Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water
• FILLING:
• 2-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Additional milk

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 cups sliced peeled fresh plums
• TOPPING:
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cold butter
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Ice cream, optional

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 3 slabs beef back ribs (about 6 pounds)
• 2 cups barbecue sauce, divided

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• TOPPING:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar, divided
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cold butter
• 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1 large egg
• Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

If that’s you, Filet-O-Fish lover, then you likely are already aware of how the sandwich seems to always be a little off-center every time you open the box. The tartar sauce or the cheese isn’t centered, and the fish always seems to be sliding out of the bun. Why?

Turns out, there are a variety of factors to explain why your fish sandwich never seems to be centered. From the way the tartar sauce is added to how it’s assembled, and even the ingredients used, McDonald’s employees explain why your sandwich is never perfectly straight.

Why is Filet-O-Fish tartar sauce off-center?

It has to do with how the sandwich assembled and how fast the cooks are going in the back to prep your meal. Here are the secrets from McDonald’s employees that explain what’s happening.

The tartar sauce gun is wonky

McDonald’s employees on Reddit admit that the gun used to squirt the tartar sauce onto the bun for the Filet-O-Fish can be, well, a little wonky.

“I swear the tartar never comes out of the tartar gun perfectly from the center, I always put the thing directly over the bun and it shoots to the … top of the bun and gets in the box,” writes Reddit user u/TwoWeak9365.

“The tartar sauce launches to the side half the time when you put it on,” writes another employee.

Filet-O-Fish goes in a box, not a wrapper

Unlike most of the burgers or chicken sandwiches on the McDonald’s menu, which are sealed in a wrapper to keep things together, the Filet-O-Fish is put in a box. Not only that, but the sandwich is actually assembled in the box. Hence why the sandwich is typically off center when you open up your lunch.

According to former McDonald’s chef Mike Haracz, the sandwich is assembled as follows: the two halves of the steamed bun are placed in the box. The bottom half gets the slice of cheese, the top half gets the tartar sauce. Then the sandwich is slid to the next employee where the breaded fish is placed on top of the tartar sauce. The box is then closed and bagged up for the customer.

The size of the box also matters; it’s too big for the sandwich. “When we assemble it we flip the bottom onto the top when we close the box. Since the box is too big for the bun/sandwich, stuff just slides around,” Reddit user u/WaluigiGoesWaa writes. “Really we just need a smaller box.”

Having to actually place the sandwich together would require an extra step. For a fast-food establishment that serves an average of 69 million customers a day across the world, that step seems time-consuming and unnecessary.

Haracz also points out that other sandwiches in boxes are assembled this way, hence why your Big Mac might be a little off-center, too.

The bun is steamed

If this is such a problem, why not put the sandwich in a wrapper? The reason for using the box for the Filet-O-Fish has to do with the choice of bun.

“We can’t wrap it like a cheeseburger cause of the steamed bun,” u/WaluigiGoesWaa continues.

With the combination of the steamed bun and the ingredients being added so quickly, it makes sense that some of those ingredients would slide right off. It’s a hot sandwich!

Make your own Filet-O-Fish at home

If you’re in the mood for a fish sandwich but aren’t took keen on getting a Filet-O-Fish that is, well, a little off-center…why not make your own? These Fish Po’Boys make it easy to have a breaded fish sandwich at home, with a creamy homemade sauce that you’ll want to eat by the spoon. (Feel free to add a slice of cheese, just like the Filet-O-Fish!) Want something more complex? This Breaded Fish Sandwich has you breading and grilling the fish yourself, topped on a bun with extra shredded lettuce and carrots.

Up Next: See how the Filet-O-Fish compares to other fast-food fish sandwiches.

The post This Is Why the Tartar Sauce on a Filet-O-Fish Is Always Off-Center appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup 2% milk
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve crushed Ritz crackers (30 crackers)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon or yellow mustard

Thankfully the internet is full of nifty hacks, and of course there’s a hack for cooking pasta: the cold-water pasta method.

What makes this particular hack so special? Experts (like Alton Brown) claim that using the cold-water pasta hack will cut the cooking time in half, as well as reduce the amount of water you use. Think about it. How many times have you filled up your pot more than halfway with water, only to drain most of it later? Does pasta really need that much water to cook?

According to the cold-water pasta hack, the answer is no. I had to test the method myself.

What is the cold-water pasta method?

This method has you start your pasta in cold water and then cook it to perfection.

Using guidelines from America’s Test Kitchen for the cold-water pasta hack, here’s how I tested this method:

1. Add 8 to 16 ounces of pasta to a 12-inch skillet, along with 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 quart of cold water.
2. Turn the burner to medium-high heat and wait for the water to start steaming; this should take about two to three minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally as the water temperature continues to rise, coming to a boil.
3. Cook the pasta to your desired doneness, continuing to stir occasionally. The entire process should take 13 to 15 minutes.

The process seemed too good to be true. Fifteen minutes is all you need, and you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta? I was skeptical, so I decided to give it a try.

Does the cold-water pasta hack work?

The short answer: yes.

The long answer: I decided to try the cold-water pasta hack side-by-side with the typical method of boiling pasta in a pot to see if the claims to save time and water were valid.

The cold-water pasta hack cut the cooking time nearly in half. Boiling water in a pot not only used double the amount of water, but it took 22 minutes from start to finish. While I do think the timing will depend on the pasta shapes you’re cooking, it only took 13 minutes for 8 ounces of spaghetti to reach a perfect al dente texture.

I also found that the texture of the pasta was more satisfactory when compared to the pasta made using the usual boiling water method. When I boil water before adding the pasta, it’s harder to gauge when the pasta is done. You have to keep testing it to make sure it’s at the right consistency, and I never seem to get it right. Yet for the cold-water method, I found that when the water was significantly reduced at around 12 minutes, the pasta looked almost ready to drain. I gave it a quick taste test, and it was perfect.

The concentrated salt-to-water ratio gave this pasta even more taste compared to the usual boiling water method. Yes, you should always season your pasta water with salt; it helps give your pasta taste. With the specific measurements this hack calls for, I found the taste of the cold-water pasta was superior to the boiled-water pasta.

In conclusion, I’m a convert. Unless the recipe I’m cooking calls for a significant amount of pasta water (it helps with thickening sauces), I will absolutely be using the cold-water pasta hack moving forward. No more tragic pasta mistakes!

The cold-water hack saves water and time, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. Now it’s time to decide which of your favorite pasta recipes you’ll try it with first.

The post I Tested the Cold-Water Pasta Hack—Here’s What I Found Out appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Why is cranberry sauce upside-down?

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

@oceanspray #stitch @t a y l o r j a n e we’re no @Hank Green ♬ original sound – Ocean Spray Inc.

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

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

What is the best canned cranberry sauce?

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

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

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

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

Made with a few simple ingredients and thrown together in five minutes, this Trader Joe’s soup dumpling hack is killer for those moments you’re craving a bowl of soup without any effort.

Here’s how to make a delicious bowl of Trader Joe’s soup dumplings in under five minutes!

What is this Trader Joe’s hack?

This Trader Joe’s soup dumpling hack comes from TikTok creator Erinn O’Brien. This hack is so wildly popular, this isn’t even the first time she’s shared the recipe.

Here’s how she makes it:

@erinnobrienn MY VIRAL TRADER JOE’S ELEVATED CHICKEN SOUP DUMPLINGS HACK 🥟🍜🔥 This is my favorite way to eat Trader Joe’s Chicken Soup Dumplings and I’ve loved seeing you share it. It’s so delicious and done in under 5 minutes when you need a really quick meal. Doesn’t get easier than that! What you’ll need: Trader Joe’s Chicken/Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings Chicken broth (I use @bonafideprovisions ) Soy sauce Green onions, sliced Roasted sesame seeds @flybyjing Chili Crisp A little bit of sesame oil (optional) Recipe Steps: 1. Place dumplings in a bowl and add chicken broth. Microwave for 2 minutes. 2. Add soy sauce, green onions, sesame oil, chili crisp, and roasted sesame seeds. Enjoy! #traderjoes #soupdumplings #traderjoessoupdumplings #foodhacks #traderjoesmeals #comfortfood #easyrecipes #viralhacks #traderjoesfinds #soupseason ♬ original sound – Erin O’Brien

To make this Trader Joe’s soup, all you really need is a microwave and a handful of tasty ingredients. Instead of heating up the soup dumplings like the package instructions recommend, O’Brien heats them up in chicken broth to give them that dumpling taste and texture we  enjoy. They go in the microwave for two minutes (that’s right, just two minutes) and then you simply stir in the ingredients you want, and dinner is served.

5-Minute Dinner with Trader Joe’s Soup Dumplings

O’Brien didn’t specify measurements while throwing this together, so you’ll have to do some estimating on how much broth and sauces you’ll need when putting your bowl of Trader Joe’s soup dumplings together. But we did write out a step-by-step process to make this magical soup dumpling hack happen!

Ingredients

• Trader Joe’s Chicken or Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chili crisp
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1: Place the dumplings in a bowl with broth

Place your frozen dumplings in a large, microwave-safe bowl and pour chicken broth over the dumplings until covered. (You should have around 1 to 1-1/2 cups of broth in your bowl.)

Editor’s Tip: Working with shallow bowls would be best for a soup like this. We also recommend investing in soup spoons like this, which will make the dumplings easier to pick up and eat without getting broth all over your shirt!

Step 2: Microwave for 2 minutes

Place the bowl of frozen dumplings and broth in your microwave, then microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Drizzle in your sauces

To give your soup dumplings an extra pop of flavor, drizzle in soy sauce (about 1 tablespoon), sesame oil (about 1/2 teaspoon) and chili crisp (about 1 spoonful, or more depending on how spicy you want it).

Step 4: Top with extras

Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top, as much as your heart desires. Then dig in!

Trader Joe’s Dumpling Soup Tips

• Use a different broth: Don’t have chicken broth on hand? Play around with the different broths or stocks you have on hand, like a veggie broth or a beef broth. The broth is what gives those soup dumplings extra flavor, so keep that in mind when choosing the type of broth you use.
• Add extra veggies: Looking for a pop of color (and fiber) in your soup? Sprinkle in a handful of spinach before microwaving the soup. The spinach will cook slightly in the broth and will give your soup a little something hearty.
• Bring on the aromatics: Garlic and fresh ginger could also seriously elevate these soup dumplings, especially given they are already ingredients in Trader Joe’s soup dumplings themselves. Add in a dash of minced garlic and ginger into the broth before microwaving it to give the soup an extra burst of flavor.
• Try other sauces: While soy sauce and sesame oil are classics for this type of soup, feel free to get creative. Fish sauce could be another great addition to this soup, as well as rice vinegar or even a spicy peanut sauce.

The post This Viral Trader Joe’s Soup Dumpling Hack Makes the Fastest Dinner Ever appeared first on Taste Recipes.

But, why the scary price increase? Unfortunately, there are a variety of reasons causing prices for your treats to feel like tricks.

Why is the price of Halloween candy rising?

To make candy, you need sugar—and it sure doesn’t help that the cost of sugar is at an 11-year all-time-high. CNBC reported that the price of raw sugar increased due to extreme weather on the sugar cane crops, particularly in India where a third of the country’s sugar comes from. Sugar production was trimmed by 3% this year, causing an increase in price for products made with sugar, like candy.

Plus, any companies following the U.S. agricultures policy of having 85% of their sugar come from domestic sources also have to deal with a strained supply within the nation.

Cost of labor can also be a key factor in price inflation. UCLA supply-chain expert Professor Christopher Tang also told ABC News that, “The labor cost has gone up a lot because of inflation. The workers need to have a higher income so that they can survive.”

And yet, despite the fact that 41% of U.S. households admit the change in cost will likely impact how much they spend on Halloween candy this year, candy spending is still expected to reach $3.6 billion this year, which us up from $3.1 billion last year.

How can you save money on Halloween candy?

If you’re looking for ways to save on Halloween candy—while still giving those goblins and ghouls with neon-orange pumpkins the treats they’re looking for—here are a few tips to help you save a little cash.

• Save the candy for trick-or-treating: While it’s tempting to have bowls of candy out for guests at your Halloween party, save the store-bought candy for trick-or-treaters and get a little creative with homemade goodies at your party. You could serve these adorable Witches’ Brooms or Sugar Ghost Cupcakes, or, try any of these other homemade Halloween candy recipes.
• Use coupons: Is your local grocery store offering deals on candy? Check local listings—or any online discounts or coupons—to see if you can snag a few bags at a cheaper price.
• Buy in bulk: While those assorted bags of candy don’t allow you to choose all of the candy in your bowl, they do help with giving trick-or-treaters some variety to choose from for a discounted price. Or, if you want to hand out only a specific kind of candy—like those beloved Reese’s pumpkins—then buying them in bulk will ultimately help you save on the price per pound.

The post If Your Halloween Candy Is More Expensive This Year, Here’s Why appeared first on Taste Recipes.

How to Make a Cheesecloth Ghost, Step by Step

@lifewithlainee Cheesecloth ghosts! A fun and easy Halloween diy you can do with your kids! 👻🎃 **Supplies are linked in my Amazon Storefront (in my bio) under “Fall/Halloween” (pumpkin came from Target dollar section) #cheeseclothghost #halloweendiy #halloweendecor #easyhalloweendecor #halloweenwithkids #halloweencraft #halloweenfun #asmrsounds #asmrcrafting #asmrhalloween ♬ 할로윈 왈츠(Halloween Waltz) – 달빛 블루스

Tools You’ll Need

• Pipe cleaners
• Mason jar
• Foam balls (or small balloons, blown up)
• Cheesecloths
• Liquid starch like Sta-Flo
• Container or bowl
• Hot glue
• Decorations for ghosts (eyeballs, pumpkins, fairy lights, etc.)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the ghost structure

Before even working with the cheesecloth, make sure your structure for shaping the ghost is ready for you to place a wet cheesecloth on top of. To do so, curl the pipe cleaners around the bare lip of a mason jar, then hold them in place with a Mason jar ring. Twist the pipe cleaners to a shape you want for your ghost. (Think ghost arms!) Then place your foam ball or small balloon in the center of the mason jar for the head.

Some creators also use plastic wrap at this step. Laying down a sheet or two of plastic wrap on top of your ghost structure may make it easier to shape and mold the wet cheesecloth in step 3.

