One of our favorite activities was the immersive dining experience at Space 220 restaurant inside Epcot. It is an attraction-meets-restaurant that is home to the Epcot Cosmic Cheesecake. Guests receive their boarding pass and then “blast off” from Earth 220 miles into the sky to a space station. The doors open to reveal an other-worldly experience filled with stars, astronauts and some of the best dishes in the galaxy.

Many come for the prix fixe lunch or dinner menu, but they stay for the dessert. When the cosmic cheesecake was delivered to my table, I dove right in. It was so incredible, I couldn’t wait to try and recreate it back at home. It has since joined a long list of copycat Disney recipes I keep on rotation. You have to try the grilled cheese recipe from Toy Story Land, the molasses crackle cookies and even Walt Disney’s favorite dessert.

What is a cosmic cheesecake?

Luckily, when I visited the restaurant, I was able to speak with the pastry chef to get the inside scoop on how this iconic dessert is created. She said that Epcot Cosmic Cheesecake has been their bestselling dessert from the beginning. Plus, it also just happens to be gluten-free! She said it starts with a classic New York-style cheesecake base that is surrounded by gluten-free cookie crumbs and a raspberry gel. All of this is under an edible chocolate dome that is decorated with edible shimmer and celestial sprinkles.

How is it made?

The components seemed simple enough, so I took notes and came back home ready for some kitchen experimentation. That’s what’s so fun about making some of the Disney parks copycat recipes or Disney movie copycat recipes. It’s a way to get excited before a Disney vacation, or a unique way to reminisce about your trip when you get home.

While this stunning restaurant dish looks daunting to try at home, I found a few shortcuts and smart swaps to make it happen.

Ingredients

• Chocolate Dome: This is how the ‘planet’ is represented on the plate. It is easy to replicate at home using a silicone mold and magic shell chocolate sauce.
• Chocolate Cheesecake: Each dome is filled with chocolate cheesecake. I used just the filling portion from this no-bake chocolate cheesecake recipe.
• Raspberry Jam: To recreate the raspberry gel from the restaurant, I simply picked up a jar of seedless raspberry jam.
• Cookie Crumbs: The plate is coated with delicious and edible “celestial dust.” It can be made with crumbs of your favorite chocolate wafer cookies. I used Oreos, but you can use chocolate graham crackers or gluten-free cookies. No matter which cookie you choose, a few pulses in the food processor will do the trick.
• Decorations: Finally, the planet and the plate can be decorated to make it really shine. I used a light dusting of edible gold shimmer and some large, round sprinkles. This is where you can get really creative!

Directions

Step 1: Make the chocolate dome

All you have to do is use a silicone dome mold. The size and style used for hot chocolate bombs is perfect. Then, fill each well with either store bought or homemade magic shell and pop it into the freezer while you make the rest of the dessert.

Step 2: Create the cheesecake filling

Next, make the no-bake chocolate cheesecake filling and spoon it into each well of the mold. Pop it back in the freezer to set while you prepare each plate.

Step 3: Start the cosmic construction

To start building the plate, put a few spoonfuls of seedless raspberry jam in a resealable plastic bag or a pastry bag, and snip the corner. Squeeze to draw raspberry ovals over the surface of the plate. Then, in one corner, sprinkle the cookie crumbs.

Step 4: Plate the finished product

Now is the time to get the cheesecake domes out of the freezer. Invert one onto each plate on top of the cookie crumbs.

Finally, decorate the chocolate dome to your heart’s content! Some edible shimmer is fun to play with, and various sprinkles can also garnish your galaxy.

What did it taste like?

The Epcot Cosmic Cheesecake was a marvel of pastry chef perfection. The chocolate dome glistened, and the cheesecake filling was rich and decadent. I never wanted the dessert to end! I found recreating the dish at home to be a fun endeavor, and with a few tricks, it wasn’t overly complex for a novice home baker. I will definitely make this recipe again, and I most certainly will find myself back at Disney someday to once again dine at Space 220.

The post I Recreated Disney’s Epcot Cosmic Cheesecake, and It’s Out of This World appeared first on Taste of Home.

7. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s offers plenty of treats that people are obsessed with, so we had high hopes for the cookies. Priced at $4.99 per dozen, we thought the chocolate chunk cookies would make our list of TJ’s faves. However, that’s not the case. Of all the cookies, these lacked serious flavor. The first thing every tester mentioned was how bland they were compared to the other cookies. The taste of the chocolate was meh, and there also wasn’t enough of it. That said, Trader Joe’s chocolate chip cookies made up points for having a soft and chewy texture with perfectly crisp edges.

Bottom Line: Skip the chocolate chip cookies at Trader Joe’s the next time you’re shopping. Instead, save room in your shopping cart for our favorite frozen food items from Trader Joe’s.

6. Fresh Thyme

Fresh Thyme had two bakery chocolate chip cookies available. While the thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies looked very similar to Tate’s Bake Shop, we went with the more classic offering since it was most like the other cookies in the test group. At $4.99, these cookies were priced in the middle of the pack. However, their taste and texture scored the lowest of the bunch. Our batch lacked any softness or chewiness, and the edges were rather crumbly due to the overall dryness of the cookie. Finally, the chocolate, while plentiful, was dry and crumbly and didn’t offer a lot of cocoa flavor.

Bottom Line: If you really crave chocolate chip cookies, this one will do, but know that there are far better chocolate chip cookies available at other retailers. This might even be a case to skip the bakery section and opt for store-bought chocolate chip cookies instead!

5. Aldi

Aldi is a national grocery retailer with a loyal customer following who appreciates the brand’s commitment to low prices and value-driven offerings. The cookies are not baked fresh in-house, but at $3.89 per dozen, Aldi’s ‘Bake Shop’ chocolate chunk cookies were among the least expensive that we sampled. Overall, Aldi had the chewiest cookie offering and used a sweeter milk chocolate chip that our testers enjoyed. The flavor of the cookie dough had mixed reviews, though, with several testers noting a “mystery” flavor that they couldn’t quite place for better or worse.

Bottom Line: Aldi’s Bake Shop chocolate chunk cookies are not the best chocolate chip cookie we’ve ever had, but they’re not the worst either.

4. Walmart

Walmart has several chocolate chip cookie offerings in its bakery section. We tested the basic ‘Freshness Guaranteed’ chocolate chip cookies, priced at $3.47 per dozen, since they were most similar to the other brands tested. Our first impression of these cookies was that they were very sugar-forward. Both the chocolate and the dough tasted more like white sugar than cocoa or cookie. In fact, all testers noted a sugary graininess present, almost like the butter and sugar were not creamed the right way. That graininess outshone the soft, chewy texture of the cookie.

Bottom Line: If you like your chocolate chip cookies extra sweet, then head to your local Walmart for a cookie treat.

3. Kroger

The in-store bakery cookies from Kroger consistently tested near the top among our taste testers. Kroger’s cookies have a sweeter cookie base with a hint of salt that makes them well-balanced. Texturally, this brand had nice crisp edges and soft middle, but lacked any of that oh-so-desirable chewy factor that we were seeking. As for chocolate, the overall flavor of the chocolate chips was among the best we sampled. However, we wanted more of them. Most of the cookies in our package only had a few minuscule chocolate chips each, which left the chocolate chip-to-cookie ratio feeling lackluster.

Bottom Line: At $3.49 per dozen, Kroger’s in-store chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleaser, and they’re the most affordable choice. Here are more ways to save at Kroger.

2. Target

Tied for the top spot is Target’s ‘Favorite Day’ chocolate chip cookies. Sold in a 16-pack, which averages to a price of $5.60 per dozen, these were also some of the most expensive cookies tested. The cookies tasted super fresh even though Target doesn’t bake them onsite. Target cookies had the best texture of any cookie we bit into: soft, with a subtle chew and perfectly crisp edges. The dough was also the best of the bunch with notes of butter and vanilla.

Bottom Line: If you don’t have time to make homemade chocolate chip cookies, these might just be the next best thing. FYI: Target’s Favorite Day cookie dough ice cream is also one of our top-ranked brands.

1. Costco

Not only does Costco have one of the best grocery store cakes, but its chocolate chip cookies also consistently topped our testers’ lists. The smell of these cookies brought us back to grandma’s house with their strong vanilla aroma. The overall flavor was also very vanilla forward with notes present in both the cookie itself and the chocolate.

Speaking of chocolate, of all the cookies tested, the chocolate chips in Costco’s cookies really stood out as the best. The chips were smooth, creamy and full of rich cocoa flavor. And there were a ton of them in each cookie. At $5.89 per dozen (sold in packs of 24 cookies), they may be pricey, but we feel their quality makes it worth the price tag.

Bottom Line: If you need enough cookies to serve a crowd and don’t have time to bake your own, Costco chocolate chunk cookies are the answer. Between the cakes and cookies, I’d say that makes a Costco membership worth it!

The post The Best Grocery Store Chocolate Chip Cookies, According to a Professional Baker appeared first on Taste of Home.

Sometimes, this means making a bunch of soup at once and freezing it to enjoy with Jeffrey later. She prefers to go out to eat or over to friends’ homes for dinner after a long day of testing recipes. But no matter what the rest of her day looks like, she always starts it with the exact same meal.

What does Ina Garten eat for breakfast every day?

If you think that the Barefoot Contessa is part of the celebrity oatmeal club, you’re wrong! Well, you’re half wrong. It’s true, much like Willie Nelson, Kate Middleton and Giada di Laurentiis, Ina used to start her day with oatmeal. Specifically, McCann’s Irish quick-cooking oatmeal. But after doing that for more than a decade, she changed her tune.

In fact, her time spent in Paris might have something to do with the switch-up. Ina actually bought an apartment in Paris and spends a lot of time in the City of Lights. It’s where she found her new obsession that made its way into her morning routine: fancy French butter.

