What is ‘swamp soup’?

This was first shared by TikTok creator @wishbonekitchen. The soup gets its name from its bright green color and “swampy” appearance. If the name is too much for you, it’s often referred to as green garlic and ginger chicken and rice soup, too.

The soup touts a nutrient-dense combination of ingredients including spinach, ginger, garlic, jalapenos and bone broth, all of which are believed to help bolster the immune system (like these other foods to eat when you have a cold). Thanks to the splash of soy sauce and ginger, swamp soup tastes reminiscent of a miso soup but is heartier due to the rice and chicken.

Don’t confuse this recipe with Southern swamp soup, a completely different, old-fashioned recipe by the same name. Southern swamp soup (like this one from @patrick_springer) usually features turnip greens (like this greens and beans soup), spicy sausage and a mixture of assorted beans and vegetables.

Viral Swamp Soup Recipe

This recipe from Wishbone Kitchen makes 4-6 servings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken bone broth or chicken stock
• 4 cups baby spinach, packed
• 2 jalapenos
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 (1-inch) piece of fresh ginger
• 1 cup fresh parsley stems and leaves, packed
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh lime juice, optional

Keep in mind that chicken stock and bone broth are not the same thing!

Directions

Step 1: Wilt the spinach

In a Dutch oven or stock pot, bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove the spinach to a blender or food processor. Reduce the heat to low to keep the remaining broth warm.

Step 2: Blend with aromatics and spices

To the spinach, add the jalapenos, garlic, ginger, parsley and 1/4 cup of the warm broth. Puree until smooth, then return the spinach mixture to the pot of warm broth.

Editor’s Tip: Want more spice? Add an extra jalapeno or two. Love ginger? Toss in an extra piece for the health benefits. This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste.

Step 3: Combine and simmer

Add the cooked rice, chicken, soy sauce and salt to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until hot.

Editor’s Tip: We used cooked jasmine rice for our swamp soup, but you can use any type of rice. Basmati would be lovely in this soup, while brown rice would add extra fiber.

Step 4: Serve the soup

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and additional chopped parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Swamp Soup

Is swamp soup the same as green posole?

No. While the ingredients have some overlap, we found TikTok’s viral swamp soup to have a very different taste than green chile posole. Swamp soup has a stronger Asian flavor profile due to the umami of the soy sauce and the bite of the ginger. It lacks several key ingredients in traditional green posole, such as hominy, green chiles, cilantro and tomatillos, which give posole a brighter, tangier flavor than swamp soup.

Why did my swamp soup turn brown?

Leafy greens and herbs like parsley and spinach oxidize when exposed to the air once they are cooked or chopped. This means that this soup will inevitably turn brown over time (only adding to its swampy effect). To enjoy its bright green hue at its peak, don’t allow the soup to simmer for too long. As soon as it’s hot enough to serve, remove it from the heat and enjoy.

Editor’s Tip: Wilting the spinach by blanching it in the bone broth helps prolong the greenness of this soup. Don’t be tempted to skip that first crucial step!

Can I freeze swamp soup?

Yes! This is a soup you can freeze. Since it does not contain dairy, it thaws and reheats like a dream, and freezing it will preserve its vibrant green color. Store in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 6 months. To serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave leftover swamp soup.

Every TikTok Recipe We've Tested

1 / 75

Tortilla Wrap

Don't fuss around with folding a wrap ever again. Just use this clever wrap hack! Portion out four toppings and place each one in a corner of your tortilla. Then, fold clockwise and cook. When ready to serve, slice in half for a nice and tidy wrap. For more inspiration, check out our sandwich wrap recipes to make this trend your own.Go to Recipe

TikTok Spaghetti

Similar to million-dollar spaghetti, this TikTok recipe uses a blend of Alfredo and pasta sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese for a ooey-gooey dish. Ground beef is added to the mix with dashes of pepper and chili flakes and bits of garlic and onions, making for the perfect pasta.Go to Recipe

Feta Fried Eggs

You'll only need a few ingredientsavocado, eggs, feta, seasoning, a tortilla and limeto make this TikTok egg breakfast. Start by heating a pan on the stove, then sprinkle feta cheese around the edges and crack an egg in the middle. Cook the egg as you typically would for a fried egg, then serve it over a tortilla with smashed avocado. It's so quick and easy to make, you'll definitely want to add it to your breakfast rotation.Go to Recipe

Chamoy Pickles

If you haven't tried this TikTok recipe for flavored pickles, you're missing out! Fill a jar halfway with pickle juice, add in pickles and pour in chamoy sauce. Then add a few sprinkles of Tajin seasoning, mango powder and Tapatio hot sauce before closing the jar and giving it a good shake. These pickles will need to marinate for at least seven days, but when they're ready, you'll be in for a sweet, sour and spicy treat!Go to Recipe

French Onion Soup Potatoes

If your favorite way to warm up in the winter is with a big bowl of French onion soup, then you'll rave over these potatoes. This recipe takes roasted potato slices and tops them with Gruyere cheese and onions caramelized with red wine. It's a starchy replica of the traditional soup you'll be seriously impressed with.Take noteyou'll need an hour to caramelize the onions, but it's very worth it.Go to Recipe

Butter Board

If you find yourself making plenty of charcuterie boards, you're sure to love butter boards, too. Instead of filling up a board with cured meats, cheeses and crackers, you spread softened butter as your base, sprinkle on fresh herbs, salt and other seasonings, and serve with warm bread or crostini for scooping. Just make sure you start with one of our Test Kitchen's picks for the best butter brands.Go to Recipe

Whipped Coffee

While everyone was hunkering down early in the pandemic, many turned to TikTok to cure their boredom. Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, became an overnight sensation because it takes only three simple ingredients to make and it's creamy and delicious.Whipped coffee became so popular, in fact, that there are many riffs on it, like whipped nutella, whipped matcha, whipped hot chocolate and whipped strawberry milk. Once you've mastered the original, try one of these whipped coffee variations.Go to Recipe

Kit-Kat Cheesecake

One bite into this Kit-Kat cheesecake and you'll see what all the hype is about. Surrounded by a Kit-Kat "crust" ring and topped with crumbled candies, it's every Kit-Kat lover's dream. The cream cheese filling complements the decadent, chocolatey goodness of the sweets. Here are more easy cheesecake recipes to keep in mind once you've eaten up every slice.Go to Recipe

Parmesan-Crusted Potatoes

If you love the little cheese skirt you'll sometimes find around foods such as burgers, burritos and even dumplings, you'll love Parmesan-crusted potatoes.Begin by "crusting" your cookie sheet: Sprinkle a full layer of grated Parmesan cheese on a baking sheet. Then, put halved potatoes right on top and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The potatoes will come out crispy, cheesy and with the thin crunch of that cheese skirt we all know and love.Go to Recipe

Pancake Cereal

Pancake cereal proves that anything bite-sized is worth the hype. The Naughty Fork combined two breakfast favorites to create this unique breakfast dish that wowed. No need for milk with this cereal, thoughjust pour a little maple syrup over it to enjoy. And if you don't feel like making your own pancake cereal, you can pick up a boy of Belgian Boys pancake cereal at Target.Go to Recipe

Grinder Sandwich

The best kinds of sandwiches are loaded ones, and this grinder sandwich is definitely one of them. Start with Italian bread topped with plenty of cheese and several kinds of meat, and toast to perfection. Next, add a chopped salad mixture tossed in a homemade mayo-based dressing. Then, sandwich and enjoy! The combination and contrast of the hot, crusty bread and the cold crunch of the salad makes every bite of this sandwich truly top-tier.Go to Recipe

Salmon and Rice Bowl

Dress up leftover salmon with this easy salmon and rice bowl recipe from Emily Mariko, a lifestyle blogger and TikTok creator. Microwave shredded salmon and leftover rice, then top with soy sauce, Sriracha, Kewpie mayo, avocado slices, kimchi and seaweed snacks to make it a full meal.Go to Recipe

Cloud Bread

I'm sure you've seen this TikTok trend floating around the internet, or maybe you've even whipped it up in your own kitchen. Not to be confused with keto cloud bread, TikTok's viral cloud bread recipe is a heavenly creation of its own. By using only three ingredients, you can make this colorful bread in 25 minutes flat.Go to Recipe

Baked Salad

If you're a salad lover, baked salad is right up your alley. The invention by Justine Snacks is just like it sounds: Veggies like kale and cabbage are baked and tossed with a warm, homemade dressing and something to give it some crunch, like quinoa. When you make your own, consider adding any of these roasted veggies to your mixture.Go to Recipe

Cheese-Wrapped Pickles

Cheese-wrapped pickles are the perfect late night snack for pickle lovers. Plus, they only take a few minutes to make: Heat up a slice of cheese in a frying pan until it gets melty, place a dill pickle spear in the center, and wrap the cheese around the pickle. Voila! A hot, cheesy and quick snack with a little tang. This might be one of our new favorite ways to eat pickles.Go to Recipe

Twisted Bacon

Think you've already found the crispest bacon recipe yet? Think again! While there are many ways to cook bacon, ultra-crispy twisted bacon is one of our favorites. It's the perfect on-the-go snack, or way to make bacon seem a little bit more elegant at your next brunch get-together.Go to Recipe

Kool-Aid Pickles

"Koolickles," or Kool-Aid pickles, change the pickle-eating game. Kool-Aid powder transforms tangy dill pickles (either spears or chips) into a sweet and sour treat that's absolutely crave-worthy. It'll be hard to eat just one.Go to Recipe

Oreo Sushi

If Oreo sushi is the wrong way to eat an Oreo, we don't want to be right. This sweet treat mimics rolled ice cream and only uses two ingredients. Dunk into a "soy sauce" (chocolate sauce or milk) before taking a bite.Go to Recipe

Sugo

Did you know "sugo" is the word for sauce in Italian? Thissugo recipe is sure to make your pasta extra flavorfulespecially if you doctor it up to your liking with fresh basil, quality olive oil and the perfect amount of red pepper flakes. Pair it with homemade pasta for a fully from-scratch dish.Go to Recipe

Healthy Coke

We're not convinced this drink dubbed "healthy Coke" actually tastes like Coke, but it sure looks like it. Check out these recipes with Coca-Cola if you have actual soda that needs using up.Go to Recipe

Garden Focaccia

This viral TikTok trend was another born during the early days of the pandemic when everyone was trying out new all-day baking projects to pass the time. Beautiful breads, like this garden focaccia from Diane Morrisey, were taking over For You Pages everywhere during the spring of 2020. Not only are their designs inspiring, but they're made of edible ingredients, so nothing goes to waste.Go to Recipe

Corn Ribs

Hearing the name corn ribs may make you raise your eyebrows at first, but we promise you that they're to die for. To make corn into "ribs,"cut each ear into four piecesthat's what gives them their rib shape. Then, you can serve them the traditional way, with a smoky elote-inspired sauce, or on their own.Go to Recipe

Matcha Martini

If you love matcha, you're sure to love matcha martinis. Typically made with prepared matcha, vodka, white chocolate liqueur and simple syrup, the drink has a striking color and a sweet taste that's sure to get you hookedespecially if you need a little boost of caffeine for the evening.Go to Recipe

Crispy Rice Sushi Waffles

Crispy rice sushi waffles use leftover sushi rice and turn it into crispy "waffles" topped with spicy salmon avocado and other sushi-esque toppings. If you crave sushi or apoke bowl every now and then, this recipe is for you.Go to Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Pickles

Here's another bacon-wrapped recipe to add to your recipe book. Bacon-wrapped pickles will be a sure-fire hit at your next party or get-together. And thankfully, TikTokers have not only created a recipe for your smoker, but for your air fryer, too.Go to Recipe

