Samantha's Portfolio

Mashed • 18th May 2023

Lillet Spritz Very Well Could Be The Best Aperol Alternative - Mashed

Lillet Spritz Very Well Could Be The Best Aperol Alternative

As summer approaches, few cocktails are as refreshing as a spritz. While the Aperol spritz is a sure classic, why not mix up your spritz game with another aromatic liqueur? The refreshing drink taking the world by storm this summer is the Lillet spritz.

TikToker @dianavaldemar510 describes Lillet as tasting, "delicious, crisp, refreshing, floral, everything I want in a summer drink." The method of making a Lillet Spritz is similar to

Mashed • 11th May 2023

What Happened To Umaro Foods From Shark Tank? - Mashed

What Happened To Umaro Foods From Shark Tank?

If Umaro Foods has its way, seaweed bacon will replace pork bacon during your Sunday brunch or the next time you crave a BLT. The brand felt confident enough to pitch on "Shark Tank" Season 13, Episode 18, and asked for $500,000 in exchange for 2% equity for a product that, at the time, wasn't on the market.

63% of Americans said they're cutting down on eating red meat, according to Yale's School of the Environment.

Mashed • 16th March 2023

When Pre-Batching Your Cocktails, Don't Forget About Temperature - Mashed

When Pre-Batching Your Cocktails, Don't Forget About Temperature

If you enjoy cocktails, then one of life's pleasures likely includes enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail with friends, during date night, or while relaxing alone. Pre-batched cocktails can be incredibly convenient, especially for events like parties or weddings. They can also be great if you want to ensure you have consistently high-quality drinks waiting when you want to unwind or even if you decided to host an impromptu get-togethe

Mashed • 23rd February 2023

How Edna Lewis Demolished Stereotypes About Southern Soul Food - Mashed

Edna Lewis was among the most influential chefs in American cuisine. In fact, Lewis was one of five celebrity chefs honored in 2014 along with James Beard, Julia Child, Joyce Chen, and Edward Rojas-Lombardi. According to the United States Post Office, Pritha Mehra explained these chefs were "champions of trends that many foodies now take for granted."

Fernwood Circle Guest Houses • 22nd February 2023

Visit TacoVino for Creative Tacos and a Little Vino

Located near the riverfront in downtown Corvallis, TacoVino offers creative fusion tacos alongside more traditional fare like Al Pastor and fish tacos. The entire food menu is gluten-free and both omnivores and vegetarians will find something tasty. Thanks to the menu, friendly service, and relaxed ambiance, it is a favorite with Willamette Valley locals and visitors.

We caught up with co-owner John Sobolewski, who co-founded TacoVino, along with chef Jason Biga. John said that Jason enjoys cre

Mashed • 16th February 2023

The Case For Adding Black Pepper To Cake Frosting - Mashed

The Case For Adding Black Pepper To Cake Frosting

Move over salted caramel, it's time to let chocolate peppercorn bask in the spotlight. If you crave salty yet sweet caramel, you may also enjoy other unexpected ingredients in your baked goods. For example, ground peppercorns add a surprising hint of spice. Before you say no, consider whether you were one of those people who once hesitated to add sea salt to toffee.

Mashed • 13th February 2023

The Chef-Approved Mushroom Trick For Quick-Boosting Umami Sauces - Mashed

Sometimes, you just can't get enough umami. If that statement applies to you, then you may want to try some ingredient hacks to amplify the natural umami taste in a simple tomato sauce or other dishes. But first, it helps to understand a few basics. Umami is that savory taste often associated with Asian cuisines, since soy sauce, kimchi, and miso are among the best known umami-forward foods.

Mashed • 29th January 2023

Here's How To Keep Cilantro Fresh - Mashed

Here's How To Keep Cilantro Fresh

If you enjoy the clean, fresh taste of cilantro, the options are practically unlimited. It adds a zing of aromatic flavor to anything from simple rice and guacamole to an elaborate curry, so it's no surprise that cilantro fans can't resist bringing some home when they see the herb in their grocery store or farmer's market.

MUO • 12th January 2023

How to Get a Full-Body Workout With Netflix

It’s official: Netflix isn’t just for chilling anymore. You can now use Netflix to get a workout for those days when you can’t make it to the gym or simply want to break a sweat. Netflix has teamed up with Nike Training Club to offer free bodyweight workouts to its subscribers.

Using these videos, you can get a full-body workout without any expensive home equipment.

MUO • 11th January 2023

5 Platforms to Find Kids’ Shows and Entertainment With Your Library Card

Whether it is a rainy Saturday or a snow day, sometimes you may want wholesome entertainment for the kids in your life. While most streaming video platforms offer children’s entertainment, you may want something different.

