Amanda Black, Author at Taste Recipes

Total Time25 min

Servings16 pieces

From the Recipe Creator:This delicious pizza is unique, healthy and easy to make. The fresh flavors make it a perfect appetizer for a summer party. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

Nutrition Facts:1 piece: 98 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.

Grilled Fig and Honey Pizza

Total Time30 min

Servings8 slices

From the Recipe Creator:I had figs I needed to use up, so I made a batch of dough, tossed the figs on the grill and created a scrumptious dessert pizza. —Aaron Reynolds, Fox River Grove, Illinois

Grilled Chicken, Mango & Blue Cheese Tortillas

2 Reviews

Total Time30 min

Servings16 appetizers

From the Recipe Creator:Here's a fantastic outdoor appetizer to kick-start your summer get-togethers. We double or triple the ingredients when we host parties. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida

Nutrition Facts:1 wedge: 85 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.

Grilled Flatbread Veggie Pizza

3 Reviews

Total Time25 min

Servings4 servings

From the Recipe Creator:We pile veggies onto flatbread for a fun way to eat healthier. Our go-to recipe for weeknights easily changes with different veggies or meats. —Darla Andrews, Lewisville, Texas

Nutrition Facts:1/2 pizza: 426 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1005mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.

Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro

1 Review

Total Time25 min

Servings4 servings

From the Recipe Creator:My family and I are big picnickers, and I'm always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Nutrition Facts:1 pizza: 380 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.

Grilled Tomato Pizzas

1 Review

Total Time35 min

Servings6 servings

From the Recipe Creator:My husband and I make grilled pizza with a tangy balsamic glaze, and it tastes as if we used a wood-burning oven. —Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois

Nutrition Facts:1 pizza: 363 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.

Grilled Greek Pita Pizzas

5 Reviews

Total Time20 min

Servings4 servings

From the Recipe Creator:This easy flatbread pizza captures classic Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It works equally well as a speedy main dish or an appetizer. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Nutrition Facts:1 pizza: 585 calories, 34g fat (8g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 1336mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.

Appetizer Pizzas

3 Reviews

Total Time40 min

Servings9 appetizer pizzas

From the Recipe Creator:To keep a summer kitchen cool, we suggest preparing these pizza appetizers on the grill! A variety of ingredients tops flour tortillas for three terrific tastes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Nutrition Facts:1 slice of each variety: 358 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 827mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.

Grilled Veggie Tortillas

3 Reviews

Total Time25 min

Servings4 servings

From the Recipe Creator:Your garden's bounty will be put to good use in this delightful entree, which resembles a pizza. When I find a recipe like this that’s so well received, I make a copy, put it in a protective sleeve and store it in a binder so I can make it again.—Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts:1 pizza: 390 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 785mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.

Grilled Pizza Bread

Total Time35 min

Servings16 servings

From the Recipe Creator:These fun French bread pizzas are great picnic fare for both kids and adults. Tasty on the grill, they can just as easily be baked in the oven. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Nutrition Facts:1 piece: 159 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.

Grilled Veggie Pizza

4 Reviews

Total Time40 min

Servings6 servings

From the Recipe Creator:I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Nutrition Facts:1 piece: 274 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.

Grilled Eggplant Pita Pizzas

2 Reviews

Total Time40 min

Servings4 pizzas

From the Recipe Creator:We grow eggplants and love to use them for our special pizza. Grilling adds robust flavor to the crust, veggies and garlic. Waiting for the eggplants to grow is the hardest part! —Judy Barrett, Chelsea, Alabama

Nutrition Facts:1 pizza: 428 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.

Grilled Pizza with Greens & Tomatoes

1 Review

Total Time25 min

Servings2 pizzas (4 slices each)

Next, try this amazing DIY face mask.

From the Recipe Creator:This smoky grilled pizza scores big with me for two reasons. It encourages my husband and son to eat greens, and it showcases fresh produce. —Sarah Gray, Erie, Colorado

Nutrition Facts:1 slice: 398 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 1007mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.

The post 14 Ways to Make Pizza on the Grill appeared first on Taste Recipes.

10 Awesome Ways to Use Kool-Aid Packets Around the House

Amanda Black — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 21:19:31 +0000

Love Kool-Aid? This sugary drink is totally nostalgic for me: a hot summer afternoon in a glass. (These classic summer movies—and their matching recipes—take me back, too.) Did you know that the drink powder is good for more than quenching thirst? From cleaning hacks to fun projects (great for kids!), the packet has a surprising range of uses. Check out some of our favorites.

Clean Your Washing Machine

First things first: Do not dump a load of white clothes in with the tropical punch mix! But you can definitely use Kool-Aid powder to clean an empty washer. The citric acid crystals in the drink packets actually scrub away rust and gunk buildup. Toss a quarter cup of orange or lemonade powder in and run a regular cycle to clean things up.

