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One of the benefits of air-frying is that it requires less oil. An oil spray bottle is the secret to golden-brown food. Shoppers love this convenient oil sprayer for the job. Fill it with your favorite oil and spritz ingredients before popping them in the air fryer.

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BEST GUIDE

Lotteli Air Fryer Cheat Sheet

15.9944% OFF$8.98 at Amazon

New to air-frying? Look no further than this air fryer cheat sheet. The handy magnet helps you become a master in no time. It outlines the temperatures and cook times of all your favorite foods, including air-fryer bacon, cauliflower and chicken wings.

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BEST FOR SLICING

OXO Mandoline

$18.45 at Amazon

Before you can air-fry, you need to prep. A mandoline is one of our favorite air-fryer accessories, as it aids in crunchy chips, easy onion rings and sliced pickles. Choose from thick slices to julienne-style ones, depending on what the recipe requires. Buy the best mandoline slicers and make sure you’re not making this dangerous mandoline mistake!

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BEST LINERS

Vancens Air Fryer Liners

$6.99 at Amazon

Non-toxic and nonstick, air fryer liners are a smart accessory. These liners are double-duty, stopping food from sticking and keeping the air fryer clean. You’ll never worry about burned-on chocolate chip cookies ever again.

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BEST RACK

Anqia Skewers and Rack

$9.99 at Amazon

If air-fryer beef skewers are on your “must-try” list, this skewer and rack set makes cooking a breeze. And, when you’re not in the mood for kabobs, use the carbon-steel rack to prepare burgers, fish or steak. You can’t go wrong with these Cosori air-fryer accessories, either.

Note: This pick is ideal for air fryers with at least a 4.2-quart basket.

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BEST GRILL PAN

Instant Vortex Grill Pan

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Say hello to easy indoor grilling with an air-fryer grill pan. This nonstick grill insert produces an even, beautiful sear on fish, veggies and meat. This is the perfect solution for when it’s too cold to grill outside! Before you buy, make sure your model supports a grill pan. Here’s our entire air fryer cooking guide.

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Best Tongs

OXO Heat-Resistant Tongs

$16.79 at Amazon

Air fryers get hot, so heat-resistant tongs are an excellent way to maneuver food in, out and around the air fryer. Sturdy and dishwasher-safe, stainless steel tongs with silicone heads make gripping food easy while protecting your fingers and arms.

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BEST MOLDS

Encounter Bagel and Donut Molds

$12.99 at Amazon

Homemade bagels get a genius upgrade thanks to these silicone molds. There’s endless fun to be had experimenting with cinnamon doughnuts, stuffed pizza bagels and everything in between. Plus, the individual molds are perfect for most air fryer sizes.

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BEST BAKING CUPS

Williams-Sonoma Baking Cups

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How cute are these silicone baking cups? They’re perfect for air-fryer cupcakes and egg cups. The ergonomic handles make for fuss-free maneuvering. And if a Ninja air fryer is what you’re working with, these are the best Ninja air-fryer accessories.

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BEST TRAY

RAMLLY Air Fryer Replacement Tray

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Our air fryers get a lot of love—and use, so sometimes the tray seems impossible to get clean. Luckily, an air fryer replacement tray is an affordable alternative for when that air fryer tray has seen better days. Just make sure to choose the correct size for your model.

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BEST FOR BAKING

SHEbaking Air Fryer Muffin Pan

$9.89 at Amazon

Craving muffins? How about air fryer bacon and egg cups? Temperature-safe up to 450 degrees, this silicone pan makes air-frying your favorite comfort foods a breeze. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

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Best Baskets

LYHOLKEER Silicone Baskets

$14.99 at Amazon

Similar to air fryer liners, a silicone basket cooks ingredients to perfection while keeping the air fryer tray mess-free. Plus, this four-pack is available in multiple sizes and reduces food waste thanks to its reusable design. You’ll never have to deal with sticky or burnt residue again!

