Would You Text Your Pizza Order? Popular pizza chain Papa John's has launched a text message ordering option at 2,700 US restaurants that allows customers to text their orders in to a local franchise. The company has been using an online ordering service since 2001 and claims web orders account for nearly 20 percent of its US sales.
The only thing better than vintage recipes and cookbooks are vintage-cooking videos. While looking for Thanksgiving ideas, I came across this vintage commercial for a turkey made with real butter. You pat lots of butter all over, cover it with cheesecloth dipped in melted butter, and bake it slowly, basting with butter. Sounds like a recipe Paula Deen could really get behind. If you're interested in how to butterbake a turkey, or are just looking for a bit of Thanksgiving circa 1959, then check out the commercial, just read more
Nothing is as comforting as an old-fashioned apple tart. When warm, gooey, and fresh from the oven, a dessert of this magnitude has the ability to alter moods and capture hearts. There are a million different recipes available and it's easy to find one that suits your experience level as a home cook. Whatever recipe you use, don't forget to serve the tart with vanilla ice cream! For two recipes for the classic dessert — both highlight the simple and pure flavor of apples — read more
Attending Your Boyfriend's Thanksgiving For the First Time
Attending holidays with your significant other is a big step and one not to be taken lightly. If you are attending Thanksgiving dinner for the first time with your significant other, here are some tips to abide by.
When attending Thanksgiving at a friend's house, don't forget to bring a fabulous hostess gift. If you're at a loss for ideas and want to think beyond the typical bottle of wine, check out these wonderful hostess gifts. — Hostess With the Mostess
Yam
Sometimes confused with the sweet potato, this root vegetable is not related to the potato. Native to South and Central America, as well as many parts of Asia and Africa, there are over 150 different varieties. Yams have starchy flesh in either off-white, yellow, purple, or pink. Their skin is normally pale to dark brown. Although they have more moisture and natural sugar, they can be interchanged with sweet potatoes in most recipes.
One of the great things about Fall is the abundance of harvest beers and ales. Sure it's part of the whole limited-edition food trend, but because the hops are harvested and created specifically with Fall in mind, I'm willing to buy into it. These ales are wonderfully festive and make for a great addition to your party bar options or while watching the big game. I've gathered up a few of the ones I've seen in my stores, such as Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale, but I know that there are a lot of regional ones in the US and the rest of the world. Do you have a favorite harvest ale? If so, tell us about it below!
The big feast is just a few days away, and while all of your thoughts are on shopping and prepping, be sure you don't overlook the leftovers. If you're like most Americans, your fridge is going to be crammed with leftovers the day after. To avoid this, why not send some of them home with your friends and family? If you can, head over to your local craft store and pick up some fun Take-Out Boxes. If you don't have access to a craft store, then pick up some cheap plastic containers such as Gladware or Ziploc. This way, when your guests are ready to hit the road, you can send them home with some of the food, and not have to worry about whether or not you'll see that bowl again.
If all else fails and there are no containers to be had, use Ziptop plastic bags. It's not very glamorous, but it will definitely make transportation a lot easier.
Alternatively, if you're a guest at someone else's dinner, consider bringing your own containers. It does sound a bit presumptuous, but if your hosts are not prepared, it will make things much easier. Plus you'll be able to avoid the, "Oops! We still have so-and-so's plates."
Do you have any other ideas on how to send folks home with leftovers? Share your tips below!
I am super lucky to have a wonderful relationship with my dad. He enjoys cooking and loves to try new things making it easy to find gifts for him. If it's a little harder for you to shop for your dad, I've put together a list of gifts that any dad will love. To appeal to his adventurous side, stuff his stocking with gourmet proscuitto jerky. Make him feel like a top chef with his own set of expensive knives and wooden carrying case. When all else fails, bring him the top-shelf version of his favorite bottle of liquor. For a couple more ideas, scroll through the gifts below.