A dirty washing machine can spread germs. These cleaning mistakes are making your home dirtier, too!

Color Unfinished Wood and Yarn

For a more permanent look, you can color unfinished wood for craft projects. Dissolve a few packets in some water and put your pieces in the mixture. Let it all sit overnight for the best results.

Maybe you want red yarn but only have white—no worries. Just dissolve a packet in some water, put the yarn in, and put it on the stove. Bring it to a boil, turn it off, and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Rinse the strands in warm water and let them dry before you use them.

Scour the Dishwasher

The same theory can be applied to the rust stains and lime deposits in your dishwasher. Run a regular cycle with the unsweetened lemonade flavor in your dishwasher’s detergent area. When it’s finished, if the stains aren’t entirely gone, you’ll be able to wipe them away with just a sponge. (Again, don’t do this with dishes in it.)

Want to learn how to deep clean your dishwasher? Here’s how.

Make Your Own Kool-Aid Pickles

Yes, this sounds weird. But have you had sweet-and-sour pickles? You can make them for practically nothing, right at home. Get a jar of dill pickles, drain them (keeping the brine), and slice them up. With the juice, mix 3/4 cup of sugar and 1 packet of the unsweetened Kool-Aid flavor of your choice. Pour the juice over the pickles and store for at least a week before serving. Here’s our full recipe.

Clean the Toilet

Yes, the lemonade packets can do it all! Sprinkle one in your toilet bowl and either scrub right away or let it sit for a few minutes if you have particularly tough stains. Flush to rinse the Kool-Aid away and leave your toilet with a fresh lemon scent. (We especially this idea if we’re traveling and that rental cabin toilet needs a once-over.)

Want to brighten things up? Try these 50 cleaning tricks with baking soda.

Shine Up Tarnished Silverware

Who knows what’s in that chemical-filled silver cleaner you typically use? Toss that to the side and use a packet of lemon Kool-Aid instead. Soak your grimy flatware in 1 cup of sugar, 2 quarts of water, and 1 packet of the drink mix for 10 minutes. Simply wipe the stains away with a cloth when you’re done.

Used all your Kool-Aid making pickles? Here’s another way to clean silverware.

Turn Glue into a Colorful Crafting Tool

Glue doesn’t have to be something you cover up-when it’s colorful! Pour a Kool-Aid packet into a bottle of liquid glue and shake it until the powder is dissolved and evenly mixed. You can then use it to make window clings and other fun crafts.

Make a Lip Gloss

Why pay good money for a store-bought gloss when you can customize your own at home? Grab a packet of your desired color (or mix more than one) and swirl it with some non-petroleum jelly. You can make the hue as light or dark as you want by adding more or less Kool-Aid.

Repair Chlorine-Damaged Hair

The summertime can mean you’re spending a lot of time in the pool. For many people, that means a brassy or greenish hue to your locks. Reverse the effects by mixing a lemon packet of Kool-Aid with your shampoo and lathering up. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing for the best results.

No swimming pool but want to spend time outside with your kids? Try backyard camping.

Dye Your Hair a Fun Color

Maybe you want to try a fun color out for a few days, or perhaps your kids are itching to have cool highlights for a party? Kool-Aid can do it! Mix one or two packets of your desired color with a teaspoon of cornstarch and dash of water; put the paste on your hair and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse out and go. The best part? The color only lasts a few shampoos, so you don’t have to worry about anything permanent. (Love DIY? Here are some ideas for your Halloween party.)

The post 10 Awesome Ways to Use Kool-Aid Packets Around the House appeared first on Taste Recipes.

11 Summer Foods You Should Never Share With Your Dog—and 5 You Can

Amanda Black — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:00:00 +0000

Summer’s the season for hanging out by the pool or in the backyard with good company and, obviously, great food. Of course, you’re not the only one with an eye on the food—your pups are keeping an eye out for those delicious morsels, too! Next time you’re on your coffee run, you can grab your pup a yummy Puppuccino.

Wherever there’s food, they’ll be there begging for scraps and picking up anything that’s accidentally (or intentionally) dropped on the ground. If you’re a great dog owner, make sure they don’t get their paws on anything that might harm them. Here’s what you should look out for.

Dangerous Food for Dogs

1. Grapes

They may seem harmless, but grapes (and raisins) are incredibly toxic to dogs—and can even be fatal. While vets don’t know what exactly causes the bad reaction, dogs can quickly experience vomiting and even kidney failure.

Luckily, all these delicious human foods are good for your dog.

