Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 springs fresh oregano, leaves removed and chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon red chile pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1-1/2 ounces elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
• 3 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine
• 2 ounces soda water
• Lime slices

While my spouse is generally understanding, I’ve still spent time trying to find a solution. Enter: Big Blanket. This monstrosity is impressively massive, meaning there’s plenty of blanket to go around. Here’s my honest review of the Original Stretch Blanket after two years of testing.

We Tried It

Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket

With a 10x10-foot size, Big Blanket offers plenty of cozy warmth for everyone on the couch.

Shop on Big Blanket Co.

$179 at Amazon

What Is the Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket?

The Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket is one of the largest blankets on the market: It measures a whopping 10 by 10 feet! (For reference, a standard king-size blanket is about 100 by 108 inches, or about 8.3 by 9 feet.) This over-the-top size makes it perfect for sharing with multiple people.

Each blanket is made of a temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, OEKO-TEX-certified fabric that’s ideal for most seasons. It’s highly durable and even suitable for your four-legged friends without the fear of pilling or snagging. Even crazier? It fits in standard-size washing machines, so there’s no need to make a special trip to the laundromat.

Each blanket also comes with a 100-night sleep guarantee.

How We Tested It

I’ve been using the Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket in forest green since August 2023. It’s a mainstay on our modular sectional for movie nights, lounging and napping.

Packaging and Delivery

My original stretch blanket arrived in a nice box, tucked inside a drawstring pouch. This pouch is made of the same material as the blanket and is a really handy add-on if you want to store it off-season.

Right away, I was drawn to the moody green hue that, in my opinion, goes with any season. The fabric was soft-to-the touch with a velvety feel. True to its name, the blanket does also feel slightly stretchy, thanks to the 93% polyester and 7% spandex blend.

Now, this blanket is hefty. Obviously, any square of 10-by-10-foot fabric is going to have some weight to it, but it was surprisingly difficult to move around once out of the packaging. Keep this in mind if you’re shopping for an older adult or someone with limited mobility.

Lounging

Next, I got to work (or, should I say, rest!) testing the blanket. I plopped it on the couch and spent the next several weeks using it while binging Netflix, reading, working from home and napping.

The Big Blanket does a great job keeping my temperature regulated. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, but just right. It also provides a calm, soothing, almost weighted blanket effect when I was using it by myself.

But, for the true test, I shared the blanket with my husband. While watching a two-hour movie on the couch, we were both able to be bundled up to our preferred comfort level—with plenty of blanket to spare. Night after night, I would pull, tug and grab at my share without disturbing him. This blanket hog had met her match! Even when we hosted my family a few nights later, there was still plenty of blanket to go around for everyone on the couch.

I also tested the Big Blanket on our bed. And while it was plenty warm and large enough to share, it got bunched up in the middle of the night as we’re chronic tossers and turners. I also found that wrangling it over my comforter was a full-body workout I didn’t wish to repeat each morning.

Care and Cleaning

After weeks of use, it was time to clean this thing! I consulted the brand’s care guide, which clearly states: “All Big Blankets fit in a standard-size washing machine, guaranteed.”

I was skeptical, but tossed it in my front-loading machine on a cold cycle with gentle detergent. While my machine vibrated a little bit more than usual during its spin cycle, the Big Blanket washed up no problem.

I tossed it in the dryer on a low setting to finish cleaning. It took a few cycles, but washing the Big Blanket was surprisingly painless.

Long-Term Updates

I’ve continued to use the Big Blanket as part of my near-daily routine for over two years. In that time, I’ve noticed no fraying, fading, pilling, wrinkling or tearing. It still looks brand new.

Now, granted, I don’t have kids or pets, so the wear-and-tear is likely more minimal than other families, but I’m still impressed. Almost every other blanket I’ve owned has shown some signs of use after multiple trips through the washer and dryer.

My only critique is that it’s tricky to arrange nicely on the couch. When we’re having company, I like to fold up any blankets, and the Big Blanket is too large for me to wrangle by myself. Plus, it’s heavy! I usually just plop it in a corner of the couch and cover it with a throw pillow, but if you’re particular about everyday aesthetics, this may not be the blanket for you.

Pros

• Massive 10×10-foot size is big enough for the whole family
• Soft and stretchy fabric
• Mid-weight material suitable for most seasons
• Fits into a standard washing machine
• 25+ color and pattern options
• Comes with a storage bag
• Holds up to 2+ years of consistent use

Cons

• Large size makes it tricky to fold
• May by too heavy for some users
• Hard to drape nicely over furniture

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

My family isn’t the only one smitten with Big Blanket Co.’s Original Stretch Blanket. It earns a solid 4.9 stars on the brand’s website and 4.8 stars on Amazon.

“I love blankets, I have a ton of them, and this is by far my favorite blanket I own,” says 5-star Amazon purchaser, Juno. “The quality is unmatched. I went with a simple black with white dots design, but there are multiple other designs to choose from. It’s a super soft cotton design, doesn’t shed, no lint, and washes/cleans easily. I like to fold mine in half for extra warmth on those cold winter nights. Big enough to share with multiple other people, too, for couch co-op, movie nights, etc. Functions exactly as intended.”

Verified buyer Nicholas W. explains that Big Blanket Co. is a good option for pet parents. “This blanket is soft, cozy and the best ever. We use it with our 2 dogs, who are blanket hogs, and we still have so much room. Our favorite blanket ever.”

It’s also helpful for anyone who runs hot. “I am a hot sleeper and this blanket kept popping up on my suggestions,” says verified buyer April C. “I bit the bullet last December and have slept with it EVERY night since. 100/10 best blanket I’ve ever owned.”

While most reviewers sing the stretch blanket’s praises, others warn that it’s heavy to move, thinner than they expected or has an inconsistent print. Older reviews also mention seams running through the blanket, but this problem was solved with a redesign in 2021.

Final Verdict

After two years of near-daily use, I can’t sing the Big Blanket’s praises enough. It’s everything my spouse and I were looking for in a couch blanket: soft, snuggly, easy to wash and absolutely massive. It more than covers both of us, with plenty of room to spare. When we have guests over, it’s big enough for them, too! I love the all-season fabric and slightly weighted feel. The only real con is that it tends to lull us to sleep!

Where to Buy a Big Blanket

We Tried It

Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket

Bye-bye, blanket hogs! This soft, stretchy blanket measures a whopping 10x10-feet!

Shop on Big Blanket Co.

$179 at Amazon

Ready to take movie nights to the next level? Pick up a Big Blanket Co. original stretch blanket on Amazon or the brand’s website. The 10×10-foot size I tested retails for $179. The 8×8-foot size costs $149.

FAQ

Is Big Blanket Co. legit?

Yes! Big Blanket Co. is our favorite option for ridiculously oversized blankets that hold up to consistent wear and tear. While we have primarily tried the original stretch blanket, the brand also makes plush, sherpa, faux fur, outdoor and weighted blankets, among others.

How do you wash a Big Blanket Co. blanket?

Despite its size, the Big Blanket is machine-washable. I’ve tossed mine in a standard front-load washing machine with zero issues. Use a mild detergent and cold water, then tumble dry on a low temperature. It may take multiple cycles to fully dry, FYI.

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at Taste of Home, we’re on a quest to discover the best blankets on the market. To date, we’ve tested over 50 options across a variety of categories, including weighted and faux fur picks. We’ve tried all the top brands, including Cozy Earth, Lola Blankets, Quince, Barefoot Dreams and more. Our editors have spent countless hours snuggling, napping and hosting movie nights. (Tough job, I know.)

Lead tester for this piece, Katie Bandurski, has nearly a decade of editorial experience. She’s reviewed hundreds of products in the home and kitchen space, including weighted stuffed animals, cooling blankets and pajamas for women.

