Pancakes have likely been around since Ancient Greece and Rome, when people ate fried cakes made with flour, oil, salt and honey. In the modern era, pancakes have gotten more complex, with variations ranging from super-thin basic crepes, to elegant interpretations such as pecan-apple pancakes.

There are plenty of tricks for making exceptional pancakes—Martha Stewart has a super seltzer water hack to increase the fluff factor—but the pancakes at Golden Diner in New York City are so special that people stand in line for an average of two hours in the late morning, and for up to three hours during peak hours!

Why are Golden Diner’s pancakes so special?

Golden Diner itself has tons of chef cred. The year it opened, Chef Sam Yoo’s Asian-inspired take on classic American diner fare scored him a nomination for a “Best New Restaurant” James Beard Award (which is like the Best Picture Oscar of the cooking world). There, the grilled cheese and tomato soup includes kimchi, the cheeseburger buns are smeared with Korean gochujang sauce, and the coffeecake is spring green due to the inclusion of matcha.

What’s so great about the pancakes? First of all, they’re baked in a skillet, and they aren’t flipped. Because of this, the cakes stay super tender and light, but the pan side turns a rich golden brown. Secondly, they’re liberally slathered with honey butter, which is an easy and delicious topping.

The original Golden Diner pancakes are also leavened with yeast and include salt and soy sauce for a savory flavor that marries beautifully with the sweet honey butter.

With no time to head to New York and wait in line, I decided to test out a shortcut recipe from TikTok.

What was it like to make them?

In general, this recipe was easy to follow. However, since I only had one skillet in which to bake the batter, and each of the three rounds of baking took around 10 minutes, it took me a full half hour to cook the cakes. I couldn’t keep the earlier ones warm in the oven (like I usually do when I’m making batches of pancakes) because the oven was heated to 400°F. By the time the last one was done, the first two were cold.

Another gripe: The TikTok recipe didn’t say to bring the dairy products and eggs up to room temperature before stirring in the wet ingredients, and the melted butter started to harden the moment it hit the cold milk.

Even though the pan was pretty warm when it came out of the oven after the first bake, I needed to reheat the skillet on the stovetop before adding the next batch of batter in order to ensure the pancake had a toasty brown bottom. The one time I skipped this step, the resulting cake was pale and soft.

How do copycat Golden Diner pancakes taste?

The TikTok copycat recipe doesn’t include the soy sauce that’s in the real Golden Diner recipe, nor does it use any salt. Without salty ingredients, the cakes tasted flat. Since soy sauce is part of what’s intriguing about the famous ‘cakes and is also incorporated into the diner’s honey butter, I was disappointed that it wasn’t in the mix.

Using a good amount of buttermilk gave the pancakes a pleasantly sour flavor, which matched well with the honey butter topping. The chef who wrote the TikTok recipe got the amount of baking powder and baking soda just right, and the finished cakes were super light and airy, with attractive air pockets throughout. The actual Golden Diner pancakes are leavened with yeast, which makes the process take quite a bit longer, but contributes a more complex flavor.

These pancakes also had a rich golden color on the “down” side that had been touching the skillet, and looked pretty when they were flipped upside down to be served. Neither the cakes nor the honey butter were too sweet.

Are they worth waiting in line for?

My weekend breakfast go-to is a recipe for buttermilk pancakes studded with blueberries or banana. The cakes are cooked four at a time on a cast-iron griddle. I love the crispy outside bits best, and alternate between using maple syrup, honey and fruit sauces like strawberry compote as toppings.

This quick Golden Diner pancakes copycat didn’t live up to the hype. Adding the combo of maple and soy in the original recipe and using salt would help bring intrigue to what is otherwise a basic, but elegant-looking breakfast. Skipping the yeast rise saves time, but detracts from the flavor of the finished product. The high loft of the finished cakes was great, but the fact that the early ones were cold before the last one was done was less than desirable.

I might not wait for three hours for the real deal, but I think 45 minutes seems reasonable. I also think there’s a version of the Golden Diner pancake recipe that’s worth making at home, but it may not be this one.

Related:

• Our Best Pancake Recipes
• The Best Maple Syrup You Can Buy
• The Very Best Pancake Mix, According to Our Pro Pancake Flippers

The post I Made the Internet-Famous ‘Golden Diner Pancakes’—Do They Live Up to the Hype? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• CAKE:
• 2 packets of Earl Grey tea
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• WHIPPED CREAM:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon loose Earl Grey tea, optional
• Grated lemon zest, optional

Ingredients

• CAKE BATTER:
• 1 cup sugar
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk or water
• FROSTING:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• DECORATION:
• Candy melts, or white chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
• Sugar sprinkles
• Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone Tips (or Muddy Bites Waffle Cones filled with chocolate)

When he’s not acting, Ryan is hanging out with his family. He’s been in a relationship with fellow actor Eva Mendes since 2011, and the couple has two daughters, Esmerelda and Amada. He keeps a lot of his personal life private, but there is one aspect that he will discuss: food! Which is lucky for me, since my job is to write about food.

And if you’re wondering, he does play favorites. There is one recipe that he just can’t seem to get “Kenough” of, and it’s one that his mother-in-law makes!

What is Ryan Gosling’s favorite dessert?

“If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?” I think that is a pretty impossible question to answer, but it didn’t stump Ryan Gosling in this Netflix interview. Much to my surprise, he had an answer ready to go—and it’s a good one!

“It would be Eva’s mom’s arroz con leche,” he said. And then he even took it a step further by elaborating on exactly how it tastes. “It’s like an angel crying on your tongue,” he continued.

What is arroz con leche?

Arroz con leche is a sweet, cinnamon-spiced pudding. It’s a big part of Mexican and other Latin cuisines. Ryan Gosling’s mother-in-law, Eva Perez Suarez, is Cuban.

As with any dish, it will vary from culture to culture and family to family, but the basic ingredients are the same. It’s a mixture of rice, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon and raisins. Angel tears must be that secret family ingredient!

Related:

• Our Best Recipes for Cuban Food
• Here’s What A-List Celebs Eat at the Oscars After-Party
• How to Make a Barbie Cocktail

The post Ryan Gosling’s Favorite Dessert Is One of His Mother-in-Law’s Recipes appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The mother of Beyoncé and grandmother of Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir revealed in a recent interview that the gift she wants most for Mother’s Day is for Bey and her sister Solange to come and learn how to make gumbo. It’s significant for Tina because she first learned to make this labor-intensive dish from her mother, Agnes.

But with Beyoncé having just kicked off her cross-country Cowboy Carter tour, it’s not looking like that will happen soon. I suspect Tina will do the cooking this Mother’s Day.

What does Tina Knowles cook for Beyoncé?

The dish that Tina loves to cook is Louisiana Creole gumbo. It was the first dish she learned how to make and remains her favorite thing to prepare for family gatherings.

A recipe for the dish was featured in Tina’s 2002 book Destiny’s Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Secrets from Destiny’s Child and recently resurfaced on TikTok.

The dish starts with a roux, 6 pounds of frozen okra, celery, bell pepper, onions and seasonings. Then she adds chicken, crabs, sausage and tomatoes. The gumbo simmers for three to four hours before the shrimp is added, and the end result is served over rice.

“There are no shortcuts, so you are going to have to baby-sit that pot until it’s ready,” Tina’s recipe reads.

It seems Beyoncé just doesn’t have the patience—or the cooking skills. Tina admitted in a 2019 interview that the superstar “can’t cook,” but Bey is no diva. She’s crazy in love with Tina’s cooking, once calling her mother “the best cook in the world.”

“She makes the best Creole food, all the gumbo and jambalaya and soul food,” Beyoncé said. “When I go home, I want to be babied. I want my mom to cook me food, I want to wear my socks and crawl up into bed, and I don’t want to cook!”

Related:

• Louisiana Gumbo Recipe
• What’s the Difference Between Cajun and Creole Food?
• I Made Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

The post This Is What Beyoncé’s Mom Makes for Mother’s Day appeared first on Taste Recipes.

That said, everybody does potato salad a little differently. From selecting the type of potatoes for potato salad, dressing ingredients and other mix-ins, no two potato salads are exactly the same.

One of our most beloved and top-rated potato salad recipes has to be this Southern potato salad. The reason? It boils down to one special ingredient that takes this classic dish to all-new levels of yum: sweet pickles.

Why You Should Add Chopped Pickles to Your Potato Salad

Yep, a generous amount of chopped sweet pickles is the secret to this five-star potato salad. Most potato salad recipes feature plenty of salty, spicy and/or acidic ingredients like mustard, bacon, vinegar or chopped onion. While each ingredient brings tons of flavor and texture to a potato salad recipe, the finished product still lacks something. That’s where the sweet pickles come into play.

Unlike dill pickles, sweet pickles bring a necessary sweetness that contrasts with the other dominant flavors in a potato salad. In fact, many people who grew up eating southern potato salad claim it must have a hint of sweetness to be the real deal. While some say a bit of regular sugar is the way to go (like in this Amish potato salad), others swear that sweet pickles are the secret to success.

How to Make Potato Salad with Pickles

Making potato salad with pickles starts like other potato salad recipes. You begin by boiling the potatoes. Once tender, drain the potatoes and cool them completely in the refrigerator.

