Best Manual Pasta Maker

Marcato Atlas 180 Pasta Machine

As the wider version of the classic Marcato Atlas Pasta Machine, the Atlas 180 produces more pasta in less time. Uniting simplicity with versatility, it features a 9-numbered adjustable dial, so you can roll homemade pasta to your preferred thickness.8mm to 4mmat the touch of a button.

Using the machine was a breeze: I shaped my homemade pasta dough into a rectangle about 0.5-inches thick before feeding into the roller to form thin sheets. I then fed it through the cutters to shape the noodles. From start to finish, I had perfectly cut pasta in under five minutes!

The Marcato features two pasta cutters for making spaghetti and fettuccine. And you can purchase up to 12 additional attachments for other types of noodles, including pappardelle, linguine and capellini (talk about endless pasta-bilities!).

I especially liked that the Marcato’s roller is nearly 7-inches wide (which is wider than similar manual models on the market), which meant each crank of the handle generated more pasta in less time. I was also impressed by the sharp cutter blades, which resulted in perfectly cut noodles every time.

While this best pasta maker is a little pricier than other manual models on the market, its performance and time-saving features make it well worth the extra cost. Plus it was extremely fun and easy to usejust load the dough and crank the handle. Now you just need a pasta sauce and you’ll be on your way to an authentic Italian experience.

Pros

• Solid construction and performance
• 9 adjustable thickness level settings and 2 pasta cutters
• Wide roller/cutter allows for making more pasta more quickly
• Sharp blades produced clean cut noodles
• 12 additional cutters available for purchase for more pasta variations

Cons

• At the higher price range for manual models
• Requires about 2-inches of counter overhang for attaching clamp (which is pretty standard for these types of pasta makers)

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Best Overall Round Dining Table

Providence Round Cerused Oak Dining Table

Meet the starlet of round dining tables. This oak table is made out of high-quality wood, pays homage to French vintage styles and it’s classic enough to look great in a variety of spaces. Its style plays fairly traditional, but it does have fluted apron details along the edges.

This dining table is beloved by reviewers. While it does err more expensive, the price of furniture is often correlated to its quality and longevity. The initial cost might be higher, but it lasts for a longer period of time.

Pros

• Fits six, but can squeeze in a few extra seats
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• On the pricier side for a single table

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Best Overall Dining Table Set

Sloane Dining Set

Whether your dining and kitchen areas get lots of activity or they stand at attention for more formal gatherings, you deserve something as sophisticated and high-quality as the Sloane dining set. Gentler hallmarks like fluted detailing on the large dining table and an accompanying bench balance with bold, sturdy legs. As our overall top pick, it’s trendy enough to feel like something froman interior design magazine while embodying a timeless style.

It comes with your choice of four or six chairs in fabric or leather. While the set is on the higher end of price points on our list, the quality far exceeds the cost. The colors are darker but neutral, so it shouldn’t disrupt existing furnishings while still making an eye-catching statement.

Pros

• Lots of flexibility when purchasing, from the number of chairs to the chair material and the table length
• Ideal for bigger spaces and people who host larger groups or have larger families
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Pricier than other sets
• May be too large for smaller spaces

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How to Clean Inside a Washing Machine

Perform this basic cleaning routine on your washing machine once a month or every 30 washes.

Tools

• Microfiber cloth
• Washing machine cleaning tablet
• Bleach or vinegar
• Soft toothbrush

Directions

Step 1: Clean the filter

Your washer’s filter could collect buildup that’s causing the smell.

Most top-loading machines do not have an accessible filter (unless you have a Samsung which has three potential filter locations).

In front loading models, the drain pump filter is usually located at the base of the washer, on the front right side. Refer to your owner’s manual to access the filter. Place a shallow dish and towels under the pump access door because you’ll probably catch about a cup of water when the filter is removed. Clean the filter under running water with a soft brush, then put it back in place.

Step 2: Clean the detergent dispenser

If you notice detergent or fabric softener residue in the detergent drawer, it’s time to give it a good clean. Pull out the drawer until it stops, then lift up the front to remove it completely from the washing machine. Wash the drawer in warm, soapy water using mild soap. (Do not put it in the dishwasher.) Rinse away any soap, dry with a soft towel and re-insert the drawer.

Step 3: Wipe down the door and seal

Using a damp cloth, clean the gasket (the rubber seal surrounding the washer opening) and interior door window. When cleaning the gasket, make sure to press down on the rubber lip and thoroughly clean inside. You can also use vinegar and a soft toothbrush to scrub away stubborn stains and odors in the gasket.

Step 4: Run a cleaning cycle

Cleaning the drum of the washer is as easy as pushing a button. Remove any clothes from the washer, then add a washing machine cleaner tablet or pour in one cup of bleach or vinegar to the bottom of the drum. Whirlpool recommends this Affresh tablet.

Close the lid and select the “self clean cycle” if your washer has one, or run a normal hot water cycle.

Keep in mind, newer washers (like certain Samsung models) have self-clean cycles that do not require any detergent or bleach. It never hurts to check the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew

According to GE Appliances, vinegar and extra hot water work best when cleaning mold and mildew from your washer. Pour two cups of white vinegar into your empty washing machine tub and select the hottest and longest available cycle. When the wash cycle is finished, leave the door open and allow the tub to fully dry.

How to Descale a Washing Machine

If your home has hard water, you might notice calcium deposits in your washer that look like white residue. Once again, vinegar is the answer. (Honestly, vinegar cleans almost anything!)

Pour four cups of white vinegar into your empty washing machine tub and select the hottest and longest cycle. When it’s done, wipe down the drum interior with a damp sponge. Then run another wash cycle with no detergent to rinse away any remaining vinegar.

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Clean

Leave the door open after each wash

Mold and mildew love moist environments. If you close the door after a wash cycle, it doesn’t allow the interior to thoroughly dry. Leave the door ajar so air flow can completely dry the drum and gasket.

Don’t use too much detergent

You might think a stinky washer means you’re not using enough detergent, but the opposite is true. Avoid one of the most common laundry mistakes by carefully following the detergent measurement guide based on load size and soil level. Using too much detergent will cause buildup that will lead to bad smells and leave residue on the clothing. Be sure to use HE detergent, and Whirlpool recommends avoiding powdered detergent, which doesn’t always dissolve well.

Regularly clean the filter

Cleaning the filter on your washing machine is easy to forget because it’s not as visible, but regularly cleaning it will fight odors and keep your washer running at top performance. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filter about every three months.

Don’t wait for musky odors to arise to clean your washing machine. Instead, add this process to your regular cleaning schedule along with your other monthly tasks. We recommend adding a reminder in your phone or a note on your calendar to stay on top of itand say goodbye to stinky laundry smells.

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2. How To Enter: Contest begins at 12:01 am Eastern Time on March 1, 2024 and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on April 30, 2024 (the Deadline Date). All entries must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the Deadline Date. To enter visit www.tasteofhome.com/recipecontests and follow the instructions. All entries must include your full name, address, city, state/province, zip/postal code, telephone number and email address (if you have one). Entries submitted in geographic areas in which the entry is not permissible will be disqualified. If entries do not contain all necessary information, entrant will be disqualified. Please be certain to follow all directions. Eligible persons can enter as many original recipes in this Contest as they wish. Sponsor is the official timekeeper for this Contest. In the event the Contest is entered via a mobile device, Message and Data charges may apply.

All recipes must be the original work of entrant and not previously published. You may use other recipes for inspiration, but you must make your own unique ingredient and cooking instruction changes in order for the recipe to be considered. Each submitted recipe must not infringe the copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity or other intellectual property rights of any person or entity. All entries become the physical property of Sponsor and will not be returned. By submitting a recipe for this Contest, you grant Sponsor, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners and licensees unrestricted use of the submitted entry which includes the right to publish your recipe and any other information provided worldwide in all print and electronic media (now or hereafter existing) without time limitation, and the right to include your name and hometown (e.g., city and state) in connection therewith. Sponsor reserves the right to edit, modify, translate, reproduce and distribute the submitted material in any medium and in any manner as it deems appropriate. Sponsor tests selected recipes and reserves the right to alter them as it deems appropriate. By submitting a recipe for this Contest, you further agree that Sponsor may, in its discretion, select your recipe for entry in one or more future best of, roundup or similar recipe contests conducted by Sponsor, in which event you consent to such entry and agree to be bound by the applicable rules for such contest(s). Sponsor may contact you via phone or email regarding your submission.

3. Judging: The winner of the Contest will be determined by judging all qualifying entrants submissions based on the following criteria:

• Taste: 25%
  • Does this recipe taste great with every bite? Does it have mass appeal? Would you want to make this recipe over and over again based on taste alone? Does it contain interesting, yet gratifying flavor combinations?
• Visual Appeal: 25%
  • Does this recipe present beautifully on a plate or in a baking dish? Do your eyes make you want to eat this before you even smell or taste it?
• Creativity: 25%
  • Is the recipe your original idea? Is the recipe reflective of unique twists to ingredient usage? Have you incorporated your personal touch to this recipe?
• Crowd Appeal: 25%
  • Does your recipe appeal to fellow home cooks everywhere? Does the recipe have easy-to-find everyday ingredients and is it easy to make? Does the recipe have a story that will inspire many others to make it?

All entries will be judged using the criteria stated above. In the event of a tie, the highest scoring entry in the Creativity category will be the winner. All judging will be accomplished by a panel of Taste of Home food experts. Decision of the judges is final and binding on all matters relating to this Contest.

4. Winners and Prizes: A total of 4 winners will be selected as follows: one
Grand Prize winner will be awarded $500; one first place winner will be awarded $300; one second place winner will be awarded $150; and one third place winner will be awarded $75. The total value of all prizes in this Contest is $1,025.00. The winner of the Grand Prize in this Contest will be ineligible to win the Grand Prize in any other Taste of Home recipe contest for one year following the close of this Contest, but they may enter such contests for which they are otherwise eligible and may win other prizes in such contests. Each winner agrees that the publishing rights granted above will be exclusive to Sponsor, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners and licensees for use in any magazine and/or cookbook in any media (now or hereafter existing) for a period of one year after the date a prize is awarded; following such period, such publishing rights shall continue on a non-exclusive basis. Each prize is not transferable and cannot be substituted or assigned by the winner, unless prohibited by law. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a similar prize of equal or greater value in the event that the stated prize cannot be awarded for any reason. All taxes, if any, are the winners responsibility. Sponsor will not be responsible for any loss, liability or damage arising out of the winners acceptance or use of the prize(s). All prizes are guaranteed to be awarded, assuming a sufficient number of qualifying entries is received and meet the minimum judging criteria.