The post Big Blanket Review: After Two Years of Testing, This Massive Blanket Is My Go-To for Movie Nights appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 24 miniature marshmallows
• 24 small fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 large banana, cut into 24 slices
• 24 large green grapes
• 24 wooden skewers or long toothpicks

Ingredients

• COOKIE CRUMBLE:
• 1 cup gingersnap cookies
• 1 cup cream-filled vanilla sandwich cookies, cream removed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• CHEESECAKE FILLING:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Dash salt
• 2 tablespoons instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
• 2 tablespoons cold whole milk
• WHIPPED TOPPING:
• 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ingredients

• SAUCE:
• 3 tablespoons ponzu soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• SPRING ROLLS:
• 1/3 pound sushi grade salmon, cut into 1/2-in. pieces
• 1/3 pound sushi grade ahi tuna, cut into 1/2-in. pieces
• 3/4 cup shelled edamame
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds, to taste
• 6 rice papers (8 inches)
• 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
• 1 to 2 medium ripe avocadoes, peeled and sliced
• 1/3 cup pickled carrot and daikon

So then, what’s next? Here it is: As summer comes to a close, the Golden Arches has given us Special Edition Gold Sauce.

What is the new McDonald’s Gold sauce?

This new limited edition sauce is a vinegary North Carolina barbecue sauce infused with notes of honey, mustard and smoke. McDonald’s deems it the “perfect pair” to their delicious chicken, and once I read that, I absolutely knew I had to try it for myself.

What does McDonald’s Gold sauce taste like?

If you’re a fan of the classic McDonald’s barbecue sauce, you’ll no doubt be a fan of this one too. The Gold sauce tasted pretty close to what I was expecting: a hybrid mix of barbecue and honey mustard. You can absolutely taste the smokiness, but it doesn’t hinder the flavor profile too much, like smoke often can. I’m not a huge fan of artificial smoke flavor, so I was pleasantly surprised. It tasted like a barbecue sauce that would be incredible on a pulled pork sandwich. But how does it pair with McDonald’s chicken?

I’m a lifelong advocate of the Snack Wrap, so you can bet that I’d order the Special Edition Gold Snack Wrap. It looked like any other Snack Wrap, but with an extra ooze of muted orange-gold sauce peeking out. I braced myself as I took my first bite. Part of me was scared that the sauce would ruin my favorite McDonald’s menu item, but I was thankfully proven otherwise. It definitely tastes more like a honey mustard sauce when mixed with the chicken, but I’m still a big fan. It was a welcome addition to the Snack Wrap, and I found myself finishing it quickly and immediately wanting another. The Gold sauce is savory with a sweet undercurrent—the best of both worlds!

How long will the new McDonald’s Gold sauce be available?

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy Special Edition Gold sauce, McDonald’s is also offering a few different menu items that feature it, like the Bacon Special Edition Gold McCrispy Sandwich with bacon, pickles and chicken on a potato roll; the Bacon Special Edition Gold Deluxe McCrispy Sandwich with bacon, shredded lettuce, tomatoes on a potato roll; and McCrispy Strips with the Special Edition Gold Sauce on the side.

McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce is available now for a limited time while supplies last. Since we’re not sure how long that will be, there’s no time to waste. Grab yours before it’s golden, golden … gone!

Related:

• We Ordered All 8 McDonald’s Sauces to Find the Best One
• McDonald’s Is Lowering Prices on Key Menu Items—Here’s When the Changes Take Effect
• McDonald’s Launched a New Happy Meal Just in Time for Back-to-School

The post I Tried the New McDonald’s Gold Sauce and It Tastes Like Sweet, Smoky Heaven appeared first on Taste of Home.

McDonald’s menu prices have been a point of scrutiny in many conversations about the state of the economy. In 2002, Mcdonald’s debuted its Dollar Menu. Customers could select various menu items for, you guessed it, $1 plus tax. But in 2014, prices rose, and they changed the name to the “Dollar Menu & More.” In 2024, a photo of a McDonald’s menu went viral on social media—because a Big Mac meal cost $18. And in January of this year, McDonald’s even got rid of the Dollar Menu concept completely, replacing it with the McValue Menu.

Now McDonald’s is making a move to address high menu prices. It begins this month with the introduction of the Extra Value Meal, and will continue with additional rollouts through the end of 2025. Here’s everything we know so far.

When will McDonald’s menu prices be changed?

Beginning on September 8, McDonald’s will roll out new, lower menu prices for select combo meals (which it’s calling “Extra Value Meals”). According to the Wall Street Journal, McDonald’s will slash prices on eight of the most popular combo meals, including:

• Big Mac meal
• Chicken McNuggets meal
• McCrispy meal
• Quarter Pounder With Cheese meal
• Egg McMuffin meal

To promote the new lower price points, the restaurant will also offer $5 Sausage Egg McMuffin meals and $8 Big Mac meals. Then in November, they’ll offer Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddles for $5 and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meals for $8.

How long will the McDonald’s menu prices stay at this price point?

The McDonald’s corporation has communicated to its franchises that the lowered menu prices must remain in effect until at least the new year. Part of the reason why there’s such a big disparity between prices at different McDonald’s locations is that each franchisee sets its own rates. But in order to curb this practice and make the selected menu items affordable, McDonald’s has agreed to subsidize any franchise that loses money as a result of the price drop. It’s basically McDonald’s way of making sure that all of its locations agree to offer the same price discounts.

We’ll have to wait and see whether McDonald’s new menu prices sway customers to return, or whether customers will choose somewhere else that’s more affordable. The question of affordability is certainly top of mind for almost everyone right now, and it will be interesting to see if other fast food chains follow McDonald’s lead.

Related:

• I Tried the New McDonald’s Spicy McMuffin and, Yes, It’s Actually Spicy
• I Tried the Mt. McDonaldland Shake to Figure Out the Mystery Flavor
• Noodles & Company Just Made a Huge Change to Its Menu for the First Time in 30 Years

The post McDonald’s Is Lowering Prices on Key Menu Items—Here’s When The Changes Take Effect appeared first on Taste of Home.

That’s why when I learned about reusable paper towels—also called paperless towels—I had to give them a try. To see if it’s possible to eliminate paper towels completely, I put away my trusted throwaway cloths and tried these reusable paper towels from Grove Co. for a week. Here’s my experience.

Reusable Paper Towels

These reusable paper towels are cute and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper towels.

Shop on Grove Co.

What are reusable paper towels?

Reusable paper towels are made from various materials, with cotton being the most common. The reusable paper towels I tried from Grove Co. are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton flannel, so they’re super soft and absorbent. They also use zero plastic packaging, making them an eco-friendly option through and through.

One thing I love about these unpaper towels is that they come on a thick, reusable “roll,” which is compatible with most paper towel holders. This feature is especially useful for folks who want to make the switch to paperless towels, but still crave that grab-and-go convenience. The best part is that they wash up easily with the rest of your laundry, making them ready for reuse in no time.

How We Tested Reusable Paper Towels

To test these earth-friendly cleaning cloths, I acquired two rolls of reusable paper towels in both the “Farmers Market” and “Wave” prints. My first thought upon seeing them was how much cuter they are than regular old white paper towels! The Wave print is a soothing blue and white print, while the Farmers Market print (my personal favorite) features fruits and veggies against a blue background. Both patterns disguise any lingering stains very well.

For this test, I decided to go all-in and put up my real paper towels for a full week. This gave me the most accurate picture of what switching over to reusable paper towels would look like.

Cleaning

Obviously, the most important paperless towel test is how well they hold up to spills, and these didn’t disappoint. They readily soak up spills, work well for drying hands and offer an easy, scratch-free way to wipe down my espresso machine. The soft cotton doesn’t feel too flimsy, either—it’s just the right thickness for most messes. You can also double them up for super soupy spills.

While these paperless towels tout their ability to fit onto any paper towel roll, they unfortunately didn’t fit on mine. I have a Simplehuman holder that doubles as a surface cleaning sprayer, and the roll was slightly too small for it. While that was slightly disappointing, it didn’t diminish my overall experience.

Despite the roll snafu, I’m still happy with the versatility of the paperless towels, especially in the kitchen. They work well as napkins and dishcloths, too! Plus, the patterns are a good distraction from any stains. That said, I rinse mine off in the sink before tossing them in the laundry to minimize stains.

Washing

The best thing about these reusable paper towels is—unsurprisingly—that they’re reusable. To wash them, simply toss them in with a load of laundry and wash as you would with any other kitchen towel. You can even pop them into the dryer for a tumble dry! As a bonus, they didn’t shrink at all after sending them through the wash. They did wrinkle a little, but they straightened out when I put them back on the roll.

When they’re clean and ready to sop up more spills, simply wrap them around the roll one at a time by lining up the end of each towel with the end of the last towel you wrapped. They stick to themselves, so they stay nice and tight until they’re ready to use.

