Bethany Kosten
Feb 14, 2014
Berries are some of the most beautiful foods in the world. We love their vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. Even though berry season is only a few short weeks out of the year, frozen berries allow us to enjoy the sweet taste of summer year round. Yes, that means berry smoothies, berry beer floats, and juicy bursts of flavor to top off all your favorite foods, from ice cream to oatmeal. There are a billion uses for an abundance of berries. May these bold and beautiful berry recipes spark your kitchen creativity!
1. Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls: When heated, raspberries spill out juicy bursts of flavor. And these sweet rolls are officially bubbling over with berry goodness. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)
2. Flavored Ice Cubes: Drinking more water and actually enjoying it is a cinch when it’s flavored with these pretty little cubes. Try ‘em in lemonade, too! (via Spoon Fork Bacon)
3. Tri-Berry Muffins: Amp up average everyday eats with handfuls of flavorful berries. These muffins make every carb worthwhile. (via Alexandra Cooks)
4. Frozen Berries with Hot Chocolate: Inspired by a London chef’s culinary creation, this dish is divine! A creamy hot chocolate sauce drizzled over frozen berries is a match made in heaven. Take another bite. You’re not dreaming. (via Kayotic Kitchen)
5. Linzer Cookies: Introducing the Linzer cookie (just in time for V-Day!). Use frozen berries — whatever you have on hand — to make freezer jam for the tart filling in the middle. (via Cooking Classy)
6. One Minute Fat Free Berry Ice Cream: Hmmm, what to eat when you’re short on time? Make this beautiful berry ice cream in one minute! (via Merci Mama)
7. Raspberry Ice Cream + Lemon Coconut Shortbread: The berries in your freezer are just begging to be turned into these ice-cream-oozing sammies. The fresh flavors will transport you to warmer, sunnier days. Whip up some summer! (via Five and Spice)
8. French Toast with Berry Butter: Berry-infused butter to top off breakfast? Genius. (via Pioneer Woman)
9. Mixed Berry Vanilla Yogurt Pops: We know, it’s winter. But how long has it been since you’ve sucked on a popcicle? This homemade variety is so good, you won’t even stop to wipe the juices running down your chin. Top it off with a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers. (via Offbeat + Inspired)
10. Nutmeg Donuts with Berry Frosting: In the beginning there was a bunch o’ berries. And berries met frosting, and frosting met donuts. And it was good. Very good. (via Vintage Mixer)
11. Blackberry Coconut Smoothie: Who said smoothies are only for summer? Let’s change that. (via Scaling Back)
12. Five Minute Microwave Berry Cobbler: Oh yes, we went there. As if cobbler wasn’t already a classically epic dessert, this version is off the charts. The next time you’re craving cobbler, you can have it. In five minutes. (via Domestic Fits)
13. Blackberry Mint Lime Fruit Leather: This fruit leather is seriously glam. We just can’t stop looking at the photo. So pretty! (via In Sock Monkey Slippers)
14. Homemade Blueberry Sauce: There’s only one thing you need to know about this warm and bubbly blueberry sauce: It’s good on everything. In fact, grab a spoon, it’s incredible straight from the bowl. (Okay, that was more than one thing.) (via My Baking Addiction)
15. DIY Pie Pops: These mini pie pops are pretty enough to be edible party favors. Refrigerated pie crusts are the secret to their simplicity. (via Borrowed and Bleu)
16. Blueberry Bars: The fresh flavor in this recipe is perfect for those days when you start to get antsy for flip flops and summer sun. Beat the winter blahs with berry bars. (via Zoe Bakes)
17. Dreamy Berries and Cream Shake: A berry shake makes a great date. One to-die-for shake, two straws, and…okay, let’s get real. We’re totally not sharing this. (via Family Fresh Cooking)
18. Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce: Strawberries are the star in this sweet, spicy, and smoky barbecue sauce. How’s that for unexpected flair? (via Closet Cooking)
