IT’SUGAR Partners with Doughnuttery and Tipsy Scoop In Myrtle Beach

IT’SUGAR, the largest specialty candy retailer in the world with over 100 retail locations, announces its exclusive partnerships with Doughnuttery, an innovative, family-owned doughnut company, and Tipsy Scoop, a liquor-infused ice cream and sorbet company. Doughnuttery and Tipsy Scoop will open shops in the IT’SUGAR Broadway at the Beach location in Myrtle Beach, SC on March 9th.

Doughnuttery will provide customers with a treat for the senses as they freshly prepare their famous sugar-topped mini doughnuts live in-store. The shop will house an insanely sweet toppings bar, featuring over 25 unique sugar flavors that customers can mix and match to customize their doughnuts. Signature sugary combinations include Paris Time (Lavender, Pistachio, Vanilla, CocoMint Patty (Coco Mint Sugar), Fruity Cereal, House of Cardamom (Cardamom, Orange Zest), Speckled Strawberry (Strawberry, Rainbow Sprinkles, and Lemon-Thyme).

The IT’SUGAR Myrtle Beach location will also include exclusive toppings flavors like Beach Nuts (Old Bay classic seafood seasoning, cornmeal, and sugar), Unicorn Nuts (cotton candy, edible glitter, and sugar), and Candy Nuts (vanilla glazed doughnut topped with IT’SUGAR candy).

Tipsy Scoop’s in-store “barlour” will feature alcohol-infused (21+) ice cream, sorbets, sundaes, and pints as well as non-alcoholic options. Cocktail-inspired ice cream flavors include Dark Chocolate Whiskey Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Cake Batter Vodka Martini, Spiked Hazelnut Coffee, Spiked Mint Chip, Maple Bacon Bourbon, Red Velvet Martini, Tequila "Hot" Chocolate, and "Hot" Buttered Rum. The sorbet selection will feature flavors like Mango Margarita Sorbet, Raspberry Limoncello Sorbet, and Strawberry White Sangria Sorbet. Non-alcoholic options include Virgin Shirley Temple ice cream, Virgin Root Beer Float ice cream, Virgin White Russian ice cream, and Virgin Mudslide ice cream.

Tipsy Scoop will also offer seasonal treats, with plans to debut their “Spring Break” Sundae at their new location in IT’SUGAR Myrtle Beach. The Spring Break Sundae will include one scoop of Strawberry Sangria, Mango Margarita, and Raspberry Limoncello Sorbet, served in a bowl with Sour Gummy Sharks, Runts, and Salt Water Taffy - garnished with a licorice wheel and a Beach Ball lollipop.

 If you're heading to the beach this Spring Break or Summer, be sure to check them out!

Espresso vs. Drip Coffee

How do you like your morning coffee? Some people opt for a latte whereas some go for a cup of Americano to wake them up. When it comes to coffee, there’s drip coffee and then there’s espresso. They’re both made from coffee and are similar in appearance— so, what’s the difference between the two?

Pour Over or Press?

Drip coffee is made by pouring boiling water on top of the coffee grind, letting the flavor seep in as it makes its way to the bottom of the cup. A filter is required to make drip coffee, which separated the coffee grind from the cup.

This brewing method is perfect for preserving the flavors and aroma of the coffee grind. So, if you’re into a strong and bold flavored cup of joe, then drip coffee is your best bet.

Espresso, on the other hand, is made by pressing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This is also known as “pulling a shot” since espresso is served in ‘shots’ which measures 1 ounce each.

Textures Matter

Drip coffee has a coarser grind compared to espresso. The textured grounds make for a fresh and flavorful brew. It is recommended that medium grind should be used for drip coffee.

Espresso is often made with a smoother and fine ground. The finer the ground is, the better the espresso. However, grounds that are too fine can actually clog the brewing process. So, it’s wise to aim between small and medium grounds when making an espresso.

The folks at Coffee In My Veins made this infographic which has more information on the difference between espresso and drip coffee. Check it out below.

