The Solution to a Cold Winter Weekend Are These Warming Drinks
With temps frequently in the single digits these days in some parts of the country, none of us should be going outside on the weekends if we don’t have to. Ideally, we can all build a fire (or crank up the thermostat) and hibernate on the couch until Monday morning. As if you needed any inspiration to stay put, we’ve rounded up our best warm drinks that’ll make you want to cozy up. And no, they don’t all have booze in them, either.
There’s nothing more winter-appropriate than a big mug of hot chocolate. Unless you also happen to have a big chunky knit blanket, too. This is an old recipe of ours, and we haven’t changed a thing because it’s perfect and oh-so-easy to pull together. Of course, if you’d rather not deal with melting your own chocolate, we have a few ready-to-go mixes that you can add to your cart the next time you’re shopping.
2. Brûléed CappuccinoDon’t settle for a regular cappuccino when you can have a brûléed cappuccino! You’ll just need a culinary torch (we’re partial to this one) in order to caramelize the sugar, which gets sprinkled on top. This recipe makes a smooth, caffeinated drink that’s just a little more special than your usual weekday morning coffee run.
3. Hot Buttered RumThis drink couldn’t be easier to make or double (or even triple!) for a larger group. You simply mix up some brown sugar, butter, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves; divide it all into some mugs; add rum; and pour in some boiling water.
4. Hot Spiced Cider with CalvadosCider isn’t just for the fall! Especially this cider, which is made with crystalized ginger and Calvados (or whatever apple brandy you happen to have on hand). More of a rum fan than a brandy fan? We’ve got something for you, too: this recipe features cider concentrate and golden or dark rum.
5. Lemon Verbena and Mint TisaneThis is technically a summery drink (lemon verbena is a lemon-scented herb that can usually be found at farmers’ markets during the warmer months) but you can make it during the winter by using the peel from one or two lemons or a stalk of lemongrass. The resulting drink is super soothing, and a nice reminder that summer will be around again—eventually.
6. ChaiWe strongly believe that every kitchen needs a mortar and pestle. It’s a fun way to really learn about deep, rich flavors of freshly ground spices. It’s also the key to making this spicy, warming tea. To make it, you’ll start by crushing up cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and peppercorns. Steep that with cardamom pods and ginger, and then with some black tea. Serve your mixture with milk and honey, and snuggle up with a good book.
7. Williams Sonoma Chocolate Truffle Coffee, $15 for 12 ouncesDon’t have time to make a special drink? Just swap out your usual morning coffee grinds for this bag of rich, indulgent pre-ground coffee. It’s silky, well balanced, and brimming with decadence. To make it, we take our premium South American Arabica coffee beans, medium roast them, and then expertly ground them to the perfect consistency. Brew a big pot and bring a travel mug along with you as you run all those errands. Just promise us you’ll take it easy later!
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Let’s do nachos today. I know the title says vegan nachos, but whether you’re vegan or not, when you need a nacho fix, this is how you should roll. At least once. Just to see if you like them. I mean, nachos are always a crowd pleaser, and this is no exception, I promise. Chances are, you won’t even miss the classic cheese bomb version. On the flip side, your body will thank you because the “cheese” in this version is non-dairy, vegan, packed with beneficial spices, cashews, garlic, and grated sweet potatoes, and lasts up to a week refrigerated.
Sweet potato nacho cheese is a thing for good reason, it behaves a lot like a classic nacho cheese, it’s the right color even, but(!) it’s arguably more delicious, and made from natural ingredients. I incorporate a bunch of short-cuts in my version to speed things along, like grating the sweet potato. Also, if you make the sauce a day or two ahead of time, you can have a pan of nachos ready to go in a flash. Ready? Let’s do this.
How to Get the Toppings RightI’m including two different versions here. Option one is your typical pile-it-on semi-classic approach (pictured above): baked tortilla chips, black beans, sweet potato nacho cheese, olives, salsa, guacamole, chiles, etc. The other? Option two (pictured below) is what I like to think of as my hippie version: baked tortilla chips, sweet potato nacho cheese, chickpeas, roasted broccoli, guacamole, hemp seeds, pickled serrano chiles. The only things that would make it more hippie-ish would be to sprinkle it with nutritional yeast, and perhaps do a green version of the cheese (which I’ve considered ;)…
If you’re trying to make a meal out of the nachos, a good approach is to pile them high with an added sheet pan of simple, roasted vegetables. Broccoli and cheese is a classic combo (that even a lot of kids like), so I tend to go that route, but experiment! Roast a pan of vegetables while you’re making the cheese. Easy.
Is it me, or are baked tortilla chips increasingly hard to find? I look for baked chips (and sometimes fail). And/or ones with added heirloom corn, added quinoa, maca, etc. I also look for lightly-salted (some are SO salty!).
Uses for Your Extra Nacho CheeseAny extra cheese is also tops as a sandwich spread, crudité dip, or keep it on hand anytime you’re grilling or roasting.
Oven to Table ConvenienceBake and serve your nachos on the same plate (or pan). I use an oven-proof platter here. A baking sheet or sheet pan also works. It makes it simple to go from oven to table. Pile as many chips as you like on your platter/pan, top with beans, top with cheesy dollops, and bake for a few minutes. Don’t worry that they don’t look particularly nice, everything changes when you add your finishing toppings! No need to dirty another plate.
Continue reading The Ultimate Vegan Nachos on 101 Cookbooks
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Say hello to this funny looking mushroom! Crunchy, spicy and easy to prepare Chinese dish that is healthy and delicious too.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip
It’s perfect for sharing with friends and a must for your Superbowl party!! A few more favorite party appetizers are my Mini Bell Peppers Loaded Turkey “Nachos”, Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip, and Baked Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers.
