THE NIBBLE BLOG: Products, Recipes & Trends In Specialty Foods


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Iced Cold Brew Recipes With Soda & Illy Cold Brew

illy Ready To Drink Cold Brew in cans has been around for a year or so. But until now, we’ve only drunk it straight from the can.

(Yes, the brand spells its name in small letters—illy—but the editor in us will refrain from a rant.)

Now, the brand gives us a creative new take on cold coffee drinks.

illy worked with Italian Master Barista Giorgio Milos to develop three fusion iced cold brew recipes that combine illy with carbonated soft drinks.

While the concept may sound unusual, trust Sig. Milos on this, and add something different to your summer coffee-drinking.

These three cold brew x soda recipes are simple to make, with 3 ingredients or less. Easy, peasy, fun. But first, let us introduce you to…
 
 
ILLY COLD BREW COFFEE

illy Ready To Drink Cold Brew is cold brewed for 12 hours, resulting in a flavor that is naturally sweet and balanced, with less acidity (photo #1).

It’s made with 100% Arabica coffee beans (more about Arabica), all natural, preservative-free, no added colors or flavors.

And illycaffè is a leading global force in sustainable high-quality coffee—a feel-better product.

The 8.45 fluid-ounce can has 190mg caffeine. There no sugar added, and the can is just 5 calories.

If you make the recipe with diet soft drinks, you can enjoy the beverage for…just 5 calories.

While Sig. Milos offers his pro tip for each recipe, THE NIBBLE has a tip of its own:

All of these are great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Another tip: Before you start mixing, chill all the ingredients.
 
 
> COLD BREW COLA

The combination of cola and cold brew combines two popular pick-me-ups. You may become a big fan.

Recipe: Fill a 12-ounce glass halfway with ice, add 5 ounces of cold brew and finish with 4 ounces of your cola of choice.

Pro Tip: Elevate this recipe by using a craft or artisan cola (Boylan’s, GuS or any of the fine regional brands).
 
 
> VANILLA COLD BREW SODA

Cream soda (which is flavored with vanilla) pairs nicely with the smooth caramel and chocolatey notes of the cold brew. Here’s how to update a glass of cream soda.

Recipe: Fill a 12-ounce glass halfway with ice. Add 4 ounces of illy cold brew, 4 ounces of cream soda, and mix.

Pro Tip: Always add the carbonated ingredient last, to keep the bubbles lively.
 
 
> COLD BREW CHERRY SODA

Cherry and coffee? Yes indeed: This new take on cherry soda will make you a believer.

Recipe: Fill a 12-ounce glass halfway with ice, add 1 ounce of cherry syrup, add 4 ounces of cold brew and stir gently. Top with 4 ounces of plain seltzer water. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

(Editor’s Note: We didn’t have cherry syrup, so we used cherry soda, replacing both the syrup and the seltzer water.)

Pro Tip: Seltzer water is more carbonated and doesn’t go flat as quickly as club soda, sparkling water or mineral waters.
 
 
READY TO TRY IT?

Gather the ingredients and have a taste test.

illy’s canned cold brew is available on illy.com and Amazon.
 
 
> THE HISTORY OF COFFEE

> THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COFFEE

 


[1] illy Cold Brew takes on a new role, as a mixer with soft drinks (all photos © illycaffè).


[2] Add your favorite cola to illy Cold Brew for a caffeinated summer refresher.


[3] The cream soda and illy combination may be our favorite.


[4] A new take on “cherry soda.”

 

  

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Whiskey Infused Chocolate Gifts From Burdick & Delysia


[1] We’re big fans of Burdick’s Scotch-infused chocolates (photo © L.A. Burdick Chocolates).


[2] Delysia Chocolatier has a nine-piece box showcasing Bourbon, Rum and Scotch (photo © Delysia) .

 

Two fine chocolatiers have spirits-infused chocolates for Father’s Day gifts…or for the rest of us who lust after them.

Both are limited editions.
 
 
1. L. A. BURDICK CHOCOLATE

Available June 1 through June 28th only, this exquisite assortment of Scotch whisky chocolates is a special gift for anyone who appreciates fine chocolate—and Scotch whisky.

