Snacks – Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com Find Recipes, Appetizers, Desserts, Holiday Recipes & Healthy Cooking Tips Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:44:44 +0000 en-US hourly 6 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9 https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TOH_Pinterest_ProfilePhoto_RedBkg.png?fit=32%2C32 Snacks – Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com 32 32 Sweet Curry Roasted Pistachios https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sweet-curry-roasted-pistachios/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:54:51 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sweet-curry-roasted-pistachios/
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Makes

3 cups

Updated: Oct. 29, 2023

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 cups shelled roasted and salted pistachios
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°. In a small saucepan, combine the first 5 ingredients. Cook and stir over low heat until fragrant and oil is melted. Remove from heat; stir in pistachios. Spread into a parchment-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan.
  2. Bake until pistachios are lightly toasted and appear dry, 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with brown sugar; toss to coat. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1/3 cup: 288 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.

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How to Make Tostones (Fried Green Plantains) https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tostones-fried-green-plantains/ Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:43:43 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1918988 Perfectly crispy and delicious, tostones are one of the easiest things to make at home. Eat them as a snack or side dish, with dips or just a good sprinkling of salt.

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If you love fried snacks, then you’ll love tostones. A staple in many Caribbean and Latin American countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela, these crispy fried plantain chips are simple to make and utterly delicious. Theyre particularly good for dipping, whether in garlicky mojo sauce or freshly made guacamole.

There are a few tricks to making tostones, from knowing how ripe the plantains should be to how they get their flattened shape and the secret to their crispiness (hint: they’re fried twice!). Below, find all the basics to making a pile of delicious golden brown fried plantains for your next snack attack.

What are tostones?

Tostones are fried green plantains, which are part of the banana family. The fruit is peeled, cut into thick slices, fried, smashed into a disc and fried again. You can add salt or seasonings, or serve them plain. Theyre both a snack and a side dish, served with dipping sauces or alongside any grilled meat or fish, or with black beans and rice.

Green Plantains vs. Ripe Plantains

Its happened to everyone: You went to the produce aisle for bananas, only you picked up plantains instead. The two are often sitting right next to each other, and while they are from the same family, you should know the differences between plantains vs. bananas.

They may look similar, but plantains are starchier, firmer and often longer and thicker than bananas. Theyre a staple in many cuisines found around Caribbean and Latin American countries, as well as in Africa and Southeast Asia.

The peel of a plantain can be a greenish hue, yellow or turning yellow, mottled with black spots or completely black. Theyre edible at any stage of ripeness, only you shouldnt eat a plantain raw unless it’s super ripeand even then they wont be as sweet as a ripe banana. Otherwise they must be cooked.

When unripe, green plantains are starchy and have little flavor, more akin to a potato or yucca. (Theyre also hard to peelmore on that later.) Like potatoes, this makes them ideal for boiling, frying, baking and mashing, which is why theyre great for tostones, thinner fried plantain chips, or the Puerto Rican staple, mofongo.

As the plantain ripens, it gets sweeter. Sweet plantains can also be fried, but they get super soft and caramelized when you cook them. Maduros, or fried sweet plantains, make a great side dish alongside black beans and rice, and roast pork or chicken. They can also be baked whole in the skin or added to desserts like bread pudding.

How to Cut Plantains for Tostones

Peeling a plantain, especially a green one, isnt as easy as peeling a banana. To cut a green plantain for tostones, you need to slice off both ends, and then cut a slit down the length of the entire peel, making sure not to cut into the fruit. Peel off the skin sideways, then slice the fruit into chunks.

How to Make Tostones

Ingredients

This recipe comes from Belqui Ortiz-Millili and makes 12 to 24 tostones with 1/4 cup of mojo.

Ingredients

  • 2 green plantains

Mojo:

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the oil and plantains

Cutting Bananas in pieces

In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat the oil to 375F. Peel the plantains and cut them into one-inch slices. The pieces should look more like coins, not cut on a diagonal.

Editors Tip: Plantains oxidize quickly, so to keep the fruit from turning brown, you can place the entire peeled fruit in a bowl of water seasoned with salt, lime and garlic (or just salt), or cut it into the one-inch discs and put them in the water while you get the oil ready for frying.

Step 2: Fry the plantains

Frying banana pieces

Carefully add the plantains to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.

Cook the plantains until lightly brown on both sides, about 30 seconds each side or 60 seconds total. You dont want to overcook at this stage since theyll be fried again to get crisp. Remove the plantain slices from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Continue frying the remaining plantains.

Editors Tip: For this recipe, like most for deep-frying, the best oils for frying tostones are ones with a high smoke point. Any vegetable, avocado, corn, safflower or canola oil works.

Step 3: Smash the plantains

Pressing banana with glass

This is the fun part. While still warm, place the partially fried green plantain pieces between two sheets of aluminum foil or wax paper. With the bottom of a glass, can, pan or plate, carefully flatten the plantains to about half-inch thickness.

Editors Tip: The flatter the plantain, the crispier theyll be after frying. The half-inch thickness results in a crispy tostone with a little more bite to it. If you want them super crispy, flatten them more.

Step 4: Fry the plantains one more time

Return the oil to 375 and add the smooshed plantains back to the pan for another round of frying. You want these to be a nice golden brown and a little crispy, which takes about two to three minutes longer. Turn the pieces at least once to make sure both sides fry evenly. With a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried plantains to clean paper towels.

Step 5: Make the mojo sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the oil, cilantro and minced garlic. Serve with the tostones.

Editors Tip: Some mojo sauce recipes include citrus, like sour orange, but a squeeze of lime juice and a splash of orange juice make a good substitute.

How to Serve Tostones

Tostones are a perfect snack either by themselves or with a dip. Mojo, a garlicky dipping sauce, is just one traditional accompaniment. Theyre also great with guacamole, various salsa recipes (like salsa verde), something creamy like sriracha mayo or even ranch!

As a side dish, serve tostones with Cuban black beans and rice, roasted pork sandwiches, or this quick garlic and lime chicken.

Tips for Making Tostones

Should you soak green plantains before frying them for tostones?

Soak green plantains before frying them to keep the fruit from oxidizing quickly. As soon as you slice the green plantains, put them in a little salt water to keep the plantains from turning brown; it also helps season them.

You could also make a mixture with other seasonings for an extra flavor boost: In a bowl, stir together 2 cups of water with 4 cloves of minced garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and the juice of one lime. Place the sliced plantains in the mixture and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. Dry the plantains well before placing in the hot oil.

How can you make tostones your own?

Make tostones your own with added seasonings. Keep it simple with a sprinkle of good flaky sea salt after the second frying, or mix together salt with your favorite spices, like hot smoked paprika or garlic powder, for a little more oomph. Make sure to season the tostones while theyre still warm so the seasonings will stick.

How else can you make fried plantains?

You can make fried plantains in an air fryer! This recipe for air-fryer plantains follows mostly the same steps, including frying them twice. Serve and store just as you would deep-fried plantains.

How should you store tostones?

Store tostones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Theyre best the day you made them, but if you want to reheat them, pop them in an air fryer. Heat the air fryer to 350, place the tostones in the basket in an even layer, and heat for two to three minutes, or until warm and crispy.

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The Viral Crunch Cup Is Breakfast Lovers’ Excuse to Eat Cereal Anywhere https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/crunch-cup/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 20:58:54 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1912736 The Crunch Cup makes it easy to enjoy cereal anywhere.

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Ever since I was little, I’ve been obsessed with cereal of all kinds. Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunchname any brand or flavor and I’ve almost certainly eaten several bowls of it. Breakfast cereal is so easy to love, after all. It requires zero cooking skills and delivers a delicious crunch that satisfies snack cravings. The only problem? This two-minute breakfast isn’t exactly travel-friendly. That’s why I’m stocking up on my latest TikTok-famous find: the handy dandy Crunch Cup!

What is the Crunch Cup?

The Crunch Cup is a trending gift idea, time-saver and overall fantastic find that recently gained a cult following on TikTok. Its purpose is simple: fill it with milk and cereal, then knock it back like a drink for a mouthful of crunchy, non-soggy cereal with milk.

Shaped like a blender bottle and made from a durable plastic that’s safe for dishwashers, the cup comes with a lid and interior insert that holds your choice of cereal. The cup comes in three colors: blue, pink and white. It holds just under two servings of cereal, so it’s perfect for those practicing portion control.

To use it, unscrew the cap and fill the cup with your choice of milk. Whole milk is fully encouraged for a proper experience, but 2% and plant-based alternatives are fine substitutes. Once filled with milk, replace the insert and fill it with your favorite generic or brand-name cereal. After that, simply snap on the lid and get sip’n.

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Why I Love It

Cereal. Anywhere. Need I say more? The Crunch Cup has seriously cut down on the spills, drips and crumbs covering my couch. It’s perfect for both taking to work and eliminating accidents while kids enjoy their morning meals. In the stratosphere of cool Amazon products, the Crunch Cup takes the cake. There aretons of practical uses for it, from camping to reducing the amount of flatware you have to clean. It’s even a cute gift idea for a friend with a new job!

What Other Reviewers Are Saying

Other cereal lovers in the Amazon reviews section praise the Crunch Cup for the same reasons I love it: it’s easy to clean, simple to use and offers a travel-friendly way to enjoy America’s most popular breakfast on the go.
I am a cereal fiend,” writes a verified purchaser, “I go through phases where I will devour the big bags of cereal in about two days. I got this on a whim one day and let me tell you, game changer. It made the mornings when I was eating breakfast on the road not only less stressful but actually enjoyable.
Cereal when I’m at home? No noisy spoon against the bowl, no need for two hands, no need to risk a spill. Want to refill and have a second “bowl”? No soggy leftover pieces you have to rinse out. Just pour in more! Have to stop eating for a few minutes? Just put it in the fridge! There’s no need to worry about it getting soggy!”

Where to Buy the Crunch Cup

Crunchcup A Portable Plastic Cereal Cup

The Crunch Cup is available on Amazon and at stores like Walmart. Normally retailing for around $30, it’s frequently on saleespecially as the holidays start to creep up. Say goodbye to soggy cereal and hello to the crunchy, satisfying breakfast you deserve!