2. Peaches and Plums

The actual fruit in peaches and plums is OK for dogs to eat, but if the animals get their paws on the entire thing, odds are they’ll devour it pit and all. That’s where the problem lies. The contains a form of cyanide, which is terribly poisonous to dogs and humans alike, but perhaps worse, the pit can block a dog’s throat or intestines.

3. Avocado

While a piece of avocado fruit should be fine, keep in mind that avocados contain persin, which can be toxic for dogs. It’s in the fruit, pit and skin, so keep your pups away from the guacamole. If you happen to grow avocados, keep an eye out for any dropped fruit.

4. Bones That Splinter

Just because your dog’s favorite toy is a bone, doesn’t mean all bones are safe. Baby back rib bones, T-bones and chicken bones easily splinter, and if swallowed, can be incredibly harmful. If you’re serving any of the above, make sure it’s clear to your guests that the remnants should not be given to your pup.

5. Bacon

This breakfast staple, along with other fatty foods like meat scraps, can cause pancreatitis in pups. While one nibble here or there isn’t the end of the world, don’t make it a habit. Otherwise, the dog’s pancreas can become inflamed and stop functioning. Bacon is also very high in salt, which isn’t good for dogs, either.

6. Chocolate

This should go without saying, but some people still don’t know that chocolate is extremely poisonous to man’s best friend. Depending on the dog’s size and how much chocolate he eats, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, seizures and death.

7. Garlic

A member of the allium family (which also includes chives, onions and leeks), garlic is very toxic for our furry friends. According to the American Kennel Club, “Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness and collapsing.”

8. Ice Cream

While ice cream is OK in moderation, dogs don’t digest dairy very well. Many are lactose-intolerant or downright allergic, and giving them ice cream (or milk) can lead to loose stools, vomiting and other symptoms. They may also react badly to sweeteners or artificial flavors.

Still want to give them a treat on a hot day? Try dog-friendly ice creams like Ben and Jerry’s Doggie Desserts or the frozen dog treats at Aldi.

9. Alcohol

If your dog licks up a few drops of your favorite IPA that splashed on the ground, there’s no need to freak. However, if they manage to lap up half your glass when you’re not looking, you should phone a vet. Alcohol has the same effect on our pups as it does us, but it takes far less to cause diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems or worse.

10. Macadamia Nuts

While peanuts are OK for our dogs to eat, macadamia nuts are actually quite poisonous for them. The nuts can affect their nervous system, causing vomiting, increased body temperature and lethargy.

11. Coffee

You should never let your dog dip into your iced coffee cup. The stimulant methylated xanthine makes a dog’s nervous system go into overdrive. Symptoms include vomiting, restlessness and heart palpitations.

Safe Food for Dogs in Summer

So what can dogs eat? Generally, lean meats, veggies (such as carrots), peanut butter and other tasty treats are healthy for our pups. If you’re looking to cool down your pup over the summer, then try these foods for dogs.

1. Frozen Berries

Pop some berries in the freezer (or buy them from the store) and let Fido crunch on them. This tasty treat is pup-safe and helps them cool down before they overheat.

2. “Nice” Cream

Bananas are safe for dogs, so blend up bananas, add some delicious extras, pop the mixture in the freezer and voila! You’ve got a safe treat. Try this Chunky Banana Cream Freeze (minus the raisins) for a start. Remember that this is a treat, so you shouldn’t be giving it to your pup too often.

3. Watermelon

Watermelon isn’t just refreshing and hydrating for humans—it can work great for your dog too. Try this Watermelon Blueberry Salad for a fresh recipe your pup will love.

4. Apples

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crunchy apple. Pair an apple slice with one of Fido’s favorites, peanut butter, for a dose of protein and vitamins. Psst! Can dogs have strawberries?

5. Yogurt

But wait, dogs can’t eat dairy, right? Well, they can’t digest lactose very well, but like people, they tolerate yogurt better because of the reduced lactose content. Make sure you use plain yogurt with no additives, and test a small portion to make sure your pup doesn’t have any allergies. Once they approve, you can go ahead and make this Honey-Yogurt Berry Salad.

If you’re ever unsure about a food you want to share, check first. Better safe than sorry!

Homemade Treats for Your Pup

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Peanut Butter Carob Cups

This recipe is for a dog-friendly version of peanut butter cups! Made with only four ingredients (carob chips, coconut oil, peanut butter and honey), these homemade treats are ready in 30 minutes and will easily be your pup's favorite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Classic Dog BiscuitsA handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to make these tasty peanut butter dog treats. Your puppy is sure to love them.