Step 2: Cut your cheesecloth

Before messing with the liquid starch, test out the size of your cheesecloth on the ghost structure. Cut the cheesecloth to size for the perfect ghost.

Step 3: Shape the ghost

When you’re done imagining what you want your ghoul to look like, pour some liquid starch in a bowl. Dip the cheesecloth into the liquid and shape it on your ghost structure.

Step 4: Let dry

Once your ghost is shaped perfectly, leave the cheesecloth on the structure to completely dry. (This step may take a day or two.) Then remove carefully—and start decorating!

Step 5: Decorate the ghost

Hot glue on eyes or a witch hat, place a pumpkin in its arms, string multiple ghosts together to hang around your house or even fill a cheesecloth ghost with fairy lights for a spooky effect at night!

Tips for Making a Cheesecloth Ghost

What if I can’t find liquid starch?

If you can’t find liquid starch, other TikTok creators say using Mod Podge or some watered down glue can also work.

How do I make smaller ghosts?

Secure a smaller foam ball on the top of an empty water bottle and make tiny cheesecloth ghosts—maybe to string along the bannister of your stairs?

Can I make a spooky cheesecloth ghost?

Instead of making smaller, cartoon-like ghosts, you could make human-like ghost structures with your cheesecloth instead. To do so, pick up a styrofoam mannequin head and a longer sheet of cheesecloth. Drape the cheesecloth over the head and be sure to smooth the creases so you can have that head structure at the top, with a spooky cheesecloth draping down below.

Recipes for a Ghost Halloween Party

1 / 18

Ghostly Hot CocoaChocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina

Go to Recipe

Ghostly Cupcake ConesTop peanut buttery cupcakes with your favorite frosting and spirited faces to make these frightfully ghostly treats. They’ll vanish into thin air before you know it! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Ghost Shortbread CookiesPac-Man was my favorite video game when I was growing up. For a party, I decided to get creative and shape my go-to sugar cookies into the ghosts from the game. —Jamie S, Regina, Saskatchewan

Go to Recipe

“Boo”-rrific KissesThe Taste Recipes Test Kitchen turned cute meringue cookies into these whimsical kisses, perfect for Halloween. With just 15 calories, each little treat can be enjoyed guilt-free! —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas

Go to Recipe

Spooky Shepherd’s PieDon't worry, these ghosts are the friendly kind. Ready-to-go veggies and gravy make this meal prep fast. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah. Here are a few Halloween potluck ideas that feed a crowd.

Go to Recipe

Boo-rito BitesHalloween is one of my favorite holidays, and entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. My entire family loves these cute apps, especially my kids, which makes the recipe extra-special. —Rachel Ruiz, Hurlburt Fld, Florida

Go to Recipe

“Boo” Berry GhostsGhoulish treats cause quite a fright, but these strawberry cakes are so yummy they won't haunt you for long! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Kid-Size Ghost PizzasThese individual pizzas are super cute and made with simple ingredients. Now that's what I call party food! —Polly Coumos, Mogadore, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Banana Ghosts and Berry GhoulsDipped bananas and berries on a stick are as fun to make as they are to eat, especially when they become little ghosts and ghouls. —Taste Recipes Food Styling Team

Go to Recipe

Marshmallow GhostsKids of all ages can help prepare these easy-to-make treats. With just three ingredients that I often keep on hand, they can be put together at a moment's notice.—Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Boo BeverageSilly spooks formed with whipped topping garnish glasses of this smooth drink made with sherbet, orange juice and bananas. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Ghostly CustardsYou'll hear shrieks of delight when these not-so-spooky pumpkin custards appear for dessert. These ghosts will be gobbled up in no time! —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington

Go to Recipe

Ghostly Chicken & Pepper PizzaMy friendly ghost pizza won’t scare folks away from your dinner table. My family loves Halloween, so we like creating fun new recipes like this one. Fill it with whatever pizza toppings you like best.—Francine Boecher, Queensbury, New York

Go to Recipe

Ghosts to GoAre these adorable or what? Little kids would love to eat these Halloween party treats, made colorful with food coloring and decorated with candy treats. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Quick Ghost CookiesSpruce up store-bought cookies for the holiday. These are a real hit with "goblins" of all ages. —Denise Smith, Lusk, Wyoming

Go to Recipe

Tomato Soup with Cheesy Ghost CroutonsKick off your night of trick-or-treating by making this hauntingly delicious recipe. It’s just like having grilled cheese and tomato soup. We eat it every year on Halloween.—Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Go to Recipe

Ghosts in the Graveyard CakeThis spooky cake is easy to make and fun to decorate. To save time, bake and freeze the brownies weeks in advance, then thaw at room temperature overnight before decorating.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

The post How to Make the Cheesecloth Ghosts That Are All Over TikTok Right Now appeared first on Taste Recipes.

This viral Trader Joe’s pizza uses all kinds of clever Trader Joe’s-specific toppings, which means you can pick up all the ingredients in one place. And if you frequent Trader Joe’s already, then some of them are probably in your refrigerator!

Is Trader Joe’s spicy pizza good for you?

Here’s the good news, pizza lovers: You could definitely consider this meal healthy. The fluffy bed of arugula on top gives you that fix of green. (It’s practically a salad, right?) Plus, a registered dietitian created the pizza.

@blaircooleydietitian Spend date night at home with us 🤍 if you like spicy, this one’s for you! we love a Trader Joe’s recipe – this one is SO easy. If you don’t like spice, omit the bamba sauce, use regular cured meats/prosciutto, and omit red pepper flakes – still delish 🤌 #traderjoesfoodreviews #traderjoesrecipe #traderjoesdatenight #traderjoesdatenightchallenge #traderjoeseasyrecipe #datenightathome ♬ original sound – Blair | Dietitian

The viral Trader Joe’s Pizza was the vision of Blair Cooley, a dietitian based in Houston. The recipe was part of her “date night in” and is a recipe she makes regularly—and her followers love it.

It’s important to note that “healthy” tends to be subjective; what’s healthy for one person may not be healthy for another. Keeping your meal balanced—like pairing a slice or two of pizza with a side salad—will help keep this meal nutritious.

How to Make the Viral Trader Joe’s Pizza

The original recipe creator didn’t set specific measurements for her Trader Joe’s pizza, so we’ve made some guesstimates on measurements for the ingredients. As always, feel free to make it your own by adding more or less of the toppings!

Ingredients

• Trader Joe’s Garlic and Herb Pizza Dough
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip
• 1/3 cup Trader Joe’s Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce
• 1 piece burrata, torn into pieces
• 4-6 Trader Joe’s Marinated Fresh Mozzarella balls, sliced in half
• 8-10 slices Trader Joe’s Spicy Uncured Charcuterie Selection
• 1/3 cup sliced roasted red bell peppers
• 1-2 handfuls fresh arugula
• 1-2 Tablespoons Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze
• Dash red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Prep your oven to 450°F. While the oven is preheating, find a 13×9-inch casserole dish. Cooley used a glass dish, but a ceramic or stainless steel one would also work.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

Spray the pan with cooking spray, then place your pizza dough on the pan. Using your fingers, dimple the dough until it spreads wide enough to cover the bottom of the pan, making room for those delicious toppings.

Editor’s Tip: It’s easier to work with dough that’s at room temperature. So before you even start, let your dough sit out for 30 minutes either in the packaging or in a clean bowl so it relaxes and warms up, making it easier to shape.

Step 3: Add your ingredients

Top your Trader Joe’s spicy pizza with all the toppings that will bake on the pizza (yes, there are more toppings after you bake to add as well). Start by spreading the Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip so it covers the surface (leaving some room for a crust), followed by the Bomba sauce. Evenly spread out the torn burrata, sliced mozzarella, charcuterie meats (feel free to get creative with your selection!) and roasted bell peppers.

Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes

Place the pizza in the pan and bake it for 20 minutes. For a crispier crust, place your pan on the bottom rack of your oven.

Step 5: Top with fresh ingredients

Once the pizza is out of the oven, top it with handfuls of fresh arugula. Feel free to get generous! Then drizzle the top using Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze and a little bit of that marinated oil from the container of mozzarella balls. Sprinkle on red pepper flakes (the more you add, the spicier it gets!) then slice it up.

How to Make the Trader Joe’s Pizza Your Own

Try making your own dough

While Trader Joe’s does make weeknight pizza easier thanks to premade dough, you can try your hand at making your own crust with our pizza dough recipe.

Play around with the toppings

Cooley does use a lot of Trader Joe’s specific foods, but if you’re nowhere near a Trader Joe’s, that doesn’t mean you can’t try to make your own version of this viral pizza at home. Feel free to get creative with your toppings—like using ricotta cheese or a homemade pizza sauce. You could even skip the balsamic blaze and replace it with a spicy hot honey.

Use different meat combinations

This pizza uses an assortment of charcuterie fixings, but that doesn’t mean you have to use the same kinds. Cooley says prosciutto also works well with this recipe, a sweet soppressata or a spicy salami. Or simply keep the pizza vegetarian and skip the meat altogether.

Make it thin

Using a casserole dish makes a thicker pan pizza, but you could also attempt a thin crust pizza if that’s more your style. A pizza stone helps to cook a thin crust pizza easily. Prep the pizza on a large piece of parchment paper and slide it onto a preheated pizza stone for a crispy and evenly cooked pie.

TikTok Recipes You Need to Try

1 / 75

Tortilla Wrap

Don't fuss around with folding a wrap ever again. Just use this clever wrap hack! Portion out four toppings and place each one in a corner of your tortilla. Then, fold clockwise and cook. When ready to serve, slice in half for a nice and tidy wrap. For more inspiration, check out our sandwich wrap recipes to make this trend your own.Go to Recipe

TikTok Spaghetti

Similar to million-dollar spaghetti, this TikTok recipe uses a blend of Alfredo and pasta sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese for a ooey-gooey dish. Ground beef is added to the mix with dashes of pepper and chili flakes and bits of garlic and onions, making for the perfect pasta.Go to Recipe

Feta Fried Eggs

You'll only need a few ingredients—avocado, eggs, feta, seasoning, a tortilla and lime—to make this TikTok egg breakfast. Start by heating a pan on the stove, then sprinkle feta cheese around the edges and crack an egg in the middle. Cook the egg as you typically would for a fried egg, then serve it over a tortilla with smashed avocado. It's so quick and easy to make, you'll definitely want to add it to your breakfast rotation.Go to Recipe

Chamoy Pickles

If you haven't tried this TikTok recipe for flavored pickles, you're missing out! Fill a jar halfway with pickle juice, add in pickles and pour in chamoy sauce. Then add a few sprinkles of Tajin seasoning, mango powder and Tapatio hot sauce before closing the jar and giving it a good shake. These pickles will need to marinate for at least seven days, but when they're ready, you'll be in for a sweet, sour and spicy treat!Go to Recipe

French Onion Soup Potatoes

If your favorite way to warm up in the winter is with a big bowl of French onion soup, then you'll rave over these potatoes. This recipe takes roasted potato slices and tops them with Gruyere cheese and onions caramelized with red wine. It's a starchy replica of the traditional soup you'll be seriously impressed with.Take note—you'll need an hour to caramelize the onions, but it's very worth it.Go to Recipe

Butter Board

If you find yourself making plenty of charcuterie boards, you're sure to love butter boards, too. Instead of filling up a board with cured meats, cheeses and crackers, you spread softened butter as your base, sprinkle on fresh herbs, salt and other seasonings, and serve with warm bread or crostini for scooping. Just make sure you start with one of our Test Kitchen's picks for the best butter brands.Go to Recipe

Whipped Coffee

While everyone was hunkering down early in the pandemic, many turned to TikTok to cure their boredom. Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, became an overnight sensation because it takes only three simple ingredients to make and it's creamy and delicious.Whipped coffee became so popular, in fact, that there are many riffs on it, like whipped nutella, whipped matcha, whipped hot chocolate and whipped strawberry milk. Once you've mastered the original, try one of these whipped coffee variations.Go to Recipe

Kit-Kat Cheesecake

One bite into this Kit-Kat cheesecake and you'll see what all the hype is about. Surrounded by a Kit-Kat "crust" ring and topped with crumbled candies, it's every Kit-Kat lover's dream. The cream cheese filling complements the decadent, chocolatey goodness of the sweets. Here are more easy cheesecake recipes to keep in mind once you've eaten up every slice.Go to Recipe

Parmesan-Crusted Potatoes

If you love the little cheese skirt you'll sometimes find around foods such as burgers, burritos and even dumplings, you'll love Parmesan-crusted potatoes. Begin by "crusting" your cookie sheet: Sprinkle a full layer of grated Parmesan cheese on a baking sheet. Then, put halved potatoes right on top and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The potatoes will come out crispy, cheesy and with the thin crunch of that cheese skirt we all know and love.Go to Recipe

Pancake Cereal

Pancake cereal proves that anything bite-sized is worth the hype. The Naughty Fork combined two breakfast favorites to create this unique breakfast dish that wowed. No need for milk with this cereal, though—just pour a little maple syrup over it to enjoy. And if you don't feel like making your own pancake cereal, you can pick up a boy of Belgian Boys pancake cereal at Target.Go to Recipe

Grinder Sandwich

The best kinds of sandwiches are loaded ones, and this grinder sandwich is definitely one of them. Start with Italian bread topped with plenty of cheese and several kinds of meat, and toast to perfection. Next, add a chopped salad mixture tossed in a homemade mayo-based dressing. Then, sandwich and enjoy! The combination and contrast of the hot, crusty bread and the cold crunch of the salad makes every bite of this sandwich truly top-tier.Go to Recipe

Salmon and Rice BowlDress up leftover salmon with this easy salmon and rice bowl recipe from Emily Mariko, a lifestyle blogger and TikTok creator. Microwave shredded salmon and leftover rice, then top with soy sauce, Sriracha, Kewpie mayo, avocado slices, kimchi and seaweed snacks to make it a full meal.Go to Recipe

Cloud Bread

I'm sure you've seen this TikTok trend floating around the internet, or maybe you've even whipped it up in your own kitchen. Not to be confused with keto cloud bread, TikTok's viral cloud bread recipe is a heavenly creation of its own. By using only three ingredients, you can make this colorful bread in 25 minutes flat.Go to Recipe