While the potatoes cool, finely chop the other ingredients (including the sweet pickles) and make a simple dressing with mayonnaise, mustard and spices. Once the potatoes are cool, toss everything together and mix until thoroughly combined.

Once mixed, the potato salad can be served immediately, or it can be returned to the refrigerator for several hours. Like tuna salad, potato salad tastes best once the flavors have had a chance to hang out together in the fridge and marinate.

More Ways to Punch Up Potato Salad

• Add a splash of pickle juice: Why stop at chopped pickles? Go ahead and add a few tablespoons of the pickle juice to your dressing. The brine helps the pickle flavor permeate the salad for maximum flavor.
• Toss in green olives: If you prefer a potato salad with a salty bite, green olives are one of our favorite ingredients to add to just about any recipe (like this Italian potato salad).
• Consider a bit of crunch: Some people don’t enjoy potato salad because they find the texture too mushy or gloopy. Counter this by adding crisp and crunchy ingredients to the mix for a burst of texture. Finely chopped celery, radish or green peas are just a few options to consider.
• Spice it up: For extra heat, add a few tablespoons of fresh or pickled chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
• Don’t forget about herbs: It’s summer, meaning fresh herbs are readily available to add flavor and color to any dish. For potato salad, add a few tablespoons of fresh parsley, dill or chives.

Related:

• The Best Store-Bought Potato Salads, Ranked
• The Best Mayonnaise Brands, According to Our Test Kitchen
• Can You Eat Green Potatoes and Are They Safe to Eat?

The post This Is My Secret for Making the Most Flavorful Potato Salad appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What is “dinosaur time?”

@talatonline54k I’ve been going strong on dinosaur time for about a week now as a supplement to my normal lunches and I feel pretty good. So maybe try it out #greens #healthy #healthyliving #healthyrecipes #healthylifestyle #fyp #dinosaur #dinosaurtime #Fitness #fitnesstips #nutrition #nutritiontips #macros ♬ original sound – Talat54K

The trend first arose with TikTok user @sahmthingsup (identified by NPR as Amy Garrett), who posted a video on February 27 demonstrating her method for getting the right nutrients into her daily diet. Calling it “the best life hack for me,” she takes a large fistful of raw spinach straight from the package, then quickly stuffs the whole bundle in her mouth, taking time to chew it all before stuffing even more spinach into her mouth and chewing, chewing, chewing.

“I’ve been going strong on dinosaur time for about a week now as a supplement to my normal lunches and I feel pretty good,” the caption reads in part. The video had nearly half a million likes and thousands of comments praising the method.

People are attracted to the notion of “dinosaur time” for a number of reasons. For one thing, not everyone has time to cook healthy, vegetable-forward meals, and simply downing fistfuls of raw leafy greens alleviates the need to do so. Some people who dislike the taste of vegetables but still want the health benefits consider “dino time” a way of getting it over with quickly.

One commenter also pointed out that the method creates no dishes that must be washed. And then, of course, some people just find it fun to act like a dinosaur. Understandable.

Is “dinosaur eating” healthy?

There’s nothing inherently wrong about this approach to eating one’s greens, but NPR does note that those prone to kidney stones and people who take blood thinners might want to steer clear of the practice, since a sudden influx of the vegetables’ oxalic acid could cause complications to underlying health issues.

It also shouldn’t be undertaken as some sort of weight loss hack, and it’s certainly not the be-all and end-all of nutritional wellness. Other than that, nutritionists seem to be more or less fine with the practice, though they also point out that it’s just one of many potential approaches to a healthy diet.

“As long as people are consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, they should be getting enough nutrients,” registered dietitian Alyssa Smolen told CBS News. Recommendations include blending greens into a green smoothie, cooking them into scrambled eggs, tossing them into a sandwich or wrap or even pairing them with sliced deli turkey for an easy snack. Eating greens doesn’t have to be a chore overcome by acting like an ancient predator.

Related:

• • Spinach Salad Recipes
  • Viral TikTok Recipes and Food Hacks
  • What Is Fridgescaping?

The post This Bizarre ‘Dinosaur Eating’ Trend Has the Internet Completely Divided appeared first on Taste Recipes.

That’s why, when we discovered a homemade baking spray recipe, we had to put it to the test.

What is homemade baking spray?

Full disclosure, this homemade baking “spray” is not a spray at all. Rather, it’s a simple paste (similar in consistency to pancake batter) that you can brush onto your glass, ceramic or metal bakeware using a pastry brush.

Like commercial baking sprays, this recipe includes a combination of oil, emulsifiers and starch to help prevent food from sticking to baking pans. Unlike store-bought products, though, this homemade baking spray is made using just three ingredients you likely already have. The result is an effective pan release free from harmful propellants and problematic additives (such as soy lecithin, dimethyl silicone and diacetyl).

Ingredients for Homemade Baking Spray

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

How to Make Homemade Baking Spray

Step 1: Beat the flour and shortening

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour and shortening at medium-low speed until they form a smooth paste, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t own a stand mixer, use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to beat the shortening and flour together by hand. Then, incorporate the oil in the next step using a wire whisk.

Step 2: Add the oil

With the mixer set to low speed, slowly pour in the oil and mix until the baking spray is smooth, about one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.

Step 3: Transfer and store

Once smooth, transfer the mixture to a lidded container, such as a Mason jar, and store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature until you’re ready to use it.

How to Use Homemade Baking Spray

When using a homemade baking spray, go ahead and be generous. We used roughly 1-1/2 tablespoons of “goop” to coat the inside of a 10-cup bundt pan. For a small 8- or 9-inch square baking pan, you’ll likely need a little less than 1 tablespoon to sufficiently coat the pan.

To apply, use a pastry brush with natural or silicone bristles to coat the bottom and sides of your pan. Brush it evenly into any corners and crevices on your pan to ensure a clean release.

Is homemade baking spray worth it?

Yes, homemade baking spray works like a charm! This truly might be one of the best kitchen hacks we’ve tried in a while. Homemade baking spray comes together in less than 10 minutes and is super effective as a pan release. We tested this DIY product on aluminum, nonstick, ceramic and glass bakeware, and all of them passed with flying colors.

Another benefit of this goop is its affordability. These days, a single, standard-size can of our Test Kitchen’s favorite cooking spray costs around $4 per can. We did the math, and a batch of this homemade baking spray costs a mere $1.73 and yields a little more than 1 cup of product. Now, that’s what we call a deal! Needless to say, this homemade baking spray will be a new fixture in our pantry for all of our favorite baking recipes.

How to Store Homemade Baking Spray

This homemade baking spray may be stored at room temperature in an airtight food storage container (e.g., a Mason jar) for up to three months. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to six months.

Homemade Baking Spray Tips

Can you make homemade baking spray with gluten-free flour?

Yes! Another benefit of this homemade pan release is that you can make a gluten-free version using an equal amount of your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why did this homemade baking spray turn my chocolate cake hazy?

You can use this homemade baking spray for just about any baked good. That said, it can leave a white cast or haze on darker-colored cakes or muffins. To prevent this, you can tint the pan release with cocoa powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder per tablespoon of homemade baking spray, and then use it as directed.

Why did my pan release separate?

Separation is a natural occurrence with this homemade baking spray, especially if you don’t use it promptly. If you notice separation, simply whisk the ingredients back together.

Can I use homemade baking spray on nonstick pans?

Yes. Commercial baking sprays typically contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that, while effective, can leave a sticky residue over time that requires more effort when cleaning nonstick pans. Since this homemade version doesn’t contain soy lecithin, you can use it without fear.

Related:

• Pantry Staples You Can Make at Home
• Here’s When You Should Use Cooking Spray (and When You Shouldn’t)
• The Ultimate Guide to Baking Substitutes

The post We Tested a Homemade Baking ‘Spray.’ Here’s How It Went appeared first on Taste Recipes.

She takes her food as seriously as her acting, much like her Lady Bird and Little Women co-star, Timothée Chalamet. In fact, she even signed up to take a cooking course!

What dessert did Saoirse Ronan learn to make?

According to this interview, she took a week-long cooking class with a friend in Edinburgh, Scotland. “It was just sort of beginner’s things, like different sorts of crumbles and pastries,” she told Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest.

She also learned how to properly brown meat and prepare a proper Sunday roast, which is a classic meal throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. But her favorite part of the course was what they made on the last day of class.

“They [the instructors] said to us the whole week, ‘the thing that you’re cooking on Friday is like the best thing that you’re ever gonna have in your life’,” she said in the interview. The dessert? Sticky ginger cake!

What is sticky ginger cake?

Saoirse says that the sticky ginger cake is similar to a classic sticky toffee pudding, but it’s made in a loaf pan rather than an individual dish or cake pan. I think that makes sense for a beginner’s class—it’s probably less finicky to make it in a loaf pan for your first go at it. Regardless of the pan you use, I guarantee that it is delicious.

I would be happy to eat anything Saoirse makes for me, whether it’s a sticky ginger cake or a whole Sunday roast!

Related:

• Why Queen Camilla Doesn’t Cook for King Charles
• Traditional British Foods Explained to Americans
• Grandma’s Best Sunday Dinners

The post Saoirse Ronan Took a Cooking Class to Learn How to Make This Dessert appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Meet “Mom’s Slice,” a trend in which one slice-shaped section of a cake is decked out in maximalist glory and inscribed as belonging specifically to Mom.

What is ‘Mom’s Slice?’

