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

What Does a Gold Porch Light Mean?

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

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

Awareness for childhood cancer

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

Celebration of a special event

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

Keeping bugs away

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

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

Potato Salad

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

Go to Recipe

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

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

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

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

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1: Saute the onions

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

Step 2: Add the tomatoes and garlic

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

Step 3: Combine with the broth and spices

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

Step 4: Add the meat, pasta and spinach

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

Step 5: Finish with the milk and cheese

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

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

Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Soup

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

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

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a rotisserie chicken?

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

What kind of pasta is best for Tuscan chicken soup?

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

What can I serve with marry me chicken soup?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosalynn Carter’s Strawberry Cake

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

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

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

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

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

It’s finally that joyous time where everything is holly, jolly and oh-so-sweet. The transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas can be pretty abrupt, but we can’t say we’re complaining. With eggnog and dozens of different and delicious Christmas cookies on the horizon, we just can’t wait for all the holiday festivities to begin.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party and need a specialty cocktail or you just like to craft seasonal cocktails to enjoy during your holiday movie marathons, you simply must try this sugar cookie martini. Rimmed with vanilla frosting and sprinkles, this is the boozy dessert drink we can’t stop sippin’ this season.

What’s In a Sugar Cookie Martini?

• Vanilla vodka: Vanilla-flavored liquor acts as a solid base for this drink. Almost every baked good has vanilla extract, and it’s an absolute staple when it comes to Christmas cookies (and martinis).
• Amaretto liqueur: This sweet Italian liqueur tastes a lot like almonds and gives the drink a bitter flavor to help offset the accompanying sweet components.
• RumChata: This cinnamon-heavy rum cream drink is meant to echo horchata. With cinnamon and spice being perfect representatives of the holiday season, cream liqueur adds to the cookie flavoring of this martini.
• Half-and-half: Not as heavy as regular whipping cream, half-and-half gives the drink a nice plain filler that mixes well with the other sweet-flavored ingredients.

Here are some of our favorite boozy holiday cocktails to shake and stir this season too.

@bevsbybeverly Day 22 of 25 Holiday Cocktails #sugarcookiemartini #rumchatadrink #christmascocktail #bartendersoftiktok #holidayrecipes #martinis #sugarcookie Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt

Sugar Cookie Martini Recipe

The following recipe makes one drink. Double it to pour two cocktails.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce vanilla vodka
• 1 ounce amaretto liqueur
• 2 ounces RumChata
• 1/2 ounce half-and-half
• Ice
• Vanilla frosting, enough to rim the glass
• Christmas sprinkles

Directions

Step 1: Rim the glass

Start by rimming your martini glass (or any stemmed type of cocktail glass) with vanilla frosting. Next, cover the frosting with sprinkles. Red and green and even gold will make this cocktail festive. Nonpareils hold up nicely in the frosting, but sanding sugar works too!

Step 2: Pour the cocktail

In a shaker, mix your vanilla vodka, amaretto liqueur, RumChata, half-and-half and ice. Once thoroughly shaken, transfer the liquid into your frosting-rimmed glass and enjoy with some of our favorite sugar cookie recipes.

The post This Sugar Cookie Martini Will Be Your Go-To Holiday Drink appeared first on Taste of Home.

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

Why is there a sugar shortage?

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

When will the sugar shortage end?

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

What is the best sugar alternative?

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

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

What is white velvet cake?

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

White velvet vs. red velvet

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

White Velvet Cake Recipe

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

Ingredients

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

Frosting:

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

Directions

Step 1: Prep the cake pans

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

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

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

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

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

Step 4: Bake the cakes

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

Step 5: Make the frosting

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

Step 6: Assemble and frost the cake

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

Tips for Making White Velvet Cake

Cream the butter and sugar fully

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

Keep the bright white color with egg whites

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

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

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

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

Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili Recipe

This recipe makes six servings.

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1: Saute and season

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

Step 2: Add the tomatoes

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

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

Step 3: Roast the chicken

Preheat the oven to 350F.

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

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

Step 4: Chop and combine

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

Here’s What We Thought

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

Tips for Making the Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

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

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

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

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

Why does Costco check receipts?

To prevent shoplifting

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

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

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

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

To check prices

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last year, McDonald’s released adult Happy Meals in collaboration with Cactus Plant Flea Market. Well, they were such a hit that McD’s is back with an all-new collab, this time with artist, creative director, host and icon Kerwin Frost. And he brought along some brand-new McNugget Buddies.

Make room next to your Halloween McNugget buddies for this “reimagined” McDonald’s throwback.

What’s in the adult Happy Meal?

This year’s adult Happy Meal (officially called the Kerwin Frost Box) is full of McDonald’s classics and new McNugget toys. First, customers choose between a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets and a Big Mac. Both meals comes with fries, a soft drink and one of six Kerwin Frost-designed McNugget Buddy collectible toys. ’90s kids, are you ready to add to your beloved collection?

Heads up: Your soda won’t come from a self-serve fountain.

Who are the new McNugget Buddies?

The new buddiesKerwin Frost, Don Bernice, Uptown Moe, Waffutu, BRRRICK and Darlahave mix-and match outfits with unique stories.

Kerwin Frost is described as “the Mayor of Frost Way” who adores art and helps encourage the other Buddies. Meanwhile, Uptown Moe is a supportive street savvy Neighborhood Hero, Darla is a soft-spoken and self-assured singer and Waffutu is a lovable optimist. BRRRICK, aka “The Cool Guy,” is an adventurous, pun-speaking, techno music fan and Don Bernice is “The Wise Stylist” who makes outfits for all the other Buddies.

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While the toys are new, the nostalgic McNugget Buddies from Frost’s childhood acted as a source of inspiration.

When can I get an adult happy meal?

The Kerwin Frost Box drops on Monday, December 11. Not too long to wait! Plus, part of the proceeds will go to the Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA), an organization that helps elevate and amplify artists. That’s a total win-win.

If you want to add to a McNugget Buddy to your collection, or would love to indulge in a nostalgic Happy Meal, don’t wait too long once the adult Happy Meals are officially out. The Kerwin Frost boxes are only available while supplies last. In other words, mark your calendar ASAP!

The post McDonald’s Is Bringing Back Its Popular Adult Happy Meals in December appeared first on Taste of Home.

That’s where “everyone’s grandmother,” aka Babs Costello, saves the day. Because, of course she does! 74-year old TikTok sensation @brunchwithbabs) has share all types of household hacks, in and out of the kitchen. Her tips cut our pumpkin carving time in half this Halloween. Now, let’s say goodbye to pesky water rings and stains after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, the Babs way.

