Balmy, beautiful May weather has us itching to entertain more often; thankfully, we've found a handful of new products that'll make it a breeze. From making homemade crackers and dips (with help from a handy cookbook), to whipping up batch after batch of vegan, gluten-free cupcakes, and even shaking up exceptional cocktails with a sense of place, these foodie finds will be indispensable in our efforts. We suggest you follow suit.
Hot-pink stalks of rhubarb and rosy-shouldered strawberries practically beg to be simmered together; add perfume-like cardamom to the mix, and it's hardly surprising that this crumble is a keeper. Even better, it's a low-effort proposition, perfect for casual entertaining or baking up as a spontaneous treat for oneself.
Particularly when working with cardamom, make certain to grind the spice fresh, as it rapidly loses its fragrance once pulverized to a powder. Other than that, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and more than worth the minimal effort expended — try it yourself tonight.
If you're looking to take your Derby day fete to the next level, then snap up a set of silver-plated julep cups. These gleaming beauties may cost you, but we assure you they're worth the investment and then some. More versatile than they look, they're an excellent option for housing flowers during the remainder of the year.
Looking for a new spin on risotto? Try this steel-cut oat based iteration from foxeslovelemons.
An earthy, mushroom-filled supper that was every bit as delicious as traditional rice risotto, but much healthier.
For more, 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.
Today's Spring-centric soup might look unassuming or even ascetic at first glance, but what it lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in flavor. It hails from New York Times writer and Chez Panisse alum David Tanis, whose produce-centric recipes seem to hit the spot without fail.
The next time you're hankering for a light but lovely meal, stop off at the farmers market and snap up some short-lived ramps; in next to no time, you'll have a bowl of springtime essence on your table.
Taking a swing at a festive piñata may seem childish at best, but we'd argue that's half the fun. Ditch the generic mix of candy and add intrigue to the exhilarating activity by stuffing yours with Mexican sweets, treats, and slightly naughty additions (think mini bottles of booze). We've rounded up a variety of exciting options — ranging from chili-dusted watermelon lollipops to mazapan (a traditional peanut candy) — that will leave you and your friends clamoring for the best haul.
Kick back, relax, and sip on a tingly, ginger-infused take on the classic Southern tipple from southengirlskitchen.
An invigorating twist on the signature Kentucky Derby cocktail.
For more, 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.
Rolled oats, while creamy, soothing, and convenient, often verge on mushy or even gluey in texture. Steel-cut oats, while nutty and toothsome, take nearly double the time to prepare as rolled, and if undercooked come off a bit gravelly. The question arises, then: how can we glean the benefits of both and simmer up a bowl of oatmeal that has exceptional texture and flavor and is convenient to boot?
Thankfully, the answer couldn't be simpler: instead of sticking to one variety or another, use equal parts steel-cut and rolled the next time you start your day off the oaten way. I've been a steadfast convert ever since I tried this ridiculously simple tip gleaned from April Bloomfield's much-loved cookbook
Silky smooth and swirled with berry puree, these cheesecake cupcakes from foxeslovelemons entice both visually and on the flavor front.
These aren't really so much cupcakes as they are mini cheesecakes, but they're baked in cupcake liners, so let's just go with it.
For more, 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.
A recent food fixation in the form of a simple tartine, composed of hearty whole-wheat toast slathered with creamy hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh pea shoots, inspired today's creation. This fast and easy option saw me through breakfasts, snack hours, and lunches aplenty but wasn't exactly the sort of food one would serve to company. How, I mused, could I transform this satisfying snack into an elegant appetizer?
A simple swap of a seeded baguette for sandwich bread makes these diminutive bites visually enticing, bite-size, and party-friendly. Chances are, I won't abandon this perfect storm of creamy, crisp, and candy-sweet sun-dried tomatoes in its large-scale iteration any time soon, but I will embrace its entertaining-friendly turn in addition. Get the easy recipe, and follow suit.