The trend of icing one extra special slice of cake seems to have been popularized by a number of bakeries across the country. Edda’s Cake Designs in Florida first posted the idea on its Instagram last May. Other bakeries—like Clay’s Bakery in Pennsylvania and McArthur’s Bakery in Missouri—have also taken to the idea, adding “Mom’s Slice” options to their menus.

Not surprisingly, the idea has also shown up on TikTok, where user @tiffanys_cakes_ shared her take on the trend in a video viewed over 650,000 times.

While the most popular examples of the trend usually show “Mom’s Slice” with a mound of buttercream flowers, you could make the trend with any type of topping that the cake’s recipient loves to eat. You could achieve a similar effect with a smattering of edible flowers, fruit, sprinkles or candy. Some social media comments suggest that “Mom’s Slice” should actually have less frosting than the rest of the cake, if that’s more your mom’s speed.

How do I add it to a homemade cake?

While bakeries have popularized this trend, it’s pretty straightforward to try at home. You just need to go about baking your cake as you ordinarily would, and when it comes time to decorate it, differentiate one slice-shaped section from the rest of the cake. Drive the message home by writing “Mom’s Slice” and adding a piped arrow pointing to this special section.

If I were to make this for my mom, I’d go the less-frosting route and keep it simple with delicately arranged fresh strawberry slices, because they’re her favorite fruit. Give it a go, and let us know how it turns out!

Related:

• Viral TikTok Recipes and Food Hacks
• Mother’s Day Recipes She’ll Love
• Mother’s Day Lunch Ideas Mom Will Love

The post What Is ‘Mom’s Slice’ and Why Do You Need One for Your Mother’s Day Cake? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

It seems Shake Shack adores nostalgic comfort food as much as I do, because the chain added a Banana Pudding Shake to its summer menu. Being the banana pudding connoisseur that I am, I absolutely had to have a taste.

What’s in the Banana Pudding Shake?

Like its namesake dessert, this shake consists of frozen banana pudding custard made with real bananas, hand-spun with vanilla wafer cookies. It’s topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a vanilla wafer crumble.

Shake Shack is known for having some of the best fast-food shakes, so my expectations were high as I walked in to order.

What does the Banana Pudding Shake taste like?

The Banana Pudding Shake delivers on the banana pudding taste. I was extremely impressed with the cookie-to-frozen custard ratio, and the consistency was absolutely dreamy. It was thick enough to make me work for it, but not so thick that I got annoyed.

My shake didn’t have any of the promised Nilla Wafer crumbles on top, probably because I went the day the menu dropped. Honestly, though? I didn’t miss that final touch.

The banana flavor itself was subtle but real. Sometimes milkshakes have a heavy, inauthentic taste that makes me want to gag. (Sorry, Shamrock Shake, I’m looking at you.) This shake, however, left the artificial banana taste at home and relied on the power of fresh bananas. I was absolutely floored with the overall combination and found myself sucking it down to nothing almost instantly.

As I climbed into my car to leave Shake Shack, I stared longingly at the menu from outside, wishing I had purchased another. I imagine I’ll be taking a trip again tomorrow. Darn you, Shake Shack!

How long will it be on the menu?

The Banana Pudding Shake will likely be gone by the end of summer. Shake Shack is also dropping two other nostalgia-heavy flavors: Oreo Cookie Funnel Cake and Campfire S’mores. While I am a banana pudding lover at heart, the Campfire S’mores shake was a close second for me.

Now don’t go puddin’ it off—grab these shakes before they’re gone!

Related:

• We Made the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe
• How to Make Milkshakes
• Ripe Banana Recipes to Use Up Your Bunch

The post This Iconic Fast-Food Chain Has Banana Pudding Shakes on the Menu for Summer appeared first on Taste Recipes.

First, a caveat: We’re talking specifically about American buttercream frosting here. It’s the most common type of homemade frosting, usually made from butter, powdered sugar and milk or cream. Other types of buttercream like Swiss buttercream (made with whipped egg whites) or French buttercream (enriched with egg yolks) must be refrigerated.

Does buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated?

You don’t have to refrigerate buttercream frosting. It will keep at room temperature for up to two days. Normally, that’s long enough; if you’re hosting a birthday party, for example, the birthday cake might get gobbled up before then.

The main benefit to leaving buttercream at room temperature is to preserve its smooth, spreadable texture. We like to leave buttercream frosting out if we made it in the morning and intend to frost a cake in the afternoon, or if we’ve already frosted the cake and intend to serve it right away.

If you’ve made a variation on buttercream that contains eggs, whipped cream or cream cheese, you should refrigerate the frosting within two hours.

How to Store Buttercream Frosting

How to store buttercream at room temperature

To safely store buttercream at room temperature, keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Cover it well with storage wrap. (Psst: If don’t want to smear a frosted cake, insert toothpicks into the top and drape the storage wrap over the top.)

How to store buttercream frosting in the refrigerator

If you don’t think you’ll eat the frosting within two days, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator. Store plain frosting in an airtight container or tightly covered bowl. Plain frosting will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

If the frosting is on a cake, cover the cake with storage wrap. A frosted cake will keep for up to one week in the fridge, although the cake itself may dry out a bit.

The main challenge in refrigerating buttercream is that the texture of the frosting stiffens as the butter hardens. That makes it difficult to spread and ever-so-slightly less appealing to eat. This is easy to fix, however. One key cake frosting tip is to take the frosting (or frosted cake) out of the refrigerator two hours before you plan to use it. The butter will soften as it comes to room temperature, restoring the buttercream’s smooth, creamy texture.

How to Freeze Buttercream Frosting

Freezing buttercream is a good option if your recipe yielded more than you needed. Buttercream freezes well. Transfer it to an airtight container, leaving as little extra air space as possible. Press a piece of storage wrap to the surface of the frosting to further protect it from freezer burn. Cover it tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to three months. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Tips for Storing Buttercream Frosting

Do you have to refrigerate a cake frosted with buttercream?

No, you don’t have to refrigerate a buttercream frosted cake, provided that you plan to eat the cake within two days. Just cover it with storage wrap or a cake dome, and keep in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Refrigerating cake can dry out the crumb a bit, so if you plan to eat the cake quickly, it will taste best at room temperature.

How do you store buttercream frosting overnight?

You can store buttercream frosting at room temperature overnight, but we suggest refrigerating it. Then you can still keep your frosted cake at room temperature for two days, rather than worrying about a shortened shelf life. Buttercream will harden in the fridge, so remember to move it to the counter about two hours before you’re ready to use it.

How can you use leftover buttercream frosting?

There’s no rule that says homemade frosting has to go on a cake! If you have leftover frosting, there are tons of ways to use it up. Slather frosting on toast, peanut butter-style, for a dessert-like breakfast. Frosting also tastes amazing on a stack of pancakes. Spread frosting between two cookies to make instant sandwich cookies. Dollop frosting onto ice cream for a decadent treat. Or, serve frosting as a dip for pretzel rods or fruit. (If it’s a bit too thick for dipping, thin it out with a spoonful of milk or cream.)

The post Does Buttercream Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 24 bamboo leaves
• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 1/4 cup Lee Kum Kee dark soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Lee Kum Kee light soy sauce
• 2 pounds pork belly, thick sliced
• 1/4 cup Shao Xing cooking wine
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped to about 2 inches long

Does it come as any surprise, then, that Anna is known for ordering the same thing to eat for lunch every single day? In a now-viral TikTok video, restaurateur and celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian revealed exactly what Anna ordered when she came to his restaurant. Gird your loins!

What does Anna Wintour eat for lunch?

According to Geoffrey, Anna’s go-to lunch order was an off-menu, nearly rare hamburger patty served with a large side of Robuchon mashed potatoes, a particularly butter-intensive variation on the traditional recipe. To begin her meal, she’d reportedly have a cappuccino.

“She had sunglasses on, never took them off, even when she ate,” Geoffrey said. “She would obliterate the entire thing in less than 15 minutes.”

After Vogue’s offices relocated to 1 World Trade Center, it appears that Anna started a new lunch regimen. In Amy Odell’s biography Anna, the author reveals that Anna’s new go-to lunch order was steak paired with a Caprese salad (hold the tomatoes) from nearby steakhouse The Palm. We’re unsure what a Caprese salad without tomatoes entails—isn’t that just mozzarella and basil? But it’s hard to argue with genius.

If you’re curious, yes, this lunch order does align with what Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) was forced to fetch for Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) in The Devil Wears Prada. In the 2006 blockbuster, Miranda’s lunch order was a steak. In the novel this movie was based on, the Runway editor required a raw ribeye paired with baked potatoes, smashed potatoes and “eight perfect stalks” of asparagus. Sounds familiar!

Related:

• Meryl Streep Uses This Julia Child Recipe to Make a Week’s Worth of Meals
• Stanley Tucci Served This at His Wedding Instead of Cake
• Secrets a Steakhouse Chef Will Never Tell You

The post This Is What Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour Eats for Lunch Every Day appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The goal of phishing emails is to lure you into clicking on a link, leading you to a site containing malware, or trick you into entering personal information. Here’s what to do if you get a Costco scam email—and how to know it’s definitely spam.

What to Do If You Get a Costco Scam Email

First, and most important: Do not click on any links in a spam email! Don’t open or download any attachments. And don’t reply to the email, either, even if you’re tempted to scold the person who sent it. Replying to phishing emails only lets the scammers know that your email is active and ensures that you stay on their mailing list.