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BEST COOKBOOK

Taste Recipes Everyday Air Fryer Cookbook

17.9944% OFF$9.99 at Amazon

With more than 100 recipes, our Everyday Air Fryer cookbook is packed with mouthwatering ideas for everything from breakfast to dinner. Learn how to cook every meal—plus snacks and desserts—in your air fryer. Check out even more surprising foods you can make in air fryer.

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BEST LOAF PAN

Bakerpan Silicone Loaf Pans

$12.99 at Amazon

If meat loaf or homemade banana bread is on the menu, these silicone loaf pans are must-have air fryer accessories. They’re the perfect size for nestling in your air fryer, and they’re microwave- and oven-safe up to 446 degrees.

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BEST THERMOMETER

ThermoWorks Thermapen

$109 at ThermoWorks

Correct cooking times are the key to air-frying, but a double-check is never a bad idea. An instant-read thermometer, like the Thermapen, ensures food is cooked through even in the thickest spots. If you’re unsure what the temperature should be, check out this guide to food-safe cooking temperatures.

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BEST BUNDLE

Leanking Accessory Kit

$33.99 at Amazon

When in doubt, opt for an air-fryer accessory kit. It includes pans, racks, silicone molds and everything else you need to maximize your air fryer. Just make sure it’s compatible with your model before clicking “add to cart.” Knowing these tips for air-fryer success helps, too.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Air-Fryer Accessories

The best air fryer accessories are ones that are safe and easy to clean. With that in mind, consider picks made with materials like silicone and heat-resistant metals. They are easy to wash after cooking and help perfectly cook foods while keeping your air fryer in good condition. If you try other materials, ensure they’re crafted for the appliance. Metals that cannot withstand heat up to 450 degrees can melt and cause even more trouble. 

Aside from materials, look for accessories that fit like a glove into your air fryer basket. Try to find cups, liners and small pans that are simple to place in the fryer. Last but not least? Add a thermometer to your list. Even though air fryers cook your food evenly, you can never be too careful when checking your meat’s temperature for safe serving.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team is comprised of experts who source the best products for your kitchen and have evaluated everything from the best air fryer deals to the best kitchen gadgets. Our testing team spends hours testing and researching products, including many of these air fryer accessories. We aim to provide the most up-to-date selections, brands, prices and customer reviews. Taste Recipes’s team also never recommends products we disapprove of. The author, Emily Cappiello, is a seasoned journalist who has spent over 15 years writing about food and kitchen products.

How We Found the Best Air-Fryer Accessories

We crafted this list based on our team’s knowledge of what makes an excellent air fryer accessory. We tested over two dozen products and only listed the best ones that are worth your money in this story. We also scoured hundreds of shopper reviews to learn how each one worked in real life. From there, we ensured that each item was the most recent version that the brand offered and added accurate pricing so you could make an informed decision when shopping.

FAQs

What’s the big deal about air fryer accessories?

Air fryers might be known for their efficiency and health perks, but they’re not that different from your traditional oven: They both bake, cook and heat their contents to make them feast-ready. You wouldn’t use an oven to without a pan, mold or meat thermometer, so why would an air fryer be any different? When buying your own air fryer accessories, it’s important to think about what you’re planning to make inside. Frying doughnuts? Maybe a silicone mold is in order. Roasting carrots or Brussels sprouts? Add a liner or extra tray to your cart. You’ll also want to ensure that your accessories fit snugly in your air fryer so they don’t slosh around and create even more of a mess.

Do you need special accessories with an air fryer?

No rule says you need special air fryer accessories, but they streamline your cooking experience. Whether it’s tongs to remove your food from the hot basket or baking cups to hold eggs, there are benefits to having these tools on hand. 

What is the best container to use in an air fryer?

Glass is best when looking at containers for your air fryer, as long as it’s tempered and borosilicate glass. These can handle heat and are less resistant to cracks and breakage. 

Can I put Tupperware in an air fryer?

Tossing your leftovers in Tupperware into the air fryer seems like a good idea, but experts recommend skipping it. The plastic easily melts, making a mess in the air fryer and ruining the basket.