I recommend getting a waterproof bag for your used towels and a sticky hook to hang the bag under the sink. This helps keep the dirty towels out of the laundry pile and out of sight. If you don’t want to splurge on something fancy, repurposing a simple plastic grocery bag also does the trick.

Waste Reduction

Unless you plan on washing them every four or so days, I highly recommend you grab a couple of rolls. Each comes with 12 towels, which might be enough for some families, but definitely not for mine. I used two and a half rolls during my week away from paper towels, which was super eye-opening. How many paper towels end up in my garbage every week?!

If it wasn’t enough for me to notice the difference, my husband even commented on how little trash we accumulated during the week. Upgrading to unpaper towels really does make a significant difference for us self-described paper towel addicts!

While I was impressed with how they performed in the kitchen, there are a few things I just can’t bring myself to use them on. Bathroom cleanup is one thing. Another is pet messes. Because of this, I can’t see myself totally eliminating paper towels from my house. However, having unpaper towels in my cleaning rotation does significantly cut down on my paper towel use, which was my main goal.

Pros

• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Cute patterns
• Lint-free
• Double as dishcloths and napkins
• Machine washable
• Roll back up for reuse

Cons

• May not fit all paper towel rolls
• Not suitable for pet messes

Final Verdict

Using reusable paper towels in place of regular paper towels was less difficult than I thought. In fact, I actually ended up preferring them to real paper towels when it comes to kitchen and coffee bar cleanup. They’re equally as absorbent as a typical two-ply sheet of paper towel. Plus, the pretty patterns disguise any lingering stains that remain after washing. Being able to toss them in the wash with my towels is the cherry on top.

Where to Order

Reusable Paper Towels

Swap regular paper towels with these reusable paper towels to save money (and the planet).

Shop on Grove Co.

Those looking to cut down on their paper towel usage can snag a roll of 12 reusable paper towels on Grove Co.’s website. They cost around $30, which is about $2.50 per paperless towel. Considering I spend around $16 on a pack of paper towels every couple of weeks, that’s a total bargain.

FAQ

How to wash reusable paper towels?

Washing cotton reusable paper towels is as simple as tossing them in with your laundry. You can also tumble dry them before rolling them back up!

How to roll reusable paper towels?

While it may seem complicated, re-rolling reusable paper towels is easy. To begin, wrap one towel around the roll, overlapping the ends. Then, line up your next towel with the end of the rolled towel and roll it towards you until the second towel is wrapped around the first. Repeat for each towel.

What are reusable paper towels made of?

The materials each resusable paper towel brand uses differs, but Grove’s reusable paper towels are made from 100% organic cotton flannel.

Why You Should Trust Us

As an expert shopper, I spend a lot of my time testing new gadgets and trending kitchen products. However, my most beloved products are those that help me reduce waste in my home. Some of my favorite tests include silicone bowl lids and produce keepers. In addition, the shopping editors at Taste of Home have tested tons of other reusable organizing and kitchen cleaning products, including silicone bags, Swedish dish cloths and shopping bags.

The post I Tried Reusable Paper Towels That Are Better for the Environment—And My Budget appeared first on Taste of Home.

But as those who add protein to their beverages know only too well, there’s a recurring problem: Protein powder can be nasty if it doesn’t blend well. It can taste powdery and chalky, which is enough to chase protein-seekers away. However, there’s now a new protein-packed beverage that some people on social media are raving about. Sparkling protein blue raspberry lemonade from Genius Gourmet is now being sold exclusively at Costco, and social media users are taking notice.

Naturally, we had to try it for ourselves!

What is the Costco protein sparkling water?

The Genius Gourmet sparkling protein blue raspberry lemonade comes in 12-ounce cans and is sold at Costco in a pack of 15 cans. My local Costco is selling it for $28.99, which is just under $2 a can.

It’s a zero-sugar drink, but that doesn’t mean it has zero calories. Each 12-ounce can has 130 calories and 30 grams of that much-sought-after protein. And technically there is a sweetener—sucralose—in the ingredients list.

The full list includes carbonated water, whey protein isolate, bovine collagen peptides, l-malic acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, natural flavors, sucralose and mushroom extract as a preservative. The can also notes that it contains milk.

Blue raspberry lemonade is the only flavor that Genius Gourmet sells at the moment, but the company says that this flavor is just the beginning. Costco is currently the only place to buy it. You can sign up on the company’s website to get $10 off your first order.

What does the Costco protein sparkling water taste like?

If you absolutely love zero-sugar energy drinks, this might be for you, because it tastes just like one. It’s very, very sweet. When I tested it, I chilled the cans well and served the drink over plenty of ice. I kept trying it over a series of days, but could never drink more than a few sips.

People seeking out protein drinks seem thrilled that this sparkling water exists. And I will give Genius Gourmet this: I did not taste any chalky, powdery protein-drink residue, which seems like a big accomplishment. If non-powdery protein in a drink is your holy grail, you might love it. But I cannot in good conscience recommend this as a tasty drink on its own. For me, adding protein to my diet at the expense of taste is a no-go.

I’ve read enough reviews on social-media sites to know that my opinion isn’t universal, but there also opinions online like the following: “I’ve gotten to the point where I dread protein shakes, and this is amazing,” one Reddit user wrote. “Tastes like a zero-sugar energy drink, though, so if that’s not something you like, pass on it.”

If you’re going to try it yourself, here’s one shopping tip: I searched the beverage section of my Costco, near the Spindrift sparkling water and soft drink cases, and worried that my store didn’t have it. But then I remembered there’s a whole protein bar and snack section closer to the checkouts, and, yep, there was the Genius Gourmet: sitting not with regular soft drinks, but chumming with its protein-packed gym buddies.

Related:

• Cody Rigsby Eats This Breakfast Before Every Workout
• I Tried Coco Gauff’s Naked Smoothie—Here’s My Honest Review
• 13 Surprising Foods that Are High in Protein

The post A New Protein Drink Has Entered the Market, and You’ll Never Guess What It Is appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 5 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
• 3/4 cup brown rice syrup
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• ICING LAYER:
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked long grain rice, cooled
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• DRESSING:
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free reduced-sodium tamari soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons mirin (sweet rice wine) or honey
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Fresh gingerroot, optional
• VEGGIES:
• 4 cups shredded red or green cabbage
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 2 cups chopped cucumber
• 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• Sliced green onion, sesame seeds, chili crisp or shichimi togarashi seasoning, to garnish

Ingredients

• VERDE SAUCE:
• 2 pounds tomatillos, husked
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
• 1/2 cup media crema table cream or sour cream
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ENCHILADAS:
• 2-1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 12 corn tortillas (6 inches)
• Diced avocado, sour cream and fresh cilantro, for topping

After putting all that effort into a beautifully crusty homemade bread, you’ll need a good bread knife for picture-perfect slices. A serrated knife is a must—it cuts through crusty exteriors without crushing the crumb inside. This eight-inch bread knife from Zwilling, part of the best kitchen knife set we tested, holds its own as the best bread knife, too.

“I’ve had these knives since May 2024 and use them several times a day,” says product tester Nicole Doster. “The knives perform as good as day one! They are still my favorite knives for everyday use. The blades have not chipped or warped and the handles are still in perfect condition.” Nicole also notes that it is a bit on the short side at only eight inches, but the incredible performance makes up for its smaller stature. Plus, it’s easier to store than a big, bulky option.

“You know how prepping ingredients usually feels like a chore? Now I look forward to it because I have such a nice knife that slides through celery, peppers, potatoes, broccoli florets, roast chicken and steak like butter,” says Nicole. “With just a little pressure, the Zwilling knife chops harder ingredients too, like super fibrous sweet potato.”

Because sharpening a bread knife is harder than sharpening other knives, it’s important that the edges are nice and honed from the get-go. The Zwilling bread knife is made from high-carbon German stainless steel that is ice-hardened using Zwilling’s proprietary “FRIODUR” method. This makes it remarkably resilient to dulling, tarnishing and warping while ensuring it’s razor-sharp right out of the box. In addition, it’s technically dishwasher safe, though Nicole recommends hand washing to cut down on any potential damage.

While pricey at around $120, it doesn’t damage the delicate crumb of danishes or squish through super juicy tomatoes. If you want to overhaul all your kitchen knives, we recommend snagging it as part of the full three-piece set, which also includes an 8-inch chef’s knife and a 3-inch pairing knife.

