Category Archives: Drinks

Tailgating & Beer Drinking with The Great Plate (and more delicious recipes!)

One creamy, bacony bite of awesome.

Introducing my latest edition of Tailgating Fabulous, Bacon babe reporting….

These might be illegal in 11 states. We’re talking pieces of kielbasa wrapped in bacon and then stuffed with a mixture of cream and Mexican cheeses, sprinkled with a little brown sugar and BBQ rub. OH yeah, baby.

When you wrap the bacon around the kielbasa pieces, the bottom of the bacon is flush against the sausage so there’s room to pipe the cheese and green chili mixture in. You can secure them with toothpicks or put them on a skewer.

Wrap bacon around the kielbasa, and you’ll have room to pipe the cheese on top. *Pic courtesy of Egg Head Forum.

If you don’t have access to a grill, just put these bad boys in the oven at 300 for 45 minutes to slow cook that bacon– then crank it up to 450 for about 10 minutes to crisp up the bacon.

Here’s the magic, y’all…

Ingredients:

2 (8oz) packages of full fat cream cheese

1 package thick cut bacon

1 package of kielbasa sausage (cut into 1/2 inch slices)

1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

1/2 cup mild green chilies drained

BBQ rub, brown sugar & cayenne to sprinkle

Directions:

Preheat grill (or oven to 300 degrees)

Cut up kielbasa and wrap with bacon. Secure with a wooden toothpick.

Mix the cream cheese with the Mexican cheese with green chilies. Put in a Ziploc bag or a Pastry bag. Fill cheese mixture to the top of the bacon.

Sprinkle with your favorite BBQ rub, some brown sugar and a little cayenne.

Grill until bacon is done to your favorite level of crispy!

Beer Pairing with Baconlicious Sausage Bites:

A classic American Lager with malty sweetness is going to highlight the flavor and texture of the bacon and the creamy cheese while balancing the spice of the sausage.

Asian Meatball Sliders with Hoisin Glaze

This meatball packs major flavor with a spicy hoisin glaze (slider bun optional!)

My tailgating strategy involves small bites of utter delish. You don’t want to stuff yourself with something too rich, so why not take the decadence of an Asian meal and turn it into a bite-size portion? You’re welcome!

Asian Meatball Slider with Hoisin Glaze

2015-08-27 00:33:41

A bite size morsel of ginger, jalapeno, hoisin deliciousness.

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For the meatballs

1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
2 Tb fresh ginger
1/4 cup plus 1 Tb chopped scallions
1 jalapeno chopped (no seeds)
4 garlic cloves minced
1 cup shiitake mushrooms (sauteed until browned in 1 Tb butter)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 egg
1 Tb tamari or soy sauce
1 Tb chili garlic sauce
1/2 cup panko
sesame seeds for garnish

For the sauce

1 cup hoisin sauce
1 Tb chili garlic sauce
1 Tb tamari
1 Tb rice wine vinegar
Slider buns (optional)

For the meatballs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Fold in ingredients until well mixed (do not over handle the meat or it will get tough)
Shape into golf size balls.
Bake for 30 minutes until cooked through. (Turn over after 15 minutes to brown evenly).
Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

For the sauce

Mix ingredients together and spoon onto meatballs when ready to serve.
Top onto slider buns.

By Parker Wallace

What's on Parker's Plate? http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/

You want to pair this yummy slider with an Amber Ale, like Palmetto Ale from Palmetto Brewing Company. An amber ale has a roasted caramel sweetness that’s going to bring together the exotic spices of these Asian sliders, like ginger, jalapeno and sesame. The spicy hops have a dry finish, making your palate crave that next bite!

The Ultimate Fan Dip

Only 3 ingredients makes The Ultimate Fan Dip a Fan Favorite!

This remains my all-time favorite dip for parties and it’s a total winner for tailgating. My original recipe is here— and it’s only 3 ingredients: Spicy sausage, cream cheese and Rotel tomatoes. Bam! The Ultimate Fan Dip needs a light lager with zesty and fruity flavors to bring out the creamy, spicy, bite of this dip.

Mango Salsa

Mango adds a bright, sweet component to salsa

Before I really had any interest in cooking, this was one of the only dishes I laid any claim to— I made mango salsa and topped it on blackened salmon, served it with guacamole and even mixed it into omelets. There’s just nothing like the sweet, tropical flavor of mangos– they’re pretty much the perfect fruit. You can even add roasted red pepper for a little smokiness, or black beans for a heartier meal.

Ingredients:

3 mangos diced

2 avocados diced

1/4 red onion chopped

handful of fresh cilantro chopped

1 jalapeno diced (no seeds)

1 cup cherry tomatoes diced

1 red bell pepper diced (optional)

juice from one lime

Directions:

Combine ingredients and serve immediately.

An IPA is going to have a juicy malty backbone that will accentuate the sweetness of the mango and spicy kick of the jalapeno. There’s a distinct dryness in an IPA that really accentuates this dish.

Speaking of dishes, let’s talk about the PERFECT PLATE for tailgating. It’s appropriately called, THE GREAT PLATE.

The Great Plate– and the ONLY plate you’ll ever need.

