‘Tis the season to eat a ton of food—and cook a lot of it, too! When you’re preparing your home for the holidays, remember to get ready for the kitchen-portion of the festivities as well.

After all, that’s where the magic really happens.

There’s enough going on during the holiday season without having to stress over having the right cooking utensils or adequate storage space. When you make your holiday shopping list (and check it twice), don’t forget to add these five essentials.

#1 Meat Thermometer

This is for safety as much as it is for convenience. Because the only thing worse than serving dinner late is giving everyone food poisoning from undercooked meat.

Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your meal is cooked to perfection. That way, you know you have everyone’s health and well-being in mind.

Be sure to set your Timer+ app to help you juggle all your ongoing dishes, from the turkey to the stuffing to the gravy (oh my!).

#2 Food Processor

A food processor is for more than puree. In fact, it’s an extremely versatile contraption that will likely come in handy on more than one occasion this season:

• Finely chopping nuts for your pie filling or cheesecake crust
• Whipping up homemade dips, sauces, and spreads for entertaining guests, such as hummus, pesto, and peanut butter
• Quickly slicing potatoes and Brussels sprouts if you have a big enough machine
• Cutting up bread crumbs for your stuffing
• Conveniently grating cheese to sprinkle over many-a-dish (the more the merrier, really)

#3 Measuring Cups

Cooking is kind of like an improvised jazz solo. Toss in a little of this, pick up a pinch of that, and hey, why not throw in some extra spice, just for the heck of it!

But improvisation only works if you have a solid, precise foundation first.

There’s where a set of OXO measuring cups comes into play. For everything that requires exact measurements and specific combinations, you’ll need a complete set of cups and spoons to complete your recipes to a T—before you put your own spin on things. Remember, baking is a science project, so try to follow the directions as best you can.

#4 Various Baking Sheets

In this case, the name is a slight misnomer because you’ll be using them for so much more than baking.

You’ll want two different sizes for all your oven needs:

• Half-sheets – These larger configurations are perfect for roasting fresh vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes (after slicing them in your food processor!). Make sure you buy at least two so you never have a baking-sheet-bottleneck.

• Quarter-sheets – You’ll be able to fit more of these in your oven at one time for when you have several different dishes to cook and prep that shouldn’t cross-contaminate.

You might also want to invest in a silicone baking sheet. These kinds of baking sheets mean you can use less oil since your food won’t stick to this material.

#5 Ample Storage Containers

When the night is finally over and everyone starts to head home, you have to head into the kitchen to deal with the mess you’ve made.

What will you do with these leftover mashed potatoes? How is it possible to still have this much turkey? And what do you do when Kevin asks if he can take home a little something-something to reheat tomorrow?

Put everything away in your handy-dandy Tupperware or opt for eco-friendly, Stasher storage containers.  These silicone storage bags are built to last while avoiding polluting the planet. Pretty cool!

Don’t waste time dealing with Saran wrap or tinfoil when you can put everything in reusable, stackable, good-for-the-environment glass or plastic containers that seal up nicely to keep your leftovers as fresh as can be.

A Happy Home for the Holidays

The best part about all of these cooking essentials is that they’re just that—essentials. They’ll certainly make your life easier while you baste your Turkey and measure out grandma’s special gravy recipe, but they’ll also come in handy the other 364 days of the year.

Happy cooking and happy holidays!

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The Study

The study is a combination of data provided by Instagram hashtags along with Google search volume. With this data, we have been able to rank the most popular International and National food days across the world with our unique scoring system.

The Top 3 Winners

Ranking at over 300,000 each, National Ice Cream Day and National Pizza Day came in 2nd and 3rd as the most popular food days. This is no surprise since pizza is one of the most beloved foods in many countries around the world and ice cream is a favorite dessert by many as well.

But scoring almost double is the top winner, National Coffee Day, with a score of 611, 414. This just shows that coffee does indeed rule the entire world. It isn’t just popular in a few countries, this beverage is enjoyed all across the world, leaving almost no competition at all for favorite food day.

