Cocktails trend towards savory, culinary creations for 2015

The New Year comes with predictions on food trends, flavor explosions and culinary exploration. Food isn’t the only culinary area with hot trends for 2015. Cocktails and alcoholic beverages have become an expansive category and the topic of trends. 

In the Chicago area, several restaurants and bars have been leading trendsetters in the world of cocktails and alcoholic beverages. From the popularity of the craft beer and microbrew movement to artisan cocktails, Chicago has a wide variety of cocktail focus locales. 

For 2015, restaurateurs and culinary experts predict the following trends for alcoholic beverages and cocktails/cocktail ingredients. 

Alcoholic Beverages

1. Micro-distilled/artisan spirits

2. Locally produced beer/wine/spirits

3. “New Make” whiskey

4. Food-beer pairings

5. House-brewed beer

Cocktails/Cocktail Ingredients

1. Onsite barrel-aged drinks

2. Regional signature cocktails

3. Culinary cocktails

4. Food-liquor/cocktail pairings

5. Edible cocktails

Whether you head to the newest Tiki Bar, local watering hole or upscale cocktail lounge, explore the menus for the 2015 trends in beverages. One sip could change your perspective on the traditional cocktail.

Seasonal batch cocktails are a perfect excuse to raise a glass

The winter months are full of social gatherings and reasons to celebrate. Since the season is festive, hosts seeks variations on the traditional wine and mixed drink option. A libation that can be served in no larger quantity is prefect for a party atmosphere.

HobNob Wine has create some winter fall punches that incorporate seasonal produce and fall flavors into the cocktails. These recipes are simple to make at home for your next gathering.

Autumn Sangria

• 1 cup vanilla vodka
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 apples
• 2 pears
• 1 orange
• 2 bottles HobNob Chardonnay

Directions:
Combine vodka, sugar, apple cider and pumpkin pie spice in a large pitcher and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Chop fruit (apples, pears, orange), add to mix and marinate overnight. Add chilled Chardonnay. Serve over ice.

Wicked Red Punch
(15 servings)

• 1 750-ml bottle of HobNob Wicked Red
• 1-1/2 cups spiced rum
• 3 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 oranges, zested
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 1 lime, zested

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and let sit, refrigerated for at least an hour before. If available, add one large block of ice to the bowl. Stir well before serving. Add a sugar rim and an orange slice garnish
HobNob Wine is a contemporary, fruit-forward premium wine that personifies “social style” at an unbeatable price. Coined in the 18th century, the term HobNob refers to people drinking to one another, clinking glasses, rubbing elbows, celebrating various moments and milestones. Today there are more reasons to HobNob than ever and no better wine to share.

Thomas’ seasonal flavors satisfy all day long

As the chill overtakes the season, warm, spice-infused foods bring comfort. Thomas’ seasonal flavors satisfy the comforting flavors that families want during the season. From breakfast to afternoon snack, Thomas’ pumpkin spice offerings fulfill the fall favorite cravings.

Thomas’ limited edition pumpkin spice bagels and English muffins are made with real pumpkin spice and cinnamon. The aroma of toasting pumpkin fills the kitchen and brings sleeping children out of their beds. Like the changing colors, these seasonal spices are a welcome change.

While the bagels and English muffins are a delicious way to start the day, these baked goods can be enjoyed beyond the waking hours. The pumpkin spice bagels can be a yummy part of a peanut butter sandwich or the English muffins make the perfect backdrop to a brie and apple sandwich.

Another fun idea to incorporate the limited edition flavors is to transform these baked goods into a decadent dessert. The pumpkin spice bagels would transform a traditional bread pudding into a seasonal delight. Simply replace plain white bread with some of the pumpkin bagels for a spicy, fall inspired dessert.

Morning, noon and night are the perfect time to enjoy a Thomas’ limited edition bagel and English muffin. Find these seasonal treats in your local store before they are gone.

