7. Walmart

The original potato salad from Walmart is made with potatoes, mayonnaise, water, sugar, celery and sweet pickle relish, and without any artificial flavors or corn syrup. It retails for a budget-conscious $3.47 per pound.

While the price was right for this potato salad, the consistency was not. The potatoes were overcooked and mushy, with a dressing that was far too thin. We prefer potato salads that have nice chunks that can be picked up with a fork, but this could almost be mashed potatoes.

Bottom Line: The Walmart potato salad’s price-per-pound was attractive, but that’s about it.

6. Meijer

Meijer had plenty of potato salad options in its refrigerator case. There was a loaded smashed potato salad, red potato salad, Amish-style potato salad and a mustard potato salad. For this taste test, we sampled the store’s American potato salad made with celery, sweet pickle relish, onion and mustard. It’s sold in a 16-ounce container for $3.59.

We found this potato salad to be a bit too sour and in need of additional seasoning. However, we liked the crunch from the celery and the fact that it was made without high-fructose corn syrup.

Bottom Line: With a variety of choices all for a great price, Meijer is the way to go if you want to pick up several different options for a party.

5. Aldi

As a German grocery store chain, we had high expectations for the Aldi potato salad. The large, 32-ounce container sells for an incredible price, only $3.99, making this the best price-per-pound of any of the grocery stores we visited.

While Aldi’s potato salad stood out in terms of value, it was more middle-of-the-road in terms of flavor. The potatoes were cooked nicely, and we could taste the mustard flavor, but it was a bit on the sour side. Plus, we wanted more seasoning and color. The ingredients listed were potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, hard-boiled eggs, sugar, water, onion, sweet pickle relish, green onion and dehydrated parsley. More green onion and parsley would have helped this one.

Bottom Line: If saving money is a top priority, this incredible value from Aldi can’t be beat. Kick it up a notch by chopping fresh herbs and sprinkling them over the salad.

4. Target

The classic potato salad from Target had nice chunks of perfectly cooked potato as well as some flecks of color throughout. The consistency of the dressing was great, but there was almost too much of it. Made with potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, hard-boiled eggs, sugar, water, onion and sweet pickle relish, we appreciated that we could taste each of the individual elements here. At $3.69 for a 1-pound container, the Target potato salad was right on the money.

Bottom Line: While this wasn’t at the top of our list, the potato salad from Target is a convenient and price-conscious option for summer get-togethers.

3. Jewel/Albertson’s

The original potato salad from Jewel was one of several options from the deli case. They also sold one called Grandma’s potato salad and a buttermilk potato salad. At $4.99 per pound, this was more expensive than some of the other options, but with a higher quality, so we felt the price was fair.

The potatoes were perfectly cooked, and the salad was bright yellow. We liked the addition of celery seed to the ingredient list and felt it added flavor that was lacking in the other potato salads. The only thing that would have made this one better would have been more mix-ins.

Bottom Line: With nice chunks of potatoes and a beautiful yellow hue, the potato salad from Jewel was one of the most attractive of the bunch. It would fit perfectly with any summer potluck spread.

2. Mariano’s/Kroger

There were several potato salad options at Mariano’s. Customers can choose from German Potato salad, steakhouse potato salad, metro potato salad and, of course, the classic yellow potato salad. This is the one we sampled for $4.49 per pound. It was made with all the traditional ingredients: russet potatoes, mayonnaise, dressing, celery, bell peppers, onion, mustard, sugar, salt and white pepper.

There were lovely pieces of cooked potato, and we could taste the other elements in the salad, too. It was all coated in a creamy dressing with balanced flavor. White pepper isn’t as sharp as black pepper, and it made all the difference in this salad.

Bottom Line: Mariano’s is a top choice if you like a traditional potato salad made with russet potatoes.

1. Whole Foods

The red bliss potato salad from Whole Foods took the top slot in our potato salad taste test. Even before taking that first bite, this salad was the most appetizing. Made with unpeeled red potatoes, this potato salad had lovely flecks of color. Leaving the skin on the potatoes added a delightful texture, too.

Besides potatoes, the ingredients include mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, onion, green onion, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, brown sugar, parsley, water, cornstarch and white pepper. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream created the perfect creamy binder for all the elements. Apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard added a lively zing, and the green onion added a burst of color.

At $5.99 a pound, this was the most expensive potato salad on the list, and it was worth every penny.

Bottom Line: If you are willing to spend an extra dollar per pound, the Whole Foods potato salad is made with fresh ingredients and tastes homemade.

Related:

• Can You Freeze Potato Salad?
• I Made Ina Garten’s Potato Salad and I Can’t Wait to Share It
• 7 Best Store-Bought Pasta Salads, Ranked

The post The Best Store-Bought Potato Salads, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

7. Meijer

This 16-ounce container of creamy macaroni salad sells for a budget-friendly $3.59. A larger 3-pound tub is also available for big parties. The package says the salad is made without high-fructose corn syrup or any artificial flavors or colors. But it is sweetened with sugar. We found the salad to be far too sweet—the addition of sugar was unnecessary. In fact, what it needed was more seasoning. We also wished there were more bits of carrots, celery and onion to punch up the salad.

This was the most traditional pasta salad in the Fresh from Meijer line. However, there were several other options of pre-packaged pasta salads from the house brand. We spotted Greek pasta salad, seashell macaroni salad, Buffalo chicken pasta salad, sesame noodle salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, green goddess pasta salad and a zesty bow tie pasta salad. It’s worth noting that all of these options came in significantly smaller containers and with higher price points.

Bottom Line: While Meijer’s traditional creamy macaroni salad was lackluster, we’d be willing to give the other options a try next time.

6. Mariano’s/Kroger

The pasta salad from Mariano’s (part of the Kroger group) appears to be prepared in house because it’s scooped to order from behind the deli counter. The classic elbow macaroni salad sells for a midrange price of $4.49 per pound.

Unfortunately, this pasta salad didn’t impress us. The small noodles were overcooked and mushy, there were only a few flecks of red and green in the salad, there weren’t enough mix-ins, and it was made with high-fructose corn syrup. Mariano’s offers several other pasta salads, including bang bang shrimp pasta salad, seafood pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, Greek pasta salad and sun garden salad.

Bottom Line: We loved that this pasta salad is made in house, so we hope our taste test was just an off day and that the preparation might improve on subsequent tastings.

5. Walmart

Walmart might offer only a few prepared pasta salads, but they come in a variety of sizes. We taste tested the original macaroni salad in the smallest 1-pound tub selling for $3.47. Of all the pasta salads we sampled, this one was the most budget-friendly. Overall, we thought the pasta salad was on the dry side, and it needed more dressing to bind it together. Like others, we hoped for bolder seasoning and more mix-ins. In addition to the original macaroni salad, Walmart sells one called Amish macaroni salad and a deviled egg macaroni salad.

Bottom Line: Walmart sells the least expensive pasta salad in a variety of sizes, making this pasta salad the best option for feeding a large crowd.

4. Jewel/Albertson’s

The macaroni pasta salad from Jewel sells for $4.89 per pound, which is on the higher side compared to others on this list. It appears to be prepared in house, since it’s sold from behind the deli counter. However, the quality didn’t match the price.

The al dente noodles were great, but the flavor profile was lacking. Celery, red pepper and sweet pickles dotted the sweet-tart mayonnaise dressing. We had hoped for more celery and red pepper pieces throughout. A good crunch in creamy pasta salads is part of the appeal!

The deli counter also offers a pasta Italiano salad, Parmesan bow tie salad, Caprese pasta salad and creamy broccoli and rotini pasta salad.

Bottom Line: Jewel’s pasta salad could be kicked up a notch by adding additional mix-ins. Next time, we’ll grab a few veggies in the produce section to enhance the dish ourselves before serving.

3. Target

The classic macaroni salad from Target surprised us. In a sea of options that weren’t overly impressive, this one sold us when it came to the noodles. Perfectly cooked large macaroni elbows were slightly overdressed in the best way—no mushy salad here. Prepared with sweet pickle relish, diced celery and bell peppers, this pasta salad sells for a great value at $3.69 per pound. We also spotted a garlic pasta salad, tomato basil pasta salad and a lemon basil pesto tortellini salad in the refrigerator case at Target.

Bottom Line: The pasta salad from Target contained the best noodles of the bunch. We would buy this again!

2. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s sells two pasta salad options in 12-ounce containers. A Mediterranean-style orzo pasta salad with spinach and sun dried tomatoes for $4.99 and a lemon basil pasta salad also for $4.99. These were quite different flavor profiles from the more traditional pasta salads on this list, but we definitely wanted to include an option from Trader Joe’s. We opted for the lemon basil pasta salad, and we noticed two things right away—all of the ingredients were incredibly fresh and colorful, but we couldn’t even see the pasta in this pasta salad!

Fresh basil, shredded Parmesan cheese and even a lemon wedge made this dish as close to homemade as you can get. The only downside to this option is the fact that the noodles were slightly overcooked and everything was packed too densely into the container. It was hard to stir to coat each bite. The Trader Joe’s pasta salads are ideal for a grab-and-go lunch for one, but not necessarily ready to serve at a party.

Bottom Line: Overflowing with vegetables and other fresh ingredients, the pasta salad from Trader Joe’s appeared to be the healthiest option of all the ones we sampled.

1. Whole Foods

The Whole Foods deli pasta salad was our favorite pasta salad of the bunch! The popular grocery chain offers two pasta salads: smoked mozzarella pasta salad and Greek tortellini salad. We asked the deli attendant which one was most popular and always available. They suggested the smoked mozzarella pasta salad, so that’s the one we selected for the ranking.

As one would expect from Whole Foods, this pasta salad was made in house with fresh ingredients. We loved the fresh spinach throughout the salad and appreciated that it was plentiful. There were cubes of smoked mozzarella distributed in every bite. This added a creaminess and a delightful smoky flavor to the salad. The only downside is the price. At $8.99 per pound it was certainly more expensive than others on this list, but we felt the quality of the salad warranted the higher price tag.

Bottom Line: The pasta salad from Whole Foods was the highest quality and most delicious of all the options we sampled. Because of the higher price per pound, this pasta salad is probably best suited to smaller gatherings rather than feeding large crowds.

Related:

• Barbecue Recipes That’ll Make You Feel Like a Pitmaster
• The Best Guacamole at the Grocery Store
• Summer Salad Recipes to Enjoy All Season

The post 7 Best Store-Bought Pasta Salads, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Luckily, Costco is well known for its giant cheesecakes. The flavors come and go, so you never know what you’ll find in the bakery section! The latest springy iteration is a strawberry streusel cheesecake, and customers can’t get enough of it.

Why are people talking about the Costco cheesecake?

Costco fans on TikTok, Instagram and Reddit are all abuzz about this seasonal cheesecake at Costco. The strawberry streusel is the latest in the warehouse’s series of cheesecakes that all seem to go viral soon after they hit the refrigerator case. The cheesecakes frequently correspond with seasonal flavors or holidays. Everyone loves the pumpkin cheesecake in the fall, and the recent tiramisu cheesecake was a dessert mashup that I was too happy to pick up!

The cheesecakes often get people talking because of their impressive size. Costco’s strawberry streusel option weighs in at nearly 5 pounds! The streusel topping is what has everyone chatting this season, though. It makes the cheesecake feel like a coffee cake, and, hey, we’ll take any excuse to eat dessert for breakfast!

Is the strawberry streusel cheesecake good?

The strawberry streusel cheesecake isn’t just good, it’s incredible. Or, too good, as one Reddit commenter said. It starts with a classic graham cracker crust, followed by a traditional vanilla cheesecake filling. A fresh strawberry layer completely covers the top, bringing in one of our favorite flavors of the season. Finally, there’s a thick layer of sweet and buttery crumble streusel topping.

From the first bite, it tastes like everything we love about cheesecake and a breakfast pastry. It’s an impressive 4-1/2 pounds of dessert magic selling for $22.99. Figuring this will serve upward of 16 people, the cost per slice is a deal.

Plenty of Costco shoppers have commented on Reddit about how irresistible this cheesecake is! Many folks said, “There goes my diet,” with a wink and not much regret. However, several posts raved about the fact that this dessert wasn’t overly sweet. In my opinion, a dessert that doesn’t make you feel like you’re getting a cavity is always a win.