Which foods should never go in an air fryer?

Though air fryers are relatively versatile appliances—you can use them to make everything from egg bites to roasted vegetables—they have limitations. Most home chefs agree that placing greens like spinach or kale in an air fryer is bad as the leaves will magically swirl around its basket. (The same goes for wet batter, so you’ll want to prepare your fried chicken or crispy cod thoughtfully.) And, since most cheese will melt before it gets crispy, you might want to reconsider using your air fryer for those crispy curds.

The post 16 Best Air-Fryer Accessories appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Apart from a homemade Irish coffee, what other drinks can whiskey enhance? This spirit can be added to almost any type of cocktail and works well with a whole slew of mixers—from syrups and fruit juices to kombucha. It’s time to grab your cocktail shaker and start playing mixologist with these unexpected whiskey drinks. Just getting started? Here are 7 essential items that should be in every home bar.

Buffalo Gap Ginger Snap

This fresh and strong bevvy will be your new go-to drink for a hot day—just like these other sunny cocktails to sip when the mercury rises.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 ounce bourbon
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup. Here’s how to make it.
• Thin slice of fresh ginger

Directions: Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker until very cold, then pour over ice. Serve in a rocks glass. Top with a splash of ginger beer and garnish with an orange wheel.

The Belmont Bramble

This refreshing cocktail from Bread Booze Bacon proves that blackberry and whiskey go together just like, well, bacon and whiskey. After you’ve imbibed, save a splash for our editor’s favorite recipe for Gentleman’s Whiskey Bacon Jam.

Ingredients:

• 2-½ parts whiskey
• 2 parts fresh blackberry puree
• 5 parts lemonade
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped

Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the whiskey, blackberry puree, lemonade and basil. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the shaker feels very cold. Remove the cover from the shaker and strain the cocktail into two rocks glasses filled with ice. (If needed, pour a little more lemonade on top to fill each glass.) Garnish each cocktail with a few blackberries and a fresh basil leaf.

Woodford Reserve Eclipse

While typical bourbon drinks have a strong kick, the Chambord liqueur in this recipe adds rich, velvety notes of berries and vanilla into the mix. It’ll convert non-whiskey sippers and traditionalists alike. And in case you were wondering, this is the difference between whiskey and bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 1-½ ounces Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey
• ½ ounce Chambord
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 1 ounce raspberry juice
• ½ ounce lime juice
• 2-3 drops sorghum syrup (Find Kentucky’s favorite sweetener on Amazon.)
• Club soda

Directions: Combine the bourbon, Chambord, fruit juices, lime and sorghum syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into an iced glass. Top with a dash of club soda and garnish with a black raspberry and lime twist. Read up on the 12 secret cocktail ingredient only bartenders know about.

New York Summer Sour

This recipe is straight from New York City’s famous Gramercy Tavern, one of the most beloved restaurants in America. If you haven’t visited, pencil it into your next road trip, along with these other East Coast hot spots for foodies.

Ingredients:

• 1-¾ ounces rye whiskey
• ¾ ounce simple syrup
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• ½ ounce egg white. Here’s our Test Kitchen’s foolproof way to separate eggs.
• ¾ ounce dry red wine

Directions: Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker without ice and shake vigorously to froth up the egg white. Bartenders call this a dry-shake. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over large ice cubes. (This oversized ice cube tray has rave reviews.) Garnish with cherry and orange.

Fitzroy

Sherry (not the kind you cook with) is trending in cocktails right now. We recommend trying Tio Pepe Fino, a super dry white sherry wine that’s best served chilled. Combined with whiskey and pimento bitters, this drink takes on a unique taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Australian whisky
• 1/4 ounce Fino sherry
• 1/4 ounce Demerara sugar
• 2 dashes pimento bitters ($20)

Directions: Add all ingredients except the bitters to a mixing glass with ice and stir gently. Strain over a large ice cube into a rocks glass and garnish with an orange twist. This is how to make an easy cocktail garnish.

