Cue everyone’s favorite grandmother, Babs Costello (aka TikTok sensation @brunchwithbabs) who has us covered thanks to some genius pumpkin carving hacks. Babs never fails to break down the most challenging of house chores and activities (her guide on how to load a dishwasher the right way is a lifesaver!). As one TikToker says in Babs comments, “how do you make everything easier.” Aka, prepare to take notes on how to carve a pumpkin the Babs way.

I mean, if Babs suggests something, we know it’s brilliant. These pumpkin carving hacks offer no exception.

Babs’ Do’s and Don’ts of Pumpkin Carving Hacks

Like many, carving pumpkins for Halloween “is a treasured tradition in our family,” Babs says. Yet, she explains, yuck and mess can plague the process. Before resorting to no-carve pumpkin ideas, try Babs’ tips and hacks that “cut the job in half” for the perfect jack-o-lanterns.

Take note, these hacks are no joke. TikTok can’t get enough of them! Babs’ pumpkin carving video has 4 million likes. Take a look at the viral do’s and don’ts of pumpkin carving that the home hack guru suggests.

@brunchwithbabs 🎃Do’s and Don’ts of Pumpkin Carving 🎃It is a treasured tradition in our family to carve jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.  But with all the yuck and mess, sometimes my kids would quit the project before we even started.  Babs’ Do’s and Don’ts for Pumpkin Carving, saves the mess and speeds up carving so you can have the perfect jack-o-lantern with no mess and no fuss.  Happy Halloween 🎃XO Babs 1. Carve from bottom.  That way you have the stem to hold onto and you can easily slip the pumpkin right over a candle or flashlight. 2. Hold pumpkin in your lap to carve.  You will have a much steadier pumpkin to cut.    3. Use a red dry erase marker to sketch your design. It erases easily and if you miss a spot, it blends in. 4. Use a hand mixer to clean out your pumpkin. 5. Use cookie cutters and a rubber mallet to carve your design. 6. Cover all cut surfaces with Vaseline to keep the pumpkin moist after carving.  Pumpkins should last 1-2 weeks carved! 7. Sprinkle some cinnamon on the inside top of your pumpkin for festive pumpkin spice smell when a candle is lit inside the pumpkin.  🎃 #pumpkincarving ♬ original sound – everyone’s grandmother

Tip #1: Sit, don’t stand

First, “don’t stand and carve your pumpkin, sit!” Babs advises. Carve the pumpkin resting on your lap for a steady work surface.

Tip #2: Cut out the bottom of the pumpkin

Babs hollows out pumpkins from the bottom rather than the top. This takes out the hassle of trying to perfectly position a candle in the pumpkin. Instead, just slip the carved pumpkin over a tea light. Plus, you can hold onto the stem while carving, too. It’s that simple.

Tip #3: Clean out pumpkin “guts” with a hand mixer

Instead of cleaning pumpkins out by hand, use a hand mixer. That’s right, “get all those strings cleaned out!” The mixer does the heavy lifting of loosening the pumpkin strings. Then you’re free to scoop out the guts.

Psst… Don’t forget to save the seeds. You can roast pumpkin seeds for a snack later on.

Tip #4: Use a dry erase marker to sketch designs

Switch out permanent marker for a dry erase marker when designing pumpkins. Dry erase markers (Babs uses a red marker) erase easily and missed spots can blend into the pumpkin. As Babs says, “you can get rid of the lines after you carve.”

Tip #5: Carve pumpkins with a mallet and cookie cutter

Let’s face it, carving pumpkins with a knife is way harder than it needs to be. That’s why Babs suggests using a cookie cutter and rubber mallet to carve out your design. Make sure to remove the dry erase marker lines once the carved pumpkin pieces are pushed out.

Tip #6: Lengthen pumpkin life with Vaseline

“Don’t let all your work go to waste,” Babs says. To fully enjoy carved pumpkins, cover the cut surfaces of pumpkins with Vaseline. This keeps the pumpkin moist so it doesn’t dry out as quickly, which preserves it for around 1-2 weeks. That’s way beyond the 3-5 days a pumpkin usually lasts.

Tip #7: Scent jack-o-lanterns with cinnamon

Create a fall-scented jack-o-lantern by sprinkling cinnamon on the inside top of pumpkins. Place the pumpkin over a candle for a pumpkin that not only looks amazing, but smells wonderful too. It’s like pumpkin spice!

A grateful TikToker commented, “I was today years old when I realized I’ve been doing this the hard way my entire life!” Another commented, “Babs, you never fail to impress and teach me something new, and inspiring.” And with hacks this good, we can’t help but agree.

If you need us, we’ll be carving pumpkins the Babs way all spooky season long. Happy Halloween!

The post 7 Pumpkin Carving Hacks You Need to Know appeared first on Taste of Home.

Here’s another TikTok recipe to add to your list of pumpkin faves for chilly mornings: cinnamon roll pumpkin pancakes. Is this a recipe for cinnamon rolls? Is it pancakes? It’s both, of course!

What are cinnamon roll pumpkin pancakes?

Think pumpkin cinnamon rolls in pancake form. It’s possible—two tasty breakfasts rolled together into one irresistible treat. Imagine a stack of fluffy pancakes with caramelized cinnamon sugar swirls. Then add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a delicacy that says autumn like no other breakfast can.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Pancakes

We came across this recipe from food and lifestyle creator Well Made by Kiley and knew it was a culinary masterpiece. I mean, with a combination of two of our favorites, how could we not be obsessed? It’s fall genius at its finest. Here’s how to make the pancakes!

@wellmadebykiley PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLL PANCAKES All of my Gilmore Girls girlies uniteee 🍂 I can’t even put into words how good these are??? 🤯 Caramelized cinnamon sugar swirls in a stack of soft, tender, and fluffy pumpkin pancakes – truly a dream 🤎recipe below! #Recipe Details: Ingredients: – 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour @Bob’s Red Mill – 3 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar – 1 1/4 tsp baking powder – 3/4 tsp baking soda – 1/4 tsp salt – 1 tsp cinnamon – Optional: 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice – 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp buttermilk (can sub milk of choice) – 1 tbsp butter, melted – 1 egg – 1 tsp vanilla extract Cinnamon Swirl: – 4 tbsp butter, softened – 1/4 cup granulated sugar – 2 tsp cinnamon – 1 tbsp of the pancake batter Maple Glaze: – 1/2 cup powdered sugar – 2 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp milk – 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Instructions: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut or brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice (if using). In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients into the dry and use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. In a small separate bowl, make the cinnamon swirl mixture by mixing together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tbsp of the pancake batter. Transfer the mixture to a small plastic sandwich baggie, and snip a small portion of the corner off. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease with butter. Use a 1/4 cup to pour the pancake batter into the skillet for each pancake. Use the piping baggie full of the cinnamon swirl mixture and gently swirl the mixture into the pancake, pushing slightly into the batter so the cinnamon mixture swirls into the batter, not just on top. Once bubbles appear on the surface, gently flip the pancake over and cook the other side for a minute, or until golden. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon swirl mixture. Serve pancakes warm with additional butter, maple syrup, or a simple glaze if desired. Enjoy! #pumpkin #cinnamonroll #pancakes #pumpkinpancakes #breakfast #cinnamonrolls #fall #fallbreakfast #easy #recipe #easyrecipe #fallrecipe ♬ original sound – Well Made by Kiley

Ingredients

Pancake batter:

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown or coconut sugar
• 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon swirl:

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of pancake batter

Maple glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients

First, whisk the flour (Kiley uses Bob’s Red Mill), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

Next, whisk together pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla in a medium bowl.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure the ingredients are fully mixed.

Step 4: Prep the cinnamon swirls

Mix softened butter, sugar, cinnamon and a tablespoon of the pancake batter in a small bowl. Move this mixture to a small plastic baggie and cut a tiny corner of the bag off. This bag will be used to create the cinnamon roll swirls in the pancakes.

Step 5: Pour batter onto a hot skillet

Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat; drop in a pat of butter. From there, pour pancake batter to create each pancake and then maneuver the small bag to create cinnamon swirls. It should lightly push into the batter, not just rest on the surface.

Step 6: Flip!

When bubbles appear, it’s time to flip that pancake. Cook for around a minute or until golden.

Just add maple syrup and you’ve got an unforgettable fall breakfast!

The post People Are Making Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Pancakes That Look Simply Heavenly appeared first on Taste of Home.

This recipe is ideal for Halloween breakfast or a Hocus Pocus party at any time of day. Here’s how to make the perfect All Hallows’ Eve cocktails.

What’s in this Halloween mimosa?

It may sound like the mimosas are full of creatures of the night, but the glittering drinks are actually quite sweet. According to TikTok creator The Spritz Effect (@thespritzeffect), her Monster Mimosas taste “like sweet champagne with a hint of melon!” Thanks to the magic of edible glitter, this sparkly delight of melon liqueur and champagne makes for a mimosa worthy of Frankenstein.

How to Make Monster Mash Mimosas

The mimosas are a pretty straightforward recipe. As The Spritz Effect says, “these couldn’t be any cuter (or easier)!” That may explain why they’re so popular, racking up nearly 600,000 likes on TikTok. Here’s how to make the eerie viral cocktail. Or, as one TikTok user commented, “the most beautiful mimosas we’ve ever seen!”

@thespritzeffect Monster Mash (melon) mimosas for your spooky brunches this month! Just add a half ounce of melon liqueur to your bubbly! Follow along for more halloween recipes edible glitter is @Fancy Sprinkles®, sprinkles are from target! #halloween #thespritzeffect #mimosa #halloweendrinks #halloweencocktailreciepes #monstermash #fallcocktail #fallrecipes ♬ Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

Ingredients

• Just enough vanilla frosting to rim a glass
• Halloween sprinkles
• Pinch of edible glitter
• 1/2 ounce melon liqueur
• Enough champagne to fill the glass

Directions

To create this sparkly Halloween mimosa, start by rimming a drinking glass with vanilla frosting and Halloween sprinkles. The Spritz Effect uses bats and ghosts from Target but any spooky sprinkles will do.

From there, add a pinch of edible glitter to the glass—The Spritz Effect’s is from Fancy Sprinkles—and half an ounce of melon liqueur. Fill the rest of the glass with champagne for a cocktail that offers “no tricks, just treats!” as The Spritz Effect says.

Now that you know how to make ’em, add these mimosas to the list of Halloween drinks for the season. In fact, bring a batch of Halloween mimosas to any upcoming brunches, potlucks or Halloween parties for a smash hit!

The post Super Sparkly ‘Monster Mash Mimosas’ Are Perfect for Halloween appeared first on Taste of Home.

And, as an Italian cuisine expert, Tucci knows exactly how to handle a staple ingredient: onions. This allium is used in many Italian recipes, but not always properly handled.

That’s where Tucci, in an interview with Esquire, walks us through the best way to cut an onion. Sans tears.

Is there a “right” way to cut an onion?

Well, as Tucci says, “there are many different ways of cutting an onion.” There’s no particular right way to cut an onion, but there are better ways of cutting an onion!

How to Cut an Onion Like Stanley Tucci

While Tucci knows many will argue with his method, he stands by the onion technique taught to him by a chef friend. Here’s how he does it.

First, grab a super sharp knife, since “that’s really important,” as Tucci says. He holds the onion (on a cutting board) on its side and chops off the ends. Then, he lays the onion on a flat end and cuts right through the middle, leaving equal halves.

@esquire Next time please bring the goggles, #StanleyTucci. #onion #cutonion ♬ original sound – Esquire

From there, he peels a half and sets the peels aside. He lays the onion down, flat side down. Tucci cuts three slices across the onion horizontally. He then rotates the onion and chops “in strips.” At this point, the onion should be segmented, but still in one piece.

“And then,” he pauses, “we do this.” He dices the onion so the pieces are cut evenly. “And then,” he says, “it all falls into these nice little cubes. Ish.” Tucci repeats the process with the other half.

Other Tricks for Cutting an Onion

Check for freshness

According to Tucci, onions should be firm. “It shouldn’t be soft,” he explains. “If it’s soft,” he says, “don’t buy it, don’t use it.” If it’s too soft, it can be a sign that an onion is bad.

Wear onion goggles

Tucci uses “a very potent onion,” and assumes he’ll “probably cry.” He likes to use “goggles that [he] put[s] on that are designed specifically for cutting onions,” and says the goggles are an effective way to prevent tears. Despite usually forgetting to wear them.

Like Tucci says, there are also famous tricks like putting a piece of bread or a wooden spoon in one’s mouth. The cooks in our Test Kitchen tried out a couple popular but unusual methods of cutting an onion without crying to test their efficacy.

Use a sharp knife

While there are some TikTok videos that claim an onion can be diced without a knife, a knife is almost always necessary for the best outcome. Use a staple kitchen knife, like a chef’s knife, paring knife or a serrated knife. Just make sure it’s sharp!

If you end up cutting an onion the Tucci way, you may just have a culinary triumph on your hands!

The post How to Cut an Onion the Right Way, According to Stanley Tucci appeared first on Taste of Home.

You’ve heard of engagement chicken and marry me chicken. The next recipe to make: wedding salad! More specifically, a viral wedding Caesar salad courtesy of popular TikTok salad creator The Salad Lab.

Here’s how to make the wedding salad that people can’t get enough of.

What is wedding Caesar salad?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: a Caesar salad fit for a wedding. “My son’s getting married next month!” @thesaladlab says cheerfully at the start of her viral TikTok video. Because Caesar salad is the only salad her son likes, she decided to make a special wedding Caesar salad in honor of the event. Adorable!

Wedding Caesar Salad Recipe

This wedding-style Caesar salad is finished with a sprinkling of edible flowers. Look for them in the packaged fresh herb section of your grocery store. The Salad Lab doesn’t provide an exact recipe, but we’ve included approximate measurements below.

