24 Spiked, Boozy Fall Recipes to Cozy Up With

Beth Wischnia
Oct 22, 2015

It’s getting chilly, y’all! With the onset of colder weather, we can’t stop thinking about chowing down on our favorite fall comfort foods as we kick back on the couch. We’ve all cozied up with a comforting bowl of mac and cheese on those gray days, but what about *boozy* mac and cheese? Yup, that does in fact exist. Thanks to the help of booze, your fall food staples are heading in another (read: more delicious) direction. Here are our picks for 24 of the best recipes made even more epic with alcohol.

1. Boozy One-Pot Italian Chicken: Not only is this a beautiful dish, but it’s super simple (and easy to clean up) because it’s a one-pot dinner. You can always switch up the veggies in this depending on what’s in season. (via Supergolden Bakes)

2. Bourbon Peaches & Cream French Toast: Bourbon brings a totally new element to the sweet peach syrup that you top this breakfast delicacy off with. You’ll want to munch on these all day long. (via B. Britnell)

3. Lager Tomato Soup + Mustard Grilled Cheese: There is *no* food that’s more comforting than this. The beer takes classic tomato soup to the next level while the mustard gives the grilled cheese an extra kick. (via Yes to Yolks)

4. Pulled Pork Pancakes With Bourbon Syrup: The sweet-and-savory element in this breakfast is serious business. That said, the fact that pulled pork is part of this recipe makes it acceptable for lunch and dinner, right? (via I Am a Food Blog)

5. Beer Risotto With Sausage and Gouda: This hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal is perfect to cozy up with this fall. The nutty taste from the ale makes the flavors taste even better. (via Cherry on My Sundae)

6. Honey Beer Bread: There is nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread. This honey-wheat bread is sweet, hearty and packs a little extra punch with the beer. (via Gimme Some Oven)

7. Tangy Tequila Popcorn: Popcorn is such a legit snack: It can be sweet, salty or (my personal fave) a combination of both. Tequila, lime, cayenne pepper and other spices really kick this snack up a notch. (via Simply Reem)

8. Beer-Battered Mini Corn Dogs With Chipotle Ketchup: Let’s be real: Beer-battered anything is delicious, but mini beer-battered anything is even better. These little corn dogs were made for dipping, so load up on the spicy ketchup! (via The Beeroness)

9. Salted Whiskey Caramels: Salted caramels just got way better. Why? Because whiskey makes *everything* better. (via Betty Crocker)

10. Honey Bourbon Pulled Chicken: This chicken recipe is awesome for a few reasons: It’s cooked in a slow cooker, is sweet + spicy and can be used in lots of different dishes after you’ve made your initial batch. (via Healthy Delish)

11. Bloody Mary Salad: It doesn’t get more epic than this, folks. With this refreshing dish, you’ll get the same satisfying flavors from your fave brunch drink in salad form. Vodka included! (via Framed Cooks)

12. Strawberry Moonshine Fried Pie: A Southern tradition, fried pies are something everyone should experience. These sweet, fruity pies have an unexpected twist: moonshine! (via Garden & Gun)

13. Drunken French Onion Soup: French onion soup is such a yummy comfort food — and it’s super hearty to boot. This souped-up version takes it to the next level. Grab a bowl and get comfy on the couch with this recipe. (via SHAPE)

14. Blood Orange + Port Marmalade: This is how you take your toast up a notch. The blood orange flavor is strong but balanced with the port wine that’s in the recipe. This one takes some time to make, FYI. (via Love and Olive Oil)

15. Maple Sugar, Bourbon + Brown Butter Peach Crisp: Sweet peaches pair really well with the deep flavor of bourbon in this dish. And who doesn’t love maple sugar and brown butter? (via The Bojon Gourmet)

16. Beer Butter Mushrooms: It’s not unheard of to add a splash of white wine to mushrooms while you’re cooking them, but beer? Yup. Beer and butter are the main flavors making these mushrooms total game changers. (via Killing Thyme)

17. Jack Daniel’s Bacon Mac and Cheese: Mmmmm, creamy, gooey mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate cold-weather meal. Somehow, it just got better with our pal Mr. Jack Daniel’s. (via Bread Booze Bacon)

18. Crockpot Bacon Bourbon Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are delicious and will seriously fill you up. Spoon up a bowl of ‘em and savor the flavor combos. (via How Sweet It Is)

19. One-Pot Red Wine Pasta: Who knew red wine pasta was a thing?! What’s even better is that you only have to clean up one pot with this homerun recipe. Vino, cheese, basil and garlic make this one insanely yummy. (via A Beautiful Mess)

