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Sheet Pan Dinner: Salmon with Dill, Butternut Squash and Sugar Snap Peas

Main Dishes

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April 2, 2020

Sheet Pan Dinner: Salmon with Dill, Butternut Squash and Sugar Snap Peas

Create three totally different dishes by roasting everything on one sheet pan. This simple strategy will have each one ready at the same time, for a colorful meal bursting with flavor.

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Things You\’ll Need

1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds)
3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
4 salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each)
3 tablespoons butter
1 lemon, sliced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups sugar snap peas

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Cut off the ends and peel your butternut squash with a vegetable peeler. Once you slice it open, scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

Dice the squash into 1-inch pieces.

Tip

Pieces any bigger than this won't cook fast enough, so take care. The goal is to have everything perfectly cooked at the same time: salmon, peas and squash.

Step 2: Make the Salmon Butter

Melt your butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then add the dill and 1/2 teaspoon of salt plus a pinch of pepper.

Step 3: Roast the Squash and Salmon first

Pour half of the olive oil onto your squash, using your hands to coat each piece before arranging on one half of the sheet pan. Sprinkle with half of the remaining salt and pepper mixture.

Place each piece of salmon on one sheet of foil. Slather with the butter mixture and place two lemon slices on top.

Fold up the foil so each piece of salmon cooks in its own pocket.

Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.

Step 4: Swap the Salmon for Peas

After 25 minutes, remove the salmon packets from the sheet pan.

Tip

Your salmon will be perfectly cooked but don't open the foil packets yet. Let the foil keep each fillet warm until the rest of your meal is ready.

Add the sugar snap peas to the sheet pan, and slather the remaining olive oil on top. Sprinkle the last of your salt and pepper and use tongs to coat each pea.

Return to the oven for 10 additional minutes.

Open your salmon pockets and serve with vegetables.

15 Cocktail Recipes to Spice Up Your Summer Parties

drinks-cocktails

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April 1, 2020

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15 Cocktail Recipes to Spice Up Your Summer Parties

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You don't have to go out and spend money to enjoy happy hour this summer. These simple and refreshing DIY cocktail recipes are the perfect addition to any summer soirée. Your party guests won't believe you made these delicious drinks yourself! After preparing a few of these drinks, you'll be adding 'mixologist' to your resume in no time.

Image Credit: Miaira Jennings 2 of 16

Peach Bellini

Summer is primetime for peaches, so make the most of this juicy fruit by serving these peach bellinis to your guests.

Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier 3 of 16

Strawberry Daiquiri

These strawberry daiquiris are a fantastic way to cool down on a hot day.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 4 of 16

Mint Julep

You don't have to attend the Kentucky Derby to enjoy a nice mint julep. This well-known minty refreshment is the ultimate crowd pleaser.

Image Credit: Laurie Gunning Grossman 5 of 16

Raspberry-Infused Vodka

Made with real fruit, this raspberry infused vodka is sure to become a fan favorite at any function.

Image Credit: Thalia Ho 6 of 16

Old-Fashioned

You're just four ingredients away from the rich flavors of this Old Fashioned classic.

Image Credit: Kristan Raines 7 of 16

Pomegranate Gin and Tonic

The combination of sour citrus and sweet pomegranate makes this gin and tonic recipe one for the books.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 8 of 16

Caipirinha (Traditional Brazilian Drink)

Enjoy a taste of Brazil with this lime-based traditional cocktail recipe.

Image Credit: Kristan Raines 9 of 16

Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters

You'll definitely want to add these Bloody Mary oyster shooters to the menu for your next extravagant event.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 10 of 16

White Sangria

Wind down with this crisp and fruity wine-based cocktail recipe.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 11 of 16

Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Slightly bitter, slightly sweet, completely delicious–don't skip out on the intensity of this aperol spritz.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 12 of 16

Ginger Beer

There may be no booze in this ginger beer recipe, but the flavor alone will have your taste buds buzzing.