Ramen Lasagna

Give pasta night a new twist and replace those lasagna noodles with a handful of ramen. The kids will love this one, and you'll love how easy it is to put together. Next, think outside the packet with this ramen slider recipe.Go to Recipe

Hot Cocoa Bombs

Hot cocoa bombs work similarly to bath bombs: Just pour hot water (or milk) over the hot cocoa bomb to make it melt. Most hot cocoa bombs release all sorts of goodies once melted, like mini marshmallows and sprinkles. They're a perfect addition to a hot chocolate board.Go to Recipe

Mac and Cheese

Sure, it may look like your usual Kraft Mac and Cheese, but this viral mac and cheese hack has changed the way we prep our mac and cheese forever. The key step? No straining. Add all your fix-ins directly with the noodles as they cook to give it an extra-creamy consistency.Go to Recipe

Adult Capri Suns

These super-sized adult Capri Sun drinks are about to be your drink of the summer. Using a bag of frozen fruit and a splash of summery wine, this summer cocktail couldn't be any easier to make. Don't forget to poke a hole through the bag for some extra nostalgia. Try out these Capri Sun popsicles next.Go to Recipe

Taco Pickles

Taco seasoning and a jar of dill pickles are a match made in heaven, and you'll see why if you make this recipe yourself. Taco pickles are a great afternoon snack or spicy side for your sandwich lunch.Go to Recipe

Chicken Tacos

Cheap, easy and oh-so-delicious, this chicken taco recipe was made for the college student in your life (or any beginner chef, for that matter). These tacos only need one pan and a handful of ingredients to make. You prep and assemble everything in the same pan that you cooked the meat inwhich is why the shell gets crunchy and delicious.Go to Recipe

Vegan Bacon

If you follow a vegan diet, you know it's hard to find the right meat substitute for bacon. It's difficult to get that crunchy texture and smoky flavor. That's where vegan bacon steps in to satisfy any bacon hankerings. The surprise ingredient, you ask? Carrots!Go to Recipe

Malibu Pineapples

Boozy pineapples? Count us in. Soak a jar of pineapples in Malibu rum overnight for a tropical snack that will take you straight to the tropics. Enjoy the Malibu pineapples as is, coated in toasted coconut or in a rum cocktail.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Move over, skillet cookies. There's a new cookie in town (and it takes less than half the time and effort). This giant air-fryer cookie recipe takes a mere 10 minutes to achieve that crispy, gooey texture you get from most skillet cookie recipes. Plop a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top when you're ready to serve.Go to Recipe

Creamy Lemonade

Pour yourself a tall glass whipped lemonade to beat the heat. This stuff is a level up from what you get at the lemonade stand. Whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk give it that frothy, mouthwatering taste and texture.Go to Recipe

3-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo

You'll never make fettuccine Alfredo any other way after you try this simple Alfredo recipe that uses salted butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. Simply toss the fettuccine in this 2-ingredient sauce for a restaurant-worthy dish.Go to Recipe

Flamin' Hot Cheeto Salad

Salad is a term I'll use loosely here, but nonetheless, this Flamin' Hot Cheeto salad has gotten rave reviews online. Made up of hot Cheetos, cilantro, cucumber, hot sauce and lemon juice, this salad is for those who like a little kick. And since it's so simple, there's plenty of room to customize with other toppings and mix-ins.Go to Recipe

Smoked Cream Cheese

Fire up the grill for a show-stopping cheesy appetizer that'll please the whole family. Smoked cream cheesecoated in pecans and a BBQ rubpractically melts in your mouth after it's done cooking in your smoker. Haul out the Ritz crackers and dive right in.Go to Recipe

Cowboy Butter

Once you make cowboy butter, you'll want to pair it with everything (it goes particularly well with steak). In addition to butter, the recipe calls for lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard and plenty of spices like chile flakes, paprika, parsley and chives.Go to Recipe

White Claw Slushies

Raise a toast to this chilly, refreshing cocktail. This adults-only White Claw slushie is basically begging to be at your next pool party or outdoor barbecue. Put a pack of black cherry White Claws to good use by blending up this recipeor, swap in any of your favorite White Claw flavors.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Oreos

This is a hack that you wish you would've run into sooner. Create this state fair food right in your own kitchen with a TikTok air-fryer Oreos recipe. Since they use an air fryer, they're a bit on the healthier side than the deep-fried ones you find at your local fair.Go to Recipe

Breakfast Sandwich

Make your mornings even breezier with this TikTok breakfast sandwich. The trick here is to pour two whisked eggs onto your skillet, then dip two slices of bread into that mixture. Once cooked, flip them over and onto each other to make your sammy. We recommend adding a few slices of bacon and some melted cheese. Easy-peasy!Go to Recipe

Whipped Brown Butter

Browned butter is something that gives your blondies and chocolate chip cookies a little extra depth of flavor. But when you make whipped browned butter, you get that extra flavor and an irresistible texture. Spread it on crostini, toast and anything that's made better with butter. If you're feeling adventurous, try whipping one of these homemade butter recipes.Go to Recipe

Ranch Pickles

Ranch lovers, rejoice! We've got a new concoction you have to try for yourself: ranch pickles. This snack is seriously addicting. If you've got some leftover ranch seasoning, use it up with one of these recipes that start with a packet of ranch dressing mix.Go to Recipe

Watermelon Pizza

Take a bite into summery flavor with this watermelon pizza recipe. Chamoy (a pickled fruit sauce) is the "tomato sauce," and lemon slices and tajin seasoning make for some tasty "pizza toppings." Cut into slices for the full pizza dining experience. If you love this recipe, give this fruit pizza with mandarin oranges, blueberries and strawberries a try.Go to Recipe

Negroni Sbagliato

This drink became popular when an interview with actors from HBO's House of the Dragon were asked about their favorite cocktails. Afterward, everyone wanted to try the negroni sbagliato for themselves. It's even better with prosecco in it (IYKYK). Stunning!Go to Recipe

Pickled Garlic

Pickled garlic is your new go-to if you don't have any kimchi at home. TikTok creator @Lalaleluu made this recipe after she moved away from her Korean neighbor who frequently gave her a supply of homemade kimchi. She swears this is the next best thing.Go to Recipe

Oreo Mug Cake

Oh, mug cakeswe love you. The convenience, the simplicity, the ooey-gooey middle. With this Oreo mug cake recipe it takes just a minute to turn a handful of crushed Oreos and a splash of milk into a decadent treat.Go to Recipe

Frozen Grapes

Here's a riff on the fan-favorite cotton candy grapes. Using your favorite powdered Jell-O mix and a bag of green grapes, you can make this snackable sweet. And if you're a WW member, this guy can be a 0-point treat if you use sugar-free Jell-O mix. For another delicious TikTok grapes recipe, try out air-fryer grapes.Go to Recipe

Crunchy Bread

Crunchy bread...the best thing since sliced bread. Just pick up a loaf of classic white bread (or experiment with sourdough, wheat or pumpernickel), douse in whisked egg and fry on your stovetop. Perfect for French toast or monkey bread!Go to Recipe

"Snickles"

TikTokers swear that you shouldn't knock this recipe until you try it. "Snickles" are exactly what they sound like. Slice a big dill pickle down the middle and place a candy bar inside for a tangy, yet sweet, snack.Go to Recipe

Turkey-Shaped Sourdough Bread

Here's a festive turkey-shaped bread perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. You can easily customize this TikTok recipe for other holidays and celebrations as well. Shape the bread as a pumpkin for fall or a wreath for Christmas.Go to Recipe

Vodka Butter

Who would have thought to put vodka and butter together? The inventive condiment is a fun twist on regular butter for spreading on crostini, baguette or even a butter board. We recommend pairing a swipe of vodka butter on a slice of rye bread with pickles or capers.Go to Recipe

Fondant Potatoes

Also known as melting potatoes, fondant potatoes simply melt in your mouth. Cut then into 1-inch slices, sear and then bake for about 30 minutes to get a potato that has a crunch on the outside and a tender, flavorful inside.Go to Recipe

Peanut Butter Cup Rice Cakes

Looking for a healthy alternative to your favorite candy bar? Grab rice cakes, peanut butter, bananas and melted chocolate for a healthier (and bigger!) take on Reese's peanut butter cups. Once your peanut butter cup rice cakes are gone, here are more peanut butter and chocolate desserts to sate that sweet tooth.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Bagel Chips

Instead of slicing a bagel like usual, cut it vertically into little bites to make air-fryer bagel chips. Spritz each one with cooking spray, season with a little salt, air-fry and that's it! TikToker Gigi Madanipour suggests serving them with a sour cream and yogurt dip made with Everything But the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's. Yum!Go to Recipe

Green Goddess Salad

Yes, green goddess salad dressing has been around for quite some time, but creator Baked by Melissa made her own take that went viraland for good reason. The key is chopping up the veggies small enough that you can eat it like a dip. Scoop it up with tortilla chips.Go to Recipe

One-Pot French Onion Pasta

Another food trend you'll spot in TikTok recipes is cooking pasta in liquids other than water. It can make the noodles more flavorful and saves you a dirty dish to clean! This one-pot French onion pasta recipe cooks the noodles in the same pot as the caramelized onions, in a combination of stock and water so all of the flavors meld together nicely.Go to Recipe

Pizza Soup

TikTok's @brunchwithbabs makes your favorite comfort food in soup form. Many of the same pizza toppingsyou'd put on a homemade pizza are ingredients in this pizza soup, such as pizza sauce, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese and more. This is just one of the pizza-inspired recipes we love.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Pizza Sticks

Although string cheese is already great on its own, level it up by turning it into air-fryer pizza sticks. Roll halved tortillas around string cheese, sprinkle with Trader Joe's pizza seasoning, and air-fry until crispy and golden.Go to Recipe

Meringue Animals

Who needs marshmallows when you can have cutesy animal-shaped meringues in your hot cocoa? TikToker Amy's Kitchen creates little piggies to float in a drink, along with dinosaurs, dogs and whatever else her followers request. Follow our meringue tips to make your own and use food coloring to create your critters.Go to Recipe

Crispy Potatoes

This tasty TikTok potato recipe relies on a little bit of food science, a few pinches of salt and a couple of Yukon Gold potatoes to get an ultra-crispy texture. Season with Old Bay, paprika, black pepper, Maldon salt and a few sprigs of rosemary for the perfect potato side for garlic-butter steak or a bowl of soup.Go to Recipe

Pancake Spaghetti

You've heard of pancake cerealhow about pancake spaghetti? Drizzle thin strips of batter from your favorite brand of pancake mix on a hot griddle and let them cook until you've got pancake spaghetti! Top with powdered sugar and maple syrup or your choice of jam and chopped fruit.Go to Recipe

Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream

As if cinnamon rolls weren't delicious enough! Pour heavy whipping cream on store-bought cinnamon rolls before baking to make them even moister, since the cream is absorbed by the cinnamon roll dough. Try making cinnamon rolls with heavy cream next time you've got an impromptu brunch to host or attend.Go to Recipe

Creamy Ramen Noodles

Watery ramen is a thing of the past thanks to this ramen TikTok hack. Combine mayo and eggs to create a creamy sauce for this classic noodle dish. Our suggestion? Add sauteed veggies and a protein (like chicken or tofu) for additional flavor.Go to Recipe

Whiskey Pickles

Joining the lineup with ranch pickles, taco pickles and Kool-Aid pickles...whiskey pickles. The TikTok recipe uses Jameson and zesty dill pickles, but you could experiment with different types of whiskey and different kinds of pickles to make your own whiskey pickles overnight.Go to Recipe

Clear Potato Chips

Next time you boil a pot of potatoes for your favorite mashed potato recipe, save the potato water to makeclear potato chips. While these definitely take a little extra work, this science experiment of a recipe will be worth the impressed looks on your friends' faces. It may be one of the most unique potato recipes you'll try.Go to Recipe

