Orange Peels

Instead of throwing away orange peels, toss them into a jar and then fill it with white vinegar. Cover and set it in a dark spot for about two weeks. After that, strain the vinegar and place it in a spray bottle for a citrusy DIY cleaning spray.

Cucumber Peels

If you prefer to peel the cucumber skin off before adding it to recipes, save the peels instead of tossing them. Add the cucumber peels to a container and fill it with water. Let it soak for about five days and then strain out the skins. You can now use this cucumber water as a nourishing way to fertilize your plants.

Pineapple Tops

Next time you’re peeling a pineapple, save the top to grow your own plant. Instead of cutting the pineapple top off, twist it off gently, then remove the lowest three of four rows of leaves. After letting it dry for two days, gently twist it into some potting soil. Water it from the top every four or five days and watch new leaves sprout from the top as it grows.

Watermelon Rind

It might seem like watermelon rind is an inedible food scrap, but it’s actually completely edible and a great source of fiber. After your next summer barbecue, save the watermelon rind to make a great smoothie. Toss the watermelon rind into a blender with some ice cubes and a squeeze of lemon juice, and you’ll end up with a frothy watermelon smoothie.

Avocado Skins

Avocados are one of the most nutrient-packed foods, but they also tend to be one of the most expensive produce items at the store. If you want to maximize your purchase, save the avocado skins instead of tossing them out. Place them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 300°F. Use a blender or grinder to turn the baked avocado skins into a fine powder and then add in 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey to create an all-natural and refreshing face mask.

The post 6 Genius Ways to Upcycle Your Food Scraps appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Thanks to TikTok influencers Keith Lee and Alexis Frost, Chipotle has turned their favorite meal and ordering hack into fully-fledged menu items available for a limited time.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Keithadilla and Fajita Quesadilla Hack at Chipotle.

Editor’s Tip: The famous Chipotle queso blanco is especially popular and personally, keeps us coming back for more. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy. The only downside? It will set you back a few bucks to add queso to your order.

What Are the Keithadilla and Fajita Quesadilla Hack?

We get a lot of great ideas from TikTok, but these two are exceptional. It’s not every day that Chipotle updates its menu because of you, but creators Keith Lee (@keith_lee125) and Alexis Frost (@alexis.frost) had that exact thing happen to them. Their custom orders went viral enough on TikTok that Chipotle has added them to the menu.

@alexis.frost @alexis.frost this has been one of my faves ever since it was suggested . #mrsfrost #chipotle #quesadilla #foodie #foodtok #fastfood ♬ mario sound – mandycap

Inspired by Frost’s order, Chipotle has created the Fajita Quesadilla Hack which serves up a fajita quesadilla with steak and comes with roasted chili-corn salsa, tomatillo red-chili salsa and sour cream on the side. She dunks the fajita quesadilla in both the tomatillo red-chili salsa and sour cream before enjoying what she considers a Philly cheesesteak approach to a quesadilla.

@keith_lee125 #stitch with @alexis.frost “Philly cheesesteak” from Chipotle taste test Chipotle Sauce hack @hasaneats would you try it ? #foodcritic ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

The Keithadilla comes from Keith, who tried out Frost’s order but added his own twist. The Keithadilla is the same fajita quesadilla with steak but served with a side of roasted chili-corn salsa, sour cream and Chipotle-honey vinaigrette dressing. Lee prefers to eat the quesadilla dipped into a mixture of sour cream and vinaigrette which he calls a “10 out of 10.” Learn how to make a spot-on copycat version of Chipotle’s vinaigrette in two simple steps.

To try either or both the Keithadilla and the Fajita Quesadilla Hack, you’ll need to place your Chipotle order through online ordering or the Chipotle app. If you still have a hunger for Chipotle, you can try making these simple Chipotle copycat recipes at home.

When Can I Get Them?

