Categories
Uncategorized

The Best Brownie Recipes, According to Eater Editors

Holiday baking season is in full swing, but brownies have been on our minds for a while now. Maybe that’s because of the inexplicable inability of the most recent crop of Great British Baking Show contestants to make one correctly. (Seriously, Britain, what’s going on?) We’ve also been, um, chewing over this Epicurious opus on brownie chewiness. Whatever the reason, Eater editors are all about brownies and these are the recipes we turn to satisfy that specific craving.


The Baked Brownie: This is the One True Brownie recipe. I had them at a party and begged for the recipe, which now happens to me every time I bring them to a party. They’re super rich and fudgey so cut them into small pieces but oh, man — there’s just nothing better than that chocolate overload. — Erin Russell, Eater Austin associate editor

Olive Oil Brownies with Sea Salt: My ideal brownie is extremely fudgy, toeing that raw batter line with abandon.For that type of consistency, there is nothing better than Melissa Clark’s olive oil brownies with sea salt. I appreciate the multiple forms of chocolate that are all required to pull this off (cocoa powder! melted baking chocolate! chocolate chips!) and the dark brown sugar and tablespoons of olive oil make for a rich and luxurious finished product. The flaky Maldon salt sprinkle at the end helps cut through the chocolate in each bite. It’s a perfect brownie. — Erika Adams, Eater NY reporter

Outrageous Brownies: There is a reason why multiple Eater editors fought over who got to write about the Outrageous Brownies when we chose our favorite Ina recipes: They are magic. There’s more than two pounds of chocolate in these beauties, plus a hit of instant coffee that really emphasizes the sharpness of the chocolate. While it’s slightly labor intensive to melt down all that cocoa goodness, it’s worth it. The brownies come out dense and gooey, with that classic crispy top. I like to make a big batch, stick them in the freezer, and keep them around as a treat. — Brenna Houck, Eater Detroit editor

Glossy Fudge Brownies: On the journey to brownie supremacy, Stella Parks’s Glossy Fudge Brownies over at Serious Eats are the final stop. After baking them many, many times in the last few years, I can’t imagine reaching for any other method. The final product is chewy, deeply chocolatey, and bakes up with a crinkly, papery top (the hallmark of a great brownie, according to Parks). This recipe alone is a big reason I’ve evangelized Stella’s extraordinary book to everyone I know. 

Milk Chocolate and Raspberry Blondies: These are not brownies. But if you are craving some sweet, chewy, chocolatey, salty, and satisfying that’s also a cinch to make, I would like to introduce you to Melissa Weller’s milk chocolate and raspberry blondies. They look and taste far more impressive and complex than they should given how straightforward they are to put together. — Amanda Kludt, editor-in-chief

Crazy Brownies: Let’s be frank: Most food writers not going to look kindly on this recipe, and I’ve lent it side-eye myself on more than one occasion. Packaged brownie mix is listed as an ingredient, and the concept is basically, “Sure, brownies would be great, if only they were stuffed with candy.” But my husband has made this wild Pioneer Woman recipe for cookouts, holiday gatherings, family reunions, and more, and the reaction from friends and family is always the same: sheer delight. The people have spoken, and the people are all about Rolos in their brownies, apparently. — Missy Frederick, cities director

Pick a Box, Any Box: Never forget that boxed brownie mixes are a triumph of convenience foods, and there’s no shame in the box-baking game.

Categories
Uncategorized

“MAJKA MI NIKAD NIJE DOLAZILA U POSETU U DOM” Džej Ramadanovski je mnogo propatio u detinjstvu, bio je više gladan nego sit, a roditeljska ljubav mu je najviše falila!

Nije ni slutio kakva će zvezda postati.

U specijalnom izdanju emisije “Paparaco lov” koja je posvećena nedavno preminulom pevaču Džeju Ramadanovskom pojavili su se snimci iz njegovog najranijeg detinjstva, dok se još nije bavio muzikom.

Ovako je pričao na snimku.

Ja sam polutan, pola seljak, pola ciganin. Leti sviramo, zimi jedemo. Otkako je ćale u Austriji, ni zimi ni jedemo – govorio je pevač ni ne sluteći kakva ga sudbina čeka.

FOTO: TV PINK PRINTSCREEN

To je naš Dorćol, Menhetn. Ja sam radio na šalu, nisam bio kriminalac, malo delikvent – govorio je Džej o svojoj mladosti.

FOTO: TV PINK PRINTSCREEN

Kad je keva išla sa cvećem, nikad mi nije došla u posetu u dom, ćale je dolazio – govorio je Džej tada.

Autor: S.M.

Categories
Uncategorized

“Došla je i ta nedelja, vetrovi me lome već danima” Objava ćerke pokojnog Džeja Ramadanovskog slediće vam srce! (FOTO)

Marija Ramadanovski, ćerka pokojne legende narodne muzike, Džeja Ramadanovskog ne prestaje da žali zbog njegovog preranog odlaska.

Ona je sada, na svom Instagram profilu podelila jedan njegov citat, kada je pričao o tome koliko voli svog klub.