Prosecco Vodka Grapes

You've heard of soaking gummy bears in champagne or vodka, but have you heard of soaking grapes? These prosecco vodka grapes soak overnight in a mixture of the two. Once you roll them in sugar, you can eat them as garnishes or as a sweet treat. We could see these as a super fun bridal shower recipe.Go to Recipe

Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups

Next time you make tomato soup, serve these grilled cheese roll-upsinstead of a regular grilled cheese sandwich. Flatten out a piece of bread, load it up with cheese and roll it up, sealing the edge with melted butter. Toast it in a skillet and voila!Go to Recipe

3-Ingredient Ice Cream

Sometimes an ice cream hankering hits faster than you can get to the store. If you've got sweetened condensed milk, cream and some sort of flavor add-in at home, then you can make this 3-ingredient ice cream recipe when the moment strikes. Mix in whatever you're cravingfrom traditional vanilla to chocolate caramel cheesecaketo make your customizable ice cream.Go to Recipe

Crunchy Croissant

If you're lucky enough to have leftover croissants, this TikTok recipe flattens and caramelizes them, making them crunchy and perfect for an ice cream sandwich. Be sure you're using day-old croissantsyou don't want to waste a buttery, fresh pastry by flattening it! If you still have some left over when you're done, put the rest of the pastries to use in these recipes using croissants.Go to Recipe

Parmesan-Crusted Carrots

These Parmesan-crusted carrots will quickly become your new go-to carrot recipe. Make them with the recommended honey mustard dip and, all of a sudden, carrots will be your favorite vegetable.Go to Recipe

Miso Pasta

If you're a fan of miso in dishes like miso soup and miso ramen, you'll love miso pasta. The miso-butter sauce brings an unexpected level of umami to pasta. Top it with roasted seaweed or sesame seeds.Go to Recipe

Marry Me Chicken

This TikTok recipe is delicious enough that it'd be worth marrying the cook for! Make this "marry me" chicken recipe if you're looking to snag a last-minute Valentine, or simply to impress your honey with a mouthwatering meal.Go to Recipe

Pizza French Toast

Put extra hot dog buns or long rolls to use by making pizza French toast. Cut the buns into slices and put pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni between two. Coat the mini sandwiches in the egg mixture like you would for regular French toast, pan fry and serve with pizza sauce. Talk about a savory breakfast!Go to Recipe

The post I Tested the TikTok Recipe for ‘Swamp Soup,’ and It’s Shockingly Good appeared first on Taste of Home.

Whether you’re a real cowboy or merely a fan of rustic, homestyle cuisine, Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman cowboy steak recipe is for you (as is this Pioneer Woman pot roast). This monstrous, indulgent steak will feed a crowd and is perfect for your next cookout.

What is a cowboy steak?

If you’re not familiar with a cowboy-cut steak, it’s a special cut of ribeye that got its name from the steak’s popularity among ranchers and cowboys. This bone-in ribeye is typically thicker than a standard cut, usually around 2 inches thick, with more meat included beyond the eye. Often, butchers will also trim some of the exterior fat from the steak as well for a cleaner appearance. (If you can find a cowboy ribeye from a butcher with dry-aged steaks, it’s worth the splurge.)

Another key feature of this type of steak is its Frenched bone (meaning an exposed bone trimmed of all meat and fat) that was originally intended to serve as a handle so cowboys out on the range could eat this cut straight off the bone. However, don’t confuse this cut with its fancy-pants cousin, the tomahawk steak. While similar, a tomahawk ribeye features a longer, Frenched bone with a little extra fat left on the steak.

How to Cook Cowboy Steak Like Ree Drummond

Ingredients

Steak:

• 2 (2-pound) cowboy steaks (about 2 to 2-1/2 inches thick)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, optional

Ranch compound butter:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ranch seasoning (e.g., Hidden Valley)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1: Season the steaks

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and season all sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the ranch butter

Meanwhile, combine the softened butter, ranch seasoning and parsley in a small bowl until evenly mixed. Transfer the butter to a piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a small log. Refrigerate the compound butter for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Step 3: Sear the steaks over direct heat

Set up your gas or charcoal grill with the coals or flames under one half of the cooking grates so there are two distinct cooking zones. Preheat to medium-high heat (about 400-450F) for 15 minutes, then place the steaks over direct heat (the side with the flame or coals). Sear for 3-5 minutes per side until deeply charred grill marks form.

To cook steak in a skillet: Preheat the oven to 375. Meanwhile, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop until very hot. Next, coat the bottom of the skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil. Place one steak in the skillet and sear for 3-5 minutes on each side until a deeply golden crust forms. Then, using a spoon, tilt the pan and remove some of the fat drippings; discard. Reduce the heat to medium and then turn the steak onto its side and sear the fat cap for 1 minute.

Step 4: Move to indirect heat

Transfer the steaks to the indirect cooking zone of your grill (the side with no coals). Cover and cook for an additional 8-16 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135 for a perfect medium rare steak. Remove promptly to a carving board.

To cook steak in a skillet: Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 8-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature closest to the bone reaches 132 (for medium rare). Remove promptly from the skillet and transfer to a carving board.

Step 5: Top with butter and rest

Top steaks with a generous slice of ranch butter, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. To serve, carve the steak off the bone and thinly slice it against the grain. Serve immediately.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to enjoy as cowboys do and use the bone as a handle to dig right in. Then, pair it with one of these other cowboy-approved recipes.

Here’s What I Thought

Bold, rich, tender and juicy. Need I say more? Ribeyes have always been my favorite cut of steak when I’m looking to treat myself, and this one does not disappoint. While ribeyes are a fattier cut, a ribeye with compound butter adds an extra layer of flavor and indulgence that really is icing on the cake, erm, steer.

I would love to try this recipe with other meat rubs and compound butter flavors in the future. I’ve also recently splurged on a fancy smoker, and I think a reverse-seared cowboy steak is next on my bucket list!

The post How to Make The Pioneer Woman’s Tender Cowboy Steak appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you’re investing in blue curaao for the first time, have no fear, there are tons of ways to use it. I like to whip up Caribbean blue margaritas or blended blue lagoon margaritas.

How to Make a Jack Frost Cocktail

This recipe makes one cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces white rum
• 1-1/2 ounces pineapple juice
• 1 ounce blue curaao
• 1 ounce canned coconut cream or canned coconut milk
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup, plus more for rimming glass
• Shredded unsweetened coconut, finely chopped

Directions

Step 1: Combine ingredients

Add rum, pineapple juice, blue curaao, coconut cream and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker partially filled with ice.

Step 2: Shake cocktail to chill

Secure the cocktail shaker lid and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until cocktail is chilled.

Step 3: Rim glass

Dip the rim of a rocks glass in simple syrup, then dip the rim in shredded coconut. Fill the rocks glass with ice.

Step 4: Strain and serve

Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and serve.

Can you make a nonalcoholic Jack Frost cocktail?

The cocktail is best when made with the ingredients listed above, but if you want to try making this nonalcoholic, there are a couple options! You could swap the rum out for a nonalcoholic clear spirit. There are quite a few zero-proof brands out these daystry Lyre’s or Ritual.

And instead of the blue curaao, use a dash of butterfly pea flower powder mixed with a bit of orange juice. The powder is similar to matcha powder and comes from the butterfly pea plant. Its deep blue hue flavored with orange juice should achieve a similar color to blue curaao and still create a tasty mocktail.

The post Jack Frost Cocktail Recipe: How to Make It appeared first on Taste of Home.

As first lady to President Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter was a champion for the performing arts, an advocate for mental health and a devoted wife.

While Mrs. Carter’s professional legacy will always be the activism and philanthropy she performed alongside her husband, her memory also lives on through the recipes she shared from her ’70s kitchen. This Rosalynn Carter cheese ring recipe is one of two recipes (her strawberry cake is the other) that were shared by the U.S. National Archives after her passing at the age of 96.

We are honored to share her recipe here. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday celebrations or any time you’re looking for a vintage recipe that will transport you back in time.

‘Plains Special’ Cheese Ring Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound sharp cheese, grated
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• Black pepper
• Dash cayenne
• Strawberry preserves, optional

Directions

Step 1: Combine savory ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the strawberry preserves. Mix well and season to taste with pepper.

Editor’s Tip: Grate the cheese fresh off the block for this recipe. It makes a world of difference!

Step 2: Chill

Transfer the mixture to a 5- or 6-cup ring mold. Cover with plastic and chill in the refrigerator until firm, for several hours or overnight.

Editor’s Tip: For easy unmolding, line the mold with plastic wrap or try these other tips for making a perfect mold.

Step 3: Serve

To serve, carefully unmold the cheese ring to a plate, and if desired, fill the center with strawberry preserves. Enjoy with your favorite assortment of crackers.

The post How to Make the ‘Plains Special’ Cheese Ring, One of Rosalynn Carter’s Most Iconic Recipes appeared first on Taste of Home.

Rumor has it, the cake is so delicious it will derail even the most serious Hollywood diet.

Even if you aren’t one of the lucky few to receive the Tom Cruise cake from the star himself, it’s possible to purchase one through Goldbelly. There are also a few copycat versions of this cake floating around online, so instead of splurging on the mail-order cake, I decided to recreate it myself at home. Here’s the recipe!

Tom Cruise Cake Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting pan
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1-1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Directions

Step 1: Prep the oven and pan

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease and flour a 15-cup Bundt pan.

Step 2: Mix the batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the sugar and butter together on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sour cream, vanilla extract and coconut extract. Beat until combined.

Add flour mixture and mix until just combined; fold in flaked coconut and white chocolate chips.

Step 3: Pour into a Bundt pan

Pour batter into the prepared pan and use the back of a spoon to spread batter evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 25 minutes. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the frosting

To make the frosting, add cream cheese, butter, vanilla and salt to a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and slowly mix until incorporated. Add cream and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 or 2 minutes.

Frost the top and sides of the cake. Lightly press the flaked coconut evenly around the outside.

Here’s What I Thought

This showstopping cake was relatively easy to make and was a huge hit with my family. It’s rich and decadent, which might be too much other times of the year, but during the holidays, I think it hit the right note. Normally, I wouldn’t associate white chocolate and coconut with the holiday season, but once this cake is put together, it looks like a big snowball. For me, that made it a holiday dessert centerpiece!

I really liked that this is a forgiving Bundt cake recipe. It is always a bit nerve-wracking when you invert the cake to see if it releases perfectly or pieces stick to the Bundt pan. But since this cake is covered with frosting and then a layer of coconut, any mistakes are easily hidden.

I discovered a few tips along the way while making this cake. Once the cake has cooled, trim the bottom of the cake a bit to make sure it sits nicely on your cake stand or platter. (Plus, you get to nibble on the scraps, which is always a good thing.) I also suggest placing a piece of waxed paper underneath the cake as you add the coconut layer. That makes it easier to scoop up and reuse the bits that fall and helps you coat the entire surface.

In the end, I decided that I’m no longer worried about being on Santa’s naughty or nice list. I just want to be on Tom Cruise’s Bundt cake list!

The post I Made the Coconut Cake That Tom Cruise Gifts for Christmas, and It’s Award-Worthy appeared first on Taste of Home.

Perfect for those who love a little spice, this quick and easy soup recipe will warm your soul all season long.

Ingredients for Cajun Potato Soup

• Andouille sausage: This spicy sausage is a staple in any Cajun-inspired recipe.
• Bell pepper: Add color and sweetness to this creamy potato soup.
• Cajun seasoning: This handy spice blend adds instant heat and Cajun flavor. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own Cajun seasoning.
• Heavy whipping cream: A splash of heavy cream is the secret trick to making any soup rich and indulgent.
• Russet potatoes: We love russet potatoes for this soup. Their high starch and low moisture content allow them to help thicken the soup without losing their shape.

