Trends – Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com Find Recipes, Appetizers, Desserts, Holiday Recipes & Healthy Cooking Tips Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:37:35 +0000 en-US hourly 6 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9 https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TOH_Pinterest_ProfilePhoto_RedBkg.png?fit=32,32 Trends – Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com 32 32 We Can’t Get Enough of These Upside Down Puff Pastries Going Viral Right Now https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tiktoks-upside-down-puff-pastry/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:37:35 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1896550 These upside-down puff pastry tarts are as delectable as they are easy to make.

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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!

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We Are Drooling Over These Viral Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chocolate-strawberry-yogurt-clusters/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 19:25:04 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1895973 These sweet treats are being called the "snack of the summer"!

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We often think of ice cream as the quintessential no-bake summer dessert. Though it is deliciously creamy, sweet and luxurious, it is also laden with fat, sugar and calories. For those of us looking for a healthier but still satisfying alternative, TikTok has numerous easy recipe recommendations.

Recently, one particular sweet alternative has been garnering viral attention: strawberry-yogurt clusters. The four-ingredient dessert comes from food influencer Nicole Keshishian Modic (@kalejunkie) and has received over 167 million views on TikTok. Here’s everything to know about the viral strawberry-yogurt clusters, including how you can make them yourself.

What Are Strawberry Yogurt Clusters?

The viral strawberry-yogurt clusters are a healthy, sweet snack or dessert. They are frozen, fruity and creamy, with an “ice cream-ish vibe,” according to Modic. Check them out for yourself in her video below.

@kalejunkie This is the snack of the summer! Chocolate covered strawberry yogurt clusters! #healthyrecipes #greekyogurt #easyrecipes #strawberries ♬ Pretty Girl Era – LU KALA

How Can I Make the Viral Strawberry Yogurt Clusters?

To make the strawberry-yogurt clusters, you will need a small bowl, a medium bowl, spoons, parchment paper and a baking sheet. You will also need access to a freezer and a microwave. If you don’t have access to a microwave, you can also melt the chocolate over the stovetop.

This recipe has been edited and adapted for clarity. See the original version Modic shared with Good Morning America here.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of chopped strawberries
  • 1 cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Combine ingredients

Add the chopped strawberries and Greek yogurt into a medium-sized bowl. Toss them to coat.

Step 2: Prep the strawberry-yogurt clusters

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 2- to 3-tablespoon-sized clusters of the strawberry-yogurt mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the freezer and chill the strawberry-yogurt clusters for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate

In a separate small bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Use a microwave to melt the chocolate in 30-second increments. After each increment, stir the chocolate, then microwave again until combined and fully smooth.

Step 4: Dip the clusters

Once the chocolate is melted and the strawberry-yogurt clusters are frozen, dip the frozen dessert clusters into the chocolate to fully coat. Place the chocolate-coated clusters back on the parchment-lined baking sheet; the chocolate will harden into a shell around the frozen strawberry-yogurt clusters.

While the chocolate is drying, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the clusters, if desired. Enjoy!

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to one month.

Simple Frozen Desserts You'll Love
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Trader Joe’s Is Ready for the Summer With Two New Ice Cream Flavors https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/trader-joes-smores-salted-caramel-ice-cream/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 18:52:50 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1895560 Our new favorite flavor may surprise you!

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When summertime approaches, we all dream of ice cream. Whether you’re craving a vanilla or a Rocky Road, there’s a flavor out there for you. And while homemade ice cream is particularly delicious, a high-quality store-bought pint can be just as satisfying in the summer heat.

For unique ice cream flavors and affordable price points, Trader Joe’s can’t be beat. And with new flavors coming out every season, you’re sure to find a Trader Joe’s ice cream that hits the spot. This summer, TJ’s released two thrilling new flavors. Here’s everything you need to know about them before running to the supermarket.

What Are the New Ice Cream Flavors at Trader Joe’s?


Alongside perennial favorites like ube and chocolate-raspberry swirl, Trader Joe’s now offers S’mores Ice cream and Golden Caramel Swirl Ice Cream.

S’mores Ice Cream

The s’mores ice cream features graham cracker-flavored ice cream with marshmallow and chocolatey swirls. While many s’mores ice creams feature chunks of graham cracker or chocolate, this ice cream blend is smooth.

According to Trader Joe’s vice president of marketing Matt Sloan, “It’s not so much a deconstructed s’more as it is a mixed up ice cream that is absolutely s’mores-like in its flavors.” Additionally, Tara Miller, another vice president of marketing, mentioned that when the company tested chunks of graham crackers, they got “so soggy” that “you didn’t get that flavor.”

