Food + Beverage

What better thing to pair with a delicious holiday meal than a creative boozy cocktail? The Boozy Ginger recently shared an easy sangria recipe that uses seasonal ingredients to bring a little more cheer to your holiday festivities.

To make Pomegranate Blood Orange Sangria, you will need:

• 1 blood orange, 1 orange

• 1 chopped apple

• 1 chopped pear

• ½ cup blood orange juice

• ½ cup pomegranate juice

• 4 oz simple syrup

• ½ cup Cointreau

• 1 bottle rosé wine

Simply mix all ingredients in a pitcher and chill for at least two hours. Serve in a wine glass with ice and garnish with fruits.

– Marie Patasin, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

Savor the moments, not the stress, this Thanksgiving by letting Fox and Rye craft your favorite holiday foods.

Packages include just the bird, turkey plus two sides or the whole shebang. Some of the side options are mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans almondine, fresh creamed corn and green salad.

Fox and Rye can also provide cranberry sauce and pumpkin soup. Even if you order and take all the credit – Fox and Rye won’t spill the secret!

Say goodbye to dish duty and hello to a stress-free celebration with delicious food. To place an order, email emily@foxandrye.com by Nov. 20.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

If you can’t get enough of pumpkin spice, you’ll want to add a little pumpkin to your cocktails.

ACoupleCooks.com highlights natural flavors in this pumpkin martini recipe:

• 2 ounces vodka

• ½ ounce heavy cream (or coconut milk if vegan)

• ½ to 1 ounce pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree

• ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Crushed graham crackers, for the rim

Run the rim of a martini glass through the maple syrup first, then the graham crackers. Add the rest of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into the prepared martini glass.

Cheers!

– Marie Gabrielle Patasin, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

Beginning Monday, Aug. 28, Chick-fil-A enthusiasts will be able to order two brand-new menu items.

The Atlanta-based company recently announced the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, a new take on its Original Chicken Sandwich. The sweet, savory and slightly spicy sandwich will feature a filet of fried chicken, creamy pimento cheese, mild pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of honey in between two buttered and toasted buns.

Additionally, Chick-fil-A is welcoming a new milkshake – the Caramel Crumble Milkshake. Hand-spun Chick-fil-A Icedream® will be mixed with creamy butterscotch caramel flavors and blondie cookie crumbles, then topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

– Abby Watkins, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

The latest trend, “Girl Dinner,” is filling Instagram and TikTok feeds everywhere as women are taking to the internet to share this collective experience.

“Girl Dinner” refers to random concoctions women put together for evening meals. Some women may have a traditional meal, but for others, it may just be whatever snack that sounds good that evening. For example, some women may consider a charcuterie board their dinner while others consider ice cream and pickles suitable dinner fare.

The beauty of this trend is that there are no rules. So, take it from the ladies and enjoy the snack plates.

– Ashley Goodrich, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

Memorial Day is right around the corner and barbecues are the perfect way to bring your friends and family together to celebrate. Here are some fresh recipes to bring to the backyard:

• BBQ sweet potato nachos – Spice up your grilled chicken with this nacho and sweet potato combo and lots of cheese.

• Surf and turf skewers – Combining steak and lobster meat on skewers is a fantastic way to elevate your cookout.

• Black bean burgers – Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of a delicious grilled burger.

We hope you have fun trying these dishes.

– Paula Serrano, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

As the holidays end, millions of Americans are giving up alcohol for Dry January. The month-long sobriety challenge comes with notable health benefits, like improved sleep, diet and mood.

Savor laying off the sauce this month with these tasty mocktail recipes:

• The Cranberry Sparkler is just as sweet as it sounds, and with only four ingredients it’s easy to make.

• Looking for a light, refreshing addition to the refreshments list? The Gatsby’s Garden Mocktail can’t be beaten with its light lavender and lemon zest flavors.

• Everyone loves party punch. This Non-Alcoholic Punch combines maraschino cherries, ginger ale and orange juice.

– Hannah Hayes, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

Cheer up, dude. It’s Christmas! Don’t let The Grinch steal your Christmas spirit and put the ‘merry’ in Christmas with this Grinch Kranky Cocktail.

These easy-to-find ingredients are guaranteed to get your guests into the Grinchy spirit this season:

• 3 cups of lemon-lime soda

• 1 lime, wedged

• 1 packet of Kool-Aid Lemon Lime mix

• 1 cup of ginger ale

• 2 cups of pineapple juice

• 4 cups of ice

• 2 cups of vodka

• 4 cups of water

The fun bright green concoction and pineapple juice combo is a great tropical Christmas cocktail that is easy to make.

– Paula Serrano, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

As the flavors of summer drift away, it’s the perfect time to start experimenting with some treats (no tricks, just yet) you can make and enjoy throughout the coming months.

Whether you want to keep things classic with a few pumpkin desserts or try your hand at some unique fall recipes, we’ve got you covered. 

This list of 62 desserts features a diverse selection of baked goods, including apple cider cake, chai latte cupcakes, apple pie biscuits, sweet potato sugar cookies and more.

For some diet-friendly snack options that are just as tasty, here are 13 healthy fall dessert recipes.

– Trey Adams, WordWrite, The Pittsburgh 100

It’s pumpkin season again – try these pumpkin cocktail recipes at your next gathering or for “me” time.

• Pumpkin Pie Mule – fill a highball glass or copper mug with ice, add some ginger brew and vodka, then stir. Don’t forget to garnish with some pumpkin spice and ginger.

• Pumpkin Spice Martini – Shake coffee flavored vodka, coffee cream liqueur, coffee or espresso, and pumpkin spice syrup together. Pour into a martini glass and add some whipped topping.