Bežao sam iz doma zbog tih utakmica. Svašta smo radili da bismo gledali Zvezdu – izjavio je svojevremeno Džej.

FOTO: INSTAGRAM.COM/MARIJA_RAMADANOVSKI

Osim toga, ona je objavila i zanimljivu igru reči, sastavljenu od najvećih hitova svoga oca.

Došla je ta “Nedelja”, zbog koje smo “Upalili za tobom sveće”, već danima “Vertovi me lome”. Čak ni fontana “Slavija” ne radi, ali mi smo ipak “Deca sreće” – piše u objavi koju je Marija podelila.

Categories
Uncategorized

MALI OLIVER NAPISAO JE PISMO DEDA MRAZU: Poželeo je samo 1 poklon – i ne, to nije nova igračka… TUGA (FOTO)

”Moja mama kaže da ima neki lek Zolgensma koji će mi pomoći i učiniti da ona i ja zauvek budemo zajedno”

Oliver Pal Gajodi rođen je 2019. godine kao zdrava bebica, ali mu je nakon prve vakcine ustanovljena smrtonosna neuromišićna bolest – Spinalna mišićna antrofija, tip 1. Reč je o vrlo progresivnoj bolesi koja napada mišiće i usled koje se gube osnovne životne funkcije.

Kako nam se bliže novogodišnji i božićni praznici, maleni Oliver ima samo jednu želju – da ozdravi! Stoga je ”napisao” pismo Deda Mrazu, koje vam prenosimo u celosti:

”Dragi Deda Mraze,

Zovem se Oliver i moja mama kaže da sam bio mnogo dobar i hrabar dečak ove godine. Takođe, moja mama kaže da ima neki lek Zolgensma koji će mi pomoći i učiniti da ona i ja zauvek budemo zajedno. Ne razumem tačno šta ta Zolgensma, ni taj lek znače, ali moja jedina želja je da budem sa svojom mamom.

Molim te Deda Mraze, upotrebi svoju čaroliju i pomozi da moja mama i ja budemo zajedno, ne pola sata već zauvek.

Znam da si puno zauzet i da moraš da posetiš puno dece, ali mi je moj meda Mr. bean šapnuo da si zato poslao puno ljudi da mi pomognu da moja želja postane stvarnost.

Srećna Nova godina i Božić i tebi i svim dobrim ljudima i donesi samo puno zdravlja i ljubavi!

Oliver”

Za bolest od koje boluje Oliver postoji pomoć – genska terapija koja se zove Zolgensma i kosta 2,3 miliona €. Pomozite nam da ga Oli dobije:

  • Slanjem SMS poruke: Upišimo 848 i pošaljimo SMS na 3030
  • Slanjem SMS poruke iz Švajcarske: Upišimo human848 i pošaljimo SMS na 455
  • Uplatom na dinarski račun: 160-6000000732419-36
  • Uplatom na devizni račun: 160600000073285198
  • IBAN: RS35160600000073285198
  • SWIFT/BIC: DBDBRSBG
  • Uplatom platnim karticama putem linka: E-doniraj
  • Uplatom sa vašeg PayPal naloga putem linka: PayPal

Categories
Uncategorized

Preslatkom Bogdanu (5) urađena je transplantacija koštane srži: Sada su mu opet potrebni trombociti

Maleni Bogdan operisan je 1. decembra u Beogradu

Petogodišnjem Bogdanu Maksimoviću potrebni su davaoci trombocita. Dečaku, koji je 26. novembra napunio 5 godina, polovinom marta ove godine, dijagnostikovana je leukemija.

Dečak je od tada, kaže njegov otac, na lečenju na Institutu za majku i dete “Dr Vukan Čupić” na Novom Beogradu.

Bogdan je bio na četiri dana na zračenju u Italiji a po povratku u Beograd mu je, kako za Telegraf.rs kaže njegov otac Mileta, urađena transplantacija koštane srži 1. decembra.

– Da ne čuje zlo, Bogdan se sada oseća dobro, malo ima problema sa grlom, ali to je normalno posle takve operacije. Ipak, sada su mu ponovo neophodni trombociti – navodi Mileta.

Uslovi za davaoce su sledeći: starost od 18 do 60 godina, težina najmanje 65 kg, osobe koje ne piju nikakve lekove i za žene, dodatan uslov je da nisu rađale. Davaoci moraju da budu AB negativna krvna grupa.

Svi koji ispunjavaju navedene uslove, mogu da se jave Bogdanovom ocu, Mileti na broj telefona: 063/363-378.

Categories
Uncategorized

Marinini prvi koraci nakon što ju je bivši upucao, uči da hoda, ume da veruje: “Želim ljubav i dom”

Posle teške nesreće 31-godišnjakinja izgubila osećaj od pupka nadole, dve i po godine kasnije operisana je u inostranstvu

Dvadeset i osmog februara 2018. godine u zemunskoj cvećari tada 29-godišnja Marina poslednji put osećala je svoje noge. Toga dana njen bivši dečko ušao je u cvećaru, na njeno radno mesto, ispalio četiri metka u Marinu, pa izvršio samoubistvo.

