What eggs are affected by the Costco egg recall?

The recall affects 10,800 cartons of eggs distributed to 25 Costco locations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The eggs would have been on shelves at Costco starting on November 22. If the label on any of your recently purchased eggs has UPC 9661910680, code 327 printed on the side of the plastic carton and a Best By date of January 5, then throw the carton away.

What caused the recall?

Handsome Brook Farms found that its eggs not intended for retail were mistakenly packaged in retail packaging and distributed. The company plans to implement additional supply chain controls and provide further training to prevent this dangerous mistake from happening again.

What should I do next?

Return any affected Kirkland Signature eggs to Costco for a full refund or throw the eggs out.

Be aware that symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. If you feel ill and have recently purchased the specified eggs at Costco, contact your health care provider.

The post Costco Just Recalled 10,800 Cartons of Its Kirkland-Brand Eggs appeared first on Taste of Home.

What caused the E. coli outbreak?

The outbreak is linked to organic carrots from Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California.No illnesses have been reported to 4Earth Farms to date; however, the CDC reports 39 illnesses and one death associated with the broader E. coli outbreak.

What vegetables are affected by the recall?

The recalled products all have best by dates of September 7, 2024, through November 2, 2024. That means any items impacted by this recall have been expired for at least three weeks. However, they may still be in consumers refrigerators or freezers.

The 4Earth Farms vegetable medleys that are part of this recall were sold throughout New Hampshire, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois and Colorado at the following retailers:

Albert’s Organics

• Organic Broccoli Medley Wild Harvest 6x12oz

Walmart

• Organic Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 6x12oz
• Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 4x32oz
• Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 6x12oz
• Broccoli Stir Fry Medley MKS 6x12oz

Sprouts Farmers Market

• Broccoli Medley 4Earth Bag 6x12oz

What should I do next?

If you have any of the recalled products at home, do not eat them! To keep your family safe from E. coli, throw the vegetables away, and then clean and sanitize any surfaces they touched. Before you clean your refrigerator, pick up an antibacterial cleanersuitable for food contact surfaces.

If you have symptoms of an E. coli infection, such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever or nausea, reach out to your doctor right away. Note that symptoms don’t occur immediately after eating contaminated food. The incubation period for this type of E. coli ranges from 24 hours to 10 days.

The post Vegetable Medleys Sold at Walmart, Other Retailers Recalled Due to Risk of E. Coli appeared first on Taste of Home.

What cucumbers are part of the recall?

The recall includes all sizes of SunFed cucumbers grown by Agrotato in Mexico. The cucumbers were sold at stores including Walmart, Costco, Albertsons and Wegmans between October 12 and November 26, 2024.

The grower distributed its cucumbers to retailers in the following 26 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

The cucumbers could have been distributed further, reaching other states not listed above. Your cucumbers might have a sticker that says “SunFed Mexico” or no sticker at all. If the cukes don’t have a sticker, call your grocery store and ask if cucumbers sold there are part of the recall. Otherwise, stick with our food safety mantra: when in doubt, throw it out.

What should I do next?

If you have fresh cucumbers in the refrigerator and plan to eat them soon, skip that snack altogether if you don’t know where they were grown. To stay safe, wipe down the area of your fridge where you stored the cucumbers and throw out any food that may have come into contact with the cucumbers.

Here’s a refresher on everything you need to know about salmonella. If you feel ill or have any symptoms of a salmonella infection, contact your health care provider.

The post Cucumbers Recalled in 26 States Following a Major Salmonella Outbreak appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is the Stanley Scarlet Tinsel tumbler?

Whether you’re decking the halls, cozying up for a holiday movie marathon or baking Christmas cookies, the Scarlet Tinsel Quencher is your go-to holiday companion. The sparkly, shimmery exterior comes in a candy red color that reminds us of Santa’s sleigh. Gold accents, including the Stanley logo adorned with a darling bow, add a glam contrast. The show-stealing detail, though, is the peppermint-inspired straw.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stanley 1913 (@stanley_brand)

We can’t wait to sip all the holiday drinks out of this Quencher tumblerlooking at you, cranberry Poppi! Like other Stanley products, this new release cup features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep everythingfrom water to cold brewice-cold for hours. And the FlowState 3-position lid makes it easy to sip through the straw or the lid.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

Scarlet Tinsel Quencher

Shop on Stanley

Where to Buy a Scarlet Tinsel Quencher

Head to Stanley’s website today, Cyber Monday, to score your own ho-ho-holiday tumbler. You’ll need to act fast, though. Popular launches like the Black Friday ‘Midnight Glitz’ and LoveShackFancy cupssold out in mere minutes, and we expect Scarlet Tinsel will be just as popular.

The pretty red colorway is available in the 40-ounce Quencher style for $45, with a limit of two cups per order. The cups drop at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET.

While you’re there, check out the Stanley sale and score up to 25% off select products. You can also shop the Deal of the Day and save 40% on an IceFlow Bottle with code DOTD40.

More Dazzling Stanley Cups

If you miss out on the Cyber Monday tumbler, there are plenty of other rouge Stanley colorways we love.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

Gilded Pomegranate Holiday Quencher

Shop on Stanley

Part of the Comfort & Joy collection, this holiday Stanley cup exudes elegance. The Gilded Pomegranate Quencher has a rich, berry-hued exterior and sleek copper details.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

Chili Heat Wave Quencher

Shop on Stanley

Is it getting hot in here? For a bright, cheery red, look no further than the Chili Quencher from the Heat Wave line. Orange accents help this cup stand out from the pack.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

Cranberry Winterscape Quencher

Shop on Stanley

Similar to the Gilded Pomegranate hue, the Cranberry Winterscape Quencher is moody and juicy. I love the gilded etched accents inspired by nature.

The post Stanley Is Dropping a New ‘Scarlet Tinsel’ Tumbler for Cyber Monday appeared first on Taste of Home.

McConaughey says his recipe is “a long list of all kinds of things” and that it’s so good, he’s a”tuna fish salad master maker.”

“It starts with the base,” he said on the podcast. “You get your good tuna. Next, you want to watch how much lemon and vinegar you add.” He later explains that this is because whatever you put on the tuna first is the main flavor the tuna soaks up. Then he adds mayo mixed with wasabi before adding the rest of the ingredients: chopped red onions, dill pickle gherkins, crispy jalapeno chips, corn, frozen peas, diced apples and a touch of agave for sweetness.

I know; he lost me at corn and agave, too. You have to wonder if this recipe is what McConaughey used to kill Kate Hudson’s love fern in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. How could this possibly work? Well, naturally, we decided to put this recipe to the test.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces canned high-quality tuna packed in oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise, plus more as desired
• 2 teaspoons wasabi paste
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 dill pickle gherkins, finely diced
• 1/3 cup crispy jalapeno chips
• 1/4 cup chopped apple
• 1/2 tablespoon agave syrup
• 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels
• 1/4 cup frozen peas

Directions

Step 1: Make the dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, lemon juice, mayonnaise and wasabi paste.

Step 2: Mix with tuna

Next, combine the canned tuna and dressing in a medium bowl and stir until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Toss in everything but the kitchen sink

Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl, and stir to combine. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate to enjoy later. (McConaughey says it’s one of those recipes that are even better the next day since the flavors have time to marry.)

Here’s what we thought

Alright, alright, alright. What can we say? It works!

In fact, it doesn’t just work; it’s delicious. The tang from the lemon, pickles and vinegar is balanced by the apples and agave. The peas and corn add freshness and texture and the wasabi and jalapeno chips bring the heat. We made our tuna salad into a sandwich on toasted sourdough, but we would also love to enjoy this recipe with crackers for dipping or as a tuna melt on a toasted English muffin with melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese.

What’s his secret ingredient?

If we had to put our finger on what makes Matthew McConaughey’s tuna salad so delish, it would have to be the wasabi and crispy jalapeno chips. Both bring so much amazing flavor, texture and crunch to the recipe. Without them, his tuna salad would taste a lot like other recipes we’ve tried in the past, so don’t skip them.

The other secret to this recipe is to measure with your heart. We included measurements above, but this is one of those recipes where you just want to eyeball everything to suit your tastes. Add extra wasabi and jalapeno chips if you like heat, or add extra apple and agave for more sweetness. Love pickles? Double them! There are no rules for making tuna salad in Matthew McConaughey’s kitchen.

The post This Is What You Should Put in Tuna Salad, According to Matthew McConaughey appeared first on Taste of Home.

Here’s a quick rundown of some pieces you really shouldn’t put in the dishwasher (and how to clean them instead).

What is not dishwasher safe?

1. Stanley cups

We love staying hydrated, so our Stanley cups get heavy use. But there’s good news and bad news about washing Stanleys. The bad: Stanley cups shouldn’t go in the dishwasher. The heat can damage the finish andworsecompromise the seal, spoiling the cup’s insulating properties. (Technically, the manual asserts that they can go in the dishwasher, but it’s not ideal.)