At first glance, you might think, “Oh yeah, a chip/dip plate.” Well, you can do that, but The Great Plate is sooooo much more! You know that annoying party foul that happens when you’re holding your drink in one hand and flimsy paper plate filled with food in the other and you keep on having to put one thing down to shake a hand, or pull out your phone, or grab your kid by the collar! You can single handedly manage your food and beverage….And, it’s made right here in the USA. Use it indoors, outdoors or even in the pool!

Float your drink (and snack) in the pool with The Great Plate!

The Great Plate is the brain child of Rick Kellow and Beth Kuehl, a Wisconsin couple who debuted their idea on Food Network’s Food Fortunes. 3 investors got on board and with an investment of 250K, The Great Plate is now sold all over the country at CVS, on their website and coming soon to some major retailers.

The inspiration for the idea? Between them, Beth and Rick have six kiddos who would make a big mess when they are snacking or eating…this solved that and so much more. This is seriously the Cadillac of plates– it’s made out of FDA virgin resin polypropylene so the plates are safe to eat off of, are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, 100% recyclable and even BPA free!

You know how much I hate cleaning up after parties– I’m not exactly Queen of Clean when it comes to entertaining, so I love that the plates unique design allows them to stack compactly, go right into the dishwasher (and come out dry!) You can stack them on the buffet table and separate them just as easily when it’s time to pass around plates to your guests.

Stack ’em easily for guests!

And, bonus….Flatten the plate and throw it like a frisbee! Talk about a party favor!

You’ll be seeing a lot more of Parker’s Plate using The Great Plate, so stay tuned….

Check out my segment featuring these recipes on Low Country Live in Charleston!

WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 – Charleston News, Sports, Weather

National Eat a Peach Day: Peach Salsa, Honey Peach & Walnut Sundae

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Add peaches to your salsa for sweet, fresh flavor

On National Peach Day, get creative with Georgia’s favorite fruit! I never get tired of salsas, because you can switch up the flavor by swapping out a few simple ingredients. Instead of tomatoes, dice up fresh peaches, then add in red onion, cilantro, red bell pepper, jalapeno and lime juice. It’s a perfect topping for salmon, shrimp or to top onto tacos. I love the crunch factor of crostinis, so I just toasted slices of a loaf of french bread with some butter, spread some goat cheese on each piece and then topped with the salsa. Scrumptious!

Peach Salsa on Toasted Crostinis with Goat Cheese

2015-08-22 14:55:24

A healthy salsa packed with flavor! The sweetness of the peaches compliments the heat of the jalapenos and the fresh pop of cilantro.

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For the salsa

3 peaches, peeled and diced
1 jalapeno diced (no seeds)
1/2 red onion diced
handful of fresh cilantro chopped
1 red bell pepper diced
juice from one lime
pinch of kosher salt

For the crostinis

1/2 stick butter
french bread crostinis toasted
goat cheese

For the salsa

Combine ingredients and top on goat cheese crostinis

For the crostinis

Slice a loaf of french bread into crostinis
Melt butter and toss crostinis in melted butter
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until lightly browned (flip over after 15 minutes for even browning)
When slightly cooled, spread goat cheese on top of crostinis and top with salsa

By Parker Wallace

What's on Parker's Plate? http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/

A great accompaniment to the salsa is a new bubbly from Barefoot Wine— appropriately titled “Barefoot Bubbly Peach Fusion.” It’s made with natural peach flavor– think Georgia Peach with hints of honesuckle and fresh nectar. Pretty much summer in a glass, y’all! Sipping this with the peach salsa really brings out the sweetness of the peaches and the creaminess of the goat cheese.

Barefoot Bubbly Peach Fusion

It also goes beautifully with grilled peaches drizzled with lavender honey. (Just add some lavender blossoms to a cup of honey and let them add fragrance to the honey for a couple hours. Pull out the lavender and drizzle honey on the grilled peaches. Keep the skins on the peaches when you grill them so they stay together….I brush a little butter (and sometimes some brown sugar on top), then grill face down for 3-5 minutes until you get those gorgeous grill marks!

Blue Bunny Vanilla Ice Cream with fresh peaches, raspberries and toasted walnuts drizzled with honey

Ready for dessert yet? here’s my spin on ‘peaches and cream’– it’s a delicious, melt in your mouth Honey Peach Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae with toasted walnuts and a sprinkling of raspberries and hints of cinnamon and cloves.

Blue Bunny is celebrating the last stretch of summer with “The Final Cone-down,” with awesome prizes. You can get more details on Blue Bunny’s Facebook page. And fun fact, Blue Bunny is made in Le Mars, Iowa, which is the ice cream capital of the world!

Build your favorite sundae with Blue Bunny Ice Cream and all the fixings

Here’s the recipe!

Honey-Peach Vanilla Ice Cream Sundaes

1/3 cup walnut halves

2 medium peaches, peeled and sliced

1/4 cup honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch ground cloves

4 scoops (1/2 cup each) Blue Bunny vanilla ice cream, divided into four dishes

2/3 cup fresh raspberries

Directions:

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook walnuts until toasted, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. I like to add in a touch of butter when I’m toasting them. Let walnuts cool. Chop coarsely. Set aside.

