Miami Eats
Food, Restaurants, Culinary trends in Miami
Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Buy, From Beer to Wine (2026)
Going sober curious doesnât have to be a sacrifice.
How to Stock a Non-Alcoholic Bar, From Spirits to Shakers
Shopping Everything You Need to Set Up a Non-Alcoholic Bar, From Spirits to Shakers Who says a bar needs booze? By Andrea Strong December 30, 2025 This is Starter Kit , a series where our editors share the food, drink, and kitchen essentials they recommend when youâre setting up from scratch. Here, Andrea Strong writes about everything you need to set up a non-alcoholic bar for Dry January and beyond. Hereâs a thought as we step into 2026: a bar doesnât have to be stocked with booze. Certainly, with the impressive new crop of non-alcoholic wines, spirits, cocktails, and beers, itâs kind of a no-brainer to showcase them all. Whether youâre considering a more moderate or even Dry January (after a very wet December), feeling sober-curious , or just interested in exploring the burgeoning world of NA wines and spirits , we thought it might be nice to share a roadmap for how to thoughtfully and expertly curate a beautiful non-alcoholic bar at home. âWhat makes a nonalcoholic bar different has less to do with whatâs in the glass and more to do with the mindset behind it,â says Justin Gurland, Founder of The Maze , NYC's first alcohol-free members club. For home bars, Gurland says to keep things simple and personal. âYou donât need a large collection to create a great NA bar, just a few things you enjoy and a setup that feels comfortable and welcoming. And if you prefer a Diet Coke over an NA wine, go with that. Itâs less about recreating a traditional bar and more about finding what actually works for you. Start with a few products you enjoy, add some mixers or fresh citrus, and use glassware that makes the experience feel intentional.â From wine to beer, to cocktail accessories, barware, and more, we share everything you need to build your very own non-alcoholic bar at home. In this article AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Non-alc wine Non-alc beer Non-alc spirits Non-alc canned cocktails Mixers, bitters, and syrups Glassware Barware Accessories Where to buy your non-alc booze Non-alc wine The non-alcoholic wine space has grown in the past few years from wine that essentially tasted like sour juice to a far more complex and interesting vino. There are two main types of NA wine: dealcoholized and proxies. Dealcoholized wines are regular wines that have had most or all of their alcohol removed after fermentation, retaining flavors, aromas, and complexity of traditional wine. Gurland notes that de-alcoholized wines âtend to pair better with food because they retain more of the structure, acidity, and mouthfeel people expect from wine. Styles like Oddbird , for example, pair more naturally with savory dishes or longer meals." NA sparkling wines, such as French Bloom , "are great for toasts or lighter occasions rather than food pairing," he adds. Hilary Sheinbaum, author of Going Dry: A Workbook: A Practical Guide to Drinking Less and Living More , recommends a mix of still and sparkling options. âI love a good sparkling rosĂ©âespecially if it's nonalcoholic! It's refreshing, and equally perfect for a summer day as it is during the holidays when effervescent drinks are flowing.â For still wines, nearly all experts favor Giesen 0% Wines . âIt's really hard to find good nonalcoholic red wines on the market, and Giesen does a great job with theirs,â says Sheinbaum. "Giesen 0%'s red is the one I'm always recommending and serving to guests.â Wine proxies mimic wine-like flavors with fruit juices, botanicals, and teas. âWine proxies and sparkling alternatives often shine on their own," he says. âTheyâre more expressive aromatically and work well as an aperitif or for social moments and celebrations.â Gurland suggests having a few bottles of each so that depending on whether youâre sitting down for dinner or simply gathering and socializing. âHaving both allows the experience to feel intentional rather than restrictive,â he says. French Bloom Le Blanc Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine $39 Boisson Mionetto Dealcoholized Prosecco $13 Total Wine Proxies Big Red $22 The Zero Proof $25 Boisson Giesen 0% Non-Alcoholic Riesling $17 The Zero Proof Freixenet Alcohol-Removed Sparkling RosĂ© $11 Total Wine Oddbird Low Intervention Sparkling Orange $50 The Zero Proof Non-alc beer Not everyone is a fan of wine (shocking but true), so your bar should also include a selection of beer. âI gravitate to wine, but I know that my friends love beer,â says Sheinbaum. âThat said, I want them to have the best of what's out there!â Luckily, like wine, the beer category has grown up quite a bit as well, so it now includes craft-style brews like Bero and Athletic Brewing , says Gurland. âToday, thereâs an entire category of carefully crafted alternatives that make it easier for people to feel included, whether theyâre abstaining for a night, a month, or for life.â Athletic Brewing Company Run Wild IPA $10 Thrive Market Athletic Brewing Company Mexican-Style Copper $10 Thrive Market Best Day Brewing Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA $12 Thrive Market Kit Non-Alc Brewery Blonde Ale $12 Thrive Market Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Golden Brew, Golden Era $12 Thrive Market Bero Kingston Non-Alcoholic Golden Pils $3 Boisson Non-alc spirits Whiskey, tequila, and vodka are all regulars on the traditional bar and should also have a place on the NA bar. Depending on your own preference, you might include a few brown and a few clear spirits. Sheinbaum loves Free Spirits , especially its nonalcoholic gin , tequila, and bourbon . âThese are essential for any nonalcoholic bar. These liquids not only help add flavor and mouthfeel, but they are also low-calorie (5 calories per serving) and easy to use in classic cocktails,â she says. To make spritzes, she loves Mionetto Aperitivo Alcohol Free . âThis subtly bitter spirit is a must-have for any NA bar. It's 0% ABV and can be combined with NA sparkling wine for the perfectly balanced NA cocktail. Or, it can be combined with a traditional sparkling wine for a low ABV cocktail.â Gurland, who favors Aplos , which makes spirits infused with citrus, herbal botanicals, and broad-spectrum hemp. âWhat excites me most isnât any single product, itâs the shift in mindset,â he says. âPeople now expect thoughtful NA options in social settings. They want to feel included, respected, and part of the moment - and the growth of this category reflects that. For anyone in recovery or choosing not to drink, thatâs incredibly meaningful.â AplĂłs Calme $48 The Zero Proof Mionetto Aperitivo Alcohol Free $20 Mionetto The Free Spirits Gin $34 $30 (12% off) Amazon Ritual Zero Proof Non-Alcoholic Spirits Bundle $145 $130 (10% off) The Zero Proof Wilfredâs Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitif $32 Boisson Almave Ambar Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit $35 $30 (14% off) Amazon Non-alc canned cocktails Zero-proof pre-made drinks require zero effort and deliver big on flavor and fun, so they are essential for simple entertaining from your at-home bar. âThey're so easy to pop open and pour,â says Sheinbaum, who favors Free Spirits canned cocktails. âWhenever I'm hosting guests or having an event, the ones that go the fastest are by far the Margaritas! They also have a Kentucky Mule, an Espresso Old Fashioned, and a Negroni!â The world of booze-free cocktails runs the gamut from the OG nonalcoholic apĂ©ritif from Ghia, to the Phony Negroni , a bottled (and now also canned ) NA Negroni from Brooklyn, NY-based distillery St. Agrestis, and Curious Elixirs , which adds adaptogens to a menu of nine different booze-free cocktails in complex flavors like spicy pineapple ginger margarita ( No. 2 ), Sicilian blood-orange spritz ( No. 4 ), smoked chocolate cherry old-fashioned ( No. 5 ), and booze-free champagne with elderflower and lavender ( No. 7 ). Keep a few of each on hand to pop open and sip over ice for a breezy, easy welcome drink. Ghia Le Spritz Sumac & Chili Non-Alcoholic ApĂ©ritif $19 Thrive Market De Soi Spritz Italiano Non-Alcoholic ApĂ©ritif $15 Thrive Market Kin Euphorics Kin Spritz $11 Thrive Market AplĂłs Ume Spritz $18 Thrive Market $48 AplĂłs Parch Non-Alcoholic Agave Cocktail, Prickly Paloma $17 Thrive Market Lapos Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini $19 Thrive Market $20 The Zero Proof St. Agrestis Phony Negroni $36 Boisson $20 The Zero Proof Curious No. 2 Curious No. 2 Nonalcoholic Spicy Pineapple Ginger Margarita $108 Curious Elixirs $49 The Zero Proof Mixers, bitters, and syrups As you would for cocktails, youâll also want to have a roster of mixers on hand for your mocktails , says Callie Gullickson, a Peloton instructor known for her joyful brand of Bring Your Own Energy classes and the author of the newly released Mocktail Hour . âThe perfect mocktail consists of a few essential ingredientsâa juice, fruit, or citrus like lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit (or a combination of all), bubbles of some sortâsparkling water, coconut water, kombucha or ginger beerâand if you want to get fancy, some herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary, and sweeteners such as agave, maple syrup or honey,â she says. She also keeps a collection of syrups on hand for added flavor, favoring products that can be easily store-bought, like grenadine, lavender syrup, and elderflower syrup. When making mocktails, Gullickson is more concerned with enjoyment than perfection. âDonât worry about making your drink perfect,â she says. âWorry about making it yours, and if you donât have a specific ingredient, use whatâs in the fridge; thatâs okay! Sip, experiment, and trust yourself.â All The Bitter Alcohol-Free Aromatic Bitters NS $26 Boisson Giffard Non-Alcoholic Elderflower Liqueur $34 Boisson Q Mixers Tonic Water $4 Thrive Market Fever-Tree Ginger Beer $45 $33 (27% off) Amazon Barsmith Elderflower Simple Syrup $13 Amazon Torani Grenadine Syrup $19 Amazon Cheeky Cocktails Simple Syrup $18 Amazon HipStirs Lavender Haze Syrup $15 Amazon Glassware Donât skimp on glassware; the sort of thoughtful attention to detail pays off. âIf you want a nonalcoholic bar t
The Best Meal Delivery Services, After Years of Testing (Plus Photos)
Meal kit and delivery options for every kind of cook (and those who donât want to cook at all).
December Snack Drop: 8 Best New Snacks We Tried This Month
Shopping 8 New Snacks We Couldnât Stop Eating in December This monthâs Snack Drop features peppermint almonds, sorghum-based âpopcorn,â and festive gingersnaps. By Alaina Chou December 29, 2025 Welcome to Snack Drop , a (new!) column where we give you the lowdown on all of the best new-to-market snacks that have landed on our desks each month. This month: bark for dark chocolate lovers, the popped sorghum weâre eating by the handful, and peppermint-flavored protein bars , oat bites, and almonds to help you get in the festive spirit. Thrive Market Organic Dark Chocolate Bark, Almond, Cashew & Cranberry Thrive Market Cashew, Almond & Cranberry Organic Dark Chocolate Bark $9.99 $5.99 (40% off) Thrive Market I love chocolate of all kinds, but the really dark stuff is my favoriteâIâm talking anywhere from 70 to 85 percent, which is exactly why I fell for Thrive Market âs Dark Chocolate Bark. Made with 80% cacao and studded with almonds, cashews, cranberries, and crispy puffed quinoa, it makes for an excellent snack when I need a bite of something just sweet enough after lunch. It also doesnât hurt that the cacao is ethically sourced and sweetened with regeneratively grown cane sugar, which makes reaching for another piece feel even better. â Alaina Chou , commerce writer Arrow Arrow ALOHA Peppermint White Chocolate Protein Bars Aloha Peppermint White Chocolate Protein Bar $34.99 $31.99 (9% off) Thrive Market My obsession with Alohaâs plant-based protein bars started when I tested them for our best protein bars story, and Iâve been hoarding a stash in my desk drawer ever since. The texture is satisfyingly chewy, and the bars come in enough flavors that thereâs sure to be one for everyone. My current go-to is the limited edition peppermint white chocolate flavor, which is just as festive as youâd imagine and only available this time of year. The white chocolate coating makes it feel like Iâm eating a Three Musketeers, but each bar is packed with 14 grams of protein.â A.C. Arrow Arrow Tates Gingersnap Cookies Tates Bake Shop Gingersnap Cookies $31 Amazon You know how there are certain foods your mom made growing up that, no matter who else tries to make themâwhether itâs a Michelin-star restaurant or your best friendâwill never live up to the original? Thatâs what I expected when I opened this limited-edition bag of Tateâs Gingersnap Cookies. And boy, was I wrong. These cookies pack a punch. They have Tateâs signature crisp, snappy crunch, plus a deep, warm flavor and subtle spicy heat from real ginger that you just canât fake. I even brought a bag home for my mom to try, and she agreed they were nearly identical to the homemade version. If thatâs not proof that you could bring this store-bought cookie to a cookie swap and no one would know it came out of a bag, I donât know what is.â Olivia Tarantino , senior commerce editor Nufs Single Serving Hot Honey Packs Nufs Hot Honey Snack Packs $62 Nufs Nufs have held steady as one of our all-time favorite healthy snacks for a while now and for good reason. The crackers, which are free of gluten, dairy, and seed oils, are just the right amount of crispy and pack actual, punchy flavor into the tiny snacking squares. As much as I never had a problem running through a box in a sitting or two, I am delighted that the brand just released single-serving snack packs in their hot honey flavor, perfect for throwing into a travel bag or grabbing out of your desk drawer when a spicy, sweet craving strikes. â Kate Kassin , editorial operations manager Arrow Arrow Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds $5.99 $5.29 (12% off) Thrive Market I donât have much of a sweet tooth, so I love that these crunchy, roasted almonds from SkinnyDipped are coated in a thin layer of rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate instead of a thick, sugary shell. Iâve been fully crushing on the seasonal peppermint flavor all December. Lightly dusted in confectionersâ sugar, they deliver an immediate hit of cool, tingly peppermint that feels festive without being overpowering. The best way I can describe them is as a healthier, crunchier York Peppermint Pattie (my all-time favorite candy), made with real ingredients and zero ânatural flavors.â â O.T. Arrow Arrow Boboâs Peppermint Brownie Oat Bites Bobos Oat Bars Peppermint Brownie Oat Bites $9.99 $8.99 (10% off) Thrive Market Boboâs Oat Bites are one of my go-tos for an afternoon pre-workout snack. Theyâre just the right size (two to three bites to be precise), gluten-free, and made with 100% whole grain oats. I usually grab the chocolate chip or peanut butter chocolate chip flavors, but right now Iâm going full seasonal with the limited-edition peppermint brownie bites. Theyâre properly minty from peppermint extract (you can smell it as soon as you open the package) and have a nice, subtle chocolatey flavor. And nothing says seasonal more than the girl on the packaging wearing a festive green and red scarf and hat with candy canes in tow. â K.K. Arrow Arrow Cob Cob Flavor Sampler 4-Pack $12 Cob Asking me to choose a favorite snack is like asking me to choose a favorite child, but popcorn is certainly a contender. If you, like me, sift through bags of the stuff to find the crispiest kernels, you should try Cob. This new-to-market, Novak Djokovic-backed snack is made of popped sorghum rather than corn, so the kernels are teeny tiny but incredibly crispy. If youâre new to the brand, Iâd recommend picking up a sample pack so you can try each of the four flavors, which include Olive Oil and Pink Salt, Mediterranean Herb, Cacio e Pepe, and Seriously Cheesy. â A.C. Arrow Arrow Figa Foods Bars Figa Cupuacu Bars Variety Trio $30 Figa As someone who regularly indulges in half a chocolate bar a night, I was skeptical to try Figa Foods, a new brand making a chocolate alternative with cupuaçu, the Brazilian superfood cousin of cacao. But I must admit that the three-ingredient Figa bars, which are sweetened with dates, are delightfully fruity in flavor and boast a fudgy texture that I canât get enough of. Figa launched with three varietiesâpure, salty, and fruityâand I most often reach for the fruity. It's topped with tangy dried cupuaçu fruit, which tastes like a happy, tropical marriage between banana and pineapple. â K.K. Arrow Arrow Read more snacking stories from Bon AppĂ©tit 7 New Snacks We Couldnât Stop Eating in November The Healthy Snacks BA Editors Are Obsessed With This Fall The Best High-Protein Snacks, According to BA Editors
Purple Carrot Review: A Vegan Meal Kit Even Omnivores Can Get Behind