Thanksgiving cocktails toast to warm memories around the table

Thanksgiving celebrations bring families and friends together around the table. While the plans for the food may be elaborate or simple, a festive drink for the day can make the food taste event better.

Sauza Tequila and Skinnygirl have created some thanksgiving inspired cocktails that pair perfectly with the turkey and fixings.

Sauza® Pumpkin Pie-tini

• 1 ½ parts Sauza® Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila
• 3 parts cream
• ½ part Torani® Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 1 part simple syrup
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• Whipped Cream and cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Preparation: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon (optional). Enjoy!

Cranberry Orange Margarita

• 1 ½ parts Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
• ½ part DeKuyper® Triple Sec
• 4 parts cranberry juice
• 2 parts orange juice
• 2 oranges
• ½ cup cranberries, frozen
• 2 tbsp. sugar

Preparation: First make your garnishes. Freeze ½ cup of cranberries. Using a channel knife cut a long spiral from on orange (see if you can make it all the way in one try!) and cut into 6 inch pieces. Twist the peels around your bar spoon and reserve for garnish.
Zest the other orange with a spice grater to remove just the peel and none of the pith and combine with sugar.
Cut the zested orange into wedges. Rub a wedge of orange around half the rim of your glasses. Roll the glasses through the sugared orange zest.

In a shaker, combine the rest of the sugar and orange zest mixture with the cranberry juice, orange juice, Sauza® Blue Silver, orange liqueur, and the juice from the orange. Twist the orange peel over the drink and place on the prepared glass. Top with frozen cranberries and serve your cocktail! Salud!

Pumpkin Spice Sipper

• 1 ½ parts Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka
• 1 part canned unsweetened pumpkin
• ¾ part fat free sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ part unsweetened almond milk
• ½ tbsp pumpkin pie spice

Preparation: Shake ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Turkey Day Toast

• 3 parts Skinnygirl® Prosecco, chilled
• 1 part grapefruit juice, chilled
• 1 part cranberry juice
• 1 part ginger ale
• Grapefruit slice for garnish

Preparation: Mix all juice ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Top with Skinnygirl® Prosecco and ginger ale. Garnish with grapefruit slice and enjoy!

Holiday travel is less stressful with careful preparation

Starting with the Thanksgiving holiday, families start traveling near and far. From a quick trip to family for Thanksgiving dinner to a longer, relaxing journey over the Christmas holidays, these trips can be stressful for everyone. The key to keeping everyone happy on any trip is preparation. Whether the trip is an hour or a full day, a bag full of the right travel accessories can make any trip a happy one.

These six must have travel accessories can make your family’s holiday travel m
ore successful.

Energy water: Perfect for keeping energy up during a long road trip, HYDRIVE Energy Water is a lighter and more refreshing way to get a caffeine kick. At only 30 calories per bottle, HYDRIVE Energy Water comes in a variety of nutrient-enhanced flavors to help travelers stay alert and energized for the entire trip.

Noise cancelling headphones: Enjoy music in comfort with Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones. Music sounds deep, powerful and balanced while outside sounds are blocked out. With their sleek design and lightweight around-ear fit, they can be worn all day long and are easy to fit in a carry-on.

Therapeutic eye mask: Stay relaxed during holiday travel using Earth Therapeutics eye mask to sleep peacefully. The form fitting REM sleep mask contours to eyes for pressure free relaxation by molding away from eyes and lashes instead of pressing up against them. The mask allows relaxed eye movement and visual stimuli while blocking out distracting light, allowing for an easy sleep in a car or plane.

Portable power bank external charger: Don’t let the stress of a dying cell phone or laptop ruin a long trip. Charge electronics in a car, train or plane with the AViiQ Portable Power Bank. The power bank is packed with a large 4600 mAh battery bank and high output charging which can simultaneously charg
e two devices at the same time.

Packing cubes: Pack smarter this year with Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Specter Cube Set. Keep clothes organized without having to worry about the weight – three ultra-lightweight sil-nylon cubes weigh less than 2.2 oz., come in a variety of fun colors and are stain and water-resistant.