Best for Sourdough

Cangshan Helena 8-Inch Bread Knife

$69.95 at Amazon

Ever since my mother-in-law gifted me and my husband the Helena German steel knife block set several years ago, I’ve been a huge Cangshan fan. The Helena bread knife is by far the most used bread knife in my kitchen. Over the few years I’ve had it, it has sliced through countless crusty loaves, lots of watermelon and many, many pineapples. It’s also perfectly suitable for slicing through stubborn sourdoughs, thanks to the deep-set serrations.

It takes little effort to cut through most baked goods, and the balanced blade helps hold it steady as it cuts. Compared to other types of knives, the tight-grained, German steel blade is incredibly durable—a must for cutting through bread. As a bonus, Cangshan stands by their products with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and/or craftsmanship.

The knife also feel nice and sturdy thanks to the full tang. It cleans up well during a hand wash, though it does look a little less lustrous as time goes on. That said, after more than three years of use (and several dozens spins in the dishwasher—whoops!), I haven’t noticed any deterioration, and the small amount of discoloring doesn’t affect the performance at all.

Like many folks, I’m happy to invest in kitchen tools that actually perform well. However, there’s no need to break the bank for this one—it retails for around $70. While certainly pricier than a budget brand, the price is a total steal for a bread knife that lasts through years and years of use. Although not as important as its performance, the smooth, clean look also makes it a stunning gift for bread bakers.

Best Damascus

HexClad 8-inch Damascus Steel Serrated Bread Knife

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$139 at Amazon

Damascus steel knives are easily identifiable due to the gorgeous, swirling patterns on the blades. What makes them different than regular steel knives is their resistance to corrosion thanks to the use of various impure metals. Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski has been using her HexClad Damascus steel knife as part of her HexClad knife set for over two years.

“This knife does a great job cutting (without tearing!) pretty much any type of bread,” says Katie. “I’ve used it on everything from dense, overbaked homemade Dutch oven bread to soft and pillowy store-bought focaccia. It also works when you need perfect slices of soft foods like heirloom tomatoes.”

Like all HexClad knives Katie tested, it’s held up beautifully. She notes that despite near-daily use, there are no nicks, rust spots or other signs of damage. “We have hard water, so sometimes the blade acquires water spots if I don’t immediately dry them, but that’s a very minor cosmetic thing,” says Katie. “I do think part of this longevity is because I take care of my knives. No dishwasher—ever! Hand-wash only. But they’ve certainly been through periods with dried, stuck-on goop and still clean up just fine.”

In the time Katie has used the knife, she’s had it professionally sharpened once. While it’s slightly pricey at around $120, there are frequent HexClad sales to take advantage of. The green pakkawood handle is also very pretty; especially when displayed on the magnetic knife block.

What To Look for When Buying a Bread Knife

When shopping for a bread knife, first consider what you plan on using it for most often. For large, round loaves, we recommend a longer knife. Bread knives typically range from eight to 12-inches long, with the majority falling on the lower end of the spectrum. A longer knife can create longer slices, like those needed for sizable Dutch oven breads.

If you’re shopping for a knife to cut through crusty homemade sourdough, you’ll want to opt for a knife that’s sharp and offers good balance. Serrated knives are harder to sharpen, so it’s important to snag a nicely honed knife from the get-go. When it’s time to sharpen your serrated knife, we recommend paying for a professional sharpening. This will keep the teeth of your knife intact.

How We Found the Best Bread Knives

Our hunt for the best bread knives began by first testing some of the best knife sets. For that piece, we enlisted the help of the Shopping and Product Testing Teams. Together, we tested 20 different knife sets—that’s over 70 knives in total! From there, we honed in our our top performers, paying careful attention to how each set’s bread knife performs on its own. We used these bread knives to slice through sourdough, chop up slippery tomatoes and carve through cakes and pastries. After over a year of testing, we narrowed down our pool of over 20 picks to the three top performers.

FAQ

What type of knife is best used for slicing bread?

A serrated knife is best for slicing bread, as it cuts through thick crust and delicate interiors without tearing or squishing.

The post The Best Bread Knives for Sourdough, Soft Loaves and Sandwiches appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 1 can (12-1/2 ounces) chunk white chicken, drained or 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
• 2 cups torn romaine, finely chopped
• 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons creamy Caesar salad dressing
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 ciabatta rolls, split and toasted
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 thin slices prosciutto, cut into 1-in. strips
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-in. slices
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 slices honey wheat bread
• 8 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 to 7 teaspoons pepper jelly
• 1 teaspoon everything seasoning blend, optional

Ingredients

• Guacamole
• Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sliced American cheese
• Green olives with pimientos
• Pitted ripe olives
• Sweet red pepper
• Tortilla chips

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/3 cups sugar
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons tahini, divided
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
• 4 ounces vanilla or chocolate halva

Your Fall Baking Bingo Card

Ready to get in on the fun? All the recipes on our fall baking bucket list can be found on this bingo card. Bake five things in a row (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) to get a Bingo!

Fall Baking Recipes

Of all the fall baking recipes out there, here are 25 on our bucket list this year:

• Apple dessert: Anyone who loves toting home a bakery bag full of warm apple cider doughnuts will love this Bundt cake version. Every bite of Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, and there’s even a cinnamon-sugar coating that’s true to the apple orchard favorite.
• Pumpkin bread: The recipe on our baking bucket list every single year is the humble loaf of Pumpkin Spice Bread. Bake a batch in the morning and steal a slice all throughout the day. Our secret to the perfect loaf? Always use the best canned pumpkin.
• Fall pie: Good-quality bourbon adds a welcome twist to the classic sweet, gooey and nutty pecan pie. With notes of vanilla, caramel and fall spice, you’ll love how much more elevated our Bourbon Pecan Pie tastes, and all it requires is that one extra ingredient.
• Soft pretzels: Attending an Oktoberfest party? That’s the perfect excuse to whip up these Soft Giant Pretzels and check off a bingo slot in the process! Our recipe bakes a traditional batch of German pretzels, but we included ways to plus it up with garlic and Parmesan, everything bagel seasoning or a cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Maple syrup dessert: With real maple syrup, white chocolate chips and chopped pecans, Maple Cookies are a wonderful fall dessert for anyone who might be a little tired of apples or pumpkins by now.
• Cardamom-flavored bake: Save Swedish cardamom buns for a Saturday project and indulge on Sunday morning or at an afternoon Swedish fika.
• Salted caramel bars: An irresistible salted caramel and melted chocolate filling layer runs through the center of these tender Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars. Store-bought caramel candies make this recipe so easy, so there’s no tricky caramel-cooking or candy thermometers needed.
• Flavored focaccia: Anyone who’s a bit apprehensive about homemade bread should start with this simple, no-knead Squash Focaccia. The dough is basically foolproof, and thinly sliced squash and fresh sage leaves make this focaccia recipe undeniably fall-forward.
• Cranberry baked good: Cranberries are the ultimate palate cleanser, so I love serving these Cranberry Curd Bars after heavy fall meals. Plus, the bright pink hue adds such a cheerful pop of color!
• Small-batch bake: We scaled down a British favorite so there’s just enough for two. Sticky Toffee Pudding for 2 is perfect for a romantic date night in. The cinnamon and ginger-spiced date cake gets even more autumnal with a homemade toffee sauce poured on top, soaking into the spongy cake.
• Pumpkin snickerdoodles: We only had to add one ingredient (pumpkin!) to turn a classic batch of snickerdoodles into the perfect fall cookie. Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger pair beautifully with the pumpkin puree, making these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles taste like fall itself.
• Muffins: If you’re only saving cranberries for winter, these Cranberry Muffins will change your mind. Tart, juicy cranberries bake with sweet cinnamon, warm nutmeg, zippy ginger, bright orange zest and crunchy pecans for a full-flavored but perfectly balanced batch of muffins that taste just like fall.
• Bakeable challenge: In place of the free space is our monthly Bakeable challenge. Each month, members of our Bakeable community bake a special recipe with us and share their photos in the Bakeable Facebook group. Come bake along with us!
• Sourdough bread: If you’ve always been a bit intimidated by the sourdough-making process, let’s rip the band-aid. Our Sourdough French Bread walks you through the technique of making the perfect loaf of sourdough, from creating and feeding a foamy starter to kneading and shaping a boulangerie-worthy loaf.
• Coffee-flavored treat: There’s so much to love about these Cappuccino Muffins. Each one is filled with cozy cinnamon, chocolate chips and buzzy coffee, but they become unexpectedly delicious with a smear of coffee cream cheese spread.
• Dutch oven bread: Our no-knead Dutch Oven Bread just needs a simple score and a quick bake. It takes eight hours to rise, so start it in the morning so it’s ready for dinner.
• Chai spice bake: Chai’s blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger and cloves inherently lends itself to a plethora of fall recipes. We decided to mix it into a cinnamon roll’s brown sugar and cinnamon filling in these Chai Cinnamon Rolls. They’re similar to a dirty chai latte for a buzzy morning jolt.
• Coffee cake: If there was ever a way to welcome in a chilly autumn morning, it’s with this Apple Coffee Cake that’s heady with fall spices and chunks of tart apples. The secret ingredient (sour cream!) makes every bite exceptionally tender, and the brown sugar and spiced pecan topping adds a lot of nice crunch and warmth.
• No-bake dessert: Everyone’s talking about tiramisu lately, so we were inspired to create an elevated version of the classic. Earl Grey Tiramisu trades buzzy espresso for the namesake tea, imparting herbal and woodsy bergamot that’s unexpectedly fall.
• Biscuits: Warm, fresh Buttermilk Biscuits are hard to beat. With a flaky, buttery interior and slight outer crunch, they’re perfect as-is. During the fall season, though, I love using them as a raft for pumpkin or apple butter.
• Brown butter dessert: There’s so much to love about these unexpectedly autumnal Brown Butter Blondies with Speculoos Buttercream. From the softly spiced cookie butter frosting to the toasty browned butter blondies and the crunchy walnuts studded throughout, every bite has a perfect harmony of flavor.
• Olive oil cake: Apples get a lot of love during the fall season, but here, pears are the star. Our Pear Olive Oil Cake combines the fruit with warm cinnamon, good-quality olive oil and a bit of almond flour for a nutty flavor and toothsome bite.
• Something nutty: Baklava is a traditional dessert in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where filling variations abound. Here, we follow the Greek version, filling the phyllo dough with walnuts, cinnamon and cloves and finishing the pastry with a sticky honey-citrus glaze.
• Morning buns: Have you ever wanted to learn how to make laminated dough from scratch? Morning Buns are the best project to perfect the skill. They’re filled with a cinnamon and orange zest filling and baked into buttery puffs of flaky pastry with a cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Apple bread: Pineapple upside-down cake inspired this autumnal bread version. Upside-Down Apple Bread steams and caramelizes sliced apples, concentrating their flavors and melding their tart taste with warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar.