Next, report the spam to Costco. The store keeps a list of currently known scams, and if you alert them to a new one, you can help warn other consumers.

Finally, mark the email as spam. This helps your email filter junk emails more effectively. Last but not least, delete the email so you don’t accidentally click the link later.

What do Costco email scams look like?

Like many email scams, the fake Costco emails just feel off. The email might look sloppy, with unpolished graphics or no logos. Look for typos and grammatical errors, which are red flags that the email didn’t pass through the careful editors or a marketing department. Scams often include odd salutations, such as using excessive honorifics (such as Mr. and Ms.) in subject lines.

Always read the “From:” field. Scammers often misspell company names (even by a single letter) or add extra words to the brand name. You may see that a third party sent the email, such as “Costco via BigBuckSavers.” Those are clear signs that the email isn’t authentic.

The biggest red flag of all? Any request for personal information or financial information. Scammers are out to get something from you, so their emails often ask for passwords, identifying information, credit card numbers and more.

They’ll frequently try to alarm you, implying that there’s an urgent issue with your account. Or, they’ll take the opposite approach and hold out a carrot—a free item, or a prize—if you just click on the link. That’s not a good way to save money at the store! Take your time reading emails, and you’ll sharpen your sniff test for spam.

Related:

• Is a Costco Membership Worth It?
• Costco Member Benefits You Might Not Know About (But Should)
• Every Costco Food Court Item, Ranked

The post If You Get a Costco Scam Email, You Need to Do This Immediately appeared first on Taste Recipes.

We all know Colonel Sanders is the grandfather of fast-food fried chicken. But can he make a respectable waffle? I doubted it would live up to the hype. However, as a longtime lover of KFC, I had to place an order.

What’s the deal with chicken and waffles?

This southern staple is a sweet-and-salty indulgence. You can pair KFC’s waffles with the chain’s fried, bone-in chicken or its Original Recipe Tenders. For my first taste, I ordered waffles with three pieces of KFC’s extra crispy signature fried chicken plus an order of Ed Sheeran’s go-to fries on the side.

My order arrived with the chicken and waffles in a box, along with two containers of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.

Are KFC’s chicken and waffles good?

I knew what I was getting into with KFC’s chicken, so I first sampled the waffle on its own. This is a Liège-style waffle, meaning that it’s smaller and denser than a typical waffle. It also has a subtle glaze of pearl sugar that caramelizes, forming a thin crust when cooked. The result couldn’t be further from the soggy mush I feared I’d be tasting.

The waffle, even when doused with syrup, had a sweet, crispy texture and was so flavorful I could hardly stop eating it. I had to remind myself there was also the chicken to consider.

But let’s get to the chicken and waffles of it all. It was logistically challenging to arrange a bite of both chicken and waffle, and, admittedly, these bites weren’t my favorite. The two flavors cancelled each other out a bit. I recommend alternating bites of chicken and waffles and embracing the messiness of it all. Just be sure to grab extra napkins before you dive in!

The whole thing is wonderfully decadent and perfect for Saturday brunch. Fortunately, the KFC near me opens at 10:30 a.m.

How long are the chicken and waffles at KFC?

KFC hasn’t said how long its chicken and waffles will be on the menu. This item first appeared in 2020 and then quickly disappeared for a five-year hiatus, so if you want chicken and waffles, order sooner rather than later. While you’re there, check out KFC’s new Strawberry & Crème Pie Poppers, which just joined Apple Pie Poppers and Cherry Pie Poppers on the dessert menu.

Related:

• • Homemade Chicken and Waffles
  • Copycat KFC Fried Chicken
  • Is Raising Cane’s the Next Chick-fil-A?

The post KFC’s Chicken and Waffles Are Back—Here’s Our Honest Review appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Wellness-minded Kourtney Kardashian has a company called Lemme that includes a line of vitamins and supplements. Kim Kardashian is behind the popular shapewear and leisure brand Skims.

Now, Khloé Kardashian is getting into the food space. Her denim company, Good American, is quite possibly my favorite place to buy jeans, so I was excited to check out a new product from her. I’ll admit, this one sounds a little far-fetched.

It’s called Khloud Protein Popcorn.

What is Khloud Protein Popcorn?

My mantra is “don’t knock it til you try it,” and it’s served me well so far. I love popcorn and protein, so why not try a product that combines them?

The popcorn comes in three different flavors: Olive Oil & Sea Salt, White Cheddar and Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn. The packaging has a soft, almost cartoon-y quality to the branding. The bags are pastel pink, yellow and purple, and the “Khloud” name is noticeably in all lowercase, which is very on trend at the moment. My first thought was that this popcorn is really trying hard to look good on your Instagram feed.

How does the Khloud Protein Popcorn taste?

I bought a bag of each flavor to try. I started with the Olive Oil & Sea Salt, since it had the mildest flavor profile. At first, it didn’t really taste like anything, but I kept eating it. The correct way to eat popcorn is by shoving a handful into your mouth, so that’s exactly what I did.

After eating about one cup’s worth, my fingers were coated by the proprietary “Khloud dust” that makes this regular popcorn full of protein. There is still almost no flavor. It’s…weird. It’s not bad popcorn, but it feels off. And maybe I’m biased because the Trader Joe’s Olive Oil and Sea Salt Popcorn is literally my favorite popcorn of all time. This Khloud variety is a pass from me.

After that weird start, I moved on to the White Cheddar option. I immediately got a hit of cheddar flavor from the very first kernel. This flavor was really pleasant, and I was happily surprised at how cheesy it tasted. This is also smothered in “Khloud dust,” but I found it less off-putting on this variety. If you’re used to the Skinny Pop White Cheddar popcorn, this will taste almost identical. In fact, I would purchase this again as a snack. I would also eat it with chopsticks, my favorite Reddit hack for eating snacks with “dust” on them.

Finally, I opened the Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn (how mad do you think Khloé is that “Korn” is already taken?) and gave it a go. I really love kettle corn, so going into this, I had high expectations. The popcorn delivers on the “sweet and salty” moniker, but the sweet kernels are like 10 times better than the salty ones. If I had to put money on it, I’d bet that the “salty” kernels are just my (new) nemesis: the Olive Oil and Sea Salt flavor. It’s such a bummer! I might buy this again, but only if it’s on sale.

Where can I get Khloud Protein Popcorn?

Khloud Protein Popcorn retails for $4.99 a bag and is available exclusively at Target and khloudfoods.com. Since the website uses a more generic “Khloud Foods” term, I anticipate that this is not the last time we’ll see “Khloud dust” on grocery shelves. I only hope that future products turn out more like the White Cheddar popcorn!

Related:

• The Best Bagged Popcorn for Quick Fix Snacking
• How to Make the Best Popcorn
• The Surprising Difference Between Yellow and White Popcorn Kernels

The post I Tried Khloud Protein Popcorn, Khloe Kardashian’s Latest Creation appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Our quiz poses important (and fun) considerations. At the end, you’ll have the perfect dish to bring to the potluck.

Take the Quiz

Summer Potluck Recipes

Appetizers

If you love a good dip, we got you: We have so many delicious dip recipes calling your name. Our mustard dip for pretzels will be a hit with those who like the somewhat controversial hot dog topping, while dill pickle dip is an obvious choice for those who love relish or just any recipe with pickles. If you’d rather not carry around a plate with chips, a handheld recipe is calling your name. Bacon-wrapped smokies and pinwheels are both classic party foods that everyone will recognize.

Side Dishes

If you’re looking for a beloved barbecue side dish that’s served warm, baked beans are just the ticket. Our recipe enhances a can of beans with mustard, brown sugar, bacon and more for super-savory scoops. In comparison, a trendier side dish is esquites, which is the salad version of Mexican street corn (AKA elote). Even if your guests haven’t had elote before, we’re convinced they’ll ask for the recipe once they try a bite.

If you’d prefer a side that’s cold to juxtapose warm mains like burgers and brats, opt for a cold side dish. Our Wisconsin roots lead us to suggest a Midwestern salad like ramen noodle salad, which has maximum crunch factor and flavor. If you’d prefer a more globally-inspired dish, tabbouleh is a refreshing and healthy salad recipe with bulgur, fresh mint, lemon and parsley.

Desserts

Let’s be real: Sometimes, the day of the party arrives and you still haven’t decided what you’re going to make. It happens—even to us! In this case, an easy dessert recipe is the simple solution. Pina colada fluff can be prepared in just 15 minutes and chills in the fridge until you’re ready to head to the party. S’mores dip can also be made in 15 minutes with just chocolate chips and marshmallows, plus graham crackers for dipping.

If you still have a few days before the party, consider an ice cream dessert. After all, it is summer! For something fun and nostalgic, consider an ice cream truck copycat recipe, like strawberry crunch ice cream cake or ice cream sandwich dessert. Kids and adults alike are sure to thank you!

The post What Should I Bring to a Summer Potluck? appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Get Rid of Standing Water

Per the CDC, one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away is to get rid of standing water, which is where they lay eggs. At least once a week, dump out and scrub birdbaths, buckets, kiddie pools and flowerpot saucers—anywhere there’s stagnant water. For larger vessels that can’t be emptied, such as rain barrels, invest in a tight-fitting lid so mosquitoes can’t get inside to lay eggs.