In same skillet over medium heat, combine peaches, honey, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook and stir until peaches soften. Cool several minutes before spooning over four cups of ice cream. Top with nuts and berries.

*This post was sponsored by Blue Bunny and Barefoot Wine but all opinions are my own.

Tailgating & Beer Pairings

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Take your tailgating party to a whole new level with beer pairings!

Football season means tailgating and tailgating means it’s time to get your eat and drink on! I’m so over burgers and brats— you can really impress your party people with some unique twists on the classic tailgate. I’ve learned so much in the last couple months about beer since partnering with Let’s Grab a Beer– I now qualify as the “BEER BABE,” y’all! In terms of versatility, lagers are a great choice – they offer crisp and well balanced flavors with malty sweetness and complex hopping, which accentuate the flavors in foods without being overpowering. Read: They make everything taste better. And lagers come in all flavors and styles, including pale, golden, amber or dark.

Go to LetsGrabA.Beer for more expert tips on beer and food pairings, beer trends and more.

Here are a few of my fave tailgating snacks and the perfect pairings:

Chocolate Chipotle Chili and Cornbread layered in a mini mason jar:

An American Lager, like Bud Light, will bring down the heat of chili and be refreshing.

Hello, fabulous! Look how stinkin’ cute this presentation is?!! I made my “award winning” (it’s true, 3 trophies, people!) Chocolate Chipotle Chili with Jalapeno Cornbread. And, not to get all braggy, but friends of mine have won their neighborhood competition with my recipe for 2 years running!)

It’s an award winner, y’all!

You want to pair the chili with an American Style Lager like Bud Light. An American style lager will allow you to enjoy the chili and cornbread flavors because it will cool the burn of the heat and open up a whole new flavor experience with the right balance of crisp hoppiness that doesn’t overpower the dish.

Glassware: Pint Glass. A Pint glass will keep the lager colder for longer and releases the natural carbonation quicker, keeping it crisp and refreshing.

Mini Mac and Cheese with Bacon Cups:

Mac & Cheese pairs with a Belgian Blonde

Pair Mac & Cheese with a Belgian Blonde Ale like Leffe Blond

The creamy, smokiness of this dish needs a beer which can mirror it, so try it with a Belgian Blond Ale like Leffe Blonde that is dry, fruity and lightly spiced for a perfect balance of strength and subtlety. The bitterness is delicate, extending over the whole palate and lingering as a subtle aftertaste that will complement the dish and enhance your normal Mac & Cheese experience

Glassware: Goblet or Chalice Glass. The glass helps preserve the beer’s aroma and creates the perfect, creamy head.

Mini Mac & Cheese Bacon Cups

2015-08-19 17:00:19

Smoky bacon and Gruyere takes this Mac & Cheese to a whole new level of delish.

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Ingredients

1 box macaroni
6 slices of bacon
1 Tb bacon fat
1 stick butter
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese grated
2 cups white cheddar grated
1/2 cup Parmesan grated

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375.
Snip bacon into bite size pieces and saute until cooked. Reserve 1 Tb bacon fat and set aside.
Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain and set aside.
Melt 1 stick of butter in a large sauce pan and add flour, stirring for a minute.
Pour in milk and heavy cream slowly and keep whisking-- mixture will seem thick but will even out as you pour in the rest of the liquid.
Stir butter/flour/milk/cream mixture until smooth, bringing to a simmer, about 2 more minutes on medium/high heat.
Add in all cheese (except parmesan) and stir until smooth.
Combine with cooked macaroni, bacon and 1 Tb bacon fat.
Once macaroni is thoroughly and evenly coated, spoon mixture into greased muffin tins/cupcake tins, filling to the top.
Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of mac & cheese muffins and then bake for 30 minutes until browned on top.
Let cool slightly before scooping them out and serving.

Notes

You can also put this entire recipe into a casserole dish and bake it the traditional way.

By Parker Wallace

What's on Parker's Plate? http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/

Mini Meatball Sliders

Pair meatball sliders with an IPA like Goose IPA

I freaking LOVE sliders. It’s the mouth feel, it’s the bite size delish, it’s the fact that I can eat one and not feel stuffed, while still saving room for the good stuff, like BEER. Specifically, pairing meatball sliders with An English-style or milder American IPA like Goose IPA. The IPA will transform these mini meatball sandwiches into a different flavor experience, bringing out all the seasoning & spices while complementing both the sweetness of the sauce and meatballs to add another layer of zesty and spicy hop notes.

Glassware: Tulip glass. IPAs have a great color and aroma that are best displayed in a stemmed tulip glass allowing you to admire the walnut and amber colors, topped off with a creamy head. Glasses that curve inwards toward the top, such as tulips, focus beer aromas at the rim of the glass so the shape releases the warming aromas.

I had a hard time deciding what meatballs to make for this segment— I did a spin on Rachael Ray’s Florentine Meatballs with Cheese Sauce, but instead of using parmesan in the balls, I used Gruyere. OMG. They’re YUMMO, as Rach would say! But check out some of my other signature meatball recipes, like Thai Meatballs with a Coconut Green Curry Sauce, Hoisin and Ginger Glazed Meatballs, and Asian Meatballs with a Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce. Apparently, I kinda have an Asian theme going with my favorite meatball recipes!

