8 Great Slow Cooker Recipes

By: Christine Vivoli

We all work hard during the day at work, but once you get home from your day, do you really want to cook dinner EVERY night? Here are some of our favorite crockpot recipes. Let this smart little machine do all the work for you!

  1. Crock-Pot Tamale Bake – If you love Mexican food, then this casserole dish will hit the spot on any busy night.
  2.  Chicken and Dumplings – Want to cozy up on a cold winter night? You can even cook this recipe while you are at work.
  3.  Mac and Cheese – Yes, you can even whip this classic favorite up in your crockpot.
  4. Cider Beef Stew – Mix two winter treats together and get an easy and delicious meal.
  5.  Pesto Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms – Just assemble the layers and walk away. No boil pasta is perfect for this dish.
  6. Chocolate Lava Cake – Create a delightful dessert to accompany your meal.
  7.  Chicken Tortilla Soup – This is a rich favorite for any day.
  8. Green Bean Casserole – A holiday favorite that you can enjoy all year round without the fuss.
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The Most Important Meal

By: Christine Vivoli

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many of us don’t feel like we have the time for it. Our team is giving you five quick and easy ways to make breakfast in the morning. Set aside a few extra minutes each morning to get energized and start your day on the right track.

  1. Blueberry Power Muffins with Almond Streusel
  2. Peanut Butter Waffle
  3. Granola-Yogurt Parfait
  4. Breakfast Burrito
  5. Scrambled Eggs
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Our Favorite Food Trends for 2014

By: Caitlin Cunningham

Happy 2014 Snackboxers! The new year is already looking bright, and we’re excited about all the impending possibilities. Several culinary experts and bloggers have posted their predictions of food trends to watch for in the next 12 months. Out with the bacon on everything, kale kale kale, and Sriracha sauce trends of 2013, on to 2014’s newest tastes. Here are some of our favorites that we hope to see:

  1. Brussel Sprouts – this perfectly bite-sized vegetable is sure to replace kale as the vegetable of the year. Easy to cook and digest, it’s perfect for mindful snacking
  2. Pared-down Processed Foods – sick of reading food labels and unable to recognize half of the ingredients? Us too. We’d definitely like to see more grocery foods available free of preservatives
  3.  Locally Grown – already on its way in places like Austin and Portland, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the necessity of sustainability. Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables helps reduce your carbon footprint and bring fresher and tastier produce to your kitchen
  4. Yolk – this sunshiny center of eggs is predicted to take over due to its richness and complementary flavoring
  5. Lemons – fresh, tart and tangy, lemon juice is supposed to take hold as 2014’s accent ingredient in a number of sauces and mixes
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Lunch on the Go

Lunch on the go: Our fave brown bag options

Our favorite brown bag options

By: Christine Vivoli

Are you having trouble deciding what to bring to lunch? Or are you just bored with the same old choices? Our team is sharing some of our favorite brown bag options to make bringing your lunch to the office a little more exciting.  What you eat should never be boring. Bon Appetit!

Here are out top favorites:

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Visiting Austin? Do This.

By Christine Vivoli

Austin is a very unique and unusual city tucked in the heart of Texas. When visiting Austin there are many things that need to be at the top of your list. Snackbox has created our list of the top 10 things every visitor must do during their visit. These unusual attractions are unique to Austin and part of what makes it so special.

  1. Visit a tattoo shop or even get a tattoo – Austin has the most tattoo parlors per capita in the world. The majority are in South Austin, but they tend to line every side street.
  2. Visit the Cathedral of Junk – Built by Vince Hannemann, this unusual attraction is made of junk that even includes staircases you can walk up.
  3. Watch the bats– Stroll down to the Congress Avenue Bridge and watch the bats come out. Once you see the huge crowd of people, you will know that you are in the right spot.
  4. Eat at a trailer park – Austin is known for its food trucks. Some Austin favorites are the Dirty Sanchez at Torchy’s Tacos, cake balls at Holy Cacao, donuts with unusual flavors at Gordough’s and cone creations at Mighty Cone.
  5. Play chicken shit bingo – Visit Ginny’s Little Longhorn dive bar on Sunday afternoons. The name speaks for itself.
  6. Hippie Hollow –  A clothes optional beach and boating spot.
  7. Museum of the Weird – Nestled into East 6th Street, you will enter the world of the unexplained.
  8. Lonestar Roller Girls Game – Where else can you attend a roller derby with girls dressed in wild costumes jamming around a roller skating rink?
  9. Midnight Cowboy – Once a brothel, this destination is now a cocktail spot for distinguished guest. A secret passcode is even required to get in.
  10. Pubcrawler of Austin – Pedal-powered by you and 14 of your friends, you can pedal around the streets of Austin while enjoying a refreshing Texas beer.
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Our Favorite Winter Accessories

By Christine Vivoli

Just like furnishing your new home, every working girl needs to be in possession of certain accessories for the winter. These pieces need to be classy items that have some longevity to them, not trendy impulse purchases. Here are eight staples that we think are worth investing in.