5. Selection of Winners: Winners will be determined and notified on or about July 10, 2024 by regular mail and/or email. Any winner may be required to execute a Statement of Eligibility and Release and Payment Authorization within 30 days of prize notification attempt or winner will be disqualified and prize may be awarded to an alternate winner. In the event winner is a minor in his or her place of residence, all required documentation must be signed by parent or legal guardian. Return of prize or prize notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected. Entry and/or acceptance of prize(s) constitutes permission for the Sponsor and its agencies (if any) to use the winners name, hometown (e.g., city and state) and/or likeness for advertising and trade purposes without further compensation or authorization, worldwide and in perpetuity, in any and all forms of media, now known and hereafter devised, unless prohibited by law.

6. Conditions: By entering, participants agree to be bound by these complete Official Rules and Sponsors Privacy Policy, accessible at www.tmbi.com/privacy-policy. Sponsor is not liable for any malfunctions or failures of any telephone network or lines, computer internet system, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet or at any website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participants or any other persons computer, mobile or any other device and/or its contents related to or resulting from participation or downloading/uploading any materials relating to this Contest, or other technical difficulties or failures or other errors of any kind. Sponsor reserves the right to terminate or modify the Contest at any time for any reason. In such a circumstance, all winners will be selected based on entries received to date of termination. Sponsor also reserves the right to modify this Contest in the event an insufficient number of entries are received and/or an insufficient number of entries meet the minimum judging criteria.

In the event that two similar entries are received, only the entry judged to best meet criteria as set by Sponsor will be included in the final judging. Entrants agree to indemnify Sponsor, its affiliated and subsidiary companies from and against any and all claims and liabilities arising out of or in connection with this Contest. In the event of any dispute regarding the identity of an entrant who submitted an online entry, the authorized account holder of the email address used for the entry at the time of entry will be deemed the entrant. Authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g. business, educational institute) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address. Any potential winner may be requested to provide Sponsor with proof that such winner is the authorized account holder of the email address associated with the winning entry. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the operation of the website or the entry process.

7. No Recourse to Judicial or Other Procedures/Severability: To the extent permitted by law, the rights to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded, and any entrant expressly waives any and all such rights. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction finds the foregoing waiver unenforceable, entrants hereby consent to the jurisdiction and venue residing exclusively within the federal or state courts sitting in Milwaukee County in the State of Wisconsin, U.S.A. and agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. Entrants agree that these Official Rules are governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, U.S.A., without reference to principles of conflicts of law. If any provision(s) of these Official Rules are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect.

8. Anticipated Number of Entrants: The total number of contestants anticipated is 1,000.

9. Consumer Information and Winner List: If you do not wish to receive future sweepstakes or skill contest postal mailings from Sponsor, specify your request in writing to Taste of Home Breakfast and Brunch Recipe Contest (#303) Mailing List, PO Box 3125, Harlan, Iowa 51593-0191. To receive a list of winners, write to Taste of Home Breakfast and Brunch Recipe Contest (#303) Winners List, PO Box 3063, Harlan, Iowa 51593-0127. Request for winner list must be received within one year of the Deadline Date.

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For the One Who Likes a Little Bit of Everything

Look What the Bunny Brought Me Basket

Put a hop in their step with the ultimate Easter basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets. This over-the-top Easter gift has a little something for everyone. Enjoy an array of Peeps, Tootsie Pops, Whoopee Cushions, cotton candy and slime. Plus, there’s a few elevated favorites, such as sea salt and cracked pepper popcorn, kettle corn and celestial sour gummies. A soft plush bunny sits on top of this massive treat pile for a fun reminder of the season.

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6. KFC

KFC’s mac and cheese side came in at the back of the pack in our taste test. Even before taking the first bite, we noticed that the noodles were simply swimming in an artificial-looking yellow sauce. While a lot of sauce isn’t necessarily a bad thing, this sauce tasted more buttery and mealy than decadent and cheesy. The elbow-shaped noodles were on the larger side and cooked a bit past al dente for our palate.

Since many diners opt for potatoes or a biscuit at KFC, we wondered if this side dish was just sitting under the heat lamp for too long. On a positive note, the mac was a budget-friendly $3.39.

Bottom Line: You’re better off with the homemade version from our collection of KFC copycat recipes.

The post Famous Fast-Food Mac and Cheese, Ranked Worst to Best appeared first on Taste of Home.

PSA: there’s an easier way to meal prep dinner for the week. And no, it doesn’t involve cooking everything on Sunday evening and portioning it out into containers. While that’s a wonderful option for some households, it’s time-consuming, requires a lot of prep and let’s be honestit’s tiring. We all know that a popular alternative to planning lunch or dinner for the week is choosing one of the best meal kit services. But we found another option that only takes 20 minutes every. single. night.

The secret is Hungryrootaka the hybrid meal delivery service that combines the ease of ordering groceries online and planning dinner recipes. The Hungryroot reviews are in: this kit left us impressed with the nutritious meals and pantry goods available. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Hungryroot?

When shopping for meal delivery plans, you have a few different choices: a kit that sends pre-portioned ingredients to transform into a gourmet meal (hi, HelloFresh), ready-to-eat delivery that sends nutritious, one-serving meals (just heat and eat!), and with Hungryroot, a hybrid option that sends recipes with pre-prepped ingredients and pantry/fridge staples.

Hungryroot is part grocery delivery and part meal kit. Similar to Thrive Market or Misfits Market, Hungryroot sends a box full of groceries like fruit, veggies, chips, sweets and more. But it doesn’t stop therethey send recipes to ensure the ingredients you receive easily transform into delicious meals. Bonus: they offer plenty of tasty options for gluten-free meals, vegetarian dishes and plant-based meals.

HUNGRYROOT.COM, GETTY IMAGES

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We Tried It

Hungryroot

Hungryroot is an all-in-one meal delivery service that delivers recipes with pre-prepped ingredients and pantry staples.

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How We Tested It: Hungryroot Review

Hungryroot reviews aren’t complete with some testing. I tested a variety of recipes and pantry offerings for three months. I’ve reviewed 10 other meal kit services before Hungryroot, so I was intrigued to see how this one compared. I evaluated and rated the service based on ordering experience, packaging and delivery, ingredient quality, taste and overall cooking experience.

Ordering

Upon ordering my first box, I was impressed with the thorough Hungryroot questionnaire required before signing up. While some may find this annoying, I appreciated the service getting to know the nitty gritty about my lifestyle, like dietary restrictions, preferred cooking methods, my palate and what I want to get out of the service. Out of all the meal kits I’ve tested, Hungryroot stands out for its in-depth questionnaire. There’s a lot more to know about a person’s cooking habits other than desired servings or ingredients to avoid. And for that, Hungryroot scored an A+ upon placing my order.

After the questionnaire, I landed on the recipe page to pick out my meals and fridge/pantry items for the week. Depending on the serving quantity you select during sign-up, Hungryroot grants you credits (or coins) so you know exactly what ingredients fit into one delivery. Meals require more credits than grocery items, and I was able to easily pack four dinners and roughly 10 grocery goodies in my boxall for about $140 at two servings for each meal.

Delivery

My Hungryroot box arrived on a Friday. The packaging showed zero signs of leakagewhich is a total win-win if you’ve ever experienced a drippy, soggy mess when ordering meals online (speaking from experience here). The packaging is 100% recyclable and produces less waste than other meal delivery services I’ve tested. Inside, my pantry and grocery staples included pretzels, pre-sliced pineapple, black beans, broccoli florets, chips and hummus, 90-second rice, cinnamon twists, oat milk, white pomegranate peach tea and a few other items.

As for the meals included? I received four total, including ingredients and step-by-step instructions for spicy black bean and fajita veggie tacos, salmon with potatoes and broccoli, sesame ginger chicken and veggie stir fry, and garlicky hummus black bean burger bowl. Time to get cooking!

Cooking

Now for the impressive part with Hungryroot reviews: the meals require just four to five ingredients, meaning less prep, cooking time and cleaning overall. Even better, there’s just one simple recipe sheet included for all the meal instructions. The first recipe up is the black bean burger bowl with broccoli and garlicky hummus. The broccoli was pre-prepped into florets. I added seasonings and popped them into the oven for 10 minutes. Then, I heated the black bean burgers in a pan for about five minutes. I kid you not, my meal was plated and ready to devour within 20 minutes thanks to the pre-prepped ingredients.

The next three dishes followed the same formula: cook the protein, season and bake the sides (like potatoes, rice or veggies), top with the included sauce (if applicable) and voila! Dinner is on the table in well under 30 minutes.

Overall, My Hungryroot meals were tasty, but the flavor profile and ingredients are more basic than other meal kit services I’ve tested. Compared to HelloFresh or HomeChef, Hungryroot isn’t trying to teach you new cooking techniques or introduce you to new flavors. It’s all about efficiency. The meals are still high quality, they’re just a little more ordinary. And in my opinion, that’s a-okay because you’re not always going to be in the mood to cook a restaurant-quality meal. We all need something nutritious yet tasty and cooked in 30 minutes or less every few weeknights, and Hungryroot delivers.

Pros

• All-in-one grocery delivery service offering recipes and pantry staples
• Easy to filter for allergies or special dietary needs
• High-quality ingredients
• Nutritious snack and pantry items
• Recipes take less than 30 minutes
• Customizable
• Flexible delivery
• Prioritizes sustainability in packaging, delivery and ingredients

Cons

• Flavor profile and meal variety aren’t the most unique

FAQ

What is the monthly cost of Hungryroot?

Hungryroot meal plans start at $65 per box. Plans are customizable based on how many people you’re feeding, and the recipes and pantry goods you select, so the price varies. My plan cost around $140, which included 8-10 pantry goods and four recipes (two servings each).

Is Hungryroot worth it?

Hungryroot reviews will tell you that yes, the meal plans are worth it. Hungyroot eliminates the need to shop at the grocery store every week. The recipes take 10-20 minutes total and every box includes your choice of pantry items like milk, produce, snacks and sweets.

What states does Hungryoot deliver?

Hungryroot delivers to most zip codes across 48 U.S. states. Delivery isn’t available for Hawaii, Alaska or P.O. Box addresses.