Dve nedelje pre toga su raskinuli vezu. Seća se da je prvo želeo da se pomire, ali da je potom prestao da je traži. Tada je mislila da je odustao i shvatio. Ipak, tog dana u cvećari odigrao se scenario koji nije očekivala.

Svađa je bilo, nasilja dva puta – prvi put kad su se rastali i poslednji put kad su se videli.

– Kada se prvi put desilo, ja sam ga ostavila. Mada se jesmo svađali – rekla je za Telegraf.rs ni sama ne računajući onaj čin koji ju je koštao hodanja i mira.

Seća se da joj ništa nije rekao kada je ušao, samo je zapucao.

Potom je zbog oštećenja kičmene moždine operisana, a posle rehabilitacije sela je u invalidska kolica, bez osećaja od pupka nadole. Dugo nije mogla da spava. Bila joj je potrebna i pomoć psihijatra.

Tog se događaja seti svakog dana. Ne voli da čuje pucnje, jer je zvuk vrati na mesto sa kog je ružan deo njene životne priče počeo. Ožiljci koje ima na telu, takođe su podsetnik.

Ima snove i nadanja, gleda u budućnost

Danas je, kaže, 90 odsto bolje. Ističe da normalno spava.

– Postalo je bolje čim sam krenula da napredujem u oporavku. Nije moj život stao, samo je malo drugačiji. I dalje izlazim, držim se, putujem – kaže uz šaljivu napomenu da ne misli na Tajland: – Teško mi je da se opustim, čak i kad upoznam nekoga. Želim ljubav i porodicu.

Više od dve i po godine potom, Marina pruža prve korake. Osećaj je čudan. Nalazi se na Tajlandu gde je operisana pre 20-ak dana.

– Ne osećam ih ni sad – kaže za sopstvene noge, komentarišući snimke na kojima korača: – Pomeram ih i osećam kada pomeram, ali čudno nekako.

Na Tajland je stigla 5. novembra. Operisana je posle dvonedeljnog karantina, 20. novembra. U Srbiju se vraća krajem decembra. Za 35 dana, koliko je predviđeno da boravi tamo, prošla je kroz operaciju i tri tretmana matičnim ćelijama. Lekari su joj ugradili aparat za elektrostimulaciju i bateriju. Operacija je prošla odlično, rekli su joj lekari.

– Aparat je lepo namešten, konekcija je odlična – prenosi šta su joj kazali.

Nema prognoze, ali ima želje

Što se tretmana matičnim ćelijama tiče, efekte će tek videti.

– Prva doza se daje intravenozno. I posle toga se leži četiri sata ravno, da se one lepo rasporede po celom telu. A sledeće dve doze se daju direktno u kičmu, da deluju lokalno, tj. na mesto povrede – objašnjava dodajući da je reč o doniranim matičnim ćelijama iz plodove vode trudnica, te da ih je dobila na Tajlandu: – Potrebni su im meseci da prorade, ako uopšte i prorade. Najčešće je potrebno ponoviti postupak. To ćemo videti u budućnosti.

Kaže da lekari ne daju prognoze, ali da je ona puna optimizma.

– Ne, niko ne zna kako će biti, jer je sve individualno. Zavisi od vremena i vrste povrede, od stanja tela, od mnogo faktora. Ali svakako su mi rekli da moram udarno da vežbam bar 6-12 meseci – navodi ističući da će joj po povratku u Srbiju biti potrebna i pomoć terapeuta: – Krenulo je odlično, ja sam zadovoljna.

Kaže i da oseća ushićenje, da razmišlja o tome šta kada se vrati kući. Nada se i odlasku u banju, kao i tome da joj pomoć više neće biti potrebna.

– Bože, koliko ima bolesnih i dece među njima, stvarno se nadam da meni neće više trebati. Sada samo vežbe, vežbe, vežbe!

U znak zahvalnosti za ljude koji su učestvovali u prikupljanju novca za njenu operaciju, na internetu deli snimke na kojima čini prve korake. Volju ima, a snagu i kontrolu će da stekne vežbom, to je poručila.

(Telegraf.rs)

Categories
Uncategorized

MAJKA ČETVORO DECE SE OBESILA NA DEČIJEM ROĐENDANU! Bićete šokirani kada čujete razlog!

Obdukcijom je utvrđeno da je 35-godišnja Katrin digla ruku na sebe

Majka četvoro dece u Velikoj Britaniji izvršila je samoubistvo na dečjem rođendanu pošto ju je tada ostavio dečko, javljaju britanski mediji.

Prema informacijama istrage koje su otkrivene juče, inspektori su utvrdili da se 35-godišnja Katrina Fuler obesila u julu ove godine. Takođe, saopšteno je i da je na zidu sobe u kojoj je pronađeno njeno telo ispisala reč “izvini”.

Da tragedija bude još veća, Katrinu je pronašao njen sin.

foto: Facebook printscreen

Kako je rečeno pred sudom, njen partner je otišao da živi kod njegove sestre posle svađe, a onda ga je nazvala Katrina i rekla mu “da će učiniti nešto glupo” pre nego što je spustila slušalicu.