Walking Taco

Pair your walking taco with a Mexican lager like Montejo

Hello, taco in a bag! This is also known in tailgating circles as The Walking Taco and it’s so dang easy (and fun to make) you’ll never go classic taco shell again! Just make all your favorite taco fixings, open up a bag of Fritos (or your favorite corn chip) dump it all in and shake it up! Bam. You’re welcome. Pair your Walking Taco with a Mexican-style Lager like Montejo. Mexican lagers have a great balance of refreshing sweetness and crisp hoppiness that will cleanse your palate and provide the refreshment you need to ensure you get all the flavors that pop with your walking taco.

Glassware: Pint Glass. A Pint glass will keep the lager colder for longer and releases the natural carbonation quicker, keeping it crisp and refreshing.

Check out my segment in Greenville on Studio 62!

*This was a sponsored post by Let’s Grab a Beer, but all opinions are my own.

International Beer Day: Tastes and Traditions

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Celebrating Beer Traditions Around the World

Get your international beer passport ready, y’all! It’s International Beer Day! Here are some traditions from around the world— from beers to taste to toasting etiquette. For an entire resource of all things beer, check out the Let’s Grab a Beer campaign.

Belgium

Try….

Stella Artois: classic Belgian lager, golden in color with exceptional clarity and a spicy hop character. In Belgium, every beer has its own unique glass designed to highlight the brand’s special flavor, and Stella Artois is no exception. A chalice is designed to ensure that the head foams perfectly and the aroma is preserved.
Customs: Wait to see if your host offers a toast before sipping your drink. The guest of honor may also give a toast. It is polite to stand for a toast. The Flemish raise their glasses twice during a toast. ‘Op uw gezondheid’ is fine for the Flemish (Dutch speaking) part of the country but for the other half, the French speaking people, it’s the same as for France ‘SANTE’, although there are of course many other expressions.

Germany

Try….

Beck’s: Golden in color, Beck’s is a classic German-style pilsner with a robust, distinctive full-bodied taste, a fresh “hoppy” bouquet, distinct bitterness and a rich, full head.
- Glassware: Pilsner glass; the slender glass will reveal the color, and carbonation of the beer and the broad top will help maintain a beer head.
Customs: In Bavaria for Oktoberfest? If a toast is called, raise that mug, clink glasses with every person around you and stare each of them straight in the eyes out of respect.

Ireland

Try…

Guinness: an Irish dry stout with a burnt flavor derived from roasted unmalted barley.

Customs: Exploring the Emerald Isle? The Irish are big fans of the round system, so don’t forget to “get a round in” and purchase a round of beers for your new friends. The favor is sure to be returned. The Irish say, “Sláinte” which is pronounced Slawn-cha.

America

Try…

Budweiser: American Lagers are all about refreshment and quenching your thirst. Fresh and subtle fruit notes, a delicate malt sweetness and balanced bitterness for a clean, snappy finish. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas.
Customs: When invited to a party, BBQ or just when visiting friends it is customary to bring a six pack or more of American Lagers with you, even if you will be served beer by your host. Americans rarely will finish their beer in one go and pause after a few sips to contemplate all that’s good about life and enjoyment. American gatherings are all about the guest of honor. Make a toast to them and then cheers everyone! Say “Cheers!”

Japan

Try…

Sapporo or Kirin Ichiban; Japanese-style pilsners with a smooth, full-bodied and refreshing taste. Kirin refers to a mythic beast, half dragon and half deer, from ancient Chinese mythology as a symbol of well-being and good fortune.

Customs: Sitting down to a banquet in Japan? Only pour beer for those sitting next to you and don’t even think about pouring your own. After all, that’s what friends are for. When you toast, say, “Kanpai” pronounced Kan-pie.

Spain

Try…

Estrella Damm Lager; Mediterranean Pale Lager by Damm, a brewery in Barcelona (sold at Whole Foods) and brewed with 100% natural ingredients
Customs: Looking to impress your Spanish friends? The learning of the following toast is a rite of passage for Spaniards: “ARRIBA, ABAJO, AL CENTRO, PA’ DENTRO!” That means, “Above, Below, To the Center, Inside!”
As is customary to learn the local limericks and sayings, one must also respect the non-verbal rituals when out drinking in Spain. Rubbing the bottom of your glass in a circular motion on the bar or table and then banging it back down is one such example. It takes place in between saying ‘Salud!’ and taking that first swig, which is where the next practice comes in: eye contact.

Here are some other international traditions…

Hungary: Sightseeing in Hungary? Think twice before clinking someone’s glass — it’s considered offensive and relates to The Thirteen Martyrs of Arad, and ever since Hungarians vowed never to clink glasses while drinking beer.
Korea: Taking a business trip to South Korea? Make sure your hands are free. It’s traditional to accept and pour beer with both hands.

China: Toasting, usually with beer, wine or Chinese white liquors, is an important part of Chinese business etiquette. The host will make the first toast. If it is to you, then you should respond with a toast to your host. Toasting will continue throughout the meal.