“It’s called Beurre de Baratte with flaked sea salt. And it’s just so delicious,” she told Julia Louis-Dreyfus on an episode of the podcast Wiser Than Me. This really is the crème de la crème of butters—imagine a dairy product that “eats like cheese but tastes like butter,” as one food writer put it.

So with this fancy butter in her rotation, Ina has switched from a hearty oatmeal breakfast to a lighter fare. “I pretty much have toast and coffee for breakfast,” she also said on the podcast. “And then at exactly 10:30, I have to have a cup of tea with a little honey in it.”

I gotta say, Ina is pretty much living my ideal life. And while I can’t quite afford the Paris apartment, I can definitely splurge on some fancy butter and a great loaf of homemade bread.

Related:

• I Made Ina Garten’s Limoncello Spritz, and It’s the Only Drink I Need This Summer
• This Is Ina Garten’s All-Time Favorite Dessert—and It’s Surprisingly Simple
• Ina Garten Eats This Whenever She Has a Bad Day

The post This Is What Ina Garten Eats for Breakfast Every Day appeared first on Taste of Home.

Classic Crimp

The basic, classic crimp is easy to do with a few tricks. First, make sure to roll out your dough so it hangs over the edge of the pie pan by about 1 inch. If using a double crust, both crusts should have the same amount of excess: use kitchen shears to trim around the edges to even them out. Then, lift the excess dough and fold it over the crust to create a double thickness of crust that’s wide enough to cover the entire rim of the pie pan. The most common mistake when crimping crust is not doubling over the edge, which makes for a too-thin crust that gets brittle or burnt when baking.

Finally, crimp the crust: Use your fingertips to gently pinch the layers of dough together. Most bakers use their thumbs and index fingers, with one hand pressing outward from the pie to create a pinched V shape, and the other hand pressing inward to stabilize the shape. Continue around the edge, rotating the pie plate as you go. Be gentle but firm when pinching.

A classic crimp is the go-to finish for both single- and double-crust pies, especially for novice bakers or anyone in a hurry. You can even use this technique on store-bought pie crust.

Fork Crimp

A fork crimp is the easiest method for finishing a pie crust. Once the dough is rolled and the edges are trimmed and folded to form a crust, you’re ready to fork crimp. Press the tines of a fork into the crust, squeezing the layers of dough together and imprinting the edge with a nice striped pattern. Again, spin the pie pan as you crimp to go all around the edge. Finish the crust with an egg wash for a golden brown color.

As with the classic crimp, the fork crimp is great for all types of pies. It adds a homey, rustic quality that’s especially fitting for down-home vintage pies.

Crosshatch Crimp

Ready to get a little fancy? Try the crosshatch crimp. This is like the fork crimp, but angled and overlapped. Go all around the crust, pressing the fork into the edge at an angle. Then, press the fork around the edge again going on an angle in the opposite direction. Voila! You’ve created a more complex design without breaking a sweat. Use a crosshatch crimp anywhere you’d use the classic crimp.

Spoon Crimp

Spoon crimping is a fun method to try because it’s as easy as a fork crimp, but much less common, so it stands out on the bake sale table. Basically, you’ll use a spoon to press arches into the crust, making a design like scallops or bunting.

To crimp with a spoon, press the tip of a floured spoon about halfway into the edge of the crust. Press the convex side into the crust so it leaves a line, not a divot. Repeat with the same spoon, this time adding a second impression closer to the edge. The curved lines of a spoon-crimped pie are pretty and oh-so-simple.

We think the spoon crimp looks best on single-crust pies, as a double crust can be a bit thick for this technique.

Pleated Crimp

For a pleated crimp, don’t fold the excess pie crust over the edge before crimping. You’re going to fancy up that edge! With kitchen shears, cut the edge into small diagonal strips. (You know those signs on community boards with the little tabs along the bottom that you can rip off to take someone’s phone number? You’re essentially cutting the same kind of tab into the edge of the dough.)

Now, fold each tab up and over the edge. One at a time, it doesn’t look like much, but once the whole pie edge is folded up, the crust actually looks pleated in a cool geometric way. This crimp works best with single-crust pies, since the end of the tabs will be covered with the pie filling.

Cookie Cutter Crimp

A cookie cutter crimp delivers a professional-level finish, but is absolutely doable for a baker who’s mastered all the other crimping methods. One big difference is that, for this crimp, you’ll need extra pastry dough. Once you’ve arranged your pie crust into the pan, roll out the extra dough. Use very small cookie cutters to cut shapes into the dough. Press the “cookies” around the edge of the pie. Simpler shapes tend to work best, like flowers, leaves or hearts, since they will overlap a bit.

We like this crimp style for pumpkin pies or pretty spring pies—especially single-crust ones. Just prepare a double-crust recipe so you have enough dough, then cut out all the extra dough with cookie cutters. Any unused dough can be baked like sugar cookies, or frozen and saved for a later pie.

The post How to Crimp Pie Crust Like a Pro appeared first on Taste of Home.

When I first laid eyes upon the upcoming S’mores McFlurry, I absolutely knew I had to get in there for a taste. And what better way to discern which s’mores is the best than with a side-by-side comparison with a tried-and-true? A little competition never hurt anyone (especially when it means I get to try two different kinds of ice cream).

When did McDonald’s come out with a S’mores McFlurry?

McDonald’s officially dropped its S’mores McFlurry on June 10, just a few days ago. Was I there day one? Absolutely. I pulled up to the drive-thru, excitedly ordered my brand-new McFlurry and waited to be graced by its presence. I was stunned by the amount of delicious mini marshmallows, chocolate chunks and graham cracker crumbles as soon as I was handed the cardboard cup. While I wanted to dig in, I safely placed it in my cupholder and made my way down the road to my childhood Dairy Queen. Fun fact, it was built in 1953! There’s nothing like a little DQ nostalgia.

Now, the S’mores Blizzard isn’t new. It actually debuted on the Dairy Queen menu back in 2013, and it’s been a regular addition to the menu ever since. And, as you might have guessed, there’s a reason for that. It’s sensational. The S’mores Blizzard is actually one of my favorite Blizzard flavors of all-time. If I could find a comparable competitor, I’d be over the moon. Thus, with my overflowing S’mores Blizzard in hand, I began the taste test.

Which dessert won the taste test?

I gave them both a thorough, unbiased taste. And yet, Dairy Queen still retained her crown. She’s royalty for a reason, you know.

As much as I loved the look of the S’mores McFlurry, I came to find that it wasn’t premixed with anything at all, and the toppings instead sat upon a cupful of plain vanilla soft serve. After mixing in all the toppings, I found it was incredibly sparse when it came to actual s’mores components. The mini marshmallows were crunchy and tasted more artificial than I wanted. The chocolate bits, while still tasty, were much smaller than those in the Blizzard. And the graham cracker pieces weren’t even present enough for me to notice. I needed much, much more of a s’mores presence than I got. It mostly tasted like vanilla soft serve with a few random inclusions.

Now, the S’mores Blizzard was overflowing from the start. I’m surprised it survived the flip test. Mix-ins made it into every bite, including massive chunks of chocolate and plenty of crushed graham cracker. And while it didn’t have actual marshmallows, each bite had a wicked amount of marshmallow flavor that complemented the heft of the chocolate. And, on top of everything, the soft serve base was super creamy. I’d cleaned out the Blizzard in the blink of an eye and wanted another!

Should you still try the S’mores McFlurry for yourself? You’ll always be your own best critic. But, if you’re looking for a consistent, delicious s’mores ice cream treat, Dairy Queen really can’t be beat.

Related:

• This Cult-Fave Dairy Queen Treat Is Discontinued, But You Can Still Order It with This Menu Hack
• Is Dairy Queen Real Ice Cream?
• The Best Fast-Food Ice Cream, Ranked By a Food Writer

The post McDonald’s S’mores McFlurry vs Dairy Queen’s S’mores Blizzard: Who Has the Better Summertime Ice Cream? appeared first on Taste of Home.

So when I got an invite to the Starbucks convention in Las Vegas, I was more than ready to taste test the new food and drinks Starbucks plans to add in the coming months. One standout was the Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino, which will show up on the Starbucks summer 2025 menu in July. I gave it a few sips and stirs, and I have thoughts!

What is a Strato Frappuccino?

“Strato” means “layer” in Italian, so you can guess right away this Frappuccino is going to have layers. Instead of the typical topper of whipped cream, Strato Frappuccinos layer cold foam on top of the blended drink. Starbucks says the inspiration came from customers: Adding cold foam to orders like cold brews, iced lattes and mochas is the most popular customization for cold drinks.

Three Strato Frappuccinos will be available nationwide in July: a Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino, a Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino and a Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino.

Are the Strato Frappuccinos good?

When I was sampling my way through Starbucks’ upcoming offerings, I got to try the Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino. It’s a classic coffee Frappuccino layered with brown sugar cold foam and topped with a stripe of cinnamon.

Admittedly, I haven’t ordered a Frappuccino in years because I try to limit my sugar intake in the mornings—at least a little bit—but that’s not because I don’t like the cold blended bevvies. Upon my first sip, I re-experienced the pleasantly icy texture and coffee flavor. I already knew that I’d love the cold foam on top on its own, since a flavored cold foam cold brew is my go-to order, but what I didn’t know was how nicely the creamy, velvety foam would play with the icy texture of the Frappuccino. The whole drink was absolutely packed with brown sugar flavor, even after stirring the cold foam into the coffee-flavored Frap.

If you’re a cold foam enthusiast who’s in the mood for something more decadent than a cold brew or iced latte, a Strato Frap is the way to go!

When can I get a Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino?

Starbucks hasn’t released an official launch date, but we can expect them sometime in July. However, you can take these drinks as inspiration and try layering your favorite cold foams on top of your go-to Frappuccinos right now. I think that a mocha Frappuccino with a cherry cold foam might taste like a slice of black forest cake. A strawberry Frap with a horchata cold foam would be quite delicious too!