Golden Caramel Swirl Ice Cream

Golden Caramel Swirl is also a smooth, luscious pint. It is labeled as “super-premium” quality, referring to the high-fat content and low amount of air mixed in. This flavor consists of vanilla and chocolate ice creams with swirls of salted caramel throughout. This recipe is actually a revamp of a previous version of the flavor, and even accented with new packaging, as Natasha Fischer (@traderjoeslist) pointed out.

What Do the New Ice Cream Flavors at Trader Joe’s Taste Like?

S'mores ice cream with milk chocolate ice cream, graham crackers and marshmallow blended together in a mixing bowl

Thus far, fans have largely praised the new ice cream flavors. To see what all the hype was about, I also tried them each for myself. Here are our collective thoughts.

Fan Reception

Fischer called the s’mores ice cream “really good” and noted its smooth, chunk-free consistency. She continued by saying, “If I didn’t know what flavor this was, s’mores wouldn’t come to mind, but it does have a marshmallowy flavor.” One commenter on her video also complained that they only got gobs of chocolate, “no swirls.”

When trying the golden caramel swirl ice cream, Fischer said, “Oh, that is so good…Oh my gosh, that caramel swirl is amazing. This is awesome.” One commenter compared it to Baskin Robbin’s Gold Medal Ribbon ice cream, while another called it “so so so creamy and so delicious!” Regarding critiques, one commenter wrote, “It’s yummy, I just wish the caramel tasted more salted!”

I Tried It—Here’s What I Thought

First off, the s’mores ice cream delivered on its smooth texture. The graham cracker ice cream was creamy and the swirls of chocolate and pockets of marshmallow offered a subtly different, sticky texture, much like how chocolate syrup on top of a sundae might. In terms of taste, I agree with Fischer that I wouldn’t have necessarily known the ice cream was s’mores-flavored unless I really focused on it. I wish the graham cracker note came through a little more strongly; without it, you’re largely left with a very saccharine marshmallow taste. This is lovely too, but a little too sweet for my palette. Still props to TJ’s for trying out this unexpected ice cream flavor.

While the s’mores flavor took up a lot of media limelight, definitely don’t sleep on the golden caramel swirl! This was my favorite between the two by far, for both its luscious texture and nostalgic flavor. The super-premium quality delivered a notably silky mouthfeel and the caramel blended into the ice cream seamlessly. Flavor-wise, I was reminded of a classic swirled soft serve, chocolate milkshake or even Nesquik chocolate milk. While this isn’t the deepest chocolate flavor you’ll taste, the vanilla notes add complexity and a craveable, memorable flavor from childhood. The ripples of subtly salted caramel accented the ice cream without overpowering it. This meant that the bite wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet—and I could go in for more! For more extremely high-quality ice creams, be sure to check out this list of artisan brands.

How Can I Try the New Trader Joe’s Ice Creams?

According to the “Inside Trader Joe’s” podcast, the new pints arrived at Trader Joe’s nationwide on June 12. They are available now for just $3.79 a pint, so go pick one up on your next errand run. Just be sure to soften it before eating to get the full creamy, melty experience.

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Burrata Bowls Are the Perfect Summer Appetizer https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/burrata-bowls/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/burrata-bowls/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:35:20 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1893953 You'll want to snack on this tasty, cheesy app all summer long!

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An easy and satisfying summer snack that uses up fresh summer produce? Say no more! When it comes to summertime, we are absolute suckers for anything made with fresh vegetables and fruits straight from the garden. From juicy tomatoes to succulent sweet stone fruits, fresh herbs and so much more, summer really is magical when it comes to whipping up fresh and tasty snacks. And these burrata bowls feature it all!

Mixed together with all of your favorite summer flavors and topped with cheesy burrata, olive oil, and flaky sea salt, you won’t be able to help yourself—you’ll want to make this every single night. Especially if it’s shared amongst friends out on the porch or the back deck, with a refreshing spritzer in hand!

What’s a Burrata Bowl?

Inspired by Marissa Mullen’s recent TikTok creation on her account @thatcheeseplate, this burrata bowl is a fresh take on your typical summer Caprese salad, swapping out the usual fresh mozzarella with chunks of burrata, while adding in some sweetness from the apricots.