Armenia: Visiting family or friends in Armenia? If you’re sharing a beer bottle with the table, be considerate and pour the last drops into your own glass. Though it may seem selfish, Armenian custom dictates otherwise: whoever receives the final pour must purchase the next bottle.

England: If you are seated at a table, it is customary for one or two persons to make the trip to the bar on behalf of the entire table. A request for ale or lager or bitter or stout will get you a full pint unless you specifically ask for a half pint. (In Ireland, a request for a glass of beer will get you a half pint.)

Czech: The most common toasts are naz drovie (Czech) and naz drovia (Slovak) – both mean “to your health.” Never break eye contact while making a toast, from the moment the glass leaves the table until you place it back down. There can be many toasts throughout a meal; you will be expected to make one in a small group at some point, especially if you have been toasted personally or are the guest of honor.

Brazil: Looking to buy a round? Order one large bottle and pour into small glasses. Beer stays colder and sharing is fun!

*This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

4th of July Entertaining

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Beer, Food, Fashion. Repeat.

The 4th of July is right around the corner and it’s the #1 Beer Drinking Holiday of the year, y’all!

And that’s great news because it’s one of sumer’s most versatile beverages. When it comes to summer entertaining, beer pairings are really hot right now— it’s a great way to not only taste new beers but learn more about how certain beers can really bring out the flavor of your grilled foods.

Gotta have your flame broiled burger, right? Pair grilled burgers with an American Lager like a classic Bud Light – lagers offer crisp and well balanced flavors with malty sweetness which accentuate the rich, juicy flavors of a burger, even served with spicy chili sauce or cheese. And serve a Lager in a Tumbler or Pint glass.

Nothing says summer liked BBQ chicken seasoned with your favorite spice rub, marinades and BBQ sauce— Pair it with an IPA. An India Pale Ale has floral notes and a distinct bold hoppy character, which accentuates the spices and creates a really dimensionalized flavor combination. If you’re local to Altanta, check out Hopsecutioner IPA from local Atlanta Terrapin Beer Company here today. Serve IPA’s in a Snifter glass.

One of my favorites from the grill, Spicy Pork Sausage: Pair with an Amber Lager like Michelob AmberBock that has a malty backbone, with a soft bitterness from the hops that goes great with meat like spicy pork sausage that has a kick to it. Pour that baby into a Tulip Glass and have a toasty cheers! You can find more info if you click on Lets Grab a Beer.

And, of course, what goes better with beer than Pizza?! Domino’s has an entire spread for your 4th of July Party if you don’t feel like cooking and you want to concentrate on the party! Domino’s has a two-fer. Choose two of the following for $5.99 each: 2 Topping Medium Pizza, Crispy Bacon and Tomato Specialty Chicken, Pasta Primavera, Chicken Habanero Sandwich and Parmesan Bread Bites.

Domino’s Carryout special just got a day better. Now Monday thru Thursday you can carryout large three-topping pizzas for just $7.99 each. Remember, you must ask for this offer. Availability and charges may vary.

Conveniently order Domino’s from anywhere on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Build your pizza just the way you like it or choose one of their specialty pizzas. And with the Domino’s Tracker ® you can follow your order from the moment you place it until it’s out for delivery or ready for pickup!

My Go-To Party Snack? Wonderful Pistachios. This is a super healthy way to satisfy those salty snack cravings. This is a flavor fiesta, for reals. Sweet Chili and Salt & Pepper are so delicious and even better— Crack open 30 pistachios for about 100 calories! Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat nuts and offer more nuts per serving compared to any other snack nut.

A Harvard University study even suggests a daily handful of nuts, such as pistachios may have a role in health and longevity. And last time I checked, they were pretty smart at Harvard, so Get Crackin’!

Now, let’s talk Star Spangled Style…

My new favorite Atlanta boutique, The Bilt-House (and my new favorite OWNER of my favorite Atlanta Boutique, Shannon Kotze) talked 4th of July fashion and I am obsessed with her finds. Not only did I buy my SECOND pair of UPP Pants (they’re a Canadian brand and I swear make you look a size smaller) but I was gifted this gorgeous necklace by Theia Jewelry. Gorg. Just GORG!

White UPP Pants paired with an Aum Couture silk top and Theia necklace from The Bilt-House

Johnny Was Clothing Tunic, Henry and Belle Dress

And, for all of you Atlanta & Company fans, hhgregg has a very special offer for viewers! This Thursday is the Great Grill Giveaway! Tune in to the show on Thursday at 11am to find out how you can win this Monarch Broil King Gas Grill to bring home for your 4th of July party!

Monarch Broil King Gas Brill

Check out the segment below!

*This was sponsored content, but all opinions are my own.

Easter Entertaining

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Time to get your eggs decorated and get in the Easter spirit— literally…(didn’t think I’d be talking holidays without some spirits, eh?) I have some really unique and delicious cocktail ideas I want to share. See the video above for all the creative ways kids (and adults) can enjoy the holiday!