Costco is notoriously secretive about how long products like this will stay on store shelves, so it’s hard to say when this cheesecake will be replaced. I recommend making a Costco trip before time runs out!

Related:

• The Costco Bakery Just Dropped the One Dessert I Wait All Year For
• Things You Never Knew About the Costco Food Court
• Popular Costco Items That You Won’t Find in 2025

The post I Finally Bought Costco’s Strawberry Streusel Cheesecake and It Tastes Like Spring appeared first on Taste Recipes.

I have seen this idea everywhere lately, so I decided it was time to test this one at home. I used this Instagram video as a jumping-off point to create my own. The result was truly the best of both worlds! There were all the textures, flavors and colors I love in a charcuterie board, with the messy, lick-your-fingers deliciousness of a big plate of nachos.

The best part is, it’s a cinch to recreate. No need to zipper cheese slices and create perfect prosciutto ribbons here.

What are ‘charcuterie chips’?

You may have heard of charcuterie nachos or charcuterie chips, but what is that? Essentially, instead of artfully arranging your favorite charcuterie pairings on a board, you transform them into bite-sized toppings for a warm, melty plate of chips.

Ingredients for Charcuterie Chips

Here are the basics you will need to recreate this recipe. However, there is plenty of room for swaps to suit your palate.

• Bag of chips: I chose to use unsalted tortilla chips in my recipe, but some people prefer potato chips or even crackers as the base.
• Wheel of Brie: This will become the melted cheese base over your chips.
• Sliced prosciutto: Every snack board needs some cured meats, and pieces of prosciutto scattered about are a must.
• Parmesan cheese: Cheese boards do best with a variety of styles and textures, so I added freshly shaved Parmesan to the chips after they came out of the oven.
• Spicy salami: A spicy cured meat offers a good balance to the sweet and salty prosciutto.
• Gherkins: Slice gherkins into rounds to scatter across the chips. The brininess will offset the other salty elements.
• Sliced kalamata olives: Olives are a staple of charcuterie boards and nachos, so they were a natural fit as a topping. I used kalamatas, choose whatever types of olives you love.
• Fig jam: Dollops of jam add a hit of sweetness.
• Hot honey: A drizzle of hot honey brings a sweet-heat combination that really makes the recipe shine. Of course, regular honey works, too.

How to Make Charcuterie Chips

Step 1: Prepare the serving platter

Start by trimming a piece of parchment to fit the size of your cheese board or the platter you plan to use for serving. (This will come in handy later!) Then place this sheet on a rimmed baking tray and preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Layer chips and cheese

Spread the tortilla chips over the entire surface. Cut the Brie into cubes, and scatter them evenly over the chips. Then, tear off bite-sized portions of the sliced prosciutto and scatter those as well. Pop the tray in the oven and let the cheese melt. This takes about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add toppings

Once the cheesy chips come out of the oven, it’s time to go wild with toppings. I added shaved Parmesan cheese, chopped pieces of spicy salami, sliced gherkins, sliced black olives, dollops of fig jam and, at the very end, a drizzle of hot honey.

When you’re ready to serve, slide the parchment from the baking tray to your serving surface!

Charcuterie Chips Tips

What type of chips are best?

This is where I chose to divert a bit from the original inspiration video. That creator used kettle chips as her base. I felt that potato chips might be a little too salty for me, and I wanted to stay true to the nacho aspect of this hybrid snack. That’s why I opted for unsalted tortilla chips.

Should you want to skew more in the traditional charcuterie direction, use a hearty cracker to create the base.

What else can you put on charcuterie chips?

Essentially, anything you like on a charcuterie board can become a topping for charcuterie chips. You could sprinkle it with nuts like marcona almonds or candied walnuts. Or, add pieces of dried fruit or slices of fresh fruit. Finally, if it tickles your fancy, try tangy mustard or other variations of pickled vegetables to punch up the flavor.

How should you store leftovers?

If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To refresh the leftovers before enjoying again, pop them in the microwave or back in the oven for a few minutes to re-melt the cheese and warm the chips. The oven will keep things crispy, but the microwave works in a pinch.

Related:

• How to Make a Charcuterie Board
• Cheese Board Ideas for the Best Spread Ever
• 75 Viral TikTok Recipes and Food Hacks

The post I Tried the Viral ‘Charcuterie Nachos,’ and They’re Pure Chaos in the Best Way appeared first on Taste Recipes.

I picked up cream cheese dip, mini bell peppers and fresh dill and set to work.

Stuffed Mini Bell Pepper “Carrots” Ingredients

• Mini bell peppers: Orange mini bell peppers are perfect for mimicking the shape of carrots. They often come in a bag with yellow and red peppers as well. Depending on how many appetizers you want to make, you might need to grab a couple of bags in order to have enough orange ones to work with.
• Cream cheese dip: Each mini bell pepper half is filled with a cream cheese dip or spread. This can be a store-bought option, like chive and herb cream cheese or another garlic and herb soft cheese spread. To up your appetizer game, fill them with homemade ranch cheese spread.
• Dill sprigs: Fresh dill is the top of the “carrot.” Fresh parsley works, too.

How to Assemble Mini Bell Pepper “Carrots”

Step 1: Cut the orange bell peppers in half lengthwise

Each mini bell pepper should be sliced in half lengthwise and the seeds removed. Try to cut them in a way where the pepper halves will lay flat on your serving platter.

Step 2: Fill the halves with cream cheese spread

Once you’ve prepared all the mini bell pepper halves, fill them with your choice of cheese spread. After filling each half entirely, smooth out the top with your knife and clean up the sides for a neat look.

Step 3: Insert the dill sprig stems inside the filled peppers

As the final adorable flourish, place a dill sprig into the top of each filled pepper. This will mimic the carrot tops. That’s it! Enjoy the appetizer right away or refrigerate until you’re ready to share.

Can you make stuffed “carrots” ahead of time?

Yes, these stuffed mini bell pepper “carrots” can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until you are ready to serve. You might want to wait to add the dill sprigs until just before serving to keep the herbs looking fresh.

The post How to Make Stuffed Mini Bell Pepper “Carrots” for Easter appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The Carrot Bar Cake Is Back at Costco

The dessert features three layers of decadent carrot cake topped with three layers of tangy cream cheese icing. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts decorates the top. It’s called a bar cake because the cake itself is a long, narrow rectangle. Serve it by slicing off pieces from one end. For the cleanest cut of cake, use a hot, serrated knife.

The cake has a combination of raisins, carrots and pineapple. This gives the cake density and moisture. Since the cake only has frosting between the layers and on top, it isn’t overly sweet and there is a perfect cake-to-frosting ratio. All in all, the bar cake is 2 pounds, 9 ounces of deliciousness selling for $18.99.

What People Are Saying

While this treat is something many Costco shoppers look forward to every year, there are some divisive elements with the Carrot Bar Cake. A quick scroll on TikTok and Reddit showed that people have very strong opinions on whether raisins belong in a carrot cake. Comments ranged everywhere from “Proper carrot cake does indeed have raisins” to “Raisins are rotten grapes. Keep them out of my cake.” Some folks didn’t love the fact that pineapple was also included in the cake batter.

Costco bakery items tend to be on the larger side, but even if you don’t finish all of this dessert, there are solutions. Several commenters noted they like to freeze individual servings for later when the cake has been phased out for the season. One fan said, “See, what you do is, you buy it, bring it home, slice it into individual servings that you put into Ziploc freezer bags, and you put those in the freezer. From time to time, you have a single serving of this absolutely decadent cake. Also works exceptionally well with tuxedo cake.”

If you aren’t convinced the Carrot Bar Cake is for you, maybe this comment straight from a Costco bakery employee might sway your decision. They said, “We just started it today in my Costco. It’s really good, not super sweet. You can see the carrot bits in it. Very few things I get from my bakery, but I’d buy this.”

The post The Costco Bakery Just Dropped the One Dessert I Wait All Year For appeared first on Taste Recipes.

3. McDonald’s

At McDonald’s, an order of hotcakes includes three pancakes, each exactly five inches in diameter, as well as one container of hotcake syrup and two pats of whipped butter.

The first thing we noticed about the McDonald’s pancakes was that they looked perfect—almost too perfect. Each one was precisely the same size. Even before taking the first bite, it was clear that these must have been made by a machine and reheated, rather than flipped fresh from the griddle. The color was a bit pale, and they were pretty thin.

Bite-wise, these pancakes were slightly rubbery. The hotcake syrup was not pure maple syrup but rather corn syrup with flavoring and caramel color. At $4.99 for three pancakes, McDonald’s offered mid-range value for its stack.

Bottom line: Of the three restaurants we sampled, McDonald’s was the only one with a drive-thru option for pancakes. This is your best bet if you want pancakes that don’t require getting out of the car.

2. Denny’s

While Denny’s is a diner typically associated with sit-down service, we found it offers speedy and efficient to-go ordering. We ordered a small stack of pancakes for $3.49. Moments later, the order was up, and we were on our way.

A lovely, sweet aroma wafted from the to-go box. Inside were two pancakes, each six inches in diameter. They had a golden brown hue and arrived with a container of syrup but no butter. The taste test revealed that the pancakes were as sweet as they smelled. Depending on your palate, one might even declare these a little too sweet. We wished there was a container of salty whipped butter included to offset it a bit. Denny’s syrup, like McDonald’s, was doctored up high-fructose corn syrup rather than a natural option.

However, it was clear that these pancakes were made from scratch to order, which we certainly appreciated.

Bottom line: The pancakes from Denny’s were easily the best value. If you prefer a sweeter pancake, these are definitely for you.

1. IHOP

A three-stack of original buttermilk pancakes at IHOP sells for $7.99, making them the priciest pancakes on our list. That being said, they were also far and above the best of the bunch! IHOP lived up to expectations, given that “pancakes” is in its name. The order arrived with two containers of old-fashioned pancake syrup and two whipped butters. Each pancake was six inches in diameter, and they were clearly made to order.

Each pancake was a deep golden color and delightfully thick and fluffy. The pancakes were a sweet treat, but not overly so. The salted butter was delightful as well. Like the other two chains, IHOP’s syrup is corn syrup-based. Our only complaint is that a pancake house should offer pure maple syrup for its signature menu item.

Bottom line: When the word pancakes is in your name, you better deliver, and IHOP does exactly that. These might have been the most expensive fast-food pancakes, but they were worth it from the first bite to the last.

The post I Taste-Tested the Pancakes at McDonald’s, Denny’s and IHOP—Here’s the Clear Winner appeared first on Taste Recipes.

8. Burger King

The first thing we noticed about the biscuit from Burger King? The color. It was so dark brown that it seemed like it must have been overbaked. Upon slicing the biscuit open, the interior was crumbly. Unfortunately, the taste of the biscuit did not redeem its visual shortcomings.

Bottom Line: These biscuits might be fine as part of a sandwich, but they can’t stand up on their own. They had an artificial buttery taste, and the brittle biscuit was dry.

7. Denny’s

While Denny’s doesn’t have a drive-thru, this 24-hour diner has take-out counter service so fast that it rivals other fast-food or fast-casual places. Here, you can order a side of biscuits sold in pairs.

We found these biscuits to be dry and dense, without even a hint of buttery flavor. The hostess asked if we wanted butter, jelly or gravy to accompany our order, but we declined since each biscuit order in this ranking was to be evaluated on its own.

Bottom Line: These dry biscuits need some serious support from condiments like butter, jelly or gravy.

6. Popeyes

Ranking the Popeyes biscuits in the lower half of this list was a shocker. This chain was our top pick for best fast-food chicken sandwich! These biscuits were smaller than the others we sampled and were also quite flat. It was as if they were compressed when the dough was cut.

Bottom Line: The biscuits were buttery, but verging on almost too much butter flavor. It also seemed like they were prepared by a machine rather than handmade.

5. McDonald’s

The McDonald’s biscuit came as a pleasant surprise to us. It had a lovely golden-brown coloring and truly resembled a homemade biscuit. In terms of texture, it was fluffy overall, but there were some bites that tasted a bit more dense.