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We Can’t Get Enough of These Upside Down Puff Pastries Going Viral Right Now https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tiktoks-upside-down-puff-pastry/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:37:35 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1896550 These upside-down puff pastry tarts are as delectable as they are easy to make.

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Warm, flaky, buttery puff pastry makes everything taste better. In a pie or tart, it can highlight fresh, savory veggies or complement sweet seasonal fruits. These days, you don’t even have to make it yourself: store-bought puff pastry yields elegant dishes with very little hassle.

So, it’s no wonder that TikTok has recently become obsessed with the kitchen staple. In particular, food influencers have been making numerous upside-down tarts. While the viral pineapple upside-down pastries are amazing, there’s no limit to the quick, delicious dishes you can make with puff pastry. Here’s how to transform any produce into a beautiful upside-down puff pastry tartsweet or savory!

A Brief History of Baking Puff Pastry Tarts Upside-Down

Savory and Sweet Upside Down Pasteries Via LilyGhoDrati TikTok

While TikTok is bringing the upside-down puff pastry baking technique to a new generation of home cooks, the technique actually dates well back to the 19th century. Legend has it that in the 1880s, French baker Stphanie Tatin accidentally placed her apple tart in the oven upside-down. This flub yielded surprisingly delicious results and the famous Tarte Tatin was born. Ever since then, bakers around the world have continued experimenting with baking tarts upside-downwe particularly love this Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin.

Why Baking Puff Pastry Tarts Upside-Down Works

Baking puff pastry tarts upside-down works for two main reasons: the caramelization of the fruit and the crispiness of the puff pastry.

Food influencer Lily Ghodrati (@lilyghodrati), who has become famous for her puff pastry tarts, explains to GMA: “An advantage of laying the fruit down first and placing the puff pastry on top is it prevents the pastry from becoming soggy. So you end up with a well-cooked flaky pastry while the fruit gets caramelized on the bottom, just like a Tarte Tatin.”

How to Make Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tarts

Check out the videos below to see exactly how Ghodrati makes her easy and elegant upside-down puff pastry tarts.

Sweet Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tarts

In one video that has garnered over 42.5 million views, Ghodrati makes caramelized honey and nectarine pastries. To start, she drizzles rectangles of honey onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Then, she stacks nectarine slices on top of the honey, covers them with a larger rectangle of puff pastry, crimps the edges, and applies a light egg wash on top. After baking, she flips over the pastries and tops them off with a sprinkle of sifted powdered sugar.

@lilyghodrati Caramelised Honey & Nectarine pastries 🍯 #honey #nectarine #pastry #pastries #patisserie #puffpastry #caramelised #bake #baking #sweet #snack #foodhack #EasyRecipe #Recipe #eats #food #FoodTok #Foodie #fy #fyp #foryou #foryoupage Sleep Walk – Santo and Johnny

Savory Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tarts

For a savory rendition of the puff pastry treat, Ghodrati drizzles olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. She then tops this mixture with a slice of onion, a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and finally the rectangle of puff pastry. As with the sweet rendition, she crimps the edges down and applies an egg wash before baking.

@lilyghodrati 🧅🌿 #balsamic #thyme #caramelisedonion #pastry #pastries #puffpastry #caramelised #bake #baking #patisserie #snack #foodhack #EasyRecipe #Recipe #eats #food #FoodTok #Foodie #fy #fyp #foryou #foryoupage Howl’s Moving Castle – Merry Go Round of Life – Vitamin String Quartet

Customizing Your Upside-Down Puff Pastries

To make your own caramelized upside-down puff pastries, you can follow a basic formula: sugar + produce + puff pastry + egg wash. The sugar aids in the caramelization and could be granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup or agave. The produce should be fresh, but “firm and not fully ripe yet, since it holds its shape better,” according to Ghodrati. To add even more flavor, place cheese, herbs or spices on top of the produce before laying down the puff pastry.

To bake the pastries, I recommend starting for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, though you may need more time to achieve optimal caramelization. And be sure to try out some of our favorite desserts and appetizers using any leftover puff pastry!

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Our Easy No-Bake Protein Balls Recipe https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/protein-balls/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:38:17 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1873749 These six-ingredient protein balls are perfectly poppable and sweet as can be. 

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Although I have a huge sweet tooth, I like to eat healthy as often as possible. I’m also a rampant snackerand recipes that are healthy, sweet and good for snacking are sometimes hard to come by.

Protein balls check all three boxes: They make a great high-protein snack that’s also indulgent enough to taste like dessert! Keep our recipe for protein balls on hand for whenever you need a sweet and satisfying morsel (or three).

Key Ingredients in Protein Balls

Protein balls are generally very customizable, but here are the important elements in our recipe.

  • Oats: Oats are a common base ingredient for many no-bake protein ball recipes. Their flavor pairs well with anything and they add a little bulk. (Of course, there are plenty health benefits of oats to keep in mind, too.)
  • Honey or maple syrup: No matter which you choose, honey or maple syrup will add just the right amount of natural sweetness without turning to artificial options.
  • Nut butter: Peanut butter adds flavor and acts as a sticky binder for all of the other ingredients.
  • Chia seeds: In our recipe, chia seeds aid the chocolate chips in adding some crunch. (In recipes like chia pudding, they absorb liquid and aren’t as crunchy.) Chia seeds also contribute calcium and fiber.
  • Protein powder: While you can technically make protein balls without protein powder, it’s an easy and quick way to increase the amount of protein in each ball if you have some at home. Be sure to use a protein powder with a flavor you likemany powders out there aren’t as pleasant as they’re marketed to be. Our recipe calls for chocolate or vanilla, but feel free to branch out a bit if it means you get to use a taste you like.

How to Make Protein Balls

Our recipe yields 2-1/2 dozen protein balls, or 30 servings if you only eat one at a time (unlikely). The amount of protein each ball provides depends on the protein powder you use.

Ingredients

Protein Balls ingredients in small bowls on a light surface

  • 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients together and refrigerate

mixing ingredients for Protein Balls

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll into balls.

Step 2: Roll the mixture into balls

rolling the ingredients into Protein Balls

Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls and transfer them to an airtight container.

Step 3: Store and enjoy

Store your homemade protein balls in the refrigerator. Sneak some from the container whenever the craving strikes!

Protein Ball Variations

With just a few easy swaps, you can make protein balls with different flavors. Here are some of our favorites.

Almond Coconut Protein Balls

Coconut Protein Balls

  • 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Combine all of the ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls, rolling in additional coconut if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

  • 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Combine all of the ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Store in the refrigerator.

Other Protein Ball Ideas

It’s easy to make protein balls your own! Instead of mini chocolate chips, you could use M&M’s, white chocolate chips or even raisins. Use any kind of nut butter you like. (Flavored varieties would be a great way to add more flavor without additional ingredients.) Otherwise, add spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the mix.

Tips for Making Protein Balls

Can you use different types of oats to make protein balls?

We recommend quick-cooking oats, but you could use old-fashioned if that’s what you have on hand. Protein balls with old-fashioned oats will just be a little bit chewier since the oats aren’t as processed. Learn more about the different types of oats.

Why are my protein balls falling apart?

If your protein balls are falling apart, they need a little more moisture. Add a little extra nut butter or liquid sweetener to keep everything together. Some recipes even recommend adding a splash of your favorite milk.

How do you serve protein balls?

Protein balls are a wonderful healthy snack to have on hand. Each ball is low in sugar and clocks in at under 100 calories. However, you can also eat them as a health-conscious dessert or sweet finish to a high-protein breakfast. You could also eat one alongside your favorite protein bar, or a couple in place of a protein bar before or after a workout.

How long will protein balls last?

Protein balls will last for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. We’re sure they’ll disappear more quickly than that, though!

Can you freeze protein balls?

Definitely. If you want to freeze them, keep them in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Pull them out of the freezer the night before you plan to eat themotherwise you’ll have to gnaw at them instead of enjoy them for the chewy, crunchy bites that they are.

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We Are Drooling Over These Viral Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chocolate-strawberry-yogurt-clusters/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 19:25:04 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1895973 These sweet treats are being called the "snack of the summer"!

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We often think of ice cream as the quintessential no-bake summer dessert. Though it is deliciously creamy, sweet and luxurious, it is also laden with fat, sugar and calories. For those of us looking for a healthier but still satisfying alternative, TikTok has numerous easy recipe recommendations.

Recently, one particular sweet alternative has been garnering viral attention: strawberry-yogurt clusters. The four-ingredient dessert comes from food influencer Nicole Keshishian Modic (@kalejunkie) and has received over167 million views on TikTok. Here’s everything to know about the viral strawberry-yogurt clusters, including how you can make them yourself.

What Are Strawberry Yogurt Clusters?

The viral strawberry-yogurt clusters are a healthy, sweet snack or dessert. They are frozen, fruity and creamy, with an “ice cream-ish vibe,” according to Modic. Check them out for yourself in her video below.

@kalejunkie This is the snack of the summer! Chocolate covered strawberry yogurt clusters! #healthyrecipes #greekyogurt #easyrecipes #strawberries Pretty Girl Era – LU KALA

How Can I Make the Viral Strawberry Yogurt Clusters?

To make the strawberry-yogurt clusters, you will need a small bowl, a medium bowl, spoons, parchment paper and a baking sheet. You will also need access to a freezer and a microwave. If you don’t have access to a microwave, you can also melt the chocolate over the stovetop.

This recipe has been edited and adapted for clarity. See the original version Modic shared with Good Morning America here.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of chopped strawberries
  • 1 cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Combine ingredients

Add the chopped strawberries and Greek yogurt into a medium-sized bowl. Toss them to coat.

Step 2: Prep the strawberry-yogurt clusters

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 2- to 3-tablespoon-sized clusters of the strawberry-yogurt mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the freezer and chill the strawberry-yogurt clusters for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate

In a separate small bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Use a microwave to melt the chocolate in 30-second increments. After each increment, stir the chocolate, then microwave again until combined and fully smooth.