5 Tricks to Help Clean Up After Your Guests

“Are you planning any holiday get-togethers?” Babs asks. If so, follow these holiday cleaning tips that are fully grandma-approved.

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A post shared by Babs (@brunchwithbabs)

Remove water rings with mayonnaise

It can be a pain to constantly remind guests to use a coaster. And, let’s face it, water rings on surfaces during a gathering are inevitable. Babs tells us not to sweat it. Just grab a couple paper towels and dab some mayonnaise on the water ring. Yes, mayonnaise! Don’t clean it up right away. Instead, leave the paper towel over the stain for a few hours or as long as overnight. Then apply furniture cleaner for extra polish. Voila, stain be gone.

One commenter endorsed the trick, saying the water ring “was gone in the morning” after leaving the mayo overnight. I’m adding this to my go-to cleaning hacks, immediately.

Get rid of red wine stains with white wine

It’s devastating to see red wine stains on the carpet. Luckily, Babs works her magic by removing the stain with…white wine! Babs advises pouring “just enough to cover” directly onto the stain before blotting with a clean cloth or paper towels. If the stain persists, sprinkle baking soda on top. Let it sit for five minutes, vacuum it up and blot again. Finish with dish detergent and water-soaked paper towels.

Bonus: This trick also works on tablecloths!

Hand-wash wine glasses for a spotless finish

Save dishwasher space “and get the glasses spotless,” Babs says. First, wash and dry the glasses individually rather than loading them into the dishwasher. Put the glasses in warm soapy water and hand wash to get the rims nice and clean. Sanitize glasses by draining the sink, refilling it with warm water and adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Soak the glasses for around five minutes, then rinse and dry.

Use a cheap homemade surface cleaner

Put your spotless wine glasses on spotless surfaces! Babs shares this recipe for homemade surface cleaner: “two parts water to one part white vinegar, [and] stir,” before pouring into a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner onto paper towelsor a clean cloth and make your surfaces dazzle.

Keep your floor mop clean

Before you mop, Babs says to wrap a paper towel around your mop head and spray it with a cleaner of choice. (Babs uses Viva paper towels and her own homemade cleaner.) Mop away!

In Babs’ Instagram comments, one fan says, “I want to come to Babs and Mr. Babs house for the next party!” And with holiday cleaning tips like these, we can’t help but agree!

The post 5 Simple Holiday Cleaning Tips from Babs Costello, ‘The Internet’s Grandma’ appeared first on Taste of Home.

Why is canned cranberry sauce stored upside-down?

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

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

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

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

What is the best canned cranberry sauce to buy?

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies

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

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

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

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

This recipe makes 12 or 16 brownies.

Ingredients

Brownies:

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

Pecan topping:

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

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

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

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients

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

Step 3: Bake the brownie layer

Bake the brownie layer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prep the pecan pie topping

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

Step 5: Cool and cut the brownies

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

How to Store Pecan Pie Brownies

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

Pecan Pie Brownie Tips

Can you use boxed brownie mix in a pinch?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Make Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dough and filling

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

Step 2: Coat the dough

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

Step 3: Air fry apple pie bombs

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

Tips for Making Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

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

Which apples are the best for this treat?

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

Can I use anything besides biscuit dough?

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

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

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

Does turkey make you sleepy?

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

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

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

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

What else makes you feel tired post-Thanksgiving feast?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Martha Stewart Creamed Spinach Recipe

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

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1: Cook and chop spinach

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

Step 2: Prepare saucepan

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

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

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

Tips for Martha Stewart’s Creamed Spinach Recipe

Can you use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

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

Can you use heavy cream instead of milk?

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

What should I serve with creamed spinach?

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

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

If you’re looking for a delicious winter breakfast that mimics those seasonal flavors, look no further. This recipe for gingerbread overnight oats is the perfect way to enjoy dessert but as a hearty breakfast to fill you up on chilly winter days. (And if you haven’t tried this breakfast prep idea yet, these are some of our favorite overnight oats recipes.)

Key Ingredients in Gingerbread Overnight Oats

• Rolled oats: As the base of this recipe, rolled oats are the key ingredient for gingerbread overnight oats. Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats are larger and thicker, which are best for liquid absorption. It’s best to skip quick or instant oats for this recipe.
• Milk: Milk introduces liquid to the mixture. You can choose to use whole or 2% milk, or you can opt for a nondairy milk.
• Cinnamon, ginger and clove: This combination of spices is what brings out the flavor of these overnight oats. You can choose to increase or decrease the amount based on how strong you prefer the gingerbread flavor to be.
• Molasses: Molasses is a main ingredient for making gingerbread cookies, and it’s a highlight in this recipe as well. The thick syrup adds a robust flavor and a touch of sweetness to the overnight oats mixture. And besides, having a jar of it means you can make even more amazing molasses recipes.

Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe

This recipe makes two servings but can easily be doubled for extra servings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon clove
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon molasses

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and clove. Whisk to combine.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients

Mix in the milk, Greek yogurt and molasses.

Step 3: Chill oats overnight

If you’d like individual servings, divide the mixture into small jars with lids. The mixture can also be kept in the bowl and covered with a lid. Let the oats sit overnight in the fridge or for at least four hours. Top with a drizzle of molasses and walnuts, if desired, before serving.

How to Store Gingerbread Overnight Oats

Overnight oats should be stored in the fridge. Because the mixture contains dairy, it should not be left out at room temperature for too long. Store the oats in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.

Tips for Making Gingerbread Overnight Oats

Can overnight oats be made dairy-free?

This recipe can be made by using regular milk, or you can swap it out for an even amount of almond milk or oat milk. The Greek yogurt can also be omitted to make these overnight oats entirely dairy-free.

Are gingerbread overnight oats healthy?

Overnight oats can be part of a balanced diet. The base of oats provides great fiber, and the addition of Greek yogurt makes these oats creamy and protein-rich. This recipe relies on brown sugar for sweetness, but that can be reduced or omitted if desired.

What else can I add to my gingerbread overnight oats?

This recipe provides a great base for flavorful gingerbread overnight oats. However, it is entirely customizable. Consider adding chia seeds or crushed pecans or walnuts to the mixture. If you’d prefer a sweeter batch of overnight oats, add additional brown sugar or swap the brown sugar for pure maple syrup (These are the best maple syrups you can buy). If you want to turn these overnight oats into dessert, serve them topped with whipped cream and crumbled pieces of gingerbread cookiesor a whole decorated gingerbread cookie for pretty presentation!

The post How to Make Gingerbread Overnight Oats for a Festive Winter Breakfast appeared first on Taste of Home.

You may hold onto Costco receipts (especially for the occasional smiley face ), but not everyone does. It’s easy to lose receipts or throw them away by accident. I know I’ve done it.

