12 Creative S'mores for a Party

Everyone knows how to make s'mores! Graham crackers, marshmallow, and chocolate! Well why not get a little creative with it? Check out "12 Creative S'mores for a Party", there's a few below and more through the link! Let us know what your favorite is!

Here are some of the most popular combinations! 

The Classic 
Graham cracker + dark chocolate + marshmallow

Triple Chocolate Chocolate graham cracker + dark chocolate + chocolate marshmallow 

Salty Caramel BaconGraham cracker + chocolate with salted caramel + crisp bacon + marshmallow

Fluffernutter
Chocolate graham + peanut butter + marshmallow

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/12C6Lwv

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Charcoal vs. Gas Grilling: A Scientific Look at Which Method is Better

It's summer, and we know that means cookouts! We've got a question for you on the subject: What do you use Charcoal or Gas, and why? If you're already in one camp or the other, let us know why in the comments, but otherwise check out "Charcoal vs. Gas Grilling: A Scientific Look at Which Method is Better" below to help you decide!

Grilling purists may look down their noses at gas grills, but no one can argue with the fact that grilling over gas is quicker and easier than using charcoal. But you're giving up taste for convenience, the pro-charcoal argument goes. Is that true? Wired took a scientific look at the differences between grilling over charcoal versus gas and found some good news: the method you favor is probably the better choice.

Yes, that's right. If you prefer cooking over gas, you probably appreciate the convenience of being able to come home from work and have a grilled dinner on the table in less than an hour. Grilling over gas still results in flavorful food, argues the pro-gas-grilling Mark McClusky:

The characteristic flavor of grilled food comes from the drippings, not the fuel. When those drippings hit the heat source below, the oils, sugars, and proteins burst into smoke and flame. That heat creates new complex molecules that rise in the smoke and warm air to coat the food you’re grilling.

Nothing in that process relies on charcoal.

But if charcoal is your preferred fuel, perhaps you do discern the difference in flavor when food is grilled over wood. According to Gavin Sacks, associate professor of food science at Cornell University, there is a compound called guaiacol that is unique to charcoal-cooked food:

Guaiacol is an aroma compound produced when you use heat to break down lignin, the resin responsible for holding strands of cellulose together to form wood. “It has a smoky, spicy, bacony aroma,” says Sacks. “In fact, the flavor that most people associate with bacon is largely degraded lignin.”

Translation: Cooking over charcoal makes your food taste like bacon. Let me repeat that: blah blah charcoal blah blah BACON.

So go ahead and stand behind whichever method you prefer. Quick and convenient meals versus food that tastes more like bacon — the choice is yours.

Read more at Wired:
→ Grilling Over Gas Is Objectively, Scientifically Better Than Grilling Over Charcoal
→ Grilling Over Charcoal Is Objectively, Scientifically Better Than Grilling Over Gas

Which do you prefer: charcoal or gas grilling?

(Image: senk/Shutterstock)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/1aHzoIr

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Pizza Toppings & Heat: The Secrets to the Perfect Anti-Salad

Salad is not exactly everyone's favorite dish, especially some fussy children, so how can you spice it up? Check out "Pizza Toppings & Heat: The Secrets to the Perfect Anti-Salad" below for the answers!

Salad. Just saying that word is enough to make a child's heart sink — especially if coupled with "is for dinner." We associate the word with boring and bland. But salad, poor old salad, doesn't have to be. It can be fun, it can be good, and it can be something you enjoy for dinner. You just have to know the secrets to making the perfect anti-salad.

To make an anti-salad you need all the stuff that you normally wouldn't put on a salad, but might put on everyone's favorite food since 4th grade...pizza!

That means cured meats, cheese, and peppers. Coincidentally enough, these ingredients also typically make up an antipasto. But nobody really thinks those are fun either — apologies to Italy.

Why is that? Because there's another missing ingredient. Warmth.

There's something about heat that makes things seem more like a meal and less like...well, a salad.

Here are some ingredients you can grill, roast, and throw in your salad to make it an anti-salad everyone will enjoy. Just add greens, balsamic vinegar, and some croutons — or try some grains or garbanzo beans and ditch the greens altogether.