@thesaladlab Wedding Style Caesar Salad with Edible Flowers #saladsoftiktok #thesaladlab #weddingsalad #caesar #yum #palomaresmagic ♬ Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez

Ingredients

• 2 egg yolks
• 2 anchovies
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Little Gem lettuce
• 1 cup stale bread, cut into cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme, or to taste
• Sea salt, to taste
• Parmesan, to taste
• 3-4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Edible flowers

Directions

Step 1: Create a Caesar dressing

Emulsify the egg yolks, anchovies, cloves of crushed garlic, teaspoons of Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper using an immersion blender. You’re looking for a thick, creamy dressing here. (If you need a product recommendation, it looks like The Salad Lab uses this cordless Cuisinart hand blender.)

Pour the dressing into the bottom of a serving bowl.

Step 2: Wash the lettuce

Soak lettuce in cold water to make it “extra crunchy and crisp.” The Salad Lab uses Little Gem lettuce but romaine or Bibb lettuce should work too. Transfer to salad bowl.

Step 3: Bake homemade croutons

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place bread cubes in a bowl and lightly sprinkle with thyme. Toss the bread in a drizzle of olive oil and flaky sea salt. Place onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and pop in the oven for around 10 minutes.

Let cool, then add the croutons to your salad. 

Step 4: Top the salad and toss to serve

Now add some fresh Parmesan on the salad and toss all the ingredients together. Yum! Add more Parmesan, plus bacon and edible flowers, to finish this wedding salad.

Tips for Making Wedding Salad

Make this salad vegetarian

If you’re a vegetarian (or don’t like anchovies), we have an alternative. Omit the fish and replace them with capers or crumbled seaweed snacks instead. It will be just as tasty. If you do add the crumbled seaweed, though, the Salad Lab suggests adding extra salt to the recipe.

Add truffle oil to the dressing

If you want to boost the dressing’s flavor, try adding truffle oil.

Use a food processor instead of an immersion blender

Since not everyone has an immersion blender, a regular blender or a food processor will do the trick.

Coddle the eggs

The Salad Lab suggests coddling the eggs by putting them in boiling water for one minute prior to cracking them.

The post This Mom Created a Gorgeous ‘Wedding Caesar Salad’ for Her Son’s Big Day appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Boo Buckets are the Happy Meal toy that kids (and let’s be real, adults) can’t get enough of. Well—that and Halloween McNugget Buddies.

Like McDonald’s says, “let’s be honest…spooky szn isn’t official until Boo Buckets are back at McDonald’s.” Agreed! Before heading to the drive-thru, though, here’s what you need to know about Boo Buckets.

Everything We Know About the McDonald’s Halloween Bucket Happy Meals

Gather round, McDonald’s fanatics, to rejoice in these haunted Halloween delights. McDonald’s Halloween-themed Boo Buckets originally debuted in 1986 and returned to McDonald’s last year following a five-year hiatus. The return must’ve been a massive success since they’re back for 2023!

When is McDonald’s bringing back Halloween buckets?

Boo Buckets are back on October 17 (marking my calendar ASAP). Starting that Tuesday, fans can pick up one of four buckets in lieu of the usual Happy Meal toy. The lineup features four new designs: Mummy (white), Vampire (purple), Skeleton (orange) and Monster (green). We love the variety of expressions marking the pails, too. Just look at the vampire with fangs!

Do all McDonald’s have the Halloween buckets?

Fans can pick up the Boo Buckets at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. Stop at your local McDonald’s in-person or order a Happy Meal through its rewards app. If you don’t have the McDonald’s app, it’s free to download and guarantees tons of free fries and bestselling McDonald’s items.

How long will McDonald’s have the Halloween Happy Meal buckets?

Don’t wait long to pick up a Boo Bucket, because they’re only available while supplies last. And that’s if supplies last because as McDonald’s predicts, the buckets will “be gone faster than you can say ‘boo.'” If supplies do last, this ghostly offer is around through Halloween.

With Boo Buckets officially on the way, I think it’s only fair to say: Happy spooky season!

The post McDonald’s Halloween Bucket Happy Meals Will Be Coming Back This Year appeared first on Taste of Home.

Fall pastas blend bright seasonal produce into cheesy, saucy noodle dishes you can let simmer on the stove all day or fix in a pinch. In between other must-try fall recipes and slow-cooker soups, you’re definitely going to want to add pumpkin alla vodka to your autumnal menu planning.

What is pumpkin alla vodka?

While we love a good penne alla vodka, we might just have to swap it for the season in favor of pumpkin alla vodka. According to TikTok creator Jamie Milne, this “perfect fall dish” takes spicy vodka pasta and applies a pumpkin twist. Think of it like your favorite vodka sauce but sweetened with pumpkin puree and a dash of ground nutmeg.

“My toxic trait is that when it comes September 1st,” Jamie says in her viral TikTok, “I’m already making pumpkin-inspired recipes.” And with a dish that looks like this, we can’t blame her!

How to Make Pumpkin Alla Vodka

This recipe is a straightforward one that’s ideal for busy weeknights. It serves up to four people, so invite some of your fall-obsessed besties over and enjoy!

@everything_delish fall recipes 🤝 pumpkin – you need to try my pumpkin alla vodka recipe! Pumpkin Alla Vodka Serves 4 Ingredients 1/4 cup Vodka 1 tsp nutmeg 1 package pasta 1 cup pumpkin puree 2 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp chili flakes 1 cup heavy cream or milk 1 cup parmesan cheese 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 white onion, diced salt & pepper #fallrecipe #pumpkinallavodka #pastadish #pumpkinpasta #fallcooking #seasonalrecipe #fallflavors #pumpkinrecipe #italianrecipe #comfortfood #homemadepasta #fallvibes #foodvideo #cookingtutorial #tiktokrecipe #easyrecipe #deliciousdishes #foodporn #foodlover #foodvideo #pumpkinseason #fallfavorites #tiktokchef #foodgasm #foodinspiration #pumpkinspice #italianfood #pasta ♬ Boogie Shoes – KC & The Sunshine Band

Ingredients

• 1 package penne pasta (or other tubular pasta shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Prepare pasta

First, the star of the recipe—the pasta. Fill a large pot with water (and don’t forget to salt the pasta water!), bring it to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente. Strain while saving a cup of the leftover pasta water, and put the pasta to the side.

Step 2: Create the pumpkin sauce

Now, the sauce. While the pasta cooks, add olive oil, diced white onion, garlic and chili flakes to a large skillet on medium heat. Saute until the onion is glassy and tender. Then, add in the tomato paste and stir thoroughly. The result should be an orange mash that sticks together.

Next up, pour in the 1/4 cup of vodka and let it sizzle before introducing that pumpkin puree in. The pumpkin puree “makes the pasta sauce so creamy and nutty,” Jamie explains. Mix and pour in that milk or heavy cream. Stir around until a thick orange sauce comes together.

Step 3: Stir in the pasta

Sprinkle in some salt, pepper and nutmeg to your liking. From there, you can add in the cooked pasta and pour in that extra pasta water before thoroughly mixing around in the sauce.

Step 4: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and serve

Remove from the stove, place in a pasta bowl and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top. Add any of your favorite fall spices for good measure. Voila, you’ve got a pasta that will have you set for the season.

The post This Viral Pumpkin alla Vodka Is Genius—Here’s How You Can Make It appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you ran to Starbucks when its fall menu dropped (which, same), then we have a recipe for you. Gear up for a pastry favorite with a spiced autumn twist. Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls!

Just imagine a fall morning with a pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin spice cinnamon roll in hand.

What are pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls?

Think of classic cinnamon rolls with a dash of pumpkin pie spice and everything nice. These pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls take that classic and infuse them with a delectable fall flavor thanks to pumpkin puree and a mouthwatering maple cream cheese frosting. Yum!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe comes from Ambitious Kitchen and was tested by TikTok creator Grace Kim. And apparently, a successful go, as the video has over a million views and nearly 185,000 likes. Here’s how to recreate the hit cinnamon roll recipe.

@grasiankim pumpkin spice cinammon rolls w/maple cream cheese frosting SO GOOD #cinnamonroll #pumpkincinnamonrolls #falldesserts #autumnvibes #cinnamon #cinnamonrolls ♬ Autumn In New York – Frank Sinatra

Ingredients

Dough: 

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2-1/4 teaspoons quick rise yeast (1/4-ounce package yeast)
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter

Frosting: 

• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1: Combine warm milk, sugar and yeast

Pour milk (Ambitious Kitchen notes you can use 2%, almond or whole for this recipe) into a measuring cup. Pop into the microwave for 45 seconds until it reaches 110°F. Be careful not to heat the milk over 115°, otherwise it can kill the yeast, which stops the rolls from rising. Add in yeast and sugar.

Grace leaves it to activate for 10 minutes before transferring to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the dough

Add the pumpkin (which Grace calls “the star of the show), melted butter and egg (Ambitious Kitchen advises that the egg should be room temperature, not cold). Mix thoroughly; the ingredients should take on a cream-like consistency. Toss in flour, pumpkin pie spice and salt before stirring with a wooden spoon to create the dough.

Step 3: Knead dough and proof

Take the dough and knead it with your hands on a flour-covered surface or position the dough on the dough hook of a stand mixer—Grace uses a Kitchen Aid mixer—for 8-10 minutes “until it becomes a really smooth ball.” If you’re using your hands and not sure if your dough is kneaded enough, here’s how to tell.

Once the dough is properly kneaded, grease a large bowl with olive oil or cooking spray and move the dough into it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a warm towel (this allows the dough to rise). Leave it for an hour, or less, if you notice the dough has doubled in size. Grace leaves it in the microwave off for a convenient location that may be warmer than a kitchen counter.

Step 4: Roll out the dough

Sprinkle flour on a flat surface. Take that dough out of the bowl and use a rolling pin to roll it out. The result should be a 16×14-inch rectangle of dough.

Step 5: Add the cinnamon roll filling

Spread softened butter evenly across the dough. Then grab a small bowl and mix brown sugar and cinnamon together to create a spicy filling. Rub it into the butter on top of the dough.

Step 6: Roll up dough

Begin from smaller side of the dough. Grace advises “tuck[ing] it under” while rolling to make sure there’s no space in between. Depending on the dough, you may have to cut around an inch of dough off the end. Use a serrated knife to cut 1 inch portions of dough to come out to 12 rolls.

For evenly sized rolls, gently mark the dough with a knife before cutting.

Step 7: Proof again

Transfer rolls to a 13×9-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and a warm towel to let the rolls proof again for around half an hour. Preheat the oven to 350°.

Step 8: Bake the cinnamon rolls

Remove the wrap and towel and pop the rolls into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the rolls to be “slightly golden brown” around the edges. Let them cool for 10 minutes before adding the frosting.

Step 9: Whip up the frosting

Last but definitely not least, the frosting. Add cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup and salt into a bowl and mix with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread onto rolls and breakfast is served!

The post How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch appeared first on Taste of Home.

Trust us when we say this pumpkin-shaped dish will be a major hit at any fall potluck. Here’s how to make ’em.

What are pumpkin pizza bombs?

The pizza pumpkins are pizza bombs shaped like pumpkins. Full of marinara, mozzarella and pepperoni, pizza pumpkins are the perfect appetizer. Especially for fall, thanks to their adorable autumn-themed shape! Plus, who doesn’t adore a gooey pizza cheese pull? Bring a tray to a Halloween party, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, really.

How to Make Pizza Pumpkins

This recipe for pizza pumpkins comes to us courtesy of chef and TikTok creator Genevieve LaMonaca, aka @chefgenevieve. Genevieve walks us through how to create her popular kid-friendly pumpkin-shaped pizza bombs, so you can make them, too:

@chefgenevieve Pumpkin Pizza Bombs🍕🎃 Follow for 30 Halloween inspired recipes Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 can pizza dough sheet (I used Pillsbury) 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup chopped ham 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni 1/8 cup sliced black olives (optional) 1/4 cup melted Butter 2 cups marinara sauce 1 baby pumpkin (if making pumpkin bowl) In a bowl, combine mozzarella, ham, peperoni, and optional sliced olives. Mix together and set aside Roll out a sheet of pizza dough Cut into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten . Scoop your filling into the center. Pull up the sides of your dough and pinch at the top creating a tight seal. Make sure there are no holes or the cheese will seep through. Cut 3 pieces of butchers twine. Lay it down in a star shape then place your pizza bomb in the center, seam side down. Bring up your twine and double knot at the top. Snip off any excess twine then place your pizza bombs on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush on some butter and bake in 400°F oven for 16 minutes. Carve a baby pumpkin and add in a bowl to hold the sauce. Once pizza bombs are slightly cooled, snip off the twine and discard. Use twisted pretzels cut in half for the stems. If makingahead of time, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Enjoy #halloweenfood #halloweeninspo ♬ Fall October Halloween horror classic(177261) – rareNote

Ingredients

• 1 can Pillsbury pizza dough sheet
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped ham
• 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
• 1/8 cup sliced black olives, optional
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven and prep ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, add mozzarella, ham, pepperoni and olives (if using) in a bowl and mix. Place the bowl to the side for now.

Step 2: Roll out pizza dough

Next, roll out that sheet of Pillsbury pizza dough with a rolling pin or your hands and slice  the dough into 6 to 8 pieces. Do this by rolling each portion into a ball and flattening, or skip the hassle and use a round biscuit cutter to separate the dough.

Step 3:  Assemble the pizza bombs

Now, place a dollop of marinara sauce and a spoonful of toppings into the center of the flattened dough. Then, pinch the sides of your dough to the top so the ingredients are completely sealed. You’ll need some kitchen twine to wrap up your pizza pumpkins into 6-8 sections. Genevieve advises doing this by placing three pieces of twine in a star shape, seam side down, bringing it up and double knotting it. Snip off any extra twine.

Step 4: Butter and bake the bites

Use a brush to apply some butter to the bites before popping them in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 13-16 minutes.

Step 5: Remove twine

Once the bites are crispy and brown, remove all the twine. For a cute touch, use halved pretzel sticks to add some stems to these pumpkin bites. And voila! The adorable bites are ready to steal the show at your next fall party.

Next Up: Try this pumpkin-shaped baked Brie.

