#10 – Is Dunkin Better Than Starbucks?!

Alex and Stef review Dunkin’ coffee and some snack items while discussing cheaper alternatives to your common coffee stop!

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Listen to the full episode:

#10- Is Dunkin’ better than Starbucks?! – Chat Chew Review

Alex and Stef review Dunkin’ coffee and some snack items while discussing cheaper alternatives to your common coffee stop!

1. #10- Is Dunkin’ better than Starbucks?! 36:20
2. #9- Chili’s Mukbang & Loving TikTok 36:46
3. #8 – Catching Up After Quarantine 43:37
4. #7 – Cocktails & Quarantine 01:03:20
5. #6 – Getting Heated Over The Bachelor 01:02:42

The Chat, Chew, Review Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, and more!

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Watch the full episode:

Make sure to like, share and subscribe to the Chat, Chew, Review Podcast on YouTube!

#9 – Chili’s Mukbang While Sharing Our Love for TikTok

In this episode, Alex and Stef enjoy some Chili’s while discussing other meal deals with other restaurants and their love of TikTok!

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Listen to the full episode:

#10- Is Dunkin’ better than Starbucks?! – Chat Chew Review

Alex and Stef review Dunkin’ coffee and some snack items while discussing cheaper alternatives to your common coffee stop!

1. #10- Is Dunkin’ better than Starbucks?! 36:20
2. #9- Chili’s Mukbang & Loving TikTok 36:46
3. #8 – Catching Up After Quarantine 43:37
4. #7 – Cocktails & Quarantine 01:03:20
5. #6 – Getting Heated Over The Bachelor 01:02:42

The Chat, Chew, Review Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, and more!

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Watch the full episode:

Make sure to like, share and subscribe to the Chat, Chew, Review Podcast on YouTube!

#8 – Catching Up After Quarantine

After weeks of stay at home orders, Stef and Alex get together to catch up everything that happened during quarantine. In this episode, they discuss new hobbies, TV shows, and more!

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Listen to the full episode:

#10- Is Dunkin’ better than Starbucks?! – Chat Chew Review

Alex and Stef review Dunkin’ coffee and some snack items while discussing cheaper alternatives to your common coffee stop!

1. #10- Is Dunkin’ better than Starbucks?! 36:20
2. #9- Chili’s Mukbang & Loving TikTok 36:46
3. #8 – Catching Up After Quarantine 43:37
4. #7 – Cocktails & Quarantine 01:03:20
5. #6 – Getting Heated Over The Bachelor 01:02:42

The Chat, Chew, Review Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, and more!

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Watch the full episode:

Make sure to like, share and subscribe to the Chat, Chew, Review Podcast on YouTube!

DoubleTree Released Their Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

For the first time in the company’s history, DoubleTree by Hilton has lifted the veil on their world famous chocolate chip cookie recipe; and it’s exactly what we need to get through this quarantine. The cookies have become synonymous with a hotel stay at DoubleTree as all guest receive a fresh, warm cookie at check in.

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Senior Vice President and Global Head of DoubleTree Hilton explains, “We hope families enjoy the fun of baking together during their time at home, and we look forward to welcoming all our guests with a warm DoubleTree cookie when travel resumes.”

Check out the recipe to create these delicious chocolate chip cookies in the comfort of your own home:

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DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Double Tree Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 26 cookies

½ pound butter, softened (2 sticks)
¾ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 ¼ cups flour
½ cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch cinnamon
2 ⅔ cups Nestle Tollhouse semi-sweet chips chocolate chips
1 ¾ cups chopped walnuts

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Cream butter, sugar and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.

Add eggs, vanilla and lemon juice, blending with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy, scraping down bowl.

With mixer on low speed, add flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, blending for about 45 seconds. Don’t overmix.

Remove bowl from mixer and stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.

Portion dough with a scoop (about 3 tablespoons) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart.

Preheat oven to 300°F. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.

Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for about 1 hour.

Cook’s note: You can freeze the unbaked cookies, and there’s no need to thaw. Preheat oven to 300°F and place frozen cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.

Limited Edition Tiramisu Oreos in Stores Now

Oreo lovers rejoice! The limited edition Tiramisu Oreo have begun to hit shelves across the US, making quarantine that much more interesting. I don’t know if any Oreo can live up to the Chocolate Marshmallow Oreos that were released last year, but I just had to give the Tiramisu cookies a try just in case.

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Limited Edition Tiramisu Oreos

Upon opening the package, I could smell a sweet aroma with hints of coffee. Now if you have never tried tiramisu, it’s a layered dessert comprised of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, a pudding-like mixture made with mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. That’s a lot of flavor to live up to but somehow Oreo managed to capture them all in one cookie.