• Sautéed onions
• Roasted eggplant
• Roasted bell peppers
• Roasted olives
• Grilled tomatoes
• Prosciutto
• Pepperoni
• Parmigiano Romano
• Feta Cheese

Try out some of these other warm salads from our archives...

• Citrusy Millet Salad with Roasted Fennel and Kalamata Olives
• Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Fontina
• Warm Chickpea Salad with Cumin & Garlic
• Warm Golden Beet Salad with Greens and Almonds

(Images: 1,3. Megan Gordon 2. Chris Perez)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/12ThhK3

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Berry Crumble Ice Cream & Fennel Pearl Couscous Salad

We're almost certain that one of these four awesome recipes is right up your alley! Whether it be the ice cream, fruity drink, or whichever check out "Berry Crumble Ice Cream & Fennel Pearl Couscous Salad" below!

A tower of bread, honey, and figs, and a caipirinha cocktail with strawberries in today's Delicious Links. 

• Berry Crumble Ice Cream - Take a Megabite.
  
• Strawberry and Passion Fruit Caipirinha - Vintage Kitchen Notes.
  
• Capsicum and Fennel Pearl Couscous Salad - Chew Town.
  
• Figs and goat cheese honey tower - Sabrina Sue. 

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/10MXoXC

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4th of July: Fun Events

Tomorrow is Independence Day! If you need some ideas for how to celebrate, check out the list of events below to make your 4th of July spectacular!

Note: Celebration plans are subject to change, especially fireworks displays (many communities around the state have already canceled fireworks over drought concerns and fire risk). Be sure to check websites for the most up-to-date information.

Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center

Evening:The 4th annual celebration will feature a free concert by the Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the City and County building and a fireworks finale. Bring a picnic, plenty of park seating available. July 3, 8 p.m. Free.Civic Center Park at Broadway and Colfax, civiccenterconservancy.org

Independence Day at Elitch Gardens

Day:Ride the roller coasters at Denver's downtown amusment park followed by a fireworks display at dusk. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., see website for ticket prices.Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, 303-595-4386, elitchgardens.com

Independence Day at Coors Field

Day/evening:Watch the Rockies take on the Los Angeles Dodgers during a three-game series, July 2-4. Fireworks following the July 3 and 4 games, see website for tickets prices.Coors Field Stadium at 2001 Blake St., 303-292-0200,colorado.rockies.mlb.com/

Commerce City 4th Fest with the Colorado Rapids

Evening:Community festival, a 7:30 p.m. match between the Rapids and New York Red Bulls, and a fireworks display. 4thFest Family Activity Zone is free, ticket prices for the game vary. 5 p.m.Dick's Sporting Goods Park 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City.coloradorapids.com/4thfestcolorado

Celebrate with the Outlaws at Mile High Sports Authority Field

Evening:Watch Denver's professional lacrosse team the Outlaws versus the New York Lizards. After the game, fireworks and a pyrotechnics show. Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m.,Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., 720-258-3000, denveroutlaws.com

Park Hill 4th of July Parade

Day:The Denver Fire Department kicks things off at 1:30 p.m. with two engines. The Red Sax Trio plays music, the Platinum Divas cheer squad brings the spirit, and the Cupcake Truck and Pie Truck bring the sweets. Route runs down 23rd Ave. from Dexter to Krameria.Info: parkhillparade.com

Chase'n The Dream Concert at Green Valley Ranch

Evening:Chase'n The Dream covers R&B, Motown, dance, reggae, jazz, pop and blues, followed by a fireworks show. 8:00 p.m. Free.Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater, 4890 Argonne Way, 303- 595-8747, mygvr.org/story/oakwood-homes-summer-concert-series-2011

Ralphies Independence Day Blast in Boulder

Evening:Performances by Monarch High School Marching Band, Open Space & Mountain Parks Rangers and Mad Hops. Fireworks. Gates open at 8 p.m. Free.Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave., Boulder, 303-541-1928, boulder4thofjuly.com

Cheesman Park Kids' Bike Parade

Day:Bike decorating, face painting, balloon art, a fire truck and bagpipers at this event, which kicks off at 9 a.m. on the east side of Cheesman Park in Denver.cheesmanparkadvocacygroup.wordpress.com/

Aurora's 4th of July Spectacular

Evening:Family-friendly event with food and more. Fireworks kickoff at 9:30 p.m. with music simulcast on studio 1430 KEZW. Festival starts at 6:30 p.m. Free.Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., 303-739-7756, auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/Events/index.htm

