License to Grill: 7 Burger Recipes You’ll Flip Over

Summer’s here and you know what that means: it’s grilling season! If you spend most of July and August with a spatula in hand, we’ve got some delicious and unique burger recipes for you to tackle. Created by some of the best food bloggers out there, these delectable morsels go beyond your standard beef patty. Try making them at your next BBQ and we’re sure everyone will be clamoring to kiss the cook!

Sweet Potato - Not only are sweet potatoes good for you, they also make one heck of a veggie burger! How Sweet Eats combines rich smokey sweet flavors in this yummy recipe that’s sure to impress herbivores and carnivores. Get the recipe here.

Image via How Sweet Eats

Korean Barbecue - The Cozy Apron blew our minds with this original burger! This fusion cuisine is just the thing to take your next BBQ to new heights. The kimchi slaw and chili garlic mayo are simply amazing. Get the recipe here.

Image via The Cozy Apron

Spicy Cauliflower - How much can you really do with cauliflower? Short answer: lots! It may seem like one of the world’s dullest vegetables but Pinch Of Yum showed us just how fun cauliflower can be. Mix it up with some quinoa, a medley of spices, and a few other ingredients and you’ve got one tasty burger! Get the recipe here.

Image via Pinch Of Yum

Caramelized Onion & Turkey - Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving anymore, people! The Foodie And The Fix show us how to make one seriously scrumptious turkey burger with caramelized onions and provolone cheese. Yum! Get the recipe here.

Image via The Foodie And The Fix

California Veggie - Catching Seeds swears this veggie burger appeals to vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike and we’ve got to say we believe her! Jam packed full of delicious flavor, this tasty patty will not leave you wanting. Plus her guacamole is actually to die for! Get the recipe here.

Image via Catching Seeds

Sushi - A sushi burger? Yes, you read that right! The Flavor Bender has completely revolutionized the basic burger with this original creation. Swap your bun for rice, your beef patty for chicken katsu, and add some delicious toppings and seasoning. Get the recipe here.

Image via The Flavor Bender

Chicken & Avocado - Instead of putting avocado on your burger, why don’t you try putting it in your burger! Julie’s Eats And Treats shows us how to take the traditional chicken burger to the next level with some creative ideas and a delicious chipotle yogurt sauce. Get the recipe here.

Image via Julie's Eats And Treats

These burger recipes should help make for one tasty summer! If you try grilling any of them up, make sure to take a picture and share it with us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook – we love seeing what you create!

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10 Sensational Cocktails to Sip this Summer

Celebrate summer with a delicious cocktail – or ten! We’ve found several must-try recipes from some of the top food bloggers out there. Crisp and refreshing, these unique beverages are perfect for sipping all summer long! The only question is: which will you make first?

Perfect Plum Prosecco - This clever cocktail from My Diary of Us looks almost too good to drink (we’re sure you guys can’t wait to gram it!). The mix of plum, thyme, and prosecco is sure to take any get together to the next level, so prepare to throw parties of legend. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via My Diary of Us

Wonderful Whiskey Lemonade - This delightful porch sipper comes to us courtesy of Life As A Strawberry. A refreshing combination of blackberries, whiskey, and lemonade, it’s the perfect concoction for long summer days and hot summer nights. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Life As A Strawberry

Marvelous Margaritas - We adore Tastes Lovely’s take on the traditional margarita. Scrumptious and skinny (it’s only 135 calories, people!) it’s a must-make for summer’s hottest scorchers. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Tastes Lovely

Magnificent Moscow Mules - This Russian bevvy is more than just easy to make, it’s a crowd pleaser too! A Beautiful Mess shows us how to create this three ingredient drink, and adds a few optional ingredients if you want to get fancy. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via A Beautiful Mess

Playful Peach Mojito - Rum, mint, and peach? Yes, you read that right. Cookie and Kate’s creative take on the classic mojito is one that’s sure to help you get through the summer heat. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Cookie and Kate