19. Brown Sugar Mixed Berry Cobbler: Sometimes you just have to get back to the basics. Because berries make us nostalgic. And because some things should be just what they are. Forget fancy pastries and clever confections. A simple, classic cobbler will bring back memories of good old days. (via Gourmet)
20. Mixed Berry Cream Soda: Berries are simmered down to a sauce, strained, sweetened with honey, mixed with club soda, and topped off with cream and ice cubes. It’s a super-satisfying collision of all our favorite things! (via Handmade Charlotte)
21. Triple Berry Curd: Don’t let the word “curd” throw you off. This bright berry sauce makes everything taste better. (via Some the Wiser)
22. Key Lime Cupcakes, Blackberry Filling, + Blackberry Frosting: When life hands you frozen berries, make berry-filled cupcakes. (via Baked Perfection)
23. Greek Yogurt Berry Smoothie Pops: It’s a healthy smoothie on a stick! Extra-colorful berry pops are kid-approved and funtastic (no matter your age). (via Mom on Time Out)
24. Frozen Fruit Smoothie Breakfast Bar: We can’t think of a good reason not to make these healthy breakfast squares. They’re the perfectly portable version of a smoothie! (via Canned Time)
25. Chilled Strawberry Almond Butter Soup: When life gives you frozen strawberries, make, uh… soup? (via Oh She Glows)
26. Overnight Fridge Berry Oatmeal: Has the overnight oatmeal craze hit your part of town yet? Because, it’s a thing. A very good thing. (via Busy Mommy)
27. Raspberry Sorbet Trio: This visually stunning trio of raspberry sorbets features mango and pineapple-infused varieties. A surprising technique makes it a little creamier than most sorbets (with no added fat!) (via BHG)
What your berry best recipe? Lay down the seeds in the comments below!
Ariel Garneau
Mar 15, 2024
The Best Trader Joe's Champagne For Sparkling Celebrations
Gabi Conti
Mar 15, 2024
There are times when you’re celebrating big, so you're willing to spring for an expensive champagne. But what if you want a little bubbly to freeze, spike mimosas with, or to pour into a champagne tower? Trader Joe's to the rescue! Trader Joe's champagne has expanded waaaay beyond 'Two-Buck Chuck' to include French champagne and other sparkling white wines produced using the Champagne method, which are *way* less expensive.
Time to pop some tags – no – corks! Here are some of the best Trader Joe's champagnes you can snag on a bargain... ones that even your wine snob friends will love.
Simpler Wine Italian Wine co*cktail
We're kind of obsessed with these little guys, which hold a little over a glass of wine in each $1 can. We love the mango flavor, with hints of fruit and a fizzy finish. Bring these to any BYOB situation, and you're sure to be a hit.
French Fizz Le Blanc 2021
This French sparkling wine, made with a blend of grapes, has a light body with a dry, crisp, and citrusy taste. Plus, the bottle looks so fancy! It also comes in a tasty rosé version.
Brut Rosé French Sparkling Wine
We can’t get enough of this pink Italian sparkler. When summer rolls around, be sure to stock up on these reasonably priced ($7!) bottles.
Opaline Pinot Noir Brut Rosé
This bottle has the delicate flavors of red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, and it bubbles just like a much more expensive option would. You essentially get the taste you love without the price tag!
Trader Joe's Reserve Brut Rosé
Also fermented in the traditional méthode champenoise, this North Coast Californian bubbly has hints of strawberry and a clean, dry finish. It's a flawless upgrade to your basic brunch mimosas!
Villa Antica Asolo Prosecco DOCG Superiore
Prosecco is a dry Italian sparkling wine that starts with different grapes than champagne and undergoes an entirely different fermentation process. (Champagne goes through a second fermentation in the bottle to achieve all of those bubbles and rich texture, while prosecco's second fermentation happens in large vats, which is why it's so affordable.) This prosecco has a clean mouthfeel, bright, bubbles, and a melon-forward flavor. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Platinum Reserve Brut Sparkling Wine Sonoma County
This medium-bodied brut hints of apple and pear, plus a light gingery spice. It's easy sipping, so you don't have to save it for a special occasion — today will do! Cheers!
