Holiday Food & Drinks

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Community Coffee Company

Nothing says the holidays like warming up with a hot cup of coffee. As the #1 family-owned coffee company in the U.S., Community Coffee Company offers high-quality blends featuring quality, premium beans.

This season, they have released their new Winter Blend – a delightful blend of African and South American coffees, naturally decadent with sweet undertones. Roasted to perfection, this medium roast delivers a festive and smooth cup of coffee perfect for wintery mornings and holiday get-togethers.

Made from only 100% select Arabica coffee beans, this is a must on a cold winter morning or on Christmas morning as you open presents with the family!

Crunchies

Made with nothing but fresh fruit, Crunchies Freeze-Dried Fruit are a tasty single-ingredient snacks with zero sugar added and are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher certified. Packed with nutrients and a satisfying crunch, Crunchies make for a delicious snack on their own or as an ingredient in your favorite holiday recipes. Unlike fresh fruit, Crunchies won’t get soggy when used in a baking recipe. Available in Cinnamon Apple, Mango, Mixed Fruit, and more.

For the sweets lover in your life, try Crunchies’ new chocolate-covered freeze-dried fruit line. This delicious offering is available in four flavors: Strawberries in Milk Chocolate, Mango in Dark Chocolate, Blueberries in Dark Chocolate and Bananas in Milk Chocolate.

Unlike its conventional counterparts, Crunchies Chocolate contains zero concentrates, fillers or artificial fruit centers. Crunchies’ unique freeze-drying method ensures its fruit retains its nutritional value – making it a guilt-free sweet treat that can easily replace the typical candy bowl.

c

Buy It:

You can purchase Crunchies from their online shop or at your local retailer

Disclosure: A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Guinness Releases Stock Ale Just in Time for the Holiday Season

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore recently announced the next beer from a line of new barrel-aged beers at the brewery – the Guinness Stock Ale Aged in Bulleit Bourbon Barrels.

The newest beer is the endgame of a Guinness Barleywine and a Guinness Imperial Stout – both brewed in Baltimore and aged in Bulleit Bourbon barrels before being blended together. The high gravity stout and malty barleywine lead to a hearty and full-bodied beer with notes of nutty chocolate, raisins, roasted barley and sweet dark fruit with an ABV of 10%. Aromas of vanilla, coffee, stone fruit and ripe berries come off of this intense and luxuriant stock ale.

This limited release is sure to be the perfect gift for any beer lover this holiday season and surely the best one for gatherings with friends and family.

Buy It:

You can purchase Guinness Stock Ale Aged in Bulleit Bourbon Barrels on shelves at specialty beer stores across the U.S. in 4-packs of 11.2oz bottles for a limited time for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Disclosure: A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Enjoy Wine without Side Effects with PureWine Wine Filters!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

I have recently learned that I am allergic to wine and it is very sad! My sister also has this issue and we definitely miss our glasses of wine together!

But thanks to PureWine we don't have to suffer while drinking wine or pass by the wine without indulging! Only PureWine alleviates all of the most common side effects from drinking wine!

Imagine No More:

• Wine Headaches
• Congestion 
• Skin Flush 
• Upset Stomach 
• Hangovers

PureWine offers two different types of wine filters - The Wave and the Wand.

The Wave by PureWine is a single-use product (good for one bottle of wine) that aerateswine by managing the effect of oxygen, to bring out the intensity and structure and safely preserves the wine while not affecting the taste, color or aroma.

The Wave alleviates the Symptoms of Wine Allergies, including Headaches, Congestion, Skin Flush, Hives and Hangovers.

It also filters and aerates an entire bottle of wine as you pour! It used the Patented Phoenix™ Technology which prevents oxidation and keeps open wines from going bad!

It is also 100% Made in the USA - FDA Compliant, Patented, and BPA-Free!

The Wand is the by-the-glass solution to wine allergies!

Alleviates all the symptoms of wine allergies and removes histamine and sulfite preservatives without changing taste, aroma or color of wine!

It leaves nothing in the wine and works in red, white and rosé wine! Carry it anywhere you go because it fits in a pocket or purse and is recyclable (after removing filter)!

Made in the U.S.A.

So enjoy the holidays just a little bit more without those pesky wine allergies! Use PureWine wine filters!

Buy It:

You can purchase PureWine wine filters - both the Wand and the Wave from their online shop.

Disclosure: A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Spirits Lovers

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Looking for some great Holiday drinks or a gift for a spirits lover? Then check out this great list of spirits below!