Infographic: The Difference Between Espresso and Drip Coffee

Courtesy of: Coffee in My Veins

4 Finger Food Ideas for Parties and Fussy Eaters

Hosting a great party can be lots of fun and very rewarding, but it can take a lot of hard work too. One of the keys to a successful party is to have high-quality food available, and that means food which looks good and tastes even better. You can't cook while the party is in full swing, so finger food is the perfect solution as you can prepare it well in advance. When creating finger food, it's important to think of all the guests, including fussy eaters, but here are four finger food ideas which are sure to prove a hit with guests young and old.

1. Cucumber Sandwiches

This may sound too simple, but in fact, they're also simply delicious, which is why cucumber sandwiches are still a staple part of a traditional afternoon tea. Simply cut up cucumbers and place between some high-quality bread. We recommend the use of the best wooden cutting boards for all food preparation purposes, as you can quickly wipe them down and they make chopping, cutting and slicing a quick and easy process. Cucumber sandwiches are great for cleansing the palate after spicy food as well, and they're vegan-friendly which can be an important consideration.

2. Sticky Chicken Wings

Sticky food is always a popular choice for a finger food buffet, as it's always satisfying to lick your own fingers clean afterward. Sticky chicken wings are a perfect choice for this purpose, and they're incredibly easy to prepare. One marinade that even the fussiest eater will appreciate is honey and soy sauce. Simply mix these two ingredients together in a bowl so that it forms a clear yet dark-colored liquid and then coat the wings in it before transferring to the oven or frying pan. Ten minutes is all it takes to create a snack that's delicious and full of flavor.

3. Avocado Toast

Avocado is possibly the most fashionable ingredient of them all at the moment, and it's perfectly suited to a finger food environment. It has the added advantage of being supremely tasty too, which is why avocado toast is always the sign of a high-quality buffet. Presentation is the key here, so cut slices of toast into alluring triangles, before spreading mashed avocado onto the surface. To add an extra texture and flavor, you can then further top the toast with a slice of boiled egg; quail's egg is a great option here if you're really trying to impress your guests, but a standard hen's egg will be fine as long as the portion size fits daintily atop the avocado.

4. Lettuce Wrapped Steak

Steak and salad are a classic mealtime combination, but this can easily be adapted for finger food purposes with individual steak slices wrapped inside a lettuce leaf. Simply fry or grill the steak until cooked (be careful not to overcook it or it can become tough), slice into small pieces and then place one piece inside the cupped leaf of a baby gem lettuce. You can serve a mayo or chili sauce to accompany it. This is finger food that looks superbly inviting, it tastes great and the lettuce and steak slice combined with crunchy lettuce gives a satisfying textural contrast as well. Be sure to prepare plenty of these, because they always prove to be the most popular item in a buffet.

Steak wrapped in lettuce, avocado toast, cucumber sandwiches, and marinated chicken wings all look as good as they taste, and there's nothing in them that will make a fussy eater turn up their nose. Remember to prepare more food than you think you'll need rather than taking the risk of running out and always have vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as suitable desserts. It's a good idea to check for special dietary requirements beforehand, such as gluten intolerance, so that you can plan the buffet accordingly. With all this in place, you'll have happy guests and you'll be a happy host.

Shelly's Easy And Moist Meatloaf

Do you ever crave a hearty home cooked meatloaf dinner? I never used to be a huge fan of meatloaf, because it always seemed to come out too dry or rubbery in texture. That has changed since I have played around with recipes over the years and finally perfected it. My recipe is easy since you will probably have most of the ingredients on hand.