La Burgondie Crémant de Bourgogne
Made up of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, and Aligotè grapes, this sparkling bev has notes of citrus and red apple with a dash of gingerbread spice.
If you’re enjoying this roundup of Trader Joe’s champagne, there’s more where that came from. Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our newsletter!
Photos via Trader Joe’s.
Additional reporting by Sally Jones and Meredith Holser.
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Sara Cagle
Meredith Holser
Mar 15, 2024
Camping season is upon us, meaning it's totally acceptable to consider s'mores an official food group. While fireside cuisine isn't complete without some form of toasted marshmallow or ketchup-covered hot dog, an outdoor getaway can be a little more virtuous if you try to cook healthier mains. Here are 18 easy and healthy camping meals to sneak some nutrition into your next camping trip!
Pineapple Chicken Skewer Lettuce Wraps
Bring this pre-marinated chicken and fixings to your campsite, then unload everything onto a tray for everyone to customize their own skewers and wraps before heating them up over the fire! (via Brit + Co)
Shakshuka
The inviting aromas of sizzling tomatoes, onions, red pepper, and spices will wake you right up of your sleeping bag, if you’re still feeling like a zombie when you wake up from the previous day’s adventures. This zesty skillet meal also gets a good boost from chickpeas! (via Brit + Co)
10-Minute Vegan Stir-Fry
If all you have time to do in the way of food prep is to stop at Trader Joe’s on the way to your campsite, you’re in luck. This 10-minute vegan stir-fry comes together with three main ingredients and requires zero advance work. This is one of the easiest healthy camping meals with a light medley of veggies and plant-based protein. (via Brit + Co)
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
There’s nothing like eating a hearty bowl of chili while gathering around the campfire! This meat-free version is made with sweet potatoes and black beans, and it will reheat over the grill in a jiffy. (via Brit + Co)
Asparagus + Goat Cheese Frittata
Feed a crowd in style with this healthy, protein-packed frittata, bursting with the springy flavors of asparagus and goat cheese! Feel free to substitute the asparagus for whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand, too. (via Brit + Co)
Honey Sriracha Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Traveling off the grid, but want to stay on top of your health goals? No prob! Prep these to-go containers according to this recipe, pack 'em in a cooler, and reheat at camp. This way, you'll have healthy camping meals to eat on for several days! (via The Girl on Bloor)
Caprese Chicken Foil Packs
Simply layer chicken, olive oil, pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese into some foil, cook for half an hour, and enjoy this refreshing fireside meal. It has a healthy kick with lighter ingredients and flavors to fully satisfy! (via Damn Delicious)
Tahini Chickpea Cucumber Salad
Try this easy-to-pack, versatile salad on its own, on a sandwich, or spooned over some grilled chicken and greens for an array of healthy camping meals to fuel your entire trip. (via Hello Veggie)
Campfire Baked Feta
3 ingredients, 5 minutes. That's how easy this healthy camping meal is, and you just can't beat that! Throw everything into a skillet over the fire and bake through, then dip some crusty bread into this feta dip with tomatoes and chickpeas. You could even serve this over top some pre-cooked pasta! (via Live Eat Learn)
Southwest Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Recharge after a day of hiking with this veggie-rich salad. It's especially easy to make ahead, pack in a cooler, and enjoy right away. This is one of the most substantial healthy camping meals because of the quinoa! (via The Creative Bite)
Thai Salmon in Foil
Cook fresh salmon over a fire, and you’ll feel like a true outdoorswoman — especially if you pretend you just caught it in the river! This succulent cut of salmon takes on Thai flavors from the fish and hoisin sauces. Lean protein FTW. (via Damn Delicious)
Stuffed Grilled Avocados with Shrimp + Mango Salsa
Those adept at grilling over a fire will love these tropical stuffed avocados, filled with garlicky shrimp and spicy mango salsa. The fresh ingredients amp this dish up to be one of the yummiest healthy camping recipes around. (via The Roasted Root)