Foodies show their Disney Side at the Epcot International Wine and Food Festival

Everyone has a Disney Side. The magic and wonder of Disney has a part in many families’ memories. From riding Space Mountain to finding hidden Mickeys throughout the parks, Disney and its moments bring moments to treasure for years to come. For foodies, the annual Epcot International Wine and Food Festival offers the perfect combination of Disney spirit with an unique culinary experience.

The 19th Annual Epcot International Wine and Food Festival runs through November 10. The event features more than 270 chefs, including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country. Celebrity chefs will be on hand to cook and share their culinary expertise. Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Rock Harper, Jennifer Hill Booker, Erika Davis, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Dana Herbert, Jamie Deen, Jerome Brown, Dean Max, “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, Duskie Estes and John Stewart will share their talents during culinary demos.

Since food and beverages are the star of this event, festival guests will be able to pair wines and beers with savory and sweet dishes from more than 25 ethnic and specialty marketplaces as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade and earn stamps on their complimentary festival “passport” souvenirs. Champagne, cocktails and “mocktails” also will be on festival menus.

A Patagonia Marketplace will debut with a menu featuring fresh, sustainable roasted Verlasso Salmon, Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri. A Farm Fresh Marketplace will dish up new home-grown offerings including Applewood-smoked Pepper Bacon Hash with Sweet Corn, Potatoes, Hollandaise and pickled Jalapeños. More than 30 new food items are on the menus of returning food and beverage marketplaces.

The 19th Annual Epcot International Wine and Food Festival runs through November 10. For more information on the individual events, special dining options and other special offerings, please visit the Disney Parks website at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day with yummy recipes

Fall brings pumpkin flavors into sweet and savory dishes. From a morning wake you up to a sweet treat to end the day, pumpkin can be incorporated into numerous recipes.
 

 To celebrate National Pumpkin Day on October 26, these pumpkin inspired recipes will surely satisfy your pumpkin fix.
Skinny Pumpkin Latte
Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Skinny Latte milk capsule
• 1 NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Skinny Latte coffee capsule

Directions

1. Place pumpkin and pumpkin spice in cup.
2. Insert milk capsule into capsule holder. Place into machine and pull down locking handle. Adjust drip tray to height of cup and place cup on drip tray. Move lever to the level indicated on the capsule, dispensing about 6 ounces. Remove capsule and discard. Stir mixture in cup.
3. Repeat brewing process with coffee capsule, dispensing about 2 ounces. Dust with additional pumpkin spice, if desired.

Spiced Bourbon Pumpkin Milkshake
(Courtesy of Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark)
Ingredients (2 servings)

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup roasted or canned pumpkin
• 3 ounces bourbon
• 1/3 cup half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed cloves

Directions

1. Add the ice cream, pumpkin, bourbon, half-and-half, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with a pinch of crushed cloves for aroma.
3. Sip. Feel joy. Give thanks that bikini season is six months away.

Autumn Sangria
Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla vodka
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 apples
• 2 pears
• 1 orange
• 2 bottles HobNob Chardonnay

Directions

1. Combine vodka, sugar, apple cider and pumpkin pie spice in a large pitcher and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Chop fruit (apples, pears, orange), add to mix and marinate overnight.
3. Add chilled Chardonnay. Serve over ice.

Graham Cracker Cookies with Pumpkin Pie Filling
(Courtesy of Alie Ward & Georgia Hardstark)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
For the cookies:
Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• 6 tbsp. salted butter, melted

Directions
Mix all ingredients until well incorporated and all crumbs are pulverized, then set aside.
For the pie filling:
Ingredients

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (15oz) pumpkin puree (not pie mix)
• 1 can (12oz) sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. Mix sugar, salt, and pie spice in a small bowl, then set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer on medium speed, then slowly add the canned pumpkin and the spice mix, followed by the sweetened condensed milk.
3. Mix until well incorporated.