How to Make Cajun Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 ring (13.5 ounces) andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced (about 1 small onion)
• 1/2 cup celery, diced (about 1 rib of celery)
• 1 cup red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Brown the sausage

Warm a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook for 23 minutes until the slices brown on the edges. Remove to a plate.

Step 2: Saute the vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the olive oil, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the butter, onions, celery and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add broth, spices and potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth (store-bought or homemade broth) and add Cajun seasoning, salt, paprika and the cubed potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-18 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

Step 4: Make it rich and creamy

Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and add the Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Finish with sausage and parsley

Return the sausage to the pot and stir in the parsley. Cook the creamy soup for 5 minutes and then ladle into bowls. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley. Enjoy!

Cajun Potato Soup Variations

• Extra meat: For an extra meaty variation, add 1/2 pound of cooked chicken breast and/or 1/2 pound of raw large, peeled and deveined shrimp during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Cook until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
• Dairy-free: For a dairy-free Cajun potato soup, omit the cheese and opt for a 14-ounce can of coconut milk or another dairy-free cream substitute. For cheesy flavor, add 12 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, if desired.
• Vegetarian Cajun potato soup: Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap the andouille sausage for your favorite brand of spicy plant-based sausages.

How to Store Cajun Potato Soup

Leftovers of this soup may be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Editor’s Tip: Warm gently upon reheating. Dairy-containing soups tend to separate when heated too quickly over high heat. For best results, warm the soup low and slow.

How to Freeze Cajun Potato Soup

As a general rule, soups containing dairy do not freeze well, as they tend to separate and curdle upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to store leftovers of this soup in the freezer as a make-ahead meal, we suggest cooling the soup and freezing it after step 3 of the directions. Then, finish the soup, adding the remaining ingredients upon reheating.

Cajun Potato Soup Tips

How can I thicken Cajun potato soup?

If you want to thicken soup, add a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of water) during step 4 after adding the cream and cheese.

Can I use shredded cheese in potato soup?

While shredded cheese is convenient, it isn’t the best choice for this soup. Most packaged shredded cheese contains additives to prevent caking and clumping in the packaging. These can inhibit a cheese from melting smoothly in creamy soups. Therefore, for best results, we recommend shredding the cheese fresh from the block for this recipe.

What are the best potatoes for soup?

When choosing potatoes for soup, opt for a potato variety that is high in starch and low in moisture. Russets and Idaho potatoes are both great options. Their high starch content will help thicken the soup and make it creamy. Meanwhile, their low-moisture content will allow them to hold their shape through the cooking process without getting mushy.

The post I Made Cajun Potato Soup and It’s the Spice that My Life Has Been Missing appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is branzino?

Branzino is a type of sea bass, commonly found around western and southern Europe, as well as in waters north of Africa. Not surprisingly, the mild white fish is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.

What does branzino taste like?

Branzino is a very mild, almost sweet white fish. It has an exceptional texture, being both firm and lean. Cooked properly, it is flaky and meltingly tender. Like most seafood options, branzino is rich in omega-3s and protein.

Substitutes for Branzino

Branzino is a high-quality fish, making it both an excellent choice and an expensive one. If home cooks can’t find branzino (or want a cheaper alternative), look for a similar mild, flaky white fish. Many types of fish make fine substitutes for branzino, including black sea bass, flounder, sole, tilapia and cod.

How to Cook Branzino

Don’t be afraid to cook fish at homefish recipes are often easy and quick to make!

Branzino is often cooked whole, whether in the oven or over the grill. A popular, decadent presentation is to bake branzino in a salt crust, a traditional cooking method that results in an incredibly juicy fish thanks to the salt preserving the moisture during cooking. Cooked whole, the lean fish tastes extra rich thanks to the added flavor from the bones.

Branzino fillets also taste delicious. Prepare them as you would other white fish: baked, broiled, sauteed, steamed or even in the air fryer. Branzino also makes a tasty addition to soups, pastas, stews and casseroles.

Where to Buy Branzino

Since branzino is extremely popular right now, many grocery stores and seafood markets carry the fish. Most branzino is farm-raised, rather than ocean-caught, simply due to overfishing and supply issues. To check that the fish is fresh, gently press the flesh with a fingertip: It should be firm enough to spring back. Give it a sniff too; fresh fish shouldn’t have a strong “fishy” smell.

How to Store Branzino

Raw branzino should be kept tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until just before cooking. Fresh fish may be stored in the freezer for up to four months if the fillets haven’t been previously frozen. If you bought frozen fish, you should not re-freeze it after defrosting.

Leftover cooked branzino should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will taste best fresh but will keep for up to three days. Reheat it gently in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through. A dash of lemon juice will revitalize the flavors.

If you want to reimagine leftover fish, use it to top a dinner salad (serve it cold or warm), to fill a sandwich or to fry up into seafood cakes.

The post What Is Branzino and How Do You Cook It? appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is comt?

Comt is a French AOC cheeseAppellation d’Origine Contrle. If a French cheese has this label, it’s made under strict conditions determined by the French government. By French law, comt must be made with unpasteurized milk from Montbliarde or French Simmental cows, in a specific region in France. Each wheel is about 80 pounds and is aged an average of eight months. The resulting flavor is nutty and salty with fruity, savory notes. Of all the AOC cheeses, comt is the variety the French eat the most.

Where is comt made?

This traditional cheese is only made in the Jura Massif of France, a mountain region where the cows graze in pastures by summer and eat local hay in the winterno fermented feed is allowed. Over 2,000 small dairies supply high-quality milk to about 140 small village cheesemakers, called fruitires. It takes 100 gallons of milk to make a single wheel of comt. Affineurs (cheese-agers) specialize in maturing the cheese on wooden boards until they are ready to enjoy.

Comt is made in copper vats and is a cooked, pressed cheese. Milk is coagulated with rennet (an enzyme derived from calf stomach) and cut into small curds, about the size of rice grains. They are gently heated, the whey is drained off, and then the curds are pressed into large wheels that are dry-salted. After a few weeks, wheels move to the affineurs who care for the cheese as it matures and develops flavor.

Typically, comt goes through a minimum of four months of aging, but can be aged over 24 months. Cheese shops will often carry two different ages, and younger and more mature wheels will have different flavors and textures.

Fort des Rousses is an affineur in the heart of the Haut Jura Natural Park run by Jean-Charles Arnaud and his family. Once a fort that housed 3,500 soldiers, it now ages 100,000 wheels of cheese at precise conditions. Temperature and humidity are carefully monitored. Salting and scrubbing the wheels multiple times a week, along with moving cheeses to rooms with slightly different conditions, creates the distinctive rind and allows the interior to mature and develop distinctive comt flavors.

Marcel Petite’s Fort St. Antoine is another former fort turned into a cheese aging space that has been in the same family for generations. Both of these affineurs contribute to the nearly 1.7 million wheels of comt made annually. After aging, the cheese is evaluated and scored based on appearance, flavor and aroma. The best wheels are given a green band and can be found in cheese shops across the United States. Cheeses that may have small flaws (but are still delicious) are given brown bands.

How to Use Comt

As comt ages, the texture and flavor continues to develop, but you will predominantly find nutty, fruity, savory notes. Older, firmer profiles are perfect for a charcuterie board, sliced and served with simple accompaniments like toasted nuts, rich preserves and cured meat. For wine pairings, look to the white wines of the Jura region, young fruity red wine or sparkling wine. Remember to let your cheese come to room temperature before serving on a board.

Comt is also the perfect cooking cheese when you want something flavorful that melts beautifully. Use comt that has only been only aged a few months; it has a creamier texture. Add it to your favorite macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese recipe. Substitute equal amounts of comt for any melting cheese called for in recipes like quiche, au gratin potatoes or croque madame sandwiches.

How to Buy and Store Comt

If possible, buy cheese at a cut-to-order shop to ensure the best flavor. Don’t be afraid to ask for a taste, especially if you’re deciding between two age profiles! At more traditional grocery store cheese counters, you may find wedges already cut and sealed in plastic.

When you bring your comt home, if it is wrapped in plastic, unwrap and rewrap in parchment or butcher paper, then store in the refrigerator in a container that allows a little air in it. This allows the cheese to breathe naturally, but not dry out. If it has been in plastic awhile, “face” the cheese by gently scraping the surface with the side of a paring knife to remove the part that was touching the plastic, along with any plastic flavors that may be on the cheese. Enjoy cut cheese within a week of buying.

The post What Is Comté and How Do I Use It? appeared first on Taste of Home.

Thankfully, the internet is full of nifty hacks, and of course there’s a hack for cooking pasta: the cold water pasta method.

What makes this particular hack so special? Experts (like Alton Brown) claim that using the cold water pasta hack will cut your time in half, as well as reduce the amount of water you use. Think about it. How many times have you filled up your pot more than halfway with water, only to drain so much of it later? Does pasta really need that much water to cook?

According to the cold water pasta hack, the answer is no. I had to test the method myself.

What is the cold water pasta method?

This method has you start your pasta in cold water and then cook it to perfection.

Using guidelines from America’s Test Kitchen for the cold water pasta hack, here’s how I tested this method:

1. Add 8 to 16 ounces of pasta to a 12-inch skillet, along with 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 quart of cold water.
2. Turn the burner on medium-high heat and wait for it to start steaming; this should take about 2-3 minutes. One steaming, stir the pasta occasionally as the water temperature continues to rise, coming to a boil.
3. Cooked to your desired doneness, continuing to stir occasionally. The entire process should take 13-15 minutes total.

The process seemed too good to be true. Fifteen minutes is all you need and you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta? I was skeptical, so of course, I decided to give it a try.

Does the cold water pasta hack work?

The short answer: yes.

The long answer: I decided to try the cold water pasta hack side-by-side with the typical method of boiling pasta in a pot to see if the claims to save time and water were valid.

The cold water pasta hack cut my cook time nearly in half. Boiling water in a pot not only used double the amount of water, but it took 22 minutes from start to finish. While I do think the timing will depend on the pasta shapes you’re cooking, for 8 ounces of spaghetti, it only took 13 minutes to reach a perfect al dente texture.

I also found that the texture of the pasta was more satisfactory compared to the usual boiling water method. When I boil water and cook pasta, it’s harder to gauge when the pasta is done. You have to keep testing it to make sure it’s at the consistency you desire, and I never seem to get it right. Yet for the cold water method, I found that when the water was significantly reduced at around 12 minutes, the pasta looked almost ready to drain. I gave it a quick taste test, and it was perfect.

The concentrated salt-to-water ratio gave this pasta even more taste compared to the usual boiling water method. Yes, you should always add salt to your water to cook pasta; it helps give your pasta taste. With the specific measurements this hack calls for, I found the taste of the pasta from cold water was superior compared to the water in boiled water.

In conclusion, I’m a convert. Unless the recipe I’m cooking calls for a significant amount of pasta water (it helps with thickening sauces), I will absolutely be using the cold water pasta hack moving forward. No more making tragic pasta mistakes!

The cold water hack saves water and time, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. Nowit’s time to decide which one of these incredible pasta recipes to make.

The post I Tested the Cold Water Pasta Hack—Here’s What I Found Out appeared first on Taste of Home.

There’s nobody better at throwing an old-fashioned country Christmas than Dolly Parton. And her Christmases always include a walnut pie.

Dolly loves to share memories of celebrating the season with her eleven brothers and sisters at their home in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Their traditions included popcorn strings on the Christmas tree, lots of singing and her mother’s delectable holiday dishes. She continues making special moments at Christmastime for her family with her own traditions, like a decorated tree in every room and donning her collection of ugly Christmas sweaters (just like our ugly sweater cookies!).One Christmas tradition that hasn’t changed is baking up plenty of holiday treats.