Each chocolate is handcrafted with fine single-malt Scotch whiskies blended into every piece.

There ganache of different pieces features Glenfarclas, Highland Park, Lagavulin, Macallan and Talisker whiskeys.

There are half-pound boxes and one-pound boxes.

There are many more delicious chocolates at BurdickChocolate.com.
 
 
2. DELYSIA CHOCOLATIER

Delysia has a “spirited” 9-piece chocolate truffle collection that showcases three different spirits:

  • 3 Scotch chocolate truffles
  • 3 Bourbon chocolate truffles
  • 3 Rum chocolate truffles
  •  
    The ganache in each truffle is infused with aged liquor that’s expertly balanced with dark chocolate to bring out the character of the spirits:

  • 12-year old Scotch
  • Garrison Brothers Distillery Bourbon
  • Sweet dark rum
  •  
    Get yours at Delysia.com.
     
     
    > WHAT IS CHOCOLATE GANACHE?

    > WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE: BONBONS, CHOCOLATES, PRALINES, TRUFFLES?

    > CHOCOLATE GLOSSARY: TERMINOLOGY, TYPES & MUCH MORE!

     

     
      

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    Have A Rose Wine Tasting Party For National Rose Day

    What are you doing this Saturday?

    It’s National Rosé Day, held on the second Saturday in June.

    We have an idea: Have a rosé tasting party. The pink wine is just right for warmer weather.

    You can host the entire event, or invite friends to BYO get-together.

    Here’s how to host a rosé tasting.

    Here are more rosé entertaining ideas.

    And here are rosé and food pairings.
     
     
    WHAT IS ROSÉ WINE?

    There is no grape called rosé: Rosé refers to the pink color of the wine.

    The wines get their rosy color from contact* with the red grape skins during vinification.

    Depending on the grape, terroir† and wine-making techniques, the color can range from the palest pink to deep ruby red to hues of orange or violet.

    Still rosé wines can be made from almost any red grape varietal, or from a blend of varietals.

    Sparkling rosé wines, including rosé Champagne, are exceptions because they also can be made with white grapes.

    Styles range from bone dry Provençal rosé to sweet White Zinfandel and other blush wines from California.

    Note that rosé wines are not made to age, and should be drunk at 1-3 years old.

    The exception is top-quality rosé Champagne. A 15-year-old Dom Perignon Rosé, for example, is a joy. But, we can only dream…

    Currently, the 1996 vintage—perfect for drinking now—is selling from $818 to $1,099.

    But don’t be concerned: You can enjoy a perfectly lovely $10 bottle of rosé.
     
     
    MORE ABOUT ROSÉ WINE

  • The History Of Rosé Wine
  • Affordable Sparkling Rosé
  • Rosé In Cans
  • Mateus Rosé: The Venerable Brand Goes Modern
  •  
     
    RECIPES WITH ROSÉ WINE

  • Blueberry Frosé
  • Frosé Granita & Drinkable Frosé Sundae
  • Frozen Rosé Cocktails
  • Raspberry Frose Cocktail
  • Rosé Sangria
  • Strawberry-Rosé Ice Pops
  •  
    Ready to party?

    Head to your nearest wine store for a selection of rosé wines.
     
     
    _______________

    After the juice is pressed from the red grapes, the grape skins are added back to the juice for a certain amount of time. This is known as skin contact. The length of skin contact (chosen by the wine maker) and the particular grape varietal influence the color.

    Here’s some wine trivia: The juice from red wines is white, the same as the juice from white grapes. Red wines get their color from extended skin contact.

    †Terroir, pronounced tur-WAH, is a French agricultural term referring to the unique set of environmental factors in a specific habitat that affect a crop’s qualities. It includes climate, elevation, proximity to a body of water, slant of the land, soil type and amount of sun. These environmental characteristics give a fruit, vegetable, cheese, olive oil, etc., its unique character.

     


    [1] While people think of rosé as a French wine (it outsells white wine in France), there are excellent rosés from California and elsewhere (photo © Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards).


    [2] There are delicious rosés in cans, too. Here’s more about them (photo © Bonterra Organic Winery).


    [3] A special treat: rosé strawberry ice pops served in a glass of rosé wine (photo © California Strawberries).