Other Winners Rounding Out the List

Breakfast is a pretty popular meal of the day, one that is enjoyed across the world, so coming in with a score of over 200,000 is National Pancake Tuesday, making it the most popular breakfast dish.

Taco Tuesday has become a popular day as well, but the great thing about tacos is they can be enjoyed any day! So it isn’t a surprise that National Taco Day ranked in the top 10.

Scoring almost 200,000, National Doughnut Day also ranked in the top 10. And scoring almost 100,000, National Burger Day is also a favorite across the world. This one was a little shocking that it ranked so high on the list. I know that people in America love their burgers, but I didn’t know it was such a popular dish across the world.

Bonus: Favorite National Food Days in the United States

In the United States, the top national food days include National Sandwich Day and of course National Ice Cream Day. But also in the top 10 ranked National Eat a Peach Day and National Eat a Red Apple Day. This was a little bit of a shock to me, but I love to see healthy options in the top 10.

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One of the main problems for university students is finding nutritious food while studying and doing school activities. Due to high prices and fast pace of everyday life, students succumb to unhealthy, easy-to-prepare, and on-the-go foods. In the long run, relying on these types of foods can and will take a toll on their health.

Boston University (BU), one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the United States, ensures their students don’t experience this. Any BU dining hall offers meal plans to accommodate the needs of each student.

All in all, the university offers several services for the satisfaction of everyone. Here are the benefits of opting for a dining facility at Boston University.

• Sustainability- By relying on green and eco-friendly sources, Boston University also improves the way of life inside its premises. The goal, for now, is to resource at least 25 of its food items from sustainable sources. It has a total egg consumption of about 190 tons annually, but American Humane society certifies that the sources are cage-free.
• Meal Plans- Students living on-campus have the privilege of obtaining a meal plan. For those living outside of the school’s vicinity, BU gives them the option to avail plans depending on their preferences. They can opt for a traditional, apartment, or convenience points plan.
• Gluten-Free Options- Health reasons or personal preferences sometimes make it difficult for students who don’t consume gluten in finding restaurants that can cater to their needs. A BU dining hall known as The Fresh Food Co. at West Campus offers a gluten-free ingredients station. Its pantries are also gluten-free. Diners are welcome daily for lunch and dinner.
• Vegan or Vegetarian Choices- Every BU dining hall dedicates a vegan station for any course of the meal. It even gives students the freedom to create their vegan stir fry depending on their preference.
• Late-Night Meals- Some students do tend to stay up to study or prepare for exams and other school activities. It’s quite convenient that they still have the option to eat at restaurants that are open until late at night. Some of these restaurants include Late Nite Café at the Warren Towers and West Campus, and Bay State Underground.
• Engaging Events- BU spices up their menus by including food holidays. It might sound unusual to others, but the institution has Lobster Dinner (September), National Cookie Day, and Spicy Guacamole Day.
• Interactive- BU encourages students or their relatives to submit new recipes for others to try. It would then be recommended to the resident chefs who review if it’s possible to replicate the dishes.

Student organizations also have the option to team up with the dining team of BU. Aside from promoting the students’ clubs, it’s also a medium to share experiences with one another.

With the wide array of food selections offered by BU, the diversity of its students can always find dining halls that can satisfy their taste buds. It’s also advised that individuals inform the University of any Allergies or diet ahead of time.

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Every now and then, we all wake up just a little bit too slowly. Whether we’ve hit the snooze button one too many times, or we just don’t have that extra skip in our step, there’s nothing like that first morning cup of coffee to get us back on our feet.

Whether you squeeze in a trip to your local coffee shop or you get deliveries from a coffee club, those first few moments of peace in the morning can make a real difference to your mind-set throughout the day.

When you’re settling down for some well-deserved “me time”, you might take the chance to enjoy a few puffs from the best new flavors of e-liquids for your vaporizer. But what fresh blends can you try to take your espresso to the next level? Let’s take a look at the best balance of bitter and sweet to start your day the right way.

Tropical sunrise

What’s in the cup: The first entry on our list starts with a fan-favorite of coffee-lovers everywhere: the cappuccino. This classic espresso blend is smoothly mixed with a combination of hot milk and the traditional topping of steamed milk foam. And ideally, it’s served with a dusting of chocolate powder for an extra sugary kick.