Image Credit: Raul Zelaya 13 of 16

Wine Spritzer

It doesn't get much better (and easier) than this wine spritzer for warm, sunny days.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley 14 of 16

Gimlet

Take a break from the fruity cocktails with this gimlet recipe. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse 15 of 16

Avocado Daiquiri

Who knew creamy, smooth avocado could taste so delicious in a cocktail?!

Image Credit: April Anderson 16 of 16

Chocolate-Infused Vodka

Sweeten things up and replace dessert with this trendy chocolate vodka cocktail.

Image Credit: Thalia Ho

Vegan Pumpkin Alfredo Recipe

Veggie Faves

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March 29, 2020

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Now that it's finally autumn, you've probably got pumpkin on the mind. This tasty squash, after all, can instantly add a seasonal spin to your favorite dishes. Take this vegan pumpkin Alfredo recipe, for example. Not only does it have zero dairy ingredients, but it's easy to make, too. Here's how to make a deliciously creamy pumpkin pasta in less than 30 minutes.

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Things You\’ll Need

8 ounces fettuccine pasta
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary), optional
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch
1 1/3 cups non-dairy milk
3 to 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2-1 tablespoon lemon juice

Tip

If you eat a gluten-free diet, use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead.

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the flour and 1/3 cup of the non-dairy milk. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2

If using fresh rosemary, finely chop the sprigs.

Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, and rosemary in a small pot. Cook over low-medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, and remaining spices.

Step 3

Mix well. Leave to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. Make sure the sauce does not come to a boil.

Step 4

Add the flour-milk mixture, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Depending on your taste preference, you can add more or less nutritional yeast.

Step 5

Mix well and simmer until the sauce is thick enough for your liking.

Tip

To thin the sauce, add a few tablespoons of vegetable broth or hot pasta water.

Step 6

Make the fettuccine pasta according to the package's directions.

Combine the pumpkin sauce and pasta. Garnish with vegan Parmesan cheese, spices, or your favorite toppings.

This recipe yields about 2 servings. To make enough for 4 servings, simply double all of the ingredients. Enjoy!

Easy Recipe on How to Cook Juicy Turkey Burgers in the Oven

Main Dishes

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March 29, 2020

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Easy Recipe on How to Cook Juicy Turkey Burgers in the Oven

A turkey burger is a fantastic alternative to the classic beef burger due to its lower fat content and its ability to take on any number of flavors. It's one of my all time favorite burgers to make at home. This recipe for oven turkey burgers is great for ensuring that your burgers stay juicy — and they are super easy to make! Plus, they are sure to satisfy all of your burger cravings without any guilt.

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Things You\’ll Need

1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 pound extra lean ground turkey
1/2 finely diced onion
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
2 grated or finely minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
4 hamburger buns
Toppings of your choice

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the turkey, onion, parsley, garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

Using your hands, mix all ingredients together. Be careful not to over mix.

Step 2: Make the Patties

Form the seasoned ground turkey into four equal sized patties.

Step 3: Heat an Oven-Safe Skillet

Heat a cast iron or oven-proof skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the turkey burgers at this time and let sear on one side for 5 minutes until caramelized.

Step 4: Place the Pan in the Oven

Flip the burgers and transfer to the preheated oven for 15 minutes until cooked through.

Tip

Add cheese during the last two minutes of cooking time if desired.

Serving the Burgers

Top the burgers with extras such as cheese, lettuce, red onion, pickles, and whole grain mustard. Feel free to add or subtract your favorite flavors.

These oven-cooked turkey burgers are easy, healthy, and full of flavor!

How to Bake Sliced Baby Potatoes

Veggie Faves

M.T. Wroblewski

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March 29, 2020

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They may be called baby potatoes, but it would be unfair to judge them by their size. Red and yellow baby potatoes are harvested earlier than other potatoes, when they're about 1 inch in diameter. Still, they teem with a mild, sweet flavor — a sensation that is enhanced when they're baked with their flavorful skins on. Also referred to as creamer potatoes, baby potatoes can earn a grown-up seat next to any main dish at your dinner table when you bake them to crispy perfection.

