Anna Monette Roberts
Assistant Editor, Food
Food News

Snag a Loaf of Pepperidge Farm's New Swirl Bread Before It's Too Late

Pepperidge Farm's swirled loaves have a special place in my heart: growing up, I was never allowed white bread, save for an occasional slice of Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Swirl, because even my mother couldn't resist the loaf.

Pepperidge Farm's swirled loaves have a special place in my heart: growing up, I was never allowed white bread, save for an occasional slice of Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Swirl, because even my mother couldn't resist the loaf. So when we received a special delivery of the breadmaker's newest, limited-edition flavor, Blueberry Swirl ($4), I audibly squealed with delight (to the alarm of my co-workers) and sprinted to the toaster.

The spongy, melt-in-your mouth bread has all the awesome qualities found in the original cinnamon loaf; only this time, it's dotted with dried blueberries and a blueberry-flavored swirl. Is it made with real blueberries? Don't know and don't care! Actually, a quick scan of the ingredients does show dehydrated blueberries and blueberry juice concentrate (at the very bottom of the list). But that's no bother! The blueberry flavor bursts forth, making this one berry fruity, addictive bread. Try to stop at one slice; I dare you. Keep reading to see how long it's on shelves.

Cocktails

Set Aside Neon Bottles For These Lesser-Evil Margarita Mixes

Remember drinking the neon-green margarita mix at college parties?

Remember drinking the neon-green margarita mix at college parties? It's hard to know exactly what scary sweeteners and artificial flavors filled those plastic bottles! Thankfully, there's been a bumper crop of newer options made with lime juice and real sugar. In an effort to find actually good margarita mixes, we picked up five finer options (all available at BevMo) so you can throw a fancy fiesta with margaritas that are convenient to make, yet also deliver in the flavor department.

Food News

Activists Hack Into Foie Gras Company's Website

Foie gras faux pas: activists hack into Hudson Valley Foie Gras's website — Zagat Comparing fresh, bottled, and powdered lemon juice — HuffPost Taste Eddie Huang will return to China to work on his second book — The Braiser Jerry Seinfeld's 10 hilarious thoughts on coffee — Grub Street New York The most expensive culinary schools across the US — Eater Chinese chef poisons 21 people, mistaking pesticides for spices — Delish The Rugrats Reptar Bars are real!

recipes

Chocolate That Pops! Experience the Sizzle of POPSUGAR Bark

Who doesn't love Pop Rocks, the faddish candy of the 1980s?

Who doesn't love Pop Rocks, the faddish candy of the 1980s? When Molecule-R sent us Popping Sugar ($4 for 2.8 ounces), I knew I had to sprinkle it over some sort of confection.

Popping Sugar is a neutral-tasting, carbonated sugar that reacts with liquid to release carbon dioxide bubbles, which causes all that snapping and sizzling inside your mouth. For my first experiment, I was inspired by Chuao to start with chocolate bark because it's relatively easy to make and an oh-so-fun way to experience the electrifying sugar juxtaposed with the melting chocolate.

The ingredients are simple: just chocolate and the Popping Sugar. Temper the chocolate; spread it on a nonstick mat, cover it in the Popping Sugar, and let the chocolate set before snapping it into the bite-size bark pieces.

Bring it to parties, and let the grin-inducing cracking begin. Keep reading for the recipe.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Feast on roasted potatoes slathered in rosemary and garlic, courtesy of GraceDickinson.

Feast on roasted potatoes slathered in rosemary and garlic, courtesy of GraceDickinson.

I absolutely adore this simple combination and can never get enough of roasted garlic. I contributed this dish for a family dinner the other week. As straightforward as it is, it surprisingly got a round of comments from the table. I was worried it'd be masked by all the other seemingly elaborate dishes on the table. There's something about potatoes, however, that nearly always bring high fives.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

recipes

Happy Hour: Jalapeño Margarita

Why choose between green juice and a margarita when you can have both in a spicy-savory jalapeño margarita?

