Outdoor cooking season is in full swing, but not everyone feels confident firing up the grill to sear steaks and char vegetables. In fact, using a grill can be downright intimidating, despite how easy your favorite grill master may make it seem. Luckily, there are plenty of  cookbooks that are chock-full of approachable tips, tricks, and recipes to empower grilling novices. 

“A good grilling cookbook is one that helps you reimagine possibilities,” says Carsten Johannsen, executive chef of Lindens at Arlo SoHo and managing partner at Renwick Hospitality Group. “Grilling is one of the oldest forms of cooking and is seemingly very straightforward. However, if you really explore the intricacies of heat sources, temperature, and technique, you can be opened to a new level of cooking.”

Below, you’ll find the best cookbooks to help you grill like a pro, from basic barbecue to innovative showstoppers.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Playing with Fire by Michael Symon
• Best for Beginners: Smokin’ Hot in the South by Melissa Cookston
• Best for Advanced Grillers: How to Grill Everything by Mark Bittman
• Best Celebrity Chef Cookbook: Grill It!: A Cookbook by Bobby Flay
• Best Educational: Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling by Meathead Goldwyn
• Best Multicultural: Born to Grill by Rob Rainford

Best Overall: Playing with Fire by Michael Symon

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Print Length: 240 pages | Publisher: Clarkson Potter | Publication Date: April 2018

Why we chose it: Michael Symon’s unparalleled passion for American barbecue shines in this stunning hardcover that can easily double as a coffee table centerpiece. 

Cleveland-based Symon may be best known for his television appearances on Food Network’s Iron Chef, but the grill is where his heart is, a sentiment captured in this page-turner that is equal parts celebratory and educational. Not only does he walk us through different regions and their unique cuisine (brisket in Texas, burnt ends from Kansas City), but he also supplies photos and headnotes with detailed graphics that illustrate grilling techniques, as well as how to choose the right models, wood, rubs, and sauces.

Best for Beginners: Smokin’ Hot in the South by Melissa Cookston

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Print Length: 322 pages | Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC | Publication Date: May 2016

Why we chose it: Some like it hot, but we like it Smokin’ Hot with Cookston’s simple and fun approach to grilling. 

Cookston sets the foundation for successful grilling with a cookbook that brings readers back to basics. Including nine chapters of recipes with digestible bits of advice along the way, the book does a fabulous job of including  all the grilling essentials (like rubs, sauces, marinades, and fresh herbs) without cutting corners by using pre-made products.

Best for Advanced Grillers: How to Grill Everything by Mark Bittman

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Print Length: 576 pages | Publisher: Harvest | Publication Date: May 2018 

Why we chose it: Bittman takes grilling to the next level with an in-depth book that ranges from beginner basics to advanced recipes. 

When it comes to the art of grilling, this text is the holy grail. However, it can be quite intimidating for an amateur cook with more than 1,000 recipes, some of which call for specialty ingredients like quail, tongue, sweetbreads, and octopus. But, within the wide range) you’ll find a well-organized, comprehensive, and inventive cookbook that covers practically anything you can make on a grill. It’s a kitchen essential—and one that will keep you motivated for years to come.

Best Celebrity Chef Cookbook: Grill It!: A Cookbook by Bobby Flay

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Print Length: 288 pages | Publisher: Clarkson Potter | Publication Date: April 2008 

Why we chose it: A beginner-friendly cookbook that transforms basic ingredients into crowd-pleasing meals. 

Flay does an amazing job of taking staple ingredients and transforming them into complex and delicious meals. In this cookbook, he elevates everything from burgers to grilled fruit with excellent sauces, marinades, vinaigrettes, and grilling techniques. In addition, Flay supplies helpful buying guides for different types of grills, indispensable tools, pantry must-haves, and high-quality products. 

Best Educational: Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling by Meathead Goldwyn

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Print Length: 400 pages | Publisher: Harvest | Publication Date: May 2016

Why we chose it: Meathead will educate even the most experienced of grillmasters with tips, tricks, and techniques that are researched and backed by scientists. 

This cookbook proves that grilling is so much more than just a cooking method—it’s an education in science, explaining  how and why chefs fire up proteins and vegetables to achieve charred, smoky perfection. The college textbook of grilling, Meathead includes expert opinions from  a physicist and food scientist to help answer common questions, like whether or not you should bring meat to room temperature or soak wood chips before using. We also appreciate the book’s  humorous tone, which helps to lessen the feeling of information overload.

Best Multicultural: Born to Grill by Rob Rainford

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Print Length: 288 pages | Publisher: Random House | Publication Date: May 2012 

Why we chose it: This menu-driven cookbook provides full meals for the indecisive chef. 

There’s a whole world of grilling beyond the southern United States, as Rob Rainford reminds us with his multicultural cookbook that features ingredients and recipes from across the globe. Featuring 20 full menus and highlighting regional flavors, this book is great for the passionate chef who likes to entertain.

How We Chose These Products

We asked Johanssen and other grillmasters to share their all-time favorite grilling cookbooks. We purchased a variety of their selections, read them, cooked with them, and narrowed down our list to the best six on the market, ensuring there was an option for every skill level.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Grilling Cookbooks

Experience Level

Some grilling cookbooks are beginner-friendly while others are geared towards a more experienced cook.. Read the sleeves for a general description of the book and the type of reader for which it’s recommended—you don’t want to end up with an overly technical cookbook that just collects dust on your bookshelf. 

Recipes

Not all grilling cookbooks boast hundreds of recipes, though the majority will advertise their recipe count on the front cover. Grilling cookbooks often focus heavily on techniques like building the fire, heat zones, meat prep, and more. Many recipes may include things like sauces, rubs, and beverages, so your best bet is to take a look at the table of contents to determine if it will meet your culinary needs. 

Number of Pages

The page count doesn’t always dictate the amount of recipes or information you may find in a cookbook. Keep in mind that many texts are chock-full of photos or graphics, which can occupy page space. Be sure to flip through any cookbook prior to buying to get a better sense of its general style and format. And never judge a book by its cover.

Ask the Experts

To help you master the flame, we asked Chef Johannsen of Lindens at Arlo SoHo to share his expertise and answer your most burning questions. 

Q: How do I grill better?

Johannsen recommends using a natural fuel source, if possible. He says, “store-bought briquettes and coals are often saturated with a lot of synthetic add-ons, which will ultimately affect the flavor of your food. Natural fire sources can add clean, earthy flavors without chemicals. Also, there are a lot of nuances in flavor that can be achieved by using different kinds of wood.” Oak will add a lighter flavor than hickory, for example.

Q: Can I cook everything on a grill?

“Absolutely,” Johannsen says “The way that an ingredient can be transformed on the grill is really its own kind of magic. Lately, I’ve been grilling pineapples and melons at the restaurant. There is a great complexity that comes through when the sugars in the fruit caramelize under fire.”      

Q: What are the best meat alternatives to grill?

Johannsen says, “I am a big fan of grilling mushrooms as a meat alternative. Mushrooms have a natural hearty and earthiness that works incredibly well on the grill. Marinated portobello steaks or oyster mushrooms are a few of my favorites to fire up— they maintain their texture and flavor really well throughout the cooking process and make for a very satisfying main.”

Q: What’s the difference between smoking and grilling?

“Smoking involves cooking at a low temperature for longer amounts of time,” says Johannsen. “It’s a way to infuse your ingredients with that signature smoke flavor that many love. Grilling, on the other hand, is a faster technique that involves cooking quickly at high heat. You will still achieve a smoke or char flavor, but it won’t be saturated as deeply.. 

Our Take

Whether you’re a grilling greenhorn or a propane pro, a good grilling cookbook is beneficial for any cook. These chefs are experts at their craft and will undoubtedly share knowledge that even the most seasoned grill masters can find useful.

The post The Best Grilling Cookbooks Are the Perfect Gift for Summer appeared first on Saveur.

Investing in a high-quality wine stopper is a wise move. Leftover wine will spoil without one, and the stopper will help preserve the life of your favorite bottles so you can enjoy every last sip. Wine stoppers vary in size, material, and purpose, which is why we’ve tapped the mind of Washington winemaker John Patterson of Patterson Cellars for his expertise in shopping for the perfect plug. 

The result: five products that have proven to be the best wine stoppers on the market. Check out what made the cut below, as well as some general wine stopper tips and tricks from Patterson himself.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Haley’s Corker
• Best Value: Rabbit Bottle Stopper
• Best Vacuum Pump: The Original Vacu Vin Wine Saver
• Best for Sparkling Wine: BGMAX Sparkling Wine Bottle Plug
• Best Design: OXO Steel Expanding Wine Stopper

Best Overall: Haley’s Corker

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Material: Plastic | Type of Seal: Stopper | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: Simple, affordable, and versatile, this no-frills stopper ticks all the boxes. 

Haley hits a home run with her five-in-one corker that takes every aspect of the wine-enjoying experience into consideration. Not only does this small-but-mighty stopper prevent oxygen from getting inside and turning your wine sour; it also filters as you pour to ensure that lingering sediment and tartrates won’t pass through to your glass. The corker is also great for liquors, cooking oils, coffee syrups, and vinegars, so don’t limit yourself to purchasing just one. It’s likely you’ll want an army of them to cover your favorite bottles in liquid-preservation bliss.

Best Value: Rabbit Bottle Stopper

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Material: Silicone and stainless steel | Type of Seal: Stopper | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: Rabbit Bottle Stoppers are proof that high quality doesn’t have to mean a high price point. 

Providing an air-tight seal with dishwasher-safe rubber and stainless steel, the Rabbit Bottle Stopper far exceeds any expectation you may have about a $2 product. These triangle-shaped corks get the job done in preserving your wine for days at a time and are intelligently color-coded to indicate differences in wine type and/or expiration date. At less than $4 for a set of two, there really is no excuse to not give them a try.

Best Vacuum Pump: The Original Vacu Vin Wine Saver

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Material: Plastic | Type of Seal: Vacuum | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: Oxygen is essential for humans, but not for wine. This vacuum pump will rid your open bottle of that pesky gas in no time. 

Partaking in any type of manual labor isn’t the most ideal scenario while relaxing and sipping, but if you need to cork a bottle for future use, consider the Original Vacu Vin Wine Saver. The concoction will eliminate all oxygen in just a few pumps to preserve the quality of your vino for up to a week. Don’t believe us? Ask a friend, who probably already owns one: After selling more than 35 million units, it’s one of the most popular models on the market and shows no sign of slowing down.

Best for Sparkling Wine: BGMAX Sparkling Wine Bottle Plug

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Material: Stainless steel and silicone | Type of Seal: Stopper | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: Maintaining bubbles requires a stopper with sturdier construction, and this gets the job done. 

A flat sparkling wine is essentially a crime. To preserve effervescence and prevent the atrocity of pouring bottles down the sink, invest in BGMAZ’s Sparkling Wine Bottle Plug. Constructed specifically for Champagne and other sparkling varieties, the sleek and shiny stopper attaches itself to the mouth of the bottle to lock its silicone rubber into place. Exercise caution when removing, though, as contents will be under extreme pressure. But should your device break, it is backed by an impressive lifetime warranty. 

Best Design: OXO Steel Expanding Wine Stopper

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Material: Stainless steel and silicone | Type of Seal: Stopper | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: No design detail was left unnoticed with OXO’s Steel Expanding Wine Stopper. 

If you’re looking for a stopper to imitate the shape and purpose of a cork but with some extra bells and whistles, look no further than OXO’s Steel Expanding Wine Stopper. Expertly designed to expand when inserted, this pair of silicone and stainless steel stoppers are guaranteed to keep your bottles fresh until reopened. They’re also just as easy to remove with a seal that contracts when lifted. And, perhaps most exciting of all, they’re built with a fridge-friendly flat top to keep things more compact for top-shelf storage.

