Summer Cocktails

This summer, there are a few major cocktail trends that you should watch out for. The biggest trend seems to be the unification of the farm-to-table movement and the craft cocktail movement. Bartenders are focusing more on the quality of the ingredients than ever before, and premixed drink flavors are becoming more and more unfavorable. You will now see bartenders using a variety of tactics, such as infusing, muddling, and straining ingredients in order to create the most innovative and delicious flavors. Start using fresh herbs, spices, and fruits in your cocktails, and you are sure to impress all of your friends and family! Here are a few recipes to help you on your way to making this summer's greatest cocktails!

Southern Iced Tea Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 quart size Mason jar, or 2 pints
1 ounce of light rum
1 ounce of vodka
1 ounce of gin
4 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemonade
3 ounces of unsweetened iced team
1-2 ounces of simple syrup, to taste
Sprigs of mint, for garnish
Slices of lemon, for garnish



Instructions:
Fill a quart Mason jar with ice. Add the rum, vodka, and gin, lemon juice or lemonade, iced tea and simple syrup. Stir thoroughly, taste, and adjust sweetness if needed. Garnish with a slice of lemon and sprig of mint.

(Source: DeepSouthDish.com)

Malibu Sunset
Ingredients:
1 oz Malibu coconut rum
3 oz pineapple juice
3 oz orange juice
1 splash cranberry juice

Instructions:
Pour Malibu rum into an ice-filled hurricane glass. Add pineapple juice and orange juice. Top off with a splash of cranberry juice, garnish with a cherry, and serve.

(Source: Drinksmixer.com)

Strawberry Ginger Margarita
Ingredients:
2 medium sized pieces of ginger
1/2 pint strawberries
2 1/2 cups of water
2 cups granulated sugar
2 ounces Sauza gold tequila
1 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce strawberry ginger syrup

Instructions:
Wash and remove stems from strawberries. Peel and cut ginger into smaller chunks. Puree strawberries and ginger in a blender with 1/2 cup water until completely smooth. Place strawberry ginger mixture in a saucepan with remaining 2 cups of water and granulated sugar. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently so it does not burn or stick to the pan. Let mixture simmer for 10 minutes, then turn off. Let the syrup cool down to room temperature. Refrigerate overnight. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.

Method:
- Place all ingredients in a 1/2 pint glass. Shake and return to a 1/2 pint glass.
- Garnish with lime and a half a strawberry crusted with kosher salt.

(Source: Instyle.com)

Feel Energized and Full Longer

Mom always said not to spoil our dinner with snacks! While some of us might have listened, snacking is still America's favorite pastime. In fact, most of us eat nearly 600 calories a day in snacks, that's roughly a third of our food intake. But just because it sounds bad, doesn't mean it always has to be. If you choose the right foods, snacking is a great way to keep hunger at bay and fuel your energy source.

High Fiber Foods: When hunger strikes, grab a snack full in fiber. A treat high in fiber, like fruits, almonds, pecans, and sun dried tomatoes, absorbs water and swells, making you feel fuller. Fiber also slows the movement of food through your upper digestive tract, which helps with hunger. Aim for 25-35 grams each day to help reduce your calorie intake and increase your satiety level. Plus, fruits like banana and apples will give you a boost in energy too.

Beans and Lentils: When you eat lentils and black beans, it takes longer for your body to break it down, which in turn will help you feel full long after your meal. Navy beans provide you with the most fiber intake. Lentils are also a great substitute for meats, which often have higher fat and cholesterol.

Bran: Bran is high in fiber and is the top source of both vitamin b6 and magnesium. Fill up on oatmeal for breakfast, but make sure to avoid all the sugar. Plain oatmeal is a great source of fiver, and it will help keep you energized.

Whole grain: When it comes to your daily toast, choose wheat over white. Even though any type of bread can fill you up, whole grain bread is healthier and 50 percent more filling than white bread, which in turn will help you eat less.

Popcorn: Since bread is a big source of bad carbohydrates, think popcorn instead. Plain popcorn can make you feel twice as full and it's fun to make, especially around the office.

Eggs: They come in many forms; scrambled, over easy, boiled, and they are part of many breakfast tables in America. The good part is this super food will keep you going for hours! Eggs are a great source of energy too.