Nocino

Nocino starts with the maceration of fresh green walnuts that are traditionally harvested on the feast of San Giovanni in June, producing a sweet cordial style liqueur with hints of cinnamon and clove.

Ballyhoo! Irish Whiskey

A 4-year old grain whiskey that is finished in port barrels is hand-bottled at Connacht’s distillery in the rugged west of Ireland, Ballyhoo Irish Whiskey (43% ABV) embodies the best of the word’s meaning: an exclamation of triumph over the rival team; a rallying cry between lifelong friends; a toast to a difficult journey or a hard-fought victory. Ballyhoo begins as a sourced Irish whiskey with a mash bill of 93% corn imported from France and 7% malted barley that we bring to our distillery to further age and finish in used port barrels from Portugal. This second step softens the grain whiskey and rounds out the flavour into an easy sipper. We do not add artificial color or caramel, so the product remains quite light in appearance, but with some reddish undertones from the port.

Brothership Irish-American Blended Whiskey

A unique blend of Irish and American whiskies created to highlight the best of both traditions as an homage to the roots of the company in Philadelphia, PA and County Mayo, Ireland. Acclaimed distiller Robert Cassell selects 10 year old Irish pot still and American whiskies and blends them to perfection. The resulting whiskey highlights the smooth warmth of the Irish whiskey tradition and the rich boldness of American whiskey.

Conncullin Gin

This gin highlights the unique terroir of Ireland’s rugged and windswept West Coast. It is named for Loch Conn and Loch Cullin, the two lakes that supply Connacht with pristine, pure water. Master distiller Robert Cassell has won numerous international gold medals for his gin, and developed this flagship gin with iconic Irish botanicals, such as elderberry flower and hawthorn berry.

Maggie’s Farm Rum Al Natural Pineapple Flavored Rum

A first for flavors, this rum is 100% all natural with no artificial colors or sweeteners. Using Maggie’s Farm “50/50″ dark rum method, blending an aged Trinidadian rum fermented and column-distilled from molasses, then blend it equally with their own pot-distilled raw cane-based rum and age for up to an additional 6-9 months. They take fresh, whole pineapples, macerate the meat in the dark rum portion for two weeks to infuse the juices and flavors then blend it with their white rum made from a distillation with pineapple meat and bark loading both a 1000 Liter Hoga copper pot still, as well as filling the still’s “gin” basket with pineapple barks for the vapors to capture additional natural fruit oils. Perfect for Tiki drinks or on its own.

This is by far my favorite spirit of the season!!!

Buy It:

You can purchase all these liquors and spirits online or at your local spirits retailer. 

Disclosure: A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Holiday Cooking & Baking, Beverages and On-The-Go Snacks!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

We have you covered today on all your cooking, baking, beverages and on-the-go snacks this holiday season! Check out all my favorites below:

COOKING + BAKING

Explore Cuisine Pulse and Bean Pastas

Take the guilt out of your favorite pasta meals with Explore Cuisine! Explore Cuisine integrates beans, peas, lentils, and rice to provide you with nourishing meals which are easy, quick, colorful, and simply delicious!

All Explore Cuisine products are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and jam packed with nutrients. ($4.99 at www.explorecuisine.com and retailers nationwide)

Field Roast Vegan Frozen Snack Line

• ·Miniature Corn Dogs : Our award-winning Miniature Corn Dogs harken back to county fairs, amusement parks and summertime fun. We begin with our Field Roast Frankfurters, dunk them in a traditional sweet cornbread batter and crisp them to perfection.

• Fruffalo Wings: Spicy and piquant, daring and bold, crispy and saucy…dare to behold! Our #1 selling Field Roast Smoked Apple Sage Sausage cut on the bias, lightly battered, fried to perfection. Finish in your own sauté pan, crisp them up, add our spicy FRuffalo sauce and FRvoila!

• Sunflower Katsu Cutlet: An all American classic country-style breaded steak turns Japanese and merges with a traditional Katsu style cutlet. A sliced steak of Original Lentil Sage Field Roast battered and breaded with our own special recipe of seasonings, bread crumbs and sunflower seeds.

• Field Roast Chao Creamery – Vegan Mac n’ Cha

• Creamy Mac n’ Chao: It was only a matter of time before we became inspired to craft a rich, flavorful sauce using our Creamy Original Chao Slices. A homestyle classic and perfect combination of creaminess, texture and umami. Simply made, simply satisfying.