Warm and Cozy Recipes for Fall

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Slow Cooker Pot Roast This melt-in-your-mouth pot roast is the sort of dinner you dream about coming home to all day. Start this recipe in the slow cooker before you head out to work in the morning and it will braise away to fall-apart tenderness as you go about your day. Then make a pot of egg noodles, or whip up a quick potato recipe, and dinner is served. Go to Recipe

Classic French Onion SoupNothing says fall like a warm, savory, extra-cheesy bowl of French onion soup. Though yellow onions are commonly used in this recipe, you can also make it with other types of onions, like Vidalias, Walla Wallas or Mauis.

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For more ideas, check out these cozy fall soup recipes.

Pepper-Stuffed Pork TenderloinIn this dish, the delicate taste of pork is balanced with a lightly spicy stuffing featuring red bell peppers and a touch of cayenne. For an extra layer of flavor, brush the tenderloin with a mustard barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking, and serve extra sauce on the side.

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Creamy Turkey TetrazziniThis classic casserole is an excellent way to use up leftover turkey—but if you don't have leftovers, no need to worry! You can also use rotisserie chicken or pick up some thickly-sliced turkey breast from your supermarket's deli department.

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Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked GoudaYour house will start to smell like autumn as this rich, cheesy soup bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that makes this pumpkin soup taste nice and cozy for sweater weather.

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My Brazilian FeijoadaA stick-to-your-ribs supper by way of Brazil, feijoada is stew made with chunks of pork shoulder and beef short ribs, simmered in the slow cooker until the meat is fall-apart tender. Serve this with a basket full of pão de queijo, a Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca flour.

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Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef StewThis hearty beef and Burgundy wine stew is a staple dish at every French bistro. It's so simple to make, this recipe should be a staple dish at your house, too! When choosing a wine to cook with, buy something that won't break the bank but is still good enough to drink. Start with our picks for the best boxed wines.

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Meatball Submarine CasseroleSaucy meatball subs are just as delicious (and a lot less messy!) when baked into a hearty casserole. This recipe uses frozen meatballs as a time saver, but you can also make these quick and simple meatballs if you'd prefer something more homemade.

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For more ideas, check out these comforting fall casserole recipes.

Spicy Touchdown ChiliWhen the leaves start changing, it's football season! Whether you're cheering on the local team on a Friday night or spending Sunday in front of the TV, this beef, sausage, bacon and bean chili is sure to make you lots of friends on game day.

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Quick Golden Squash SoupThis delectable soup will make your whole house smell like fall, and it takes only about 30 minutes to get it on the table. It can be difficult to cut up a winter squash, so if time is an issue—or if you're not confident in your knife skills—paying a little extra for precut butternut squash is worth it.

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Italian Hot DishThis easy baked pasta dish tastes like a glorious mash-up of baked ziti and Philly cheesesteaks. It's also easy to adjust the recipe to accommodate your personal tastes or picky eaters. Not much for mushrooms or green peppers? Swap them out for other vegetables you like (try eggplant). Mix up the meat with some crumbled Italian sausage, or use ground chicken or turkey instead.

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Apple Cider Pork ChopsThese pork chops are a must for fall dinners, no matter the size of the crowd! The recipe is easy to double when company pops in. Try serving the pork chops with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up more of that delicious sauce.

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Spinach & Turkey TurnoversThis is another fall dinner idea to make with the leftovers from a roast turkey. If you don't have the patience to wait for leftovers, you can substitute rotisserie chicken for turkey or follow this easy, hands-off recipe for slow-cooker turkey breast instead.

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Stuffed Pepper SoupThere's no doubt that stuffed pepper recipes are amazing but they can take more time than you have to spare on a busy weeknight. This easy soup recipe, which is a one-pot wonder, fixes that problem—bringing you all the flavors you're craving with fewer dishes to wash.

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Caribbean Curried ChickenIf you can't find a bottled version of the mojo criollo marinade this chicken recipe calls for (it's a Cuban marinade made with garlic, sour orange juice and cumin), use our guide to making marinades to help you come up with your own special recipe.

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BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread PuddingBread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and is simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet and savory twist on the classic—featuring boxed cornbread mix, chopped barbecue chicken, tart green apples and gooey Monterey Jack cheese—is a delicious way to enjoy an old favorite.

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Carrot Soup with Orange & TarragonA pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup feel like something truly special, yet still simple enough to enjoy any night of the week. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving.

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Sausage-Stuffed Acorn SquashAcorn squash gets the sweet-and-savory treatment when it's stuffed with sausage, onion, spinach and cranberries. Cooking the squash in the microwave makes this pretty fall dinner quick enough to make on a busy weeknight.

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Moroccan Braised BeefCurry powder is a blend of up to 20 spices, herbs and seeds. Add a pinch of curry to your favorite soups, stews, salads and even rice for an exotic flavor. In this Moroccan stew, begin with 2 teaspoons of curry, then add more to your taste.

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Crunchy Almond Turkey CasseroleThis comforting cream of mushroom soup-based turkey and rice casserole gets a surprising crunch from the addition of almonds and water chestnuts. Serve this hearty dish alongside a simple, seasonal salad.

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Saucy Italian RoastThis easy slow-cooker dinner relies on a few store-bought shortcuts to make setting-and-forgetting even easier, including using canned mushrooms and spaghetti sauce. Use this simple hack to make store-bought pasta sauce taste homemade!

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Beef Roast DinnerBecause this healthy dish is slow-cooked, you can use less expensive roasts with results as mouthwatering as the more costly cuts. Change up the veggies for variety, nutrition or to suit your tastes! For starters, swap out some of the potatoes for sweet potatoes, or another root vegetable like celeriac.

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Firehouse ChiliThis recipe was written by a real firehouse chef that used to prepare meals for 10 men, so if you're looking for a recipe that will keep a crowd good and full, this authentic firehouse chili may very well be the one!

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Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed TenderloinThis recipe is a great choice for a special occasion—or any night when you find yourself in the mood to be fancy. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty dish from an upscale restaurant.

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Stuffing Crust Turkey PotpieFor a faster, more flavor-packed way to get potpie to the table, skip the standard rolled double pie crust and follow this recipe instead. Boxed stuffing mix and broth make a press-in crust that's easy as, well, potpie!

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Stout & Honey Beef RoastHere's a heartwarming slow cooker meal that's ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh so good. If you have leftover stout after making this roast, use it in one of these recipes to make with Guinness, which will work with any brand of stout beer.

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Braised Herb Pork ChopsThese herb-packed braised pork chops are great for entertaining; the recipe comes together quickly and then spends 2 hours in the oven, giving you plenty of time to relax with your guests.

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Sweet Potato & Caramelized Onion ShellsGorgonzola cheese and sweet potatoes add a fun and flavorful twist to classic stuffed shells. If you don't like blue cheese, use Gouda or Swiss instead of Gorgonzola. To save time, you can use canned pumpkin in place of the mashed sweet potatoes.

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Best Ever Mac & CheeseThis mac and cheese has a sauce loaded with three different cheeses that bubble and ooze as it bakes in the oven. A crispy, buttery bread crumb topping provides textural contrast; for a more flavorful "oomph," replace the bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds, crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers.

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Land of Enchantment PosoleThis posole recipe gets its name from New Mexico's whimsical state nickname, "The Land of Enchantment." You'll find this Dutch oven dinner as enchanting as the state; this spicy stew of pork shoulder, hominy, jalapenos and smoky Southwestern spices is bound to become a new family favorite.

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Pumpkin Harvest Beef StewComfort food manages to get even more comforting in this pumpkin-spiced riff on hearty beef stew. This recipe is written for a slow cooker, but if you'd prefer your stew to spend the day simmering on the stove and filling your house with aromas, make this recipe in a Dutch oven instead.

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Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn SquashThis couldn't-be-simpler dinner is so stunning, it makes any night of the week feel like something special. Each stuffed acorn squash is a full meal in itself, so side dishes aren't really necessary. If you'd like to put something else on the table, it's hard to go wrong with garlic bread.

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Hominy Beef ChiliHunker down for the night and get cozy with this filling chili. Loaded with beef chuck roast and convenient staples, such as diced tomatoes, green chilies and seasonings, it's a satisfying supper that would be yummy served with a side of warm homemade tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.

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Spicy Pork & Green Chili VerdeBy using quick-cooking pork tenderloin instead of a braising cut like pork shoulder, this pork chili is ready to eat in less than an hour. Brimming with poblano and sweet red peppers for a hearty kick, serve this chili with some cooling sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese and tortilla chips.

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North African Chicken and RiceMoroccan food is heavily spiced with a mixture of interesting ingredients and exciting flavor combinations that may be new to you. This simple slow-cooker chicken dish mixes bold spices like cinnamon, chili powder and turmeric with salty olives and tart lemons.

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Porcini Mac & CheeseThe secret ingredient to this luscious mushroom mac and cheese is beer; specifically, a seasonally-brewed pumpkin beer, which adds a special touch of fall flavor. As delicious as fontina is, this mac and cheese recipe would work just as well with Gouda, Gruyere or Colby cheese.

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Mom’s White LasagnaInstead of the classic lasagna combo of pasta, cheese and marinara sauce, this white lasagna layers its pasta with sausage, a velvety wine-based cream sauce, and four types of cheese: cheddar, cottage cheese, Gouda and cream cheese. Serve alongside something acidic that can cut through all the cream, like a simple, vinegary Italian salad.

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Apple-Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic GlazeTurn an ordinary pork loin into an impressive dinner party-worthy dish by adding roasted apples, caramelized onions, bright balsamic vinegar and whole pitted cherries. If you have fresh cherries, then by all means use them, but flash frozen cherries work just as well!

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Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with BaconIn this recipe, curly cellentani pasta gets tossed with a quick and easy pumpkin cream sauce that's been mixed with creamy goat cheese, then baked with a topping of additional cheese and crispy bacon. Could this be the most craveable fall pasta dish ever? Possibly.

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Turkey Curry with RiceIf you've got lots of leftover turkey but are tired of Thanksgiving-inspired riffs on leftovers, try this easy curry recipe with carrots, cauliflower, creamy coconut milk and mango chutney. Serve this on top of a big bowl of rice or with a side of homemade naan bread.

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After these dinner recipes, you'll want to enjoy a fall dessert with any of these fall baking recipes.

The post How to Make the Pizza Pumpkins We Can’t Get Enough Of appeared first on Taste of Home.

For some cuts, it’s important to tenderize steak before cooking. The term is as straightforward as it sounds—making meat more tender. There are a variety of not-so-secret kitchen secrets about the best way to tenderize steak, including one surprising household item: baking soda. Read on to learn how to tenderize steak with baking soda!

Does baking soda tenderize steak?

Yes, beyond its clever cleaning uses and role as a staple baking ingredient, baking soda can also be used to tenderize steak. Or any meat, really. According to professional chef and Taste of Home food writer Lindsay Mattison, it’s a surprisingly effective method.

Mattison explains that when baking soda comes into contact with a steak’s surface, it alkalizes the steak, or raises the steak’s pH levels. This helps the meat fibers be less tight. She clarifies that it’s similar to the salt in a brine solution, which makes the steak more tender (and tasty). It also helps the steak retain more water.

Just look at this TikTok from @CheffreyEats, who compares the outcome of cooking two steaks—one tenderized with baking soda and one without. The result is noticeable. As one user comments, “it makes a world of difference in tenderness.” Genius!

@cheffreyeats Perfect Steak! #steak #bussin #cook #cooking #chef #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #velveting #viral #trending #homecooking #dinner #chefathome #recipe ♬ original sound – CheffreyEats

How to Make Steak Extra Tender

Take a look at the most unusual methods you can use to make steak more tender:

Baking soda

Add baking soda to the steak’s surface by delicately sprinkling it on. Mattison emphasizes to make sure not to overdo the amount of baking soda you use because it can easily over-tenderize the meat. Carefully rub the baking soda into the meat’s surface before moving it to a zip-top bag or glass bowl.

From there, leave it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. Then take the meat out of the container and rinse it ensuring that all—or most—of the baking soda is off the steak. Then grill the steak and see if you notice the difference!

Yogurt

Another surprising yet efficient tenderizing agent that Mattison suggests is plain Greek yogurt. Use it to create a marinade, and not only does it tenderize steak, but it creates a dynamic flavor, too.

Coffee grounds

Coffee lovers, this tenderizer is for you. It may not be the most common choice, but its acidic properties are somewhat similar to yogurt in enhancing the flavor and making the meat more tender. Try out this coffee marinated steak to see the process for yourself.

Our Best Steak Recipes

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Tenderloin Steak DianeFor this classic skillet steak dinner, just sear the steaks in butter and top with a gorgeously silky mushroom cream sauce. It’s elegant and effortless all at once.

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Cast-Iron Skillet SteakYou definitely don’t have to keep steak for special occasions. One of the easiest ways to cook it is seared in a cast-iron skillet with or without butter. All you need after that is a nice leafy salad to complete the meal.

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Psst! If you love steak, you need this custom branding iron for grilled meats.

Steak with Chipotle-Lime ChimichurriChimichurri is a piquant herb sauce that complements steak perfectly. Once you learn how to make the sauce, you'll want to serve it all summer long.

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Asian Slaw with SteakYou won’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen with this dish as both the Asian-inspired coleslaw and the grilled steak come together quickly. Just the thing for breezy nights, the colorful combo is perfect for summer gatherings of any size.

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Steaks with Mushroom SauceBy using top sirloin, this dish is great for a weeknight dinner for two or four. The rich mushroom-wine sauce brings out the best of the beef-forward flavor, and it tastes great with sides like roasted potatoes and green beans.

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Quick Pepper SteakWith a simple sweet and savory sauce, sliced sirloin and fresh bell peppers, this skillet supper comes together in a flash. Serve it with steamed white, brown or cauliflower rice for a fuller meal.

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Beef Steaks with Blue CheeseBroil, grill or quickly sear these steaks in a cast-iron pan to get a nice caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the meat tender inside. The size of the steaks, blue cheese topping and croutons can easily be cut in half for smaller portion sizes.

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Flank Steak PinwheelsButterfly and flatten a flank steak so there’s a large surface area for this savory red pepper and spinach stuffing. Roll it up, wrap in bacon (yes!) and grill for a few minutes. Once sliced, serve with a delicious creamy blue cheese sauce.

