rule. Finally, never let foods sit on a buffet for more than two hours. Tossing food that’s been at room temperature for too long will ensure a safe and healthy party.

Serving Up Safe Buffets [FDA]
Serving Prepared Foods Safely [Whole Foods]
Holiday or Party Buffets [USDA]
Buffet Safety [NSF]

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