Both the Keithadilla and Fajita Quesadilla Hack launched on March 2, so your next order can include either or both of these new menu items. However, both will only stick around for a limited time, so don’t sleep on trying out these new menu items. But before you run out the door, check out these Chipotle secrets that might help you learn some extra ordering hacks.

Chipotle Copycat Recipes You'll Love

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Slow-Cooker BarbacoaMy husband adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, ColoradoGo to Recipe

Chipotle Chicken CopycatChipotle chicken is tender, juicy and perfectly seasoned to complement all the burrito fixings in those gigantic flour tortillas. Making this copycat Chipotle chicken recipe at home couldn't be easier; the key is marinating your chicken overnight in a spicy, smoky blend of herbs, spices and aromatics.Go To Recipe

Chipotle Queso Blanco CopycatThis chile con queso recipe has a seriously cheesy vibe and packs the perfect level of heat. Serve it as an appetizer dip, or drizzle it over chips to make a knockout plate of nachos.

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Ooey-gooey cheesy queso is great in bowls, burritos—even straight out of the cup! This copycat recipe tastes just like Chipotle's queso blanco, but if you want your queso to look more similar, use shredded white cheddar instead of yellow.Editor's Tip: The famous Chipotle queso blanco is especially popular and personally, keeps us coming back for more. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy. The only downside? It will set you back a few bucks to add queso to your order.

Chipotle Guacamole Copycat

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Chipotle's guacamole is legendary—and for good reason. The secret? Its freshness! Though many dips tend to improve the longer they sit, guacamole tastes best shortly after it's made, so the flavor of fresh avocado shines through the rest of the ingredients. Eating it right away also keeps guacamole from browning.

Chipotle Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa CopycatLast year was the first time I had ever grown tomatillos. They were so abundant that I had enough to eat fresh, give away and freeze for future gatherings. What I didn't expect was how well the salsa would freeze. I do like to add an extra zip by juicing a fresh lime into the salsa after it has thawed. —Kim Banick, Salem, Oregon

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Tomatillos may look like green tomatoes, but they're not the same thing. Instead, tomatillos are small, round and firm with a dense interior. When raw, tomatillos have a bright, extremely tart flavor that's somewhat reminiscent of limes. When roasted, tomatillos lose that acidic edge and become a little sweeter. They're the perfect addition to salsa.

Chipotle Rice CopycatMy family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky

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Have you ever dreamed of going to Chipotle and eating nothing but a big, heaping bowl of fluffy cilantro-lime rice? Well, you can make that dream come true in your very own home with this simple five-ingredient recipe.

Chipotle Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa CopycatIf possible, try to find fresh or frozen sweet white corn for the most authentic Chipotle corn salsa. It's what the restaurant uses in its recipe. However, if all you can find is yellow corn, this salsa will still be spectacularly delicious.Go To Recipe

Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa CopycatThis quick-and-easy salsa tastes great as an accompaniment to meat dishes as well as with chips. I teach kindergarten and my husband is a county Extension agent. We've lived down here in the Imperial Valley for 30 years. I say "down here" because Holtville is 15 feet below sea level!

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You only need five ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to make this vibrant salsa, which livens up just about everything it's paired with. Although this fresh tomato salsa is delicious the day it's made, it gets even better the longer it sits—double the recipe so you can snack on salsa and veggies or chips all week.

Chipotle Tomatillo-Red Chili Salsa CopycatMake the most of fresh tomatoes with this recipe for roasted salsa. It's so tasty, you might find yourself eating it right out of the bowl with a spoon!

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This recipe isn't an exact replica of Chipotle's fiery red salsa, but it's a great "close enough" option if you don't have access to fresh tomatillos. If you like your salsa extra spicy, don't hold back when adding the hot sauce!

Chipotle Carnitas CopycatWe shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut

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Carnitas is arguably one of the most popular meats at Chipotle. Though there's no shortage of winning options on the menu, it was the irresistible slow-roasted spiced pork that put Chipotle on the map when it opened its first location in Denver, Colorado, in 1993.