Olde Town Arvada Spirit of America 4th of July Festival

Day/evening:DJs and live bands, a kids park with, games and activities, craft booths, a mini classic car show, food and more. Festival begins at 4 p.m. with fireworks after 9 p.m. Free.Stenger Sports Fields at West 58th Ave. and Oak St., 720- 898-7400,arvada.org/arts-and-culture-/fourth-of-july

The Great American Picnic and Fireworks in Broomfield

Evening:Activities include 7th annual Great American Bicycle Parade, pony rides, food and a free concert with FACE and Soul X followed by a fireworks display. 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Free.Commons Park 13200 Sheridan Blvd., Broomfield, 303-464-5530, broomfield.org/index.aspx?NID=611

Thornton's 4th of July

Day/evening:Beer garden and food vendors plus concerts by Syke 96, Thornton Community Band and more. Fireworks display after dark. 4 - 9:30 p.m. Free.Carpenter Park Multipurpose Fields at 108th Ave. and Colorado Blvd., Thornton. 303-538-7282, cityofthornton.net

Golden Lions Club Celebration

Day/evening:Celebration and fireworks at Lion's Park (along Clear Creek). Includes music, food, activities for children, a raffle and more. Starts at noon. Free.1300 10th St., Golden, 720-253-6328, goldenvisitorsbureau.com/events/july_fourth.php

Englewood Fourth of July Family Festival

Day/evening:There will be field games, entertainment, food and children's activities during the day and fireworks after dark. 4-10 p.m. Free.Belleview, Cornerstone and Progress Parks located near the intersection of Belleview Ave. and Windermere St., Englewood, 303-795-3720, englewoodgov.org/englewood-happenings/4th-of-july-festivities

Independence Day with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Day/evening:A grand relaunch of Colorado Springs' traditional "Fabulous Fourth" celebrations with live music, food and more. 5 p.m. Free.Memorial Park, 1315 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, csphilharmonic.org/summer/independence/

July 4th Family Festival in Northglenn

Day, evening:Festivities kick off at 6:30 a.m. with a Boy Scout pancake breakfast. Throughout the day there'll be a bkae sale, parades, a car show, live music and more.northglenn.org/july4th/

Fort Collins Independence Day Celebration

Day/evening:Parade in Downtown Ft. Collins and at the Firecracker 5k Race during the day,with live music and fireworks in City Park during the evening. Free. Check web site for times and locations.Downtown Fort Collins and City Park, 1500 W. Mulberry St., fcgov.com/july4th/

The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department

Day:Family-friendly celebration includes gunny sack races, face painting, hula hoop contest, a bounce house, 5K and one-mile Fun Run, live music and more. Times vary, the reservoir will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.The Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51st St., Boulder, 303-441-3461, bbscrti.com, BoulderRez.

Frontier Fourth Celebration at Bent's Fort

Day:Includes a parade, flag giveaways, speeches, debates, period games, a piñata break and cannon firings (conditions permitting) to show how the holiday was observed at an isolated trading post on the plains, 1:30-4:30 p.m.Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, located eight miles east of La Junta or 13 miles west of Las Animas on Colorado Highway 194, 719-383-5010, nps.gov/beol

Elbert County Museum's Pioneer Fourth

Day:Games, local crafters, live music, pie baking contest and more for all ages, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Kiowa, ourjourney.info

July 4th in Georgetown

Day/Evening:Festivities include a 5K Fun Run and Stroll at 8 a.m., a parade at 11 a.m., barbecue in City Park at noon, Bucket Brigade Races at 2 p.m. downtown, fireworks at dusk (conditions permitting). Proceeds benefit various local nonprofits.Georgetown, 303-569-2888

4th of July in Lafayette

Day/Evening:Face painting, balloon sculpting, pony rides, food and veer vendors, live music and more, 4-10 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.Waneka Lake, 1600 Caria Drive, Lafayette, 303-666-9555, lafayettecolorado.com

Compiled by Nicole Nejad, The Denver Post

Read more:2013 Fourth of July celebrations and events: Colorado highlights - The Denver Posthttp://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_23546681/2013-fourth-july-calendar-colorado-highlights#ixzz2Y0uTnJzh
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