The Dolly Parton walnut pie is a tender pie crust with a rich, sticky filling that’s similar to pecan pie. It’s topped with a layer of walnuts that become brown and crunchy once baked. This pie is a quick one to assemble and can even be baked a day or two ahead of time.

Dolly Parton Walnut Pie Recipe

Dolly shared her walnut pie recipe on her Facebook page. The 9-inch pie serves six to eight people.

Ingredients

• 1 single-crust pie dough
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1-1/2 cups finely chopped walnuts
• Whipped cream, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the pie crust

Preheat the oven to 400F. Have a 9-inch pie plate ready (we love these gorgeous pie dishes). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Move it to the pie dish and press the dough into place across the bottom and up the sides. Roll the edge of the dough under all around and crimp it. Hold the crust in the fridge while you make the filling.

Step 2: Blend the filling ingredients

Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the eggs well. Pour in the granulated sugar and blend it into the eggs. Next, pour in the corn syrup and beat the mixture again. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Finally, pour in the melted butter; beat the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 3: Fill the pie

Pour the egg and sugar mixture into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top to make an even layer that covers the filling.

Step 4: Bake

Place the pie in the hot oven. Bake it for 10 minutes and then reduce the heat to 300. Bake the pie for 45 minutes longer. Check the pie crust edge after 30 minutes: if it’s getting too brown, cover the crust edge with strips of foil. When the pie is finished, the nuts will be deeply browned and the filling will feel set to the touch. Move the pie to a cooling rack and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Serve!

Serve slices of walnut pie at room temperature or cold. And don’t forget the finishing touch: Dolly says to serve slices with a generous “Dolly-up” of whipped cream. Here’s our recipe for homemade whipped cream.

Tips for Dolly’s Walnut Pie

What can I use if I don’t have corn syrup?

Maple syrup can be used in place of corn syrup in this pie; best of all the flavor of maple pairs really beautifully with walnuts. Honey is another good substitute to use, and will also give the pie a unique flavor twist. If you happen to have the British favorite golden syrup in your pantry (made from sugar instead of corn) it can also be used in this pie.

Does it matter if I use store-bought or homemade pie crust?

Nope! Store-bought crusts are undeniably convenient, easy to handle and bake up reliably every time. (Our Test Kitchen pros tested several brands and here are their top pie crust picks.) However, if you love to make your own pie dough at home (like our butter pie crust) do use it here. The fresh, homemade flavor will shine with this sweet pie filling.

Can I bake this pie in a cast-iron skillet?

Yes! Cast-iron skillets are excellent at conducting heat, which helps pie crust brown evenly across the bottom. Use a 9-inch cast iron skillet for this pie. Because it’s a little deeper than a pie dish, use a slightly larger portion of pie dough so that there’s enough to cover the sides. Place the pan near the bottom of your oven to help the metal heat up quickly.

The post Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie Keeps Holiday Baking Simple and Sweet appeared first on Taste of Home.

While there are plenty of tried and true classic Christmas cookies from chocolaty cookie options such as chocolate truffle cookies or gingerbread cutout cookies, we’re adding another must-bake cookie to the list: kitchen sink Christmas cookies.

These cookies are the ideal balance between sweet and salty, with a soft, chewy texture. They use mix-ins such as potato chips and pretzels in a surprisingly delicious way and are paired with red and green M&M’s to dress them up for any holiday party.

What are kitchen sink cookies?

Have you ever heard the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink?” This is named for it! Kitchen sink cookies use just about anything you have in the pantry to create a wonderful balance of sweet and salty flavors, all wrapped up in a chewy cookie. While mix-ins are interchangeable, most kitchen sink cookies have chocolate in some form, along with salty components such as crushed chips and pretzels. Some even have an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.

Ingredients for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Butter: Butter is the base of this cookie recipe. It plays a key role in developing the texture and rich flavor of the cookies. Be sure you’re beginning your recipe with softened butter for best results.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar plays a key role in developing the chewiness of this cookie. It also brings those delicious molasses notes to the cookie’s base flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Flour aids in building the structure of these cookies. It holds everything together for the ideal texture.
• Mix-ins: This Christmas kitchen sink recipe has a mixture of oats, crushed potato chips, crushed pretzels and festive red and green M&M’s in the mix. This adds sweet and salty flavor along with great crunch.

How to Make Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

This recipe makes 28 cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2-1/3 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sprinkles
• 3/4 cup oats
• 1 cup crushed potato chips
• 1 cup crushed pretzels
• 1 cup holiday M&M’s

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugars. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix in the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture, combining just until the dough comes together. Fold in the sprinkles.

Step 4: Add the mix-ins

Fold in the oats, potato chips and pretzels. Finish things up by mixing in the M&M’s.

Step 5: Scoop the cookie dough

Use a cookie scoop to scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Space the balls of dough evenly on the prepared baking sheet, with 12 cookies to a sheet. Add a few extra M&M’s, crushed chips, crushed pretzels or sprinkles on top.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Bake the cookies for 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Recipe Variations

• Use chocolate chips: While classic M&M’s add plenty of chocolate flavor to the mix, they can also be swapped out for chocolate chips. If you want to amp up the chocolate flavor even more, add 1/2 cup chocolate chips in addition to the M&M’s.
• Swap in baking chips: Add in other baking chips such as white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips or even peanut butter chips for a great twist on flavor.
• Seek out your pantry for additional mix-ins: The options for additional mix-ins are endless. You can throw in everything but the kitchen sink! Try variations with chopped peanuts or pecans, shredded coconut or crushed Chex or rice cereal. Of course, to make them even more colorful and festive for Christmas, you can add a mixture of your favorite holiday sprinkles into the dough as well.

How to Store Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

To preserve the chewy texture of these cookies, keep them in an airtight storage container at room temperature for up to five days.

How to Freeze Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Have extra cookies? You can definitely freeze them. Allow the cookies to completely cool. Store them in a freezer-safe airtight container or plastic bag for up to two months.

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Tips

How do you make soft, chewy cookies?

While these cookies taste great, the texture is a big part of their appeal. These cookies are slightly crispy on the edges, with a super chewy and soft center. The key is not to overbake the cookies. Let them bake until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Once they do, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the hot baking sheet on top of the stove. The residual heat will finish baking the centers of the cookies, giving them that soft texture.

Can I make cookie dough ahead of time?

This is a great recipe to prep ahead of time, especially if you have a long list of must-bake cookies on your list for the holiday season. Prep the dough ahead and store it wrapped in the fridge for up to one week.

The post How to Make Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies appeared first on Taste of Home.

His grumpy attitude has captured our heart for years, so it’s no surprise that Grinch-inspired recipes cover our tables during movie marathons and holiday parties. Grinch dip (complete with heart sprinkles) is just the treat we need to remind of us of our favorite cantankerous Christmas character.

For even more sweet recipe ideas for your dessert spread, try any of our easy Christmas desserts.

What’s in Grinch dip?

• Whipped topping: A whole container of whipped topping acts as the base that will make your dip full, light, fluffy and sweet.
• Vanilla cake mix: White cake mix will make the dip a bit brighter than yellow cake mix, and it will add sweetness. It’s important to note that dry cake mix cannot be eaten raw and should be baked beforehand. Raw flour can contain salmonella or E. coli, so it’s important to pop it in the oven first before using. You can sprinkle the box of cake mix onto a baking sheet and bake at 350F for seven minutes to heat treat it.
• Vanilla Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a wonderful blank slate. This will give the dip a bit of heft while keeping it smooth and moist.
• Green food dye: We can’t possibly call it Grinch dip without the familiar chartreuse green, can we?

Here our some of our favorite box cake recipes.

@recipes Make a holiday dessert thats Grinch approved ❤️ ✅ This Grinch Dip will be a hit at your next holiday party! Tag a friend who youd want to share this with! 🎄 ❤️ #grinchdip #grinch #dip #holidaydesserts #christmasdesserts #festivedesserts #christmas original sound – Viral Recipes

How to Make Grinch Dip

Ingredients

• 1 container whipped topping
• 1 box vanilla cake mix, heat-treated
• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• Green food coloring, three drops or to your preference
• Red heart sprinkles

Directions

Step 1: Mix the first three ingredients

In a large bowl, add your whipped topping. Next, stir in your vanilla cake mix. Top with your Greek yogurt. Combine well until all ingredients melt seamlessly together.

Step 2: Decorate and serve

Now that your dip is mixed, add in the desired amount of green food dye. Just a few drops should do the trick. Mix well until the entire dip is bright and evenly green. Transfer to your preferred serving dish and top with red heart sprinkles. You can enjoy this dip with pretzels and various cookies. Oh, and don’t forget the Grinch punch on the side!

The post People Are Making Grinch Dip That’s Full of Who-Cheer appeared first on Taste of Home.

This recipe just might become the classic. It features an absolutely delicious spiced cranberry syrup that can be used in all kinds of holiday cocktails. The spiced cranberry flavor is inspired by a drink from Craft and Cocktails, but otherwise it’s an all-new festive cocktail for the season.

Rum Rum Rudolph Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

Spiced cranberry syrup:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light, dark or a combo of both works just fine)
• 1 cup 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
• 8 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 green cardamom pods, crushed and torn apart

The syrup makes enough for 8 cocktails.

Cocktail:

• 2 ounces spiced rum
• 1 ounce spiced cranberry syrup
• 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 3 dashes citrus bitters
• 1/2 ounce egg white, optional

Editor’s Tip: Be sure to use 100% cranberry juice that is unsweetened. It will be tart! Use any leftover cranberry juice to make a Poinsettia.

Directions

Step 1: Make the spiced cranberry syrup

Combine sugar, cranberry juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks and cardamom in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook 5 minutes. Turn off heat, cover and let steep 15 minutes.

Remove lid and strain out the spices.

Step 2: Shake the cocktail

Add rum, spiced cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, lemon juice, bitters and pinch of salt to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously to chill, about 15 seconds.

Strain cocktail into one half of cocktail shaker, then add egg white. Discard ice and shake again to foam the egg white, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnish and serve.

Tips for Making a Rum Rum Rudolph

How to garnish a Rum Rum Rudolph

I recommend garnishing a Rum Rum Rudolph with a fresh cranberry that has two tiny sprigs of rosemary sticking out of it to look like a little reindeer. To make this, prick two holes in the cranberry using a toothpick and cut a thin slice in the bottom. Secure two rosemary sprigs in the holes and secure the cranberry to the side of the glass using the slit.

How to prep the syrup before a party

Since this cocktail is perfect for the holidays, you may wonder how to prep it ahead of time. For starters, the syrup can be made up to 1 week ahead of time and stored in a glass airtight container in the refrigerator.

The day you plan to serve this cocktail, mix everything up in a large pitcher, minus the egg white, and chill in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready, just measure, shake and serve. (Be sure to prep your garnishes ahead of time as well!)

If you’re in the market for more make-ahead cocktails, Chilean Monkey Tail Punch and Mulled Wine are both great options.

The post How to Make a Rum Rum Rudolph Cocktail appeared first on Taste of Home.

No need to wait around for last-minute holiday food ideas. If you’re looking for a simple yet festive recipe to bring to a party or holiday potluck, look no further. We’ve come across a TikTok creation that is truly genius: Christmas pretzel wreaths.

This recipe is a guaranteed holiday hit!