Decorating eggs can be the most memorable part of an Easter celebration— and Dudley’s Spraytastic is a new egg decorating kit available at Walmart. You can use this on hard boiled eggs or Walmart’s Easter Decorating Eggs. It’s easy to use and fun for the whole fam. It’s an airbrush inspired color spray so you can make really cool and unique decorated Easter Eggs. Just fill with the dye– pump— and spray. You can color mix and layer the sprays….And you can spray a single egg or an entire basket full! And when you’re entertaining for the holiday weekend, the sprayed eggs make a gorgeous centerpiece!
http://www.dudleyseaster.com/spraytastic.

The only downside to egg decorating is the mess that sometimes happens! I like to call it artistic expression that just needs a wipe down! Dudley’s Spin an Egg takes care of that problem with this spinner— kids just push down on the button and watch their egg spin while coloring! It’s as easy as that!
http://www.dudleyseaster.com/whereToBuy/

Dudley’s also has some other specialty egg dyes— Majestic dyes create beautiful pearlized eggs with no mess.

Puffy Strings of Color is one of my favorites— and it’s the newest way to decorate. Once you’ve dyed your Easter eggs, use the Strings of Color and applicator to make fun designs.

And Color Burst creates this speckled effect on eggs. It’s like magic! Also a little tip, if you add vegetable oil to the dye, you can create a totally different look.

You can go to http://dudleyseaster.com/ for a look at all of these Easter products!

Now that the kids are entertained, let’s talk adult beverages…

I love making a signature cocktail when I entertain– so treat your Easter Guests to the Diplo Daiquiri this Sunday! It’s made with Rum Diplomático which is from Venezuela and recognized as one of the finest rums in the world. The Diplo Daiquiri doesn’t even require a blender— just pour 1 ounce of Rum Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, and half an ounce each of simply syrup and lime juice. Shake and pour, garnish with a lime wheel. The Reserva has a smooth and elegant finish– you can detect a bit of maple syrup, orange peel, licorice and notes of sweet toffee fudge. http://www.rondiplomatico.com/

Amarula Cream, knowns as the “Spirit of Africa” is the second largest cream liqueur in the world. In South Africa, it’s typically enjoyed neat or over ice. For Easter, try mixing it into your coffee at brunch or sip it after dinner with your dessert. https://amarula.com/

Some of my most treasured memories are from the semester I spent in Spain, stretching out long afternoons with incredible Spanish wines! If you’re looking for the perfect Easter treat, try a cold bottle of dry Spanish Rosado. Spanish Rosados are typically made from Tempranillo or Garnacha grapes— they have bright, fruity and floral notes, making them easy to pair. El Coto de Rioja Rosado will quickly become a favorite among your family and friends. This totally transports me back to Espana! http://www.winesfromspainusa.com/

And finally we have the Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2012 made from 100% Sangiovese, this wine is fresh and elegant. The taste is medium bodies with silky tannins and a long lasting finish. This wine is perfect to pair with any lamb dish you are serving for your Easter Sunday celebration. http://www.avignonesi.it/

Happy Easter!

*This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

Diplo Daquiri

2015-04-01 20:48:53

Serves 1

A light and refreshing rum cocktail

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Ingredients

One ounce Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
orange peel or lime to garnish

Instructions

Pour over ice and enjoy!

Notes

Great Tip: To make your own simple syrup, just boil one part water with one part sugar. I'll make it with 1 cup each of water and sugar--- boil until it reduces down a bit and store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

By Parker Wallace

What's on Parker's Plate? http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/

St. Patrick’s Day Sips, Snacks & Style

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If you’re local in Atlanta, the GO-TO spot for the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day is Shamrock The Station, in Atlantic Station. We’re talking, bring the whole fam for face painting, cookie decorating and a whole pot of gold kinda fun! And, if you’re a foodie, you’re in luck. Literally! Check out the food and drink specials from Meehan’s and The Pig and the Pearl Smokehouse and Raw Bar….

Meehan’s St. Patrick’s Day Drink Specials:

Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks for $6
32 oz beer for $11 and $9 refill in Meehan’s Cup
Car Bombs and O Bombs for $7
Clover Cosmo : Absolut Citron + Cranberry $7
Leprechaun Libation : Absolut, Pineapple, Splash Melon Liquor $7
Shot of Jack Fire $7
$13 double cocktail $11 refill in Meehan’s Cup

Chef Todd Richards from The Pig & The Pearl Smokehouse and Raw Bar will be featuring his famous Smoked Corned Beef Brisket and crispy Brussels sprouts with a mustard jus. Can I get a yum, yum, y’all? He’s promised me the recipe…..stay tuned.

Chef Todd’s Brisket

Pig & The Pearl is 0pen Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday from 11:30am-10pm

Fridays & Saturdays 11:30 am-11 pm

Shamrock The Station fun!

Face painting for the kiddos

outside view of ShamRock Station

Next up, the world’s favorite Irish beer, GUINNESS. Guinness has recently launched GuinnessHooley.com – Hooley being an Irish word for ‘party’ – (like, duh!) where Guinness fans of legal drinking age can find great cocktail and food recipes and beer pairings.