@thatcheeseplate BURRATA BOWLS with heirloom tomatoes, fresh apricots, basil, olive oil and flaky salt 🌿 #burrata #mozzarella #cheeseboard ♬ Do You Believe in Magic – The Lovin’ Spoonful

While the outer texture of burrata is slightly similar to fresh mozzarella, burrata cheese is stuffed with Stracciatella, a type of soft cow’s cheese that makes it easily spreadable for bread, crackers, and other tasty burrata recipes. While burrata makes for a great topping on pasta or even pizza, when it comes to light summer bites, we can’t help but love any burrata appetizers made with tomatoes like this bowl.

How to Make a Burrata Bowl

Putting together a burrata bowl is incredibly simple. All it takes is a few fresh ingredients! One tip from our editors: find different colors of Heirloom tomatoes, like red and yellow. Working with different colors will make it especially visually appealing!

Ingredients

  • 1-2 Heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • 2-3 apricots, sliced into wedges
  • 1 Burrata ball
  • Fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
  • Olive oil
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Crusty bread for serving, optional

Directions

Step 1: Arrange the produce

In a shallow bowl, arrange the slices of Heirloom tomatoes so they cover the bottom surface. Then layer the slices of apricots evenly on top of the tomatoes.

Step 2: Add the burrata

With clean hands, gently rip open the burrata and place small chunks of the cheese around the surface of the bowl on top of your produce.

Step 3: Top with oil, basil and salt

Sprinkle some of the fresh basil leaves on top of your burrata bowl. Drizzle the olive oil lightly on top of your produce and burrata, then sprinkle with sea salt to finish it off.

Step 4: Serve with crusty bread

While you can easily enjoy this burrata bowl as is for a tasty appetizer, if you want to make this snack a little heartier, you can also serve it with slices of crusty Italian bread to spread on top of!

Burrata Recipes That Are Bursting with Flavor
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We Are Drooling Over These Viral Pineapple Upside Down Pastries https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/pineapple-upside-down-pastries/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:39:23 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1893949 This fruity dessert is easy enough for everyday baking but beautiful enough for summer entertaining.

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Who doesn’t love a pineapple upside-down cake? Their syrupy, caramelized topping paired with a fresh bite of pineapple and that delightful maraschino cherry is irresistible. But many struggle to finish an entire pineapple upside-down cake before it goes stale. Plus, sometimes you want a lighter dessert than a slab of cake.

TikTok food influencer Asma (@simplydiffrent_) is way ahead of you. In a viral recipe video that has already received over 1.7 million views, they introduce the pineapple upside-down pastry. It’s light, it’s gooey, it’s fruit-forward. Better yet, it only requires five store-bought ingredients—seven, if you count powdered sugar and ice cream for serving! Read on for instructions on how to make the pineapple upside-down pastries, as well as my personal tips to make them even more delicious.

What Is a Pineapple Upside-Down Pastry?

 Plated Styled Pineapple Upside Down Pastries Adrienne Peña For Toh

A pineapple upside-down pastry is a riff on a classic pineapple upside-down cake using store-bought puff pastry. The pastries bake upside-down—just like the cake—and then are flipped over to serve. This baking process results in a crispy, light pastry shell and a saucy, tender, flavorful fruit topping. They take less than 30 minutes to make and are the perfect after-dinner treat for summer entertaining!

How Do You Make a Pineapple Upside-Down Pastry?

Egg Wash Pastry Pineapple Upside Down Pastries Adrienne Peña For Toh

To make the pineapple upside-down pastry, Asma works with a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

First, they drizzle a circle of honey onto the parchment, approximately the size of a pineapple ring.

Next, they place one pineapple ring on top and add a maraschino cherry into the middle. They add a circle of puff pastry on top, cut to be slightly larger than the pineapple ring. Using a fork, they crimp the edges of the pastry to totally enclose the fruit for maximum caramelization.

Lastly, they paint a beaten egg on top to aid in browning. Off-screen, they repeat this process to make three more pastries, then bake the pastries at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

@simplydiffrent_ Upside down pineapple puff pastry🤩 I’ve used the puff pastry viral hack and it was amazing. * Honey * Can sliced pineapple * Glace cherries or cocktail cherries * Shop bought puff pastry * 1 egg for egg wash * Icing sugar for garnish * Ice cream for topping (optional) 1- preheat oven to 180°C 2- line baking tray with parchment paper, drizzle honey on the parchment paper, arrange sliced pineapple on top, put the cherry in the middle 3- cut puff pasty into equal circles and place it over the pineapple. Seal the edges and brush egg wash on top than bake it for about 20 mins 4- when it’s done let it cool down than flip it over and dust it with icing sugar on top. Ice cream is optional #foodhacks ♬ company – Prod. Dior

Should I Use Honey or Brown Sugar?