How We Chose These Products

With the advice of Patterson and some of our favorite sommeliers, we gathered nearly a dozen of the highest-rated, most critically-acclaimed options on the market and carried out the ultimate wine stopping showdown. Ensuring that we had proper representation in a handful of important categories (e.g., price, material, type of wine, etc.), these are the wine stoppers that came out on top.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Wine Stoppers

Design

Wine stoppers are generally made of a silicone or plastic plug that is inserted into a bottlehead before naturally expanding to fill its surrounding space. Many wine stoppers also contain metal clips that can grip around the opening for a tighter, more secure seal. Vacuum pumps are typically larger, hand-held devices used to extract the air that can oxidize your vino. 

Function and Fit

The goal is to prolong the life of your opened wine, which any standard wine stopper will accomplish. That said, sparkling wines and Champagne will require the preservation of bubbles. It’s important to research which stoppers can stand up to the carbon dioxide these bottles emit or they’ll go flying and can cause damage or even injury. 

Clean-Up

Most wine stoppers are made with materials that are dishwasher-safe. They’re also easy to hand-wash with dish soap and warm water.

Ask the Experts

Q: What is a wine stopper used for?

“Preserving the wine for consumption at a later date or transporting any wine you may not have finished,” says winemaker John Patterson of Patterson Cellars. 

Q: How long can wine stoppers keep wine good for?

Reds: two to three days 

Whites: three to four days

Sparkling: one to two days

Dessert whites and reds: five to seven days

Note: According to Patterson, sparkling stoppers can keep wine up to two days, depending on the initial carbon dioxide content and how much was left in the bottle prior to stopping. The more wine left in the bottle, the less carbon dioxide. Never vacuum seal a bottle of sparkling wine, as it will draw out the carbon dioxide, which is what creates those lovely bubbles.

Q: What is the purpose of a wine stopper that has a pump feature?

“Its purpose is to reduce the air or atmospheric pressure in the bottle by creating a vacuum,” Patterson says. “Pumping helps to slow down the oxidation process in a partially filled bottle.” 

Q: Are wine stoppers and Champagne stoppers the same?

According to Patterson, Champagne stoppers usually have a hinge that attaches to the drip ring or neck of the bottle that gives the stopper the ability to handle the internal pressure being created by carbon dioxide. Wine stoppers for still wine can draw a vacuum or simply rest on top of the bottle, but typically can’t stand up to internal bottle pressure.  

Q: How do I store wine more effectively?

“Refrigerated wines tend to hold better,” Patterson says “By lowering the wine temp, the chemical reaction of oxidation is slowed. If you don’t have a stopper, you can transfer the wine to a smaller container to reduce headspace and the wine’s exposure to oxygen. You can also wrap the bottle with plastic wrap or just put the cork back in.”

Our Take

Now that you’ve got five of the best wine stoppers to choose from, you can dust off and uncork that expensive bottle without rushing to finish it. These models are guaranteed to preserve the quality of your vino for a few days so you can savor the taste of your white, red, or sparkling to the very last drop. 

The post The Best Wine Stoppers Will Extend the Life of Your Favorite Bottles appeared first on Saveur.

Trendy air fryers, slow cookers, and 10-in-one blenders have gotten all of the love and attention in recent years, but it’s the timeless food processor that effortlessly yields our favorite dips, sauces, and spreads. A chef staple and meal prep necessity, the small but mighty appliance can be found in practically any restaurant kitchen and should find a permanent spot in yours, too. 

“Food processors help cut down on prep time and will make your life a lot easier,” says executive chef John Villa from NYC’s Cucina 8 1/2. “They’re great for anything from puréeing vegetables to making pesto to mincing vegetables. We use them a lot in our dishes as a base or as an added garnish.”

Lucky for you, most high-quality food processors are also affordably priced at under $100, so we’ve rounded up our favorites so that you can be well on your way to chopping, pulsing, and puréeing bliss. Check out the best food processors under $100 below.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor
• Best Value: Elechomes Electric Food Processor
• Best Small Capacity: ​​KitchenAid KFC3516WH Food Processor
• Best Large Capacity: Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Duo Plus Food Processor
• Best Manual: ZYLISS Easy Pull Manual Food Processor

Best Overall: Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor

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Capacity: 9 cups | Power Level: 1,000 watts

Why we chose it: No ingredient stands a chance with this Ninja food processor that, frankly, does it all. 

At a whopping 1,000 watts with four preset programs (chop, purée, dough, shredding disc), three speeds (low, high, pulse), and a long chute for last-minute ingredient additions (like olive oil for homemade dressings), there is nothing about this machine (other than inconsistent pricing on e-retailers like Amazon) that we can complain about. It chops, shreds, and purées with ease and even has enough power to mix up to two pounds of dough in only 30 seconds. Needless to say, it will be an appliance you’ll actually use on a daily basis and even includes a 20-recipe inspiration guide to cut the guesswork out of dinnertime.

Best Value: Elechomes Electric Food Processor

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Capacity: 8 cups | Power Level: 300 watts

Why we chose it: At less than $40, Elechomes ensures you get your money’s worth and then some. 

Pinching pennies? No problem. You can chop your herbs and eat them, too, with this inexpensive Elechomes model that cleverly uses a dishwasher-safe glass bowl as its base. Its stainless steel shell is also as attractive as it is functional, offering built-in mute bearing to reduce the noise of the motor, as well as overheating protection to prevent it from working and burning out at higher temperatures. It is also, perhaps, the easiest to use on this list with a one-touch button that will mince most foods in only six (!) seconds.

Best Small Capacity: ​​KitchenAid KFC3516WH Food Processor

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Capacity: 3.5 cups | Power Level: 240 watts 

Why we chose it: This (dare we say) adorable model is ideal for anyone living solo. 

There is no need to waste precious counter space if you live alone and are meal prepping for one. KitchenAid’s KFC3516WH model is small but mighty with a stainless steel blade and BPA-free work bowl that features a locking blade, handle, and easy pour spout. Every design detail has been taken into consideration, but quality is not sacrificed with size, making it a purchase you’ll feel extra good about.

Best Large Capacity: Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Duo Plus Food Processor

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Capacity: 12 cups | Power Level: 500 watts

Why we chose it: Feeding a family? Hamilton Beach has you covered with a 12-cup contraption that can take on meals en masse. 

Hamilton Beach is more like Hamilton Beast with this jumbo-sized model that can take on whole fruits and vegetables in a 12-cup bowl. Its versatile S-blade allows amateur cooks to chop, mix, and purée to their heart’s content and its plastic parts are easily removable and dishwasher-safe so that cleaning is less of a chore. Looking to make a quick and small sauce or garnish? A four-cup bowl nests on the inside so you don’t have to rely on the larger bowl to make everything. That means less mess and less inconsistent textures. And that’s something we can all get behind.

Best Manual: ZYLISS Easy Pull Manual Food Processor 

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Capacity: 3 cups | Power Level: N/A

Why we chose it: ZYLISS offers a contraption that is not only perfect for camping and road trips, but also a mini arm workout. 

Electricity? Who needs it. There is something oddly therapeutic about pulling a string to slice and dice your fruits and vegetables. Two blades rotate in opposite directions to chop ingredients while booster arms on the top and bottom keep the food from sticking and encourage more uniform cuts. Obviously, the more pulls, the finer the outcome, so yank that cord with caution, and enjoy beautifully prepared salsas, pestos, and even smoothies in practically no time.

How We Chose These Products

We polled some of our favorite chefs to ask about the food processor brands and models they’d recommend to consumers. From there, we narrowed this list down to options that were less than $100 and boasted consistently positive reviews on Amazon and their own websites. After trying a handful of our own, we then selected the best of the best in the five aforementioned categories.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Food Processors Under $100

Blending Power

The higher the motor wattage, the more powerful the machine. While something as high as 1,000 watts (like our pick for best overall) may not be necessary for the bulk of your cooking needs, it’s a wonderful feature to have and will purée your ingredients in practically no time. 

Versatility

Most food processors can do it all: chop, mince, blend, and purée to either meal prep ingredients or create your favorite dips, spreads, and sauces. That said, some models specialize in some actions over others. Be sure to research versatility in speed levels, blade types, and capacity to ensure that they accommodate the majority of your go-to recipes. 

Easy to Clean

Most detachable parts in a food processor are dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up. Be sure to also consistently wipe down external surfaces to prevent mold and food accumulation. You don’t want a model with lots of nooks and crannies or you’ll have to potentially spend money on professional cleaning.

Ask the Experts

Not all food processors are created equal. For a few quick tips on features to keep in mind while shopping, we chatted with executive chef John Villa from NYC’s Cucina 8 ½. 

Q: How many watts should a good food processor have?

“The bigger the better. For me, over 500 watts.”

Q: Can I use a mini chopper as a food processor?

“Those are really just for chopping vegetables.” 

Q: Which food processor do chefs use? 

“Robot Coupe brand.” 

Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a food processor?

“Make sure it’s sturdy. You don’t want to go cheap. A good processor will last a long time. I also look for firm steel blades that will hold an edge longer.”

Our Take

Whether you haven’t perfected your knifework, don’t have much time, or are simply too lazy to chop, mash, blend, and purée ingredients for dinner, a food processor is a wise investment. Sure, you could always spend your hard-earned dollars on more expensive versions of these food processors that seemingly do it all, but it’s likely that most of its features will go unnoticed and unappreciated. An affordable, simple, and classic food processor will always come in handy, making it a cut above the rest and a welcomed and necessary addition to any kitchen countertop. 

The post The Best Food Processors Under $100 Make Chopping, Mincing, and Puréeing a Breeze appeared first on Saveur.

The juice cleanse fad may be so 2005, but the act of juicing is timeless. Whether you’re concocting a morning beverage, a cocktail mixer, or simply prefer your produce freshly-squeezed, a juicer is a wise investment for practically any household. 

But when it comes to appliances, nobody does juicers better than Breville—the industry leader in turning all of your favorite fruits and vegetables into liquid. 

“Breville juicers have been our choice in all of our smaller locations since we opened,” says Max Alcobi, co-founder and CEO of Loco Coco, whose favorite model for commercial use is the Breville 800JEXL. “It handles large volumes and never gives up.”

“The stainless steel seamless construction of the unit is so stable and well-built that we never encounter problems, which we do with all of our other equipment. It’s quite impressive that these juicers are built to last like that,” he adds. 

Lucky for most consumers, Breville juicers are also now more affordable than ever, with many models priced competitively compared to others on the market. 

Looking to make an investment in your health and bank account (because let’s face it, those $9-a-pop blends from your favorite stores are burning a hole in your wallet)? Check out the five best Breville juicers below.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite Centrifugal Juicer
• Best Value: Breville BJE200XL Juice Fountain Compact, Centrifugal Juicer
• Best Cold Extraction: Breville BJE430SIL Juice Fountain Cold Centrifugal Juicer
• Best for Small Spaces: Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus Centrifugal Juicer
• Best Citrus Press: Breville BCP600SIL Citrus Press Motorized Juicer

Best Overall: Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite Centrifugal Juicer

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Removable Parts: Yes | Extraction System: Titanium disk and micro mesh filter basket | Juicer Material: Stainless steel | Feed Chute: Yes

Why we chose it: A powerful motor, dishwasher-safe parts, and stainless steel shell make this the juicer-of-all-trades. 

Our juicing expert, Max Alcobi, clearly knows what he’s talking about, because Breville’s 800JEXL model is, bar none, the company’s most effective and efficient model. Its 1,000-watt motor extracts 30 percent more juice than the norm, which ensures no precious drop is wasted or left behind. The juicer cover, stainless steel filter bowl, puree disc, and juice jug are all safe to go into your dishwasher, so you can worry less about mess and more about the delicious concoction you’ll be serving your family in the a.m. 