New potatoes are slightly larger than baby potatoes because they are harvested slightly later. Image Credit: Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

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Things You\’ll Need

Minced Garlic
Olive Oil
Seasoning Salt
Rosemary Or Dill (Optional)
Dry Parsley
1 To 1 ½ Pounds Of Baby Potatoes
Baking Dish
2 Bowls (One Large, One Small)
Vegetable Brush
Paper Towels
Knife

Step 1

Wash the potatoes under cold water. Scrub away dirt with a vegetable brush. Let the potatoes dry on paper towels, then slice each one in half. Place the potatoes in a large bowl.

Step 2

Combine several tablespoons of olive oil, some minced garlic and seasoning salt in a small bowl. Add a dried herb such as rosemary or dill, if you like, for added flavor. Pour this mixture over the potatoes, coating them thoroughly.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush a large baking dish with a little olive oil. Pour the bowl of seasoned potatoes into the dish. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer so that they cook and brown evenly and are easy to turn.

Step 4

Bake the potatoes for between 25 and 30 minutes, stirring them once about halfway through. Remove the potatoes from the oven when they are golden brown. Sprinkle the hot potatoes with dry parsley.

Tip

For an extra flavorful dish, prepare a mix of red and yellow baby potatoes. And serve ramekins filled with chopped green onions and sour cream alongside the potatoes.

Heart-Shaped Strawberry and Chocolate Oat Cookies for Kids

Sweet Treats

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March 29, 2020

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Heart-Shaped Strawberry and Chocolate Oat Cookies for Kids

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Overview

Looking for tasty ways to get young kids to eat the good stuff? These sweet treats are low in sugar and full of wholesome oats, so you can feel good about baking them for your brood. Bonus, they're so simple that little hands can help. Grab your favorite mini chef and get cooking!

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 2 of 11

What You\’ll Need

To make these cookies, you'll need: 1 1/2 cups of whole old-fashioned oats, 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup strawberry fruit spread and 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Tools needed: mixing bowl, rubber spatula, 9×13 inch pan and a medium-sized heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 3 of 11

Getting Started

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, pour in the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. (This is a good step to let kids help.) Mix until evenly distributed.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 4 of 11

Form Dough

Add butter, and with clean hands use your fingers to kneed the ingredients together until crumbly. Kids love this step.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 5 of 11

Set a Bit Aside

Put about 1 cup of your doughy mixture aside to use as the top.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 6 of 11

Make the Bottom Layer

Again with clean hands, spread the oat mixture onto an ungreased 9×13 baking pan. The layer should be as even as possible, extending to every corner of the pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 7 of 11

Begin the Top Layer

After the oat mixture has come out of the oven, allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Then place an even layer of fruit spread all over the top, covering every bit of it. Finish by sprinkling all of the chocolate chips over that. Make sure the chocolate is evenly spaced but don't worry about gaps between chips. You'll put crumbly oats on top next.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 8 of 11

Finish the Top Layer

Using the reserved oat mixture, sprinkle crumbles all over the top layer. The crumbles don't have to completely cover the whole pan; the fruit spread and chocolate chips will peek through.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 9 of 11

Back in the Oven

Once the top layer of fruit spread, chocolate chips and oat mixture has been added, bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 10 of 11

Make Hearts

After the cookies have baked, allow to cool for at least 30 minutes. Then use a cookie cutter to create heart shapes. If needed, use a butter knife to smooth off the edges. Tip: Get the most hearts out of your pan by cutting in a straight row, first right-side up then upside down. Use the extra edges left in the pan for a decadent topping on your next bowl of oatmeal or roll into balls and voilà: more cookies.

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets 11 of 11

Squares Work Too

Don't have a heart-shaped cookie cutter? Simply cut them into squares — these treats are still very festive with the red jam peeking through. Adults and kids alike will love them. (And shhhh, don't tell the little ones that they're good for them, too!)