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Key West Flank SteakFlank steak is great for the grill, especially with this lime and garlic marinade, and it cooks quickly, just a few minutes per side. After letting it rest, slice against the grain. Need more ideas for this economical cut of beef? Check out some of our other flank steak recipes.

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Zesty Steak SaladCook marinated top sirloin steak for this zesty salad, or feel free to use leftover steak from another meal. While the base is leafy romaine lettuce, add anything else you love to the bowl, from cucumbers and mushrooms to cheese.

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Air-Fryer Steak FajitasOf course you can make steak in the air fryer! This marinated flank steak takes less than 10 minutes. While you let it rest, slice avocado, onion and lime wedges for serving.

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Mushroom Steak Salad with Walnut VinaigretteThis steak salad is a great date night steak recipe because it’s impressive but easy to throw together for any night of the week. Serve with some crusty bread and a great bottle of wine.

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Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak TacosSkirt steak is usually a pretty tough cut with lots of connective tissue. That’s why you want to use something like this beer and lime marinade to tenderize it and add flavor. Like other grilled steak recipes, a quick sear over the fire is all it takes.

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Beef Filets with Portobello SauceThese steaks with a rich and savory portobello mushroom sauce are a perfect meal for two. Complete the meal with zesty potatoes, a leafy salad and a hunk of great bread.

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Flank Steak with Cilantro & Blue Cheese ButterOnce you learn a great steak marinade recipe, you’ll be able to turn even the toughest cut of meat into a delicious dinner. This sweet citrus marinade transforms flank steak into a tender flavorful cut.

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Garlic Grilled SteaksElevate your grilled strip or ribeye steaks with this amazing garlic mixture. Have extra? Learn how to repurpose last night’s dinner into one of these amazing leftover steak recipes.

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Citrus Steak SaladThere are so many wonderful flavors in this salad, thanks to fresh greens, mandarin oranges, strawberries and a citrusy vinaigrette. The only thing you need to cook is the steak, and dinner is on the table in no time.

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Flank Steak with CouscousFor this recipe, use sirloin steak if you prefer it over flank steak. Both take only minutes to broil and have lots of beefy flavor. Make sure to cut against the grain for the most tender pieces.

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Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream CheeseThe sharp peppery flavor of horseradish has always been a great foil for a rich, juicy steak. Blend it with cream cheese, parmesan and parsley for a delicious steak topper, and serve with a classic baked potato.

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Teriyaki Steak SkewersThese teriyaki steak skewers will be the hit of your next backyard barbecue. The aroma alone will get everyone’s attention, but once they taste the sweet and savory marinade, they’ll be hooked. You can easily double or triple this recipe for a crowd.

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Southwest Steak & PotatoesMake this whole meal on the grill for your next cookout. The steak gets a brush of vinegar and Worcestershire before a rub of zesty spices, and the potatoes taste great with a little char from the fire.

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Maple & Blue Cheese SteakA marinade of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon adds a ton of flavor to this steak, and it complements the sharp blue cheese topping. Any cut that you’d grill works here, including sirloin, strip or ribeye.

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Grilled Steaks with Greek RelishThe sharpness of tomatoes, lemon, onion and feta is the perfect foil for a deliciously rich ribeye. Serve it with this Creamy Roasted Garlic and Spinach Orzo side dish for a more authentic Mediterranean meal.

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Smoky Espresso SteakWith espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice, it may sound like you’re making dessert, but it’s actually a delicious rub that transforms broiled or grilled flat iron steak into a flavor bomb.

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Grilled Steaks with Marinated TomatoesTalk about peak summer. Sometimes all you need for a perfectly grilled steak is a side of fresh garden tomatoes marinated in raspberry vinaigrette and fresh herbs and spices. A side of cheesy potatoes or sauteed green beans work, too!

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Garlic-Rubbed T-Bones with Burgundy MushroomsPorterhouse or T-bone steaks are great on the grill, especially when rubbed with garlic and served with wine-soaked mushrooms. Take dinner to another level with creamy twice-baked potatoes and a Caesar salad.

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Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread SaladThe chili-rubbed grilled steak and fresh vegetables make this panzanella-like salad a one-bowl meal. Use thick-cut bread for the cubes so they can soak up all the flavors.

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Grilled Ribeyes with Herb ButterWith Dijon and herbs de Provence, this full-flavored marinade practically takes you to the French countryside. After the steaks come off the grill, top with a savory herb butter. For something more American, try our new obsession: cowboy butter.

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Chipotle-Honey Grilled T-BonesFor all the heat lovers out there, these T-bones have a spicy kick. Great on the grill or seared indoors, make these the centerpiece of a Tex Mex-inspired dinner.

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Peppered Ribeye SteaksThis peppery DIY steak rub brings out all the beefy flavor of grilled ribeye steaks. Pair it with a sweet corn and tomato salad for a perfect summer meal.

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Grilled Steak PinwheelsEasy to prepare, steak pinwheels make a statement, especially with this savory mushroom filling. It’s a great summertime option when the grill (and the days and nights) are hot and you want to keep the kitchen cool.

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Saucy Skillet SteaksButter, Dijon and onion turns an everyday steak dinner into something special. Ribeyes are the choice cut for this steak recipe, but you can do the same with a NY strip or tenderloin; the sauce is even great on chicken or burgers.

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Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched MushroomsYou’ve seen the bacon-wrapped filet mignon at the grocery store, but it’s just as easy to make at home. This recipe is perfect for two (yay, date night!), but it can easily be doubled or tripled for a dinner party.

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Merlot Filet MignonRemember: when you’re cooking with wine, don’t use the cheap stuff; cook with one you’d like to drink. It makes all the difference in a buttery wine sauce like this.

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Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin SteakCocoa powder won’t make your steak sweet. Unsweetened chocolate adds depth and color to steak. It’s also a perfect complement to smoky chipotle peppers. Here are some other surprising ingredients that take your steak from good to great.

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Steak with Citrus SalsaIn the summer, this lime marinade perks up grilled steaks. In the winter, broiled or pan-seared steaks get a blast of sunshine from citrus salsa.

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Skillet Steak SupperBecause everything for this quick and easy meal is cooked in one skillet, prep work and cleanup is a breeze. The delicious wine and mushroom sauce will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen, though.

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Ginger Steak Fried RiceTurn leftover rice and steak into a quick fried rice. Broccoli slaw mix and frozen peas make it an easy-peasy weeknight meal.

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Spicy Flank SteakSpice up a flank steak with red pepper flakes and chili powder, and then serve with a cool sour cream sauce. If you prefer, grill the steak over medium-high heat rather than broiling.

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The post Can You Tenderize Steak with Baking Soda? appeared first on Taste of Home.

Following a weekend Costco run, we came across a Costco receipt marked with a smiley face and became curious. Is this a common Costco practice? And if so, why do Costco workers draw smiley faces on its receipts? Here’s what we found.

Why does Costco draw smiley faces on receipts?

If your Costco draws a smiley face on your receipt, count yourself lucky. They may just be trying to make your day (or your child’s day). Like this TikTok from @peepmyfamily shows, kids may just come to expect—and adorably applaud—a beaming happy face on a Costco receipt. It’s too cute!

@peepmyfamily In the last couple of months hes caught on to what was going on and hes been so excited to get his smiley face ever since the first. Also he loves the samples lol #costco #costcotiktok #toddlersoftiktok #happy #toddlers #foryoupage #fyp ♬ Good Day – Nappy Roots

Costco isn’t the only grocery store to try and bring a smile to children’s faces. Trader Joe’s has a secret stuffed animals scavenger hunt for kids around its stores, too. It’s another example of a store’s endearing way to add some sunshine to daily errands.

But this long-time fun isn’t just for kids. Like this TikTok shows, even 18-year-olds still get excited over seeing a smiley face on the Costco receipt. And, hey, we can’t blame ’em!

@mel.21.m No shame i love the happy face 🤪 #fyp #foryoupage #costco #happyface ♬ original sound – ✯

Do all Costco stores draw smiley faces on receipts?

While this tradition certainly brings positivity to a shopping trip, not every Costco draws smiley faces on receipts. My local Costco confirmed that drawing smiley faces on receipts can really depend on the employee working, too.

This uncertainty around happy faces isn’t anything new. The Costco tradition has gone back and forth between active and inactive. In 2014, some stores reportedly banned the practice and Costco employees were no longer allowed to draw smiley faces.

Not finding a signature grin can be disappointing. Next time you make a Costco run, fingers crossed that your receipt has a little extra cheer!

The post If You See a Smiley Face on Your Costco Receipt, Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you were heartbroken like I was when Searching For Italy was canceled—streaming it on Max is amazing, but I miss the new episodes—and have already gotten through his cookbooks (shoutout to The Tucci Table), here’s an effective alternative: Tucci’s TikTok.

Time and again, the star indulges us with gems of Italian cuisine on social media. Unsurprisingly, these endearing—and often, viral—videos are genius. This brilliance includes Tucci’s tips for mastering risotto cakes, which, weeks later, we are still obsessed with. I mean, Stanley Tucci made them, so how can we not be?

What is a risotto cake made of?

Risotto cakes are made with leftover risotto. As Tucci says, “I made risotto the other night, which I didn’t eat. So I turned it into risotto cakes.” Any way to savor more risotto is a recipe that has my attention.

Is it OK to eat leftover risotto?

Yes, it’s OK to eat leftover risotto. Especially when it can be used to create another mouthwatering recipe like this one! Risotto can be stored for as long as 5 days in the refrigerator, unless it’s a meat risotto, which should only stick around for 3 days.

How to Make Stanley Tucci’s Risotto Cakes

@stanley.tucciRisotto cakes♬ original sound – Stanley Tucci

Ingredients

• Leftover risotto
• 2 eggs
• Cheese
• Salt
• Panko bread crumbs
• Fresh bread crumbs
• Regular olive oil (Tucci says not to use extra virgin olive oil)
• Vegetable oil

Directions

Tucci doesn’t give us any exact measurements when it comes to making this recipe. However, he does walk us through his process.

“What I’ve done,” he begins before motioning to the contents. “This is what it looks like,” he says as he raises a glass bowl full of the risotto mixture to the camera. The actor explains that he put panko bread crumbs into the eggs and mixed them prior to throwing in “a little extra cheese, a little extra salt,” (estimate what “a little” means to your liking). He then mixes that into homemade bread crumbs to create the ultimate bread crumb mixture.

That’s right, Tucci mixes panko and homemade bread crumbs. This concoction is met with Tucci’s “mmm, mmm, mmm” noise of approval. He rolls the risotto into mini cakes and coats them with the bread crumb mixture. Then he cooks them in regular olive oil (not extra virgin olive oil) and vegetable oil in a large pan.

The final result? Crisp, golden brown, risotto cakes that are “really, really, really good.” We believe it!

What goes with risotto cakes?

If you want to relish these risotto cakes the Tucci way, grab a drink. The actor says the cakes are “what [he’s] going to have with a cocktail.” For a full Stanley Tucci-approved snack, take him up on his recommendation for a perfect Negroni.

To make a full meal with risotto cakes, roast some of your favorite vegetables or a pan-fry the protein of your choice and call it a day. Better yet, a Stanley Tucci-approved day, which is bound to be award-winning.

The post Stanley Tucci’s Risotto Cakes May Be Our Favorite Thing Ever appeared first on Taste of Home.

However, that doesn’t mean air fryers always work perfectly. Like all appliances, air fryers can malfunction. And if your air fryer happens to be a certain Secura air fryer, you may have experienced this firsthand. So far there have been nine reports of Secura air fryers catching fire, burning and smoking. Yikes—that’s definitely cause for a recall.

What air fryers are being recalled?

This Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall affects Secura air fryers, specifically certain black air fryers with silver accents. There’s a faulty wire connection in the air fryer that can overheat, causing fire and burn hazards.

How do I know if I have an affected air fryer?

This recall affects 6,400 air fryers with specific model numbers and date codes. Each of these model numbers and four-digit date codes are located on silver labels at the bottom of each unit. The following model numbers and date codes are included in this recall:

• SAF-53D (TXG-DT16E), 1901
• SAF-53 (TXG-DS16), 1903 or 1904

The 12″ high air fryers were sold mostly on Amazon.com in the U.S. between May 2019 and October 2020. (In addition, about 680 affected air fryers were sold in Canada.) Prices ranged from $48 to $90.

What do I do next?

If you suspect you have an impacted air fryer, stop using it immediately. Then contact Secura for a $45 Amazon gift card or free replacement air fryer.

To receive either a refund or a replacement, consumers need to provide contact information and submit photos of the recalled unit with its power cord cut off. Additionally, consumers should include information about the product’s date code on the bottom of the air fryer. Receipts are not necessary.

For any further questions,  call Secura at 888-792-2360 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT weekdays or visit Secura’s website for more information.

The post This Popular Air Fryer Is Being Recalled—Here’s What We Know appeared first on Taste of Home.

It’s hard to believe that one of the most beloved and iconic 2000s flicks is approaching its 20th anniversary. I mean, that’s just like, so grool.

While we’re planning to wear pink for the celebration, Coffee mate has gifted us a caffeinated way to ring in the occasion. (No, it’s not a coffee cake filled with rainbows and smiles that everyone would eat and be happy). It’s a limited edition Mean Girls coffee creamer. Shut up. Shut. Up! We’ve got the 411 and all the hot gossip on this, fittingly, pink treat.

What is Mean Girls coffee creamer?

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This Mean Girls coffee creamer is inspired by the classic and endlessly quotable film. To make it even more iconic, it’s also the first ever pink coffee creamer and has a sweet pink frosting flavor. Talk about adding a sugar rush to your afternoon pick-me-up!

According to Coffee mate, the creamer gives fans a chance to add splashes of, like, really pretty, pink to any type of coffee. In other words, it’s not a regular coffee creamer, it’s a cool coffee creamer.

What does Mean Girls creamer taste like?

I had the chance to taste test this creamer, and it can be summed up in one word: pink. Not just because of its bubblegum hue, but because this coffee creamer smells and tastes like pink, too. And by pink, I mean it really does taste like a liquified, sugary piece of cake and my sweet tooth isn’t mad about it. Take that pink everything as you’d like, but to reference one of the most quotable lines of the film, it’s pretty fetch fitting.