Bingo!

Did you bake five recipes in a row (horizontal, vertical or diagonal)? Great job! Fill out the form below before October 31 to receive a complimentary Christmas Cookies eBook in November. Limited to the first 100 participants; one prize per person.

The post Your 2025 Fall Baking Bucket List appeared first on Taste of Home.

Today’s home cooks make the most of their slow cookers—and we want to hear those secrets!

If you have a slow-cooker dish people can’t get enough of, share the recipe, and you may walk away a winner! We want the slow-cooked app that everyone asks for. What about a new take on mains, like honey Sriracha chicken, saucy tortellini or Greek beef stew simmered to perfection in the slow cooker? Let us know! If you created a low-and-slow side or even a sweet treat, your recipe might earn you the $500 first prize.

Submit your recipe between September 1 and October 31, 2025.

What We’re Looking For

• New dinner mashups
• Healthy takes on classic comfort foods
• Trendy appetizers, sides or desserts people can’t get enough of

Get Inspired by Our Slow-Cooker Recipes

38 Easy Slow-Cooker Dessert Recipes

25 Slow-Cooker Side Dishes to Make Tonight

Our Favorite Slow-Cooker Stew Recipes

The Prizes

Three talented home cooks will have the chance to win:

• 1st prize: $500
• 2nd prize: $300
• 3rd prize: $150

How to Enter

Submit your recipe by filling out the form below between now and October 31, 2025.

Submit Your Recipe

The post Modern Slow Cooker Recipe Contest Announcement appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 1 pinch salt
• PARMESAN BREAD CRUMBS:
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• SOUP:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup sliced fennel bulb
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups chopped fresh kale
• 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon, divided
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 1 package (8 ounces) potato gnocchi
• 2-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, warmed
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 package (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 12 ounces (10 cups) Rice Chex cereal
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

This year, just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend, Dairy Queen is adding not one, but two new contenders for the fall flavor crown, and you just know we had to get a taste of them as soon as we could.

What’s on Dairy Queen’s new fall menu? 

The two new fall items at Dairy Queen this year are a Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard Treat and a Maple Cookie Shake. They are joined by the return of DQ’s popular seasonal Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat.

The Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard Treat features caramel, toffee, and thick, chewy cookie pieces, blended with the chain’s signature soft serve. The Maple Cookie Shake consists of soft serve blended with milk and maple cookie crumbles, all topped with whipped cream.

What do the new Dairy Queen fall menu items taste like?

I ordered both new items through Dairy Queen’s website, and they arrived promptly at my front door. I had to start with the Maple Cookie Shake.

Because I already love the flavor of maple in maple recipes, I had a suspicion I would enjoy the shake—and that suspicion was correct. It was sweet but not overly so, evoking a strong fall nostalgia. The maple flavor came through strongly, with a slight hint of caramel I was also detecting, and it was nicely balanced by the vanilla soft serve and milk. The cookie crumbles broke up the shake’s richness by offering a contrasting texture. All in all, this shake was delicious.

I was less enthusiastic about the Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard Treat, as all the different elements felt a bit at odds with each other. For me, the crunch of the toffee and chew of the caramel didn’t pair together seamlessly with the flavor and texture of the soft serve and cookie pieces. But most importantly, it didn’t scream “fall” to me, which is what I was looking for—I think an apple element paired with either the caramel or the toffee would be even better.

Overall, the Maple Cookie Shake was my personal favorite between the two new fall Dairy Queen menu items—and, yes, I’d definitely order it again. Although it had fewer elements than the seasonal Blizzard, sometimes I think simpler is just better.

Your move, pumpkin spice.

Related:

• Dairy Queen Quietly Dropped a New Dipped Cone, and We Need It Now
• Why Don’t Dairy Queen’s Blizzards Fall Out of the Cup?
  
• 16 Dairy Queen Copycat Recipes

The post I Tried Dairy Queen’s New Fall Menu, and DQ Has a Winner on Its Hands appeared first on Taste of Home.

Cody has amassed a bit of a cult following thanks to his sense of humor and his personable approach to fitness. In a given class, he’s more likely to be chatting about what he’s doing this weekend or what he ate for breakfast than yelling inspirational quotes at you as you pedal. It’s an approach that brings people back for more. But don’t be fooled by the casual conversations—he’s also going to make you sweat.

It’s no surprise that Cody has become a Kashi ambassador, since talking about food is one of his favorite things to do. I had a chance to chat with Cody about his pre- and post-workout meals, what he thinks are some of the silliest wellness trends of the moment, and which Kashi cereal he thinks his favorite pop girlies would enjoy the best.

Cody Rigsby on Pre- and Post-Workout Meals

Taste of Home: What is your favorite pre-workout meal?

Cody Rigsby: Right now, I have a double helping of Kashi Go in the morning because it’s easy and quick. I am a morning workout person—not crazy early, like 5 a.m.—but I love like a 9 or 10 a.m. workout. Sometimes, like today, my alarm didn’t go off, so I had a very quick window to get ready and eat and get to the gym on time. So I had a double helping of Kashi go and just hit it.

TOH: What would you tell someone who thinks Kashi cereal isn’t enough for breakfast?

CR: Well, I mean we’re all kind of built differently. Some people—I’ve never experienced this—but some people have a hard time eating first thing in the morning. So for them, like one bowl of Kashi Go might be all they can get down—and thank God, because they’re getting protein and fiber. A bigger person like me? I needed two helpings today. But also, not to quote, like, every Saturday morning cartoon commercial, but it can be part of a complete breakfast, you know? A bowl of Kashi, some eggs, some fruit, and coffee. It’s a foundation you can build on.

TOH: What’s your favorite post-workout meal?

CR: Um, okay, so this one might be a little bit weird. I like to fry up a steak at home, medium rare. And then I usually have that with some fruit, like a banana or mixed berries. It’s very satiating.