Step 4: Dip the clusters

Once the chocolate is melted and the strawberry-yogurt clusters are frozen, dip the frozen dessert clusters into the chocolate to fully coat. Place the chocolate-coated clusters back on the parchment-lined baking sheet; the chocolate will harden into a shell around the frozen strawberry-yogurt clusters.

While the chocolate is drying, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the clusters, if desired. Enjoy!

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to one month.

Simple Frozen Desserts You'll Love
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People Can’t Stop Talking About This Lemony Sea Salt Popcorn https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/lemon-sea-salt-popcorn/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:43:53 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1892473 Citrus lovers, this one's for you!

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When the craving for a salty, crunchy snack strikes, popcorn always satisfies. Endlessly customizable, popcorn can be sweet and salty, spicy and salty, or even acidic and salty, depending on the seasonings you use. Whatever your tastes, there’s a flavored popcorn recipe for you!

This week, TikToker Leah (@leels_) introduced us to another slightly sour, super savory popcorn blend to try: lemon sea salt popcorn. So far, her tutorial on lemon popcorn has received over 20 million views and 3 million likes. Here’s how she makes lemon popcorn, plus our tips on add-ins to elevate the snack even further.

How to Make Lemon Popcorn

In Leah’s video below, she starts by explaining the inspiration behind her “new obsession snack”: “Yesterday, somebody gave me a lemony piece of popcorn, and I have not stopped thinking about it!” To begin, she says that you need “buttery popcorn, sea salt, lemon [juice], and lemon zest.” (As a side note, the lack of sweet ingredients here differentiates the recipe from Lemon Cloud Popcorn.)

The first step is to zest the lemon. Leah admits she doesn’t have a zester, so she uses what looks like a tiny pastry wheel. She then adds pink sea salt to the bowl of lemon zest.

To compose the snack, she dumps a hot bag of microwaved popcorn into a large bowl, then tosses it with the lemon zest-sea salt mixture. Finally, she squeezes the juice of half a lemon over the popcorn and gives it one last toss.

At the end of the video she explains, “It might have been easier to just use lemon salt, but this is so good,” then gleefully tosses another piece in her mouth.

@leels_ another episode of: cooking but not actually cooking with leah #snack #lemonpopcorn #popcorn #lemon #snackobsession #snacks #voice #story #newsnack #storytime #latenightsnack #seasalt #makeup #contour #contouring #cooltone #cooltonemakeup #cooltones #greenscreen #stitch #duet #boston #bostontiktok original sound – le

Scrumptious Add-Ins to Lemon Popcorn

To take lemon sea salt popcorn to the next level, try adding in a heavy grind of fresh black pepper. Alternatively, you can always use a lemon-pepper seasoninginstead of lemon zest and juice as a shortcut.

Another delicious add-in is rosemary. Try a sprinkle of dried rosemary in the lemon popcorn, or purchase a lemon-herb seasoning blend to shake on anytime. You can also make your own herb blends with our recipes for Rosemary-Lemon Sea Salt and Savory Popcorn Seasoning.

Flavored Popcorn Recipes You'll Love
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These Viral Watermelon “Fries” Are the Next Big Snack of Summer https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/watermelon-fries/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:50:22 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1892186 Kids and adults alike will love this adorable, refreshing treat!

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Picture this: the sun is shining, the breeze is warm and you’re camped out at a grassy park with your best friends, snacking on a delicious picnic. What’s in your picnic basket? Most likely, you’ve included some kind of refreshing fruit snack. Crisp, sweet and juicy, seasonal fruit is arguably one of the best parts of summer. And of the summer fruits, nothing can beat a sumptuous, crunchy bite of watermelon.

Though having fresh watermelon straight off the rind is lovely, there are dozens of ways to enjoy the juicy fruit. TikToker Heather (@happykidskitchen) provided one of our new favorite methods in the form of “watermelon fries.” Her video has received over 750,000 likes as of writing, thanks to the adorable snack. Here’s everything you need to know about watermelon fries, including how to make them yourself.

What Are Watermelon Fries?

Watermelon fries are simply pieces of watermelon cut to look like crinkle-cut fries. Heather serves them with a simple strawberry-yogurt dip, making for a refreshing yet healthy snack. A crinkle-cutter creates their unique zigzag edges, elevating a normal slice of watermelon into a playful and dippable treat.

@happykidskitchen 🍉Watermelon Fries with Easy Strawberry Yogurt Dip: So fun and refreshing! Blend plain or vanilla Greek yogurt with 3 to 4 strawberries (and optional honey or other sweetener to taste) then serve with sticks of watermelon. I used a crinkle cutter which you can buy on Amazon or any kitchen store. Make sure to refrigerate and serve chilled! Happy summer!! #momsoftiktok #watermelon #funfood #healthykidsfood Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift

How to Cut and Serve Watermelon Fries

To make watermelon fries, you’ll first need a crinkle cutter, which retails for less than $8 on Amazon.

Heather starts by making the strawberry-yogurt dip. She drops about 1 cup of Greek yogurt into a blender, along with 3 large strawberries and a teaspoon of honey. In the comments, she says that you could use another sweetener; we might suggest agave or maple syrup. She blends the mixture to create a dipping sauce. (For a creamier, fluffier version, try this strawberry-yogurt dip recipe.)

Next, the video shows the watermelon slices on her cutting board, which are about 1 inch thick. Heather cuts those slices with the crinkle cutter to make her fries, discarding the rind. (If you’d rather not discard them, make these watermelon rind pickles.) Finally, she arranges the watermelon fries on a serving tray with a ramekin of the strawberry-yogurt dip and a few more strawberries for garnish.

More Summer Snacks with Watermelon

If you want a full side dish with watermelon, be sure to check out our favorite refreshing watermelon salads. Additionally, if you’re in a time crunch packing your picnic basket, these super-speedy watermelon recipes have you covered. And if you’re not a fan of watermelon at all, but still want to get in on the adorable fun, you can always make these charming watermelon slice cookies. Bon apptit!

Extra-Refreshing Watermelon Recipes You'll Love
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Classic Burrata Toast https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/classic-burrata-toast/ Wed, 17 May 2023 10:40:22 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/classic-burrata-toast/
Burrata toast is like a culinary blank canvas. The rich and creamy cheese goes well with both sweet and savory toppings, so add your favorites for a quick snack or satisfying appetizer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 5 min.

Makes

1 serving

Updated: Oct. 27, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1 slice hearty bread, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 ounces burrata cheese (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • Dash freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Spread toast with olive oil. Spread burrata over toast. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If desired, drizzle with additional olive oil.
  2. Strawberry Basil Burrata Toast : Top burrata with 2 sliced fresh strawberries. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, salt and pepper.
  3. Roasted Cherry Tomato Burrata Toast: Toss 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast at 400° until tomatoes begin to burst, about 10 minutes. Spread tomatoes over burrata; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Avocado Burrata Toast: Top burrata with 1/4 medium ripe sliced avocado. Drizzle with additional 1 teaspoon olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Hot Honey Lemon Burrata Toast: Drizzle burrata with 2 teaspoons hot honey. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest, salt and pepper.
  6. Apricot Almond Burrata Toast: Top burrata with 2 teaspoons apricot preserves. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons toasted sliced almonds, salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 264 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.

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We Tried the TikTok-Famous Popcorn Salad and We Have Some Thoughts https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tiktok-popcorn-salad/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:01:42 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1879222 This chaotic snack is not for the faint of heart.

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When you hear the term “popcorn salad,” you may think of a crunchy, savory dish with mayo, cheese, veggies and bacon. However, thanks to the young freethinkers on TikTok, there’s a new, strange popcorn salad in town! And, of course, to protect my journalistic integrity, I had to try it. Here are my honest and unfiltered thoughts on the TikTok-famous popcorn salad, as well as tips on how to make your own.

What Is the TikTok Popcorn Salad?

The term “popcorn salad” came into the national consciousness in 2021 when Food Network star Molly Yeh shared her popcorn salad recipe on her show, Girl Meets Farm. She described this “riff on an iconic Midwestern dish” as “so Midwestern, so quirky and so delicious.” While this is also a “popcorn salad,” this is not the trendy TikTok popcorn salad I tried.

The TikTok popcorn salad is more like what some might call a popcorn mix. Basically, it incorporates candies, nuts and other silly junk food into your popcorn to make a sweet, zany, chaotic snack.

@fayes.edit I saw the cool kids are calling this a popcorn salad, Ive always called it a popcorn mix 🤷🏼‍♀️ #popcornsalad #movienight #easyrecipesathome #easysnackideas #easysnacks original sound – NZ TATTED MUM

What Goes Into a TikTok Popcorn Salad?

In one prominent video, TikToker Faye (@fayes.edit) adds Maltesers (an English candy like American Whoppers), Cadbury mini eggs and Haribo snack mix to her popcorn. In another, TikToker sillysnorin (@sillysnorin) adds Sour Patch Kids and cheesecake-flavored M&Ms. She also considers adding trail mix, but foregoes it because her brother is allergic.

Generally, popcorn salad uses ultra-buttery popcorn and a few different classes of toppings: something gummy, something sour, something chocolatey and something nutty. Of course, everything should be sickeningly sweet as well.

@sillysnorin Rule no. 1 is always trust the tiktok girlies. This is so yummy! #popcornsalad original sound – sillysnorin

How I Made My Ideal Popcorn Salad

Ingredients For Tiktok Famous Popcorn Salad Van Van Cleave For Taste Of Home

Now, because I am an adult and have standards, I treated myself to some nice versions of my favorite childhood candies. After all, no one wants a sugar hangover from a work assignment. Here are the products I selected to make my dream TikTok Popcorn Salad:

Did I consider whether or not the dish’s flavor palette would be cohesive? Absolutely not. In the spirit of this ridiculous snack, I simply selected whatever sounded tasty and threw caution to the wind. What can I say? I want what I want. And if the cool TikTok teens can use refrigerated mystery cheesecake-flavored M&Ms, I can use organic ultra-sour cherry ribbons. To each their own.

How Did I Feel Leading Up to Trying TikTok Popcorn Salad?