The good news, however, is that if you’re using your Stanley cup for water, you don’t have to wash it every day. Just disassemble and give it a quick rinse, then give it a full soap-and-water wash once a week. Use hot water and not too much soap (that’s a surprisingly common dishwashing mistake).

2. Hydro Flask water bottles

You’ll find the same deal with Hydro Flask bottlesthe dishwasher puts lots of pressure on the insulated chamber. Older models aren’t dishwasher safe, and while newer bottles technically can go in the dishwasher, it’s not the ideal cleaning method for an insulated cup.

For daily and weekly care, wash your water bottle in hot, soapy water. When it’s time to deep-clean your water bottle (say, if you happen to have forgotten to clean it for a whilewe’ve all been there!), fill the bottle with one part white vinegar and five parts water. Let soak overnight, then wash with soapy water, rinse and dry.

3. Cast-iron pans

We love cooking with cast iron, but it does call for special cleanup. Plain cast iron is an uncoated metal, which makes it prone to rust. Putting cast iron in the dishwasher can seriously tarnish the metal. Luckily, it’s easy to clean cast iron. Just wash it in a bit of soapy water, using a gentle cloth or scrubber to dislodge stuck-on particles. Dry it off right away, and rub on a bit of canola oil or other neutral oil to preserve the cooking surface.

4. Wooden kitchen utensils

If you’re trying to divest potentially toxic plastic utensils, wooden tools are a great alternative. They’re soft enough to use on nonstick cookware but sturdy enough to scrape the caramelized coating from a pan. To preserve them, don’t put them in the dishwasher. The intense heat and moisture can make the wood split, warp or crack. Once again, washing in warm, soapy water is the way to go.

5. Sharp knives

We get it, the dishwasher has a handy top rack that’s just right for stowing knives. And a good quality set of knives is sharp and durablesurely they can take it?

Not quite! The long, hot dishwasher cycle wears out knife handles and can blunt the blades, making them less effective and less safe. Another concern is that sharp knives also do damage to the dishwasher rack, potentially poking through the plastic coating.

6. Le Creuset

One of our favorite kitchen tools, Le Creuset cookware is so durable and well-crafted that it can last a lifetimeor even become an heirloom. In order to help it last, it’s important to care for the pots and pans properly. The enameled cast iron is naturally nonstick, making it easy to cook and clean. The simplest cleaning is the best. If the pot is very dirty, soak it for half an hour, then wash with soap and water. Some pots can go into the dishwasher (most pieces without plastic or wooden knobs), but it can dull the enamel, making the pot a bit less pretty.

7. HexClad

Our favorite HexClad pieces are durable, easy to use and deliver top-notch results. HexClad is nonstick, but it relies on a “seasoning” of coated-on oil to achieve that slick, gliding surface. Sticking the pots and pans into the dishwasher can spoil the seasoning. Worse, the heat can dull the pans, and some detergents can cause etchings or pockmarks on the metal. To keep those pricey pots looking (and cooking) good, wash them with soapy water.

8. Tupperware

It’s tough to beat the performance of old-school Tupperware. But beware: Older Tupperware containers are made from plastic that isn’t dishwasher safe. The high heat of the dishwasher (even the top rack) can warp or misshape the plastic.

9. Nonstick cookware

Nonstick cookware often boasts that it’s dishwasher-safe, likely to lure cooks into the convenience. Unfortunately, as with most types of cookware, nonstick pans don’t thrive in the humid dishwasher, which is rough on nonstick coating.

10. Copper pots and pans

What’s prettier than a shelf full of gleaming copper pots? Expensive, high-quality copper conducts heat like nobody’s businessbut it is finicky. Copper definitely doesn’t belong in the dishwasher, which will discolor the copper and can even make it pit. Instead, wash the cookware with soapy water. The same goes for your copper Moscow mule mugs.

11. China

Whether you collect vintage china or received a brand new set for your wedding, it’s best to keep it out of the dishwasher. Most china is made of porcelain, which is actually quite durable. However, the designs painted on the china may wear away in the dishwasher. And any china with metallic accents, such as gold around the rim, should never go in the dishwasher or the microwave.

12. Ceramics

Found a funky handmade mug at an art fair? Do you collect vintage ceramic bowls? Best to keep them out of the dishwasher. Even though it’s chunky, rustic and sturdy-looking, ceramics can crack in the dishwasher, and will dull with repeated exposure.

The post 12 Surprising Things That Are Not Dishwasher Safe appeared first on Taste of Home.

But lately, Kraft Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese has been embroiled in a controversy that’s left a TikTok creator feeling less than cheesy.

What is the Kraft Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese drama?

It all started when TikToker @aceengel came to the social media platform to address Kraft directly. Her name is Abby and she’s a director of Pet Angel Adoption, a no-kill, non-profit cat rescue in Michigan. As a fellow cat lover, bless her soul. But, most importantly, Abby has celiac disease. In her original video, Abby talks about how she lives off Kraft Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese.

@aceengel Hi, @KraftMacnCheese I have tried emailing and calling you abiut this problem, but your coupon seems like a band-aid and the problem isnt being solved in your production company! Gluten Free Mac & Cheese boxes do not have the sauce packet in them! I have had this happen with 4 different boxes from 4 different stores in the past 2 months. Ive contacted you, youve given me a coupon, and when i use that coupon to get a new box? It doesnt have a sauce packet in it either!! Please check out your production line to see where sauce packets are getting missed! Im not upset, I just want you to know this is happening so you can fix it! #kraft #kraftmacandcheese #glutenfree #fyp original sound – Abby

Unfortunately, within the last two months, she purchased four boxes from four different stores that did not include the cheese packet. She attempted to contact Kraft directly, but was only offered a coupon for a new box of mac and cheese, which was also missing the packet.

Understandably frustrated, Abby came to the TikTok platform to attempt to capture Kraft’s full attention.

“It has to be more than just me,” said Abby, “because there’s no way I’ve gotten four defective boxes. There has to be a whole shipment.” She continues, “Kraft, please fix your production line!”

Not long after, Kraft followed up with a comment that said, “Hello. We apologize for this issue. We’re not having any quality issues with our gluten-free Kraft Mac and Cheese.” That’s not the right response, Kraft! Fellow TikTok users came to her aid as she posted an almost 10-minute follow-up response.

Abby was genuinely looking for Kraft to do some problem-solving.

Did Kraft fix the issue?

After her response video,Abby updated us with another video, explaining her conversation with a Kraft representative named Larry, who personally reached out to her.

Abby says he was apologetic and kind. He informed her an internal investigation was being held to fix the production problem and stop this from happening in the future. Kraft also sent her a care package, though not until after other brands sent her all kinds of gluten-free goods via Instacart. We can only hope that Abby eventually gets her cheese packets.

Where can you find Kraft Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese?

Look for the gluten-free version of Kraft boxed mac and cheese at grocery stores, as well as Target, Walmart and Amazon. Fingers crossed that your box has the cheese packets inside!

$2.74 at Amazon

The post People Can’t Stop Talking About Kraft Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.

While Aldi has endeared itself to consumers with such innovations and money-saving tactics like savers tags, the store does something else objectively good for the employees, too: oversized barcodes.

Why are Aldi barcodes so big?

Anyone who has operated a self-checkout kiosk knows that it can sometimes be a bit of a scavenger hunt to find the barcode on a packaged grocery item; you have to turn and flip the box every which way until you find it. Aldi understands that this problem can eat up precious seconds at the cash register, so it adds barcodes to virtually every surface of each item and exaggerates their size so it can be scanned faster. Sometimes the codes are comically stretched out, like down the entire length of a cereal boxbut it works.

“While a small detail, we’ve designed our barcodes to ensure products can be scanned quickly from almost any angle, whether by employees or customers using self-checkout,” an Aldi spokesperson told Nexstar Media Group via email. “By making our barcodes larger, and including several on our packaging, we help reduce the amount of time shoppers need to search for barcodes, which means they can get in, check out and [get] back to life outside the grocery store.”

Though media interest might currently be swirling around the big barcodes, Reddit has been curious about the packaging for years, and Mother Jones noted the phenomenon back in 2016:

“The store I was at had a grand total of one (1) checker, which I gather is standard, but holy cow was she fast,” Kevin Drum wrote about his first visit to an Aldi. “The key, apparently, is to put large UPC codes on literally every surface of the packaging, so that checkers can just slide stuff over the scanner at light speed. This works fine since the packaging is all controlled by Aldi and doesn’t have to be used to attract customers.”

The next time you visit a non-Aldi grocery store, you might take note of all the marketing-driven filler on food packaging: taglines, bland platitudes about “wholeness” and “goodness,” maybe a picture of a leaf to signify freshness. Now imagine if that space were used to streamline your actual shopping experience instead. Aldi has made the calculation that saving time is more valuable than the marketing potential of a pretty box. Will any other supermarket chain ever draw the same conclusion?