Bottom Line: The Golden Arches nailed in on the biscuits—they were lightly buttery and fluffy enough to enjoy the biscuit on its own.

4. Wendy’s

We loved the tall and fluffy biscuit from Wendy’s, too. It could stand on its own or be used in a fast-food breakfast sandwich and both would be great. There was one unique twist with the Wendy’s biscuit—it arrived sliced and slathered with butter that had a hint of maple flavoring to it.

Bottom Line: This biscuit was amazing, though the maple butter gave it a sweet slant. On days you’re looking for something more savory, this might not be the place to order from.

3. KFC

While KFC is famous for its chicken, we have always thought the biscuits outrank the chain’s namesake. The KFC biscuit had a delightfully crisp crust on the outside with a fluffy and light interior. This is a top-ranking biscuit any day of the week and will always be a solid choice. Just a couple of other options in the fast-food biscuit world pushed ahead to take the top two spots!

Bottom Line: We’d order this biscuit any day of the week. They’re fluffy and golden—and perhaps even better than the fried chicken.

2. Red Lobster

The Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster are so iconic that people try to make copycat versions. It’s a crime to order from this restaurant and not partake.

Of all the biscuits on our list, these were the only drop biscuits. Red Lobster also has the only biscuits with other ingredients incorporated into the batter. The cheesy, herby biscuits are so flavorful, it’s decidedly impossible to eat just one. Even with the addition of lots of butter and cheese, these biscuits are incredibly light and airy.

Bottom Line: They’re super buttery without being dense or overwhelming. If you’ve never had one before, it’s worth a trip to Red Lobster to try these 10/10 biscuits.

1. Chick-fil-A

Ultimately, Chick-fil-A had the most perfect biscuit. Upon first glance, these biscuits were beautiful. They are tall, airy and seem like they were homemade by your grandma. The biscuit arrived split and buttered. Even this was perfect. The butter had a hint of sweetness that balanced the slightly salty biscuit so well.

Bottom Line: Chick-fil-A biscuits are a masterclass in balance. They were buttery, but not overdone. There was structure without being dense. These are the ones we’d come back to again and again, whether we want plain biscuits or a breakfast sandwich.

The post 8 Best Fast-Food Biscuits, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What’s in the Costco tiramisu cheesecake?

The cheesecake begins with a classic graham cracker crust that has been given a chocolaty twist with cocoa powder. Then, there’s a thick and rich cheesecake layer that has been infused with cold brew coffee. The filling could easily have been heavy, but I swear it’s velvety and not too dense. Finally, the dessert is finished off with a mascarpone whipped topping, which is light and airy. In keeping with the tiramisu theme, the cake is also dusted with cocoa powder as a final flourish.

It’s visually stunning and even more beautiful when you cut it to see three distinct layers!

You won’t find any rum or liqueur in this cheesecake. There are also no ladyfingers, an ingredient that’s essential for tiramisu. However, you won’t miss either element. The flavor combination of coffee, mascarpone and chocolate makes every bite magical.

The $23.99 price tag makes this one of Costco’s more expensive treats, but at 4.8 pounds, this dessert is massive. The cheesecake cuts beautifully, so every slice is camera-ready for presentation. Don’t worry if you have leftovers, because the slices freeze like a dream.

What are people saying?

Even though this has only recently hit the Costco bakery, the internet is abuzz with thoughts on the dessert. Reddit users left comments like, “It’s freakin DELISH!” and “My two favorite things in one!!” Over on the @costcohotfinds Instagram, people are equally obsessed. One user said, “I already bought one and getting another one! It’s so good! Very light and not super sweet.” Many expressed the sentiment, “BRB running there now!” One comment even said, “I now need to get my Costco membership renewed just for this.”

The post Costco Just Dropped a Tiramisu-Cheesecake Mashup—and the Internet Is All Over It appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
• 2 to 3 drops food coloring
• 3/4 cup cold water, divided
• 2 packets unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon miniature semisweet chocolate chips

6. McDonald’s: Oreo Shamrock McFlurry

The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry debuted in 2020 to celebrate the Shamrock Shake’s 50th anniversary. It’s been popular enough to return each year since then. This is a special version of the classic Oreo McFlurry with a swirl of minty green syrup.

The new McFlurry cup is pretty sloppy, and the ingredients hadn’t been mixed very well. There were a lot of cookie pieces on top with a swirl of green mint syrup—but beneath that layer, it was plain vanilla soft serve. The cookie pieces were nice, but the mint syrup tasted artificial.

Bottom Line: Overall, we had high hopes for this dessert, but it fell short compared to other options. For $4.69, we would have appreciated a little more attention to detail when making the McFlurry.

5. McDonald’s: Shamrock Shake

The Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s is an icon. This treat established an entire genre of mint-flavored green-hued milkshakes to be served around St. Patrick’s Day. From the first sip, it’s hard not to experience nostalgia. It’s something we look forward to every year, and it always tastes exactly like we remember. Normally, we would say it doesn’t get much better than a Shamrock Shake, but once we tasted the other options, this treat lost some luster.

Bottom Line: If you want a smooth, no-frills mint shake, McDonald’s is the way to go. But at $4.39, it is a bit more expensive than other fast-food shakes, and while the flavor is nostalgic, the mint is not as prominent as in others we tried.

4. Dairy Queen: Mint Oreo Blizzard

The components of this Blizzard are similar to the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, but Dairy Queen delivers a superior experience. The ice cream was richer and creamier, and the cookie bits were perfectly distributed throughout. There was plenty of mint flavor but no green food coloring. This option wasn’t as visually fun, but the taste was wonderful.

Bottom Line: Overall, the Blizzard was perfectly blended, though because DQ doesn’t use green food coloring, it wasn’t as visually appealing. At $5.19, it was also the priciest of the bunch.

3. Wendy’s: Thin Mint Frosty

If you look forward to Girl Scout Cookie season every year, and if you enjoy your Thin Mints straight from the freezer, then the Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty is for you. Thin Mints rank high in our ranking of the best Girl Scout Cookies, and the coated wafer cookies sure make this shake stand apart from the rest.

Wendy’s was the only place that offered a chocolate base rather than vanilla. Since it draws inspiration from Thin Mint cookies, that makes sense. It comes with a thick ribbon of Girl Scout cookie-flavored syrup throughout, which takes the Frosty experience to the next level.

Bottom Line: It tasted distinctly like a Thin Mint, which was amazing. Plus, it was only $2.49, which made it the most affordable item on this list. We would order again!

2. Arby’s: Andes Mint Chocolate Shake

When the Arby’s employee passed this Andes Mint Chocolate Shake through the drive-thru window, we were immediately impressed. It was the best presentation of all the shakes we tried! At only $3.55, we appreciated the larger size for the smaller price.

This shake has a vivid green hue and is topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. The cream was sprinkled with chopped bits of Andes chocolate mint candies. We will definitely swing by again for this one.

Bottom Line: Besides Arby’s shake having the best visual appeal, we also loved the authentic minty flavor. From taking a sip to using the straw to scoop up some whipped cream and candies from the top, it was 9/10.

1. Culver’s: Shamrock Shake Hack

The number one shake option we tasted wasn’t even a specialty seasonal offering but rather a strategic menu hack from Culver’s, one of our favorite fast-food joints. Every $3.89 shake includes up to two mix-ins. We asked for mint and Andes candies as our two options, and the result was incredible!

First of all, the base starts with the high-quality frozen custard Culver’s has made famous. This offers a smooth and rich starting point for an incredible milkshake. The mint mix-in tasted clean and distinct, while imparting that green color we love for St. Patrick’s Day. The Andes candy added texture and a hint of chocolate flavor to the shake.

Bottom Line: Everything was perfectly blended, and the result was a decadent shake that was right there on the line between “sippable through a straw” and wanting to use a spoon. The best part is, we can recreate this experience any time of year!

The post We Tried 6 Minty St. Patrick’s Day Shakes—Here’s the Best One appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Then, just this week, I caught a hot tip that my local Costco was getting a shipment of its own version of Dubai chocolate. I jumped at the chance to finally sample it for myself. It was everything I hoped for without breaking the bank. If you have been itching to get on the Dubai chocolate bandwagon, now might be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

What is Dubai chocolate?

Dubai chocolate became a viral sensation after a TikTok video showcasing the unique confection took the internet by storm. The original treat from Fix Dessert Shop in Dubai is officially known as Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar. It is a bestseller inspired by a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that has been reimagined with a modern twist. The combination of phyllo, pistachio and chocolate has since inspired countless other desserts with similar flavor profiles.

What does Dubai chocolate taste like?

Whether it is the original chocolate bar from Dubai, or the various riffs that have popped up across the globe, Dubai chocolate desserts all have similar elements that make them special. A delightful crunch comes from kataifi, which is a shredded phyllo pastry. This is layered with a smooth pistachio cream, and it is all drenched with a rich blanket of chocolate. The result is a multisensory experience that is unlike any other chocolate bar.

If you love making homemade candy, this would be the ultimate from-scratch confection to try.

Why is Dubai chocolate so expensive?

The overseas shipping costs make true Dubai chocolate an expensive experience. However, even if you purchase a bar inspired by the original, they tend to be pricier than a typical chocolate candy. There is a significant amount of labor and chocolate making expertise that goes into recreating this layered treat, so chocolatiers tend to pass on these expenses to the consumer.

Does Costco have real Dubai chocolate?

New Dubai Chocolates for $17.99
byu/krazycouponlady inCostco

While Costco doesn’t sell the original from Dubai, the bite-sized pistachio and knafeh filled chocolates from Bouchard are an accessible and affordable alternative. The generously sized box is filled with 41 chocolates and sells for $17.99. If you spot them on display at your local Costco, add one to your cart ASAP since they sell out quickly. The manager at my local store told me it is their number one requested item lately, and they fly off shelves anytime a shipment comes in.

The post What Is ‘Dubai Chocolate’ and Why Is It Everywhere Right Now? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

This recipe has been flying around Instagram and TikTok, and the reviews rave about the end result. I decided to pop a tub of the onion dip in a mini Trader Joe’s cooler bag and head straight home to cook. The result was reminiscent of a rich Alfredo sauce with a delightful added texture from caramelized onion pieces.

How to Make Trader Joe’s Caramelized Onion Dip Pasta

Step 1: Cook the pasta

I used spaghetti, but any shape of pasta works for this recipe. Cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, be sure to save about a cup of the pasta water before draining it.

Step 2: Heat the dip

Empty the container of caramelized onion dip in the same pan where you were cooking the pasta. Over medium heat, allow it to smooth out and warm up. Working with about a tablespoon of pasta water at a time, gradually add some of it to the dip as it warms.

You want a smooth and creamy sauce. I used about two or three tablespoons of pasta water before adding the drained pasta back into the pan and tossing it to coat with the sauce.

Step 3: Finish the dish

You can keep this a true two-ingredient recipe, or top with fresh ingredients. I finished my pasta off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Next time, I might add chopped garlic, a spoonful of chili crisp or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bulk up the dish by adding meatballs, chicken or cooked vegetables.

Anything that would work a creamy Alfredo pasta will work well here. Ring that Trader Joe’s bell and alert your friends and family that dinner is served!

The post I Made The Viral Trader Joe’s Caramelized Onion Dip Pasta​, and It’s Amazing appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Just order the classic sandwich in a strategic way, stock up on some of the chain’s free sauces and use the take-out bag to your advantage. Here’s what to order next time you’re at Chick-fil-A!

How to Build a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Start by ordering the chicken sandwich, but ask for the bread to be extra toasted. This helps add structure to the bun so it will hold up to the thick, sticky sauce we’ll add.

Next, request one packet of Texas Pete hot sauce and two honey packets. This ratio is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, but if you want hot honey that’s even hotter, double up on the hot sauce as well.

The fun begins when your sandwich arrives. Take it out of the bag and remove the crispy chicken patty. Then, put the patty back into the sturdy insulated bag it came in. Drizzle the chicken with the hot sauce and the honey and roll the top of the bag to seal it up tight. Give the bag a good shake. You want the hot sauce and honey to combine and coat every nook and cranny of that crispy chicken.