Shelly’s Easy and Moist Meatloaf

• 2- 2 ½ pounds ground beef (chuck)
• 1 medium onion finely diced
• 4 cloves of garlic minced finely
• Fresh herbs (I use basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. You don’t need a lot, like a sprig of each, and use what you prefer) 
• Finely diced jalapeno to taste (like half of a small one with seeds removed)
• 2 slices of white bread (torn into tiny bits)
• ½ cup milk
• Dry seasonings of your choice (Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc) Here are my favorites
• A few dashes of steak sauce (optional)
• A few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
• ½ cup Ketchup

Heat oven to 350 degrees. I like to lightly saute the onion and garlic in a tiny bit of olive oil first, then add jalapeno and herbs. Empty on to small plate and set aside to cool down for 5 minutes. In large bowl, add ground beef, seasonings, sauteed veggies, bread crumbs, and milk. Mix everything together by hand and form into loaf shape, and place into loaf pan. Cover the top with ketchup. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit about 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips: You can line loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
Be sure you do not overcook or you will not have a juicy meatloaf.

This delicious meatloaf goes nicely with traditional mashed potatoes, or mashed cinnamon brown sugar sweet potatoes, and fresh green beans or asparagus. Oh, and the leftovers make the most scrumptious sandwich the next day!

Check out these other delicious recipes:

• Small Batch Homemade Mac & Cheese
• Perfect Potato Salad
• Southern Caviar

Enjoy, and thank you for stopping by.

All About Butter

If you are going to be cooking and baking this holidays season using real butter, you should take a look at this helpful infographic. You can also read more here regarding butter grades and standards. 

Great Places To Eat at When Your Family Visits Germany

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A family vacation to Germany is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is so much to see and do you definitely want to plan accordingly ahead of time. One thing you definitely want to plan is where you will eat. There are numerous famous restaurants around the country. Whether you visit Berlin or one of the smaller towns an hour or so outside the capital, there is plenty to eat. Here are some of the most popular establishments to eat at in Germany for locals and tourists alike.

Hofbräuhaus München

This restaurant dates back to the 16^th century. It is easy to see why it has lasted for centuries once you step foot inside. It is a glorious three-floor beer hall that offers incredible Bavarian cuisine. It proudly boasts itself as the world’s most famous tavern. While you can certainly grab a beer, it has some classic German dishes on the menu, including roast pork with crackling, wiener schnitzel and beef goulash. With both a rich history and rich food, the entire family will find something to love here.

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Restaurant FACIL

You will definitely want to make a reservation before stopping by Restaurant FACIL. It is a fine dining establishment that boasts minimalist décor and huge glass windows. It features a seasonal menu, so you can visit it at different points of the year to enjoy unique dishes. It has been awarded with two Michelin Stars, so when you look for something a bit more upscale around Berlin, this is the place to go to.

Bayerischer Bahnhof

On lists of the most popular German restaurants in Leipzig, Bayerischer Bahnhof frequently ranks toward the top. It is a restaurant, beer garden and inn all in one. This restaurant was first built in 1842, and it is the perfect location if you will host a large event or if you want to check out whatever soccer match is on. In addition to offering a variety of homebrewed beer, it also serves up pork steak as well as pumpkin and apple cream soup.

Monsieur Vuong

Monsieur Vuong is small but personable. It serves up simple Vietnamese food, such as noodle salads and pho. The food is light, and you can be certain your dish will be free of any MSG. You can also enjoy an exotic tea or fruity cocktail along with your meal. Most meals will not last long, so it is perfect if you just want a quick bite before going about your day.

Osman’s Tochter

There is a sizable Turkish population throughout Berlin, and you can enjoy some of the finest Turkish cuisine around as Osman’s Tochter. It draws influence from classic dishes but puts a modern twist on them. Some of the dishes you can order here include lamb chops, fish köfte and grilled meatballs in yogurt. Many tourists prefer sitting outside to partake in some people-watching.

These are just a few of the amazing restaurants you can eat at while visiting Germany. There are plenty of others to find, so do sufficient research to find establishments you will remember for years to come.

Go To Marco's Pizza For Your Game Day Eats

If you live in the south, you know just how important college football is. My family loves to support our teams, and trash talk our opponents' teams. It's all good, clean fun that we really look forward to every year. One key component to any tailgate event, or even if you are catching the game from home, is definitely the food! We feel like you can't ever go wrong with pizza and wings. We went over to our local Marco's Pizza to pick up a takeout order, *compliments of the restaurant, for our at-home tailgate party. It's hard to get all five of us together at once to dine out, so takeout if often a better choice.