Cody Rigsby on Wellness Trends

TOH: What do you think is the silliest viral wellness trend going around right now?

CR: Oh that’s a good one. I mean, I don’t want to say that it’s completely silly, but everyone’s obsession with seed oils right now is like, a little out of control! I think it’s coming from a good place, but a little bit here and there is not going to be the end of you. Sometimes when we jump into trends like that, we allow perfect to be the enemy of good. We’re limiting ourselves so much based on this one factor that we’re not actually hitting our goals. We’re so locked in on one component and not allowing ourselves any wiggle room, you know?

TOH: How do you feel about protein? Are you pro-cottage cheese, or anti-cottage cheese?

CR: Oh, I mean I love cottage cheese. I could eat it all day. I’m not opposed to cottage cheese ice cream in the Ninja Creami. Honestly, there are very few foods that I don’t like.

I think protein should be everyone’s biggest priority when it comes to nutrition, and especially breakfast. When you prioritize protein it allows you to feel satiated, and it keeps it so simple. That is my number one priority when it comes to nutrition. Get your protein in, and then a lot of things start to fall into place.

Cody Rigsby on His Favorite Pop Stars

TOH: Now I want to do something fun where you pick a specific Kashi flavor for some of your favorite icons. What Kashi cereal do you think Beyoncé would enjoy?

CR: Well, this one was kind of easy: Honey Almond Flax Crunch. I mean, it’s got honey in the name, and you know that the Beyhive are crazy about that.

TOH: I love that. What about Britney Spears?

CR: I’m gonna say Mixed Berry Crunch. Something a little colorful, if you will.

TOH: I’m imagining her doing a little Instagram dance with a bowl of Kashi.

CR: You know, she might just eat it out of the box.

TOH: I can totally see it. OK, how about Madonna?

CR: Ooh for Madonna, you know, I’m going to go with Chocolate Crunch.

TOH: And lastly, your girl, Whitney Houston.

CR: You know, I saved my favorite flavor for one of my favorite artists, the greatest singer of all time: Peanut Butter Crunch. And here’s a pro tip, you can put Peanut Butter Crunch and Chocolate Crunch in the same bowl and it makes for a delicious breakfast.

Related:

• The All-Time Best Cereals from Childhood, Ranked
• This Is What Ina Garten Eats for Breakfast Every Day
• Here’s How to Make the Green Smoothie Reese Witherspoon Drinks Every Day

The post Cody Rigsby Eats This Breakfast Before Every Workout appeared first on Taste of Home.

“I don’t know if I’m going to drink again,” he told Vogue in 2023, at the beginning of his sober-curious journey. “Since I’ve stopped drinking, I’ve just been feeling so much better, so much more clarity.”

He’s not the only celebrity who has spoken publicly about ditching alcohol. Tom Holland recently shared his sobriety journey on the Rich Roll Podcast, saying that after a Dry January in 2022, his sleep, stress management and relationships were better. He’s since launched his own nonalcoholic beer called BERO. With all the celebrities dropping alcohol brands (like Margot Robbie and Meghan Markle), it was only a matter of time before we were going to see an influx of nonalcoholic celebrity brands. And with Gen Z drinking less alcohol, there’s a newfound interest in a sober, or “sober-curious” lifestyle.

I quit drinking for a year in 2017, back when the options for NA beers and spirits were pretty pitiful. So I was excited to dive into Lewis Hamilton’s Almave spirits and see if they could scratch that itch for a hangover-free cocktail—especially in a social setting.

What is Lewis Hamilton’s nonalcoholic tequila line?

Firstly, some background on Almave. Something important to note is that I’m referring to it as a “NA tequila” when that isn’t technically correct. While Almave uses blue agave, the same plant as tequila, it’s not fermented like tequila. I don’t want the tequila truthers coming for me in the comments—I know it’s different!

There are three varieties of Almave: Blanco, Ámbar and Humo. While Blanco and Ámbar are meant to evoke classic silver and reposado tequilas, Humo is smoky like mezcal. My initial impression was that the bottles were absolutely beautiful. They’re eye-catching shades of blue and brown, and the Humo bottle has a brushed matte finish that makes it look like sea glass. They have impressive labels too, and if I wasn’t inspecting them closely I probably would have just assumed they were fancy bottles of tequila.

I was provided with recipe cards for the Blanco and Ámbar bottles, so that’s what I followed when I made my cocktails. Humo can be used in place of tequila for any cocktail, so I decided to use it with the Blanco recipe.

What do Lewis Hamilton’s nonalcoholic tequilas taste like?

I invited my parents over to sample the drinks. This was partly because I wanted multiple opinions, but mostly because I wanted my dad to mix the cocktails. I had to take notes!

Almave Margarita

• 3 oz Almave Blanco
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/4 oz agave nectar
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• Garnish with salt rim and lime wedge

This cocktail had all the classic elements of a margarita: salt on the rim, a lime wedge and lots of ice. It looked and smelled like a margarita, and seeing it next to the fancy Almave bottle was a little bit of a mind twist, because it felt like a real tequila experience. Upon tasting, I thought it was incredibly smooth. There wasn’t that classic bite from the tequila, but it was a pleasant drink. I think that if I made it again, I’d skip the agave nectar—it just made the drink a little too sweet! My dad said, “It’s margarita-ish” and my mom called it “pleasant and refreshing.”

Almave Old Fashioned

• 3 oz Almave Ámbar
• 1/8 oz agave nectar
• 4 dashes bitters
• Garnish with lemon and orange zest and an orange peel

Damn, this is good. I couldn’t get enough of this unique flavor profile! It’s almost like a fall-inspired margarita. The Ámbar spirit has a lot of aromas, and with every sip I was getting something different: cinnamon, vanilla, orange, apple. This would be really great to sip on like brandy, or maybe just over ice with a twist. “It almost tastes like root beer!” said my mom, and she’s really onto something here. I don’t know how reminiscent it is of any tequila I’ve ever tried, but this is certainly a delicious nonalcoholic spirit that I think anyone would love.

Almave Smoky Margarita

• 3 oz Almave Humo
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/4 oz agave nectar
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• Garnish with salt rim and lime wedge

Since there wasn’t a recipe card with the Humo, we just decided to make the margarita again. I’ve had mezcal before, and I have to admit I’m not the biggest fan of smoke-flavored cocktails. But I will try a couple sips of pretty much anything. It smelled very smoky, but the lime did cut through it a bit. My first sip was overwhelmingly smoky, and I coughed a little. The second sip was calmer, but all I could really taste was smoke. It didn’t really impress me, and especially not after the delight that was the Ámbar old-fashioned. Neither one of my parents liked this drink … like, at all. Unless you’re really a smoky cocktail fan, I’d sit this one out.

Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this experiment. All three spirits mimicked the ritual of mixing a cocktail really well, and I think that’s at least half the fun. My dad noted that the bottles were well designed; they have a lip at the top that stops the liquid from dripping down the side after it’s been poured. I walked away liking the Ámbar the best, even though it was the least like tequila of the three. This is just proof that the main benefit of trying something completely new is that you truly never know what you’ll find! I found a new appreciation for the elegance of sipping on a homemade cocktail knowing that I wouldn’t have a headache the next morning.

Related:

• 30 Best Mocktail Recipes and Creative Nonalcoholic Cocktails
• The 15 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Spirits, According to Our Editors
• Top Chef Judge Gail Simmons Gives This Summer Cocktail a 10/10

The post I Tried Lewis Hamilton’s Nonalcoholic Tequila—Here’s My Honest Review appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons minced chives
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• CHICKEN DIP:
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1-1/2 cups homemade ranch dressing, divided
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Toasted French bread baguette slices or tortilla chips

Originally I tried the Ninja Creami, but I ended up giving it away after just a few uses. It was loud—and I mean loud—and way too cumbersome for my already overflowing countertops. When I saw the new Cuisinart FastFreeze,  it felt too good to be true. An ice cream machine that fits in a drawer? And it offers settings for other frozen desserts? I had to get my hands on it—and I’m so glad I did.

Cusinart FastFreeze

Calling all ice cream lovers! With a little prep ahead of time, the Cuisinart FastFreeze can whip up any ice cream flavor in mere minutes.

$119.95 at Cuisinart

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What is the Cuisinart FastFreeze?