• Chili Mac n’ Chao: A southern favorite with zesty chili made with Field Roast brand FieldBurger and pinto beans simmered in a creamy sauce made from Tomato Cayenne Chao Slices. Simply made, spicy good!

KRUPS Grind and Spice 

($19.99; Available @ Walmart)

Quickly grind your favorite coffee beans with the iconic KRUPS F203 coffee grinder.

Product features:

· Two-in-one compact and powerful blade grinder grinds coffee perfectly, and can tackle dry spices, fresh herbs, or nuts for your most adventurous seasoning creation.

· Powerful motor grinds beans from coarse to fine in seconds

· Large grinding capacity yields up to 12 cups of coffee

· Stainless steel power blade for ideal performance

· Versatile unit grinds all kinds of dry spices

· Lid activated safety switch

· Oval blade shape for uniform, even grinding

· Designed for easy pouring and handling

Coconut Protein Powder

NEW from Carrington Farms, Organic Coconut Protein Blend is made with only 3 organic ingredients. It's the perfect way to add plant-based protein to your diet and to your favorite holiday cookies for added nutrition. MSRP: $16.99 www.CarringtonFarms.com

BEVERAGES

AquaBall

AquaBall's naturally flavored water is THE zero-sugar, zero-calorie, zero-preservative children's beverage perfect for regulating the kids’s sugar intake this holiday season WITHOUT jeopardizing taste. Available in four flavors – Berry Frost, Fruit Punch, Grape, and Strawberry Lemonade – AquaBall features fan favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen, Disney Princesses, Marvel’s Avengers and Disney Classic Characters. The bottle alone will bring a smile to any kid's face! www.aquaballdrink.com

Sparkling Ice

An excellent soda alternative, Sparkling Ice is slightly carbonated with B-Vitamins, Vitamin D and antioxidants. This light and refreshing beverage contains Zero Calories, Zero Carbs, is Gluten Free, and Sodium Free.

Pick a flavor from the 20+ different delicious options including a line of Teas, Lemonades and 8oz Slim Cans, to enjoy in your favorite cocktails or as a refreshing snack. ($1.19-$1.29/bottle, available in retailers nationwide)

Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beers & Ales

The newest craft beverage collection to come from BCGA, Brooklyn Crafted brings seven bold ginger flavors into the mix due to popular demand. Made with 100% real ginger, the 12 oz. bottle flavor profiles include Extra Spicy Ginger Beer, Sugar Free Ginger Beer and Sugar Free Ginger Ale. The 7 oz. mini bottle flavor profiles include Traditional, Earl Gray, Lemon & Lime and Mango.

ON-THE-GO SNACKS

Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeezes

This ready-to-eat oatmeal, packed with grains and fruit bites, is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go! Available in five delicious flavors, including Apple Quinoa Cinnamon, Maple Pear Quinoa, and more, they are gluten-free, non GMO, vegan and high in fiber.

Munk Pack Protein Cookies

With 18G of plant-protein and 6G of fiber per cookie, Munk Pack Protein Cookies are a delicious, on-the-go protein bar alternative. In flavors like Double Dark Chocolate, Coconut White Chip Macadamia, Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Raisin Spice, these vegan and gluten free cookies are soft baked and filled with fiber.

Welch's Fruit Rolls

The NEW Welch’s Fruit Rolls deliver the same quality consumers love in Welch's Fruit Snacks, in a new, irresistibly fun format. Featuring fruit as its first ingredient, the Fruit Rolls are gluten free and available in three mouthwatering flavors: Berry, Tropical Punch, and White Grape Strawberry. (6ct box with 0.75oz roll / $2.99)

Go Organically Fruit Snacks

Go Organically fruit snacks are tasty, on-the-go, USDA-certified organic fruit snack made with real fruit. Even better, these fruit snacks are gluten-free, contain 100% DV Vitamin C, GMO Free and contain no preservatives, offering families a delicious and authentic snack. Available in three delicious flavors, including: Fruit Medley, Mixed Berry and Tropical. (8-Count Boxes with 0.8oz. Pouches / $3.99)

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Holiday Cocktails & Liquors

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

What would the holidays be without a fabulous cocktail??!! I got you covered this holiday season! Check out all my favorite liquors, mixed drinks and cocktail recipes below!