To assemble the cookies:
Roll out the graham cracker mix and, using a cookie cutter or the mouth of a small glass, cut circles and set them upon a cookie sheet. Top each circle with a ½ - 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin mix, then top with another cookie round. Press gently along the edges of the cookies to seal. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cookies are golden brown.

Flirty and festive with SkinnyGirl Cocktails, all the fun without the guilt

Taking a few moments to unwind over a cocktail with friends can be the highlight to a weekend. With all the festivities, everyone can overlook the empty calories consumed. But as Monday morning’s workout looms, the guilt from drinking too many extra calories can start the week with a lull. With Bethenny Frankel’s Skinngirl Cocktails: 100 Fun & Flirty Guilt Free Recipes, everyone can toast to the good life without calorie overload.

Enjoying a delicious libation doesn't have to be an indulgence of calories. With the Skinnygirl Cocktails: 100 Fun & Flirty Guilt Free Recipes, the classic cocktails have been revamped to ditch the calories yet keep the flavor. Simple modifications to the recipes creates drinks with approximately 150 calories per serving. In general terms, these cocktails allow drinkers to enjoy the moment and not focus on the punishing workout required to compensate for calories consumed.

The cocktails featured in this book are modifications to some class favorites as well as modern artisanal specialties. From a light aperitif prior to an elegant dinner to a decadent sweet night cap, the 100 recipes will keep the boredom at bay.

The key to keeping the calories low are the use of fresh ingredients. Fresh fruits bring enhanced flavors to each cocktail. Skipping the pre-made sugary mixes, these recipes focus on simple ingredients to highlight the taste of the cocktail. The result is a lower calorie cocktail that satisfies the drinker.

At the end of a meal, an after dinner drink can be better than a big heavy dessert. The Death by Chocolate is a sweet treat that satisfies the chocolate craving better than any cake. With just three ingredients, vodka, espresso and chocolate liqueur, this after dinner drink is sweet yet it overpowering. A few sips are better than any calorie laden chocolate cake.

Skinnygirl Cocktails: 100 Fun & Flirty Guilt-Free Recipes is published by Touchstone, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. It will be available for purchase in paperback form on October 28, 2014.

Kitchen prep goes pink with Epicurean’s pink cutting boards

Incorporating pink in the kitchen isn't just a color statement. With the Epicurean pink recycled poly cutting board, pink raises funds for the Breast Cancer Research Fund. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Epicurean will be offering these fundraiser cutting boards throughout October on an annual, on going basis.
“We believe very strongly in BCRF’s mission, and are proud to be partnering with them on this endeavor,” said Tony Ciardelli, CEO of Epicurean. “At Epicurean, we are dedicated to giving back to the community, and joining the fight against Breast Cancer gives us another opportunity to help women and men in our own community, as well as around the globe.”

Epicurean creates strong, durable boards that are nonporous. With these boards, cooks do not have to worry about delamination, splintering, chipping or moisture absorption. The board’s measurements are 14.5” x 11.25”. It retails for $24.99.

The sales of the new pink board will benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Ten percent of all retails sales will be donated to this charity.

Epicurean believes that cutting boards can be fun and colorful. These recycled poly cutting boards are environmentally responsible, knife-friendly and dishwasher safe. Made from 100% post-consumer, high-density polyethelene, (like a milk jug), the cutting board can be recycled when its useful life is over. Epicurean cutting boards come in many fun shapes and colors. They retail between $19.99 and $34.99

Combating jet lag during holiday travel

As the news channels report about the concerning illnesses around the world, families have a heightened awareness about staying well during holiday travel. From preventing germs being transferred to combating jet leg, many travelers are seeking ways to keep themselves protected. While many expert travelers have their personal remedies, a few simple precautions could make a difference.
According to experts, moisture loss is the number one cause of jet lag. Did you know the following fact? In the US, the average relative humidity in the morning is around 78%, which humidity on a commercial aircraft falls between 10-15%. To put this concept in perspective, the average humidity of the Sahara desert is 25%, which is 10% more than it is on a plane. The environment on an airplane can worse symptoms of jet lag.
Knowing these facts, travelers can adapt to the situation in several ways. First, travelers are encouraged to stay hydrated while traveling. Drinking plenty of water or water soluble foods can keep a person’s system in optimum levels.