Baking Sheet Prepped Pineapple Upside Down Pastries Adrienne Peña For Toh

In the comments beneath Asma’s video, many TikTokers suggest using brown sugar instead of honey. Traditionally, pineapple upside-down cakes—like this spiced version—use brown sugar, but I wanted to give Asma’s honey replacement a chance. After all, different sugars yield different tastes and textures in baking. So, I tried both to compare.

I preferred replacing the tablespoon or so of honey per pastry with brown sugar. The sugar caramelized better in the oven and blended into the flavors of the pineapple more easily. However, according to shoot photographer Adrienne Peña, “the honey tastes lighter,” so if you’re looking for just a touch of sweetness, opt for that.

More Recipes to Use Up Canned Pineapple

Now that you’ve finished your pineapple upside-down pastries, you can use up the remaining canned pineapple in dozens of ways. Try one of our recipes using canned pineapple, including everything from dinner rolls to Hawaiian-style burgers to a white chocolate fruit tart. When in doubt, you can always opt for more riffs on a pineapple upside-down cake, like these pineapple upside-down muffins!

Pineapple Desserts That Go Beyond Upside-Down Cake
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I Made the Viral TikTok Spaghetti, and It’s Too Good to Be This Easy https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tiktok-spaghetti-recipe/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tiktok-spaghetti-recipe/#respond Tue, 13 Jun 2023 21:45:11 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1893034 When you're in need of a quick and easy dinner, look no further than this TikTok spaghetti.

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Tiktok Spaghetti 060123 Toh 08 Lauren Habermehl For Toh Jvedit

Move over Dalgona coffee and step aside Jennifer Aniston salad, because there’s a new viral recipe in town: TikTok spaghetti.

This easy, cheesy, saucy pasta recipe has taken social media by storm. Made with everyday ingredients, ready in under 60 minutes and perfect for feeding a whole family, we had to put this tantalizing TikTok recipe to the test!

What Is the Viral TikTok Spaghetti?

This simple pasta features store-bought staples. It begins with a base of creamy, rich Alfredo spaghetti, followed by a layer of hearty meat sauce and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked in the oven to bubbly, melty perfection, it’s no wonder why everyone on TikTok is raving over this saucy mashup.

Who is the mastermind behind TikTok spaghetti? While nobody is sure who the first TikTok user was to share this recipe, one of the earliest creators to feature this dish was @mamapeaches5, whose recipe started trending in 2022.

Since going viral, many users have pointed out the recipe’s similarities to million-dollar spaghetti. That recipe can be traced back to 2011 on the blog Ashley Kaitlin and has been reimagined by countless others since then. The main difference between the two is that most million-dollar spaghetti recipes add ricotta, sour cream or cream cheese to the dish, while TikTok spaghetti relies solely on Alfredo sauce to make the creamy base.

How to Make TikTok Spaghetti

ingredients for TikTok Spaghetti

This recipe makes 6-8 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
  • 1 (32-ounce) jar pasta sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
  • Fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce in a bowl

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain and toss to coat with the Alfredo sauce.

Editor’s Tip: Since this recipe is finished in the oven, cook your pasta just before it’s al dente, so it doesn’t become overcooked once baked.

Step 2: Brown the meat

meat and spices in a cast iron skillet

While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef, diced onion, garlic and dried Italian seasoning to a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened, and the beef is no longer pink.

Step 3: Stir in the pasta sauce

red sauce and cooked beef in a cast iron skillet

Reduce the heat to low, pour in a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Looking for made-from-scratch taste? We imagine you could make TikTok with any homemade red sauce. Try our Sunday gravy recipe or this Sicilian meat sauce for a fun twist.

Step 4: Layer and assemble

tiktok pasta layers

Transfer the Alfredo pasta to a lightly greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the top of the pasta and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

baked Tiktok Spaghetti in a rectangular baking dish

Bake the pasta in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted.

Editor’s Tip: Not ready to bake? At this stage, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow the pasta to sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then bake as directed.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes, then serve garnished with chopped fresh basil, chili flakes and grated Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!

Here’s What I Thought

Tiktok Spaghetti on a plate with a fork

Holy yumminess! This easy pasta recipe is perfect for when you can’t choose between Mom’s Hearty Spaghetti or rich and indulgent Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo. It’s truly the best of both worlds. After one bite, my whole family requested that I add this semi-homemade recipe to our regular recipe rotation.