The post This Is Why Aldi Barcodes Are So Big appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is the Stanley Midnight Glitz tumbler?

If you collect Stanley cups, your wallet is probably hurting after the LoveShack Fancy, holiday and Wicked drops. We can hardly go a week without a stunning new Quencher tumbler gracing our social media feeds. And now, during the biggest shopping week of the year, Stanley surprised us with a breathtakingly moody cup that pays homage to Black Friday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stanley 1913 (@stanley_brand)

The Midnight Glitz Quencher, available in 20-, 30- and 40-ounce sizes, has a shimmery, iridescent complexion. This cup looks different depending on your surroundings. And when the light catches it just right, the cup unveils a rainbow of glittery hues. A sheer purple lid and straw complete this stunning edition.

Plus, like all Quenchers tumblers, this cup will keep your drinks cold for hours, and three lid positions allow you to customize your drinking experience.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

The Midnight Glitz Quencher

Get glam with this iridescent Stanley tumbler. The moody hue and vibrant rainbow details make the Midnight Glitz Quencher a must.

Shop on Stanley

Where to Buy a Midnight Glitz Quencher

Before you dig into round two (or three… or four!) of holiday leftovers, don’t forget to swing by Stanley’s website to snag the Midnight Glitz Quencher tumbler. The 20-ounce cup costs $30, the 30-ounce is $35 and the 40-ounce is $45. The Midnight Glitz is available on November 29 starting at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to shop the Stanley Black Friday sale and snag up to 25% off select items.

More Dazzling Stanley Cups

If you miss out on the Black Friday tumbler, there are plenty of other moody Stanley colorways we love.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

The Black Chroma Quencher

Shop on Stanley

The Black Chroma has a similar iridescent shine as the Midnight Glitz tumbler, but it’s a little more subtle. A colorful band and logo detail sine against the standard matte black exterior.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

Forest Gloss Deco Quencher

Shop on Stanley

Want a cup that leans into the holiday spirit? We’re obsessed with the Forest Gloss Deco hue that brings all the glitz and glam. It reminds us of a roaring New Year’s Eve party!

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Stanley

The Black Reverb Quencher

Shop on Stanley

If you want a black cup that leans more retro, you’ll love the Reverb Quencher. Pops of color and a bold Stanley logo help this tumbler stand out from the pack.

The post Stanley Is Dropping a New ‘Midnight Glitz’ Tumbler on Black Friday—And It’s Seriously Stunning appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you’re new to cookie jar collecting, it helps to know where to look. Thrift stores, consignment shops, Goodwill, antique malls, flea markets and estate sales are all good bets. Perhaps the best spot to look is at garage sales in your neighborhood, where folks want to offload everything at a fairly low price.

Regardless of where you shop, you’ll want to hone your scoping skills. Here’s what to watch for.

The Most Valuable Vintage Cookie Jars

A cookie jar can be valuable for all sorts of reasons: age, condition, brand, shape and rarity. Here are some finds that have proven lucrative in recent years.

Lefton Puppy Pal Cookie Jar

Lefton is a ceramics brand with a global flair. Founded by a Hungarian immigrant in Chicago, the Lefton Company set up shop immediately prior to the Pearl Harbor bombing and soon formed relationships with china manufacturers in occupied Japan. In mid-century America, Lefton cookie jars were prized for their doe-eyed cuteness; the Puppy Pal, in particular, is a beloved design from the 1950s that features a dog with fluttery eyelashes and a removable hat lid. It’s common to see Puppy Pal jars listed in the triple or quadruple digits, especially if there are no chips.

Hull Little Red Riding Hood Cookie Jar

Hull Pottery might be known primarily for its dark brown stoneware, but one of the most famous vintage cookie jars of the 20th century is the Hull Little Red Riding Hood model, complete with a cherubic face, floral skirt and picnic basket. These typically sell in the $300 to $500 range.

As this article in the Illinois State Journal-Register points out, there have been enough imitations over the years that you have to make sure you have a genuine A.E. Hull Pottery Co. product by checking the marking on the bottomand note that the shape of the basket will also determine how rare it is (the round basket is less common than the open-ended basket).

Abingdon ‘Cookie Time’ Clock Cookie Jar

Abingdon started as a company making ceramic plumbing fixtures, but when construction slowed during the Great Depression, they stayed afloat by making cookie jars. Many of their creations have become beloved vintage finds, including the “Cookie Time” clock-shaped jar. Produced between 1935 and 1950, this oddly endearingly anthropomorphic clock face is typically listed at around $500.

American Bisque Moon Rocket Cookie Jar

American Bisque is so ubiquitous, and its designs so far-reaching, that there’s an entire book dedicated to collecting them. While it’s hard to pin down a single model as the company’s most iconic, the “Cookies Out of This World” spaceship-shaped cookie jar, produced in the 1960s, is rarely listed for under $250 on resale sites.

Brush Pottery Circus Horse Cookie Jar

The Brush Pottery Co., once owned by the famous McCoy brand, produced jars with a distinctive aesthetic throughout much of the 20th century. The Circus Horse model is not the most elaborate design but is among the more elusive ones. It can reliably be found for upwards of $150 on the likes of eBay and Etsy.

McCoy Davy Crockett Head Cookie Jar

This striking, nearly off-putting rendering of frontiersman Davy Crockett’s face is a highly prized piece among cookie jar collectors. Produced in the late 1950s to capitalize on the success of the TV miniseries, this jar is now regularly listed for between $500 and $1,000 online. It should have a “USA” mark on the bottom.

Casper the Ghost Cookie Jar

You’re lucky if you find this elusive ghost anywhere out in the world; it’s one of those pieces that’s talked about by pickers more than it can actually be located at thrift stores and resale shops. A few folks have been lucky, but this jar, produced by American Bisque for Hanna-Barbera, was a limited run decades ago, so patience and eagle eyes are necessary to find this valuable piece.

Shawnee Smiling Pig Cookie Jar

These pigs dressed like farmers, displaying serene smiles, were a staple of Shawnee’s portfolio, and several models were produced between 1937 and 1961. Find one with a pig standing on two legs, hands on hips and head tilted upward, and you might be able to sell it for up to $500, depending on its condition.

How to Tell If a Cookie Jar Is Vintage

When looking for jars either online or out in the wild, you’ll need to take a few steps to verify your purchase. Check for superficial cracks, chips, loss of paint or other damage, as this will affect the jar’s overall value. Check the base of the jar for the marking, too; you can cross-reference the mark with the genuine article.

Use resources from collectors’ societies to help determine whether a cookie jar is genuine or fake.This McCoy collectors’ guide notesthat size is a good determinant. Reproductions use the finished cookie jar as a mold, and the pottery shrinks up when fired in the kiln, meaning it will be smaller than the authentic piece.

Most well-known pottery brands have printed or online guides that show which colors and models have been produced by a company. If a given brand has never used metallic paint and you see something glinting at you from the thrift store shelf, for example, it’s almost certainly a phony.

The real irony, of course, is that cookie jars aren’t actually the best way to store cookies; their lack of airtight seal means you can’t control the texture and maintain the desired softness. But let’s be honest: That was never really the point of any cookie jar, and it seems like the more adorable the design, the less practical the vessel. Buy them instead for the pure joy (or profit) they elicit.

The post 8 Vintage Cookie Jars to Look for at the Thrift Store appeared first on Taste of Home.

No surprise, I loved the Netflix documentary Martha, even though Martha herself did not. After watching, here are seven lessons I learned from the queen of domesticity.

1. Waste nothing

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about one scene in particular. Martha is standing over her gardening staff at her Bedford, New York home, instructing them on how to properly trim back a thicket of roots surrounding a tree but not to throw them out. Everything can be repurposedshe used the fallen trees for supports around her garden.

2. Put everything on display in the kitchen

Martha’s Westport, Connecticut kitchen was the antithesis of the stark, staged-for-TikTok influencer kitchens. Call it organized chaos, but it was refreshing to see a kitchen that looks like it’s being used dailya million copper pots, woven baskets and all.

3. Go wild with presentation

Forget grazing boards. Martha started the grazing table. Herlarger-than-life crudits presentations featured tables piled high with full cabbages, mountains of grapes, tomatoes and green beans, a cascade of shaved carrots and brioche buns.

4. Find joy in an over-the-top dessert

I could watch Martha decorating her elaborate croquembouche pastry tree in the opening credits all day long. The sheer joy on her face as she spins a sugar web around caramel choux makes me want to stock up on eggs, sugar and butter to create a masterpiece of my own.