Related:

• Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks You Need to Try
• Caramel Frappuccino Recipe
• Best Fast-Food Iced Coffees, Ranked

The post I Tried the New Starbucks Strato Frappuccino, and It’s a Textural Treat appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you’ve never had Grillo’s, let me put you on a brand-new beat. These “freshly pickled” pickles are full of crunch and manage to keep the soul of their former cucumber self. As a cucumber diehard, I appreciate their hard work. Do I believe pickles make everything better? Well, yes. Which is exactly why I needed to try the latest Home Chef and Grillo’s collaboration: the Pickle Pizza. Here’s exactly what I thought.

Is the new Grillo’s Pickle Pizza good?

I know what you’re thinking. How could a pizza that sounds like such an abomination be delicious? The truth is, this pickle pizza is incredible. But let’s add some background. Technically, it’s a barbecue pulled pork pizza with sliced red onions, mozzarella and Grillo’s hot pickle chips. If you’re into barbecue chicken pizza, you’ll likely wanna grab a slice of this one.

Now, let’s get to the taste. It’s a solid bite. The pulled pork is flavorful, and the barbecue sauce has a sweetness that cuts the pie’s saltiness. The onions are definitely large, but as someone who isn’t a huge fan of onions on her pizza, I thought they were a great addition.

As for the pickles? Honestly, I was a bit afraid of a hot pickle atop my toasty cheese. However, the slices added a subtle acidity that brought the whole thing together. While the pickles weren’t as spicy as I had hoped, they introduced me to a topping I would never have considered. They didn’t cover up or overpower the base flavor; they enhanced it.

The tang of the pickles mixed with the salty cheese and tender pork made for a mouthwatering combo. And, to top it all off, the crust was fabulous—soft yet durable in the middle with a hefty crunch on the outside. My only complaint was that it got a little juicy toward the center of the pizza. It softened the crust a bit too much for my liking, but if that’s the worst of it, I’d gladly take a round two. If you’re a pickle snack lover, you need to grab this before it’s gone.

How can I get Grillo’s Pickle Pizza?

Grillo’s Pickle Pizza is available at participating Kroger stores nationwide until Labor Day weekend. That means if you want to get your hands on this precious pickle pie, you need to jump on it as soon as possible. Enjoy your pizza, my fellow pickle pals!

Related:

• This Popular Fast-Food Chain Just Quietly Added Fried Pickles to Its Menu
• Types of Pickles You Should Know (and Try!)
• The Best Pizza Toppings—from Classic to Totally Out There

The post Grillo’s Pickle Pizza Is Here, and It Surpassed All My Expectations appeared first on Taste of Home.

But I have changed my tune on “fake beers” in the decades since, and I’m not the only one. There has been a new boon of nonalcoholic beverages hitting shelves, as well as a full-blown mocktail renaissance. So, when Tom Holland decided to enter the nonalcoholic beer game, I was intrigued. And, unbeknownst to me, so was my father.

What is Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer brand?

In 2024, Tom Holland launched BERO. He was inspired to do so after his own journey with sobriety. “I don’t think I realized how big a problem I had when it comes to alcohol until I gave it up,” he said in an interview with Food & Wine.

I understand this mentality completely, and I actually spent 15 months sober in my late twenties. Fed up with the intensity of my hangovers (not to mention the dollars I was pouring into food delivery and Ubers!) I wanted to prove to myself that I could spend a full year navigating everything without alcohol. That meant holidays, dating, work events, weddings and everything in between. It totally renewed my relationship with drinking, as I’m sure many people who participate in Dry January can confirm.

When my dad, Ted, had a heart attack in 2023, his doctor told him to cut back on alcohol. He said what he missed the most was the ritual of cracking open a cold one, especially after mowing the lawn or sitting down for the first football kickoff on Sundays. He told me that Tom Holland launching BERO was the first time he seriously considered giving a nonalcoholic beer another try. Of course, in typical dad fashion he didn’t tell me this at the time. He mentioned it a year later when I asked him if he wanted to try BERO’s new flavor, Double Tasty.

What does Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer taste like?

Double Tasty is a West Coast IPA, and it’s the newest addition to the BERO lineup. My dad and I chilled a 6-pack in the fridge before settling in for a game night. I figured the best way to try out the NA beer was by doing something we would normally do with regular beer.

We decided to drink the first one out of the can, and then pour the second one into a chilled pint glass. Right after cracking one open, I was immediately hit with that distinctively citrus smell of a classic West Coast IPA.

The first sip tasted exactly like regular beer. It was actually a little weird! The flavor was phenomenal: crisp, hoppy and bitter. My dad loved it too. “I’m not normally a fan of this style of beer, but it’s refreshing,” he said. The first can went down incredibly smoothly. “Well, it certainly burps like an IPA,” he said after finishing one can with a belch.

Next, we moved on to pouring the beer into a chilled pint glass. This is when we really started to go a little crazy, because it both felt and tasted like we were drinking a real beer. We kept marveling at it as we drank. “I feel like there is beer in here. But there’s not, right?” Ted said, picking up the can to inspect the label. “Nope, guess not.”

Another place where BERO stood out to us was how well it was able to keep a head when poured into a glass. “It pours with a nice head,” Ted remarked. “Other nonalcoholic beers never kept a good head, and aesthetically that always bothered me.” It might sound small, but it’s actually pretty important—who wants to keep drinking a beer that looks like its gone flat?

Would we buy Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer again?

The answer is a resounding yes! I was shocked at how good this beer was, and my dad was as well. Not only did it taste and look good, but it also tasted and looked like real beer. This is a remarkable breakthrough for the NA industry, in my opinion. I would seek this out to have on hand for days when I don’t want to feel the after-effects of drinking beer, but am sick of drinking sparkling water or soda.

I don’t think of my dad as a particularly harsh judge of anything, but I do think it takes a lot to really impress him. This is the same man who once said in all seriousness, “Soda does nothing for me.” So obviously there’s a high bar to clear in Ted’s beverage world. I asked him for his final thoughts on the tasting experiment, and this is what he had to say:

“This tastes like a real beer to me. Certain days I have a taste for a beer, like if it’s hot out or I worked up a sweat. But I don’t always want the alcohol buzz, because then I have two beers and I feel like I want to lie down. I have sampled many nonalcoholic beers. I’d rank this as the best one.”

Well, there you have it folks. The official dad seal of approval. If you haven’t had a chance to try out BERO, you might just want to add it to your cart.

The post My Dad and I Tried Tom Holland’s Nonalcoholic Beer—Here’s Our Honest Review appeared first on Taste of Home.

Even though I was a little skeptical, I couldn’t wait to hop on the bandwagon. I used the method from Taste of Home‘s very own creator @girldadskitchen on Instagram and followed the recipe listed in the caption. After that first bite, it was clear why everyone is talking about hot dog burnt ends.

What are hot dog burnt ends?

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When smoking a brisket, the burnt ends are made from the pointed end of the large cut of meat that become charred and crisped throughout the cooking process. What once was a discarded piece became mouthwatering barbecue gold when tossed with a sweet and tangy sauce.

For those of us who don’t have the time or budget to smoke an entire brisket just to anticipate a few nibbles of those prized burnt ends, the concept of the hot dog version was born. Hot dogs are scored, seasoned, charred and sauced in such a way to replicate the texture and cooking style of burnt ends.

Ingredients for Hot Dog Burnt Ends

• Hot Dogs: Use your favorite brand of hot dogs here. I recommend plump and juicy ones for optimal results.
• Mustard: When preparing the hot dogs, good old-fashioned yellow mustard does the trick. If you want to use a fancier Dijon mustard, save that for the dipping sauce.
• Barbecue Rub: Use your favorite homemade dry rub recipe, or grab a prepared blend from store shelves.
• Barbecue Sauce: Again, you can make your own barbecue sauce, or pick up a bottle of the best barbecue sauce you can find at the store.
• Dipping Sauce: The video I followed offered a recipe for an easy hot honey mustard that was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

How to Make Hot Dog Burnt Ends

Score hot dog links in a crisscross pattern and then saturate them with a generous slathering of yellow mustard. Sprinkle with barbecue rub before transferring to the hot grill grates. Slowly charring on the grill exposes more surface area of the meat as the scored portions begin to open up and become crisp.

To finish things up, cut the hot dogs into bite sized pieces, toss them in barbecue sauce, and return them to the grill for a low and slow cook to impart a glossy, sweet coating over every morsel.

Enjoy the hot dog burnt ends on their own or dip them into a honey mustard sauce.

Are hot dog burnt ends worth the effort?

Sometimes they’re referred to as budget barbecue bites, and I agree that hot dog burnt ends are a great way to reimagine a beloved barbecue dish. Hot dog burnt ends take a little bit of time on the grill since they are cooked two different ways, but otherwise it’s a relatively hands-off cooking process. The small amount of work involved does have quite a big payoff. I loved that this was a new way to enjoy hot dogs that I had never tried before. The texture was fantastic, and I couldn’t get enough of that sweet and spicy dipping sauce. I can’t wait to make them again for various parties and potlucks throughout the summer!

Related:

• Grill Nation: Our Ultimate Guide to Grilling
• The Best Grills, According to Our Test Kitchen’s Grilling Expert
• Summer Potluck Recipes to Feed a Crowd

The post I Made ‘Hot Dog Burnt Ends’ for the Easiest Barbecue Ever appeared first on Taste of Home.

The NBA Finals are underway, with the Indiana Pacers taking the first game of the series from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Even before the game rolled around, we already knew what was going to be on the game-day menu for the Pacers star point and shooting guard Tyrese Haliburton that day—and every game day of the finals. That’s because Tyrese is known for eating the same exact thing before every game.

What does Tyrese Haliburton eat before every game?

In an interview with GQ, Tyrese revealed details about his game-day rituals, including what he eats before games. It turns out the lunch menu never changes.