Shopping Purple Carrot Is a Vegan Meal Kit Even Omnivores Can Get Behind I tested the plant-based meal delivery service for two weeks. Spoiler alert: I never missed the meat. By Alaina Chou December 27, 2025 I was today years old when I learned that carrots were originally (mostly) purple . Another thing that surprised me, a lifelong omnivore, recently? Vegan eating doesnât have to mean seitan, bean soups, and grain bowls. It can be exciting, flavor-packed, and craveable if you go about it in the right way. At least, that was my main takeaway after two weeks of testing Purple Carrotâs vegan meal delivery service . In this article AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Purple Carrot at a glance Whatâs the Purple Carrot ordering experience? What to expect from a Purple Carrot box How are Purple Carrotâs ingredients? What I liked about Purple Carrot What I didnât like about Purple Carrot Does Purple Carrot offer any extras? Should you order Purple Carrot? As Bon AppĂ©tit's point person for meal kit coverage for the past few years, I've become intimately familiar with the benefits these services provide. A meal delivery will take the stress out of weekly meal planning and prep, save you time and energy, and help you cut down on food waste. The best of these services have also taught me new techniques and introduced me to new ingredientsâbut it wasnât until I tested Purple Carrot that I realized a meal kit is a great way to familiarize yourself with a whole new way of eating, be it gluten-free , vegetarian , or, in this case, vegan. Iâll admit I was a skeptic (hey, I love my chicken, salmon, and dairy yogurt!). But after two weeks of testing Purple Carrotâs vegan breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, I can confidently say Iâd gladly do it all again. Purple Carrot Shop at Purple Carrot Purple Carrot at a glance Whatâs great Entirely vegan with great variety, excellent grocery section, and high quality ingredients Whatâs not Recipes require prep-work and several dishes; meals may be replaced last minute Favorite meal Winter Squash Soup with sticky rice and sesame bok choy Good to know Make sure to select your meals well in advance to avoid them selling out Cost $11â$13.25 per serving for Meal Kits, $5.99â$15.99 for Ready-to-Eat Whatâs the Purple Carrot ordering experience? When you sign up for Purple Carrot, youâll first be prompted to choose between meal types (Meal Kit, Ready-to-Eat, or Mix and Match), dietary preferences (Chefâs Choice, High Protein, Gluten-Free, or High Fiber for the meal kits; Chef's Choice or Jumpstart Program for ready-to-eat), number of servings per meal (two or four for meal kits, one for ready-to-eat), and number of meals per week (three or four for meal kits; six, eight, or 10 for ready-to-eat). These plans are all flexible, meaning you can add meals and servings later. After checking out with your payment and delivery information, Purple Carrot will fill your first box with suggested meals according to the preferences you marked. You can add and delete meals from your box as you please as long as you do so before the order cutoff, which for me was six days prior to my Monday delivery date. Changing your delivery day or skipping a weekâs delivery is easily done from your accountâs home page. When you elect to skip a week, you're given the option to send that weekâs box to another addressâhelpful if youâre traveling or simply need a break and want to gift your box to someone else. The weekly menu ordering page is straightforward. You can browse through meal kits, ready-to-eat options, and grocery items, which can be filtered by preference (gluten-free, high protein, less than 600 calories, sodium smart, and less prep). Each menu item features a photo, price per serving, and calorie and cook time information, but a full rundown of the recipe description, ingredients, nutrition facts, and instructions is just a click away. What to expect from a Purple Carrot box Arrow Arrow My Purple Carrot orders arrived on their scheduled delivery dates in insulated cardboard boxes with ice packs at the bottom. Most ingredients were packaged into clear plastic bags, grouped by the recipe they belonged to, while a few (namely, greens like kale and Chinese broccoli) were packed loose in their own bags at the top of the box. Each mealâs bag has an outer pocket where youâll find the recipe card, which makes it easy to know which meal youâre grabbing from your fridge when itâs time to cook. How are Purple Carrotâs ingredients? Purple Carrot uses a mix of organic and non-organic ingredients. All of the produce I received in my boxes was in great shape by the time it arrived at my doorstep, none of it was wilty or blemished. Some items (like root vegetables) arrived pre-chopped, but most (like the bok choy, Chinese broccoli, and kale) arrived whole. Pantry items like vegetable stock concentrate, spices, vinegar, and soy sauce are provided in small packets, sometimes in slightly larger amounts than the recipe may call for. What I liked about Purple Carrot Before I get into what I liked about Purple Carrot, there are two things you should know about me. The first is that Iâve tested at least 10 different meal delivery services throughout my time at BA. The second is that Iâve eaten meat and dairy products daily my whole life. With that in mind, I was very impressed with my Purple Carrot experience for several reasons. I loved how neatly packaged each recipe kit was. I brought a few meals to my boyfriendâs house to cook throughout the week, so it was helpful to have all the ingredients packed together in one place so I could easily grab them out of the fridge (though, as mentioned above, certain larger bags of ingredients were packed separately for select meals). Iâll admit I had a pretty outdated conception of what âvegan foodâ could be, and Purple Carrot helped squash that stereotype. There are around 20 meal kit recipes to choose from each week, and each one sounded so enticing that I had a hard time narrowing down my choices. I appreciated the wide variety of dish types and cuisines on offer, which make it pretty impossible to get bored. While the meals I tested werenât necessarily lightning-fast to prepare, they were each pretty true to the cook times listed on the recipe cards (which, for me, ranged from 30â40 minutes). The instructions were straightforward, and each meal was balanced, well-composed, and packed with flavor. Some favorites were the Winter Squash Soup, which was spiced with togarashi and served over a quinoa-speckled rice, the Zaru Soba, which made for a lovely light and refreshing lunch, and the BBQ Burnt ends, which were made from a mushroom-based protein that couldâve fooled me into thinking it was meat. While some of these meals were the kinds of dishes I frequently make at home, many of them introduced me to new ingredients or techniques that I could see myself turning to even after Iâve reverted back to my omnivore diet, like crumbling extra firm tofu into a stir fry when I usually wouldâve cubed it. What I didnât like about Purple Carrot When I went to place my first order, I did so on the day of my delivery dateâs order cutoff and found that over half the meal kit options were sold out. With that in mind, Iâd recommend selecting your meals well in advance. Both weeks that I tested Purple Carrot, I received an email a few days before my box was set to be delivered alerting me that one of the items Iâd selected was not available that week because âthe ingredients for the original meal didnât meet our quality standards.â Those meals were replaced with alternatives that I had no say in, and both weeks I ended up with meals I never would have chosen for myself (a pre-made mezze platter instead of the falafel bowl Iâd selected, and a pesto risotto that wouldâve taken 60 minutes to make). This was frustrating, and the fact that it happened with both of my boxes leads me to believe it happens with some frequeny. If Iâd noted specific dietary preferences at signup, Iâm unsure whether Purple Carrot wouldâve replaced the unavailable items with meals that fit those preferences. While I wouldnât say any of the recipes I tried were particularly difficult to prepare, they couldâve been more streamlined. It would have been nice, for example, if the Winter Squash Soup came together in just two pots (one for the soup and one for the rice), but instead the instructions had me dirty a third cooking vessel by roasting the bok choy in the oven. Itâs also worth noting that some prep steps (like chopping garlic or crumbling tofu) will be listed in the ingredients list, not in the recipe instructions. All that to say, itâs worth giving these recipes a thorough read before you start cooking. Does Purple Carrot offer any extras? In addition to meal kits, Purple Carrot offers ready-to-eat meals (think bowls, salads, pastas, and soups) and a selection of grocery items. This meant that on the weeks I ordered Purple Carrot, I didnât need to go to the store for any additional groceriesâa major win. The ready-to-eat meals made convenient office lunches, so I picked up a few in each of my orders. I tried a Vibrant Falafel Bowl and two different soups, all of which were tasty. To my surprise, the grocery page turned out to be my favorite section of all. There are plenty of vegan dips, cheeses, proteins, and sauces to choose from, but the best part (in my opinion) is the snack and beverage selection, which is full of products Iâve long known and loved (many of which weâve written about here at BA). Some favorites include Daily Crunch almonds, BjornQorn, and Seven Sundays cereal. Should you order Purple Carrot? If you adhere to a vegan diet and are looking for a way to cut down on time and energy spent meal planning and grocery shopping, you might really enjoy Purple Carrot. Itâs also a great way to get some inspiration or pick up new techniques if youâve fallen into a weekday dinner rut. If, like
Everything BA Editors Tried, Tasted, and Loved in December
Shopping Everything BA Editors Tried, Tasted, and Loved in December Like a microplastic-free cutting board, warming seaweed soup packets, and cozy slippers that double as kitchen shoes. By Alaina Chou December 24, 2025 As people who write about food and test kitchen gadgets for a living, Bon AppĂ©tit editors are constantly surrounded by a wide range of products. Between our own purchases and the endless stream of samples sent our way, it means thereâs always something new coming across our desks and into our homes. Every month, weâre rounding up the standouts weâve tested or bought ourselves that changed the way we cook and eat. This month, a zesty hot sauce to brighten winter cooking, a mini vacuum for small kitchen messes, and the cozy slippers and sets weâll be wearing all winter. Read on for all of the products weâve been obsessing over this December. MK Free Board Material MK Free Board $48 $41 (15% off) Material $48 Amazon $45 Bloomingdales Iâve been a longtime fan of Material Kitchenâs cutting boardsâtheyâre sturdy, easy to clean, and come in a fun color paletteâso I was very excited to try their new MK Free Board, a 100% plant-based cutting board thatâs free of permanent microplastics. The MK Free Board came into my life at a good time, considering I see something almost every day about the dangers of ingesting microplastics from everyday items like tea bags and cutting boards. After a month of using the MK Free Board, I see almost no wear and tear or knife groove marks on the surface. Plus, unlike a wooden cutting board, I can throw this one in the dishwasher for very easy clean-up. My favorite feature, though, is the groove that catches any runaway liquids and juices. â Kate Kassin , editorial operations manager Olivieri Panettone Olivieri Panettone $105 $95 (10% off) Olivieri 1882 Eating panettone on Christmas morning has been a tradition in my family ever since I can remember. Weâve always been partial to that brand that comes in a red box, for no particular reason other than itâs what weâre used to, and itâs readily available in grocery stores come December. But this year, Iâve got a trick up my sleeve: Iâll be bringing a panettone from Veneto-based bakery Olivieri 1882 for my family to enjoy. Iâve opted for a chocolate orange variety, but after eating my way through several panettoni at the office throughout the past couple of months, I can attest that each flavor the company makes is truly delightful. The supple crumb, and rich-but-delicate flavor gives my usual grocery store panettone a run for its money. â Alaina Chou , commerce writer Arrow Arrow Brami Protein Pasta Brami Protein Pasta $30 Brami As an Italian American, I donât mess around with pasta. I want to love chickpea- and lentil-based pastas for their protein and fiber, but the texture has never really worked for me. So when Brami came out with another high-protein, bean-based pasta, I wasnât expecting muchâuntil I read the fine print. Instead of being entirely legume-based, Brami blends Italian semolina durum wheat (the same stuff used in regular pasta) with lupini beans, which have way more protein and fiber than chickpeas. The result is a pasta that tastes and feels shockingly close to the real thing, especially thanks to the bronze-cut texture that gives it those sauce-grabbing rough edges. I made pasta alla vodka for my very discerning dad over the holidays without telling him it was âhealthier,â and he couldnât taste the difference. (I'm choosing not to tell him.)â Olivia Tarantino , senior commerce editor Arrow Arrow OMA Seaweed Soup OMA Seaweed Soup $85 OMA I am somewhat of a seaweed evangelist and am no stranger to singing its praises on this site . In a recent issue of Bon AppĂ©tit, I wrote about one of my favorite products: OMA's "instant" miyeokguk , a Korean seaweed soup with a beef bone broth base. Hearty and warming, I was hooked by both its nutritive qualities and obvious ease for immediate consumption. Well, how happy was I to learn that OMA recently came out with a vegan version? This broth is vegetable-based, relying on onion, garlic, and shitake mushrooms to give its oomph. It is different from the original in obvious ways, but from a pure flavor perspective, I may even prefer the vegan one more. It delivers a clean, saline taste where the seaweed flavor is even more clearly at the forefront. During busy days, I pop a dehydrated block in a large mug, fill it with hot water, and enjoy it with slow sips. (You can have it along with rice for a more full meal, of course.) I love this convenient product so much, it's hard for me to justify making a homemade version when the craving strikes! I like keeping these individual packs near my coffee and tea as a warming beverage option during these cooler, darker months. â Hana Asbrink , deputy food editor Bombas Sunday Slippers Bombas Sunday Slipper $85 Bombas My colleagues and I have tested a lot of kitchen shoes in our time, and weâd generally tell you to opt for something thatâs easy to wipe down in case of the inevitable sauce spill or oil spatter. But I have a confession: The shoes I wear most often in the kitchen are these fuzzy cream slippers from Bombas. You see, theyâre my go-to house shoes, and while I have plenty of clogs designed for the kitchen, I never seem to remember to switch into them when it comes time to make dinner. Are my Bombas the most practical material or color for use while cooking? No. But they keep my feet nice and toasty and have a touch more support than some flimsier house slippers Iâve seenâa major plus as someone whose lower back starts to scream at her if she stands for too long. They come in a few other less stain-revealing colors, which might be a better bet than the cream if youâre planning on wearing them to cook in like I do. â A.C. Alaina Chou Shuug Zhoug Sauce SHUUG Zhoug Sauce $13 Amazon The more I cook at home, the more I'm on the hunt for the next exciting sauce that'll take my simply prepared weeknight dinners to the next level. This month, that has been Shuug. The brandâs herby, punchy zhoug hot sauce is good on pretty much everything, from eggs to crispy potatoes to roasted chicken thighs. It's packed with the heat of a mix of poblano, scotch bonnet, and jalapeño peppers, plus Chipotle extract and ghost pepper powder. It's not all heat thoughâit's herby from cilantro and citrusy from added lemon juice, all of which makes for very well-rounded, hot sauce thatâs greener-tasting than most of the others I keep stocked in my fridge. I canât wait to use it when grilling next summer, but for now it's bringing some vibrancy to my winter cooking. â K.K. Mini KitchenAid Vacuum KitchenAid GoÂź Cordless Kitchen Vacuum $130 KitchenAid Iâm not really in the market for more gadgets to store in my small NYC apartment (which has exactly one closet), but this mini KitchenAid vacuum has earned its spotâparticularly because it's small enough to fit in a drawer. Dragging out my big vacuum for tiny kitchen messes feels like overkill, and those little spills and crumbs are exactly what this mini handheld vacuum is perfect for. I brought it out for the salt avalanche that happened after opening a new box of Diamond Crystal, and to suck up the crumbs that have been living inside my toaster oven for years because I never had the right tool (or motivation) to deal with them. The suction is strong and focused, the attachments snap on easily, and the dirtiest parts can go straight into the dishwasher for a deep clean. â O.T. Olivia Tarantino GrĂŒns Superfoods Greens Gummies GrĂŒns Superfoods Greens Gummies $80 GrĂŒns My love affair with GrĂŒns didn't begin this month, but it only seems right that I document it before 2025 is up, considering the staple it's become in my life this year. As I said in my (glowing) review of the product : "In eight years of testing wellness powders, pills, and potions, GrĂŒns is the only one that I liked enough to then spend my own money on." Meant to replace a greens powder like AG1, GrĂŒns packs a full day's worth of vitamins A, C, D, E, and B12 and a healthy dose of nutrients like iron and zinc into eight gummy bears. But honestly, I like them because they taste great. â Abbey Stone , senior commerce director Arrow Arrow Athleta Tranquil Waffle Set Athleta Tranquil Waffle Hoodie $95 $57 (40% off) Athleta Tranquil Mid Rise Waffle Jogger $95 $57 (40% off) Athleta It's not food, but hear me out: The best thing to pair with a warm chocolate chip cookie or a glass of mulled wine is a snuggly set. Since I received this waffle-textured quarter-zip and joggers from Athleta, I've been living in it. The material is cozy-soft, but still breathable enough that I don't get sweaty if I'm wearing the set while wrapped in a blanket with a cuppa something hot in my hand. Here's an idea: upgrade your family's usual matching Christmas jammies by getting these for the whole family. â A.S. Dona Latte Kit Dona Latte Kit $38 Dona Speaking of a soothing cup of something warm and homey⊠Brooklyn-based tea brand Dona has a masala chai gift set available for the holidays, which includes the brand's just-sweet-enough chai concentrate; a comforting blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger (called Spice Dust) to top your drink with; and a battery-operated Bodum milk frother to whip your beverage to dreamy, foamy perfection. Not gonna lie, I originally got this kit to gift it to my sisterâbut then I decided to keep it for myself. â A.S. Read more shopping stories on Bon AppĂ©tit 7 New Snacks We Couldnât Stop Eating This Month Our Favorite New Cookbooks of 2025 The Best Table Linens, Curated by Vibe