Tips for Making TikTok Spaghetti

Stick to the original recipe or experiment with one of these tasty ideas to make this dish your own creation.

  • Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or add zip with mild or spicy Italian sausage.
  • While the convenience of jarred Alfredo keeps prep and cleanup simple, try preparing TikTok spaghetti with copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce for a special treat.
  • Saute bell peppers, wilt some spinach or toss in some grilled zucchini, eggplant or mushrooms.
  • For a deeper, more robust sauce, add sliced kalamata olives, roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce as it simmers with the beef.

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Taco Bell Is Testing a New Version of its Iconic Crunchwrap https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/vegan-crunchwrap/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:53:23 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1893707 No matter your dietary requirements, Taco Bell has a Crunchwrap for you!

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When you think of Taco Bell, healthy eating may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the popular Tex-Mex-style restaurant chain is actually one of the healthiest fast food restaurants available, thanks to its use of whole-food, plant-based ingredients like black beans, tomatoes and lettuce. The company has stated its dedication to helping every customer “get [their] perfect Taco Bell order”—including its “vegetarian, flexitarian and veggie-curious customers.”

Now, the popular fast food chain is taking that dedication a step further through the release of its new vegan Crunchwrap. Here’s everything you need to know about the vegan Crunchwrap, including what plant-based ingredients it uses and how you can order yours ASAP.

What Is the New Vegan Crunchwrap?

the Vegan Crunchwrap features vegan seasoned beef, cool vegan blanco sauce and warm vegan nacho sauce

The vegan Crunchwrap shares the familiar flavors of the original, but replaces all animal-based ingredients with vegan-friendly ones. First, the vegan Crunchwrap contains a “proprietary, boldly seasoned” plant-based protein. The company makes this protein out of soy and pea, according to an interview with CNN. Additionally, the vegan Crunchwrap replaces sour cream with a vegan blanco sauce and adds vegan nacho sauce. All of this zesty, saucy goodness is then wrapped up in a crunchy tostada shell.

Is the Vegan Crunchwrap Strictly Vegan?

None of the ingredients used in the vegan Crunchwrap are animal-based. However, the company warns that “cross contact” may occur in restaurant kitchens during the preparation. The vegan Crunchwrap will be prepared using the same facilities as the restaurant’s meat products, so vegan fast food lovers may want to proceed with caution.

How Can I Order the Vegan Crunchwrap?

The Taco Bell Crunchwrap photographed at the Taco Bell Headquarters

Currently, the vegan Crunchwrap is only available at New York City, Hollywood and Orlando Taco Bell locations. The company identified these cities as having “notable vegan populations” and released the vegan Crunchwraps there on June 8. The vegan Crunchwrap costs somewhere between $4.99 and $6.79—the same as the standard Crunchwrap—depending on the city.

If you live outside of these cities, only time will tell if the vegan Crunchwrap is on its way to you. In the meantime, you can always make copycat versions of your Taco Bell favorites vegan at home.

What Else is Vegan-Friendly on the Taco Bell Menu?

While the vegan Crunchwrap would be the first fully vegan entree on the Taco Bell menu, there are many ways to customize your order to make it vegan. Taco Bell has released its own guide to ordering vegan at the restaurant, centered around two notable tricks. First, ask to replace any meat in your burritos, bowls or tacos with black beans, refried beans or potato bites. Second, order your meal “fresco style” to replace any dairy and egg-based add-ins with freshly diced tomatoes.

Lastly, if you’re not a strict vegan and just want a slightly healthier version, you can always make a Crunchwrap at home to control the amount of salt and fat added.

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Is Diet Coke and Espresso the New Drink of the Summer? https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/diet-coke-and-espresso/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:01:03 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1893071 People are calling this zingy drink the "perfect post-dinner beverage."

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Cola Only Diet Coke And Espresso

When you think of summer drinks, you probably think of sippable, fruity spritzers. But this summer, users on social media are trying out a new, fizzy blend of diet coke and espresso. While mixing cola and espresso isn’t new—the 2023 version specifically calls for diet coke. So, here’s everything you need to about this year’s TikTok-famous diet coke and espresso, including what it tastes like and how you can make it yourself.

What Is a Diet Coke and Espresso?