Baked Salad

If you're a salad lover, baked salad is right up your alley. The invention by Justine Snacks is just like it sounds: Veggies like kale and cabbage are baked and tossed with a warm, homemade dressing and something to give it some crunch, like quinoa. When you make your own, consider adding any of these roasted veggies to your mixture.Go to Recipe

Cheese-Wrapped Pickles

Cheese-wrapped pickles are the perfect late night snack for pickle lovers. Plus, they only take a few minutes to make: Heat up a slice of cheese in a frying pan until it gets melty, place a dill pickle spear in the center, and wrap the cheese around the pickle. Voila! A hot, cheesy and quick snack with a little tang. This might be one of our new favorite ways to eat pickles.Go to Recipe

Twisted Bacon

Think you've already found the crispest bacon recipe yet? Think again! While there are many ways to cook bacon, ultra-crispy twisted bacon is one of our favorites. It's the perfect on-the-go snack, or way to make bacon seem a little bit more elegant at your next brunch get-together.Go to Recipe

Kool-Aid Pickles

"Koolickles," or Kool-Aid pickles, change the pickle-eating game. Kool-Aid powder transforms tangy dill pickles (either spears or chips) into a sweet and sour treat that's absolutely crave-worthy. It'll be hard to eat just one.Go to Recipe

Oreo Sushi

If Oreo sushi is the wrong way to eat an Oreo, we don't want to be right. This sweet treat mimics rolled ice cream and only uses two ingredients. Dunk into a "soy sauce" (chocolate sauce or milk) before taking a bite.Go to Recipe

Sugo

Did you know "sugo" is the word for sauce in Italian? This sugo recipe is sure to make your pasta extra flavorful—especially if you doctor it up to your liking with fresh basil, quality olive oil and the perfect amount of red pepper flakes. Pair it with homemade pasta for a fully from-scratch dish.Go to Recipe

Healthy Coke

We're not convinced this drink dubbed "healthy Coke" actually tastes like Coke, but it sure looks like it. Check out these recipes with Coca-Cola if you have actual soda that needs using up.Go to Recipe

Garden Focaccia

This viral TikTok trend was another born during the early days of the pandemic when everyone was trying out new all-day baking projects to pass the time. Beautiful breads, like this garden focaccia from Diane Morrisey, were taking over For You Pages everywhere during the spring of 2020. Not only are their designs inspiring, but they're made of edible ingredients, so nothing goes to waste.Go to Recipe

Corn Ribs

Hearing the name corn ribs may make you raise your eyebrows at first, but we promise you that they're to die for. To make corn into "ribs,"cut each ear into four pieces—that's what gives them their rib shape. Then, you can serve them the traditional way, with a smoky elote-inspired sauce, or on their own.Go to Recipe

Matcha Martini

If you love matcha, you're sure to love matcha martinis. Typically made with prepared matcha, vodka, white chocolate liqueur and simple syrup, the drink has a striking color and a sweet taste that's sure to get you hooked—especially if you need a little boost of caffeine for the evening.Go to Recipe

Crispy Rice Sushi Waffles

Crispy rice sushi waffles use leftover sushi rice and turn it into crispy "waffles" topped with spicy salmon avocado and other sushi-esque toppings. If you crave sushi or a poke bowl every now and then, this recipe is for you.Go to Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Pickles

Here's another bacon-wrapped recipe to add to your recipe book. Bacon-wrapped pickles will be a sure-fire hit at your next party or get-together. And thankfully, TikTokers have not only created a recipe for your smoker, but for your air fryer, too.Go to Recipe

Ramen Lasagna

Give pasta night a new twist and replace those lasagna noodles with a handful of ramen. The kids will love this one, and you'll love how easy it is to put together. Next, think outside the packet with this ramen slider recipe.Go to Recipe

Hot Cocoa Bombs

Hot cocoa bombs work similarly to bath bombs: Just pour hot water (or milk) over the hot cocoa bomb to make it melt. Most hot cocoa bombs release all sorts of goodies once melted, like mini marshmallows and sprinkles. They're a perfect addition to a hot chocolate board.Go to Recipe

Mac and Cheese

Sure, it may look like your usual Kraft Mac and Cheese, but this viral mac and cheese hack has changed the way we prep our mac and cheese forever. The key step? No straining. Add all your fix-ins directly with the noodles as they cook to give it an extra-creamy consistency.Go to Recipe

Adult Capri Suns

These super-sized adult Capri Sun drinks are about to be your drink of the summer. Using a bag of frozen fruit and a splash of summery wine, this summer cocktail couldn't be any easier to make. Don't forget to poke a hole through the bag for some extra nostalgia. Try out these Capri Sun popsicles next.Go to Recipe

Taco Pickles

Taco seasoning and a jar of dill pickles are a match made in heaven, and you'll see why if you make this recipe yourself. Taco pickles are a great afternoon snack or spicy side for your sandwich lunch.Go to Recipe

Chicken Tacos

Cheap, easy and oh-so-delicious, this chicken taco recipe was made for the college student in your life (or any beginner chef, for that matter). These tacos only need one pan and a handful of ingredients to make. You prep and assemble everything in the same pan that you cooked the meat in—which is why the shell gets crunchy and delicious.Go to Recipe

Vegan Bacon

If you follow a vegan diet, you know it's hard to find the right meat substitute for bacon. It's difficult to get that crunchy texture and smoky flavor. That's where vegan bacon steps in to satisfy any bacon hankerings. The surprise ingredient, you ask? Carrots!Go to Recipe

Malibu Pineapples

Boozy pineapples? Count us in. Soak a jar of pineapples in Malibu rum overnight for a tropical snack that will take you straight to the tropics. Enjoy the Malibu pineapples as is, coated in toasted coconut or in a rum cocktail.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Move over, skillet cookies. There's a new cookie in town (and it takes less than half the time and effort). This giant air-fryer cookie recipe takes a mere 10 minutes to achieve that crispy, gooey texture you get from most skillet cookie recipes. Plop a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top when you're ready to serve.Go to Recipe

Creamy Lemonade

Pour yourself a tall glass whipped lemonade to beat the heat. This stuff is a level up from what you get at the lemonade stand. Whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk give it that frothy, mouthwatering taste and texture.Go to Recipe

3-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo

You'll never make fettuccine Alfredo any other way after you try this simple Alfredo recipe that uses salted butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. Simply toss the fettuccine in this 2-ingredient sauce for a restaurant-worthy dish.Go to Recipe

Flamin' Hot Cheeto Salad

Salad is a term I'll use loosely here, but nonetheless, this Flamin' Hot Cheeto salad has gotten rave reviews online. Made up of hot Cheetos, cilantro, cucumber, hot sauce and lemon juice, this salad is for those who like a little kick. And since it's so simple, there's plenty of room to customize with other toppings and mix-ins.Go to Recipe

Smoked Cream Cheese

Fire up the grill for a show-stopping cheesy appetizer that'll please the whole family. Smoked cream cheese—coated in pecans and a BBQ rub—practically melts in your mouth after it's done cooking in your smoker. Haul out the Ritz crackers and dive right in.Go to Recipe

Cowboy Butter

Once you make cowboy butter, you'll want to pair it with everything (it goes particularly well with steak). In addition to butter, the recipe calls for lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard and plenty of spices like chile flakes, paprika, parsley and chives.Go to Recipe

White Claw Slushies

Raise a toast to this chilly, refreshing cocktail. This adults-only White Claw slushie is basically begging to be at your next pool party or outdoor barbecue. Put a pack of black cherry White Claws to good use by blending up this recipe—or, swap in any of your favorite White Claw flavors.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Oreos

This is a hack that you wish you would've run into sooner. Create this state fair food right in your own kitchen with a TikTok air-fryer Oreos recipe. Since they use an air fryer, they're a bit on the healthier side than the deep-fried ones you find at your local fair.Go to Recipe

Breakfast Sandwich

Make your mornings even breezier with this TikTok breakfast sandwich. The trick here is to pour two whisked eggs onto your skillet, then dip two slices of bread into that mixture. Once cooked, flip them over and onto each other to make your sammy. We recommend adding a few slices of bacon and some melted cheese. Easy-peasy!Go to Recipe

Whipped Brown Butter

Browned butter is something that gives your blondies and chocolate chip cookies a little extra depth of flavor. But when you make whipped browned butter, you get that extra flavor and an irresistible texture. Spread it on crostini, toast and anything that's made better with butter. If you're feeling adventurous, try whipping one of these homemade butter recipes.Go to Recipe

Ranch Pickles

Ranch lovers, rejoice! We've got a new concoction you have to try for yourself: ranch pickles. This snack is seriously addicting. If you've got some leftover ranch seasoning, use it up with one of these recipes that start with a packet of ranch dressing mix.Go to Recipe

Watermelon Pizza

Take a bite into summery flavor with this watermelon pizza recipe. Chamoy (a pickled fruit sauce) is the "tomato sauce," and lemon slices and tajin seasoning make for some tasty "pizza toppings." Cut into slices for the full pizza dining experience. If you love this recipe, give this fruit pizza with mandarin oranges, blueberries and strawberries a try.Go to Recipe

Negroni Sbagliato

This drink became popular when an interview with actors from HBO's House of the Dragon were asked about their favorite cocktails. Afterward, everyone wanted to try the negroni sbagliato for themselves. It's even better with prosecco in it (IYKYK). Stunning!Go to Recipe

Pickled Garlic

Pickled garlic is your new go-to if you don't have any kimchi at home. TikTok creator @Lalaleluu made this recipe after she moved away from her Korean neighbor who frequently gave her a supply of homemade kimchi. She swears this is the next best thing.Go to Recipe

Oreo Mug Cake

Oh, mug cakes—we love you. The convenience, the simplicity, the ooey-gooey middle. With this Oreo mug cake recipe it takes just a minute to turn a handful of crushed Oreos and a splash of milk into a decadent treat.Go to Recipe

Frozen Grapes

Here's a riff on the fan-favorite cotton candy grapes. Using your favorite powdered Jell-O mix and a bag of green grapes, you can make this snackable sweet. And if you're a WW member, this guy can be a 0-point treat if you use sugar-free Jell-O mix. For another delicious TikTok grapes recipe, try out air-fryer grapes.Go to Recipe

Crunchy Bread

Crunchy bread...the best thing since sliced bread. Just pick up a loaf of classic white bread (or experiment with sourdough, wheat or pumpernickel), douse in whisked egg and fry on your stovetop. Perfect for French toast or monkey bread!Go to Recipe

"Snickles"

TikTokers swear that you shouldn't knock this recipe until you try it. "Snickles" are exactly what they sound like. Slice a big dill pickle down the middle and place a candy bar inside for a tangy, yet sweet, snack.Go to Recipe

Turkey-Shaped Sourdough Bread

Here's a festive turkey-shaped bread perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. You can easily customize this TikTok recipe for other holidays and celebrations as well. Shape the bread as a pumpkin for fall or a wreath for Christmas.Go to Recipe

Vodka Butter

Who would have thought to put vodka and butter together? The inventive condiment is a fun twist on regular butter for spreading on crostini, baguette or even a butter board. We recommend pairing a swipe of vodka butter on a slice of rye bread with pickles or capers.Go to Recipe

Fondant Potatoes

Also known as melting potatoes, fondant potatoes simply melt in your mouth. Cut then into 1-inch slices, sear and then bake for about 30 minutes to get a potato that has a crunch on the outside and a tender, flavorful inside.Go to Recipe

Peanut Butter Cup Rice Cakes

Looking for a healthy alternative to your favorite candy bar? Grab rice cakes, peanut butter, bananas and melted chocolate for a healthier (and bigger!) take on Reese's peanut butter cups. Once your peanut butter cup rice cakes are gone, here are more peanut butter and chocolate desserts to sate that sweet tooth.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Bagel Chips

Instead of slicing a bagel like usual, cut it vertically into little bites to make air-fryer bagel chips. Spritz each one with cooking spray, season with a little salt, air-fry and that's it! TikToker Gigi Madanipour suggests serving them with a sour cream and yogurt dip made with Everything But the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's. Yum!Go to Recipe

Green Goddess Salad

Yes, green goddess salad dressing has been around for quite some time, but creator Baked by Melissa made her own take that went viral—and for good reason. The key is chopping up the veggies small enough that you can eat it like a dip. Scoop it up with tortilla chips.Go to Recipe

One-Pot French Onion Pasta

Another food trend you'll spot in TikTok recipes is cooking pasta in liquids other than water. It can make the noodles more flavorful and saves you a dirty dish to clean! This one-pot French onion pasta recipe cooks the noodles in the same pot as the caramelized onions, in a combination of stock and water so all of the flavors meld together nicely.Go to Recipe

Pizza Soup

TikTok's @brunchwithbabs makes your favorite comfort food in soup form. Many of the same pizza toppings you'd put on a homemade pizza are ingredients in this pizza soup, such as pizza sauce, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese and more. This is just one of the pizza-inspired recipes we love.Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Pizza Sticks

Although string cheese is already great on its own, level it up by turning it into air-fryer pizza sticks. Roll halved tortillas around string cheese, sprinkle with Trader Joe's pizza seasoning, and air-fry until crispy and golden.Go to Recipe

Meringue Animals

Who needs marshmallows when you can have cutesy animal-shaped meringues in your hot cocoa? TikToker Amy's Kitchen creates little piggies to float in a drink, along with dinosaurs, dogs and whatever else her followers request. Follow our meringue tips to make your own and use food coloring to create your critters.Go to Recipe

Crispy Potatoes

This tasty TikTok potato recipe relies on a little bit of food science, a few pinches of salt and a couple of Yukon Gold potatoes to get an ultra-crispy texture. Season with Old Bay, paprika, black pepper, Maldon salt and a few sprigs of rosemary for the perfect potato side for garlic-butter steak or a bowl of soup.Go to Recipe

Pancake Spaghetti

You've heard of pancake cereal—how about pancake spaghetti? Drizzle thin strips of batter from your favorite brand of pancake mix on a hot griddle and let them cook until you've got pancake spaghetti! Top with powdered sugar and maple syrup or your choice of jam and chopped fruit.Go to Recipe

Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream

As if cinnamon rolls weren't delicious enough! Pour heavy whipping cream on store-bought cinnamon rolls before baking to make them even moister, since the cream is absorbed by the cinnamon roll dough. Try making cinnamon rolls with heavy cream next time you've got an impromptu brunch to host or attend.Go to Recipe