20. Bourbon BBQ Meatballs: Munching on meatballs is a great option for your guests the next time you host a fall shindig. These mini meatballs are slightly spicy and easy to pop in your mouth. (via Nutmeg Nanny)

21. Pumpkin Quesadillas With Boozy Pulled Pork: Pumpkin quesadillas are the quintessential fall snack that’s sure to bring on lots of “yummmm” responses. Add some boozy pulled pork to make them even more epic. (via Rachael Ray Every Day)

22. Beef and Dark Beer Chili: Serve this stuff up on the next big game day — or just any day you want a hearty bowl of booze-infused chili. (via Guest of a Guest)

23. Blueberry + Peach + Bourbon Granola Crisp: A granola crisp is a great, simpler take on cobbler. This one packs fresh fruit while the granola adds crunch. Oh, and don’t forget about the bourbon! (via The Art of Manliness)

24. Spirited Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pie is such a fall food staple, but this one has booooze. Rum, to be specific. Now, we’ll never be able to eat non-boozy pumpkin pie again. (via Epicurious)

Do you have a favorite boozy fall recipe? Share your recipes in the comment section below!

16 Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks That Still Taste Like A Treat

Indulging in a Starbucks coffee is an important ritual for many, but sometimes Starbucks drinks can pack a dense caloric punch. If you're looking to be more mindful of your intake, make sure to reference this list of low-calorie Starbucks drinks!

As a coffee-lover andformer barista, I've curated some delightful healthy, low-calorie Starbucks drinks that still feel special. These alternatives ensure that your next coffee run can be both delicious and guilt-free! Scroll on for some scrumptious (and healthy) sips! ☕️

Black Iced Coffee

If you order a grande iced coffee plain with no Classic syrup, it'll be fewer than 5 calories with 0 grams of sugar. The iced coffee from Starbucks comes with the Classic syrup for added sweetness – the drink comes out to 80 calories and 20 grams of sugar with it included.

Iced Americano

Made with just espresso, cold water, and ice, a grande iced Americano from Starbucks totals 15 calories.

Unsweetened Cold Brew

With less than 5 calories and 0 grams of sugar, cold brew is a great ordering option that still has plenty of caffeine! The Starbucks cold brew is steeped for 20 hours and carries notes of chocolate and citrus. If you like your coffee creamier, just add a splash of your go-to milk.

Nitro Cold Brew

The Nitro Cold Brew from Starbucks is just their regular cold brew infused with nitrogen to create a satisfyingly creamy top layer of crema. A grande size has 5 calories or less and no sugar.

Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew

If you prefer your Starbucks on the sweeter side, this is the drink for you! The Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew is topped with vanilla sweet cream that makes the drink a lot creamier and subtly sweeter at the same time. This one clocks in at 70 calories and 4 grams of sugar.

Black Brewed Hot Coffee

A grande plain hot coffee from Starbucks has less than 5 calories, and depending on the featured brew, you'll still get some really yummy flavor notes in each sip.

Hot Americano

A grande plain hot Americano contains about 15 calories, and unlike a brewed hot coffee made with beans, it'll wake you up with strong espresso shots! The grande comes with 3 espresso shots by default, whereas a tall size has 2 and a venti size has 4.

Unsweetened Iced Tea

Starbucks has numerous teas at the ready. You can order iced black tea, iced green tea, and iced herbal teas like the Passion Tango. Unsweetened, each one is 0 calories, plus you can always add your own guilt-free sweetness with Splenda or Stevia.

Unsweetened Hot Tea

Like their range of iced teas, Starbucks' hot teas are available in a ton of varieties and flavors. You can order chai, earl grey, English breakfast, and mint teas hot, and they're so good! Each one, unsweetened measures up to be 0 calories. Add some sweetener and a splash of milk for somethin' a little extra.

Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

This is by far one of my favorite low-calorie Starbucks drinks. It's sweet and smooth, but doesn't leave me feeling like I'll crash from the sugar afterward. A grande of the Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso has 120 calories and 12 grams of sugar.

Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Instead of being flavored with brown sugar syrup, this bev gets a nutty dose of hazelnut syrup. For 150 calories and 16 grams of sugar, this low-cal option is worth the splurge.

Starbucks Refreshers

There are three different fruity flavors for the Starbucks Refreshers, and each one is generously low in calories for how flavorful they are! A grande size of the Strawberry Acai has 100 calories, the Mango Dragonfruit has 90 calories, and the Pineapple Passionfruit has 100 calories.