    [4] Make a Frosé. Here’s a recipe (photo © Kindred Restaurant | Davidson, North Carolina)./td>

     

      

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    Johnsonville Sausage Strips Uses: A Replacement For Bacon 


    [1] Start the day with scrambled egg quesadillas with Johnsonville Sausage Strips (all photos © Johnsonville).


    [2] However you like your morning eggs—or pancakes, for that matter—serve them with Sausage Strips.


    [3] Lunchtime: How about grilled cheese and tomato with Sausage Strips? You can also add the Strips to egg salad, ham, turkey and other sandwiches.


    [4] Pimp your cheeseburger with Sausage Strips.


    [5] Sausage Strips are naturals with salads, from a Caesar salad or spinach salad to this Mexican “Cobb” Salad (recipe at right).


    [6] How about an SLT, the Sausage Strip version of a BLT? Add avocado slices or guacamole for a SLAT.


    [7] Need a snack? Make about nachos with diced or crumbled Sausage Strips. BYOB.


    [8] Johnsonville Sausage Strips are available in four varieties.

     

    Here’s a great idea: sausage strips shaped like bacon, that are much more versatile than whole or sliced sausage links. Such are the innovative new Johnsonville Sausage Strips, made from product made from delicious, high-quality sausage that is fully cooked, crisps in a minute or two in the microwave, and add protein, however you serve it.

    For breakfast, lunch or dinner, these Sausage Strips can be used whole, crumbled, chopped or minced:

    There are four different flavor profiles:

  • Original
  • Chorizo
  • Maple Flavored
  • Spicy
  •  
    We’ve been using the Sausage Strips to replace bacon. It’s a different flavor, of course; but since the Strips are already cooked, they just need to be heated for 1-2 minutes in the microwave—or in a stove top pan if you prefer.

    A bonus: There’s no bacon grease spatter or a greasy pan to clean.

    There’s also less shrinkage than with bacon.

    Find a store locator here.

    And take a look at these yummy ways to use Johnsonville Sausage Strips for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
     
     
    20 WAYS TO USE JOHNSONVILLE SAUSAGE STRIPS

    > BREAKFAST

  • Biscuit Sandwiches. Eggs any stile with Sausage Strips.
  • Breakfast Quesadilla. Add another layer of flavor.
  • Sausage & Eggs. No need to fry bacon and clean the bacon grease.
  •  
     
    > LUNCH

  • BBQ Pulled Pork & Sausage Sandwich (Or Platter). Add another layer of flavor to this favorite.
  • Burger. Try sausage cheeseburger instead of a bacon cheeseburger.
  • Salad: For a Crispy Chicken & Sausage Salad, use diced chicken and sliced Sausage Strips. Add to a spinach salad. Or create a new version of the Caesar Salad. And try the Tex-Mex “Cobb” Salad (recipe below).
  • Hot Dog. Double the flavor by sliding a Sausage Strip in the roll with a hot dog or brat.
  • Sandwiches. Add to any sandwich. How about a BST instead of a BLT? And a sausage strip grilled cheese?
  •  
     
    > COCKTAILS & SNACKS

  • Bloody Mary. Add a Sausage Strip garnish to the celery stalk.
  • Cheese Plate. Add some Sausage Strips to the cheeses, fruits, nuts and breads.
  • Crostini. Toast slices of baguette or other bread, and top with a spreadable cheese (how about pimento cheese?) and Sausage Strip slices.
  • Jalapeño Poppers. Wrap poppers in Sausage Strips (great with beer).
  • Nachos. Garnish with crumbled Sausage Strips.
  • Popcorn. Cut slices and toss with popcorn. You can add grated parmesan cheese, too.
  •  
     
    > DINNER

  • Mac & Cheese. Top with sliced or crumbled Sausage Strips.
  • Pasta. With red sauce, white sauce or olive oil, add sliced or crumbled Sausage Strips.
  • Sausage Gravy. Stir diced or crumbled Sausage Strips into white gravy.
  • Skewers. Add Sausage Strips to any combination of proteins and vegetables. How about a surf and turf of scallops or shrimp wrapped in Sausage Strips? How about potato tots wrapped in them?
  • Surf & Turf. Add a Strip to grilled fish or shellfish.
  • Turf & Turf. Add a Strip to grilled or roasted meat and poultry.
  •  
     
    > DESSERT?