Hair of the Tiger

Feeling tropical? This whiskey drink has all kinds of island flavor. Kind of like these staycation-worthy desserts.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Irish whiskey, like Proper No. Twelve
• 3/4 ounce pineapple juice
• 1/2 ounce Combier apricot
• 1/2 ounce ginger syrup
• 1/2 ounce lime

Directions: To create the Hair of the Tiger, combine all ingredients. Shake until chilled and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Kombucha Whiskey Sour

Made with kombucha, a fermented drink known for its many health benefits, this cocktail recipe from Great Eight Friends may actually be good for your gut.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces whiskey or bourbon
• 3-4 ounces ginger lemon kombucha
• Angostura bitters

Directions: Chill the whiskey and the kombucha. Pour over ice—you can even used smoked ice—into an old-fashioned glass. Add 2-3 drops Angostura bitters. Stir. Garnish with sliced orange and maraschino cherry.

Hot Toddy

This classic winter-weather drink recipe from The Drink Blog is one you’ll want to sip on, no matter the temp. Good news: Research says this drink may also be the cure for your cold, too.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 ounce bourbon whiskey
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• Cinnamon stick
• Lemon slice
• Hot water

Directions: Add the honey, lemon juice and bourbon to a mug. Top with hot water. Stir with a cinnamon stick. Float a lemon slice on top.

Error #5

While this 3-ingredient drink may taste elevated, it actually couldn’t be easier to make. The hardest part is stirring. For that, we recommend to invest in a quality mixing glass like this one ($17) so you can do it in style.

Ingredients:

• ¾ ounce Campari
• 1-¼ ounce rye whiskey
• ¾ ounce Carpano vermouth

Directions: Fill a rocks glass and a mixing glass with ice. Pour the liquor into the mixing glass. Stir for 15 seconds. Finally, strain and pour over cubed ice in rocks glass.

Classic Mint Julep

You don’t have to wait for the Kentucky Derby to drink a mint julep. To make one whenever you’re feeling it, Maker’s Mark shares this simple recipe. Master the drink with more tips from our Test Kitchen team.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 part simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves

Directions: Add the mint and simple syrup to a julep cup ($20). Muddle mint, add crushed ice and pour in the bourbon. Stir and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

Spotted Wood

With all of the proposed health benefits of ginger, what better excuse than to add it to our favorite liquor. Serve this recipe up in a Collins glass and slice the ginger like a spear for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Irish whiskey
• Sliced fresh ginger
• 3 dashes rosemary bitters
• 4 ounces Fever-Tree Smoky Ginger Ale

Directions: Combine whiskey, ginger, rosemary and top with Smoky Ginger Ale. Garnish with sliced ginger.

Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The post 11 of the Best Whiskey Drinks to Make at Home appeared first on Taste Recipes.

You’ll find everything you need to know in the guide below!

Is it whiskey or whisky?

That depends where it’s made. Yes, whisk(e)y can be spelled both with an “e” and without, which does confuse even the most seasoned drinkers. But, it turns out the letter is very important to the story of the spirit. The Irish use the “e,” a tradition that carried over to American-made whiskeys. The Scots do not use the “e,” and distillers in Canada and Japan follow their lead. Hence, whisky or whiskies.

Types of whiskey

So now, without further ado, here are the types of whiskey you need to know:

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey has a smoother flavor than other types of whiskey. It’s made from a mash of malt, can only be distilled using water and caramel coloring, and must be distilled in wooden casks for at least three years. The result is a whiskey that’s easy to sip neat or on the rocks, though you can use Irish whiskey to make cocktails.

Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky (aka just scotch) is made in Scotland with either malt or grain. The Scots take their whisky-making seriously and have laws in place that distillers must follow. The spirit must age in an oak barrel for at least three years. Plus, each bottle must have an age statement which reflects the youngest aged whisky used to make that blend. This is a whisky to sip neat—it makes an excellent after-dinner drink.

Japanese Whisky

A little later to the game than Irish and scotch, Japanese whisky has made its mark on the spirits world for its high standards. Japanese whisky was created to taste as close to the scotch style as possible and uses similar distilling methods. It is mostly imbibed in mixed drinks or with a splash of soda.