Even with increased hydration, travelers can lose moisture. Every time a person breathes, she loses moisture on an exhale. Low humidity levels in a person can dry nasal passages, which can affect the immune system and put a person at greater susceptibility for infection.

In some countries, people use a personal mask to combat pollution and viruses. A mask can assist hydration levels as well. With concerns heighten, a personal mask may be considered by families.

An option like MyAir, can block 99.997% of airborne pathogens and allergens. Additional the MyAir reduces the moisture lost in an exhaled breath. The ultra-thin mask with filtration is ideal in spaces with re-circulated air, like and airplane. The MyAir provides a barrier between hands, nose and mouth, which prevents tactile contamination.

MyAir is unlike other personal masks. This item is made in the USA, latex free and is easy to use. MyAir comes in multiple patterns to express personal style. It is produced by Ellessco LLC, which produces variety of travel items.

If your family is traveling this holiday season, a plan to combat jet lag and stay well during the time away from home can be key to a successful trip. Whether you decide to use to an item like MyAir or increase your vitamin intake, the important factor is to understand the environment and the impact it has on your health.

Do you have any travel tips? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Halloween inspired cocktails capture the spooky spirit

With Halloween falling on a Friday, adults are getting into the spooky spirit with their own celebrations. From an adults’ only Halloween party to a libation after trick and treating, adults are inspired by the holiday and flavors of the season.

While the kids are coveting their haul of candy, the adults can conjure up one of these Halloween inspired cocktails. From a warm, comforting toddy to a tart margarita, there is nothing scary about these cocktails.

Hot Pumpkin Tequila Toddy

• 2 parts Sauza® Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila
• ½ part DeKuyper® Mixologist Collection Ginger
• 6 parts apple cider
• ½ part real pumpkin puree
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Small lemon sliced into wheels
• Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
• Dash of fresh ground nutmeg

Preparation: In a non-reactive sauce pan, combine all ingredients except the whipped cream and heat just until steam rises then lower heat to keep warm. To serve, ladle into coffee mugs, top with whipped cream and dust with fresh ground nutmeg.

Candy Apple Margarita

• 1 ½ parts Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
• ½ part DeKuyper® Hot Damn! ® Cinnamon Schnapps Liqueur
• 1 part lime sour
• 1 part candy apple soda
• 1 lime wedge (for garnish)

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Café Loco

• 1 ½ parts Sauza® Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila
• ½ part Kamora Coffee Liqueur
• 4 parts coffee
• 2 tsp. cinnamon sugar (1 part cinnamon, 4 parts sugar) plus more for dusting
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Preparation: Combine hot coffee and tequila. Mix in cinnamon and sugar until dissolved. Float whipped cream on top and dust with cinnamon-sugar. Garnish with cinnamon sticks (optional) and enjoy!

Witches’ Brew-ski

• 1 part Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka
• 1 part chilled light beer
• 2 parts raspberry lemonade concentrate
• Apple slice for garnish

Preparation: Mix all ingredients over ice and serve. Garnish with apple slice.

Scary Skele-tini

• 2 parts Skinnygirl® Tangerine Vodka
• 1 part fresh blood orange juice
• Candy corn for garnish (optional)

Preparation: Combine blood orange juice and vodka in an ice shaker. Strain and pour into a frosted martini glass. Optional: garnish with candy corn. Enjoy!

Spooky Sipper

• 1 part Skinnygirl® White Cherry Vodka
• 3 parts lemon-lime sparkling water
• Splash of cherry juice
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Cherry for garnish

Preparation: Pour vodka and cherry juice over ice. Top with lemon-lime sparkling water. Garnish with a cherry and lime wheel.