Best Value: Breville BJE200XL Juice Fountain Compact, Centrifugal Juicer

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Removable Parts: Yes | Extraction System: Titanium disk and micro mesh filter basket | Juicer Material: Plastic, metal | Feed Chute: Yes 

Why we chose it: Juicing is not exclusive to the uber-wealthy and this model proves it. 

Whether your juice infrequently or are looking to save some hard-earned cash, Breville’s BJE200XL Juice Fountain Compact, Centrifugal Juicer is the option for you. At under $100, it still maintains most of the bells and whistles of our Best Overall pick, including a built-in froth separator (so you only get the juice) and a cleaning brush to remove pulp, skin, and dried juice from its nooks and crannies.

Best Cold Extraction: Breville BJE430SIL Juice Fountain Cold Centrifugal Juicer

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Removable Parts: Yes | Extraction System: Cold spinner with mesh filter | Juicer Material: Plastic, glass and metal | Feed Chute: Yes 

Why we chose it: You can have your juice and nutrients, too, with a model designed for the health-conscious. 

If your primary juicing concern is the preservation of much-desired fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, then the BJE430SIL model is for you. Its advanced cold extraction technology ensures the health properties of your favorite fruits and veggies remain in the liquid, ensuring that your drink is not only delicious, but also beneficial. We’re also big fans of this juicer’s extra large seal and store jug so that you can juice en masse to freeze/refrigerate leftovers, as well as the machine’s customized nozzle that can be inverted to prevent those pesky post-juicing drips. An LED display to control speed is simply icing on the cake.

Best for Small Spaces: Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus Centrifugal Juicer

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Removable Parts: Yes | Extraction System: Titanium disk and micro mesh filter basket  | Juicer Material: Stainless steel, plastic Feed Chute: Yes 

Why we chose it: Tuck this compact model in a cabinet or pantry if you’re living in a small space. 

Apartment dwellers, rejoice! Breville’s JE98XL model is compact enough to store in the smallest of spaces so that it doesn’t demand any of your limited and oh-so-coveted counter space. But what it sacrifices in size, it makes up for in quality with an 800-watt motor that will pulverize your favorite produce like the rest of them. A two-speed control also allows you to tailor the motor strength around the softness level of fruits and vegetables so that you’re not over or under-juicing and creating a perfectly silky-smooth consistency every time. 

Best Citrus Press: Breville BCP600SIL Citrus Press Motorized Juicer

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Removable Parts: Yes | Extraction System: Juicing cone with fins | Juicer Material: Plastic, metal | Feed Chute: No

Why we chose it: A motorized citrus press is ideal for the consumer who lives alone and doesn’t mind putting in a bit of elbow grease. 

You don’t need a big appliance to enjoy the wonders of freshly-squeezed juice. This motorized citrus press may require a bit of manual labor, but it’s actually quite fun and entertaining to use as you press down the lever to activate the motor and yield fresh juice. Of course, it’s designed to accommodate only round, citrus fruit halves (and likely for no more than 1-2 people at a time, unless you feel like giving your hand and wrist a real workout), but it’s a wonderful foundation to the juice of your dreams. Simply add pre-juiced vegetable juices for added health benefits.

How We Chose These Products

Since the number of new Breville juicers is limited, we provided a list of models to chefs and juicing experts like Alcobi for their initial thoughts and rankings. From there, we identified which appliance worked best for various consumers and purposes and evaluated their extensive number of reviews and testimonials to narrow down the list to five diverse options.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Breville Juicers

Powerful Motor

The more powerful the motor, the quicker you’ll have juice. Units with higher wattage also tend to use up more of the fruit or vegetable than other models, which makes the juicing process less wasteful and more environmentally friendly. If efficiency is a priority and/or you want to maintain the nutrients of a harder-to-break-down rind or skin, make sure the motor is a minimum of 700 watts. 

Easy Cleanup

Most Breville juicers have removable plastic and metal parts that can be washed safely in a dishwasher. They also come with a standard cleaning brush that you can dip in soap and water prior to removing sticky residue from hard-to-reach crevices. 

Capacity

A 35.2 oz. jug is standard for most Breville juicer models, though some products boast bigger options to accommodate larger families or prepping for future consumption. 

Ask the Experts

Q: What is the most important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a Breville juicer? 

“It’s a matter of how much space you have to use for a juicer. They all function quite similarly with the deviation of capacity and output. Most homes don’t need the largest juicer available,” says Alcobi. “Get what you think looks the best for your home and kitchen, because if it’s Breville, it’s the best.” 

Q: What can I juice in a Breville juicer? Whole apples? Does produce need to be peeled?

“I would not suggest ever putting a whole fruit into any juicer in the world,” says Alcobi. “Always cut them in fourths or halves. You don’t necessarily have to peel any citrus fruit. It will just change the flavors to be a more bitter juice, but most of the nutrients live in the peel so you’re getting all the benefits you can if you keep it.”

Q: Can you put ice in a Breville juicer?

“Don’t ever do that!” says Alcobi. Adding ice to a centrifugal juicer can blunt the blades; adding ice to a slow juicer will jam the machine. If you want to cool your juice, add ice cubes, or blend with ice in a blender.

Our Take

Whether you’re pining for a punch or serially slamming back celery, a juicer is a necessity for any health-conscious household that requires their daily, nutrient-packed fix. Breville is the industry leader when it comes to this type of appliance, so revel in the fact that they’re now as affordable as they are reliable and make that purchase. You and your palate will not regret it. 

The post Consider These 5 Best Breville Juicers Your Kitchen’s New Main Squeeze appeared first on Saveur.

Nobody likes to wait too long for fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza, but cutting through bubbling melted cheese, molten hot sauce and just-baked dough can be quite the complicated task. Unfortunately, far too many pizza cutters on the market fail to swiftly slice without sacrificing melted mozzarella and beloved toppings along the way, dragging them under their dull blades and into a messy pile of what was once pizza perfection. In this case, simply wielding the right tool—a sharp pizza cutter designed with cooks in mind—can carry that perfect pie across the finish line by making clean-cut uniform slices that are ready to serve. 

We’ve rounded up the six best pizza cutters on the market, featuring the two most popular styles: traditional wheels and the ever-so-effective rocker blade, both of which boast characteristics that yield sliced pizza at its finest. 

To help narrow our focus, we also solicited the advice of Chef Olivier Dubreuil, vice president of culinary operations and executive chef of The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas (which may not be the actual Venice, but it’s the closest we’ll get in America). Dubreuil and his team prepare thousands of pizzas annually for their guests and are well-versed on the tools that help to make their jobs easier. 

“Most people aren’t aware of all the great options available,” he says. “But there are some wonderful tools on the market that we, as chefs, would use in our own kitchens.” 

Check out our top picks below, including a special selection “where no man has gone before.”

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: KitchenStar Pizza Cutter
• Best Value: Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel
• Best Design: Star Trek USS Enterprise Pizza Cutter Utensil
• Best Splurge: Boska Extra Large Cheese & Pizza Knife
• Best Innovation: The Pampered Chef Pizza and Crust Cutter
• Best Pizza Scissors: Williams Sonoma Pizza Scizza

Best Overall: KitchenStar Pizza Cutter

Type: Rocker | Material: Stainless Steel | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

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Why we chose it: Simple, affordable, and extra sharp, the KitchenStar pizza cutter reigned supreme among all other models, making it our top pick. The first thing we noticed was the super sharp edge (made of professional-grade stainless steel that, yes, can be sharpened by your local knife sharpener), which lets you cut through fresh pizza without applying extra pressure. 

The 14-inch width is the perfect size for cutting most homemade pies and, though the dimensions may make it seem unwieldy in a tool drawer, it was surprisingly easy to store thanks to a protective cover and a hanging hole. Like a mezzaluna, this pizza cutter can chop, dice, and mince, but most importantly, it slices a hot pizza into uniform triangles in seconds. Now that’s amore. 

Best Value: Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel

Type: Wheel | Material: Plastic and Stainless Steel | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

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Why we chose it: This modern tool is perfectly compact and easy to grip, providing the most control of all pizza cutting wheels we tested. 

Not only is the Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel effective at slicing pizza with its ergonomic handle and sharp stainless steel blade, it can also easily (and safely with a blade guard!) be stowed in a drawer and take up very little space. We love how well this small-but-mighty tool was also able to take on brownies and even shallow pies with particularly sturdy crusts.

Best Design: Star Trek USS Enterprise Pizza Cutter Utensil

Type: Wheel | Material: Stainless Steel | Dishwasher-Safe: No

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Why we chose it: It’s as fun as it is practical, which means we couldn’t resist including the Star Trek USS Enterprise pizza cutter on this list. 

Sure, the playful nod to one of TV’s most famous franchises makes a great gift for a very specific Trekkie (or Trekker), but anyone can appreciate its high-quality, heavyweight design that gets the job done and looks good doing it. The only major downside is that it is not dishwasher-safe, which means you’ll have to bust out the dish soap and a sponge to scrub it down by hand. We promise it’s worth the extra effort, though.

Best Splurge: Boska Extra Large Cheese & Pizza Knife

Type: Rocker | Material: Stainless Steel and European Oak |  Dishwasher-Safe: No

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Why we chose it: With one small design tweak, Boska took a classic pizza rocker and reinvented it for better use and storage. On one side of this crescent blade is a European oak handle, and on the other a simple grip so you can use the classic rocking motion without the extra length and bulk of two handles. Not only can the tool slice through entire personal pizzas with one quick stroke, it also doubles as an amazing vegetable or cheese chopper.

Best Innovation: The Pampered Chef Pizza and Crust Cutter

Type: Wheel | Material: Plastic and Stainless Steel |  Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

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Why we chose it: Boasting an extra-sharp crust cutter to slice through thick edges, The Pampered Chef has introduced a feature we love, but never knew we needed. 

This is pretty much your run-of-the-mill pizza cutting wheel, except it comes with a crust cutter that ensures your thick-crust, deep dish favorites are sliced cleanly from center to edge, even when they’re on a rimmed baking sheet. Far too many pizza cutters fail halfway, but this handy gadget ensures every part of your pie gets equal attention.

Best Pizza Scissors: Williams Sonoma Pizza Scizza

Type: Scissors | Material: Nylon and Stainless Steel  Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

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Why we chose it: Cutting into a pizza with scissors is not just effective—it’s fun. 

If you don’t trust your slicing or rocking abilities, simply snip into a pie with the cleverly-titled Pizza Scizza. Its spatula tip allows you to glide the tool directly beneath the crust so that you have guaranteed control and precision with each movement. Feel free to also use the Pizza Scizza for flatbreads, naan, and even homemade pasta.

How We Chose These Products

A pizza cutter may seem like an uncomplicated tool, but there is an alarming number of them on the market that are ineffective at accomplishing the most basic of tasks. 

To start, we wanted to ensure there was representation from the two most popular types: wheels and rockers (as well as a special pizza scissor option). We also wanted to take most chefs’ advice of metal blades into consideration, as these have proven most effective at cutting through food while using swift motions. 

Products were tested on pizza, of course, and judged based on ease of use, price point, and user-friendly features like being dishwasher-safe, multi-functional, and long-lasting. It is important to note that nearly every product we tested had either a minimum 10-year or lifetime warranty.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for a Pizza Cutter

Design

While a wheel may be more common in most households, do not rule out the power of a rocking style alternative. The oversized, typically stainless steel blade can double as a mezzaluna, making it useful for standard chopping, dicing, and even segmenting dough. 

You can also invest in a pair of pizza scissors to cut through crusts and form perfect slices. 