Sensational Sparkletini - Toast summer birthdays in style! Sipping Salt and Lavender’s sparkletini is so much better than blowing out birthday candles. A fun mix of sweet liqueurs, it’s the perfect cocktail to raise to the birthday girl or boy. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Salt and Lavender

Spicy & Sweet Treat - Tequila, grapefruit juice, and a little sweet heat? It doesn’t get much better than that! How Sweet Treats shows us how to make the perfect Paloma, with a chili sugar rim. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via How Sweet Treats

Lovely Limoncello Slushies - There’s something so invigorating about prosecco on a hot day. Floating Kitchen suggests adding some watermelon and a little limoncello, and we think it’s a fabulous idea. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Floating Kitchen

Beautiful Berry Mojito - Still working on your beach body? This twist on the traditional mojito from Broke and Chic is delicious and low calorie. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Broke and Chic

Creative Cotton Candy - We saved the best for last! Sugar & Cloth’s wonderfully whimsical cotton candy ice cream shots are the perfect way to add a little magic to any get together. Cute and original, we simply can’t get enough! Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Sugar & Cloth

We hope these neat recipes help keep you cool and refreshed this summer. Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more recipes, project ideas, inspiration, and more.

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Memorial Day Recipes: 7 Desserts to Sweeten Up Your BBQ

One of the first long weekends of summer is here – are you ready? If you’re having friends and family over to celebrate Memorial Day and show your support for the brave men and women who fight tirelessly to help keep us safe, try serving up some of these delicious treats. Here are our favorite red, white, and blue desserts from some of the best food bloggers out there. Check out their scrumptious recipes and throw one seriously sweet bash this weekend!

Perfect Patriotic Pie - What’s more American than apple pie? An apple pie with a star-spangled crust, of course! Visit Broma Bakery to learn how to make this fabulous Miss American Pie and other playful pastries. We’re sure your guests will love it. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Broma Bakey

Scrumptious Strawberry Snacks - Worried about your beach body, but still want a sweet treat to enjoy this weekend? You’ve got to try one these Strawberry Cheesecake Bites from The Kitchen Is My Playground. Simple to make and very pleasing to the eye, they’ll add to any Memorial Day spread. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via The Kitchen Is My Playground

Gooey Graham Goodies - Can’t wait for the bonfire? Enjoy a s’mores inspired dessert, without having to roast marshmallows. Plain Vanilla Mom shows us how to make graham cracker ice cream sandwiches (which look a lot like everyone’s favorite campfire treat, just sub in chocolate ice cream and sprinkles for marshmallow). Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Plain Vanilla Mom

Sweet & Savory Sticks - Finger food that isn’t sticky or messy? Sign us up! These fabulous pretzel sticks from Our Best Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, and are a breeze to serve and eat. What could be better? Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Our Best Bites

Spectacularly Sprinkled Sandwiches - Cute and creative patriotic desserts don’t have to cost a fortune or take days of preparation. Say Yes teaches us how to achieve a unique and on theme treat in a matter of moments. All you need is ice cream sandwiches, sprinkles, and popsicles sticks. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Say Yes

Delightfully Darling Donuts - Hosting a Memorial Day brunch? These sweet donuts are a must-serve! A Pumpkin & A Princess shows us how to make baked vanilla bean donuts (yum!) that are just calling out for some fun red, white, and blue decorations. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via  A Pumpkin & A Princess

Cool & Creative Cookies - Although this may be one of the messier snacks to eat, we’re sure your guests will enjoy every homemade morsel. The Benson Street teaches us how to make our own ice cream sandwiches, with cleverly decorated red and white cookies to boot. Get the full tutorial here. 

Image via The Benson Street

We hope these sweet creations help spice up your Memorial Day celebrations and wow your friends and family. Tackle any of these bloggers’ creations? Make sure to share what you whip up with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – we love seeing what you guys make. And of course, from our family to yours, have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Freedom isn’t free, and we’re so grateful for all those who’ve sacrificed so much to help keep us safe. Happy Memorial Day!