The Cuisinart FastFreeze is a non-freezing ice cream maker similar to the Ninja Creami or Ninja Creami Swirl. It effectively cream-ifies bases that you make and freeze ahead of time, meaning that there’s no bulky onboard cooling equipment required. Better still, this ice cream wand comes apart into several small profile pieces that stash away inside a drawer. This saves so much space, especially considering the mini half-pint servings it makes!

How We Tested the Cuisinart FastFreeze

I used the Cuisinart FastFreeze as my exclusive dessert provider for a full month in the summer. That gave me and my cold treat-loving family plenty of time to fully enjoy everything the FastFreeze has to offer—which is a lot.

The FastFreeze comes with all the ice cream accessories you need to get started, minus the ingredients. The ice cream maker comes in two pieces: a wand with a manual power button, release button, power handle and preset dial, and a mixing assembly with an attached spinning blade. The presets are ice cream, sorbet, mix ins, slushie and milkshake. Each machine arrives with three dishwasher-safe half-pint dessert cups with lids. It also has a very thorough user manual with several handy recipes to get started.

Ice Cream

My first test was, of course, a classic half-pint of vanilla. I mixed up the simple recipe in the back of my manual, popped the liquid base into one of the tiny dessert cups, and froze it overnight. In the morning (I told you I was ice cream crazy), I craved a classic affogato, so I brewed up a beautiful espresso using my De’longhi Dedica Duo and got to work spinning my first half-pint.

Using the wand is really, really simple. As in, the machine is almost goof-proof. All you have to do is twist the dessert cup onto the bottom of the mixing assembly to lock it into place. Then, insert the wand into the top of the mixing assembly until it clicks.

From there, just use the dial to choose your preset, then use your thumb to hold down the manual power button as you press down on the wand. Once the wand reaches the bottom of the cup, it lights up red. Continue to hold down the power button as you pull it up. That counts as a single pass.

It only took me three passes with the ice cream setting to get the vanilla to a texture I was happy with, but you can spin it for longer if you like a more soft serve consistency. The ice cream was delicious, quick, and the sound it makes didn’t even startle my timid cat. Considering she used to flee the second she saw me fiddling with my Ninja Creami, I’d call this a win!

Sorbet

Sorbet was the setting my husband was most excited for. To test it, I mashed up a cup of mango, then added a few tablespoons of lime juice and simple syrup. I also sprinkled in a little pink salt to taste before freezing the base overnight. The next day, I used the sorbet setting to blend everything together. My husband loved how it turned out—creamy, tart and fruity. While I’m not the biggest sorbet fan, he is a very tough critic and gave this setting a 9/10 score.

Mix Ins

This is one of my favorite settings—it’s where all the magic happens! I first tried peanut butter cups, then graduated to cookie dough bites, cheesecake pieces, Oreos and even a glob of peanut butter. I love that the smaller serving size means I only need a couple of cookies or peanut butter cups to get a nice, chunky consistency. It also just takes just a few passes to incorporate all the goodies throughout the ice cream!

One thing I’ll note about the mix ins setting is that I like to take a couple of bites of the ice cream before I pop in my treats—not that you need to twist my arm to taste my creations. It seems to help the wand run a bit smoother when the ice cream doesn’t exceed the max fill line.

Slushie

This setting is one that I personally don’t think I’ll use much, but it’s a nostalgic option for kids. Freezing and spinning a diet cola gave me a dusty texture not unlike a snow cone. If you want something more akin to a slushy, I recommend doing a second spin after adding a bit more liquid. While it’s not something I plan on using often, I appreciate the option!

Milkshake

This setting requires zero prep—just a store-bought ice cream and milk. I used about 2/3 cup of ice cream with a few tablespoons of milk, which gave me a lighter texture that resembled soft serve. Adding more milk and re-spinning created a texture that was far closer to a traditional milkshake.

Cleaning

Cleaning the machine is very, very simple. The dessert cups are dishwasher-safe, so it’s just a matter of rinsing and loading them when I’m finished. The wand easily wipes down with a damp cloth, as does the exterior of the mixing assembly. The blade also rinses off easily, and you can push the blade out a bit to really get in there for cleaning.

Safety

I definitely feel more comfortable letting my little niece and nephew use this machine with supervision compared to other ice cream makers I’ve tried. Because of the way the wand works, you can’t detach the half-pint cups before you use the button on the back of the wand to separate it from the mixing assembly. This is essential for safety, and I appreciate the design. It’s also not super difficult to achieve the required pressure when pushing down, in part due to how small the dessert cups are.

Pros

• Small; fits in a drawer
• Creates half-pint single serving sizes
• Capable of several other frozen desserts
• Fast; most spins take less than a minute
• Super easy to use
• Comparatively quiet
• Dishwasher-safe dessert cups

Cons

• Not for large servings
• Blade can be difficult to clean
• Requires base prep ahead of time

Comparison: FastFreeze vs. Ninja Creami vs. GreenPan Frost

The Cuisinart FastFreeze most closely resembles the viral Ninja Creami, which also uses pre-frozen bases. Is it worth the hype? According to former editor Annamarie Hugley—heck yes. “If you ask me, the gripes I’ve seen on the internet regarding the gadget’s noise levels, price, etc., all come out in the wash,” she says. “That’s just how fun this product—and its creations—are.”

I’ve owned both, and in my opinion the Cuisinart FastFreeze is much more user-friendly than the Creami. Not only is it quieter, but it’s also faster, and it comes apart for easy storage, which was my biggest critique of the Creami. That said, the Creami does offer larger serving sizes and even a soft serve maker if you opt for the Swirl.

Editor Mary Henn tried the GreenPan Frost, which is a soft serve and frozen drink machine that offers onboard freezing. This means that there’s no need to freeze bases ahead of time! “So far, I’ve only used the Frost for soft serve, and the results have been consistent and delicious,” says Mary. “There’s no prep time (apart from mixing the ingredients to pour in), and the machine churns out ice cream in as little as about 45 minutes! One downside is that you can’t add solids (like fruit or candy) to the mix. The machine can’t handle it. But I just add whatever toppings I want at the end!”

Final Verdict

Overall, the Cuisinart FastFreeze completely surpassed my expectations. During my first month of use, I went absolutely feral with flavors and made at least four half-pints per week. Some of my favorites were iced matcha latte, peanut butter protein, coffee chip, Greek vanilla froyo and iced pineapple sunrises for a small get-together. There’s so much potential with this little machine, and it fits right in a drawer when I’m done. What’s not to love?

While the smaller dessert cups may be a con for some, I personally love that they function as individual servings. With my Ninja Creami, both my husband and I had to commit to a full pint of a single flavor and also refreeze and respin the pints each time we wanted to have more. The smaller cups allow us to create our own single servings, making it possible to try new flavors each night!

Where to Order the Cuisinart FastFreeze

Cusinart FastFreeze

Make milkshakes, ice cream, slushies, sorbet and more with the small-but-mighty Cuisinart FastFreeze.

$119.95 at Cuisinart

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$119.95 at Amazon

The Cuisinart FastFreeze retails for around $120—or about half the price of the Ninja Creami. Those that want to enjoy fast, fuss-free ice cream nightly can snag their own from Cuisinart’s website, Williams Sonoma or Amazon. Trust me—you’ll be sold on your first bite.

 FAQ

Which is better, Ninja ice cream maker or Cuisinart?

Whether the Ninja Creami or Cuisinart FastFreeze are better ultimately depends on preference. While the Cusinart option is cheaper and more storage-friendly, the Ninja Creami makes larger servings and offers additional settings, such as soft serve.

How do you use a Cuisinart ice cream maker?

How to use a Cuisinart ice cream maker depends on the model. The Cuisinart FastFreeze is very simple to use. Just prepare a base ahead of time and freeze it. Then, twist the dessert cup onto the bottom of the spinner and use the wand to push up and down until the desired texture is achieved.

How long does a Cuisinart ice cream maker take​?

It only takes a few minutes to make ice cream with the Cuisinart FastFreeze. That said, the ice cream bases require at least 24 hours to freeze prior to use.

Do you have to pre-freeze the base to use the Cuisinart FastFreeze?

Yes, you do have to pre-freeze bases to make ice cream with the Cuisinart FastFreeze. However, you can use store bought ice cream and milk to make milkshakes, no pre-freezing required!