Why choose between green juice and a margarita when you can have both in a spicy-savory jalapeño margarita? This one's made with celery leaves and lime juice.

This is the perfect drink for someone who tends to sway toward more savory drinks, like salty dogs or balsamic bloody Marys. However, a sugar rim could tone down the spice and acidity, so feel free to sub that instead of the salt. Serve it in a pitcher to make it fit for a crowd. To look at this picante Margarita recipe, read more

Vegan

Chipotle's New Vegan Sofritas: Tofu or Snafu?

While it's always been easy for vegetarians and vegans to order at Chipotle, the burrito chain has rolled out yet another meat-free option to pilot locations in Northern California: Sofritas, shredded Hodo Soy tofu marinated in a spicy sauce made from chipotle chiles, roasted poblanos, and Mexican spices.

While it's always been easy for vegetarians and vegans to order at Chipotle, the burrito chain has rolled out yet another meat-free option to pilot locations in Northern California: Sofritas, shredded Hodo Soy tofu marinated in a spicy sauce made from chipotle chiles, roasted poblanos, and Mexican spices. Being fans of both Chipotle and Hodo Soy tofu, an Oakland-based brand that stocks the restaurants with the soy product, we tried Sofritas for ourselves. See if it's worth ordering.

Savory Sight

Savory Sight: Whole Fish Baked in a Salt Crust

Don't let whole fish dry out!

Don't let whole fish dry out! FreshTartSteph shows us a method of baking it in a salt crust, made from salt and egg whites.

After a brief bake, crack open the crust (very impressive) to reveal moist, silky fish, not salty at all but perfectly seasoned, ready to eat alongside spring vegetables with a drizzle of best olive oil. You can't beat it for elegance and simplicity.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

cooking techniques

How to Properly Cook Ground Beef, in Pictures

Cooking ground beef on the stove top seems simple enough, but so much can go wrong.

Cooking ground beef on the stove top seems simple enough, but so much can go wrong. Have you ever crowded the pan too much, and found yourself with rubbery, steamed ground beef? Does your beef seep out a ton of liquid, or do you struggle to chop the meat up into bite-size pieces, resulting in "meat rocks" (as one editor's boyfriend hilariously dubs it)? If cooking perfectly ground beef eludes you, have no fear. These pictures will show you how to properly brown ground beef — or any ground meat, for that matter — so that your tacos, tomato sauce, and sloppy joes turn out tasty every time.

recipes

Tex-Mex Tacos Take No Time to Make

I'm all for tacos consisting of crispy corn tortilla shells, ground beef, and cheddar cheese.

I'm all for tacos consisting of crispy corn tortilla shells, ground beef, and cheddar cheese. This Tex-Mex favorite — inspired by the beef tacos I grew up on — may be a far cry from saucy carnitas and queso fresco, but that doesn't mean there's not room in the taco world for them to coexist!

The best part of the recipe? You'll be able to get these tacos on the table before you have time to say "giddyup." Just prep all the ingredients, and let diners customize and stuff their tacos to their liking at the table.

I made these in the style they're served at some of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants — stuffed over the brim with lettuce and tomatoes. Care for more flavor? Add in some guacamole or salsa. I've even been known to drizzle (or more like drown) queso dip over these bad boys.

Forks will be required to scoop up the falling fillings, y'all. Get ready to dig into these Tex-Mex tacos.

sandwiches

7 Sandwiches That Travel Well

Whether you're on the road or packing something for a picnic or a hike, these seven sandwiches are ready to withstand the weather, challenges, and other wear and tear that may occur during travel.

Whether you're on the road or packing something for a picnic or a hike, these seven sandwiches are ready to withstand the weather, challenges, and other wear and tear that may occur during travel. Gone are the days of soggy sandwiches! Click through for seven sandwiches that travel well.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Root Vegetable and Prosciutto Tart

We're rooting for this tart from mamamouse, made with root vegetables, prosciutto, and goat cheese.