As a last resort, feel free to use a serrated knife to slice your pizza, but always start by cutting it from the center and working outward. The crust is typically the most difficult to cut through, and you can ruin a slice from the start if you’re not careful. 

Material 

Generally speaking, you’ll want to search for a stainless steel blade. Just as with knives, the material is most effective at cutting through thicker dishes. Though it can rust and dull over time, simply refrain from tossing it in the dishwasher too often and opt for a knife-sharpening instrument or block to keep the blade sharp. 

Some high-end pizza cutters offer carbon steel blades. These are a mix of stainless steel and cast iron. Because they are typically seasoned, you do not want to put these in the dishwasher. 

Size

“Size always matters, depending on the diameter and thickness of your pie,” says Dubreuil.

“But if you are looking for speed, a rocking blade can be faster than a roller,” he adds, recommending a standard 13-inch model is totally fine for most home cooks. 

Ask the Experts

We asked Chef Dubreuil to share additional insight on pizza cutters.

Q: What type of pizza cutter do professionals use? 

“In our kitchens at The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas, I like to use the pizza roller knife or the pizza rocker knife, depending on size (small and thin for roller, large and thick for rocker). At home, pizza lovers can definitely spend the money and buy either type of cutter, because the quality of the blade is sharper and will cut through thick and thin crusts easily.”

Q: How do I clean a pizza cutter properly?  

“A pizza cutter needs to be cleaned after every use. Dishwashing soap and hot water works well. For some models, you can put your cutters in the dishwasher with other cutlery.”

Q: Is it possible to sharpen a pizza cutter blade? 

“The pizza cutter blade can get dull depending on the surface you cut the pie on. I prefer to slice pizza on a wooden board because it provides a clean cut and protects the blade. You can certainly use sharpening tools down the road if you need them.” 

Our Take

A sloppy pizza is a sad pizza, and there is no reason why one of the most celebrated foods in the country should bring anything but extreme joy. Once you invest in one of our picks for best pizza cutters, especially our top pick from KitchenStar, you’ll at least guarantee that no pizza will fall victim to destroyed toppings or uneven slices. 

The post The 6 Best Pizza Cutters Money Can Buy appeared first on Saveur.

You don’t have to be a Southerner or a pitmaster to enjoy the best barbecue sauces. Whether it’s sweet and tangy from Kansas City or a vinegar-based variety from North Carolina, the famously thick, often smoky, and sometimes spicy condiment is as delicious as it is versatile. Use it to marinade and glaze your favorite meats or pour it out as a dipping sauce for anything from potato wedges to Dino Nuggets. No matter how it’s served, bold and beautiful barbecue sauce is always a reliable addition to any meal. 

Chef Adam Hayes, executive vice president of Larkin’s Restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina, agrees. “I like barbecue sauce because you can make it however you want,” he says. “My dad always made it with whatever he was feeling — a little of this, a little of that…just go with the moment.” 

And though barbecue sauce is certainly easy to prepare at home (typically a foundation of ketchup and brown sugar with the addition of mustard, vinegar, and/or aromatics), there are a bevy of store-bought options that make excellent alternatives. You can even tailor these to your liking by adding your own ingredients to make them sweeter, tangier, or even creamier (looking at you with your mayonnaise, Alabama white sauce). 

We’ve rounded up our shortlist of the best barbecue sauces on the market, as well as a helpful purchasing guide provided by Hayes, a self-proclaimed grillmaster who loves barbecue sauce most on ribs, cooked and caramelized over a wood-fired grill.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Stubb’s Original Legendary Bar-B-Que Sauce
• Best Value: Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
• Best Classic: Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Original Barbecue Sauce
• Best Gluten-Free: Lillie’s Q Smoky Barbeque Sauce
• Best to Buy in Bulk: Bone Suckin’ Barbecue Sauce
• Best Sweet: Sonny’s Sweet BBQ Sauce

Best Overall: Stubb’s Original Legendary Bar-B-Que Sauce

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Good for: Dipping, marinating and basting | Flavors: Tomato, vinegar, molasses and black pepper | Organic: No | Style: Texas

Why we chose it: Low in sugar and high in craveability, the ever-so-versatile Stubb’s deserves a permanent spot in any pantry. 

Naysayers, begone. Stubb’s owns the barbecue sauce game with a harmonious blend of all-natural ingredients. It’s sweet, but not nauseating; smoky, but not overpowering; spicy, but not an assault to the tastebuds. We simply can’t get enough of it. Because the barbecue sauce is Texas-style, it’s also meant to be a finishing note or “sop sauce” for proteins. Texans like to have their smoked meats speak for themselves, but even the most authentic of Lone Star State cowboys are tipping their oversized hats to the tangy delicacy by dousing their meals with it (and without shame). We can’t say that we’re surprised.

Best Value: Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce

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Good for: Basting and dipping | Flavor: Sweet and tangy | Organic: No | Style: Kansas City (though this produced in Chicago)

Why we chose it: Thick, silky and found in practically every grocery store in America, the always-reliable Sweet Baby Ray’s is now an emblem of American food culture.  

There’s a reason why Sweet Baby Ray’s is the most popular barbecue sauce in America—it delivers a drool-worthy sweet taste and thick texture. The no-frills, award-winning “boss sauce” can be found, well, quite literally everywhere: grocery stores, the Internet, and even gas stations. People can’t get enough of it and, at less than $3 a bottle, it’s no shocker that many households carry it in bulk so that they’re always prepared to satisfy a sudden craving. Sure, there are healthier alternatives with zero high fructose corn syrup, but a little splurge won’t hurt, especially if it encourages you to eat your grilled vegetables.

Best Classic: Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Original Barbecue Sauce

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Good for: Dipping, marinating and glazing | Flavor: Sweet and tangy | Organic: No | Style: Memphis

Why we chose it: Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce lives up to its company’s reputation of providing consistently high-quality products. 

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is a true testament to the expression “if it aint’ broke, don’t fix it.” This unique blend of all-natural flavors that *does* include Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, has been a barbecue lovers’ favorite for literal generations. While the flavor is robust with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, molasses, and yellow mustard, it’s also well-balanced, making it a great marinade, dip, or something to douse your entire meal in. Serve it with a shot of whiskey, of course, for a well-rounded culinary pairing.

Best Gluten-Free: Lillie’s Q Smoky Barbeque Sauce

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Good for: Basting and dipping | Flavor: Sweet and smoky | Organic: No | Style: Memphis, but originated in Chicago

Why we chose it: Gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice bold and memorable taste, and Lillie Q’s is a true testament to this philosophy. 

Gone are the days of giving up your most beloved and familiar flavors to accommodate celiac disease. Many barbecue sauce recipes are now gluten-free, which means you get to enjoy the celebrated condiment sans gluten-heavy thickeners, coloring agents, and the gastrointestinal distress that comes with them. Lillie’s Q ranks supreme with a full-bodied line-up of all-natural ingredients and only the slightest kiss of smoke. The Memphis-style blend is also particularly delicious on ribs and chicken, but you can legitimately put it on anything. Try it on a barbecue shrimp salad—its thinner texture lends itself well to being used as a dressing.

Best to Buy in Bulk: Bone Suckin’ Barbecue Sauce

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Good for: Basting | Flavor: Sweet and tangy | Organic: No | Style: Western North Carolina

Why we chose it: Bone Suckin’ sauce is so scrumptious that a bottle simply won’t suffice. You’re going to need a jug of it. 
Bone Suckin’ also takes home the award for best versatility, which is why we recommend buying this bad boy in bulk so that you can save your hard-earned money, but never be short on saucy bliss. It’s the condiment you’ll want to pour on everything, taking top honors in many other publications’ “best of” rankings, including Food & Wine, Newsweek, and Health magazine. Sweetened with honey and molasses, the low-sodium recipe is also paleo-friendly and provides a complexity of deep, rich flavors that separate it from more generic and mainstream alternatives. Lip Smackin’, frankly, would also be a suitable name if they decide to pursue a rebrand in the near future.

Best Sweet: Sonny’s Sweet BBQ Sauce

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Good for: Basting and dipping | Flavor: Sweet and tangy | Organic: No | Style: Kansas City, but originated in Florida

Why we chose it: Consumers have gone hog-wild over this ultra-sweet blend that pays homage to the famous Florida barbecue chain that bears the same name. 

When most people think about barbecue sauce, some level of sweetness usually comes to mind. Depending on the region in which it’s produced, the inclusion of sugar and molasses varies, with some sauces taking on more vinegar or tangy components. Not this one, however, which is sweet enough to have the word in its name. To ensure you’re getting that coveted sugar rush to the back of the tongue, look no further than Sonny’s Sweet BBQ Sauce. It’s practically liquid candy, but with some smoke and acid that pairs perfectly with proteins, especially spicy ones, to flawlessly counter the heat and make the dish more palatable.

How We Chose These Products

Most chefs have a general knowledge of the high-quality barbecue sauces available in grocery stores and through e-retailers. We asked a handful of Southern chefs from varying regions to share their list of favorite sauces and then ordered nearly a dozen of these bottles to try ourselves. 

Since barbecue sauce taste and texture runs the gamut, we wanted to ensure that our picks excelled in different categories for diverse representation. And while our six all-stars are fantastic in their own way, it’d be remiss of us to suggest that these are the only best sauces out there. There are hundreds of other options, both small-batch and mainstream, domestic and international, that are more than deserving of a spot on your dinner table or near your grill. Though this is a wonderful place to start, true barbecue sauce aficionados should really take the time to select the brand that works for them and their individual needs.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for a Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients & Flavor

Every region has its own distinct flavor profile, but generally (and there are always exceptions) the rules are:

Kansas City-Style: Sweet, thick, and smoky

Memphis-Style: Tomato-forward, sweet, and tangy

St. Louis-Style: Sweet, but not as smoky as Kansas City

Alabama-Style: White mayonnaise-based with vinegar

Eastern-Style: Vinegar-based with spice 

Carolina-Style: Mustard-based 

Texas-Style: Preferably no sauce at all, but usually spice-heavy and less sweet

Most barbecue sauces will include a base of tomato paste or ketchup, vinegar, or mayonnaise. Sweeteners like brown sugar, molasses, or honey are added, as well as aromatics like onion powder, garlic, mustard seeds, and black pepper. Lastly, some varieties will be smoke-heavy, either through the addition of liquid smoke or actual cooking method.   

Texture & Versatility

A runnier sauce is going to lend itself better as a marinade or “mop sauce” to baste the meat, especially towards the end of its cooking cycle. A thicker and stickier sauce will work best when you want to create a caramelization around a meat or squeeze it into a tray for some heavy dipping.

Ask the Experts

Answers provided by Chef Adam Hayes. 

Q: What region has the best barbecue sauce?

“Everyone in the country has the best sauce,” jokes Hayes, but it completely boils down to your preference and/or the type of meat you’re preparing. “Vinegar-based sauces, for example, are excellent on smoked pork while mustard-based ones are fantastic on chicken.” 

Q: Why is barbecue sauce sweet? 

“Sweet flavors help balance barbecue sauce’s typically strong smoke flavor. It’s quite the balancing act. There is also such a thing as too sweet, people.”

Q: Do barbecue sauces serve different purposes?

“Yes. The sauce should complement the application,” says Hayes, though there is some wiggle room, as barbecue sauces are quite versatile in their use. 

Q: Does a barbecue sauce have an expiration date? 

“These days, many sauces hold pretty well with the preservatives we have to put in them. If you make one at home and you put a good amount of vinegar in it, you should be fine for 2-3 weeks.  Don’t contaminate it by putting your finger in the sauce bottle! That happens more often than you think.” 