Creamy Ramen Noodles

Watery ramen is a thing of the past thanks to this ramen TikTok hack. Combine mayo and eggs to create a creamy sauce for this classic noodle dish. Our suggestion? Add sauteed veggies and a protein (like chicken or tofu) for additional flavor.Go to Recipe

Whiskey Pickles

Joining the lineup with ranch pickles, taco pickles and Kool-Aid pickles...whiskey pickles. The TikTok recipe uses Jameson and zesty dill pickles, but you could experiment with different types of whiskey and different kinds of pickles to make your own whiskey pickles overnight.Go to Recipe

Clear Potato Chips

Next time you boil a pot of potatoes for your favorite mashed potato recipe, save the potato water to make clear potato chips. While these definitely take a little extra work, this science experiment of a recipe will be worth the impressed looks on your friends' faces. It may be one of the most unique potato recipes you'll try.Go to Recipe

Prosecco Vodka Grapes

You've heard of soaking gummy bears in champagne or vodka, but have you heard of soaking grapes? These prosecco vodka grapes soak overnight in a mixture of the two. Once you roll them in sugar, you can eat them as garnishes or as a sweet treat. We could see these as a super fun bridal shower recipe.Go to Recipe

Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups

Next time you make tomato soup, serve these grilled cheese roll-ups instead of a regular grilled cheese sandwich. Flatten out a piece of bread, load it up with cheese and roll it up, sealing the edge with melted butter. Toast it in a skillet and voila!Go to Recipe

3-Ingredient Ice Cream

Sometimes an ice cream hankering hits faster than you can get to the store. If you've got sweetened condensed milk, cream and some sort of flavor add-in at home, then you can make this 3-ingredient ice cream recipe when the moment strikes. Mix in whatever you're craving—from traditional vanilla to chocolate caramel cheesecake—to make your customizable ice cream.Go to Recipe

Crunchy Croissant

If you're lucky enough to have leftover croissants, this TikTok recipe flattens and caramelizes them, making them crunchy and perfect for an ice cream sandwich. Be sure you're using day-old croissants—you don't want to waste a buttery, fresh pastry by flattening it! If you still have some left over when you're done, put the rest of the pastries to use in these recipes using croissants.Go to Recipe

Parmesan-Crusted Carrots

These Parmesan-crusted carrots will quickly become your new go-to carrot recipe. Make them with the recommended honey mustard dip and, all of a sudden, carrots will be your favorite vegetable.Go to Recipe

Miso Pasta

If you're a fan of miso in dishes like miso soup and miso ramen, you'll love miso pasta. The miso-butter sauce brings an unexpected level of umami to pasta. Top it with roasted seaweed or sesame seeds.Go to Recipe

Marry Me Chicken

This TikTok recipe is delicious enough that it'd be worth marrying the cook for! Make this "marry me" chicken recipe if you're looking to snag a last-minute Valentine, or simply to impress your honey with a mouthwatering meal.Go to Recipe

Pizza French Toast

Put extra hot dog buns or long rolls to use by making pizza French toast. Cut the buns into slices and put pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni between two. Coat the mini sandwiches in the egg mixture like you would for regular French toast, pan fry and serve with pizza sauce. Talk about a savory breakfast!Go to Recipe

The post How to Make the Trader Joe’s Pizza That’s Taking Over TikTok appeared first on Taste Recipes.

This idea originally came from a viral video from Chef Jose Andres over on TikTok. The video is of a conversation with James Beard award-winning cook and author Tamar Adler in an interview for a podcast, where Chef Andres shares his desire for eating peeled strawberries. He says peeled strawberries were meant “to be loved by you” and that they “fit perfectly with beautiful lips” and “if you’ve never had a peeled strawberry, you don’t understand.”

So why should one even bother peeling strawberries, and how would someone go about peeling them in the first place? We broke it down so you can fully understand Chef Andres’ obsession with peeled strawberries.

Should You Peel Strawberries?

@chefjoseandres I’ll show you the secret to eating strawberries! Try @boweryfarming ♬ original sound – José Andrés

So why should you make the effort of peeling strawberries in the first place? Chef Jose Andres admits in another TikTok video that in his house, they always peel their strawberries because of the “mouth feel.”

The skin of the strawberry also contains some bitterness, which tends to be common in all different types of berries. Without the skin, however, peeled strawberries contain all of that sweetness without the bitterness, making them even more pleasant to eat.

So after cleaning strawberries, maybe you should also consider peeling those strawberries for an even more elegant eating experience—especially if you’re using them for any of these no-bake strawberry desserts.

What’s the Best Way to Peel Strawberries?

While it isn’t required for you to peel these little fruits anytime you’re whipping up some kind of recipe with fresh strawberries, if you’re looking to upgrade the elegance of the dish you’re working on, peeled strawberries could do the trick.

Here’s how to peel strawberries: Using a pairing knife, carefully scrape off the peel of the strawberry until you’ve removed the skin and the seeds from the top. You don’t want to cut off a chunk and lose some of that sweetness, which is why carefully scraping it will do.

Chef Andres does this by holding the strawberry and carefully peeling it. However, if you’re nervous about using a knife while holding a small piece of fruit, some people will hold the strawberry in place with a fork instead. Simply pierce the strawberry at the top near the stem with a fork, then peel from the fat part of the strawberry down to the tip, then turn. Then remove the leaves and the stem at the top and you have a peeled strawberry ready for your dish—or to devour on the spot!

The post Are You Supposed to Peel Strawberries? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What Does the New Jell-O Logo Look Like?

The new Jell-O logo has dropped its thin font and curly O for a bold bubble font. And instead of the letters having a 3D look, the logo now uses a white drop shadow for dimension.

The packaging for Jell-O products will also have a more minimalist feel to match the red logo. Instead of swirly designs and colorful fruits bouncing on the package, Jell-O’s new packaging has simple colors and graphics to match its flavors and products—like a couple of raspberries or strawberries on a pink background, or a single slice of cheesecake on a blue background.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BrandOpus (@brandopusglobal)

While this change feels big, it isn’t Jell-O’s first redesign. Jell-O has seen around six major logo changes since it originally launched in 1845. Yes, this beloved snack is that old! You won’t believe the vintage Jell-O flavors that used to be in stores.

Why Is Jell-O Changing Its Logo?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BrandOpus (@brandopusglobal)

The graphic design trend right now is minimalist. The early 2000s found brands adopting 3D logos as digital technology become more sophisticated. It was like brands wanted to give digital logos as much dimension as they had in the real world! Now, to look modern, brands need simple logos. Jell-O is far from the only company to make a change. In the past couple years, fast-food chains like Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway and Popeyes have opted for minimalist logos, too.

Experts at Kraft Heinz, the parent company that owns Jell-O, say this new logo will hopefully capture the “jiggly fun” that customers love. For us, it doesn’t matter how modern the logo is—we’ll still be making retro Jell-O desserts!

Old-School Recipes for Jell-O That We Love

1 / 35

Molded Strawberry Salad

This refreshing salad has two layers - a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. -Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois

Get Recipe

Rainbow Jello CubesMake your next party a hit with rainbow layer Jell-O. A sweet, fun and nostalgic treat for all ages. With patience and a little attention to detail, you’ll create a stunning dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Go to Recipe

Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeI prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana

Go to Recipe

Seven-Layer Gelatin SaladThis colorful, showstopping seven-layer gelatin salad is a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. It can be customized with your favorite colors and flavors.

Go to Recipe

Pretzel Gelatin DessertThis is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Pina Colada JamIf you like pina coladas, you’ll love this! But here’s the kicker: The secret ingredient is fresh zucchini. Spread the jam on crackers and cheese or add to a pan sauce to give chicken or pork chops a tropical twist. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Stained Glass GelatinKids love this sweet, wiggly gelatin and whipped topping dessert. Use different flavors of gelatin to make color versions that are as wild as your imagination. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Lime Gelatin SaladJiggly retro desserts are back! Bust out your vintage molds for our creamy, citrusy lime gelatin salad recipe.

Go to Recipe

Orange Gelatin Pretzel SaladSalty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama

Go to Recipe

Easy Citrus SlushOur church’s hostess committee has relied on this refreshing drink for bridal and baby showers and other events. We often use different flavors and colors of gelatin to match the decor of the occasion. —Joy Bruce, Welch, Oklahoma

Go to Recipe

Raspberry CakeIndulge in this easy-to-make raspberry cake bursting with fresh raspberry flavor and topped with a luscious whipped raspberry frosting.

Go to Recipe

Ribbon JelloRibbon jello traditionally makes an appearance over the holiday season and it’s a fun recipe to prepare if you’ve got kids to keep busy. But you’re never too old to enjoy the fruity flavor and sweet, creamy middle layer.

Go to Recipe

Apricot FluffWhen we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it's become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It's sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Jellied Champagne DessertThis refreshing dessert looks just like a glass of bubbling champagne.—Vickie McLaughlin, Kingsport, Tennessee

Go to Recipe

Molded Cranberry-Orange SaladWhen I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

Go to Recipe

Spiced Apple Cider Jelly ShotsThese spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste Recipes

Go to Recipe

Fluffy Key Lime PieFor a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Peach Panna CottaThis no-bake dessert is guaranteed to cool you off in the summer heat. I really enjoy the texture—rich and creamy Panna Cotta balanced by the sweet and pulpy texture of the peach puree. —Andrea Campbell, Los Angeles, California

Go to Recipe

Peach BavarianFruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey

Go to Recipe

Fluffy Cranberry MousseThis is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it's so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California

Go to Recipe

Homemade Mango MarshmallowsHomemade marshmallows are much better than bagged ones. I had yummy results when I flavored my recipe with mango nectar. Look for it in your store’s Mexican food section. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Go to Recipe

Patriotic Gelatin SaladAlmost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Rosey Raspberry SaladWhenever I make this pretty raspberry salad, people talk! It's a festive side dish that works well for celebrations throughout the year. —Jane Vanderground, Macedonia, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Swedish CremeSwedish cream is similar to panna cotta, because it is set with gelatin, but the tender dessert includes sour cream for subtle tanginess.

Go to Recipe

Grandmother’s Orange SaladThis orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California

Go to Recipe

Pink Lemonade PieA cool comfort food is this pie for my family. On very hot days, I serve it straight from the freezer. That way, it's slightly frosty and extra refreshing.—Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Raspberry Gelatin JewelsKids love this jiggly salad, and honestly, so do the adults. It's always going to be on my holiday buffet. —Brenda Leonard, APO, AP

Go to Recipe

Pina Colada Molded SaladMy gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Green Flop Jell-OGet ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Red, White ‘n’ Blue SaladOur striking "flag" salad drew plenty of attention at our Independence Day party. The shimmering stripes are formed with distinctive gelatin layers. It makes you want to salute before spooning some up! —Laurie Neverman, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Cherry Gelatin SupremeWhen I was growing up, this yummy, easy dessert was always on the menu at holiday get-togethers. Years ago, my aunt gave me the recipe, and now when I make it for my family, I think of her. —Janice Rathgeb, Brighton, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue RosesEat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California

Go to Recipe

Apricot SaladColorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn't know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia

Go to Recipe

Red-White-and-Blue Berry DelightLoaded with fresh strawberries and blueberries, this luscious JELL-O is perfect for any Fourth of July celebration! —Constance Fennell, Grand Junction, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Raspberry Bavarian CakeThis recipe is an all-time favorite with my family and everyone else who tastes it. It’s so easy but makes an impressive company dessert. Because it doesn’t seem light, everyone feels like they’re sinfully over-indulging! —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire

Go to Recipe

The post The Jell-O Logo Is Changing—Here’s What the New Packaging Will Look Like appeared first on Taste Recipes.

However, not all McDonald’s locations are created equal, and the prices for these items can vary depending on where you are in the country—or even the world. Some McDonald’s locations charge significantly more than others, and according to a photo of a McDonald’s menu located in Darien, Connecticut that recently went viral on Twitter, those prices could even cause your jaw to drop.

What’s the Big Mac Controversy?

@xconmedia #mcdonaldsprices #stimulusmoney #inflation2023 #recession2023 #pricesgoingup ♬ original sound – Xcon Media ✩

This controversy first came up when a TikTok video was posted showing his reaction to seeing the menu at the McDonald’s at a rest stop along Interstate 95 in Darien.

Then recently again, a user on Twitter posted about the menu prices and commented about how absurdly high they are.

This was at a rest stop, but these McDonald’s prices are nuts right??? pic.twitter.com/0qq8Ima3ZA

— Sam Learner (@sam_learner) July 18, 2023

As you can see, many of the combo meals available at this McDonald’s in Darien are astronomically high compared to other McDonald’s locations across the country. According to this recent post, a Big Mac combo meal can set you back by $17.59, and if you order through a delivery service such as Uber Eats, the combo meal will cost you $20.89.

This cost is significantly more expensive than the average cost for a Big Mac Combo, let alone in a Big Mac in general, which costs $8.29 for the sandwich alone at this location. According to Statista, the average cost of a Big Mac in the United States is $5.15. The most expensive average is in Switzerland, where an average Big Mac costs $7.26.

However, Darien’s Big Mac costs 14% more than Switzerland’s average, and data from Pantry and Larder proves this price would be dubbed the most expensive Big Mac in the country. The cheapest Big Mac can be found in Stigler, Oklahoma at just $3.49.

Why Is This Big Mac So Expensive?

Although management from the Darien I-95 McDonald’s location has yet to respond to any requests for comment about their prices, there are a few reasons why this particular location is able to set their prices so high.

The first has to do with their location. Chain restaurants available at rest stops already charge significantly more for their meals due to the cost of location and labor, plus being in a prime spot for travelers. Darien’s location is less than an hour outside of New York City lines, making it ideal for commuters or tourists who need a quick breakfast or dinner as they head in or out of the city.

Rest areas such as the one in Darien are owned by the state’s Department of Transportation, which could come with extra fees to pay for that location. This particular rest area is listed as a Connecticut Service Plaza and offers a variety of food, shopping, and service options for travelers.

However, if you were to compare Darien’s prices to a service plaza just down the road in Milford, the prices are still vastly different. According to Uber Eats, a Big Mac combo costs $17.39, which is $3.50 cheaper compared to Darien. And if you were to actually exit off the highway, the meal gets even cheaper at just $11.59 at the location in Milford on Post Road.