Take the chicken out of the bag and re-assemble the sandwich with the buns and pickle slices. Your hands might get a little messy in the process, but that’s OK. You’ll want to lick that delicious sauce right off of them!

While you’re at it, add an order of the legendary Chick-fil-A waffle fries and a Key lime lemonade to your order. The drink should help cool some of the heat of the sandwich.

The post The Secret Chick-fil-A Menu Hack You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner appeared first on Taste Recipes.

9. Subway

Coming in at the bottom of our list was the chicken noodle soup from Subway. Here, an 8-ounce cup of soup sells for $3.49, which was one of the most budget-friendly options we found. While the price was nice, the soup itself was watery and skimpy on the vegetables. We did appreciate the larger chunks of chicken, and the noodles were adequate. Unfortunately, Subway didn’t provide any crackers or bread to go along with our soup, which was also a disappointment.

Bottom Line: Ultimately, our biggest complaint about the Subway soup experience was the fact that it was re-heated in a microwave right in front of us. It certainly didn’t align with the brand’s “Eat Fresh” slogan.

8. Panera

For years, we have loved the soups at Panera. How can you not love a place where you can eat out of a bread bowl? They have a variety of options from the iconic broccoli cheddar soup all the way to seasonal options like autumn squash. The menu also offers a new hearty fireside chili as well as a classic homestyle chicken noodle. For the purpose of this ranking, we ordered a cup of the chicken noodle.

From the moment we walked in, it felt like Panera had changed. There was no human interaction, just ordering from a tablet. The technology was not efficient or intuitive, and it was difficult to just order a cup of soup because all options defaulted to a bowl. The real kicker came at the end when the grand total with taxes was a whopping $7.15. On top of that, the tablet system defaulted to ask for a tip though we hadn’t seen nor spoken to a person. When we drove off with a tiny bowl of soup and a piece of bread, the whole experience felt cold.

Bottom Line: Unfortunately, the taste test didn’t sway our opinion. While the small cup of soup did have nice noodles, the broth was too salty and there was one measly piece of chicken in the pricey bowl. The baguette was a lovely accompaniment, but not enough to justify the experience.

7. McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli is a soup, salad and sandwich restaurant with 563 locations across the United States. This was our first time pulling up to the chain’s drive thru, so we were excited to see what they had to offer. McAlister’s sells cups of soup for $4.79 and bowls for $6.29. The prices seemed reasonable, and there were a variety of soups to choose from. This location offered chicken tortilla, broccoli cheddar, country potato, veggie chili, classic chili and a rotating soup of the day option. We ordered the classic chili, which included two packages of saltines.

There are many opinions when it comes to chili, and many purists believe that beans have no place in a bowl of chili. If this sounds like you, then McAlister’s Deli is right up your alley. However, we are fans of beans so we didn’t love that the beef was so finely chopped it felt like a blended paste.

Bottom Line: We would prefer a mix of hearty beef chili with chunks of ground beef, tomatoes and beans. The flavor of the chili was adequate, so we might give another soup a try someday to see if it might suit our taste better.

6. Wendy’s

Wendy’s is one of the few drive-thru fast-food places where the chili has been a staple on the menu for years. It has led to such a following that people have started making copycat Wendy’s chili recipes at home. The recipe is quite basic with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables. It sells for a budget-friendly $3.59 for a small cup size, and $4.39 for a larger bowl size.

Our cup of chili came with two packages of saltine crackers on the side. It’s important to note that Wendy’s was the only restaurant that asked if we wanted to add toppings to our order. They offer shredded cheese and chopped onions as options. Overall, we found the chili to be enjoyable.

Bottom Line: Wendy’s chili was good, not great. It just wasn’t enough of a standout to surpass other soups we sampled on this list.

5. Noodles & Company

Surprisingly, there is only one soup on the menu at Noodles & Company. The chain’s signature chicken noodle soup is made with chicken breast, celery, carrots, onion and wavy egg noodles. It’s sold as a regular entree size for $6.55 or a side cup size for $2.85. Our cup came with a bag of oyster crackers.

As the name of the chain suggests, the noodles were fantastic in this bowl of soup. They were large, tender and perfectly cooked. We also appreciated the plentiful pieces of chicken and hearty vegetables.

Bottom Line: Our only complaint here was that this bowl wasn’t filled completely, making the portion size feel a bit skimpy even though the flavor stood out.

4. Potbelly

Potbelly offers a variety of soups on its menu. There’s broccoli cheddar, garden vegetable, loaded baked potato, chicken potpie and chili. Each cup sells for $4.89 and a bowl goes for $6.59. We ordered a cup of chili that came with a bag of oyster crackers. We found the chili to be one of our favorites. It was a thick and substantial chili with an ideal ratio of meat to beans, peppers and tomatoes.

Bottom Line: The spices were well-balanced, and it tasted fresh rather than mass-produced. We were impressed enough that we want to come back and try all the other soup options.

3. Café Zupas

This fast-casual restaurant is known for its soups, salads and sandwiches. The chain prides itself on using healthy, fresh ingredients. Needless to say, the soup menu was substantial and included golden curry, chicken enchilada chili, lobster bisque, Wisconsin cauliflower, tomato basil, southwest potato and green chili, chicken noodle, mushroom bisque, and chickpea and vegetable. Our mouths are watering just mentioning all the names of these soups! With such a plethora of choices, it was hard to stick to our plan and just order the chicken noodle. However, we knew that if it could successfully create a classic, we could bet the others would be just as amazing.

Ultimately, we were very impressed with our meal at Café Zupas. The cup of soup arrived with a lovely baguette roll and a chocolate covered strawberry! It made the meal feel extra special and handcrafted.

Bottom Line: The prices were on the higher side, but we felt like the quality justified the price. Here, a half portion of soup is $5.99 and a large is $8.29. We loved the perfect balance of noodles, chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It felt like it was homemade!

2. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A sells one of the best-ranked chicken sandwiches and also a couple of chicken soup options. There is always a classic chicken noodle on the menu, and, currently, there is a seasonal chicken tortilla soup as well. A cup sells for $4.35, and it arrived with two packages of saltines.

Once again, as we have come to expect with Chick-fil-A, this chicken noodle soup did not disappoint. In fact, it was our favorite of the chicken soups we sampled. It is made with shredded chicken breast, carrots, celery and egg noodles in a hearty broth. This one was so rich and thick, it was almost creamy and reminded us of something grandma used to make.

Bottom Line: We loved that this broth was a little different than the lighter, more watery broths from other menus. Of course the chicken was plentiful, and it was perfectly balanced with the vegetables and noodles. The soup was well-seasoned, but not overly salty.

1. Culver’s

On all our trips to Culver’s, we were too busy ordering some of the best fast-food ice cream (or custard, in this case!) to think of trying the soup. But in fact, the Culver’s soup menu is quite robust, and the restaurant rotates what is available each day. Soup availability is special to each restaurant because everything is made fresh daily. Even with all these fresh ingredients, Culver’s is able to sell its fresh soups for only $4.22 a cup.

On any given day you might find broccoli cheese, chicken noodle, potato with bacon, stuffed green pepper, tomato Florentine, vegetable beef, wild and brown rice with chicken, Boston clam chowder as well as George’s chili. This chili comes from a family recipe that is one of Culver’s signature dishes. It is a hearty, medium-spicy chili con carne, made with simmered homestyle beef, diced tomatoes, dark red kidney beans, peppers, onion and celery, along with a secret blend of peppery spices. You can also order it as George’s chili supreme which tops each serving with sour cream, cheese and onions.

Bottom Line: After the first bite of this chili we were in love. We would never have guessed this came from a fast-food restaurant. We could tell this recipe was handcrafted and perfected over the years. It was the absolute best of all the soups we tried, and we can’t wait to go back for more!

The post 9 Best Fast-Food Soups, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Like the Costco hot dog, other food court menu items have a cult following. Customers used to love Costco churros, but for some reason, the original treat is no longer available. Members were shocked when Costco discontinued the churros, but then again, we aren’t immune to controversial food court decisions. I decided to find a replacement to satisfy our cravings.

Why did Costco get rid of churros?

For years, cinnamon sugar-coated churros were a staple at the Costco food court. The traditional straight churros sold for $1. For unknown reasons, they were removed from the menu during the pandemic, much to the chagrin of loyal customers. Costco eventually brought back churros, but this time with a twist—literally. The “twisted” churros arrived on the menu in 2021 but didn’t last long. In early 2024, churros disappeared from the menu completely. Their sweet slot was filled with a giant chocolate chip cookie for $2.49.

Where do I find copycat Costco churros?

Since the churros disappeared from the Costco menu, members have been searching for an alternative. Some say that the brand Costco used on its menu was from a company called Tio Pepes, and could be purchased in bulk from Walmart or Amazon. However, since they come in a case of 100, you would need a lot of freezer space for this option. I scoured the freezer sections at Costco, Trader Joe’s and Aldi, looking for a more convenient solution. All three stores said they had frozen churros at one point or another but didn’t currently have any in stock.

Luckily, one non-chain grocery store near me carries the Goya brand of frozen churros. I bought a box, put them in a 400°F oven for five minutes and tossed the hot churros with the included cinnamon sugar packet. If you have a local grocery store that carries Goya churros, it’s a good option when a Costco churro craving hits.

On our quest to find a replacement for the Costco churros, one unlikely source came into the picture. Subway recently introduced a new Footlong menu for snacking under $5. It includes a 12-inch cookie, a pretzel and…a churro! Ultimately, this was the best replacement for our beloved Costco churros. Being on the Footlong menu, the churros are oversized, exactly like what we were used to at Costco. The only caveat is that Subway churros cost $2, twice as much as the beloved Costco original.

The post This Is the Best Dupe for Costco’s Food Court Churros appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Since we go through extract like water in my house, the Costco vanilla has been one of the best perks of membership for us!

How does the vanilla compare to more expensive brands?

First of all, the Costco vanilla is pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla. I was suspicious, given the price tag. Finding the real deal is hurdle number one when I’m buying vanilla, and accidentally buying imitation is a common vanilla mistake. The imitation stuff is much cheaper than the real thing, but it has the quality to match.

I scrutinized the label and determined that Costco vanilla is pure vanilla extract. Usually, if I want the best of the best vanilla extract, I swallow the cost of Nielsen-Massey vanilla. However, a bottle of this liquid gold costs upward of $37 for only 8 ounces, half the amount of extract that Costco sells. I still keep a bottle of Nielsen-Massey for extra special desserts, but it’s simply too expensive for everyday use. I needed an extract that was nearly as good but less expensive, so I brought the Costco vanilla home for a taste test.

Upon opening the bottle, the aroma immediately impressed me. It was rich and smooth, exactly what bakers look for to take any recipe to the next level. The label doesn’t specify what type of vanilla is used to make this extract. It simply says that it is extracted and bottled in the U.S. using imported vanilla beans.

After using this extract in cookies, cakes and homemade ice cream, I am convinced that ounce-for-ounce, this product is the best value for pure vanilla extract. The flavor is complex without an artificial aftertaste. For anyone who is a frequent baker but can’t stomach the price tag of fancy brands, Costco vanilla is for you. I have a new-ish bottle with a best-by date of 2029, so your purchase will last quite a while.

Is the vanilla always at Costco?

For as long as I have been a member, this vanilla has always been on the shelf at Costco. While it doesn’t have Kirkland Signature branding, it is distributed by the Costco Wholesale Corporation in Washington state. That gives me hope that this Costco staple will be available for many years to come.

The post This $10 Vanilla at Costco Is an Absolute Steal appeared first on Taste Recipes.

When I flipped through her most recent cookbook, Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, there was one recipe in particular that stood out to me. Ina Garten has a method for making pork tenderloin that I had never seen before. Of course, I simply had to give it a try.

Ina Garten’s Pork Tenderloin Trick

Ina Garten’s trick for the most perfect roasted pork tenderloin involves turning off the oven and walking away. Seriously! When I first read the method, it sounded so strange. But could it be the trick I’ve been missing?

Start by placing an oven rack in the top third of your oven and preheating it to a whopping 500°F. While it preheats, take two pork tenderloins out of the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Prepare the meat with olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt and pepper.