Product Comparison

With plenty of meal delivery options, how does Hungryroot compare to popular options like Marley Spoon and Blue Apron? Part grocery delivery, part meal kit, you’ll notice from Hungryroot reviews that this doesn’t fit into just one category. That’s why we call it a hybrid meal serviceit combines the convenience of ready-to-heat meal kits and the joy of cooking your own recipes. Plus, you can stock up on grocery staples like milk, produce, snacks and dessert all in one click.

While popular meal kit services send pre-portioned ingredients for recipes (like one whole potato or three bell peppers that need to be chopped), Hungryroot takes care of the tedious slicing and dicing by sending veggies or protein ready to plop in a pan to sear or saut. It’s this feature alone that makes me come back to Hungryroot. Less prep work and dishes to clean means more free timewho can say no to that?

Final Verdict

From all the Hungryroot reviews out there, if you take one thing from mine, let it be this. I’ve tested 10 popular meal kit services and Hungryroot is by far the least time-consuming when it comes down to cooking in the kitchen. The one-stop-shop model makes it a breeze to customize my recipes based on dietary needs or allergies and grab all the pantry goods I need for the upcoming week. The meals aren’t the most wow-worthy, but they get the job done when you need under 30-minute meals that fill the whole family’s belly with nutritious ingredients. For this reason, I recommend this service as one of the best meal deliveries for families, individual households and anyone who wants dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Where to Buy

Ready for the easiest meals ever? Customize your meal plan on Hungryoot’s website where boxes start at $65. Bonus: the price includes pantry essentials, so you can feel good about how far your money goes with this service. Wondering what’s for dinner is truly a thing of the past thanks to Hungryroot.

VIA MERCHANT

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We Tried It

Hungryroot

Hungryroot is a meal kit service that delivers simple recipes and good-for-you groceries in one place.

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The post Hungryroot Review: Is the Hybrid Meal Kit Worth It? appeared first on Taste of Home.

For the Sentimental

Custom Home Art Print

Buying a first home is a big deal. Commemorate the milestone with housewarming gifts they’ll cherish. This custom home art print digitally transforms a basic photo into a beloved piece of art. Choose from three sizes and six frame options, then add the address for a finishing touch. Word of warning? Be prepared for happy tears at the housewarming party.

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This two-layer cake uses fresh strawberries in the cake for natural flavor and color. It’s topped with luscious vanilla frosting and a crunchy coating made up of Nilla Wafer cookies and freeze-dried strawberries for a fun texture with every bite.

What is strawberry crunch cake?

Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars (and our Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake) have a layer of strawberry, a layer of vanilla and a crunchy strawberry vanilla topping. This strawberry crunch cake recipe uses all of these elements to create a very berry dessert.

Strawberry Crunch Cake Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter provides flavor, fat and moisture for this cake. Be sure to start with softened butter to properly cream the butter and sugar mixture until light and fluffy.
• Fresh strawberries: This cake recipe skips gelatin or store-bought mixes. The fresh strawberries are reduced to eliminate moisture and then folded into the batter.
• Eggs: This cake batter is prepared with two whole eggs and one egg white. This helps eliminate the amount of yellow added to the cake from egg yolks, giving it more of a pink hue.
• Freeze-dried strawberries: Use this secret ingredient for the crunch topping! It adds an unbeatable fresh and tangy flavor. You can find freeze-dried strawberries at most grocery stores.
• Nilla Wafers: Nilla Wafers have the ideal texture for our crunch topping. If you don’t have Nilla Wafers, use Golden Oreos instead.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 whole eggs, room temperature
• 1 egg white, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk

Frosting:

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (32-ounce) bag powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 2 cups Nilla Wafers

Directions

Step 1: Prep strawberry puree

Wash the strawberries, then hull them. Puree the berries in a food processor until free of chunks. Transfer the liquid to a small saucepan. Heat the strawberry puree on low, stirring occasionally. Allow the puree to simmer for 30 minutes, reducing down by half. Once reduced, transfer the puree to a bowl or jar to chill in the fridge until cool.

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Place a circular piece of parchment paper in the bottom of each.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the two whole eggs, one egg white and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix in dry ingredients and milk

Mix in 1/3 of the flour mixture, the half of the milk and another 1/3 of the flour mixture. Mix in the remaining milk and finish with the remaining flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in strawberry puree

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the cooled strawberry puree. Add red gel food coloring for more color if desired.

Step 6: Bake the cakes

Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 28 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes and allow them to cool for 15 minutes. Transfer the cake layers to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 7: Make the frosting

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter. Mix in half of the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the remaining powdered sugar. Once the frosting comes together, whip until fluffy.

Step 8: Make the crunch topping

While the cake layers are cooling, combine the Nilla Wafers and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor. Pulse into crumbs.

Step 9: Assemble the cake

Place the first cake layer on a plate or cake stand. Frost the top of the first cake layer and place the second layer on top. Frost the tops and sides of the entire cake.

Step 10: Cover with crunch topping

Place the cake plate or cake stand with the frosted cake on a baking sheet. This will help to catch the crumb topping. Use your hands to gently press and coat the strawberry crunch topping all over the cake.

Recipe Variations

• Use Golden Oreos: No Nilla Wafers? Golden Oreos are a great swap for the crunch topping! Remove the creme filling before pulsing in a food processor.
• Make a vanilla cake: Switch up the flavor of this cake by making a homemade vanilla cake or white box mix. Top the cake with strawberry frosting and crunch topping.
• Make cupcakes: Prefer a bite-sized treat? Use the same cake recipe to fill a lined cupcake pan. Bake the cupcakes for 20 to 22 minutes. Top with the vanilla frosting and crunch topping.

How to Store Strawberry Crunch Cake

Leftovers can be stored with a cake dome over a cake stand or in an airtight container. Store this cake at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days.

Strawberry Crunch Cake Tips

Can you use store-bought cake mix in a pinch?

While this cake recipe uses fresh strawberries for flavor, there are other options. You can certainly use a strawberry cake mix to make this cake, which will give you a brighter pink cake. You can also make a strawberry cake using a white cake mix and strawberry gelatin.

Can you make strawberry frosting instead of vanilla?

Want even more strawberry flavor for your cake? You can absolutely use store-bought or homemade strawberry frosting in place of the vanilla frosting on this cake.

Can you make strawberry crunch cake ahead of time?

The cake layers for this strawberry crunch cake can be baked and cooled ahead of time. It can also be assembled and frosted one day before you plan to serve it. Save making and adding the crunch topping until just before you’re serving the cake to be sure the texture is still crunchy.

The post How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake appeared first on Taste of Home.

What’s the Difference Between UrbanStems and Bouqs?

While both services offer a seamless approach to online flower delivery, UrbanStems and Bouqs are unique in their own way. Here’s everything you need to know about UrbanStems vs Bouqs. Bonus: both services offer flower subscriptions to keep the blooms coming at a discounted rate.

All About UrbanStems

UrbanStems is the definition of modern flower delivery. Whether you’re shopping for birthday gifts or “thinking of you” gifts, it’s easy to find curated arrangements for any occasion. Or, if you want to send yourself a “just because” gift, it’s a breeze to shop by stem and season and even browse their collection of houseplants. All of their flowers are far from ordinary. Our UrbanStems review left us impressed with the unique and interesting variety of stems and blooms.

How We Tested UrbanStems

For our UrbanStems review, we chose three expert product testers, including myself, to evaluate and rate flowers based on online ordering experience, packaging and delivery, assembly and arranging, freshness over 10 days and overall value. We tested three separate bouquets including the Grower’s Choice Peonies, The Parade and The Julietall in the “double the stems” size. The Parade boasts sunflowers, snapdragons and roses while The Juliet features delphinium, lisianthus, roses and asters.

Packaging and Delivery

Unlike traditional flower deliveries from a local florist that arrive pre-arranged in a vase, UrbanStems has a fun DIY component. Flowers arrive arranged and wrapped in a protective covering inside a cardboard box. Vases cost extra. If ordered, the vase arrives in the same cardboard box as the flowers to reduce extra packaging. Flower food and care instructions are also included, so you’re not left in the dark about how to care for your arrangement.

Only one tester received a knock at their door when their UrbanStems flowers arrived. The other two deliveries were left on the porch. The testers were notified when they were dropped off to get them inside immediately.

Assembly and Arranging

Since we tested the “double the stems” size, we received two individually wrapped bouquets (versus one) inside the same cardboard box. Delicate blooms, like the sunflowers, had protective wraps. It’s recommended to wrap peonies in cardboard paper or newspaper for optimal freshness, which is exactly how they arrive wrapped inside the cardboard box. We were surprised there weren’t moist towels or water to keep the other two bouquets fresh in transit. And one of the vases was broken, which was extremely disappointing considering the extra cost.

Now we’ll be honest, arranging UrbanStems flowers is a bit of a craft projectbut it’s worth it. (Pro tip: try the viral tape trick.) It’s essential to trim the stems and remove leaves and thorns before you arrange. The thorns on the roses were not removed before shipping, requiring extra care on our end.

Freshness

The Parade and The Juliet bouquets looked a little dry straight out of the box, but they quickly perked up after plopping in a flower food mixture. The peonies were moist and closed upon delivery, offering several days of enjoyment as they blossomed. Flowers were at their peak by day three and started to turn by day nine. Some of the blooms went faster than the rest, including the sunflowers and delphinium. A few of the peonies never opened, but the blooms that did blossom offered an incredible, perfumey aroma.

We were also impressed by the color variety of the peonies, including white, light pink and hot pink. For bountiful arrangements that last more than one week, UrbanStems is an impressive option. The blooms and stems are more diverse than what you can come by at the grocery store. Plus, it’s fun and easy to shop from their large inventory of farm fresh flowers.

Pros

• Curated, modern arrangements for any occasion
• Easy to shop by stem, price or delivery speed
• Multiple arrangement sizes
• Packaging includes care instructions for bouquet
• Fun add-ons available like candy or candles
• Flower subscription available
• Some houseplants available
• Variety of delivery dates available
• Delivery fee is calculated before checkout

Cons

• Have to arrange the flowers yourself, but that’s half the fun
• Vase costs extra; one tester’s vase arrived broken
• Packaging produced a considerable amount of waste

FAQ

Where do UrbanStems come from?

UrbanStems works directly with their Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. This ensures only the freshest stems and blooms are picked every day, making this flower delivery service a trustworthy destination to order flowers online.

Is UrbanStems reliable?

Whether you’re scheduling a special delivery or need next-day delivery, UrbanStems offers a variety of delivery dates to accommodate most shipments.

How do UrbanStems arrive?