Canadian Whisky

Like scotch, Canadian whisky must be barrel-aged for at least three years. It’s lighter and smoother than other types of whiskey because it contains a high percentage of corn. You will find that most Canadian whiskies are made from corn and rye, but other may feature wheat or barley.

Bourbon Whiskey

An American-style whiskey, bourbon is made from corn. In fact, to be called bourbon whiskey, the spirit needs to be made from at least 51% corn, aged in a new oak barrel and produced in America. It has no minimum aging period and needs to be bottled at 80 proof or more.

Bourbon is the star ingredient in mint juleps—and you don’t have to wait for the Kentucky Derby to learn how to make one.

Tennessee Whiskey

While Tennessee whiskey is technically classified as bourbon, some distillers in the state aren’t too keen on that. Instead, they use Tennessee whiskey to define their style. All current Tennessee whiskey producers are required by state law to produce their whiskeys in Tennessee and to use a filtering step known as the Lincoln County Process prior to aging the whiskey.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is made in America with at least 51% rye, while other ingredients include corn and barley. It follows the distilling process of bourbon. Rye that has been aged for two or more years and has not been blended is dubbed “straight rye whiskey.” Rye tends to have a spicier flavor than sweeter, smoother bourbon.

Blended Whiskey

Blended whiskey is exactly what the name highlights—it’s a mixture of different types of whiskey, as well as colorings, flavors and even other grains. These types of whiskeys are ideal for cocktails, as the process allows for the flavor to come through but keeps the spirit at a lower price point.

Single Malt Whisky

Single malt whisky needs to be made from one batch of scotch at a single distillery. Additionally, it must be aged for three years in oak before being bottled. The term “single malt” comes from the ingredients, as the main ingredient is malted barley. However, these rules did not make their way to U.S. distilleries. For example, in America, single malt is sometimes made from rye and not barley.

Now that you know the basics for each whiskey, you’re ready to pour drinks. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping a well-stocked home bar.

The post 9 Types of Whiskey You Really Need to Know appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What’s Safe for the Microwave

You can microwave glass, ceramic and containers with a waxy finish. This includes Chinese takeout containers—but remember to remove the metal handles prior to microwaving. You’re also good to use paper goods (such as paper plates and paper towels) as well as parchment paper.

This is how to microwave leftovers—without destroying them!

What’s Not Safe for the Microwave

Unfortunately, single-use plastic containers are typically not microwave-safe. This tends to be the majority of restaurant to-go containers, so check for a microwave-safe label before putting that container in the microwave. You can also repackage your leftovers in microwave-safe containers. Psst! Here’s the best way to store every type of leftover food.

The other containers not safe for the microwave include:

• aluminum goods
• styrofoam products (Read more about whether you can microwave styrofoam.)
• anything that is meant to be used in the cold, like butter tubs or yogurt containers

Plus, anything with a metallic or metal rim is bad news for heating in the microwave. Transfer these leftover foods to a plate instead. Find clever ways to repurpose your leftovers, too.

The Great Plastic Debate

The question of whether you can microwave plastic is a hot topic. Melissa Bailey, a registered dietitian and founder of The Nourished Fork, explains that even if the container may not look damaged after microwaving, single-use plastic may not be the best choice for reheating food. In some cases, chemicals may leach into the food if the food reacts to the container itself.

“I would recommend reheating all food on a plate or switching to a glass container to heat, rather than keeping food in the plastic container,” Bailey says. “While the jury is still out on this topic, I would try to limit the use of plastic containers as much as possible, and definitely avoid heating foods in them. It is better to be safe than sorry.”

However, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), plastics that are deemed “microwave-safe,” are, in fact, safe for the microwave.

Make a Casserole to Use Up Your Leftovers

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Chicken Enchilada BakeYour family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, ColoradoGo to Recipe

Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri

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Chicken Zucchini CasseroleFast and delicious, chicken zucchini casserole is an effortless weeknight dish to use up your summer harvest of zucchini.