Luckily, Costco has yet another member benefit for us. If you don’t have a Costco receipt, there’s a good chance you won’t need it for a return anyway.

What is the Costco return policy?

According to Costco’s website, “with few exceptions, Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee.” If members aren’t satisfied with a purchase, they can return it to any warehouse. Costco’s return policy is known to be incredibly generous, even accepting some returns years after the purchase date.

Can you make a Costco return without a receipt?

Yes, you can make many Costco returns without a receipt. It helps if you have the receipt or product packaging, but the receipt isn’t necessary. The chain tracks purchases on Costco membership accounts. So while you will need your membership card or number, you won’t need a receipt.

@investwithnat Get your money back from costco for items you didnt like!! #costcoreturns #costcorecipt #budgettok #moneytok #returnpolicy Little Things – Tiqta

Gen-Z “finance bestie” Nat (@investwithnat) advises members to use this policy to return impulse buys or items you aren’t thrilled with. Don’t overdo it, though. Krazy Coupon Lady says she’s “heard of memberships getting canceled for too many returns.” And we wouldn’t be surprised as Costco has cracked down on other policies like membership card sharing.

Is there anything youcan’t return to Costco?

There are some Costco items that you can’t return, as well as others that need to be returned within a specific timeframe. Tickets to “Live Performance Event Items” (yes, Costco sells tickets to concerts and sports events), gold bullion or gold bars and shop cards are all on the non-refundable list.

Electronics including televisions and other major appliances like refrigerators, freezers, microwaves and cooktops all need to be returned within 90 days.

For the most part, though, you can almost guarantee that if an item is Costco-bought, it will be returnable. If that doesn’t make it onto the list of why Costco memberships are worth it, I’m not sure what does.

The post You Can Make a Costco Return Without a Receipt—Here’s How appeared first on Taste of Home.

Bring in the latest McDonald’s mystery: Why do some of its cup lids have rectangular buttons? I mean, the cup lids already have circular buttons. Is there a reason some McDonald’s cup lids have both while others don’t?

This isn’t the first time we’ve scratched our heads about a McDonald’s choice. Its McFlurry spoons, which will be phased out after nearly 30 years, famously sparked debates about the square handle. Now, people are puzzled by McDonald’s cup lids.

The Origin of This Mystery

This McDonald’s mystery was brought to lightand solvedin a viral TikTok. In a 10 second video that now has over 1.4 million likes, Michael Mckee shows viewers a McDonald’s cup lid with rectangular and round buttons. Then, Michael pushes down the circular buttons of the cup lid. When he pushes the rectangular buttons down, the circle button beside it immediately pops up with a “click” sound.

@mckeenike1121 All this time wasted not doing this on road trips to annoy my siblings🤦🏻‍♂️ #today #years #old #fyp original sound – Michael Mckee

Needless to say, the internet had a lot to sayand debateabout the buttons. I think we can all agree with one commenter who wrote, “that’s what those other tabs are for!?”

Why McDonald’s Cup Lids Have Rectangular Buttons

Each round button on a McDonald’s cup lid is labeled with an abbreviation so workers and customers know which drink is which. Here’s where the rectangular buttons come in: If a McDonald’s employee mistakenly presses the wrong circle button down indicating an incorrect drink order, they can easily change it.

Yup, that’s the McDonald’s secret! It’s a small detail, but it can prevent any confusion or need to remake drinks. That way, customers won’t drink McDonald’s Coke thinking its Dr Pepper or vice versa. Mix ups, be gone at the touch of a button! It’s that simple.

For the resolution of more McDonald’s mysteries, take a look at the truth behind popular McDonald’s rumors.

The post If Your McDonald’s Cup Lid Has Rectangular Buttons, This Is What It Means appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you can’t choose between pumpkin pie and pecan pie for your table, we have a genius solution: pumpkin pecan cobbler. Why choose one flavor when you can have both? This cozy dessert combines them so you can enjoy two favorites in every forkful.

What is a pumpkin pecan cobbler?

In the dessert family of cobblers, a pumpkin pecan cobbler brings a classic fall combination to a homey dessert. While peach cobbler tends to be what instantly comes to mind at the word “cobbler,” the dessert can be made with a variety of fruit fillings. (Or chicken, like this chicken cobbler recipe calls for!) Get ready for a creation that is so mouthwatering you’ll be asking for another slice in no time.

How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

This recipe from creator Kiley O’Donnell is a soft and gooey addition to any fall potluck, Friendsgiving or holiday table. She describes the dessert as “literally fall in a dish,” so we’re sold.

@wellmadebykiley PUMPKIN PECAN GRANOLA COBBLER This pumpkin pecan granola cobbler seriously melts in your mouth 🍂 #Recipe Details: Ingredients: – 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour @Bobs Red Mill – 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice – 2 tsp baking powder – 1/2 tsp salt – 3/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar – 1/4 cup butter, melted – 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – 1/3 cup milk – 2 tsp vanilla extract Topping: – 1/2 cup granola of choice OR chopped pecans (I used @Purely Elizabeth cranberry pecan granola) – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1/2 cup brown sugar – 1 1/2 cups hot water Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F. Coat an 8 cast iron skillet, round pan, or 8×8 baking dish lightly with nonstick spray; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. The batter will be thick! Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Then make your topping. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown and granulated sugar. Then stir in the granola or pecans. Sprinkle the topping mixture on top of the batter. Pour the hot water all over the top of the topping and do NOT stir. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet. Bake at 350F for 50-55 minutes, or until golden and the center is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve war, with a scoop of ice cream if desired. Enjoy! #pumpkin #pecan #granola #cobbler #pumpkincobbler #pumpkinrecipe #fall #baking #fallbaking #easy #easyrecipe #breakfast #dessert I’ve Been In Love – Jungle

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1-1/2 cups hot water

Editor’s Tip: In a pinch, replace the pecans with granola. Kiley uses this Purely Elizabeth granola out of necessity, since she didn’t have pecans. However, Kiley calls the granola addition “the best decision ever,” which makes this swap tempting to try.

Directions

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients

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

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

Then, whisk together the wet ingredients in another bowl: pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter and vanilla extract. Kiley suggests mixing the ingredients together “until the mixture is smooth.”

Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Combine the ingredients in a single large bowl and mix, preferably with a spatula or wooden spoon. Expect the batter to be pretty thick as you’re mixing. Take that batter and spread it into a prepared baking dish.

You can use an 8-inch cast-iron skillet, round pan or 8×8-inch baking dish. Just coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 4: Mix topping and add to the batter

Now, it’s time for the topping. Start off by mixing the two sugars in a medium bowl before adding the pecans. Then, lightly sprinkle that topping mixture onto the top of the cobbler batter until it’s covered.