So are other restaurants getting away from the same type of price inflation? Looking at prices at other chains available in Darien, it seems that not everyone is taking advantage of the location compared to McDonald’s. Dunkin’ in Darien is offering the same prices compared to Milford’s service place; a Bacon Egg and Cheese on a bagel costs $9.23 in both locations, according to DoorDash.

In conclusion, what does this mean for Big Mac lovers on the road? If you’re looking to save money and you don’t want to deal with the preposterous prices you see at a rest area, it may be best to actually exit off the highway and find a location in a town nearby. The prices are likely significantly cheaper, and without all of the other travelers rolling through, the lines could even be shorter.

Or why not save even more money and make your own version yourself with these copycat McDonald’s recipes?

The post This McDonald’s in Connecticut Charges Nearly $18 for a Big Mac Meal—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Psst: Need some heat? Burger King is also serving up Fiery Nuggets.

What’s on the Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich?

This coveted sandwich is basically your favorite crispy chicken sandwich with a regal upgrade. Served on a potato bun, the sandwich stars a crispy chicken filet with mozzarella cheese and slathered with marinara sauce. The sandwich differs from the original because it’s served on a potato bun instead of a hoagie-like bun. It has a crispier-looking cutlet, too. This masterpiece is what crispy chicken sandwich dreams are made of!

While the sandwich does sound glorious, the Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich will only be on the menu until August 17. However, it is sold nationwide and at any Burger King across the country. And you can make it a combo meal!

Heads up, combo meals usually come with a drink and one side of your choice. Because BK customers find it impossible to choose between fries or onion rings, this fast-food chain is giving the customers what they want by offering a fries and onion rings combo. This special side is only around for a limited time, though.

Can You Make the Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Home?

If you don’t get the chance to snag an Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich, don’t fret; chicken Parmesan is incredibly easy to make. You can definitely whip up your own version at home!

Chicken Parm is a classic Italian-American dish made with a crispy chicken cutlet topped with marinara sauce and melty cheese. Although Parmesan is the cheese in the name of the dish, the most popular cheese used for a classic chicken Parmesan recipe tends to be mozzarella.

Baking the chicken cutlet tends to be the most traditional way to make this dish. But there are a few clever renditions of the recipe that we also like—this chicken Parmesan stromboli, or these chicken Parmesan stuffed shells. And of course, chicken Parmesan burgers tend to do the trick when we’re craving that Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich but can’t seem to find our way to a Burger King drive-thru before August 17!

The post The Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich Is Back Burger King appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What Is the Taco Bell Volcano Menu?

Along with a “hotline” where Taco Bell enthusiasts can call Paris Hilton for advice at 1-844-THTS-HOT, the Taco Bell Volcano Menu brings back three nostalgic favorites from Y2K.

The Volcano Taco is made with seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, a three-cheese blend and, of course, the Lava Sauce. It’s served on a fiery red Volcano crunchy shell and only costs $2.49—depending on your location.

Next is the Double Beef Volcano Burrito, a warm flour tortilla packed with seasoned rice and beef, a three-cheese blend, reduced fat sour cream, crunchy Fiesta tortilla chips and yes, that Lava Sauce, all for $3.99.

Don’t want to deter from your usual order? If you have Taco Bell menu go-to’s (or prefer to make your own Taco Bell copycat recipes at home), you can always buy a side of Lava Sauce to go with your meal for just $1.

With the spicy addition to the menu, Taco Bell plans on “making this summer hotter than ever.” And with a side of Lava Sauce for any order on the Taco Bell menu, fast-food taco lovers can do just that!

Where Can I Get the Taco Bell Volcano Menu?

If you’re signed up as a Taco Bell Rewards Member, good news for you! The Taco Bell Volcano Menu is already available to you on the Taco Bell App, so snag your favorite item slathered in Lava sauce while supplies last.

As for everyone else, the menu opens up to the general public starting June 29 for a limited time. To access the Volcano Menu, customers can either make their order through the Taco Bell app or through DoorDash. DoorDash is even offering a special discount for its DashPass customers—a free Volcano Taco or Double Beef Volcano Burrito for all orders over $15.

This early access is available up until July 5. Then starting July 6, the menu will officially be open to the public for a limited time through the Taco Bell app, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates and Grubhub. So make sure to get them while they’re hot!

The post Taco Bell Is Bringing Back Its Volcano Menu for a Limited Time appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Target recently announced that they will be automatically charging for plastic bags for Drive Up and Order Pickup orders—and customers are taking to platforms like Twitter and Reddit to express their distaste for this recent decision, some even threatening to never shop at Target again. So how much does Target charge for bags?

Thankfully, this charge is only happening for Target pickup orders, meaning in-store runs won’t be affected by this new charging system. If you make an online purchase for pickup, the charge will be added to your final invoice. While there is the option to deny bags at the time of pickup, Target will automatically assume that if you are ordering online, you are agreeing to the additional charge and the use of plastic bags. Unless your state or city has banned the use of plastic bags already, of course.

How Much Does Target Charge for Bags?

According to Target’s new policy, Drive Up and Order Pickup customers will be charged $1 per every 10 bags used—which equates to about 10 cents per bag. If a customer uses less than 10 bags for an order, the amount will be properly adjusted.

If you are ordering via Target’s app, the charge may not show up on your receipt via the app. However, the final invoice will reflect the surcharge, as well as any applicable refund if you’re using less than 10 bags with your purchase.

Now this will differentiate based on state and local laws—particularly for states who have already banned the use of plastic bags at stores already. For example, New York state issued a statewide plastic bag ban and allows counties to impose a 5-cent fee for paper bag use at stores. Big stores such as Target will actually sell reusable bags at checkout in case customers forgot to bring their own.

Other states may not have a statewide ban but do have local laws—particularly within cities. For example, Minneapolis and Duluth invoked a 5-cent charge for plastic bags back in 2020, while the rest of the state does not require a charge.

So if you are in a state that still allows the use of plastic bags and you tend to order for pickup at Target, you’ll want to keep this charge in mind next time you open your Target app.

How Can I Avoid the Charge?

Thankfully, Target does offer a solution so you can avoid a charge every time you order for pickup. Customers are given the option at the time of pickup to decline using plastic bags. There is, unfortunately, no option on the app to decline using bags when you order.

While your original receipt may reflect a surcharge at first, Target will issue a refund if you don’t use any plastic bags (but warning, this could take days to process). Just be sure to bring a few reusable grocery bags with you when you go to pick up your order.

This charge is also for pickup orders, not for in-store purchases. So if you like to actually make a Target run and get lost in Bullseye’s Playground, and you live in a state or city that does not currently have a plastic bag ban or surcharge, you should be good to go.

However, if you do live in a place that has a citywide or statewide law, you may want to bring those reusable bags to save you from all that trouble.

The post Target Joins Walmart in Charging for Bags and Customers Are Furious appeared first on Taste Recipes.

And yet, even the iconic McDonald’s sandwich isn’t safe from rising costs sweeping the nation right now. According to data collected by CashNetUSA in November 2022, the Big Mac price has gone up significantly—and the United States isn’t the only country feeling the new sense of sticker shock.

What Is the Price of a Big Mac in the USA?

Compared to the debut price of 45 cents, Big Mac prices are at an all-time high in this country—particularly in Hawaii, which sells the most expensive Big Mac in the United States right now at $5.31. While the cost of delivering materials to a place like Hawaii would make sense in the increase in price, what isn’t so surprising is the second most expensive state to buy a Big Mac right now: New York.

That’s right, New York is selling Big Macs at $5.23, which is even more expensive than Alaska at $4.87. New Jersey isn’t too far behind New York with Big Macs being sold for $5.19, and California is selling them at $5.11.

As for the least expensive Big Mac, you can buy the cheapest burger in Mississippi at $3.91. South Dakota, Missouri and Arkansas also have fairly affordable Big Macs at $3.95, followed by Alabama at $3.99.

After that, many of the states are selling the iconic burger somewhere in the four-dollar range. States like Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas are selling the Big Mac at just $4.07, while other states like Minnesota, Nevada and Arizona are selling it at $4.43.

Why Has the Price of Big Macs Gone Up?

Unsurprisingly, inflation is playing a major role when it comes to the price of your Big Mac at the register. The rise in price has to not only do with the high demand for goods—like beef, which saw a price increase of 9.6% in 2022—but also with operational costs and labor.

Yet even if price increases have become the norm at McDonald’s, it seems customers aren’t backing away from their usual go-to McDonald’s run. In 2022, McDonald’s reported over a 10% increase in sales growth and 26% more foot traffic in restaurants.

“Even though we’re pushing through pricing, the consumer is tolerating it well,” said McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski in a previous analyst call, according to CNN Business.

“We’re taking smaller, more frequent price increases because it gives us the flexibility to be able to see how consumers are reacting and then adjust if or when necessary,” said CFO Kevin Ozan.

What Is the Price of a Big Mac Across the World?

Although Big Mac prices in the United States seem high, compared to other countries, the prices are still rather low; the United States is selling the 19th most expensive Big Mac around the world.

The most expensive Big Mac is being sold in Liechtenstein and Switzerland at a price of $7.75, followed by Italy at $7.13.

The least expensive Big Mac can actually be found in Pakistan at just $1.91. Other countries with cheap Big Macs include Egypt at $2.12 and Indonesia at $2.35.

These prices are based on the Big Macs sold in capital cities of these countries, so technically the average here for the United States is $5.35—which seems expensive compared to state prices. This means that Big Macs sold within capital cities of the country are likely more expensive than the entire state averages reported by CashNetUSA.

Now only time will tell if the new McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac will suffer the same fate… if it ever makes it to your local Mickey Dee’s menu, of course.

McDonald's Copycat Recipes So You Can Skip the Drive-Thru

1 / 25

Inspired By: McDonald's CheeseburgerA favorite on McDonald's dollar menu, these copycat burgers are a blend of ground beef and breadcrumbs. You can cook them on the stovetop on a grill pan or a standard skillet. I like to top these burgers with cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard. —Mike Goldman, Arden Hills, MinnesotaGo to Recipe

Inspired By: McDonald's Special SauceWe cracked the code on one of McDonald's best-kept secrets; the Big Mac sauce! Perfect for topping on burgers, or dipping your fries and nuggets in, this McDonald's copycat recipe is one you'll want to keep on hand. —Taste Recipes Test KitchenGo to Recipe

Inspired By: Chicken McNuggetsI like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: McDonald's French FriesIt's a fact that McDonald's fries are one of their best-selling items, so we've created an even tastier way to eat their fries! The addition of Parmesan and garlic is optional, but they make this side dish simply irresistible. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Egg McMuffinOn a busy morning, this McDonald's copycat recipe save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste Recipes Senior Editor

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Shamrock ShakeWhen this colorful dessert appears on the McDonald’s menu, you know St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Make your own all year round with this McDonald's copycat recipe. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, VermontGo to Recipe

Best HamburgerThis is the only hamburger recipe you need! We'll walk you through how to make hamburger patties that grill up to juicy perfection.

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese BiscuitI turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Honey Mustard SauceThis fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas

Go to Recipe

Fried Chicken SandwichThere's something about a fried chicken sandwich that just hits the spot. When paired with a basket of french fries, some coleslaw and a refreshing beer or lemonade, it's hard to resist this fried fare.

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: McCafe Strawberry ShakeCool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this McDonald’s copycat strawberry shake recipe. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: HotcakesI found this fluffy and easy pancake recipe among our old family favorites and adapted it to make a small amount. It's quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider it a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Chicken SelectsHere's how to deep-fry or bake crispy, golden chicken strips, plus tons of ideas for how to serve them.

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Tangy Barbecue SauceI've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Cinnamon MeltsA slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: McRibPerfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this McDonald's copycat recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Fruit & Maple OatmealI tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Filet-O-FishThe seasoned breading of this hearty sandwich turns mild-flavored cod or halibut into a taste sensation, and the creamy sauce just keeps it going! —Mildred Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Tartar SauceYou'll never buy the jarred stuff again once you've tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, Maryland

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Spicy Chicken McNuggetsBoth adults and adventurous kids will love these spicy chicken nuggets. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Sausage BurritoThis is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook. —Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Sweet BBQ Bacon BurgerEvery family has a burger of choice, and this McDonald's copycat recipe is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Fruit 'N Yogurt ParfaitThe best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Fish McBitesMy husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

Go to Recipe

Inspired By: Eggnog Shake

Enjoy the flavors of Christmas all-year-round with this McDonald's Eggnog Shake recipe. Simply add eggnog, vanilla ice cream, rum extract and nutmeg to a blender and blend it all together for that perfect milkshake. Don't forget the cherry on top! —Taste Recipes Test KitchenGo to RecipeAlso. discover these fast food conspiracy theories.

The post Your Big Mac Has Gotten More Expensive—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Sure, maybe a video online of someone paying it forward inspired you, but it’s a hassle—and it’s definitely one of the habits you should avoid in the drive-thru.

Why Starbucks’ Pay-It-Forward Lines Don’t Always Work

“Pay it forward is nice in theory, but it can cause a lot of confusion,” says Bailey Cassidy, 28, a Starbucks barista in the Chicagoland area. “Especially in the busy morning peak, it creates confusion about whose order belongs to whom. I’ve never worked in the drive-thru, just cafe lobby stores, but I hear it really confuses things in the drive-thru!”

Cassidy’s sentiments are mirrored by hundreds of baristas on Reddit. They say that yes, while this particular act of charity is kind for fellow Starbucks lovers, it doesn’t go so well for the baristas trying to coordinate how it’ll work. It also gets particularly confusing when the first pay-it-forward (PIF) customer turns it into a chain, where the next car pays for the car behind them, and so on.

“99% of baristas thank you for breaking it,” writes Reddit user @Mcpatches3D. “We rarely get any tips during the chains and it can get confusing when we’re slammed. Not to mention some customers get grumpy because they had expiring stars or needed the purchase for some promo.”

Not bothering to tip has become a common sore spot for baristas experiencing a PIF chain. “It’s not about the tip in itself I feel,” writes Reddit user @TheBlueImpulse. “It’s more about the disregard for the baristas and their hard work when it comes to ‘helping someone out.'”

However, while some baristas find the entire process inconvenient and sometimes demeaning, other who have experienced the generosity of pay-it-forward themselves say that the small act of generosity still can go a long way.