Our Take

It’s the subtleties of barbecue sauce recipes, typically dictated by region, that make the condiment so special. We all have our favorite iterations and taste preferences, but a versatile option like our Best Overall pick, Stubb’s, can be enjoyed and poured on practically anything. True barbecue sauce lovers should really go out of their way to taste-test a variety, especially artisanal, limited-batch brands that will directly support the small businesses and restaurants that produce them. Giving back to the community and shopping local is the Southern way, y’all, and a very “sweet” gesture. 

The post The Best Barbecue Sauces for Summer 2022 appeared first on Saveur.

There is perhaps no Asian ingredient celebrated more than soy sauce. While its over 2,000-year-old original recipe is surprisingly simple, soy sauce’s modernized range in preparation techniques can make its umami flavors as nuanced as a glass of wine. 

It may be your instinct to grab the first bottle you see while shopping, but it’s important to know that there is a world of soy sauce options at your fingertips. The salty condiment originated in China, but countries like Japan, Korea, and Indonesia have also adapted their own iterations (shoyu, ganjang, and kecap manis, respectively) to complement indigenous dishes. These iterations have inspired even more specific varieties like light (generally used for dipping) and dark (generally used for cooking), as well as a range of aging methods, fermentation practices, and ingredient additions (e.g., ponzu sauce’s notes of citrus) to take traditional soy sauce one step further. 

Since most mainstream options will likely be sourced from China or Japan, we’ve combed through what’s accessible in the U.S. and picked the best soy sauces that grocery stores (and sites like Amazon) have to offer. We also tapped Hetty Lui McKinnon, cook and author of To Asia, With Love, for her expert advice in selecting, cooking, and storing the beloved pantry staple.  

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Kimlan Soy Sauce
• Best Value: Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Less Sodium
• Best Dark: Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce
• Best Shoyu: Kishibori Shoyu
• Best Tamari: San-J Tamari
• Best Unique: Bluegrass Soy Sauce

Best Overall: Kimlan Soy Sauce

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Oz.: 20 | Gluten free: No |  Organic: No 

Why we chose it: A blend of only five fermented ingredients makes this one of the most authentic on the market. 

If you’re searching for a soy sauce that really pays homage to the condiment’s history, versatility, and umami flavor profile, look no further than Kimlan’s: the most authentic variety of the bunch with its short list of traditional ingredients (soybeans, water, salt, and a fermenting agent). You can dash this bottle on practically anything for an extra punch of salt or to intensify the complexities of a dish’s various flavor elements. There is also a slight addition of sugar that brings an added sweetness and makes the sauce more well-rounded. We highly recommend keeping this on hand to zhuzh up even the most basic of entrees like grilled chicken and steamed broccoli—you don’t need much to take any food from drab to fab in no time. 

Best Value: Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Less Sodium

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Oz.: 10 | Gluten free: No | Organic: No

Why we chose it: Kikkoman’s “less sodium” option proves why it has become a tabletop staple at Asian restaurants around the country. 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The same expression applies to the Kikkoman brand of soy sauce, which has been brewing their recipe for over 100 years. We’re huge fans of this lower sodium option (38 percent less than Kikkoman Regular Soy Sauce), which still preserves the coveted brine in a signature (and affordable!) green-capped glass bottle. This is a wonderful buy for anyone watching their sodium intake and, frankly, should become a pantry staple to pair with all of your favorite rice, fish, and vegetable dishes. 

Best Dark: Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce

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Oz.: 16.9 | Gluten free: No | Organic: No 

Why we chose it: A little goes a long way with this bold dark soy sauce that will elevate any Asian-inspired meal. 

Thicker dark soy sauces are generally used to add more flavor and color to a dish while their lighter counterparts are poured into dishes for dipping. Lee Kum Kee’s dark variety not only kicks dishes like stir-fry up a notch, but it also adds a velvety richness to every bite. We particularly enjoy this brand on silken tofu—not only does the plant-based protein soak up the sauce, but it creates a glaze over high heat that makes it both a flavor and texture home run. Toss in some bok choy, baby corn, and shiitake mushrooms and you’ll have yourself a feast. 

Best Shoyu: Kishibori Shoyu

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Oz.: 12.1 | Gluten free: No |  Organic: Mostly

Why we chose it: The taste of barrel-aged Kishibori Shoyu is as special as its packaging. 

Shoyu is the Japanese word for soy sauce, which originally differentiated itself from Chinese varieties with the addition of wheat. It’s also the type you’re used to buying in stores (e.g. Kikkoman). While many may think this Kishibori brand is a bit too salty for their liking, we found the taste to be balanced and the texture to be soft and luxurious. There is also a boldness and complexity derived from its aging process that uses 100 year-old barrels to impart oakiness. Its parent company, Takesan, is also located on the 60 square mile island of Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea. The sea salt used in preparation is actually sourced and harvested from the region, making the product one of the most authentic on this list. 

Best Tamari: San-J Tamari

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Oz.: 12.2 | Gluten free: Yes | Organic: No

Why we chose it: San-J Tamari packs an umami punch, making it a wonderful (and gluten-free!) purchase that will last you a while. 

If you’re gluten intolerant or sensitive, tamari will be the go-to seasoning for all of your Asian cooking. That said, San-J’s recipe is quite bold and salty, so you’ll really want to eyeball its use at first to prevent overdoing it. The good news is that this already-affordable bottle can last you for a long time, making it a product that is not just delicious, but also economical. Test it in a bowl of rice or paired with sushi so you can get a better sense of the amount that will work for you and your needs.

Best Unique: Bluegrass Soy Sauce

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Oz.: 3.4 | Gluten free: No | Organic: Non-GMO

Why we chose it: Aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels, this small-batch, micro-brewed soy sauce makes a lasting impression. 

We weren’t entirely sure what to think before sampling this U.S.-based product, but Bluegrass far exceeded our expectations. The oaky flavor lends itself exceptionally to proteins like beef and salmon that shine when infused with a bit of smoke, but perhaps the most entertaining discovery was to pair these dishes with oak-aged adult beverages like bourbon or chardonnay. They obviously share similar flavor profiles, so it was fun to explore how the food and drink interacted on the palate. 

How We Chose These Products

With so many soy sauce options to choose from, it was important for us to limit our focus to accessible Chinese and Japanese varieties. We then polled notable Asian-American chefs and cooks in the industry for a short list of contenders, tasking them to provide a list of options that excelled at specific things (e.g. used for cooking vs. a dipping sauce, value, uniqueness, versatility, traditional, etc.) From there, we conducted a blind taste test with nearly a dozen bottles and ranked our favorites. Naturally, the stand-outs represented the best of the best in categories that appeal to different shoppers. 

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping

Type of Sauce, Origin & Ingredients

As discussed earlier, soy sauce ingredients vary depending on region but are generally made from soybeans, wheat, water, salt, and a fermenting agent (typically koji, a mold grown on soybeans or rice, or a lactic acid bacteria). Soy sauce originated in China and initially did not contain wheat. Beyond standard mainstream varieties, soy sauces can also be light, dark, or infused with other ingredients to alter its flavor. 

Aging

Most mainstream soy sauces are aged 5 to 8 months, though artisanal iterations may be aged much longer to yield thicker, more complex products. You can think of the process like wine or balsamic vinegar—the ingredient quality, aging length, and environment will all affect and influence the outcome. 

Organic & Non-GMO 

While many soy sauces utilize organic soybeans and wheat, it’s important to look for the word “organic” on labels to ensure that you are getting what you pay for. Another buzzword is “non-GMO,” which prohibits the use of ingredients that have been genetically modified to tolerate the heaviest doses of herbicides and pesticides, but doesn’t necessarily imply that the product is organic. 

Ask the Experts

“Soy sauce is fundamental to the flavors of my youth, to Chinese and Asian dishes,” says Hetty McKinnon. “It is a foundational ingredient, thought of in the way that some cultures may view olive oil or a particular spice.”

We chatted with the renowned cookbook author and food writer to get her take on popular soy sauce questions from the community. Here’s what she had to say: 

Q: Can soy sauce go bad and do I need to keep it refrigerated?

“I’ve never known soy sauce to go bad! It is a fermented product. I do not store my soy sauce in the fridge. I keep it in my pantry.”

Q: Is there anything that can be a good substitute for a soy sauce? 

“There are lots of substitutes on the market nowadays. There’s tamari, which is great if you are gluten-free. It is a byproduct from the production of miso paste. It has a rich flavor, but is perhaps more nuanced. It is my favorite substitute for soy sauce. There is also liquid and coconut aminos which are soy-free alternatives. I usually have all of these in my pantry, and use them interchangeably.”

Q: What is the difference between light and dark soy sauce?

“Light soy sauce is used in everyday cooking as a umami-packed flavor boost. It adds a fermented saltiness. Dark soy sauce is used only in specific recipes, where we are looking for a deep caramelized color. Dark soy sauce is more caramelly and richer. In essence, we use light soy sauce for flavor and dark soy sauce for color.” 

Q: Does soy sauce contain alcohol?

According to Kikkoman: “During the fermentation process, the wheat starches are broken down to sugars and part of the sugar is changed into alcohol. The alcohol adds to the aroma and overall flavor of soy sauce. The product contains approximately 1.5-2% alcohol by volume.”

Our Take

Despite Kimlan Soy Sauce earning top accolades, you really can’t go wrong with any of the bottles on this list. In fact, they all excel and shine in different areas so that a soy sauce collection will feel less like a pantry space waster and more like a necessity. Treat and store your products like you would a wine and that should help to justify the cost of your newfound condiment obsession. 

The post The Best Soy Sauces Add Umami to Every Dish appeared first on Saveur.

Whether you’re pureeing fruit, whipping up a morning smoothie, or simply chopping ice for your signature mint julep recipe, chances are a personal blender can satisfy your particular needs. These compact contraptions are small enough to be stored out of sight but large enough to accommodate individual servings you can consume on the fly or take with you on the road. And don’t let the tiny stature fool you: The best personal blenders are mighty enough to perform a host of functions, just like the big guys.

While countertop blenders are certainly a worthwhile investment for their volume capabilities alone, a personal blender is a worthwhile kitchen addition in terms of price and convenience. It’s also a step up from handheld immersion blenders that lack a travel cup, require manual effort, and tend to burn out after prolonged use. (Though it’s true that immersion blenders do a great job of breaking down solids, especially for soups and sauces, directly in large pans or Dutch ovens.)

Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist with a focus on plant-based eating, often recommends that clients obtain a personal blender to help stick to a comprehensive nutrition plan. So we chatted with Gorin, the owner of Plant-Based Eats in Stamford, Connecticut, to learn what she believes makes the best personal blender, considering crucial features like power, size, and accessories. Here are her personal picks in six distinct categories: 

• Best Overall: Ninja Personal Blender
• Best Value: Oster My Blend
• Best Versatility: Magic Bullet
• Best Motor: NutriBullet Pro Plus
• Best Hybrid: Vitamix One Blender
• Best Design: Hamilton Beach Shakes and Smoothies Blender

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Ninja Personal Blender

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Capacity: 18 and 24 ounces | Wattage: 1,000

Why we chose it: It sets the bar for personal blenders by delivering consistently smooth results.

With its impressive combination of performance, power, and size, this personal blender has maintained a five-star rating on Amazon with over 13,000 reviews. The two snap-lid, dishwasher-safe cups hold an ideal 18 or 24 ounces, the motor is a reliable 1,000 watts, and—perhaps most importantly—its blade and cup shapes blend ingredients better than anything else on the market. No more grit or unpalatable chunks, just smooth, velvety perfection. Another plus: The Ninja isn’t obnoxiously loud, so starting your morning with a healthy habit won’t rattle your nerves or wake others who might be sleeping in. 

Best Value: Oster My Blend

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Capacity: 20 ounces | Wattage: 250

Why we chose it: A value pick that doesn’t scrimp on the job.