We're rooting for this tart from mamamouse, made with root vegetables, prosciutto, and goat cheese.

This tart is pretty irresistible and contains all of my favorite things: goat cheese, meats that taste like bacon and . . . I think that's all it takes to win me over.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

Eco

Burning Question: Are Biodegradable and Compostable the Same Thing?

Biodegradable and compostable: they mean the same thing, right?

Biodegradable and compostable: they mean the same thing, right? Not so: even though the denotations of these words may sound synonymous, the labels are actually misleading. While biodegradable items refer to any material that breaks down and decomposes in the environment, compostable goods are organic matter that breaks down to become a pile of nutrient-rich soil.

Keep reading to learn more about what distinguishes the terms "biodegradable" and "compostable."

recipes

This Tropical Green Smoothie Is Spring Break in a Glass

Miss out on Spring break?

Miss out on Spring break? Not to worry: mango, avocado, pineapple, and a few splashes of milk are all you need to go on a miniature tropical getaway.

Why, you might ask, should you add avocado to the smoothie? Don't skip out on it: the fruit imparts a pleasant green hue on the drink, plus it contributes to the overall thickness and mouthfeel of the smoothie, since avocados are naturally high in fat. It won't really affect the flavor, though: this smoothie is all about the mighty sweet mango and mouth-puckering pineapple.

I prefer my smoothies on the thicker side, but keep blending it with more milk until you reach your desired consistency. I like to pop my smoothie in the freezer for 10 minutes or so to really chill it up.

Keep reading for the recipe.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Soft Pretzels

Once you've made Running to the Kitchen's soft pretzels, all you'll want is some dipping mustard!

Once you've made Running to the Kitchen's soft pretzels, all you'll want is some dipping mustard!

Make your entire house smell like Auntie Anne's in the mall with these easy, homemade pretzels!

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

weekly recap

The Best of POPSUGAR Food This Week

Late-night bites wedding guests will love to munch on Inspiring springtime Instagram snaps A tastebud-buzzing frozen margarita 5 cheese ball recipes to roll with Video: Buttermilk pancakes that are so good, you'll never buy mix again Shake up a memorable signature wedding cocktail When is the bulk bin worth it?

Photos: Anna Monette Roberts, Nicole Perry, and Andrew Weeks Photography via Style Me Pretty
recipes

Tortilla Chips Two Ways: Fried and Baked

How do you prefer your tortilla chips?

How do you prefer your tortilla chips? Puffed from the fryer and slightly flaky, or crunchy and dense from a trip to the oven? Good news: in less than 30 minutes, you'll have your chips both ways, thanks to two simple techniques.

To bake the chips, generously oil and salt them, then bake them for about 20 minutes, or until they crisp up and are firm to the touch. These chips will stay fresher for longer than the fried variety.

While you're frying, tend to the chips closely, because they only take a few minutes and the heat may need adjusting while you're frying. These chips tend to go stale after a few hours, so plan to make them right before you eat them.

Serve the chips with your favorite queso dip, salsa, or guacamole.

Keep reading for the recipe.

Spring

Perk Up With a Pink Rhubarb Soda

When making a rhubarb galette recently, I had a lot of leftover syrup from cooking down the rhubarb.

When making a rhubarb galette recently, I had a lot of leftover syrup from cooking down the rhubarb. There was no way that I was letting that ruby red sauce, full of concentrated rhubarb flavor, go down the drain. Determined to figure out a solution, I ventured to try a refreshing glass of rhubarb soda. I poured about three tablespoons of the syrup per glass (although you can use less if you prefer a less-sweet beverage) over tall glasses full of ice.

Next, in went the sparkling soda water. If you plan to serve this at a party, don't stir it up, because the pink and clear layers are quite eye-catching.

Keep reading to see what it tastes like.