Chipotle Steak Tacos CopycatZesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

Go to Recipe

Fire up the grill to make these Chipotle-inspired flank steak tacos, topped with a simple fresh salsa made explosive with fresh lime juice. For even more delicious acidity, serve these tacos with pickled red onions.

Chipotle Chicken Tacos Copycat with Avocado SalsaThis chicken taco recipe features a light, refreshing salsa made from avocados and corn. The chicken takes on the perfect combination of seasonings as you cook this dish; you may even want to make extra because it's just that good.

Go to Recipe

As good as these chicken tacos are, the real star of this copycat recipe is the easy-to-make avocado salsa, which you'll want to eat straight out of the bowl. Let your guests choose between crispy corn tortillas or soft flour tortillas, just like you would at Chipotle.

Chipotle Cheese Quesadillas CopycatWe serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado

Go to Recipe

If you don't want to worry about ordering a quesadilla ahead of time for pickup at Chipotle, you can make quesadillas at home instead. This is a basic, easy quesadilla recipe everyone should know how to make, and once you do, you can start experimenting with all sorts of additional fillings.

Chipotle Veggie Burrito CopycatNo one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They’re fast to fix and won’t put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

Go to Recipe

Perfect for meatless Mondays, no one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh filling. Double the recipe, and you can eat the leftovers for Taco Tuesday! Include guacamole for an even closer copycat recipe.  

The post Chipotle Just Added Two New Quesadillas to Its Menu appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The Blue Willow pattern appears on everything needed for a full dinner spread, from dinner plates to mugs to a gravy boat. They’re subtle statement pieces that work with almost any decor and show their versatility in working for both casual meals and the most important holiday celebrations. If you’re curious about the highly sought-after Blue Willow china, here’s the history and where to get a set of your own.

What Is Blue Willow China?

Blue Willow china features an elegant and traditional scene that’s recognized across the globe. A blue-printed scene on white porcelain depicts nature and historical imagery in the style of Chinese porcelain with pagodas, a weeping willow tree, an ornate boat floating on a lake and two birds in the sky.

Stories vary, but most agree the iconic Blue Willow scene is a tale of forbidden love between the daughter of a powerful man and his secretary. The father felt the secretary was unworthy of his daughter’s affection and not only banished his secretary but constructed a fence to keep his daughter contained. In an attempt to see each other, the daughter and secretary died and were reincarnated as the two birds soaring together near the blue willow tree.

Who Makes the Original Blue Willow China?

The original Blue Willow china was made in England by Thomas Minton and Thomas Turner. Minton engraved the porcelain made by Turner. Eventually, the pattern was moved to a transferware process that essentially stamped the pattern onto dinnerware, rather than hand painting. This process meant more homes could afford Blue Willow china, making it a popular choice across England and later the United States.

If you’re hoping to add a set of Blue Willow china to your home, you might have an easier time buying modern-day replicas instead of seeking out original pieces since that could take you on a journey, similar to tracking down vintage Corelle dinnerware. Amazon sells sets of Blue Willow china made by Johnson Brothers. You can also buy sets and individual pieces from the Vermont Country Store that imports them from British producer Churchill China that could make for a highly desired modern take on a traditional wedding gift.

The blue and white china could also be a great addition to patriotic holiday celebrations when serving up all-American recipes on Memorial Day.

If blue isn’t your ideal dining room decor color, the Blue Willow design also comes in pink, green and brown.

Is Blue Willow China Worth Anything?

Some original Blue Willow china might be worth over $1,000. The now antique original pieces made in England from the 1780s until the 1820s could be worth thousands, depending on how rare the piece is, according to the Chicago Tribune. The value of Blue Willow china also depends on its condition and where it was made. Since the originals were made in England, those are typically worth the most. Newer pieces made in Japan, America and China probably won’t fetch as much.

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