At first, preternaturally confident. I love junk food, I love candy, I love popcornwhat could be wrong with combining them? But as I chopped my ultra-sour cherry strips into bite-sized pieces, I felt a wave of uncharacteristic trepidation wash over me. What was I doing? How had my illustrious life path wound to this particular crossroads? How sour werethese ultra-sour cherry strips, anyways?

I Tried It: Here’s What I Thought

Salad Toss Tiktok Famous Popcorn Salad Van Van Cleave For Taste Of Home

I’ll be honest, when I loomed face-to-face over that popcorn salad, the first descriptor that jumped into my head was “unholy.” And as I took bite after bite of this monstrosity, I regret to inform you that my suspicions were confirmed.

Here’s the problem: those sour crystals get on everything.So your salty popcorn is now also studded with citric acid. And while I am a die-hard fan of acidic flavors, sour popcorn wasn’t it. That tart tang really does pair best with fruit, no matter how artificial. Additionally, adding chocolate to hot popcorn means that inevitably some will melt. And while chocolate-covered popcorn is a delight, chocolate-covered peach rings are not.

Of course, there are some undeniable positives to this dish. First, it hits a wide variety of flavor notes so you don’t have to choose just one indulgence. And isn’t that what salad is all about? Additionally, the textural range of crunchy nuts, gummy candy and fluffy popcorn is a delightful break from the brainless monotony of scarfing down a regular bowl of popcorn. And finally, each little gem of candy was still my favorite candy. As in, even the surrounding popcorn couldn’t dull the shine of a sour cherry strip, and in getting to eat those for work in any form, I really can’t complain.

Parting Thoughts

Overall, this snack made me feel like a child on Halloween, plunging my grubby hands into a candy-filled pillowcase and stuffing the contents haphazardly into my mouth. Was it a culinary revelation? Absolutely not. Was it nostalgic as all get out? Definitely. And I suppose, on some particularly stressful days, we could all use a jolt of that childhood abandonmyself included.

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If You Love Traditional Samosas, Try This Easy Samosa Hack https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tortilla-samosa/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:55:55 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1872689 This pan-fried wrap is like a delicious cross between a Crunch Wrap and a samosa.

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At many Indian restaurants across America, samosas are a perennial favorite. While the samosa seemingly originated in the 10th century in the Middle East, it has become synonymous with traditional Indian cuisine in the modern day.

When we think of a samosa, we may picture a homemade pastry shell stuffed with mashed potatoes and savory spices. However, as the delectable portable pastry has gained international popularity, many other countries have developed their own versions. For example, in Israel, samosas are often filled with mashed chickpeas, while in the Maldives, tuna and onion are preferred.

Now, the samosa is getting yet another makeover on TikTok. Food influencer Emily from @emilyscooking has created what she calls the “tortilla samosa.” Here’s everything you need to know about this new snack creation, including how to make it for yourself.

What Are Tortilla Samosas?

Tortilla samosas are samosa-shaped snacks that replace the traditional samosa pastry shell with flour tortillas. They can be filled with basically anything and the process of folding the tortilla samosas is very similar to how samosa dough is traditionally folded after being rolled out.

The major plus of using a store-bought flour tortilla instead of the usual dough is that the tortilla samosa comes together in minutes and saves you the trouble of creating a dough from scratch. Check out Emily’s method for yourself below.

@emilyscooking_ TORTILLA SAMOSAS! This is a brilliant way to give your wraps or samosas a twist, check my method below ⬇️ Ingredients Your chosen filling, I used shredded chicken mixed in garlic mayo with grated cheese and spring onions Tortilla wraps Oil for deep frying Flour and water Method- Make a paste using a little water and flour, this will be your glue. Cut a tortilla wrap right down the centre. Fold one corner down to the round side of the tortilla wrap and add a little paste then fold the opposite side over on top of the paste, this will form a cone shape. Gently fold one third of the tortilla wrap, add some paste on top and then overlap the other side on top. Use the flour and water paste to stick it together to form a cone. Fill your cone with your filling but leave enough space for you to seal the top with some more paste. Deep fry, shallow fry or for a healthier alternative, brush with vegetable oil and bake in the oven or air fryer until golden! #foryoupage #tortillawraps #tortillasamosa #samosa #fy #wraphack #foodhacks #easyrecipe Compton – Guerilla Black & Beenie Man

How to Make Tortilla Samosas

Before you start cooking, you’ll want to decide on a filling. This is a non-traditional spin on a samosa, so feel free to get creative. In her video, Emily uses a sort of chicken salad made from shredded chicken mixed with garlic mayo, grated cheese and sliced green onions.

For a more “authentic” version, feel free to use mashed potatoes and green peas, seasoned with ginger, cumin, garam masala and chopped fresh cilantro. If you would also like to add a squeeze of lemon or lime, that would also be welcome! Once you’ve made your filling, here’s how to prepare your tortilla samosas:

Ingredients

  • Filling of choice
  • All-purpose flour
  • Full-size flour tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Step 1: Create a paste

In a small bowl, mix together the flour with a bit of water to create a paste. This will be the glue to hold your tortilla samosas together.

Step 2: Make a tortilla cone

Cut one tortilla in half. Rotate one tortilla half so that the rounded edge is closest to you. Using your finger, paint half of the cut edge with the flour paste. Then, draw the pasted cut edge towards the unpasted cut edge to create a cone shape. Press the seam to seal.

Step 3: Fill it up

Fill your tortilla cone almost all the way with your filling. Leave about a half inch of tortilla exposed so that you can seal the tortilla samosa.

Step 4: Seal it

Using your finger, paint the flour paste along the inside exposed edge of the tortilla. Press the top part of the tortilla cone down to seal, flattening the cone slightly into a triangle.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to create more tortilla samosas and use up all the tortillas.

Step 5: Fry ’em up

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the tortilla samosas, two at a time, and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy. Flip over and fry the other side to your preferred doneness.

Step 6: Let cool and enjoy!

Transfer the fried tortilla samosas to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool for a couple of minutes before enjoying them.

If desired, serve alongside a mint or sweet tamarind chutney.

Indian Recipes You'll Love
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Pack Snacks Like the Ultimate Pro With This Viral Hack https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/snack-packing-hack/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/snack-packing-hack/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:54:38 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1870353 Make your own perfect midday snacks with these adorable Dollar Tree containers. Fill 'em up how you like, chow down and refill 'em again!

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With so many delicious snacks out there, it can be hard to resist chowing down all day. You might be into bowls and bowls of potato chips, candy, cookies or even veggieseveryone’s got their own palate. But sometimes, you want to snack outside the home!

Well, that’s where this genius snack hack comes in. Whether you’re looking to tote along work snacks or pack something for the kids to munch on, this is the perfect way to pack ’em up clean and easy!

How to Pack Snacks

We had the pleasure of stumbling upon this convenient and genius idea from TikTok user @lubbyy216. We can’t get enough!

@lubbyy216 Run to @dollartree #dollartree #dollartreefinds #fyp #dollartreediy #health #healthy #veggies #adultlunchables #lunchables #cheese #dollartreehaul #dollartreeorganization #2023 #newyear #newyearnewmio #healthyliving #fyp #run #buyit #buy #money #dollar #foryou #xyzbca #viral #ranch #dip #healthyeating #mealprep #mealplan #snack #snackveggie #snackbreak #snackideas original sound – Lubna A

It’s all about knowing your favorite snacks. Are you a cracker or veggie gal? Do you like lots of cheese or lots of ranch? We’re all different, and that’s why this snack pack hack works for everyone.

In the video, she starts with five made-for-snacking containers that include a long side for meats, cheeses and veggies and a short, separated side made for dips and other assorted items. This way the two sides don’t mix. She starts by loading up three of the long sides with slices of her preferred meats and cheeses and stacking crackers in the smaller portion. For the last two, she loads up the long sides with carrots, cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices while adding ranch to the smaller side. Lunchables who?

Here’s the fun part… you can do what you want! Try adding some trail mix on the long side with some cookies on the short side. Maybe you want some homemade chicken nuggets on the long side with barbecue sauce on the short side. Whatever your heart desires, you can make happen. You can even help avoid some clean-up by lining the dipping side with cupcake liners or small bags so things don’t get so messy.

Where Can I Get the Snack Pack Boxes?

While she managed to snag these cute little containers from her local Dollar Tree, it seems like they aren’t always readily available. We found some similar multi-chamber snack boxes on Amazon as well as Snack’n’Dip containers from Target. You can also grab these Snack Attack To Go containers from Walmart in a bunch of fun colors. Happy snacking!

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What’s a “Rat Snack”? https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/rat-snack/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:37:40 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1861296 Weird food combinations that aren't quite a recipe have mass appeal online and are driving food trends. Welcome to the era of the "rat snack."

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Once upon a time, people looked to food media for complicated recipes, chef’s secretsand advanced kitchen techniques. But lately, if you’ve been following food trends on social mediaas I doyou know that something has changed. More and more, you see food trends that are something slightly less than you would call a “recipe.” The viral food you’re likely seeing now is more like a guilty pleasure. It’s something like a cheese-wrapped pickle, or caviar spooned on top of a Dorito, or maybe TikToker Ken Eurich’s so-called “chip soup“chips crushed up in a bowl and mixed with vinegar. Welcome to the era of the “rat snack.”

What Is a Rat Snack?

To be clear, the term “rat snack” is one used lovingly, not insultingly. A rat snack is one of those snack combos you throw together when no one else is around. More than just a so-called “guilty pleasure,” the rat snack is the kind of go-to food mashup that calls to you from the fridge or pantry, something you’ll eat over the sink. Some credit dietician and TikTok creator Abbey Sharp with popularizing the term. She recently posted a video of an “unhinged snack” that involves apple slices, butter, brown sugar and walnutswhich are then microwaved and put on toast with a slice of processed cheddar cheese over the mixture. You get the idea: Anything goes.

@abbeyskitchen When your InstaCart shopper throws in an unexpected pack of processed cheese, you turn it into a budget friendly rat snack with whatever else you have in the fridge. 🧀 😮😮😮😮😮😮 #ratsnack #unhinged #snackideas #budgetfriendly #budgetmeals #budgetsnack #frugal #applepie #cheesetoast Beat Automotivo Tan Tan Tan Viral – WZ Beat

How Do I Know a Rat Snack When I See One?