This is when the genius kicks in. Place the sheet pan with the prepared tenderloins in the screaming hot oven for precisely five minutes and 30 seconds. I set a timer on my phone and watched it like a hawk! Then, the moment the time is up, immediately turn off the oven and walk away. That’s right, do absolutely nothing for one hour.

The only thing you have to remember is not to open the oven door. All that built-up heat is needed to gently cook the pork to perfection. When that hour is up, you will cut into the most perfectly cooked pork tenderloin of your life. Ina suggests slicing them thick and serving with a sprinkle of salt and a side of mango chutney (like the one in this mango chutney pork roast recipe).

How does it work?

This recipe works so well because the initial high heat sears the outside of the meat, creating a nice crust. Then, by turning off the oven, the heat gradually goes down while continuing to gently cook the pork. The rest time needed before cutting into the meat is built into the hour it sits in the oven.

Given the fact that Ina tests and re-tests recipes until they are print-worthy, I can imagine she worked tirelessly to come up with this method. For me, I will now never make pork any other way. Upon taking that first bite, I literally said to myself, “How easy is that?”

The post This Is Ina Garten’s Unexpected Trick for Perfect Pork Tenderloin appeared first on Taste Recipes.

And as much as we love their current offerings, Costco’s new flaky, buttery pastry knocks everything else out of the water. It’s time to talk about the brand-new almond croissant pastry at Costco.

What is the Costco almond croissant pastry?

The latest addition to the Costco bakery section is a twist on the classic French delicacy. This treat takes everything you love about a buttery croissant and kicks it up a notch with the addition of an almond filling, sliced almonds on top, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Available right now, these almond croissants are certainly sweeter than their original croissant counterparts. Also, they aren’t in the traditional crescent moon shape. Instead, the dough is folded over a decadent marzipan-flavored center and baked in a muffin tin. The folded shape and sweet taste almost reminded me of a large kouign-amann at first glance.

With this pastry, every bite is more interesting than the last. The pleasant crunch from the almond topping is a delightful contrast to the tender, sweet almond center. Even though something like this could easily become dense, the light, flaky layers of the pastry keep it from being overwhelming. These pastries taste great right out of the box, or they can be warmed up for a few minutes in the oven for that fresh-from-the-bakery experience.

How long will it be in stores?

It’s hard to know if a product spotted in Costco is a limited-time only deal. The retailer frequently rotates inventory to keep every visit new and exciting. This is especially true in the bakery, where seasonal treats rotate in and out. Since we won’t know for sure how long these almond croissant pastries will stick around, it is definitely worth it to run over there and stock up.

At a time when grocery store prices seem to be going up and up, Costco has dropped the price of its Kirkland products. These pastries come in a package of six for $11.99, making each one about $2.00. I think that’s a steal since these huge treats are a better deal than you’d find in a coffee shop or bakery.

Even if you can’t get through the whole package of six right away, they can certainly be individually wrapped and frozen to enjoy later.

The post Costco’s Bakery Has a Pastry That Will Change Your Life appeared first on Taste Recipes.

15. Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Hearts

These indulgent treats feature a mix of milk chocolate and gingerbread with an apricot fruit filling. The bite-sized, heart-shaped desserts are imported from Germany. While we liked the unique flavor combination, ultimately, these snacks fell short in our lineup. The gingerbread spices were too mild to make us come back for more, and this milk chocolate wasn’t as high quality as the other treats we sampled.

14. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallows

These eye-catching marshmallows are shaped like Christmas trees, and the inside is tinted with a festive green hue. Each peppermint-flavored marshmallow is dipped in dark chocolate for an extra special snack. These would make for fun and festive Christmas s’mores or would be adorable when dropped into a mug of homemade hot cocoa. We would definitely pick up a box while decorating a gingerbread house as well.

13. Cherry Stollen

Stollen is a classic European holiday bread, and the loaves at Aldi are made in Germany. The Aldi stollen is available in several traditional flavors, including almond, marzipan, apple and cherry. We picked up the cherry variety for a taste test.

We were pleased with the addition of the marzipan rope nestled throughout the loaf, and appreciated the classic shape. However, we found this stollen dense and dry. A slice might be nice with a cup of coffee, but the texture didn’t allow the bread to stand on its own. In addition, the candied cherries had a bit of an artificial aftertaste. We wonder if the other flavors would have been better.

12. Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is a confection we look forward to every holiday season. The roasted peanuts in a crispy, crunchy coating just can’t be beat. It is a beloved Southern treat that is enjoyed across the country this time of year.

Candy-making is a difficult skill to master, and this peanut brittle recipe came up a bit short. It was too crisp without the depth of flavor we’re used to in homemade peanut brittle.

11. Soft Mini Nougat Bars, Variety Pack

The festive holiday design on the box of these soft mini nougat bars certainly caught our eye. Made in Italy, this package included four distinctive options—chocolate stracciatella, pistachio, strawberry and amaretti cookies.

This snack received high marks for being unique, and we absolutely loved the amaretti cookie flavor. However, each bite was quite sticky, and it took a while to chew. Even though the flavors were fun, it ultimately begs the question: Does anyone really want to eat just nougat?

10. My Mochi Hot Cocoa Ice Cream

We discovered the next Christmas find in the freezer section. Mochi are frozen balls of sweet, pillowy rice dough wrapped around scoops of premium ice cream. Each bite is a delicious dual-texture experience. At only 90 calories each, these frozen snacks are gluten-free and made without any soy ingredients or artificial flavors.

For the holiday season, My Mochi has some festive flavors in its lineup. I selected a box of hot cocoa-flavored ice cream balls to sample. The chocolate flavor was delicate, and I could taste the marshmallows as well. The experience was reminiscent of the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 in New York City. Enjoying the mochi is easy; all you have to do is remove them from the freezer a minute or two before eating. They were a fun holiday treat that we would definitely buy again before the season is up.

9. Giant Popcorn Mix Tub

There’s something so fun about digging your arm deep into a giant tub of popcorn, especially during Christmastime. These huge tins are great for gifting, and they are always a hit at a party. Aldi sells a budget-friendly 21-ounce tin for under $7.

The inside is divided into three sections: one for caramel corn, another for white cheddar popcorn and, of course, classic butter popcorn. There are also a variety of tin design options to suit any personality. This Aldi find wins high marks for value and gifting possibilities. The popcorn inside might not be the best we’ve ever tasted, but it’s still quite enjoyable. In fact, we even went back to buy another tin as a hostess gift for an upcoming get-together.

8. Pralines

Nestled among the sea of holiday treats at Aldi, we discovered this container of golden-wrapped pralines. This is a product of Italy that consists of milk chocolate pralines made with crispy cereals and a luxurious, creamy hazelnut filling. We were pleasantly surprised by the light texture of these chocolate confections.

The individually wrapped candies were quite eye-catching, and they would look stunning in a Christmas candy dish. The only drawback here was the container. We wish it was more elegant so we could save it and repurpose it next year. You can never have enough cookie tins, right?

7. Chocolate Chip Pecan Meltaway Cookies

This lovely tin is filled with creamy butter cookies made with pecans and chocolate chips and coated with a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar. From the first bite, we adored the delicate texture of these cookies. Even though they’re filled with pecans and chocolate chips, the light cookies held up to their meltaway moniker. We give these cookies high marks for flavor as well as gifting possibility. We’re going to need to buy a new tin since the contents of this one disappeared so quickly!

6. Pfeffernüsse

Difficult to pronounce but delightful to eat, pfeffernüsse are iced gingerbread cookies from Germany. These traditional cookies are classic holiday treats, and we loved their authentic flavor and texture. The gingerbread spices had just the right proportions of cinnamon, star anise and cloves. We adored the crisp icing contrasted by the tender center. These cookies would make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter.

5. Music Tin with Sugar Cookies

This musical tin filled with classic sugar cookies wins top marks for the best option for gifting. There is a music key on the bottom of the adorable tin that can be turned to hear a melody. The tins come in four different colors, each with a different song. Red plays “Winter Wonderland,” blue comes with “Jingle Bells,” the white one is “Let It Snow” and this green tin plays “O Christmas Tree.” These are collectible and make a fantastic gift. The cookies inside are reminiscent of Danish butter cookies. Yum!

4. Gelato Flight

You may have heard of wine or beer flights, but this gelato flight is the ideal family-friendly treat for the holidays. Inside the box, you’ll find a trio of holiday-inspired Italian gelato served in individual cups. There is a pumpkin pie-flavored gelato (made with pumpkin puree and spices), a candy cane gelato (mint-flavored and topped with chocolate drops) and a creamy eggnog gelato (spiced with cinnamon).

3. Holiday Macarons

We have always been fans of Aldi’s French macarons, which can be found in the freezer section. It was a delightful surprise to discover a holiday variation! Each box contains 18 assorted macarons in special holiday flavors. There’s chocolate orange, chocolate hazelnut, gingerbread, peppermint, pistachio and vanilla.

These treats are imported from France. We loved every bite of their perfect texture and delectable flavors. It’s a major bonus that they’re made without artificial colors or flavors. There is also an added level of convenience since these macarons are kept in the freezer and then simply defrosted in the refrigerator before serving. This is a high-end treat without a price tag to match.

2. Candy Cane Chocolate Covered Almonds

These roasted almonds covered in dark and white chocolate mixed with crushed candy cane were a surprise hit in the taste test. The flavor of the coated almonds was refreshing and almost tasted like a delightful after-dinner mint. They are the sort of treat that you pour into a decorative candy dish and set out for guests. However, they are so delicious that you also might find yourself grabbing a few each time you pass by throughout the day. Beware, they disappear quickly! Pick up a couple of bags, just to be safe.

1. Panettone Cake with Orange Peel and Raisins

Coming in as our number one favorite Christmas find at Aldi was a traditional panettone cake with orange peel and raisins. This was one of two holiday flavors we found on store shelves, along with a chocolate chip version.

Each cake is made in Italy. Many stores carry panettone this time of year, and we had no idea how the Aldi version would stand up to the competition. We were floored when this one was head and shoulders above others we have tried recently. Besides the fantastic flavor of this festive cake, the price simply can’t be beat. With some panettone costing well over $10 or $20, the $6 Aldi panettone is a steal. Besides that, each cake is a nice size with a lofty height. We found ourselves craving a slice each morning for breakfast, along with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. In all honesty, we have already bought three this holiday season and will likely pick up another one before New Year’s resolutions kick in!

The post The Best Aldi Christmas Finds, Reviewed and Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

15. Maple Flavored Fudge

This small box of rich and buttery English fudge gets a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. The bite-sized pieces are ideal for a sweet treat after a big meal. They would also make a great addition to a Christmas cookie platter or dessert tray.

Though we loved the distinct maple flavor, we did find that the fudge squares were on the drier side and tended to crumble in the package and in our hands. In terms of texture, they were closer to a maple candy rather than a tender fudge.

14. Trio of Almonds

Nuts are another staple of the holiday season. It’s nice to place some out in a small dish for guests to nibble on before a meal or while opening gifts. The Trader Joe’s Trio of Almonds caught our eye because the tin contained three options. We liked the variety! These would look so pretty in an elegant candy dish or as an addition to a festive charcuterie board.

Inside were crisp and shiny caramel coffee almonds, gorgeous sesame honey almonds and roasted salted almonds. After the first few bites, we were hooked. The caramel coffee almonds and the sesame honey varieties were outstanding. The roasted salted almonds felt less inspired, however. We would have loved if TJ’s added one more interesting flavor to the mix.

13. Stollen Crisps

We were intrigued when our eyes caught this box of Stollen Crisps in the cracker aisle of Trader Joe’s. The sweet, crisp crackers are inspired by the classic German holiday bread. Each one is studded with raisins, orange and lemon peels and finished with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

The texture and flavors were lovely, even if the dried fruit inside was a bit sticky. Pair the crackers with whipped chevre, aged Gouda or warm baked Brie.

12. Organic Peeled and Cooked Chestnuts

Do you dream of chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Look no further than the Trader Joe’s produce section. We spotted a bag of whole, in-shell fresh Italian chestnuts, as well as this convenient package of peeled and cooked chestnuts.