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Meet Jasper at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show!

If you live in Kansas City and have never heard of Chef Jasper Mirabile, Jr., there is a good chance you have been living under a rock. Jasper, assisted by his nephew Jasper III (3J), heads up the kitchen at of Kansas City's most award-winning restaurant and Italian market, Marco Polo’s, located at 1201 West 103rd Street, in the Watts Mill Shopping Center.

The doors to this family-owned business opened 1954, as a small neighborhood Italian restaurant and bar by Jasper's grandfather, Leonardo Mirabile and his son, Jasper, for whom he named the restaurant. In 1984, Jasper. Jr. and his brother Leonard joined the family business. In his own style, Jasper creates dishes from his Sicilian background with heavy influences from Tuscany and the Piemomtese regions of Italy. Jasper attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hotel and Restaurant School and Kansas State University. Additionally he has studied in Paris, Venice and Milano.

Mirabile is an acclaimed Chef who has made three guest Chef appearances at the James Beard House in New York. He has been featured in several major newspapers and magazines across the United States of America. Mirabile's other activities include; hosting a popular weekly radio show on KCMO 710, Live! From Jaspers Kitchen; Chairman of Slow Food Kansas City, Vice President - Midwest of Gruppo Ristoratori; and board member of The American Institute of Wine and Food Kansas City.  Additionally, Mirabile is The Wisconsin Cheese Chef Ambasadore author of two cookbooks and working on his third (entitled On The Cannoli Trail). He also creates recipes for many local and national companies such as Hen House Markets, American Italian Pasta Co., Wisconsin Milk Marketing, Farmland, Plugra Butter, Smart Chicken and Red Gold tomatoes.

Jasper's has made a name for itself for one of Kansas City's most popular dining attractions and received national attention as well. Zagat has given it the distinction of being one of America's top 25 Italian Restaurants and Travel & Leisure named it one of country’s top Italian Restaurants.  Jasper’s has the honor of being named one of the best restaurants in North America for 25 years in a row, while USA TODAY has rated it as one of the top 10 Italian Restaurants in America.

On Friday at 2 pm, attendees of the Johnson County Home + Garden Show will have the opportunity to watch one of the city’s most acclaimed and engaging chefs on the Main Stage by Ikea prepare several of the new winter items on the menu at Jaspers including Tuscan Ribolita Soup & a mulled wine, "Vin Brûlée" for a winter fireplace dinner. Delizioso!

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How To Cook Like a Gentleman

Get ready for local chef Ryan Hogan to sweep you off your feet with sweet treats, but hold the sugar! Ryan is an ambitious entrepreneur, author, chef, and health-minded influencer. As CEO of the non-profit, The SweetLife Movement, Ryan provides health and wellness information to educate today’s youth about lifestyle nutrition. After debuting his skills as a guest chef on local television show ABC 4’s “Good Things Utah” – Ryan released his health-oriented cookbook, Gentleman’s Bistro. Get his healthy and delicious recipes from his book or see him live at the first Salt Lake Home Show of 2016.

Can't wait until Ryan's appearances on January 8th, 9th, and 10th? His recipe for sugar-free candied almonds should tide you over! Try making them tonight and get ready for more delicious recipes when you see Ryan at the Salt Lake Home Show.

SUGAR-FREE CANDIED ALMONDS

Ingredients

• 1 lb alomnds (can also use walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup of XyloSweetⓇ
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 egg white
• A dash of salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prehead oven to 352 F - place baking rack in the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare a 9" x 13" baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Spread out almonds, walnuts, or pecans in a single layer onto the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Lightly toast the nuts for 4-5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix cinnamon into XyloSweetⓇ and set aside.

Step 5: In a deep bowl, beat egg white with a dash of salt until stiff - fold in the XyloSweetⓇ/cinnamon mixture and lightly toast nuts. Slowly drizzle butter over mixture and fold until incorporated.

Step 6: Pour mixture back into baking pan and spread out to form an even layer.