Step 5: Pour on hot water

Next, pour really hot water all over the top of the topping. This step is so important!

If you’re not sure how hot the water should be, try microwaving the water for 2 minutes like Kiley did. She emphasizes that you should not stir this mixture. Move the baking dish onto a baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake and serve

Once your oven is preheated to 350F, bake the cobbler for 50 to 55 minutes. It’s not an exact science, so you’ll know this cobbler is done for sure once its center is golden and set. Remove your cobbler from the oven, then allow it to cool for a solid 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dessert should be all gooey on the bottom, which means it will melt right in your mouth.

Users in Kiley’s Instagram comments couldn’t get enough of this dessert. “Unreal goodness,” one wrote. Another commented, “will just be over here dreaming of this…”, a sentiment I’m fully on board with!

The post People Are Making Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler and It Looks So Cozy appeared first on Taste of Home.

To be honest, most of the “work” to prepare these 15-hour potatoes is done either in the oven or overnight in the refrigerator. This means all you’re really doing for 15 hours is daydreaming about crispy potatoes. Which, at least for me, is what I spend most of my day doing anyway.

So, let’s make our potato dreams a reality. Grab a bag of spuds, and let’s get cooking.

What is the 15-Hour Potato?

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you’ve likely seen these delectable potatoes (and these viral French onion soup potatoes) in your feed. Thinly sliced layers of potatoes are compressed into a pan and slowly baked in a bath of herby garlic confit before being chilled overnight, cut into cubes, and then fried to golden perfection. Drooling yet? I know I am!

How to Make the 15-Hour Potato

This recipe was originally shared by TikTok creator @poppycooks and will make two to four servings.

@poppycooks Episode 11 ✨ the gorgeous gorgeous garlic 15 hour potato ✨ 🥔❤️ #garlic #confitgarlic #15hourpotato Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 5 to 6 medium potatoes)
• 1-1/2 cups ghee, duck fat or beef tallow, melted
• 2 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 2 springs of fresh rosemary
• 1 to 2 dried chiles (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Make the garlic confit

Preheat oven to 250F. In a small oven-safe baking dish with a lid, combine your choice of fat, whole garlic cloves, rosemary and chiles (if using). If the garlic cloves are not fully submerged, add additional fat to completely cover the garlic. Cover and bake until cloves are lightly golden and very tender, about one hour.

Editor’s Tip: You can change the herbs used in the confit to any you enjoy. Fresh thyme, basil, sage or bay leaves are all wonderful options. If you don’t have whole dried chiles, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also be used. To shave off a little time, opt for roasted garlic rather than confit.

Step 2: Puree until smooth

Remove the rosemary and chiles from the garlic confit and transfer the garlic and the rendered fat to a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Slice the potatoes

Peel the potatoes to remove the skins. Then, using a mandolin, thinly slice the potatoes.

Editor’s Tip: We’re going for paper-thin slices. Use cut-resistant safety gloves to protect your precious hands and fingers.

Step 4: Coat with the garlic confit paste

Next, gently toss the potato slices with the garlic confit paste in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Step 5: Layer upon layer

Line a loaf pan with parchment, leaving a few inches hanging over the edges on the long sides of the pan. Grease the pan with additional ghee, duck fat or beef tallow (or even wagyu tallow), then layer in the potato slices, overlapping slightly and compressing them as you work. Keep layering until you’re about 1/2-inch from the top of the pan.

Step 6: Weigh, bake and chill

Preheat oven to 300. Fold the extra parchment over the top of the potatoes, then bake for three hours or until tender. Remove and adjust the parchment to ensure the potatoes are completely covered, and then fill the baking pan to the top with pie weights. Transfer the baked potato “loaf” to the fridge and chill for at least eight hours.

Editor’s Tip: Waiting is the hardest part. Don’t be tempted to pull the potatoes too early. Compressing and chilling the potatoes is key to ensure the spuds hold their shape and don’t fall apart while slicing and cooking. If you have a lot of patience, you can even let the potatoes chill for up to 24 hours, making these a great make-ahead side dishtoo.

Step 7: Slice into cubes

Carefully unmold the potato loaf from the pan onto a cutting board. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes.

Step 8: Fry in batches

Preheat a deep fryer to 375. Then, working in batches of three or four potatoes at a time, fry until golden and crispy, about two or three minutes. (If you’re a newbie to frying, don’t miss our guide for deep-frying with confidence.)

Editor’s Tip: We found keeping the cut potato cubes in the refrigerator in between frying batches helped the potatoes hold their shape best since it kept the fat between the potato layers nice and solid until they were ready to hit the deep fryer.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy

Remove the potatoes to a paper towel-lined baking tray to drain, sprinkle with flaky sea salt (a special type of salt that makes all the difference), and then serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the 15-Hour Potato

What can I use if I don’t have pie weights?

If you don’t have pie weights and are not interested in investing in a package, there are other ways to weigh down your layered potatoes as they bake. Just like when making pie crust, a few cups of dried beans or uncooked rice are both great affordable options.

What’s the best potato to use for 15-hour potatoes?

While some 15-hour potato recipes call for russet potatoes, we found that Yukon gold potatoes were the best type of potato for this recipe. They cooked up wonderfully crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

What can I use to slice the potatoes if I don’t have a mandolin slicer?

If you don’t own a mandolin, there are other kitchen tools that can also slice potatoes paper thin. A vegetable peeler or cheese plane are two affordable options that are likely already in your kitchen cupboards. Some food processors come with attachments for slicing vegetables very thin too. In a pinch, a very sharp knife can also work; your slices just may not be quite as thin.

Where can I buy duck fat or beef tallow?

While creator Poppy O’Toole uses duck fat and beef tallow in her recipes, she also says ghee or clarified butter can work for this recipe. We opted to test with ghee since it is typically more accessible than duck fat or beef tallow for most readers. However, duck fat and tallow do make some incredibly good potatoes, so if you want to track it down, check with your local butcher or at your nearest specialty foods store. Duck fat and beef tallow are both also available for purchase online.

What should I serve with 15-hour potatoes?

Serve 15-hour potatoes with a side of ketchup, ranch or any of your favorite dipping sauces. We also imagine these would make an over-the-top swap for fries in a classic poutine recipe. As a side dish, they’d also be delish with a whole roasted chicken or roast beef with gravy.

The post I Made TikTok’s 15-Hour Potatoes, and They’re Everything I Dreamed They Would Be appeared first on Taste of Home.