Anybody blending on a budget should look into this Oster model for less than $25. Sure, this personal blender is unabashedly no-frills, but it gets the job done—crushing ice and frozen fruit with 400 watts of power, and blending ingredients with 250 watts. The blade is made of stainless steel and the BPA-free plastic cup holds an ample 20 ounces. Its slim design won’t hog counter space, and it boasts a bright pop of color, so you may just want to leave it out rather than stow it away in the kitchen cabinet.  

Best Versatility: Magic Bullet

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Capacity: 12 and 22 ounces | Wattage: 250

Why we chose it: It’s not just for smoothies—this workhorse can chop, whip, and more.

A personal blender that goes way beyond smoothies, the multi-purpose Magic Bullet was an instant hit when it was introduced nearly 20 years ago. The latest incarnation proves it to be as popular as ever. The do-it-all, 11-piece set relies on two blade options and a 250-watt high-torque power base to chop, mix, blend, whip, and grind. One of the included high-impact plastic cups features a convenient handle for perfect pouring without spilling. 

Best Motor: NutriBullet Pro Plus

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Capacity: 24 and 32 ounces  | Wattage: 1,200

Why we chose it: A powerful personal blender that features hands-free blending.

Consider the NutriBullet Pro Plus the Ferrari of personal blenders. With its whopping 1,200-watt motor, it hasn’t met a fibrous stalk of celery or a tough bunch of kale it couldn’t quickly and smoothly pulverize. Equally desirable is its convenient hands-free blending: No more holding a button or pushing down a cup until your smoothie reaches creamy perfection. Simply lock everything into place, press, and go about your business while the NutriBullet does the work for you, then shuts off automatically. 

Best Hybrid: Vitamix One Blender

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Capacity: 32 ounces | Wattage: 120

Why we chose it: This personal blender is the best of both worlds.

Got a Goldilocks complex about personal blenders? Size-wise, this Vitamix with a 32-ounce Tritan BPA-free container is bigger than most personal blenders but smaller than typical countertop models. Plus, it offers many of the coveted features of its larger, more high-tech cousins at a significantly lower price point. While online product info doesn’t mention wattage or blade material, it’s powerful and versatile enough to make sauces, dips, butters, frozen desserts, and even baby food. The One also features an ergonomic handle and comes with a tamper to push ingredients towards the blades to ensure uniform blending.

Best Design: Hamilton Beach Shakes and Smoothies Blender

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Capacity: 14 ounces | Wattage: 175

Why we chose it: This bright and colorful personal blender is well-designed for that on-the-go smoothie or frozen coffee. 

Looking for a canister you can take and sip on the go? Look no further than this BPA plastic-free model with a pouted lid to avoid any messes and mishaps. It’s a no-frills appliance designed for any consumer who doesn’t want to think twice as they start their day and nourish their body with a fruit and vegetable smoothie. It’s also quite easy to clean with blades built directly into the base of the cup.

How We Chose These Products

Personal blenders have become a kitchen appliance staple for most chefs and amateur cooks. After polling a handful of industry experts, we rounded up nearly a dozen of their most popular recommendations. From there, we tested these devices by making fruit and vegetable smoothies with ice to determine which were most effective and efficient at breaking down ingredients to create a beverage with uniform consistency.

Features to Keep in Mind

Power

Ample power is important if you want to crush ice and pulverize veggies like kale and celery, and some personal blenders can process even the toughest customers. “Look for ‘high-speed’ on the packaging,” advises Gorin. “These blenders have more powerful motors and faster-spinning blades, which means they will crush ice faster and make it easier to whip up a smooth smoothie. You can also use them to make nut butter, soups, and purees.”  

The higher the motor’s wattage, the easier it will be to chop fruits, vegetables, and more (most professional blenders will start at 1,200 watts, as a reference). But don’t rule out less expensive options with lower numbers, especially if you’re only making smoothies. It may take longer, but it will still get the job done for anyone on a tighter budget. 

Size

Size matters, but bigger isn’t necessarily better. The volume of travel cups can vary, so invest in something that suits your lifestyle best. For example, if you’re keeping calories in check, a typical smoothie recipe will yield 8-12 ounces of liquid. And that’s after all of the solid ingredients (which take up more space in the cup) have been added. You do not want to purchase something smaller than this base amount unless it is part of a bundle that offers multiple cup options. 

Standard countertop blenders will usually be no less than 40 ounces, so keep that in mind if you’re making the majority of your smoothies in bulk for a hungry family. “Some blenders marry a regular blender container with a single-serve, on-the-go one so that you have multiple options,” Gorin notes. 

Accessories & Attachments

Today’s personal blenders can be much more than smoothie machines. Many kits offer attachments to concoct things like soups, zoodles, and even dough. “This will depend on your budget, but I like blenders that have a base that houses different attachments, such as a food processor, spiralizer, and/or juicer,” says Gorin. “This [also] cuts down so much on how much storage space you will need.”

Blade Quality

If you’re looking to puree ingredients and prepare sauces or salsas, look for a more powerful X-style blade. To crush ice and create a frozen drink, look for a wing-style blade. Most blenders will have stainless steel blades, which ensure years of durability and sharpness, though higher-end models will boast titanium-coated stainless steel or cold-forged varieties for an even stronger surface. 

Cleaning & Maintenance

Every canister on this list is dishwasher-safe. To clean the machine itself, simply wipe away food particles or smudge marks with a damp rag or paper towel. Avoid getting any water or moisture near the motor or where your electrical cord connects. 

Ask the Experts

Q: Can I put frozen ingredients in a personal blender? 

Yes, most quality personal blenders can work with frozen ingredients. But you can extend the life of the blender’s motor if frozen ingredients are first chopped or sliced into smaller pieces. Then, most models should cut through and break down whatever you toss in with less wear and tear.

For a quick pop of protein, Gorin suggests adding some frozen edamame to any smoothie. It won’t noticeably affect the flavor, and it can impart a creamier texture without the addition of a dairy product. 

Q: Will a personal blender crush ice? 

“It definitely will,” Gorin assures. “Some high-speed blenders even have a ‘frozen drink’ setting.” But be sure to pulse on this setting, being mindful of the power button’s sensitivity, to crush ice to your desired consistency. If you overdo it, you’ll have a watery mess rather than a thick frozen treat. 

Q: Do I need to sharpen the blades? 

“No, you do not,” Gorin says. “But I do recommend purchasing a blender with a removable blade and hand-washing that blade so that it doesn’t dull.”

Q: How long do personal blenders last? 

This is completely dependent upon how often you use it, though an average lifespan is 3 to 5 years for less-powerful models and 10-plus years for more expensive options with heavy-duty motors. 

Q: Are personal blenders generally BPA-plastic free? 

Yes. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been used to make plastics and resins since the 1950s. According to Mayo Clinic, exposure has been linked to possible negative health effects. It is best to simply avoid it, as many major companies have been doing for the past few years. 

Our Take

Whether you’re making a fruit smoothie or hoping to save time with ingredient blending, a personal blender is a wise investment. And with so many makes and models touting different sizes and features, there is certainly one that will work for you and your individual needs. Don’t settle for anything less—it’s called a personal blender for a reason. 

The post Crush Ice, Puree Fruit, and Whip-up Smoothies with the Best Personal Blenders appeared first on Saveur.

Aside from the week’s hottest gossip, nothing pairs better with a Sunday brunch full of pancakes, eggs, and pastries than the brine and spice of a bloody mary. 

The classic cocktail with a tomato juice and vodka base has seen quite a few iterations and ingredient additions since its conception in the early 1900s, but one thing’s for certain: a traditional bloody mary recipe is big on bold, refreshing flavors that make it a perfect hair-of-the-dog hangover remedy after a night of partying (or just an extra spicy start to the weekend).

“Aside from it being one of the few alcoholic beverages that is socially acceptable to drink before noon, part of its appeal is that it’s also customizable,” says world-renowned mixologist Jordan Hughes, also known as the High-Proof Preacher. “You can make or buy mixes that are very simple and savory or you can dial them all the way up to being extra-hot with all kinds of different flavors, spices, and crazy garnishes.”

But if you don’t have the time, effort, energy or desire to create a drink yourself, there are dozens of mainstream bloody mary mixes you can easily purchase at grocery stores or online. Here are six of our all-time favorites, as well as a deep dive into burning bloody mary questions, with answers brought to you by Hughes—the bloody mary master—himself. 

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Demetri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning
• Best Value: Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix
• Best All-Natural: LAVA San Marzano Bloody Mary Mix
• Best Traditional: Collins Classic Bloody Mary Mix
• Best Spice: Gary’s Spicy Bloody Mary Mix
• Best Unique Flavor: McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix

Best Overall: Demetri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning

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Spice Flavor: Horseradish, chili, and jalapeño | Volume: 16 oz. 

Why we chose it: This may seem like an odd choice for Best Overall, considering it doesn’t contain tomato juice, but it boasts a potent and tongue-tingling blend of 14 all-natural ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated horseradish, lemon juice and spices, making it it so much more than your run-of-the-mill bloody mary mix.

We can’t say enough good things about Demetri’s seasoning mix, which can double as a marinade or sauce enhancer. Its flavor is complex, but not overwhelming, thanks to the company’s decision to use mild jalapeño for some of its heat (as opposed to habanero or trendy ghost pepper). 

The beauty of these bottles of concentrated seasoning is that they can also be used to customize a bloody to your liking. Incorporating bold additions like Clamato, pickle juice, and even bacon strips won’t compete with the seasoning mix’s award-winning flavor—it will only enhance it.

Best Value: Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix

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Spice Flavor: Black and red pepper (Tabasco) | Volume: 32 oz. 

Why we chose it: Budget-friendly Zing Zang presents a unique, vegetable-forward flavor while also paying homage to bloody’s original recipe with the use of Tabasco. 

Zing Zang may not be as bold and zesty as other options on this list, but it’s certainly a reliable and affordable option, especially if you’re concocting cocktails in bulk. Its vegetable-heavy blend includes the juices of carrot, celery, parsley, beet, lettuce, watercress and spinach, making it taste like a healthier alternative to a mix that is strictly tomato. Keep in mind that Amazon’s prices are significantly higher than what you may find in the grocery store. Zing Zang is absolutely the most inexpensive and readily-available choice on this list. 

Best All-Natural: LAVA San Marzano Bloody Mary Mix

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Spice Flavor: Cayenne pepper | Volume: 33.8 oz.

Why we chose it: We’re not saying that bloody marys can be classified as a health food, but LAVA’s small-batch San Marzano mix will make you believe otherwise. 

The heat is perfect, the consistency is not too thick or thin, and the vegan mix boasts a list of ingredients that you can actually feel good about. Not only is LAVA’s artisanal blend the most gourmet-tasting of the bunch (other than McClure’s), but it also arrives in a decorative box so that you can easily gift it to the spice–lover in your life. San Marzano tomatoes are also, bar none, some of the best in the world due to their sweetness and light acidity and are highly regulated by Italy’s strict export standards (which you can read more about on the Greatest Tomatoes from Europe website).

Best Traditional: Collins Classic Bloody Mary Mix

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Spice Flavor: Paprika | Volume: 32 oz.

Why we chose it: Collins Classic Bloody Mary Mix is stellar on its own, but also serves as a wonderful base for any amateur mixologist. 

For a mainstream brand, Collins’ ingredient quality is quite good, showcasing a mixture of the drink’s traditional components like tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and even celery seed. And despite its lower price point, the product doesn’t taste cheap or watered down. Instead, notes of garlic powder, onion powder and paprika are distinct, but not enough to overwhelm the palate and make the mix taste like anything other than a classic bloody mary. All you need is vodka (or whiskey, gin, or tequila) and you’ve got yourself a standard, albeit delicious drink in practically no time at all. Not spicy enough? Add a few dashes of hot sauce. Not funky enough? Throw in a few blue cheese-stuffed olives. It can handle anything you want to zhuzh it up with. 

