friday favorites – In Good Taste

Things I Love (v 12)

Maris Callahan — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 05:06:26 +0000

With summer in full swing, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate and plenty of ways to make those celebrations special and festive. Whether it’s rosé on a patio, a beach picnic or even your morning commute there are plenty of fun ways to take your summer routine to new heights. Champagne Ice Cubes There’s nothing worse than a glass of warm champagne, right? Well, the only thing that might come close is a glass of watered down champagne, tasting distinctly of melted ice. Make these champagne ice cubes and all of your (first world, of course) problems will suddenly seem a lot smaller. If you entertain for brunch (or bachelorette parties, bridal showers, baby showers and the like) these fizzy treats are the perfect way to up the ante on your morning mimosas, too. Sparkling Wine in Tiny Cans The thing with Whole Foods is that you go in to get a salad and you leave $200 poorer, and sometimes the fallout includes a sale in the wine aisle. These compact cans of Italian sparkling wine are perfect for a picnic in the park or a fun day of poolside sipping. Magic Juice Recipe Everyone needs a signature cocktail, […]

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Cranberry Cheddar Cheese Ball with Pecans

Maris Callahan — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 19:56:47 +0000

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NaturallyCheesy #CollectiveBias A perfect snack to serve at holiday gatherings, this cheese ball is full of Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese and coated with cranberries and pecans Sure to be a crowd favorite, you can make every day delicious when you serve it with crisp crackers, crostini and raw vegetables. The first time I ever made a cheeseball, I made a Martha Stewart recipe for cheese balls, three ways. The process was long and laborious and the ingredient list included no less than 20 or so ingredients. I vowed that I was never again in my life going to make a cheese ball. Until now, that is. Cheese balls are fun holiday snacks and the perfect way to kick off a festive, seasonal dinner party and unless you happen to be Martha Stewart, can actually be made simply and quickly. Cheese balls come in all shapes, sizes and flavors — well, maybe not all shapes, hence the “ball” denotation — but the one thing I always use when I make cheese balls is Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese. For the holiday season, when I’m making dips, casseroles and appetizers at […]

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Things I Love (v 11)

Maris Callahan — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 16:09:56 +0000

For a short time after graduating college, I lived in New York City. Though I used to tell people I enjoyed being in such close proximity to restaurants, arts and culture, it was rare that I experienced any art or culture, unless you count graffiti on the Subway. I used to read New York Magazine and dream about going to ballets, concerts comedy shows and book readings, but by the time 6:00 p.m. rolled around, getting Tasti Delight and sitting on my couch was the most I could motivate myself to do. Since moving to Chicago in 2009, I’ve done a pretty complete 180 from my former homebody persona. I love to try new things and whenever I have the opportunity to take on a new experience, I do it. Well, we’re talking within reason here. Some of my current favorite things are new. And I’ll give you a hint…some of them are “noo.” Read on to read about which Friday Favorites I’m currently loving in my hometown of Chicago. noosa yoghurt noosa yoghurt (with an h!) is a seriously delicious combination of sweet and tart taste plus a thick, velvety texture – unlike any other yogurt you will ever taste. […]

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Things I Love (v 10)

Maris Callahan — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 22:05:19 +0000

Another Friday, five more favorites. Greeting cards, puppies and wine…who is ready for the weekend? Grown Ass Lady Card I love to send and receive greeting cards, even though my process of sending them typically means that said cards sit in an addressed envelope for several weeks before I finally get around to buying stamps. Nonetheless, there is nothing like getting personal mail. Known for Empathy Cards that help let cancer patients that they aren’t alone, Emily McDowell Studio also creates inspiring and tongue-in-cheek greeting cards for birthdays, holidays and just because. I agree with Emily that a greeting card in the mail offers a connection that a text or email doesn’t…even if I forget to send them sometimes. Kim Crawford Wine Gems by ANNA new york There’s nothing better than a crisp glass of white wine alfresco on a summer evening…unless it takes you more than 30 seconds to drink your wine and it gets warm. Anna Rabinowicz of ANNA new york by RabLabs, known for her trendsetting semi-precious stone coasters, has teamed up with Kim Crawford to create an ice-less way to keep wine chilled, much like a whiskey stone, using her trademark gemstones. These first of their kind wine gem prolong the ideal drinking temperature of […]

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Things I Love (v 9.0)

Maris Callahan — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:00:44 +0000

It’s the last day of July and in college, that meant we would celebrate the “new month.” It was usually an excuse to go out and party on a weeknight, emulating a new year’s countdown at midnight. In honor of the new month, here are today’s Friday Favorites. Best Pretzel Baguette I’ve been obsessed with these pretzel baguettes from Whole Foods ever since my colleague brought them into work. They’re my go-to buy to accompany a cheese plate or to take your plain old turkey sandwich to the next level. Favorite Party Favor When I planned my oldest girlfriend’s bridal shower I couldn’t decide on a party favor that was both practical and festive. Because one of the focal points of the shower decor was a mimosa bar, I decided on miniature bottles of Prosecco tied with a decorative ribbon. Simple, useful and celebratory. Love Budget Savvy Bride’s idea of attaching a colorful straw. I think LaMarca bottles are elegant, but opt for any brand available in 187-mL size. Favorite Summer Dress Known between my girlfriend Angela and I as, “The Dress,” this perfect summer sundress by Felicity & Coco comes in nine colors and is flattering on just about every single […]

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