The hallmarks of the rat snack are simple. It must be immediate, it must be uncomplicated, and it must be somewhat impulsive. I think it also must be something you might eat standing up over the sink. Judgment is prohibited. What is a rat snack for you may not be a rat snack for me.

For me, a perfect rat snack is vodka butter slathered on toast with pickles on top. Or perhaps a kimchi grilled cheese. The definition is really wide open. Embrace your inner vermin and experiment.

Easy Snacks You Have to Try
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Bacon Pretzel Fury https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/bacon-pretzel-fury/ Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:35:41 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/bacon-pretzel-fury/
I tried a bacon pretzel fury the last time I was at Busch Gardens, and afterward I ferociously tried to re-create it at home. I don't live anywhere close to the amusement park, so this version curbs my hankerings when ai'm back in the Midwest. —Alvin Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Total Time

Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 15 min.

Makes

6 pretzels

Updated: Aug. 23, 2023

Ingredients

  • 12 thick-sliced bacon strips
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 6 wooden skewers

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, butter, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°. In a Dutch oven, bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Punch dough down; divide into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a 32-in. rope. Fold each rope in half, creating an upside-down V shape. Place 1 bacon strip over the top of each "V"; braid dough around the bacon, layering in a second bacon strip halfway. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under. Add to boiling water, 1 at a time; cook 30 seconds. Remove with 2 slotted spoons; drain on paper towels.
  5. Place on greased baking sheets. Lightly beat egg yolk and cold water; brush over pretzels. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with additional coarse salt if desired. Remove from pans to wire racks. Insert skewers; serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 pretzel: 533 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 1699mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.

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I Made The Pioneer Woman’s Pizza Pockets and They’re a Family-Approved Snack https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/pioneer-woman-pizza-pockets/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/pioneer-woman-pizza-pockets/#respond Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:18:32 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1848342 Ree Drummond keeps her family happy with tasty, meat-filled Pizza Pockets. Keep a stash of these homemade pockets in the freezer for an easy meal.

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Want to surprise your family with a freezer full of homemade Hot Pockets? Follow this Pioneer Woman Pizza Pocket recipe! Her pizza pockets look just like Hot Pockets, but because they’re made from scratch they have fewer preservatives. Best of all, you can fill them with whatever pizza toppings your family loves.

This version is for meat lovers. Ree Drummond combines three kinds of meat (sausage, pepperoni and Canadian bacon) with marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella. You can stash the pizza pockets in the freezer, ready to heat up for lunch, a casual dinner or an after-school snack.

The Pioneer Woman’s Pizza Pocket Recipe

Pioneer woman pizza pockets on a plate with a yellow napkin and dipping sauces to the side

The recipe makes 18 meat-filled pizza pockets. Be sure to allow about 3 hours for the rise and rest times for the pizza dough.

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
  • 8 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2/3 cup olive oil (plus more to coat the bowl)

Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 16 ounces Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 18 pieces
  • 8 ounces pepperoni
  • 8 ounces Canadian bacon
  • 1 egg, beaten with a little water
  • Optional: Maldon Sea Salt Flakes and ranch dressing

Tools You’ll Need

  • Rectangle Cutter: It’s the easiest way to get perfectly-sized pockets. You can also cut the dough rectangles with a knife.
  • Baking Sheet: Use a baking to freeze the pizza pockets.
  • Pastry Brush: Beaten egg brushed on the pockets gives them a golden brown color after baking.

Directions

Step 1: Make the pizza dough

Stir the dry yeast into 3 cups of warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes to activate.

Use the paddle attachment on a stand mixer to blend together the flour and salt. With the mixer running on low, drizzle in the 2/3 cup olive oil until it’s mixed in. Next, pour in the warm water-yeast mixture. Run the mixer until the ingredients are just combined, and the dough comes together in a sticky ball.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Grease a large bowl with some olive oil. Shape the dough into a ball and put it in the bowl, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, place the bowl in the fridge for at least 2 more hours. The dough will continue to rise and will cool down to be easier to handle.

(You can also hold the dough for as long as a day or two in the fridge.)

Step 3: Prepare the meat filling

Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan; cook it for 5-10 minutes until the sausage is browned, breaking it up into small pieces as you stir it. Let the sausage cool.

Slice the Canadian bacon into small pieces.

Step 4: Roll and cut the dough

Start with half of the dough; hold the rest in the fridge. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut out rectangles that are about 4-1/2 x 3 inches in size, using a rectangular cutter or a ruler and a sharp knife. You want a total of 18 rectangles from this half-batch of dough.

Step 5: Fill and seal the pockets

Place half of the rectangles on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet that will fit in your freezer. Top each rectangle with one teaspoon of marinara sauce, a slice of fresh mozzarella, some crumbled sausage, a couple of slices of pepperoni and a few pieces of Canadian baconleave about 1/2-inch of the dough edges clear all around.

Lay the other half of the dough rectangles over the tops and press the edges down all around to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges of all the pockets. Brush the tops of all the pockets with the beaten egg and water. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on the tops.

Repeat these steps with the remaining dough and fillings, to create nine more meat-filled pockets brushed with egg.

Step 6: Flash freeze the pockets

Place the baking sheet in the freezer and flash-freeze the pockets for 30 minutes. They should be firm enough to be lifted from the pan and hold their shape. Once they’re flash-frozen, transfer them into freezer-safe, resealable bags. Store the pizza pockets in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Bake the Pizza Pockets

Preheat the oven to 450F. Place the frozen pizza pockets on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. They should be baked through and golden brown on top. Enjoy the pockets while they’re warm with marinara or ranch dressing dipping sauces. And, for dessert make these millionaire bars.

Editor’s Tip: You can also skip the freezing step and bake the pockets right after they’re filled and crimped. Bake them at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes until browned.

Here’s What I Thought

close up of Pioneer woman pizza pockets on a plate with a yellow napkin and dipping sauces to the side

I love the idea of a homemade take on Hot Pockets! The handheld pockets have a soft, bready texture and a sprinkle of salt baked on the outside is a nice addition. My family and I really liked the combination of meats nestled with melting mozzarella. We enjoyed these pockets for a weekend lunch, and because they only take 15 minutes in the oven, they’re easy enough to make for a midday snack, too.

Of course, the best part about homemade pockets is that they can be filled with anything you want. My next batch will be a four-cheese version with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan and goat cheese. Ree Drummond’s Pizza Pocket recipe includes a mushroom filling made with garlic and white wine. Whatever your go-to pizza toppings may be, they can be tucked inside these pockets.

And for dessert, make The Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Pie.

Can You Freeze Baked Pizza Pockets?

Yes! Instead of freezing the unbaked pockets, you can bake them first and then freeze them. Immediately after filling and sealing the pockets, bake at 450 for 10-15 minutes until browned and cooked through. Let them cool, then freeze the baked pockets inside resealable freezer bags.

To reheat: Bake the frozen pockets on a baking sheet at 350 for about 10 minutes until heated through. They can also be reheated in the microwave: Wrap a piece of wax paper around the middle of the pocket, leaving the ends open. Microwave for 30-40 seconds, just until it’s heated through.

A Note on the Pizza Dough

Several of the comments on Ree Drummond’s recipe share that the dough is difficult to work with. When I tried her recipe, I also found it to be a bit finicky. It’s very sticky and it has the tendency to snap back during rolling and lose its shape once cut. Here are a few tips to make her dough easier to manage:

  • Keep your board and rolling pin floured so the dough won’t stick as you roll it
  • If the dough resists rolling out, let it rest for about 10 minutes and try again
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the rectangles are cut out, press them to the paper. This will help keep their shape and prevent shrinking
  • Some reviewers noted that letting the dough rest for one or two days in the fridge made it easier to handle

You can also opt to use a pizza dough recipe that you know and love, or even try a store-bought dough.

The post I Made The Pioneer Woman’s Pizza Pockets and They’re a Family-Approved Snack appeared first on Taste of Home.

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Caviar Is Becoming the Next Big Snack—And We’re Intrigued https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/caviar-tiktok-snack/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:37:17 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1838584 Once considered a luxury food item, caviar is now casually served on chips for decadent snacking

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Caviar has long been considered a luxury food item, a decadent delicacy to be served at fancy dinner parties of the rich and famous, paired with vintage Champagne and fabulousness. But what if caviar were reframed and taken out of its luxe cocoon? What about caviar served on a potato chip? What if it was slathered in butter? How about atop a Dorito?

@dzaslavsky

Celebrating 200k with @Doritos & @markyscaviar #caviar #markyscaviar

original sound – DANIELLE

What Is Caviar?

Basically, caviar is salt-cured fish eggs, or “roe.” The term caviar specifically refers to the roe of wild sturgeon in the Caspian and the Black Sea, bordered by Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Technically, “caviar” is a protected term, and it has been a favorite dish of royalty since at least the 10th century. However, “caviar” has become used to refer to the roe of salmon, whitefish, trout and many other fish species broadly. The term is even used, cheekily, for non-fish dishes, such as cowboy caviar or witch’s caviar.

Real, quality caviar ain’t cheap. TikTok creator Danielle Matzon recommends Kaluga Amber and Kaluga Gold Caviar in her recent video, which retail for around $70 and $170 respectively. On the less expensive end, Whole Foods currently sells domestic Pacific sturgeon caviar for $41 per ounce. They even have an unpretentious guide to caviarto learn more.

Why Is Caviar So Popular?

We could give you several cultural reasons why caviar is so popular. For instance, it’s a perfect example of an “affordable luxury,” the kind which becomes popular during tough economic times. “The concept of caviar (luxurious) as a snack (functional) is a practice in contradictions, especially in light of food inflation,” writes Bettina Makalintal, in Eater. Caviar is also a healthy snack, with omega-3 fatty acids and other minerals. But the real reason is likely something more straightforward: TikTok.