Put a Lid on Outdoor Serving Dishes

Most bugs will be more than happy to share your meal, but you can keep them off your food with pop-up mesh covers. Set these covers over dishes at your picnic or barbecue, and it will keep flies, ants and other pesky bugs from getting a free snack—and hopefully deter more from stopping by.

Keep Trash Cans at a Distance

Flies and other bugs are naturally attracted to the smell of rotting food, and if you want to keep flies away from your seating area, it’s a good idea to keep garbage at a distance. Tuck your trash bins on the other side of the house for everyday storage, and if you need them closer for a party, make sure to place them a generous distance away from the main seating and dining areas.

Use Yellow Lights for Gatherings After Dark

Having the right lights on your patio can be the difference between attracting bugs and repelling them. Studies have found that lights with a yellow or amber hue attract the fewest number of bugs, while cool-toned blue or violet lights tend to draw in more insects. The research also suggests using as little light as possible, so you may want to look for dimmable patio lights.

Additionally, if you’re going to set up a bug zapper, be sure to hang it far away from your patio, as its blue light is designed to draw in insects.

Set Up an Outdoor Fan

Another chemical-free way to deter mosquitoes and other flying bugs is to simply have a fan in your outdoor living space. This works for two reasons: First, a strong breeze makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly toward you, and second, it helps to dissipate the carbon dioxide from your breath, which is what attracts them in the first place. As an added bonus, a wall-mounted or freestanding fan can help keep your space cool on hot summer days.

Plant a Garden Mosquitoes Hate

Did you know that certain plants act as natural insect repellents? Flowers like marigold, geranium and nasturtium can all help to repel unwanted bugs—and they look beautiful in garden beds and planters around your patio!

Alternatively, there are many herbs that repel bugs, including basil, sage, catmint, rosemary and fennel. So not only will you have fewer pests, but you’ll also have a supply of fresh herbs to use in the kitchen.

Set Up Natural Fly Traps

If you have an empty soda bottle and apple cider vinegar lying around, you can create homemade fly traps that don’t require any chemicals. Here’s the gist of it: Cut the plastic bottle in half, and flip the top over so it’s sitting inside the base. Fill it up with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap—flies will be attracted to the smell. Once they crawl down the opening, it’ll be hard for them to get back out. Easy, yet effective!

Put Candles Around The Patio

If you want the power of insect-repelling plants without having to actually tend a garden, there are lots of candles that use essential oils to keep bugs away. For instance, these mosquito-repellent candles contain rosemary, peppermint, citronella and lemongrass oils, and they come in a pack of three. Place them around your outdoor living space to boost the ambiance and deter mosquitoes. Now that’s a win-win.

The post How to Keep Your Backyard Barbecue Bug-Free This Summer appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

2 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time20 min

Servings7 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:When fresh tomatoes and basil are abundant in the summer, I like to make this wonderful Caprese macaroni salad. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

Nutrition Facts:3/4 cup: 397 calories, 31g fat (8g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.

Full Garden Frittata

1 Review

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time35 min

Servings2 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California

Nutrition Facts:2 wedges: 227 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 375mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

Caprese Sandwich

1 Review

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time15 min

Servings4 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:These fresh caprese sandwiches would be perfect for a picnic or summer lunch. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves are truly a match made in heaven—only to be made better by a baguette, olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts:1 sandwich: 495 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.

Caprese Skewers

31 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time10 min

Servings12 kabobs

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From the Recipe Creator:Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

Nutrition Facts:1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.

Open-Faced Chicken Avocado Burgers

16 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time45 min

Servings4 servings plus 1/4 cup leftover spread

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From the Recipe Creator:To dress up each chicken avocado burger, spread the Italian bread with creamy mayo and top with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato. Serve with buttered boiled potatoes or a salad. —Lisa Hundley, Aberdeen, North Carolina.

Nutrition Facts:1 burger: 723 calories, 55g fat (17g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.

Chicken Caprese

22 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time40 min

Servings4 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Nutrition Facts:1 serving: 525 calories, 34 g fat (11g saturated fat), 139 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 45 g protein.

Red, White and Blue Summer Salad

10 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time25 min

Servings12 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:In this dish, I combine traditional Caprese salad flavors with summer peaches and blueberries. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California

Nutrition Facts:1 cup: 233 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.

Grilled Caprese Quesadillas

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time20 min

Servings2 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:Here's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania

Nutrition Facts:1 quesadilla: 535 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein.

Chicken Salad Caprese

5 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time45 min

Servings8 cups salad (6-1/2 dozen crostini)

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From the Recipe Creator:This unique, flavorful salad and bread combo will get rave reviews—guaranteed. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Nutrition Facts:1 piece: 179 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

33 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time1 hour

Servings32 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian. — Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

Nutrition Facts:3/4 cup: 396 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.

Peach Mango Caprese Salad

15 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time25 min

Servingsabout 6 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois

Nutrition Facts:3/4 cup: 248 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.

Eggplant Parmesan

21 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time55 min

Servings2 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:We really like eggplant and would rather have it baked than fried. This can be served as a side or a main dish. —Donna Wardlow-Keating, Omaha, Nebraska

Nutrition Facts:1 serving: 275 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.

Artichoke Caprese Platter

4 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time15 min

Servings12 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California

Nutrition Facts:1/2 cup: 192 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

1 Review

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time25 min

Servings4 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:We love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey

Nutrition Facts:2 eggplant stacks: 449 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.

Burrata Caprese Salad

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time10 min

Servings6 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:Creamy burrata cheese and ripe tomatoes are a match made in heaven. This is a perfect appetizer for the summer months when tomatoes and basil are in season. Serve by itself or with crostini. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Nutrition Facts:1 serving: 131 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Tomato Baguette Pizza

1 Review

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time35 min

Servings6 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:When my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Nutrition Facts:1 piece: 260 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.

South-of-the-Border Caprese Salad

5 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time30 min

Servings6 servings (1 cup dressing)

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From the Recipe Creator:Plump heirloom tomatoes highlight this garden-fresh showpiece, drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing and sprinkled with cheese. It's perfect for an outdoor party and so easy to make! —Kathleen Merkley, Layton, Utah

Nutrition Facts:1 serving: 168 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.

Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese

14 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time20 min

Servings4 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona

Nutrition Facts:1 sandwich: 467 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.

Panzanella Pasta

2 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time30 min

Servings12 servings (1 cup each)

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From the Recipe Creator:We take classic panzanella ingredients like ripe tomatoes, peppers and olives and toss them with hot noodles for a hearty pasta dish. My kids especially like the crunchy croutons. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario

Nutrition Facts:1 cup: 297 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.

Bruschetta Chicken Wraps

10 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time30 min

Servings4 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:As an Italian-American, I love, love, love garlic, tomatoes and basil, all of which are musts for good bruschetta. This recipe was created in celebration of the first tomatoes to come out of our home garden this year. —Gina Rine, Canfield, Ohio

Nutrition Facts:1 wrap: 330 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.

Peach Caprese Salad

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time15 min

Servings6 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:When you have beautiful, juicy summer produce, you want to let it shine.This refreshing peach Caprese salad is made with sweet peaches, juicy ripe tomatoes, earthy basil and buttery mozzarella with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt for the ultimate seasonal side. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Nutrition Facts:1 serving: 286 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.

Insalata Caprese

4 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time25 min

Servings8 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:A classic Caprese salad has colors that resemble the Italian flag. For extra zing, I add a splash of balsamic vinegar. —Melba Wilson, Murrells Inlet, SC

Nutrition Facts:3/4 cup: 160 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers

7 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time20 min

Servings16 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:Inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant, this simply sensational combination should marinate for at least three hours—the longer the better. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Nutrition Facts:1/4 cup: 119 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.

Basil Tomato Tart

6 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time40 min

Servings8 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:I received this recipe from a good friend. It's a great way to use up fresh tomatoes from the garden, and it tastes a lot like pizza. —Connie Stumpf, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Nutrition Facts:1 piece: 345 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.

Appetizer Salad

3 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time10 min

Servings6 cups

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From the Recipe Creator:Use a slotted spoon to serve this as an appetizer with baguette toasts, or ladle it over romaine lettuce to enjoy as a salad. —Tamra Duncan, Decatur, Arkansas

Nutrition Facts:1/2 cup: 132 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Vegetable & Cheese Focaccia

3 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time50 min

Servings15 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes!—Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland

Nutrition Facts:1 piece: 151 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.

Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

4 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time25 min

Servings4 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:Stuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies – or in this case, orzo. — Jenni Dise, Phoenix, Arizona

Nutrition Facts:1 serving: 392 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.

Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

11 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time30 min

Servings6 servings

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From the Recipe Creator:These mushrooms are rich and creamy and bright at the same time because of the fresh herbs and tomato. I especially like to serve them with grilled asparagus. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California

Nutrition Facts:1 stuffed mushroom: 201 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.

Caprese Salad FAQs

What are the ingredients in a Caprese salad?

A traditional Caprese salad consists of basil, mozzarella and tomato. Sometimes, salt is added to the top as a finishing ingredient.

What kind of dressing goes on a Caprese salad?

Caprese salad is dressed with good-quality balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. Many cooks will use balsamic glaze instead of vinaigrette for a tangier flavor.

What else can you put in a Caprese salad?

