Welcome to my new trivia series that tests your bartending knowledge and mixology skills!
Today's question is all about the difference betwen mojitos and mint juleps. Do you think you've got the knowledge to get it right? Then go ahead and give it a try!
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I can't believe I didn't think of this one myself. Here's a genius tip on how to keep your basil fresh for weeks. - Mental Masala
I know a lot of folks who won't go near tap water. They are terrified of dirty water and need to make sure it's filtered. While that's not an unreasonable request, it's sometimes difficult. What if there is no water filter? Or what if you're traveling? This is where the geeky iStraw comes in hand. This compact, portable device purifies water and reduces up to 99.99999% of all waterborne bacteria. It's good for up to 500 liters of water and supposedly leaves no after taste.
I think this is pretty fantastic and can see where it would come in handy. Sure your friends might laugh at how over-cautious you're acting, but who'll be laughing when they get sick from drinking the water and you don't? Available for £19.99 (approximately $40).
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No matter how stocked a bar may be, if it doesn't have alcohol it's not really a bar. What's the use of a cocktail shaker, martini glass, and toothpick if there's no vodka? Having one bottle is a must, but if your budget allows for more purchase a variety of types. Select one high-end bottle for sipping on the rocks, one for mixing vodka heavy cocktails like martinis and cosmopolitans, and one lower- end for Bloody Marys and Red Bull Vodkas. Supplement the collection with flavored vodkas — vanilla, citrus, and berry are my faves — that are popular in mixology. Lastly, a nice bottle of organic vodka is a special way to treat eco-conscious guests. Take a look at some of my selections below.
This set of four cocktail party plates are really quite clever. They're divided so that dips and bites don't mingle until you want them to and they have a notch that will allow you to balance a wine glass. There are actually quite a few trays like this out there right now, but I love the modern look of these. What do you think of them?
Just when I was about to give Top Chef's editors some kudos, I discover that the whole thing was a trick! Warning, if you haven't watched last night's episode — which I liked despite it being a trick — I'm about to lay down some spoilers.
Let's start things off with the quickfire challenge. When the cheftestants head down to the kitchen they are greeted by Padma and high-profile Daniel Boulud — or as Dale said, "Holy S*it it's Daniel Boulud." This time around the company they're promoting is Red Robin, and they're asked to create a new burger inspired by their line of "Adventurer Burgers." Surprisingly, most of the chefs create seafood burgers, and thankfully, Bravo decides to show us each creation. To watch find out what happens, read more
Chanterelle
A type of edible mushroom with a frilly, funnel like shape. The color ranges from bright yellow to orange, and they can be found in most supermarkets in both dried and fresh forms. Look for plump, spongy mushrooms and avoid those with broken or shriveled caps. It has a somewhat chewy texture and a delicate nutty or fruity flavor that is delicious both alone and worked into a dish.
TeamSugar member sarahkushner inspired us all with her root beer float cupcake and now she's hoping to do it again. This time around she's proposing an Elvis cupcake challenge. Actually make that the deep fried Elvis cupcake challenge. That's right, she's provided a recipe for a poundcake cupcake that is filled with bananas and peanut butter and then deep fried, and she wants you to make it!
If you're interested in making this creation (she says she's going to do it eventually, but maybe you can beat her to it!) then check out what she has to say.
Like a healthy dessert, a veggie club sandwich is a bit of an oxymoron. Club sandwiches are typically filled with smoky bacon and thick sliced turkey breast, but you don't have to be a meat eater to enjoy this stacked sandwich. The bacon is replaced with crisp cucumber, and the turkey with crunchy bell peppers. Not only does this make for a nutritional dinner, but it also packs well for a delicious lunch or picnic. To learn how to layer the ingredients in this scrumptious sandwich, read more
The other day Stuff Magazine created their list of the top ten hottest women of Food Network. Many of you thought their list wasn't quite right, but the rest of you thought we should come up with our own list of the top ten hottest men of Food Network. When I mentioned this idea to PartySugar, she quickly agreed and handed over her list. After a little bit of tweaking (I really wanted Alton higher on the list!), we finally settled on our top 10.
#10 - Robert Irvine
The host of Dinner: Impossible always manages to whip up a meal while under pressure. His fast thinking ways, body builder physique and British accent have garnered him a spot on our list.
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#9 Emeril Lagasse
Despite his success and his "BAM"itude, Emeril is devoted to great food and fresh ingredients. His toothpaste ads may have pushed him down a few notches, but his passion for getting everyone in the kitchen solidifies his place on this list.
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#8 Duff Goldman
In addition to owning and operating Charm City Cakes, he's also a sculptor, artist and musician. Besides, any man that can cook up fancy wedding cakes has earned a place on this list.
#7 Bobby Flay
Bobby's bad-boy attitude (remember when he stood on the cutting board during Iron Chef?), charm and grill skills makes him a rock-solid addition to this top ten list.
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For the rest of the list, read more