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Crescent Turkey CasseroleHow do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota

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Pineapple Ham CasseroleLiving in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. It's our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii

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Chicken Spaghetti CasseroleChicken spaghetti casserole is such a fun way to serve spaghetti noodles. Baked until bubbly from the cheddar and Swiss cheeses, you'll love serving this when you want a change from typical saucy pastas.

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Chiles Rellenos Breakfast BakeMy family loves anything with a Southwestern flavor, so I turned classic chiles rellenos into a breakfast casserole. They became fans in an instant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Turkey Spaghetti CasseroleMy mom made this creamy and comforting dish while I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple yet tasty meal. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio

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Chicken Florentine CasseroleCreamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida

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Scalloped Potatoes with HamThis dish is a real crowd-pleaser with its smooth sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it for us. I added parsley and thyme, and now my husband and five children request it all the time. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington

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Southwestern Turkey BakeI make this turkey bake as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their vegetables. It's also perfect if you're wondering what to do with leftover turkey. This creamy entree will fill you up fast. —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York

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Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone needs a chicken noodle casserole recipe in their repertoire. This one is a simple version that produces a creamy, comforting dish that you can make ahead for busier days.

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Sunday Brunch CasseroleMy father was a chef, and this was one of his favorite recipes. He served it in the hotels where he worked as well as at home. Whenever it's served today in my home, it never fails to bring back fond memories of a table laden with food and encircled with family and friends enjoying the aromas, tastes and laughter. —Roy Lyon, Coupeville, Washington

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Mushroom Turkey TetrazziniThis creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it’s a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.

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Chicken and Dumpling CasseroleThis classic, savory casserole will become a fast favorite. The fluffy dumplings are covered with plenty of gravy, and the basil adds just the right flavor while making the whole house smell good.

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Ham and Noodle CasseroleOur ham and noodle casserole features tender egg noodles in a savory cheese sauce with a bit of ham, a bit of crunch and a whole lot of flavor. It's one of our favorite ways to use up leftover ham.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu CasseroleChicken cordon bleu casserole is made with all the same great flavors of the classic dish but with half the fuss. It'll have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas

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Ham & Veggie CasseroleI’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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Chicken & Cheese Noodle BakeThis is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana

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Chicken Broccoli CasseroleWhen you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.

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Farmer’s CasseroleThis brunch-friendly make-ahead farmer's casserole is a hearty combination of hash brown potatoes, Monterey jack cheese, ham and eggs.

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Curried Chicken and Grits CasseroleSouthern-style cheesy grits meet curry and loads of vegetables to make a satisfying casserole that blankets the house with an inviting aroma. —Lori Shamszadeh, Fairhope, Alabama

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Ham and Swiss CasseroleWhen I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas

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Thai Peanut Chicken CasseroleI used traditional pizza sauce and toppings in this recipe for years. After becoming a fan of Thai peanut chicken pizza, I decided to use those flavors instead. Serve this dish with stir-fried vegetables or a salad with sesame dressing for an easy, delicious meal. —Katherine Wollgast, Troy, Missouri

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The post Are To-Go Containers Microwavable? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The recent craft cocktail movement has brought old-school drinks back into the spotlight. We’d like to recommend the return of an after-dinner drink, or a digestif, to help round out your evening.

Traditionally, a digestif is full of herbs, spices and other ingredients to help aid in digestion, but after-dinner drinks have evolved into spirits with a smooth sip and high alcohol content. These picks will help you end your dinner party on a high note!

Port Wine

Port wine is an after-dinner drink that’s meant to be savored. It’s rich and complex, and can have layers of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch and fruit. Your glass of port can be sipped at room temperature, alone or alongside a complementary dark chocolate dessert.

Aged Rum

Sure, rum is best known for tiki-style cocktails. But there’s something about a dark, aged rum that is perfect at the end of a long day. Look for a style of dark rum that appeals to your palate, whether that’s spice or notes of bananas and coconut. Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try this tropical banana rum drink.

