Jennifer Mathews

Spartanburg

Freelance Writer at Mashed

Featured in: Favicon

mashed.com Favicon

npr.org

flipboard.com Favicon

patch.com

wspa.com

thedailymeal.com Favicon

foodrepublic.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

depositaccounts.com Favicon

msn.com

Articles

Adding a splash of orange juice can replace the triple sec in a margarita.

Jun 16, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

Gone are the days when we relied on store-bought mixes and sweetened liqueurs to craft homemade cocktails. Classic drinks have received a much-needed makeover, turning favorites like margaritas into brighter, more sophisticated versions. For your next margarita, try adding a splash of orange juice for a refreshing upgrade on the OG. Although there are many variations, a classic margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and an orange-flavored liqueur like Triple Sec.
The Colorful Candy Ronald Reagan Ate 720 Bags Of Monthly

Jun 15, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

Just like a president's policies, a POTUS' food choices can impact the nation. When former California governor Ronald Reagan took the highest office in 1981, his love for jelly beans followed him into the White House and beyond. In particular, The Gipper loved the popular Jelly Belly brand treats, eventually receiving 720 bags monthly. Reagan's sweet cravings reportedly began in 1966, when he replaced pipe smoking with the colorful candy.
Rice milk is quite watery and won't have the same outcome on baked goods

Jun 14, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

Most dishes taste better with a little butter and cream, especially in baking where they act as essential ingredients that can truly make or break a recipe. Like everything related to baking, though, it's all a precise science. And if you're thinking of making a dairy swap, some milk products are better than others as the choice can affect the crumb, mouthfeel, and taste. If you're lactose-intolerant or want to make dairy-free baked goods, all hope it not lost for a substitution.
A tomato-free spaghetti sauce is possible with these veggie swaps

Jun 13, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

Tomatoes are the cornerstone of many favorite recipes, like pasta, pizza, salsa, and so much more. However, not everyone enjoys or can tolerate the fruit in their diet. Regardless of the reason, you don't need to deprive yourself of comfort foods if you can't eat tomatoes since there are delicious, easy swaps you can make — especially when it comes to a satisfying spaghetti sauce.
No time to cook lasagna? There is if you use this hack from Ina Garten.

Jun 11, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

At the risk of ruffling a few feathers, it may be time to update the family's lasagna recipe. While heirloom dishes reserve a special place in our hearts, Ina Garten has a hack that can improve the meal while simultaneously making it quicker to prepare — she simply soaks the noodles first. The most time-consuming (and frustrating) step of preparing lasagna is pre-cooking the noodles.
Cantaloupe seeds provide texture and nutrients like tons of fiber.

Jun 11, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

This may blow your mind, but pumpkin seeds aren't the only seeds you can roast. Melon seeds, like cantaloupe, are also delicious when roasted, providing all the crunchy, umami yumminess craved in a snack. Not only does this tip take advantage of local in-season produce during the non-autumnal months (peak season for melons is typically May to September), but it also utilizes a part of the cantaloupe that's commonly thrown away, reducing waste.
Fourth of July barbecue is a huge part of the holiday, but do you know why?

Jun 9, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

When the Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence, they might as well have included a line about the self-evident truth that most Americans would celebrate the Fourth of July with barbecue. In 1776, John Adams even predicted that Independence Day would be celebrated for generations with fireworks, parades, and food. And, although there is less cannon fire nowadays, many of these traditions have stuck, including barbecue, which can be traced back to the early 1800s.
The Drip Drop impressed the Sharks with a unique ice cream solution.

Jun 4, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

In 2011, when they were both 10-years-old, childhood friends Oliver Greenwald and Sam Nassif invented The Drip Drop to solve a common problem plaguing children like them: melting ice cream. The Drip Drop is an edible waffle cone ring that acts like a shelf to catch liquified remnants and falling sprinkles while also shielding hands from the sticky mess.
Brümachen's appearance on "Shark Tank" didn't exactly go as planned.

Jun 3, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

In 2021, Kweku Larbi and Ross Smith brought Brümachen to "Shark Tank, appearing on Season 12, Episode 11 of the hit show. Brümachen is a single-serve portable coffeemaker that uses standard-sized coffee pods like those for Keurig to brew the hot drink on-the-go. The invention is Larbi's brainchild, who offered a personal story as compelling as his creation.
Why Anthony Bourdain Recommended Pork Over Chicken At A Restaurant

May 29, 2024 | foodrepublic.com | Jennifer Mathews

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Anthony Bourdain famously said he would try anything once, yet despite sampling more than a few questionable-looking dishes, what Bourdain witnessed while working in professional kitchens turned him into a bit of a whistleblower. One of his shared insights was providing deeper rationale for why professional chefs skip chicken at restaurants, and why he suggested opting for pork instead.