5. Keep fresh fruit and vegetables on hand

In her kitchen, Martha has bowls of oranges and lemons, an entire wooden crate overflowing with apples and bowls of berries, asparagus stalks and leafy greens. Of course, she has a gorgeous garden from which to pluck nature’s gifts whenever she wants. But keeping fruits and vegetables right where she can see themwhich is everywhereensures that they’ll get used and not wasted. That’s a very good thing indeed.

6. Start a garden

My favorite quote of hers is: “If you want to be happy for a year, get married; if you want to be happy for a decade, get a dog; if you want to be happy the rest of your life, make a garden.”

Let’s just say I started researching gardening clubs near me immediately after finishing the documentary. I would happily volunteer to trim her boxwoods and tend to the peonies! I’d even pitch in on the rough stone path she wants to create to look like cracked ice. In fact, I’m filing that DIY idea away for later use in my own life.

7. Build a chicken coop

Long before Jennifer Garner, Kristin Cavallari and a slew of homesteading influencers started showing off their chicken coops on social media, Martha built her own while renovating her beloved 1805 farmhouse on Turkey Hill Road.

This wasn’t any old coop, however. No, no. This was Le Palais des Poulets (Palace of the Chickens) for her Araucana hens, who lived a life of leisure, eating lettuce and watermelon and roaming a sprawling indoor-outdoor yard.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Martha Moments (@martha_moments)

To some people, Martha Stewart wasand issimply too much. To my sister and me, Martha is perfect. She’s an inspiration with her aspirational life.

The post 7 Things I Can’t Stop Thinking About After Watching Martha Stewart’s Documentary appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Y2K-era Caramel Apple Empanada was late to the party, though, and didn’t drop until November 21.

Though I was initially sad that Taco Bell made me wait to get my hands on the empanada, I now see it as a gift. For had it been available when I wrote my intial review, I might have been too emotionally overwhelmed to be coherent. I’ve spent my November coasting on Gordita-induced joy: watching Baywatch, living ms and disassociating myself all the way back to the ’90s.

Here we now are, days before Thanksgiving, and the Caramel Apple Empanada has arrived to help my inner child rally through the holiday season. God bless us, everyone.

Caramel Apple Empanada Review

Honestly, I can’t believe Taco Bell took the Caramel Apple Empanada off the menu, and to tell you the truth, I’d kinda like them to explain that decision. We all deserve a world where these are readily available. They’re deep-fried, like a proper fast-food hand pie should be. (We’ll discuss my intense, nostalgic longing for the original apple pie on the McDonald’s menu of the past another day.) The dough has just the right thickness, so you get the best of both pie crust worlds: an exterior that’s an explosion of crispy flakes and an interior that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Inside, there’s a soft apple filling that’s heavy on the vanilla and, incredibly, not too sweet. Far too often, when caramel enters the equation, things can get too sugary, and other flavors get drowned out. Not in this empanada!

It’s important to note that much like a microwave burrito or Hot Pocket, the center of this deep-fried dessert will be served at roughly the same temperature as molten lava. If you’re eating tacos first, you won’t need to worry about this. But if you’re heading to Taco Bell specifically for Caramel Apple Empanadas, nibble off a corner and wait at least 30 seconds for some steam to escape. It’s impossible to get the full time travel experience if you’ve got a burnt tongue.

When is the Caramel Apple Empanada coming back?

The Caramel Apple Empanada is available right this second and should not be skipped. Maybe if enough of us take advantage of this limited time menu, Taco Bell will bring it back for goodor at least give us the explanation we deserve.

The post I Tried the Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada to See If It Tastes Like 2001 appeared first on Taste of Home.

That’s how Dr. Seuss himself would’ve described the Krispy Kreme Grinch doughnuts, I assume.

As much as I love picking up a dozen iconic glazed doughnuts from grocery stores, these Christmassy Who-ville inspired doughnuts are so worth the drive to a Krispy Kreme location!

What are the Merry Grinchmas doughnuts?

Like the chain’s Ghostbusters doughnuts this past October, Krispy Kreme will celebrate the season with a holiday classic: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! You can expect five different doughnuts in the bunch, with three brand-new ones based on the Grinch and sweet little Cindy-Lou Who.

• Grinch Doughnut: This new unglazed doughnut is dipped in chartreuse-colored frosting to match the Grinch’s hue. A chocolate icing smirk and buttercream hair finish off the top. The filling is coal-like Cookies and Kremeperfect for the Grinch himself.
• Grinchy Claus Doughnut: For a new take on an old classic, the Original Glazed doughnut gets dipped in chocolate icing and topped with white buttercream snow, multicolored crispies that remind us of Christmas lights and an edible Grinch in his Santa Claus outfit as the most fitting bow on top.
• Cindy-Lou Who Merry Berry Tree Doughnut: The third new treat is an Original Glazed doughnut dipped in delectable strawberry icing and decorated with a familiar leaning Christmas tree made from green buttercream icing and topped with sprinkles and a shining star piece.
• Santa Belly Doughnut: This unglazed doughnut is a returning favorite. It’s filled with white Kreme, dipped in a bright red icing and topped with a black chocolate belt complete with a buckle.
• Holiday Sprinkle Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate icing and decorated with festive sprinkles will also return to the Christmas menu.

How long will Grinch doughnuts be available?

The Merry Grinchmas Doughnut Collection drops Friday, November 29, 2024 for a limited time at participating Krispy Kreme locations. Six-packs will also be delivered fresh daily to select grocery stores while supplies last. If you’re not able to run to a Krispy Kreme location, don’t worry; we have plenty of other Grinch-inspired recipes!

The post Krispy Kreme Has a ‘Mean’ Surprise for You This Christmas appeared first on Taste of Home.

In theory, tomato wine should sound as natural as fruit wine since a tomato is technically a fruit. But most of us view it as a savory vegetable, especially when baked into pizza recipes or simmered into pasta sauces. So what’s the deal with Pizza Hut’s new wine?

What does Pizza Hut tomato wine taste like?

Unlike a deep merlot or cabernet, the shade of this red wine is more akin to fruit punch.The initial aroma after a swirl of this tomato wine was that of Italian seasoning. Not what you’d normally get in a typical wine tasting.

The first sip evokes savory, earthy notes rather than sweet, fruity ones. Our video producer Linda Cheung said the first sip she took tasted more like cheese than tomatoes. That savory element is probably from the garlic and fresh herbs used to flavor this wine. Basil and oregano linger the longest on the palate, making it feel like the liquid version of a slice of pizza.

Perhaps it’s best this is a limited edition product.

Where can I buy Pizza Hut tomato wine?

Though kitschy at its core, the Pizza Hut tomato wine does come in quite a cute bottle. It has a wax seal over the cork and the label itself has a red and white checkered border like that of the tablecloths at old-school Italian restaurants. Much like ice wine, this tomato wine comes in a 375 ml bottle; that’s about half the size of a classic wine bottle.

Because this is a limited-edition wine made by Irvine’s Just Beyond Paradise Winery, it has already sold out. We’re keeping an eye out for whether they’ll release another batch soon. Previous to being sold out, Tomato Wine by Pizza Hut was listed online for $25 per bottle, and there was a minimum purchase of two bottles.

The post Pizza Hut Launched a Tomato Wine, and It’s As Confusing As It Sounds appeared first on Taste of Home.

For many folks, spending upwards of $8 on a fast-food burger is a luxury. It’s a special treat after a rough day, a night out with the family on a budget, a cheap date before payday. Nobody has to eat at Burger King, true, but people do expect more than the bare minimum. With these Whoppers, Burger King wasn’t even able to manage that.

Did I expect the food to be perfect? No. Did I expect it to look like it does in the commercials and advertisements? Nope. Did I expect it to be edible? Absolutely. Yet Burger King failed in a way I’ve scarcely seen in my 20-year food industry career. In fact, once I’m done being angry, I might be impressed. Here’s how everything went spectacularly wrong.

What is the Whopper, as an institution?

The most important element of any Whopper should be the burger itself. But, if you ask me, it has the texture of desiccated memory foam and a flavor that can best be described as an elementary school cafeteria trying to hide its sins with liquid smoke.

With its Million Dollar Whopper promotion, Burger King is attempting to solve the Whopper’s inherent problems by covering up the beef with a glut of intensely flavorful, moisture-rich and genuinely interesting toppings. This plan could have theoretically worked had said toppings been dispensed in the right quantities. But such an amount of toppings may not be cost-effective, and as such, here is what I was served.

Mexican Street Corn Whopper

Theoretically, this is supposed to be a Whopper with lettuce, tomato, creamy street corn spread, spicy queso and crunchy tortilla strips. I naively expected there to be corn on this burger, but after rereading the menu, I realized that by “creamy street corn spread,” Burger King only meant the lightly-spiced mayonnaise one might spread upon their corn. The only representation corn gets here is via tortilla strips, which quickly absorbed all the moisture from the lettuce and tomato and tasted like salty wet cardboard. Looking back, I suppose I should have been grateful for any moisture at all, because things went progressively downhill from here.

Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper

This Whopper comes topped with “Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Crispy Onions & Jalapenos, Smoky Maple Candied Bacon and American Cheese.” The sauce is absolutely necessary because every bite without it was too dry. While I’m going to assume that my burger was accidentally under-sauced, it would take a substantial amount of over-saucing to compensate for this Whopper’s inherent flaws, at which point it would cease to be enjoyable or safe enough to eat in your car.

The bacon was decent on its own, though it didn’t have much maple flavor. The crunchy onions and jalapenos managed to absorb what little moisture there was between the buns, turning to mush by the time I unwrapped my Whopper only a few minutes after it was served.

Fried Pickle Ranch Whopper

The Whopper I was most excited for was the one topped with lettuce, creamy pickle ranch, fried pickles, crispy bacon and Swiss cheese. However, as you can see from the photos, there is only half of a small fried pickle on this Whopper; when I inquired about this, I was informed they had run low on fried pickles, so they added tortilla chips to make up the difference.

As someone who truly enjoys fast food and gets legitimately excited about limited-edition menus, Burger King’s new line of Whoppers is a heartbreaker. I cannot remember the last time I had a fast-food burger so bad that I wasn’t able to finish it, and Burger King sold me three in a single go. On the plus side, the King delivered a memorable experience I won’t soon forget.

The post I Tried All of Burger King’s New Whoppers—and I Was Stunned appeared first on Taste of Home.

While I find myself leaning into fruity flavors like the Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream coming out next year, I won’t turn my nose up to a bit of vanilla infusion. Heck, Coca-Cola Vanilla is one of my favorite drinks of all time. Sprite must be listening to my every word because they’re dropping a frosty new flavor to make this winter anything but vanilla.

Hello, Sprite Vanilla Frost

We meet again. Well, kind of. If you’re familiar with the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, you may already be familiar with this flavor. Back in 2019, Sprite Vanilla Frost was introduced as a fountain drink flavor, but this is the first time it’s debuted as its own in-store beverage.

Sprite Vanilla Frost sports the familiar lemon lime flavor you’re used to with a chilling vanilla twist. It’s a bit unconventional, but all the best things are. According to pictures floating on store websites, it will be available in both 12-ounce cans and 20-ounce bottles. I personally think it would be a wonderful addition to a Grinch punch for a Christmas get-together.

Where do I find it?

Sprite Vanilla Frost will likely be released in December at Kroger and Kroger stores like Mariano’s, Smith’s and Ralphs. Depending on popularity, it will hopefully be available at other Sprite-carrying establishments as well. Fingers crossed!

How long will it be available?

This is a limited edition item and will probably disappear after the holidays wrap up. If you’re a proponent of seasonal flavors, we recommend grabbing this before it leaves our lives forever. You never know if this particular Sprite flavor will be a total life-changer!

The post Sprite Just Dropped a Winter-Inspired Soda Flavor for the Holidays appeared first on Taste of Home.

Even when the weather outside is frightful, no one does a chilly treat better than the Queen herself. Dairy Queen, that is. She’s particularly close to my heart since she started up on Route 66 in my home state of Illinois back in 1940. She’s been a state staple ever since, with her signature Blizzard debuting on the menu in 1985. Now everyone knows herI’m so proud.

This holiday season will see the comeback of two iconic Dairy Queen menu items, and we can’t wait to take a big, cold bite.

What is the December Blizzard of the month?

If you’re a true DQ fan, you know the Blizzard of the Month changes, well, every month. The delicious Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard is back for December, baby!

The Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard consists of cocoa fudge blended with Dairy Queen soft serve, peppermint candy cane pieces and chocolate chunks, all topped with a hearty hat of whipped topping and candy cane sprinkles. It’s truly a treat to behold, even when it’s flipped upside down.

When does the DQ Frozen Hot Chocolate Drop?

Right alongside the Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard, DQ is servin’ up its delicious Frozen Hot Chocolate starting on November 25. The DQ Frozen Hot Chocolate features a rich cocoa fudge blended with vanilla soft serve and DQ’s Misty Slush. It’s then finished with whipped topping and a heaping of chocolate drizzle. This is for people who want hot chocolate with a cool twist.

How long will both treats be available?

You can grab the Blizzard and the Frozen Hot Chocolate at participating U.S. locations starting November 25, 2024, for a limited time. While there are no specifics, it’s likely they’ll exit your DQ after the holidays have concluded. Just remember, no matter how cold it gets, it’s never the wrong time for Dairy Queen.

The post DQ Just Brought Back Both of Its Most Popular Seasonal Treats appeared first on Taste of Home.

Consumers may feel the egg shortage and price fluctuations throughout the United Statesespecially at retailers like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, which are reportedly making an effort to transition to a cage-free egg supply. Meanwhile, some states may experience more significant food shortages in the near future as they move to implement or enforce state laws with cage-free egg production requirements. In Arizona, Colorado and Michigan, for example, shoppers may have a harder time finding eggs on grocery store shelves as these states move to enforce new cage-free egg regulations that go into effect in January 2025.

What is causing the egg shortage right now?

Several different causes are contributing to the egg shortage and price fluctuations. Below are a few of the reasons you might see an egg shortage or higher egg prices the next time you visit your grocery store.

• Bird flu:The Centers for Disease Control report that the current public health risk from bird flu in the United States is low. But there have been sporadic outbreaks among poultry flocks throughout the country, along with ongoing multi-state outbreaks of avian flu among dairy cattle.
• Increased holiday demand: Eggs experience increased demand at the grocery store during the holidays. Butter is another food item that grocers have a hard time keeping on the shelves due to global milk shortagesand the price of butter is climbing this holiday season as a result.
• Trader Joe’s (and others) changing to cage-free eggs: Certain supermarket chains, like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, have made recent efforts to carry cage-free eggs. According to the USDA, a cage-free designation means that the hens that laid the eggs must be free to roam (both vertically and horizontally) in indoor houses. Because fewer egg suppliers produce cage-free eggs, the available supply for grocers to purchase is limited.
• Rumors and panic: TheUSDA projects that the U.S. will experience only a 1% decline in egg production in 2024 compared to the previous year. Intermittent egg shortages and rumors have triggered panic buying among consumers in many cases. Instead of shoppers buying the normal dozen eggs on their weekly grocery list, some households purchase two, three, or four dozen eggs at a time. This overbuying behavior only makes the problem worse.

How long will the shortage last?

Egg prices may continue to climb from late 2024 into early 2025, according to USDA projections. If the avian flu continues its unpredictable path, the egg shortage may continue in intermittent waves throughout the countryeven after the holidays. Bird flu often continues to spread throughout the spring due to the migration habits of wild birds.

According to USDA data, a large number of chick hatches are scheduled to take place in early 2025. Once these occur, egg production numbers could start to rebound.

In the meantime, shoppers may want to consider egg substitutions when baking. And, of course, it’s helpful to know the cheapest places to buy groceries right now to stretch your budget as far as possible.

The post Shoppers Are Seeing an Egg Shortage Right Now—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.

Because the company was located in the town of Cabot, home of the Cabot Creamery, and not far from Vermont Creamery and Jasper Hill Farm, we had lots of local cheeses at our fingertips. (You can have good local cheese, too, if you head to one of the best cheese shops in the country.)

I’m excited to share some classic and surprising cheeses that you’ll want to try on your homemade pizza. You can even use them to make some of our easy pizza recipes.

What is important when choosing a pizza cheese?

• Meltiness: One of the pleasures of pizza is hot, gooey melted cheese. Generally, this is a quality of young, fresh cheeses that haven’t been aged for long or at all. Younger cheeses are higher in moisture than older cheeses, and the right amount of moisture leads to the best melting cheeses.
• Stretchiness: Some of the nicest melting cheeses are also the stretchiest cheeses. This is particularly true of mozzarella, which is pulled like taffy when it’s being made. Stretchy cheeses form that incredible cheese pull when you lift a slice from the rest of the pie.
• Flavor: Unless you’re making a plain cheese pizza, you’ll want to make sure that the flavor of the cheeses you choose pair well with other ingredients. Would your chosen pizza toppings go well together in another context? If so, they’ll probably make an incredible pizza.
• Rinds and veins: Some cheeses are inoculated with bacteria, yeasts and molds, which cause them to develop additional flavors and characteristics as they age. These processes create complexity that wouldn’t occur naturally, and some bloomy rind and blue cheeses make exceptional pizza toppings.
• Age: Because melty, stretchy cheeses are usually young, they generally aren’t particularly complex in flavorthat’s a quality that typically comes with age. To get the best of both worlds, top pizzas with a combination of a fresher cheese and an intensely flavored older cheese.
• Layering: If you’re using a melting cheese, plan to use a good amount of it. Put it on top of delicate ingredients that might burn at high oven temps. Place ingredients that can handle some browning, such as sausage or pepperoni, or extra moist ingredients, atop that cheese layer. If you’re adding small amounts of fancier cheese in addition, that can be sprinkled on last.