Nonfat Cappuccino

You can order this next option hot or iced, depending on your preferences. Filled primarily with milk foam, getting a cappuccino with nonfat milk significantly decreases the amount of calories from the standard recipe. Plus, yay for espresso!

Skinny Vanilla Latte

Any Starbucks drink that's "skinny" just means it's made with less syrup pumps than the original recipe, nonfat milk, and no whipped cream. You can order most Starbucks drinks "skinny," including lattes. Just note they might not be as sweet or as flavorful as the OG! The Skinny Vanilla Latte is a lighter, lower-cal version that still tastes yum.

Skinny Mocha

Available hot or iced, the "skinny" version of a Starbucks mocha is made with less syrup, nonfat milk, and no whip, which cuts the calories down by a long shot. Chocolatey and coffee-y – what more could you want?!

Flat White

Clocking in at 170 calories and 13 grams of sugar, flat whites are a nice treat that definitely rank lower from typical bevs in terms of calorie count. Whole milk and espresso have never been tastier!

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Images via Starbucks.

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Travel Anxiety Sucks — Here Are 7 Easy Tips To Soothe It

Traveling can be so rewarding; new experiences lend to a broader and more understanding mindset and taking time away from your everyday routine can feel like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Whether you’re headed away on a quick weekend accompanied only by a carry-on, or jet setting on a bachelorette trip to celebrate a lifelong girlfriend, trips are good for the mind, body, and soul.

While the positive aspects that accompany traveling are plenty, it’s completely normal to experience anxiety around this process as well. It’s inevitable that each time you take a trip you’re usually forced to encounter one uncomfortable situation or another; planned or not. Maybe your flight gets delayed, your friend can no longer watch your pet while you’re away, or you get sick just days before heading overseas; the unpredictability of travel can be extremely anxiety-inducing, and we get that.

Instead of leaving you to fly solo to stress about the potential anxieties of any upcoming trips you may have on your calendar, we spoke with California-based mental health professor, Dr. Ishan Shivanandwho has experience in groundbreaking protocols for reversing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

What is anxiety?

Photo by Liza Summer/PEXELS

Dr. Shivanand describesanxiety as "a complex state that can manifest in various forms and intensities, affecting both the mind and the body." He continued, saying, “At its core, anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating. One way to understand anxiety is to think of it as the mind being overwhelmed by the multitude of thoughts, concerns, and stimuli bombarding it at any given moment. Just like a computer with too many open applications, the mind struggles to process everything efficiently, leading to a sense of being scattered and unable to focus.”

Why do I get anxious when I travel?

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When it comes to anxiety specific to travel, the reason for why you may experience these uncomfortable feelings could be due to a multitude of reasons and can vary in intensity from person to person. Dr. Shivanand shared that travel anxiety could be in part due to “fear of the unknown, fear of safety, fear of flying, control issues, and past traumatic experiences,” as well other areas of anxiety including “separation anxiety, social anxiety, and health anxiety.” Dr. Shivanand went on to explain that, although fun, “traveling often involves stepping outside of one's comfort zone and encountering unfamiliar situations, environments, and people. For some individuals, the uncertainty of what to expect can trigger feelings of anxiety.”

No matter why you experience anxiety related to travel, “It's important to recognize that travel anxiety is a common and valid experience, and there are various strategies and coping mechanisms available to help manage it,” offered Dr. Shivanand. “These may include relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, seeking support from mental health professionals, and planning ahead to minimize stressors during travel.”

​How can I control my travel anxiety ahead of my upcoming trip?

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  • Plan and Prepare in Advance: “Plan your trip ahead of time to reduce uncertainty,” says Dr. Shivanand. “This includes booking accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance, as well as familiarizing yourself with the destination, and local regulations.” Having a loose agenda of things to look forward to when your trip starts is a great way to get excited when thinking about traveling, instead of stressed.
  • Practice Relaxation Techniques: “Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to calm and center yourself. [Yoga of Immortals] Breathwork and Advance Cognitive sessions can really help,” says Dr. Shivanand. As the founder of the Yoga of Immortals practice, he uses its principles in his everyday life and has seen how it can positively impact the lives of others from a mental health standpoint. However, any type of yoga, meditation, and other similar practices you're familiar with should help.