Soup: Have you noticed when you drink water it makes you feel full? That's because it's true. Choose soup as an appetizer. When you start a meal with soup, you activate brain signals that begin to tell you you've had enough to eat. To pump up the energy level, try an all veggie soup. When you blend all your healthy vegetables together, your body can easily absorb the nutrients that become readily available, without wasting energy breaking them down.

Low Density Foods: Low density foods contain a lot more water, which adds weight and volume to food. Foods that are high in calorie density contain a high number of calories per gram, and foods that are low in calorie density contain a low number of calories per gram. Non starchy vegetables, like salad greens, cucumbers, celery, broccoli, green beans, and proteins foods like fish, and white meat poultry are very low density foods.

Now that you know what to eat, this is what you should stay away from: Cookies, potatoes, croissants, and cereal. These sugary carbs tend to cause hunger to rebound and are snooze inducing enemies! But the most important thing is to slow down. Research has shown that it can take 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are full.

Recipe for Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Ingredients:
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 (6-oz.) bags baby spinach
1 (16-oz.) container strawberries, quartered
1 (4-oz.) package crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
Bottled red wine vinaigrette
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation:
Toss together red onion and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with red wine vinaigrette. Spring with salt and pepper to taste.

Note: 
For a tasty flavor combination, replace the almonds, blue cheese, and red wine vinaigrette with pecans, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette.

(Source: Southern Living)

Your Cuts of Meat Explained

Meat is part of almost every American dinner table. In fact, the U.S. consumes more meat each year than anywhere in the world. From the grill to the crock-pot, when you hit the grocery aisle for that perfect cut, do you know where your meta is coming from? Let's find out!

Short Loin: Loin meat is the most tender and expensive section of beef. But even though it costs the big bucks, believe it or not, it's not the most flavorful. It's the perfect opportunity to bring out your favorite marinades. Also, as you take the meat off of the grill, cover it and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors and juices stay locked inside. The most popular cut is the tenderloin for its tenderness, but other cuts include: T-Bone - A T-shaped bone which sub divides a small section of tenderloin with a larger section of strip steak.The Porterhouse - Similar to the T-bone, but with a larger section of tenderloin. Strip loin (NY steak) : A rectangular strip of very flavorful steak, like a T-bone without the bone or tenderloin.

Round: It's the toughest of them all and because it has little fat, it's also the hardest to cook. You are safer braising this type of meat and serving it with a broth. The three types are: Top round - which is inexpensive and flavorful, Bottom round - A little chewy. Eye of round - too tough (great for a slower cooker!). It can cost up to $5 a pound.

Sirloin: This piece of meat is less tender and cheaper than the loin, but very tasty. IT comes from the lower portions of the cow's ribs. Since it's boneless, slow cooking it is key, but if you decide to cook it on the grill, you have to remember that this cut will dry out faster than any other cut. It's the perfect meat to cook for a big family since it costs anywhere from $2 to $4 a pound.

Bottom Sirloin: The bottom sirloin lies between the butt end of the tenderloin and the knuckle of the round. When you sit down at a restaurant, you will most likely see a sirloin on the menu. If a steak is not specifically designated as a top sirloin, it is likely that it comes from the bottom sirloin. It's less tender and much larger. It costs of three separate muscles: The bottom sirloin flap, the Tri-tip or Triangle, and the Ball Tip. While the tri-tip is still used for steak, you will most likely see the sirloin flap in one of America's favorite foods: the hamburger.

Flank: The flank is the belly muscle of the cow and is typically cut into small pieces. Although it's flavorful, it's a tough piece of steak because it contains no fat. It's perfect for the grill if you cook it at a high temperature for a quick minute. If you decide to go with the flank steak, try marinating it first or if you like your meat tender, braising it is also an option.

Brisket: A brisket is the cut of meat from a cow's breast or lower chest. This succulent piece of meat needs to be cooked for hours and very slowly. It's a hit among family members and, when cooked correctly, is a finger licking sensation. It runs around $4 a pound.

Top Foods Trends

Tea
Black or green, tea has always been a great substitute for coffee or soda. Now it's also a substitute for other ingredients, like butter. Chefs are using leafs to create outstanding flavor in their kitchen that extends all the way to the dinner table. They are mixing it into sauces, broths, and much more. You will also see the brew as your beverage of choice during lunch. The drink is very flavorful, and it goes very well with simple dishes or sandwiches.