Amaro

A bitter Italian liqueur, amaro is made from a variety of herbs, spices, flowers, roots, citrus peels and other ingredients thought to aid in digestion. This category can range from fernet, which is sharply bitter, to vermouth amaro with sweet citrus flavor. This liqueur is best when sipped neat, although ice or a splash of tonic water can be added.

Brandy

Brandy, too, comes in a variety of different flavor profiles. From fresh, floral brandy to a stronger aged variety (think Cognac), this spirit is best served at room temperature in a brandy snifter. However, it can also be used as an ingredient in an after-dinner brandy cocktail, such as a sidecar or a brandy old-fashioned.

Ice Wine

Ice wine is made from grapes that are picked while frozen on the vine. This tactic produces a wine that’s balanced yet sweet, and has lots of different varietals to choose from, ensuring something for everyone. The wine should be served chilled, at about 50ºF. Here’s the right way to store it at home.

Single Malt Scotch

This spirit can be served neat, with a splash of water or over ice. To be “single malt” scotch, the spirits must be made in Scotland at a single distillery. The benefit of a single malt is that it’s usually higher-quality, as the grains aren’t blended, and offers a smoother sip. The world’s best scotch is easier to get than you might think.

Sherry

While sherry is well-known as a cooking wine, it’s more than just an ingredient. It has a unique flavor that evolves during the time spent in a glass, so it gives a fresh taste at every sip. Serve in a sherry glass like this or as part of a sherry-based cocktail to create more nuance.

Sambuca

This Italian liqueur is enhanced with the flavor of anise and other essential oils and tastes similar to black licorice. The recommended serving for sambuca as a digestif is neat or with water. It is sometimes served with three coffee beans inside the glass, representing health, happiness and prosperity. Need more luck? Try these foods, too.

Kahlua

Coffee and dessert go together like peanut butter and jelly! This coffee-flavored liquor employs cinnamon, vanilla and caramel flavors for a bold sip. While a black Russian or another coffee cocktail may be top-of-mind, Kahlua is also good over ice or neat. Learn to make clear ice cubes and find the right gear to fill your home bar setup.

Jagermeister

Jagermeister is a digestif made with more than 50 herbs and spices and designed to ensure easy digestion. While it’s marketed to younger consumers (Jagerbomb, anyone?), the beverage is best suited for those who can understand and appreciate the layers of flavor in each sip. The licorice-flavored spirit can be enjoyed on the rocks or neat, but the company recommends it be served chilled.

Chartreuse

A French-style digestif, chartreuse is made from more than 130 varieties of flowers, herbs and plants. With about 55% alcohol by volume, the adult beverage can leave one happy and relaxed with only a few sips. You can sip chartreuse either neat or on the rocks. If you had a few too many sips of chartreuse, try these hangover-busters in the morning.

Grand Marnier

An orange liqueur made from a blend of cognac, bitter orange and sugar, Grand Marnier can be equal parts refreshing and relieving. The mixed beverage is still 80 proof and is best consumed on the rocks or neat in a snifter like this one.

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Next: Explore these ice cream drinks that could serve as the perfect after-dinner delights in the summer.

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“Crushed aluminum cans may fall through the spaces of the sorting equipment and can either be lost entirely or improperly sorted,” Matt Meenan, the senior director of public affairs at the Aluminum Association, recently told Lifehacker. That means crushed cans may end up being sorted as paper or other products, says Meenan, which ends up contaminating the entire batch of recyclables. Keeping cans as intact as possible is best for recycling. Plastic bottles, on the other hand, are best recycled crushed—and with the caps on. Here’s why.

There is an exception to Meenan’s advice, however: If your city or town uses a multi-stream or dual-stream recycling method, you can crush away. Multi-stream means that you separate your recyclables, and since all the cans go together, they can’t contaminate other products.

So, keep the can crushing contests to a minimum going forward, for the sake of the environment.

The post Why You Shouldn’t Crush an Aluminum Can Before Recycling It appeared first on Taste Recipes.