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by snebbu

To-Drink List: Top 10 Whiskeys to Try Before You Die

We love food, we love beer, we love wine, we love booze. Of course, as we all grow up and mature, the kinds of beer, booze, and wine we enjoy tends to change. Now that we are all “adults,” it is important to know when it is and is not okay to bring a box of wine, a six-pack of Natty Light, or a bottle of Sailor Jerry. We got you covered on beer and cocktails. But what about the classic whiskey? That’s why we bring you our list of the top ten whiskeys to impress. Whether it is bourbon, single malt, or a blend, we have you covered. Enjoy – literally try them all.

10. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve

Knob Creek can be found in nearly any liquor store. This is a good starter for drinking whiskey straight. This is a smooth bourbon that goes down nice and easy!

9. OOLA Discourse Three Shores Blended Whiskey

Many scoff at the thought of blended whiskey. However this is a blended whiskey that will turn anyone. The blend features some of the best whiskeys in the world in one bottle. This is a well balanced sweet, spicy, and smooth blend to get you started.

8. Clyde May’s Bourbon

Impress your friends with this sweet bourbon. Don’t add water. Don’t add ice. Just pour it into the glass and drink it up.

7. Angel’s Envy Rye

Now this stuff isn’t cheap, but well worth every penny. This stuff gives new meaning to rye whiskey with it finishing off in rum barrels. The spice of the rye meshes well with the sweetness of the rum barrels. YUM.

6. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

This award-winning bourbon packs a punch. Four Roses is a well-known brand amongst whiskey lovers, but the single barrel provides fruity undertones without losing the strength of a bourbon whiskey.

5. Catskill Distilling Co. Rye

While this may be more difficult to find, it is well worth the search. Catskill Rye comes out of the Empire state with a complex flavor profile. Some find the description of “leather” as odd. However, the flavor comes out underneath other flavors such as caramel and vanilla finishing with smoky and spicy flavors (that “wood” description they provide).

4. Basil Hayden Bourbon

At 80 proof, this bourbon goes down easy straight. Smooth flavors of spice and honey make it an enjoyable whiskey that is worth keeping in your liquor cabinet.

3. Bulleit Rye

You’ll find this one behind just about every bar you go to. Tend your own bar with this for anything from straight whiskey to mixed drinks. Or keep on dumping in Old Crow and not realizing that whiskey can taste good even in mixed drinks.

2. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This one has been around for quite a while. What does that mean? Well developed flavors through maturing in barrels and perfecting the cuts. With such great color to the bourbon and TONS of flavor – you can’t go wrong with Woodford Reserve.

1. Teeling Irish Whiskey

Of course, we can’t leave out Irish whiskey! Like the Irish, Teeling packs a punch. In your face spice hits you first, along with a nicely balanced boozy flavor. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you are going to go with an Irish whiskey – start here.

by snebbu

Waffling Gone Wild! Top 10 Craziest Waffle Iron Recipes

Don’t worry – this is not another post all about breakfast. One thing that was on the top of my list when my wife and I registered for our wedding was a waffle iron. Not only do I enjoy a good Belgian waffle, but I can also appreciate the versatility of a waffle iron. Use it to cook paninis, grilled cheese, and much more! Check out our top ten sweet and savory ways to use a waffle iron.

10. Quesadillas

What can a quesadilla maker do other than make quesadillas? Not as much as a waffle iron. Check out this ooey, gooey buffalo chicken quesadilla recipe from Pure Wow.

9. Italian Chicken Panini

This looks a cut above your average panini. Now I want to give a go at it myself!

Check out this recipe from Healthy Delicious.

8. Cookies!

This and a glass of ice cold milk? I’m set!

Check out this recipe from Busy Creating Memories

7. Mac and Cheese

Will it Waffle? is a website completely dedicated to waffle iron recipes. This particular one just makes me cheese. Check them out!

Check out the recipe from Will it Waffle? or check out the book here.

6. Hot Dogs

I kept seeing corn dogs that were made in a customized hot dog waffle iron. Why bother when you can just do this?

Find this recipe at Pennywise Cook.

5. Hash Browns

Cheese, potatoes, and a crispy outside with soft ooey inside. All of Waffle House, now in one waffle. YUM.

Find this recipe at My Favorite Things.

4. Mixto

One of our own recipes is a remix on a mixto sandwich. Everything you could want in a sandwich without the panini press!

3. WAFFLES!

Not gonna lie, I may try this ES recipe out for myself on the next Sunday morning we are home.