Set Your Holiday Tableâand Stock Your BarâLike a Top NYC Designer
Shopping Set Your Holiday Tableâand Stock Your BarâLike a Top NYC Designer Markarian's Alexandra O'Neill shares her tips for bringing your signature style to every table. By Brittany Loggins December 23, 2025 When Alexandra O'Neill , the founder and designer behind the NYC-based fashion line Markarian (she dressed former First Lady Jill Biden for her husband's inauguration in 2021, among other accomplishments), picks up her video call, sheâs coming live from South Africaâand tells me that a hyena just ran by. âWe're sitting at the lodge right now, and they have a really beautiful watering hole right here that all the animals come to,â she says, promising she'll alert me to any more wildlife sightings. O'Neill's partner lives in South Africa, so she visits the country often, but that doesn't mean she's become immune to its beauty. âEach visit is always really special,â she says. Thatâs also how most people would describe her designs, which are often blooming with floral prints and intricate embroidery. OâNeill founded her line in 2017 and all of the clothing is still made right in New York City. This means she has easy access to fabric swatches to use as linens when she's creating opulent tablescapes when hosting events, something she loves to do. Below, read our conversation about crafting the perfect holiday table and the seasonal drink O'Neill always brings to the party. Bon AppĂ©tit : You must be a person that likes decorating and hosting for the holidays. How do you incorporate your design sensibilities into your holiday decorating? ** Alexandra O'Neill: **I love it. I mean, I think it's the fact that I love dressing up so much that really kind of gets me in the mood. Decorating your house for the holidays is kind of the best way to get into the festive spirit. So I always like to do something a little bit specialâI love a garland over the fireplace. I love tying ribbons into things and putting different flowers around. In the photos I've seen of tables you've designed, the aesthetic feels so unique to you. How can people bring their own personalities into gatherings over the holidays? Similar to what I do with Markarian, I like to layer prints on top of each other. So much of the collection is based off of prints and fabrics and embroidery and design. So I kind of approach the table that way with all these different layers. I like mixing different prints together, but obviously there has to be a common thread, so it all looks nice. You can pull different elements from the prints too, so you have the pop of color. For a dinner at the Mayflower Inn and Spa , I did pops of red with the amaryllis, which tied back to the place tags. Then we made custom little Christmas tree ornaments. Williams Sonoma English Floral Dinner Plates $160 Williams Sonoma Frasier Sterling Bows Dinner Napkins Set Of 4 $48 Revolve Do you have a favorite host gift you like to bring when youâre going to a dinner party? For my recent collaboration with Woodford Reserve bourbon, I wanted to create the perfect hostess gift or host giftâa bottle you'd be excited to display it in your home. It's beautiful enough to have out on your shelf and it feels festiveâyou're just dying to break that bottle open and share it with your closest family and friends. It really sets the mood for the holidays, I think. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Holiday Edition 2025 $57 Reserve Bar Tell me about designing this bottle. Did you go about it differently than how you think of a pattern for a piece of clothing? I actually approached it in a similar way to designing a dress or designing a print for a dress. Basically, at the end of the day, we're putting clothing on this bottle, right? So I wanted it to feel appropriate for Woodford, but I also wanted it to feel appropriate and look like something that would be Markarian. So I turned to florals, which I often do for my own collection. It felt appropriate for the holidays. And since we were wrapping the bottle, I wanted it to feel like antique or vintage wrapping paper. Etsy Vintage Holly Wrapping Paper Roll $25 Etsy Rifle Paper Co. Wrapping Roll $12 Rifle Paper Co. Did you visit the distillery and take any design inspiration from there? We got a really beautiful tour of the distillery to understand what the essence of Woodford is about, and where and how it's all made, and I love how artisanal it is. So we took some of the bourbon's tasting notes and incorporated them into the designâthere's citrus, cinnamon, spice and figs. We also have our little floral stripe, which feels holiday, but not too-on-the nose holiday. How do you like to drink your whisky? It's always delicious neat, but I have a big sweet tooth, and I absolutely love an old fashioned. My other go-to, especially during the holidays, is a hot toddy. I make a mean hot toddyâI often bring jugs of hot toddies to friendsâ houses. Pottery Barn Antique Cut Double Old Fashioned Glasses - Set of 4 $72 Pottery Barn Williams Sonoma Riedel Spey Double Old-Fashioned Glasses $90 Williams Sonoma How do you pre-batch it? Obviously, you start with a really good bourbon, and then I like to cut up some lemons, and I stick little cloves and the lemon slices in there. I like to make mine with honey. So I mix some honey in there, and then basically just some hot water and a full cinnamon stick. Williams Sonoma Festive Cocktail Mix, Fireside Toddy $23 $16 (30% off) Williams Sonoma Find more tips for A-list hosting Give gifts like R&B superstar Usher Nick Offerman shares his favorite whisky (and the best snack to go with it) Why cookbook author Sophia Roe has this sheet pan on auto-ship Tennis stars Frances Tiafoe and Ayan Broomfield on how to throw a Grand Slam party
How to Spread Holiday Cheer Like Usher
Shopping We Should All Aspire to Be as Thoughtful a Gift-Giver as Usher We caught up with Usher to learn his must-haves for spreading holiday cheerâincluding his favorite drink for toasting. By Wilder Davies December 22, 2025 Welcome to 5 OâClock Somewhere, our series in which BAâs network of culinary all-stars share their favorite drinksâalong with everything you need to serve them in style. During the 2025 run of his Las Vegas residency, Usher became known for a particular bit. Wrapped in a furry overcoat, the singer would descend from the stage with a glass full of ruby red maraschino cherries. He would then hand-feed the fruit to select members of the audience. Itâs a flirty, cheeky gesture that spawned numerous viral videos . But it also hints at something essential, but little-known, about Usher: He knows how to give a good gift. I recently had a phone call with the hit-making star to discuss his home bar and how he likes to entertain around the holidays. But as we spoke, the conversation kept drifting toward the subject of gifts and how he finds it important and meaningful to put in time and effort to find something to give someone you care about. Hereâs what he had to say. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Bon AppĂ©tit: Tell me a little bit more about what you like to drink. Usher: Well, typically Iâm an old-fashioned dude, so I love a cherry old-fashioned. Iâm a guy who loves bourbon. I love cognac. I drink single malt. Blantonâs is one of my favorites, but Iâll find my way through different bottles that are gifted to me. I love Japanese whisky too. But then other times Iâm experimental and I like to try different things. Iâm the type of dude whoâs going to make five drinks, not one, and sample all of them as opposed to having the one thing that I drink every time. I will try everybodyâs old-fashioned. I love when theyâre smoked. I love the theatrics of drink-making when you can bring smoke and other things like that into it, like other elements to the drink, I think is cool. Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon $140 Total Bourbon Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whiskey $79 Total Wine Do you have a particular brand of cherries you like? Luxardo. I love those. But then Iâm kind of a cheap dude too. I love the classic maraschino cherries, man. It could be anything from what you get at Krogerâs to Signature Select or something like that. Something real simple. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries $24 Amazon A friend wanted me to ask: What drink would you make someone you love? Well, first of all, it all depends on whether they like alcohol or not. My wife is more of a mocktail girl. If I manage to get her to have a tequila or something like that, I try to throw cherries in there and just disguise the alcohol taste. But yeah, it really all depends on who is drinking. Believe it or not, Iâm a mocktail guy half the time. Do you have any special drinks for the holidays? I tried something last year that was not necessarily a success, but you take eggnog and freeze it, and then put the eggnog ice in a glass and pour whatever liquor on top of it. Itâs really, really cool. And Champagne during the New Years, you know what Iâm saying? Cheers to life. W&P Crystal Cocktail Ice Tray $27 Amazon $25 Huckberry Favorite Champagne? Ooh, thatâs a hard one. I love Ace. I love Clicquot. I love Krug, Also any type of rosĂ© is good. Krug Grande Cuvee Brut with Gift Box $300 Wine.com Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut $70 Wine.com Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Brut Rose with Gift Box $545 Wine.com You recently collaborated with Baccarat for a limited edition of its Harmonie tumbler (which is featured in our December issueâs gift guide ). How did that come about? I think they looked up my profile first and foremost, and saw how many tumblers I had bought throughout the entire world [laughs] and also had seen me on stage with them. So the collaboration really started as me being a collector. When asked what I would want to do, I went straight to the thing that was personal to me. It was the tumbler. As I got older, I began to understand that the Harmonie tumbler was a cool staple piece to get people as a gift. Itâs $200 to $300, but itâs a grand compliment and it could go a long way. You never know what impression youâve made and when youâre going to cross someoneâs mind. So theyâre having a drink there in the privacy of their home, the conversation is gone, but then they look back at that glass and they remember, âMan, this was a nice gift to get someone.â Baccarat Usher Tumbler Shop at Baccarat Iâm curious, in addition to Baccarat pieces, do you have any other go-to thank you gifts? No judgment, right? No judgment. Iâm a stationery freak. You remember that scene in American Psycho where theyâre talking about the color of the fucking card? Thatâs me inside my mind. Iâm always trying to figure out the perfect stationery, because that right there is by far one of the greatest gifts you can get anyone, the gift of time and word, right? Engraved Black Thank You Card Set $24 Paper Source Where do you get your stationery? Paper Source is one. But you know what I do, man? Iâm an antiques shopper, and specifically in Paris, I love to go stationery shopping. When you go and you find really, really coolâand they old, really, really great paper. It is super cool. I didnât know you could buy antique stationery. Well, sometimes you get lucky if an antique shop has managed to come across cool stationery. It might be really, really cool humorous cards. Vintage French Book Sheets $7 Etsy Any final thoughts about entertaining during the holidays? At this period of my life, Iâm slowing down. Iâm a parent to my kids, and I love to host people in my home. But I miss my grandparents. They were the people that did these very fundamental things that established my aesthetic. Itâs analog things. Record players, being able to hear the actual needle dropping on the record. Really incredible books, Polaroid cameras. Like whenâs the last time you got together and played dominoes or spades or charades or Cards Against Humanity? Or sat around and played Connect Four, you know what Iâm saying? Or chess, if youâre that sophisticated. Those things, those analog things, man, they matter, man. Whatâs your familyâs favorite game to play together? Monopoly Deal is our game. Monopoly Deal Card Game $8 Amazon Find more tips for A-list hosting Nick Offerman shares his favorite whisky (and the best snack to go with it) Why cookbook author Sophia Roe has this sheet pan on auto-ship Tennis stars Frances Tiafoe and Ayan Broomfield on how to throw a Grand Slam party
Is Green Chef Worth It? I Compared the Organic Meal Delivery to Grocery Shopping
Shopping Is Green Chef Worth It? I Compared the Organic Meal Delivery to Grocery Shopping Organic ingredients are notoriously more expensive, so I wanted to see if a meal kit could save me money. By Lizzy Briskin December 22, 2025 Home cooks (and those who aspire to be more frequent home cooks) have been turning to meal kit deliveries as a dinnertime solution for over a decade. And even as an avid cook and culinary school grad, I get the appeal: preportioned, pre-chopped mise en place and an elaborate recipe that takes minimal time and even less forethought. Sign me up! Beyond convenience, Green Chef distinguishes itself by offering organic ingredients without the supermarket markup . With grocery prices on the rise, I set out to find out if a Green Chef subscription can actually save you money, or at least help you break even, compared to buying organic at the store. Green Chef Shop at Green Chef How much does Green Chef cost? As a new customer, youâll get a nice discount of 50% off your first box. But once youâre seasoned, GreenChef meals cost an average of $12.99 per serving plus $10.99 for shipping. A six-serving box (three meals serving two) costs $88.93, including shipping ($10.99 per box), without discounts. Thatâs $14.82 per serving. What I ordered and how it arrived I received a three-meal box from Green Chef, which included: Sirloin Steak With Parmesan Fettuccine Garlic-Herb Chicken With Sun-Dried Tomatoes Southwestern Shrimp Tacos With Corn Slaw Off the bat, each dish sounded more elaborate than what Iâd typically put together on a weeknight. I was happily surprised (but a little skeptical) that the cooking time estimates ranged from 25â30 minutes. The Green Chef ingredients come packaged in a single paper bag per recipe, with proteins at the bottom of the box sandwiched between ice packs; within the paper back, most ingredients are packaged in plastic. Most of the veggies in the kit (onions and shallots) arrived whole. Each meal included a few premade sauces or flavoring agents, such as roasted garlic butter and creamy mushroom broth. My methodology for comparing the cost of Green Chef vs. grocery store To figure out the precise price difference between a Green Chef subscription and grocery shopping, I tallied up what Iâd spend on the ingredients at my local Wegmanâs in Manhattan, choosing organic whenever possible. I assumed I had nothing at home but salt, pepper, and olive oil (which is what Green Chef requires from your own pantry). In the price comparisons below, Iâm including two per-serving costs. For the first, I took the total cost of my grocery haul and divided by two, the number of people Iâd be serving with the meal (and the same number of people fed with the Green Chef recipe). Of course, when youâre buying many of the ingredients brand-new, you will have a lot left over for future use (spare cloves of garlic, near-full spice bottles). In the second calculation, I priced out the cost of only the amounts of the ingredients you need for the Green Chef recipe. This may give a more accurate per-serving price comparison, but that really isnât the way people shop. You canât buy a half jar of sun-dried tomatoes, for instance. Arrow Arrow Recipe 1: Sirloin Steak With Parmesan Fettuccine Ingredients â oz. parsley, 1 shallot, ÂŒ oz. garlic, Âœ oz. sun-dried tomatoes, ÂŒ cup breadcrumbs, 12 oz. sirloin steak, 1 Tbsp. ranch seasoning, 1 package fresh fettuccine, 3Âœ oz. creamy mushroom broth, 1 oz. crĂšme fraĂźche, 1Âœ oz. Parmesan, 1 package umami stock concentrate, 1 Tbsp. butter, salt and pepper Cost comparison Green Chef Grocery Store #1 Grocery Store #2 Meal price (2 servings) $25.98 $86.13 $86.13 Shipping $3.67 per recipe $0 $0 Total cost per serving $14.82 $43.07 (total cost divided by 2) $22.10 (cost of only ingredient amounts in recipe) This meal had several premium ingredients, including sirloin, crĂšme fraĂźche, and fresh fettuccine. The organic steak, which cost $43.99 per pound, really jacked up the price at the grocery store. For