Flowers arrive wrapped in a protective covering inside a cardboard box with care instructions and flower food. Bouquets are pre-arranged, but it’s necessary to remove excess leaves and trim the stems before placing them in a vase with water and flower food.

VIA MERCHANT

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UrbanStems

This modern flower delivery service is a one-stop shop for impeccable arrangements curated for every occasion: birthdays, engagement parties, accomplishments and more.

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All About Bouqs

The Bouqs Co delivers responsibly sourced, farm-fresh flowers straight to your door, cutting out middlemen and unnecessary handling along the way. Similar to UrbanStems, it’s easy to shop by occasion, flower type, color or speed, like if you need same or next-day delivery. If there’s one word we found in our Bouqs review to describe the service, it’s timeless. Flowers look like they were picked fresh from a garden that same day, and you get to watch them bloom for well over a week.

How We Tested Bouqs

With three hands-on testers, including myself, we each evaluated and rated Bouqs flowers based on online ordering experience, packaging and delivery, assembly and arranging, freshness over 10 days and overall value. We tested three different bouquets for our Bouqs review: the Farmer’s Choice Peonies (one size available), the Rose Gold bouquet in deluxe and the Dream Date arrangement (one size available). The rose gold bouquet features an array of sunflower, peach carnations and roses while the dream date features a mix of pink roses, poppies and stargazer lilies. Note: the peony and rose gold bouquets are both in-season arrangements that are only available for a limited time during the year.

Packaging and Delivery

Our Bouqs flowers arrived in mid-December. The bouquets were carefully packaged inside a cardboard box. Just like UrbanStems, this delivery style is standard. Half the fun is getting to arrange the flowers yourself. The flowers include food, care instructions and a vase for an extra fee.

All three bouquets arrived wrapped with a plastic covering. I was a little disappointed the peonies weren’t wrapped in cardboard paper like they were with UrbanStems. Additionally, the flower boxes weren’t directly handed to us but rather left on the porch or in a mail room. One tester notes, “Frankly, I’m not sure my rose gold bouquet was wrapped well enough to survive any time on the porch.” Nevertheless, we were able to unbox the flowers a few hours after they arrived.

Assembly and Arranging

Now for the fun part: arranging! The rose gold and dream date bouquets featured roses. These blooms were thorn-free, which was impressive. Additionally, some leaves on all three bouquets required removal, and the stems needed trimming before plopping in a vase with a flower food mixture.

Overall, our Bouqs arrangements appeared more “neat” upon arrival compared to Urban Stems. Minimal leaf removal was required. The peonies, however, didn’t boast a tri-color assortment like the UrbanStems peonies. This bouquet included a mixture of light pink and white peonies only.

Freshness

Once the flowers were arranged, their overall lookand smellwas impressive. For the most part, the beauty of the pictures online translated in real life, although we would’ve liked to see a few more sunflowers in the Rose Gold bouquet. Sunflowers are listed first in this arrangement, so the name is a bit misleading. The peonies started to bloom within a day or two, but some of the white petals began to wilt faster than the light pink blooms.

All three testers agreed that their arrangements looked better on day three than the day they arrived. This allowed for several days of enjoyment and showing off to friends and family. Despite some poppy petals wilting and a couple of peony buds not blooming, our bouquets stayed in beautiful condition until day 10 of testing.

Pros

• Responsibly-sourced, farm-fresh flowers
• Curated arrangements for specific occasions
• Easy to shop by flower type, occasion or delivery speed
• Multiple arrangement sizes
• Packaging includes care instructions for bouquet
• Flower subscription available
• Some houseplants available
• Special holiday packages are available, which include flowers and a gift
• Minimal packaging waste produced

Cons

• Have to arrange the flowers yourself, but that’s half the fun
• Vase costs extra
• $25 delivery fee; and up-charge for weekend delivery
• Delivery days fill up fast for holidays, so order several weeks ahead

FAQ

Was Bouqs on Shark Tank?

Bouqs’ founder and CEO, John Tabis, appeared on Shark Tank in 2014, but he didn’t walk away with an offer. The business still blossomed and is the top four most successful businesses on Shark Tank’s top 15 list by lifetime sales.

How long do Bouqs flowers last?

According to our Bouqs review, flowers last more than one week. While some blooms were on their way out by day nine, the bouquet remained in beautiful condition for almost two whole weeks.

How are Bouqs flowers delivered?

Bouqs flowers arrive wrapped in a protective covering inside a cardboard box along with two food flower packets. Remove excess leaves and trim the stems of the pre-arranged bouquet before placing it in a vase with flower food.

VIA MERCHANT

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The Bouqs Co

Flowers from Bouqs are responsibly sourced from farms, meaning there's less time spent in transit and more time spent blossoming in your home. They're ideal for special occasions and ordinary days alike.

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The Bottom Line

After reviewing both UrbanStems and Bouqs, we can confidently say you can’t go wrong with either service. Both services provide reliable, fresh flowers picked straight from sustainable farms. This ensures longer-lasting arrangements, so you (or a loved one) can enjoy beautiful bouquets for well over one week. For peonies, however, we were more impressed by the color assortment and overall freshness of UrbanStems vs Bouqs.

Additionally, the following factors may help guide your decision-making. When shopping on The Bouqs website, we noticed delivery dates fill up fast. We recommend scheduling flower delivery several weeks before the actual datespecifically for popular occasions like Valentine’s Day. If sending flowers last-minute, limited bouquets are available, but there are still a handful of wonderful arrangements. The Bouqs delivery fee is more expensive than UrbanStems. We appreciate that UrbanStems calculates the delivery fee before entering the shipping information, providing a transparent picture from the start.

As for overall look and freshness? Compared to Bouqs, the UrbanStems flowers are not as “neat.” They made more of a mess and required more stem and leaf trimming. We also found the Bouqs online picture to be more accurate. The UrbanStems bouquets included many more greens (aka filler) than pictured. Keep in mind that giftees will need to prep the flowers once their blooms arrive, which may not be your best bet if sending them as a sympathy gift.

Overall, the value and price of UrbanStems and Bouqs are somewhat comparable to ordering flowers from a local florist. They’re reliable destinations for long-lasting, bountiful arrangements whether you’re hosting a dinner party or want to put a smile on a loved one’s face.

The post UrbanStems vs Bouqs: Where’s the Best Place to Buy Flowers Online? appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is the Solo Stove S’mores Bowl?

Solo Stove partnered with TerraFlame to launch indoor firepits. The Solo Stove S’mores Bowl is a portable tabletop s’mores roaster fired by clean-burning, smoke-free gel fuel. It’s designed for indoor fires atop your kitchen table or gathering in the living room. However, it can also be used outdoors. The s’mores bowl makes the yummy concoction of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers accessible anywhere.

As with all Solo Stove products, the design is impeccable and the product is easy to use. The bamboo lid doubles as a tray and storage solution. When not in use, display the mini Solo Stove on the table as a centerpiece.

To use the s’mores bowl, simply remove the bamboo lid, open a can of gel fuel, drop it in and light. The gel fuel burns clean minus smoke, soot and residue. Lighting and extinguishing are easy and safe. One canister of smokeless gel fuel provides three hours of flames.

I love a good bonfire, but I dread the smell that accompanies it. With this Solo Stove inside fire pit, I can delight in s’mores minus the smell of smoke and fire. And with gel fuel, there’s no mess!

Crafted from concrete and bamboo, the Solo Stove s’mores bowl is 5.13 inches tall, 8.13 inches wide and lightweight at 14 pounds. S’mores cook evenly, and the gel fuel is food-safe. Flames crackle, mimicking a real campfire and provide warmth.

Our Favorite Solo Stove Indoor Fire Bowls

The Solo Stove x Terraflame line includes additional smokeless tabletop fire bowlsall powered by gel fuel. The citronella gel fuel can also be used outdoors to keep bugs away. Solo Stove’s lifetime warranty seals the deal.

Senior Shopping Editor, Cher Checchio, also has and recommends the Cinder Tabletop Bowl for more indoor s’mores-making fun. It’s very similar to the s’mores bowl but with a more compact design.

One drawback, s’mores take longer to roast and the flame is less reliable when it’s windy outside.

Pros

• Used indoors and outdoors
• Smokeless fire without bonfire smell
• Lightweight and portable
• Works with smoke-free gel fuel and citronella fuel
• Flames crackle to mimic an outdoor campfire
• Lid doubles as a tray
• Backed by a lifetime warranty
• Aesthetic design
• Evenly cook smores
• Fire lights and extinguishes easily

Cons

• S’mores take longer to roast when it’s windy outside

VIA MERCHANT

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Solo Stove S'mores Bowl

The Solo Stove S'mores Bowl is a portable tabletop s'mores roaster and firepit suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

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Why I Love It

Like the Solo Stove pizza oven, the Solo Stove S’mores Bowl makes enjoying food so much easier. It’s ideal when you don’t have the time to build a bonfire but still want to enjoy s’mores. Or when winter arrives, consume s’mores in the warmth of your home. Also with smokeless gel fuel, there’s no odor. I despise the lingering fire smell that’s a struggle to wash out of my hair and clothing. Problem solved!

Share campfire memories indoors. I’ve used the Solo Stove S’mores Bowl for dinner parties, movie nights and as a sweet treat to brighten a lousy day. I can’t wait to try it on a s’mores board next.

Even Kris Jenner shared the s’more bowl on her Instagram storyshe loves it for roasting s’mores with her grandchildren. It’s a gift that allows the entire family to partake in special moments around the fire together.

Where to Buy the Solo Stove Smores Bowl

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Solo Stove S'mores Bowl

The Solo Stove S'mores Bowl runs on clean-burning, smoke-free gel fuel, yielding no odor and zero mess.

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The Solo Stove S’mores Bowl retails for between $60 to $100 and is available on Solo Stove, Terraflame, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bespoke Post, Public Lands, Amazon, Uncommon Goods and Target.

A six-pack of pure gel fuel retails for $40, ringing up to $6.67 per can. A 12-pack costs $70, coming to $5.83 a can. A 24-pack is $120 for $5 per canthe best bang for your buck. With the 24-pack, if one can is $5 and burns for three hours, then one hour of flames costs $1.67. Pretty affordable if you ask me!

You can also purchase corresponding s’mores sticks and a s’mores deluxe cookbook. What are you waiting for? Get a Solo Stove S’mores Bowl today and enjoy limitless s’mores.

The post Roast Marshmallows Indoors With the Solo Stove S’mores Bowl appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is a bouquet garni?