A diet coke and espresso is simply a glass of diet coke—not to be confused with coke zero—over ice with a shot of espresso added. Traditionally, a squeeze of lemon tops off the sweet beverage. TikToker Joe Hegyes (@bequietjoe) shared a short video of himself making the beverage on May 24, which has since received over 407,000 views. Check it out for yourself below:

@bequietjoe Replying to @an.dre.az ♬ Volare – Dean Martin

How Are People Responding to the Diet Coke and Espresso?

While Hegyes calls the diet coke and espresso the “perfect post-dinner beverage,” other users aren’t so sure. One commenter on the video writes, “I feel like you’re pranking me.” However, the next few comments are much more positive:

  • “I’ve been having Coke Americanos for ten years and I’m TOTALLY fine”
  • “i’m gonna cry if i don’t get to drink this expeditiously”
  • “trying this IMMEDIATELY”

As a reminder, diet coke has a lot of caffeine in it, so before you try this combination, make sure you’re prepared for that. We also tested it to give you the full picture before making it yourself!

What Does the Diet Coke and Espresso Taste Like?

Completed Diet Coke And Espresso

According to my sources—Taste of Home Content Director Nicole Doster—the diet coke and espresso is tasty, but packs a major caffeine punch.

When explaining the process of making the drink, she said, “It was quick and simple to make, which is necessary for a midday pick-me-up.” According to Nicole, the diet coke and espresso “tastes overwhelmingly like a strong cold brew, with fruity carbonation. I added an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, summery flavor.” In terms of drawbacks, she mentioned that “the drink definitely did hit me over the head with a caffeine rush, similar to the feeling of sipping an energy drink.” In conclusion, “It won’t replace my morning iced lattes, but it’s definitely something I can see myself drinking on the patio this summer or if I’m ever in need of an energy boost!” If you’re also in need of an energy boost, these energy-boosting smoothies also do the trick.

How Can I Make the Diet Coke and Espresso?

Ingredients for a Diet Coke And Espresso

If you’d like to try the energy-boosting diet coke and espresso yourself, first you’ll need access to an espresso machine. If you don’t have one at home, but still want to try the diet coke and espresso, you can always order a shot to go from your local café. Next, you’ll need a can of diet coke, a tall glass, ice and a lemon wedge. Pour the ice in the glass first, followed by the diet coke, espresso shot and squeeze of lemon. Et voilà!

What Other Summer Drinks Can I Make?

If the diet coke and espresso isn’t your thing, rest assured there are plenty of other options. Try our favorite summer punch recipes or a classic lemonade. If you’re feeling feisty, you can even opt for our favorite tequila cocktails.

More Summer Drinks to Try
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These Viral Air Fried S’mores Cookies Are Insanely Delicious https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/air-fried-smores-cookies/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:24:30 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1892521 And they only use four store-bought ingredients!

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When summer rolls around, who doesn’t immediately crave a s’more? While nothing beats the campfire-roasted classic, there are dozens of ways to enjoy s’mores flavors at home, especially with these 24 twists on the crowd-favorite cookie.

This week, we have another s’mores recipe to add to the list: air-fried s’mores cookies. Thanks to TikTok food influencer Deana Myers (@dailywithdeana), this is the only dessert we’re dreaming of this summer. Check out her video below, then try the scrumptious s’mores cookie for yourself!

@dailywithdeana Air fried smores cookies 🤤🤌🏻 #asmr #cookies #foodasmr #thatgoodasmr #satisfying #asmrsounds #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #fyp ♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) – Sped Up Version – sped up 8282

What Are S’mores Cookies?

Myers’ s’mores cookie is a special dessert treats that combines an entire s’more with a massive chocolate chip cookie. The result is crispy, gooey, and oh-so-messy—the perfect indoor approximation of a s’more. Though you’ll definitely need a fork to enjoy it, the decadent melted chocolate and crunchy golden-brown exterior more than make up for the mess.

How to Make S’mores Cookies

In the video, Myers starts by laying two squares of graham cracker on a small piece of aluminum foil. Then, she adds Hershey’s chocolate pieces of top of each cracker, as well as a Jet-Puffed marshmallow that she has lightly pressed out to lay flat.

Now that she’s made the basic s’mores, it’s time to kick it up a notch—with cookie dough! She rolls two pre-portioned pieces of packaged cookie dough together, then spreads them out over one of the s’mores. (Use another two balls of cookie dough for the second s’more cookie.) Finally, she pops the aluminum foil and s’mores cookies into her air fryer, where she bakes them at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.

