Posts for February 1st 2013

taste test

Get Your Snack On With Tostitos Cantina-Style Chips and Salsa

Few pairings work better than crisp corn chips and fiery salsa; unfortunately, this classic Mexican-restaurant starter rarely translates well to supermarket offerings.

Few pairings work better than crisp corn chips and fiery salsa; unfortunately, this classic Mexican-restaurant starter rarely translates well to supermarket offerings. Tostitos aims to change this with its latest line of restaurant-style chips and salsa, so naturally we felt compelled to see if they could stack up to this oft-insurmountable task.

Tostitos Cantina Chipotle Restaurant-Style Salsa

Fans of smoky heat were smitten with this option, praising its prominent chipotle punch and perfect level of heat that tingles taste buds without lighting one's mouth on fire, making it all too easy to come back for seconds. One taster even noted that it lived up to its promise, as it reminded her of her favorite cantina's salsa. That said, it was a touch too smoky for some, so if you're not a chipotle super fan, skip the jar.

Tasters' average rating:


Tostitos Cantina Roasted Garlic Thick & Chunky Salsa

This roasted garlic-laced salsa left some tasters uninspired, citing a slightly too-sweet flavor and watery texture as its undoing, though most found it better than standard supermarket salsa. Those who enjoyed it touted its just-right level of punchy garlic, tanginess, and balanced saltiness. All in all, try this one for yourself: essentially, it came down to a matter of personal preference.

Tasters' average rating:


Keep reading to learn how their tortilla chips fared.

New Year

26 Jaw-Dropping Recipes We Made This January

This past month we've been working on our culinary resolutions, which have included eating a little cleaner, cooking basics to make at home, and indulging in some comforting classics.

This past month we've been working on our culinary resolutions, which have included eating a little cleaner, cooking basics to make at home, and indulging in some comforting classics. From green juice to limoncello Champagne cocktails, buttermilk pancakes to truffle mac and cheese, take a look at all the jaw-dropping recipes we made this January.

must haves

10 Must Haves We're Crushing On This Month

If we thought January was busy, it's because we had no 2013 frame of reference: with the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, and our favorite award show, the Oscars, February is going to be action-packed.

If we thought January was busy, it's because we had no 2013 frame of reference: with the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, and our favorite award show, the Oscars, February is going to be action-packed. Thankfully, we've got a few new obsessions to keep us fueled through the month! From Chinese cooking tools to New Orleans desserts, see what we're crushing on right now.

Vegetarian

Pink Grapefruit and Purple Pansies Brighten a Valentine's Day Salad

Some people care to receive flowers for Valentine's Day, but if you're like me, you would prefer an edible arrangement.


Some people care to receive flowers for Valentine's Day, but if you're like me, you would prefer an edible arrangement. While this salad isn't technically a bouquet of any kind, it does contain a colorful sprinkle of edible flowers. I chose purple pansies, snapdragon, and violets to keep in line with the Valentine's Day color scheme, but you can use bright yellow marigolds, orange nasturtiums, and other known edible flowers too. You'll find the flowers are mild in flavor and taste much like greens (slightly peppery and leaf-like).

Slices of pink grapefruit also adorn the salad. If you do not like the bitterness of grapefruit, try salting it before tossing the slices in with the greens. It neutralizes the tartness, letting the essence of the grapefruit flavor shine through. Slices of watermelon radish add a bit of crunch and vibrant color. Compared to other radishes out there, watermelon radish is mild in spiciness, plus it's fun to chomp on a naturally neon pink food!


Finally, Point Reyes Toma, a semihard cow's milk cheese, provides a creamy, buttery counterpart to the salad. Everything is tossed in a very simple vinaigrette to let the fresh ingredients dazzle your taste buds.

Click here to see the recipe.

Food News

Link Time: See Mussels in a Whole New Light

Curb cravings with mussels and meatballs in yellow curry — Tasting Table A bartender's guide to Italian spirits — Zagat And the new Ben & Jerry's 30 Rock flavor is .

savory sights

Instant Comfort: 10 Photos of Enticingly Good Food — by You

January could be about greens and juice cleanses, but the bitter cold month makes us crave comfort food.

January could be about greens and juice cleanses, but the bitter cold month makes us crave comfort food. Nothing beats burgers, soup, melted cheese, and pastries, to name a few things. We challenged you to share Instagram photos of the comforting food you're eating; take a look now.

Breakfast

Streamline Your Morning Routine With Cranberry-Apple Baked Oatmeal

Getting to work on time is an ongoing struggle of mine, so I'm constantly on the lookout for ways to streamline my morning routine.

Getting to work on time is an ongoing struggle of mine, so I'm constantly on the lookout for ways to streamline my morning routine. Sometimes this means a quickly blitzed banana-almond smoothie, but most days I can't bear to part with my comfort food of choice, which puts me in a conundrum: how do I fit in the time to both simmer up and dig into a piping-hot bowl of oatmeal before I run out the door?

The solution quickly became apparent after my first taste of baked oatmeal. Don't get me wrong; it's not an exact analogue to a creamy bowl of traditional oaten porridge. It does, however, tick many of the same boxes: it's nearly infinitely adaptable, keeps tummy grumbles at bay for hours, and is, most importantly, delicious. Even better, it can be made ahead and doled out into a to-go container to enjoy at my desk cold, at room temperature, or piping hot, depending on my mood. All in all, a win!

Keep reading for the recipe that'll streamline your morning routine.

New Year

How to Stock Your Home Bar

Recently, I met with bartender and English Gins brand ambassador Erick Castro.

Recently, I met with bartender and English Gins brand ambassador Erick Castro. Over a couple of gin drinks, Castro and I talked about making cocktails at home. I asked him what's the best way for a cocktail enthusiast to stock their home bar. He not only shared the spirits he recommends, but he also provided some helpful tips. If you're into making and enjoying libations, from classic cocktails to tiki drinks to modern mixology, read on for his suggestions.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Sweet Potato Hummus

Looking for a lighter snacking option this Super Bowl?

Looking for a lighter snacking option this Super Bowl? Try delectable sweet potato hummus from crccooks.

A healthy, nutrient-packed dip and appetizer that you can feel proud of serving to your family and friends.

For more — and the recipe — check out his blog, and then be sure to share your food photos in the YumSugar Community or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.