  1.  A piece of understated jewelry that is your essential signature accessory.
  2.  A watch that encourages punctuality and offers a statement.
  3.  A classic leather handbag that will carry all of your everyday essentials.
  4.  Sunglasses to protect your eyes when traveling to and from meetings and the office.
  5.  A cozy scarf to keep you warm and add that extra something to any outfit.
  6.  A classic pair of black tights to pair with any skirt or dress.
  7.  Ear warmers for those cold trips to and from meetings and the office.
  8.  Gloves to keep your hands warm while traveling outside.
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12 Thanksgiving Traditions

By Christine Vivoli

As the holidays are fast approaching, everyone is beginning to get into the holiday spirit through their various traditions. There are so many traditions surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday… many are very mainstream traditions while others are unique to certain families. We’re sharing 12 of our favorite holiday traditions.

  1. Black Friday – Many families stand in line to begin their Christmas shopping after their Thanksgiving feast. This is the busiest shopping day of the year.
  2. Thanksgiving Day Parade – Whether you are in NYC or watching from your television, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is being watched by many households.
  3. Thanksgiving football – There is always a game being played to entertain the family.
  4. The Turkey – This is the center piece of most Thanksgiving Day feasts.
  5. Presidential Turkey – Since 1947 the President has been presented with three turkeys. One turkey is pardoned while the other two are dressed for the Thanksgiving Day feast.
  6. Travel – Families do not always live near one another. Many travel to spend this special time with their loved ones.
  7. Wishbone – Two people take the ends of the wishbone, make a wish and pull. Whoever gets the larger piece of the wishbone has their wish come true.
  8. Help Others – Many families will visit a homeless shelter and feed those less fortunate than themselves.
  9. Giving Thanks – Families will go around the table until everyone has had the chance to say what they are thankful for.
  10. Watch a holiday movie – A great holiday movie to get everyone ready for the season is Miracle on 34th Street.
  11. Get ready for Christmas – Since Christmas is only one month away, it is time to start putting up the Christmas decorations.
  12. Families who go anti-turkey – Many families will venture out to restaurants or cook fried chicken, lasagna, ribs or brats.
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Our Austin List: Things to do

A few years ago, Snackbox decided to make Austin, Texas home and we couldn’t be happier about it.  Austin is a city few know about, aside from the fact that Austinites are proud of being “weird,” but that’s a good thing; it keeps the city feeling like a small town, despite being the 16th largest city in the US, and the capitol of Texas.

Austin isn’t your typical “tourist-y” city, but the minute you get here, you realize there’s more to the city than most.  So where do Austinites take visitors to give them a true taste of the “weirdness?”  Here’s a list of our favorites:

Where to Eat:

Austin is full of world-class restaurants; it’s no wonder there are so many Austin chefs on the James Beard awards list and featured on television cooking shows.  Our favs include:

  • Uchiko.  Named one of the top restaurants in the US, Uchiko is sushi at its best.  The sushi chefs are highly trained and come up with some of the most amazing food creations; you won’t want to eat them – they’re that beautiful!
  • 24 Diner.  Another James Beard award-winning chef, Andrew Curran, has reached back into the 1950s to create a unique diner, open 24 hours, featuring updated classics and fresh locally-sourced ingredients.  Try the cheese plate for some of the best cheese you’ll find anywhere.  If you’re in for adventure, the chicken waffles are amazing, and the chopped salad alone is worth the trip.
  • Opal Divine’s.  Opal Divine’s is an Austin institution.  It’s not just a place to eat, although the food is amazing; the whole idea of Opal Divine’s makes it a place not to be missed.  The owners have gone to great lengths to not only serve great food, but to make sure their footprint is as small as possible.  Each of the four locations is wind-powered and all their to-go packaging  is sustainable, recyclable corn plastic, made from corn grown in the United States rather than from petroleum, like most plastics.  Don’t miss their world-famous cracked pepper fries – to die for!

What to Do:

There’s so much to do in Austin, it’s hard to pick just a few activities.  Here’s our top:

  • Shopping on Second Street and South Congress.  Are you feeling like the world is filled with only chain stores, all carrying the same products, no matter where you go?  Then make a beeline over to the shopping areas on Second Street and South Congress.  Everyone has their own favorite spots in each of the areas, but don’t rely on other’s suggestions; pick your own, but definitely go!
  • Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail.  Austin is different than other Texas cities, like Dallas or Houston.  Town Lake, also known as Lady Bird Lake, runs through the center of the city and is ringed by a hike and bike trail few others cities can match.  Surrounded by 468 acres of lush woods and gardens, the hike and bike trail is just the place to go to relax, enjoy nature, job or just sit and watch the ducks on the river.  If you enjoy water sports, kayak, paddle board and canoe rentals are available at reasonable rates.  People watching along the trail is highly recommended, or head over to the dog park to enjoy the frolicking dogs running in and out of the water.
  • Fredericksburg/Hill Country Wine Tour.  Like wine?  Head up to the Hill Country, where some of the best wines anywhere are made.  Fredericksburg is in the center of the Hill Country’s wine-producing area and is a delightful old German town.  The scent of lavender wafts over the town in the spring and most vineyards are open to the public, with tours and tastings available on request.