It’s always “chicken, rice, and bread with a green juice,” Tyrese told GQ.

That balanced lunch—filling, but not too heavy—is part of Tyrese’s established game-day routine that also includes taking his dog for a morning walk and playing some video games or watching TV to relax, according to the two-time NBA All-Star.

After every game, food is also top of mind. Tyrese calls himself a “pasta head,” so he usually will carb load with some pasta to refuel as he winds down from the day’s action. He also typically enjoys cherry juice—he’s an investor in Cheribundi juice—after his post-game massage, as he credits the juice with helping to alleviate his aches and pains.

As for the days when he’s off-duty, Tyrese enjoys a mix of comforting dishes, and the menu is far less regimented. He told GQ he likes “a big plate of French toast, eggs, and bacon” for breakfast. For lunch, he’ll nosh on a sandwich, like a grilled cheese, and tomato soup.

For dinner, you’ll typically catch Tyrese eating some pasta with a Caesar salad and bread, though he’s also a big fan of spicy tuna crispy rice, according to an interview with the Pacers’ YouTube channel. He also takes each meal with a smoothie.

Now that we know pasta is central to the NBA star-approved dinner menu, we know what we’ll be cooking to fuel up for the rest of our Finals cheering!

Related:

• Pasta Recipes for Nearly Every Pasta Shape
• Green Smoothie Recipe
• Alex Ovechkin Eats This Decadent Italian Meal Before Every Home Game

The post Tyrese Haliburton Eats the Same Meal Before Every Game appeared first on Taste of Home.

It should come as no surprise, then, that the trend is expanding, as Walmart just announced that it will soon welcome Wienerschnitzel—the popular California-based hot dog chain—inside some of its stores.

When is Walmart opening its Wienerschnitzel locations?

According to the chain, the Wienerschnitzel stores will open inside select Walmarts nationwide beginning this fall. The stores will offer the chain’s full menu, including its iconic chili cheese dog, the French fry-topped Junkyard Dog, sides like jalapeno poppers and cheese fries, and Tastee-Freez soft serve ice cream.

How many Walmarts will have Wienerschnitzel?

The new partnership between Walmart and Wienerschnitzel will begin with six locations across six states in the western U.S. These locations include stores in Puyallup, Washington; Alamogordo, New Mexico; Tempe, Arizona; Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bakersfield, California. If successful, it’s likely the partnership will expand to additional locations.

Known as the world’s largest hot dog chain, Wienerschnitzel currently has 340 franchise locations across 13 states, including a heavy presence in Southern California and on the West Coast.

The new locations are part of the chain’s efforts to grow this footprint via “non-traditional avenues,” the company said in an announcement. It is also exploring opening new locations inside food courts, airports, military bases, convenience stores and theme parks. While we’re personally not sure we have the stomachs to eat a chili cheese dog before hopping on a roller coaster at a theme park, we wouldn’t be at all opposed to noshing on some of that carby, cheesy goodness once safely back on the ground.

Related:

• Super Fun Hot Dog Recipes
• The Griller’s Guide to America’s Best Regional Hot Dog Styles
• The Best Hot Dogs for Summer BBQs, According to Our Pro Grillers

The post Walmart Is Opening This Iconic Fast-Food Chain in Select Stores appeared first on Taste of Home.

It’s not just us, though. Comedian Tina Fey is also well-known for her penchant for sandwiches. From the famous “Sandwich Day” episode of her show 30 Rock to having a sandwich named after her Liz Lemon character, the iconic Saturday Night Live alum knows a thing or two about all the things you can put between two slices of bread.

It turns out Tina has some strong opinions about which sandwich chains reign supreme too.

What does Tina Fey eat for lunch?

According to a past interview, Tina prefers the sandwich chain Jimmy John’s over Potbelly, and it was once her go-to lunch order. Given that Tina got her comedy start in Chicago as part of the Second City improv troupe, it was a surprising choice that she chose Jimmy John’s over the Windy City favorite.

“I like Jimmy John’s better than Potbelly’s,” Tina said. “Take that Chicago. I just sent a ripple through the Chicago sandwich community.”

As for what exactly Tina orders from her favorite sandwich chain, the jury is still out, but if life imitates art, we’ve got to guess she is probably most drawn to a turkey sandwich topped with pastrami, Swiss and potato chips—the key ingredients of the Reuben-like Liz Lemon sandwich from 30 Rock which the internet has been trying to expertly recreate for more than 15 years now.

Another possible candidate for Tina’s favorite sandwich is a roast beef sandwich topped with mozzarella cheese and roasted red peppers from Fiore’s House of Quality, a sandwich shop in Hoboken, New Jersey. The sandwich is said to have inspired the sandwich that Tina’s Liz Lemon famously noshes on at the airport security line in 30 Rock‘s “Sandwich Day” episode.

Either way, we’re not about to argue with comedy royalty. We’ll take one of each, please. We can have it all, after all!

Related:

• Sandwich Recipes That Aren’t PB&J
• Our Best Cold Sandwich Recipes
• We Went to 8 Restaurants to Find the Best Fast-Food Chicken Sandwich

The post We Just Learned About Tina Fey’s Go-To Lunch Order appeared first on Taste of Home.

While we already know the most popular benefits of Prime (hello, Prime Day!), there are several perks that fly under the radar. One of those hidden Prime benefits includes free access to GrubHub+ for the duration of your membership. The only caveat: you have to know where to find it. Here’s everything you need to know to snag this delicious perk.

Amazon Prime

Enjoy fast, free delivery—and tons of other perks, like free GrubHub+—with an Amazon Prime membership.

Sign Up for Amazon Prime

What is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime is Amazon’s premium membership, which charges users around $15 a month (or about $140 a year). One of the most popular benefits of a Prime membership is free same-day, one-day and two-day shipping on select items sitewide. There are also hundreds of discounts on Amazon that are only available to Prime members, including early access to Lightning Deals. Prime shoppers also get to shop exclusive Amazon Prime Day sales in July.

In addition, subscribers get access to Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming service, which produces popular original content. This is in addition to Amazon Music streaming, Prime gaming, Prime reading, savings on prescriptions, free shipping on Amazon’s sister company, Woot!, and free unlimited photo storage. Subscribers can even share memberships with up to two people in their household. Overall, there are dozens of Prime benefits that most folks—including current subscribers—don’t even know about!

What is GrubHub+?

Most folks don’t realize that Amazon also partners with other retailers to offer exclusive Prime member savings on non-Amazon purchases. Benefits span to food delivery—and we’re not just talking about Amazon’s partnership with Whole Foods.

GrubHub+ is GrubHub’s premium subscription, which reduces service fees, enables free priority delivery on all orders, offers unique savings for subscribers and 5% back on pickup orders. At about $10 per month, it’s definitely worth it—but you can also enjoy the same benefits by simply being an Amazon member. Prime subscribers just have to link their Amazon and GrubHub accounts to enjoy this additional benefit. It’s like getting two services for the price of one!

How to Sign Up for Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime

Score additional perks—like free GrubHub+—when you sign up for an Amazon Prime membership.

Sign Up for Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is $14.99 per month (or $139 per year) for regular subscribers, or $7.49 per month ($69 per year) for students. Signing up for free GrubHub+ and other perks that come along with a Prime membership is easy. Just navigate to Amazon’s website to enroll. 

FAQ

When is Amazon Prime Day 2025?

While Amazon hasn’t announced the dates for Amazon Prime Day 2025, it usually takes place in July and spans two days. Amazon Prime Day 2024 fell on July 16-17, so we’re expecting something similar for this year’s shopping holiday.

What are the best Amazon Prime Day deals?

We’ve seen lots of wow-worthy Prime Day savings in the past, including deep discounts on products we’ve tested and love. Our favorite discounts from previous years include 47% off a Keurig K-Elite, nearly half off a Lodge enameled casserole dish and a whopping 34% savings on the KitchenAid mixer.

How long is Amazon Prime Day?

We’ve seen Prime Day span across two days in previous years, so we’re expecting something similar this year.

The post The Amazon Prime Benefit You’re Not Using—But Should Be appeared first on Taste of Home.

Luxe brands like Dyson boast smart features that highlight any stray strands, but the price point is pretty high. Now, there’s a new vacuum in town—and it’s made for anyone sick of reaching for a lint brush yet again.

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder stays true to its name with a hair-illuminating headlight that helps track and eliminate errant fuzz. It’s time to wave goodbye to pet hair for good!

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder

Find fur fast with the built-in headlights on the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder.

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What is the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder?

Let’s be honest: We all have better things to do than tracking down every single hidden hair on our floors. Luckily, the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder doesn’t. The FurFinder is a convertible, cordless stick vacuum designed to detect and highlight hair anywhere using its built-in high and low beam headlights.

Using the headlights, folks can easily see each and every fluff, fuzz and speck of dirt on the floor. There’s no need for a second pass the next day, because there’s no missed spots! Bonus: This helpful feature works for both the stick vac and the handheld conversion and doesn’t take up too much battery life, since the FurFinder can run for up to 40 minutes on a single charge.

Product Features

In addition to the headlights, the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder also includes a catalog of other useful features. One of our favorites is the handheld FurFinder tool. It includes strong bristles and a “de-furring strip” that removes deeply woven pet hair from upholstery and fabric.

Another useful feature is the HEPA allergen system inside the filter, which captures dust, pollen and dander. As mentioned, the vacuum also converts from a cordless stick vacuum to a handheld, and there’s even a reach tool for hard-to-clean places like curtain rods and ceiling fans.

How We Tested Bissell Products

While we haven’t tried this particular model, our team of professional product testers has tried many Bissell machines over the years. Previous tests include the Bissell SteamShot, the Little Green Machine and a number of Bissell vacuums for pet hair. These include both upright vacuums like the PowerForce Helix and vacuum-mop combos like the SpinWave. Overall, we find the brand offers good quality at a fair price.