You won’t need much to bake this dog cookie recipe: wheat flour, wheat germ and of course, your pup’s favorite peanut butter. Your canine pals will fur-sure go crazy over these. —Shannon Norris, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats

To make chewy sweet potato treats, simply peel and slice your sweet potatoes, coat them in coconut oil and turmeric and then roast them in the oven for a few hours. They’re the perfect pick-me-up snacks for your pup. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This dog treat recipe is so refreshing! Combine peanut butter, Greek yogurt and a ripe banana in the blender and you’ll have treats on hand for when your dogs are behaving paws-itively perfect. You can even customize this treat with fruit like blueberries, strawberries or pumpkin. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon

Chicken Dog Treats

Your dog’s tail will wag for these homemade chicken dog treats. Made with healthy, whole food ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, oat flour and chicken broth, these treats will be gobbled right up. You can even store them in the freezer for up to three months. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cheddar Dog Treats

Any pampered pup will be lucky to fetch these cheese dog treats for Christmas. The yummy strips are made with real cheese, which most dogs can’t resist.—Lydia Driscoll, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Peanut Butter Pupcakes

Spoil your best friend with homemade dog cupcakes, aka "pupcakes." This recipe uses creamy peanut butter for a burst of dog-friendly flavor in the cake and frosting. Sprinkle crushed dog biscuits on top for decoration. —Molly Allen, Hood River, OregonIs your dog turning another year older? Gather your two- and four-legged friends and celebrate with fun dog birthday party ideas.

Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Treats

Three ingredients are all it takes to make these creamy canine confections. Kelly Rowe of Live Laugh Rowe mixes peanut butter, cinnamon and coconut oil for these homemade treats. Use a cute paw print silicone tray and your dogs will go mutts over them.Go to Recipe

3-Ingredient Dog Treats

Nothing tells your four-legged friend how much you love them like homemade treats. With only three ingredients—apples, peanut butter and oats—and 15 minutes of bake time, these treats will teach you how easy it is to make dog treats at home. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dog Birthday Cake

Celebrating your furry friend’s birthday? Whip up this homemade dog cake with simple ingredients like applesauce, bananas and peanut butter. Be sure you stick to safe baking ingredients that don’t have artificial sweeteners that can be toxic to your dog. —Molly Allen, Hood River, OregonPsst: Serve this cake with Dairy Queen’s pup cup to go all out!

Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Doughnuts

Not only are these dog doughnuts by Laura of Sunny Day Family made of ingredients you already have at home, but they have bacon which makes everything better. Top these treats off with some Greek yogurt, toss them in the freezer and bone appetit!And if you run out of these dog doughnuts, head to Tim Hortons for a treat from the secret dog menu.Go to Recipe

Pumpkin Ginger Dog BiscuitsBake up a batch of these from-scratch treats to get your pumpkin-lovin' pooch's tail wagging. Made with wholesome ingredients you already have in your pantry, they're almost as easy as "sit." —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The best thing about these bone-shaped biscuits? You already have all of the ingredients in your pantry (and you can finally use up that can of pumpkin). Feed these to Fido when his stomach is upset, as ginger helps relieve nausea. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Looking for a healthy dog treat recipe that won’t have you running to a specialty store for any ingredients? This is the one! Add a bit of parsley for a natural breath freshener and look forward to all the puppy kisses you’ll get for making these delicious dog treats. —Elizabeth Harris, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Oat and Apple Dog Pretzel Treats

With chewy rolled oats and fruity applesauce, these pet-approved pretzels by the Cookie Rookie are sure to have even the most stubborn pups sitting and staying. The treats even use gluten-free flour (which you can swap for coconut flour, too) so they’re healthy and hearty.Go to Recipe

Breath-Freshening Treats

Bad breath? There’s a treat for that. These good-for-Fido greenies by Health Starts in the Kitchen are packed with parsley, mint and activated charcoal to prevent those stinky smooches that every dog parent is familiar with. An added plus is that you can customize the size to make them giant for larger dogs or teenie for smaller pooches.Go to Recipe

Carrot Peanut Butter Pupcakes

Puppies + cupcakes = pupcakes. These doggy desserts by Shweta Arora of Shweta in the Kitchen are exactly what you need to celebrate a special occasion, like Scout’s first birthday or Bella’s graduation from obedience school. Shweta's secret tip is adding 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the frosting to make these party treats mildly sweet. Don’t forget the party hats!You’ll want to find a perfect gift for your dog, too.Go to Recipe

Healthy Pumpkin Puppuccino

For the dog who’s as PSL-obsessed as his mom, this Starbucks-inspired sip (coffee not included) by Cooking with Janica is a great alternative when the Starbucks puppuccino isn’t available. This recipe is pumped with vitamins and high in fiber from the pumpkin, making it a healthy treat for your dog.Go to Recipe

Bacon Dog Treats

Ginger and Spice Dog Biscuits

Regular dog treats are no match for this bacon dog treat recipe. A twist on the traditional dog biscuit, this recipe adds oats, bananas and bacon (of course) to make paw-some dog treats. —Kate Morgan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania