Easy – Taste of Home

We Can’t Get Enough of These Upside Down Puff Pastries Going Viral Right Now

Van Van Cleave — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:37:35 +0000

Warm, flaky, buttery puff pastry makes everything taste better. In a pie or tart, it can highlight fresh, savory veggies or complement sweet seasonal fruits. These days, you don’t even have to make it yourself: store-bought puff pastry yields elegant dishes with very little hassle.

So, it’s no wonder that TikTok has recently become obsessed with the kitchen staple. In particular, food influencers have been making numerous upside-down tarts. While the viral pineapple upside-down pastries are amazing, there’s no limit to the quick, delicious dishes you can make with puff pastry. Here’s how to transform any produce into a beautiful upside-down puff pastry tart—sweet or savory!

A Brief History of Baking Puff Pastry Tarts Upside-Down

While TikTok is bringing the upside-down puff pastry baking technique to a new generation of home cooks, the technique actually dates well back to the 19th century. Legend has it that in the 1880s, French baker Stéphanie Tatin accidentally placed her apple tart in the oven upside-down. This flub yielded surprisingly delicious results and the famous Tarte Tatin was born. Ever since then, bakers around the world have continued experimenting with baking tarts upside-down—we particularly love this Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin.

Why Baking Puff Pastry Tarts Upside-Down Works

Baking puff pastry tarts upside-down works for two main reasons: the caramelization of the fruit and the crispiness of the puff pastry.

Food influencer Lily Ghodrati (@lilyghodrati), who has become famous for her puff pastry tarts, explains to GMA: “An advantage of laying the fruit down first and placing the puff pastry on top is it prevents the pastry from becoming soggy. So you end up with a well-cooked flaky pastry while the fruit gets caramelized on the bottom, just like a Tarte Tatin.”

How to Make Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tarts

Check out the videos below to see exactly how Ghodrati makes her easy and elegant upside-down puff pastry tarts.

Sweet Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tarts

In one video that has garnered over 42.5 million views, Ghodrati makes caramelized honey and nectarine pastries. To start, she drizzles rectangles of honey onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Then, she stacks nectarine slices on top of the honey, covers them with a larger rectangle of puff pastry, crimps the edges, and applies a light egg wash on top. After baking, she flips over the pastries and tops them off with a sprinkle of sifted powdered sugar.

@lilyghodrati Caramelised Honey & Nectarine pastries 🍯 #honey #nectarine #pastry #pastries #patisserie #puffpastry #caramelised #bake #baking #sweet #snack #foodhack #EasyRecipe #Recipe #eats #food #FoodTok #Foodie #fy #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Sleep Walk – Santo and Johnny

Savory Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tarts

For a savory rendition of the puff pastry treat, Ghodrati drizzles olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. She then tops this mixture with a slice of onion, a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and finally the rectangle of puff pastry. As with the sweet rendition, she crimps the edges down and applies an egg wash before baking.

@lilyghodrati 🧅🌿 #balsamic #thyme #caramelisedonion #pastry #pastries #puffpastry #caramelised #bake #baking #patisserie #snack #foodhack #EasyRecipe #Recipe #eats #food #FoodTok #Foodie #fy #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Howl’s Moving Castle – Merry Go Round of Life – Vitamin String Quartet

Customizing Your Upside-Down Puff Pastries

To make your own caramelized upside-down puff pastries, you can follow a basic formula: sugar + produce + puff pastry + egg wash. The sugar aids in the caramelization and could be granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup or agave. The produce should be fresh, but “firm and not fully ripe yet, since it holds its shape better,” according to Ghodrati. To add even more flavor, place cheese, herbs or spices on top of the produce before laying down the puff pastry.

To bake the pastries, I recommend starting for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, though you may need more time to achieve optimal caramelization. And be sure to try out some of our favorite desserts and appetizers using any leftover puff pastry!

The post We Can’t Get Enough of These Upside Down Puff Pastries Going Viral Right Now appeared first on Taste of Home.

55 Easy Salmon Recipes Anyone Can Make In a Hurry

Kelsey Rae Dimberg — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 22:52:12 +0000

Grilled Salmon Fillet

Here’s a prime example of salmon’s ability to transform with strong flavors. A rich glaze of soy sauce, red wine vinegar and lemon soaks into the fish while fresh Parmesan crusts the outside.

Go to Recipe

The post 55 Easy Salmon Recipes Anyone Can Make In a Hurry appeared first on Taste of Home.

Cherries Jubilee

Taste of Home Editors — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:41:53 +0000

Made with sweet or tart cherries and doused in brandy, cherries jubilee will be a flaming success! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes

2 cups

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
1/4 cup orange juice
4 cups fresh dark sweet cherries, pitted or frozen pitted tart cherries, thawed
1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/3 cup cherry brandy
1/4 teaspoon cherry extract, optional
Vanilla ice cream or sliced pound cake

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir water and orange juice into cornstarch mixture until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes.
Stir in cherries and zest. Cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low; stir in brandy and extract, coating evenly. Carefully ignite.
Leaving pan on cooking surface, gently shake pan back and forth until flames are completely extinguished. Immediately serve over ice cream or pound cake.

Cherries Jubilee Tips

Why is it called cherries jubilee?

Cherries jubilee is said to have been created as a tribute to Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration in the late 1800s.

What kind of cherry brandy should you use to make cherries jubilee?

This cherry dessert is traditionally made with kirschwasser, also known as kirsch. It's a clear brandy distilled from fermented cherries. If you enjoy brandy cocktails, cherries jubilee is likely a dessert you'll love, too.

Can you make cherries jubilee without brandy?

Cherries jubilee can be made without alcohol by substituting cherry or apple juice for the brandy.

How do you flambé cherries jubilee?

To flambé, first turn off the heat or remove the pan from the stovetop to a heatproof surface. Stir in the alcohol and quickly ignite using a long match or long-reach lighter. Allow the flame to burn off on its own. Keep the pan lid nearby in case you need to put the flame out quickly by topping with the lid.

Do you have to flambé cherries jubilee?

Although flambéing cherries jubilee does make it feel special, you don't have to light it on fire to categorize the recipe as a romantic dessert. Simply add the brandy and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to remove some of the alcohol flavor, because flaming the alcohol leaves behind subtle notes of the cherry brandy without the strong alcohol taste. It also adds flavor from caramelization.

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup: 96 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Copycat Blooming Onion Sauce

Taste of Home Editors — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 11:26:51 +0000

Total Time

Prep/Cook Time: 10 min.

Makes

2/3 cup

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons ketchup
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash cayenne pepper
Dash pepper

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Blooming Onion Sauce Tips

How do you thicken blooming onion sauce?

If you want your blooming onion sauce to have a bit more body, stir in a spoonful of sour cream. It will make the sauce a little thicker and add a yummy tang.

What can you serve with blooming onion sauce?

Aside from a proper blooming onion, this sauce tastes amazing with plain onion rings, french fries, fried shrimp or chicken tenders. It's also great as a condiment to level up your sandwich recipes!

How long does blooming onion sauce last?

Store blooming onion sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 75 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Chicken Flautas

Taste of Home Editors — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:42:10 +0000

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 2 min./batch

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jun. 20, 2023

Ingredients

4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 flour tortillas (6 inches)
Oil for deep-fat frying
Optional toppings: Guacamole, shredded lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Spoon a scant 1/2 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. In a cast-iron or electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Fry flautas, in batches, for 1 minute on each side or until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels. Remove toothpicks. If desired, serve with toppings.

Chicken Flautas Tips

Can you use corn tortillas to make chicken flautas?

While you can use corn tortillas to make this recipe, it would then be considered chicken taquitos instead of chicken flautas. If store-bought flour tortillas aren't your favorite, try making homemade tortillas. We bet you'll be hooked!

How else can you cook chicken flautas?

Flautas are typically fried, but if you love making air-fryer recipes, you can air fry these flautas, too. Preheat the air fryer to 350°. Arrange the flautas in a single layer and spritz them with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, for 11 to 13 minutes, turning once. You can also bake chicken flautas. Preheat the oven to 425°. Arrange them in a single layer in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking sheet. Brush with oil or melted butter. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, for 20 to 25 minutes. If you want them a little more golden brown, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

What do you serve with chicken flautas?

Like many Mexican dishes, flautas are extra delicious when served with toppings and dippers like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and salsa. Make them a meal with recipes like Mexican rice, refried beans or Mexican street corn. Be sure to end your meal with a delicious Mexican dessert.

How do you store leftover chicken flautas?

Store leftover chicken flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. They are best reheated in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crisp.

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

2 flautas: 540 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 996mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.

Ramp Butter

Taste of Home Editors — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:41:56 +0000

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + chilling

Makes

2 cups

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

6 ounces ramps (bulbs and greens, about 15 medium)
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add ramps; cook, uncovered, just until ramps turn bright green, about 30 seconds. Drain and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry.
Finely chop ramps (bulb and greens). In a small bowl, beat butter, ramps and salt until blended. Shape into a log; wrap and refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to several months.

Ramp Butter Tips

How do you prepare ramps for blanching?

Similar to leeks, ramps need to be thoroughly cleaned before using to wash away dirt and grit. Submerge whole ramps into ice water, swish and let them soak for a few minutes. If there is a lot of residue in the bottom of your bowl, do this a second time. This a good first step when making all ramp recipes.

How do you serve ramp butter?

This ramp butter is such a treat on homemade biscuit recipes or crusty homemade bread. Or, add a pat to grilled seafood recipes and grilled steak recipes for an elevated take on simple dishes.

How do you store ramp butter?

Store ramp butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze up to several months. Like other flavored butter recipes, you can also shape into a log and wrap in waxed paper so it can easily be sliced into individual pats. A wrapped log of butter would also make a great food gift!

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 tablespoon: 53 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Ramp Pesto

Taste of Home Editors — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:41:39 +0000

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 10 min.

Makes

2 cups

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

10 ounces ramps (bulbs and greens), about 30 medium
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, halved
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup olive oil

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add ramps; cook, uncovered, just until ramps turn bright green, about 30 seconds. Drain and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry.
Place the ramps, cheese, garlic and salt in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add nuts; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 year.

Ramp Pesto Tips

Do you have to blanch the ramps before making pesto?

Blanching the ramps before making ramp pesto will help prevent the vibrant green color from turning brown due to oxidation. If you don't have time to blanch, you can skip this step. The pesto will be safe to eat, even though the color will change. Blanching the herbs for homemade basil pesto and homemade parsley pesto will also help maintain their bright green color. Our guide to how to blanch vegetables will help you execute this step perfectly.

What else can you put in ramp pesto?

Our recipe for ramp pesto uses Parmesan cheese and pine nuts, but you could substitute Romano and walnuts if you like. You could also add some basil, parsley or cilantro in place of some of the ramps if you were not able to find enough while foraging or shopping at your local farmers market. If you have extra ramps even after making ramp pesto, use them up in one of our other delicious ramp recipes.

How do you serve ramp pesto?

Use ramp pesto in all the delicious ways you'd use traditional pesto: Serve with your favorite fish recipes or use it as a spread to jazz up cold sandwich recipes. Toss it with homemade pasta for a meal that's made entirely from scratch!

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 105 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

Strawberry Banana Smoothies

Taste of Home Editors — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:41:20 +0000

Sometimes a simple, healthy smoothie is all you need to start your day out right. This strawberry banana smoothie also makes a great afternoon pick-me-up when kids get home from school. Experiment with different types of milk and yogurt or add ice for a frosty texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 5 min.

Makes

2 servings

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups fresh strawberries
1 medium banana, peeled, quartered and frozen
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup 2% milk
Honey, optional

Directions

Place the first 4 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. If desired, add honey to taste and garnish with additional strawberry and banana.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Tips

How can you thicken a strawberry banana smoothie?

If you want a thicker, frostier strawberry banana smoothie, use frozen strawberries instead of fresh. You could also toss a few ice cubes into the blender for a little extra thickening power. If you prefer smoothies that are a little thinner, use a ripe banana instead of frozen.

What else can you add to a strawberry banana smoothie?

Smoothies are extremely customizable—they're a great way to use up odds and ends in the freezer and fridge. Throw in any berries you've got on hand, such as raspberries or blueberries, for some extra nutrients. Spinach is also great in a smoothie and doesn't change the taste too much (though it will give your smoothie a green tinge). If you're looking for ways to add protein to smoothies, try chia seeds, protein powder, the nut butter of your choice, or a small amount of cottage cheese.

Can you make a dairy-free strawberry banana smoothie?

To make this smoothie dairy-free, swap out the 2% milk and the Greek yogurt for dairy-free versions. Use the nondairy milk of your choice, like almond milk, oat milk or soy milk. In place of the Greek yogurt, add a scoop of dairy-free yogurt. Or skip the yogurt altogether. If the smoothie is too thin without it, use frozen fruit instead of fresh to thicken it up.

Can you make strawberry banana smoothies of time?

Of course! Meal prepping smoothies is extremely easy to do. Make this strawberry banana smoothie recipe on Sunday, and keep it in the freezer until the night before you plan to enjoy it. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, pop a straw in the cup and give it a stir, and take it as an on-the-go breakfast. Try these other healthy smoothie recipes when you need quick and easy breakfast ideas.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 183 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit, 1/2 reduced-fat milk.

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Taste of Home Editors — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:41:26 +0000

Crispy baked chicken thighs are easy to make with a few tips and tricks! Easy and economical, this meal is one your whole family will enjoy. This simple chicken thigh recipe is gluten free and Whole30! —Michelle Miller, Bend, Oregon

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2-1/4 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425º. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place chicken in 15x10x1-in. baking pan; drizzle with oil. Combine remaining ingredients; rub over chicken.
Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 170°-175°, 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 chicken thigh: 269 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.

Cilantro Lime White Bean Salad

Taste of Home Editors — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 10:44:41 +0000

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + standing

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

3/4 cup bulgur
1-1/2 cups boiling water
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 plum tomato, seeded and chopped
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup roasted sweet red peppers, drained and chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and chopped

Directions

Place bulgur in a large bowl; stir in boiling water. Let stand, covered, until bulgur is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Drain well, pressing out excess water. Cool completely.
Add beans, tomato, onion, red peppers and cilantro; gently toss to combine. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, oil, salt and pepper. Drizzle over bulgur mixture; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate. Top with avocado just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

2/3 cup: 245 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 2 starch.

Pink Drink

Taste of Home Editors — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:41:14 +0000

Whether you've seen it at the beach or on your favorite Instagram account, the Starbucks Pink Drink is still one of the most beautiful beverages. Create your own healthy version of the strawberry refresher at home.

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + chilling. Cook: 20 min.

Makes

2 servings

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed
2 berry-flavored green tea bags
1 cup boiling water
1-1/2 cups coconut milk, chilled
2 tablespoons simple syrup
2 cups ice cubes
1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, slightly crushed

Directions

In a saucepan, cook strawberries over low heat until they start to break apart, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool. Using an immersion blender, puree strawberries. Chill, covered, until ready to serve.
Steep tea 5 minutes in boiling water; discard tea bags. Stir in strawberry mixture, coconut milk and simple syrup. Divide mixture between 2 glasses filled with ice. Garnish with strawberries.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 367 calories, 27g fat (27g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.

Avocado Pasta

Taste of Home Editors — Sat, 27 May 2023 10:40:30 +0000

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Optional: Shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated lime zest

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions for al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Meanwhile, place avocado, basil, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until blended. Add water to reach desired consistency
Drain spaghetti; return to pan. Add sauce and toss to coat.

Avocado Pasta Tips

Can you use other types of noodles in avocado pasta?

Use whatever noodles you have on hand in place of the spaghetti. The easiest swaps for long noodles are linguine or bucatini, but others will work fine as well. Check out our ultimate guide to pasta shapes for more ideas.

What else can you put in avocado pasta?

Make this avocado pasta a more complete meal by adding your favorite protein like chicken or tofu. Keep the recipe vegan by adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or add queso fresco instead of the optional mozzarella and Parmesan.

How long will leftover avocado pasta last?

While most pasta recipes would last in the fridge for a few days, we recommend eating avocado pasta fresh because the avocado will start to oxidize and turn an interesting color.

—Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Recipe Tester

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 330 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.