comparison, conventional sirloin costs $16.99 per pound. Experience This was a rich meal that felt far fancier and more cheffy than my usual weeknight fare. I liked the inclusion of fresh pasta, not only because it added a restaurant-y feel to the meal, but also because it cooked in all of two minutes. I even impressed myself that the dish was done in half an hour. Taste-wise, this meal was on the heavy side. Iâm not a huge ranch lover, but the seasoning added a nice herby note that the rich, creamy sauce needed. The steak was a bit tough and slightly stringy; grass-fed grocery-store sirloin would likely be more tender for the price, although quality will vary by your store and when you buy it. The dish was finished with buttery breadcrumbs, which didnât add much and I could have skipped. Arrow Arrow Recipe 2: Garlic-Herb Chicken With Sun-Dried Tomatoes Ingredients Âœ cup jasmine rice, Âœ oz. sun-dried tomatoes, ÂŒ oz. garlic, 1 yellow onion, 5 oz. spinach, 10 oz. chopped chicken breast, 1 oz. roasted red peppers, 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning, 1 package chicken stock concentrate, 1 oz. roasted garlic-herb butter, 2 oz. cream cheese, Ÿ oz. Parmesan, cooking oil, salt and pepper. Cost comparison Green Chef Grocery Store #1 Grocery Store #2 Meal price (2 servings) $25.98 $75.98 $75.98 Shipping $3.67 per recipe $0 $0 Total cost per serving $14.82 $37.99 (total cost divided by 2) $20.12 (cost of only ingredient amounts in recipe) Again, Green Chef came out on top here. The organic chicken breast was a high-ticket item, as was the jar of chicken stock concentrate, of which you only need about a tablespoon. And if you were buying every ingredient, this meal would leave you with a stockpile of barely used items, including a bag of jasmine rice, jars of sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, Italian seasoning, and cream cheese. Experience This was a quick and simple meal that delivered great flavor. It wasnât the prettiest on the plate, but I loved the buttery, garlicky sauce that coated the chicken. Iâm more of a thighs over breast girl, but I was pleasantly surprised by how moist this chicken came out. I also appreciated that it was pre-diced so I could skip working with raw meat (you likely wouldnât get this luxury when getting your poultry at the grocery store). The spinach was added directly to the cooked rice, so it sort of withered away. Yes, there were globs of green in the rice, but they didnât add much flavor; I think the recipe could be improved by using more spinach or none at all. Arrow Arrow Recipe 3: Southwestern Shrimp Tacos With Corn Slaw Ingredients 1 lime, ÂŒ oz. cilantro, 1 shallot, ÂŒ oz. garlic, 2Ÿ oz. corn, 3Âœ oz. cabbage, 10 oz. shrimp, 1 Tbsp. fajita spice blend, 6 flour tortillas, 1Ÿ oz. vegan chipotle-lime aioli, Ÿ oz. Cotija cheese, cooking oil, olive oil, salt and pepper Cost comparison Green Chef Grocery Store #1 Grocery Store #2 Meal price (2 servings) $25.98 $65.95 $65.95 Shipping $3.67 per recipe $0 $0 Total cost per serving $14.82 $32.98 $11.50 (cost of only ingredient amounts in recipe) Here, youâd actually save a few dollars at the grocery store when you look at only the ingredients used. Despite having to buy a jar of aioli and frozen shrimp, this meal was surprisingly affordable per serving at the store. Experience I loved these tacos. They were a little more involved than I wouldâve liked, requiring multiple skillets and a bowl for the slaw, but it was also my favorite meal of the bunch, so the extra effort and dishes were worth it. The slaw was crunchy and fresh with a hint of sweetness from the corn. It tasted summery, but the ingredients were winter-approved (cabbage and frozen corn). The shrimp also brought real flavor to the tableâoften, frozen shrimp can be rubbery and flavorless, but these were juicy and sweet. There was plenty of fajita seasoning to coat every crustacean, and the tacos were fully loaded. I didnât understand why the aioli was vegan, especially since the tacos included cheese, and I would have been happy with the real thing, but it wasnât a deal-breaker. Given the price, ease, and flavor of this meal, Iâd definitely make it again sans meal kit. Arrow Arrow The verdict: Is Green Chef worth it? It turns out that a Green Chef subscription, even including shipping, can, and likely will, save you money compared to buying organic groceries. In fact, any money you save at the grocery store is marginal, and it heavily depends on the meal. And letâs not forget, time is money. That measly $3 in savings on the shrimp dish hardly makes up for the time Iâd spend considering a recipe, writing a list, shopping, commuting to and from the store, and prepping and measuring the ingredients myself. If you really want to squeeze the most value from your meal kit, opt for complex meals with more premixed sauces and pricier ingredients, like the steak dish with fresh pasta. The bottom line: A meal kit, even a more premium one with organic ingredients like Green Chef, can indeed save you money as well as time. Sign Up for Green Chef Find the right meal delivery service for you Compare the most popular meal kit brands If cost is your top concern, start your meal delivery service journey here These are the best meal kits for families
Review: We Tried the Sakara x Factor Collab Salads
Shopping Finally, a Premade Salad Capable of Snapping Me Out of My Sad-Desk-Lunch Habit The collaboration between Sakara and Factor offers fresh, delicious bowls with enough protein to power my afternoons. By Lizzy Briskin December 22, 2025 I love to cookâI even graduated from culinary school. But that doesnât mean I always want to cook, especially weekday lunches. Too-healthy salads feel uninspired, but heavier dishes send me into an afternoon slump. A conundrum. So when I heard that Sakara , the plant-based meal delivery brand targeted to wellness enthusiasts (weâre talking the âhot girl walkâ crowd) was partnering with Factor , another healthy prepared meal service beloved by macros counters and self-professed gym rats , with a line of salads, I was enthusiastic. Maybe these veggie-packed, nutrient-dense bowls would have enough protein and flavor pizzazz to satisfy both my energy needs and my palate. I tried the new salads to see if the collaboration lived up to its promise. Hereâs what you need to know. Factor Shop at Factor What is the Sakara x Factor collab all about? Sakara takes a âfood as medicineâ approach to its meal kit offerings. All its meals are fully vegan, and in addition to ready-to-eat dishes like Microbiome Mojo Salads and Serotonin Glow Parfaits, Sakara also sells supplements aimed at supporting your sleep, stress, and metabolism. Factor, which is owned by HelloFresh, makes heat-and-eat meals that emphasize protein. They typically feature a starch, vegetable, and a center-of-the-plate meat, poultry, or fishâthink, Tuscan Pesto Baked Salmon and Truffle Butter Filet Mignon. The new collaboration includes nine salads that differ from both brandsâ regular offerings. For the first time, you can get animal protein in a Sakara meal, and the bowls feature more leafy greens and fresh veggies than the typical Factor menu item. The salads range from 350â620 calories per serving, and most contain well over 30 grams of protein and up to 12 grams of fiber. Whatâs on the menu? Arrow Arrow The Sakara x Factor lineup rotates weekly and includes the following bowls: Five-Spice Tofu Noodle Salad Spiced Chickpea Chaat Salad Miso Edamame Tofu Salad Asian Crunch Chicken Salad Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad Chicken Taco Bowl Salad Chicken Shawarma Salad Buffalo Chicken Salad Tahini Lentil Chicken Salad As with most meal deliveries, the salads are sent in a cardboard box kept cold with cool packs. Each salad is packaged in a thoughtfully designed plastic container. To keep the ingredients crisp, the greens are separated from the cooked and moist toppings that could cause them to get soggy. When I opened my first meal, the Chicken Shawarma, I was confused about where the chicken was hiding. Turns out, the meat is stored under the greens, presumably to prevent crushing (it worked!). You do have to do a little digging to extract the chicken, which can send your greens flying. The crunchy toppings, as well as sauces and dressings, came in individual containers to avoid spillage and maintain crispness (Iâm happy to report that every rice puff and tortilla strip was still wonderfully crunchy). When I brought a salad to work with me, it traveled neatly and arrived at my office still nicely separated. I tossed everything in the clamshell and gave it a good shake at the office, but at home, I transferred the salad components to a big bowl for mixingâI recommend the bowl method if you have one handy. Note that the chicken packaging is almost impossible to open without scissors; avoid frustration on an empty stomach and find a tool. Arrow Arrow How do they taste? Both Factor and Sakara make lofty claims about the freshness and quality of their ingredients. Sakaraâs âNutrition Philosophyâ states: âWeâre committed to providing our clients with the high-quality, functional ingredients that allow for total mind and body transformation.â Factorâs website claims: âEach ingredient brought to Factor follows an extensive process for approval that includes examining human health impacts, safety, efficacy, consumer expectations, and moreâŠwe are committed to our ingredient standards and evolving with the ever-changing dietary landscape.â Iâd say the salads largely lived up to expectations of freshness and quality. The lettuce, which can often become sad and limp in prepared salads, was crisp and green. I was especially impressed with the tender and flavorful chicken breast, which came well seasoned (though without any distinct spices or herbs) and cut into satisfying, bite-size pieces. The dressings and sauces were tasty and brought every bowl up a level. I especially loved the fresh carrot-miso dressing on the Asian Crunch Chicken Salad. The forbidden rice added a nice nuttiness and some extra heft, and juicy mandarin sections provided lovely pops of fruity sweetness. The Chicken Shawarma Salad was another favorite. Though the roasted cauliflower was on the soft side, its slightly sweet cumin-spiced sauce made up for it. I also loved the richness of the white sauce combined with the sweet, crunchy Savoy cabbage. Arrow Arrow Several meals included little crispy tidbits, like fried tortilla strips in the Chicken Taco Bowl and puffed quinoa in the Spiced Chickpea Chaat Salad. These were a nice touch to add a new texture and break up all the veggies. I would have loved more of the salty, crispy bits to give some of the bowls (particularly the Chickpea Chaat, which had a soggier texture because of an overly soft roasted sweet potato) more of a âhookâ to keep me excited about each bite. In general, the bowls were substantial enough for lunch, though the dishes topped with tofu were a little less filling than the ones with chicken. While they werenât exactly overflowing with mix-ins, each salad had a nice variety of toppings, from saucy roasted veggies to hearty grains to sweet citrus segments. Mixed together, the dishes felt elevated and better than the salad Iâd typically throw together at home, but not quite as overflowing as a hearty salad from a fast-casual spot like Sweetgreen (and of course, less customizable). But at $13 a pop, these are also less expensive. Arrow Arrow How can I order the salads? The salads are only available to Factor subscribers, so youâll need to sign up if you want to try them. Subscriptions range from 6 to 36 meals per week and cost $12.50â$14.99 per meal, plus optional add-ons like juices, shakes, and breakfasts. The Sakara salads can be included as a meal in your weekly box (at no additional cost) or added for $12.99 each. Sign Up for Factor Find the best meal delivery service for you Our editors tried all the prepared meals you can get Here's how the price of affordable meal kit EveryPlate compares to grocery shopping Compare the most popular meal kit brands
5 Cookbooks That Changed the Way We Cooked in 2025
Cooking 5 Cookbooks That Changed the Way We Cooked in 2025 These recipes brought eye-opening moments and techniques to the Bon AppĂ©tit Test Kitchen. By Bon AppĂ©tit Test Kitchen December 22, 2025 Illustration by Tim Enthoven In 2025 there was no shortage of stellar cookbooks, but a select few left a lasting impact on BAâs Test Kitchen editors, offering eye-opening moments and inspiring new ways to approach cooking this year and for many more years to come. Dear Reader, For Bon AppĂ©titâs food editors, the holidays roll around when the heat of summer still roils the sidewalks outside the Test Kitchen. Itâs an incongruous time for winter recipe planning to reach its buttery peak. The smell of our extraordinary spread of holiday cookies had barely faded when we gathered to reflect on our year in cooking. A lot of what we learned was from each other, as twice a day the Test Kitchen staff gathers to taste the recipes in development. Everyone is expected to offer critical feedback, evaluating each dish on its construction, flavor, appearance, and the delight it inspires. âGood enoughâ doesnât cut it. We are also constantly absorbing the wisdom of other chefs, particularly through their cookbooks. This year there were so many phenomenal new works that brought fresh ideas into our own kitchens, tackled culinary problems in novel ways, and offered unexpected perspectives. In true Test Kitchen form, however, we werenât content to just ship you off with a few recommendations that seem promising. We picked a short list of cookbooks from our favorite authors published in 2025 and put their recipes through the same process as every other one we touch. We tasted, we debated, and in the end, these five standouts went beyond just impressing us at work; they actually changed the way we cook at home as well. Hereâs a look into that process, with results that we hope will be just as transformational for you. Sincerely, Chris Morocco Food Director Chrisâs Pick: Salt, Sugar, MSG by Calvin Eng and Phoebe Melnick Illustration by Tim Enthoven About the book: An exploration of Cantonese American dishes and how a simple pantry ingredient can transform how we think about, and approach the way we cook. The dish: Hong Kong Egg Scramble Aha moment: Adding a pinch of MSG makes this silky-smooth scramble taste richer and more eggy than usual. It spurred me to question why I donât use the staple more often in my own kitchen. Eng and Melnickâs book is filled with ideas that inspire me to think beyond salt, fat, and acid as the building blocks of flavor. Now Iâm seeking more explicit umami in my dressings and sauces, making it easier to boost plant-based dishes in particular. InĂ©sâs Pick: Third Culture Cooking by Zaynab Issa Illustration by Tim Enthoven About the book: An empowering collection of everyday recipes and techniques that incorporate an array of cultural traditions with generosity and ingenuity. The dish: Samosa-Spiced Burgers Aha moment: This recipe combines Oklahoma-style smash burgers (featuring onions frizzled in beef fat) with samosa flavors (like chile, garam masala, and mint), no spice-toasting required. Itâs one of many smart combinations in the book that has shown me how I can incorporate impactful flavor in my own low-lift ways. Chorizo chili hot dogs leaning on Mexican oregano and cilantro or curry chicken pasta saladâpunchy explorations to foster connections that bring me closer to my version of home. Hanaâs Pick: Umma by Sarah Ahn, Nam Soon Ahn, and Americaâs Test Kitchen Illustration by Tim Enthoven About the book: Chock-full of homegrown mom (or umma) wisdom, abundant in clever tips for cooking, prepping, shopping, storing, and relishing Korean dishes. The dish: Broccoli Dubu Muchim Aha moment: Using frozen broccoli in place of fresh florets is revelatory in making this classic Korean side dish. Itâs not rocket science to use thawed produce, but it is untraditional when it comes to banchan. For a cuisine with lots of steps, this tip felt like a radical shortcut, given with motherly permission. The next time my produce drawer is looking bleak, Iâll give new eyes to the freezer: spinach for Japanese goma-ae; corn for a lightly dressed lunch box salad; peas folded directly into just-cooked rice to maintain their vibrant green hue. Jesseâs Pick: Dinner by Meera Sodha Illustration by Tim Enthoven About the book: Fast, easy meals for jaded cooks that will reawaken how we think about, and eat, vegetables. The dish: Tandoori Cauliflower With Cilantro and Cashew Sauce Aha moment: Tossing cauliflower with yogurt and spices before roasting allows for the spices to infuse the veg without burning and leaves a perfectly charred golden exterior akin to a tandoori marinade. Prior to learning this technique, I would strictly use oil to brown my roasted veggies. Now I have another method that results in a delightfully textured crust. Shilpaâs Pick: The King Cookbook by Annie Shi, Claire de Boer, Jess Shadbolt, and Kitty Greenwald Illustration by Tim Enthoven About the book: A book of quiet confidence that eschews trends, celebrating the pleasure of simple, satisfying food. The dish: Far Breton Aha moment: This Far Breton reminded me that some desserts can be compelling without any fuss. The adaptable flan-like base invites us to add whatever dried fruits we have on hand (in this case, prunes). Meaning sometimes itâs okay to use what youâve got; not every dessert has to be a production. The last time I hosted friends, I served store-bought ice cream already in the freezer with a quick, sumptuous chocolate sauce and pantry staples. No fuss. Because simple can still end up in a moreish delight.