Marco's Pizza offers a delicious variety of specialty pizzas, subs, salads, and sides like chicken wings and chicken dippers. One thing I can say for sure is that Marco's offers high quality ingredients, and they do not skimp on toppings or portions. Let's talk about what we ordered. We got the XL Chicken Florentine pizza, family size Greek salad, Buffalo wings, and for dessert, Cinnasquares.

When Marco's Pizza says extra large, they mean it! The pizza is enormous and generously topped with delicious grilled chicken, spinach, onion, Roma tomato slices, and their three-cheese blend along with feta. Did I mention that they do not skimp on the toppings? Their pizza is mouthwatering good with the perfect texture crust. I judge all pizza on crust and cheese, as well as how well it reheats. I enjoy how light and crisp the bottom of the crust gets when reheated in the toaster oven. It's is SO good!

We went with Buffalo wings that came with ranch and blue cheese dip. The wings surprised us because they weren't hard or dried out like some can be. Even my husband who isn't a huge Buffalo wing fan gave it a thumbs up.  

The wings were perfect as a side to the pizza. Marco's offers a barbecue version that we will be sure to try next time. 

The family size Greek salad did not disappoint! It was HUGE. I love that they use Romaine lettuce, and not iceberg like some pizza places do. The combination of the lettuce, tomato, black olives, red onion, banana peppers, and feta were a true winner. 

You can't have a meal without dessert. The Cinnasquares hit the spot, and satisfied our taste for a sweet finish. The cinnamon sugar on top of the perfectly baked buttery pastry was perfection. The vanilla icing was just enough. I'd definitely get this again!

If you live in Columbia, SC, be sure to stop by the Forest Drive location that is right across the street from Trader Joe's. You can easily place your order online and get either delivery or takeout. Take a day off from cooking and head to Marco's Pizza today! Find a location here. 

*Disclosure: We were given a complimentary meal in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own as always. Thanks for stopping by today. 

Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day With Your Family

Today, August 6th is National Root Beer Float Day! Yes, there's an actual national day for this great classic. A&W Root Beer helps create the perfect timeless family night treat: an A&W Root Beer Float!

The product, information, and gift card have been provided by A&W so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about A&W Root Beer. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of A&W.

Many of us grew up enjoying a frosty A&W Root Beer float with our family and friends. There is something so satisfying about slurping one up on a hot summer's day. We love the classic version starting with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and then filling your mug or glass to the very top with A&W Root Beer. It is the one drink where we don't mind any of it running over the edges of our glass, or getting a little messy. It's the perfect treat for the family to enjoy together!

I have never strayed from the classic root beer float, but I'm so intrigued by the different versions you can make. You can step up your float game by making a salted caramel root beer float. Simply start with two scoops of salted caramel ice cream, fill with A&W root beer, then top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. YUM!

Looking for a more decadent option? How about a brownie sundae root beer float?! Put some brownie bits in a mug, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and fill with A&W Root Beer. Then you can top that all off with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherry, sprinkles, and additional brownie bits.

If you are watching your calories, you can easily use Diet A&W root beer along with a lower calorie or sugar-free ice cream product.

Be sure to grab a case or bottle of A&W Root Beer, and your favorite ice cream to share with your family and friends. School will be back before you know it, so make some delicious memories while you can!

For more tasty recipes, check out A&W Root Beer's website, and follow on Instagram.

Easy Ways To Entertain In The Summertime

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

Summertime is in full swing all across the country. Families everywhere are vacationing, road-tripping, relaxing and entertaining. Summer seems to be one of the best times of year to entertain family and friends. It's always fun to hang out at the pool, play cornhole, badminton, volleyball, and of course, have water balloon fights!