When is the creamer in stores?

Unfortunately, this coffee creamer can’t sit with us just yet. It won’t be rolling onto grocery store shelves nationwide until January 2024. Although, that does mean we can look forward to starting the new year off with some pink.

Once its available, fans will be able to pick up 32-ounce bottles for $4.69. Until then, we’ll be rewatching the Plastics rule the school and making recipes inspired by vintage movies.

The post Mean Girls Coffee Creamer Is Coming to Stores and, Yes, It’s So Fetch appeared first on Taste of Home.

While a typical s’more—graham crackers with marshmallows and chocolate in between—is a timeless classic, there are plenty of new ways to make s’mores too. Some of which are innovative and extraordinarily tasty in a single bite.

Our love for this simple trio of ingredients is why we’re bringing back a 2022 viral s’mores sensation that, if you missed out on last year, you need to try immediately. Once we get into this dip, you’ll see why this s’mores variation was, and remains, so popular.

S’mores Dip Recipe

@daphnevdwel Autumn baking 🤎🍂 #autumn #autumnaesthetic #october #smoresdip #smores #fyp #cozyvibes ♬ original sound – danya

@cookingwithkryss the infamous s’mores dip 🤭 (they’re hella sweet in my opinion) #smoresdiy #smoresdip #smores #foodies #holidaysnackideas #holidayszn #smoresrecipe #bakingtiktok #yumdessert #smorescheck #viral #trendingdesserts #fypシ ♬ Players – DJ Smallz 732 – Jersey Club Remix – Coi Leray

Not only is this dip delicious, it’s also simple and straightforward to make. Here’s how you can create s’mores dip:

Ingredients

• Chocolate bars
• Marshmallows
• Graham crackers, for dipping

Directions

Step 1: Prep the chocolate

Grab a glass baking dish or aluminum pan and fill the bottom with chocolate. The amount can be to your liking—especially if you’re a chocolate lover who wants to pack as much in there as possible—just make sure there’s enough room for the marshmallows.

Step 2: Top with marshmallows

Then, fill the pan with a bag of marshmallows—if you want a recommendation, this is our pick for the best marshmallows. Transfer to an oven set at 350°F for around five minutes, or until those marshmallows are golden brown and melting into the chocolate. Dig in with a spoon or grab a box of graham crackers for dipping.

Tips for Making S’mores Dip

So how does one perfect this dessert dip? We’ve got some tips to help you out when it comes to making this s’mores delight.

Can you reheat s’mores dip?

Yes! You can reheat s’mores dip. Just pop it into the oven at 350° for five minutes and it’s as gooey and good to go as ever.

Can you make s’mores dip in the microwave?

You can make s’mores dip in the microwave to speed up the process. Place some chocolate and marshmallows in a bowl or dish and put the microwave on high for 15 to 30 seconds.

Another s’mores dip alternative? Try using the air fryer at 350° for around five minutes too.

Is there a Peeps s’mores dip recipe?

If you want to make this s’mores dip into an adorable concoction, you can also create a Peeps s’mores dip recipe! It’s a smaller, simpler, version of the original s’mores dip, but no less delicious. And with Halloween coming up, we recommend opening a pack of Halloween peeps to get you started.

The post This Is the Infamous S’mores Dip That Took Over the Internet Last Fall appeared first on Taste of Home.

@melissas_healthykitchen Chocolate spiderweb pretzels🕸️🕷️ What youll need: Gluten free pretzels White chocolate chips Chocolate chips Organic refined coconut oil Festive sprinkles #halloweenfoodideas #festivefood #spookytreats #halloweenpartyfood #halloweenfoods #halloweenpartyideas #chocolatepretzels #festivefoodideas #spookyeats #funfoodideas #chocolatespiderweb ♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song – PeriTune

Chocolate Spider Web Pretzels

It’s no wonder this recipe has racked up over 850,000 likes. The spooky chocolate spider web pretzels are easy to make, and offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Plus, they’re perfect for a Halloween party.

The post 13 Viral TikTok Halloween Recipes We’re Obsessed With appeared first on Taste of Home.

It’s a barrel of butterbeer jelly beans!

What do we know about the Harry Potter jelly beans?

The jelly beans come to us courtesy of iconic candy company Jelly Belly, which is surprisingly not located in Hogsmeade. This is the first time the Wizarding World drink is available in jelly bean form!

For any Muggles who haven’t tried butterbeer, the drink is like a creamy butterscotch soda. In other words, these jelly beans will most likely taste like chewy creamy butterscotch soda. Pair the Harry Potter jelly beans with a batch of butterbeer cookies and an ice-cold butterbeer, and it will be even better than a night at the Three Broomsticks.

What do the butterbeer jelly beans taste like?

For starters, I was pleasantly surprised by the adorable mini size of the package. Each bean shimmers like no jelly beans I’ve ever had before, which befits the magical Harry Potter theme. And the taste? I loved this chewy candy! The butterbeer jelly beans have a sugary, delightfully sweet butterscotch flavor in a way that doesn’t overwhelm. These beans offer a taste of the Wizarding World that I could enjoy at any movie night.

Where can I find butterbeer jelly beans?

Head to Jelly Belly’s website to find 1-ounce bags in a 24-count case for $31.99. The mini bags are perfect to give out on Halloween or as a favor at a Harry Potter party. Or use the website’s local product finder to find them near you.

If you want to go all out during your next Harry Potter marathon, the website has other Wizarding World treats available as well. From Butterbeer Chewy Candy to Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and chocolate frogs, Jelly Belly has us covered.

Of course, if you want to whip up your own Harry Potter potions at home, try out these Harry Potter-inspired recipes. Either way, I’m here for having a feast worthy of the Great Hall!

The post You Can Finally Buy Harry Potter-Inspired Butterbeer Jelly Beans appeared first on Taste of Home.

Well, Starbucks has even more ways for coffee-addicted fall fans to ring in the season. How? This whole lineup of Starbucks Halloween-inspired drinkware. Spooky autumn tumblers, cold cups and mugs, oh my! Is there any better way to celebrate fall than by drinking an Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato out of a Starbies Halloween cup?

The Starbucks Halloween Cups for 2023

@starbucks Calling all ghouls and goblins. 👻 Available now while supplies last. U.S. & Canada #Starbucks #Fall #Merch #Halloween ♬ original sound – Starbucks

Trick or treat! Starbucks is dropping nine new items in honor of the haunted day:

• Green Drip Cold Cup: If you’re looking for a cup that’s ideal to have around when telling ghost stories, this is the one. This 24-ounce slime Green Drip Cold Cup glows in the dark! Grab one for $29.95 and watch its incandescent glow, preferably while sipping on a secret menu Halloween drink.
• Black Bling Cold Cups and Key Chain: Add some boo-tiful Starbies bling to your Halloween with this dazzling option. It’s available in 24 or 16 ounces, along with a keychain version.
• Calavera Skull Meg: We recommend picking up this mug to sip from while watching Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween, because the skull shape is too fitting for a scary movie night. It’s only available at Starbucks within Target locations, though, so you’ll want to run to get this spooky mug.
• Multicolor Cold Cup: Add some color to your fall coffee runs with this cold cup. Featuring a dynamic pink, orange, black and green along with a lime green lid, these colors come together into a single multicolor dream cup. Pick up some 24-ounce goodness for $29.95 only at Starbucks in Target.
• Pink Pumpkin Mug: OK, this mug is too adorable not to get. This 12-ounce pink pumpkin mug channels a Barbie Halloween and we’re not mad about it. Plus, it’s only $14.95, aka a total steal.
• Green Pumpkin Tumbler: Fill up on a haunting caffeine fix with this green pumpkin tumbler. Its black background marked with glowing pink and green pumpkins are perfect for Halloween. This 12-ounce option is $19.95.
• Halloween Reusable Hot Cup 6 Pack: It wouldn’t be a Starbucks merch collection without some reusable hot cups. This pack of six features designs that scream spooky fall—look at all those pumpkins and ghosts! Each cup comes in a different color, and the full set is $19.95.
• Multicolor Drip Cold Cup: Let’s add some squiggles into the mix. This 16-ounce multicolor drip cold cup features black, orange, green and pink designs.
• Pumpkin Tumbler: Last but not least, this 16-ounce brown pumpkin tumbler. And considering its name, a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew might be the ideal drink for this Starbucks Halloween cup.

I’m ready to add every option to the list of Starbucks cups, mugs and tumblers we can’t resist and I’m not mad about it.

When do Starbucks Halloween cups come out?

Halloween-themed drinkware rolls into Starbucks cafes starting in September. If you adore any of these items, don’t wait long. The drinkware is only available while supplies last. And we expect the full collection to sell out ASAP.

As a bonus, bring a reusable cup to any Starbucks for 10 cents off your order and 25 extra stars in the rewards app. In other words, there’s more than one perk to buying some cute new Starbucks merch. Your next Starbucks fall drink may just come with a discount!

The post Starbucks Halloween Cups Are Here—and One Glows in the Dark appeared first on Taste of Home.

Is anything more comforting than a grilled cheese? In particular, a grilled cheese with gooey American cheese? We think not.

But, if Kraft is your go-to brand of American singles, be wary. Because according to a recall issued by Kraft Heinz on September 19, nearly 84,000 cases of individually-wrapped Kraft slices could pose a choking hazard.

Before toasting up any more grilled cheese sandwiches, here’s what to know.

What products are being recalled?

The recall affects individually wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices. Several consumers have already issued complaints about finding plastic stuck to cheese slices. Six of those complaints were reports of choking or gagging due to the plastic.

After receiving the complaints, Kraft found out that the plastic came from an issue with one of its wrapping machines. Thin strips of individual film stayed on slices once the wrapper was removed, posing the hazard. While Kraft has fixed the machine and “thoroughly inspected” its other processing machines, the recall was still issued. 83,800 cases of American cheese were affected, and if each case has 12 packages of 24 Kraft Singles, that’s roughly 24 million individually-wrapped slices that could pose a choking hazard.

How do I know if I have a recalled product?

The first product impacted by this recall is a 16 oz. Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product:

• UPC code: 0 2100061526 1
• “Best When Used By” date: January 10, 2024 through January 27, 2024
• S and 72 in the manufacturing code

3 lb. multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product are also included in this recall.

• UPC code of 0 2100060491 3
• “Best When Used By” date of January 9, 2024 through January 13, 2024 and January 16, 2024

What should I do if I have one of the recalled products?

If you happen to have one of these products, don’t eat the American cheese. Instead, return the package to the store where it was purchased to exchange it or receive a refund.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of serious injury in connection with the issue. However, if you have questions about your specific Kraft product or want to receive a reimbursement, call Kraft Heinz at 1-800-280-8252, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. And make sure to keep an eye out for these choking hazards for kids, too.

The post Kraft Just Recalled 83,800 Cases of Its American Cheese Slices appeared first on Taste of Home.

That’s why we’re obsessed with this recipe that adds apple cider to a beloved dessert. That’s right, apple cider doesn’t just have to be enjoyed as a drink. There are plenty of apple cider recipes that have the tart, spiced flavor of fall in every bite. Including apple cider cheesecake cookies!

What are apple cider cheesecake cookies?

These apple cider-flavored cookies combine two of our favorite desserts: cheesecake and cookies. According to recipe developer Ginny Dyer, the cookies taste exactly like apple cider doughnuts with a cheesecake filling. Yum! Total dream dessert enjoyed preferably while watching Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween or a Nora Ephron rom-com.

How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies

This viral recipe was shared by @inbloombakery on TikTok. The original post for “super chewy apple cider spiced cookies stuffed with creamy cheesecake” has 775,000 likes and counting. In other words, the internet can’t get enough!

The recipe echoes another In Bloom Bakery classic, pumpkin cheesecake cookies. And since we’re obsessed with those, too, we definitely aren’t complaining.

@inbloombakery APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE COOKIES🍎✨ Super chewy apple cider spiced cookies stuffed with creamy cheesecake filling, brushed with butter & sprinkled with spiced sugar. The key to lots of apple cider flavor without adding too much moisture to the cookies is reducing the apple cider A LOT. Like you’re going to almost make a hard candy with it, you can see how hard and sticky it gets, but this will allow the cookies to stay super chewy while adding a strong apple flavor! And we’re stuffing them with cream cheese for good measure, but if you’d rather, you can leave the cheesecake part out ❤️ #applecidercookie #applecider #cheesecakecookies #applecookies #fallbaking #fallcookies ♬ Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller

Ingredients

Cheesecake filling:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, cold
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cookies:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spiced sugar:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of allspice
• 1-2 tablespoon salted butter, melted

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the apple cider

Start off by creating an apple cider reduction, which Ginny says is the most important step. In medium saucepan over low to medium heat, simmer 2 cups of apple cider for 25 to 38 minutes. It’s an odd range, but the exact time depends on the heat. You’ll know the reduction is almost done once the consistency noticeably becomes more bubbly. Stir consistently to make sure it’s not overdone. The final result will be 2 tablespoons of a viscous, honey-like texture.

Step 2: Prep the cheesecake filling

Throw cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla in a small bowl and cream with a hand mixer on medium to high speed for 2 minutes. The cheesecake filling should have a pillowy consistency and the sugar should be fully dissolved.

In increments of 2 teaspoons, line up 16 cheesecake filling scoops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, pop those cheesecake dollops into your freezer. Ginny advises to wait until they’re frozen and firm so the filling won’t leak out from the cookies as they’re baking.

Step 3: Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F. (Fun fact, there’s a scientific reason why most recipes call for preheating the oven to 350°). Then, prep two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 4: Create a flour mixture

Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a medium bowl and whisk it all together—the right way! Put the mixture aside.

Step 5: Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until the result is light and fluffy.

Step 6: Add in the rest of the cookie ingredients

Add the egg yolks, vanilla and apple cider reduction to the rest of the wet ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes.

Ginny’s Tip: The apple cider reduction will be extra sticky after it’s cool, so get ready to scrape it from a spoon!

Step 7: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the dry ingredients. Fully mix the ingredients all together on low speed. Use plastic wrap to cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Ginny says this makes the dough easier to work with. Don’t skip chilling the dough!