Fresh fruit, such as berries and stone fruits, is excellent in Caprese salad for its refreshing sweetness. To make it a full salad, toss the Caprese salad with arugula and add grilled chicken or tuna for a little more protein.

The post 29 New and Traditional Caprese Salad Recipes appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 4 black tea bags
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 whole star anise
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 green cardamom pod, smashed
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, half-and-half cream or coconut milk

While we at Taste Recipes have plenty of cumulative experience setting up drink stations for our own gatherings, we spoke with Melissa Darpino, owner of Truly, Madly Detailed, who has 25 years of experience planning events both big and small, to provide even more helpful tips.

Melissa recommends starting the planning process by thinking about what would make your guests’ time with you more special; bigger isn’t always better. “It’s what allows you to spend quality time with the company you’ve brought together,” says Melissa. Here’s how to get started.

Start by Determining Serving Sizes & Recipes

The first thing to consider when putting together an outdoor drinks station is what to serve and how much to make. Luckily, deciding what to make (or what to bring to the potluck, if you’re not the host) is the most fun part of planning!

Decide how much to serve

Wondering how much food to make for a party is always a mind-boggling question for new hosts. When it comes to drinks, typical serving sizes depend on the type of gathering you’re hosting. (For example, guests would drink more at a backyard wedding than a backyard barbecue.) For a casual get-together with friends, it’s a pretty safe bet that guests won’t have more than two drinks over a few hours in the afternoon.

Consider a few signature drinks vs. a full bar

We recommend keeping it simple and making one alcoholic batched cocktail and one nonalcoholic batched mocktail. (Bonus points if you put out a hard liquor that guests can splash into the mocktail option, if they wish.) Compared to setting up a full bar, filling pitchers or dispensers with a couple of big-batch drinks ahead of time makes it easier for you as the host and the guests for several reasons:

1. Batched cocktails prevent you from whipping up a separate drink order for every guest. You could simply let your guests mix up drinks themselves, but having endless options is overwhelming. After all, not everyone knows cocktail recipes off the top of their head! Providing a few prepared options makes it easy for guests to spend less time focusing on what to drink and more on interacting with other guests.
2. Pre-made drinks make you seem more put together than the potentially chaotic array of liquors, mixers and glasses that are necessary for a full bar.

Don’t skip the mocktail

While it might feel easy to skip the mocktail and make two batched cocktails instead, making an intentional beverage for guests who aren’t drinking alcohol makes them feel less like an afterthought. Plus, the mocktail will be a delicious decision even for people who do prefer hard drinks as an in-between-cocktails sipper that’s not water.

Choose your batched recipes

Now comes the fun part—picking the drink recipes! Melissa suggests that you should consider the types of drinks you see your friends and family enjoying on other occasions, and level it up slightly from there. After all, you don’t want to make something so out there that people are afraid to try it. “It’s not necessarily the time to expand your guests’ horizons…Think about your guests and what they would enjoy, and then ever so slightly, bump it up a notch,” says Melissa.

Incorporate seasonal ingredients

Melissa recommends using seasonal ingredients and summer produce. “I think about what is fresh and abundant. I feel like there is a palate expectation. If you’re showing up at someone’s backyard barbecue in July, you’re not expecting to have an eggnog. There is an expectation that is being set by the time of year and the environment in which we’re celebrating.” For a warm-weather potluck, summery, seasonal ingredients are the way to go.

Include different liquors

It’s a good idea to use different types of alcohol in each drink, so guests have more than one choice of hard alcohol. (Read: Avoid making two vodka-based cocktails or two tequila drinks and instead, make one with vodka and one with tequila.)

Melissa also chooses recipes that look nice next to each other, yet have contrasting hues to create visual interest. An easy white sangria full of fresh fruit and a complementary strawberry mocktail with ginger ale would make a lovely duo. Melissa suggests a paloma with tequila or mezcal to hit on light pink hues, a spicy cucumber and cilantro vodka or gin cocktail to showcase fresh-picked summer greens, and a mocktail flavored with watermelon and lime or strawberry and rosemary.

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Peach SangriaWhite wine lovers will swoon for this crisp and gorgeous sangria. The star of the show is the sliced fruit, followed by a potent pop from peach schnapps. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

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The scent of summer is a bushel of fresh peaches. Between peach schnapps and loads of fresh peaches (and an entire bottle of white wine), this gorgeous sangria is like sunshine in a glass.

Watermelon MojitoWe added watermelon to the classic mojito recipe for an extra sweet (and pink!) spin on the classic Cuban cocktail. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

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Watermelon cubes are freshly muddled for the truest watermelon flavor possible. If you don't like the sediments sitting at the bottom of the glass, blend the watermelon cubes, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and only use the watermelon juice instead. Turn the recipe into a batch cocktail by multiplying the ingredients based on how many servings you'll need, then build everything in a pitcher instead of a glass.

Cucumber MargaritaThis four-ingredient cucumber margarita is cool, refreshing and perfectly balanced. Learn how to upgrade a classic margarita with homemade cucumber juice (no juicer necessary!).

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As if margaritas weren't refreshing enough, cucumber juice lends its cooling, vegetal flavor to this iconic drink. It relies on the natural sugar found in tequila and lime to sweeten it ever so gently, but it's more earthy than anything. Pair this tipple with grilled steak recipes and savory barbecue side dishes. For a batch cocktail version, multiply the ingredients based on how many servings you're going to need, then build the recipe in a pitcher instead of in a cocktail shaker.

Spiked LemonadeRum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

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A pitcher of lemonade evokes happy childhood memories. Add a splash of rum or vodka, and this nostalgic drink turns into a refreshing boozy sipper.

Strawberry Drink MocktailDuring the dog days of summer, my family looks for a cold, thirst-quenching drink. I like this strawberry cooler because it's sparkling, refreshing and fast and easy to make.

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While this strawberry drink is a mocktail at heart, you can easily add a smooth vodka, light rum or gin to this easy batch cocktail. The extra strawberry garnish is non-negotiable, though.

Margarita SangriaThis sangria is reminiscent of a margarita with its tequila and agave kick! —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York

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My two favorite words! Margarita's tequila and limes come together with sangria's white wine and fruit to create this batched beverage.

Summertime Tea MocktailYou can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee

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This nonalcoholic summertime tea makes 18 servings. It's perfect for a get-together with the extended family, hosting a graduation party or any other excuse you can come up with to throw a backyard barbecue in the summer sun.

Cranberry MimosaMimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois

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Mimosas are known for being so easy, they hardly need a recipe. Here, they get an upgrade with tart cranberries, creating a gorgeous sunset in the glass. But this addition still keeps the drink extremely easy. Puree orange juice, lemon juice and cranberries together. When you're ready to serve, pour the juice into glasses and top with sparkling wine. (These are the best champagnes for mimosas.)

Rum PunchNothing says "I'm on vacation" like a refreshing rum punch recipe. Here's how to make rum punch the classic way.

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To make this rum punch for a crowd, multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. Skip the cocktail shaker and ice. Instead, give the ingredients a good stir in a pitcher or punch bowl the night before. When it comes time to serve, pour the rum punch over plenty of ice, and have garnishes at the ready.

Fruit Punch MocktailThis pink cooler is deliciously thirst-quenching on a warm day. Seeing its color, folks guess it might be pink lemonade. They're pleasantly surprised to discover the bubbly blend includes cranberry, pineapple, orange and lemon juices. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

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If you haven't heard, vintage recipes are in. Serve this big batch cocktail in the punch bowl that your grandmother passed down to you ages ago. This mocktail can be spiked if need be, or you can leave out a bottle of vodka nearby for anyone that wants in.

Mint JulepIt wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

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Even if you're not throwing a Kentucky Derby party, a mint julep highlights all the best flavors and scents of spring and summer with real mint and a fruity bourbon that has notes of cherry and pear.

Kentucky MuleBourbon lovers will love this Kentucky mule recipe. It's the same as a Moscow mule, but replaces the vodka with bourbon. Serve the cocktail in a copper mug to keep it cold. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Kentucky mules one-up a mint julep with the fizzy addition of zippy ginger beer. If you're batching this cocktail hours ahead of time, then don't pour in the ginger beer until serving.

Bourbon SlushAt our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio

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Bourbon slush is a summertime hero. The ingredients are not blended with ice; that would water it down! Instead, bourbon, frozen orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate and brewed tea are blended together and then frozen granita-style. Scoop into cups, pour lemon-lime soda on top and serve this cooling potion.

Tajin Limeade MocktailTajin is a blend of chili peppers, salt and lime. I sprinkle it on a lot of food, but I've found it's really delicious in limeade. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon

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Here, Tajin doesn't just line the glass rim. We added an effortless extra step by making gorgeous ice cubes out of the spice and lime mixture, too. These two Tajin components add the perfect amount of heat without making guests sweat.

Coconut MojitoA bubbly coconut mojito is the perfect drink to stir up when you want something light and refreshing. Made with the creaminess of cream of coconut and coconut rum, it gets a tropical spin from lime juice and a hint of freshness from mint. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Coconut, mint and lime—is there anything more refreshing than that? To turn this into a batch cocktail, multiply the recipe by how many servings you need, then build it in a pitcher instead of a glass, leaving out the club soda and ice. Cover and refrigerate the pitcher before the party starts. When ready to serve, pour in glasses over ice, then top each one with the club soda.

