Top 10 lists -

by snebbu

Top 10 Foods to Go

Whether you have a 30+ minute commute to and from work, like to hike, take the train to work every day, or you are just always on the run, sometimes your travel mug of coffee just isn’t enough. In my travels to and from work, I’ve learned how to eat yogurt on the go and even cereal from a travel mug. But I also end up arriving to work with yogurt on my favorite tie or a splash of milk in my crotch. Whether it’s the risk of mess that keeps you from enjoying our food/drinks on the go, or lack of variety, here are our top ten food (and drinks) to go. While I won’t say the dirty “c word” just yet, these would all make great gifts as well.

10. Chocomize

BUILD YOUR OWN chocolate bars! Take pride in the high calorie and sugar that you are chomping on by knowing it’s been created by you. Chocomize allows you to pick between a bar and a heart, the kind of chocolate it is made of, and then add toppings a la carte or pick one of their pre-designed bars.

9. Perky Jerky

Jerky that is not only all natural and gluten free (trying to figure out how it wouldn’t be gluten free – do they add gluten to others?), but also infused with CAFFEINE! Not straight up coffee, but with a plant called Guarana that produces a fruit similar to a coffee bean and acts as a stimulant. Not only are you getting a jolt of protein, but also a jolt of energy. Yum.

by snebbu

MAPLE Gone Wild! Top 10 Ways to Use Maple

Yes, it is fall. Try to say otherwise and somewhere out there a fall enthusiast will crucify you with a caramel apple or pumpkin flavored something. But deep down in the roots of the fall season is the poor flavor of maple. Somehow the poor guy doesn’t get the spotlight nearly as much as his apple and pumpkin counterparts. But wait, there are TONS of recipes bringing maple back to the forefront of fall. You may know that I have a special place in my heart for pumpkin, so don’t be surprised if pumpkin is included in some of these recipes. Also notice that I’ve included some cocktail treats in this roundup as well. Let us know if you have any favorites!

10. Cinnamon Maple Bourbon

This cocktail seems to be able to get anyone into the mood of cold crisp fall nights while offering a pleasant means of “spicing up” a night cap.

Recipe: So Lets Hang Out

9. Maple Glazed Apple Doughnuts

Ever have an apple cider doughnut? Now add a sweet and creamy maple glaze. On your way to work? Pass on the Dunkin pumpkin donuts and make these the night before to grab on the go. OR make these fresh after dinner for a nice hot treat. Really, you could have these any time.

Recipe: A Pumpkin and a Princess

8. Maple Pumpkin Cake Roll

Who doesn’t love pumpkin roll? The moist pumpkin cake with delicious cream cheese filling is already a treat that I yearn for every fall. But this thing looks like an “amped up” version of pumpkin roll. Just look at it! I’m trying this out for sure.

Recipe: Le Creme de la Crumb

by snebbu

Endless Beers: Our Top 10 IPAs

Summertime. Hot days, no more school, and yes, our fourth round of the beer exchange. This was one of my favorites—IPAs. I’m trying to savor these…but at the same time, you can’t let them sit too long, or they’ll go bad! While reviewing the exchange beers, and thinking about my favorite IPAs, I’ve done you the great pleasure of creating our “top ten IPAs” list. Here they are in no particualar order. You’re welcome.

10. Founder’s All Day IPA (ABV 4.7%)

IPAs don’t have to be high in alcohol content. Enjoy this bitter delight ALL Day…and more than once. Packs a punch of hops and malts without the dangers of having three on a hot day and feeling groggy for the rest of the day.

PHOTO: Founder’s

9. Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA (9%)

Hop. Garden. There really isn’t much more to say here. If you like the aroma and flavor of hops…this is the one for you.

PHOTO: Weyerbacher

8. Sierra Nevada Snow Wit White IPA (ABV 5.7%)

For those drinkers who are looking for something light and sweet…but still packing a hop-forward punch. The Snow Wit is surprisingly tasty with a refreshing sweet taste of summer.

PHOTO: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

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by snebbu

Endless Beers: Top 10 “Winter Rarities”

What’s a “Winter Rarity?” Well, you know those “seasonals” you like so much? Yes, they are great…but odds are they will be around next year as well. How about the ones that won’t be around? THOSE are winter rarities. The special treats that breweries bless us with once a year—only during that year. Next year, they’ll have at it with a tweak. I won’t waste my breath, but here’s one simple tip. These rarities are meant to be enjoyed, but not all at once. Save at least six and compare with the next year…and the next…and the next. Within six years, you’ll have six beers to compare against each other. Anyway…here it is.