What’s in the pen: Think summer fruits and tropical flavors. Choose from juicy, sweet berries like strawberries or raspberries, or select a tangy, exotic pineapple blend. You might even find the perfect mix in a combination of them all.

The result: A morning refreshment to pull you out of the rush, and into the sensations of the comfort of a swinging hammock on your dream beach.

Desert dreams

What’s in the cup: Enjoy the aromatic flavors of the Middle East with a cup of Turkish coffee. This rich blend falls on the more “bitter” side of the coffee flavor spectrum. Authentic Turkish coffee is a fine powder which you add directly to the tea pot. After bringing it to boil, which should take about three minutes at a high temperature, you’ll see a layer of thin foam emerge. Once the foam thickens, it means the perfect refreshment is ready to be served.

What’s in the pen: For the more dedicated coffee aficionados, the robust tastes of Turkish coffee bear a strong, bitter taste. You could find the right companion in a light coffee and cream vape liquid, or even a caramel or sweetened condensed milk option. This one is for the real coffee lovers.

The result: A true coffee indulgence for the senses. Add a colorful addition to your morning and wake up your taste-buds to the decadent experience.

Classic Americano

What’s in the cup: Another variant of the espresso – nothing says “good morning” to a day in the USA than enjoying a sip of strong, full-bodied Caffe Americano coffee. The ideal Americano brew combines hot water with the standard espresso. This mix creates a similar taste to a standard drip or filtered coffee option, with a much heartier base to it.

What’s in the pen: Taking a leaf out of the handbook of the true American diner, try adding a homely liquid blend of sweet and savoury to your mav glass. Look out for unique mixes that can include household US bakehouse favorites like cinnamon rolls, banana cream, and graham crackers.

The result: There really isn’t much that compares to home, sweet home. When you’re enjoying the drink that gave meaning to the term “Morning Joe”, this home-grown combo is sure to warm your belly before a day on the job.

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Vegas is a city that got built upon entertainment and has managed to establish itself as one of the best cities for fun, from the USA. Its reputation when it comes to gambling Beat baccarat it’s known all over the world, being the most famous gambling city on the globe.

Vegas also has some of the finest dining places from the states. These venues are often incorporated within a casino, allowing you to be in close proximity to all the gambling and never miss out on the fun. Anyway, with today’s technology you can play from anywhere games such as Book of Ra Online or Sizzling Hot, and never have to take a break from the fun of the gambling world.

Vegas is also known for its love for eye-grabbing things, luxury, and uniqueness. Thus, Vegas has no shortage of modern art and impressive architecture, and that can be very well seen in things as common as restaurants.

This city takes a simple concept such as a restaurant and makes it amazing. Because of that, we prepared a list with Vegas restaurants that have the most unique architecture, that will surely make you desire to visit them.

Aureole

Remember when I mentioned uniqueness above? Well, what Aureole has managed to do with their venue is nothing but unique. As part of this restaurant’s extravagant architecture is a tower-rack made out of 10000 wine bottles, that can be admired from anywhere inside the restaurant.

The finest restaurant from Mandalay Bay, and one of the finest from the USA, Aureole is hosting around 3000 selections of wine, giving its guests plenty of room for choice. The restaurant received the Wine Spectator’s Grand Award each year for the last 20 years because of their wine selection.

Beijing Noodle No. 9

Beijing Noodle No. 9 is a restaurant with a Chinese theme and cuisine, located on the premise of one of the most famous casino resorts from the world, Caesars Palace. The location comes in handy because you can go straight from the gaming tables, through a corridor surrounded by six huge aquaria, and into the restaurant that it’s wrapped in Chinese flower motifs.

The city throws you straight into the Chinese atmosphere, combining an architecture reminiscent of Beijing, with amazing Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has a huge 14 pages menu, allowing the guests to keep on trying new foods without running out of choices.

Gordon Ramsay Steak

Paris Las Vegas is nothing less than eye-catching, and so it is the Gordon Ramsay Steak restaurant, having one of the most exceptional entrances ever seen. Right at the entrance, the guests have to go through a miniature version of the Chunnel that connects England and France, making a reference to the fact that a British restaurant is hosted in a Parisian themed building.