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The Tiramisu Oreos feature the same cookie that we all know and love with two layers of cream in between. The tan creme tastes brings out the coffee flavor of a quintessential tiramisu. In addition to the coffee flavor, the white creme resembles that of an Italian sweet cream.

Overall, I think the Tiramisu Oreos are a pleasant addition to the product portfolio. These cookies are quite sweet so I don’t see myself being able to eat that many in one sitting, which is probably for the best anyway. However, I think a Tiramisu Oreo with my morning latte is just the thing I need to get myself through these monotonous days in quarantine.

You can find the Tiramisu Oreo cookies in Target and Walmart stores nationwide. Be sure to check the product locator on each retailer’s website to make sure the item is in stock at your local store before you visit.

10 Restaurants Offering the Best Family Meal Deals During Quarantine

In the wake of the shelter-in-place orders and isolation, many businesses are finding new ways to serve their customers. Restaurants in particular play an important role in providing food for families and individuals that need it. In such unprecedented times, many establishments are promoting “family meal deals” that allow customers the opportunity to support restaurants and provide a delicious meal to enjoy at home. Here are the top 10 meal deals for a no-hassle dinner at home:

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1. Panda Express

Enjoy your favorite Panda Express dishes at home with the $20 family meal when you order online. This meal deal includes two large sides and three large entrees of your choice. Hurry in, this promo ends on April 17, 2020.

2. Olive Garden

Buy one entree and get another free at Olive Garden for only $12.99. This offer is geared toward individuals but you could easily stretch the meal for a couple. The meal comes with one hot and ready entree, soup or salad, breadsticks, and a second entree for free.

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3. Cracker Barrel

For a limited time, enjoy a homestyle family meal from Cracker Barrel and get free breakfast for the next morning. Choose from Meatloaf, Sunday Homestyle Chicken, or Chicken n’ Dumplings with your choice of two country sides. Order through April 30, 2020, and you will receive Four-Layer Breakfast Bowls for free.

4. Red Lobster

From shrimp scampi to cajun chicken linguini, Red Lobster offers all kinds of family meals to choose from. For $28-46, you can enjoy a family-sized entree of your choice with two sides and eight Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Order online and choose between touchless delivery or pickup.

5. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut always manages to rope me in with good deals, and stuffed crust of course. My favorite meal deal happens to be the Big Dinner Box. For only $20 you can mix and match pizza, wings, pasta, and breadsticks. Need I say more?

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6. Chili’s

If you are missing the late-night trips to Chili’s, trust me you are not alone. Thankfully, Chili’s continues to offer the dishes we all know and love for curbside, pickup, and delivery. Get more food for less with the Chili’s 3 for $10 meal which includes a non-alcoholic beverage, appetizer, and entree of your choice.

7. KFC

Am I the only one that enjoys KFC chicken every now and then? If your family is in the mood for fried chicken, the KFC $20 Fill Up is the way to go. Choose from eight pieces of the original recipe chicken, 8 pieces of extra crispy chicken, or 12 pieces of crispy tenders. This Fill Up meal also comes with cole slaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, and biscuits.

8. Buffalo Wild Wings

Don’t worry, I did not forget about all the chicken wing fanatics out there. For a limited time, Buffalo Wild Wings will provide a family bundle for pickup or delivery. This meal comes with 20 traditional wings and 20 boneless wings in the sauce or seasoning of your choice along with a side of french fries for $34.99.

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9. Einstein’s

I don’t know about you but I love a bagel and cream cheese with my morning coffee. Einstein’s created several family meals to make your own delicious bagels from home. Whether you are in the mood for brunch or want to make pizza bagels, Einstein’s has plenty of meal options for the whole family!

10. Subway

Looking for a healthier option? Order the family takeout special from Subway and you will get a free footlong when you buy two. Everyone can create a delicious sub and you can score free delivery through DoorDash, Postmates, and more. Win-win!

5 Ways to Keep Busy While in Quarantine

If there’s anything I’ve learned from my days of being a broke college student, it would have to be finding ways to entertain myself on a budget. There are not a lot of differences from that mindset and the practice of social distancing. While I cannot browse stores for fun at the moment, I have found plenty of ways to stay busy while staying safe at home.

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Read a Good Book

I have acquired plenty of books over the years that look really nice on my bookshelves, but I have failed to take the time to read most of them. If you are like me, this is a perfect time to finally pick up that book you have been waiting to read. From nonfiction to fantasy, there are plenty of genres out there for all types of readers. Need a book recommendation? Check out Goodreads to find the perfect book for you.