Step 8: Place the cookie dough on baking sheets

After the cookie dough has chilled, scoop 16 1-1/2 tablespoon portions of dough. Use three fingers to slightly flatten each dough portion. Grab a dollop of the cheesecake filling and place in the center of the flattened dough. Then, wrap the dough around the cheesecake filling until it’s fully concealed by the dough. Repeat for the rest of the cookies.

Take the prepared cookie dough balls and place them evenly on a baking sheet. Then, pop 6 cookies in the oven at a time. They take 11 to 12 minutes to bake, and Ginny recommends 11-1/2 minutes as the ideal baking sweet spot. Let each batch cool for 15 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to fully cool.

Step 9: Create the spiced sugar

Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice to a small bowl and mix together.

Wait for the cookies to fully cool before using a pastry brush—one of the must-have pastry tools for every home baker—to brush melted butter on the top of the cookies. Then sprinkle on the spiced sugar. Your apple cider cheesecake cookies are ready to serve!

Fall Cookies That’ll Make Your House Smell Amazing

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Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting These easy pumpkin cookies are pleasantly spiced. Everyone enjoys the soft, cake-like texture, too. —Lisa Chernetsky, Luzerne, Pennsylvania Go to Recipe

Ginger Creme Sandwich CookiesWith a lemony filling, these spiced cookies go over big because they have old-fashioned, comfort-food appeal. Your party guests will snatch them up! - Carol Walston, Granbury, Texas

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Pecan Pie CookiesMy family loves pecans. In fact, we have pecan pie at Thanksgiving and these pecan cookies at Christmas.—Julie McQuiston, Bradenton, Florida

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Butterscotch ShortbreadAfter sampling these tender cookies in a specialty store, I knew I had to duplicate them. My version has lots of toffee bits and butterscotch chips. I give away dozens as home-baked gifts. —Sandra McKenzie, Braham, MN

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Oatmeal Caramel Apple CookiesThis recipe for caramel apple cookies is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal raisin. These treats are hard to resist! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

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Caramel Whiskey CookiesA bit of yogurt replaces part of the butter in the traditional cookie, but you would never know. I get a lot of requests for these and can’t make a cookie tray without them. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

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White Chocolate-Cranberry BiscottiThe original version of this recipe was handed down from my great-aunt. Through the years, my mother and I have tried different flavor combinations...this is a favorite for all. —Brenda Keith, Talent, Oregon

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Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter FrostingThe recipe for these pleasantly spiced pumpkin cookies won a champion ribbon at our local county fair. These are a family favorite, and everyone enjoys the soft cakelike texture. —Robin Nagel, Whitehall, Montana

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Cinnamon Roll MacaronsThese macarons are a winter/fall staple for me—inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, they are a delicious treat for a cold or snowy day. These pair well with a mug of tea, and can be eaten as a dessert or just a snack. Try custard, mousse, ganache, or any other buttercream as fillings. They make great Thanksgiving cookies too. —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California. Looking for more? Learn how to make Taylor Swift’s chai cookies.

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Cinnamon Crackle CookiesThis recipe is the compilation of many years of baking. I make these cookies for a holiday bazaar and year-round for our family. They freeze well. —Vicki Lair, Albert Lea, Minnesota

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Ginger S'moresI’ve spent a few years perfecting this recipe to get the cookie soft and full of flavor and to balance the marshmallow and chocolate without overpowering the cookie. I think I finally got it where I want it! —Lynsay Benson, Minnetonka, Minnesota

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Salted Brown Sugar and Rye Chocolate Chip CookiesThese bakery-style cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie! The combination of rye flour, chocolate and brown sugar makes these cookies truly unique. They’re soft and chewy with crunchy edges, perfectly salty-sweet and loaded with just the right amount of chocolate. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

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Pumpkin Cookie PopsThese cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Quick Cranberry Chip CookiesI received these delightful cookies for Christmas a few years ago. I was watching my diet, but I couldn't stay away from them! The tart cranberries blend beautifully with the sweet chocolate and vanilla chips. —Jo Ann McCarthy, Canton, Massachusetts

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Soft Honey CookiesThese old-fashioned honey cookies have a subtle honey-cinnamon flavor and a tender texture. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years and now it can be one at your house, too. —Rochelle Friedman, Brooklyn, New York

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Spiced Cranberry Oatmeal CookiesThis is the best applesauce cranberry cookie recipe. These delicious cookies are full of pecans, dried cranberries and chocolate chips that lend crunch and sweetness. Every bite is packed with flavor! —Karie Saxton, South Boardman, Michigan

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If you loved baking these cookies, then you have to try these fall cupcakes.

Caramel-Apple Shortbread CookiesThere is nothing like seeing my friends almost melt to the floor when they bite into something I made. These cookies never fail to elicit oohs and aahs. —Amber Taylor, Lenoir City, Tennessee

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Chewy German Chocolate CookiesWhen I want a cookie that's as chewy as a brownie, this is the recipe I reach for. Coffee granules add the right amount of mocha flavor. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Pumpkin Spice CookiesThese big, soft spice cookies created by our staff have a sweet frosting that makes them an extra-special treat. Learn how to store cookies so you can enjoy them for the holidays! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Fruit 'n' Spice RoundsWhile I was looking for a way to use up an abundance of dates, I came across this recipe. Made with raisins, walnuts and a delectable lemon glaze, these quickly became a family favorite. —Allison Bell, Helena, Montana

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Chocolate and Peanut Butter CookiesMy mother-in-law was known for her chocolate and peanut butter cookies, and her special Sunday dinners. She always enjoyed baking and even worked in a bakery to help put her sons through college. Her cookies were always picture-perfect. —Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, Illinois

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Cranberry Nutella Sandwich CookiesI created these cookies for my family after I realized that we had been without Nutella for far too long! The tart dried cranberries are a natural pairing to the hazelnut flavor. We can’t get enough of these sweet treats! —Nancy Mock, Colchester, VT

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RugelachThe crisp texture of these crescent-shaped cookies makes them a terrific treat to serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee.

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Glazed Maple Shortbread CookiesWhenever I visit friends in Lutsen, Minnesota, I make sure to buy maple syrup there because I think it's even better than in Quebec. These delicious cookies can be decorated with sprinkles but they're just fine as is.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

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Cranberry Walnut BiscottiA chocolate drizzle lends a little sweetness to biscotti loaded with walnuts and dried cranberries. Before your family has a chance to eat them all, wrap some up to give as gifts!—Joan Duckworth, Lee's Summit, Missouri

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Cinnamon Bun CookiesI love cinnamon rolls, but working with yeast can be scary. These cookies give you the taste of a cinnamon roll in cookie form—no yeast required! They look like flattened cinnamon rolls and feel special enough to serve around the holidays. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois

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Cinnamon Chip Chai-Spiced SnickerdoodlesI love cinnamon chips, and this is an intriguing way to use them. Make sure to stock up on them during the holiday season so you have plenty to last during the year. —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas

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Cherry Chocolate Chunk CookiesThese rich, fudgy cookies are chewy and studded with tangy dried cherries. It’s a good thing the recipe makes only a small batch, because we eat them all in one night! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Ginger CrinklesI came up with these cookies by combining ingredients from two other recipes. It's the perfect ginger cookie—crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle. I send them to my son, and he shares them with his employees. Whenever I ask what kind of cookies to send, these are at the very top of the list. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona

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Chunky Drop CookiesThe night before I make these drop cookies, I measure out the pretzels, peanuts, raisins and chocolate. Assembly goes quickly the next day. —Kelly Ward-Hartman, Cape Coral, Florida

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Mini Meringue PumpkinsCast a sweet spell over your Halloween party guests by making a pumpkin patch’s worth of treats. It’s easy to use this basic meringue recipe spiced with pumpkin flavor to scare up fun cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Giant Molasses CookiesMy family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy molasses cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York

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Cranberry SlicesThe holidays wouldn't be complete without a plateful of homemade cookies to give family and friends. Try these for gifts.—American Dairy Assoc, Stacy Duffy, Chicago, Illinois

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Pumpkin Whoopie PiesMy kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

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Cranberry Port CookiesThis is my version of a recipe I tasted years ago—my family loves it. The flaky cookies are filled with a scrumptious combination of dried cranberries, cinnamon, lemon and a hint of port wine. —Leslie Forte, Oakhill, Virginia

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Honey-Date Pumpkin CookiesJust in time for harvest, here are some delicious drop cookies, plump with dates, pumpkins and nuts. The old-fashioned cream cheese frosting will remind you of Grandma’s kitchen.—Eunice Stoen, Decorah, IA

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Frosted Butter Rum Brickle BitesThe rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan

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Coffee Maple SpritzI like spritz cookies because they're easier to make than rolled cutouts but I can still be creative with different shapes and sizes. Feel free to substitute vanilla or rum extract for the maple flavoring. —Dierdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

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Day After Thanksgiving CookiesWith your leftover cranberry sauce and pumpkin, bake some Thanksgiving cookies. I’ve used jellied and whole-berry cranberry sauce, and both are equally delicious. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine

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Powered-Up Molasses CookiesThese tender cookies are so soft and flavorful. You'd never guess they're also lower in fat! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip TassiesThis pumpkin and chocolate cookie has a special feel that makes it perfect for a holiday dessert table. If you don’t have a pastry tip, use a freezer bag to pipe the buttercream into the cookie cup. It works well for me. —Laura Milanowski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Winning Cranberry Chip CookiesChock-full of cranberries, chocolate chips and nuts, these cookies are fun to eat. They offer a change of pace from traditional Christmas cookies...but don't wait until December to make them. My family requests them all year-round.

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Cranberry Orange Sandwich CookiesMy sweet-tart cookies make a terrific addition to a holiday dessert tray. I love the creamy orange filling.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Cinnamon Oatmeal CookiesMy family loves these big old-fashioned cinnamon oatmeal cookies. They’re crisp, yet still chewy in the center, and the cinnamon makes them a little different from typical oatmeal cookies.

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Honey Walnut DelightsEven after being frozen, these no-fail cookies stay moist and taste freshly baked. They are among my best holiday giveaway treats and are so easy to make. If you prefer, you can use other nut varieties, such as pecans or almonds. —Jessica Clemens, Wimbledon, North Dakota

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Pumpkin Spice CutoutsThrough all the years I've been baking, I’ve never come across a pumpkin cookie recipe that you can actually cut out with cookie cutters. (Most I’ve found are drop cookies.) Each bite tastes just like pumpkin pie—delicious! —Marion Kearley, Ladner, British Columbia

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Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon FrostingWhen I spread these spicy gingerbread rounds with my lemony cream cheese frosting, I knew I had a hit. Cardamom and allspice add a hint of chai tea flavor. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

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Spiced Molasses Doughnut CookiesI don't know where this recipe came from, but my family has been making these cookies for four generations. I am from upstate New York, and I haven't met anyone who has heard of doughnut cookies outside of that area. But when folks try these, they love them! —Brenna Phillips, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Butter Pecan CookiesWhen my daughter was a teen, these butter pecan cookies earned her two blue ribbons from two county fairs. Then a few years ago, her own daughter took home a blue ribbon for the same cookie. Needless to say, these mouthwatering morsels are real winners!—Martha Thefield, Cedartown, Georgia

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Horn Walnut CookiesIt takes only a few ingredients to create these elegant and delicious horns. This is a terrific make-ahead recipe because the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to seven days. —Loretta Stokes, Philadephia, Pennsylvania

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Molasses Cookies with a KickHere’s my go-to combination of ingredients for the best spice cookies. They’re a natural for fall, but I make them all year long. My mom says they’re her favorite! —Tamara Rau, Medina, North Dakota

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Chocolate Pecan Skillet CookieBake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, swap the chocolate chips for an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

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Pumpkin Chip CookiesThese golden cakelike cookies are my favorite, especially around the holidays. They disappear quickly from my dessert trays. The subtle pumpkin and cinnamon flavors pair nicely with chocolate chips. —Tami Burroughs, Salem, Oregon

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Cranberry Nut CookiesIn fall, I stock up on fresh cranberries and freeze them so I can make these cookies throughout the year. Tangy cranberries are a nice addition to a buttery cookie. —Machelle, Wall, Rosamond, California

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Spiced Almond CookiesThese cookies are my all-time favorite! The recipe has won ribbons at fairs and applause from family and guests alike. One of the reasons I like it is that I can make the dough and freeze it. Then, when I need another batch of cookies, I take a "log" out of the freezer, thaw it and make fresh cookies in minutes. —Wanda Daily, Milwaukie, Oregon

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Sweet Potato Spice CookiesShredded sweet potatoes, butterscotch chips, pecans, coconut and spices are creatively combined in a one-of-a-kind cookie that always brings rave reviews. —Ruth Shaffer, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania

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Spiced Cappuccino Kiss CookiesThis recipe combines two of my favorite flavors: coffee and cinnamon. You can always find them on my holiday treat trays. —Cynthia Messenger, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Browned Butter Spice CookiesIf you like spice cake, you’ll love this recipe! Browned butter, dark chocolate and a splash of rum produce an unconventional spice cookie that’s guaranteed to please. —Kristin Kenney, Newport Beach, California

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Pumpkin Sage Beurre Noisette CookiesIn a world of pumpkin spice flavor, these fluffy cookies are my top choice. The infusion of fresh sage gives them a surprising savory note. You can use mashed sweet potatoes or yams instead of the pumpkin if you prefer. —Jill LeMasters, Ravenna, Ohio

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The post How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ground beef is a staple ingredient for simple dinners. But before making any ground beef recipes, though, be aware of this recall.

On September 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a recall of 58,281 pounds of ground beef products. The recall is due to E. coli concerns at Green Bay Dressed Beef, a meat processing company that’s part of American Foods Group. Here’s what you need to know to stay healthy.

What caused the ground beef recall?

The potential contamination was discovered after the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) found that a ground beef sample tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli 0103. People who become infected with E. coli can potentially develop symptoms that include vomiting or diarrhea that typically lasts a week. However, infections can become more severe or can be more severe depending on age (particularly for children under 5 and older adults) or individuals with weakened immune systems.

How do I know if I have one of the recalled products?