“There were also more than a few situations, on days where I was really going through it and desperately needed something positive to happen, where someone randomly paid for my drink. And it genuinely made a huge difference in my day and on my outlook during certain difficult times,” writes Reddit user @2166K.

Nevertheless, some baristas argue that if a customer is already in a line—especially a drive-thru—they already know what the coffee costs and are prepared to pay it anyway.

“The person who is in the drive-thru can afford their order, that’s why they placed it,” writes Reddit user @strawberrypoppi. “They are already planning to pay. It really makes others in the drive feel guilty because they feel like they have to pay for the person behind them even if their drink is more expensive.”

What can you do instead?

If you’re in a generous mood, many baristas seem to give the same suggestion—drop that generosity in the tip jar.

“I feel like if customers want to brighten someone’s day, consider tipping the baristas,” says Cassidy. “They are severely overworked, understaffed, and underappreciated, and it would make their day.”

For those who love paying it forward, baristas also suggest buying a gift card for customers who actually do walk into a cafe instead of the drive-thru, commonly those who are homeless and looking for food and a bathroom.

“We’ve also had people come into the cafe around the holidays and buy and leave a gift card to use for those in need, which at least at my location where we have a fairly large homeless population, this actually can go towards someone in need,” writes Reddit user @badatlife15.

Along with avoiding the hassle of pay-it-forward anarchy, be sure to avoid these other polite habits that fast food employees secretly dislike.

Copycat Starbucks Recipes You Can Make at Home

1 / 28

 

Inspired by: Starbucks Chai Tea LatteMy family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, MarylandGet Our Recipe for Chai Tea Latte

Inspired by: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss BarsYou can make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars any time you please with this step-by-step copycat recipe. It makes an entire pan of bars that taste just like the real deal. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon

Get Our Recipe for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Inspired by: Starbucks Egg BitesYou can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia

Get Our Recipe for Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites

Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel FrappuccinoI love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa

Get Our Recipe for Caramel Frappuccino

Inspired by: Starbucks Cheese DanishThe flaky layers of laminated dough and a sweet, cheese filling in the center make this Danish a natural to pair with hot coffee or tea. It’s as delicious for breakfast as it is for a late-night snack. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont

Get Our Recipe for Starbucks Danish

Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg SandwichOn a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste Recipes Senior Editor

Get Our Recipe for Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew CoffeeCold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Get Our Recipe for Cold-Brew Coffee

Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very best options to kick start your mornings.

Homemade BagelsOur easy bagel recipe lets you skip the store and make a dozen homemade bagels right in the comfort of your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite bagel toppings like everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or Asiago cheese.

Go to Recipe

Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.

Get Our Recipe for Creamy Caramel Mocha

Inspired by: Starbucks Gingerbread LoafI created a copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf that’s the perfect addition to my holiday baking. Served with a thick layer of frosting, it’s delicious with a cup of coffee. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon

Get Our Recipe for Gingerbread Loaf

Inspired by: Starbucks Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota

Get Our Recipe for Iced Coffee

Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon LoafMy family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota

Get Our Recipe for Lemon Pound Cake Loaves

Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Get Our Recipe for Honey Spiced Latte

Inspired by: Starbucks Berry Trio ParfaitHomemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME

Get Our Recipe for Yogurt Berry Parfaits

Pumpkin Spice LatteYearning for a pumpkin spice latte but can’t wait for fall? It’s always PSL season with this pumpkin spice latte recipe, which uses real canned pumpkin for authentic autumnal flavor.

Go to Recipe

Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate BrownieCoffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Get Our Recipe for Ultimate Fudgy Brownies

Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe MochaWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana

Get Our Recipe for Mocha Morning Drink

Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold BrewCold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland

Get Our Recipe for Coconut Cold-Brew Latte

Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin BreadSkip the line and bake Starbucks's pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe is better than the original! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Get Our Recipe for Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Inspired by: Starbucks Hot ChocolateEach winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.

Get Our Recipe for Rich Hot Chocolate

Special Banana Nut BreadThis extra-special banana bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. The recipe makes two loaves, so I can serve one and keep the other one in the freezer to use as a last-minute gift. —Beverly Sprague, Catonsville, Maryland

Get Our Recipe for Banana Nut Bread

Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

Get Our Recipe for Holiday Peppermint Mocha

Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea LemonadeI have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina

Get Our Recipe for Lemonade Iced Tea

Inspired by: Starbucks Blueberry SconeSave your precious summer blueberries for these blueberry scones! They’re so good, you’ll be thankful you get 16 scones out of the recipe.

Get Our Recipe for Blueberry Scones

Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Shaken EspressoSkip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen to shake up this coffee drink. You only need four ingredients!Get Our Recipe for Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.—Wendy Stenman

Get Our Recipe for Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins

Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Get Our Recipe for Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip CookieEveryone has a favorite type of chocolate chip cookie—a little crispy, a little chewy—but they all have to begin with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is the best place to start! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Get Our Recipe for Big & Buttery Chocolate Chip Cookies

The post Why Starbucks Employees Hate Pay It Forward Lines appeared first on Taste Recipes.

We all know that cooking food in leftover bacon grease or lard (pork fat) can really elevate the flavor of a dish. Beef tallow has been used for centuries for that same purpose—to give whatever you’re cooking an extra fatty flavor compared to normal go-to butter or cooking oils. But what is wagyu beef tallow, and how is it different?

What Is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is a rendered fat that is cooked down from a cut of meat from a cow. This can come from practically any kind of cut—rump roast, steaks, ribs and even ground beef can all create beef tallow.

Because the fat from beef is high in saturated fat, beef tallow is naturally solid at room temperature, with a texture similar to butter or lard. It is commonly used for cooking and frying foods, but it isn’t uncommon to also enjoy it in place of butter when spread on toast. Some even used it for making candles, soaps and moisturizers.

There are two ways to extract beef tallow from a cut of meat. The first is cooking it down and collecting it to be used later. The second is skimming the pure fat off the meat and melting it down before it settles back into a solid form. However, skimming the pure fat may not always be easy for particular cuts of meat, like wagyu beef, which has a high amount of marbling and intramuscular fat.

What Is Wagyu Beef Tallow?

Instead of having a traditional USDA rating of Prime, Choice or Select, wagyu beef’s quality standards actually originate in Japan. “Wa” stands for Japanese, and “gyu” stands for cow. But not just any cow can be considered a wagyu—it must be either a Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Polled or Japanese Shorthorn. Because it is such a commodity in Japan, the country banned the exportation of cattle in 1997, leaving America with only 221 animals at the time for their own wagyu programs, making the beef rare and expensive—along with the tallow obtained from it.

So how does wagyu beef tallow differ from regular tallow? Although the process of extracting wagyu beef tallow is similar, the product is much richer due to the intramuscular fat and the extra care wagyu programs take when producing a quality cut of beef.

How to Use Wagyu Beef Tallow

Wagyu beef tallow can be used just as you would with normal beef tallow. It can be used to cook foods as a replacement for other frying oils like canola, coconut, olive or avocado oil. But unlike normal beef tallow, wagyu beef tallow brings that rich, buttery, fatty flavor that will melt in your mouth.

Some say cooking the beef tallow with herbs and aromatics can help with giving it some flavor before straining it and letting it set back into a solid to be used for cooking or spreading it on food. Others say that wagyu beef tallow, in particular, is rich on its own and doesn’t need added flavor. So when it comes to adding any type of flavor to it, the preference is up to you.

You can also use it for smoking a brisket! After trimming the fat of the brisket, slathering the wagyu beef tallow on the meat adds some of that rich fatty flavor back in, making the meat juicy and tender.

Where Can I Buy Wagyu Beef Tallow?

Don’t worry—you don’t have to buy a cut of wagyu beef in order to obtain your own stock of wagyu beef tallow. Thankfully, this coveted cooking commodity is easily available to buy online.

South Chicago Packing sells the most highly rated wagyu beef tallow over on Amazon at around $30 for 42 ounces, while Fatworks sells a 14-ounce jar at just under $23. Wagyu beef tallow can also be found at smaller high-end boutique grocery stores and butchers.

The post What Is Wagyu Beef Tallow and Why Is It So Popular? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What Is Burrata Pizza?

Inspired by a video posted by Lacey, from @_lacebakes_ on TikTok, the burrata pizza is simply a cooked pizza dough, topped with marinated tomatoes and a fresh ball of burrata cheese. It’s garlicky and cheesy and makes for a perfectly elegant finish if you’re having a homemade pizza night in.

How to Make Burrata Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic, separated
• 4 tablesooons olive oil, separated
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Pizza dough
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ball of fresh burrata cheese

Directions

Step 1: Get the oven ready

Preheat the oven to 500°F. Not making the oven hot enough is a classic homemade pizza mistake you want to avoid!

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the cherry tomatoes and basil with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a few cracks of sea salt and black pepper. Mix together and set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Prep the herb butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, the rest of the olive oil and minced garlic, as well as the fresh parsley.

Step 4: Get the pizza dough ready

Stretch the pizza dough into a cast-iron skillet or across a pizza stone/steel.

Step 5: Begin assembling the pizza

Brush the herb butter mixture across the dough. Lightly sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese. Place in the oven and bake until the pizza crust is golden and bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the herb butter mixture is sizzling on the pie. Remove to a cutting board.

Step 6: Top it off

Scoop the cherry tomato mixture onto the sizzling dough, leaving some room for a crust around the edges.

Place the ball of fresh burrata cheese in the center of the pizza. You can add an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper if you desire.

Slice it up and enjoy!

Tips for Making Burrata Pizza

How to Make Burrata Pizza Your Own

While the burrata pizza recipe makes for a simple tomato and cheese pizza, you can always play around with different delicious combinations. Because it wouldn’t truly be pizza night without a little variety, now would it?

You could top the pizza with thin slices of prosciutto or pepperoni if you want to add meat. If you’re looking for something heartier—like Italian sausage or bits of meatball—you can sprinkle that onto the pizza dough so it can prebake into the crust before topping it with your tomatoes.

Even though this burrata pizza isn’t served with a pizza sauce, you can always feel free to add it. You could skip the herb butter mixture and spread a pizza sauce instead!

Lastly, you could even play around with the combination of cheeses on the dough before it bakes. Shredded mozzarella is always a go-to, but feel free to elevate the flavor with other popular pizza cheeses like parmesan, fontina, provolone, and even gorgonzola!

What Happens if You Bake the Burrata?

While this recipe doesn’t call for baking the burrata before eating it, some may prefer to bake the pizza to warm up all of the ingredients before slicing it into it. Just be careful! The burrata is creamy on the inside and can easily seep out during baking, making the pizza watery.

Instead, if you want to have a baked burrata pizza, you can wait to add the creamy burrata cheese until the last few minutes, then bake it until the cheese is perfectly melted without causing a soggy mess.

How to Store Burrata Pizza

Want to store some leftover burrata pizza slices? This pizza storage container should do the trick! Place your uneaten slices into this pizza container for up to four days. If you prefer to not stack your slices on top of each other, lay them flat in a larger shallow container for the same amount of time.

The best way to reheat your pizza is by putting the slices back in the oven. You can line a baking tray with foil or place it in a cast-iron skillet for around 10 minutes at 375°. Remember, the burrata might get a little watery, so be sure to keep an eye on that creamy cheese so your pizza doesn’t make a mess!

For more pizza-inspired TikTok recipes, you won’t want to miss out on trying this pizza soup or pizza sticks delicacies next.

The post Burrata Pizza Is Taking Over TikTok and You Need to Make It Immediately appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Don’t fret—thanks to some clever pancake experts on TikTok, we’ve finally come across a trick on how to flip a pancake perfectly.

How to Flip a Pancake With Zero Splatters

@thepancakeparlour Flick of the wrist #thepancakeparlour #pancakeparlour #melbfoodie #melbournejobs #fyp #dessertsmelb #melbournedining #bestpancakes #tricks #chef ♬ Choo Choo – VT Yellow

When it comes to flipping the perfect pancake, it’s all about using your fingers—not your wrist. The trick is shown clearly in this TikTok video from the Pancake Parlour, a small breakfast chain in Australia serving fluffy stacks of pancakes and deliciously sweet crepes.

Seems pretty simple, right? In order to flip a pancake and avoid splatters, it all comes down to a simple finger technique. Using two fingers and your thumb, you’ll flip the spatula without using the force of your whole wrist, which can cause the pancakes to splatter on the pan and get everywhere.

To do this, simply pinch the bottom of the spatula with your index finger and middle finger, then place your thumb on top. Once you scoop the pancake into the pan, you’ll twist your three fingers to flip the spatula, making it easy for the pancake to flip and slide off without splatters.

If you clench the spatula and use your wrist to flip the pancake, the motion will be too powerful and cause those ugly splatters everywhere—which the Pancake Parlour demonstrates toward the end of their video.

What Else Should You Know Before Flipping a Pancake?

While the motion of the spatula does make a big difference when trying to flip the perfect flapjack, there are a few other pancake tricks to keep in mind for making the fluffiest stack of pancakes at home.

First, one of the most common pancake mistakes is not waiting for the batter to rest before making your stack. You should always give the batter at least 10 or 15 minutes to set before placing them on a griddle. This allows for the baking powder (or other baking agents) to activate, making the batter fluffy. Yes, this also applies to box mixes! If you don’t give it time, the pancake will likely be thin and may still splatter when you go to flip it.

Second, place the pancake batter in a ketchup bottle to make perfect circles. Obviously, you’re trying to avoid the splatter of the pancake assuming you want perfectly round flapjacks. So be sure the shape is perfect every time by placing the pancake batter in a clean, empty ketchup bottle for easy squirting into the pan. This is also a great trick if you’re looking to make special pancake shapes. A heart-shaped stack? Why not!

Lastly, to avoid splatter even further, you want to make sure the pancakes aren’t underdone when it’s time to flip. This is why it’s important to cook a pancake on a griddle over medium-low heat so that one side doesn’t burn while you are waiting for the fluffy center to cook a bit before flipping. You know it’s time to flip your pancake when the batter becomes nice and bubbly and slightly firm, which will cause less of a mess win it’s time to flip. Plus, it ensures you’re not biting into an underdone pancake—because no one wants that!