You could argue that the holiday season starts once Peppermint Mocha is on the menu. The annual Red Cup Day helps kick off the season, too. The sacred day means coffee drinks will unwrap the gift of a free Starbucks reusable cup. It’s time to sip Peppermint Hot Chocolate and cozy up for this year’s Hallmark Countdown to Christmas!

How can I get a Starbucks red cup?

This magical day (and really, it only lasts a day) allows Starbucks customers to pick up a free reusable red holiday cup with a special design. This is the sixth year of red Starbucks cups, and the design is extra enchanting, as it features a festive red, white and green twinkling pattern.

To pick up a Starbucks red cup, order any size handcrafted holiday beverage!

What drinks count for Red Cup Day?

• Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
• Caramel Brulee Latte
• Chestnut Praline Latte
• Gingerbread Latte
• Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
• Hot Chocolate
• Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Peppermint Mocha
• Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
• White Hot Chocolate

From tall to venti, there’s no way I’m missing out on a Gingerbread Latte with a free red cup.

The cups emanate more than holiday cheerthey’re also super sustainable. Starbucks wants to cut its waste footprint in half by 2030, so the cups are made with 75% recycled materials (up from 50% last year). In other words, your coffee is run better for the environment and full of holiday cheer. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Don’t forget that customers who opt for a reusable cup (red cups and beyond) earn a $0.10 order discount. Rewards members also get 25 extra bonus Stars on future orders when they bring in their reusable red cup.

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day?

Red Cup Day is back at Starbucks for its sixth season on November 16. Don’t wait too late in the day, because the red cups are only available while supplies last. (And let’s face it, supplies are likely to go quickly.) Free red cups are included with orders made in-store, at the drive-thru or through the Starbucks app and Starbucks Delivers.

There’s no doubt we’ll add this year’s red cup to our fave Starbucks cups and tumblers list. Until then, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow red cups!

The post Red Cup Day Returns to Starbucks on November 16—Here’s How to Score a Free Cup appeared first on Taste of Home.

Why do people love Mama Kelce?

Mama who? That’d be Donna Kelce, mom of NFL players Jason and Travis. Travis has been scoring major headlines due to reports that he’s dating superstar Taylor Swift, who’s been spotted alongside his mom at Kansas City Chiefs games.

Mama’s obviously beloved by her boys, and her unfussy recipes are popular too. Her chocolate-chip cookie recipe, which uses two varieties of chips and other clever ingredients, is a game-changer. So it’s no surprise that another of Mama Kelce’s recipes is now making the rounds: her super-special dinner rolls.

In a Mythical Kitchen YouTube video, son Jason dubs them the “Mama Kelce dinner rolls” and joked that they’re the “only thing” he wants at Thanksgiving dinner. Or maybe he wasn’t joking?

What makes the Mama Kelce marshmallow rolls recipe special?

Mama Kelce’s famed rollsfilled with marshmallow, cinnamon and sugarare based on a Pillsbury Bake-Off winning recipe from 1969, Pillsbury’s Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs.

Simply put, you dip a marshmallow in melted butter and cinnamon-sugar, roll it up in dough, and bake. The heat of the oven melts the marshmallow, so when you break a roll open, it’s hollow and round. If you celebrate Easter, you may know them as “resurrection rolls,” because the hollow center has been compared to the shape of Jesus’ empty tomb on Easter morning. So they’re both delicious and a bit of a curiosity.

Mama Kelce’s Marshmallow Rolls Recipe

The official recipe from Pillsbury serves 16, but make as many as you want. This recipe is super easy to adjustsimply keep dipping marshmallows and rolling till you’ve got enough to feed your own team.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 16 large marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 teaspoons milk
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Step 1: Create the sugar mixture

Heat your oven to 375F, and spray 16 medium muffin cups with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix sugar, flour and cinnamon. Melt butter in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Assemble the rolls

Separate the dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip one marshmallow into the bowl of melted butter and then roll it in the sugar mixture. Place the marshmallow on the top point of the triangle. Holding the marshmallow in place, roll up the dough, until reaching the base of the triangle.

Completely cover the marshmallow with dough by firmly pinching the edges to seal. Dip one end in the remaining butter and place butter-side down in a muffin cup.

Step 3: Bake the rolls

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for one minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups and place on cooling racks set over waxed paper.

Editor’s Tip: You can place a sheet of foil or a baking sheet with a high rim on the lower rack to catch any spills.

Step 4: Drizzle with glaze

In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and milk. Add more or less milk depending on how thin or thick you prefer your glaze. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with nuts if desired, and serve warm.

Here’s What I Thought

Crescent roll dough, marshmallows, cinnamon, sugar, butter and nutswhat’s not to love? These aren’t exactly healthy, but who doesn’t indulge on Thanksgiving?

The rolls were super simple to make, though a bit messy. And I love that you can make as many or as few as you want. Since they’re individual portions, just make sure you have enough marshmallows and enough crescent roll dough. Homemade dinner roll dough would also work when you have the time, but if you’re making these for Thanksgiving, take the easy way out and get store-bought!

You could easily enlist a young family member who’s learning to cook to helpevery step is simple enough for them to join in, plus it’s fun to dip and roll. Breaking the rolls open to see the hollow center inside where the marshmallow melted is a treat in itself.

Two warnings: First, even though I thought I’d rolled up the dough carefully, some marshmallow oozed out of several of the rolls while they baked, making a bit of a mess in my muffin pan. Second, the sugary glaze was a tasty addition, but it didn’t do much to help the chopped nuts stick.

Tastewise, these are a sweet treat for sureemphasis on the “sweet.” I think I’d like them best as a morning treat with coffee, replacing something like banana bread or a gooey cinnamon roll. The melted marshmallow center gave them such a dessert flavor that I had trouble envisioning them accidentally soaking up gravy on my Thanksgiving plate, and I sure wouldn’t use them for a turkey sandwich.

But, Mama Kelce’s marshmallow rolls recipe is delicious in its own way and delightful to make. Plus, isn’t it fun to imagine Travis introducing Taylor Swift to his mom’s roll recipe if the singer joins the Kelces for the holiday? Surely, she’d remember it all too well.

The post Mama Kelce’s Recipe for Dinner Rolls Is All We Need for Thanksgiving Day appeared first on Taste of Home.

Billed as “the world’s most visited dinner show attraction” with locations in Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner theater has drawn millions (the latest published count is a mind-blowing 20 million people) since its opening in 1988.

Famous for more than just its namesake, the four-course meal served in tandem with stunning live performances also keeps generations of fans coming back for more. Among the items that have been a mainstay on the menu for decades is the show’s beloved Dolly Parton Stampede Soup (a Southern recipe that Dolly loves).