Image Credit: Charity Mathews, Foodlets

How to Make Marshmallows

Sweet Treats

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March 28, 2020

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Homemade marshmallows seem like a feat of culinary genius, but in reality, it's pretty simple. Need the perfect way to impress at the next cook-out or camping trip? How about taking those s'mores to the next level with some homemade marshmallows? The only problem is that you will never stop getting requests to bring your "world famous" marshmallows to the next get together.

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Things You\’ll Need

Powdered sugar
3 ½ envelopes unflavored gelatin (such as Knox)
1 cup ice cold water, divided
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
2 large egg whites
½ tsp salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Tip

Make it your own! Add any extract flavor that you love to make your own version of this delicious treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Prepare the pan. Grease well (butter, margarine, or vegetable shortening) and then cover in powdered sugar.

Step 2: Start the Gelatin

In the bowl of a stand mixer add 3 1/2 packets of gelatin to 1/2 cup ice cold water. Let stand while you prepare the sugar.

Step 3: Boil the Sugar

In a pan over medium heat stir together 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup and 1/2 cup water. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn the heat to high, allow to boil until the mixture has reached 240 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.

Step 4: Add the Hot Sugar to the Gelatin

Turn the mixer on low and slowly pour the hot sugar into the gelatin mixture. Once all the sugar has been added, raise speed to high. Beat on high until light and fluffy and tripled in volume, about 6 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Egg Whites

In a medium bowl, add the egg whites and salt. Beat with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the egg whites and vanilla into the marshmallows.

Step 6: Add to the Pan

Pour the marshmallows into the prepared pan. Smooth into an even layer, and then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Step 7: Allow to Set, Then Cut

Allow to sit at room temperature until set, about 3 hours. Invert the pan on a flat surface, and slice into squares.

Tip

Make them cute! Use a cookie cuter to cut out shapes to match your party theme.

Tip

These marshmallows will stay fresh 3 to 4 days in a ziplock bag.

How to Peel and Seed Tomatoes

Veggie Faves

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March 28, 2020

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Once peeled and seeded, you can add the tomatoes to soups, stews and sauces.

Most recipes for tomato sauce call for peeled and seeded tomatoes. Getting rid of the tough skin and the tiny seeds leaves you with nothing but pure tomato flesh for smooth sauces or to add to stews or casseroles. But peeling a tomato isn't as simple as peeling a potato — it takes more work. Getting rid of the seeds is another step in itself.

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Step 1

Place a saucepan three-fourths full of water over high heat and bring it to a boil.

Step 2

Lower the tomatoes into the water gently and leave them there for 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water.

Step 3

Set the tomatoes aside until they're cool enough to handle comfortably.

Step 4

Pierce the skin of the tomatoes gently with the tip of a sharp knife. Loosen the skin with a paring knife and peel it away.

Step 5

Cut the peeled tomatoes in half.

Step 6

Hold the tomato half in your hand over a small bowl.

Step 7

Gently squeeze tomato so the seeds fall into the bowl. Discard the seeds.

Tip

Some people cut a small "x" in the base of the tomato before dipping it in the boiling water. The skin splits slightly around the x; peel back the corners of the x to remove the skin. If the tomatoes don't peel well, dip them back in the boiling water for 30 seconds.

Warning

Make sure you allow plenty of time and let the tomatoes cool completely before you peel them.

Easy-to-Make Monster Punch

drinks-cocktails

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March 27, 2020

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What's green, bubbly, and and looks terrifically spooky? Monster punch! This is the perfect drink to serve at your Halloween party this year. Its eye-catching fluorescent color matches the fruity flavor. Learn how to mix this easy-to-make monster punch in a matter of minutes!

Things You\’ll Need

5 to 6 scoops pineapple sherbet
1 liter ginger ale
12 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 packet lime gelatin powder
Dry ice
Water
Cauldron

Step 1: Mix the Punch

Add the pineapple sherbet to a large glass bowl. Pour in ginger ale, pineapple juice, and gelatin powder. Mix well.

