Latest news with #MasonJar
CNET
14-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Make a Smoothie in an Instant Without the Fuss. Here's How
We've all been there: You're running late and rushing to get out of the house in the morning, and you don't eat breakfast. You either skip breakfast entirely or opt for a fast food meal -- and if you do that your healthy eating habits are out the window. While waking up earlier could solve your problem, I found a solution that allows me to hit the snooze button and still have a nutritious morning meal I can have at home or take with me. The trick is doing a bit of prep work for my breakfast smoothie the night before. What's great about this tip is that I don't even have to worry about cleaning up a mess. Here's why: I'm blending the smoothie in a Mason jar, which acts as my single-serving to-go cup. No more using my blender pitcher or container and pouring the contents into a cup, and possibly spilling some smoothie all over your countertop. Grab some fruit or veggies, your blender and a Mason jar to get started with your smoothie. For more ideas, here's how to cut a cake with dental floss and how to stop junk mail for good. How to prep your smoothie in a Mason jar Safety first: Before using the Mason jars, check to make sure the jar is perfectly intact. Any blemishes to the glass, such as a crack, can make it easy for your jar to break. Also, you always want to make sure the blades you're using fit inside the Mason jar with plenty of clearance from the walls of the jar. If the blades touch the glass at all, they could cause the glass to shatter. Finally, it's important that you're using a real Mason jar brand since other canning jars may not work. Prior to adding fruit and veggies to your Mason jar, make sure the blade assembly fits properly on the mouth of the jar. A mouth on a regular-size Mason jar should work with most standard blenders, like Oster and Tribest . But for larger blenders, you may need a wide-mouth Mason jar. Note that some blenders, like Ninja and Nutribullet, may not be compatible. Test your attachments on a Mason jar before adding your ingredients. Add your smoothie ingredients Now that we've got that out of the way, start adding the smoothie ingredients, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, a banana, fresh spinach, avocados, yogurt -- anything you like in a smoothie. Once you're finished, seal the Mason jar with its original lid and place it in the freezer overnight. If you don't have time to let your smoothie freeze, you can always use frozen fruits and veggies instead. If that's not an option, throw some small pieces of ice into the jar with your fruit to get the right consistency. Blend your smoothie in a Mason jar In the morning, take the jar out of the freezer and remove the lid. The contents in the jar will be frozen in preparation for that perfect smoothie texture. Next, add milk, juice or water to help make the fruit and vegetables easier to blend. Screw the blender blade assembly onto your Mason jar and flip the jar upside down. Now it's time to put the jar on the blender base. Blend the smoothie until it's... well... smooth and you no longer see any chunks of fruit, veggies or ice. Once it's blended, remove the jar from the blender and twist the blade assembly off. That's it! Now you can add a paper straw or drink directly from it. For more, here's how to open your beer bottle without a bottle opener. Also, here's how to start a campfire with Doritos.
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Get a taste for the high life on a foodie-friendly cruise
From the freshest sushi to the most succulent steaks, you'll find a delicious assortment of culinary delights on board Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. The ship has been given a spectacular makeover to explore the best of Europe during the 2025 season, so if you dream of a Mediterranean cruise, for example, you're sure to find something to satisfy every palate. What's new? For a taste of the tropical head to the all-new Lime and Coconut poolside bar, which features resident DJs, live music performances and expert mixologists. The Pesky Parrot tiki bar, another new addition, is all about the Caribbean vibe with rum, tequila, gin and fruity cocktails, all served in a cool, relaxing setting. When it's time to dine, you won't be starved of tantalising options. The newly opened El Loco Fresh serves up Mexican marvels, from homemade salsa verde, shareable nachos and stacked beef burritos to mouthwatering carnitas and quesadillas. Another inspired new eatery, the Mason Jar Southern Restaurant, is the perfect place to sample the best at-sea soul food, while the Playmaker Sports Bar and Arcade offers all-American favourites, from burgers and hotdogs to ice-cold draught beer. Dine your own way Whether you're looking for a special gourmet experience or a delicious meal to keep the whole family happy, it's a breeze aboard Allure of the Seas. For a relaxing, casual dining experience, the Windjammer is the ideal spot. A self-serve buffet-style restaurant, it offers a wide range of healthy eating options and serves laid-back breakfasts, lunches and dinners. You'll savour freshly baked morning pastries and omelettes cooked just how you like them, mains that range from southern-style crispy chicken through to Vietnamese delights, along with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, salads and more. It's your go-to place for globally inspired cuisine and, thanks to its daily changing menu, you'll always have something fresh to choose from. The Main Dining Room is another great spot that will keep you satisfied from breakfast through to dinner. This multi-level restaurant offers a world of flavours that will whisk you from Italy to India and everywhere in between. And the dedicated children's menu will win over even the fussiest eaters, thanks to its array of mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dishes. If you'd prefer some quick bites, head to the Park Café, tuck into burgers at Johnny Rocket's, treat the family to authentic New York pizza at Sorrento's or snack on Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the Solarium Bistro. For those moments when you and the family want to relax and eat in the comfort of your own stateroom, the room service menu can provide a range of dishes at any time of day or night. From continental breakfasts in bed to big family feasts in the evening, you can order a diverse selection of delicacies, delivered straight to your door. And when hunger strikes or if you're looking for a treat, opt for on-the-go gourmet hot dogs loaded with your favourite toppings at the Boardwalk Dog House. Your little ones can also grab refreshing frozen yogurt from stations near their dedicated pool area, and you can get your coffee fix at the on-board Starbucks. Grown-up gourmet delights While there are plenty of treats that will keep the kids happy, adults have the luxury of indulging in sophisticated dining. Kick off a classy evening with pre-dinner drinks at the Pesky Parrot, where you'll choose from expertly crafted cocktails, specialist rums, tequilas and more, soaking up the laid-back, Caribbean-inspired setting. Then it's time to treat yourself to a wonderful culinary experience at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. At Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, succulent slow-roasted meats are carved tableside in the tradition of southern Brazil's gauchos. Start your journey with sumptuous starters, then go from prime picanha beef to frango chicken. Taste a little, or taste it all – the flavours here are as big as Brazil. Savour succulent steaks at Chops Grille, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Giovanni's Table or experience the art of Japanese teppanyaki at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. For an intimate dinner for two, reserve a spot at the Chef's Table, where you'll be treated to an unforgettable multi-course tasting menu. You can also enjoy seasonal dishes paired with world-class wines at 150 Central Park. Guests staying in qualifying suites and Pinnacle Club members will also have exclusive access to the Coastal Kitchen, which offers an evolving menu of fresh dishes inspired by a fusion of farm-fresh Californian flavours and Mediterranean cuisine. With such a wide range of on-board dining options available, you'll find everything you need for a decadent breakfast or brunch, lunch and dinner on Allure of the Seas. From grab-and-go delicacies and casual family-friendly eateries to upscale restaurants, there's truly something for everyone.