Where to Buy the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder

Bissell PowerClean FurFinder

Say goodbye to pesky pet hair—the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder detects even the smallest fuzzball.

Shop on Bissell

Pet parents who want to win the war against pet hair can purchase the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder on the brand’s website. It retails for around $230, or nearly half the price of luxury vacuums. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially for those who experience allergy symptoms from pet dander.

The post This New Bissell Stick Vacuum Has Headlights So You Don’t Miss Any Mess appeared first on Taste of Home.

But something up above decided to open the heavens and shine down upon me. Last December, we got wind that the Snack Wrap may be making its ultimate return. My heart fluttered at the thought. Then, another discontinued Mickey D’s favorite, the McCrispy Strips, also made a comeback. Now, we’ve finally gotten confirmation that the Snack Wraps are indeed coming back this summer, and I positively needed everyone to know.

When is the McDonald’s Snack Wrap returning?

Starting July 10, 2025, we’ll finally be able to get our loving little hands on all the Snack Wraps we could possibly want. I remember grabbing a few between high school practices and softball games. They were honestly a lifesaver. They were a quick bite that didn’t make me feel so weighed down, and they pair seamlessly with a side of McDonald’s fries. For all I know, Snack Wraps were secretly giving me all the power I needed to succeed. You never know!

This time around, McDonald’s is gifting us two flavors:

• Spicy Snack Wrap: Anyone who likes a bit of heat will love the bold zest and wicked fire in the Spicy Snack Wrap. Much like the Spicy McCrispy sandwich, a whole ‘lotta habanero will take the spotlight on this one.
• Ranch Snack Wrap: Our tried-and-true returns. The Ranch Snack Wrap was my favorite back in the day, and I imagine it will easily reclaim its place. With a mix of smooth ranch, garlic and onion, you’ll find yourself ordering two or three of these at a time. Trust me.

McDonald’s is really giving us everything we’ve ever wanted this year. Aside from the return of the McCrispy Strips and the Snack Wrap, the chain is also bringing in new drinks inspired by its soon-to-close spinoff location, CosMc’s.

How long will the McDonald’s Snack Wrap be available?

Snack Wrap lovers, I’m going to need you to buckle up. The catch is that there is no catch. It’s coming back to stay this time. McDonald’s has officially confirmed that the Snack Wraps will be a permanent addition to the menu. If you had told 2016 me that this was in my future, I would have never believed you. But look where we are now.

Related:

• What the McDonald’s Menu Looked Like the Year You Were Born
• We Went to 8 Restaurants to Find the Best Fast-Food Chicken Sandwich
• Wendy’s Just Revealed 6 New Frosty Flavors, and Fans Did Not See This Coming

The post McDonald’s Snack Wrap Returns with One Special Catch appeared first on Taste of Home.

As a kitchen gadget girlie, I had to try a Scottish spurtle out. After all, I knew that it might just change the way I make a go-to recipe!

What is a spurtle?

So what actually is this silly-sounding kitchen tool? A spurtle is a Scottish stirring stick used most frequently to mix oatmeal and porridge. Scottish spurtles are long, thin wooden tools, often with a flared handle. The slim, tapered shape works to keep oatmeal from going lumpy. They are also used to stir broths and to break up clumped ingredients (like hardened brown sugar).

As for the name, it’s thought to derive from spartel, meaning “stirrer” in an old Northern English dialect.

How do you use a spurtle?

To make the best use of a Scottish spurtle, I prepared the dish this tool was created for: porridge—or, as we know it in the States, oatmeal.

I used the spurtle the same way I use my favorite wooden spoon for this recipe. After adding the oats to the boiling water, I stirred the mixture here and there with the spurtle. I’ll admit: Using this magic wand-shaped tool made me feel like I was in potions class at Hogwarts. It was a lot of fun!

Once the oatmeal reached the right consistency, I grabbed a spoon to scoop it into a bowl and topped it with my favorite honey, toasted pecans and cinnamon. The result was a very good oatmeal without any lumps. The spurtle did its job.

Pros of using a spurtle

• Using a Scottish spurtle is pure fun.
• The spurtle kept any lumps from forming in the oatmeal.

Cons of using a spurtle

• The spurtle didn’t do anything that a spatula or wooden spoon couldn’t do.
• It’s one more thing to wash. In addition to the spurtle, I still needed a spoon to portion the oatmeal into bowls.

Where to Buy a Spurtle

If you’re an oatmeal aficionado or a homesick Scot, having a spurtle in your drawer might not be a bad idea—after all, it doesn’t take up much space. Your best bet for finding a spurtle of your own is to go online. I found my handmade spurtle on Etsy. Some specialty kitchen retailers also carry these online.

Editor's Pick

Spurtle

Use a Scottish spurtle for the smoothest bowl of homemade oatmeal ever.

$26.17 at Etsy

The post What Is a Scottish Spurtle? appeared first on Taste of Home.

So it astonished me when, one time, my grandma let me have a sip of her coffee. I scrunched up my face with the typical blegh reaction that kids often have to coffee. How could something so bitter and bland have anything to do with such a sweet cake?

Does coffee cake have coffee in it?

It turns out that there’s not actually coffee in American coffee cake. It makes sense, then, why I liked the pastry version and not the actual drink. (Suffice it to say, I grow up to became an avid coffee drinker.) And since there’s no coffee in coffee cake, that means it doesn’t have caffeine either.

The name likely came from the German Kaffee und Kuchen, which translates to “coffee and cake.” The pastry-style cake is more likely to be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch than in the evening after a meal. And since it’s served in the morning, it makes sense than you’d serve it with a cup of joe or other coffee drinks.

Now, if you’re in the U.K., coffee cake generally does have instant coffee in it. It’s an entirely different cake than in the U.S., though. Coffee cake in the U.K. consists of sponge cake layered between thick sheets of icing with a walnut garnish.

What is coffee cake?

Coffee cake is a type of sweet quick bread, like banana bread or lemon loaf. It’s something you’d serve for breakfast or brunch, paired with coffee or tea. Typically, it has a cakey, muffin-like texture, and is swirled with cinnamon and sugar and topped with streusel. The buttery crumb of the cake melts in your mouth and, if your recipe calls for a drizzle of icing, it’s like eating dessert for breakfast. It doesn’t get better than that!

Related:

• Oh-So-Sweet Bread Recipes
• What Is Quick Bread: Your Guide to This Simple, Delicious Bake
• Bread Recipes from Around the World

The post Does Coffee Cake Actually Have Coffee in It? appeared first on Taste of Home.

He also happens to be a huge fan of food, which is great for me because it means that I get to write about him. During an interview with LADbible, he and Jon Favreau compared notes on American and Chilean snacks. Pedro Pascal was born in Santiago and came to the U.S. when he was a toddler. “Oh man, this is really nostalgic,” he says while eating an alfajor cookie—a sweet treat that also happened to be a favorite of the late Pope Francis.

Delicious South American treats aside, there is one American snack/breakfast dish that Pedro Pascal simply can’t get enough of—and it’s a sentiment he shares with thousands of children across the country.

What is Pedro Pascal’s favorite breakfast food?

While appearing on an episode of Hot Ones, he got real about his love of cereal. And not just any cereal: Pedro loves Cap’n Crunch! “Cap’n Crunch is just so tasty,” he tells host Sean Evans. “It tastes like caramel. It’s its own thing. It makes you think about your childhood. I would do anything to go back there right now.” This is the second time he’s been nostalgic about caramel-flavored treats!

But this isn’t the first time he’s publicly declared his affinity for the cereal. Pedro elaborated on his love of Cap’n Crunch on a Reddit AMA back in 2014: “Someone asked how I feel about Captain Crunch: I’m capable of eating an entire box of it without any milk,” he wrote. Talk about a dedicated fan. Someone needs to get the marketing team at Cap’n Crunch on the phone—I think you’ve found yourself a new spokesperson!

Related:

• Harrison Ford’s Secret Ingredient for a Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Giada De Laurentiis Has This for Breakfast Every Single Morning
• The All-Time Best Cereals from Childhood, Ranked

The post Pedro Pascal’s Favorite Breakfast Is a Big Bowl of Nostalgia appeared first on Taste of Home.

It’s a very busy life for a very talented woman, and, naturally, she deserves a little treat when she gets home from work! When it comes to sweets, there is one specific flavor of one iconic cookie that will be on rotation in her house all summer long. She’s teaming up with Oreo to launch a limited-edition flavor—and it’s absolutely perfect for summer.

What makes the Selena Gomez Oreos special?

These Selena Gomez Oreos have the classic chocolate cookie on the outside and a horchata-inspired cinnamon cream inside. It’s a winning combination that’s sure to delight your taste buds—imagine dipping one in horchata.

Something that is really special about this particular Oreo collab is that select Oreos will have Selena Gomez’s signature on them. It’s the first time that Oreo has done this with one of its celeb collections, and it is pretty cool to think that you can eat an Oreo “signed” by Selena. There will apparently be other Easter eggs and fun little nods to Selena songs for the biggest Selena stans to find.

When can I buy the Selena Gomez Oreos?

You’ll be able to pre-order your Oreos starting June 2, and they should be available in-store at select retailers on June 9. Since these collabs usually sell out, you should probably set an alarm to remind yourself if this is a must-have item for your pantry—or Selena shrine.

Related:

• I Tried the Starbucks Horchata Shaken Espresso—Here’s My Honest Opinion
• Here’s How to Eat an Oreo the RIGHT Way, According to the Oreo Team
• Celebrity Cookware Pieces That Are Actually Worth Buying

The post Selena Gomez Confirms Horchata Is the Flavor of the Summer appeared first on Taste of Home.

Now that summer is on the horizon, it’s time to fill our freezers with popsicles, ice cream and these peanut butter and chocolate-covered bites.

What are Reese’s Banana Slices?