Mixed Berry SangriaThis is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

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Sparkling white wine (like Prosecco or Champagne) mix with white cranberry juice, light rum and a mixture of summer berries in this crisp and refreshing sangria. I like to lightly freeze the berries so they act as extra ice cubes without watering down the drink.

Sparkling Lemonade MocktailWho doesn't love chilled lemonade on a hot summer day? Made with club soda, this version is slightly bubbly and bursting with citrus flavor. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

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The quick addition of club soda turns ordinary lemonade into a drink that feels extra special. While you can keep this as a mocktail, feel free to add in vodka.

Rose Wine CocktailThis is an easy way to dress up wine for a party. Other fruit, like watermelon balls or sliced peaches, can be used in place of the strawberry slices. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

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When wine is mixed with other ingredients, there's no need to splurge on a good bottle. Grab the best rose under $15 for this batch cocktail, and mix it with the homemade raspberry-grape syrup and the fresh strawberries.

Easy White SangriaUsing white wine makes my version of sangria a little lighter, yet it still has the same wonderful sweetness. Frozen fruit allows me to serve this any time of year. Nothing beats this white sangria recipe. —Sharon Tipton, Orlando, Florida

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Let's face it: Sangria recipes make the perfect big batch summer cocktail, especially a light sangria like this. Here, frozen fruit keeps the sangria nice and cool without watering it down as ice would.

CaipirinhaThe essential ingredient in this Brazilian cocktail is Cachaca, a liquor made fresh sugarcane juice. Its distinctive herbal flavors pair perfectly with fresh lime. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

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Caipirinhas are like mintless mojitos. Think of this popular Brazilian drink as more tart-sweet than earthy-sweet. Paired with a grilled steak, it's unbeatable.

Summertime Watermelon Punch for a CrowdI attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon bowl with a scalloped edge and filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the delicious punch recipe with me. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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You won't believe just how well watermelon, white wine, ginger ale and orange juice can work together in a cocktail. You'll probably need an entire watermelon for this one (that's around 10 pounds), but it's easy to halve the recipe if needed.

Citrus & White Grape Juice Party Punch MocktailI was looking for a punch that wouldn't stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois

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Just look at those colors! It really can't get any easier than this. The recipe calls for white grape juice, but you can sub in white wine, if desired.Easy Batch Cocktails FAQCan you make sparkling big-batch cocktails ahead of time without the carbonation falling flat?Yes! Follow the directions all the way through, but don't add the carbonated drink. Refrigerate the batch cocktail until you're ready to serve. Come party time, pour the carbonation into the pitcher or simply top off each drink with the carbonation. Leaving out the carbonated portion until the very last moment keeps it fizzy and fresh.How can you securely transport these picnic drinks?If your pitcher doesn't have a secure top, pour the batch cocktail into mason jars with a screw-top lid. Those will contain the liquid well. Once you arrive at the picnic or party, pour the liquid into the pitcher to serve.How far in advance should you make batch cocktails?The furthest ahead of time you should make your batch cocktail recipe is the day before serving. However, if the recipe contains fresh fruit or herbs, wait to add those components into the pitcher until a few hours before serving. Otherwise, they will break down, making the drink look cloudy and unappetizing. And as mentioned above, don't add any carbonated portion until you're ready to serve.

Choose additional canned and bottled drinks

In addition to the batched cocktail and mocktail, serve a few beers, canned wines and hard seltzers for guests who prefer to keep it simple and enjoy something they already know they like. If your guests love a particular brand, make sure it’s a choice for them; otherwise, have fun picking out things you’d drink yourself, since you’ll likely have extras after guests go home.

Melissa also sometimes chooses cans and bottles based on how they complement the rest of the spread. “I have chosen cocktails and wine in cans according to the color scheme of a party…and I have done it that way more than once,” admits Melissa.

Don’t forget water

Water is so important for outdoor get-togethers (especially if you’re serving alcohol). Making it readily accessible guarantees that no one gets dehydrated on a hot summer day. Put out water bottles and canned sparkling waters, or fill up a pitcher with infused water for something more elevated.

Gather Your Serveware

The following items are essential for an at-home drink station setup.

• Bar cart or table: Pull out a sturdy table. Consider adding a disposable tablecloth for a pop of color that will also protect your table from spills.
• Pitchers, dispensers or punch bowls: These are non-negotiables when you’re serving batched cocktails. Beautiful serveware, such as pretty punch bowls, is always a flex, and parties are the perfect time to show it off!
• Coolers: Pick up one of our choices for the best coolers to chill any canned cocktails, bottles of beer or sparkling waters and seltzers.
• Ice bucket + tongs: You’ll need an ice bucket and tongs in order to serve refreshing homemade cocktails and mocktails. Melissa recommends picking up four pounds of ice per person. (You’ll need to refill the ice bucket a few times throughout the gathering.)
• Disposable glasses: Melissa recommends putting out two glasses per person for most gatherings. “The type of party you have will dictate how many glasses you need. It depends on the length of time the guests are there for and what kinds of activities they are doing that would take them away from their drink of choice. The more opportunities they have to put it down, the more glasses you will need to replenish,” says Melissa.
• Drink labels: A little chalkboard in front of each dispenser or pitcher can let guests know what their options are.
• Drink markers: If all of your glasses are the same, you’ll need a way to distinguish whose glass is whose if anyone sets it down for a moment, whether it’s to play cornhole or Bocce ball. There are plenty of cute ones online if you’d rather not set out a Sharpie for clear plastic cups.

After you’ve secured the essentials, consider putting out a shot glass or jigger for people who want to make the mocktail boozy, especially if you already have a bar kit as a part of your home bar setup.

In addition, Melissa recommends putting a bowl or cup underneath spigots to catch any spare drips that would otherwise leak onto the table. She says that a mini ramekin with some berries in it would look pretty and seasonal, while keeping your drink station much neater.

Prepare Thoughtful Garnishes

“When it comes to a pre-planned bar, you may want to make it simple for guests and pre-garnish some of the glasses,” says Melissa. This is an easy task that you can do right before guests arrive, whether it’s a slivered strawberry on the rim of the cup, cucumber ribbons wound around the inner edges of a glass or skewered fruit propped over the top.

Ice cubes can also be part of the cocktail garnish if you make big spheres or cubes of ice with edible flowers, fruits or herbs embedded in them. You could also freeze juice into ice cubes so you don’t dilute the drink.

Cocktail napkins are a thoughtful addition to an outdoor drinks station. If you have a stack outside, put a cute stone on top so they don’t fly away in the wind.

Tips for Setting Up an Outdoor Drinks Station

Where should you set up the drinks station?

Since you want the drinks to stay as cold as possible (for as long as possible), set up your station in a shady spot that’s sheltered from wind. If you don’t have any shade, set up an umbrella over the table so that the ice, drinks and garnishes don’t wilt or melt in the warm sunlight.

This may go without saying, but make sure you’re on a completely flat surface so the table or bar cart doesn’t rock or sit at an angle, causing drinks to slide ever so slowly slide to the other side of the spread. It seems like it would be easy to pick a flat surface, but some grassy backyards are a little uneven!

When should you start setting up?

Set up 15 to 30 minutes before people arrive. You don’t want those disposable cups flying away!

Do you need to add any decor to your outdoor drinks station?

An inexpensive bouquet of flowers will add a little flair to the drink station. Additionally, Melissa states, “I firmly believe in showcasing the ingredients you’re serving. So I would have a really pretty fruit bowl, which ends up being backup garnishes if needed.” Pretty and practical!

What should you do after setting up the outdoor drinks station?

Don’t forget to take photos! They’ll be fun to look back on. Plus, photos will help you remember the setup for the next time you host an outdoor gathering.

And finally, don’t fret too much about what people will think. At the end of the day, Melissa says: “Guests will enjoy whatever it is that you have put together and are just happy to be there among friends.” So, don’t get too caught up in trying to make everything perfect and instead, focus on having fun!

The post How to Set Up an Outdoor Drink Station appeared first on Taste Recipes.

There are even rules about where to store specific ingredients. It turns out that many of us have been keeping our cooking oil in the wrong spot.

What shouldn’t be stored by the stove?

You shouldn’t store olive oil next to the stove, which is bad news for many (if not most) of us. Keeping your olive oil on the countertop next to the stove makes sense, right? You want it handy to drizzle over preheated pans, and the tall bottles can be difficult to fit in cabinets.

However, olive oil and virtually every other cooking oil can degrade in quality when exposed to heat.

The North American Olive Oil Association says there are “four enemies of olive oil:” heat, oxygen, light and age. While many conventional olive oils have airtight caps to prevent oxidation, and their dark-green tinted bottles (or opaque tins) prevent too much light exposure, heat can penetrate virtually any packaging and cause the oil to go bad.

Rancid olive oil might be cloudy, greasy, and/or smelly—nothing you want to add to your next meal.

Where should you store olive oil?

The same place you store a lot of other staples: in a cool, dark place. In your kitchen, this might mean a cabinet, cupboard or pantry, or simply a shady, recessed area of the countertop, well away from heat sources. (That includes the warm motor of your refrigerator.) It might be slightly inconvenient to transfer olive oil to the stove while cooking, but the reward will be a tastier, longer-lasting product.