Image via Andrew Worung/Dupe

  • Create a Checklist: “Create a checklist of essential items to pack and tasks to complete before your trip to stay organized and minimize last-minute stressors,” shared Dr. Shivanand. “Organizing your belongings and documents can also help you feel more in control during your travels.” The simple task of crossing off packing items from a list can feel cathartic and ensure you don’t forget anything essential during your travels.
  • Stay Connected: “Maintain communication with friends or family members before, during, and after your trip,” Dr. Shivanand recommends. “Knowing that you have someone to reach out to for support or guidance can provide reassurance and alleviate feelings of isolation.” News flash, the people you care about care about you too! They’ll be happy to hear from you and walk you through any tough feelings, if need be.
  • Stay Grounded: “Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present and centered during your travels,” shared Dr. Shivanand. Embrace the ‘pinch me’ moments of your trip as they happen, this is why you’re traveling in the first place after all!

Photo by Cliff Booth/PEXELS

  • Seek Professional Support: “If travel-related anxiety significantly impacts your ability to engage in travel experiences, consider seeking support from a mental health professional,” says Dr. Shivanand. Listen; asking for help is okay, and something that you should do if it will have a positive impact on your life.
  • Incorporate Meditative & Wellness Daily: In doing so, Dr Shivanand says, "One can effectively manage travel-related anxiety and enjoy your travel experiences with greater ease and confidence.” Dr. Shivanand reiterates that “it's okay to seek support and take proactive steps to prioritize your mental well-being during your travels.”

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Header image via Cora Pursley/Dupe

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Is "thanK you aIMee" About Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian?

If you're a Taylor Swift fan, then you probably know about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian's history. What started as Kanye West interrupting Taylor's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs — a moment that altered the course of pop culture history — spiraled into a very public feud that gave us Reputation and always seems to reappear in a new form. And after the release of The Tortured Poets Department, Swifties think we've got another piece of the puzzle with Taylor's new song "thanK you aIMee." Here's everything you need to know. Don't forget to check out Every Pop Culture Reference In Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department.

Is "thanK you aIMee" actually about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian?

Image via Big Machine Records/YouTube

There is plenty of evidence suggesting "thanK you aIMee" is about Kim Kardashian & Taylor Swift. The first and most obvious is that the title of the song only has three letters capitalized: "KIM." The song talks about "Aimee" (who Taylor admits actually has a different name in real life), a bully figure who beats Taylor's spirit "black and blue."

In the summer of 2016, Kanye West (Kim's husband at the time) released his song "Famous," in which he takes total credit for Taylor's fame following the 2009 VMAs incident. Taylor claimed she never gave him permission to call her a bitch in the song, a video leak from Kim seemed to show the opposite (the video turned out to be edited). At the time, Kim even told GQ that “[Taylor] totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn’t.”

#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty started trending on Twitter, Taylor Swift deleted all social media and stopped doing interviews for three years, then returned with a vengeance on the "Look What You Made Me Do" music video in 2017. The video starts off with a zombie Taylor burying the "nicer" version of herself.

Taylor Swift's "thanK you aIMee" mentions "It wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take." If you ask me, it definitely sounds like a reference to the music video and maybe even Kim's interviews.

Why does "thanK you aIMee" have random capital letters?

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Taylor Swift loves hiding clues in her titles, lyrics, and messages. And historically, she's hidden words by using random capital letters. That means "thanK you aIMee" is supposed to draw our eyes to "KIM."

The Lyrics To "thanK you aIMee"

Image via Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Verse 1: When I picture my hometown // There's a bronze spray-tanned statue of you // And a plaque underneath it // That threatens to push me down the stairs at our school

Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I dreamed that, one day, I could say

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I can't forgive the way you made me feel // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal

Verse 2: And it wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take

Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I prayed that, one day, I could say

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I couldn't wait to show you it was real // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // I pushed each boulder up the hill // Your words are still just ringing in my head, ringing in my head

Verse 3: I wrote a thousand songs that you find uncool // I built a legacy, which you can't undo // But when I count the scars, there's a moment of truth // That there wouldn't be this if there hadn't been you

Bridge: And maybe you've reframed it // And in your mind, you never beat my spirit black and blue // I don't think you've changed much // And so I changed your name and any real defining clues // And one day, your kid comes home singin' // A song that only us two is gonna know is about you, 'cause

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, it was all for nothin' // And our town, it looks so small from way up here // Screamed, "Thank you, Aimee" to the night sky and the stars are stunnin' // 'Cause I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // So I pushed each boulder up that hill // Your words were still just ringin' in my head, ringin' in my head

Outro: Thank you, Aimee // Thank you, Aimee

Do you think "thanK you aIMee" is referencing the feud between Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian? After you listen again, check out All Of Taylor Swift's Albums, Ranked!

Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Monica Schipper/Getty Images

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