@alisha_larson Christmas Pretzel Wreaths 🥨🎄This no bake dessert is the perfect mix of sweet & salty & SO EASY! Ingredients: 🎄Pretzels 🎄Green Candy Melts 🎄Holiday Sprinkles Instructions: 1. Melt green candy melts in microwave for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted. 2. Dip half of the pretzel in the green candy melts and form a circle on top of parchment paper or tin foil. Make a second layer on top. 3. Decorate with holiday sprinkles & allow candy melts to harden. ENJOY! 😋 #easyrecipes #nobakedessert #christmas #christmasdessert #sweetandsalty #pretzelwreaths #holidayparty #holidayfood Sleigh Bells (PhatCap! Trap Remix) – Ronettes

Pretzel Christmas Wreath Recipe

Prepare for a dessert that’s salty and sweet in every bite. This TikTok recipe from Alisha Larson currently has about 450,000 likes. And it’s no wonderlook how cute and merry the pretzel wreaths are!

Ingredients

• Mini pretzel twists
• Green candy melts
• Holiday sprinkles

Directions

Step 1: Melt green candy melts in the microwave

In the microwave, melt green candy melts in 30 second increments. Stir until the melts are a smooth consistency.

Step 2: Dip pretzels in candy melts and layer

Next, dip half of each pretzel in the green candy melts. From there, arrange the pretzels in a circle on foil or parchment paper in a circle. Add a second layer on top of the first to shape the pretzels like a wreath.

Step 3: Add sprinkles

Last but not least, decorate each pretzel wreath with holiday sprinkles of your choosing. That’s it! Let dry until the pretzels are set and your treat is holiday-ready.

Pretzel Wreath Variations

Christmas pretzel wreaths can be customized to suit your taste and creativity. Here’s how to go all out:

Use different pretzel sizes

You can use mini pretzels, regular pretzel twists or even pretzel rods for a shareable chocolate-dipped pretzel wreath.

Add a bow with pull-apart licorice

This is an upgrade that Buddy the Elf would love. It adds double the holiday pizazz!

Pull apart Pull ‘N’ Peel Twizzlers to create thin strands. Then, tie each individual strand into the shape of a bow and use a dab of melted chocolate to attach the bow to the wreath.

Decorate with M&M’s as ornaments

If you have a sweet tooth, get ready to love this dessert even more. You can add M&M’s (preferably holiday M&M’s) or gum drops to look like ornaments. This version of the dessert is bound to unwrap all kinds of compliments!

The post How to Make No-Bake Christmas Pretzel Wreaths for a Super Festive Treat appeared first on Taste of Home.

Another way to start your wintry mornings is with eggnog French toast bites. You can use your own homemade eggnog in this recipe, or use your favorite store-bought brand. You can always use up leftovers in these festive eggnog desserts. And whether you’ve seen the French toast bites all over TikTok or not, here’s your sign to add them to your list of decadent French toast recipes.

Eggnog French Toast Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 1-2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
• Maple syrup (optional)

French toast batter:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

@kingshawaiian EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST BITES! Ingredients: -Kings Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls -1-2 tbsp butter -1 c sugar -2 tbsp ground cinnamon -1/2 tbsp nutmeg -Maple syrup (optional) Ingredients for French toast batter: -2 eggs -1/2 c eggnog -1 tsp vanilla extract -1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Preparation: 1. Slice Kings Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into thirds, then toast at 300 for about 3-5 minutes 2. Prepare French toast batter by mixing eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg 3. Dip sliced rolls in batter, then fry in a pan (or griddle) with butter 4. Coat French toast bites in cinnamon sugar (1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, tablespoon of nutmeg) 5. Enjoy French toast bites with maple syrup (optional) #kingshawaiian #frenchtoastrecipe #frenchtoastbites Rocking Around The Christmas Tree – Christmas

Directions

Step 1: Prep the rolls

Begin by slicing your King’s Hawaiian Rolls into even thirds and toasting them in the oven at 300F for three to five minutes.

Step 2: Create the batter

Make the French toast batter by mixing together your eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract and ground nutmeg in a bowl.

Step 3: Fry the toast

Next, create your French toast bites. Take each of your toasted roll slices and dip them thoroughly in the French toast batter until fully coated. In a griddle or frying pan with butter, fry each slice evenly on both sides. Repeat process until each slice has been dipped and fried.

Step 4: Dip the bites in cinnamon sugar

Combine your sugar, ground cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. Dip each French toast bite in the cinnamon sugar mix and coat thoroughly. Repeat the process until each slice is coated.

Step 5: Serve with maple syrup

Gather your French toast bites together and serve with an optional side of maple syrup or sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with a delicious cup of eggnog coffee and enjoy!

The post How to Make Eggnog French Toast Bites for the Perfect Saturday Breakfast appeared first on Taste of Home.

The data, published by Upgraded Points, shows that many states seem to have a personal favoritelike the Tom & Jerry in North Dakota or cranberry sangria in Massachusettsbut a few classic holiday libations seem to be popular across America.

What are the top five holiday cocktails in America?

The data shows one cocktail is the top pick for eleven different states!

1. Christmas punch

That’s right; a classic Christmas punch is the most popular holiday drink in America. While there are many ways to make it, the classic Christmas punch recipe includes juice, cider, rum, sparkling wine and fresh fruit. Christmas punch is a go-to for gatherings in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Indiana and Tennessee.

2. Eggnog

How could this boozy classic not be a top holiday cocktail? While store-bought eggnog could easily be spiked, homemade eggnog made with whiskey and rum is particularly delicious. Residents of Oregon, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Illinois and Vermont love to sip this traditional drink.

3. Cranberry mimosa

Scrap the usual orange juice and champagne combo. Use festive cranberry juice instead! It’s an easy drink to make, so no wonder the people of Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina and Maryland love it. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for even more holiday cheer.

4. Hot buttered rum

This cozy beverage is a favorite for quite a few northern states including Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska. Because who wouldn’t want a sugary, spicy, boozy glass of hot buttered rum when the whether outside is frightful?

5. Irish coffee

A little booze and a little caffeine, who could say no? The Irish coffeemade with sugar, whiskey, coffee, heavy cream and creme de mentheis a go-to for California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii.

What other notable cocktails stood out?

I noticed that three other cocktails had fans in multiple states: the coquito, whiskey sour and Christmas margarita.

Coquito

Coquito is a traditional holiday beverage from Puerto Rico, similar to eggnog. It’s made with different types of canned milk and coconut milk, rum and warming spices. It’s most popular in New York, Connecticut and Florida.

Whiskey sour

The cranberry orange whiskey sour is a festive take on the classic cocktail, made with cranberry juice, orange juice, whiskey, simple syrup and an egg white. Residents of New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina love this drink.

Christmas margarita

The Christmas margarita is similar to a traditional margaritabut with cranberry or pomegranate juice. People in Colorado and Nebraska like to shake up this holiday drink.

Personally, I loved some of the more unique offerings, like the maple old fashioned in Minnesota and the peppermint martini in Delaware. No matter what drink you mix, you’re sure to have a jolly holiday!

The post The Most Popular Holiday Cocktail in Every U.S. State appeared first on Taste of Home.

Footlong cookies are officially in the national spotlight. And they look seriously delish.

What kind of cookie is the Subway footlong cookie?

The Subway footlong cookie is a classic: chocolate chip. Yum! Who doesn’t love a gooey chocolate chip cookie, let alone 12 inches of gooey chocolate chip cookie.

The creation is not entirely new. In 2022, the chain celebrated National Cookie Day with a pop-up of the footlong cookie in Miami. Needless to say, customers were thrilled with the cookies (so much so that the desserts were gone in under 2 hours) and disappointed in its short debut. Following the cookie’s overwhelming success, Subway’s culinary team went to work perfecting the dessert. Now, the cookie is back and better than ever in time for National Cookie Day (December 4). And it will be on Subway’s permanent menu next month!

When can I get a Subway footlong cookie?

Luckily, fans in four cities can pick up a free footlong cookie today. With the purchase of a footlong sub at Subway’s “Cookieway,” customers will receive a footlong cookie for free The promotion is available from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time at the following locations:

• Chicago: 604 S Wabash Ave, Suite D, Chicago, IL 60605
• Dallas: 1222 Commerce Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX 75202
• Miami: 2795 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
• New York City: 545 8 Ave., New York, NY 10018

If you find yourself near any of these locations, act fast! The free footlong cookies are only available while supplies last.

For those who can’t pick up a free footlong cookie today, don’t fret. The footlong cookie will soon become a permanent menu item. And as Subway sells more freshly baked cookies than any other U.S. restaurant company, it only makes sense. Rumor has it the 12-inch cookies will be at all Subway restaurants in January of 2024.

The post Subway Just Announced That It Will Add a Footlong Cookie to Its Permanent Menu appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you’ve ever seen a gold porch light, it could mean more than just creating a beautiful home environment. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does a Gold Porch Light Mean?

Different colored porch lights are just one way people are creative in their decorative and communicative acts. Changing the hue of your porch light is a simple act and something that makes supporting a cause more accessible to everyone. Different colors of the rainbow are used in porch lights for various reasons like green lights symbolizing the return of an honorably discharged U.S. veteran and purple lights bringing awareness to instances of domestic violence. Red porch lights could symbolize American Heart Month.

Much like the other colors of the rainbow, gold and yellow are quite common porch light colors. There are a few reasons people might use the golden shade.

Awareness for childhood cancer

Thinking about children with such an illness can be heartbreaking, but it still needs to be talked about. Those who go through such suffering in their lifetimes often feel there isn’t enough funding and awareness for childhood cancer. There’s even a Facebook group for such a cause if you’re interested in learning more or donating to help. These people have also adopted the golden porch lights, like the golden cancer ribbon, to signify their awareness of childhood cancer and their actions to help support research and funding.

Celebration of a special event

Gold is a beautiful color that fits in with almost every single type of celebration, especially Christmas, parties and anniversaries. It’s a warm hue that can make any home warm and welcoming. A gold porch light could be the perfect color to bathe your porch in while sitting outside reconnecting with old friends. It also goes wonderfully with many other color schemes and would be perfect for yourholiday get-togethers.

Keeping bugs away

Warm-colored LED lights, like yellow and gold, have been found to keep bugs away. This is because the more muted color isn’t as appealing to bugs as bright white or bluish lights. This kind of act would be perfect for warm summer nights with family, friends or even just solitude. Fewer bug bites and gorgeous golden scenery? We’ll take it!

The post If You See a Gold Porch Light, This Is What It Means appeared first on Taste of Home.

Potato Salad

Pass Ina’s potato salad this way, please. This simple-yet-delicious Barefoot Contessa side complements any Christmas roast.

Go to Recipe

The post 11 Ina Garten Holiday Recipes for Your Table appeared first on Taste of Home.

The soup is loaded with tender chicken, pasta and spinach. And garlic, herbs, sauteed onion and sun-dried tomatoes flavor the broth. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs dish that’s tasty as a lunch or a side but substantial enough to serve for dinner tooespecially romantic dinners! The soup is inspired by the recipe that started it all: marry me chicken.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Sun-dried tomatoes: With concentrated sweetness and herb-infused oil, these little tomatoes add lots of flavor and color to the soup.
• Rotisserie chicken: Shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves so much time, plus, you’ll get a flavorful mix of dark and white meat.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is a healthy addition to the soup, but also adds color against the red broth.
• Pasta: Rounding out this filling soup are small pasta shapes for the creamy broth to cling to. We used small shells, but feel free to use any of your favorite pasta shapes.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

This recipe, which went viral on TikTok, is from The Wholesome Dish and makes six generous servings of soup.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil with Italian herbs, julienned or chopped
• 1 tablespoon of the seasoned olive oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken meat
• 2 cups chopped, fresh spinach
• 8 ounces small pasta, like macaroni or small shells
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions

Step 1: Saute the onions

Add the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and the olive oil to a large stock pot or Dutch oven.Heat the oils over medium-high heat; when hot, add in the diced onion. Cook and stir the onion for about five minutes until the pieces are soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add the tomatoes and garlic

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook the mixture for another two minutes.