The “snackification” of caviar, as Eater puts it, is largely due to TikTok creator Matzon, who is quickly becoming the snack queen of TikTok. She is the sameinfluencer who popularized the tunacado sandwich. So influential is Matzon that there is a #daniellemademedoit hashtag with videos of people trying out her favorite snacks (it has nearly 800,000 views). One commenter on her latest caviar post noted, “I just went to Whole Foods and all the caviar is 25% off and I’m convinced you are directly responsible.”

Be sure to eat your caviar on a Pringle, just like influencers do!

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How to Make a Snack Board—The Ultimate Party Spread https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-a-snack-board/ Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:51:47 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1830759 Snack boards are the fun and much more casual version of fancy charcuterie boards. They're amazing for get-togethers with lots of different appetites involved.

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We’ve all been there: Scrolling Instagram or Pinterest and finding the most beautiful spread of meats and cheeses and telling ourselves we’re going to make it this year. But molding salami into roses and slicing cheese into triangles and fanning out slices of apples is a lot of work, and we’re hungry! Luckily, snack boards are a thing, and we can’t wait to make them.

This fun way of displaying meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies and other accoutrements is a lot more manageable than the beautiful, but time-consuming, charcuterie board. If you have a lot going on but still want to make an impression, try out a snack board at your next party. We guarantee it’ll be a success.

What Is a Snack Board?

We’ll keep it simplea snack board can be anything you want it to be. It can have your favorite meats, cheeses, jams, vegetables, berries, crackers and nuts. It can also be a board made up of fun finger foods like mozzarella sticks, cheeseburger sliders, chicken tenders and onion rings.

So how does a snack board differ from a charcuterie board or an antipasto platter? Traditionally, charcuterie boards have a collection of meats like cured sausage, prosciutto and salami. The French word charcuterie came from an earlier form of the word, chair cuite, meaning “cooked meat.”

Antipasto platters, similar to charcuterie boards, have various meats. The difference with antipasto platters is that you’ll more commonly see Italian hors d’oeuvres like olives, pepperoncini and marinated artichoke hearts.

How to Make the Ultimate Snack Board

What to Put on a Snack Board

close up of snack charcuterie board

We have some ideas below to get you started on making the ultimate board for munching. Feel free to stick with what we used, or swap ingredients based on your tastes. Because it’s such a customizable dish, you can add anything you know your family or friends will love.

How to Build a Snack Board

close up of snack charcuterie board

Remember, snack boards are more casual than charcuterie boards. They’re meant to be fun, stress-free arrays of your favorite snacks, so place them wherever and however you’d like. We have some basic tips below if you do want to make a standout presentation though!

Step 1: Pick a large board or serving platter

Depending on how many people will be munching on the snack board, you’re going to want a decent sized board. If you have a large serving platter, that works just as well.

Step 2: Place your bowls

For anything like dips and extras that are served in bowls, you’ll want to place those on the board first. This way, everything else can be worked in around the bowls.

Step 3: Place your cheeses and crackers

Arrange any cheeses you have in various spots around the board. Then, you can place crackers nearby that you might like to eat with certain cheeses.

Step 4: Place your meats and hors d’oeuvres

Strips of meat like prosciutto and other add-ons like antipasto kabobs can be worked in around the cheeses and bowls.

Step 5: Pop in your produce and extras

The final step is sprinkling in your bright fruits and veggies. Simply fill in any gaps on your board and make adjustments as you go. For a more varied look, spread out the produce so there are a few vines of grapes in different places on the board and a few different groups of nuts and dried fruits. Learn how to make a vegan charcuterie board and turkey charcuterie board.

Tips for Making a Snack Board

What else can you put on a snack board?

If you’re looking for easy ways to swap things out, try more sweet and mild cheeses like Havarti and Brie. You can also slice up a thin baguette instead of using crackers. If you want less produce and more meat, opt for sliced options like salami and pancetta.

Dips are great for more filling sides, but you can also use condiments like jams and honey for a sweeter touch. If the appetizer-style foods on the board are your favorite part, try adding things like fried pickles, pizza rolls and stuffed mushrooms. We also recommend trying out some vodka butter as an interesting addition. The options are truly endless.

What can you pair with a snack board?

Snack boards have a lot of flavor going on, so they’re usually delicious as-is. One of the easiest things to pair with a snack board, though, is drinks! We paired ours with sparkling red wine sangria. Whether you’re mixing fresh mocktails or you have a favorite classic cocktail, the fizzy flavors will be just what you need to top off a snack board.

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Rosemary-Grapefruit Cashews https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rosemary-grapefruit-cashews/ Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:30:01 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rosemary-grapefruit-cashews/
The combination of rosemary, grapefruit and cashews may sound strange but it's absolutely heavenly. I love to serve these in the summer next to gin and tonics. —Dana Swearengin, Forney, Texas
Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Makes

2 cups

Updated: Nov. 09, 2023

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ruby red grapefruit juice
  • 2 tablespoons grated grapefruit zest
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
  • 2 cups lightly salted cashews

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, stir together juice, zest and rosemary. Add cashews; stir to combine. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until fragrant and nuts start to brown, 12-14 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

1/3 cup: 275 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.

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Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pumpkin-pie-hot-chocolate/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:32:39 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pumpkin-pie-hot-chocolate/
Pumpkin pie vodka hot chocolate is the ultimate holiday cocktail. Made in a slow cooker and perfect for feeding a crowd, this creamy twist on a classic is a must-make for the holidays! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cooking: 2 hours.

Makes

10 servings

Updated: Nov. 08, 2023

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Optional: Miniature marshmallows or whipped cream

Directions

  1. In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cook, covered, on low, 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate is melted.
  2. If desired, garnish with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Pumpkin Pie Vodka Hot Chocolate Tips

What other kinds of milk can you use to make vodka hot chocolate?

Low fat or dairy-free milks, such as almond, soy or oat, can be substituted for the whole milk to lighten up the recipe if desired. If you don’t want to use heavy cream, try using half and half or fat-free sweetened condensed milk. Keep in mind that substituting more than one ingredient will change the richness and flavor of the hot chocolate dramatically, so a taste test of the original method is recommended before altering the recipe.

What other kinds of liquor can you put in vodka hot chocolate?

While this recipe calls for vodka, you can use bourbon, brandy, Bailey’s Irish Cream or a chocolate liqueur too. Or, try another one of our spiked hot chocolate recipes!

Can you microwave vodka hot chocolate?

Yes, leftover pumpkin pie vodka hot chocolate can be reheated in the microwave. For a single serving, microwave at 50 percent power for 1 minute, stir and microwave in 20 second increments until the desired temperature is achieved, stirring with each additional increment. The reduced power level prevents overheating the milk and cream, avoiding the formation of a skin on top. However, if you bring this to a holiday get together, you probably won’t have any leftovers! This hot chocolate would be a great choice when looking for Thanksgiving potluck recipes. It would also be the perfect addition to a hot chocolate bar!

Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 575 calories, 34g fat (21g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.

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Sea Salt Sticks https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sea-salt-sticks/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:27:08 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sea-salt-sticks/
When my daughter was in school, her class had a recipe exchange party. The kids would bring something to eat to share with the class and include the recipe. My daughter came home with several recipes, but she raved about the delicious Sea Salt Sticks she had and wanted to make them for the family. They go well with spaghetti! You may even add 2 tablespoons poppy seeds to the flour before mixing. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, CA
Total Time

Prep: 45 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Makes

20 servings

Updated: Nov. 09, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • TOPPING:
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, mix sugar, yeast, salt and 2 cups flour. In a small saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°; stir into dry ingredients. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
  2. Divide dough into 20 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a14-in. rope. Place ropes 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, 15-20 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk egg white with water; brush over tops of dough. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake until light brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 breadstick: 102 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

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Chicken and Cashew Steamed Buns https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-and-cashew-steamed-buns/ Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:14:23 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-and-cashew-steamed-buns/
Served with hoisin or soy sauce, steamed buns are a tasty starter with a surprise inside. Cook them in batches so the steamer doesn't get overcrowded. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + resting Cook: 20 min./batch

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound ground chicken
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cashews
  • 1 tablespoon large egg white
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound fresh or frozen pizza dough, thawed
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
  • Hoisin sauce, optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients until mixture forms a paste. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12x9-in. rectangle. Cut into twelve 3-in. squares. Divide chicken mixture among squares. Bring 4 corners of dough together; twist and pinch to seal. Let rest 15 minutes.
  2. In a Dutch oven, place a steamer basket over 1 in. water. Line basket with cabbage. In batches, place 4 buns in basket. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; steam buns, covered, until a thermometer reads 165°, 18-20 minutes. Carefully remove lid to avoid dripping condensation onto buns. Serve with hoisin sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 steamed bun: 132 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

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14 Kids’ Charcuterie Boards Your Littles Will Love https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/kids-charcuterie-boards/ Fri, 29 Jul 2022 21:13:14 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?post_type=listicle&p=1788527 You'll have as much fun building these kids' charcuterie boards as your kiddos will have eating them.

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slumber party themed charcuterie board

Slumber Party Board

Sleeping Bag Blondies are the stars of this kids’ charcuterie board. If you have the extra time to bake them, theyre perfectly on theme for a sleepoverbut you could easily replace them with store-bought bars that match the rest of the sweet spread. Besides the blondies, this slumber party board has every pink, purple and blue candy you can think of from rock candy to gummy sharks to saltwater taffy. Looking for more snack ideas? Heres our list of homemade sleepover snacks and treats.

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Vegan Gluten-Free Graham Crackers https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/vegan-gluten-free-graham-crackers/ Tue, 21 Jun 2022 19:03:35 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/vegan-gluten-free-graham-crackers/
One thing I missed the most when I had to go gluten-free was graham crackers. Not only that, but I had to eliminate dairy as well. Store-bought graham crackers just didn't taste like the original. I wanted a crunchy, flavorful cracker that would be perfect for s'mores. Finally, after many tries, I got it! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Makes

40 crackers

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegan butter-style sticks, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose baking flour (without xanthan gum)
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter-style sticks, brown sugar, agave and molasses until creamy and smooth, 3-4 minutes. In another bowl, whisk remaining ingredients; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; cover and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll each portion between 2 sheets of parchment into an 10x8-in. rectangle. Using a knife or fluted pastry wheel, cut each rectangle into twenty 2-in. squares. Place 1 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. If desired, prick holes with a fork. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.
  3. Bake until edges are light brown, 10-12 minutes. If desired, re-prick holes with a fork. Cool completely on pans on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1 cracker: 89 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

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Best Homemade Chex Mix Recipe, 4 Ways https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/homemade-chex-mix/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/homemade-chex-mix/#respond Thu, 12 May 2022 18:10:51 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1769754 This crunchy, savory homemade Chex Mix is a popular snack for sleepovers, road trips and family gatherings. Here are four ways to make this treat!