Partner se uplašio, te je telefonom okrenuo Katrininog sina koji je bio na rođendanu ćerkice njenog prijatelja i kazao mu da “pazi na mamu”, strahujući da će ispuniti pretnju. To se, nažalost, i desilo, a dečak je zatekao obešenu Katrinu i počeo histerično da plače od užasnog prizora, navodi “The Sun”.

Ona je prevezena u bolnicu, ali lekari nisu uspeli da je spasu. Obdukcijom je utvrđeno da je preminula od posledica vešanja, te da je reč o samoubistvu.

Članovi porodice pokušali su da saznaju da li je bila pod uticajem kokaina, ali im je mrtvozornik kazao da “neće dobiti odgovore na pitanja kako bi na ovo stavili tačku”.

– Znamo koliko možemo što se tiče okolnosti. Možda nikada nećemo dobiti odgovor na to pitanje – kazala je dr Sara Klark.

Categories
Uncategorized

Adele Has Already Revealed That She Has A Real Crush On A Member Of The British Royal Family

Recently fans were very confused when they found out that Adele looked like another famous singer since losing weight. Still, it’s hard to confuse the 32-year-old with someone else, especially when you hear the tone of her voice. Today, we focus on another aspect of the life of the international star, more precisely his sentimental life. A few years ago, Adele publicly revealed that she had a real crush on a member of the British royal family. For Glamor Magazine, the singer had swung: “I’m chasing Prince Harry. I know I said I would not date a redhead, but it’s Prince Harry! I would then be a real duchess. I would love to spend an evening with him, he seems to be a good laugh.

Well, despite these public confidences, Adele did not manage to attract the attention of Prince Harry who preferred Meghan Markle to her … But anyway, the singer is not very excited about going out with a celebrity. Adele also revealed to the magazine: “I’ve been on a few celebrity dates but I don’t like it. You go out and everyone is looking at you both. I’m not going to say who. We’re going in. places where people know how to shut their mouths. But everyone wants to sleep with a celebrity so I wouldn’t trust them. ” You will understand, we should not see the singer so early in a relationship with a known personality. While speaking Adele, a famous singer swung on her diva side.FacebookTwitterWhatsAppTelegramCopy LinkShare

Categories
Uncategorized

43 gifts for even the pickiest men on your holiday list


It’s officially crunch time for finding the absolute best gifts to give your loved ones this year.

To help you out, we’ve started compiling our favorite holiday gifts, but if you’re still stuck and don’t know what to get the guy in your life, we can help with that too. Whether it’s for your dad, brother, husband or friend, we searched the web far and wide to find this year’s best gifts for any guy.

For the guy who’s always in the kitchen

Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker ($39.99; amazon.com)

Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Eating breakfast in the morning while scrolling through the first few emails of the day is a new luxury for many people who are working from home. If the guy in your life loves to start off his day with a hearty and healthy breakfast sandwich (or two), this maker from Hamilton Beach is the ultimate kitchen gadget to kick-start his mornings.

ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer ($45.04, originally $59.99; amazon.com)

ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer

ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer

If he’s picked up cooking as a new hobby, this digital meat thermometer can help him cook his next meal to the perfect temperature, whether it’s a medium-rare rib-eye or a giant turkey that’s been in the oven all day.

Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler ($59, originally $79.99; amazon.com)

Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler

Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 GriddlerPHOTO: Amazon

This 5-in-1 countertop griddler is the perfect addition to any guy’s kitchen if he enjoys cooking Sunday pancakes, the occasional weeknight burger dinner or even a quick lunchtime panini. With grill, griddle and panini capabilities, he’ll be breaking out this gadget all the time. Plus, its cooking plates are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffeepot (starting at $16.95; amazon.com)

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffeepot

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew CoffeepotPHOTO: Amazon

For the caffeine fiends in your life, having a pitcher of cold brew in the fridge is a must. There’s nothing like pouring a cup from this Hario Mizudashi cold brew pot for your afternoon coffee kick. It was our pick for the best cold brew coffee maker of 2020, and we loved it for its sleek design and, of course, killer cold brew.

Truff Gourmet Hot Sauce ($17.98; amazon.com and truff.com)

Truff Gourmet Hot Sauce

Truff Gourmet Hot SaucePHOTO: Amazon

For the guy who likes to turn up the heat, this gourmet hot sauce comes highly recommended from experts and editors alike. Packed with chili peppers, black truffle oil, agave nectar and more, this complex sauce is not only spicy, but its unique and delicious flavor will have him reaching for it again and again.

Rastelli’s Wagyu Burgers, 12-Pack ($59; rastellis.com)

Rastelli

Rastelli’s Wagyu Burgers, 12-PackPHOTO: Rastelli’s

If he’s a meat-eater through and through, ordering him a pack of high-quality burgers for delivery is sure to get his mouth watering. This set from Rastelli’s comes with 12 beautifully marbled Wagyu burgers, but if burgers aren’t his thing, the meat delivery company offers tons of different alternatives such as rib-eyesbacon and what might be the best salmon we’ve ever had.