Guinness

On St. Patrick’s Day, over 13 million pints of Guinness are enjoyed around the world. From the iconic stout to the recently released Guinness Blonde American Lager, there is a Guinness beer for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day. Guinness Blonde American Lager, brings together American and Guinness brewing techniques for a distinctly awesome, Guinness beer. What better combo than black with blonde, right? So, check out this modern version of a half and half.

Guinness Black & Blonde

10 oz. Guinness Blonde American Lager
10 oz. Guinness Draught

And, my new favorite bourbon is Bulleit. Check this cocktail out– guaranteed to put a little green hair on your chest….Or get you some green beads. Wait, Mardi Gras is over. OK, it’s really good, just take my word for it. It’s called the Wilde Oscar for a reason….

Wilde Oscar

1 oz. Guinness Extra Stout
1.5 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
.5 oz. Rich Simple Syrup
Dash of Botanical Bitters

Stir all ingredients in an ice filled mixing glass. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube. This cocktail is also delicious when made with the signature Guinness Draught. Garnish with a large orange peel and maraschino cherry.

In its third consecutive year partnering with The Leary Firefighters Foundation, Guinness is continuing its support for local firefighters nationwide by trying to raise $1 million by St. Patrick’s Day. Guinness celebrates those who are Made of More and go above and beyond to help their communities without the expectation of anything in return such as firefighters. Day in and day out, firefighters make tremendous sacrifices for the betterment of others and embody the same spirit and character founder Arthur Guinness instilled into the brand more than 250 years ago.

From now until St. Patrick’s Day, Guinness is raising money for local firefighters with the release of limited-edition firefighter-inspired t-shirts available for a $20 donation at www.GuinnessGivesBack.com. All net proceeds go towards The Leary Firefighters Foundation in support of firefighters nationwide.

Guinness Blonde Logo Now it’s time to get down with some of Ireland’s most delicious and cool products, y’all. They’re from The Irish Store.

The Irish Store Logo

This afternoon, it felt like Christmas, because a massive box with The Irish Store’s USA Deluxe Family Breakfast Hamper arrived on my door step. OMG. It’s filled with just a few of my favorite things– namely, sausage, bacon, cheese and Irish butter. Can anyone say Bulletproof coffee???

Check it out! Pop in the promo code when you order it and you get the 20% discount from $189.95 to $151.95. Deal!

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The Basket Includes, (in addition to the 2lbs of Irish sausages…

1 lbs Cocktail Sausages
2 8oz Black Pudding
2 8oz White Pudding
3 8oz Irish Bacon
1 Pack of Scones
1 x 8oz of Irish Butter
1 Box of Barry’s Gold Blend Tea
1 Jar of Irish Jam
1 Kerrygold Cheese (7oz)

And, now let’s get into some cool style for your St. Patrick’s Day party…The Irish Store is offering gorgeous jewelry and yummy knitwear….

Marcasite & Connemara Marble Celtic Cross – Now $99.95, with 20% promo code discount: $79.95

Marcasite & Connemara Marble Celtic Cross Sterling Silver Trinity Knot Half Pearl Pendant – Now $74.95, with promo code: $59.95

Sterling Silver Trinity Knot Half Pearl Pendant NATURAL Medium Ladies Hooded Zip Coat – Now $99.95, with 20% promo code discount: $79.95

NATURAL Medium Ladies Hooded Zip Coat
So, here’s wishing for your favorite Leprechaun to bestow some presents that will last long after the Green Beer runs out! Remember, drink responsibly and have a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day!

**This was a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Strawberry Smasher

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Going with the strawberry theme today, it would have been easy to just slide in a strawberry margarita, but that would’ve been boring, right? Well, my Strawberry Smasher is a smashingly delicious start to your day. Wait….. Or end to your day! Either way, go easy, or you’ll be, uh, smashed, my dear!

Strawberry Smasher

Ingredients

2 strawberries plus one for garnish
10 leaves mint
2 tsp sugar
1 shot of bourbon (I like Makers Mark or Bulliet)
1/2 shot of Amaro or your favorite bitters
top off with soda water
ice

Instructions

Muddle the strawberries, mint and sugar and put at bottom of a low ball glass.
Add ice
Pour bourbon and bitters over ice.
Top off with soda water and stir.
Garnish with a strawberry on rim-- you can also add a sugar rim for added sweet effect.

http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/2015/03/strawberry-smasher/

Parker’s Super Bowl Sunday Food and Beverage Picks

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I’m very excited to be showcasing my Superbowl picks for food and cocktails on NBC’s Atlanta & Co. today! Y’all know this girl likes to eat and certainly enjoys her cocktails! Here are the steals, deals and delish details for Atlantans…

Let’s talk drinks first…Capital City Wine and Spirits has some awesome prices on your favorite adult beverages for Superbowl Sunday! Starting with Bourbon, baby…Bulleit Bourbon is only $19.99 for a 750mL bottle. Check out my Honey Ring my Bell bourbon cocktail recipe for inspiration…

I know you may not remember that Fireball shot your had at last call, but you will want to remember this…Cuervo Singe. It’s like the love child of Fireball and Tequila. Mucho bueno! So knock some back when you have your peeps over Sunday!

Next up…Red Brick Brewing. You get a cool (and FREE) koozie with any purchase. They even have them in the colors of your competing teams– blue for Patriots and green for Seahawks. Score!