McDonald's Egg White Delight McMuffin (left) and Egg McMuffin (right)
I take whole milk (or even half-and-half) in my tea and have been known to add an extra yolk to my morning scramble, so to say that I'm not the intended demographic for the latest McDonald's offering — the Egg White Delight McMuffin — is an understatement. Still, I tried to put my bias aside. I snapped up the Gabby Douglas-endorsed breakfast sandwich and sat down with our food team to see if it stacks up to the beloved original. Thanks to a swap of egg whites for the original griddled egg, the Egg White Delight McMuffin has 50 calories fewer and nearly half the fat of its classic counterpart. There's one other subtle substitution — white cheddar instead of American cheese — but the new option is otherwise unchanged.
Though McDonald's has found itself at the center of egg controversy in recent years, the star of the McMuffin is undoubtedly still the egg. How would a switch-up in the sandwich's standout ingredient, we wondered, affect the chain's bestselling breakfast sandwich? Keep reading for the answer and to find out which McMuffin we'd pick.
The question: can a mass-market potato chip capture the much-beloved earthy, caramelized sweetness of roasted garlic without verging on cloying, burnt, or worse? As I ripped into a bag of Lay's latest offering — Wavy Lay's Roasted Garlic and Sea Salt Chips — I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but as soon as a crisp chip crunched between my teeth I knew we had a winner on our hands. Just to be sure I wasn't biased — I'm an unabashed garlic fan, often doubling up on the fragrant allium in recipes — I set out a bowl to share with my office mates to see if they'd agree.
If you've ever brushed by a patch of stinging nettles and felt the painful, numbing tingles contact brings, then you might find mild trepidation over tackling a recipe based around the wild Spring green. Thankfully, when handled properly, this nuisance of a weed transforms from baleful brute to a silky texture and satisfying addition to all manner of meals. All in all, it's more than worth the accompanying (minor) risk involved.
Here, paired with creamy, briny feta, chewy-tender pasta, toasted slivers of almonds, and nutty sesame seeds, nettles add just the right amount of grassiness, making for a pasta dish that will keep your taste buds guessing. Whether served hot, fresh from the pot, or at room temperature, it satisfies, and then some.
Cheese, berries, and a baguette are all fine and dandy (OK, they're pretty fabulous), but why not take your picnic game to the next level? From two types of granola bars (crisp or chewy — we don't pick sides) to a Polynesian-inspired snack mix, we've got you covered on the snack front, just in time for today (aka National Picnic Day). Whip up a batch of your favorite; grab your blanket, a sunhat, and your libation of choice; and get to it!
Make like crccooks and take rice from afterthought to addictive with the addition of bright and zesty lime, cilantro, and a clever cookery technique.
Cilantro-lime brown rice: perfect for burritos, burrito bowls, and as a side to any of your Mexican favorites!
For more — and the recipe — visit his 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.
Looking to add a dose of fresh flavor to your picnic spread? Try a sturdy salad that'll stay crisp throughout an afternoon of sipping wine and sunbathing (no leafy greens need apply). From a light and lovely pea and mint salad to heartier noodle-based options, we've got you covered.
If you've only tried rhubarb in sweet applications, it's time to consider the tart vegetables (yes, you read right!) as a welcome addition to dinnertime. It's just the ticket for brightening up chicken thighs, especially when paired with crisp cubes of cucumber, cilantro leaves, and lime for an unconventional yet utterly delightful salsa.
Bust out your knife skills, get chopping, and count down the mere minutes to an elegant and unexpected dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
April showers may bring May flowers, but I'm an impatient lady, as I want the world to be in full bloom already. My solution is simple: I turn to the home bar when in need of a floral fix. A swirl of lavender simple syrup and a dash of Page's Parfait Amour — a crème de violette analogue — dress up the classic Tom Collins cocktail for a sipper that transports you to sunnier days.
Wary of floral elements in food? I was too, not so long ago. The key is restraint, as the line between lovely and eau de old lady is fine. Thankfully, this cocktail is well balanced, refreshing, and could convert all but the most stalwart floral food haters. What are you waiting for? Transport yourself to a field of lavender the fast-fix way.
Light, refreshing, and almost too easy to sip on, this sparkling Lillet aperitif is just the ticket for starting a weekend off on the right note. Even better, it clocks in at a mere four ingredients and requires naught but a languid stir in the glass and a quick swipe of a vegetable peeler along a juicy orange for the twist garnish.
If you're not yet familiar with the concept of the "elegant hour" — essentially cocktail hour, with an emphasis on delicate aperitifs — embrace the idea by sipping this sparkling stunner slowly.