What cheese is best for pizza?

Mozzarella

The king of the stretchy and melty cheeses, mozzarella is a must for many varieties of pizza. Choose low-moisture mozz as your all-purpose pizza sprinkle, and use fresh mozzarella sparingly atop specialty pies, such as the classic Italian Margherita pizza. Don’t know what to buy? Here are the best mozzarellas to use when cooking. And, while pre-shredded cheese makes life easier, do note that the additives that keep it from clumping in the package can inhibit some of its pizza-friendly qualities.

Cheddar

It’s not as stretchy as mozzarella, but cheddar is a great melting cheese, and sharp cheddars boast zingy flavor that’s great on a breakfast pizza or a pie with sweet ingredientsthink caramelized onions, roasted winter squash cubes or apple slices. If you have a super-aged cheddar, such as a clothbound or cave-aged variation, consider using that as a secondary cheese sprinkled over a milder cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Chevre

The spreadable, tangy goat cheese is another great counterpoint to both sweet and savory pizza toppings. Consider using it alongside items with French or Mediterranean vibes, including salty cured meats, fresh herbs and lovely orchard fruits like peaches and plums.

Alpine-style cheese

These cheeses can be the best of both worlds for pizza making, as many of them are very meltable (they’re the starring players in fondue), and they tend to have amazing nutty flavors. Look for Gruyere, Raclette, Emmenthaler and Appenzeller.

Fancy blue cheese

Used sparingly, a pungent blue cheese can provide the perfect counterpoint to an elegant collection of pizza toppings. Imagine a combo of arugula, prosciutto, pear and a little bit of Gorgonzola, or consider a mix of wilted spinach, bacon and sliced cooked potato with just a hint of an American artisan blue cheese.

The post This Is the Best Cheese for Pizza, According to a Pizza Chef appeared first on Taste of Home.

Now, the McRib comes and goes as all good things do, but its almighty return is about to happen again. Not only that, but it’s also bringing a half-gallon of McRib sauce as a sidekick.

What’s going on with the McRib sauce?

Do you absolutely adore McDonald’s sauces? Have you ever dreamt of having a half-gallon of McDonald’s McRib sauce in your fridge for every vital occasion? You can now make that dream a reality. It’s officially called “A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce” and is a mere $19.99 onthe Whole Lotta McRib Sauce website. You can buy one starting November 25, 2024, but only while supplies last.

When is the McRib back?

The McRib returns on December 3, 2024. McDonald’s has always known the McRib is a hot topic, so the not-so-subtle teasing has already begun. The brand has already announced the return via its website, along with the McRib sauce.

As we know, when one door opens, another door probably closes. When the McRib arrives, we may need to say goodbye to the Chicken Big Mac. Don’t forget to grab a parting sandwich in case we never see it again.

How long will it be available?

No official word, but it’s a limited release that should last through December. It’s best to grab yours ASAP (along with your half-gallon, you sauce junkies) to participate in the holiday joy. The McRib truly is the best present McDonald’s could ever gift us.

The post McDonald’s Plans to Bring Back the McRib—Here’s When appeared first on Taste of Home.

Now that I have a kitchen of my own, I find myself washing and wiping every surface in sight. The pots, pans, dishes and countertops get regular treatment, but I recently discovered another kitchen item I should pay attention to. Turns out salt and pepper shakers are much dirtier than I thought.

Why are salt and pepper shakers so dirty?

They’re likely two of the most used items in your kitchen. Think about the last time you made a recipe that didn’t include salt somewherenot very common. They’re constantly being touched, not only by you, but also your family, friends and anyone else you have over for a holiday gathering. You use them before and after handling meat, veggies and other seasonings. If they’re next to your stove, it’s also likely oil particles have made their way onto the surface, which makes it much easier for dust, germs and other grime to stick. Pepper shakers specifically harbor upwards of 11,600 bacteria on average, according to an ABC News study.

Do you remember the last time you really cleaned your salt and pepper shakers? If you can’t, don’t worry. Luckily, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to clean kitchen itemsfrom counter to counter.

How do I clean salt and pepper shakers?

Wipe down the exteriors of your salt and pepper shakers at least once a week with a damp cloth, more often if you keep them near the stove like I do. When your shakers empty out, give them a thorough run through the dishwasher (if they’re dishwasher safe) or hand wash with soapy water. Now you’re one step closer to a cleaner kitchen.

The post This Is the One Thing Everyone Forgets to Clean After Dinner appeared first on Taste of Home.

Which pastries are affected by the recall?

The recalled pastries were sold exclusively at Walmart, and it appears that stores across the country sold the dangerous Danish and cinnamon rolls. To determine whether your items have been affected, check the packaging. Here’s what to look for:

• Great Value Cheese Danishes, 16.5-ounce packs, UPC 078742201177,Lot# L092525200 269X
• Great Value Cinnamon Rolls, 16.5-ounce packs, UPC 078742201160, Lot#L092525200 269X

Each 16.5-ounce pack in this recall contains six individually wrapped cheese Danishes or cinnamon rolls. If you removed the pastries from their original carton, be sure to check the lot number on the plastic wrapping.

What should I do next?

If the lot numbers on your items match the ones attached to the recall, throw them out. You can also bring the package back to Walmart for a refund. Either way, the food isn’t safe to eat.

If you need a treat for breakfast or are planning a pastry spread for weekend brunch, your best bet will be to buy fresh ones or make your own at home. Prep cinnamon rolls tonight and pop them in the oven in the a.m., or try your hand at homemade cheese Danishes.

The post Walmart Just Recalled 2 Different Great Value Bakery Items appeared first on Taste of Home.

Let’s start with what’s new: The latest flavor to join Baskin-Robbins’ holiday collection is Brie My Guest, which sounds like the chain’s attempt to go toe-to-toe with premium brands like Van Leeuwen or Salt & Straw. The press release describes this cheeseboard-inspired flavor as Brie- and burrata-flavored ice creams mixed with almonds, pistachio pieces and apricot swirls. It seems like Baskin-Robbins is playing in an ever-widening sandbox of the best fast-food ice cream innovations.

What is the turkey ice cream cake?

The real star of the show is Baskin-Robbins’ ice cream turkey cake, a three-dimensional feat of dairy design that features ice cream covered in a caramel praline glaze to suggest roasted brown turkey skin. It even has “legs” made of sugar cones (which the press release describes as “iconic”).

According to Business Insider, Baskin-Robbins has been releasing this version of the turkey cake since 2008, and it remains popular each holiday season. It’s a centerpiece all its own, and it’s the closest you’ll come to eating one of those animated whole turkeys that always look so delicious in cartoons. (Just me?)

The cake serves 12 to 16 people and can be customized to your preferences, filling it with any flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream. There are plenty of options that would pair well with a caramel praline glaze, though it defaults to Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream on the order page. If you really wanted seasonal flavor alignment, you could fill it with some Brie My Guest.

How much is a Baskin-Robbins turkey-shaped ice cream cake?

The cake’s price varies by location, but it costs $41.99 at my nearest Baskin-Robbins. Given that it serves up to 16 people, that’s well within range of other Baskin-Robbins specialty desserts. For example, an Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream Polar Pizza costs $21.99 and has eight slices, so you’d have to purchase two to serve the same size crowd.

And hey, if you live in an area of the country where Thanksgiving falls on a dark and chilly day, it would be understandable if you wanted to pass on the ice cream altogether. For you, we have a recipe for an equally cute turkey cake that can be served at room temperature.

The post You Need This Turkey-Shaped Ice Cream Cake on Your Thanksgiving Table appeared first on Taste of Home.

The company recently announced bankruptcy, and now there’s suddenly a Costco Tupperware set that everyone wants. I stumbled upon the 32-piece set in my local warehouse, and the plastic containers and snappy sunburst lids look and feel just like the Tupperware I remember in my childhood kitchen, albeit in pastel blue, pink and yellow instead of gold, burnt orange and avocado green.

The only thing missing is the Tupperware party. My mom and aunt hosted and attended many when I was a kid, and being the youngest of all my siblings and cousins, I often got dragged along. I didnt mind because it generally meant snacks, and if theres one thing those plastic containers are good for, its holding popcorn, chips, pretzels and dips. Whatever was leftover, you put that sunburst lid on, pressed it in the middle and snap! Sold!

These sets are making waves with regular Costco shoppers (and setting social media abuzz). Theyre flying off the shelves, even with a fairly hefty price tag.

Whats in the Costco Tupperware set?

The Heritage 16-piece Costco Tupperware container set includes stacking bowls and canisters in pastel pink, blue and yellow colors with white sunburst lids.