Step 3: Combine with the broth and spices

Pour in the chicken broth along with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper; stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the meat, pasta and spinach

Add the shredded chicken, fresh spinach and pasta to the simmering soup. Reduce the heat slightly and return the soup to a simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to al dente.

Step 5: Finish with the milk and cheese

While the soup simmers, heat the milk to hot in a small saucepan or in the microwave. When the soup is finished, add a few spoonfuls of the broth to the hot milk to help temper it (and prevent it from curdling.) Then, slowly stir the hot milk into the soup. Stir the grated Parmesan into the soup.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it with extra grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling over the top.

Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Soup

What can I use if I don’t have whole milk?

Whole milk makes a delectably creamy soup broth, a perfect consistency to cling to the cooked pasta. You can also substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk, which will make the soup even more rich. Low-fat or skim milk should be avoided as they won’t give the soup the same level of creaminess.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a rotisserie chicken?

Yes! You can shred cooked chicken breasts leftover from last night’s dinner or bake chicken breaststo use in the soup.

What kind of pasta is best for Tuscan chicken soup?

Small, bite-sized pasta shapes are the best choices for this soup, such as tiny shells, ditalini, mini farfalle or elbows. Because the pasta cooks in the broth, it will soak up some of the liquid; larger pastas, as well as being more difficult to eat in a soup, will soak up too much liquid leaving the soup with hardly any broth.

What can I serve with marry me chicken soup?

Garnish bowls of this soup with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh, chopped basil. Slices of crusty bread with butter or our homemade garlic breadsticks are also delicious as sides.

The post How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, aka ‘Marry Me Chicken Soup’ appeared first on Taste of Home.

Mrs. Carter was also the mother who took charge when a son’s attempt at baking a cake led to a kitchen fire and the doting grandmother who kept a stash of blueberries in the freezer for snacks.

Jason Carter spoke at the Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University in Atlanta to share his memories of the woman he knew as a grandmother. “She was like everyone else’s grandmother in a lot of ways.”

“Almost all of her recipes call for mayonnaise, for example,” he said. The assembled groups of family and friends laughed with acknowledgement.

Carter also recalled sitting on an airplane for a family trip when his grandmother pulled out ingredients to make sandwiches shortly after takeoff.

“We looked over and my grandmother took pimiento cheese and this loaf of bread, and she just started making sandwiches.”

“She gave it to all of us grandkids, and then she just started giving them to other people on the plane. And people were sitting there like, ‘Rosalynn Carter just made me this sandwich.’ They couldn’t believe it. But she loved people and she was a cool grandma,” he added.

As a baker and cook in her Georgia kitchen, Rosalynn Carter’s recipe box also included family favorites for a “Plains Special Cheese Ring,” date nut rolls dusted with confectioners’ sugar, and an eggplant souffle that calls for cracker crumbs from “good cheese crackers.”

One of her most famous recipes is this strawberry cake, a dessert made with yellow cake mix and strawberry Jell-O, both quintessential ingredients for ’70s recipes.

Rosalynn Carter’s Strawberry Cake

The U.S. National Archives released this recipe on the day of Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service.

“Today, we honor the remarkable legacy of Rosalynn Carter, whose warmth touched the nation. As we remember her, we share one of her favorite recipesa classic strawberry cakereflecting the sweetness she brought to so many,” the National Archives shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Rosalynn Carter’s strawberry cake calls for a handful of ingredients to be baked and served plain or with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. The recipe, a “Carter family favorite,” is printed on paper from the White House.

Carter’s approach to entertaining can be summed up in her own words:“If there’s any secret to hospitality, maybe it’s just that everything doesn’t have to be perfect.”

The post Rosalynn Carter’s Beloved Strawberry Cake Recipe Stands the Test of Time appeared first on Taste of Home.

The short answer is yes. Reports predict that sugar exports from India and Thailandthe world’s second- and third-largest sugar supplierswill drop drastically. This sugar shortage extends beyond the baking aisle, too. It’s affecting candy and other goods made with the ingredient, with shoppers noticing a rise in prices. Why is this happening?

Why is there a sugar shortage?

Like many other nationwide food shortages, such as flour, this sugar shortage is because of bad weather in top countries that export the good. Droughts in India and Thailand and the ongoing war in Ukraine have affected the output of sugar, according to AP News.

When will the sugar shortage end?

Experts say we’ll see a decrease in sugar supply through the 2023-2024 season. Luckily, sugar producers in Brazil expect to fill some of the gap in the sugar shortage. Until then, you’ll likely see sparse shelvesor even hiked-up pricesat the grocery store.

What is the best sugar alternative?

It depends. If you’re looking for a quick baking substitution, maple syrup or honey can be used. Sugar alternatives for other cooking needs can range from stevia to agave and molasses. Just make sure you do a trial run of your Christmas cookies with these alternatives so you know what needs to be adjusted before the holidays arrive.

The post Yes, There’s a Sugar Shortage—Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is white velvet cake?

White velvet cake is a bright white cake. It has an incredibly soft, light texture while remaining fluffy yet wonderfully moist. It pairs perfectly with cream cheese frosting or can be filled with lemon curd or jam and dressed up with buttercream frosting.

White velvet vs. red velvet

One of the key ingredients in a red velvet cake is buttermilk. Yes, a red velvet cake relies on red food coloring and a touch of cocoa powder for its pretty color, but the flavor and texture are all thanks to buttermilk. (Same with blue velvet cake!) White velvet cake skips the food coloring and cocoa powder but still uses buttermilk, resulting in the same soft texture.

White Velvet Cake Recipe

This recipe makes a double-layer 8-inch round cake, which serves 10 to 12.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 egg whites, room temperature
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-1/4 cups cake flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature

Frosting:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6-1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Step 1: Prep the cake pans

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and gently dust the inside with flour. Tap the pans to shake off any excess. Place a round piece of parchment paper in the base of each cake pan. You can buy precut parchment circles or make your own with regular parchment paper and a pair of scissors.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter for 10 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed while creaming. Mix in the egg whites, mixing on low for three minutes.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture.

Step 4: Bake the cakes

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 26 to 28 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 5: Make the frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and the milk. Gradually mix in the remaining powdered sugar until the frosting comes together. Turn the speed up on the mixer to whip the frosting until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble and frost the cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a cake stand or cake plate. Spread cream cheese frosting on the top of the cake layer, and place the second cake layer on top. Frost the exterior of the cake using an offset spatula or piping bag.

Tips for Making White Velvet Cake

Cream the butter and sugar fully

The first step of many baking recipes is to cream the butter and sugar. This important process not only incorporates the sugar into the butter, but it aerates the mixture along the way. As the sugar mixes into the butter and air is added, it makes the butter pale and fluffy. This is key to both the texture and the white color of this cake.

Keep the bright white color with egg whites

While many cakes can be made with whole eggs, using both the egg whites and the egg yolks, this cake is a bit different. Egg yolks add richness to a mixture, along with adding color. To be sure your cake comes out snow white, crack and separate your eggs. Use the egg whites for your cake batter and save the yolks for another project.

The post How to Make a White Velvet Cake appeared first on Taste of Home.

Like our other unique chili recipes, this one veers from the typical kidney beans and ground beef. Instead, Ina’s version is loaded with tender roasted chicken, studded with bountiful amounts of red and yellow bell peppers and bathed in a rich tomato base. This chili is perfect for those wanting to cut back on red meat and are on team “no beans” when it comes to making chili from scratch.

With Ina Garten’s track record for delicious recipes (hello, beef bourguignon), we couldn’t resist putting her recipe to the test.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili Recipe

This recipe makes six servings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 3 medium onions)
• 1/8 cup good olive oil, plus extra for chicken
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and large-diced
• 2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded and large-diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for chicken
• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
• 4 split chicken breasts, bone-in, skin on
• Freshly ground black pepper
• For serving: chopped onions, tortilla chips, grated cheddar or sour cream

Directions

Step 1: Saute and season

In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-low heat, cook the onions for 10 to 15 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute, then toss in the bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Add the tomatoes

Next, in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the tomatoes six to eight times, so a few chunks remain (you may also crush the tomatoes by hand). Add them to the pot along with the basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Editor’s Tip: Believe it or not, not all canned tomatoes are created equal. For the best Ina Garten chicken chili ever (and the best Ina Garten lasagna), splurge on some high-quality canned tomatoes. The chili will turn out richer, thicker and more flavorful.

Step 3: Roast the chicken

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them on a sheet pan. Season generously with salt and pepper, then roast the chicken breasts until just cooked (about 35 to 40 minutes). Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Editor’s Tip: This is one instance where you don’t have to cook the chicken completely to 165since it will finish cooking in the soup.

Step 4: Chop and combine

Remove the chicken meat from the bones and skin and roughly cut it into bite-sized chunks. Stir the chicken into the chili and continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes. Serve hot with the toppings of your choice, and enjoy!

Here’s What We Thought

What a crowd-pleasing recipe! Ina Garten chicken chili is hearty without being heavy and subtly spiced, so it will even please those at your table who prefer a mild chili recipe. While it may not be traditional chili, this recipe will have its own spot in our recipe rotation all season long.

Tips for Making the Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

While this Ina Garten chicken chili recipe is delicious as is,it is also super adaptable to modifications. Here are just a few options for substitutions:

• Quicker chicken: If you’re in a pinch for time, you can prepare the chicken in a few different ways that are both faster and equally flavorful. One option is to poach boneless skinless chicken breasts, which only take around 15 minutes to cook. Alternatively, you could opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred the light and dark meat into the soup during the final step.
• Spicier chili: If you’re someone who wants a little fire in their bowl of chili, you can play around with the spiciness of this recipe very easily. Try swapping two of the bell peppers for poblano peppers, or amp up the heat further by tossing in a diced jalapeno pepper or chopped chipotle chili in adobo sauce to the pot. A few extra teaspoons of chili pepper or cayenne pepper is also a great way to add some additional kick.
• Add beans: While this recipe leans toward a Texas-style chili without beans, if you prefer a chicken chili with beans, you could certainly add them to this recipe. Pinto, kidney or black beans would all be fantastic in this recipe.

The post We Tried Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili, and We May Never Go Back to Beef appeared first on Taste of Home.

Yes, it turns out. The receipt check helps reduce shoplifting, which in turn helps Costco keep prices low. It also ensures you’re not overpaying or underpaying for what’s in your cart.

Why does Costco check receipts?

To prevent shoplifting

If you’ve ever shopped at Costco, you know employees keep a close watch on the entrances and exits of the warehouse. Customers need to show proof of membership on the way in and walk out with receipts that match shopping carts. Costco CFO Richard Galanti says the store’s shrinkage ratewhich includes shoplifting, cashier or administrative error and vendor fraudhas largely remained unchanged over the years, likely due to checking receipts.

But can a Costco employee really evaluate everything in a full cart in just a few seconds? In the past, rumors swirled about a “secret code” on receipts that employees look for. This Reddit thread from 2018 says that receipt checkers used to look for a two-digit code on the end of the member’s ID number that proved a receipt was printed that day. It would be impossible for shoplifters to reuse old receipts, because the code wouldn’t match the two-digit stamp assigned for that day.

However, after visiting a store multiple times in one day ourselves, we can confirm that this theory is not true. Costco receipt checkers give the receipt a quick scan, then slash it with a marker to make sure that receipt isn’t used again.

Here’s the secret: Costco employees aren’t looking too closely at your receipt vs. what’s in your cart. The slash is what helps deter future theft: You can’t reuse a marked receipt to steal a cartload of stuff on your next trip!

To check prices

Surprisingly, Costco receipt checkers do look at the prices. According to an article published by SFGate.com, employees check receipts to make sure that everything was properly scanned.