DIY Instant Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy camping breakfast that's so easy to make yourself! Instead of buying those pre-made packets at the store with tons of additives, opt for this homemade version that uses only 5 ingredients. Once it's prepped, you can bring it to the campsite in mason jars to go no-waste. (via The First Mess)
Summer Rolls with Almond Butter Satay
Light summer rolls are the ideal healthy camping dinner because they’re cheap, customizable, and fun to make as a group! The nutty satay dipping sauce from this camping recipe is the best part in terms of both its addictive flavor and easy preparation. (via Fresh Off the Grid)
5-Ingredient Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packs
Pesto and crumbly feta on top of silky salmon filets will always feel restorative, no matter how hot it is outside. This recipe packs in all that good Mediterranean flavor! (via The Seasoned Mom)
Italian Chicken + Veggie Foil Packs
If you’re concerned about getting all of your veggies in while sleeping in a tent, worry not! These packs, emanating the aroma of an Italian trattoria, have five different ones. (via Hello Glow)
Lemon-Dijon Asparagus + Pea Macaroni Salad
This recipe is just as good for summer BBQs and picnics as it is for camping, plus, it's packed with countless veggies for that healthy boost you're looking for! To prep for a trip, chop and store the veggies separately from the cooked pasta. Keep the dressing separated in a mason jar, too, so you can just mix everything together in one swift step once you've set up camp! (via Vanilla and Bean)
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars
This healthy camping food literally helps you live out your granola girl dreams! With 5 simple ingredients, this recipe yields a whopping 16 servings full of oats, PB, honey, and chocolate chips. Yummm. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Going camping this summer? Tag us in your food pics on Instagram!
Lead image via Vanilla and Bean.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sarah Landrum and Meredith Holser.
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This Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe Is The Easiest Weeknight Dinner
Maggie McCracken
Mar 15, 2024
I'm not going to lie, I've eaten a lot of avocado pasta over the years. I discovered it during a time when I was trying out the Mediterranean Diet, and it quickly became a go-to weeknight dinner option for me. Because it's made with avocado, it's creamy, rich, and delicious — but also super nutritious. There's a reason it's become such a beloved recipe for anyone who wants to eat wholesome, delicious pasta recipes but also wants a good dose of nutrients.
Before we dive into the recipe, here are a few reminders about why avocados are so good for you: First, avocados are chock-full of healthy fats, mostly of the monounsaturated variety. These fats are great for your heart health and can help keep your cholesterol levels in check. Plus, they give your skin that fabulous glow we all crave! Avocados are also bursting with fiber, which is fantastic for your digestive system. It keeps things moving along smoothly and helps you feel fuller for longer, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
As for the vitamins and minerals, avocados are loaded with potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and keeping your muscles functioning properly. They're also packed with vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate, all of which are vital for overall health and well-being.
In short, avocados are a nutritional powerhouse that can do wonders for your body. Cheers to good health and avocados aplenty, and try this easy avocado pasta recipe the next time you want a meal that's creamy, carby, nutritious, and comforting (so, pretty much any day).
Tangy Avocado Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 avocados
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/8 cup sunflower seeds
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- optional: chili flakes & lime garnish
Directions:
- Prepare your pasta of choice according to box directions. We used pappardelle pasta, but you can swap in gluten-free pasta for this recipe too!
- While the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce. Add all of the ingredients (except pasta) to a blender or food processor. Blend for 1 minute.
- After the pasta is strained, return it to the pan or in a bowl and add the avocado sauce. Gently fold the pasta and sauce together until well combined.
- Serve with a generous sprinkle of chili flakes and a lime garnish.
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