Miamiâs Favorite Cinnamon Rolls Return, Plus 11 Other Restaurant Openings
Having trouble keeping up with all the new establishments popping up? Here are some noteworthy restaurants opening around Miami this December. Cinnamon Rolls Are Back For 70 years, Knaus Berry Farm has been Miamiâs beloved farm stand. Generations have visited for fresh produce, delicious milkshakes, and, of course, its famous cinnamon rolls. Last spring, Knaus […]
23 Classic and Modern French Recipes You Can Make at Home
Recipes 23 French Recipes Worth Making Chez Vous From bistro classics like cassoulet and croque monsieur to playful riffs like banana-pudding-inspired Paris-Brest. By Rebecca Firkser and Bon AppĂ©tit Staff & Contributors December 20, 2025 Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou French cuisine has a reputation for precision: glossy sauces, just-so pastries, and techniques that feel better left to chefs in starched jackets. But hereâs the truthâmany of the most beloved French recipes are deeply practical, designed for home cooks who value good ingredients, a little patience, and plenty of butter. Until you book that plane ticket, let these French recipes turn your kitchen into a brasserie. This collection spans timeless classics like ratatouille, salade niçoise, and croque monsieur, alongside modern, unfussy updatesâthink banana pudding âinspired Paris-Brest and coq au vin made in an Instant Pot . Whether youâre cooking for a dinner party or just craving something trĂšs bon on a Tuesday night, these are French dishes worth mastering at home. Photograph by Travis Rainey, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon, Food Styling by Luciana Lamboy 1/23 Tuna Niçoise Salad Also known as salade niçoise, this composed French salad is more assembly than recipe. Arrange, pour a glass of something crisp, and call it dinner (or lunch!). View Recipe Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne, Prop Styling by Graylen Gatewood 2/23 Ratatouille A Provençal classic of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoesâhere sautĂ©ed, then bakedâthis traditional French recipe is best served with crusty bread and spreadable goat cheese. View Recipe Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Leslie Raney Garetto 3/23 Chocolate Mousse A classic French dessert that proves simplicity wins. Use good chocolate, very cold cream, and stop whipping before you think you should. Serving a single big bowl is encouraged. View Recipe Alex Lau 4/23 Quiche Lorraine A French menu staple thatâs far easier to make than it looks. Any deep-dish pie crust will do (even, shh , a store-bought pie crust ); the custard does the heavy lifting. View Recipe Photo by Peden + Munk 5/23 Paper-Thin Crepes French chef Ludo Lefebvreâs go-to crepe recipe works for sweet or savory fillingsâfrom sugar and lemon to ham, cheese, and egg. Here, theyâre served with a classic orange Suzette sauce and pourable milk chocolate ganache. View Recipe Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Spencer Richards, Prop Styling by Marina Bevilacqua 6/23 Eggs en Cocotte Jacques PĂ©pinâs stovetop-steaming method simplifies this typically baked French classic. Perfect with toasted baguette and a simple salad. View Recipe Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Jennifer Ophir 7/23 Croque Monsieur This quintessential French ham-and-cheese sandwich is traditionally served as a bar snack. But it also makes an ideal brunch, lunch, or late-night comfort food. View Recipe Photo by Taylor Peden and Jen Munk / Courtesy Clarkson Potter, Random House 8/23 Strip Steak au Poivre A French steakhouse classic made weeknight-friendly. Crack your peppercorns fresh and coarse for maximum punch, and serve with an Extremely French Carrot Salad . View Recipe Photograph by Joann Pai, food and prop sryling by Rebekah Peppler. 9/23 Eggs RĂ©moulade Hard-boiled eggs get dressed up with classic French rĂ©mouladeâmayonnaise, herbs, capers, cornichons, and anchoviesâfor this easy party appetizer from Rebekah Pepplerâs Ă Table . View Recipe Photograph by Aaron Barton, food styling by Drew Aichele, prop styling by Alexandra Massillon 10/23 Colossal CrĂšme BrĂ»lĂ©e One big dish > a dozen fussy ramekins. Youâll need a kitchen torch , but the crackly caramelized top is well worth it. View Recipe Photo by Alex Lau 11/23 Instant Pot Coq au Vin All the richness of the classic French braise, done in a fraction of the time (just 15 minutes!) thanks to the Instant Pot. View Recipe Photograph by Chris Bernabeo, food styling by Lauren Stanek 12/23 Pork Shank Garbure This hearty stew from the Pyrenees in southwestern France is built for cold nights and dinner parties. Make it ahead; it only gets better with time. View Recipe Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Prop Styling by Gerri Williams, Food Styling by Taneka Morris 13/23 Chicken Roulade From the French rouler, meaning âto roll,â this elegant chicken dish (or should we say âplat pouletâ) hides a Mediterranean-inspired filling of feta and oregano. It looks fancy, but the Provençal-style dinner is completely doable for home cooks. View Recipe Peden + Munk © 2017 14/23 Saffron, Orange, and Honey Madeleines From Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh, these madeleines are fragrant, tender, and more forgiving than classic versions. View Recipe Photograph by Alex Huang, Food Styling by Tiffany Schleigh, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro 15/23 Summer Bean Gribiche Gribicheâbright with Dijon, cornichons, shallots, and herbsâis the French sauce you should be using on everything. Here it dresses tender green beans, but itâs just as good spooned over roast chicken. View Recipe Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou 16/23 French-ish Onion Soup A vegan spin on classic French onion soup that doesnât skimp on flavor. If you eat dairy, donât skip the GruyĂšre-topped toastâitâs the whole point. View Recipe Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Luciana Lamboy, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams 17/23 Black Pepper Panisses With Cheddar Panissesâchickpea-flour fritters popular in southern Franceâare crisp outside, custardy within, and excellent served warm. Studded with cheddar and black pepper, theyâre the ideal nibble for cocktail hour; have one with a French 75 . View Recipe Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens 18/23 Savory Cheese-Filled Croquembouche Traditionally sweet, this towering French pastry sculpture goes savory with gougĂšre-style choux buns and peppery caramel. (Prefer cream puffs? This way for classic croquembouche â ) View Recipe 19/23 Pan Bagnat The Niçoise answer to the tuna sandwich, loaded with olive-oil-packed tuna, tomatoes, eggs, and a briny, garlicky relish on the freshest French baguette you can find. View Recipe Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Jesse Szewczyk, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon 20/23 Banana Pudding Paris-Brest Created in the early 20th century to honor the ParisâBrest bicycle race, this classic choux pastry gets a BA Bake Club âapproved twist. Jesse Szewczyk folds nostalgic banana pudding flavors into the creamy filling for a dessert thatâs equal parts French tradition and American comfort. View Recipe Alex Lau 21/23 Easiest Caramel Apple Clafoutis One of the most comforting French desserts, made even simpler. Custardy, lightly sweet, and perfect straight from the oven (but we wouldnât say ânoâ to some French vanilla ice cream on top). View Recipe Alex Lau 22/23 Classic Cassoulet This iconic French recipe is a slow-cooked labor of loveâand absolutely worth it. Plan aheadâthere are a lot of ingredients, and not all are widely available in American marketsâdonât rush, and trust the process. View Recipe Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi, Prop Styling by Alex Massillon 23/23 BĂ»che de NoĂ«l The showstopper French Christmas cake. Itâs a project, yesâbut broken into steps, itâs more satisfying than stressful. View Recipe Rebeccaâs work has appeared in TASTE, Eater, Food52, The Kitchn, Serious Eats, The Strategist, and NYT Cooking, among others. Previously, she was a staff editor at a handful of media publications, as well as a freelance recipe tester, culinary producer, and stylist. Before joining Bon AppĂ©tit and Epicurious, she was ... Read More Test Kitchen Editor Instagram Explore Bon AppĂ©tit French Dinner Parties Dinner Entertaining Recipe Weeknight Meals Read More Recipes 47 Classic Italian Dishes From the Old Country By Bon AppĂ©tit Staff & Contributors Cooking 41 New Yearâs Dinner Ideas to End the Year Right By Bon AppĂ©tit Staff & Contributors Cooking 23 Meals You Can Make in 15 Minutes or Less By Bon AppĂ©tit Staff & Contributors Cooking 29 Fried Foods That Go Way Beyond Fish and Chips By Emily Saladino Cooking All the Recipes From Bon AppĂ©titâs Holiday Issue By The Bon AppĂ©tit and Epicurious Staffs Cooking The 20 Best Recipes of 2025 By Nina Moskowitz Restaurants & Travel How NYCâs Best Beef Wellington is Made Restaurants & Travel 67 Kitchen Tips With Chef Curtis Stone Restaurants & Travel A Day at NYCâs Most Exciting French Restaurant Restaurants & Travel Brooklynâs Hottest Pizzeria Uses a 130-Year-Old Oven Restaurants & Travel India's Best Butter Chicken is on the Streets of Delhi Restaurants & Travel How Panda Express Perfected Orange Chicken (Ft. Lucas Sin)
Juced Review: I Tried Preworkout Gummies to See If They'd Help My Energy
Shopping I Tried the JĂŒced, the Buzzy âPre-workoutâ Gummies From the Makers of GrĂŒns Can a gummy bear help my fitness? I asked a sports nutrition expert and ate them for a month. By Abbey Stone December 19, 2025 Need your daily dose of vitamins? To relax and fall asleep faster? Help being more, ahem, regular? Thereâs a gummy for that. The market for health- and wellness-boosting gummy supplements has ballooned in recent years (by one estimate, it was valued at $10.7 billion âwith a B âin 2024), with varieties claiming to support your gut health, immune system, cognitive function, and more. One of the newest to hit (virtual) store shelves is JĂŒced , a âpre-workoutâ gummy from the brains behind the greens supplement GrĂŒns . Launched in early December, JĂŒced bills itself as an extra energy oomph before you hit the gymâor the town. With cool-girl influencer Tinx acting as the poster child in the brandâs retro, âLetâs Get Physicalââinspired marketing campaign, itâs clear JĂŒced is trying to be hipper and more fun (can supplements be fun? JĂŒced thinks so!) than other pre-exercise products you can buy. âWeâre here for the people who love a good sweat, but donât live at the gym. The ones who work out, then gtfo,â the brandâs website says. âWe call it pre-workout. But itâs pre-anything, really.â Now, my love of GrĂŒns is well-documented. And seeing as Iâm an office worker with a p.m. Pilates habit (not to mention, a preexisting Tinx fan), I seem to be exactly JĂŒcedâs target demo. So when the brand asked if Iâd like to try the gummies, I said heck yes, send âem my way. JĂŒced Preworkout Energy Gummies $88 $70 (20% off) JĂŒced Whatâs in the bag Just like GrĂŒns, JĂŒced comes preportioned into 28 âsnack packsâ of eight gummy bears. (They literally are shaped like little bears holding a barbell, which is very cute.) Each pack of the âlow sugarâ variety that I tried contains 40 calories, with 12 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of dietary fiber, and 6 grams of sugar. The sugar-free version has 20 calories and 0 grams of sugar, but does contain 5 grams of the sugar substitute allulose. The functional ingredientsâmeaning, the ones that are credited with any pick-me-up you feel after taking JĂŒcedâare caffeine (sourced from green tea extract), the amino acids l-carnitine and betaine, and an adaptogen (or, plant that helps your body adapt to stress) called rhodiola rosea. Of those, caffeine was the only one I recognizedâor even felt confident pronouncing. And even though I consume caffeine every day via my morning cup of coffee, I didnât have a handle on how the chemical can support exercise. So I called up someone who absolutely does: Yasi Ansari, RDN , a certified specialist in sports dietetics. How can JĂŒced support your health? Before zooming in on JĂŒced, letâs take a step back and look at the pre-workout category of supplements in general. Can a powder, gummy, or drink really make you exercise harder, better, faster, stronger? âWhen people use pre-workouts, reported benefits include feeling more alert, having a bit more energy, producing slightly more power, and feeling like the workout takes less effort overall,â says Ansari. However, she cautions, âThese products are not essential. When someone is eating regularly, fueling before and during exercise, and staying well hydrated, their body often already has what it needs.â And before adding any supplements to your routine, itâs recommended you speak to your doctor to make sure they wonât adversely interact with any medications youâre taking or conditions you have. Hereâs what Ansari thinks about JĂŒced's main ingredients and how they may support your workout: Caffeine: âFor some people, caffeine can enhance performance , mainly by boosting energy and improving mental focus,â she says. âOne of the most well-supported benefits, especially for endurance exercise, is that caffeine can reduce perceived effort, making the workout feel easier on the body.â One serving of JĂŒced contains 95 milligrams of caffeine, which Ansari says is moderate compared to other pre-workout supplements you can buy and shouldnât be enough to pose problems to most people. âResearch suggests that performance benefits can begin around 2 to 3 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight, though tolerance varies,â she says. âFor most adults, a daily caffeine intake of up to 400 milligrams is generally considered safe.â L-carnitine: âL-carnitine plays a role in fat metabolism and energy production during endurance training ,â Ansari says. But she caveats that at the small dose included in JĂŒced, itâs more of a supporting player and might not be enough to provide a benefit. Betaine: JĂŒced uses a proprietary form of betaine the brand calls DuraBeet, which is sourced from sugar beets. âBetaine has some evidence supporting muscular endurance ,â Ansari says, but since DuraBeetâs specifics arenât available, she canât speak to it directly. Rhodiola rosea: âRhodiola is often included [in pre-workout products] to help with mental fatigue and perceived effort, and this dose falls within the studied ranges,â Ansari says. According to Ansari, there are a few important things to keep in mind when considering the efficacy of supplement products that combine ingredients (compared to single-ingredient products). First: The studies that show benefits from each of the ingredients are usually ingredient-specific; the research doesnât look at the precise mix of elements in formulations like JĂŒced, and ingredients can have different effects at different dosages and in different combinations. Also, âmost research on ingredients like these focuses on regular, ongoing use, so occasional or sporadic intake is less likely to make much of a difference,â Ansari says. Ansari has some buyer-beware tips for gummy products specifically as well. âOne consideration is third party testing; certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport help confirm that whatâs on the label is actually in the product,â she says. And â how a supplement is made matters just as much as what's on the label,â Ansari adds. She tells me that gummies are created using heat and moisture, which can affect certain ingredients. âWhile caffeine and betaine are stable, the active compounds in rhodiola can be more sensitive to processing and formulation,â she says. âWeâve seen this play out with creatine gummies, where independent testing has shown noticeable gaps between whatâs listed on the label and whatâs actually in the product.