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How to Shake (or Stir!) the Perfect Cocktail

June 16, 2016 by

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]

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Dieting? These Foods Can Help You Lose Weight!

August 20, 2015 by

Dieting is never easy, but once you know the right foods to eat you'll start to see the pounds melt away. Here are a few smart foods that will help you to lose weight and stay fuller for longer.

  1. Beans and legumes. Foods like black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are high in fiber, which builds muscle and helps to keep you feeling full. Beans are also very inexpensive, and they’re a great alternative to meat for those who are vegan or vegetarian.
  2. Dark chocolate. If you have a sweet tooth that just won’t quit, it doesn’t have to sabotage your whole diet. Dark chocolate is a great alternative to sugary milk chocolate, cakes, and cookies, and it is also lower in calories. Just be sure to mind your portion sizes!
  3. Eggs and turkey sausage. Eating a protein-packed breakfast will help you to stay on track for the rest of the day. Eggs are great because they’re versatile and can be prepared a number of different ways, and lean turkey sausage is much lower in fat than traditional pork sausage. Eat this meal with a side of fresh fruit to start your morning off right.
  4. Avocado. You may think that you need to avoid eating fat in order to, well, lose fat, but healthy fats like avocado are actually an important part of any lean diet. The oleic acid found in avocados helps to quiet hunger, and these superfoods are also packed with fiber and protein.

9 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [WebMD]
Best Superfoods for Weight Loss [Health.com]
15 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [Good Housekeeping]
Use These 8 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [U.S. News]

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Imponderable of the Day: Why Do Doughnuts Have Holes?

February 19, 2015 by

If you’re like most people, your thought process surrounding doughnuts likely only focuses on where the best place is to get them and which flavors to choose once you get there! If you take a break from enjoying your sugary sweet pastry for a moment and actually think about the mechanics of a doughnut, you may begin to wonder how it got its unusual shape. Where did the signature hole in the doughnut come from?

Doughnuts are very dense, chewy pastries, so the main reason for their middle hole is to ensure that they cook all the way through. No one knows for sure which smart baker first came up with this ingenious idea, but fried doughnuts have been around in some form—with or without the hole—for hundreds of years. There is a longstanding myth that a 1930s sea captain named Hanson Gregory first invented the holed doughnut, but because the only proof is Gregory’s story itself, there’s really no way of knowing if this tale is true!

Why Do Doughnuts Have Holes? [Cakespy]
Why Do Doughnuts Have Holes? [Today I Found Out]
Why Do Donuts Have Holes In The Middle? [Knows Why]

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Why We Crave Junk Food—and How to Outsmart That Craving!

December 4, 2014 by

It happens to even the most disciplined of dieter: You're going about your day, when, all of sudden, you develop an intense craving for a sweet or salty snack. If this sounds like you, you're not alone! In fact, junk food is created with the intention of inciting a snack attack! The makers of your favorite potato chip or chocolate bar spend countless hours developing their product to impart just the right amount of crunch, sweetness, and creaminess to ensure you come back for more. What's more, giving in to your favorite junk food releases feel-good receptors in the brain, causing an immediate boost in mood.

Now that you're aware that there's a science to junk food, you're likely still wondering how you can combat cravings. To outsmart a craving, you need to first identify the craving and the reason behind it. Are you stressed at work? Instead of reaching for the comfort foods Mom used to make, call a friend to talk about your situation. Are you dieting and being too restrictive with your meal plan? Instead of cutting out pizza or chocolate forever, allow yourself to indulge in a piece of chocolate or pizza every so often. Moderation is key.

The most effective way to stop over-indulging is to limit your access to junk food. Keep your cabinets clear of cookies, candies, and chips, and after abstaining for a certain amount of time, you'll likely find that you no longer crave junk food as much as you used to!

The Facts About Food Cravings [WebMD]
Why Your Brain Craves Junk Food (and What You Can Do About It) [Lifehacker]
Know Why You're Craving Food [Women's Health]

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Tips for Creating the Perfect Party Tablescape

February 20, 2014 by

Throwing a party means making sure all details are covered, including a fabulous tablescape. Don’t get overwhelmed trying to create an amazing centerpiece; instead, just follow these five great tips for setting a memorable table. 

1. Pick a shape and stick to it.
If you’ve got square or round plates, stay within that element so as not to clutter and overwhelm the eye. Pick up a few candles and vases full of similar shaped blooms, and you’re good to go.

2. Get a great tablecloth.
Sometimes, the right tablecloth can make a world of difference. Choose one with a gorgeous design and tone down your dishware or pick a bold color and spruce it up with interesting patterns on the plates.

3. Use what you have.
Personalize your table with old pictures, personal mementos, or local flair. This will add just the right amount of personality and creativity to your spread.

4. Plan out your seating arrangement.
Make a plan to determine who is sitting where and set the table accordingly. If not everyone drinks wine, you don’t need a wine glass at each place.

5. Get a great centerpiece.
If you dishes are much to look at, make sure your centerpiece is! Create a beautiful seasonal arrangement of flowers or plants or use candles to create a more intimate ambiance.

Creating the Perfect Tablescape [Common Floor]
How to Create a TableScape [Examiner]
How to Create Amazing Tablescapes [Lonny]
Set the Tone for Your Holiday with Tablescaping [Grand Forks Herald]

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