DIY Health
Many people are taking the idea of their own home garden and running with it in 2015. Growing much more than just vegetables, critics are predicting consumers to be making their own butter, cheese, yogurt, and honey.

Comfort Foods at Five-Star Restaurants
The expensive delicacy of black truffles is still out there,but the era of fancy foods at high end establishments is changing. Expect to find your favorite comfort foods, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes or a casserole dish, in many five-star restaurants. It might look a little different than what mama used to make, but it will certainly have the same effect.

Miniature Versions of Our Favorite Foods
If you search Pinterest, you will see that our favorite recipes are shrinking in size, but never in taste. At your next cocktail party, be prepared to serve hors d'oeuvres that will mostly resemble your Sunday night dinner with offerings like mini tacos, bite sized eggs Benedict, meatball lollipops, tiny cocktails (made for one shot) and small waffles on a stick.

Tequila v. Mezcal
Tequila has always been a go-to beverage on Saturday night, but there's a new flavor that has been giving your margarita a nice twist. Tequila and Mezcal are produced in different states of Mexico. The production process for Mezcal is different from Tequila, which leads to a distinctly different flavor profile for Mezcal. Mezcal can be made with upwards of 30 varieties of agave, though most are made with the Agave Espadin. Give it a try in 2015!

Yolk
The yolk represents richness and tenderness. Since they are made of fat and protein, you will notice how the texture of your dish changes, especially if it's a pastry. Chefs are using this protein-rich food to replace dairy products.

Bacon
It never left. In fact, it has made its way into our desserts with many different recipes to include salty, sweet, and spicy flavors into one piece. This year, bacon will transform your diet once again.

Flavored Cooking Oil
Step aside Olive Oil - 2015 has something tastier up it's sleeve. Chefs across the country are trading simple cooking oils for some exotic creations, like rosemary, avocado, hazelnut, and sesame seed. You can even make your own at home. There are tons of recipes online to show you the way.

Fried Chicken
Chicken has always been a forgotten meat in many restaurant menus, and one many order 'just because'. Fried chicken especially can only be seen in southern kitchens, where the cuisine is not as chic or elaborate. This year, the trend of friend chicken as a fancy dish is taking over. Five-star restaurants are creating their own versions of the comfort dish, and charging you extra for it! It's an investment well worth saving for.

Best Places near UCF

Want to know the best places to go for all of your needs? Here is a list of a bunch of hot spots near the University of Central Florida.

Best place to find your inner creativity?  Yes You Canvas
Where else can you channel your inner Picasso while hanging out with your friends, drinking wine, and snacking? This unique experience teaches you and you group how to create a select painting on a canvas, which you get to keep at the end. Price includes the canvas, an apron to wear, paint and instructions, but they allow you to bring your own snacks and wine to sip on while painting. Keep in mind if you register for a class when they first post it, you'll get 25% off!

Best affordable makeover? Tied are Amy's Walk-In Closet & The Look Salon
Amy's Walk-In Closet and the Look Salon team up to make this one impossible. The Look Salon can completely transform your locks for a super affordable price. If you go on a Monday, students get 50% off, including color, cut and blow-dry! Then hop on over to Amy's Walk-In Closet to find some great gently used threads to accent your new do and voila!

The happiest happy hour? Bleu 42
Many places offer a Happy Hour, bu you haven't seen on like this before! Bleu 42 not only shows all of the sporting games you crave, but they have the ultimate specials and twice a day at that from 4-7 and again from 9-close. Some notable deals include $2 domestics, $3 calls, and 2-for-1 house wines in addition to many other drink specials, and a $4 appetizer menu to pair with it.

Best place to party on Cinco de Mayo? Azteca D'Oro
Award winning margaritas and nachos make this authentic Mexican cuisine a must! Azteca is the definite choice for celebrating Cinco, but is also an awesome casual dining choice anytime.

Best place to Marvel at what you find? Epic Comics
Channel your inner comic book geek and enjoy the best that comic books have to offer. Read the stories behind your favorite action movies, find collectibles as keepsakes, and discover great treasures for gifting, all in one place.