What to See:

There are a few things you MUST do on your visit to Austin:

  • Congress Avenue Bridge Bats.  Yes … bats.  Over a million bats live under the bridges along Town Lake, making it the largest urban bat colony in North America.  Beginning in March and peaking in the middle of summer, the bridge is the place to be dusk, when thousands of bats fly out in search of a meal.  The bat population ebbs and flows with the season, with babies being born in June and July.  At the peak, it can take up to 45 minutes for all the bats to take wing, but don’t worry – they’re after insects, not humans.
  • Texas State Capitol.  Texas is the only state in the U.S. that was a country on its own and the State Capitol reflects that.  Portraits of the presidents of Texas as well as every governor are a highlight of the tour.  The architecture is a replica of the U.S. Capitol, making the designation, “Capitol of the West,” very appropriate.  Tours are available every day of the week and include something for everyone, regardless of age.
  • UT Tower.  The University of Texas is the largest college campus in the world, with over 40,000 students attending each year.  The UT Tower, in the middle of the campus, overlooks Austin and gives a wonderful overview of the city; the observation deck has recently been remodeled and is open to the public.  You’ll know when a UT sports team wins, because the Tower is bright orange at night.

There are thousands of events in Austin every year highlighting the unique flavor of Texas’ favorite city; the key is to make your visit to Austin your own.  Let us know – what’s your favorite place in Austin?

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2013 Food Trends

Every year, it seems like there’s a new trend in food, much like there is in fashion.  A few years ago, it was cupcakes, which really hasn’t seemed to die down.  Last year, some tried to make macaroons the “it” food, but it didn’t catch on.  So what makes a food “trendy” and what’s hot so far in 2013?

We searched the Web to find what people are talking about and here are the top 5 trends so far in 2013, in no particular order:

  1. Powdered foods.  According to Cooking Light Magazine, retailers are finding a big demand for new products such as powdered chia seeds, which can be used as a substitute for flour in gluten-free or Paleo diets.  Powdered coconut milk can easily be dropped into  smoothies or as an extra zing in baked goods.  A spoonful of either on top of your everyday foods can give you the health benefits as well.
  2. Quinoa.  Rice has been the king of wheat-alternative grains, but 2013 is seeing quinoa continuing it’s surge that started in 2012.  Quinoa is called a “pseudograin” because it isn’t a cereal or grass crop, which makes it healthier for those with allergies.  Quinoa is actually related to beets and spinach, so not only is it easy to use as a starch with meals, but it is high in plant protein, so it’s great for vegetarian or vegan diets.
  3. Ramen.  Remember, back in college, when you tried to set a record for the number of different ways to make ramen?  Well, it’s back and it’s sexy!  Ramen has long been recognized as an inexpensive, filling meal but this year sees restaurants adding ramen to menus and upping the flavor quotient by including other Asian flavors and proteins.
  4. Kimchi.  A traditional Korean dish made from cabbage, kimchi is similar to a sauerkraut, but spicier.  Traditionally, cabbage was placed in a large clay pot with brine and spices added.  The pot was then sealed and buried underground for several months.  Fast forward to 2013, and kimchi has been unearthed and added to menus across the country.  You’ll find kimchi as soup, stew and as a condiment and adds quite a kick to any dish, not just Korean cuisines.
  5. Tea.  Bon Appetit Magazine says tea is the new coffee in 2013.  The last 10 years have been dominated by coffee companies, such as Starbucks, but this year, it seems people are tiring of the acid feeling after a heavy cup of coffee and are looking back to England for a refreshing, lighter, yet comforting hot beverage; tea ticks every box.  You’ve always been able to find hundreds of varieties of tea at your local grocer and even more at organic/healthy stores.  The difference in 2013 is the increase in the number of accessories for brewing and drinking tea.  Even Starbucks is getting into the tea frenzy, adding tea presses to their coffee-related products.

We’re excited to see where the rest of 2013 will take us in terms of food trends and are curious: Which food trends are you most excited about and what would you like to see in food in the future?

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Zucchini Pancakes

Ingredients:
4-5 medium zucchini
3/4 tsp salt
4 eggs
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbs finely chopped onion
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/4 tsp black pepper

Ranch dressing or sour cream for topping

Directions:
Coarsely shred zucchini to make 5 cups. Sprinkle with salt. Put in colander; weight down to remove most of the moisture from the zucchini.

Beat eggs and minced garlic; add flour, onion, cheese, and pepper. Mixture will be lumpy.

Stir zucchini into the egg mix. Drop rounded tablespoons of batter into lightly oiled hot griddle (I prefer grape seed oil) or skillet… spread 3-4 inches. Cook 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

 

Note: Pancakes can be made ahead! Freeze them up to 3 months or make them the night before an event and store in the fridge. To reheat, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Put pancakes on a slightly greased baking sheet and heat for 10 minutes or until warm.

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