American Foods Group shipped the ground beef to distributors in Georgia, Michigan and Ohio. To see if they have an affected product, consumers should first check the production date. Impacted products will have a date of August 14, 2023. These are the 10-pound plastic tubes (also known as chubs) affected by the recall:

• “90050 BEEF FINE GROUND 81/19” with lot code D123226026
• “20473 BEEF HALAL FINE GROUND 73/27” with lot code D123226027
• “20105 BEEF FINE GROUND 73/27” with lot code D123226027

The lot codes are located on the right upper side of the packaging. There is also an establishment number of “EST. 18076” located within the USDA mark. Take a look at the label PDFs to see the exact location of the establishment number and lot code.

What should I do if I have an affected product?

The USDA advises consumers and distributors who have impacted products to not use them and, instead, throw them away or return them. In addition, anyone with further questions can call 1-800-829-2838 or email info@americanfoodsgroup.com.

Fortunately, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions as a result of consuming the products. But, if you do have E.coli concerns, contact a healthcare provider. And to stay safe, learn how to protect your loved ones from E. coli.

Cook all ground beef to a food-safe temperature of at least 160°F to make sure it’s safe to consume. Temps of 160° kill E. coli germs effectively and quickly, according to the CDC. To confirm that the temperature is high enough to kill harmful bacteria, use a food thermometer.

The post Nearly 60,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Products Recalled Over E. Coli Concerns appeared first on Taste of Home.

How Can I Get a Free Burger King Cheeseburger?

First, to pick up a free Burger King cheeseburger, you must be a member of Burger King’s Royal Perks rewards program. Then with any $1 purchase or more on National Cheeseburger Day, rewards members can pick up a free cheeseburger.

And if you’re not a BK Royal Perks member, it’s free and easy to become one. Just sign up for plenty of Royal Perks all year-long.

Are There Other Freebies I Can Get from Burger King?

Burger King isn’t just honoring its cheeseburgers for National Cheeseburger Day. The chain has decided to ring in the celebration with an entire week of deals and freebies. Yup, the whole week long!

Free Cheeseburgers and Whoppers

On Monday, September 18, kick off the week by picking up that free cheeseburger. Then, on September 19, you can pick up a free Whopper Jr. by spending $1 or more, too. If you still can’t get enough BK, take it up a notch on September 20 with a $3 Whopper. Speaking of, these are things you probably didn’t know about Burger King’s Whopper.

Thursday, September 21 is a BOGO deal for the Whopper special.

Free Onion Rings

Burger King is also blessing us with free onion rings (which we love so much we can’t help but make these copycat Burger King onion rings at home) alongside any $1 purchase on September 23. Finally, to polish off the week of gifts, we have a September 24 finale that doubles the Royal Perks rewards points (Crowns) on every purchase that day. BRB, running to get in line immediately.

Just keep in mind, all these deals are contingent on having a Royal Perks membership. Besides that, get ready to celebrate with a week-long Burger King bonanza! All thanks to the magic of the unrivaled cheeseburger. And, if you want to indulge in a taste of BK at home, take a look at these Burger King copycat recipes.

The post Burger King Fans Can Pick Up a Free Cheeseburger on National Cheeseburger Day—Here’s How appeared first on Taste of Home.

Is there any better way to watch all eight HP films than while snacking on Harry Potter recipes? We think not. It’s time to make your way to Platform 9-3/4 for this recipe, which transforms the flavor of butterbeer into some seriously magical cookies.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express!

What Are Butterbeer Cookies?

Exactly what they sound like: butterbeer-flavored cookies. If you haven’t tried butterbeer at Universal Studios or conjured it up at home with a butterbeer recipe, the frothy drink is essentially a butterscotch-flavored cream soda. Now, imagine butterbeer in the form of a cookie. Top with buttercream for a treat even sweeter than a pumpkin pastie!

How to Make Harry Potter-Inspired Butterbeer Cookies

This recipe for butterbeer cookies is from TikTok creator @chizobacu, aka Chizoba Uwakwe. In a video with over 450,000 views so far, Chizoba uses a recipe from In Bloom Bakery to whip up some butterbeer goodness worthy of a Great Hall feast. Here’s how to make Hogwarts magic in your kitchen, too.

@chizobacu 🍪 Wizarding World Butterbeer Cookies (Butterscotch cookies) 🍻 I love Butterbeer, so when I found this recipe by @In Bloom Bakery for Butterbeer cookies on Pinterest I had to try it out. These cookies & the Harry Potter Prequel Fantastic Beasts made for a perfect and cozy night in the wizarding world. For my non Harry Potter fans, this is basically like a Butterscotch cookie. ⚡️ This recipe was fun and easy to make. Here’s what you need to try it at home. For the Butterbeer Cookies 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed ¼ cup granulated white sugar 2 egg yolks, at room temperature 1 tbsp vanilla extract ¼ cup butterscotch chips, melted and slightly cooled ½ cup butterscotch chips For the buttercream ½ cup unsalted butter, softened ⅛ tsp salt ½ cup butterscotch chips, melted and slightly cooled 1 cup powdered sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract I will link to the full recipe in my bio. #harrypotter #butterbeer #cookies #cozy #harrypottertiktok#cozy#recipealloween #fall #autumn #movienight #butterscotch #baking ♬ Harry Potter (El mundo mágico de Harry) – Film Symphony Orchestra

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butterscotch chips, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. (Did you know there’s a scientific reason why most recipes call for preheating the oven to 350°?)

Then, add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to a medium bowl. Promptly whisk together—the right way!—and move the mixture to the side.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

Next, add the butter, brown sugar and white sugar to a large bowl. Use a stand mixer on high for 2-3 minutes until the butter and sugars are creamed together. From there, add the egg yolks, vanilla extract and melted butterscotch chips to the bowl before mixing on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Use your mixer on a low speed until the two are fully meshed. Then, take the unmelted butterscotch chips and stir them fully into the dough. The recipe recommends using a rubber spatula.

Step 4: Scoop dough onto a cookie sheet

For each cookie, drop 2 tablespoons of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Each of the cookies should be about 2 inches apart. Go ahead and pop into the oven and let them bake for 10 to 11 minutes. Let the cookies cool on a baking rack.

Step 5: Make the buttercream

Grab all of your buttercream ingredients and use a stand mixer to combine thoroughly in a large bowl.

Step 6: Frost the cookies

Once the cookies are cool, use a mini spatula to frost each one with buttercream. Have fun with by drizzling caramel and sprinkles on top, too. These cookies definitely earn a Hogwarts stamp of approval.

Enjoy while you stream the Harry Potter saga on Max!

The post Butterbeer Cookies Are Perfect for Your Next Harry Potter Movie Marathon appeared first on Taste of Home.

Following the massive success of Aldi’s spring collection, the store will drop another gear collection this fall. Nothing here is more than $13, so this collection is full of steals. Get ready to rock signature Aldi gear from head to toe.

What Is the Aldi Gear Collection?

The Aldi collection helps shoppers rep this beloved grocery store chain. This fall gear collection was inspired by an aesthetic known as “gorpcore,” aka an outdoorsy vibe. Think: The North Face, Patagonia or Arc’teryx.

Considering Aldi’s increasing popularity—the chain will open over 100 new Aldi stores this year alone—it makes sense that its newest outdoorsy collection is predicted to fly off shelves.

What Items Are Part of the Aldi Gear Collection?

The Aldi gear includes pullovers, a beanie, pajamas, a travel mug and a variety of backpacks. Each item incorporates Aldi’s signature colors. With shades of the chain’s bold teal, yellow, orange and red, the collection will add pops of color to any wardrobe.

Plus, the brand is like a more affordable Patagonia. Every item is less than $13. It seems like this pricing strategy echoes the low prices of Aldi’s groceries, and we’re not mad. Take a look at a full list of items:

• Pullover: $12.99, available in 3 designs
• Gear Travel Mug: $6.99, available in 4 designs
• Canvas Slip-Ons: $8.99, available in 2 designs
• Backpack: $9.99, available in 4 designs
• Beanie: $3.99, available in 4 designs
• Ladies’ Pajamas: $9.99 available in 4 designs

When Will Aldi Gear Be in Stores?

The collection is available starting September 20. However, like Aldi Finds, this gear is only around while supplies last, so you won’t want to wait around. If you’re smart, you’ll turn your next grocery run into a shopping trip for Aldi merch. Because this gear may just make it onto our list of things you need to buy at Aldi.

The post Aldi Just Revealed Its Next Gear Collection, and the Lineup Is Expected to Sell Out Fast appeared first on Taste of Home.

This year, Starbucks has outdone itself with the new Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. I mean, does anything say fall like the spicy chai tea blended with pumpkin?

If you want to cozy up with Starbucks fall flavors right now—ideally while watching Gilmore Girls or a classic Halloween movie—then make a pumpkin cream chai at home. Thanks to TikTok creator @ethanrodecoffee, aka “the coffee guy,” we have a copycat recipe to share.

How to Make a Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Chai

If you’ve ordered the pumpkin cream chai, you’ll understand why this recipe went super viral on TikTok. With over 170,000 likes, Ethan’s copycat recipe perfectly recreates the Starbies favorite. The spice of chai, plus the sweetness of pumpkin cold foam, equals a drink we’ll be coming back to—at Starbucks and at home—time and time again.

@ethanrodecoffee

Pumpkin cream chai #chai #starbucks #pumpkin

♬ fishing for magikarp – demon gummies

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin sauce
• Your choice of milk and chai concentrate
• Ice cubes
• Nutmeg

Directions

Step 1: Whisk the pumpkin cold foam

To a glass, add 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin sauce. (Don’t be afraid to add extra pumpkin sauce as Ethan does, “for good measure.”)

Then, grab a milk frother—if you don’t have one already, this is our recommended milk frother—and whisk it all together until the cold foam is a thick yet smooth consistency.

Step 2: Assemble the chai

Next, take a different glass and mix milk and chai tea to your desired strength. Ethan says you can use any type of chai, but if you need a recommendation, he uses a Kimbala chai concentrate.

Top with ice cubes, but make sure there’s enough room to add that pumpkin cream! Stir together.

Step 3: Add the pumpkin cream

Finally, add that pumpkin cold foam right on top. Sprinkle on some nutmeg if you’d like, and viola—the perfect Starbucks-inspired fall beverage.

To make more Starbucks fall drinks at home, test out this copycat pumpkin cream cold brew.

The post How to Make an Iced Chai Latte with Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam (Starbucks Copycat) appeared first on Taste of Home.

For some, this marks the unmatched excitement in the anticipation of sweater weather, apple picking and pumpkin spice latte season. This is unlike the many who are significantly more reluctant to say goodbye to the warmth of summer, aperol spritzes and prime time beach weather.

Lucky for us, Magnolia creator and decor guru Joanna Gaines posted a genius decor idea to help preserve the natural beauty from summer. And all it takes is a glass jar and your favorite flowers.

What Is Joanna Gaines’ Decor Idea?

Joanna Gaines’ decor idea is simple. In an Instagram video, the Magnolia creator pans to a glass jar full of her pink “garden beauties” with a “Summer 2023” label attached to it. Fittingly, she captions the video “Bottling up Summer the best I know how.” So cute!

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A post shared by Joanna Gaines (@joannagaines)

How to Create Joanna Gaines’s Summer Flower Jar

Naturally, we couldn’t get enough of this adorable decor idea. And, as Joanna explains in her post, to preserve some favorite summer garden beauties of your own all you need is to dry or press them before bottling.

How to Dry Flowers

While there are several ways to dry flowers, the method you choose will depend on the type of flower you’re drying or the amount of time it takes the flowers to dry.

Air Drying Vs. Microwaving

Air drying flowers can be done by leaving them out in the open. It’s best to hang the flowers upside down, otherwise they will droop. This seems to be the method Joanna Gaines uses as seen in the beginning of her Instagram video.

While air drying is effective, it’s not the quickest method as it can last two to three weeks. Microwaving, on the other hand, only takes a day. To do this, simply cover your flowers with silica gel and pop them in the microwave for one to five minutes at a low temperature. Let them rest for a full 24 hours, then remove the gel, chop off the stems and voila!

Pressing Flowers

Alternatively, you can choose to press flowers: either dried or fresh. Use an actual flower press—like this flower press from Amazon—or easily press flowers with a book from home.

For the book method, simply place your flowers in one of the pages and then close it shut. To avoid a mess, place something underneath the flowers before placing them inside. Add more books on top and let sit for three to four weeks.

Jarring Them

After your flowers are prepared and the stems removed, you can bottle them up in a mason jar! It’s a way to preserve not only some of your favorite flowers but also fond memories of the warm months. Super simple and cute!

Next Up: Take a look at these fall decor ideas to make your home cozy just in time for autumn.

The post Joanna Gaines Posted a Genius Decor Idea Using Old Summer Flowers appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Appetizer That’s ‘Perfect’ for Summer

The appetizer that Ina gushes is “so perfect and totally summer” is her tomato crostini! The appetizer is one of the Barefoot Contessa’s self-proclaimed favorites. It features a creamy whipped feta along with fresh heirloom tomatoes on crispy toast. It’s super tasty and super summer, all in one delectable bite.

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A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten)

This looks even better than another fabulous Ina Garten appetizer: her fig and cheese toasts!

How to Make Ina Garten’s Tomato Crostini

This recipe comes from Ina’s cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof. This simple appetizer serves 6 to 8.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces feta, crumbled
• 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2/3 cup olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 pounds ripe heirloom or cherry tomatoes, 1/2-inch-diced
• 3 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves, plus extra for serving
• 20 to 25 (1/2 inch thick) diagonal baguette slices, toasted
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Directions

Step 1: Prep the tomato mixture

Start this recipe up to an hour prior to serving. To do this, simply combine shallots, garlic and vinegar into a medium bowl. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.

Then whisk in 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss your tomatoes in and stir gently. Let the mixture stand for another 10 minutes before you add the basil. Your tomatoes are good to go!

Step 2: Whip the feta

Add feta and cream cheese to a food processor bowl and pulse until things come together. From there, add 1/3 cup of olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until your feta cheese is nice and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the crostini

Now that your two essentials are completed—the tomatoes and feta—put it all together on the crostini. Spread that whipped feta—feel free to be generous with it—onto each slice of bread. Then, gently place a spoonful of tomatoes on top.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

To serve tomato crostini like Ina, place them on plates and drizzle with pine nuts and basil. It’s bound to be a hit!