It's not really summer unless you have something delicious sizzling away on the grill. We grill out almost daily, and especially love burgers, chops, steaks, and veggies. The scent of char-grilled meat makes everyone's mouth water. You definitely can't live in the South and have a meal without a glass of ice cold sweet tea to wash down all of that good food.

One thing I find important when it comes to summer entertaining is to keep it simple. Don't stress out and think you need to break out the fancy dishes and glasses to enjoy a meal together. We are all about casual dining! Sitting out on the back porch is where you'll find us.

Nothing says back porch sittin' like a cold glass of sweet tea. I know a lot of people who love a good glass of it but complain that they don't know how to make it properly. Well, a great solution to that is by using Southern Breeze Cold Brew sweet tea bags. They are made to where you simply place one bag in a glass and add cold water. In five minutes you will have the perfectly sweetened glass of iced tea, just add ice!

We absolutely love the taste of peach tea in the summer. The Southern Breeze peach tea does not disappoint! I love garnishing with fresh peach slices and a sprig of mint. Doesn't it look refreshing? It has the perfect balance of sweetness with a good hit of peach flavor with zero calories and zero sugar. If you're up for a cocktail, you can add a shot of whiskey. Yum! Right now you can get FREE shipping on your first order of Southern Breeze cold brew tea, available in original, peach, raspberry, and half tea, half lemonade.

Do you love a good steak? We are huge fans of the perfect ribeye on the grill. Of course, quality is everything. We received the most mouth-watering selection of meats for our summer grilling from Fareway Meat Market. Our date night bundle included two 12-ounce beef ribeye steaks, two 10-ounce Iowa pork chops, two 8-ounce America's cut boneless pork chops, 85% Butcher’s Blend Ground Beef (1 lb.) and Premium Steak Burgers (4 patties). We knew immediately that the ribeyes were going to be the first to hit the grill! 

I couldn't believe how thick they were. These beauties had the perfect amount of fat marbling to indicate that you were going to have one tender, juicy steak. Even when I was handling the beef with the tongs, I could feel how soft the meat was.

Look at this gorgeous beef! I cooked it to medium-rare. The flavor of the beef itself was outstanding. If you appreciate the natural taste of beef, you will know that this is the good stuff!

Sometimes in the summer, we like salads with grilled steak on top. It gives the balance of lighter fare with a bit of heartiness. If you hate going inside the store, you can order meat online with Fareway Meat Market. You will not regret using this meat delivery service. They send you only the finest cuts of meat. Enter code “meatlover” to receive $20 off your first order! 

By the way, if you need a tasty pre-dinner snack that won't make you feel guilty, you must try out Popchips in the many varieties they offer. I couldn't wait to dig in to the zesty jalapeño cheddar popchips. This is the first time I have ever eaten chips that actually taste like you cut open a jalapeño, shredded your own cheddar, and combined them into a chip. The flavor explodes in your mouth! You won't have any greasy residue left on your hands either, because popchips are never fried.

You can't beat healthy snacks made with real ingredients. Make sure you grab a few bags from your local grocer. You will want to try them all!

We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer before the craziness of back-to-school takes over. Now that we have shared some of our summer favorites, what are some of yours?

4 Ingredient Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Have you ever eaten something before that was so delicious that you couldn't stop thinking about it? That's how I felt after having some Greek pasta salad from a local restaurant. I was lucky enough to have a friend share what goes in it so I could recreate it at home. The best part is it only requires four ingredients!

Here's what you need: 

2 cups Orecchiette pasta (uncooked)
1 4-ounce container of crumbled Feta cheese
2-3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
A handful of fresh basil, chopped

How to make it: 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add a generous amount of salt. Boil pasta for about 12-15 minutes, or to the doneness you prefer. I find this type of pasta to be way undercooked from following the package instructions. Drain pasta and cool. I like to toss it in a bowl and pop it in the freezer for about 8-10 minutes to get a quick chill. Chop your tomatoes and basil. Now all you do is toss pasta, tomatoes, basil, and Feta together. That is it!