“It’s pretty simple,” Kevin Heuer, general manager of the Costco in San Francisco, told SFGate.com. “We want to make sure they’re not getting overcharged and they’re not getting undercharged. It’s not to target shoplifters. Invariably that could happen without someone paying for something, but if there’s an extra item in their basket, that’s not their fault. That’s our fault. Sometimes checkers forget to ring up items placed on the bottom of the basket.”

Frequent Costco shoppers have confirmed this via Reddit, saying that receipt checkers have been able to catch when items have accidentally been scanned twice. “Sometimes they key in if you have multiples on the receipt, and verify you have two (or more) to make sure you weren’t double charged,” writes one Reddit user. “I’ve actually had them catch this for me once.”

Another Reddit user wrote, “One time I bought pastries and forgot that the price was for two, even though I only purchased one. The cashier didn’t realize it but the receipt checker did.”

Having your receipt checked may seem like an extra step, but it’s worth the wait.

The post This Is What Costco Receipt Checkers Are Really Looking For appeared first on Taste of Home.

Why is canned cranberry sauce stored upside-down?

In a recent video from TikTok, an expert at Ocean Spray shared why its cans are indeed stored upside-down. It all has to do with maintaining that can-shaped cylinder of sauce once it’s removed from the can.

@oceanspray #stitch @t a y l o r j a n e were no @Hank Green original sound – Ocean Spray Inc.

The rounded part of the can is on the top instead of the bottom and has an air vacuum bubble in it. That way, when you open up the can, it makes it easy to simply give the sauce a little shake or a scrape around the sides with a rubber spatula. With that, it all comes out in that jiggly cylinder mold we all know and love from our cranberry sauce.

Without that air bubble, the sauce wouldn’t be able to jiggle out in one piece. According to Ocean Spray, you would have to scrape out scoops of cranberry sauce instead of getting that perfect form that you can easily slice and serve at Thanksgiving. Who knew?

What is the best canned cranberry sauce to buy?

There are a lot of canned cranberry sauces to choose from, and we did acranberry sauce taste testto find which ones offered the best tangy and tart flavors.

If you’re looking for a sauce that mimics the homemade cranberry sauces your grandma used to make, opt for whole-berry. You’ll still get the sweet tang of store-bought cranberry sauce, but with more texture that feels like you simmered it over the stove yourself. Whole-berry sauce will be especially delicious on a leftover turkey sandwich.

Those looking for the nostalgia of having a cranberry log as part of the Thanksgiving spread should opt for the jellied version. It’ll come out in one piece perfect for slicing and passing around the table. Whichever one you choose, there are plenty of ways to use leftover cranberry sauce, so you just might want to buy extra cans.

The post Why Is My Can of Cranberry Sauce Upside-Down? appeared first on Taste of Home.

This recipe for pecan pie brownies starts with chocolaty brownies as the base and has a sweet, gooey pecan pie topping. It’s everything you love about pecan pie paired with the ultimate base layer. Try a batch for Thanksgiving or a holiday dessert exchange. Everyone in the group is guaranteed to ask for seconds.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies

Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder gives these brownies great flavor. Choose natural, unsweetened cocoa such as Hershey’s Cocoa Powder or Nestle Cocoa Powder.

Light corn syrup: This recipe uses corn syrup in both the brownie base and the topping. It adds chewiness to the brownies while helping make the ideal gooey pecan topping.

Pecans: Pecans are the star of the show for this decadent dessert. You can choose to buy whole pecans and roughly chop them yourself or purchase a package of chopped pecans.

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

This recipe makes 12 or 16 brownies.

Ingredients

Brownies:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup hot water

Pecan topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients

Mix the oil, eggs, corn syrup and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir in the hot water. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Bake the brownie layer

Bake the brownie layer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prep the pecan pie topping

While the brownie layer is baking, mix together the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, melted butter and eggs. Mix in the chopped pecans. After the brownie layer has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the pecan pie layer on top. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the pecan pie filling has set.

Step 5: Cool and cut the brownies

Once the brownies are baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to fully cool and set, at least one hour, before cutting them into squares. For best results, transfer them to the fridge once cooled to chill for one hour before cutting.

How to Store Pecan Pie Brownies

Pecan pie brownies should be stored in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag. Store at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five days.

Pecan Pie Brownie Tips

Can you use boxed brownie mix in a pinch?

No time to bake a batch of brownies from scratch? No problem! Use brownie mix instead. Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the package. Just before they’re finished baking, remove the pan of brownies from the oven, add the pecan topping and put the pan back in the oven to finish baking. If you’d prefer to use your go-to brownie recipe, you can easily make that swap as well.

What can you use if you don’t have corn syrup?

Corn syrup gives the pecan pie layer its gooey texture. In a pinch, replace it with honey, cane syrup or brown rice syrup.

The post How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies for the Ultimate Last-Minute Thanksgiving Dessert appeared first on Taste of Home.

Assembling the apple-stuffed dough balls and rolling them in cinnamon sugar will be simple enough that you can enlist the help of your kids; then the air fryer will do the rest. These sweet treats are the perfect last-minute dessert and a quick fix for an apple pie craving. We’re definitely filing apple pie bombs away with our other 30-minute desserts!

How to Make Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Ingredients

• 1 can biscuit dough
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dough and filling

Divide biscuit dough rounds into halves and press into parchment paper to create four-inch rounds. In a large bowl, stir together diced apples, brown sugar and one tablespoon of cinnamon. Place one tablespoon of apple mixture in the center of each circle of biscuit dough. Gather up the edges of the dough, then pinch together and roll between your hands to create a sealed ball.

Step 2: Coat the dough

In a small bowl, stir granulated sugar and remaining tablespoon of cinnamon. Dip each ball of biscuit dough filled with apple mixture in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 3: Air fry apple pie bombs

Place apple pie bombs in your air fryer and bake at 350F for eight to 10 minutes, until golden brown.

Tips for Making Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

• Dice your apples to the right size: The dough balls will be easier to fill if the apples are diced small, rather than in bigger chunks.
• Use the right amount of filling: Don’t overfill the dough balls or it will be difficult to seal them, causing the diced apples or cinnamon-sugar juices to ooze out.
• Give the apple pie bombs enough room: Place the balls of dough at least half an inch apart to ensure they bake through.

Which apples are the best for this treat?

While there are several varieties of apples that are best for baking, people often use Granny Smith because their tartness pairs well with the sugar in apple pie and apple crisp.

Can I use anything besides biscuit dough?

Yes! You can certainly make your own fluffy biscuit dough from scratch, though the pre-made dough has an elasticity that makes these apple pie bombs particularly easy to make. If you’d like to try something a little different, swap out the biscuit dough for croissant dough, which will yield flakey apple pie bombs.

The post I Made Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs and They Were Even Better Than They Sound appeared first on Taste of Home.

Here’s how to cook your turkey step-by-step.

Does turkey make you sleepy?

Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan, and this protein building block is usually blamed for the post-dinner nap on Thanksgiving. Tryptophan helps our bodies to make serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Serotonin makes us feel more relaxed and happy.

This process also releases melatonin into the blood. Melatonin is a hormone that causes us to feel drowsy. Our bodies usually release it in the evening once it starts getting dark out.

It’s possible that tryptophan contributes to your sleepiness on Thanksgiving but it’s not the whole picture. Other protein sources like chicken, fish and eggs contain similar amounts of tryptophan.

What’s the real reason you get drowsy on Thanksgiving? It’s not so much what you eat, but how much you eat.

What else makes you feel tired post-Thanksgiving feast?

The main culprit? It’s likely a simple case of overeating (we’ve all been there).

Thanksgiving dinner often involves a variety of tasty carbohydrates like potatoes, dinner rolls, sweet potatoes and (if you’re lucky) creamy mac and cheese. Meals that are rich in carbs and fats tend to make us feel sleepy about an hour to an hour and a half after eating. Consuming carbs also helps your body fall asleep faster.

When our bodies take in a high number of calories, they respond by releasing a chemical called cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK acts as a “fullness” signal to your brain, telling you that you’ve had enough and it’s time for a break. It’s possible that CCK also causes you to feel sleepy.

If you add in dessert and a Thanksgiving drink, then you have a recipe for a snooze in front of the football game. Sweet foods like pumpkin pie or pecan pie bars cause our blood sugar levels to spike, leading to a crash later. And alcohol also contributes to our sleepiness because it acts as a depressant for the body.

Bottom line: It’s natural to have heavy eyelids after a heavy holiday meal.

What are the best things to do after a large meal?

Fortunately, there are small steps that you can take to feel more awake and ready to chat after Thanksgiving dinner.

Start by arriving at your Thanksgiving gathering well-rested. This is a marathon, so prep for the big day by getting enough sleep, around 7 to 8 hours each night. It’s also helpful to have a regular exercise practice in place as physical activity can be energizing.

When it’s time for the main event, consider eating smaller portions if you’d like to avoid the post-dinner crash. You don’t have to give up mashed potatoes or sweet potato pie. Just enjoy them slowly and stop when you feel full. Drinking alcohol will always lead to feeling sleepy, so consider switching to water for your dinnertime drink.

After dinner, head outside for a group walk or touch football game. Moving your body can help you feel more alert. You may want to sneak in a bit of movement between dinner and dessert to give your digestive system a break.

Most importantly, take time to enjoy the day and the people you’re with. Savoring a good meal with friends and family might be worth a little afternoon sleepiness.

The post Why Does Turkey Make You Sleepy? appeared first on Taste of Home.

Most of us will never end up at Martha’s Thanksgiving table (and that’s a good thing, because I’d surely use the wrong fork or something). But one thing we can do is whip up the recipe for Martha Stewart creamed spinach, the dish that Martha herself told Parade is the first item gobbled up on her Thanksgiving table. And, while you’re cooking everything on your Thanksgiving day menu, you can also stir up Martha’s favorite cocktail to serve on Thanksgiving. If you’re plating greens with your bird and mashed potatoes, don’t forget to read up on Martha’s tips for restaurant-worthy salads either.

Martha Stewart Creamed Spinach Recipe

Martha says the secret to her creamed spinach recipe is her homemade cream cheese sauce. Follow the measurements below or tweak the ingredients based on your taste preferences. This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 pounds spinach, trimmed and cleaned
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup milk
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Cook and chop spinach

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed spinach and cook only until the leaves wilt, which will only take about one minute. Drain the spinach, then rinse it with cold water until completely cool. Using your hands, squeeze the spinach to remove as much liquid as you can before chopping the spinach coarsely.

Step 2: Prepare saucepan

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add butter. Add the onion and garlic, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until the onion softens, three to five minutes.

Step 3: Add in final ingredients, simmer and serve!

Next, add cream cheese and mash the cream cheese into the onion mixture until everything is smooth. Whisk in the milk, followed by the spinach, then stir until well-incorporated. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens, eight to 10 minutes. Season with nutmeg and more salt and pepper if desired.

Tips for Martha Stewart’s Creamed Spinach Recipe

Can you use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. You’ll have to defrost it and squeeze out all the moisture before adding it to the recipe.

Can you use heavy cream instead of milk?

If you want to substitute heavy cream for milk, dilute the cream with some water to keep the texture of the recipe intact. The heavy cream will yield a very rich creamed spinach.

What should I serve with creamed spinach?

While Martha serves this with her Thanksgiving menu, creamed spinach is a steakhouse favorite, so keep this one in your repertoire for the next time you cook one of your favorite steak recipes. You can also spread the leftovers on baguette slices, pita chips, tortilla chips or anything you might use for spinach or artichoke dip.

The post Martha Stewart Just Shared the Simple Side Dish That Her Thanksgiving Guests Can’t Resist appeared first on Taste of Home.