Available exclusively at the show, this creamy, comforting soup is loaded with a medley of tender vegetables (just like Dolly’s stone soup recipe) bathed in a rich and flavorful creamy broth. Luckily, thanks to our easy copycat recipe, you can now enjoy this soup any night of the weekfrom 9 to 5. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect easy soup recipe to make on a busy weeknight.

How to Make the Dolly Parton Stampede Soup

Full disclosure: This is not Dolly’s official recipe. Dolly has not released the official recipe or ingredients for her famous Stampede Soup (she has shared her 5-layer casserole recipe, though), so we had to take some creative license to arrive at our copycat version.

Our Dolly Parton Stampede Soup recipe is based upon the ingredients disclosed in the Original Creamy Soup Mix available to purchase from the Dolly Parton’s Stampede website and various other copycat recipes around the web. When combined, we think our version is about as close as you’ll get to the real recipe without buying a ticket to the live show.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, partially thawed (e.g., a medley of green beans, carrots, corn and peas)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the broth

In a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot, combine the chicken stock, bay leaf, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Then, bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 2: Whisk in cornstarch and cream

In a small glass measuring cup, dissolve the cornstarch into the water, whisking together until lump-free.

Once the seasoned stock is simmering, whisk the cornstarch slurry and heavy cream into the pot, and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add the veggies

Add the vegetables to the soup (you can roughly chop them into smaller bite-sized pieces if yours are on the larger side). Bring the soup back to a simmer and then let cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: For this recipe, you may use 2 cups of canned mixed vegetables rather than frozen if you prefer. Just keep in mind that canned vegetables are often saltier than frozen, so you may wish to reduce the amount of salt added to the soup. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and increase from there to suit your tastes.

Step 4: Serve

Once thickened, remove the bay leaf and then stir in the fresh parsley. Ladle into bowls and serve hot (preferably alongside a batch of Dolly’s famous buttermilk biscuits). Enjoy!

Editor’s Tip: If your soup thickens too much, you can thin the soup with a little milk or additional chicken stock until it reaches your desired consistency.

Here’s What I Thought

This soup is so cozy, so comforting and oh-so-easy! We can see why this creamy soup recipe has been a staple at Dolly’s Stampede show for so many years. (It’s certainly up there with our other favorite creamy soup recipes.) The simple medley of ingredients and creamy consistency tastes like a hug from home. Just like Dolly’s hearty chicken and dumplings, this recipe is loaded with good old-fashioned flavors rooted in Southern charm and hospitality.

The post I Made Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup, and It’s a Bowl of Southern Charm and Comfort appeared first on Taste of Home.

What!? It’s true. Regular Trader Joe’s shoppers may have noticed that the chain does not offer coupons orsales. Less frequent Trader Joe’s customers may wonder: How is this possible? It turns out, Trader Joe’s has a reason for its no- coupon policy. Luckily, there’s still one type of coupon customers can use at Trader Joe’s when it comes to saving.

Why doesn’t Trader Joe’s have coupons or sales?

According to Trader Joe’s website, the chain doesn’t have sales because they aim to have “low prices, every day.” The store emphasizes that they have no coupons, membership cards (unlike Costco memberships) or discounts. This goes for online or in-store. Trader Joe’s says it rejects “glitzy promotions or couponing wars” at its stores. Instead, they offer “the best everyday values, every day.” And when it comes to its occasional free flowers and cheap items, this certainly rings true. Despite not having coupons, though, the chain still accepts one particular type of coupon.

This Is the Only Type of Coupon Trader Joe’s Accepts

While Trader Joe’s store products are off the table when it comes to discounts, the store does accept coupons for other types of products. More specifically, non-Trader Joe’s products. These coupons are known as manufacturer coupons. Here’s how they work.

What is a manufacturer’s coupon?

Manufacturer coupons are coupons issued by a product’s manufacturer. This means that if TJ’s carries a product not affiliated with Trader Joe’s, you can redeem a coupon for it. While the majority of products at Trader Joe’s are Trader Joe’s made, some are not! Aka, there are opportunities to save at the beloved chain. You may just have to search for them.

Do all Trader Joe’s locations have to accept manufacturer coupons?

Yes, all Trader Joe’s locations accept manufacturer coupons. According to Krazy Coupon Lady, “It’s a little-known fact that all Trader Joe’s locations accept manufacturer coupons.” So, if you’re looking to save next time you go to Trader Joe’s, check out its items that aren’t Trader Joe’s made. If you happen to find a coupon for them, it may just save you a few dollars.

The post There’s Only One Way to Use Coupons at Trader Joe’s—Here’s How appeared first on Taste of Home.

Warmly spiced with curry powder, infused with freshly picked apples and high-quality apple cider (or homemade apple cider) and chock-full of vitamin-rich butternut squash, this simple fall soup recipe comes together in a little over an hour and yields enough to serve a crowd. You can enjoy it on its own as a light meal, or pair it with a bright arugula salad or everything bread.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Butternut Squash Soup

Ina’s recipe makes 3-1/2 quarts; approximately 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large)
• 2 tablespoons mild curry powder
• 5 pounds butternut squash (2 large)
• 1-1/2 pounds sweet apples, such as McIntosh (4 apples)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups good apple juice or cider

Directions

Step 1: Saute

In a large stockpot over low heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the onions and curry powder and cook, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the onions are tender and have started to caramelize lightly.

Editor’s Tip: Curry powders are all a little bit different; some can be rather spicy. For best results, choose a curry powder you are familiar with, or start with less and add more to suit your taste preferences. This will ensure the curry does not overpower the other fall flavors in the soup.

Step 2: Peel and chop

Meanwhile, peel and chop the butternut squash and apples into large chunks (remove the seeds from the squash and core the apple). For uniform cooking, try your best to cut the squash and apples into pieces that are roughly the same size.

Step 3: Simmer

When the onions are tender, add the squash, apples, salt, pepper and 2 cups of water to the pot. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the squash and apples are very soft.

Editor’s Tip: If your apples and squash are not quite tender after 40 minutes, give the mixture a stir, cover, and continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. The squash and apples are ready when easily mashed with a fork.

Step 4: Puree

Remove the pot from the heat and then, in batches, puree the soup in a food processor fitted with a steel blade or process the soup through a food mill. You could also use an immersion blender to process the soup directly in the pot.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the soup to the pot and then stir in the apple cider. If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra water until the desired consistency is reached. Season with additional salt and pepper, and serve hot with your favorite crusty bread on the side (preferably smeared with Ina’s favorite butter).

Here’s What I Thought

Yum! If this soup doesn’t deserve the top spot on Ina’s list of favorite foods to make and eat, I don’t know what does. If you’re looking for a cozy, velvety smooth soup to enjoy this fall and winter, look no further. The apples and butternut squash pair beautifully together, and the warm curry spices add just the right amount of heat to counter the sweetness from the produce.