• The Pumpkin Patch – Mix pumpkin liqueur, gin and apple cider in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an apple slice.

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

The summer is about to end, but you can’t just say goodbye just yet without trying these peach cocktail recipes. Make sure to mix and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice:

• Bliss on the Beach – Ingredients: vodka, peach schnapps, crème de cassis liqueur, and orange and cranberry juice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange slice or Maraschino cherry.

• Norina – Ingredients: brandy, sweet vermouth and orange liqueur. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

• Woo Woo – Ingredients: vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice. Strain into glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

What better way to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July than some red white and blue cocktails? Here is an easy to follow Jell-O Independence Day Shots recipe:

• Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Prepare three mixes: blue Jell-O, unflavored gelatin and strawberry gelatin. 

• Add vodka into the blue Jell-O mix, stir and cool. Pour in the shot glass, then chill.

• Add sweetened condensed milk into the unflavored gelatin mix, stir and cool. Pour above the blue layer then chill.

• Add the vodka into the strawberry gelatin mix, stir and cool. Pour above the blue layer then chill. 

And voila!

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, The Southwest Florida 100

Your summer getaway is not complete without the perfect summer cocktail. Here are some sweet and sparkly drinks to help you keep cool:

• Aperol Spritz: This Italian classic cocktail that has been reinvented and offers a mix of citrus, bitter, sweet, herbal and bubbly goodness.

• Gin Basil Smash: A sip of summer packed in a light and herbaceous cocktail mix of gin and basil, which reminds you of fresh summer air.

• Strawberry Daiquiri: This drink gives you all that berry goodness, sweet and lush flavor with a hint of rum.

For more cocktail ideas this summer, check this link.

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, The Southwest Florida 100

The weather is warmer and so is the need for refreshers. Here are some of Oklahoma City’s premium happy hour specials at your disposal:

• Packard’s rooftop is soon to be “pack”-ed! From 2:30-6 p.m., they offer select $5 cocktails and wines as well as $3 beers.

• Iguana Mexican Grill is a great hotspot and offers $4 margaritas/sangrias, $2 beers and half off queso/guacamole from 3-6 p.m.

• Bar Arbolada, located off Main Street, has become a local favorite. One of their specialties include a $5 old fashion for whiskey lovers. Stop by between 4-7 p.m.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

Summertime is well on its way, which means it’s time to spice up the menu with a few delicious recipes using your air fryer.

The capabilities of an air fryer can be underestimated, but it’s debatably one of the most innovative kitchen appliances on the market. As a healthier alternative to deep-frying your food, air frying allows you to lower your fat intake, cut back on the calories and much more – all while creating dishes that are just as tasty.

If you have one (or if you’re on the fence about getting one), check out these recipes for some inspiration.

– Trey Adams, The Pittsburgh 100

Spring flowers are in bloom and so is your drink with the perfect springtime companion – the April Showers cocktail is both sweet and tart. So, get your cocktail shaker and start making this concoction.

Ingredients:

• Ice

• 3 ounces gin

• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 1.5 tablespoon agave nectar

• 6 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice

• Edible flower of your choice

Easy to follow recipe:

1. Place ice, gin, lemon juice, agave and grapefruit juice in your cocktail shaker. Adjust the amount of agave depending on desired sweetness. 

2. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. 

3. Pour into your glass.

4. Garnish with edible flowers and enjoy!

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, The Southwest Florida 100

Here are some of the best Oklahoma Black-owned restaurants to support and enjoy all year-round:

• If you’re in the Oklahoma City area, be sure to stop by Florence’s Restaurant. It is the only restaurant in Oklahoma to be awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for its superb food quality.

• Craving something sweet? Culture Coffee offers a myriad of baked goods and specialty coffees.

• You won’t regret stopping by Evelyn’s Soul Food or Mack’s Wings, located in Tulsa – two local favorites that are worth waiting in line for.

• And for dessert, Waffle That will make you come back for seconds.

– Jeanine Bertou, Jones PR

Eastside Pizza House opened its doors near N.E. 23rd St. and Rhode Island Ave. in northeast Oklahoma City.

Taking a look at the menu, you’ll find many options that will make your mouth water. When you see your pie arrive at the table you can’t miss the unique black crust that after one bite has you going back for another.

From the owner, musician and Oklahoma favorite, Jabee Williams, the location, the art, the mission and the staff all feel very welcomed.

While all the slices I tried were delicious, my favorites were the Carla Luper and Deep Deuce.

– Taylor Ketchum, APR, Jones PR

No one enjoys the dreaded 2 p.m. “crash” of the day. Instead of pouring yourself yet another cup of coffee, try snacking on these foods to keep you alert and at your best all day long:

1. Nuts – from almonds, walnuts and pecans, these nuts help keep your focus in line

2. Carrots and hummus – known to improve memory and your mood

3. Water – hydration is key (especially after those three cups of coffee you’ve already consumed)

4. Green tea – a healthier (yet still caffeinated) alternative to coffee

5. Berries – the darker the berry, the more productivity-boosting ingredients you consume

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

Sipping a special mug of hot chocolate while unwrapping presents on Christmas morning is a tradition for many families.

This recipe for almond joy hot chocolate from the American Diabetes Association hits the spot. Made with unsweetened almond milk, coconut extract, coco powder and Splenda, and topped with toasted almonds and whipped topping, it really tastes like the candy bar but is lower in sugar and fat.

A great treat for anyone managing diabetes. Nutrition education like that offered by Core Health Partners is key for living with diabetes. Making the right food choices means better overall health. Happy Holidays!

– Paul J. Thein, The SWFL 100