Pancake Recipes You'll Love

1 / 25

 

The Best-Ever PancakesI'm not joking when I say I make pancakes every weekend. I love them in any form and variation—especially when topped with maple syrup. —James Schend, Dairy FreedGo to Recipe

Maple Pancakes"Our family looks forward to tapping the maple trees in March and then enjoying the pure maple syrup year-round. This is just one of the recipes I like to make that has maple syrup as an ingredient," says Mary Colbath from Concord, New Hampshire. —Mary Colbath, Concord, New Hampshire

Go to Recipe

Learn how to make pancake mix better these easy upgrades.

Gluten-Free PancakesSince being diagnosed with celiac disease, I've made my gluten-free pancakes dozens of times. My kids like them best with chocolate chips and maple syrup. —Kathy Rairigh, Milford, Indiana

Go to Recipe

German PancakesWhip up a show-stopping centerpiece for your breakfast spread with our recipe for German pancakes.

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Chip PancakesAt our house, Saturday morning always means pancakes for breakfast. I make the menu special by servings up stacks of these fluffy buttermilk treats studded with mini chips. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Chip Elvis PancakesI'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri

Go to Recipe

Buckwheat PancakesThis buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety, giving the light and tender pancakes a nutty flavor and hearty texture.

Go to Recipe

Mini-Chip Cocoa PancakesWhip up a batch of cocoa pancakes dotted with mini chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings first thing in the morning. Yum! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Berry Ricotta Puff PancakeThis slightly sweet berry puff pancake is filled with fruit and has a custardy texture that puffs up beautifully when baked. It makes an easy yet impressive breakfast. —Jessi Smith, Fort Myers, Florida

Go to Recipe

Peanut Butter PancakesWondering how to make peanut butter pancakes? These morning treats are one of my husband's specialties. It's not unusual for him to wake me with those hot-from-the griddle cakes! —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Lover’s PancakesThese indulgent chocolate pancakes are fluffy on the inside, with a rich but not-too-sweet cocoa flavor and a nice tang from the buttermilk. They're delicious with maple or chocolate syrup—and even better with both swirled together on the plate! —Harland Johns, Leesburg, Texas

Go to Recipe

Orange Ricotta PancakesThese popular pancakes are likely to spark a craving. For a different twist, switch the citrus ingredient to lime or lemon juice.—Brehan Kohl, Anchorage, Alaska

Go to Recipe

Dutch Baby Pancake with Strawberry-Almond CompotePannekoeken, or Dutch baked pancakes, are a treat in my husband’s family. You can also try this recipe with vanilla extract, blueberries and lemon peel. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

Go to Recipe

Banana Oatmeal PancakesStart your day with a stack of banana oatmeal pancakes that are filled with nutrient-rich grains, oats, bananas and walnuts.

Go to Recipe

Blueberry Oatmeal PancakesWonderful blueberry flavor abounds in these thick and moist pancakes. My kids adore them, and I love that they're easy. —Amy Spainhoward, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Go to Recipe

Apple PancakesLight and fluffy apple pancakes with cinnamon are sweet enough to enjoy even without syrup. (But if you're a maple syrup lover, don't let us stop you!)

Go to Recipe

Whole Wheat PancakesTo fix a large batch of tender pancakes for my five children, I rely on this quick and wholesome recipe. It calls for whole wheat flour and buttermilk, which make the pancakes filling but also light. Serve them with hot chocolate for a breakfast that's sure to delight little ones. —Line Walter, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Baked Blueberry PancakeFor a quick breakfast, I make this pancake while I fix supper the night before, and then I cut them into squares or triangles. In the morning, I top them with butter and syrup before placing them in the microwave. The pancake recipe is innovative and takes most of the fuss out of making breakfast. —Norna Detig, Lindenwood, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Banana Oatmeal PancakesStart your day with a stack of banana oatmeal pancakes that are filled with nutrient-rich grains, oats, bananas and walnuts.

Go to Recipe

Birthday Cake PancakesFor my kids' birthdays, I like to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Go to Recipe

Pumpkin PancakesA fall morning is complete with a flickering candle, a steamy beverage and a stack of these pumpkin pancakes.

Go to Recipe

Buttermilk PancakesButtermilk pancakes have earned their reputation as a breakfast classic—especially when they're as golden and fluffy as these! We make our pancakes from scratch for a breakfast treat that's ready in only 15 minutes.

Go to Recipe

Carrot Cake PancakesHere's a way for fans of carrot cake to have their favorite dessert for breakfast. These delicate, decadent pancakes are drizzled with sweet and spicy maple syrup that complements the sour cream and nut topping. —Leane Goering, Salem, Indiana

Go to Recipe

Banana Nut PancakesI enjoy these versatile banana nut pancakes. Besides being a satisfying breakfast, they can be a deliciously different dessert. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Go to Recipe

Oatmeal PancakesThese oatmeal pancakes contain all the joy of a morning pancake stack while also including wholesome ingredients like oats and whole-wheat flour.

Go to Recipe

The post Here’s the Correct Way to Flip a Pancake Without Splattering Everywhere appeared first on Taste Recipes.

When she’s not serving up giant Cosmopolitan cocktails or cooking up delicious meals—like her classic meatloaf or overnight mac and cheese—Ina Garten is a whiz at making delicious desserts. While her old-fashioned apple crisp and her icebox cake will surely be a hit with your guests, her latest tip for serving a slice of cake is so clever—and tasty!—that you will certainly wow the crowd at your next dinner party.

How to Serve a Slice of Cake Like Ina

Ready for her brilliant trick? All it takes is a slice of cake, some fresh berries and a jar of your favorite fruit jam.

Instead of just serving up a slice of cake to your guests, plate it like a chef at a restaurant! Smear some fruit jam on the bottom of the plate before placing down your slice, then garnish the cake on the side with some fresh berries.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten)

In her latest Instagram reel, Ina Garten shows how she does this with her favorite Coconut Cake, made with layers of fluffy sponge cake, cream cheese frosting and shredded coconut on top.

She then takes a jar of homemade raspberry sauce (you could also use raspberry jam) and smears a spoonful on the bottom of a clean dessert plate. She then places a slice of cake sponge-side down (instead of placing the slice upright on the plate) and sprinkles some fresh raspberries on the side—while snacking on a few herself, of course.

So why is this trick so brilliant? Because it’s incredibly versatile! If you’re not a fan of raspberry, you could use any kind of fruit sauce or jam to your liking. Strawberry? Peach? Blueberry? It all works—and your dessert looks like it came from your favorite five-star restaurant.

While the Coconut Cake is a classic that Ina Garten loves to serve, if you’re more of a chocolate person, this trick would also look (and taste!) delicious with a slice of her Famous Chocolate Cake recipe.

Ina Garten's Entertaining Tips

1 / 10

"Flowers in the center of a table always anchor the setting."

When choosing and assembling flowers for a table centerpiece, add in pops of color with greenery and a few flowers in a contrasting color. Or for a big impact, get a large bunch of one stunning flower (think roses, sunflowers or hydrangeas) and arrange them down the table or across the space in small glasses. Go above and beyond by creating an edible centerpiece that's waaay cheaper than the kind you'd order.Learn how to host (and cook!) like a pro in Ina's upcoming cookbook Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks. Pre-order today.

"Good organization is invaluable"

This is true whether you're planning a Thanksgiving dinner for 20 or a cocktail party for a few friends. A week or two ahead, lay out the linens, plates, utensils and serving dishes you will need for the party. Know in advance that you will have all the dishes, the chairs and the space you need for your guests and food.

"Plan a menu with food that's fun to eat and in a place that's fun to be."

Entertaining doesn't have to mean fussy food or be in the most formal room of your house. Arrange a casual get-together to grill in your backyard, play board games or have a clambake at the beach. Offer food that is delicious yet simple—and invite guests into the kitchen to help and have fun!

"Appetizers...no cooking required!"

Offer finger foods like cut veggies, really good cheese with crackers, dried or fresh fruit, bowls of nuts, and chips with dip. These no-cook appetizers are easy for you to prep and easy for your guests to enjoy while holding drinks, chatting together or playing games.

"I cook my best crowd-pleasing dishes!"

While it's fun to try out new recipes on your guests don't underestimate the appeal of classic crowd pleasers. Tried-and-true party foods include homemade onion dip, shrimp cocktail and make-your-own pizzas. Or host a spaghetti night with plenty of garlic bread—a simple, comforting dinner that guests of all ages will love.

"Set up a self-service bar so everyone can mix their cocktails exactly the way they like them."

Avoid the stress that can come with a cocktail party by setting up a drink station with everything your guests need to fix themselves a beverage. You can even choose a signature cocktail for your party with a printed recipe on the bar station for reference.

"Instead of cooking on a hot summer day, I just assemble this salad!"

Summer dinners and gatherings don't always need to include a barbecue. Take advantage of the bounty and color of summer by serving dishes like sliced tomatoes with mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette. Or try big bowls of spicy gazpacho with a crusty bread on the side. Here's what to eat when it's too hot outside to cook.

"Season the meat, put it in the oven for 6-8 hours, and forget about it until dinnertime."

In cooler weather, make a stress-free dinner for your guests that you don't even need to think about! Slow-roasted meats made in the oven or slow cooker will be hearty and satisfying. Served with some drinks and bread, it'll be the easiest dinner party yet!Need some tips? Check out these low-and-slow Dutch oven recipes.

"For a late dinner... I need something I can prepare really fast!"

For times when you go out with friends for drinks or to a show and then come back for a late dinner, prepare something quick that will get you in and out of the kitchen quick!These quick dinners can be tossed together fast!

"The most important thing about giving parties is to stay very, very cool."

Your guests want to enjoy themselves, and they can't do that if you are stressed! Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, and choose dishes that will leave you with time to spend with your guests. Remember to smile and have fun, after all this is your party!

The post Ina Garten’s Hack for Serving Cake Will Instantly Wow Your Guests appeared first on Taste Recipes.

This service is especially beneficial for those scrambling last minute to get everything they need for their holiday festivities. So whether you need to shop for Thanksgiving dinner at Costco or need some healthy Costco frozen foods when you need a meal in a pinch, here’s how to take advantage of Costco’s same-day delivery service right from your home.

How Does Costco Delivery Work?

In order to access same-day Costco delivery, you need to place an order of at least $35 or more. If you order at least $75 worth of groceries or more, Costco completely waives the fee and delivers your goods for free. Keep in mind, because Costco is partnering with other companies such as Instacart and Shipt, the prices may be slightly higher compared to what is offered at your local warehouse—these Costco shopping tips might help keep the price down.

All perishable groceries that Costco sells, such as meats, produce, milk, and seafood will be available through Instacart delivery. Nonperishables such as canned goods, hygiene products, health care items, pet food, electronics, books, beverages and snacks are also available. Instacart will even deliver alcohol and baked goods.

Because Costco is relying on other companies to offer this service, the warehouse does add a disclaimer stating that shoppers must be present at the provided location in order to accept the delivery. So if you make the order, be sure you’re at your delivery location in order to accept your Costco shipment from the courier.

Do I Need to Be a Costco Member to Use Same-Day Delivery?

Yes, you do. Unfortunately, same-day Costco delivery is not available to shoppers without a Costco membership. Nevertheless, Costco makes it easy to sign up for a membership on its website and offers a Gold Star membership at just $60 a year.

Currently, same-day Costco delivery is available for members in qualifying ZIP codes. To find out if you are eligible for this perk, simply type your ZIP code into Costco’s website. If you aren’t eligible, you may still be able to take advantage of Costco’s two-day delivery service.

What Can I Get Delivered Same-Day from Costco?

Costco will deliver all grocery items—including fresh produce and meat—covering an estimated 2,000 items with same-day delivery. Costco will also deliver alcohol and prescription orders from its pharmacy, but an ID will need to be presented when delivered. If you’re not sure if a particular item is eligible for same-day delivery, you can look it up on Costco’s website.

If you’re more COVID cautious, Costco does offer contactless delivery for all orders excluding alcohol or prescriptions.

While Costco does offer a generous return policy to customers, the warehouse does make it clear that some items being delivered can only be returned within the first 90 days. These items will likely be specified when purchasing online.

How Much Does Same-Day Costco Delivery Cost?

Same-day delivery fees through Instacart start at $3.99. Other service fees may be added based on the types of items ordered, such as alcohol, which does come with additional service fees per item. Again, if you reach that $75 threshold, you won’t have to worry about paying that additional delivery fee.

If you’re looking to save on the costs of same-day Costco delivery, Instacart allows additional savings through their Instacart+ membership program, previously known as Instacart Express. With this membership, Instacart shoppers can receive free delivery on orders $35 or more, along with other additional savings opportunities. If you plan on taking advantage of Costco same-day delivery—as well as other grocery delivery opportunities—the Instacart+ membership might be worth it,  at $9.99 a month or $99 for the year.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Costco’s Delivery Service appeared first on Taste Recipes.

If you’re wondering how to ask guests to take off their shoes, don’t fear—there are a few polite ways to do so and avoid the awkward tension. All it takes is a few tweaks to how you let guests in.

How to Ask Guests to Take Off Their Shoes

While guests tend to follow typical guest etiquette when coming into a home by asking if their shoes should come off, for others, asking may not seem as obvious—especially if they are used to living in a home where shoes can stay on their feet. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s how to ask guests to take off their shoes. Politely, of course.

Create a comfortable space to take off their shoes

When guests first come in, having a space where shoes and coats come off can be an easy indicator to show your guests that this is a policy within your home. So plan around where you invite your guests to come into the house. If it’s a mudroom or a foyer area, have some comfortable seating arrangements for people to easily take off their shoes.

Another easy queue for your guests can be having a place to put the shoes. If you have a shoe rack or a place where shoes tend to go, and they see that shoes are off and tucked away, your guests will likely pick up on the fact that this is a shoe-free home.

Lastly, adding a welcome mat at your door can also be an indicator for your guests that you value clean shoes within your home.

Let guests know when they walk through the door

However, while these cues may be easy indicators for some, they may not work for all—so you can make it extra clear with your guests when they walk through the door. After opening the door and welcoming them in, you can follow it with “We have some space on the rack for shoes,” or “There’s a comfortable bench just inside where you can take off your shoes.” This way you are communicating to your guests what you expect from them moving forward, without making it seem rude.

Offer up comfy alternatives

While having shoes off in your home may be custom, for others, it may not be comfortable to have their shoes off in front of others. If this is the case, you could always offer up extra comfortable slippers or socks for guests who would prefer to have something on their feet. This is also a great etiquette tip for guests staying in your home overnight.