Like the name implies, it’s a type of bouquet, but instead of being made of flowers, it’s made with herbs. Stalks of fresh or dried herbs are gathered together in a bundle and tied tightly with a piece of butcher’s twine, then dropped directly into a pot. You can also wrap the herbs in cheesecloth. Using cheesecloth is especially useful if the finished product will not be strained (like stock or broth is) and you’d like to make sure you don’t end up with flecks of fresh herbs in your finished soup.

Originating the Provence region of France, a traditional bouquet garni includes parsley, thyme and bay leaves. However, there are really no hard rules when it comes to making one; many recipes will call for additional herbs like rosemary, sage, tarragon or oregano. When left in a pot of simmering liquid, the bouquet garni adds delicious herbal notes, and can be easily removed with tongs or a slotted spoon.

How to Make a Bouquet Garni, Step by Step

There are two methods for making a bouquet garni: the string method and the cheesecloth method. The string method is the easiest, and is best if you’re only using fresh herbs. If you’d like to add additional aromatics to the mix (like crushed garlic or ginger), or if your herbs are small or especially delicate, use the cheesecloth method.

String Method

Step 1: Cut a piece of butcher’s twine at least six inches long. Lay it out on your counter or cutting board.

Step 2: Place your bundle of herbs in the center of the string and tie it up tightly with a double knot. Herbs shrink as they cook, so an extra-tight knot will ensure your bouquet garni doesn’t fall apart in the pot.

Cheesecloth Method

Step 1: Cut a square of cheesecloth big enough to bundle your herbs in.

Step 2: Place your herbs and aromatics in the center of the cheesecloth square, cutting them into smaller pieces if needed. Gather up the sides to make a satchel and tie tightly in a double knot with butcher’s twine.

Alternatives to a Bouquet Garni

• Fresh herbs: As long as you don’t mind flecks of green in your finished product, it’s fine to add fresh herbs that have been stripped from their stalks directly to the pot. Just don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before serving!
• Dried herbs: Dried herbs will rehydrate while they simmer in hot liquid, making them ideal for soups, stocks and broths. However, they’re more potent than fresh herbs, so start with a slightly smaller quantity than your recipe calls for, then add more to taste after your dish has simmered for 10 minutes or so.
• Herb-infused oil: If you have a bottle of store-bought or homemade herb-infused oil, stir some into the pot when you’re sauteing your aromatics.

The post What Is a Bouquet Garni? appeared first on Taste of Home.

Here’s how to make cowboy chicken, plus a few easy variations.

Cowboy Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: Plain boneless, skinless chicken breasts are our go-to weeknight dinner protein. This recipe would also taste great with boneless chicken thighs; they just may take a few extra minutes to cook.
• Black beans: Black beans have an earthy flavor that’s welcome in this dish, but you can use other types of beans instead: pinto, kidney, red beans or other types of dark, creamy beans.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted tomatoes dials up the heat, no extra hot sauce needed. If you don’t love spice, use plain diced tomatoes instead, or even chopped fresh tomatoes.
• Chopped green chiles: Green chiles add both spice and smokiness to this recipe. Go ahead and adjust the quantity of chiles to suit your tastes. Use dried chiles in a pinch, but they won’t have the silky texture and intense flavor.
• Corn: Corn is native to America, and cowboys would have absolutely stirred it into their bean pots! While the recipe calls for canned, you can sub in frozen corn (no need to defrost) or fresh corn sliced off the cob.

Cowboy Chicken Recipe

This recipe yields four servings. Plate up each portion with rice, cilantro and lime wedges.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 large onion, sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 large sweet red pepper, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

Directions

Step 1: Season the chicken

Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they’re even in thickness, about 1/2 inch. Place the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap for easy cleanup.

In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, chili powder, cumin and cayenne. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the chicken. Let sit for 15 minutes to let the spices flavor the chicken.

Step 2: Saute the chicken

In a large cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat until hot. Saute the chicken until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 4-6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

In same pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Saute the peppers and onion until tender. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute, taking care not to burn the garlic, which will make it bitter. Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, corn, green chiles and remaining spice mix and bring to a boil. Stir well and remove from heat.

Step 4: Broil

Preheat the broiler. Return the chicken to the pan along with the vegetable mix. Sprinkle cheese across the top.

Broil 1-2 inches from heat until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Serve with white or brown rice, cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.

How to Store Cowboy Chicken

Leftover cowboy chicken should be kept in the refrigerator, tightly sealed in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

How to Freeze Cowboy Chicken

Like most casseroles, cowboy chicken freezes well. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will freeze well for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven. You can also bake directly from the freezer; this will simply take longer to heat through.

Cowboy Chicken Tips

How do you make cowboy chicken tender?

The trick to tender cowboy chicken? Don’t overcook the chicken breasts. When sauteing the spiced chicken, cook only until no longer pink. It will continue to cook through with the bean and tomato mix. As long as the chicken is well covered with the beans and tomatoes, it won’t overcook under the broiler.

Do you have to use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?

We like boneless skinless chicken breasts for the ease and speed of cooking. You can also use boneless chicken thighs. Using bone-on poultry, while slightly richer in flavor, will require more cooking time than this recipe provides. If you want to up the meaty flavor, add a few strips of bacon to the skillet, as in this classic cowboy spaghetti recipe.

What do you serve with cowboy chicken?

Cowboy chicken is easy to enjoy as a one-pan dinner, but plenty of dishes taste great on the side. Long grain rice or warm tortillas are filling and easy. Any fresh green salad would add welcome crunch, but this corn chip-topped salad will be a huge crowd pleaser. Other easy casserole sides include glazed carrots, bean dishes and fruit salads.

Finally, for dessert, why not rustle up a batch of Wyoming cowboy cookies?

Our Best Cowboy-Approved Fare

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Laura Bush's Cowboy CookiesThese hefty cookies have a bit of everythingoats, chocolate chips, coconut flakes and chopped pecans. No wonder the recipe won a Presidential Cookie Bake-Off! Emily Parulski, St. Francis, WisconsinGo to Recipe

Cowboy SpaghettiCowboy spaghetti starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, giving you plenty of hands-off time to prepare a salad, or a dessert for after dinner. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 13x9-in. baking dish before putting it in the oven. Kerry Whitaker, Carthage, Texas

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Southwest Barley & Lentil SoupMy family makes cowboy soup every new year for good luck. My mom has been making it since I was little. Over time, we've tweaked it so that all our family and friends love it. Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

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Cowboy CaviarThis cowboy caviar is full of big flavors, with plenty of beans, corn, cilantro, garlic, red onion and lime juice. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips to get the most out of every bite. Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Southwestern CasseroleIve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Cowboy Beef DipIn a foods class, a group of us developed this recipe for the North Dakota's annual Beef Bash. We won the contest!Jessica Klym, Killdeer, North Dakota

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Wyoming Cowboy CookiesThese cookies are very popular here in Wyoming. Mix up a batch for your crew and see why! Patsy Steenbock, Shoshoni, Wyoming

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Chicken Tortilla BakeMother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

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The Pioneer Woman's LasagnaTravel back in time to make Ree Drummonds first-ever recipe! This lasagna keeps the ingredients simple and creates a creamy texture from the cottage cheese while adding some heat with hot breakfast sausage. Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos)If you love spicy food like we do, then these tasty candied jalapenosalso known as cowboy candyare for you! You can save the syrup to baste roasted chicken or grilled salmon, or mix it into salad dressings. Jars of this dynamite condiment make a great gift. Rita Ladany, Edison, New Jersey

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Cowboy CasseroleThis quick and creamy Tater Tot bake is great comfort food, especially on a cold night. Donna Donhauser, Remsen, New York

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Cornbread-Topped Chicken ChiliAfter seeing a recipe for a slow cooker chicken potpie, I knew I had to try it. I loved the idea of a no-fuss chicken casserole, but wanted a Southwestern taste. I added peppers, spices and a crust that is more like a corn bread topping.Nicole Filizetti, Grand Marais, Michigan

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Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean StewI love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana

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Muffin-Tin Tamale CakesWe needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona

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Cowboy PastaThis cowboy recipe combines ground beef, bacon, corn, tangy buttermilk and Monterey Jack cheese for an easy but hearty weeknight dinner. Add more chili powder or chopped jalapeno to give this delicious pasta dish a kick. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Black Bean Potato au GratinThe addition of black beans and vegetables adds hearty protein and fiber to this cowboy side dish. For a southwestern twist, add a handful or two of chopped cooked ham or chorizo sausage and replace the peas with 1 cup of frozen, thawed corn. Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

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Anaheim Chicken Tortilla SoupPut a little spice in your menu with my favorite Anaheim pepper recipe. The peppers, jalapenos and cayenne heat up this full-flavored tortilla soup. Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Fiesta Breakfast BakeI get a kick out of making breakfast for a crowd when I have weekend guests, and my family also loves breakfast for dinner. I created this dish by combining my family's favorite southwestern flavors in an all-in-one-pan recipe.Whitney Gilbert, Smithville, Missouri

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Tex-Mex Cheesesteak SandwichesWe adore cheesesteak sandwiches and anything with southwestern flavor, so I combined the two. If you crave even more firepower, add chopped jalapenos. Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas

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Frito PieFrito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Heres my easy take on this crunchy classic. Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico

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Breaded Pork TenderloinMeat is a hard sell with my teenage daughter unless I make it look like a restaurant dish. Drizzle ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on top and it's a home run. Donna Carney, New Lexington, Ohio

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Cowboy StewI made up this cowboy stew in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Because it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey

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The Pioneer Woman's Pecan PieWith a hint of crunch on top of a gooey filing, this Pioneer Woman pecan pie is a total classic. Like most of her Thanksgiving traditions, its easy to recreate at home. Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon

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Confetti CornbreadMy grandmother Virginia always served Southwest cornbread. To honor her, I created a recipe that cuts down on the chopping but never skimps on flavor. Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee

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Saucy Ranch Pork and PotatoesAwhile back, my sister Elyse shared a tasty ranch pork roast recipe. I tweaked it so I could use what was already in my pantry, and this dish was born. Kendra Adamson, Layton, Utah

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Chuck Wagon Tortilla StackI make this skillet specialty on those nights when I'm craving cowboy food. It's easy to cut and remove the pieces from the pan. Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

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White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Loaded Stuffed Potato PancakesWhen I make mashed potatoes, I always cook extra so I can prepare these over-the-top potato pancakes. Fill them with sour cream, ranch dressing or melted cheeseor all three. Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

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Durango Potato CasseroleFor those who like it spicy, its easy to turn up the heat on these potatoes by adding more chili powder or jalapenos for extra kick.Pat Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

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Calico Cowboy BeansThis cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls' weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin

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Tex-Mex Sloppy JoesSloppy joes are a favorite of adults and kids. I deviated from the traditional recipe by adding a little Southwestern spiciness. Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Crispy Fried ChickenIf you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

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Southwestern GoulashI had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio

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Buffalo Chicken DipThis is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky

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Easy Potato RollsAfter I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri

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Enchilada Casser-Ole!My husband loves this casserole, so it never lasts too long in our house. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and southwestern flavor, it's an impressive-looking entree that's as simple as it is delicious. Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida

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Southwestern Sauteed CornMy mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries this cowboy recipe absolutely loves it! Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon

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Cowboy QuesoThis spin on a classic cheese dip adds beans, tomatoes, ground meat and light beer for a cowboy-approved dish. Pair this queso with Tater Tots, corn chips or tortilla chips for an irresistible party snack. Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Looking for more? Try this Pioneer Womans tater tot casserole recipe.