â Last but definitely not least, Ansariâand every nutrition expert Iâve ever interviewedârecommends you first try to fuel yourself through a balanced diet and plenty of water. âI always recommend starting with a food-first approach, since many people can meet their energy needs through regular meals and hydration alone,â she says. âIf you are feeling fatigued during training, I often say itâs either a fueling problem, a sleep problem, or a hydration problem.â I also think itâs important to flag that JĂŒcedâs positioning as a âpre-anythingâ supplement, leaning into the idea that you can eat them before âa night outâ is dicey. The website says: âMaybe you take it at the pregame, skip the espresso martini at the bar, and magically have $25 (plus tip, always tip your bartender) more in your pocket for, I donât know, literally anything else.â Yeesh, I donât know, friends. This blanket recommendation makes me feel itchy. In reality, mixing caffeine with alcohol or other substances that one might find at a party (do I need to spell this out?) can be dangerous. Each personâs caffeine tolerance is different, as discussed, and so are the particular circumstances of your supplementation. Will you be binge drinking? Have you had enough to eat? âBefore going out on the town, I think a better approach would be to have a snack with protein and carbohydrates and make sure that our energy is stable,â Ansari says. My experience with JĂŒced While GrĂŒns are made with many whole fruit ingredients (including apple, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry) that give them the sweet, fruit punch flavor I love, JĂŒced uses ânatural peach flavor,â ânatural flavors,â and citric acid to make the bears taste like âelectric peach.â Unfortunately, electric peach isnât really for me. When I open a pouch, Iâm immediately hit with an artificial peach aroma, like Trolli Peachie Oâs candy. And, as expected, the first taste on my palate is that sweet, tangy peach. After a few chews, however, the flavor becomes bitter, my guess is because the herbaceous green tea extract was competing with the fruit. While I wouldnât say that electric peach is my favorite flavor, I do still prefer nibbling on gummies to slurping down a powdery drink. And hey, to each his ownâyou could love JĂŒcedâs mix of sweet, sour, and bitter. (For what itâs worth, I asked a JĂŒced rep if there are plans to release new flavors, considering I like the original GrĂŒns so much, but she said that currently isnât in the works.) Beyond taste, was JĂŒced the energizer it claimed to be? Do I feel like JĂŒced gave me a boost? I think so! Iâm a usual victim of the 3 p.m. slump; I try to stick to one cup of coffee in the morning, so by the time the afternoon rolls around I often feel sleepy and sluggish. I tried cracking into a pack of JĂŒced when this wave of exhaustion hit, and it brought me back to life, giving me enough pep to make it through the rest of the work day. To use JĂŒced as a pre-workout supplement, the site advises: âTake JĂŒced about 30â60 minutes before your workout or whenever you need some energy. Youâll feel the lift quickly, and consistency builds long-term performance benefits.â (That that last bit aligns with Ansariâs note about benefits of the ingredients being associated most with regular, ongoing use, rather than sporadic supplementation.) When I followed these instructions, the gummies gave me the energy infusion I needed to power through my reps, just like Ansari said I might be able to
Homemade Udon Noodles
Cooking Homemade Udon Noodles By Namiko Hirasawa Chen December 19, 2025 5.0 ( 5 ) Photograph by Cody Guilfoyle, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon, Food Styling Thu Buser Arrow Jump To Recipe Print This recipe for homemade udon noodles shows you how to make thick, chewy Japanese noodles from scratch using just a handful of pantry staples, including wheat flour, water, salt, and potato starch or cornstarch. Udonâs appeal lies in its texture: soft yet springy noodles with a mild flavor that happily soak up light, savory broths, glossy sauces, and stir-fry seasonings. Making homemade udon noodles is far more approachable than it sounds, and the payoff is realâfresh noodles with a bounce you canât get from a package. Slip them into soup, toss them in a hot pan, or serve them cold with a simple dipping sauce. How to use homemade udon noodles Use your fresh udon noodles in classic Japanese recipes like kake udon (a brothy dashi -based udon noodle soup) or yaki udon (a stir-fried udon dish with ground pork, mirin, and soy sauce). Donât be afraid to put your own spin on it, like in this bouncy, meatless twist on Italian carbonara , plop them into a buttery tomato-soy broth scented with star anise and cinnamon sticks, or toss with store-bought tomatillo salsa and hoisin (yes, really!). More recipes with udon noodles, right this way â Tips and FAQs for homemade udon How is udon different from other Japanese noodles? There are many noodles in the Japanese culinary canon, but udon, ramen, and soba are the three most common in American home kitchens. Udon noodles are thicker and softer than springier ramen noodles , which use kansui (alkaline water) to enhance their bright yellow color and texture. Soba noodles , which can be made entirely from buckwheat or a blend of buckwheat and other flours, have a firmer, nuttier bite. As for homemade udon compared to packaged refrigerated versions, youâll find the fresher version has a more delightful chew (known as koshi in Japanese), while store-bought udon tends to have a softer texture. Is making udon noodles hard? Not at all. In fact, this udon noodle recipe uses simple techniques and minimal equipment, making it approachable for home cooks (though we do recommend using a digital scale ). Namiko Hirasawa Chen, creator of Just One Cookbook , a boundless resource for Japanese home cooking, relies on the traditional technique of stepping on the firm udon dough (yes, with her foot ) to quickly and efficiently work the gluten and knead the wheat-flour dough. Bare or socked feet are best so you can feel every delightful squish. (Donât shudder, a plastic bag protects the dough ball.) Why do you rinse udon noodles after boiling? Rinsing does two things: (1) It washes off the excess starch, and (2) shocks the cooked noodles after their hot water bath, snapping them into bouncy glory. Why are my udon noodles tough? Itâs vital to let the dough rest after kneading, giving it time to fully hydrate. This also allows the gluten time to relax, making the dough easier to roll and cut. Not letting it rest long enough is the most likely culprit for tough noodles. The second most likely answer is that youâve added too much flour, which is why we strongly encourage using a kitchen scale. How do you store homemade udon? Store uncooked noodles (well-dusted with potato starch or cornstarch) in the fridge up to 1 day. Store cooked noodles in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat briefly in boiling water (donât thaw if frozen). This recipe is part of Make Your Own Noodles . Check out all of the recipesâplus expert tips, handy guides, and more. What youâll need Chevron Chevron Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, Set of 6 $39 $36 At Amazon Kitchen Towels $16 At Amazon French Rolling Pin $21 At Amazon Set of 6 Pastry Rulers $20 At Kitchen Jukebox Recipe notes Back to top Triangle
Could a High-Protein Meal Delivery Service Fuel My Gym Rat Lifestyle?
Shopping Could a High-Protein Meal Delivery Service Fuel My Gym Rat Lifestyle? I tried a prepared meal delivery service, Factor, for a week to find out. By April Benshosan December 19, 2025 I take pride in being a gym rat, but when Iâm deep into a consistent training routine, convenience often wins out over carefully cooked meals. When Iâm already dedicating hours each week to the gym, the last thing I want to do with my downtime is spend more time prepping, cooking, and cleaning. As a result, I end up relying heavily on protein shakes and bars to hit my macro goals. All of that is to say: Iâm a fan of shortcuts. So when I was offered the chance to try a weekâs worth of Factor meals to complement my training, I couldnât pass it up. Factor is a prepared meal delivery service that promises âclean eating without the clean-up,â offering fully cooked, dietitian-approved meals designed around specific dietary goals. It sounded like exactly what I needed. Hereâs what a week of eating Factorâs high-protein meals was actually like. Factor Shop at Factor The protein lineup I ordered Factor lets you browse meals by dietary preference, and since Iâm perpetually chasing my protein goals, choosing the High-Protein filter was a no-brainer. Thereâs a wide selection of recipes to choose from, featuring proteins such as chicken breast, shredded beef, burgers, salmon, meatballs, and shrimp. Some premium options, like steak and certain seafood dishes, are available for an extra cost. While I went into the week planning to try a broad mix of proteins, I found myself gravitating toward the chicken dishes. I ordered eight meals total, including Honey Butter Chicken Breast, Parmesan & Garlic Cream Shredded Beef, Horseradish Crusted Chicken, Smoky Gouda Chicken, and Green Chile Chicken. All of the meals I chose landed between 500 and 700 calories and contained at least 30 grams of protein. I aim for around 120 grams of protein per day, which can be difficult to hit with whole foods alone. What I liked immediately was that the Factor mealsâ protein content is right in line with what I was getting from my usual post-workout shake (sometimes even more). The difference was that instead of just protein powder and milk, I was getting that protein alongside vegetables, healthy fats, and carbs, which meant I wasnât hungry again an hour later like the way I sometimes was after just drinking my protein. Arrow Arrow What I loved about Factor Now, letâs get to the meat and potatoes (literally). Across the board, I found the meals balanced, filling, and tasty. Each came with a pretty sizable piece of protein, plus a carb and a veggie. Chicken breast is one of my favorite proteins, but only when I fork into it a few minutes after it hits my plate from the pan. Reheated chicken can be dry and disappointing, so I was pleasantly surprised by how juicy and well-cooked the chicken breast was in every single Factor meal. Each piece was plump, and the chicken had that sous-vide thing going on: tender and evenly cooked throughout, though with that slightly soft, uniform bite. Chicken breast is a very lean protein, so it was nice that many of the meals paired it with something creamy, like mashed potatoes or vegetables in a cream sauce. The Honey Butter Chicken Breast nailed thisâthe zucchini and caramelized onions were cooked in a broth and gave nice contrast to the creamy Yukon mash. Each meal felt thoughtful without being overly complicated. Even though Factor is a prepared meal delivery service rather than a meal kit, many of the flavor combinations are easy to imagine recreating at home. For example, the Horseradish Crusted Chicken (one of my favorites) isnât something I would typically think to cook, but itâs straightforward enough that I could see myself making a version of it from scratch if I wanted to. The nicest part about Factor was the zero effort involved. Iâd pop a meal in the microwave for two minutes and have a complete high-protein dinner ready to go. Hitting my protein goals felt easier, and I enjoyed the refueling process far more than I usually do. It was also nice not having to think about what to make or whether I had the right ingredients on hand. And aside from eating a tasty meal without having to chop veggies or pan-fry protein, I found that eating a full meal post-workout kept me far more satisfied than chugging a shake ever did. Chewing my macros really does make a difference in how full (and satisfied) I feel hours later. Arrow Arrow What I didnât like In retrospect, I wouldâve liked to try some of the premium protein options, but I also found that playing it safe with the chicken breast was probably the best way to go. The one shredded beef dish I ordered didnât quite work for me. I like my food to taste clean, and the beef drenched in cream sauce just didnât do it for me. Itâs also worth noting that many of Factorâs meals are relatively high in sodium, often containing more than 20% of your daily value. That wasnât a deal-breaker for me because each meal made up about a third or a fourth of my total daily calories (and I like to think I need the extra electrolytes since I sweat out a lot of sodium at the gym), but itâs something to keep in mind depending on your dietary needs. The verdict Factor is very much worth trying if meal prepping for the entire week feels daunting, or if youâre tired of eating the same chicken-and-rice combo day after day. Itâs also a solid solution if you want to hit your protein goals with whole foods but donât have the time or energy to cook multiple times a day. The meals are convenient, tasty, and actually filling in a way that protein shakes and bars just arenât. And the portion sizes were just the right size to satiate me without feeling too full; though, on particularly intense training days, I did find myself snacking a bit more. That said, itâs not something Iâd order every single week. At around $13â$14 per meal without a promo code, the cost adds up, and I do enjoy cooking when I have time. But for weeks when Iâm traveling, slammed with work, or burned out on meal prep, I can easily see myself ordering a few Factor meals to keep my nutrition on track without the extra effort. Factor Shop at Factor Find the right meal delivery service for you Compare the most popular meal kit brands These are the best prepared meal delivery services If cost is your top concern, start your meal delivery service journey here
Crispy Quesadillas and More Recipes We Made This Week