Once again, we have Ina to thank for another culinary delight. Before you host friends to enjoy this app, check out Ina’s top tips for entertaining.

The post Ina Garten Shared Her Recipe for Tomato Crostini, and We’re in Love with This Appetizer appeared first on Taste of Home.

Everything We Know About the Coffee Shop Cold Brew Ice Cream

This flavor is the ideal afternoon pick-me-up. Each scoop has silky cold brew ice cream topped with pillowy cold foam-flavored ice cream and cinnamon sweet cream swirls on top. This flavor certainly gets a stamp of approval from us.

Plus, the strength of the cold brew combined with that velvety sweet cream cold foam and bursts of cinnamon blends into a single harmonious taste. The only question is, how will we indulge in this cold brew treat? In a cup or a cone?

When Is This Scoop on the Menu?

This Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor will be available beginning Friday, September 1. In other words, this might be the perfect caffeinated way to kick off your Labor Day weekend. Of course, since this is a Flavor of the Month, the cold brew-flavored treat is only available for a limited time.

Next time you’re about to run to Dunkin’ or Starbucks, you might want to reconsider and stop at Baskin-Robbins instead to indulge in cold brew in a new, yet completely satisfying, way.

See how Baskin-Robbins compares to other fast-food ice cream.

Doesn’t Baskin-Robbins Only Have 31 Flavors?!

Baskin-Robbins has way beyond its original selection of 31 flavors. In fact, the chain has grown to over 1,400! That variety includes an unusual “Flavor of the Month” based on trends and/or iconic cultural moments. And sometimes, those flavors can be pretty innovative. Remember the chicken and waffles ice cream last March?

In anticipation of September’s Flavor of the Month, Baskin-Robbins posted a teaser video on Instagram. Plenty of fans predicted a pumpkin or pumpkin spice scoop, which makes sense with all the other pumpkin spice items. But, since we’re still transitioning from summer to fall, we’ll take this icy dessert any day!

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A post shared by Baskin-Robbins (@baskinrobbins)

Up Next: Here’s the scoop on the Baskin-Robbins logo.

The post Baskin-Robbins Just Revealed a Cold Brew Flavor Topped with Cold Foam Ice Cream appeared first on Taste of Home.

Following lunch at The Salty Dog Cafe in South Carolina, I took a deep dive into the history of the hush puppy. Behind this golden delicacy are centuries worth of legends and tales.

What Are Hush Puppies?

Hush puppies are sweet yet savory nuggets made from a combination of cornmeal, egg and water. Spoonfuls of the dough are dropped into hot oil and deep-fried to make this mouthwatering dish.

Typically, the delicacy acts as a side dish to Southern staples and seafood. It even made our list of delicious sides for fried fish.

Why Are Hush Puppies Called ‘Hush Puppies’?

There is no single answer to this question, according to Serious Eats. Rather, we have an extensive series of rumors and stories that go way back.

One of the most popular stories alludes to the name of the dish itself. The tale goes that dogs would bark wildly at people fishing. So, to quiet them down, the fishers would throw fried dough to them. To “hush puppies,” literally!

Another legend involves French nuns arriving in New Orleans in the 1720s. The nuns allegedly adopted cornmeal from local Native Americans and made patties that spread throughout the South.

And the rumors keep going. This next one involves… salamanders. The narrative is that salamanders were battered and deep-fried to enjoy. The name “hush puppy” reportedly came from the fact that eating these fried lizards would be kept secret or, more fittingly, hush-hush.

What Do Food Historians Say?

It’s difficult to determine the validity of these unlikely stories, but experts do have record of the name evolving from another dish. According to historians, hush puppies were originally called “red horse bread.” A newspaper described this bread as “simply mixing cornmeal with water, salt and egg, and dropped by spoonfuls in the hot lard in which fish have been fried.”

This was confirmed in the 1940s when a newspaper wrote that red horse bread was often interchanged with the term hush puppies. Still, the exact transition to this name has never been pinpointed.

No matter the origin, there’s one thing we know without question—hush puppies are undeniably tasty. For a foolproof side, follow our recipe for the best hush puppies. If you prefer them with a kick, these jalapeno hush puppies will do the trick!

More Iconic Southern Comfort Foods

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Classic Lemon Meringue Pie This is the one and only lemon meringue pie recipe you'll ever need. The flaky and tender from-scratch crust is worth the effort. —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri Get Recipe

Southern Black-Eyed PeasI find pork the secret to a good black-eyed pea recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow and gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

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Catfish ParmesanMississippi is the nation's largest producer of farm-raised catfish. My family loves this dish, and asks for it often. One reason I like it is it's so simple to prepare. —W.D. Baker, Starkville, Mississippi

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Easy Pimiento CheeseEvery good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It's wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

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Down South Sweet Tea CakeI think this recipe combines two of the best and most famous ingredients from the South: sweet tea and pecans! Using a cake mix simplifies prep and helps ease the holiday time crunch. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

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Tex-Mex Potato SaladI created this Tex-Mex potato salad for one of my cooking classes, and it was a hit. It's perfect for a cookout or potluck. The secret ingredient is pickled jalapenos—they add so much interest and flavor! Add a can of black beans for more protein. —Dianna Ackerley, Cibolo, Texas

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Southern Okra Bean StewWhen this spicy stew's simmering on the stove, my family has a hard time waiting for dinner. It's much like a thick tomato-based soup with a hearty mix of okra, brown rice and beans. Everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied—and eager to have it again soon. —Beverly McDowell, Athens, Georgia

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Green Tomato SalsaI came up with this green tomato salsa so I could use up all the fresh tomatoes from my garden. —Vanessa Moon, Tucson, Arizona

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Southern Hoppin' JohnThis is a quick and easy side dish that will become a favorite of your family.—Anne Creech, Kinston, North Carolina

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Southern Sweet Potato TartOur family loves sweet potatoes, so I try to incorporate them in as many dishes as I can. My secret ingredient is the bourbon—it's what makes this tart so delicious. —Marie Bruno, Watkinsville, Georgia

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Mini Hot BrownsHere's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky

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Southern Shrimp and GritsA southern specialty, sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or anytime company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

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Homemade Buttermilk BiscuitsThe recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina

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Springtime Beignets & BerriesI've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado

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Southern Potato SaladThis Southern potato salad is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add extra sweetness. —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama

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Southern Seafood GumboI tasted a similar dish at a local restaurant and later duplicated it pretty closely. I trimmed it down a bit and no one in my family seemed to mind. —Susan Wright, Champaign, Illinois

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Southern Lane CakeI just love this southern-style dessert, and so do dinner guests. With pecans, cherries and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only so much better! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington

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Cajun Shrimp SkilletThere’s plenty of sauce with these shrimp—I always have some bread on the side to soak it up. Make the dish your own by using your favorite amber beer or flavorful broth. —Mark Oppe, North Pole, Alaska

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Southern Fried BLTI’m really not big on tomatoes—but I do like them green and fried, so I decided to try them in a sandwich. It was a smash! If you’ve gotta have cheese, add sharp cheddar to this indulgent twist on the traditional BLT. —Stacy King, Rome, Georgia

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Honey Pecan PieLooking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio

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Shredded Barbecue Chicken over GritsThere’s nothing like juicy meat served over creamy grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah

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Buttermilk Pound CakeNow that I've retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk pound cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can't be topped—once people taste it, they won't go back to their other recipes with buttermilk. —Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana

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Southern Fried Chicken with GravyFried chicken may have been perfected in the South, but it is loved everywhere! Seasonings add a little something extra to this recipe, as does a rich gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Chocolate Pecan TorteThis impressive dessert looks lovely on a buffet table. It takes some time to prepare, but it’s worth the effort. —Lois Schlickau, Haven, Kansas

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Slow-Cooked Pork BarbecueYou need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri

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Corn PuddingCornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York

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Biscuits and Sausage GravyThis biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas

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Cajun Shrimp Lasagna Roll-UpsIf you enjoy Creole and Cajun dishes, you'll love this one. The seasoning and andouille sausage give it a nice kick, and seafood fans will appreciate the shrimp. —Mary Beth Harris-Murphree, Tyler, Texas

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Bread Pudding with Bourbon SauceThere's nothing better than this comforting bread pudding recipe on a cold, wintry day. The bourbon sauce makes the dessert taste special, but it's so easy to prepare—the slow cooker does most of the work! —Hope Johnson, Youngwood, Pennsylvania

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Gulf Coast Jambalaya RiceAs the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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Sausage JohnnycakeHere’s a nice hearty breakfast with plenty of old-fashioned flavor. I serve it to my bed-and-breakfast guests. They love the cake’s savory middle and maple syrup topping. It’s a fine way to start the day! —Lorraine Guyn, Calgary, Alberta

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Southern Pimiento Cheese SpreadA classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.

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Bourbon SlushAt our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio

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Seasoned Crab CakesAt the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland

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The Best Chicken & Dumplings Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Grandma's Southern Collard GreensMy grandmother made the best southern collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida

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Grits PieSimple, southern and scrumptious, this pie will be a definite hit even with people who dislike grits. It has the perfect custardy texture.—Victoria Hudson, Pickens, South Carolina

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Banana PuddingI didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

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Homey Mac & CheeseI also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida

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Sweet Tea Barbecued ChickenMarinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

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Chicken-Fried Steak & GravyAs a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York

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Cheddar Corn BiscuitsSkip standard bake-and-serve dinner rolls this year and try my fast-to-fix biscuits studded with cheddar and corn. It's almost impossible to resist eating one right from the oven! —Susan Braun, Swift Current, Saskatchewan

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Iva's Peach CobblerMy mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho

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Carolina Shrimp & Cheddar GritsShrimp and grits were a house favorite—if only we could agree on how to make them. I stirred up a winner for the whole family with some cheddar and Cajun seasoning. —Charlotte Price, Raleigh, North Carolina

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Roasted Fresh OkraIf you have picky eaters who worry about texture, roasted okra is marvelous. It's OK to crowd the pan. Okra shrinks as it cooks. —Anna Katsoulis, Greenville, North Carolina

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Red Beans and SausageTurkey sausage, beans and a zesty blend of spices make this a deliciously unique meal.—Cathy Webster, Morris, Illinois

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Cajun Boil on the GrillI came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down CakeFor a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas

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Creole JambalayaJambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

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Southern Loaded Sweet PotatoesFor a taste of a southern classic, we make sweet potatoes stuffed with pulled pork and coleslaw and manage to sidestep the calorie overload. —Amy Burton, Cary, North Carolina

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Quick Buttermilk CornbreadThe tattered recipe card for this buttermilk cornbread proves it's been a family favorite for years. It's my daughter's top request. —Judy Sellgren, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Carolina Crab BoilThis pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

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Marina’s Golden Corn FrittersJust one bite of these fritters takes me back to when my kids were young. Nowadays for our get-togethers, I sometimes triple the recipe. Serve fritters with maple syrup or agave nectar. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

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Raisin Pecan PieI remember my Grandmother Voltie and Great-Aunt Ophelia making this southern-style pie for Thanksgiving. It was always one of the many cakes and pies lined up for dessert. —Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee

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Real Southern Fried ChickenAs a Yankee originally from Vermont, I didn't know one fried chicken from another. They all seemed pretty much the same to me. Tasting the southern version opened my eyes! A side of hot biscuits served with butter and honey is practically mandatory. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Key Lime CupcakesI made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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Country Chicken and GravyHere's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina

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Bananas Foster SundaesI have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans, and as a dietitian, wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina

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Sweet Potato CrispMy not-too-sweet potato crisp features a wonderful buttery crumb topping. This is a welcome change from candied sweet potatoes.—Kathy Hamsher, Moon Township, Pennsylvania

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Creole CornbreadCornbread is a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This version is an old favorite, and it really tastes wonderful. I found the recipe in the bottom of my recipe drawer. —Enid Hebert, Lafayette, Louisiana

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No surprise, staying hydrated is important right now.

But what’s the right amount of water to drink during a heat wave? Is it possible to drink too much water? How do I avoid dehydration symptoms? Here’s how to achieve the ideal hydration balance in severe heat.

What Is a Heat Wave?

The National Weather Service defines a heat wave as “a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days.” With or without humidity, the result can expose countless people to hazardous heat.

Why Is It Important to Stay Hydrated?

Besides the obvious (if it’s hot, we’re bound to need more water and want cold foods), dehydration can contribute to heat exhaustion, according to the CDC. This can be mitigated by staying inside with access to air conditioning or sticking to shady spots plus wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing. But hydrating is still one of the most important things we can do to prevent heat illness. Our bodies lose liquids through sweat and drinking water replaces those liquids.

How Much Water Should I Drink During a Heat Wave?

It depends. Factors like age, time outside and exercise all affect the answer.

Dr. Troy Smurawa, director of pediatric sports medicine at Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine told The Dallas Morning News what parents should aim for by age:

• 4 to 8 years: 7-1/2 cups of fluid per day
• 9 to 13 years: 9 to 10 cups of fluid per day
• 14 to 18 years: 10 to 14 cups of fluid per day

Meanwhile, adults should drink up to 3 liters, which is equivalent to around 12 to 13 cups per day. It’s important to space out these totals over time, though, rather than attempt to drink this amount all at once, which can lead to over-hydration.

If you’re exercising, plan to drink more water. 3 to 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes for children ages 9 to 12 is ideal if they’re exercising. Teens should aim for 8 to 16 ounces every 20 minutes. Adults should also aim for 8 ounces every 20 minutes.

As a rule of thumb, health experts advise drinking water before feeling thirsty. During a heat wave, pretty much everyone should take recurring water breaks!

Do I Have to Drink Water?

While water—and who doesn’t love a glass of cold water?—is ideal, there are a variety of the drinks to keep you hydrated. And although food is certainly not a substitute for fluid, plenty of foods that contain water can give you a hydration boost, too.

The post This Is How Much Water You Should Drink During a Heat Wave appeared first on Taste of Home.