The pastel colors were popular in the ’50s and ’60s, predating the funkier orange, brown, yellow and green most of us remember. It feels retro but also kind of now. Heres what you get:

• 4 square bowls: 860 ml (3-1/2 cups), 1.3 L (5-1/4 cups), 1.9 ml (8 cups), 2.8 L (11.75 cups)
• 9 round bowls: Four 340 ml (1-1/4 cups), four 600 ml (2-1/2 cups), one 4.1 L (17-1/4 cups)
• 3 nesting canisters: 2.7 L (11 cups), 4 L (almost 17 cups), 5.7 L (1-1/2 gallon)
• 16 corresponding lids,one for each container

How much is it?

The 32-piece Costco Tupperware set retails for $69.99 at my local warehouse in Washington state. Some Reddit usersfound it on special for $49.99 when it first launched, but the price increased after the special. The set isonly available in-store.

Where else can you buy Tupperware?

Whether youre looking for old or new Tupperware products, strictly vintage finds or bigger sets, theyre all available online. Tupperware sells products directly to the public (no party necessary), and theres even a similar 36-piece set on Amazon for $99.99. For collectors, theres always Etsy and eBay.

But dont let buying Tupperware at Costco or online stop you from having a get-together. Im tempted to have a Tupperware party just for the snacks!

The post Costco Is Selling a 32-Piece Tupperware Set, and I’m Ready to Host a Party appeared first on Taste of Home.

You’ll find candy cane, gingerbread man, penguin, snowman and Rudolph Oreo designs. The center of every cookie has a little dot of red creme filling, too!

Where can I find the holiday Oreos?

Though they’re somewhat hard to find, the new Oreos have been available since November 1 at Target and Walmart. You can purchase the holiday Oreos in 14-count lay-down bags, 45-count stand-up bags or 4-count king-size packs. Every cookie is individually wrapped (similar to a Reese’s cup on a little paper tray), so these will be super easy to use as stocking stuffers or to lay out for Santa to take on the go. They’re available while supplies last.

I spent a good chunk of time tracking down the red and green cookies, but I had no trouble finding the red creme-filled cookies. These holiday morsels also have five Christmas-themed designs, just with one color in the filling and no red creme dotting the outside of the cookie.

What do the holiday Oreos taste like?

The holiday Oreo packaging says that they have the same taste as the original sandwich cookie, and I have to agree. At first, I thought they had a slightly sweeter taste, but maybe it’s just the festive coloring playing games with my taste buds. Either way, I wish they came by the sleeveful so I didn’t have to individually unwrap four (or five or six) cookies at a time.

If you buy the big bag, use the colorful cookies to make Oreo desserts, like a Christmas-themed no-bake Oreo cheesecake!

The post This Year’s Holiday Oreos Look Like Santa Himself Designed Them appeared first on Taste of Home.

Whether you’re lucky enough to take a yuletide vacationor simply want to enjoy some of the magic at homewe found just the thing to help you celebrate. Disney teamed up with our favorite coffee shop brand to debut Disney Starbucks Christmas cups. And, for a limited time, they’re on sale! Here’s everything you need to know about these festive sippers.

What are Disney Starbucks Christmas cups?

As we’ve seen from the Stanley and Owala craze, water bottles are having a moment. Folks are looking for something a little more special to sip on their eight glasses a day. Starbucks cups are no exception, offering flashy textures, patterns and designs along with the brand’s signature siren logo.

Disney Starbucks Christmas cups go one step further and combine these qualities with Disney magic. Depending on the season, you can find tumblers featuring beloved characters, attractions and, of course, the iconic castles. For the 2024 holiday season, enjoy a mix of Mickey and Friends, classic holiday hues and fun accessories. (Hello, snowflake straw topper!)

The only caveat? These tumblers and water bottles are not dishwasher- or microwave-safe. That means you’ll need to hand-wash the cups to keep them looking good for season after holiday season.

The Best Starbucks x Disney Christmas Cups

VIA MERCHANT

Shop the Disney World Tumbler

Shop the Disneyland Tumbler

Classic Red Travel Tumbler

Shop the Disney World Tumbler

Shop the Disneyland Tumbler

This may be one of the prettiest Starbucks cold cups we’ve ever seen. A glitzy, beveled metallic red cup is cheery on its own, but the decorated castle detail and Disney park logo take this beauty over the top. A slick snowflake straw toppercomplete with a tiny Mickey logoonly adds to the magic. Choose from a Disneyland or Disney World cup; just know that the only real difference is the park logo.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop the Disney World Bottle

Shop the Disneyland Bottle

Mickey Mouse Holiday Water Bottle

Shop the Disney World Bottle

Shop the Disneyland Bottle

Staying hydrated has never looked so good. Inspired by a holiday sweater, this patterned flip-top sipper includes a Christmas-y color palette and everyone’s favorite mouse. For even more pizzazz, a vinyl snowflake charm and engraved Starbucks charm hang from the lid.The finishing touch is your choice of a Walt Disney World or Disneyland logo at the base.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop the Disney World Bottle

Shop the Disneyland Bottle

Mickey and Friends Holiday Water Bottle

Shop the Disney World Bottle

Shop the Disneyland Bottle

Are sending Christmas cards a thing of the past? Not if Mickey and his crew of holiday helpers have a say! This darling water bottle is covered with postage stamp-inspired prints featuring beloved retro characters like Dumbo, Goofy and Donald Duck. The screw-top cap makes this bottle easy to fill between rides (or work meetings). And, like all Disney Starbucks cups, choose from either a Disneyland or Disney World logo.

Where to Buy Disney Starbucks Holiday Tumblers

You can pick up these festive Starbucks cups at the Disney Store. Shop options for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Plus, for a limited time, these cups are on sale for 25% off during the Disney Black Friday sale. They make great stocking stuffers!

The post The Most Magical Disney Starbucks Cups Are Here for the Holidays appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Farm Bureau, a lobbying group that represents farmers and ranchers, reports that some individual items in the spread are more expensive than last year, namely dinner rolls, fresh cranberries, whipping cream and cubed stuffing. However, the price of sweet potatoes, frozen peas, celery, carrots, pumpkin pie mix, pie crusts, whole milk and turkey all dropped.

Turkey historically accounts for nearly half the cost of any Thanksgiving meal, so a cheaper turkey means a cheaper overall dinner.

How much is Thanksgiving dinner in 2024?

Accounting for all the mains and sides listed above, a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in 2024 will cost an average of $58.08. The price of turkey is 6% lower than last year, a stat the Farm Bureau calls “a bit of an anomaly.”

This year, farmers raised an estimated 205 million turkeys. That’s actually a decrease from 2023, and the lowest number since 1985, due in part to the ongoing bird flu that has affected poultry flocks. The law of supply and demand might dictate that the price of the remaining turkeys would go up…except that, at the same time the number of turkeys fell, the level of demand for turkey fell, too. Prices have fallen to match that lower demand. (Dare we blame the proliferation of delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving mains?)

As The Hustle points out, there’s another factor affecting turkey prices right now. Before the holidays, major retailers treat whole turkeys as loss leaders, meaning they can artificially lower turkey prices and make less profit on them (or none at all). The goal is to lure customers in with the promise of good value and spur those shoppers to make other major purchases at the store.

If you host Thanksgiving and want to trim costs, skip the items that the Farm Bureau cites as having the steepest price increases. Processed products like premade rolls and cubed stuffing have spiked the most in price (8%), partly due to labor shortages, so homemade dinner rolls might be best!

The post Your Thanksgiving Turkey Will Be Cheaper This Year—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you’ve beendebating whether to spend money onKing of Christmas or Balsam Hill, these low prices may decide for you. And if you’re not in the market for a new tree, there are still plenty of holiday picks on deep discount. Perhaps a new ornament storage box or a stocking holder will make spirits bright. Here’s everything you need to know about this flash sale.

What is the Balsam Hill Black Friday sale?

If you’re pining (get it?) to upgrade your old, dusty artificial tree, now is the time. Today only, customers save up to 50% on the Balsam Hill website. Sale items include both lit and unlit artificial Christmas treesand decor. Additionally, shoppers receive free shipping on any order made before the sale ends. Pick up a Balsam Hill wreath or Balsam Hill garland to zhuzh up your holiday decorboth of our favorite options are available at a deep discount!

The Best Balsam Hill Trees on Sale

KATIE SYNOLD FOR TASTE OF HOME

Shop on Balsam Hill

Best Smart Tree

BH Fraser Fir Tree with Twinkly Light Show

If your a colored lights lover, don't sleep on the Balsam Hill Twinkly tree. The 7.5-foot option is on sale for $1199, which saves you $700!

Shop on Balsam Hill

In our Balsam Hill smart tree review, wediscuss this charmingFraser Fir and its capabilities. Choose the Twinkly light option, which is compatible with a user-friendly app. The smart Christmas tree comes with five preset light functions that the included control box turns on. The functions are Rainbow, Snow, UpDown, Fireworks and Glow. You can also display countless more effects on your tree with help from the app. It’s well worth the full priceand now you can snag the 7.5-foot version for $700 off!

KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Shop on Balsam Hill

Best Flip Tree

BH Balsam Fir Flip Tree

Ready, set, flip! If easy setup is a must, the Balsam Hill flip tree makes decorating prep a breeze. Bring home a 6.5-foot flip tree with clear lights for $999and save $400 in the process!

Shop on Balsam Hill

We’ve covered the benefits of this Balsam Fir in our flip tree review, but for those who haven’t heard, this Balsam Fir flip tree offers just about the easiest setup possible. The tree smartly sits on caster wheels and effortlessly rolls into place. Then, to set it up, all you need to do is press the foot pedal, pull the tree stem toward you and voila! Gravity does the rest. No struggle, no fuss, just fluff and go. If you’ve been on the fence, now is the time to grab a 6.5-foot flip tree at a whopping $400 discount.

KATIE SYNOLD FOR TASTE OF HOME

Shop on Balsam Hill

Most Realistic

Classic Blue Spruce

Go back to the basics with a realistic Blue Spruce. The 6.5-foot tree with clear lights is on sale for just $349; that's a 50% savings!

Shop on Balsam Hill

Not all Balsam Hill trees have excessive bells and whistles. For those seeking a tried and true classic, this Blue Spruce brings buckets of merriment to any holiday celebration. We love it so much that it even earned a place as the most realistic option we’ve tested! If you looked up Christmas tree in the dictionary, theres a chance youd find an image of the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce. And now, you can score this 6.5-foot cheery tree at a 50% markdown!

How We Tested Balsam Hill

To find the best Balsam Hill Christmas trees, we spent countless hours researching and reading reviews. We evaluated specs, light options, shape and branch structure. We then called in three of our front-runners for thorough, in-person testing, split between our Milwaukee studio and editors homes. Our testing involved timing setup and fluffing, hanging ornaments of different weights, measuring and packing the tree away. We also read up on the brands trusty warrantyand even contacted customer service for troubleshooting support.

Then, to see what else the brand has to offer, we called in a garland, wreath, ornament set and ornament storage option. Just like the trees, we were impressed by the quality and realism. Across the board, we find Balsam Hill products live up to the hype.

How to Shop the Balsam Hill Cyber Monday Sale

Visit the Balsam Hill website to shop the Cyber Monday deals. As a reminder, the sale runs December 2 and only lasts while products are in stock.

Today only, get an extra $50 off orders over $350 using code CYBERSLEIGH.

Through December 31, you can save even more with promo codes, depending on how much you spend:

• $15 off $350: Use codeBALSAMHILL15
• $20 off $500: Use codeBALSAMHILL20
• $25 off $600: Use codeBALSAM25OFF
• $30 off $730: Use codeBALSAMHILL30
• $40 off $1100: Use codeBALSAMHILL40
• $50 off $1500: Use code50BALSAMHILL
• $90 off $2100: Use codeBALSAMHILL90

The post The Balsam Hill Cyber Monday Sale Is Your Excuse to Get a Lifelike Christmas Tree for Less appeared first on Taste of Home.

In 2023, Kraft launched a “Fan Flavorites” contest, allowing eaters to send in new mac and cheese flavor ideas. The brand is reportedly testing more than 60 (!) potential new flavors. For now, you can try the winning flavor submission from the contest: Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese.

What is the new Kraft Mac and Cheese?

Everything bagels, of course, are plain bagels topped with everything: a tasty blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion and salt. But everything bagel seasoning isn’t limited to bagels. You can buy the topping at Trader Joe’s and other stores and add it to chicken breading, salads, avocado toast and all kinds of other foods. (I store my giant container in my cupboard next to the salt and pepper.)

Kraft’s new boxed Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese is your old favorite blue box mac and cheese with a twist. You prepare the noodles normally and add butter and milk like the original version. But when you open the included packet of cheese sauce, you’ll see it’s dotted with the spices that make up everything bagel seasoning.

How does it taste?

From the minute I opened the cheese packet, I could tell that Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese was not my childhood mac and cheese. I could smell the garlicky aroma of the seasoning instantly. Kraft did not hold back on the flavor here. They were as generous with everything bagel seasoning as Taylor Swift’s costume designer is with sequins.

I’ve probably eaten a thousand boxes of the standard blue box Kraft mac and cheese in my life. Even though I knew this version would be different, I was still shocked at how flavorful and bold the seasoning made the dish! And, I admit, I didn’t like it at first, missing the smooth, cheesy, goes-down-easy taste of the original. But after a few bites, I got used to it and devoured my bowl. If you don’t expect the OG version and instead judge Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese on its own merits, you’ll snarf up the deliciousness.

My husband, who’s no fan of the original Kraft mac and cheese because “it tastes like toddler food,” sampled this variety and gave it a thumbs-up. He said he’d actually make it againor if we didn’t have it, he might sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the regular version.

Where can you get it?

Here’s the trick: Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese will only be available for a limited time at Walmart.com. It’s not in Walmart stores or other stores. You can order it on the website starting on November 25 at 5 a.m. CT. That’s considered presale, as official sales don’t open until November 29 at 12 a.m. CT. It’ll be priced at $1.58 a box, and there will only be 14,000 boxes. Once this mac and cheese flavor is gone, it’s gone.

If you don’t manage to nab an official box, take heart. You can sprinkle your own everything bagel seasoning on any kind of mac and cheese.

The post Kraft Just Launched a Brand-New Kind of Mac & Cheese appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you’re a fan of traditional Low Country boils and the equally viral onion boil recipe that has recently been circulating on social media, this egg boil recipe will be right up your alley. While the cooking process is a bit different than other “boil” recipes you may have tried, the end result is equally saucy, equally buttery, and every bit as delicious.

What is an egg boil?

An egg boil is a super quick and easy TikTok recipe featuring jammy, soft-boiled eggs bathed in a rich, buttery sauce that’s jam-packed with flavor. The recipe was born out of the onion boil trend and uses a very similar sauce seasoned with a plethora of dried herbs and spices. While the exact recipe varies between creators, one popular video by @by.nay.a uses a blend of Old Bay, garlic, onion powder, lemon pepper, paprika, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, brown sugar, minced garlic and lemon juice.

Unlike the onion boil, where the onion is cooked in the buttery sauce, an egg boil cooks the eggs and sauce independently of one another. The two are combined only just before serving. From there, the eggs can be dipped and dunked to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Make an ice bath

Fill a small bowl with cold water and ice to make an ice bath and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the eggs

Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the egg by 1 inch and then bring it to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, gently lower the eggs into the boiling water. Cook for six to seven minutes for a soft yolk or eight minutes if you prefer a more set yolk. Remove the eggs from the water and immediately plunge them into the ice bath. Leave submerged for two to three minutes or until cool enough to handle.

Step 3: Make the sauce

Meanwhile, prepare the “boil” sauce. In a small skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes and cook for one minute or until fragrant. Add the all of the seasonings and stir to combine. Then, pour in the broth and increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer for six to eight minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly. Whisk in the lemon juice and add additional salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.

Editor’s Tip: Old Bay and lemon pepper seasonings often already contain salt, so make sure to taste your sauce before adding any additional salt. For the record, we didn’t feel like our sauce needed extra salt, just a few cracks of black pepper.

Step 4: Peel the eggs and slice

Carefully peel the eggs and slice them in half. Arrange in a shallow bowl or a rimmed plate.

Step 5: Add the sauce

Pour the sauce over the eggs and garnish with green onions, if desired. Enjoy!

Flavor. Flavor. Flavor! There’s really no other word to describe these simple, saucy eggs. The warm sauce is super delicious when it melds with the rich flavor of the runny egg yolks. They’re truly the perfect vessel for the sauce.

Egg Boil Tips

Can I use hard-boiled eggs instead?

Yes! While TikTokers may be obsessed with marrying the spicy sauce with an unctuous runny yolk, an egg boil is equally delicious with a hard-boiled egg, too. Just let the eggs cook for an extra minute or two to ensure the yolk is fully set before popping them in the ice bath to cool.

What other spices can go in an egg boil?

This egg boil recipe is super forgiving and versatile. Feel free to omit spices you don’t have on hand or add others that you enjoy. Try sprinkling in up to 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried parsley or garlic powder.

How do you serve an egg boil?

The most common way you’ll see an egg boil enjoyed is all on its own. Simply bathe the eggs in the yummy sauce and dig in. However, an egg boil is also delish when served with hot cooked white rice, a bowl of ramen noodles or a few hunks of crusty bread. Each would marry well with the spicy eggs and is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.

The post I Tried the Viral TikTok Egg Boil, and I’m Officially Hooked! appeared first on Taste of Home.