2. S’Mores

Nothing to say here.

Check out this recipe at Will it Waffle?

1. Cinnamon Rolls

Try this out with pre-made cinnamon rolls, OR try it out with our recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls!!

Check out this recipe at Shaken Together.

by snebbu

Food Trucks Donald Trump Can Get Behind

PHOTO: Cage Skidmore

Last night we heard from President Trump in a joint session. Trump brought up building our own “great, great wall”. Then we got to thinking – this is tame compared to what he’s said in the past! For the remainder of the speech, I thought about two things: (1) the ridiculous “trumpisms” made in the past and (2) what if food trucks were named after the “trumpisms”? And there ya go – that’s how you get through Presidential addresses. So after some good thought, a glass of wine, and the droning of politicians, we bring you the top ten food trucks (and slogans) Donald Trump would get behind.

1. One Bad Hombre’s Burrito Stand

– “If you’re legal, stop on by!”

2. Deplorable Donuts

– “We got baskets upon baskets!”

3. “Beyond the Wall” Tacos

– “The first one’s on Mexico!”

4. BRILLIANT Waffles and Ice Cream

– “Believe me, they’re wonderful. You’re gonna love it.”

5. Putin’s Potato Pancakes and Pierogies

– “Made as if we didn’t even know him.”

6. Grab ’em By the Pita

– “Just like in the locker room.”

7. Make Cupcakes Great Again

– “Draining the swamp one cupcake at a time, believe me.”

8. “Believe Me” Bagels and More

– “We make BILLIONS of them, believe me.”

9. So WRONG They Are Right Falafels

– “WRONG! Unless you’re eating here, believe me.”

10. YOU’RE FIRED Charcoal Grill and BBQ

– “You’ll move on our BBQ like a bitch, believe me.”

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by snebbu

Mushrooms Gone Wild! Top 10 Mushroom Concoctions

Yes. Wife and I went through enough mushrooms already that I can confidently say we are experts. The stinky veggie that leaves us all coming back for more: mushrooms. Mushrooms are a versatile veggie that can be thrown into pastas, pureed into soups and sauces, or be substituted as “meat” for our vegetarian foes. Anywho – here you have it: our top 10 mushroom recipes.

1.Balsamic Mushroom Flatbread

So tasty and “fancy-looking,” while it is so quick and easy. Garlic, mushroom, balsamic and cheese. BOOM.

2. Beef & Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

If you have a complaint about these savory bites, you can go to hell. That’s all.

3. Mushroom Stroganoff

Back when we were trying to eat healthy, we had “meatless mondays.” Sometimes we had successes, others not so much. This dish was always considered a success. I don’t even miss the beef in this dish.

4. Pork & Mushroom Ragu Over Polenta

To soothe the soul on a winter or fall day, try this dish full of tenderness.

5. Oyster & Shitake Mushroom Alfredo

The shitake and oyster mushrooms add the right amount of earthy notes and a bit of sweetness with the creamy sauce.

6. Brioche Stuffing

I believe brioche bread can make anything better. Rather than picking the most stale bread around (hell, even croutons), why not make a stuffing that matches the gluttony of the rest of the meal?

7. Braised Hunter’s Chicken

One of my favorite dishes that my wife makes. Start the tradition of Sunday dinners with this!

8. Mock Bolognese

Again we find that with the right dish, mushrooms can replace beef! Trust me, I’m surprised too.

9. White Winter Truffled Mac & Cheese

Impress your friends. You’re welcome.

10. Mushroom & Blue Cheese Farrotto

Yes, we found yet another way to take something full of calories and make it healthier without compromising the flavor. BANG BANG.

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by snebbu

Breakfast Gone Wild! Our Top 10 Favorite Breakfast Inventions

Breakfast. While named for the morning hours, it is the meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In my book, breakfast holds the title of the best meal ever. Hell, we tried to make lunch better by naming it brunch and serving breakfast for lunch. Breakfast wins. So let’s get on with it…our top ten breakfast dishes from Endless Simmer

1. Blueberry Muffin French Toast

You think, “pancakes sound good this morning” but then you realize – I can have oh so much more.

2. Irish Cereal Milk

Whoever said “it’s too early to drink is just oh-so-wrong.

3. Breakfast Tacos

Through your breakfast in a tortilla….and add cheese. Lots of cheese.

4. Breakfast Flautas

Something about Mexican breakfast food just feels right.

5. Selma Cocktail

More booze for breakfast? Don’t mind if I do.