When it comes to food, there’s no doubt about quality, since the restaurant is owned by possibly the most famous chef in the world. Ramsay’s steakhouse is undoubtedly your to-go restaurant if British food is what you are looking for.

Peppermill Fireside Lounge

Peppermill’s famous bar and restaurant, Fireside Lounge, is a widely known venue that was featured in numerous movies along the years, one of them being Casino 1995. Even if this is more of a bar than a restaurant, the venue serves food as well, ensuring its place on our list.

The lounge, with its classic Vegas design, purple colors, and the key fire pit, allow the guest to feel as if they are visiting Vegas in the ’80s, the look of the lounge being very authentic, and representative of those times.

Javier’s

If you think you’ve seen some bizarre architecture in your life, well, let me tell you that you’ve seen nothing yet. What the architects have done with Javier’s is truly impressive, building what they call “the world’s largest piece of chainsaw art.” One of the walls is wrapped around with 3,000 pounds worth of chainsaws, spread on four panels that are illustrating pieces of Mayan and Mexican history.

Conclusion

Vegas is undoubtedly an extravagant city, both the streets but also the venues being representative of its main values, being wrapped in head-turning architecture at all corners.

Gambling is an important industry for Vegas, along with the dining one, and both have experienced plenty of growth and love over the years. The restaurants mentioned above are art pieces on their own, and we do hope that you find them interesting, and potentially worth to check out if possible.

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Making the decision to go vegan isn’t just deciding on what and what not to eat, but a change in lifestyle that changes many aspects of an individual person’s life.

In a world loaded with sweets, starches, and meat, it’s very hard, if not almost impossible to change your eating habits to match this drastic yet rewarding change of pace.

Not only does it make family functions and eating out at local restaurants all the more challenging, but it could make your international travels a little bit challenging as well.

Before it was almost impossible to find vegan friendly cuisine, but thanks to the rising popularity of wellness led lifestyles and the diversity that tends such as cheap international flights that span the globe, news travels fast and new ideas tend to spread like a wildfire, so don’t feel like you’re limited to specific countries, because you can find delicious and ethnic vegan dishes no matter where your travels take you.

Here are the five best countries to visit for vegans:

1 – Taiwan

In a land with little to no dairy, eggs being considered a lavish add on to meals, and a government with stringent food labeling laws, Taiwan is a vegan paradise.

Taiwan is filled with dozens, if not hundreds of vegan friendly restaurants and food stalls, offering delicacies like vegan dumplings, spring rolls, and stir fries with mushrooms and rice. Even the most picky vegans are bound to find something delicious while roaming the streets of Taichung City and Taipei.

2 – Italy

Italy has always been a very vegetable rich country when it comes to their cuisine, which may come to no surprise given its Mediterranean climate and lush farm lands.

You can take a number of Italian dishes and ask the chef to hold the meat and you’re left with a delicious vegetarian meal such as marinara pizza, Fave e cicorie, Frisa, and Fagioli e cime di rapa alla barese.  

3 – South Korea

Although South Korea is synonymous with Korean BBQ, stews and meat soups, South Korea is home to some of the most vegan friendly, let alone healthiest foods in the world.

Dishes such as Kimchi, or fermented vegetables with a sweet or spicy sauce; Japchae, which are chewy sweet potato noodles with mushrooms, carrots, and greens. Bibimbap, which is a common left over dish where you just throw in your left over veggies, rice, and red chili paste all served in a hot stone bowl to delicious perfection.

4 – Germany  

When thinking of Germany, one probably thinks of hearty dishes with a lot of meat and potatoes, while this is true, you may be surprised by how vegan friendly Germany has become over the years.

Wirshaussalat may be one of the most simple, yet filling dishes in all of Germany, which is the mixture of sliced carrots, cucumber, green beans and cabbage, topped with whatever local blends of spices are available. Just be sure to try Wirshaussalat made with quality ingredients, or you may not find it all so enjoyable.