We loved the convenience of these prepared chestnuts, which are ready to go straight from the package. They are a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats and poultry. You can even try them in savory stuffings (there’s a recipe on the box!), sauteed with fresh vegetables or in luscious Christmas desserts.

11. Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists

Take a moment and imagine large, salted pretzel twists covered in a peanut butter coating, then loaded with candy-coated dark chocolate gems and crushed Joe-Joe’s cookie bits. The result is a crunchy treat reminiscent of an over-the-top kitchen sink cookie. Every bite is a little bit of the best of everything in one wildly addictive snack. They are even more delicious when dunked in a warm mug of hot cocoa or coffee.

We thought these were fun, and the variety of colors and textures were delightful. They are certainly more of a kid-oriented snack rather than a sophisticated or unique treat for adults. Then again, aren’t we all just big kids during the holidays?

10. Mini Brioche Bites

It’s exciting to scour the Trader Joe’s freezer section for new appetizer ideas. There’s always something fun to serve at a party, and these mini brioche bites are no exception. The little French appetizers combine the butteriness of brioche, the mild cheesiness of Brie and the sweet flavor of apricot jam.

They are easy to prepare in the oven or air fryer and are ready to serve in about 10 minutes. Our only complaint with these brioche bites is that they were sweeter than expected, which overpowered the subtle notes we looked forward to from the Brie.

9. Danish Butter Cookies

Is there anything more iconic during the holidays than a festive tin filled with Danish butter cookies? They are an annual favorite for a reason. The Trader Joe’s version of these cookies comes in a gorgeous reusable and giftable tin adorned with blue, red, white and gold Scandinavian designs.

Each cookie was light and crisp, with a rich, buttery taste and a subtle hint of coconut. The pretzel, starburst, honeycomb, ring and square shapes add visual interest as well. Three of the five varieties are dusted with a sprinkle of sugar on top for extra crunch.

8. Mini Panettone Classico

Italian panettone is another Christmas staple and Trader Joe’s does not disappoint with its variety of options. I found elegantly gift-wrapped chocolate creme-filled panettones, a large, traditional panettone perfect and a mini panettone ornament.

This individual panettoncino is about the size of a large muffin and is ideal when you want to savor a panettone all by yourself. It was rich, moist and full of candied orange and raisins. It can be enjoyed any time of day but is particularly delicious with a morning espresso for breakfast or as a light dessert after a holiday feast. We found the bread to be delightfully tender with an airy texture.

7. Peppermint Flavored Mini Hold the Cone Ice Cream Cones

No trip to Trader Joe’s is complete without picking up a box of Hold the Cone ice cream cones from the freezer section. While the vanilla and chocolate varieties are available year-round, this seasonal peppermint version was stellar.

We suggest picking up a box or two as soon as you spot them because they do tend to disappear quickly. Each package comes with eight mini crispy chocolate cones filled with rich peppermint-flavored ice cream dipped in a chocolate coating. Best of all, the serving size is three cones for 260 calories, which means each one is only around 87 calories. We love reaching for this small indulgence during a season filled with sweets.

6. Cranberry Butter Cookies

These unassuming cranberry butter cookies were nestled in a corner, almost overshadowed by the tidal wave of fancy Christmas treats that flood Trader Joe’s this time of year. They are classic French butter cookies made with sweetened dried cranberries and a touch of cinnamon.

We found these to be simple yet sophisticated and elegant. Upon looking at the ingredient list, we discovered what made these cookies stand out. They are made from cultured butter, resulting in a more dynamic and complex flavor than traditional butter. Cultured butter has a slightly tangy and nutty taste. It makes these delightful cookies worth hunting for!

5. German Iced Gingerbread

These iced gingerbread cookies from Germany are absolutely gorgeous. Inside the box are two large, rectangle-shaped cookies embossed with a festive pattern and topped with a thin icing glaze that settles into all the nooks and crannies. They are filled with the warm spices of the season: cinnamon, ginger, clove, black pepper and nutmeg. All the flavors shine through without being overpowering.

What we enjoyed most about these cookies is that they are inherently interactive and sharable. The large rectangle shape is perfect for breaking off bite-sized pieces and enjoying with loved ones.

4. Winter Wassail Punch

We were impressed by the variety of holiday beverage options at Trader Joe’s. They had everything from spiked egg nog to glühwein to an “ugly sweater” themed bottle of red wine. For the purpose of this ranking, we wanted to sample something the whole family could enjoy, so we picked up a bottle of their winter wassail punch.

Wassail is an old English drink accompanied by rituals believed to influence a plentiful apple harvest the following year. It has evolved to become a mulled beverage made with spices and served in a large communal bowl, frequently served at social gatherings during yuletide.

This festive blend of apple, cherry, blackcurrant and lemon juice is infused with holiday spices and orange peel. Enjoy the punch chilled, warm or even spiked for the 21+ crowd. As a bonus, it’ll make your house smell divine!

3. English Toffee with Nuts

A batch of homemade English toffee is a delight to eat and gift during the holidays. However, candy-making can be a time-consuming and delicate process. That’s why when we discover a high-quality version in stores, it is certainly a find. The English toffee with nuts from Trader Joe’s definitely fits the bill.

Each log-shaped piece in the generously sized 30-ounce tin has a crunchy and buttery toffee center enrobed with a chocolate coating and sprinkled with chopped nuts. These classic Christmas treats are made using traditional confectioners’ kettles over an open flame. There are pieces of fresh almonds in the crunchy toffee center with lots of chopped nuts on the outside as well.

Don’t arrive at your next holiday party empty-handed. Bring this as a hostess gift, and you will be asked back again next year!

2. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Joe-Joe’s

Joe-Joe’s sandwich cookies are another staple on Trader Joe’s shelves. They offer the classic version year-round as well as special limited-edition seasonal varieties. These have never been overly impressive to us—until now. The dark chocolate-covered peppermint Joe-Joe’s are over-the-top and fabulous, just as a holiday treat should be.

Two chocolate cookies are sandwiched together with a creme center that is filled with crushed peppermint candies. Then, the whole sandwich cookie is dunked in luscious dark chocolate. Finally, it is sprinkled with more crushed peppermint candies for visual interest and texture. These chocolate minty sensations have to be tasted to be believed.

1. Marzipan Stollen

Taking the top slot in our Trader Joe’s Christmas items list is this elegant loaf of marzipan stollen imported from Germany. This is another one of those holiday food items that can be a time-consuming and challenging recipe to execute at home. That’s exactly why we fell in love with the Trader Joe’s version.

Stollen is a traditional sweet, fruit-filled bread made in Germany to celebrate the holidays. We loved that this stollen was made with the luxurious marzipan rope throughout. While every bite is a delight, there is something extra special about the nibbles that come with some of this almond-flavored filling as well. The small loaf was made in the traditional fold-over shape and topped with a generous coating of confectioners’ sugar.

The post The Best Trader Joe’s Christmas Items for 2024, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

8. Wendy’s

Coming in at the bottom of our list for the best fast-food kids meals was Wendy’s. This chain has several options to choose from when building the meal. There are 4-piece nuggets (classic or spicy) as well as a hamburger or cheeseburger. We opted for the cheeseburger, and it was delivered with ketchup already on the top bun. To round out the order, we selected the apple bites instead of fries and milk instead of bottled water.

The meal arrived with a Frosty-themed Halloween toy, which was certainly on-brand. These toys also come in different collectible colors, which might make kids beg to come back for more throughout the promotion. Overall, the price was a good value at $4.69 for the meal.

The main complaint we had with this kids meal was the fact that the cheese was hardly melted at all on top of the burger. This seems to be an ongoing issue since it was the same beef (pardon the pun!) we had when ranking the best fast-food burger. That being said, the apples were fresh and arrived in a convenient container.

7. Burger King

Burger King offers a variety of kids meal options. They can choose from a burger, cheeseburger, 4-piece chicken nuggets or 6-piece chicken nuggets. Then there is an option of fries or applesauce as well as plain milk or chocolate milk. We ordered the hamburger meal with applesauce and plain milk for $4.99. The value was comparable to other fast-food restaurants.

The burger was adequate in terms of flavor, and it arrived with ketchup, mustard and pickles already on top. The drive-thru attendant didn’t ask how we wanted the burger, so if you have a picky eater it might be important to specify how you want your burger topped. The applesauce cup felt like an afterthought compared to the fresh-cut fruit available at other chains.

However, the toy options were fun at Burger King, and that might skew your kid’s opinion of their favorite meal. Our order came with a light-up Addams Family toy. In addition, the bag itself was a puzzle kids could play with later. Finally, there was a big stack of the iconic Burger King crowns peeking through the drive-thru window, so we asked to take one of those as well and it was a hit!

6. McDonald’s

A kids meal ranking wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Happy Meal. The entree choices include a hamburger, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets or 6-piece Chicken McNuggets. We opted for the McNuggets and white milk. The other beverage choices included organic apple juice or bottled water. Each Happy Meal comes with a tiny kids fries and apple slices as well. The total was $4.99, making the value on par with other restaurants.

Since this ranking was done near Halloween, the Happy Meal arrived in a special Boo Bucket. This was definitely the best kids meal delivery method of all the fast-food joints! In addition, there was a sheet of stickers to personalize the bucket. It’s hard to find a kid who can resist stickers.

Even though the Happy Meal ranked tops when it came to fun aspects, the chicken nuggets were the least impressive of the chicken options we tasted. This wasn’t a surprise since the McNuggets were not highly ranked on our best fast-food chicken nuggets list.

5. Subway

Subway offers a special menu called the “Fresh Fit for Kids Meal.” This includes a mini sub, applesauce and a choice of either juice or white milk. For the mini sub, there are three options: Veggie Delite, Oven-Roasted Turkey or Black Forest Ham. There’s also an option for the sandwich to come on either white or whole wheat bread. We chose the Veggie Delite sub on whole wheat bread with applesauce and milk. The total was a great value at only $4.00.

While the Subway kids menu doesn’t come with a toy, we really appreciated the fresh and healthy choices that could be made at this chain. It is also nice that every sandwich can be personalized as it’s being assembled. The veggie-packed sandwich came piled high with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, peppers and red onion. There was a slice of cheese and some mayo as well. The applesauce came in a squeeze packet, which is convenient and easy for kids to handle in the backseat of the car. However, we still prefer the fresh-cut fruit options at other restaurants.

4. Culver’s

Culver’s offers a robust kids meal menu for those 12 and under with a wide variety of choices. Options include the original ButterBurger (with or without cheese), chicken tenders in either original or Buffalo, a grilled cheese and even a corn dog. Sides include applesauce, crinkle cut fries or steamed broccoli (for an additional charge). Drinks include white milk or apple juice. There’s even an optional add-on to include a scoop of frozen custard.

At $6.49, this was close to the top price of all the kids meals we ordered. While it was more expensive, the friendly service and quality hamburger were worth the extra cash.

3. Popeyes

Though we didn’t see it posted on the digital menu at the drive-thru, Popeyes does offer kids meal options. After speaking with the attendant, she told us we could choose from a 1-piece tender meal, a 1-piece leg meal, a mac and cheese meal or a 4-piece boneless chicken meal. We chose the 1-piece tender meal and had the option of either classic or spicy. This meal automatically came with applesauce and apple juice, as well as your choice of dipping sauce and a toy, all for $5.49.

The chicken was perfectly crisp, tender and juicy. Exactly what we expect from Popeyes! If you swoon for its top-notch and top-ranked chicken sandwich, your kids will likely beg for the Popeyes tender kids meal. The meal came with a sheet of stickers as well as a series of puzzles printed on the bag. Cut fruit and a milk option would have been nice choices here and could have bumped up Popeyes even higher in the ranking.

2. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A sells three different kids meal options, all featuring their namesake chicken in kid-friendly ways. There is a 5-piece chicken nuggets meal, a 2-piece chicken strips meal and a 5-piece grilled nuggets meal for those who want to skip the deep-fried fare. Each meal includes a small side, a small drink and a prize. Side options include waffle fries, a fruit cup or cinnamon applesauce. Mac and cheese was also available for an additional $0.70 charge. Beverage options include milk, chocolate milk or organic apple juice.