My all-time favorite vodka and poison of choice….Tito’s. This big ‘ol bottle is only $25.99. Mix it up with some Bloody Mary Mix to start your game day out right…or try swilling it with some ginger beer and a little fresh lime juice for the super trendy cocktail of choice these days, the Moscow Mule.

Image courtesy: oliveandcocoa.com

Moscow Mule

Ingredients

1 shot of Tito's Vodka
1 can Gosling's Ginger Beer
squeeze of fresh lime juice

Instructions

Pour a shot of Tito's over ice and fill the rest of your cup with Gosling's Ginger beer. Squeeze some lime juice into your Moscow Mule and enjoy!

http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/2015/01/parkers-super-bowl-sunday-food-and-beverage-picks/

Capital City even has these super cool authentic hammered copper cups you can buy to serve the Moscow Mules in…the copper keeps the ice from melting so you don’t get a watered down drink. Plus they look pretty awesome.

Location: Capital City Wine and Spirits

784 Collier Road Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 351-7579

Jim ‘N Nick’s motto is “We Give you Our Best.” If this isn’t the best, I don’t know what is….Um, HELLLLO DELICIOUS. This is the Mac Daddy of BBQ platters. Meet the Mr. Jim Tailgate To Go Platter.

Hungry yet? We’re talking classic pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket, turkey breast, pork hot links, spare ribs, baby back ribs AND you get three sides plus some fluffy cheese biscuits. All that scrumptiousness for $85. This is “GETINMYMOUTHRAWTNOW” kinda good. OMG.

What I love about Jim ‘N Nick’s is that they smoke their meat for 24 hours and everything is made from scratch. The joint doesn’t even have freezers, they use such fresh ingredients! I’m a huge BBQ fan and this will not disappoint. It’s supposed to feed 6-8 people, but I don’t think this would last in my house between JP and me for more than an hour. #bbqbingers

You can go to their website for more deets on the menu and find out the location nearest to you. They have this BBQ hotspot in 5 Atlanta locations: South Cobb, Hiram, Suwanee, Forsyth and Conyers.

What Superbowl party is complete without PIZZA?? Marco’s Pizza has 3 amazing pies they are promoting for Superbowl Sunday….Get ready, set…EAT:

This is the White Cheesy Pizza…which takes white pizza to a whole new level of Yum. There’s a garlic sauce base loaded with a parmesan cheese blend, fresh tomatoes, feta and BACON. Yup, bacon on a white pizza. Brilliant.

The Deluxe Uno has everyone’s classic supreme toppings: pepperoni, sausage, green pepper, onion and mushrooms, with some extra cheese on top. Of course. Because Marco’s does not skimp on the cheese, y’all.

Meat Supremo. The name pretty much says it all. Pepperoni, (a LOT of pepperoni!) sausage, ham, bacon and extra cheese. A carnival for carnivores with a super yummy crust. Sign. Me. Up.

The dough is made fresh every day and they use authentic Italian sausage. The best part, (besides that insane bacon on white pizza???) The prices. Yup– you get a SUPER deal for you Superbowl party pies…Each of these 3 specialty pizzas are just $10.99 for a Medium or $24 for 2 Larges. You can go to Marco’s website to find a location near you….pick up OR delivery!

Enjoy your Super Bowl parties and stay safe!

*This is a sponsored post.

The “Honey, Ring My Bell” Bourbon Cocktail

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I’m a bourbon girl at heart. Especially in the winter, there’s nothing better than the smoky, deep flavors of a good bourbon cocktail. My favorite dark spirit is Makers Mark– it never disappoints. Thanks to my friend Tyler, a very talented mixer of bourbon cocktails, I have this recipe to share. I added in the Honeybell juice and peel– and it really brings a fresh, light element to the drink. I also bought those nifty sphere ice cube thingies that make for a gorgeous cocktail!

Honeybells are only in season in January, so there are literally less than 2 weeks left to order them. Go to Countryside Citrus and treat yourself!! I spent the day with the talented family who runs the Countryside Citrus business while I shot my segment for The Weather Channel at their grove in Vero Beach, Florida. They are so humble and taught me everything about the Minneola Tangelo, aka the Honeybell! It’s the love child of the grapefruit and the tangerine…the juice is so sweet. I seriously am freaking out about how awesome they are. You’ll be bragging on them too as soon as you try this cocktail and my other Honeybell recipes!

Learning about Honeybells from Rusty Banack, owner of Countryside Citrus in Vero Beach, Florida.

The “Honey, Ring My Bell” Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients

3 shots Makers Mark (or your favorite bourbon)
1 shot of Honeybell juice
1 shot of lemon juice
1 shot Aperol (or Campari)
1 shot Amaro Nonino
Honeybell peel
Splash of Grand Marnier

Instructions

Pour bourbon, Honeybell and lemon juice, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino over ice. Shake and pour into glasses (this should fill 2-3 high ball glasses). Add a splash of GM and put in a slice of Honeybell peel. Bottoms up!

http://whatsonparkersplate.flywheelsites.com/2015/01/the-honey-ring-my-bell-bourbon-cocktail/