10. Bell’s Black Note Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout (2013)

ABV: 11.5%

Bell’s brewery decided to combine the Exhibition Stout with the Double Cream Stout. The result is a delicious beverage filled with malty flavors of chocolate, coffee, and even some fruity flavors. As you can imagine, this is not for the faint-hearted. OH—did you noticed the whole “aged in Bourbon Barrels” thing? Yup. Find one…if you’re lucky.

(Bell’s)

9. Weyerbacher’s Althea (2013)

ABV: 7.7%

With visions of the occasional sugar plum still dancing in your head, you’ll enjoy this brew. This is a dubbel style beer with notes of fruits coming through. Weyerbacher brewed this beer to raise Breast Cancer Awareness and donated one dollar per bottle to the cause.

(Weyerbacher’s)

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by BS

Endless Simmer's Top 10 Recipes of 2013

Just in time to do some serious binge-eating before your New Year”s resolutions kick in, check out Endless Simmer”s top 10 most-read recipes of 2013. Bonus points to anyone who can combine more than one of these into a single dish. Man-Whore pizza, anyone?

10. Cauliflower Crust Pizza with BBQ Shrimp and Veggies

Yes, we will have our pizza and eat EVERYTHING on it too.

9. Ritz Thin Mint Copycat Girl Scout Cookies

Because some of us refuse to sit around all year and just wait for the Girl Scouts to do their thing.

8. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Finally, an easier way to get the great taste of Buffalo wings into your mouth, without all that pesky tearing and chewing off the bone.

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by snebbu

Summer Brews Gone Wild! Top 10 Summer Beers

This list was difficult to compile. There are now so many summer beers to choose from, and they are all so different. I took a lot of serious time tasting these beers, tasting more beers, and tasting more beers. I categorized the following styles as Summer Beers: Wheat, Saison, Wit, Pilsner, Pale Ales, IPAs. Is the list exhaustive? Hell no. Can I guarantee that no matter what beer you try from this list, you will enjoy. Hell yes. Here it is:

10. Voo Doo Brewing “Some Say that Cucumbers Taste Better Pickled”

ABV: 4.7%

While strolling the walk of the Selinsgrove “Hops, Vines, and Wines” Festival, I came upon a sign that simply said “Some say cucumber is better pickled—try our beer.” Clearly that was going to be the first one I tried. I didn’t know what to expect—how can cucumber flavor really come through malts and hops? Somehow, it did. It wasn’t too strong, but you could definitely taste the refreshing cucumber flavor. I’m still trying to figure out how to get it sent to me. This is a great brew to have at one of your kick-ass barbecues and suddenly break out the cucumber beer for all your friends. Refreshing.

9. Curious Traveler Summer Shandy

ABV: 4.4%

First, there are the main-stream shandies that we are all familiar with. Then there is this. Curious Traveler Shandy comes in several flavors but I think the original lemon is the best. The beer has a crisp lemonade flavor that does not take over the beer. It is well balanced and includes the essential flavors of a lemonade AND a beer. Kick one back on the porch.

8. 21st Amendment “Hell or High Watermelon” Wheat

ABV: 4.9%

For those who enjoy a sweet wheat beer in the heat of summer—this is it. Put away the wine cooler and drink like an adult with 21st Amendment’s signature wheat. Watermelon comes through right away and carries itself throughout. The wheat beer flavor is there—sweet and complementing the watermelon in an odd but tasty way. If you like sweet beers, try this out. Plus the artwork on all 21st Amendment cans is just pretty damn awesome.

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by ES Guest

Top 10 Strategies for Opening a Restaurant With Your Spouse

These days, it seems every young couple from Brooklyn to Bolivia dreams of quitting their day job and opening at cute little restaurant with their significant o. But as anyone who has done so will tell you, it can end up feeling less like a culinary honeymoon than a fast-track to divorce court. Guest blogger Megan Sullivan joins ES to share these top 10 tips for opening a restaurant with your spouse and not driving each other insane.

It’s common knowledge that a partnership is a lot like a marriage, but what if it is a marriage? Your business partner can be your other half, but there are some things you may want to consider. If you’re dreaming of running a restaurant with your spouse, follow this handy guide to make sure you meet your goals without destroying your relationship.

1. Put your partnership in writing. Just because you’re in love, doesn’t mean you’re going to love working with your significant other. Draft a very clear partnership agreement.

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