COURVOISIER

Consistently recognized as one of the finest XOs in the world, Courvoisier® X.O. Cognac is a very old blend of fi ne and well-matured cognacs. The blend is a selection by master blender, Patrice Pinet, of beautifully matured eaux-de-vie, aged from 11 to 25 years, to highlight the complexity and richness of cognac aromas.

(SRP $150)

The Naked Turtle White Rum 

They know that goodness starts from within. That’s why their rum is full of love, and free of gluten and preservatives. This smooth spirit is made with quality sugarcane molasses and distilled 5x with the pristine waters of St. Croix. They're bottled “naked,” which means they never touch the inside of an oak barrel, letting the crystal clear taste shine through.

When you enjoy this award winning rum, you’re actually doing good for the world! Did you know every one of their bottles saves a baby sea turtle? Drink to that!

Smirnoff Ice

If you're looking to kick up your next party platter, boozy brunch or family gathering – Smirnoff Ice has you covered. The below Smirnoff Ice cocktail AND food recipes will steal the show whether you’re hosting or just bringing a dish.

Check out these tasty recipes:

      Holiday Berry Sparkler – Courtesy of Jay and Leah from The Gastronom

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Simple Syrup

· 1/2 cup sugar

· 1/2 cup water

· 1/2 cup cranberries

For the Cocktail

· .75 oz cranberry simple syrup (recipe below)

· .50 oz triple sec

· 1.50 oz apple cider

· 1 oz original Smirnoff Ice

· 2 oz strawberry Smirnoff Ice

· Cranberries and lemon peel for garnish

The authentic flavor experience of homemade caramel complete with a hint of salt for a true flavor experience

Caramel Green Apple Cocktail – Courtesy of Jay and Leah from The Gastronom

Ingredients

• 1 oz Smirnoff Kissed Caramel vodka
• .50 oz ginger simple syrup
• 1.50 oz green apple Smirnoff Ice

And don't forget to pick up tasty mixers from Master of Mixes to make many more fabulous cocktails and mixed drinks - in minutes!!

Since the early 1970’s, Master of Mixes has scoured the earth’s premier growing regions, sourcing only renowned varieties of each fruit. Their fruit is picked at peak ripeness when it is the most plump, juicy, and fragrant. They use an exclusive “gentle processing” method that does not overcook the fruit, resulting in a fresh, true-to-fruit flavor.

In order to deliver a cocktail experience rivaling that produced by some of the world’s foremost mixologists, we combine premium fruit juice and purees, together with natural sweeteners and pure essential oils. Master of Mixes allows anyone to become a Mixology Pro and mix scratch quality, hassle-free cocktails in just a matter of seconds.

Photo credit: Fruetcake

Their passion for premium cocktails comes through in every sip of your finished drink- from the irresistible flavor to the sweet finish. Found in all 50 states and 34 countries, we are dedicated to being the Truly Premium cocktail mix you ask for.

I can't wait to use all my mixers to make tasty drinks like Mojitos, Mai Tai's, Cosmos and Red Sangria!! So easy and so tasty!!!

Purchase Master of Mixes from your local retailer. 

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

A Bottle of Wine for Every Holiday Event!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

A good bottle of wine is a must-have this holiday season - whether you are looking for one to bring as a gift to your dinner host, one to serve at dinner or just need a really big glass of wine at the end of the holidays once all the guests have left, I have you covered today!

Check out all my favorites below:

ONEHOPE WINE

ONEHOPE was founded as a company that creates thoughtfully-crafted products that empower people to do more good. Each of ONEHOPE’s wines support a different charity through its proceeds, whether it’s finding homes for shelter animals or planting trees in global reforestation projects – it is truly the gift that gives back!

Some of their tasty varieties include:

• Silver Brut Sparkling Wine ($59)
• Gold Brut Sparkling Wine ($59)
• Rainbow Glitter Edition Brut Sparkling Wine ($59)
• Edna Valley Pinot Noir Red Glitter Edition ($69)

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

This youthful wine has an easy drinkability and is fresh, fruity and flavorful. It pairs well with light meals such as tapas, cheese, charcuterie, poultry and salmon and is best served chilled. Beaujolais Nouveau is made from hand-picked gamay grapes that are harvested six to eight weeks prior to bottling. Each year, the new vintage is received with great anticipation on Beaujolais Nouveau Day, the third Thursday in November, right in time for the holidays.

The 2017 Beaujolais Nouveau is available at most wine retailers across the country at a suggested retail price of $11.99.