We ordered the 5-piece chicken nuggets meal with a fruit cup and milk. We noticed on the menu it was posted that they even offer special prizes upon request for kids ages 3 and under. Since we have a 2-year-old at home, this was a wonderful option. Instead of a toy with small parts we received a delightful board book that will certainly become part of our bedtime reading routine. Besides the lovely toy, Chick-fil-A had the most impressive fruit option by far. The cup was not skimpy in size and was filled with a colorful variety of fresh cut fruit. The only downside was the fact that this was the most expensive kids meal at $6.85. However, the high quality was worth the extra splurge.

1. Chipotle

Our highest-ranking kids meal came as a bit of a surprise, especially since it doesn’t arrive with any sort of toy, stickers or bright colors. Chipotle sells a “build your own” kids meal for an incredible value at $5.60. For the price, you receive a robust amount of fresh, high-quality food, all in an incredibly convenient container, as well as a sturdy bag to carry it all home in. (No spills in the car!) All of the choices are the same as the sides, toppings and fillings that are used in the other Chipotle burritos, tacos and bowls.

Start by deciding if you want crispy corn or soft flour tortillas for tacos or if you would prefer a small cheese quesadilla. From there, kids choose brown or white rice, black or pinto beans and meat, as well as guacamole or queso. Each choice is scooped and placed in a well in the convenient container as you walk down the line. At the end, the cashier offers a small bag of tortilla chips and your choice of organic juice or milk.

We appreciated the volume of fresh food, variety of choices and convenient container. It could even be used to reheat leftovers for lunch the next day if your little one didn’t finish it all the night before. The price could have easily been a dollar or more higher, and we still would have found it to be a good deal.

The post 8 Best Fast-Food Kids Meals, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

15. Cinnamon Apple Straws

We’re Clancy’s fans—who isn’t—but the light and crunchy cinnamon apple straws needed more oomph to rise higher in the ranks. We liked that the straws are a seasonal alternative to chips and that they contain 30% less fat than regular potato chips. Even though we probably wouldn’t buy these again, they are a kid-friendly snack that’s easy for little hands to hold. They would make a fun addition to a lunch box.

14. Sparkling Apple Cider

There were a lot of beverage options among the fall finds, from seasonal coffee and tea to beer and Aldi wine. In order to sample something for all ages, we opted to grab the sparkling apple cider. This canned beverage comes in a pack of four and is made with 100% juice.

We enjoyed the delightful apple taste and the light carbonation. This product is exceptional when chilled and served over ice. For an upscale experience, it could even be sipped from a champagne flute. It would even be fun to use this product as a base for making a fall cocktail or festive punch. Overall, we enjoyed this sparkling apple cider and might buy it again; however, it wasn’t anything unique or different from what we purchased at other stores.

13. Fall Shaped Pasta

Another Aldi fall find that caught our eye was the fall shaped pasta. This macaroni is made with pumpkin powder, tomato powder, spinach powder and red beet powder to create delightful yellow, orange, red and green pasta in a variety of adorable fall shapes.

The flavor is light, making this pasta kid-friendly and a fun alternative to typical noodles. They can be served with a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter, then seasoned with salt and pepper. Of course, the pasta would also be delicious with your favorite pasta sauce.

12. Belgian Chocolate Apples

These green, brown and yellow-hued chocolate confections were almost too pretty to eat! Each color is filled with a different flavored center, making it a fun adventure to try each one. The green apple is filled with cookie dough, the brown one is filled with almond cream and the yellow is filled with chocolate mousse.

These Belgian chocolates earned high marks for being a unique fall treat, but the flavor wasn’t as top-notch as some of the other treats on our list. That being said, we will definitely keep these on hand to add some extra flair this season. They are definitely a sweet accessory to add to a fall charcuterie board.

11. Pumpkin Spice Maple Syrup

If you are looking to make your fall weekends extra special, pick up a bottle of the Aldi pumpkin spice maple syrup to pour over your morning pancakes or waffles. Upon opening the bottle we were greeted with a pleasant aroma of warm spices, perfect for a chilly fall morning. The flavor was just as delightful. We certainly recommend picking up a bottle and enjoying the syrup with fluffy pumpkin pancakes.

10. Salted Caramel Apple Spread

Once you taste the first bite of this salted caramel apple spread, you’ll want to find ways to enjoy it throughout the season. The spread has the consistency of an apple butter, but with a caramel flavor twist. It isn’t too salty, but that aspect can be kicked up a notch by adding a sprinkle of sea salt before serving. This was outstanding on toast, and next, we’ll try it on pancakes or waffles, or maybe on an English muffin. A little goes a long way with this spread, so one jar will likely last you the fall season.

9. Pumpkin Spice Instant Oatmeal

An interesting standout on this list was the packets of pumpkin spice instant oatmeal from Aldi. Normally we prefer making oatmeal the old-fashioned way, but it’s hard to argue with a breakfast so easy it only needs water or milk and a few minutes in the microwave. These instant oatmeal packets packed a flavor punch that exceeded our initial expectations.

Even better is the fact that each serving contains 31 grams of whole grains. We like to enjoy a bowl of this oatmeal with a drizzle of milk or cream and maybe an additional sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for an extra boost. A handful of nuts, pumpkin seeds or dried cranberries would also add additional fall flavor and great texture. This is certain to be a staple for starting off the day throughout the fall season.

8. Pumpkin Cake Roll

Aldi sells a beautiful pumpkin cake roll in the bakery section of the grocery store. It is a classic rolled cake made with pumpkin flavors and filled with buttercream. Since these types of cakes can be a challenge to make yourself, why not let Aldi do the work for you?  This could be a beautiful centerpiece for a dessert table.

The cake itself was moist and flavorful with a soft and creamy filling. We suggest dusting with some extra powdered sugar for a fresh, homemade look just before serving.

7. Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies

Aldi sells their own version of pumpkin spice Oreos, and they were a big hit in our taste test. We liked the visual appeal of the bright orange creme as well as the consistency of this filling. The cookies were really delicious and contained a nice punch of fall flavors. In this taste test we actually preferred the Aldi version of these seasonal sandwich cookies over the Trader Joe’s option for a similar fall treat. Since these cookies are highly addictive, and it’s almost too easy to plow through a bag, we will certainly pick up more at every Aldi run this fall.

6. Pumpkin Seed and Flax Granola Cereal

Aldi’s pumpkin seed and flax granola cereal is offered all year, but the flavor profile definitely fits the bill as a fall treat. We have been a fan of this product for a long time and knew it needed a place on this list. The granola has a delightful texture from the seeds, and it can be part of a wonderful breakfast when served with some yogurt and fresh berries.

This is part of Aldi’s Simply Nature line of products that are free from over 125 artificial ingredients and preservatives. The cereal is a good source of fiber and boasts 5 grams of protein per serving as well. Not only is it great on its own, but it can be used to make granola bars, added to muffins, baked in bread or tossed with oatmeal. Our only complaint is that the cereal is not very heavily spiced, which can be remedied with a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to kick it up a notch.

5. Cookie Mug Topper

We instantly fell in love with these adorable cookie mug toppers while browsing the aisles of Aldi. They are crunchy caramelized cookies that are designed to fit on the rim of your mug. The cute fall shapes have a notch taken out of the bottom, so they rest perfectly on a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or warm spiced cider. What could be better than a warm mug to hold on a chilly fall day that comes with its own special snack? We loved the crunch from these cookies, making them lovely on their own or perfect for dipping. This is a treat we’ll keep coming back for.

4. Snickerdoodle Spice Almonds

With pumpkin spice dominating the headlines, we sometimes forget other fall flavors that are equally enjoyable. That’s why these snickerdoodle spice almonds caught our eye. Of course, the cinnamon and sugar combination is outstanding any time of year, but it’s a standout in the fall.

We could eat these coated almonds by the handful all day long. Each nut is nicely coated with just four simple ingredients: sugar, vegetable oil, cinnamon and salt. The result is a satisfying snack that keeps you sneaking back for just a few more bites. We plan to stock our pantry, so we have these until the Aldi fall finds come back next year!

3. Maple Kettle Corn

If you love the sweet taste of kettle corn, just wait until you try Aldi’s maple kettle corn. The bag is filled with the classic sweet popcorn but with an additional light drizzle of maple syrup to add interest to every bite. The result is a fun, sweet snack with a delightful maple flavor that wasn’t overpowering. This was gobbled up so quickly we knew it deserved a place high on the list. We look forward to opening up a bag, wrapping up in a blanket and watching a movie on a chilly fall day.

2. Caramel Apple Chocolate Clusters

The top sweet treat on our Aldi list are these caramel apple chocolate clusters. Imagine soft, creamy caramel apple-flavored caramel drizzled over shortbread cookie pieces, then drenched in milk chocolate and coated with peanut sprinkles. They tasted like something that would have come from a high-end chocolatier rather than a budget grocery store. We thought they were reminiscent of a turtle candy, but with a caramel apple twist. Our only complaint was that they come in such a small bag, we finished them too quickly. That makes a strong case for returning soon to buy more. We encourage you to do the same!

1. Pretzel Bites with Mustard Dip

The top spot on our Aldi fall finds list is a brand-new item we spotted in the refrigerated section. These pretzel bites with mustard dip were simply outstanding. Each bite had a soft and tender texture, as well as a great zing from the Dijon mustard dipping sauce. (If mustard isn’t your thing, another option comes with a cheese dip.)

The pretzel bites can be easily warmed in the oven, microwave or air fryer, and the box comes with a packet of coarse salt to sprinkle over the pretzels before you cook them. The small nuggets are great for snacking or to serve at a party. They would certainly fit the bill for any Oktoberfest-themed event you might host. Since Aldi is a German company, it’s no surprise that they brought delightful bites of a soft Bavarian pretzel to stores in the United States. While you’re there, grab some German beer, and you’re all set!

The post The Best Aldi Fall Finds, Reviewed and Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

15. Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

This box caught my eye in the aisle. The crackers look like a unique blend of sweet and savory that will complement a variety of mild cheeses and dips on a Thanksgiving cheese board.

While the crisps did have a delightful crunch and were visually attractive with a variety of seeds and dried fruit, overall, they did not impress. The addition of thyme and rosemary felt unbalanced from the first bite and didn’t leave us wanting to come back for seconds.

14. Pumpkin O’s

The Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s are the fall version of the original Joe’s O’s. This toasted whole grain cereal has elements of brown rice, oats and pumpkin. The box says that this cereal is vegan, gluten-free and boasts 26 grams of whole grains per serving. Sounds good so far!

I found the pumpkin flavor to be quite faint. Instead, the O’s had a bit of a syrupy taste. If I buy these again, I hope that Trader Joe’s will bump up the seasonal flavors to make it a special occasion cereal to look forward to each year, like Pumpkin Spice Cheerios.

13. Pumpkin-Flavored Joe-Joe’s

This fall version of the classic Joe’s-Joe’s consists of pumpkin-flavored sandwich cookies with a creme filling. Like any other sandwich cookie, they can be eaten whole or dunked into a fall drink. You could also twist them open and lick out the delectable creme center.

While I really enjoyed the velvety texture of the soft creme filling, I yearned for a stronger fall spice flavor. If these had a stronger punch of cinnamon and nutmeg, they would have been snack perfection.

12. Harvest Chocolate Collection

These white, milk and dark chocolate confections come in assorted fall shapes and look so cute in the box. The treats were visual winners even before taking the first bite. Each confection is a colorful, edible delight. The outside is made of chocolate, and the inside is a soft filling, which was a nice surprise.

While these might not be made with the most high-quality chocolate we’ve ever tasted, I didn’t mind. The colors and shapes were enough to win us over. They could be used to garnish the top of a fall-themed cake or fill out an adorable gift basket. Since these chocolates are delicate, just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you’re looking for another eye-catching dessert, don’t sleep on Trader Joe’s macarons that are made in France!

11. Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels

This snack is tiny but mighty! The bite-sized pretzels have a yogurt coating sprinkled with crushed pumpkin-spiced pumpkin seeds. The texture was delightful, and every bite offered a satisfying crunch. I found them to be the perfect combination of sweet with a hint of salty. It would certainly be easy to munch through the whole bag in one sitting!