These frozen bites are quite possibly the greatest frozen fruit dessert creation this side of the millennium. Reese’s Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Slices have been a staple in my house since they first dropped. And while Costco has discontinued some popular favorites, I’m glad it’s bringing my bananas back around. Listen, I love ice cream. But your girl is lactose intolerant, and there’s only so much I can take. So when I find myself craving something frozen and sweet, I almost always opt for chocolate frozen fruit instead. When I first came across the Reese’s Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Slices, my ultimate prayers were answered.

These heavenly little bites are pure euphoria. They consist of a thick slice of sweet banana encased in Reese’s famous peanut butter and chocolate. They’re our favorite peanut butter cups for a reason. The textures are even better frozen, and each slice serves to satisfy a sweet tooth craving like no other. Just be careful—you’ll be knocking back a whole bag before you realize it. Trust me…I know. That’s why I buy two or three at a time!

Where can I buy Reese’s Banana Slices?

You can grab a 20-ounce bag for around $12. Costco has them available on its website and at participating locations nationwide while supplies last. If you’re not a Costco member, bags have also been spotted at Target.

Related:

• We Ranked Every Costco Food Court Item, and the Winner Shocked Us
• Simple Frozen Dessert Recipes
• Trader Joe’s Just Dropped Dubai Chocolate Bars That Are Shockingly Inexpensive

The post Costco Just Brought Back This $12 Freezer Treat for the Summer appeared first on Taste of Home.

As a Chicago-based food critic, I’ve got tasty hidden gems around every unsuspecting corner. We have a dessert spot called Sugar Dose nearby that went viral on TikTok for its Dubai chocolate-themed menu. I’ve eaten there twice, and the Dubai chocolate strawberry cups are so incredible, I find myself thinking about them for weeks afterward. They’re that good.

Needless to say, the mixture of sweet, smooth chocolate and crunchy, creamy kataifi and pistachio has me thoroughly hooked. So when I heard about Dubai chocolate dropping at Trader Joe’s, I jumped in my car and floored it. Here’s what I thought.

Is the Trader Joe’s Dubai chocolate good?

Short answer? Yes! The chocolate is rich, the filling is present and textured, and I found myself devouring the bar before I even had a chance to realize it was gone. For someone who has not yet gotten the chance to try it, I highly recommend it.

As for a more in-depth answer, it’s not the best I’ve had yet. I’ve only had Dubai chocolate made with milk chocolate while the Trader Joe’s bar by Patislove is made with dark chocolate. Does it matter that much to me? Not really. I absolutely adore dark chocolate. Will it matter to others? Very likely.

The difference between the Dubai chocolate I’ve had before and this is that the bitterness of the dark chocolate seemed to overpower the sweet flavor of the pistachio. While I could see the pistachio filling, I tasted chocolate over everything else. However, the filling’s texture is phenomenal. If you’ve never had kataifi before, it reminds me of shredded wheat. It adds just the right amount of crunch to make every bite a little more interesting. It’s honestly my favorite part of the entire treat.

If you’re a seasoned Dubai chocolate taster like myself, the bar is still absolutely worth trying. I honestly bought a handful for myself, and I’ll be sharing them with my friends no doubt. But you know what’s also full of Dubai chocolate goodness and perfect for sharing with friends? These intensely delicious Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars. It’s Dubai chocolate season, and I’m so gosh darn here for it.

How long will it be at Trader Joe’s?

This limited-time item will most likely only be around while supplies last. And from the looks of it, that won’t be for much longer. The original bar is quite expensive, but this dupe is only $3.99. That’s so much cheaper than other versions I’ve seen. Some TJ’s enthusiasts have already reported their stores limiting the amount of chocolate bars people are allowed to buy at once. Mine had a limit of five per customer, but others have seen as little as two. That being said, my store was almost completely cleaned out when I got there. It hadn’t even been around for more than two days. Head to your nearest TJ’s and stock up as much as you can before they’re gone!

The post Trader Joe’s Just Dropped Dubai Chocolate Bars That Are Shockingly Inexpensive appeared first on Taste of Home.

Judging by the collection’s inclusion of can coolers and flasks, it’s officially summertime, baby! Here’s what we know about the release.

Stanley Mesa Rose Collection

The southwestern-inspired Mesa Rose Stanley collection channels paisley bandana prints and polished rose gold.

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What is the Mesa Rose collection?

The Stanley Mesa Rose collection draws inspiration from stunning southwestern scenery, judging by the name. The latest drop features a fleet of four new shades, including polished rose gold, blue corn, blue corn paisley and a soft conch floral. These colors span Stanley’s most popular releases, including the internet-famous Quencher tumbler in both 30- and 40-oz sizes.

Other additions include the new ProTour tumbler, can coolers, water bottles, wine tumblers, bowls and a flask, all in select shades from the collection. The paisley prints and overall southwest vibes channel warm weather, long nights and summertime sunsets.

Mesa Rose Collection Top Picks

Polished Rose Gold ProTour Tumbler

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Unlike the usual glitz we’ve seen Stanley feature in the past, the wow-factor of the Stanley Mesa Rose collection comes from the new mirror-like rose gold shade. The radiant copper tone of this leakproof ProTour tumbler contrasts well with the rosy shade of the handle and lid, giving the whole cup a serene glow. Pair with some pink Stanley cup accessories for a cohesive and eye-catching accessory. It also comes in a classy blue corn color.

Blue Corn Paisley Quencher

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Corn paisley is a cute shade that pairs well with the internet-famous classic Quencher. It channels the angular shape of a bandana along with a signature paisley print in a nice mid-toned blue. The print and pink accents—including a thumb rest on the handle and straw lid cover—just add to the insulated tumbler’s inherent charm. You can also shop the classic Quencher in polished rose gold and conch floral.

Polished Rose Gold IceFlow Bottle

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Another rose gold option is this polished IceFlow bottle, which offers the same sheen as other rose gold options from the collection. Lightweight and sporting the same double-walled insulation as Stanley’s tumblers, this stunning option brings a little joy (and hydration) to wherever you trek.

Conch Floral Adventure Pre Party Flask

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I’m a big fan of my Stanley flask, which carried me through many a tailgate and camping trip. Now, you can snag this spirited barware in a soft conch color with a pretty paisley print and silver accents. Bottoms up!

Where to Buy the Mesa Rose Collection

Stanley Club members get early access to the Mesa Rose collection on June 2 at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET. Non-members can shop on June 3 at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET.

If this release is anything like the Oasis collection, we’re expecting the prettiest pieces to sell out quickly. If you’re hoping to score that rose gold Quencher, we strongly suggest signing up for the rewards program and shopping early for the best selection!

The post The Stanley Mesa Rose Collection Is Here—And We’re Obsessed with the Rose Gold Cup appeared first on Taste of Home.

Pizza

Just like Costco, Ikea has a small snack bar right next to the exit with cheap grab-and-go foods. You can enjoy them while trying to figure out how to fit an apartment’s worth of flat-pack furniture into the back of a Honda Civic. Unlike Costco, Ikea’s pizza is not very good, even by cheap pizza standards. You’re better off baking your own homemade pizza to eat on the floor while you stare at the scattered parts of your new kitchen table.

Plant Balls

These vegan alternatives to Ikea’s signature Swedish meatballs are surprisingly meat-like. Made of pea protein, oats, apple juice (seriously!) and other extra-special secret vegan ingredients, they’re deeply savory, with a bouncy, accurate meatball texture. But despite the fact that I would gladly devour a platter of these if they were served to me at a shindig, I probably wouldn’t order Ikea’s plant balls again—because I prefer the classic version.

Hot Dog

The star of the snack bar, Ikea’s hot dog is very respectable. However, based on its in-store location, I can’t help but compare it to the Costco hot dog, which is so iconic it’s ruined all other exit-adjacent snack-bar hot dogs for me. If you can muster the strength to think about something other than Costco while eating one, you’ll probably enjoy them quite a lot! Sadly, I am not capable of this, thus diminishing my abilities as a professional hot dog critic. I’m sorry, America.

Macaroni and Cheese

Ikea’s mac and cheese is slowly baked rather than cooked on the stovetop, giving it a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs quality that’s intensely comforting. It’s meant for the kids menu, but that shouldn’t stop you from ordering a kids plate as a side dish for your adult self.

Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are essentially required at any establishment that serves children, and as a mother myself, I can testify that the Ikea cafeteria is pretty much the most family-friendly dining spot you can drag your kids to. But don’t let the fact that they’re meant “for kids” dissuade you from ordering a big plate of them for yourself! These are top-tier chicken fingers, with an ultra-crispy breadcrumb coating that doesn’t flake off or fall apart.

Salmon Filet

Even though the Ikea cafeteria menu has plenty of stellar American-style options, when I’m there, I like to take advantage of its Swedish roots. Despite the fact that the salmon is one of the pricier items on the menu ($11.99), it’s still a steal that you won’t find anywhere else—one that’s cooked beautifully to boot. It’s so soft and buttery that it doesn’t need a drop of sauce to shine. In fact, I’d recommend ordering it with sauce on the side, so you can dig into the fish first before deciding to jazz it up or not. (And if you don’t like the sauce options at the counter, there’s always the honey mustard at the condiments bar.)

Shrimp Salad

Ikea’s shrimp salad is simple, dressed with a touch of mayo, a squirt of lemon and a reasonable amount of dill that doesn’t overpower the dish. It’s a mild entree that’s perfect for a light lunch or an afternoon snack. For a full meal, get the shrimp salad sandwich, which is served on a flaky, buttery croissant. Otherwise, grab a small plate as an appetizer. Just because it’s a cafeteria doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a (kinda) glamorous, multi-course meal!

Marinated Salmon

You’ll find Ikea’s marinated salmon offered three ways: on top of the cafeteria’s Stockholm Salad, stuffed in a multigrain flatbread for a healthy wrap sandwich, or alone on a small side plate with a slice of lemon. No matter how you enjoy it, you will enjoy it immensely, and you’ll feel proud of yourself for eating something healthier than chicken fingers.