Best Spice: Gary’s Spicy Bloody Mary Mix

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Spice Flavor: Horseradish | Volume: 32 oz.

Why we chose it: It’s not the hottest bloody mary mix in the world, but the spice is beautifully balanced, merely kissing the back of the tongue as it works its way down. 

If Goldilocks was of legal drinking age and swapping porridge for bloody marys, she’d say this one was just right (at least when it comes to spice level). The horseradish-forward mixture is exactly what spice-lovers crave—tingly and tangy, but not so overwhelming drinkers have to reach for a glass of milk. It also has a wonderful silky, smooth texture. And if the heat level is too intense, you can easily dilute it with a splash of water, lime juice, or—let’s not kid ourselves here—another shot of vodka.

Best Unique Flavor: McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix

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Spice Flavor: Fresh peppers and black pepper | Volume: 32 oz.

Why we chose it: Pickle royalty McClure’s has ventured into the world of bloody marys with a cucumber-forward jarred mix that is more than deserving of a spot on your bar cart. 

This was one of our favorites of the bunch, with the caveat you have to really enjoy pickles before giving it an official seal of approval. In fact, if you are even remotely turned off by the taste of cucumber, this won’t be the drink for you. The recipe is also quite garlicky (which can be off-putting for some), but we found it to be a fantastic accompaniment to savory dishes like sausage and egg breakfast sandwiches and cheese-filled crepes. Needless to say, its taste surprised us most, but in the best way possible, earning a permanent spot in our list of go-to mixes. 

How We Chose These Products

There are dozens of bloody mary mixes on the market, and narrowing your focus can be quite the difficult feat. We polled a handful of industry experts for their list of favorites, ordered the selections, and taste-tested them ourselves. Since no two bloody mary mixes are the same, we wanted to provide a range of options with characteristics like price point, brand reputation, flavor, heat level, and overall quality in mind. All bloody mary mixes were paired with vodka to honor tradition and authenticity. 

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for a Bloody Mary Mix

Lifespan 

Unopened bloody mary mixes will retain their quality for up to a year (make sure to keep an eye on the expiration date). Upon opening, the average mix can be refrigerated for around three to four weeks. If the blend lacks preservatives, you should enjoy it within two weeks to be safe. 

Volume 

Most bloody mary mix bottles are 32 ounces, which will yield approximately eight cocktails when mixed with vodka or your spirit of choice. 

Special Ingredients & Flavors

Many products (like McClure’s) are not afraid to offer creative iterations of the timeless classic. Be sure to read bloody mary mix labels carefully to identify the addition of ingredients like clam juice, pickle brine, olive juice, and exotic peppers. 

Ask the Expert

We sat down with Jordan Hughes, otherwise known as the High-Proof Preacher, to have him answer your burning bloody mary questions. Here are his responses: 

Q: How can I make a Bloody Mary mix even better?  

“The usual ‘upgrade’ to bloody mary mix is experimenting with the spice. Adding Tabasco sauce is pretty common, so you can easily change things up by trying a fancier or more unique hot sauce. Your local farmer’s market likely has some great local hot sauce producers, so that’s a good place to start! You can also incorporate fresh peppers, like serrano or habanero into your mix.”

Q: What do I garnish bloody mary with? 

“This is quite possibly the funnest part of a bloody mary because you can truly go wild with it. Your typical garnishes include pickled asparagus, pickled beets, stuffed olives, celery, and a lemon or lime wedge. Rimming the glass with some everything bagel seasoning is also a delicious finishing touch. You can certainly just serve a bloody mary with a stalk of celery as the only garnish or a skewered olive, but personally, I always find that a bit disappointing. A bloody mary is one of few cocktails where it’s acceptable and even expected to be a bit outrageous with the garnish. So have fun with it! I’ve been served a bloody mary that was garnished with an entire fried chicken leg hanging off the side of the glass. I’ve also heard of several places that garnish their bloodies with whole beef sliders!”

Q: Can a bloody mary mix go bad?

“Yes! Definitely keep your mix tightly sealed or stored in a resealable container in the fridge. Fresh is always best flavor-wise, but it should keep nicely for around two weeks. Many store-bought varieties with preservatives can last around three to four weeks, but I just wouldn’t risk it for much longer than that.”

Q: Is bloody mary mix healthy? 

“I would never refer to any cocktail as ‘healthy,’ simply because anything that contains alcohol is not exactly good for your overall health. But if we’re just talking about homemade or all-natural bloody mary mix here, then sure! When you think about it, most of the base ingredients like tomato juice, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and so on are pretty healthy. Tomato juice provides a ton of nutrients, because juicing a tomato allows your body to more fully absorb those nutrients versus simply consuming raw tomatoes.”

Q: What other liquor can I put in bloody mary besides vodka? 

“Well you can try making bloody mary’s sister, the bloody molly, by swapping out the vodka for an Irish whiskey like Tullamore D.E.W. I’m not sure if it has a name, but I have tried a bloody mary with tequila reposado and it was absolutely delicious.

Another favorite is the michelada, which is essentially a bloody mary made with lime juice and Mexican lager.

Personally, I really enjoy a bloody mary made with a Scandinavian spirit called aquavit. Aquavit is basically ‘Nordic gin’ and is typically characterized by strong flavors and aromas of anise, caraway, and dill, among other botanicals. It’s incredibly savory on its own and all of those flavors just go so well in a bloody mary. There are a variety of great brands of aquavit available now, but one called Krogstad Aquavit is probably the most widely accessible.”

Our Take

When it comes to taste, your bloody mary drinking experience is entirely subjective. There are certain flavors and heat levels that one may prioritize over another, which is precisely what makes bloody mary customization so fun (and so necessary!). Regardless of your preference, there is guaranteed to be a new favorite mix on this list. Now clear your schedule for a bloody mary-filled brunch and start mixing. 

The post The Best Bloody Mary Mix for Every Type of Brunch-Goer appeared first on Saveur.

Cooking tends to lose its joy when the outcome is a sink full of dirty dishes. No matter how amazing or satisfied a prepared meal may be, cleaning almost makes the entire process not worth the final headache.

We really do have so much to be grateful for when it comes to dishwashers (arguably one of the world’s best kitchen appliances), but for many households, these heavy-duty machines are a luxury. And for all households, there are just certain types of plateware and glassware that require hand-washing and dish soap. 

But before you dramatically toss your dishes out of an open window and commit to a life of paper cups and plates, consider your choice of dish-cleaning products. If you’re not purchasing the right dish soap, chances are you’re dealing with a foul-smelling, no-sud formula that leaves your hands feeling rough and your dishes scummy. All of that changes today. 

We’ve rounded up seven of the best dish soaps on the market, accommodating specific consumer needs like being budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and hypoallergenic. All of our picks have also been put to the ultimate clean test, so the result is grime-free bliss without the residue and water marks. Check out our favorites below.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap
• Best Value: Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap
• Best Scent: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dishwashing Liquid, Rosemary
• Best Splurge: Caldrea Biodegradable Dish Soap, Ginger Pomelo
• Best Eco-Friendly: Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Soap
• Best for Hands: Williams Sonoma Dish Soap, Fleur de Sel
• Best Powder: Blueland Dish Soap Starter Set

Best Overall: Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap

Size: 25 oz. | Scent: Unscented 

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Why we chose it: Affordable, hypoallergenic, environmentally-friendly, and effective, Seventh Generation checks all the boxes of a quality dish soap. 

This dish soap more than delivers in providing clean and sanitized dishes while saving you money, effort, and, most importantly, time. The formula suds exceptionally well and there is no layer of film or water marks present once everything dries, making it particularly great for stemware. Its hypoallergenic blend of ingredients is also great for sensitive skin, making this the best overall option for any home kitchen.

Best Value: Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap

Size: 19.4 oz. | Scent: Original 

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Why we chose it: There is a reason they use this soap to clean animals affected by oil spills—it’s safe, gentle, and gets the job done. 

Dawn is, perhaps, the most familiar option on this list, and for good reason. The best-selling brand has nearly 50 years of perfecting a dishwashing liquid that never fails to degrease your favorite plates, silverware, and glasses, but performs exceptionally well at scrubbing hard-to-clean pots and pans. Most online retailers also offer the bottles in bundles so you can save money and never find yourself without extra stock on hand. Be mindful of Dawn’s “original” scent, though—it can be quite polarizing with its artificiality.

Best Scent: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dishwashing Liquid, Rosemary

Size: 16 oz. | Scent: Rosemary

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Why we chose it: One whiff of any Mrs. Meyer’s dishwashing liquid will have you questioning why you ever chose to scrub food away with anything else. 

It’s no surprise why American-made Mrs. Meyer’s has dominated the cleaning product industry—the brand’s wide array of products with quirky-meets-sophisticated scents make scrubbing, sanitizing, and washing a (dare we say it) enjoyable experience. This Rosemary Dishwashing Liquid is one of its stars, boasting a fantastic scent that actually blends with (and not overpowers) the aromas of your cooking. Use it as a countertop cleaner with a sponge and a splash of water to keep your kitchen space smelling herbaceous and fresh.

Best Splurge: Caldrea Biodegradable Dish Soap, Ginger Pomelo

Size: 16 oz, | Scent: Ginger Pomelo 

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Why we chose it: Caldrea sources the finest essential oils to create a luxe dishwashing experience. 

A lot of customers will think the price tag is outrageous, but hear us out when we say that washing with Caldrea’s line of dish soaps can be more affordable than you think. When put to the test, their formula actually lasted much longer than most brands, which means a little goes a long way. It’s still expensive, though, and it’s likely that you’ll use more than you need. We recommend saving it for more fragile items like fine china since its essential oil base doesn’t overpower and is safe to use on nearly all surfaces.

Best Eco-Friendly: Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Soap

Size: 16.9 oz. | Scent: Unscented 

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Why we chose it: A plant-based, hypoallergenic, environmentally-friendly formula that is tough on grime. 

Dapple’s Baby Bottle & Dish Soap would also take home top honors in the Best for Skin Sensitivity category, as it has been formulated and approved by dermatologists and pediatricians to cater to those with sensitive skin and/or allergies. But its unscented, plant-based liquid with zero harsh chemicals and accolades like the Clean Label Project Purity Award make it the most eco-friendly. This is also an excellent option for cutting boards where no lingering soap smell or taste will cling to the foods that you’re chopping and dicing. 

Best for Hands: Williams Sonoma Dish Soap, Fleur de Sel

Size: 20 oz. | Scent: Fleur de Sel 

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Why we chose it: The addition of nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera and essential oils makes Williams Sonoma’s Fleur de Del Dish Soap extra moisturizing. 

There is no denying that the fleur de sel scent of Williams Sonoma’s dish soap is its top selling point, but it also leaves your hands feeling silky smooth and fresh-smelling for hours after use. This is due to an essential oil blend and aloe vera that moisturizes as it cleans. Unfortunately, the product can only be found at Williams Sonoma stores or on their website, but the exclusivity almost makes it more appealing.

Best Powder: Blueland Dish Soap Starter Set

Size: 16 oz. | Scent: Unscented

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Why we chose it: Not only does the powder easily convert into a powerful dish soap, but its refillable and compostable bags make it one of the most environmentally friendly on this list. 

Blueland has created a business model that we can get behind: safe, affordable, and easy to use. Simply sign up for a subscription, select how often you need a refill, and voila: You’ll never have to worry about running out of dish soap again. The powdered formula is also a comparable alternative to liquid, cutting through grease and food bits just as effectively and efficiently. The only downside is that you’ll have to create the soap yourself by shaking it in a bottle before dispensing. 