Another classic German vegan dish is Kartoffelpuffer, or pan fried potato cakes come in an almost unlimited number of combinations, one of the most popular being with coffee and a beet syrup, or if you’re feeling a little hearty, you can try Kartoffelpuffer with beer and sauerkraut. You can even get them served with apple slices and a sugary syrup to double as a dessert after a main dish.

5 – United Kingdom  

Believe it or not, the United Kingdom is home to a vast amount of vegan specific restaurants. Due to the rising number of vegans in the royal empire, vegans will find themselves in paradise when it comes to the abundance of vegan cuisine available for foodies.

Some of the most popular dishes include vegetable soups with spices and herbs, often loaded with beans and legumes, vegan pasta with curry or chili pastes.

For the more traditional dishes like cottage pies, meat can be substituted with a number of vegetables to add a twist to the classics. Desserts are abound such as fruit tarts, meringues, cakes and of course, biscuits. This is where it gets a little creative, with additions like pears and coconuts, as well as hazelnut; most vegan desserts are both filling and crispy, so you will be left full and satisfied.

The Best Countries To Visit For Vegans

Thanks to the rise in heath consciousness and the desire for wellbeing, the humble vegan will be able to find vegan friendly foods no matter where in the world you travel.

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Arrowroot can be bought in powder and put into drinks several times a day. Here are some of the benefits of Arrowroot:

This page has an amazing write-up which covers nearly everything: https://draxe.com/arrowroot/

Arrowroot is used as a nutritional food for infants and for people recovering from illness. It is also used for stomach and intestinal disorders, including diarrhea.

Some people soothe painful gums and sore mouth by applying arrowroot directly to the affected area. Babies cut teeth on arrowroot cookies.

In foods, arrowroot is used as an ingredient in cooking. Arrowroot is often replaced with cheaper starches, including potato, corn, wheat, or rice starch.

• Intestinal problem (irritable bowel syndrome, IBS). Early research suggests that taking powdered arrowroot three times per day with meals for one month reduces stomach pain and diarrhea in people with IBS.
• Soothing mucous membranes, such as the mouth and gum linings.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-283/arrowroot

• Better Digestion

• Improved Heart Health

• Safe for infants

• Fights Salmonella Virus

• Reduced Stomach Concerns

• Growth and Development

• Weight Loss

Source: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/arrowroot.html

More Information

https://downshiftology.com/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-arrowroot-powder/

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AVILA’S El RANCHITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Starting out in 1966 El Ranchito has continued to expand. One of their best locations is Corona Del Mar which offers great views of the beautiful cars that travel up and down PCH. But what about the food! The chips and salsa are extremely addicting, although be warned, they’re spicy. Their combination plates offer one or two choices along with beans and rice. They also cater!

EL TORITO GRILL 

Not to be confused with a similar sounding chain, El Torito GRILL isn’t just for regular dining, they also offer Taco Tuesdays, and an amazing Sunday Brunch. Quite spendy, the bunch is unforgettable. Their tableside guacamole sounds pretty mundane but it’s both a great show as they prepare it tableside and is pretty addicting. Another thing they are known for is their fresh-prepared tortillas. They prepare them at the front of the restaurant and the kids enjoy watching them being made and receiving samples.

NAUGLES

Naugles operated from 1970 to 1995 before becoming Del Taco. For fans of Del Taco, you might want to try the NEW Naugles. While this might not be the same exact place as it was originally, it’s definitely got originality vs. the other taco chains. Read about this exciting tale of a fan bringing back their beloved brand. While there are two locations, try

Naugles by the Beach
21351 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach

which is located next to the pier and goes well with the incredibly long boardwalk/bike path where people enjoy biking, rollerblading, jogging, and more. Park anywhere near and ride your bike there along the beach.

MORENO’S RESTAURANT

Another place to consider, especially for Taco Tuesday is Moreno’s. Their tacos drop to only $2.00 on Tuesdays. Grab a bunch of them and take them to go. Located near Chapman College and Old Town Orange, plan a day of it, and check out the historic Old Town area featuring

and if all else fails, try the nearest Del Taco. a much better alternative to Taco Bell, especially if you’re new to the area.

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