Veggie Balls

This is the second of Ikea’s meat-free meatball options, and it’s the superior one. Unlike the plant balls, which are meant to mimic meat, the veggie balls are proud of their vegetable roots and don’t try to hide them. Made with chickpeas, carrots, peas, red peppers, corn and kale, these vegetarian balls are a bit like falafel but with a softer texture and a variety of veggie flavors. The tahini romesco sauce is so good, you’ll be licking it off the plate.

Garlic Lemon Cod

I’ll admit that in the case of Ikea’s garlic lemon cod, I’m probably biased by nostalgia. A simple dinner of flaky baked white fish sprinkled with breadcrumbs and doused in freshly squeezed lemon juice was one of my favorites when I was a kid. And I’m sure it inspires the same feelings in many of you, since the dish has been a favorite of exhausted working moms for generations. While I can (and do) make this at home, it tastes even better when someone’s made it for me, so Ikea gets top marks for its version.

All the Desserts

It’s impossible for me to rank Ikea’s desserts, because they are all so good. It would be a travesty if you didn’t try at least one.

If there’s a downside to the gloriously fudgy chocolate cake, it’s that it’s not served with a tall glass of ice cold milk. The Swedish apple cake tastes like real apples (not like the chemically-tinged canned pie filling), and is barely sweet, making it the ideal companion for a mug of bitter black coffee. The caramel almond cake is essentially a wedge-shaped version of Sweden’s beloved Daim candy bars, which put most American candy bars to shame.

And, after a brief absence from the menu, Ikea’s legendary princess cake has returned! This traditional Swedish dessert was originally designed for a literal princess, with a delicate disc of vanilla sponge cake slathered with raspberry jam, topped with a dome of fluffy whipped cream, wrapped in a thin sheet of pleasantly pink marzipan and drizzled with chocolate. How often do you get the chance to be treated like royalty when buying a couch?

Swedish Meatballs

The best thing at Ikea is, of course, the Swedish meatballs. Did you honestly expect anything else? For many of us who didn’t grow up Scandinavian, these are the quintessential Swedish meatball, and just as essential to the Ikea experience as going home with a Kallax, Smycka or Malm. It would almost feel wrong to go to Ikea and not order the meatballs, but with so many other good options on the menu, it’s understandable. Just make sure to grab a frozen bag of meatballs from the Ikea Marketplace before you hit check-out—you’ll definitely find yourself craving them once you get home.

The post The Best Food at the Ikea Restaurant, Ranked appeared first on Taste of Home.

All-Clad, known for its high-quality, American-made cookware, just launched a new outdoor pizza oven. Propane-powered and chock-full of features, the All-Clad pizza oven serves up seriously high temperatures—and delicious, bubbly crust to boot! Here’s everything you need to know.

All-Clad Pizza Oven

Say sayonara to subpar deliveries with the new, feature-packed All-Clad pizza oven.

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What is the All-Clad pizza oven?

The All-Clad pizza oven is the brand’s first foray into the outdoor cooking space. It boasts beautiful, sturdy stainless steel from the inside out and measures in at 16 inches across. The oven comes with three pizza stones—a round one to hold the pizzas, and two smaller corner covers that slide in on either side. A simple dial controls the flow of propane, allowing the oven to top out at 752 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates a bubbly, melty, oh-so-delicious brick oven-style pizza in only 90 seconds.

Four folding feet ensure sturdiness, and there are several additional accessories—like a stainless steel pizza cutter—available for purchase on the All-Clad website. It packs up easily for travel, so folks can make pizza virtually anywhere!

All-Clad Pizza Oven Features

In the age of outdoor pizza ovens, it takes some seriously cool features to stand out—particularly against industry giants like Gozney and Ooni. That being said, there are several features that help the All-Clad pizza oven compete.

For one, the All-Clad option offers an integrated thermometer for easy temperature readings. Another plus is the included pizza peel, which ensures effortless transport from oven to table.

However, our favorite feature by far is the automatic rotating pizza stone inside. Instead of turning the pizza manually (or integrating additional burners), the All-Clad pizza oven’s 360 degree rotating stone ensures even melting and crisping every time. No more burn risk or lost toppings!

Where to Buy

All-Clad Pizza Oven

Pizza nights are pretty swell when you enjoy pies fresh from the All-Clad self-rotating pizza oven.

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The All-Clad pizza oven is available on the All-Clad website for around $1,300. Ouch!

While certainly pricey, our editors have tested and can attest to the quality of All-Clad. Judging by the care put into their cookware, we expect the oven to last through years and years of pizza making. And, in case there’s an issue, each oven also comes with a two-year warranty for added “pizza” mind.

The post This Popular Kitchen Brand Just Dropped a Pizza Oven—And It’s Loaded with Smart Features appeared first on Taste of Home.

What’s the deal of the summer at Costco?

For those unfamiliar with “Dubai chocolate,” it’s a variety of chocolate bar that started going viral online in 2024. Officially called a Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar by the shop that created it, the treat combines a filling of shredded phyllo and pistachio cream with an outer layer of quality chocolate. It’s a colorful, richly textured bar that’s both photogenic and ripe for ASMR content.

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The new Afters Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Bar combines “chunks of rich Dubai chocolate + creamy pistachio vibes,” according to its Instagram account, and the box heralds the product’s “international virality.” The bar first made a splash at Coachella in April, and it’s rolling out to Costco stores this month. Residents of Washington state have reported finding them in area stores, while many California shoppers have reported being out of luck thus far.

TikTok user @cierrakaylese explains that what makes the bar so good is not only the quality of the pistachio ice cream, but also its relatively soft texture and the fact that the chocolate shell (which also contains cruchy kataifi pastry bits) isn’t overly thick.

Some shoppers are giving the side-eye to the price tag, which varies by store but hovers around the $18 mark for 10 bars. However, as The Krazy Koupon Lady points out, that comes out to $1.80 per bar—even less than you’d pay for a cup of soft serve at the Costco food court. For many folks, that’s a fair price to pay to hop on a viral trend.

“I suddenly miss my Costco membership,” wrote one TikTok user in response to a video of the Dubai chocolate ice cream bar that has more than 71,500 likes.

How long will Dubai chocolate ice cream bars be available?

If you want to try this new treat for yourself, don’t worry—it hasn’t even fully rolled out to stores yet. Some internet users are claiming that more Costco locations will be getting the bars in June. But if you spot them, you’ll probably want to buy them instead of waiting until your next shopping trip, because fans of the product who returned for a second box found that they were sold out.

These Dubai chocolate ice cream bars aren’t the only frozen treat at Costco that has people excited this season. The return of Nightingale ice cream sandwiches to Northeast stores has been celebrated by many shoppers, who praise the new Strawberry Shortcake flavor, as well as its just-right size and price point of $19.99 for 18 sandwiches. What delicious treats are you finding in the freezer section at your local Costco?

Related:

• We Ranked Every Costco Food Court Item, and the Winner Shocked Us
• The Costco Self-Checkout Has Just One Unspoken Rule
• Here’s What You Need to Know About Costco’s Free Samples

The post This Costco Frozen Treat Is a Summer Trend in the Making appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Sprite iced tea recipe was all the rage on social media in 2023, and when I tried it out, I found it to be simple and tasty. You just steep tea bags in Sprite to create a carbonated sweet tea. It’s mellow and just a tad tangy.

I’m a fan of bizarre beverages, from North Carolina’s beloved Cheerwine to Pepsi with milk to Coca-Cola Starlight. So of course, I had to try Sprite + Tea.

What is Sprite + Tea?

Can’t you just picture the Coca-Cola executives watching the DIY Sprite iced tea go viral and scrambling to get their recipe development team on it?

A press release from Coca-Cola says that the concept started out as an intern research project (go, interns!) inspired by that very viral trend. “We’re always listening to our consumers, but this particular phenomenon motivated us to explore how we could offer our own refreshing take on tea,” said Kate Schaufelberger, brand director for Sprite North America.

What does Sprite + Tea taste like?

The name says it all: Sprite + Tea blends crisp, lemon-lime flavored Sprite with refreshing iced tea. You can get it in regular and zero-sugar varieties, and there’s no caffeine.

From the little whispery “psst” as I opened the bottle of rich, golden soda to the fresh, citrusy scent, Sprite + Tea was a winner from the start. I confess, I’m not an enormous fan of either Sprite or iced tea, but this beverage is better than either of those drinks are alone.

There’s just the smallest kick from the bold tea flavor, and blending it with Sprite instead of water adds a sweet smoothness that kept me going back for more.

I can easily imagine this becoming a standby at summer barbecues and beach parties this year. Even if sweet tea isn’t a part of your regional tradition (translation: you’re not a Southerner), I’m sure Sprite + Tea will turn into an all-around favorite.

When can I get Sprite + Tea?

It’s a limited-edition drink, which should be in stores across the U.S. and Canada now or as soon as your stores can shelve it. My store didn’t have it on the soft drink shelves with the canned drinks, but instead had individual 20-ounce bottles in the coolers by the cash registers.

If you do see it, don’t wait to buy: Sprite + Tea will only remain available in the U.S. and Canada through October.

Related:

• Coke Zero vs. Diet Coke: What’s the Difference?
• I Tried the New Orange Cream Coke—Here’s My Honest Review
• I Tried the Spindrift Soda, and It’s Not What I Was Expecting

The post I Tried the New Sprite + Tea, and It’s About to Become the Drink of the Summer appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Frosty has been a staple of Wendy’s core menu since the chain opened in the ’60s, and it’s been wildly popular (with almost no change) ever since.

I’ve been a Frosty fanatic since before I could walk. The food critic in me can’t resist a Wendy’s Frosty and fries for the perfect salty-sweet combo.