West Coast-Style IPA Beer Brewing Kit (starting at $20; uncommongoods.com)

West Coast-Style IPA Beer Brewing Kit

West Coast-Style IPA Beer Brewing KitPHOTO: Uncommon Goods

This brewing kit has everything he’ll need to brew his own gallon of IPA. Featuring hops sourced from Washington’s Yakima Valley, he can reuse this set again and again to brew beer with citrus, floral and spicy notes.

Wishacc Bamboo Book Stand (starting at $14.99; amazon.com)

Wishacc Bamboo Book Stand

Wishacc Bamboo Book StandPHOTO: Amazon

For the cook who seemingly has all his favorite kitchen gadgets, a quality cookbook stand can end up being truly useful. This comes in three different sizes, allowing him to easily prop up his favorite cookbook or tablet. It even has page holders so that nothing closes.

Cool Stones Whiskey Gift Box Set ($33.99; amazon.com)

Cool Stones Whiskey Gift Box Set

Cool Stones Whiskey Gift Box SetPHOTO: Amazon

True whiskey drinkers know that a traditional ice cube won’t suffice, since it’ll eventually water down the drink, so this whiskey stone set can be a game changer for the ultimate glass. Packaged in a wooden box, it contains eight granite whiskey stones, two glasses, tongs and even two coasters.

Instant Pot Duo Mini (starting at $59.99, originally starting at $79.95; amazon.com)

Instant Pot Duo Mini

Instant Pot Duo MiniPHOTO: Amazon

Give him a chance to find out why nearly 118,000 people rate the Instant Pot Duo a 5-star product. This kitchen gadget comes in several different quart sizes and capabilities, but even the simplest version will allow him to do things like pressure cook, slow cook or even make yogurt in one compact machine.

Foodie Dice No. 1 Seasonal Dinners ($26.99; amazon.com)

Foodie Dice No. 1 Seasonal Dinners

Foodie Dice No. 1 Seasonal DinnersPHOTO: Amazon

Probably just like you, we’re so tired of deciding what’s for dinner each night. Gift your foodie a fun way to ideate new meals with these foodie dice. Just select five primary dice, a veggie die and roll for endless dinner options without the pressure.

Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit ($30; uncommongoods.com)

Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Log KitPHOTO: Uncommon Goods

Is he a mushroom lover that also enjoys tending to his own plants? This mushroom log kit might be the ultimate niche gift. All he’ll have to do is soak the log and store it in a damp, cool place to grow shiitake mushrooms. He can even re-soak and harvest new mushrooms every six weeks for up to three years.

Sondiko Butame Torch ($18.99; amazon.com)

Sondiko Butame Torch

Sondiko Butame TorchPHOTO: Amazon

He’s been asking for a kitchen torch to caramelize his homemade crème brûlée and sear his steak. Make his wishes come true with this Amazon bestselling torch that’s under $20. Don’t fret though: It features a safety lock and a long angled nozzle for extra precaution.

For the tech-head

Apple AirPods Pro ($190, originally $249; amazon.com)

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods ProPHOTO: Apple

If you still don’t have a pair of AirPods Pro, well, what are you waiting for? We named them the best true wireless earbuds of 2020, and for good reason too. They’re small, they produce top-notch sound and they have excellent noise cancellation, second only to Bose’s brand-new QuietComfort Earbudsaccording to our testing.

Bagsmart Electronic Organizer ($14.99; amazon.com)

Bagsmart Electronic Organizer

Bagsmart Electronic OrganizerPHOTO: Amazon

You love him but just cannot stand how unorganized all his tech gadgets and wires get. Help him organize with this nifty organizer bag that can fit all his cords, dongles, devices and chargers.

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook ($28.74, originally $34; amazon.com)

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook

Rocketbook Smart Reusable NotebookPHOTO: Amazon

Once he tries the Rocketbook Smart Notebook, he’ll never go back. This is for the guy who needs to take his notes by hand, but wants to search his old notes even when he doesn’t have the notebook. Better yet, this comes with a pen and microfiber cloth making it able to be reused endlessly.

JBL Flip 5 ($89.95, originally $119.95; jbl.com)

JBL Flip 5

JBL Flip 5PHOTO: JBL

Whether he likes to relax with some tunes in the backyard or needs his jams turned all the way up when cooking or cleaning, this portable JBL speaker can bring the party anywhere. Available in tons of colors, including a customizable option, this speaker in his favorite hue will be a gift to remember.

Echo Flex ($9.99, originally $24.99; amazon.com)

Echo Flex

Echo FlexPHOTO: Amazon

Don’t miss the chance to grab the Echo Flex at a major discount. If he relies on Alexa for everything, he’ll love this plug-in mini smart speaker to meet his needs anywhere in the house.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones ($278, originally $349.99; amazon.com)

Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear HeadphonesPHOTO: Amazon

The newly released Sony WH-1000XM4s are really the top of the line when it comes to headphones. We tested them against some of the field’s best, including Bose, Beats and JBL, but the Sonys were so good we named them both the best over-ear headphones and the best noise-canceling headphones of 2020.

MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener ($29.98, originally $39.98; amazon.com)

MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener

MyQ Smart Garage Door OpenerPHOTO: Amazon

For the guy who wants to craft his perfect smart home, this garage door opener is a must. With this, he’ll be able to open and close the garage door from anywhere via an app on his phone and even invite up to three people to do the same.

Apple Watch Series 6 (starting at $469; amazon.com)

Apple Watch Series 6

Apple Watch Series 6PHOTO: Amazon

What might end up being the hottest gift this holiday season is here. The Apple Watch Series 6 is the latest in Apple’s ever popular smartwatch series, and this edition comes packed with new features like blood oxygen monitoring and a ton of fun new colors. The new watch is so good, we named it the best smartwatch of 2020.

Other gift ideas for guys

New York Times Custom Football Book ($72; uncommongoods.com)

New York Times Custom Football Book

New York Times Custom Football BookPHOTO: Uncommon Goods

A die-hard NFL fan will truly appreciate this custom football book that features 70 pages of reprinted coverage from the New York Times’ archives, allowing him to relive highlights of his favorite football games. You can even emboss his name on the front to make it that much more special.

Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium Ion Beard Trimmer ($54.99, originally $59.99; target.com)

Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium Ion Beard Trimmer

Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium Ion Beard TrimmerPHOTO: Target

Some of these quarantine beards are getting out of hand, we know. If the man in your life looks like he’s ready to build himself a cabin in the woods, it might be high time for a trim, in which case you can’t get much better than this lithium ion beard trimmer from Wahl. It was our performance pick when we tested the best beard trimmers of 2020, and we loved its ability to shave clean lines and its long-lasting battery.

BottleNinjas Don Julio 1942 Tequila Candle ($50; etsy.com)

BottleNinjas Don Julio 1942 Tequila Candle

BottleNinjas Don Julio 1942 Tequila CandlePHOTO: Etsy

Snag a candle made from his beloved 1942 tequila bottle that he’ll want to display on his side table. Just pick his favorite scent and you’re good to go.

Yeti Rambler 26-Ounce Bottle ($39.98; amazon.com)

Yeti Rambler 26-Ounce Bottle

Yeti Rambler 26-Ounce BottlePHOTO: Amazon

Our runner-up when we looked for the best water bottle of 2020the Yeti Rambler is incredibly durable and, thanks to its dual-wall insulation, can keep drinks hot or cold for hours on end.

Knock Knock What I Love About Dad Fill in the Love Book ($10.62, originally $11.80; amazon.com)

Knock Knock What I Love About Dad Fill in the Love Book

Knock Knock What I Love About Dad Fill in the Love BookPHOTO: Amazon

If you’re trying to bring on the waterworks this holiday season, this fill-in-the-blank book gives you plenty of opportunities to get all sentimental and show your dad how much you really love him.

On-the-Go Gift Set With Toiletry Bag ($45; harrys.com)

On-the-Go Gift Set With Toiletry Bag

On-the-Go Gift Set With Toiletry BagPHOTO: Harry’s

If your guy is looking to test out some new skin care, this set from Harry’s not only features a travel-size body wash, 2-in-1 shampoo conditioner, shave gel and face wash, but it also comes in a toiletry bag and includes a well-respected Harry’s razor.

Tile Pro ($29.99, originally $34.99; amazon.com)

Tile Pro

Tile ProPHOTO: Amazon

We all know that person who just can’t seem to remember where they put something. Tiles are great for that forgetful someone, since they use a 400-foot Bluetooth range to find everything from keys to luggage.

For the one who wants to be comfy

Viktor Jurgen Neck Massage Pillow ($56.98; amazon.com)

Viktor Jurgen Neck Massage Pillow

Viktor Jurgen Neck Massage PillowPHOTO: Amazon

A versatile massage pillow is the gift he didn’t realize he needed. This one delivers a deep massage to soothe his aching muscles. It warms up as you use it, and it’s suitable to be used on the neck, shoulders, back and even feet.

The Comfy Original Oversized Microfiber & Sherpa Wearable Blanket ($39.99, originally $44.99; amazon.com)

The Comfy Original Oversized Microfiber & Sherpa Wearable Blanket

The Comfy Original Oversized Microfiber & Sherpa Wearable Blanket

We all know a guy who’s always trying to be comfy. Whether he wears his favorite hoodie or takes virtual meetings in his boxers, he’ll never wear anything uncomfortable. If that’s the case, this wearable blanket called the Comfy is a must-have. It’s oversized and made with microfiber and plush Sherpa so he can cuddle up on the couch in ultimate comfort.

Nautica Men’s Soft Woven 100% Cotton Elastic Waistband Sleep Pajama Pant (starting at $22.99; amazon.com)

Nautica Men

Nautica Men’s Soft Woven 100% Cotton Elastic Waistband Sleep Pajama PantPHOTO: Amazon

Another gift for the guy always trying to be cozy, these loose-fitting pajama pants are made from soft cotton and have an elastic waistband so he can relax.

Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Portable Fire Pit ($129.99; amazon.com)

Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Portable Fire Pit

Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Portable Fire PitPHOTO: Amazon

Sipping hot cocoa by the fire is our idea of the perfect wintery day. Gift the guy in your life a portable fire pit to snuggle up by. It’s fueled by rubbing alcohol, burns for just under an hour and is housed in a modern concrete design.

Men’s Wicked Good Moccasins ($79; llbean.com)

Men

Men’s Wicked Good MoccasinsPHOTO: L.L.Bean

To finish off his new wardrobe of comfort essentials, these moccasins from L.L.Bean are the ultimate relief from tired feet. Stuffed with memory foam and shearling, these will keep his feet warm and cozy through the winter months and beyond.

Lululemon ABC Jogger ($128; lululemon.com)

Lululemon ABC Jogger

Lululemon ABC JoggerPHOTO: Lululemon

With these joggers from Lululemon, you don’t have to choose between style and comfort when shopping for your man. With a fashionable cut and silhouette, and an incredibly cozy lining made of 100% recycled polyester, he’s never going to want to take these pants off.

Brooklinen Classic Starter Sheet Bundle (starting at $50.15 for a queen-size set, originally $59; brooklinen.com)

Brooklinen Classic Starter Sheet Bundle

Brooklinen Classic Starter Sheet BundlePHOTO: Brooklinen

He may not think to buy himself new sheets, but he’ll sure be happy you chose to. Brooklinen is one of our favorite bedding brands that always feels luxurious. This starter set contains one fitted sheet and two pillowcases, giving him all his snuggle-up essentials.

UA Rival Fleece Hoodie ($45; underarmour.com)

UA Rival Fleece Hoodie

UA Rival Fleece HoodiePHOTO: Under Armour

An easy fleece hoodie like this one is for the guy who needs something lightweight to work out in, or to throw on for hanging around the house. Available in 15 colors, you’re sure to find one that fits his style.

For the wannabe fashionista

Topman Classic Fit T-Shirt ($10; nordstrom.com)

Topman Classic Fit T-Shirt

Topman Classic Fit T-ShirtPHOTO: Nordstrom

Whether your guy likes to keep it simple or has a more unique style, you can’t go wrong gifting a classic tee. This crewneck one by Topman is beloved for its softness and great fit, all for an affordable price.

Allbirds Men’s Wool Jumper ($135; allbirds.com)

Allbirds Men

Allbirds Men’s Wool JumperPHOTO: Allbirds

Cashmere sweaters are a closet staple every man and woman should have. But more often than not, they’re so expensive they don’t really seem worth it. Well, beloved shoe brand Allbirds (yeah, that Allbirds) has officially dipped its toes in clothes, and this wool jumper has really caught our eye. Available in black, gray and a limited-edition purple, it looks stylish, cozy and, most importantly, it falls in line with Allbirds’ focus on sustainability.

Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket ($199; backcountry.com)

Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket

Patagonia Classic Retro-X JacketPHOTO: Backcountry

Cold weather is right around the corner (if it hasn’t already hit you yet), so to keep him nice and warm while still looking good, get him this retro jacket from Patagonia. It’s made from super-fluffy and comfy fleece, perfect for cold days lounging around the house or when he has to brave the chilly temps to run errands.

Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 Vintage Sneaker ($100; nordstrom.com)

Nike Blazer Mid

Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage SneakerPHOTO: Nordstrom

We all know a true sneakerhead can never have too many shoes. This high-top Nike sneaker gives serious vintage basketball vibes that he’ll be excited to throw on each time.

WeciBor Men’s Cotton Crew Socks, 12-Pack ($23.99; amazon.com)

WeciBor Men

WeciBor Men’s Cotton Crew Socks, 12-PackPHOTO: Amazon

Don’t get us wrong: Giving socks can feel like the most generic gift ever. But for the guy who is always trying to add some pizazz to his outfit or if you need a stocking stuffer, these socks are a hit. They come in a 12-pack in patterns like foods, iconic paintings and former presidents.

The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket ($199; thenorthface.com)

The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket

The North Face Thermoball Eco JacketPHOTO: The North Face

If you think he wants a sleeker jacket that he can pack down and take anywhere, The North Face’s Thermoball is the way to go. Made from postconsumer recycled content and available in 12 stylish colors, he’ll bring this jacket with him everywhere he goes.

Carhartt Washed Duck Sherpa-Lined Jacket (starting at $119.99; carhartt.com)

Carhartt Washed Duck Sherpa-Lined Jacket

Carhartt Washed Duck Sherpa-Lined JacketPHOTO: Carhartt

For the rough and tough, he needs a durable jacket he can rely on. Luckily, Carhartt makes some of the sturdiest clothing on the market, and its Sherpa-lined jacket is no exception. Made with the brand’s famous cotton duck material, it’s ready for the coldest and windiest of days.