Take a Walk Outside

This time inside the house shows that I have truly taken for granted the joys of nature. Although we have battled rain over the past two weeks, I have made an effort to take a brisk walk around my neighborhood when possible. A breath of fresh air and a hint of sun really helps to lift my spirits when I have been cooped up in the house for hours on end. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get your steps in!

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Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts have definitely increased in popularity over the last couple years. Nowadays, there is a ton of content to consume wherever you find your podcasts. Comedy, Entertainment, and even True Crime; I guarantee there is a podcast out there that will strike your fancy. Generally, I rotate between several podcasts all in different genres. Podcasts provide a great opportunity to catch up with your favorite influencers or learn something new. My favorite podcasts include: Crime Junkie, Stuff You Should Know, and Business Wars.

Do a Home Workout

Like many others, this whole social distancing/quarantine period has gotten in the way of my normal exercise routine. All gyms that I frequent have been closed because they are non-essential and a health concern. Rather than lose the progress I was making before this pandemic, I have found resources to help me workout from the comfort of my home. From YouTube videos to virtual classes on the ClassPass app, I am now finding ways to work up a sweat while staying safe inside. You can find all kinds of workouts for free online to help you work up a sweat while the gyms are closed.

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Learn a New Recipe

It’s been quite the balancing act of keeping my distance from people, but also figuring out what I am going to eat. In normal circumstances, I frequent grocery stores several times a week simply because I don’t plan my meals accordingly. Now, I have limited my grocery store runs and am trying to utilize food I have in my pantry. Use this time to get creative with the food you have or learn to cook something new. Once I finally took inventory of my pantry, I realized so many combinations I could create with items I already own.

#7 – Cocktails & Quarantine

In this episode, Alex and Stef review Truly’s Lemonade Seltzer while discussing the COVID-19 virus and how it’s affecting them. Learn more about their favorite movies, TV shows, and more!

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Listen to the full episode:

The Chat, Chew, Review Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, and more!

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Watch the full episode:

Make sure to like, share and subscribe to the Chat, Chew, Review Podcast on YouTube!

#6 – Getting Heated Over The Bachelor

In this episode, Alex and Stef discuss the drama, theories, and explosive season finale of The Bachelor. Find out their honest thoughts on Champagne-gate, Madi’s “ultimatum”, and more!

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Listen to the full episode:

The Chat, Chew, Review Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, and more!

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Watch the full episode:

Make sure to like, share and subscribe to the Chat, Chew, Review Podcast on YouTube!

My Honest Thoughts on Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda

If you haven’t already heard, Dr. Pepper recently introduced a new version of this fan favorite soda called Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda. As Taste of Home reported, “The new drink initially debuted at the 2019 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) annual trade show,” along with Coca-Cola Energy. I passed on the hype about Coca-Cola Energy, but Dr. Pepper mixed with Cream Soda? That sounded like something to get excited about.

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I must say, the rollout of this drink seemed very smooth; however, I have to take into account that the stores I shop at are in close proximity to the Keurig Dr. Pepper corporate headquarters. Nevertheless, I have seen Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda in both cans and bottles at Target, Walmart, and Tom Thumb stores.

Generally, I drink Diet Dr. Pepper because I enjoy the taste a bit more than the regular version. I wish that Dr. Pepper Ten were more popular, but I rarely see it in stores near me anymore. I found the regular Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda in stores first, so of course I bought what I could.

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Did it taste good? Oh 100%! You still get a sense of the original Dr. Pepper taste, which is famous for combining 23 flavors. The added cream soda flavor makes this drink taste like a Dr. Pepper float without the physical ice cream. I can only imagine what it would taste like with a hefty scoop of Homemade Vanilla Blue Bell (It’s a Texas thing). Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda is honestly a match made in heaven. I hope that this drink becomes a mainstay in stores near me because I’m already hooked!

Since buying the regular version of Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda, I have also come across the diet version. Again, I prefer Diet Dr. Pepper over the original and this is no exception. The Diet Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda is just as delicious without all the calories and added sugars. Although I don’t actually drink a ton of soda, I like diet soda because it’s not as thick as regular soda. If I’m not mistaken, most soda is sweetened with cane sugar which makes the drink too sweet for me to consume on a regular basis. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that make it more enjoyable in my opinion.

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Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda makes me look forward to warm summer days where I can indulge in an ice cold soda. The cream soda perfectly accents the fan favorite taste of Dr. Pepper. Whether you enjoy regular or diet soda, Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda comes in both varieties. Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda is now available in nationwide.