This Greek pasta salad is a great item to take to a cookout or potluck. It can be made the day before. So easy, right? It pairs very well with grilled chicken or steak. If you decide to try this recipe, let me know how you liked it. Thanks for stopping by today. 

How To Make The Perfect Margarita

Hello, April! It's that beautiful time of year where we get to see the changes of spring take place. I spent the weekend outdoors with my family planting flowers, weeding garden beds, re-potting plants, and doing our big annual clean-up. The warmer temperatures and longer hours of sunlight have gotten me excited for the warmer months. 

One of our favorite beverages year 'round is a good old-fashioned homemade margarita. We do not like those pre-made mixers at all. If you are looking for a very good margarita recipe (with a little bit of kick) you are in the right place. My neighbor shared this recipe with me a while back that she got from our other neighbor. It's so good and we make it all the time! The great part if you do not need any fancy bar equipment or even formal glassware for serving. This recipe is perfect for girls' trips, girls' night in, or parties. 

How to make the perfect Margarita

Ingredients: 

2 cups of good white tequila (we use Jose Cuervo)

2 cups of triple sec

2 cups of fresh or bottled lime juice (we use this one) 

2 cups *sugar plus 2 cups water to make a simple syrup

Directions:

The first step is to make your simple syrup. The key is to fully dissolve the sugar into the water. It's best to chill simple syrup before adding to the other ingredients. Stir all ingredients in a pitcher and serve over plenty of ice. If you prefer frozen margaritas, you can blend with ice. It's delicious either way. 

*I use a little less sugar because I don't like my drinks too sweet. You can adjust to your taste. 

Tips:

I serve mine on the rocks with a simple wedge of lime. You can use margarita glasses with salted or sugared rims. I will be experimenting with strawberry, mango, and raspberry purees to make some exciting flavors. If you want, you can make half the recipe or even double it.

If you have been on the hunt for a good margarita recipe, you will love this one. Let me know if you decide to give it a try. Thanks for stopping by today.

Cinnabon Introduces Cold Brew Iced Coffees

Coffee lovers can enjoy the velvety smoothness of cold brew with the indulgently satisfying flavors only experienced at Cinnabon. 

Cinnabon®, the brand that set the bar with fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, today announced the debut of hand-crafted Cinnabon Cold Brew Iced Coffees. These refreshing new beverages are available in three indulgent flavors reminiscent of the irresistible aroma guests crave:  Signature Cinnamon Roll, Vanilla and Salted Caramel. The cold brew process creates a perfectly balanced and distinctively smooth cup of coffee, providing a delicious on-the go treat enjoyed on its own or paired with any Cinnabon baked good.

Cold Brew Iced Coffee is steeped over time versus roasted, which delivers over 60% less acidity than traditionally brewed coffee and iced coffee. This method provides the desired boost of caffeine with a naturally smoother and sweet profile; the perfect base for the delicious flavors offered at Cinnabon. With spicy hints of cinnamon and creamy traces of the brand's beloved cream cheese frosting, The Signature Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew provides the irresistible Cinnabon experience in a cup. The seasonal Salted Caramel flavor is ideal for guests looking for their favorite sweet and salty fix, and Vanilla adds a classic, subtle sweetness popular among coffee lovers.

"Our new Cold Brew Iced Coffee is so over the top delicious, we know our guests will see this as another reason why they can't resist the temptation of Cinnabon," said Jill Thomas, vice president of global marketing. "With additional beverage innovations to come later this year, we're excited to offer a one-stop destination for out-of-this-world premium drinks to pair perfectly with our world famous cinnamon rolls."

Cinnabon Cold Brew Iced Coffees are now available in 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes for the suggested retail price of $2.99 and $3.39, respectively. For the perfect pairing, fans can top any size bon with a creamy caramel drizzle and a salty toffee crunch for an additional $0.50!

For more details on the new Cold Brew offerings and to stay connected to all things Cinnabon, follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram at @Cinnabon, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cinnabon, follow on Snapchat at TheRealCinnabon, or visit Cinnabon.com