Categories
Uncategorized

7 ways to snack better during the pandemic

Chips, cookies, munchies: There is so much snacking going on.It’s no shock that many of us reach for cookies, candy, chips and other indulgences during stressful times, whether it’s due to the pandemic, the resulting economic downtown or a divisive US election.Snack food consumption, including both sweet and savory snacks, increased by 8% during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to consumer research company NPD Group’s Snack Food Behaviors in Challenging Times study.That’s much more than during the Great Recession, between 2008 and 2010, where snack foods increased by 1%, or 4.8 billion eatings. (An “eating” is defined as one occasion that involves eating a meal or a snack.)”I think the increase in snacking was so pronounced now versus the last recession because this downturn came upon us so suddenly,” said Darren Seifer, food industry analyst at The NPD Group, via email.

“At the beginning of the lockdowns, consumers had to make decisions on how to feed their families in a matter of weeks, while the last recession took months to fully take its grip,” Seifer said. “Consumers quickly stocked up on snacks and indulgent foods for their shelf lives while others were stress eating.””I see the rise in snack consumption as the result of lockdown boredom and pandemic and election anxiety,” said Marion Nestle, New York University’s Paulette Goddard professor emerita of nutrition, food studies, and public health.But excess snacking translates to excess calories. “The more snacks, the more calories they provide,” Nestle said. “More calories means more pounds unless snackers compensate by eating less at meals.”Reaching for comfort foods is soothing and can be a way to cope with life’s uncertainties and challenges. But if you feel your snacking has become an unhealthy habit, here are seven strategies to snack better.

Salted date caramel truffles may satisfy your sweet tooth.

1. Take a pause. Before you reach for a snack, it’s a good idea to stop and think about what will satisfy you. Is it really a handful of chips? Or is it a nap or a bath that you are craving? If you are desiring food, you can use a tool like the hunger meter to help you determine what it is you want to eat.By assigning levels to your hunger (for example, “1” being ravenous and “9” being Thanksgiving day stuffed), the meter can help guide you as to what to eat, and can be especially helpful if impulsive or stress-related eating has become problematic. For example, if you are a “4,” on the hunger meter (that is, not that hungry, but “snacky”), you might need a piece of fruit with a small handful of nuts. But if you are a “1,” you probably need a full meal.

2. Don’t multitask while snacking. When we are less distracted and more mindful when eating, we are not only better able to appreciate the taste and texture of foods; we are also better able to determine when we have had enough to eat.That includes taking a break from screens, social media and texting. Disconnecting from all things digital can make you calmer too, which bodes well for eating, according to Lisa R. Young, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim: 30 Days to Permanent Weight Loss One Portion at a Time.”The next time you snack, try chewing slowly and savor every bite. This will help make snacking a lot more pleasurable. It will also help you avoid mindless nibbling and the excess calories that come with it.

These chocolate smoothie muffins are rich in calcium.

3. Be an opportunistic snacker. That means looking at snacks as opportunities to help fill nutrient gaps in your diet. Healthy snacks like carrot sticks and hummus, fruit and small portions of nuts provide important nutrients, and are all great snack choices, according to Nestle.For some fun new snack recipes that will boost your nutrition, try my omega-3 crackers, calcium-rich chocolate smoothie muffins and fiber-rich salted date caramel truffles.

4. Plan and prep snacks ahead of time.Shopping and prepping snacks in advance will help to set you up for success in choosing healthier snacks. Keep fruits and veggies washed, cut and at eye level in the fridge, so you can just grab and eat them, advised registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix, creator of BetterThanDieting.com and author of “Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table.”Also, plan the timing of snacks so you don’t find yourself ravenous during the day. For example, eating something every three to four hours can be helpful, especially if you have difficulty concentrating or feel sluggish when your blood sugar level drops.

5. Design a snack-friendly kitchen. Visual cues go a long way in determining what we actually choose to eat. In our home, I place a bowl filled with our favorite fruits on the kitchen table, so we are more likely to grab them when we are craving a snack. It’s also a good idea to clear your counters of less healthy but tempting visual cues like cookies, sweets and soft drinks, according to Taub-Dix.If you need to purchase foods that may serve as triggers (like those yummy semisweet chocolate morsels you use for baking), place them on higher shelves or hidden behind other foods.Keeping your kitchen organized, free of clutter and with fewer options of sweets or salty snacks can also help. Consumers who have five or more packages of crackers or salty snacks consume those foods at higher rates than consumers with fewer packages in their home, according to the NPD study.

Lisa Drayer's omega-3 crackers are a healthy choice.

6. Make simple swapsIf you have a sweet tooth, swap candy for dried fruit; premium ice cream for frozen banana “nice” cream and a cinnamon roll for cinnamon raisin toast spread with whipped cream cheese.It can be fun to try snacking on healthier versions of your favorite indulgences. My girls enjoy my chocolate peanut butter dessert hummus, which can satisfy a craving for chocolate peanut butter cups.

7. Remember, size matters. Downsizing your portions can help you enjoy your favorite foods without overdoing it. Placing snacks on smaller plates can help you control the amount of food you eat.Here’s a list of tasty snacks under 200 calories, including popcorn with almonds and chocolate chips. And since more than a quarter of a child’s daily calories come from snacks, here are some healthy, kid-friendly snacks, like fruit fondue and homemade granola bars — yum!