Cooking Crispy Quesadillas and More Recipes We Made This Week Like a festive red cabbage salad and mini frittatas. By The Bon AppĂ©tit Staff December 19, 2025 Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon Itâs no secret that Bon AppĂ©tit editors cook a lot for work. So it should come as no surprise that we cook a lot during our off hours too. Here are the recipes weâre whipping up this month to get dinner on the table, entertain our friends, satisfy a sweet tooth, use up leftovers, and everything in between. For even more staff favorites, click here . December 19 A festive salad I first made former Test Kitchen editor Kendra Vaculinâs Festive Red Cabbage and Radicchio Salad over Thanksgiving (I firmly believe there should be salad on the table , and I donât want a boring bowl of âspring mixâ). Itâs full of bright flavors that are often lacking in rich holiday fare, with tart citrus, juicy pomegranate seeds, and bitter leaves. In addition to sliced blood orange and grapefruit in the salad, more orange juice acts as the acid in the dressingâso much more special (dare I say festive ) than the average weeknight vinaigrette. The salad has become a fixture on any winter dinner table that needs a little oomph. Sometimes I add sliced feta and crisped chickpeas for a little extra richness, and that becomes dinner. â Rebecca Firkser, Test Kitchen editor Festive Red Cabbage and Radicchio Salad This monochromatic mix of radicchio, cabbage, red onion, and cold weather citrus is bright, crunchy, and freshjust what your holiday table requires. View Recipe Make-ahead gougĂšres I make cookbook author David Lebovitzâs gougĂšres nearly every time I throw a party, but the winter holidays are really their time to shine. Theyâre easy to make ahead, pair perfectly with cocktails or bubbles, and perfume your home with the nutty scent of GruyĂšre. Per Lebovitzâs suggestion, I make and shape a large batch of the puffs and freeze them, unbaked, in a single layer. Just before folks are set to arrive, I pop them onto a sheet pan and into the oven. As people trickle in, theyâre greeted with a hot and airy cheese puff, a glass of something festive, and a calm and happy host, free to mingleâand eatâalongside her guests. â Kelsey Jane Youngman, senior service editor Roasted sweet potatoes with sesame-soy butter Itâs that time of year when I use my oven primarily to cook dinner and secondly to warm up my apartment. This means Iâm not afraid to roast a root vegetable for 40-plus minutes, like in this recipe for Baked Sweet Potatoes With Sesame-Soy Butter . Humble sweet potatoes are transformed with a savory, bittersweet condiment made with brown butter and cocoa powder (yes, cocoa powder) which tames the root vegetableâs sweetness. I made them with Japanese sweet potatoes and roasted an extra (sans the butter topping) to keep in the freezer as a gift to my future self. â Kate Kassin, editorial operations manager Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Sesame-Soy Butter The secret ingredient is a baking staple you probably already have. View Recipe Frittatas for the family In theory I made the little frittatas for my son. But somewhere along the way, I have eaten most of them myself. Riffed on from 101 Before One : six eggs, a splash of milk or half-and-half or cream, a handful of minced cooked pick-your-own-vegetable (I did frozen broccoli), a slice or two of cheese, finely chopped (I did Muenster). Bake in a greased muffin tinâyouâll get six to eight, depending on how thick you want themâat 375° for about 15 minutes, until puffed. Theyâre wholly satisfying and keep in the fridge for days. â Emma Laperruque, associate director of cooking Easygoing quesadillas These Crispy Chicken Quesadillas are easygoing. So easygoing that I made crispy bean quesadillas using the same recipe. You can swap in another melty cheese or type of pepper . Or go rogue like me and entirely change the main protein. I grabbed two cans of black beans from the pantry in place of chicken breasts, and loads of scallions stood in for the cilantro. The beans took on a rich, savory flavor from the homemade seasoning blend and played very nicely with the onions and peppers. After mashing it all up with plenty of pepper jack cheese and a few shreds of cheddar for good measure, I had dinner on the table in minutes. â K.J.Y Crispy Chicken Quesadillas Spiced chicken, charred peppers, and gooey cheesethese never-soggy quesadillas are a favorite for a reason. View Recipe December 12 Sunday morning scones I relish the ease of an all-cream scone. It can be whipped up half-asleep, perfect for a Sunday morning. Such was my mission last weekend, when we had the first snow of the year. I turned to this simple recipe and made a couple of tweaksâswapped in some buckwheat (40 grams) and cut the dough into six big triangles (instead of the 12 called for). Trader Joeâs 72% cacao chips excelled here. The scones were crusty and plush, with deep pockets of gooey chocolate. â Emma Laperruque, associate director of cooking Warming soup for a cold week One of the greatest gifts you can give your future self is a bag full of chicken bones. Iâve made a habit of stashing the carcass in the freezer any time I roast a chicken, and after making two birds for Friendsgiving a couple weeks ago, I did just that. This week I combined the frozen bones with some celery, onion, and carrots, made a big batch of stock, and used that to riff on Rick Martinezâs Lemony Chicken and Rice Soup (Avgolemono) . I purĂ©ed some of the cooked veg in with the stock, one of my favorite hacks for adding bonus body and flavor to a broth. Bright and warming, it was the perfect thing for a rainy week. â Alaina Chou, commerce writer Lemony Chicken and Rice Soup (Avgolemono) Itâll take a couple of hours to make the homemade broth and cook a whole chicken (your house will smell amazing) for this soup recipe. If youâve had a long day, use 2 quarts store-bought broth and shredded meat from a rotisserie chicken. Whatever method you choose, use the chicken breasts to make this amazing salad with crispy rice. Check out step-by-step photos here. View Recipe A bean salad that gets better with time Iâm fed up with salads that wilt the moment you dress them. I want ones thatâll last and even get better with time . In pursuit of some new staples, I tried out this Miso Edamame DBS (dense bean salad) from creator Violet Witchelâs Substack. You just chop up Persian cucs, scallions, red onion, herbs, and green cabbage (I used a fancy cone-headed one because thatâs all my food coop had). Throw in a can of white beans, a bag of thawed edamame, and a vinegary miso dressing. This dressing acts like a marinade, imbuing the salad with savory oomph. And it tasted even better four days later. â Nina Moskowitz, associate editor, cooking Gochujang-butter-braised tofu This week I found myself hopping from holiday party to holiday party. When I finally had a moment to pause, I found a new comfort meal: senior test kitchen editor Shilpa Uskokovicâs Gochujang-Butter-Braised Tofu , which features spongy slices of tofu in a tangy, savory sauce soothed by a few pats of butter. It comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering a warm umami-packed bowl thatâll fuel you until the next winter festivity. âJaia Clingham-David, research fellow Gochujang-Butter-Braised Tofu This deeply savory main is so easy and lightning fast, it gets dinner on the table in less than the time it takes to make rice. View Recipe December 5 Just-keeps-getting-better lentil salad Sarah Jampel is a genius. If youâve had the pleasure of baking her iconic No-Knead Focaccia , then you know. The Jampel-made recipe of the moment for me is her aptly named Just-Keeps-Getting-Better Lentil Salad . In it she combines kale with warm French lentils, which absorb the dressing as they cool. From there, infuse olive oil with crushed garlic, long strips of lemon peel, and chopped scallions. Eventually, cumin seeds and crushed red pepper flakes are added to the mix, which further round out the flavor. The result is a deeply savory, aromatic salad (that surely does keep getting better). â Carly Westerfield, associate manager, audience strategy Just-Keeps-Getting-Better Lentil Salad Hereâs the answer to your question: âWhat can I make on Sunday night that will taste great for my desk lunch on Wednesday?â View Recipe Wipe-the-plate-clean butter paneer This week Bon AppĂ©tit âs best new cookbooks of the year went liveâa project I had been working on for months. Alongside the meaningful blurbs from staff and contributors, we published a collection of recipes from the cookbooks featured. I had been eyeing this Baked Butter Paneer ever since dog-earring it in Meera Sodhaâs Dinner , and this week I finally got around to making it. Cubes of salty paneer get coated in Greek yogurt, aromatics, and lemon juice before theyâre scorched in the oven. Then, canned tomatoes along with spices like Kashmiri chile powder and garam masala join the paneer and form the base of a robust sauce. Finishing with a good amount of heavy cream, kasoori methi, and a knob of butter makes for a creamy curry; I scooped every last bit up with warm garlic naan (the plate was sparkly clean). â Nina Moskowitz, associate editor, cooking Endlessly comforting brussels sprout pasta As darkness in the Northeast falls at 4 p.m. and the constant chill in the air becomes unbearable, the only thing I want to eat is pasta. My latest go-to is former BA staffer Kendra Vaculinâs super simple and endlessly comforting Brussels Sprout Pasta . I had the joy of eating the pasta months back when Kendra started development (which was during the warmer summer months), and looked forward to making it once winter came around. Now that the cold weather is here, I can attest to the pastaâs ability to make even the darkest nights feel just a touch cozier. The buttery walnuts combined with tender-yet-slightly-crisp brussels sprouts and little nubbins
Is EveryPlate Worth It? How the Meal Kit's Cost Compares to Grocery Shopping
Shopping Is EveryPlate Worth It? Hereâs How the Meal Kitâs Cost Compares to Grocery Shopping But as a new mom, the math only tells part of the story. By Erin Bunch December 18, 2025 Before I became a mother a year and half ago, mealtime mostly meant assembling âgirl dinnersâ or overspending on Postmates. As a result, I was unprepared for the sheer logistical load of feeding a family every day: the planning, the shopping, the cooking, the cleaning. Itâs a lot. And because I came into motherhood with so little kitchen experience, my learning curve has been expensive. Trying new, often overly ambitious recipes my son wonât eatâand, therefore, Iâll never make againâmeans wasted food, time, and energy, all of which ultimately amount to lighting cash (and my sanity) on fire. So when I learned about EveryPlate, the meal kit marketed as the most affordable on the market, I was intrigued. The premise is appealing: $6.99-per-serving meals that are straightforward and simple to prepare. But I was also skeptical. Could any meal kit actually be cheaper than shopping for groceries the old-fashioned way? I decided to find out. Chevron Chevron EveryPlate Shop at EveryPlate My experience with EveryPlate When you sign up for EveryPlate, itâs immediately clear that this is a meal kit built for cost control, not culinary theater. Recipes are familiar, streamlined, and built from a small number of components, which helps keep prices lower than most competitors. EveryPlateâs meals start at just under $7 per servingâlower than the typical price range for many other meal kits, which often land closer to $8â$12 per serving. The weekly menu offers roughly 30 rotating options that sit squarely in weeknight-dinner territory: chicken and vegetables, pastas, skillet meals, burgers, and stir-fries. Steak and seafood do appear on the menu, but usually come with a small upcharge. And while some vegetarian meals are available each week, the service isnât designed to cater to specific diets; there are no keto, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-tailored plans. That said, thereâs some flexibility: You can swap sides (for example, potatoes for green beans) in your chosen meals and sometimes proteins too. After placing my order, the box arrived with preportioned ingredients and printed recipe cards. Ingredients arenât bundled by meal but rather thrown into the box unsorted, which requires a bit of organizing before you start prepping but results in significantly less packaging waste. Another way EveryPlate keeps costs down is by assuming you have basic kitchen staples on handâlike oil, butter, salt, pepper, and the occasional egg or splash of milkâso those ingredients are not included in your delivery. To see if EveryPlate is, in fact, less expensive than ingredient shopping, I ordered three meals from the brand (each meant to serve four people) and then shopped the same recipes at my local Ralphâs to compare costs. For each meal, I tracked what it would cost to buy every ingredient new as well as what Iâd actually spend accounting for pantry staples I already owned, like honey or chicken stock. Quick note on shipping: EveryPlate charges a flat $10.99 weekly shipping fee, regardless of how many meals you order. I chose the minimumâthree meals per weekâwhich means the per recipe shipping cost was relatively high at $3.67. If you order more meals in a single delivery, that cost drops meaningfully on a per meal basis. Arrow Arrow Recipe 1: Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Ingredients 3 Tbsp. sour cream, 24 oz. potatoes, 24 oz. carrots, 4 tsp. honey, 4 cloves garlic, Âœ cup panko breadcrumbs, Âœ oz. Frankâs Seasoning Blend, 20 oz. chicken cutlets, 3 oz. buttermilk ranch dressing Cost comparison EveryPlate Grocery Store (All Items Purchased) Grocery Store (Using Already-Owned Pantry Staples) Meal price (4 servings) $27.96 $47.94 $30.38 Shipping $3.67 per recipe $0 $0 Total cost per serving $7.91 $11.99 $7.60 Here, the grocery store price tag came in significantly higher than what I paid for EveryPlate, largely because I had to purchase several full-size itemsâlike a jar of honeyâdespite only needing small amounts for the recipe. Removing the cost of items I already had on hand (garlic, ranch dressing, honey, and breadcrumbs) dropped my grocery store total to $30.38, or $7.60 per serving, which is actually slightly lower than EveryPlate once you factor in shipping. Experience This recipe was refreshingly manageableâa relief after my last meal kit, which involved what felt like a thousand steps and was impossible to pull off with a toddler underfoot. Some prep was involved, but the ingredients list was short enough that I got through peeling and dicing without a meltdown (from me or my son). The preportioned ingredient packets also helped speed things along as they eliminated the need for measuring. Thanks to recipe cards that break the creation of each dish into six clearly labeled steps with photos, cooking was equally straightforward. This was essentially a sheet-pan meal: The chicken and carrots roasted together, which I appreciated because it allowed me to âset it and forget it.