In addition to olive oil, there are all kinds of things you shouldn’t store on the countertop. Lack of kitchen counter space is a common complaint, so clear those items off the surface to free up some valuable real estate.

Related:

• How to Find Real Olive Oil
• What’s the Best Olive Oil You Can Buy?
• The Best Oils for Frying, According to a Chef

The post You Should Never Store This Kitchen Item Next to the Stove appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf challah bread
• 24 ounces vanilla ice cream, softened
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
• Maple syrup
• Confectioners' sugar
• Sprinkles
• Whipped topping
• Berries

The only trouble? Oftentimes these tall or irregularly-shaped cakes are difficult to transport. It’s not like they fit in a standard cake carrier, after all! Enter: the Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set, which comes with both a bundt pan and a bundt-shaped cake keeper for easy travel.

EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set

This stylish bundt pan comes with a clever cake keeper that keeps it intact during travel.

$30 at Amazon

Shop on Sams Club

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What is the Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set?

A bundt cake is my go-to for potlucks and parties. No frosting means little travel risk, and it’s so darn easy to portion out perfect slices. When it comes to bundt pans, Nordic Ware takes the cake. This USA-based kitchenware company has produced gorgeous bundt pans and other high-quality bakeware since 1946.

Using the Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set is just as simple (and satisfying) as using Nordic Ware’s Brownie Buddy. Simply fill the bundt with your favorite batter and pop it in the oven. Then, once it’s cooled, flip it onto the keeper plate. Easy peasy!

How We Tested It

The Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set immediately blew me away with its beauty. The elegant swirls and blue hue give it a fun, dreamy quality. Additionally, the cake pan and keeper felt very sturdy and secure. In terms of looks alone, I give the set a 10/10. Next step: baking a cake.

Baking

My husband’s birthday was fast approaching, so I took this as my opportunity to test the bundt pan set. Following a simple confetti cake recipe, I whipped up my batter and spooned it into the upside-down bundt after greasing it with a bit of butter.

According to Taste Recipes’s bundt cake tips, denser cakes tend to work better than light, fluffy cakes—something I didn’t know until I was in the midst of baking my first (very fluffy) cake in the pan. Despite displaying a perfectly browned bottom out of the oven, I fully expected it to fall apart once I flipped it over.

Flipping

When the cake mostly cooled, I popped the plate part of the keeper onto the pan, braced myself and flipped it onto the keeper plate. My expectation was a mess of partially-stuck pieces and a pile of crumbs. However, its clean release left me pleasantly surprised! While a few sprinkles stuck to the pan, the cake itself came out nearly perfect with zero assistance.

Honestly, I think you could even skip greasing the pan, which I plan to experiment with in the future. The nonstick material does a great job of keeping the cake from sticking, and without butter, I imagine it would come out a bit browner and less prone to leaving crumbs. That said, if you like your cakes a little more moist, butter away!

Taking

The next step was packing up the cake for travel. We planned to take it to my in-laws, meaning the cake had a three-hour drive ahead of it.

The cake keeper itself doesn’t have any clips or straps. Instead, the top has two nodules on either side. Simply pop the keeper over the plate and twist it until the nodules slide into place. While I would love a more secure closure, the absence of clips means there’s nothing that can snap off over time.

We packed up the cake and popped an ice pack on top of the keeper to ensure it stayed nice and cool. I was worried about it sliding around inside the keeper, but it didn’t budge an inch during the entire drive. By the end of the trip, it looked just as gorgeous as the moment I flipped it over!

Storing

One of my favorite aspects of this set is how easy it is to store. Because the pan nestles right inside the keeper, it takes up less room in my cupboard than a separate set. And if there’s any cake left after your shindig, just pop the whole keeper in the fridge. The airtight keeper helps the cake stay moist and delicious, even after it’s cut.

Pros

• Pretty and durable
• Cakes release easily
• Keeper offers an airtight covering
• No clips that can break

Cons

• No handle

Final Verdict

The Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set is a great purchase for any home cook, whether you’re practiced with bundt pans or a total newbie. Plus, the pretty colors and luxe, heirloom feel makes it a lovely gift for cake bakers, too!

Where To Buy the Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set

You can snag the Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set at several different stores, including Sam’s Club, Walmart and Amazon. The entire set retails for around $30, which is a total steal for a set that includes a high-quality Nordic Ware pan and a cake keeper. Considering most Nordic Ware pans ring up for around $40, we highly recommend snagging this pretty pan set if you’re on a budget.

EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set

Say goodbye to cakes sticking with this nonstick bundt pan and keeper set.

$30 at Amazon

Shop on Sams Club

Shop on Walmart

FAQs

Is Nordic Ware dishwasher safe?

Nordic Ware’s iconic bundt pans usually come with a nonstick coating. While it makes cake delightfully easy to release, it also means that you shouldn’t put them in the dishwasher. This can cause discoloration, though it won’t affect the performance of the pan.

Is Nordic Ware nonstick?

Nordic Ware offers several product lines, including a nonstick bakeware line. According to the brand, Nordic Ware’s nonstick bakeware, including their Northern Lights bakeware, is aluminum with a high-quality nonstick coating. They’re also PFAS-free.

Where is Nordic Ware made?

Nordic Ware is one of the only US-based kitchen tool companies. The family-owned company, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota since 1946, produce many of their fancy bunts, sheet pans and even their microwave pasta cooker domestically.

What is a bundt pan?

A bundt pan is a donut-shaped pan. Bundt pans may or may not have intricate swirls or other designs molded into them, and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs. The appeal of these pans is twofold: not only do they require little (or no) decoration, but they also promote even baking. As such, they make excellent gifts for bakers.

The post We Tried a Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Keeper Set—And It’s the Only Way To Bring Cake to a Potluck appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Ingredients

• DRESSING:
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• SALAD:
• 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet pepper (red, orange and/or yellow)
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 4 ounces pepperoni, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups fresh mozzarella pearls
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients

• GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST:
• 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• CHEESECAKE:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup pistachio cream
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• KATAIFI FILLING:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2-1/2 cups frozen shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
• 3/4 cup pistachio cream
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• GANACHE:
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• Crushed pistachios, optional

Ingredients

• 1 box (16 ounces) uncooked farfalle or fusilli pasta
• 1 package (16 ounces) grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 heads of broccoli florets
• 1 package (16 ounces) sharp cheddar or Colby cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 pound sliced salami
• Dressing:
• 1-1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

OK, maybe that last one is a bit of a stretch—but a girl can dream.

The most fascinating YouTube deep dive I’ve done recently was about the food served to the British royal family. More specifically, I stumbled upon videos from Darren McGrady, a former royal chef at Buckingham Palace who later became Princess Diana’s private chef.

In one specific video, Chef Darren walks through the dessert he used to make “all the time” for young Prince William. It’s something William requested frequently, even as he aged out of the royal nursery.

What is Prince William’s favorite dessert?

The Prince of Wales loves all things banana, and his favorite dessert is a banana flan. Yes, I also thought that was very niche!

Banana desserts are certainly a bold choice, and as a fellow banana-dessert lover, I applaud Prince William’s taste. But while I was watching this video, it struck me that what Chef Darren is making isn’t actually a flan—it’s a tart.

He starts the recipe by making a simple pastry crust with flour, butter, sugar and an egg yolk. While he rolls the pastry out, he acknowledges the differences between pies, tarts and flans, and says it doesn’t make much of a difference. I…think it does, but I’m not a royal chef.

In addition to this banana flan/tart, apparently, Prince William also loved banana ice cream, banana fritters and banana custard. If one thing is for certain, it’s that Prince William hits his daily potassium goals!

Related:

• Here’s the Dish Kate Middleton Loves to Cook
• The Surprising Snack Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Both Love
• Traditional British Foods Explained to Americans

The post Prince William’s Favorite Dessert Is Oddly Specific appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What’s next on the King’s agenda? I heard whispers of a new drink coming for the hot summer months; whispers of a fruity, frozen concoction that could be topped with tiny, colorful Nerds. It’s the Frozen Strawberry drink, and I sped straight to the drive-thru for a taste.

What does the Frozen Strawberry drink taste like?

To begin, the drink is maddeningly sweet. I’d expect no less from this kind of beverage, though, and I imagine it will be such a sugary relief on hot summer days. The consistency is similar to the Icee I used to slurp at movie theaters as a kid—not so frozen that it won’t suck up through your straw, but just enough to make it thick so you let it melt on your tongue.

Honestly, the frozen strawberry drink hit like nostalgia. The syrup was strawberry to the umpteenth degree, and it reminded me of the Fla-vor-Ice tubes I used to crunch on when I was younger. Add the overdose of crunchy Nerds on top, and you’ve got an intensely saccharine experience.

Overall, it was tasty. I can only take so much sugar at a time, so this won’t be something I’ll order daily. However, the product delivers. It’s full of flavor with a unique texture combo that will likely find a foothold in many people’s fast-food agendas (especially the under-12 age group).

And I will say, it complements a Texas Double Whopper beautifully.

How long will the drink be at BK?

We asked Burger King how long the Frozen Strawberry drink would be on the menu and were told: “for a limited time!”

Not a conclusive answer, but we imagine it will stick around through the better part of summer. Next time you’re at the King, give it a try! The strawberry lover in you will be ecstatic.

The post Burger King Just Released a New Strawberry Frozen Drink, and It Tastes Like Nostalgia appeared first on Taste Recipes.