While this soup is excellent served without any garnish, we found topping the soup with a bit of diced roasted butternut squash and a light splash of cream was the perfect finish.

The post I Made Ina Garten’s Butternut Squash Soup, and It’s My New Fall Favorite appeared first on Taste of Home.

Years post-grad, being able to spend more than $3 on wine doesn’t mean I want to break the bank on nicer bottles. Before get-togethers with friends, I used to panic in the wine aisle poring over labels, reading all the flavor profiles and checking the price tags only to end up with my go-to cabernet or sauv blanc anyway.

I started drinking Aldi wine because having 10 higher-end wines to choose from rather than 10 full aisles is so much less daunting. It’s easier to branch out beyond my favorites, toobecause why not try a good Ctes de Provence ros?

Here are the wines I love at Aldi for fall and winter gatherings, plus a few I’ll keep on hand year round for dinner at home and date nights in.

10 Bottles of Aldi Wine I Love (and You Should, Too)

While I’m not hosting any holiday parties this year, I’m definitely bringing these to Friendsgiving and helping my family stock the bar for Christmasnot to mention restocking my own bar cart to sip throughout the holidays while I decorate my tree and bake my Christmas cookies.

Let’s pop the Prosecco, decant the cabernet and add some Aldi bottles to your wine refrigerator.

Rioja Reserva, Spain

The Rioja Reserva ($8.99) from Spain offers hints of cherry, blackcurrant and vanilla in this red wine that almost feels spiced. It goes through 30 months of aging in an oak barrel and, because it’s a younger red, is best served a little cooler than room temperature.

Pairs well with:Beef tenderloin, lamb chops and hearty casseroles.

Barossa Valley Shiraz, Australia

Shiraz grapes are the specialty in Australia’s Barossa Valley, and this full-bodied red wine ($9.99) lives up to its expectations. With hints of spiced plum and blueberries, this would be an excellent wine to bring to a holiday feast or a charcuterie-style dinner, as it’s a great cheese-pairing wine. To note: Aldi’s Barossa Valley Shiraz has a screw top, so no worries if the wine opener is nowhere to be found.

Pairs well with:Red meats and various cheeses

Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Italy

A DOCG label on an Italian wine means it’s been awarded the highest classification of Italian wines, so Aldi went above and beyond with this Prosecco ($10.99). Since sparkling wines are always a show-stopper for holiday cocktails, this Prosecco Superiore from Italy’s Valdobbiadene region will earn rave reviews. It’s definitely up there with our other top Prosecco picks.

Pairs well with:Fresh fruits, crisp salads and mild cheeses

Sparkling Brut Ros, France

Best served chilled, you’ll want to remember to pop this sparkling brut ros ($10.99) in the fridge 20 minutes before serving. Better yet, because it comes in such a beautifully engraved bottle, you can chill it in an ice bucket on your buffet for all your guests to see. A product of France, this sparkling rose wine is on the drier side and incredibly smooth.

Pairs well with:Creamy risotto or light appetizers

Ice wine, Canada

If you’ve never tried ice wine before, or you have had it and just don’t want to spend the money on the typically expensive wine, Aldi’s lower-pricebut not lower-qualityice wine from Canada ($14.99) gives you the perfect excuse to buy a bottle. It’s sold in bottles half the size of typical wine bottles because of the difficult fermentation process and lower yield. The grapes from the frozen vines create a sweet dessert wine that will delight your partygoers.

Pairs well with:Delicate, fruit-based desserts

Uco Valley Malbec, Argentina

If you enjoy a Rioja, you’ll probably enjoy the velvety blend of black cherry and spices in this Malbec too ($7.99). Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina is like the Napa Valley of California. Just like you know you’ll get good cabernet sauvignon in Napa Valley, you’ll get a rich Malbec from Uco Valley.

Pairs well with:Grilled meats and hearty pastas

Alto Adige Pinot Grigio, Italy

Another option from Italy, but this time a pinot grigio from the Alto Adige region, this floral white wine ($9.99) offers crisp, easy sipping for everyone from novice wine connoisseurs to those with a more developed palate. It’s on the drier side and the flavors will become more enhanced when served chilled.

Pairs well with:Pastas in cream sauces, fish, lighter chicken dinners and mild cheeses

Ctes de Provence Ros, France

The ros fans shopping for Aldi wines will be happy to know that there are two options for them in the Specially Selected range. Though both ross originate from France, this one from the Ctes de Provence region ($9.99) is a classic rose wine rather than sparkling. It has hints of fresh florals, citrus and marshmallow.

Pairs well with:Salmon, lamb and soft cheeses like burrata recipes

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand

If you enjoy other sauvignon blancs from New Zealand’s Marlborough region, you’re certain to enjoy this one ($9.99). Best served chilled, you’ll want to place it in the fridge for 20 minutes before pouring so guests can experience the full flavors in this tropical fruit-forward white wine. Another bonus is that it’s a screw top bottle rather than a cork, making it an easy picnic wine if you decide to stock up beyond the holidays.

Pairs well with:Summery salads, seafood dinners and light vegetable dishes

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California

After all these wines from around the world, we can’t forget about our own Napa Valley in the U.S. A classic cabernet sauvignon aged for 14 months in French oak, this is a full-bodied wine you’ll want on the Thanksgiving and Christmas table ($14.99). It has hints of blackcurrant like Spain’s Rioja, but it’s more velvety and has hints of chocolate rather than spices.

Pairs well with:Beef, poultry and pastas in red sauces

Where to Buy Aldi Wine

You can find Aldi wines at Aldi, of course. But only certain locations sell alcohol and will have wine in stock. You should check with your local Aldi to see if they carry alcohol. Further, the first five wines on our list above are only available this fall and winter, while the five at the end of the list are available year round.

The post 10 Budget-Friendly Bottles of Aldi Wine I Love for Fall and Winter appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is delicata squash?

It’s a small variety of winter squash recognized for its creamy-colored exterior with green or orange stripes. Delicata has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that people often compare to butternut squash or sweet potatoes. What’s special about this unique squash is that, unlike other varieties, delicata has a thin “delicate” skin that softens when it is cooked, so it does not need to be peeled away or eaten around (like in this quinoa-stuffed squash boat recipe).

Can you eat delicata squash skin?

Yes! Delicata have a thinner skin that’s perfectly soft and tender once cooked. There’s no peeling required, so you can eat it just as you would a summer squashskin and all!

Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 2 delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3-5 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Molasses, for drizzling
• Sea salt, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the spices

Preheat oven to 400F.

In a small bowl, combine the ginger, spices and maple syrup.

