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Las Vegas Eateries Might Consider Going Back To Plastic Straws

After all the work it took to go to paper straws, Las Vegas eateries might want to consider going back to plastic. That’s if a recent article is true about…

Paper straws in a box...what do you prefer paper or plastic
Harry Wedzinga via Getty Images

After all the work it took to go to paper straws, Las Vegas eateries might want to consider going back to plastic. That's if a recent article is true about what some are saying about paper.

According to a recent article published by New Atlas under "Health & Wellbeing", it seems that paper straws might not be as "eco-friendly" as once thought!

Testing found that 90% of the paper straws contained forever chemicals link to serious health issues. On the other hand, plastic straws tested had about 70% as well.

Bamboo straws didn't fair much better according to the article as well as glass straws. But out all that were tested, the glass straw was the least containing chemicals.

We're guessing that you can probably find some level of "forever chemicals" in just about anything right now. Most agree the best way to go is with those straws of stainless steel!

In Las Vegas, is it "paper" or "plastic"?

Living here in Las Vegas, we do know that a lot of food & beverage establishments went out of their way converting to paper straw. Although, not everyone a big fan. But we do what we have to do for the environment right?

Of course, not too sure how many will read the article mentioned in this post or even if restaurants will take it to heart. We have seen an increase on patrons bring in their own personal straws. Just based on preference and some feel it's the healthiest way to go!

When you're out, what do you prefer? Plastic or paper? We understand the pros and cons to each. But, getting back to the stainless steel straws, keep in mind, they do make a great "couples" gift if you decide to buy a set!

The good thing is, read the article, then do what you think is the best for you. Because when all is said and done, you're the only person that matters...and enjoy!

10 Pumpkin Spice Flavor Drinks and Treats

'Tis the season for all things pumpkin! From flavored coffees to pastries to dinner entrées, pumpkin reigns supreme this season. Check out our favorite recipes to try at home when you're getting that hankering for the winter squash that is pumpkin.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Kicking off the list is none other than the coveted PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) that we all know and love. And if you hadn't had some yet, you are in for a treat! Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger make this at home coffee treat oh so warming and decadent.

Full list of ingredients below:
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, or more to taste, see our homemade pumpkin puree recipe
1 to 3 tablespoons sugar, depending on how sweet you like it
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving
1/2 cup strong hot coffee
Whipped cream, for serving

Pumpkin Spice Cocktail

To make the perfect boozy pumpkin drink, How to Drink on YouTube shows us how to elevate the coveted PSL into a cocktail while providing hilarious, witty commentary.

Full list of ingredients below:
Pumpkin Spice Cocktail:
2 oz. -or- 60 ml. Mr Black Coffee Liquor
2 oz. -or- 60 ml. Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Add ice to shaker and shake
Strain into glass
Top with whipped cream
Sprinkle with Pumpkin Spice Sugar (recipe below)

Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
Full can of Pumpkin Puree
29 oz. -or- 860 ml. Water
29 oz. -or- 860 ml. Demerara Sugar
4 tsp. Dried Ginger Root
2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
7 (or 8) Cloves
Bring to a boil
Let cool and strain through nut bag or cheese cloth

Pumpkin Spice Sugar:
Dried Ginger
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Sugar

Pumpkin Juice from Harry Potter

Learn to make Pumpkin Juice from the Harry Potter books, either virgin or with booze by, once again, How to Drink on YouTube.

Full list of ingredients below:
Cinnamon Syrup
1 part Water
2 parts Sugar
2 whole cinnamon sticks per cup of water (I used four)
boil till clear, let cool, and bottle.
Throw additional cinnamon sticks in the bottle with the syrup, it'll continue to flavor.

Pumpkin Juice:
1 can Puréed Pumpkin
1 Can of water
Combine in saucepan, heat to a boil and immediately let cool.
Strain through cheesecloth and bottle.

Pumpkin Juice Clone:
4 oz. -or- 120 ml. Juiced Pumpkin
1.5 oz. -or- 45 ml. Apricot Juice
Two Dashes of Vanilla Extract
1.5 oz. -or- 45 ml. Cinnamon Syrup
.25 tsp -or- .65 g Ground Cinnamon
.25 tsp -or- .65 grams of Ground Allspice
1.5 TBS -or- 200 g Citric Acid
Shake & Pour

Adult Pumpkin Juice Cocktail:
1 oz. -or- 30 ml. Juiced Pumpkin
1 oz. -or- 30 ml. Cinnamon Syrup
.25 oz. -or- 8 ml. Allspice Dram
2 oz. -or- 60 ml. Applejack
Shake & Strain
Garnish with Fresh Nutmeg & Cinnamon Stick

Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Learn how to make a savory and healthy pumpkin soup to warm you through the fall and winter months. Roasted pumpkin gives the soup more flavor than if you were to simply boil the squash.

Full list of ingredients below:
2lb Pumpkin
2 Tablespoon Oil
Salt & Pepper
1 Onion
3 Cloves Garlic
1 Tablespoon Ground Coriander Seeds
3 Cups Vegetable Stock

Pumpkin Roll

Tangy, cream cheese filling and a fluffy pumpkin cake make this the most mouth-watering pumpkin treat of all time.

Full list of ingredients below:
Cake:
¼ cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
2 tsp vanilla extract

Filling:
1 package 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar sifted
6 tablespoons butter room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pumpkin Pie Bites

Pumpkin Pie, but make it little! Check out this delicious recipe by Tasty that makes 12 servings.

INGREDIENTS
1 15-ounce (425 grams) can pumpkin puree
1 12-ounce (354 ml) can evaporated milk
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 refrigerated pie crusts

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Pumpkin on ice, made by using your leftover pumpkin pie!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 pumpkin pie slice
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream

Pumpkin Muffins

Learn how to make these tender muffins that are sure to have people begging you for the recipe!

What you'll need:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 180g
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs
½ cup brown sugar 100g
1/2 cup white sugar 100g
1/4 cup whole milk 60mL
1 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 280g
1/2 cup vegetable oil 120mL
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pumpkin Pudding

Learn how to make a unique dessert, all while a cute dog accompanies our chef!

Ingredients: (Serves 6)
Pumpkin (7.1 oz) - net weight
200ml Milk (6.8 fl oz)
50ml Whipping Cream with 36% fat (1.7 fl oz)
40g Sugar (1.4 oz)
2 Eggs
½ tbsp Rum
½~1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Maple Syrup
130ml Custard Cups (4.4 fl oz)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Make soft and chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies without any eggs!

Ingredients needed:
2 cups all-purpose flour 240g
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder Dark
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter 170g, melted
2/3 cup light brown sugar 100g, Packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar 100g
1/3 cup pumpkin puree strained to get excess liquid out
1 tsp vanilla extract 5mL
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

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Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.