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It’s not overstating the matter to say that homemade Chex Mix is one of the great joys in life. It’s a delicious and irresistible snack that’s crunchy, savory and salty. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

We love making Chex mix for family game nights with our kids; the recipe yields a huge batch that keeps us all happy for hours. Ialso like homemade Chex Mix for family gatherings like birthdays, as a road trip snack, and to bring camping, because it stores well and lasts for days.It’s a treat that’s easy to make and absolutely everyone will love.

What Is in Chex Mix?

The first recipe for Chex Mix appeared on the back of the cereal boxes in the early 1950s. A simple recipe back then, the oven-baked mixture called for Rice and Wheat Chex (the only flavors available at the time), nuts, Worcestershire sauce, butter and garlic salt. Today, the official Chex Mix recipe is a zesty and salty blend that includes Corn Chex, pretzels and bagel chips. The retail bagged versions also include rye chips and mini breadsticks.

How to Make Homemade Chex Mix

My homemade Chex Mix recipe includes three kinds of Chex cereal, pretzels and nuts. With four different ways to make it, there’s a Chex Mix recipe here for everyone! No matter which method you use, thisrecipe makes about 15 cups.

Ingredients

Homemade Chex Mix

  • 3 cups Corn Chex
  • 3 cups Rice Chex
  • 3 cups Honey Nut Chex
  • 3 cups pretzel sticks or mini twists
  • 2 cups mixed nuts
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Editor’s Tip:Our Test Kitchen tasted more than a dozen brands to find the best pretzels out there.

Tools

  • Large Bowl: Stir everything together in a roomy mixing bowl.
  • Pyrex Measuring Cup: Use Pyrex (or another microwave-safe dish) to melt the butter.
  • Large Baking Sheets: This recipe makes a lot of Chex Mix, so you’ll need plenty of surface area for baking and cooling the mixture.

How to Make Homemade Chex Mix in the Oven

Homemade Chex Mix

This is the classic way to make Chex Mix, the method home cooks followed in the ’50s and ’60s. Baking takes a little longer than some of the other methods, but it creates a toasty, crunchy mixture, enhances the flavors of the seasoningsand makes your kitchen smell amazing.

  1. Preheat the oven to 250F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. Mix together the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Honey Nut Chex, pretzels and nuts in a large bowl.
  2. Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, onion powder and cayenne.
  3. Pour this sauce over the cereal mixture. Stir well to coat everything.
  4. Divide the mixture between two baking sheets; spread it into an even, single layer.
  5. Place the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for a total of 45 minutes, stirring the mixture every 15 minutes. (If the pans are on two oven racks, rotate the pans with each stirring.)
  6. Allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheets. Transfer the Chex Mix to a bowl and serve.

How to Make Homemade Chex Mix in the Microwave

Homemade Chex Mix in microwave

The best thing about this method is that it’s really fast! Microwaving is also a great option if there’s no oven or you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. You’ll still need to spread the mix out to cool, so have baking sheets ready for this.

  1. Mix together the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Honey Nut Chex, pretzels and nuts in a large microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, onion powder and cayenne.
  3. Pour this sauce over the cereal mixture, and stir it well to coat everything.
  4. Place the bowl in the microwave. (If your microwave is small, you can do this in batches in a smaller bowl.) Microwave the mixture for about 6 minutes, stirring it every 2 minutes.
  5. Spread the mixture out on large baking sheets and let it cool completely. Then it’s ready to serve.

How to Make Homemade Chex Mix in the Slow Cooker

Homemade Chex Mix slow cooker

This one takes the longest of all of the cooking methods, and you’ll still need to stir it a few times during cooking. However, the slow cooker is a great option when it’s the only appliance available.

  1. Turn the slow cooker on high and add in the butter. Once it’s melted, turn the slow cooker down to low, and stir in the Worcestershire sauce and spices.
  2. Add the cereals, pretzels and nuts, then stir everything together until thoroughly coated.
  3. Cook the Chex Mix for 2 hours, stirring the mixture every half hour.
  4. Spread the Chex Mix out on large baking sheets, allow it to cool completely, then serve.

How to Make Homemade Chex Mix in an Air Fryer

Homemade Chex Mix in air fryer

Not only is this the fastest method on the list, but an air fryer also turns out Chex Mix that’s extra crunchy with lots of color. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to make this in batches.

  1. Mix together the cereals, pretzels and nuts in a large bowl.
  2. Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, onion powder, and cayenne.
  3. Pour this sauce over the cereal mixture, and stir it well to coat everything.
  4. Pour the mixture into the air fryer basket (no more than half full). Shake the basket to settle the mixture into an even layer.
  5. Program the air fryer to 350 and cook for 3 minutes. Stir the mixture and then cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Spread out the Chex Mix on large baking sheets, allow it to cool completely, then serve.

Ways to Make This Chex Mix Your Own

Classic Chex Mix is tasty but there are plenty of ways to mix things up.

Change up the cereals

My recipe uses equal amounts of three Chex cereals. (I really like light sweetness of Honey Nut Chex with the salty, savory flavor of the snack mix.) However, you can swap in other kinds of Chex or use more or less of the other varieties. I’ve seen people use Cheerios, too. Just aim for a total of 9 cups of cereal.

Switch the seasonings

Homemade Chex Mix

You can get really creative with spices to make a uniquely flavored Chex Mix. Try replacing the Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt with two packets of taco seasoning and salt to taste to make a Mexican-spiced version. Or make an Italian-inspired version: Use 2 tablespoons of an Italian seasoning blend, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 2 teaspoons of salt. Once the mix finishes cooking, stir in 2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. You could also experiment with any number of store-bought or homemade spice blends from Cajun seasoning to garam masala.

Use different mix-ins

Try making your Chex Mix with a different bite-size pretzel shape or even with flavored pretzels like those from Snyder’s of Hanover. Other crunchy mix-ins to try are mini bagel chips, Cheez-Its, Goldfish crackers and potato sticks. Make sure your mix-ins are small in size or broken into small pieces so that the mix is easy to eat. Aim for about 5 cups total of nuts and crunchy mix-ins.

Homemade Chex Mix

Try this sweet version

There are fun, sweet flavors of Chex available that make a really delicious dessert Chex Mix! Here’s my recipe: Mix together 3 cups each of Peanut Butter Chex, Chocolate Chex and Cinnamon Chex with 2 cups of broken pretzel snaps. (The ones that look like checkerboards.) Stir together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour this over the cereal mixture and stir to coat.

Spread the mixture over two lined baking sheets and bake at 250 for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool on the baking sheets and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar over the top. Transfer the sweet Chex Mix to a serving bowl. It’s delicious!

How to Store Homemade Chex Mix

Although it’s unlikely that you’ll have any leftovers (it’s just too good!), if you do, you can seal it in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to a week. This means you can easily make it in advance for parties, movie nights or poker games.

Chex Mix is also a food that freezes well: Place it in a freezer-proof zip-top bag with the air pressed out. It will keep in the freezer for two to three months. Let it come to room temperature in the sealed bag before serving.

Tips for Making Homemade Chex Mix

  • With all of the cooking methods, the one crucial step is to spread the Chex Mix out to cool after it’s done cooking. This step lets moisture evaporate and makes the snack mix crunchy.
  • You can reduce the salt content by using unsalted nuts and pretzels and salt-free spice blends like the ones from Mrs. Dash (like this Extra Spicy Seasoning).
  • It’s possible to make a gluten-free Chex Mix, because all of the Chex cereals (except for Wheat) are gluten-free. Look for gluten-free versions of pretzels and other mix-ins. Most U.S. Worcestershire sauce brands are also gluten-free.
  • You can also make your Chex Mix dairy-free by using vegan butter, such as Miyoko’s or Earth Balance.

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How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-homemade-cheez-its/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-homemade-cheez-its/#respond Wed, 11 May 2022 16:06:48 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1769852 This easy homemade Cheez-Its recipe has step-by-step photos, recipe variations and tips for making Cheez-Its from scratch. The result is crispy and cheesy!

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It’s safe to say that we’ve all eaten too many Cheez-Its (along with these other nostalgic childhood snacks) at one point or another. Whether they were a regular road trip snack, the thing in your school lunch box you looked forward to most, or your main form of sustenance during college all-nighters, these cheddar snack crackers are deeply rooted in our memories.

Bring some of that childhood magic back to your kitchen with this recipe for homemade Cheez-Its. It’s a fun and delicious weekend baking project that the whole family can enjoy (and subsequently devour).

What Cheese Is Used to Make Homemade Cheez-Its?

To make Cheez-Its at home, all you’ll need is some good old-fashioned sharp cheddar cheese (or extra-sharp if you want an even stronger cheese flavor).

Sharp cheddar will give homemade Cheez-Its plenty of robust cheesiness and that iconic yellow-orange hue.

In testing, we found that you get the best cheese distribution and even color by using cheese from a block, rather than pre-shredded cheese. (Here’s why block cheese is best.) Pulsing the cheese in a food processor grates the cheese into fine crumbles that melt easily and incorporate seamlessly into the dough.

How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its

Ingredients for Homemade Cheez Its in glass bowls on a counter

This recipe makes 12-14 dozen crackers.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese (about 3 cups grated)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 egg, optional
  • Flaky sea salt, optional

Directions

Step 1: Pulse cheese

Chopping Cheese in a food processor for Homemade Cheez Its

In a food processor, pulse the cheese until finely grated. The cheese may have some larger clumps, but that’s OK. They will break up as the butter gets worked into the dough later.

Step 2: Stir together dry ingredients

Transfer the cheese to a bowl with the flour, cornstarch, paprika, mustard powder and salt. Stir until combined.