More S’mores Treats to Try

For the truly s’more-obsessed, don’t miss out on mini s’moress’mores bars, s’mores clusters, and even a pot of s’mores. And for even more variety, you could always test out the S’mOreo and a sugar cookie s’more. After all, there’s no wrong way to s’more!

New Ways to Make S'mores
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People Can’t Stop Talking About This Lemony Sea Salt Popcorn https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/lemon-sea-salt-popcorn/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:43:53 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1892473 Citrus lovers, this one's for you!

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When the craving for a salty, crunchy snack strikes, popcorn always satisfies. Endlessly customizable, popcorn can be sweet and salty, spicy and salty, or even acidic and salty, depending on the seasonings you use. Whatever your tastes, there’s a flavored popcorn recipe for you!

This week, TikToker Leah (@leels_) introduced us to another slightly sour, super savory popcorn blend to try: lemon sea salt popcorn. So far, her tutorial on lemon popcorn has received over 20 million views and 3 million likes. Here’s how she makes lemon popcorn, plus our tips on add-ins to elevate the snack even further.

How to Make Lemon Popcorn

In Leah’s video below, she starts by explaining the inspiration behind her “new obsession snack”: “Yesterday, somebody gave me a lemony piece of popcorn, and I have not stopped thinking about it!” To begin, she says that you need “buttery popcorn, sea salt, lemon [juice], and lemon zest.” (As a side note, the lack of sweet ingredients here differentiates the recipe from Lemon Cloud Popcorn.)

The first step is to zest the lemon. Leah admits she doesn’t have a zester, so she uses what looks like a tiny pastry wheel. She then adds pink sea salt to the bowl of lemon zest.

To compose the snack, she dumps a hot bag of microwaved popcorn into a large bowl, then tosses it with the lemon zest-sea salt mixture. Finally, she squeezes the juice of half a lemon over the popcorn and gives it one last toss.

At the end of the video she explains, “It might have been easier to just use lemon salt, but this is so good,” then gleefully tosses another piece in her mouth.

@leels_ another episode of: cooking but not actually cooking with leah #snack #lemonpopcorn #popcorn #lemon #snackobsession #snacks #voice #story #newsnack #storytime #latenightsnack #seasalt #makeup #contour #contouring #cooltone #cooltonemakeup #cooltones #greenscreen #stitch #duet #boston #bostontiktok ♬ original sound – le

Scrumptious Add-Ins to Lemon Popcorn

To take lemon sea salt popcorn to the next level, try adding in a heavy grind of fresh black pepper. Alternatively, you can always use a lemon-pepper seasoning instead of lemon zest and juice as a shortcut.

Another delicious add-in is rosemary. Try a sprinkle of dried rosemary in the lemon popcorn, or purchase a lemon-herb seasoning blend to shake on anytime. You can also make your own herb blends with our recipes for Rosemary-Lemon Sea Salt and Savory Popcorn Seasoning.

Flavored Popcorn Recipes You'll Love
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These Viral Watermelon “Fries” Are the Next Big Snack of Summer https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/watermelon-fries/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:50:22 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1892186 Kids and adults alike will love this adorable, refreshing treat!

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Picture this: the sun is shining, the breeze is warm and you’re camped out at a grassy park with your best friends, snacking on a delicious picnic. What’s in your picnic basket? Most likely, you’ve included some kind of refreshing fruit snack. Crisp, sweet and juicy, seasonal fruit is arguably one of the best parts of summer. And of the summer fruits, nothing can beat a sumptuous, crunchy bite of watermelon.

Though having fresh watermelon straight off the rind is lovely, there are dozens of ways to enjoy the juicy fruit. TikToker Heather (@happykidskitchen) provided one of our new favorite methods in the form of “watermelon fries.” Her video has received over 750,000 likes as of writing, thanks to the adorable snack. Here’s everything you need to know about watermelon fries, including how to make them yourself.

What Are Watermelon Fries?

Watermelon fries are simply pieces of watermelon cut to look like crinkle-cut fries. Heather serves them with a simple strawberry-yogurt dip, making for a refreshing yet healthy snack. A crinkle-cutter creates their unique zigzag edges, elevating a normal slice of watermelon into a playful and dippable treat.

@happykidskitchen 🍉Watermelon “Fries” with Easy Strawberry Yogurt Dip: So fun and refreshing! Blend plain or vanilla Greek yogurt with 3 to 4 strawberries (and optional honey or other sweetener to taste) then serve with sticks of watermelon. I used a crinkle cutter which you can buy on Amazon or any kitchen store. Make sure to refrigerate and serve chilled! Happy summer!! #momsoftiktok #watermelon #funfood #healthykidsfood ♬ Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift

How to Cut and Serve Watermelon Fries

To make watermelon fries, you’ll first need a crinkle cutter, which retails for less than $8 on Amazon.

Heather starts by making the strawberry-yogurt dip. She drops about 1 cup of Greek yogurt into a blender, along with 3 large strawberries and a teaspoon of honey. In the comments, she says that you could use another sweetener; we might suggest agave or maple syrup. She blends the mixture to create a dipping sauce. (For a creamier, fluffier version, try this strawberry-yogurt dip recipe.)

Next, the video shows the watermelon slices on her cutting board, which are about 1 inch thick. Heather cuts those slices with the crinkle cutter to make her fries, discarding the rind. (If you’d rather not discard them, make these watermelon rind pickles.) Finally, she arranges the watermelon fries on a serving tray with a ramekin of the strawberry-yogurt dip and a few more strawberries for garnish.

More Summer Snacks with Watermelon

If you want a full side dish with watermelon, be sure to check out our favorite refreshing watermelon salads. Additionally, if you’re in a time crunch packing your picnic basket, these super-speedy watermelon recipes have you covered. And if you’re not a fan of watermelon at all, but still want to get in on the adorable fun, you can always make these charming watermelon slice cookies. Bon appétit!

Extra-Refreshing Watermelon Recipes You'll Love
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We Can’t Get Enough of This Crispy Air Fryer Edamame Snack https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/air-fryer-edamame/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:46:55 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1891472 If you love crispy chickpeas, this snack is for you!

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When you need to make a quick and healthy snack, nothing can beat the air fryer. This handy kitchen appliance takes the hassle—and fat!—out of frying, so you can enjoy your favorite appetizers whenever the craving strikes. Moreover, a quick stint in the air fryer can turn almost any vegetable into a delectable treat, from zucchini fritters to cauliflower buffalo bites.

Our latest obsession? Crispy, spicy air fryer edamame, courtesy of TikTok food influencer CalorieChat (@caloriechat). Check out their video below, so you can start munching on your own air fryer edamame ASAP!

What Is Crispy Air Fryer Edamame?

Crispy air fryer edamame is a snack or appetizer, similar to crispy chickpeas or even air fryer corn. As with these snacks, air fryer edamame transforms a small, starchy vegetable into an irresistible, poppable snack with the help of some oil and seasonings. And at only 189 calories per cup, edamame can aid weight loss, while still filling you up with its punch of protein and fiber.

@caloriechat Crispy edamame ✨📸: @avocado_skillet 💚 This edamame is the best healthy snack or salad topper. So yummy! INGREDIENTS SCALE 1 16 oz pack edamame – thawed* and shelled 1 tablespoon sesame oil ¼-½ teaspoon salt pinch black pepper ½ teaspoon garlic powder pinch red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon miso dressing (optional, I used Haven’s Kitchen) INSTRUCTIONS Add edamame to a bowl and mix together with all ingredients until all of the beans are coated Transfer edamame to air fryer in an even and flat layer. Air fry at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes, until crisp. Alternatively you can bake at 425 on a lined sheet pan for 20-30 minutes. Serve edamame and enjoy. I topped mine with chili oil. NOTES *To thaw the edamame let the edamame sit out for 3-4 hours or let the bag sit in a bowl of warm water for about 1 hour. You can use preshelled edamame or edamame in it’s shell. Alternatively you can use already cooked/thawed edamame for this recipe. #fyp #foryoupage #easyrecipes #healthyrecipes #lunchideas #dinnerideas #crispy #edamame ♬ original sound – CalorieChat

How to Cook Edamame in an Air Fryer

In their video, CalorieChat starts by pouring thawed, shelled raw edamame into a bowl. Then, she drizzles sesame oil over the edamame, followed by a seasoning mix of black pepper, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Finally, she squeezes a packet of Heaven’s Kitchen Gingery Miso sauce over the beans, places a lid on the bowl and shakes it all up to evenly coat the edamame with flavor. If you don’t have a Ginger-Miso sauce on hand, you could also use a sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or make your own using this Miso Dressing recipe.

To cook the edamame, CalorieChat pours the seasoned edamame into their air fryer in an even layer. Then, they fry at 400 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes, or until crisp. Enjoy the air-fried edamame on its own as a snack or as a crunchy topping for salads, such as this Crunchy Asian-style Chicken Salad, or Buddha bowls.

Addicting Air-Fryer Appetizers You'll Love
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