6. Philly Cheesesteak B-Fast Casserole

This one’s tough. I could easily eat a cheesesteak for breakfast. But this is not always realistic. Somehow hiding it in a breakfast casserole? Done.

7. Zucchini Meatball Quiche

Still my favorite quiche. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner – this will not bore you.

8. Kolaches

Donuts? Who the eff needs donuts?

9. Breakfast Muffins

Whenever I have an excuse to eat dessert for breakfast, I take it. Call them muffins if it makes you feel better – but these cupcakes are awesome.

10. Philly Breakfast Sandwich

Yeah…I’m just going to leave this right here.

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by snebbu

Popcorn Gone Wild! Top 10 Ways to Amp Up Your Popcorn Game

There isn’t much better at the movies than a bag of popcorn with that golden, salty, liquid fat poured throughout the bag. Artfully attempting to get every kernel, we push that damn button and try our best to get the butter down the gaps of the piles of popcorn. YUM. However, it is never as good when you are at home watching a movie. That doesn’t mean there aren’t good uses for popcorn. If you are forced to make microwave popcorn out of the bag, here are our recommendations:

1. Make it the Good ‘Ol Fashioned Way

There is something special about stove-top popcorn. It sounds different while it pops and it definitely tastes different from the microwavable popcorn. Add in that it is cooked with oil with melted butter on top and salt to your liking – I’ll take this any day.

2. Snickers Popcorn

Why bother with picking between popcorn or candy? Or for that matter, having them separately? Put them together. A sweet and salty mix to the max, this popcorn could probably make a meal.

Check this one out at Cookies & Cups!

3. Nutella Marshmallow Popcorn

Please tell me you at least tried popcorn dipped in Nutella. Add in marshmallow and you got me. Enough

Check this one out at The Bitter Side of Sweet!

4. Marshmallow Peeps Popcorn

Speaking of marshmallow…this may be the easiest recipe on here. Butter, peeps, popcorn.

5. Chipotle Almond Popcorn

Some people don’t have a sweet tooth. I don’t know how or why that would happen, but whatever. The Chipotle Almond popcorn gives a more refined take on popcorn and trail mix (minus the sweets, of course).

6. Popcorn Cake

I have no words. Truly. Everything good in life, added to popcorn. YUM

7. Jalapeno Popper Popcorn

Like I said, some jerks don’t like sweets. BUT, everyone likes bacon. Yes, bacon in popcorn, with a little bit of spice.

8. Peanut Butter and Fluff Popcorn

For the fans of the classic fluffernutter. Nothing wrong here.

9. Hot Chocolate Popcorn

This take on hot chocolate includes milk chocolate, white chocolate, marshmallows. It isn’t missing anything! Only thing I may change is melting the marshmallow rather than sprinkling on mini mallows.

Check this one out at A Kitchen Addiction!

10. Cheesy Crunch Popcorn

You didn’t think we’d forget about cheese, did you? Not cheese powder, but REAL cheese. Put the sodium bomb of shakeable cheese down and get out the real shit. You’re welcome.

Check this one out at Super Healthy Kids!

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by snebbu

Top Ten Things to Do With Your Leftover Wine

I’ll admit it – we don’t always finish the entire bottle of wine. Sad, I know. Then, we’ll get into something else like beer or booze, and suddenly about one glass of wine has been sitting in the bottle for at least a week. We try another wine, and another glass sits in that bottle. The problems of a first world citizen… Well, here at ES, we look to solve those first world problems, which is why we bring you the top things to do with your old wine.

1. Make Vinegar

Your mother makes good vinegar. But really…you can make your own vinegar with just some old wine, “mother,” cheese cloth, and a glass vessel of the appropriate size. If you have a party where there is left over wine, or tasted a few wines, you can even mix them together to fill a bottle and then use that to create your own homemade vinegar. Or, you can buy a bottle of wine to make vinegar (I vote for the other option). Once you get your mother, add the wine, let it sit, add more wine, let it sit, add more wine, let it sit, wait a month.

2. Port Wine and Fig Poptails

While this is not necessarily the “spoiled wine” route, let’s be real – nobody ever finishes a bottle of port. Wine and figs all in one! I’m typically not a fan of port, but I think I could get behind this – no matter what season!

3. Roasted Pork Loin Over Pumpkin Risotto

I know we’ve seen this one before, but it’s important to point out that even white wine can be used in cooking!

4. New York Sour

It won’t be as easy for your friends to call you an old person with this drink. Instead, they’ll be like, “oh shit, your so cool!” …Maybe not, but it’s good.