Step 3: Work in butter

glass bowl with mixed up ingredients for Homemade Cheez Its

Next, using a pastry blender (or a fork), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Knead dough

Add the cold water and use your hands to gently work it into the dough until it starts to clump and hold together.

Step 5: Chill

Transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Pat into a flattened disk (about 1 inch thick), then wrap tightly in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.

Step 6: Roll

hands using a rolling pin to roll out dough for Homemade Cheez Its

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.

Unwrap the dough and roll out, using a rolling pin, on a lightly floured work surface. Roll until the dough is less than 1/8-inch thick. The thinner, the better!

Step 7: Cut and slice

Cutting Squares with a pastry wheel for Homemade Cheez Its

Use a fluted pastry wheel, pizza cutter or sharp knife to trim the rolled dough into a neat square.Then, slice into 1-inch-wide strips before making perpendicular slices across the strips to create 1-inch squares.

Editor’s Tip: Feel free to re-roll the scraps to make sure you don’t waste any of this cheese cracker dough.

Step 8: Poke

hands using a tooth pick to shape Homemade Cheez Its on a baking sheet ready to bake

Transfer the squares to parchment-lined baking sheets. Then use a toothpick or skewer to poke a hole through the center of each.

If desired, brush the crackers with a little beaten egg wash to give them some shine.

Step 9: Bake

Sprinkle the crackers lightly with flaky sea salt (here’s why it’s the best type of salt for these crackers), then bake for 15-18 minutes, until crisp and golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Editor’s Tip: For extra toasty Cheez-Its, let them bake for 20-22 minutesjust keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn.

Tips for Making Homemade Cheez-Its

Making homemade Cheez-Its is an easy, kid-friendly baking project that’s great for bakers of all skill levels. While the recipe is pretty forgiving, here are some of our best tips for homemade Cheez-Its:

Keep ingredients cold

Start with cold butter and water and chill the dough thoroughly before baking. This is important for Cheez-Its (and pie crust), so don’t skip or rush the process. Cold ingredients help make the crackers crisp and flaky, and chilling the dough ensures the crackers hold their shape while baking.

Don’t overwork the dough

Doing so will yield tough, chewy crackers. When mixing the dough, it should act like wet sand where it’s crumbly but holds its shape when pressed together.

Poke holes in your Cheez-Its

It may be tempting to skip poking a hole into every cracker before baking, but the little holes serve an important purpose. They allow steam to escape while the crackers bake, preventing the crackers from puffing too much and helping develop that signature crispiness.

How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its Your Own

Baking Sheet with Homemade Cheez Its

Once you’ve mastered making copycat Cheez-Its from scratch, feel free to get creative and make your own recipe with different types of cheese. Here are some of our favorite Cheez-Its recipe adaptations to try:

  • Pepper Jack Cheez-Its: Swap the sharp cheddar cheese for an equal amount of pepper jack cheese.
  • White Cheddar Cheez-Its: Opt for grated aged white cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar.
  • Four Cheese Cheez-Its: Omit the sharp cheddar cheese and replace it with 2 ounces each of finely grated Parmesan, Asiago, provolone and mozzarella cheese.
  • Spicy Cheez-Its: Add 1/4 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano and dried thyme to the original Cheez-Its recipe.

Whole Wheat Cheez-Its

Add extra fiber, iron and protein to these homemade Cheez-Its by replacing 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour. (Then try some of these other whole wheat flour recipes.)

Gluten-Free Cheez-Its

You can convert this recipe to gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend instead of all-purpose flour. Note that the water may need to be slightly increased, and the baking time for your gluten-free Cheez-Its may need to be adjusted depending on the baking blend selected.

Vegan Cheez-Its

Looking for vegan Cheez-Its? Swap the cheddar cheese for your favorite vegan cheddar cheese and add 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for extra tangy flavor. Then, opt for 4 tablespoons of your favorite vegan butter (like Earth Balance) or olive oil instead of butter. Prepare and bake as directed in the original recipe

How Do You Store Homemade Cheez-Its?

Homemade Cheez-Its can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Note that if they’re tightly sealed, they’ll start to lose some of their crunch by day two or three. An empty Cheez-Its or cereal box is a great storage container for homemade cheese crackers.

What Can You Eat with Copycat Cheez-Its?

Of course, Cheez-Its are perfect on their own, but here are more ways to love your homemade cheese crackers.

Try Cheez-Its in These Other Recipes
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Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks/ Sat, 19 Feb 2022 14:11:20 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks/
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + freezing Cook: 10 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Nov. 13, 2023

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups dry bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 12 sticks string cheese
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup marinara sauce or meatless pasta sauce, warmed

Directions

  1. In a small skillet, toast breadcrumbs until lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Cool completely.
  2. Place flour in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs and water. In a third shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper. Coat cheese sticks with flour, then dip in egg mixture and coat with bread crumb mixture. Repeat egg and bread crumb coatings. Cover and freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°. Place cheese in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown and heated through, 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking and spritzing with additional cooking spray. Allow to stand 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve with marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.

Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Tips

What other seasonings can you use in the breading for mozzarella sticks?

This recipe calls for Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper, but you can change those herbs and spices to what you enjoy! Kick up the spice level with chili powder or red pepper flakes, or just change the breadcrumbs to a seasoned brand or homemade breadcrumbs recipe you like.

How can you tell when air-fryer mozzarella sticks are done?

These air-fryer mozzarella sticks are done when they're golden brown and heated though. They should start to flatten slightly as the cheese melts. If you’re worried about overcooking, try making just one in the basket to start. Read our collection of air fryer tips to get confident cooking with your appliance.

How long can you freeze air-fryer mozzarella sticks?

It’s best to eat these mozzarella sticks fresh and hot, but they also last 1-2 days in a sealed bag or container in the fridge. Simply toss them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat. To freeze these sticks for future use, place unbaked sticks on a wax-lined tray in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 4 months. Here's how long lots of leftovers last.

Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Tester
Air Fryer Cook Times
In our testing, we find cook times vary dramatically between brands of air fryers. As a result, we give wider than normal ranges on suggested cook times. Begin checking at the first time listed and adjust as needed.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 148 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.

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Air-Fryer Potato Wedges https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-potato-wedges/ Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:10:09 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-potato-wedges/
I love these air-fryer potato wedges because the outside gets golden brown and crispy while the interior stays fluffy and tender. Try them with steak, roasts or even burgers. —Linda Rock, Stratford, Wisconsin
Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 15 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Oct. 18, 2023

Ingredients

  • 4 russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Prepared pesto, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°. Cut each potato lengthwise in half. Cut each half into 3 wedges. In a large bowl, drizzle potatoes with oil; toss to coat. Combine the remaining ingredients. Add to potatoes; toss to coat.
  2. In batches, arrange potatoes in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until golden brown and tender, 15-20 minutes. If desired, serve with pesto.

Air-Fryer Potato Wedges Tips

Why are my air-fryer potato wedges not crispy?

Every air fryer works a little differently, so if your potato wedges aren’t crispy enough, check your appliance's recommended timing and temperatures. Also, make sure to place wedges in a single row in your air fryer basket. Preheating your air fryer before adding your first batch can also help achieve crispier results. Check out more of our favorite air fryer cooking tips.

How do you store air-fryer potato wedges?

It’s best to eat these air-fryer potato wedges fresh and hot, but they should last 3-4 days in a sealed bag or container in the fridge. Simply throw them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat. Here's how long lots of other leftovers will last.

What can you serve with air-fryer potato wedges?

These potato wedges are the perfect side to one of our classic burger recipes, or as a part of your family’s favorite fish fry.

Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Tester
Air Fryer Cook Times
In our testing, we find cook times vary dramatically between brands of air fryers. As a result, we give wider than normal ranges on suggested cook times. Begin checking at the first time listed and adjust as needed.

Nutrition Facts

4 wedges: 152 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 0.500 fat.

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20 Low-Calorie Snacks That Are Low-Carb, Too https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/low-calorie-snacks-that-are-low-carb-too/ Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:01:08 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?post_type=listicle&p=1743678 These delicious snacks will help you reach your diet goals because they’re low-calorie and low-carb, too.

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Lavender Poppy Seed Muffins https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lavender-poppy-seed-muffins/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 14:13:46 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lavender-poppy-seed-muffins/
These muffins are so easy to put together. The lavender flavor really works well with lemon. If you've never baked with lavender, start with just 1 or 2 teaspoons for a more subtle flavor. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 20 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Jan. 07, 2023

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, whisk the first 7 ingredients. In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter and egg until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened.
  2. Fill 12 paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full; sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Lavender Flowers
Look for dried lavender flowers in spice shops. If using lavender from the garden, make sure it hasn't been treated with chemicals.

Nutrition Facts

1 muffin: 203 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

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Rhubarb Rosemary Flatbread https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rhubarb-rosemary-flatbread/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 14:13:12 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rhubarb-rosemary-flatbread/
I love the simple ingredients of this recipe and the exceptional combination of flavors! The kitchen smells awesome whenever I bake these flatbreads. Using rhubarb in a savory bread is new to many people, but it never fails to delight impress! —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + rising Bake: 15 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon quick-rise yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 3 to 4 rhubarb ribs, trimmed
  • 3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
  • 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, divided
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Honey, optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Meanwhile, finely chop enough rhubarb to measure 1/2 cup. Slice each remaining rhubarb rib lengthwise into 4 thin strips; cut strips into 4-in. pieces; reserve for topping.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon salt, chopped rhubarb and the yeast mixture. Remove and finely chop rosemary leaves from 2 sprigs (discard stems); add to flour mixture. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 25 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 4 portions. Roll each portion to a 7x5-in. rectangle. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk egg with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; roll reserved rhubarb strips in egg wash. Gently press 3-5 strips into top of each piece of dough. Brush remaining egg wash over tops. Remove leaves from remaining rosemary sprig; sprinkle leaves over tops (discard stem). Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
  5. Bake until golden brown and rhubarb is tender, 13-15 minutes. If desired, drizzle with honey before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 flatbread: 251 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

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