Food, Drinks, & Recipes Archives

A Dive into the Bright Cuisine of the Caribbean

By ideal-Living | June 17, 2016 |

Dive into the Bright Cuisine of the Caribbean Set your watches to island time. We’re about to light up our palates with a leisurely dip into paradise. Some like it hot. Some like it really hot with a side of sweet. Welcome to Caribbean Cuisine 101. This distinctive fare—which spawns from the islands and is…

Hop Along for the Ride

By ideal-Living | March 31, 2016 |

Exploring the Explosion of America’s Craft Breweries by Fanny Slater If it looks like a beer, pours like a beer, and tastes like a beer—it’s probably a duck. Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout, that is. Gone are the days where you could belly up to the bar and simply say, “I’ll take a beer, Sam.” (Although to…

Beer: It’s What’s for Dinner

By ideal-Living | March 28, 2016 |

Craft beer pairings have become a widespread craze.. with Mahi Tacos Watermelon Radishes Pineapple Salsa and Lime Crema. Recipe for this delicious combo…

Chilling Out with Seasonal Seafood

By ideal-Living | December 29, 2015 |

When you hear seafood.. a fresh lineup of seasonal specialties just waiting to swim into your dinner. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium high heat…

All Along the Whiskey Trail

By ideal-Living | December 29, 2015

No matter how you sip it-on the rocks, neat, with a splash of soda-whiskey is a magical potion. Sure, one finger too many and you might be seeing sparkles, but that’s not what I mean. This sultry spirit is served with a side of history, especially when we’re talking Tennessee. Dig deep into this state’s roots and you’ll find that whiskey is the quintessence of their spirited culture.

Preserving Tomatoes

By ideal-Living | October 15, 2015

PRESERVING TOMATOES Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor University of Vermont Got tomatoes? Maybe you have too many tomatoes, and wonder how to possibly use them all. Consider making tomato sauce with excess ones from your garden, or buy a bulk box for this purpose from a local grower. Tomatoes and sauce can be canned, or…

‘Cue the Smoke Signal – Why America Goes Hog Wild for Barbeque

By ideal-Living | August 31, 2015

Your backyard may be brimming with brews, burgers, and dogs—but call this a “barbecue” in front of a true ‘cue aficionado and you’re likely to get your butt handed to you… …Pork butt, that is. The invitation may have said “BBQ,” but flipping patties on an outdoor grill does not equal those three sacred letters.…

Wilmington’s Got the Summer Brews!

By ideal-Living | July 13, 2015

Wilmington’s Got the Summer Brews! A growing trend throughout the United States is the popularity of microbrews; Wilmington, NC is no exception. With a wide arrange of personalities comes a wide range of taste. Wilmington’s got one for everyone! Our growth of local breweries offers a relaxing environment to soak in all that is Coastal…

Fireworks and Swimming Holes in North Carolina

By ideal-Living | July 4, 2015

Fireworks and Swimming Holes in North Carolina See Fireworks for Fourth of July and All Summer Watching fireworks light up the sky is an experience as American as they come. North Carolina offers beautiful backdrops for these bursts of color and sound, in the skies above our mountains, cityscapes and beaches. You’ll find dozens of…