    We haven’t tried dipping sausage strips in chocolate, as confectioners have done with bacon and called “pig candy.” Nor have we used such confections to top ice cream.

    But there’s no harm in trying!

     
    RECIPE #1: TEX-MEX “COBB” SALAD

    While not a Cobb Salad per se, this salad is arranged with the ingredients grouped together, as in a classic Cobb.

    Ingredients

  • Romaine or lettuce of choice
  • Tomato, diced
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Corn kernels
  • Sausage Strips, sliced
  • Onion/scallion of choice, sliced
  • Optional: sliced bell pepper, jalapeño
  • Garnish: cilantro, tortilla strips
  • Dressing of choice: blue cheese, ranch or the lime vinaigrette recipe below
  •  
    Preparation

    1. MAKE the dressing.

    2. TEAR the lettuce into bite-size pieces.

    3. DICE the tomato and slice the avocado, onion, Sausage Strips and optional ingredients.

    4. WASH the cilantro, remove the stems and pat dry the leaves. Set aside.

     
    WHAT TO DO WITH CILANTRO STEMS

    Cilantro stems have just as much flavor as the leaves, but are too chewy to use as is.

    Instead, you can:

  • Chop them, and then add them to the salad or use as a garnish.
  • Toss them into marinades.
  • Pickle them for a sandwich condiment.
  • Purée the stems for use in hummus, pesto, salsa, etc.
  •  
    Here’s a recipe for a green sauce made with cilantro stems.

     
    RECIPE #2: LIME VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

    The lime juice in this recipe replaces vinegar, and has a distinctly Mexican flavor.

    The recipe also has honey, which our Mom preferred. We, instead, leave it out to cut down on our daily sugar intake.

    If you wish to do the same, you can add a pinch of sugar or a drop of honey.

    And if you like heat in your food, you can add red chile flakes instead of the black pepper.

    Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (or chile flakes)
  •  
    Preparation

    1. COMBINE all ingredients in a blender and emulsify. Alternatively, whisk together the first five ingredients. Then add the olive oil, whisking continuously. Set aside.

    2. WHISK as needed to emulsify before serving.

     

      

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    Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old Scotch & Giraffe Gift Tin

    Glenmorangie’s stills are the tallest in Scotland—as tall as an adult giraffe!

    Such tall stills create more space for taste and aroma to imbue the spirit.

    The “giraffe-tall” stills are why they company has chosen to support Africa’s giraffes.

    The iconic species needs help to conserve dwindling numbers for the next generation

    Each purchase of Glenmorangie’s Original Gift Tin will support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. It’s a gift with a bonus give-back to make the recipient feel even better.

    Not to mention the beautiful “keeper” tin, with cut-outs patterned after giraffes.

    It’s a beautiful gift, for $39.99.

    Buy it here.

    And if you don’t want Scotch but do want to help the giraffes, head here.
     
     
    ABOUT GLENMORANGIE ORIGINAL

    First released more than 175 years ago, Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old has long been known for its mellow tones and delicacy of flavor.

    The Giraffe Gift Tin, a special packaging, includes a 750ml bottle of Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old Scotch.

    The metal is laser cut with a pattern of giraffe patches (spots).

    The Bourbon Cask Matured Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is the original expression of the distillery’s elegant, floral spirit.

    The casks are American white oak and have been (as the name indicates) previously used in Kentucky to age Bourbon. Bourbon cask aging adds notes of citrus (orange), honey, vanilla and a burst of peach sweetness.

    Enjoy it:

  • Straight.
  • On the rocks.
  • With a splash of water.
  • With a splash of ginger ale.
  • With club soda.
  •  
     
    > Here’s more about Glenmorangie, including a broad selection of expressions.

    > The different types of whiskey.

    > The difference between “whiskey” and “whiskey.”

     


    [1] Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old Scotch in a keepsake giraffe tin (all photos © Glenmorangie).


    [2] The beautiful giraffe, which ranges from 15 to 18+ feet in height.


    [3] Glenmorangie pot stills: at 16 feet and 10 inches, they’re as tall as giraffes.

     

      

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