Let them know before your gathering

For guests that are coming over for the first time, you could also let them know before having people in your home that you are a shoe-free home. To keep this polite, you could follow it up by saying that comfortable slippers and socks are more than welcome, and your guests can bring those items if they desire—or borrow some extra that you have in the house.

The post How to (Politely!) Ask Guests to Take Their Shoes Off appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Did you know that green goddess dressing isn’t just a TikTok fad? It’s almost a century old! That’s a fun fact Yumna Jawad, the creator behind Feel Good Foodie, shares in a viral TikTok video with her delicious-looking green goddess salad.

Inspired by a green goddess dressing made popular on TikTok by Melissa Ben-Ishay, creator of Baked by Melissa, Yumna got to work making her own version—including a salad to pair with the verdant dressing.

What Is Green Goddess Dressing?

The hallmark components of the dressing are some sort of dairy, an acid (citrus juice and/or vinegar) and lots of fresh herbs. The result is a creamy, tangy and vibrant dressing/dip. This version calls for basil, but feel free to use up any leftover herbs you might have!

How to Make TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Yumna is the queen of viral TikTok creations—like pasta chips—and has always been willing to share her recipes with us. Here’s how to make her crunchy chopped salad.

Ingredients

• 1/2 head green cabbage
• 3 Persian cucumbers
• 1 bunch green onions
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Dressing:

• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small shallot
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Editor’s Tip: To make green goddess dressing vegan, use a mix of 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast and 1 tablespoon white miso instead of grated Parmesan.

Directions

Step 1: Chop your veggies

Chop up the cabbage, Persian cucumbers and green onions. You’ll want to cut your vegetables as small as possible. Remember, the salad is almost like a chunky green dip, so it should be easy to scoop up. Place the chopped veggies in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Make the dressing

Place all the dressing ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the dressing over the veggies and mix until everything is combined. Then open up a bag of tortilla chips and snack away!

Tips for Making TikTok Green Goddess Salad

How long does green goddess salad last?

Although cabbage is known to keep well for long periods of time, Yumna recommends keeping this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for only a day or two for the best flavor and texture.

How do you serve green goddess salad?

You can eat this with chips—or with a fork! It’s also excellent when folded into corn tortillas to make tacos or served in a warm pita with grilled chicken.

How can you make TikTok green goddess salad your own?

“With this green goddess salad, anything green goes,” Yumna says. While her original recipe uses cabbage, cucumbers and green onions, other crunchy green vegetables like green peppers, broccoli or celery can be used, too. You can even add in some chopped green apples for a little tart sweetness. To turn this green goddess salad into a meal, add a protein like chicken or seared tofu.

What can you put green goddess dressing on?

Green goddess dressing is a delicious finishing touch for chopped salad, a bowl of roasted veggies, grain bowls and even potato salad.

The post How to Make the TikTok Green Goddess Salad People Can’t Stop Talking About appeared first on Taste Recipes.

TikTok always seems to have something new to talk about. From rubbing frozen cucumbers on your face to drinking “healthy Coke” and mixing big bowls of cowboy caviar, it seems like every day someone is raving about a new trendy food hack.

Now, everyone is talking about the Pink Sauce. Yet people aren’t exactly “raving” about this sauce’s existence.

The sauce became a viral sensation on TikTok after it was shared by creator Chef Pii. This Miami-based chef first posted a video dipping a fried chicken tender in the hot-pink sauce on June 11, and TikTok users went wild. Yet while the sauce-chicken combo seems enticing, the practices for creating, selling and distributing the Pink Sauce have been questionable—and TikTok users are taking notice.

What Is Pink Sauce?

According to the Pink Sauce website, this fluorescent condiment includes dragon fruit, honey, sunflower seed oil, chili and garlic. Previous nutrition labels also listed pink Himalayan sea salt, as well as less than 2% of lemon juice, milk and citric acid.

Despite its creamy-looking consistency, the sauce is a bit watery compared to most. The consistency is thin and looks more like watery pink milk slipping from the nozzle of the bottle. In many of Chef Pii’s videos, it’s generously applied to fried chicken or burgers but slips easily down the sides of the food and onto the consumer’s fingers.

While Chef Pii is seen enjoying the sauce in earlier TikTok videos, the one video of her pouring sauce into a bottle that states that the sauce is “edible and natural” is what ultimately sparked viewers’ attention.

Why Are People Obsessed with It?

While the sauce ingredients seem pretty straightforward, the manufacturing of it continues to be a mystery for many—including the color of the Pink Sauce, which keeps changing over time.

In the original video, the sauce has a darker magenta color and appears to be thicker in consistency, similar to ranch dressing. Eight days later, the sauce was a bit lighter in color as it was poured on a taco in a video, yet still had a similar thick consistency to the original sauce.

Another five days later, the sauce looks to have a much lighter pink color and has that watery consistency. Currently, the sauce color is closer to salmon, flecked with seasoning, and dribbles down food easily.

Even though Chef Pii tried to address the ever-changing colors, stating that “the color didn’t change, just the lighting,” users are still obsessing over how the sauce color and consistency never seem to match. And although the color of the sauce is advertised to come from the dragon fruit, users speculate that the pink color is likely not from the fruit but a dye—which doesn’t seem to be listed in the ingredients.

Is Pink Sauce Safe?

Originally, TikTok viewers weren’t informed about the sauce’s ingredients, which is why many users called it a “mystery sauce.” Now, Pink Sauce bottles—which are officially sold out online—make it clear right away what the main ingredients are. And yet, the nutrition label continues to be a mystery—boasting 444 servings of sauce in a bottle at 90 calories a serving.

The nutrition label also included misspellings (vinegar was spelled “vinger”), and when addressed by viewers on a live stream asking if the Pink Sauce was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Chef Pii stated that the “pink sauce is not a medical product” and ultimately confirming that the sauce was not legally fit to sell.

“what do you mean FDA APPROVED?”

Y’all look 😭😭😭 https://t.co/uwarGmlT7z pic.twitter.com/kuYhVzFZ01

— Life w/ Derek (@derekarnellx) July 25, 2022

As of Monday, Aug. 1, the nutrition label information was no longer available for customers on The Pink Sauce website. Instead, a message from Chef Pii is posted about how the “Pink Sauce team is hard at work ensuring our Pink Sauce is safe and abiding by all food safety standards and guidelines.” She also states that they are dedicated to providing customers with “clear, unambiguous, and accurate labels” that will exceed FDA guidelines.

Lastly, with milk being one of the ingredients listed on the label, some question if the sauce needs to be refrigerated after some rancid-smelling batches of the Pink Sauce were sent out to customers. One user complained that she “waited this long for nothing” to receive a package that reeks. Especially for a small bottle that is a whopping $20 a pop.

Between the lack of FDA approval, the changing sauce colors, mysterious ingredients and lack of direction on refrigerating the product due to ingredients that can go rancid, plus lack of communication from Chef Pii herself, we would recommend avoiding this sauce—even if the videos on TikTok look enticing.

The post TikTok’s Viral Pink Sauce: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Fresh cucumber has a number of health benefits—and of course, people have used them for skincare for years. Slices of cucumber on the eyes during a facial are quintessential! There are major benefits of using cucumber for skin, particularly how cucumbers can help with swelling and skin irritation.

While TikTok food hacks have always been a thing, people are now turning to TikTok for skincare hacks. Recently, one TikTok user even boasted the benefits of using a frozen cucumber on her face to reduce puffiness. However, just because somebody claims something works on the internet doesn’t always mean it’s true. Here’s what we discovered.

What Is the Frozen Cucumber Trend?

After waking up with a “puffy face,” TikTok user @mireyarios shared how she uses frozen cucumbers to de-swell and refresh her skin. The cucumber isn’t anything special or complicated—it’s simply a sliced cucumber that’s frozen, and she exposes her skin to the sliced half of the cucumber.

@mireyarios Frozen cucumber 🥒 #frozencucumber #frozencucumberhack #puffyface #iceroller #iceontheface #diyfacemask #diyskincare #science #fittok #mothersday ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

When she starts, Mireya moves the cucumber “upward and outward,” moving the cucumber from the crook of her nose and her cheek, around the cheekbone below her eye, and up toward the end of her face. After a few strokes, she then moves the cucumber down toward her lips, working the same motion up her cheeks. She repeats the steps toward her chin, using the cucumber to smooth and lift. Sometimes she will even “lift her skin up” toward her hairline and massage her cheeks with the frozen cucumber to reduce swelling.

As she shows users how to do this, she says the frozen cucumber is “extremely cold and refreshing” and feels like a “DIY ice roller.”

When she’s finished, Mireya tells her viewers to notice how the side she just worked on is “lifted and sculpted” compared to the other side of her face. While this skincare trend does seem refreshing, especially for the hot summer months, we still wondered if a frozen cucumber is good for your skin. So we turned to an expert to get the lowdown.

Is Frozen Cucumber Good for Your Skin?

Yes! Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor, and co-chair of the Laser and Aesthetics Surgery Center at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting, confirms that using a cucumber can indeed help with swelling and irritation of the skin.

“I’m a fan of this TikTok trend. I’ve been stashing cucumbers in my freezer as a quick skincare hack for years,” says Dr. Naz. “I agree that it helps with swelling and puffiness. It’s like putting a bag of frozen peas on your eyes when they are puffy. The cold will cause vasoconstriction and will help with congestion, especially around the eyes.”

Dr. Naz also encourages this trend, confirming that using a frozen cucumber is good for your skin. “When you use a frozen cucumber to massage your skin, you are also helping drain the lymphatics around the eyes which can further help reduce the appearance of puffiness.”

How to Use Frozen Cucumbers on Your Skin

Dr. Naz has a few caveats. The first is making sure that you keep things sanitary.

“The last thing you want to do is slather bacteria around your face and eyes, this could lead to breakouts or an infection,” says Dr. Naz. “Wrap the cucumber before freezing to avoid any contamination to your skin and consider using a new cucumber for each use. And grab a towel, it will protect your hand from freezing!” She also says to be gentle when using a frozen cucumber around your eyes because the skin is delicate.

And while frozen cucumber can help with swelling and puffiness, it won’t work for hydration and “lifting your face.”

“Despite cucumbers being made of mostly water, I’m not convinced a frozen one does much to hydrate your skin,” says Dr. Naz. “Your face will not look lifted, but it might look a little tighter as a result of not being puffy!”

Of course, skincare isn’t all they’re good for—don’t forget to check out these cucumber recipes.

The post Is Frozen Cucumber Good for Your Skin? TikTok Definitely Thinks So appeared first on Taste Recipes.

I grew up in a classic New England Colonial home, which surprisingly still had walls separating every single room in the house. The kitchen, the living room, and the dining room were all separated from each other. There was one long hallway connecting these rooms next to our staircase, which was the first thing you saw opening our front door. I can clearly remember the day my parents took my brothers and I to the house during renovations to show us the now open kitchen setup. We ate a picnic-style breakfast right on the floor where the wall used to stand.

My parent’s desire to open up the space isn’t exactly a new concept. In fact, the open-concept floor plan is one that started forming as early as 1880.

The History of Open-Concept Homes

Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, walls were actually a sign of wealth. Having multiple rooms such as parlors, libraries, even smoking rooms were signs of status. This also meant separating off the servants’ quarters, including the kitchens where they prepared meals.

However, as the number of servants living on the property started to decrease, the need for walls—and multiple rooms—was actually becoming unnecessary. Smaller rooms with specific purposes were being swapped with larger rooms to fill multiple purposes.

Seeing living and dining rooms connected was common, but adding a kitchen to that was a concept later thought up by Frank Llyod Wright. In his 1930s “Willey House” project, Wright proposed an open kitchen for the house of a middle-income family. Since they would be doing a great deal of entertaining, he figured having a “workspace” (what he referred to the kitchen as) would make it easier to host and get food preparation done for the said occasion.

The walls typically used to separate the kitchen now had open-shelving for glasses and dishware. So yes, that open-shelving trend we are seeing now isn’t actually a new idea.

Open-Concept Homes Sparked Open-Concept Offices

I think it’s safe to say that finding a new company without an open-concept office is kind of rare these days. While some companies still keep segmented cubes, other companies are following an open-floor plan originally pitched by Germans in the 1950s. This new workspace design was soon found by Frank Duffy, a British architect, who sketched out a new open-concept layout for an office floor. One that included workspaces for teams, a new arrangement of open desks, and numerous potted plants. This trend started to expand to other offices in other countries and tends to be a popular office style seen in many workplaces today.

The Fall of the Open-Concept Floor Plan

Even though open-concept floor plans were backed by communication studies, the open-concept floor plan wasn’t encouraging communication like those originally hoped. In fact, having an open area such as this has been discouraging for communication. It forces introverted workers to be extroverted, which causes extra strain during what would otherwise be a normal workday. With no walls to catch the noise, an open-floor office can get loud quick. This means people will be hesitant to make any noise at all or wear headphones to constantly cancel out the noise happening around them.

Does this mean the same is true for open-concept homes? While they are different types of environments, people are also starting to despise living in open-concept environments as well.

The Reason for Their Demise

While having everything out in the open is meant to promote inclusivity, people are finding that having an open-concept home really isn’t serving the purpose it was made for.

Numerous publications are starting to make the point that people just miss walls. The Boston Globe points out that being in a large, open space doesn’t leave much room for privacy. Plus, it puts everything out in the open. Sure, it can be great for entertaining, but it also means having to clean one giant room before having guests over—kitchen included. The Atlantic even points out an architect who proposes homes to have a “messy” kitchen—one where the mess can live after preparing food for an event, while your real “kitchen” is the place where you host. So even if your zodiac sign says you need an open-concept kitchen, practicality might state otherwise.

While having an open dining room and kitchen in my childhood home allowed for us to host 30 people for Thanksgiving this year, it can be quite the hassle for my mother in terms of making things “look good” while also trying to make dinner for dozens of people, and of course, be a spectacular hostess while doing it. To say it causes her stress is an understatement.

I admit, having an open kitchen and dining room really is beautiful. The way the sun comes in from our gorgeous bay window while you sip on a cup of coffee really does feel like bliss. But for most, the cons weigh out the pros of open-concept homes. It doesn’t leave room for privacy, and very little room to hide the mess that we all inevitably make after a busy day.

The post The Reason Why Open Concept Homes Are Going Out of Style appeared first on Taste Recipes.