The WEEKLY TASTING

The Weekly Tasting is NOT another Wine Club. There are NO Strings, just superb selections from Certified Sommeliers. At $69.99, this affordable wine pack would make the perfect gift for any wine lover!

They are all about finding the perfect wine for you! Variety, quality and balance is everything to them. They offer high quality wines from all over the world. Each and every wine in the Weekly Tasting packs have been carefully selected by our dedicated Sommeliers, Elizabeth Schneider and Laura Maniec.

WHAT DO YOU GET WITH EACH TASTING EXPERIENCE?


Each Weekly Tasting experience includes a new themed 4 pack of wine for just $69.99+free shipping, hand selected by our experienced Sommeliers. Your tasting experience also includes a 10-minute tasting video, highlighting each wine profile, a food pairing with recipe cards, as well as social sharing capabilities. The wines featured in Weekly Tasting packs will always include 4 different wines, and may include a mix of varietals or regions.

Bachelor Wines 

Bachelor fans rejoice! The fan-favorite show has launched The Bachelor Wines, a collection of wines inspired by the award-winning television series. The Bachelor Wines features three varietals: The Fantasy Suite, One on One, and The Final Rosé. Available for purchase at bachelorwines.com.

($15.96 per bottle)

NPR Wine Club

This unique wine club was created for public radio supporters and wine enthusiasts alike, allowing listeners to enjoy premium wines from around the world and their stories - combining two of life's most enjoyable pleasures. As a member of the NPR Wine Club, consumers will receive a fully customized case of wine, shipped to the address of their choice every three months. As part of the introductory offer, new members will receive the inaugural releases of three NPR-Inspired Wines: All Grapes Considered Malbec, Weekend Edition Cabernet Sauvignon and NPR Uncorked Merlot. Alternatively, consumers can shop from a range of hundreds of different wines – and purchase in any quantity they wish (based on their taste and preferences) directly from the NPR Wine Club at NPRWineClub.org.

Epicurious Wine 

Epicurious, the pioneering digital food brand and one of the most trusted voices in food, has recently launched a new collection of custom designed wines for culinary and wine enthusiasts alike. Perfect for pairing with your favorite meals, Epicurious Wine varietals include a robust Cabernet Sauvignon and a delicate Chardonnay - both work well with cooking and drinking. To purchase the Epicurious Wines, visit epicuriouswine.com.

($15.96 per bottle)

Turner Classic Movies Wine Club

The TCM Wine Club curates originally produced wines inspired by classic films as well as expertly selected varietals from renowned vineyards around the globe – all with the convenience of home delivery. As part of the inaugural offer, new members will receive fifteen special bottles including the first-ever release of Café Zoetrope, a custom-crafted red from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Members will also enjoy True Grit Limited Edition Zinfandel along with The Essentials Cabernet Sauvignon – the first in a series of single-varietal wines, specifically curated for TCM Wine Club members, to showcase the world’s great grapes.

Maschio Prosecco Brut

The roots of Cantine Maschio’s passion for wine run deep in the Veneto hills. The story began in 1973, when Bonaventura Maschio turned his family’s century-old distillery into a winery that even then was state-of-theart in terms of its technology and production methods. Cantine Maschio devotes extensive resources to innovation, which include experimenting with pioneering techniques of cold extraction that accentuate the natural release of aromas and flavors.

Rosa Regale

Festive cranberry in color with a haunting, aromatic bouquet with hints of raspberries, strawberries and rose petals. A fresh raspberry taste, with crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a round and clean and dry fi nish.

Rosa Regale is produced using the Charmat process, fermentation with brief skin contact, filtration and storage at 32˚F, followed by refermentation in stainless-steel vats, and isobaric bottling. A unique and festive sparkling wine and a seductive aperitif. Pairs well with seafood, cheeses, spicy fare and chocolate. Serve chilled.

Riunite Sangria

Riunite wines have been one of America’s most-loved, best-selling wines for 5 decades – an unparalleled accomplishment in wine history. Best when served chilled, Riunite’s refreshing

wines are perfect for any occasion.

Grapes are harvested, soft pressed, and macerated with kins on for 48 hours. The juice is then racked
off from the skins and seeds, and placed in stainless steel tanks for fermentation at 18-20 °C. Orange juice and natural flavors are added before isobaric bottling.

Detectable aromas of dark berries, strawberries, and peaches, with a hint of citrus.

A refreshing aperitif, our Sangria pairs well with everything from burgers to BBQ and any dish that offers a touch of spice. Enjoy chilled.

*Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*