How We Chose These Products

Keeping in mind that dish soap preferences were likely going to be tailored around individual needs (and not just what works best when mixed with water), we first gathered a list of the most commonly used products among our cooking community. From there, we identified the categories that each soap excelled in (e.g., environmentally friendly, inexpensive, great-smelling, etc.) and then put them all to the ultimate dish, utensil, and glass-washing test, noting not only how well they cleaned in the process, but how everything looked upon drying.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Dish Soap

Scent 

Scent (or lack thereof) is a personal preference, but its quality can be traced to its source. Anything that incorporates essential oils with natural (and not artificial) fragrances will be of higher quality.

Natural & Chemically-Free

Since you use these products to clean the surfaces from which you eat, it’s important to look for natural and chemical-free blends, when possible (i.e. lacking phosphates and ammonia). These formulas are also good for the environment, keeping in mind that the soap will be going down the drain with the dirt, grease, and food scraps you’re washing away with it. 

Volume

When it comes to most high-quality dish soaps, a little should go a long way. That being said, many major retailers sell dish soap in bulk, so if you find one that you love, you can easily save money by purchasing bottles as a bundle. Be mindful of how many dishes you’re washing each day, though, because you may want to invest in a subscription service for refillable options. 

Skin Sensitivity 

For those with sensitive skin, look for “hypoallergenic “ and “fragrance-free” on the labels to avoid potentially irritating ingredients and fragrances. 

FAQs

Q: Which dish soap ingredients are harmful to the environment?

There are differing opinions and conflicting literature on what constitutes an “environmentally-friendly” dish soap. All of the dish soaps above, for example, are marketed as “biodegradable,” but contain ingredients that can be picked apart and scrutinized for their effect on the ecosystem and, most specifically, our waterways. That being said, you’ll generally want to avoid formulas with phosphates and ammonia. Phosphates can promote the growth of algae and can be toxic when consumed by marine life, while ammonia can release fumes that damage respiratory tracts.  

Q: Are natural dish soaps effective?

Yes! Since most are plant-derived with ingredients like soapbark extract, they have the ability to cut through grease and grime while leaving your plateware, glassware, and flatware extra sparkly. While they may not boast the same antibacterial properties as hand soaps, they do effectively lift bacteria off eating and drinking surfaces so that water can wash it away. Just be sure allow items like cutting boards to completely air dry before using, especially if they were used to prepare raw meat. 

Q: What can I use if I run out of dish soap? 

Baking soda and hot water can effectively clean and deodorize while salt and hot water can be used to scrub pans. You may also use diluted bleach and white vinegar, with the latter being particularly great at removing water stains from glass.

Our Take

Dish soap may seem like an insignificant component of the kitchen, but it’s likely a product that you’ll use every day. Because of this, you should put time into finding an option that works best for you and your needs, whether it’s to cut through food, smell good, be beneficial for the environment, or all of the above. Our top pick, Seventh Generation, is just one example of a product we believe in. Give it a shot and let us know if it lives up to the hype. 

The post The Best Dish Soaps Are Affordable, Effective, and Environmentally-Friendly appeared first on Saveur.

Whether you’re making a salad dressing, marinating beef, or even pickling a vegetable, red wine vinegar is an undeniable pantry staple. Its bold, fruity, sometimes sweet, and unmistakably tangy taste lends itself to some of our favorite dishes, and it can be as versatile as it is potent. Navigating the world of red wine vinegar, however, can be quite daunting. There are literally hundreds of mainstream options, all with varying degrees of flavor complexity, acidity, and—perhaps most important of all—price. But we’ve taken the guesswork out of grocery shopping and narrowed down a list to seven of the best red wine vinegars you can find on the market, separated into helpful categories so you can find a brand that’s right for you, your cuisine of choice, and your budget.

• Best Overall: Colavita Red Wine Vinegar 
• Best Value: Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar
• Best Splurge: Pommery Red Wine Vinegar
• Best Organic: Kolossos Red Wine Vinegar 
• Best Versatility: Fini Red Wine Vinegar
• Best Locally Sourced: Napa Valley Naturals Red Wine Vinegar

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Colavita Red Wine Vinegar 

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Why We Chose It: It’s tart but not overwhelming, with subtle hints of sandalwood from the aging process—everything you want in a red wine vinegar and more. 

Colavita’s red wine vinegar earns high marks across the board in price, versatility, and balanced flavor, making it our top pick overall. The company also boasts an incredible array of olive oils, so you’re well equipped to make a dressing that will turn that boring lunch salad into a mealtime staple. Colavita is also easy to find, both online and in grocery stores, making it affordable and accessible. The brand is proudly non-GMO and free of preservatives, making it pure, authentic, and your best bet for consistency in quality. You seriously can’t go wrong!

Volume: 16.9 oz. | Country of Origin: Italy

Best Value: Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar

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Why We Chose It: At only 13 cents per fluid ounce (if bought in bulk), this highly affordable option will save you cash without forcing you to sacrifice on quality.

The packaging may be unassuming, but this popular option has become a household name, especially among those who prefer their vinegars on the lighter side. Pompeian’s low acidity makes it ideal for a finishing note in sauces and on roasted vegetables. It also tastes great on its own on spinach salads, or paired with a starch like potatoes or pasta to cut down the heaviness. No matter the purpose, you’ll want to buy these bottles in bulk—it’s the most inexpensive selection on this list. 

Volume: 16 oz. | Country of Origin: Italy

Best Splurge: Pommery Red Wine Vinegar

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Why We Chose It: Aside from its stunning bottle, Pommery red wine vinegar proves that it’s worth the splurge with higher acidity content and wonderfully oaky aftertaste.

Despite its hefty price point, we’re saying “oui” to Pommery’s red wax-capped crock that will surely turn into a countertop collectible. The super-strong acidity is supported by a more complex and earthy taste than its less-expensive counterparts, making it a fantastic dip for fresh seafood, or at least a more interesting base for a classic mignonette. Customers also rave about Pommery’s line of mustards—grab a bottle at checkout to create a dressing that will really knock your socks off. 

Volume: 16.9 oz. | Country of Origin: France

Best Organic: Kolossos Red Wine Vinegar 

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Why We Chose It: The Greek grape agiorgitiko has a distinct flavor that will make this option stand out in the best way possible.

Gone are the days of Greek wines getting a bad reputation. This Greek red lends itself wonderfully to this full-bodied vinegar that is essentially a love letter to the agiorgitiko grape—chock-full of flavonoids (an antioxidant known for its health benefits) and native to the region. Notes of black cherry and plum make this uniquely fruity, while hints of cinnamon and clove add a subdued spice that elevates its flavor. Use this in Mediterranean dishes like cucumber or bean salads to let it shine in its most authentic form.

Volume: 6.8 oz. | Country of Origin: Greece

Best Versatility: Fini Red Wine Vinegar

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Why we chose it: If you’re vinegar-averse, this option is less of an assault to your taste buds, making it an ideal choice for any type of cuisine.

We hadn’t heard of this brand until we saw that its rave reviews on Amazon, and it more than delivered. The taste is smooth and balanced, and the color is beautiful—a lovely accompaniment to dishes with lighter ingredients like jicama, fennel, or butter lettuce. Despite its six percent acidity, it’s also extremely palatable and easy to consume, making it approachable for anyone who may not be a fan of excess tartness. 

Volume: 8.45 oz. | Country of Origin: Italy

Best Locally Sourced: Napa Valley Naturals

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Why We Chose It: As part of the renowned Stonewall Kitchen’s portfolio, Napa Valley Naturals lives up to the quality we’ve grown to expect from the brand.

Napa Valley Naturals really packs a punch, thanks to it being unpasteurized like red wines. This allows for the grape to really penetrate the liquid and create a bold taste that is high on fruit and wine, and low on subtlety. While this certainly makes it less versatile, we think it will put any other iteration to shame in a summer berry salad or any dish with lots of cheese. It demands to be the star, and rightfully so—the flavor is fantastic and one of our all-time favorites. 

Volume: 12.7 oz.  | Country of Origin: USA

How We Chose These Products

After careful research, we selected nearly two dozen of the most reviewed and highly rated products you could find, as well as taking SAVEUR’s editorial team’s recommendations (the ones they’re cooking with most often!) into consideration. 

We then put all bottles to the ultimate taste test, ensuring we had representation from different regions, price points, and acidity levels. While it is recommended that any vinegar is diluted in water or turned into a dressing before consuming, we sipped straight from the source to really taste the nuances of each product. We also had a spit bucket handy, much like a wine tasting, as to not overwhelm the palate (or our stomachs!). 

Note: These were not paired with any foods, and it is important to note that many may have made the cut if prepared with a meal. Some of the best red wine vinegars are produced to enhance a dish and not take center stage.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Red Wine Vinegar

Taste

Like wine, red wine vinegar will take on the taste of its grape varietal, as well as the vessel that carries it. In most cases, tradition demands for wooden barrels to age the liquid until it matures. This will typically impart an oakiness into the red wine vinegar’s bouquet and flavor profile, making many options as complex as the red wine they’re made from. If you’re a fan of a specific type of red wine like pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon, opt for a bottle made from these grapes. It’s likely that you’ll enjoy its vinegar version, as well! 

Origin

Most red wine vinegars are produced where red wine itself is grown and manufactured, so regions like Italy, France, Greece, and the United States are most common. Look for your favorite red grape varietals and regions, and start from there. 

Year of Production 

It takes approximately two months for a quality red wine vinegar to reach maturity and be sold en masse. The longer a red wine vinegar ages, the less acidic it will be when bottled and distributed. Be sure to read the label’s ingredient list for additives. There shouldn’t be anything beyond red wine vinegar and naturally occurring sulfites. 

Versatility 

Acidity level plays the biggest role in a red wine vinegar’s versatility. While most will range in levels from five to eight percent, a higher level is better for pickling vegetables and preserving foods, while a lower level is better for quick marinades that won’t “cook” or dry out a protein. Since most salad dressings will require you to mix in an oil and mustard, the acidity level doesn’t matter as much, but keep in mind that a higher acidity level will yield a brighter and crisper taste that can hold up to bulkier ingredients like kale, nuts, and avocado. 

Burning Questions

Q: Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?

While there is an obvious color difference between red and white wine vinegars, there really isn’t too drastic of a taste differentiation. Expect red wine vinegar to be slightly sweeter and a bit oakier if aged in wooden barrels. 

Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful alternative, but it will be a bit fruitier. You can also opt for a sherry vinegar if you’d like something less acidic and a champagne vinegar if you desire something sweeter. Lemon and lime juice will brighten any dish as a last resort. 

Q: How long does red wine vinegar last? 

Red wine vinegar can technically last indefinitely if sealed and unopened. Once opened, expect it to remain in prime condition for two to three months in a dark cupboard or pantry, and about a year in the refrigerator. That being said, bacteria-hating vinegar doesn’t really spoil—it just becomes dull over time. It’s likely you’ll finish a bottle before noticing any difference in taste or texture. 

Q: Do I have to keep red wine vinegar refrigerated? 

You’ll want to refrigerate opened red wine vinegar to ensure that its shelf life is extended as long as possible. While it may be okay to leave out for a few months, oxidation can happen, and the red wine vinegar will quickly lose its taste and potency. 

Our Take

No matter which red wine vinegar you choose on this list, you’ve made a wise decision. It is a pantry staple that rarely disappoints, and is a wonderful addition to dressings, meats, and marinades. Treat each bottle like a wine, and appreciate the subtle differences in aroma and taste. Soon enough, you’ll settle on an option that will become a household favorite and an essential ingredient in most of your beloved dishes. 

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