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Cowboy SoupCowboy soup is a hearty main dish perfect for when the weather turns cold. Mix and match ingredients that you have on hand in your pantry. Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Also try this cowboy chicken has the spicy, smoky flavors of the Old West. It's a quick, one-skillet dinner for ranchersor a hungry family.

Southwest SteakLime juice tenderizes the steak while garlic, chili powder and red pepper flakes kick things up. My husband and I came up with this together as something lighter to make on the grill. Caroline Shively, Alexandria, Virginia

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Chorizo and Eggs RancheroFor a festive Mexican breakfast, we do chorizo and huevos rancheros. Add refried beans and cheddar, and serve everything in bowls made of tortillas. Paul Williams, Fort Mohave, Arizona

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Southwest Kielbasa BowlsHere's our at-home take on restaurant burrito bowls. We start with rice, kielbasa and black beans, then top 'em with salsa, red onion and cilantro. Use a spicier sausage if you want to crank up the heat. Abby Williamson, Dunedin, Florida

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Southwestern Bean DipJust by using different types of beans, you can make this dip as spicy as you like it. My family could eat this as a complete meal. Jeanne Shear, Sabetha, Kansas

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Jalapeno Ranch DipRanch dressing got its start on a real dude ranch in California. Punch up the western original with green salsa, green chiles, jalapenos and cilantro for more color and spice. Serve the dip along with your favorite wings to feed a crowd. Lindsay Duke, Goodrich, Texas

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Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread SaladWe love skirt steak in our house. To make it a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - creamy, tangy, sweet and fresh. Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

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Spicy Cowboy ChiliToasting the peppers for this chili releases their earthy flavorsbut do wear gloves when handling dried peppers and seeds. Rachel Sprinkel, Hilo, Hawaii

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The Pioneer Woman's Million Dollar DipThis savory dip from Ree Drummond is worth every penny. She combines nuts, bacon and cheese to make this dip a go-to dish for any party. Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

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School Cafeteria Cowboy BreadThis recipe for cowboy bread reminds us of all the good things about school lunch. The aroma of cinnamon streusel coffee cake baking in the oven is so nostalgic. Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

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Ree Drummond's Cowboy QuicheDo cowboys really eat quiche? According to The Pioneer Woman, they doas long as its a cowboy quiche. Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont

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Copycat Trader Joes Cowboy BarkYou can combine rich dark chocolate, nuts, crispy pretzels, buttery toffee and Oreos to make copycat Trader Joes Cowboy Bark in no time. Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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The post How to Make One-Skillet Cowboy Chicken appeared first on Taste of Home.

Recipes for red wine short ribs, like this one from Joyce Cohen, have gone viral on social medianot only because they’re indulgent and delicious, but for the revelation that this fancy dish is easy to make. Just a little prep work and patience is all it takes to create a showstopping meal.

In this recipe, beef short ribs get a nice, long braise in red wine and beef stock. The meat becomes so tender that it literally falls off the bone. The meat and gravy are packed with flavor from carrots, onions, garlic and fresh herbs. Just a bite of this dish will have your partner ready to pop the question.

Ingredients for Red Wine Short Ribs

• Beef short ribs: This cut of beef consists of rib bone attached to marbled meat, in 3-4-inch lengths. Look for packages in the meat case or ask your butcher.
• Red wine: Choose a full-bodied, dry red wine to braise the ribs; cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir are good choices.
• Mirepoix: This is the French term for the mixture of diced carrots, onions and celery, which is sauteed until soft. Mirepoix gives the ribs and gravy a wonderful depth of flavor.

Marry Me Short Ribs Recipe

Plan for about 30 minutes of prep time and three hours in the oven. Because the short ribs shrink during braising, once cooked, the recipe makes about two servings.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 celery ribs, finely diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds beef bone-in short ribs
• 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock (plus extra to make the gravy)
• Sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary
• 3 bay leaves

Directions

Step 1: Saute the vegetables

Preheat the oven to 350F. Heat two tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat; when it’s hot, add in the diced celery, carrot and onion. Saute the vegetables, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another two minutes. Scrape the vegetables into a bowl and hold them aside; return the pan to the burner.

Step 2: Sear the short ribs

Sprinkle the two teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of black pepper over all sides of the short ribs. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place three or four short ribs into the pot (do not crowd them). Sear each short rib, using tongs to turn and brown them on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove them to a plate and hold them aside; finish browning the remaining short ribs and move them to the plate when they’re done.

Step 3: Deglaze the pan

With the pan still set over medium-high heat, pour in the red wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the wine for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly. Stir in the tomato paste until it dissolves.

Step 4: Braise

Add the sauteed vegetables back to the pan and stir them into the red wine. Use tongs to place the short ribs into the pot, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Pour in the beef stock. Tie the thyme and rosemary sprigs into a bundle with kitchen twine and place it in the pot, along with the bay leaves.

Cover the pot and place it in the oven. Braise the short ribs for three hours. Once the short ribs are out of the oven, use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the ribs and vegetables to a plate. (The meat will be very tender and fall apart easily.)

Step 5: Prepare the gravy

If most of the liquid has cooked away, add more beef stock to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer on the stovetop over medium heat, and cook until it’s reduced and slightly thickened. (If you would like it to be thicker, here’s how to thicken gravy with flour or cornstarch.) Finish the gravy by tasting and adding a little more salt or pepper as needed.

Editor’s Tip: Another way to make a tasty gravy is to use a stick blender to blend the softened veggies into the cooking liquid until it’s smooth and thick.

Step 6: Serve

Place two or three short ribs on each plate, along with a spoonful of the softened vegetables if you’d like. Ladle some gravy onto the plate around them. If you have any leftover fresh herbs, add them to the top of the ribs as a garnish.

Tips for Making Marry Me Short Ribs

Can I use pot roast instead of short ribs in a pinch?

Yes, pot roast made from chuck, brisket or round roast will braise beautifully in this recipe if beef short ribs aren’t available. Larger roasts may need 30-60 minutes more of braising time; when done, the meat should be completely tender.

Can I use a regular stock pot if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

While heavy Dutch ovens are a favorite for braising meat, a stock pot or other types of pots will also work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure that it’s a pot that can go from stove to oven, has a tight-fitting lid and is large enough to hold the short ribs, vegetables and liquid. The cooking liquid inside should come up at least halfway on the meatadd more beef stock if necessary.

What can I serve with red wine short ribs?

One of the most popular ways to serve braised short ribs is atop a mound of buttery mashed potatoes. Creamy polenta also pairs beautifully here. Other tasty side dish choices are Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms, Mashed Cauliflower or a fresh, lightly-dressed green salad.

Easy Romantic Dinner Recipes

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Feta Shrimp SkilletMy husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. Sonali Ruder, New York, New York

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Marry Me ChickenThis indulgent recipe for "marry me chicken" may just land you a proposal. The sauce is that good!

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It's love at first bite with these romantic Valentine's Day dinners. Elegant scallops, flavorful steaks, and more impressive meals will have your sweetheart swooning in no time.

Angel Hair Pasta with Sausage & SpinachYou won't miss the marinara sauce once you taste this pasta dish flavored with chicken broth and Italian sausage. The sauce simmers away on its own, without much work on your part. My husband likes it so much that I make it twice a week. Daphine Smith, Baytown, Texas

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Lemon and Rosemary ChickenThis baked rosemary chicken with a tangy lemon sauce is my husband's favorite, and my sister always wants it for her birthday dinner. Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California

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Marry Me PastaThe dish, which is a darling of TikTok, has many of the same, super flavorful ingredients as Marry Me Chicken. However, its a filling, one-pot meal of pasta, chicken strips and a creamy sauce thats quick and easy to pull together.

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Weekday Chicken CacciatoreChicken cooked cacciatore means a dish prepared hunter-style with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and seasonings. We add a touch of white wine to make ours northern Italian-style. Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Missouri. If you enjoyed this recipe, you've got to try our favorite marry me chicken recipe.