Editor’s Tip: Looking for something savory rather than sweet? Use the herby spice mixture from this simple butternut squash recipe instead.

Step 2: Season the squash

Add the prepared squash slices to a large bowl and drizzle them with the maple syrup mixture.

Editor’s Tip: While the flavor will be different, you could experiment with using honey as the main sweetener in this delicata squash recipe instead of maple syrup.

Step 3: Roast the squash

Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Turn and flip the squash to ensure all sides of the squash get some color and cook evenly. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until thesquash pieces are tender and the maple syrup is caramelized.

Editor’s Tip: Keep a close eye on the squash to ensure the sugars in the maple syrup do not burn. Yours may require less time, depending on your oven and how thick you’ve sliced the squash.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the roasted delicata squash from the oven and transfer to a plate for serving. Drizzle with molasses, sprinkle with sea salt and serve warm. Enjoy!

Up Next: Master the basics of making perfect spaghetti squash.

The post How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash appeared first on Taste of Home.

So leave it to Stanley Tucci to save the treasured pasta from demise. After all, the Searching for Italy host, actor and cookbook author has guided us through many a delicious Italian recipe. (Have you tried his divine six-ingredient pasta casserole yet?) If anyone can rescue a pasta to restock in our pantries, it would be Tucci.

Thanks to a new collaboration between Tucci and S.Pellegrino (whose company logo is, ironically, a star), fans can celebrate the holidays with the comfort of the homey pasta. Introducing the limited-time debut of S.Pellegrino stelline, aka the best holiday gift we could’ve asked for this season.

Here’s How Stanley Tucci and S.Pellegrino Are Reviving Pastina

Tucci and S.Pellegrino are helping pastina fans nationwide fill their pantries with pastina, thanks to the release of a limited-edition recipe kit. The recipe kitstocked with two bags of pastina, Italian products and other fresh staple ingredientsmeans anyone can whip up the two classic Italian pastina dishes.

“When we heard how dismayed fans were when one of their favorite pasta shapes was discontinued earlier this year, we wanted to find a way to help…along with help from our friend Stanley Tucci,” explains Sara Mayer, senior marketing manager at S.Pellegrino, in a press release.

Called Stelline Two Ways, fans can use the kit to make brodo di gallina con polpettine di pollo (chicken soup with tiny chicken meatballs) and pastina classica (Tucci’s pastina version). Ah, we can practically smell the hearty pasta recipes already!

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How to Enjoy Pastina, According to Stanley Tucci

In an interview withTaste of Home, Tucci says the recipes in the meal kit are simple and “very straightforward.” The meal kits are set up so “it’s all sort of there for youyou [do] have to do certain steps but not a huge amount.”

The first meal, brodo di gallina is one Tucci describes as “ridiculously delicious” and something his aunt made for Thanksgiving and throughout winter. Especially when one was sick. He said it’s an elevated take on chicken noodle soup made with hearty vegetables, handmade chicken meatballs and San Pellegrino’s stelline pasta. It’s also versatile. As Tucci explains, it can be cooked in a pot, pressure cooker, Instant Pot and slow cooker.

The second dish, pastina classica is made with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, butter and the stellinepasta. For fans missing the simple yet heartwarming comfort food, this dish is for you.

When can I get a Stanley Tucci pastina kit?

Interested pastina fans can get their hands on Stanley Tucci’s Stelline Two Waysrecipe kit now! The kits are even available on a special website dedicated to the collaboration. Don’t wait long if you’re interested though, as the kits are only available for a limited-time while supplies last.

Fans can further expect weekly drops of the kits on November 8, November 15 and November 27. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities to stock up on beloved pastina. The kits are $89 (which includes 2-day shipping). Well worth it for the pastina fan in your life.

“I’m honored to share my traditions with fans with this delicious recipe kit and play a role in bringing the classic star-shaped pasta to the many Americans who’ve been missing it,” Tucci says. As for us, we couldn’t agree more. When it comes to the pastina, the more the merrier this holiday season, indeed.

The post Stanley Tucci Is Bringing the Gift of Pastina Back for the Holiday Season appeared first on Taste of Home.

To settle the debate of which side is best, Campbell’s ‘State of the Sides’ Report reveals the most popular sides across the country!

What are the top five Thanksgiving sides in America?

From coast to coast, some sides are tried and true. These are the most popular Thanksgiving sides across the U.S.:

1. Mashed potatoes: The top spot goes to mashed potatoes! While this may be unsurprising (especially with how downright delicious mashed potatoes are), last year the side dish was in second place. This year, it took the crown.
2. Stuffing/dressing: In second place, we have stuffing, which was the most popular side dish last year.
3. Mac & cheese: Surprise! Mac & cheese takes the bronze medal. According to Campbell’s, Mac & cheese is exploding in popularity. Newly on the list, 27% of Americans ranked it as their favorite side. And we can’t blame ’em.
4. Sweet potatoes: Another type of potato coming through: sweet potatoes! Whether enjoyed as sweet potato pie or another classic sweet potato dish, I’m a fan.
5. Green bean casserole: Last but not least, we have green bean casserole. A total traditional Thanksgiving side.

The average American serves five sides at their Thanksgiving meal. In other words, if you’re looking for menu ideas, these top five may just do the trick.

Psst: While we can’t get enough of the most popular side dishes, we love these nearly forgotten (yet equally delicious) Thanksgiving sides, too!

What other sides are the most popular?

These top five aren’t the only ones to make the list. Campbell’s found that Colorado and Florida happen to love rolls and bread (and, same, really). Virginia and Illinois adore a Thanksgiving salad, while New York, Arizona, California and Connecticut opt for root vegetables.

You’ll likely find any number of these sides at a Virginia Thanksgiving meal, as 84% of Virginias prefer cooking sides to the turkey. Or in New Hampshire, where over half (59%) of respondents prefer traditional sides. Unlike Delaware and Alaska! Only 19% of Delaware respondents prefer traditional sides, while almost half of Alaskans (49%) prefer spicy sides. Yum!

The report had other fascinating findings, too. Nearly 6 in 10 Americans will celebrate Friendsgiving in 2023. Plus, Thanksgiving tables are likely to offer a wide variety of sides. 66% of Americans report that sides bring cultural heritage to the table. Georgians are especially fond of reflecting culture in side dishes, with 88% of Georgians reporting this to be true.

No matter the feast, we hope you’ll find your favorite Thanksgiving side at this year’s table! Don’t forget your Thanksgiving desserts. Those pair nicely with Thanksgiving sides, any day.

The post This Map Shows Every State’s Favorite Thanksgiving Side—Did It Get Yours Right? appeared first on Taste of Home.