Best way to earn extra money? Quick Cash Pawn & Jewelry
All of us have jewelry and miscellaneous items that we never use. So instead of stressing over how you're going to pay for your holiday gifts, pawn those unnecessary items you have laying around. Get cash instantly for them, and then shop around and admire the finds. Get all your shopping done in one stop.

Most fun place to live? Boardwalk Apartments
As if the giant swimming pool with an impressive sunbathing area isn't enough reason to have your friends over all the time, there is a gaming room and movie theater. It has a pool table, video gaming consoles, darts, a popcorn machine, and massive televisions inside. You won't ever need to leave your complex again. Well, except for work or class.

Most Anticipated Movies for 2015

We all love going to the movies. The popcorn, the candy, the excitement. The anticipation always spikes when you hear the movies that are going to come out throughout the year. You now have a reason to be excited for every month of the year.

There are a lot of movies coming out for the rest of 2015. Several people will argue which ones are going to be the most sought out. Here is MyCity's list for the Most Anticipated Movies of 2015:
(Keep in mind, these are in no particular order of most to least, because they all have pros and cons to why they could be anticipated and why they may not be)

1) Avengers: Age of Ultron
When the first Avengers movie came out, everyone was talking about it. You couldn't have a conversation without hearing something about Thor, Captain America, Tony Stark, or Black Widow. Now, the sequel is coming out and people are already waiting in that metaphorical line. The anticipation is palpable. Some simply loved the first movie so much, and others are looking to see if they follow the plot line of the comic books. We'll have to wait in line to find out.

2) Star Wars: The Force Awakens
We haven't had a Star Wars movie come out since 2005, and we haven't had a good one come out since the 80's. A lot of people are wondering if they're going to be able to live up to the legend that Star Wars has become. With an all new cast, and varying people a part of this production, it's really a 50/50 chance on great v. terrible.

3) The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2
When the first Hunger Games movie came out, it was beloved by all. Mostly, we were just thankful that a young adult movie, with planned sequels, came out and was better than Twilight. The storyline is much more complex and interesting, so we weren't too worried. However, the movies have increased in greatness, and the growing popularity of Jennifer Lawrence certainly helps the film. This will be the end of the trilogy, and everyone is waiting with baited breath to see just how they'll document what happened to the Capitol.

4) Inside Out
Finally, we have a break from the comic book and sequel genre. This movie is something a little more adventurous for Disney-Pixar. They're tackling the inner workings of a twelve-year-olds mind. The concept is interesting - the idea that we have little people in our head, each with a purpose or identity, and they are what controls us. It will be beloved by children everywhere, but the question is: Will their parents love it as well?

5) Jurassic World
An interesting take on the Jurassic Park franchise is the addition of this movie. What we can tell from the trailers is that Jurassic Park is having a grand reopening, and they've created a dinosaur hybrid now. With the addition of Chris Pratt to the movie, many people will venture out to see this movie. This will not just draw in the younger audience, but the older audience who grew up watching these movies. Will it do the previous films justice?

6) Batman v. Superman
We're back to the comic books! When Man of Steel came out, a lot of people were really exciting. Finally! We had a Superman movie that was at least decent. We've had a string - at least in recent years - of awful re-imaginations of one of the greatest superheros. The fact that we're incorporating Batman into the mix (which is kind of DC's version of the Avenger's, at least in regards to mash ups) is pretty exciting. When everyone found out that Ben Affleck was going to be Batman, there were mixed reviews to say the least. What will this movie bring us? Hopefully another box office hit.

7) Pitch Perfect 2
When this movie first came out, it was huge hit. Everyone loved that it was enough of a musical for girls to love it, but it was enough of a non-Musical that they could bring their boyfriends willingly. This movie forced everyone to adore it, and gave the world even more reason to love Anna Kendrick, and Rebel Wilson. Will this movie live up to the greatness that was the original?

8) Paper Towns
After the Fault in Our Stars was so popular - both with the books and the movie - it was clear that everyone wanted another story transformed into a cinematic masterpiece. However, this is a brave move for John Green. Choosing to remake one of his books into a movie, so close to the previous one, might not be the best move. If it isn't as great as the previous movie, a lot of people may lose faith in the author's success with movie adaptions.