Step 2: Add Dry Ice and Serve

In a plastic cauldron, add about 2 inches of warm water and a chunk of dry ice to make it smoky and bubbly. Place punch bowl in the cauldron for a spooky effect. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tip

Be sure to wear gloves or use tongs when handling dry ice.

Warning

Don't put the dry ice in the actual punch. Only in a surrounding bowl.

Types of Glasses for Alcohol

drinks-cocktails

Daniel Holzer

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March 27, 2020

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A decently stocked bar will have an array of beer, wine and liquor to choose from along with some basic bar glassware. A well-stocked bar will also have not only a variety of alcohol but also the various appropriate glasses to serve them. Drinks are served in specific glassware to not only distinguish the drink from any others but also to highlight the flavor, appearance and attitude of each cocktail.

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Shot

The shot is a small glass that typically holds 1 to 1½ oz. Straight shots of liquor—commonly tequila, whiskey and vodka—are served in a shot glass and are supposed to be drunk quickly. Small mixed drinks called shooters, like a B-52, are also served in shot glasses.

Lowball

A lowball, also called an old fashioned, is short glass ranging between 8 and 10 oz. Drinks with a single liquor, a mixer and ice are served in these. Common drinks served in a lowball glass are whiskey sour, rum and Coke and vodka tonic.

Highball

Highballs are a tall version of the lowball and range from 12 to 14 oz. These glasses are typically used for Collins cocktails, Long Island iced teas, mojitos and Bloody Marys. They can also be used for cocktails typically served in a lowball but ordered "tall," meaning with extra ice and mixer.

Martini

A martini glass typically holds 8 to 9 oz. and is used to serve its namesake drink. Martinis are made of either gin or vodka with a small amount of mixer. Other cocktails can be served in a martini glass for a most sophisticated presentation.

Margarita

Sometimes called a cocktail glass, margarita glasses hold 8 to 9 oz. Frozen cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris are this glass's staples, though many cocktails can be served in them for a celebratory look.

Hurricane

The hurricane is a tall curved glass holding about 10 oz. Tropical drinks usually garnished with fruit are served in them. Many drinks that are served in highballs can also be served in a hurricane for a more festive presentation.

Wine

While there are several different types of wine glasses for the connoisseur, the standard wine glass at most bars hold between 9 and 11 oz. A wine glass is designed to showcase the color of the wine and allow the bouquet or scent of the wine to be enjoyed while drinking.

Beer

Bar glassware for beer, like wine, comes in a variety. The gold standards, though, are the pint glass and the stein. The name "pint" can be deceiving, because a pint is 16 oz. and a beer pint glass ranges from 12 to a hefty 70 oz. The pint glass, despite its varying sizes, is distinguished by its straight, tall appearance with a slight widening toward the mouth of the glass. The beer stein, on the other hand, looks like a tall glass mug and typically holds 10 oz.

Things You\’ll Need

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Tip

Step 2: Make the Salmon Butter

Step 3: Roast the Squash and Salmon first

Step 4: Swap the Salmon for Peas

Tip

Things You\’ll Need

Tip

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Tip

Step 6

Things You\’ll Need

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients

Step 2: Make the Patties

Step 3: Heat an Oven-Safe Skillet

Step 4: Place the Pan in the Oven

Tip

Serving the Burgers

Things You\’ll Need

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Tip

Things You\’ll Need

Tip

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Step 2: Start the Gelatin

Step 3: Boil the Sugar

Step 4: Add the Hot Sugar to the Gelatin

Step 5: Add the Egg Whites

Step 6: Add to the Pan

Step 7: Allow to Set, Then Cut

Tip

Tip

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Tip

Warning

Things You\’ll Need

Step 1: Mix the Punch

Step 2: Add Dry Ice and Serve

Tip

Warning

Shot

Lowball

Highball

Martini

Margarita

Hurricane

Wine

Beer

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