Step 7: Bake at 325 F for another 10 minutes - stir to ensure even baking. Bake for another 10 minutes and stir again. Taste to make sure the nuts are not overcooking. Bake again for an addition 10 minutes and stir a final time.

Step 8: Remove from heat and spread out onto parchment paper. Mixture will be sticky and somewhat wet.

Step 9: Allow to dry for several hours or overnight. Depending on humidity, it may take longer to dry completely.

Step 10: Enjoy! 

The Salt Lake Home Show takes over the South Towne Expo Center January 8 - 10, 2016. With hundreds of experts ready to help with everything from roofing to cooking, home improvement projects, landscaping, and more, it's a must-attend event for Salt Lake City homeowners. 

Don't have tickets yet? Save big when you buy online! Click here to get $2 off tickets to the Salt Lake Home Show.

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 8-10, 2016.

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Ho Ho Holiday Baking: 7 Treats to Make this Season

How’s your holiday baking going? If your annual shortbread and fruit cake seem a little stale, don’t fret! We’ve found some fresh and festive treat recipes that are sure to sleigh this season. Leave these sweets out for Santa and you might even get an extra gift – or two!

Marvelous Macarons – These peppermint macarons look almost too good to eat. We say almost, though, because they are absolutely worth eating. Light and sweet, they make the perfect holiday treat.

Image via Studio DIY

Beautiful Brownies – We are loving these festive little brownies. A simple squiggle of green icing, some sprinkles, and a candy cane combine with the always delicious brownie to make a fabulous Christmas tree. These are sure to be a hit at any holiday get together!

Image via One Little Project

Creative Cookie Cups – Most of you have had a cookie with your hot chocolates, but have you ever had a hot chocolate that is a cookie? These desserts are absolutely adorable (we’re big fans of the pretzel handle) and are sure to delight any child (or child at heart) you’re entertaining!

Image via The Gunny Sack

Sweet, Sweating Snowman – These snowman cookies are so cute, and a breeze to make! A Dollop of white icing, a peanut butter cup, and some sprinkles make one very convincing Frosty. Strapped for time, but want to wow your guests? These guys will do!

Image via Kitchen Meets Girl

Cool Christmas Trees – These Rice Krispie Christmas trees are fantastic (and could make the perfect prop for your Elf on the Shelf). Surprise friends, family, and neighbors with this sweet treat all December long.

Image via Simplee Thrifty

Perfect Peppermint Bark – Not sure what to serve your gluten-intolerant guests this season? We’ve got you covered. This peppermint bark is delicious and gluten free. Just because you can’t have gluten, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!

Image via Gluten Free Canteen

Egg-cellent Eggnog Cookies – Finding festive vegan desserts can be a little tricky. Everywhere you look recipes seem to be calling for eggs and milk. Especially when it comes to eggnog inspired treats. So when we found these vegan eggnog cookies we had to share them!

Image via Half Full

We hope these treats add a little extra sweetness to the rest of your holiday season. Don’t forget to share your best baking shots with us on Instagram and Twitter – we love seeing what you create!

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Haute Chocolate: 8 Deliciously Unique Recipes

After a long day of work, it doesn’t get much better than curling up with a nice steaming mug of cocoa and the people you love. Whether you’re coming home from hitting the stores, slopes, or office, nothing beats being able to relax with a tasty treat and your family. This holiday season, instead of preparing your typical pre-packaged hot chocolate, why not try something a little more luxurious? We’ve combed the internet and found eight delicious, original recipes you’ve got to sample! Sip them with a good book, blanket, and a cookie – or two!

Spicy – Sure cocoa should be hot, but should it be spicy? Short answer: yes! Long answer: HECK YES! Add a pinch of chili pepper to dark chocolate and see how much you like it.

Image via Luvo

Gingerbread – Adding a touch of liquor to hot chocolate can help warm even the coldest hearts. Don’t go straight for the whiskey or brandy though, opting for a sweeter more flavorful style can complement your hot chocolate nicely.