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Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted PotatoesA few ingredients and 30 minutes are all youll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Swiss Mushroom ChickenEveryone enjoys these golden chicken breasts topped with ham, melted Swiss cheese and fresh mushrooms. The entree is easy to prepare but looks and tastes special enough for company. Jan Baxter, Humarock, Massachusetts

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Bucatini with Sausage & KaleI was short on time but wanted to make an elegant dinner for my husband and me. That night, we ate this simple pasta starring spicy sausage and our homegrown kale. Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersery

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Merlot Filet MignonAlthough this is such a simple recipe, you can feel confident serving it to any guests. The rich sauce adds a touch of elegance. Just add a salad and rolls. Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin

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Cheesy Chicken ParmigianaMy husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants. Then I found this recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making the beloved dish at home. After more than 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy preparing his favorite recipes. Iola Butler, Sun City, California

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Glazed Rosemary PorkA honey-rosemary glaze delicately seasons pork tenderloin in this delightful entree. As elegant as it is easy, the main course is ideal for weekend dinner parties and weeknight suppers alike. Barbara Sistrunk, Fultondale, Alabama

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Ham It Up PrimaveraI adapted this recipe from a cookbook my husband and I received when we got married. We love all the veggies, especially the fresh asparagus. Angelia Holland, Plano, Texas

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Mushroom Steak Salad with Walnut VinaigretteWhen I want to serve a romantic dinner for my husband and me, I fix this elegant yet easy salad. I just add crusty French bread and a glass of wine. Candace McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina

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Turkey Club RouladesWeeknights turn elegant when these short-prep roulades with familiar ingredients are on the menu. Not a fan of turkey? Substitute lightly pounded chicken breasts. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Parmesan RisottoRisotto is a creamy Italian rice dish. In this version, the rice is briefly sauteed, then slowly cooked in wine and seasonings. Watch for that magic moment when the risotto transforms from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Salmon SteaksAfter our children were married and gone, I prepared salmon steaks often for my husband and myself, especially on our anniversary. It was one of our favorites. We found that one of the nicest ways to enjoy each other's company was to have a lovely meal together. Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

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Chicken & Goat Cheese SkilletMy husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! Ericka Barber, Eureka, California

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Puff Pastry Chicken BundlesInside these golden puff pastry "packages", chicken breasts rolled with spinach, herbed cream cheese and walnuts are a savory surprise. I like to serve this elegant entree when we have guests or are celebrating a holiday or special occasion.-Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania

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Honey-Pecan Chicken BreastsWe love to entertain, this is one of my favorite 'special' recipes to welcome dinner guests. The nuts add an elegant touch, and it fills the house with a great aroma. Penny Davis, Newman Lake, Washington

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Creamy Herb Grilled SalmonI have a huge herb garden and love using herbs in almost everything I cook. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we eat a lot of wild-caught salmon, so I use fresh herbs in this moist and delicious grilled recipe. On cooler days, bake it instead. Michelle Glassmeyer Wunsch, Bothell, Washington

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Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom SauceWhen our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

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Split-Second ShrimpI use my microwave to hurry along the prep of this super fast shrimp scampi. Its deliciously buttery and full of garlic flavor. We love it as a main dish, but it makes an excellent appetizer, too. Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken SoupNot only is creamy tuscan chicken soup easy to make and filling, it also has a combination of Italian flavors so famously delicious that one bite results in spontaneous cries of Marry me!

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Salmon with Spinach & White BeansMy husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee

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Artichoke Blue Cheese FettuccineStore-bought Alfredo sauce speeds along this flavorful, meatless entree. I use dry pasta, but you can use refrigerated fettuccine to make this recipe even faster. Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia

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Tenderloin with Herb SauceTender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight red pepper kick. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and is always a dinnertime winner at my home. Monica Shipley, Tulare, California

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Ina Garten's Shrimp ScampiScampi is commonly served in garlic butter and dry white wine with pasta or crusty bread. The Ina Garten Shrimp Scampi recipe is unique because it doesnt include wine. Instead, Ina uses a generous amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

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Lemon Mushroom ChickenThere's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all! Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota

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Baked Balsamic ChickenAs far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your spouse will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska

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Beef Filets with Portobello SauceThese tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida

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Sauteed Scallops & Shrimp PastaI created this tempting seafood pasta for my wife. Its a terrific meal served with crusty sourdough. If you don't like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. George Levinthal, Goleta, California

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Chicken with Florentine SauceHere is my very favorite chicken Florentine recipe. A creamy topping and pretty presentation make it elegant enough for company, but its also fast to fix on busy weeknights! Julie Fitzgerald, St Louis, Missouri

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Lemon-Caper Pork MedallionsFor an elegant but easy dinner you can put together in a twinkling for guests or unexpected visitors, these lightly breaded medallions are truly something special! Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Smothered Chicken BreastsAfter trying a similar chicken dish in a restaurant, I decided to re-create it at home. Topped with bacon, caramelized onions and shredded cheese, this savory dish comes together in no time, and uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. And since it cooks in one skillet, its a cinch to clean up! Brenda Carpenter, Warrensburg, Missouri

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Pork Scallopini with MushroomsThis is a great at-home date night recipe. I use reduced-sodium chicken broth because I add salt to season the meat and mushrooms. Lana Dramstad, Havre, Montana

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Chicken Caesar FlorentineI adapted this dish from my favorite chicken Caesar salad recipe. It has many of the same ingredients as the salad: croutons, grated Parmesan, chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing. This makes the perfect comforting meal on a busy weeknight. Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio

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Spinach-Stuffed Chicken BreastsWith their creamy filling and delightful crispy crust, these elegant spinach-stuffed chicken breasts are easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for company, too. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Bow Ties with Gorgonzola SauceThe name may sound fancy, but this pasta dish is comforting and simple to prepare. Add a mixed green salad to make it a complete meal for any occasion. Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio

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Ina Gartens Engagement ChickenIf you make Ina Gartens engagement chicken for someone you love, you may be rewarded with a proposal! Its a beautiful roast flavored with onions, lemons and garlic, served with a simple pan gravy made from the drippings and white wine.

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Lemon Cream ChickenIf you want an entree that's quick, easy and elegant, you can't beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas

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Blushing Penne PastaI reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My loved ones had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California

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Seared Scallops with Citrus Herb SauceBe sure to pat the scallops with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps create that perfectly browned and flavorful scallop your better half will love. April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

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Easy Chicken PiccataEasy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. Hannah Williams, Malibu, California

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Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel HairWeve all heard that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland

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Chicken with Rosemary Butter SauceThis elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

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Pork Chops with Honey-Balsamic GlazeMy husband loves pork chops, so I try to find new ways to use them. He calls this version "restaurant quality!" Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona

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Spinach and Mushroom Smothered ChickenChicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri

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Elegant Pork MarsalaWine and mushrooms lend elegance to this oh-so-simple pork dish. Use pre-sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to save time. Cleanup is one-pan easy. Kim Gillis, High Falls, New York

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The post How to Make Marry Me Short Ribs appeared first on Taste of Home.

Best Overall

BloomsyBox

Topping our list of best flower delivery services, the show-stopping arrangements via BloomsyBox consistently blow us away for their smooth delivery process and overall experience. Though some services offer multiple bouquet sizes to choose from, BloomsyBox is simple. Only one size is available, but boy is it a stunner. Plus, it’s an impeccable value for about 30 stems in each arrangement.

We tested the Celebration bouquet featuring a vibrant array of gerbera daisies, roses and veronica. BloomsyBox delivers arrangements inside a carefully packaged cardboard box (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds). This keeps blooms protected from the weather elements. Our team has tested a handful of BloomsyBox bouquets in inclement weather (hello, Midwest snow storms) and their arrangements do not disappoint.

Upon the arrangement’s arrival, we pulled off a few wilted leaves, trimmed the stems and removed the mesh protectors off the blossoms. After arranging, it was clear this brand was the clear winner: flowers are perky, bountiful and colorful to boot. They remained fresh for about a week. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed by the textures and quality of flowersall miles above what you can find in a generic grocery store. If you like to perk up your home with fresh flowers every month (who doesn’t?) try a BloomsyBox flower subscription.

Pros

• Stunning arrangements available for an impeccable value
• Looks exactly like the listing
• High quality and unique stems
• Arrangement comes with two flower food packets
• Fun add ons available including candles, stickers, coffee or video message

Cons

• Vase not included; available for an extra fee
• Must trim stems/leaves and arrange yourself

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The post The Best Flower Delivery Services in 2024 appeared first on Taste of Home.

Needless to say, as someone who has dedicated her life to finding the best products available, its pretty rare for me to claim an item is life-changing. But after months of daily use, this 7-piece HexClad knife set earns that status. Here’s why.

What are HexClad Knives?

First things first: What is HexClad? Made popular by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and social media, this viral brand lives up to the hype. Theyre best known for their hybrid cookware that blends the durability of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick. Our experts have extensively tested HexClad products in our home kitchensputting the hybrid pan, wok and Dutch oven through the pacesand each piece earned our stamp of approval. In addition to cookware and knives, the brand sells accessories like pepper mills, aprons and cutting boards.

Now, onto the HexClad knives. HexClad uses Japanese Damascus steel and a green pakkawood handle. The 7-piece set includes an 8-inch Chefs knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 8-inch serrated knife, 9-honing steel and a magnetic walnut knife block. Each piece is not only aesthetic (truly, theyre some of the prettiest knives Ive seen) but strong and sturdy for a lifetime of use.

VIA MERCHANT

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We Tried It

HexClad 7-Piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set

This essential knife set will speed up your prep work and level up your cooking prowess.

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HexClad Knife Set Features

• Includes seven pieces:
  • Magnetic walnut knife block
  • 8-inch Chefs knife
  • 7-inch Santoku knife
  • 5-inch utility knife
  • 3.5-inch paring knife
  • 8-inch serrated knife
  • 9-inch honing steel
• Blade features 67 layers of Damascus steel
• Handle made of green pakkawood
• Sharp right out of the box
• Suitable for a wide variety of cooking tasks

How We Tested It

Ive tested the HexClad 7-piece knife set in my home kitchen since September 2023. And Ive used them every. single. day.

Packaging

When the HexClad knives first arrived, I was immediately impressed with the packaging. A sleek, white cardboard sleeve gave way to a hinged black box lined with velvety packing material. Each knife had a protective plastic sleeve and a little sheath tip and was nestled in an indented area. They were incredibly secure. The box also included a polishing cloth, care and use instructions and a little card with a Gordon Ramsay quote.

Washing

I washed the knives in warm, soapy water and then immediately dried them with a towel. Next, I arranged them on the magnetic bamboo block. As someone who has used both traditional knife blocks and plastic sheath-covered knives, the magnetic storage method is the way to go. Its so convenient to keep knives out in the open. Plus, its perfectly safe. The magnet is strong and requires a little bit of force to pull away, so there are no accidental slips. (Albeit I dont have kids, so theres no risk of little hands pulling at the blades.)

Once washed, it was time to start experimenting. As I said, Ive used these knives every day for five months. Ive performed pretty much every cooking taskfrom chopping onions to slicing homemade bread to chiffonading fresh basiland have yet to be disappointed.

Cutting

One notable experience? Cutting through a squash. While theyre one of my all-time favorite fall veggies, Id be lying if I said I looked forward to the prep. Before HexClad, I would spend at least five minutes wrestling and rocking with my knives to cut through the dense, slippery flesh. But with the help of the 8-inch Chefs knife, I cut through the thickest portion with one simple swipe. Truly, I was amazed. It was like cutting through butter. Plus, they stay sharp for a long time. Even after several months of consistent use, they cut with ease.

As for downsides, the list is pretty short. The walnut block could be a touch wider. It fits all the knives, but I would love a little more wiggle room. Professional chefs may also notice that the Santoku knife lacks divots on the blade that traditionally help prevent sticking when slicing meats and vegetables.