10. Organic Maple Butter

I might not have noticed this jar on the shelf if it hadn’t been for one of the employees steering us in that direction. This spreadable creamy maple syrup was his seasonal favorite, so it was certainly worth a try. It’s made from organic maple syrup that has been churned until it reaches a spreadable consistency. This makes it a perfect topping to spread on toast. If you want to get creative, add some crumbled bacon, sliced apples or crushed pretzels for a real treat. Or, simply enjoy it by the spoonful. Overall, I was impressed with the maple butter and grateful for the insider tip.

9. Freeze-Dried Tart Cherries

Most Trader Joe’s stores have one endcap where new products are located. I found these freeze-dried tart cherries there, and they’re a fun addition to the fall lineup. The unsweetened snacks are made with just one ingredient: pitted tart cherries. The process of freeze-drying ensures they taste just like they were freshly picked. I was impressed with the light texture, lovely crunch and the burst of tart flavor.

I would buy them again to toss with popcorn, sprinkle in a salad or add to yogurt in the morning. They could also make a surprising addition to festive charcuterie boards.

8. Apple Shortbread Cookies

Trader Joe’s all-butter shortbread cookies have a fresh apple taste with a delightful crunch. I found that these cookies had just the right amount of apple flavor. With an elegant apple stamp on the top of each cookie, they are simple yet lovely. Plus, they are sold in a cute, petite box that would be great for a gift basket. I will be back to buy more throughout the season.

7. Savory Squash Pastry Nites

It is important to peruse the freezer section to find all the seasonal products! These frozen bite-sized snacks are brand-new to Trader Joe’s this year. They could serve as a great appetizer for entertaining holiday guests or as a light meal for yourself when enjoyed with a crisp salad and a chilled glass of champagne. The delicate pastry cups wrap around a rich pumpkin and butternut squash filling that makes you keep coming back for more. The best part is that these bites can be cooked from frozen in the oven or air fryer. Take our advice and stock up now so you have them in your freezer all throughout fall.

6. Pumpkin Spice Rooibos

There are a plethora of fall-themed beverage items hidden throughout Trader Joe’s as well. Look for seasonal beers, cold brew coffee and, of course, tea. This herbal blend tea is a warm and inviting beverage for the autumn months. It’s made from a blend of rooibos tea, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

I was particularly impressed with the fact that these tea bags were delicately packed in a pyramid-shaped sachet for perfect steeping every time. They come packaged in a lovely tin for storage that also makes for a beautiful gift. Pick up one for yourself and one to share with a fellow tea aficionado.

5. Autumnal Harvest Soup

The fall months are definitely soup season! This ready-made soup in a jar is a creamy tomato-based soup with pumpkin and butternut squash. It can easily be warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop. Serve a bowl with a grilled cheese sandwich filled with Gouda for the perfect fall meal.

I loved every spoonful of this colorful soup. It has great flavor and everything about it felt cozy and warm. Plus, it’s an easy, healthy meal that’s ready to enjoy in minutes.

4. Maple Spiced Nut Mix

I enjoyed this nut mix by the handful. It’s made with maple rosemary almonds and pecans seasoned with red and black pepper, along with sweetened dried cranberries and pepitas.

The sweet side of this snack is the first thing you taste, with the heat hitting the palate a bit later. Every bite is the perfect mix of soft and crunchy that soon becomes irresistible. I thought this was a great fall snack to keep on hand to balance out the sugar-laden seasonal treats. I will be stocking up on this one to enjoy throughout the year.

3. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This frozen meal is an annual customer favorite, according to the staff. After taking the first bite, it is easy to see why. It’s an easy microwave meal made with rigatoni pasta tossed in a butternut squash puree and a blend of Gouda, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. All you have to do is pop it in the microwave for about five minutes and out comes perfectly al dente pasta. I particularly loved the fall herbs infused into every bite. There were hints of nutmeg, sage, black pepper and thyme, with a kick from a pinch of cayenne pepper. Even though this was a frozen meal, there wasn’t a hint of anything fake-tasting. Just great, rich flavor.

2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants

The top two slots on this ranking were so neck and neck that it was hard to decide which one would take top honors. Even though these pumpkin cheesecake croissants are in the number two slot, they are still the best of the best at Trader Joe’s.

The box contains two ready-to-bake croissants that must be made in the oven. It’s important to note that the packaging says not to prepare in the microwave. Read the instructions carefully on this one, because you have to let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats.

Once you take that first bite, it will be well worth the wait. Imagine everything you love about a warm and flaky cheese Danish combined with the best elements of pumpkin pie. It is perfection!

1. Fall Harvest Salsa with Fall Leaf Corn Tortilla Chips

Taking the top slot in our Trader Joe’s fall snack ranking is a combination of two seasonal products: the fall harvest salsa with fall leaf corn tortilla chips. Honestly, this fall twist on chips and salsa is so adorable, I want to host a party!

The salsa is a blend of fruits and veggies including pumpkin, apples and butternut squash. Of course, there are also an abundance of tomatoes along with fire-roasted tomatillos, red bell peppers, jalapenos, and lime juice. If you pick up a jar, you simply must also grab a bag of Trader Joe’s fall leaf corn tortilla chips. You won’t have to search since they are normally located right next to each other in the chips aisle.

The post The Best Trader Joe’s Fall Treats, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1-1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, cut into 2-in. chunks

Ingredients

• 3 cups buttermilk
• 3 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, divided
• 4 pounds bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Oil for deep-fat frying

10. Baskin-Robbins

The Original Cappuccino Blast from Baskin-Robbins is a combination of Arabica coffee combined with vanilla ice cream and ice to form a rich and creamy blended iced beverage. In keeping with our parameters of ordering a vanilla iced coffee drink, I requested a vanilla swirl be added to this particular order. The chain also offers an option of whipped cream topping as well as a dusting of ground cinnamon to finish off the drink, but I skipped that extra flourish for the purposes of this taste test.

This drink came in at the bottom of our list for a few reasons. At $6.79 for a small, this was by far the most expensive beverage we tested. The drink was overly sweet and drank like a heavy dessert rather than a pleasant warm-weather beverage. There was very little coffee flavor, while simultaneously being way too aggressive on the vanilla.

Bottom Line: We would save this as a once in a while indulgent treat, rather than a go-to iced coffee order.

9. 7-Eleven

This convenience store boasts a large assortment of hot and iced coffee options, including French Vanilla and Mocha Cold Brew choices. These iced coffees are pre-blended beverages in a self-serve format. The smallest cup size available was a medium Big Gulp, which was quite large for the budget-friendly price tag of only $1.69. Since 7-Eleven allows you to fill the cup yourself, we liked that we could add the exact amount of ice to our liking.

Bottom Line: We found the French Vanilla Cold Brew to be too sweet with an overpowering vanilla flavor.

8. Taco Bell

Taco Bell only offers one size for its iced coffee options, a medium, and it is sold at a thrifty $1.89. Once the cashier handed over the beverage, we immediately noticed that the tall, skinny cup felt quite wobbly and precarious as it was placed in the car cupholder. When using a drive-thru and consuming drinks on the go, little things like this can make a big difference and lead to a potential mess.

Bottom Line: After taking the first sip, we found the Taco Bell vanilla iced latte to be quite bitter with such faint vanilla flavor it was hardly recognizable.

7. Wendy’s

If you love the iconic Wendy’s Frosty, then its Frosty Cream Cold Brew iced coffees might be the best way to get your fix at breakfast time. They are available in vanilla, caramel and chocolate varieties with the small size coming in at $2.39. Right away we noticed the minimal ice in the cup. With a name like “frosty” we were hoping for a perfectly chilled and refreshing drink. Like so many of the iced coffee drinks, this one was also on the sweeter side, but not as cloying as some of the others we tried, which we appreciated.

Bottom Line: The coffee flavor was quite mild, while the vanilla overpowered the beverage making this feel more like a dessert than a coffee.

6. Burger King

Burger King vanilla flavored or mocha iced coffee went for the lowest price on our list. A small was a deal at only $1.49. This came in near the middle of our ranked list because, while not perfect, it also wasn’t too overpowering one way or the other. There was just enough vanilla flavoring that it started to mask the coffee, but not as intensely as previous samples had. While sweet, it wasn’t cavity-inducing like some of the others we tasted.

Bottom Line: If you want an adequate iced coffee for a price that can be covered by the loose change jingling around in your armrest, Burger King is the way to go.

5. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers original or vanilla cold brew iced coffee in one size for $3.49. Before even taking the first sip, we liked the smaller ice nuggets used in this drink. And they didn’t overflow the cup with ice! Once again we noticed a milder coffee flavor paired with a very strong vanilla taste that verged on overpowering. We know that Chick-fil-A does have some of the best fast-food coffee, so it was disappointing that we couldn’t taste that great flavor here as well.

Bottom Line: If you love a strong vanilla flavor, this one is for you. We’d rather drink Chick-fil-A’s traditional cup of joe, though.

4. Panera

Upon looking at the menu, it appears that Panera only offers plain iced coffee for $3.69. However, the cashier let us know we could add vanilla flavor to our order. We opted for one pump which tacked on an additional $0.89. They also asked if we wanted to add milk, and we said yes to keep the taste test consistent.

Despite the higher cost, Panera’s iced coffee was a winner. It’s on the bitter side, but it tasted more like coffee than the previous samples. The vanilla flavor and level of sweetness was on the lighter side. You can specify the number of syrup pumps for a sweeter coffee.

Bottom Line: We would have liked a little bit more ice in the cup, but overall, this crafted coffee experience was way better than a pre-mixed drink.

3. Starbucks

Starbucks had our top choice for best fast-food breakfast sandwich, so if you want to make a meal out of your morning iced coffee order, then Starbucks is the way to go. Its iced coffee was exceptional, and it can be customized to your exact liking. A tall iced coffee with one pump of vanilla syrup came out to $3.95.

As you can see, this drink didn’t automatically come with milk and the cashier didn’t ask. It was pretty bitter, so lesson learned, we will definitely specify to add milk next time! Since this iced coffee is not pre-mixed and can be tailor-made to suit your taste buds, feel free to increase or decrease the number of vanilla pumps. We found one pump to be a little light.

Bottom Line: Without dairy, that strong and bitter signature Starbucks flavor was very prevalent. However, adding a bit of milk was a game changer. For on-the-go purposes, we loved the straw-free lid—the less hassle the better on busy mornings.

2. Dunkin’

Dunkin’ took our number one spot in the traditional fast-food coffee taste test, and it came so close to the top of the list this time around as well. We ordered the small iced coffee for $3.39 and the cashier asked if we wanted cream and sugar in there as well. The result was a beautifully balanced cup of iced coffee that allowed the incredible Dunkin’ coffee flavor to really shine. Everything was in perfect proportion. Ultimately, only one fast-food restaurant ranked higher. We were just as surprised as you might be!

Bottom Line: Dunkin’ has a stellar iced coffee. It was pleasantly sweet and had enough vanilla flavor to be detected and enjoyable, while letting the coffee itself be the star of the show.

1. McDonald’s

The biggest surprise from this taste test was how much we liked the McDonald’s iced coffee. At $2.29 this was a great value for an incredible drink. While both Dunkin’ and Starbucks also sold fantastic cups of iced coffee, at McDonald’s, the price-to-taste ratio just couldn’t be beat. Also, considering McDonald’s is one of the most prevalent fast-food restaurant chains, it is great to know that a fantastic iced coffee is always just a quick drive-thru away. Pair this iced coffee with a classic Egg McMuffin (made with a real egg!) for a morning treat that will leave you satisfied until lunchtime.

Bottom Line: Competitors have nothing on McDonald’s iced coffee. We got the ideal balance of coffee, vanilla and sugar without having to communicate a custom order. It was quick, affordable and had all the essential components—in the right ratio—that we were hoping for.

The post 10 Best Fast-Food Iced Coffees, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Dash ground nutmeg
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided
• 4 slices Texas toast, crust removed
• 2 small tomatoes, halved
• 14 ounces thickly sliced cooked turkey breast
• 4 cooked bacon strips
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Paprika

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3-4 medium bananas)
• 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)