Image via Pop Sugar

Junior Mint – This holiday season, try turning one of your favorite candies into hot chocolate! It can be done (and it’s not even too tricky!).

Image via Picky Palate

Chai – Being on a vegan diet doesn’t mean no more hot chocolate. It doesn’t even mean no more fancy hot chocolate. This chai infused hot chocolate is creamy, rich, delicious, and totally vegan. You’re welcome!

Image via Fit Foodie Finds

Almond Joy – Not a fan of Junior Mints? That’s ok. Here’s another candy-inspired hot chocolate recipe. Friends, say hello to the Almond Joy hot chocolate.

Image via Sweet & Crunchy Blog

Black Cherry Bourbon - Dark chocolate, cherry bourbon, and a little whip cream? Yes please!

Image via Sugar & Soul

White Fudge Oreo – You may have dipped cookies in your hot chocolate, but have you ever made hot chocolate out of your cookies? It might sound a little backwards, but it tastes delicious!

Image via Sweet C's Designs

Red Velvet – We saved the best for last! This is one of the more complex recipes on the list, but man is it delicious. If you love red velvet, this is a must-make treat!

Image via Honey What's Cooking

We hope these recipes help keep you warm, full, and happy this winter! Making one of these creative concoctions? Share your best cocoa shots with us on Instagram and Twitter! We love seeing what our fans cook up.

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8 "BOO"-zey Drinks That Will Slay at Any Halloween Party

The big day is almost here! We’ve been counting down for weeks, sharing decor ideas and spooky recipes, and now the wait is nearly over. Halloween is this Saturday and we couldn’t be more excited. Whether you’re throwing your own scary shindig or attending a friend’s fearsome fiesta, we’ve got some gruesome drinks you’ve got to make this year! You’ll be the host with the most or the best guest – either way, we’re sure everyone will be excited to sip these themed bevvies.

Mr. Hyde Potion – Let your inner monster out (in a good way!) with this creepy concoction. Dry ice creates a nice effect, but isn’t totally necessary for this fun drink.

Image via HGTV

Fallen Froggie – Melon liquor, Irish crème, and grenadine combine (or rather, don’t quite combine) to create this neat-looking shot. 

Image via DrinkedIn

Spooky Sangria – Think sangria is just for sipping on patios in the summer? Think again! With a little spiced brandy and some colorful sugar, this summery beverage is perfect for Halloween.

Image via Well Plated

Vampire-tini – This clever drink is simple to make and so much fun! We love the vampire teeth garnish. They’re sweet, spooky, and perfect if someone forgot a costume!

Image via Cooking With Sugar

Black & Orange Rum Punch – With two kinds of rum this cocktail certainly packs a punch! A nice mix of orange, pineapple, and lime juice, it’s sure to keep everyone refreshed.

Image via Brit + Co

Black Licorice Delight – First of all, we’ve got to say: black ice cubes are beyond perfect for Halloween! Add them to this cocktail and any other you decide to make this year. Second: this is a seriously delicious drink. We’re big fans of black licorice, so this bevvy is right up our alley. If you love all things anise or licorice, this is definitely a must-make.

Image via Camille Styles

Brain Hemorrhage – We couldn’t resist sharing another crème based shooter where the ingredients don’t quite mix. This brain hemorrhage shot is genius! It looks positively disgusting and is a breeze to put together. Everyone will say yuck, then yum!

Image via A Year Of Cocktails

Radish Eyeballs – Ok, you caught us. This isn’t a drink, but rather a garnish recipe. That said, it’s one heck of a garnish recipe (Martha Stewart never disappoints). Add some spooky flare to any of your Halloween drinks with a grape, lychee, blueberry, or cranberry eyeball! With so many flavors, there’s sure to be a kind that compliments your beverage.

Image via Martha Stewart

We hope these cocktail recipes help to add a little fun and warmth to your Halloween party. As always, please enjoy them responsibly and never drink and drive. We hope you and yours have a spooktacular Halloween!

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