Some reviewers also mention that the knives are bulky or cumbersomeespecially for smaller hands. Truthfully, as a fairly petite woman, I never had an issue. I found the handles comfortable for even long-term chopping marathons.

Pros

• Incredibly sharp, durable knives
• Heirloom-quality
• Beautiful green handle
• Assortment of blades for any cooking task

Cons

• Magnetic block could be a little wider
• Recommended hand wash
• Pricey (Although there are frequent HexClad sales!)

FAQ

Are HexClad knives real Damascus?

Yes. They are made with 67 layers of Damascus steel.

Do HexClad knives rust?

In my experience, no. I only hand-wash the knives, but not always immediately after cooking. I also sometimes put them on the drying rack rather than towel-drying them immediately after washing. Even with this less-than-ideal care, the knives are still in excellent condition with no rust in sight.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

I’m not the only one trading in dull, unsafe knives for the super-sharp HexClad set. Here’s what other reviewers had to say.

“I really dont know what I was doing prior to purchasing this knife set,” shares five-star Amazon reviewer, Danielle N. “I love cooking; however mincing and cutting has been burdensome in the past with other cutlery utensils. Not anymore!”

“This will be the last knife set I buy!” shares five-star HexClad reviewer, Cody M. “Been in the market for knives for a while and am glad I spent the money and went with a high-class cutting utensil. Definitely recommend over buying cheap knife sets every year that dont last!”

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a new knife set that will last a lifetime, HexClad is the way to go. The 7-piece set has everything I need to prep all my favorite dishesand to look good while doing it. I love the sharp, durable blades and ergonomic handles. After months of daily use, they’re still incredibly sharp. And, with proper care, they should last for years. Just like HexClad cookware, the brand’s knives get our universal stamp of approval.

Next: Read up on the difference between HexClad and All-Clad.

Where to Buy HexClad Knives

VIA MERCHANT

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We Tried It

HexClad 7-Piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set

The knife set includes a magnetic walnut knife block, Chefs knife, Santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife and honing steel.

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You can buy HexClad knives directly from the brand’s website or Amazon. The set retails for $599 but is frequently on sale for less. And, if you don’t need all seven pieces, you can buy each item individually.

The post HexClad Knives Review: This 7-Piece Set Changed the Way I Cook appeared first on Taste of Home.

Yeast Doughnuts

The majority of doughnuts start with the same base: a yeast dough. The dough rises and is usually cut into ring-shaped doughnuts, but can also be cut into whole rounds to make Hawaiian malasadas or maple bars. Yeast doughnuts have a second rise before they’re fried to produce a golden exterior with a fluffy center. They can be glazed, made into sugar doughnuts, covered in cinnamon sugar or dressed up with rainbow sprinkles.

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What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is plant-focused and rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and olive oil. Meat and dairy are included, but in smaller amounts. Seafood is the preferred source of animal protein.

The diet is based on the traditional eating habits of people who live in countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea, such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece. Scientists began studying their eating patterns because they had less chronic disease and a longer life expectancy than people in other parts of the worldsimilar to the study of the Blue Zone diet.

In the late 1990s, the health community developed a formal guide to following a Mediterranean diet. The pyramid they created highlighted aspects of the diet and lifestyle that were key to gaining the health benefits people in that region have experienced for generations.

Whole foods vs. processed foods

Whole foods are also central to the Mediterranean diet, as opposed to processed foods that are high in refined grains and added sugar. The evidence against processed foods continues to stack up, as highlighted at the 2023 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo. In a session about processed foods, Megan D. Baumler, PhD, RDN, explained that ultra-processed foods are associated with an increased risk of chronic health conditions. Since they are rapidly digested and absorbed, they can also reduce feelings of fullness and lead to overeating.

A study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine even showed that eating too many processed foods can cause premature death.

Adhering to the Mediterranean diet will increase your intake of fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats. Eating less processed foods and more produce will help decrease sodium and ensure youre consuming a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

Is the Mediterranean diet good for you?

Following the Mediterranean diet means eating a variety of nutritious foods that work together to promote a healthy body. Its often said that the Mediterranean diet is more of a lifestyle than a diet, because theres no single food or nutrient in the diet that makes it healthy: Its the combination that works together.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest eating patterns and is named the number one diet in U.S. News & World Report for best diets for 2023, says Rahaf Al Bochi, RDN, LD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of Olive Tree Nutrition. Research continues to reveal that the Mediterranean diet supports overall health and can help lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and mortality. It has also been shown to boost mental health and support positive fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

One of the most influential studies of the Mediterranean diet was conducted by a team at the University of Barcelona in 2013. The team followed more than 7,000 people whose heart health improved dramatically after following the diet. This study showed that the Mediterranean diet can:

• Improve blood pressure
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve digestion
• Support brain function
• Stabilize blood sugar
• Reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome

How to Follow the Mediterranean Diet

Here’s how to follow the Mediterranean diet and make it part of your daily routine.

Produce

Plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables make up the foundation of the Mediterranean diet. They are nutrient-dense and usually low in calories, providing the vitamins, minerals and fiber we need without adding a lot of calories. Fresh produce is always a great option, but frozen and canned can also be healthy choices. Read labels on packaged fruits and veggies to find those with little to no added sugar or salt.

How many servings of produce should you eat? Shoot for two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day. One serving is about 1/2 cup cooked, or 1 cup raw. Focus mainly on non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli and recipes with leafy greens, while including starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes in moderation. Try one of these bell pepper recipes to start, such as bell pepper tomato salad or grilled peppers and zucchini.

Legumes

Most legumes are rich in fiber, B vitamins, potassium and folate, and double as a good source of proteinwhich is important because the Mediterranean diet includes just a moderate amount of animal protein. Legumes include beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas and fava beans.

How many servings of legumes should you eat? Include three 1/2-cup servings of legumes per week. This might seem daunting if you arent used to eating them regularly, but consider starting with small changes like adding a handful to a salad, choosing a bean burger instead of a hamburger, or snacking on veggies and hummus (which is made with chickpeas). Look for new recipes to add to your regular rotation, like these healthy dinners that start with a can of beans or one of these chickpea recipes.

Grains

Whole grains like oats, bulgur, farro and brown rice are emphasized in the Mediterranean diet because they provide more fiber and nutrients than refined grains. They improve digestion and help stabilize blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

How many servings of whole grains should you eat? Incorporate three to six servings of whole grains per day, depending on your caloric needs. An example of a single serving is 1/2 cup cooked rice, one slice of bread or 1 cup dry cereal. Try switching to whole grain pasta, starting your day with oatmeal, and adding barley to soups and stews. Beyond that, our collection of whole grain dinner ideas provides plenty of ways to add them to your meal plan.

Nuts

Some of the healthiest nuts are almonds, walnuts and pistachios. They are an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fat, and also provide protein, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E. Look for low-salt or no-salt-added nuts.

How many servings of nuts should you eat? Try to get three 1/4-cup servings of nuts per week. Two tablespoons of nut butter is also a serving (so, yes, peanut butter counts!). If youre looking for more healthy ways to eat nuts, try swapping in a serving of nuts in place of processed snacks like potato chips or pretzels to satisfy your hunger.

Meat and Seafood

Seafood is the preferred animal protein in the Mediterranean diet, and for good reason. Consuming fish regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol. If you eat red meat, do so in moderation, choosing lean cuts. If you eat poultry, opt for skinless poultry to limit saturated fat.

How many servings of meat and seafood should you eat? Aim for three servings of fish per week. Limit poultry to no more than one serving a day, and red meat to about one serving per week. One serving of meat or poultry is 3 ounces cooked, which is about the size of a deck of cards. Experiment with healthy fish recipes, especially salmon recipes, to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dairy

While yogurt and cheese are common in the Mediterranean diet, dairy is typically consumed in moderation. It can be a good source of calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein, but its also often high in saturated fat.

How many servings of dairy should you eat? One serving of dairy a day can mean just 1 cup milk, 1 cup yogurt or 1-1/2 ounces cheese. Choose low-fat or fat-free when you can. Include higher fat cheeses and cream as a flavor enhancer to other, healthier foods rather than as a main part of a meal or snack.

Fats

Olive oil is key in the Mediterranean diet. Its high in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, which can help lower bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation.

How much fat should you consume? Remember that oil is also high in calories, so just one to four servings a day is optimal depending on your caloric needs. One serving is 1 tablespoonthat could be used for sauteing vegetables, dressing a salad or tossing with pasta. The difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil is that the latter is processed without heat, maintaining potentially beneficial phenols that are lost when processing olive oil. However, both are better choices than butter, shortening, and other oils that are higher in saturated fat like coconut oil. If you don’t usually stock your pantry with olive oil, start with one of these olive oil brands.

Wine

Wine is part of the traditional Mediterranean diet, especially red wine. While red wine was once associated with a possible reduced risk of heart disease, thats come into question after recent studies suggest that drinking any amount of alcohol could be detrimental to blood pressure and coronary artery disease risk. Its generally recommended that if you dont drink, dont start drinking. If you do drink, limit to one glass of wine per day for women, and two per day for men. One glass should be 3 to 4 ounces. After you pour a glass or two of your favorite type of red wine, put the rest of the bottle to use in one of these recipes with wine.

The Mediterranean Diet as a Lifestyle

The base of the Mediterranean food pyramid encourages being physically active and enjoying meals with other people instead of eating alone. These are core traditions of Mediterranean culture that contribute greatly to the health benefits of the diet. Lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with diet, so incremental changes in physical activity and shared meals is also incredibly important.

How to Start the Mediterranean Diet

Whenever you make big changes to your eating habits, its always smart to talk to your physician first to make sure the changes are right for you. Mastering new lifestyle changes can seem overwhelming at first, so start small and focus on one or two Mediterranean diet tips at a time, like these:

• Add a salad dressed with oil and vinegar before lunch or dinner.
• Instead of ending a meal with cookies, cake or ice cream, have sliced fruit with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for something sweet.
• Swap 1/4 cup almonds or walnuts for processed snacks twice a week.
• Start your day with oatmeal and berries instead of pancakes, eggs or bacon.
• If you saute in butter, switch to olive oil.
• Replace one serving of red meat with seafood once a week.
• Take a 10-minute walk after lunch or dinner every day.

If you prefer a more detailed plan, our seven-day Mediterranean meal plan gives you a weeks worth of recipes to get you started. Start by stocking your pantry with Mediterranean spices, like za’atar, saffronand sumac, and have fun experimenting with new dishes.

The post What Is the Mediterranean Diet? A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on Taste of Home.