â The mashed potatoes required a bit more effort, but that had more to do with the nature of potato mashing than the recipeâs complexity. Flavor-wise, this meal was a hit. It didnât reinvent the wheelâthis was basically an upgraded chicken tender nightâbut it did check all the right boxes for a weeknight dinner: It was filling, balanced, toddler-friendly (I left his portion unseasoned), and low-lift. We ordered four servings for our family of three and easily finished about 75% of the meal (my toddler eats like a fully grown adult), so it also felt well-portioned. Cleanup was breezy, as the recipe required use of just a few dishesâa sheet pan, a pot, one mixing bowl for the sauce, a plate for breading, and our usual dinnerware. This made me happy because kitchen cleanup is my final chore of the day, and if too many dirty pots and pans stand between me and a new episode of Real Housewives, I immediately resent the recipe and mentally blacklist it. This one passed the test. Ultimately, this first meal validated EveryPlateâs core promise: simple, satisfying food that comes together quickly and can cost less than shopping for the same ingredients yourselfâespecially when you factor in the value of time saved in meal planning and grocery shopping. Recipe 2: Maple Pecan Chicken Ingredients 16 oz. brussels sprouts, 1 oz. pecans, 4 sweet potatoes, 4 Tbsp. maple syrup; 20 oz. chicken cutlets, 4 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 packets chicken stock concentrate Cost comparison EveryPlate Grocery Store (All Items Purchased) Grocery Store (Using Already-Owned Pantry Staples) Meal price (4 servings) $27.96 $47.42 $33.44 Shipping $3.67 per recipe $0 $0 Total cost per serving $7.91 $11.86 $8.36 As with the first recipe, the grocery store version of this dish came out more expensive, though adjusting for pantry staples I already owned (maple syrup and chicken stock) brought it closer to EveryPlateâs price. Experience This recipe was remarkably similar in prep to the Buffalo chicken: brussels sprouts needed to be washed, trimmed, and halved; potatoes needed to be diced; and pecans needed to be chopped. When it came to cooking, the main difference was that the chicken was pan-seared rather than roasted, and the maple-pecan glaze also needed to be tended to on the stovetop. This added a few extra steps my toddler could attempt to sabotage, but it still wasnât difficult. Flavor-wise, this dish surprised me. Like the first recipe, it wasnât trying to be dinner party impressive, but the maple-pecan glaze genuinely elevated the meal, and it was something I wouldnât have thought to make on my own. The brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potatoes were simple yet satisfying. If the first recipe validated EveryPlateâs promise, this one reinforced it. The meal was straightforward, flavorful, and cost-effective compared to grocery shopping. Recipe 3: Dijon Butter Steak with Roasted Asparagus & Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Ingredients 24 oz. potatoes, ÂŒ oz rosemary, 2 shallots, 12 oz. asparagus, 20 oz. ranch steak, 2 tsp. Dijon mustard Cost comparison EveryPlate Grocery Store (All Items Purchased) Grocery Store (Using Already-Owned Pantry Staples) Meal price (4 servings) $32.95 (includes steak upcharge) $32.81 $28.03 Shipping $3.67 per recipe $0 $0 Total cost per serving $9.16 $8.20 $7.01 This meal was an outlier among the three in that it was more expensive through EveryPlate than it was in the grocery store. With a steak upcharge, EveryPlate cost $9.16 per serving, while grocery shopping came in at $8.20âor just $7.01 per serving once I removed pantry staples I already owned. The takeaway: EveryPlateâs cost advantage holds strongest when you skip the premium proteins. Experience I could have prepared this meal in my sleepâthe workflow was nearly identical to the first two recipes. That said, the meal itself wasnât a carbon copy of the first two. The rosemary mashed potatoes were actually my favorite of the three versions, and Iâd finally perfected the texture, which felt like a small win. The steak, however, was underwhelming, and the meal as a whole was a bit forgettable, especially as the third in a lineup of similar meals. This dish highlighted EveryPlateâs strengths and limitations. The recipeâs simplicity makes cooking predictable and low-lift, which is valuable on hectic weeknights. But the protein-and-sides format can feel redundant. And while some of this repetition was on meâI accidentally ordered three meals with mashed potatoesâit also reflects EveryPlateâs intentionally streamlined approach. The verdict: Is EveryPlate worth it? So, is EveryPlate actually cheaper than grocery shopping? Yesâwith asterisks. When I priced out what it would cost to buy every ingredient new, two of the three meals were meaningfully cheaper through EveryPlate than at the grocery store. Once I accounted for what I already had on hand, howev
Pasta Carbonara With Pancetta
Recipes Pasta Carbonara With Pancetta By InĂ©s Anguiano December 18, 2025 5.0 ( 1 ) Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Prop Styling by Christine Keely Arrow Jump To Recipe Print Thereâs no debating pasta carbonaraâs standing in the pantheon of Italian pasta recipes . A Roman classic, its glossy sauce is built from eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepperâno cream required. This version relies on egg yolks, finely grated Parmesan cheese, rendered pancetta fat, and starchy pasta waterânothing more. As the pancetta cooks, its savory, aromatic drippings become the backbone of the dish, while a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper keeps the richness in check. The key is timing. The eggs and cheese are whisked together off heat, then gently tossed with hot pasta until silky and emulsified, never scrambled. Traditionalists can swap pancetta for guanciale or Parmesan for Pecorino Romano, but the result remains the same: a spare but luxurious, deeply satisfying pasta carbonara thatâs ready in about 25 minutes. Tips & FAQs for the best pasta carbonara How do you keep pasta carbonara from scrambling? Use low heat and constant motion. Temper the eggs with warm pasta water, then toss everything together just until the sauce turns glossy. What pasta shape works best? We like big tubes of mezze rigatoni, but you could use conchiglie (shell-shaped pasta), cavatappi (spiraled pasta tubes), pipe rigate (snail-shell pasta), or any medium shape that traps the sauce and catches bits of pancetta. Want to use long pasta? Look to this recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara . Is cream traditional in pasta carbonara? No. Carbonaraâs richness comes from the emulsification of eggs, cheese, pork fat, and pasta waterânot cream. Pancetta vs. guanciale: Guanciale is the traditional choice for carbonara and has a richer, spicier flavor, but milder pancetta is widely used, easier to find in American grocery stores, and works beautifully. You can also use thick-cut American bacon, but note the flavor will be quite different, as these Italian cured pork products are not smoked. Want a version without pork? Try mushroom carbonara . Why so much black pepper? Carbonara is sometimes called â cacio e pepe with porkâ for a reason; the pepper cuts through the richness and ties everything together. Can you make carbonara ahead? Not really. Carbonara is at its best the moment itâs finished. What youâll need Chevron Chevron Barilla Al Bronzo Mezze Rigatoni $4 At Amazon Pancetta Americana, 4-oz. (diced) $10 At La Quercia Mitica Parmigiano Reggiano, 24-Month (per pound) $24 At Amazon How to Buy the Right Pasta for Any Recipe Recipe notes Back to top Triangle
How to Throw a Retro Fondue Party at Home
Shopping Party Like Itâs 1969: How to Throw a Fondue FĂȘte at Home The throwback dish is the perfect cozy dish for stress-free winter entertaining. By Callie Sumlin December 18, 2025 Every year when the leaves fall from the trees and the weather turns crisp, I haul my fondue pot out from the back of my kitchen cabinet, purchase a borderline obscene amount of Alpine cheese, and prepare to host one of my favorite gatherings of the year: a fondue party. Fondue parties are comforting and convivial, the perfect way to embrace the itâs-dark-by-5 p.m. season with soft lighting, cozy vibes, and a bubbling communal pot of cheese at the center of it all. The Swiss have been dipping bread in molten dairy for centuries, and the fondue entertaining craze of the 1960s and 1970s has, at least in the US, given the dish a bit of a retro reputation. It may seem a bit intimidating to pull off, but the truth is that a fondue-focused gathering is a hostâs dream. Hear me out: You can prep almost everything in advance. All of that swirling and dipping action at the table is more interactive than a typical seated dinner, encouraging easy conversation, even amongst strangers. And each guest gets to choose their own adventure, taking the guesswork out of accommodating various food preferences and appetites. While the actual cooking involved for fondue night is minimal, getting a proper setup and the right accessories is key to creating the vintage ski lodge vibe your fondue party deserves. After delving into a few midcentury entertaining manuals, Iâve found the best hosting and decor tips to pull one off. Cue up the disco playlist and get ready for your new cold-weather ritual with the guide below. Fondue must-haves Fondue Pot This is the (literal) central component of the fondue experience, so itâs worth putting some thought into. Whether you go with an electric pot (something that plugs into the outlet) or a traditional, externally fueled option is a matter of personal preference. Consider where you plan to host your fondue party. If itâs somewhere with no easily accessible outlets, go for the traditional pot. The downside? The non-electric options require you to either purchase and stock an alternative fuel source (typically gel fuel) or keep the pot on the stovetop. If you plan to host more than six people, consider putting out multiple fondue pots. Cuisinart Fondue Pot $100 Amazon An adjustable temperature control knob holds cheese fondue or dipping broth at the ideal temperature for hours with no risk of scorching. This stainless steel pot can also be used to hold other items for entertaining â hot apple cider or mulled wine, queso for game day, chili, etc. All-Clad 13 Piece Fondue Set $270 All-Clad With a $270 price tag, this elegant set is an investment piece. Itâs incredibly durable, easy to clean, and oven-safe. The slotted rim makes a convenient holder for fondue forks. Fondue forks Most fondue pots (including our recommendations above) come with long, slender fondue forks, but itâs always a good idea to have extras on-hand for extra guests or double-dipping scenarios. To lend a bit of vintage flair to the table, you can always pop over to Etsy or Ebay to find charming, wood-handled, rainbow-hued fondue forks at affordable prices. The two-tined forks are generally best for spearing meat, while the three- and four-tined options are better for breads, vegetables, and desserts. Ebay Vintage Color Coded Wooden & SS Fondue Forks $24 Ebay Plates According to Gourmet Internationalâs 1969 tome Fondue: The Fine Art of Fondue, Chinese Wok and Chafing Dish Cooking , sectioned-off fondue plates are ideal to âplease the young hostess with a flair.â Translation: All the cool fondue parties have fondue plates, which sort of resemble kidsâ plates with different sections to keep foods and sauces separated. While fondue manuals like 1968âs Fondue Cook-In suggest serving smoked ham or sausage alongside the fondue, I personally prefer a zippy green salad to balance all the richness. Kaito Rectangle Stoneware Bento Plate $30 Crate & Barrel For a chic, modern spin on the theme, we like a bento plate. While itâs still a bit of a niche purchase, youâll want to haul this rectangular stoneware bento plate out for snacky girl dinners on the regular. Hawkins New York Essential Dinnerware, 16 Piece Set $258 Hawkins New York If specific plates for a fondue party seem a bit much, you can still bring some throwback plateware to the fondue function with this terracotta-hued set. The expansive flat surface offers plenty of room for various dippers and resting forks. Even without dividers, these plates are large enough to accommodate salad and fondue. Platters The majority of prep work for a fondue party involves assembling various items for dipping: cubed bread, sliced vegetables, boiled baby potatoes, cut fruit, etc. A platter to transport all of these ingredients is essential. Pro tip: If youâre prepping fruits for chocolate fondue dipping (strawberries, melon, pineapple, peaches, orange sections, etc.) dry them on a paper towel before placing on your platter to ensure that the chocolate will adhere. World Market Round Colored Glass Serving Board $25 $17 (32% off) World Market Available in lavender or mint green, this stylish glass serving platter has a handle for easy passing around the table. When itâs not fondue night, it doubles as a pretty platter for a charcuterie spread. Yinka Ilori Oorun Didun Ceramic Serving Platter $89 MoMA While colorful sliced vegetables and fruits and cubed bread are traditional cheese fondue dippers, cornichons and pickled pearl onions are some of my favorite ways to bring much-needed acidity to the rich dish. Whatever your dipper of choice, it will look better on the table with this fluted-edged, brightly colored platter as the backdrop. at home Copper Oval Serving Tray, Large $20 at home Most entertaining guides in the â60s and â70s feature metal servingware. For a nod to the past, opt for this chic copper-finished tray. The handles make it easy to carry. Williams Sonoma Nito Bread Basket $35 Williams Sonoma Woven accents and natural fibers were another big design trend of the era, so including something like this nito fern basket for holding bread cubes or a whole rustic loaf will no doubt add to the retro ambiance. Setting the table Napkins Textile trends in the late â60s and early â70s were dominated by earth tonesâwith a particular emphasis on mustard yellow, avocado green, and burnt orange. Geometric patterns, florals, and paisley were popular as well. Etsy Vintage 70s Vera Neumann Orange Yellow Fabric Dinner Napkins $38 Etsy You can hunt for vintage picks on Etsy from popular designers of the era like Vera Neumann, but itâs pretty easy to find contemporary riffs on the look as well. Urban Outfitters Tortuga Forma Double Sided Dinner Napkin Set $88 Urban Outfitter These 100% cotton cocktail napkins have shifting, psychedelic patterns and a rich color palette that hides stains well. Tablecloth When youâre selecting a tablecloth for a fondue party, pick something thatâs easy to clean; melty cheese generally results in an above-average amount of spills and splatters. Marimekko Tiiliskivi Cloth $204 $154 (25% off) Nordic Nest Machine-washable organic cotton in a mustard yellow color and mid-century printâwhatâs not to love? Serena & Lily Seersucker Tablecloth $128 $89 (30% off) Serena & Lily Puckered seersucker tablecloths were a popular pick in the â70s since they didnât require ironingâone less thing to worry about before guests arrive. Glassware With all of the back and forth table movement of dipping and reaching, short-stemmed or stemless glasses are the move to avoid tipped and/or broken wine glasses. AllModern Orland 4 Piece Glass Glassware Set $55 AllModern These mini glass goblets in an array of jewel tones are perfect for pours of kirsch (cherry brandy; a typical fondue accompaniment), a crisp white wine, or a pour of dry cider. TOSSWARE 16 oz Stemless Wine Glasses $28 $22 (21% off) Amazon For extra protection against broken glass, these stemless wine glasses are made with copolyester, a shatterproof, ultra-durable material. The amber color has an earthy vintage note, but these are also available in mixed colors. Lighting Your goal: Cultivate a warm, vaguely Scandinavian ski-cabin vibe. The big light is most definitely not invited to this fondue party. Balmuda The Lantern $154 Balmuda For warm, portable lighting sans flame, Iâm obsessed with this adjustable lantern, which brings a soft golden-hour glow indoors or out and is clean and modern yet still folksy. It may not be quite true to the era, but it has a real practical value add: No one has to worry about dragging their sleeve over a live flame as they reach for the fondue pot. CB2 Coco Smoked Amber Glass Tealight Candle Holder $15 $12 (20% off) CB2 Low-profile tea light holders like these (that double as vases) are good because they shield the candleâs flame from any wayward bell sleeves. Nordtrice Candles 5-pack Taper Candles Summer Marble $27 Nordtrice Bold, colorful swirls bring the swingin' '60s to your table. Read more shopping stories on Bon AppĂ©tit The Best Coffee Mugs, According to Our Opinionated Editors Baking Slab Has Brought Some Much Needed Crunch Into My Life The Snacks We Couldn't Stop Eating in November