If you have a public library card, chances are your library might offer hours of free entertainment, including shows, interactive stories, games, and comics. Some have an educational leaning, while others are purely for fun.

The Daily Meal • 30th December 2022

Are Round Wines No Longer A Thing? - The Daily Meal

You may have noticed that the wine world has its own language, whether you simply enjoy a glass of vino or are seriously into wine-tasting. It's hard enough to understand some of the flavor notes, but how do shapes come into play? Some wine lovers may describe a wine as "round," referring to its texture and mouthfeel.

Sommeliers Choice Awards describes a round wine as having a "smooth texture, not coarse or tannic." Tannins are bitter phenolic compounds found in grape skins, stems, and seeds.

Mashed • 15th December 2022

You Used To Have To Chew Coffee - Mashed

You Used To Have To Chew Coffee

For so many of us, the day just doesn't start until we've had our morning coffee. We are hooked on the scent of brewing coffee and that stimulating spark of energy. If you enjoy classic brewed coffee, you may be surprised to learn that your friend who chomps on chocolate-covered espresso beans may actually be keeping it old school.

MUO • 14th December 2022

How to Create a Collaborative Spotify Playlist With Your Family This Holiday Season

During the holidays, many of us connect with family members, including those with whom we don't spend much time. Sometimes happy memories result, and other times it can be super awkward.

Whether your gathering is small or includes the extended family, you may bond over food, shared activities, and holiday traditions. If you are looking for a new shared activity, creating a Spotify collaborative holiday playlist can be a fun way to enhance the environment.

Mashed • 13th December 2022

Here's What Happened To Kodiak Cakes After Shark Tank - Mashed

Here's What Happened To Kodiak Cakes After Shark Tank Pancakes are a delicious breakfast and brunch staple, but often we find them unsatisfying once the initial sugar buzz wears off. Kodiak Cakes aimed to offer an alternative, using whole grains and added protein that may keep you satisfied for longer. Starting as a family business, co-founder Joel Clark and his older brother sold their mother's whole grain pancake mix out of their red wagon when Clark was just eight years old (per the brand).

MUO • 11th December 2022

What Is The Roku Channel? And How to Use It

The Roku Channel is a free streaming entertainment channel featuring live television, nostalgic shows, hidden gems, recent classics, and new content. It may supplement your existing streaming channels, especially if you stream using a Roku device or want to access live news programming. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about The Roku Channel.

MUO • 8th December 2022

How to Search All Streaming Services At Once: 9 Options

We’ve all had those moments when we wanted to find which streaming service has a specific film or show. Whether you realized you hadn’t seen a classic show after hearing your friends discuss it, or you want to see if your favorite movie is streaming, you can save time by searching multiple streaming services to find what you want to watch.

Mashed • 2nd December 2022

The French Baguette Is Now Under Cultural Protection By The U.N. - Mashed

The French Baguette Is Now Under Cultural Protection By The U.N.

When you think of French cuisine, you may think of rich buttery sauces, posh pastries, and elegant meals. Or perhaps you think of a warm, freshly baked baguette. There's just something about biting into the delightfully crisp crust to get to that soft fluffy center. And now, the art of making a quality baguette has attained special status alongside other globally recognized cultural arts and traditions.

The Daily Meal • 1st December 2022

When You Should Be Seasoning Scrambled Eggs For Optimum Flavor - The Daily Meal

Foodies are divided on whether it is better to salt your eggs before, during, or after the cooking process. During a demonstration on Season 8, Episode 5 of "MasterChef," Gordon Ramsey explained his famous scrambled egg technique. He urged the chefs to avoid adding salt and pepper too early, since that can cause the eggs to "go gray and turn watery." Instead, he suggests seasoning at the end.

MUO • 25th November 2022

How to Create Your Own Apple Music Radio Station

If you have an Apple Music subscription and want to discover new music, Apple Music’s “radio stations” can help.

While Apple Radio stations include actual radio station programming, some of these “stations” are simply themed collections curated by another user or Apple’s algorithm.

Did you know you can also create your own Apple Music Radio station in just a couple of easy steps? Keep reading to find out how.

Mashed • 24th November 2022

The Extra Step That Will Give You The Smoothest Pumpkin Pie Ever - Mashed

What is it about pumpkin pie? It could be the silky smooth texture, the vibrant autumnal color, or maybe the sweet yet spicy flavor. Whatever it is, the beloved dessert has been a Thanksgiving tradition for centuries, and people in the Americas have enjoyed pumpkins in some form since 5500 B.C., according to the History Channel. In fact, members of the Wampanoag tribe ate pumpkins and may have brought some to the "first Thanksgiving."