Recently, Wendy’s made a major change to its original Frosty by introducing Frosty Fusions, aka flavor swirls and mix-ins. I had to know if this was a change for the better, or if Wendy’s should’ve stuck to the tried-and-true.

Are the new Frostys good?

There are six new options in total, three Frosty Swirls and three Frosty Fusions. You can start with a chocolate or vanilla base and choose strawberry, caramel or brownie batter sauce for a Swirl. Fusions involve mix-ins on top: strawberry sauce with Strawberry Pop-Tart pieces, brownie batter with Oreo or crunchy toffee with caramel.

The vanilla-based Strawberry Frosty Fusion piqued my interest, so that’s what I ordered. Boy, did I make the right decision! As the Wendy’s employee placed my Frosty on the counter, I already knew it was going to be a great day. I grabbed it and sat down for a thorough taste test.

First things first, it’s still a Frosty. The consistency is thick, smooth and creamy. That’s a given. The vanilla and strawberry syrup combo reminds me of the Strawberry Frostys from once upon a time. The syrup tasted much more authentic than I had anticipated, and I appreciated it. It wasn’t overwhelming. I didn’t find myself wading through pools of syrup looking for a pocket of vanilla. The layers mixed together naturally and tasted incredible.

The absolute best part was the Pop-Tart mix-ins. I took my first bite and was instantly transported back to childhood. If you’ve ever had a frozen Pop-Tart, you know what I’m talking about! The combination of creamy Frosty and crunchy pastry was a symphony in my mouth. I was floored. And, on top of everything, the Pop-Tarts didn’t lose their flavor. The filling was sweet and worked well with the syrup.

I would put this Frosty Fusion on the same level as the Thin Mint Frosty. I only wish I had ordered a side of fries for the momentous occasion.

How long are the new Frostys at Wendy’s?

The Frosty Fusions and Frosty Swirls are part of the permanent Wendy’s menu! Because they’re absolutely perfect for the summer, I imagine you’ll be going back for more just like I will. Turns out, innovation is the key to success. Just don’t change your square burgers, Wendy’s.

Related:

• The Best Fast-Food Ice Cream, Ranked By a Food Writer
• Our Best Wendy’s Copycat Recipes
• McDonald’s Plans to Drop Something Brand-New This Year

The post Here’s Why the Brand-New Frosty at Wendy’s Won Me Over appeared first on Taste of Home.

I also look for recognizable brands like Lenox, Hazel-Atlas, Hummel or old apothecary-style jars, which collectors love. Don’t sleep on flea markets and estate sales either; sometimes you’ll find rare pieces buried in a box of random kitchenware. The thrill is in the hunt, and once you start spotting these little treasures, it’s hard to stop.

The Most Valuable Vintage Spice Jars

Lenox Spice Garden

This delicately lovely spice jar set boasts hand-painted illustrations of fresh herbs that correspond with the contents. Full sets on eBay range between $500 and $700. The jars are adorned with two distinctive gold bands—one around the rim of the top and one on the bottom of each small, cream-colored jar. The names of the spices are also written on each container in gold. Authentic vintage sets will be marked “The Lenox Spice Garden” on the bottom.

Lenox Spice Carousel

Bring the whimsy of carnivals past into your kitchen with a lucrative spice jar set. White, gold-rimmed capsule jars are decorated with dazzlingly colorful animals in their full performance garb. And how much will a never-used, 22-piece set cost you? About $1,100, according to Etsy. Individual jars run between $25 and $100. Grab up what you can find from this vibrant 1993 collection.

Danbury Mint Hummel

Looking to add a touch of homespun innocence to your kitchen aesthetic? Hummel’s trademark images of children at work and play are somehow even cuter in spice jar form. The full set, going for $259 on Etsy, comes in a wooden, triple-row shelf that’s sturdy enough to house 24 spices, but compact enough for small kitchen spaces. To identify Hummel jars, make sure that the Goebel manufacturing trademark can be seen under the glaze; the symbol is often accompanied by a trademark number for further distinction.

Griffiths Milk Glass

Vintage milk glass spice jar sets aren’t just charming—they’re highly collectible, often fetching impressive prices depending on condition and rarity. Even the used and worn ones go for nearly $200. Their nostalgic appeal and classic kitchen style make them a favorite among home cooks and collectors alike. Complete sets, especially those with original racks and labels, are particularly valuable.

Griffiths milk glass is among the most sought-after, featuring squat, square-shaped jars with Art Deco-style labels and spice names printed in blocked lettering. Authentic jars will usually have a smooth bottom with no mold seams, and the labels will read “Griffith Laboratories” or simply “Griffiths” depending on the production year.

Lenox Walt Disney

Lenox Walt Disney spice jars are a fun and charming way to bring a little imagination into your kitchen. These collectible jars, released in 1995, feature classic animated characters alongside popular spices, making them a hit with both Disney diehards and vintage fans. Because they were manufactured in limited numbers, full sets can be quite valuable, with fully intact ones going for $1,700 to $2,500, depending on condition.

How to Know If Jars Are Really Vintage

With so many modern reproductions and reissued sets out there, it can be tricky to tell if your spice jars are truly vintage. One of the best ways to check is by looking at the bottom—authentic vintage jars often have telltale marks like maker’s stamps, worn bases or slight imperfections from older production methods. Reproductions might look a bit weathered, but they often have smooth finishes and newer-looking labels or decals. Be wary of jars that seem too perfect or come in trendy colors that match today’s design palettes; some might be straight from a 2021 Crate & Barrel collection. When in doubt, compare your jars to trusted reference photos or listings from reputable vintage dealers.

Related:

• How to Know If Your Vintage CorningWare Is Worth Thousands
• The Vintage Pyrex Patterns You Remember from Grandma’s House
• 13 Valuable Things to Look for at Goodwill

The post Shockingly Valuable Vintage Spice Jars to Look for at the Thrift Store appeared first on Taste of Home.

Vintage ceramic, china and glassware need special care due to their delicate finishes and materials. We’re breaking down the best cleaning method to make your thrifted dishes sparkle without ruining the finish.

How to Clean Vintage Glassware, Ceramic and China

The first step to cleaning vintage glassware and dishware is to skip the dishwasher. The movement in the dishwasher, harsh soap and extreme temperature changes can damage dishes and cause glassware to crack or shatter. Here’s how to hand-wash vintage dishes with care:

1. Prepare the sink: Make sure your sink is clean before washing vintage dishes. Lay a folded towel in the bottom of your sink for cushioning, then fill the sink with warm water and a small amount of gentle dish soap.
2. Wash: Wash the dishes and glasses one piece at a time. Gently clean with a soft microfiber cloth. If it’s hard to reach the inside of a glass, you can use a stemware brush with soft foam bristles like this one.
3. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Dry: After rinsing, place the dishes and the glassware upside down on a soft towel to air dry. Or you can hand dry carefully with a soft lint-free cloth.

Extra Tips for Cleaning Vintage Glassware

What to do if you see a cloudy film

You may notice a white or gray film on antique or vintage glasses. According to the American Cleaning Institute, to remove the cloudy film, “Soak [the glassware] in a weak vinegar and water solution for an hour or two. The vinegar (acetic acid) eats away the build up.” You’ll have sparkling glasses again in no time.

How to check if your vintage glassware contains lead

Antique dishes can contain lead, especially if they were made before 1971, when the FDA first started to enforce limits on the amount of leachable lead in dishware. The CDC recommends testing for lead by submitting a sample to a certified laboratory. That’s not always a realistic option, so home lead-testing kits are also available. Keep in mind that home tests are not as accurate as laboratory testing.

How to handle stubborn staining

If your vintage dishes have more stubborn stains, like yellowing or other discoloration, a very gentle abrasive might be needed. Hemswell Antique Centres recommends a paste made from baking soda and water: “Mix a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Apply it gently to the stained area with a soft cloth or cotton swab. After allowing it to sit for a few minutes, gently rub in a circular motion.” Rinse the baking soda mixture away and allow the glassware the air dry.

Related:

• How to Identify Real Milk Glass
• ‘Depression Glass’ Hides in Plain Sight at Thrift Stores—Here’s How to Find It
• Crystal vs. Glass: What to Look for at the Thrift Store

The post How to Properly Clean Thrifted Dishes So You Don’t Ruin Them appeared first on Taste of Home.

This love for a parent’s cooking is something Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bruno Mars and I have in common. When it comes to his favorite foods, Bruno also has fond memories of the foods he ate while growing up in Hawaii—especially one particular dish prepared by his Filipino mother.

What does Bruno Mars love to eat?

Bruno’s favorite dish is chicken adobo, which is the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. In a past interview, Bruno mentioned that his mom would prepare the tangy, savory dish for him when he was growing up. She typically served it with a helping of yellow rice combined with olives and diced peppers—a recipe from his grandmother—on the side.

What makes chicken adobo so special is the deceptively simple balance of vinegar, soy and garlic in the marinade. Before the chicken even touches the skillet, it marinates in these strong flavors, which team up to give it its signature velvety texture and rich taste.

Bruno loves his mom’s chicken adobo so much, he even embraced the dish as his own nickname. In an Instagram post the singer shared from an appearance in Manila, he revealed his alter ego: Lil Prince Adobo. The dish connects to his heritage and, we can only guess, makes the globe-trotting performer feel closer to home wherever in the world he finds himself on any given day.

The family recipe also inspired the “24K Magic” singer to get into the kitchen himself. While he’s joked that he “can make Pop Tarts,” he also says that he’s learned a lot from watching his mom cook and now knows his way around the kitchen.

Despite packing big flavors, Bruno’s mom’s signature dish is a surprisingly simple and fast weeknight dinner too. If you don’t mind us, we’ll be giving this recipe a spin tonight.

Related:

• Ryan Gosling’s Favorite Dessert Is One of His Mother-in-Law’s Recipes
• The Best Recipes from Hawaii
• How to Cook Rice on the Stove (and Other Methods)

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