It's National Licorice Day, and if your first reaction is "Eww, licorice," then these 11 items may have you rethinking the anise-flavored root. From liqueur to laces to tea, these items will prove to you that it's about time to give licorice another chance.
It may not get top billing on the calendar, but National Licorice Day deserves to be celebrated! The fourth annual celebration of the candy occurs today, April 12, and it's the perfect opportunity to see just how versatile the chewy rope candy can be. Made from licorice root — which was found in the tomb of King Tut — the candy is equally popular with adults and kids, who usually receive an introduction to it via Red Vines or Twizzlers. Those ropes, while tasty on their own, also translate well into fun, kid-friendly craft projects and math programs to give kids yet another way to play with their food. Here are six fun ways to celebrate licorice's big day!
For anyone with celiac disease — or an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to gluten — the six-letter word "gluten" most likely has a prominent place in their daily conversations. I try my hardest not to be that annoying friend who grills the waiter about every item on the menu. But gluten is no laughing matter, especially if your body can't process it and you are trying to adhere to a gluten-free diet — which is why you need to be armed with the right information before dining out or even going to the grocery store.
A protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, gluten is usually the main ingredient in grain-based products like breads and pastries since it allows flour to rise. When I first went gluten-free, my rule of thumb was this: the doughier the item, the more harmful it is for me. The usual suspects include bread, crackers, cookies, biscuits, breaded meat, croutons, pasta, pizza crust, noodles, muffins, noodles, and cake.
But I have found foods with hidden sources of gluten that I would never have guessed I needed to steer clear from. Find out what some of these foods are.
While most often spotted with their celebrity parents, I can recognize and name these pups without their owners present! Even though it was super hard to narrow this down to just nine top dogs, I think I've done it. Now it's up to you to crown one the celebrity pet of the year!
And don't stop voting there — check the rest of my best of 2009 polls!
Sources: WireImage, Flynet, INFDaily, WENN.com, Pacific Coast News Online, and Twitpic User LaurenConrad
This pooch isn't named Spike (hello, it's Licorice, of course) but that's what the collar's called. The Spike Studded Leather Dog Collar ($59) sported by this smooshy is super cute for Famke Janssen's little stud.
The happy twosome took a stroll around SoHo over the weekend. I love their neutral color coordination; what a sleek match they make! See more, close-up pictures below.
As much as I love celebrating Halloween, some parts of it — like haunted houses, trick-or-treating, and even certain kinds of candy — remind me I'm not a kid anymore. That's why I've decided to introduce some alternative, homemade confections that are refined enough for even an adult gourmand such as myself. Curious to know what my new candy favorites are? Keep reading to find out.
Well hello there, Licky, how I've missed you! The now-8-year-old pooch tried out a different fitness routine — biking. There's been some recent news out in California about banning even recreational cyclists from walking running dogs due to the dangers presented to nearby pedestrians, but this pup seems to be in the clear for people territory.
Personally, I haven't ridden a bike since undergrad (save a couple vacation afternoons) and know my crazy yet scaredy cat pooch would not be too fond of running alongside something like this, even if I wanted to test it out. Have you ever tried this fitness routine, either for a quick trip or a lengthy excursion? Check out Licorice as he scoots alongside Famke in the gallery below before sharing your stories in the comments.
Someone's having a birthday today — Licorice! Famke Janssen's adorable smooshy turns eight years old today. To honor the anniversary of this Boston's birth, check out her favorite traveling and shopping buddy from coast to coast (and Canada!) in this slideshow! Happy "Arf"-day is more like it for this pooch!
While YumSugar was busy learning about caviar at the Fancy Foods Show, I was searching the Italian section for exciting new drinks. With its smooth, easy-drinking liquid, and clear anise-y taste, Izzi Sambuca caught my eye.
Sambuca is a popular Italian liqueur that's great for sipping on a cold afternoon. The distinctive flavor of licorice is prominent, but not overpowering. Izzi makes two kinds: premium original and Sumbuca al Caffé, a variation on theme with subtle undertones of coffee beans and a rich caramel color. Both are warming, but not too strong, full bodied yet not syrupy, and slightly sweet.
Sambuca was popular at the show and Izzi's offerings were my favorite. I definitely plan on adding a bottle to my liquor collection. How about you? Have you tried Sambuca?
While most often spotted with their celebrity parents, I can recognize and name these eight pups without their owners present! Even though it was super hard to narrow this down to just eight top dogs, I think I've done it. Pick from my choices listed as pictured below from left to right.
Make sure you've voted on all my Best of 2008 polls 'cause I'm revealing the results soon!
Bauer-Griffin Online, Flynet, and Source