Why You Should Trust Us

Our Taste of Home team are huge ice cream fans. We’ve not only tried every Ninja Creami model, but we’ve also reviewed ice cream clubs along with some of the best ice cream brands. As for myself, I’m a huge ice cream fan and former Ninja Creami user who has also made ice cream the traditional way.

The post The Cuisinart FastFreeze Is Here—And It’s Our New Favorite Ice Cream Maker for Small Spaces appeared first on Taste of Home.

Great Clubs has some seriously enticing snack subscriptions, including options that rival our beloved Goldbelly box. But for casual beer fans, there’s no better box than the brand’s beer of the month club. Each box arrives with 12 beers from bespoke breweries across the nation. Subscribers can also upgrade their box to include a 24-pack for bigger crowds. Tester and Content Director Nicole Doster notes that the box contains a good amount of variety, ranging from a super light summer ale to a heavier, hoppier mountain ale.

Her box included three bottles of each of the following: Geary’s Brewery Original Pale Ale, Geary’s Brewery Maine’s Summer Ale, The Shed Brewery Co. Mountain Ale and The UFO Beer Company White Ale. It also came with a copy of the beer club’s monthly publication, “Beer Expeditions,” detailing information about all of the breweries featured within the box. It’s one of the better newsletters we’ve seen, complete with a charming article and prompt to mail in your beer ratings.

“The 12-pack was perfect for entertaining. I invited some friends over to help taste test. The group enjoyed the UFO White Ale the best as it tasted like a fancier Blue Moon—light with hints of orange peel. It was perfect for a summer afternoon,” she says. “I was definitely tickled by the old-school printed newsletter that came with the box. It was full of tasting notes, descriptions of the breweries and interesting facts about beer. It was really fun to read as we drank through the box. It even had a place to rate the beer on color, clarity, head, smell, taste and aftertaste, which helped us pick apart why we liked each beer.”

That said, the box arrived with two beers from the same brewery, so expect to see a few familiar brands here and there on your tasting journey. However, given that this is one of the better value boxes on the list, we don’t mind. In fact, that’s part of what makes this box so intriguing. It’s like taking a beer tour without leaving the couch!

Best Customizable

Beer Drop

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Those who prefer sticking to just a few brew types can still enjoy the beer club experience with Beer Drop. First, fill out a beer profile by choosing three types of beer from eight different categories, including options like Belgian beers, light beers, malty beers and popular picks. Then choose from six, eight or 10 beers in each shipment. The per-can price lowers with larger shipments, though the rather pricey $18 shipping fee remains the same.

“There were four 12-ounce cans (two sours and two wheats) and two 16-ounce cans (two porters),” says editor and tester Mary Henn, who tried the box. She chose sour, fruity and dark beers for her profile. “The Blackbeary Wheat from Long Trail is an American wheat ale with a hint of blackberry. It was light in color and very refreshing. It was my favorite and great for summertime.”

While she enjoyed the picks and didn’t identify any duds, she wishes the subscription included more surprising flavors by default. “There was an ad for a cookie porter that sounded great, but wasn’t included in my box. I was expecting more unique or fun flavors. I also would have loved to get six different beers instead of just three flavors—but I guess two of each is nice if you’re tasting with a partner,” she notes.

Beer Drop differs from other club options (like many cheese of the month clubs) in that it sends a preview of each box for your approval prior to shipping out. At that point, each subscriber gets the option to skip or swap out any beer in their box for a different flavor, which they can personally choose from the expansive Beer Drop catalog. However, keep in mind that swapping out flavors adds to the price of the box, which is already steep thanks to the higher shipping cost.

Best for Hop Lovers

Hop-Heads Beer Club

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Enjoy the bitter side of beer? You will go bananas for the Hop Heads beer club. It’s ideal for those who prefer a hearty IPA to lights or sours. Each monthly shipment delivers 12 hand-crafted, hoppy beers in three different flavors from U.S. craft microbreweries and international breweries. There’s also a newsletter that details additional information about each brew.

“This would be a great gift for someone who is just developing an interest in beer and/or brewing,” says tester Pamela Bondurant. “The newsletter gave a great description of the flavor profiles of each of the three beers, such as ‘floral tones and a light dash of piney herbaceousness.’ The packaging was secured really well using molded cardboard to hold both the base and the tops of the bottles and cans.”

The newsletter is a nice touch, and it gets pretty in-depth about each inclusion. It outlines the beer style, serving temps, alcohol by volume, International Bittering Units (IBUS), suggested glassware, strains of the malts used and the types of hops. Background information on the microbrewery is also given, along with taste descriptions and recommended pairings.

“The beers were somehow appealing the way they were placed in packaging, and I was eager to see the flavors,” says Pamela. “The canned beer lined in the middle of the bottles was a nice touch.” Overall, she gives it a thumbs up for those who appreciate a good, hoppy option. “I’m thinking it might appeal to young professionals who are trying to expand their palette and beer education. It also appeals to an older crowd because microbreweries exploded when that age bracket was in their 20s, and IPAs and hoppy beers were especially popular.”

Best for Gifting

Craft Beer Club

$108 at Craft Beer Club

For a giftable experience, turn to the Original Craft Beer Club. While one of the pricier beer of the month club options, the sheer variety in each box—along with the sleek, informative newsletter—make it a great pick for almost any brew head. Our box came with four beers from two different breweries, along with a duplicate can of each flavor for two-person taste testing.

“The box included 12 craft beers from two featured breweries, Texas Leaguer Brewing and Roughtail Brewing Co. of Oklahoma City. I liked that there was a lot of diversity in the beers that were featured in this delivery,” says Nicole, who tested the subscription. While Nicole opted for the 12-pack with four different flavors, there’s also the option to upgrade to a 24-pack.

“You have everything from a super-hoppy IPA to a sour to a rich and smooth bock. While some of the IPAs were a little hoppier than I’d prefer, I appreciated that I got to try a little bit of everything. I fell in love with the strawberry lemon sour, which was a big surprise!”

Unfortunately, this was also the only beer club of the month with an “explosive” surprise in store for us. Whether it was the Florida heat or a rocky shipping trip, two of the beers burst open prior to arrival. Because the packaging was about on par with the other beer clubs we tried, we chalked this up to a one-time issue—but it’s worth noting, especially for the rather high price point.

“The pamphlet included in this box felt more premium than the Great Clubs box but had less information and character. I felt like this was less of a ‘club’ and more of a gift,” says Nicole. “However, (sans beer explosion) I would not mind this as a gift!”

Best for Brewing Enthusiasts

City Brew Tours

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The City Brew Tours club really is a club, complete with its own monthly podcast for die-hard brewski fans. While the main arm of the business focuses on in-person tours, long-distance beer lovers can still enjoy tasting and learning about bespoke breweries across the nation with the monthly beer box. Each iteration of this beer of the month club introduces subscribers to eight different beers, each hailing from four breweries in a single city. It really feels like taking a boozy tour of a new city each month!

The City Brew Tours staff hand-curates each selection and includes a detailed printout containing information about the tasting notes and breweries chosen, plus a little about the featured city. Inclusions range from sours to IPAs and everything in between, so it’s an ideal subscription for those who appreciate beers of all kinds. While only one of each type of beer comes in the box, that means that you get to enjoy eight different beers, instead of only two or three flavors each month. It’s the ideal option for the solo taste tester.

While the beers are great, the club’s biggest appeal is the monthly, subscriber-only interactive Zoom call tasting featuring guest speakers, brewing experts and fellow beer enthusiasts. It’s a great way to connect with other brewers, gain insight and discuss flavors and new brew methods. Additionally, each subscription comes with a discount on City Brew Tours tickets in case you ever get the itch to join in person.

My box arrived filled to the brim with brews from Pittsburgh. The insert with an overview of the city, facts about Pittsburgh brewing and info about each beer was incredibly enlightening and a great introduction to what the city offers. My favorite was Brew Gentlemen’s Mexican coffee, which was a deep and java-rich experience. It was also cool to have access to the tasting notes and enjoy two brews from each brewery—not to mention all the one-on-one insight gleaned from the Zoom call.

best non-alcoholic

Athletic Brewing Co.

Shop on Athletic Brewing Co.

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For those who want a refreshing beer sans the alcohol, look no further than Athletic Brewing Co. For $29 a year, Athletic Club members receive everything from free shipping and discounted six-packs to exclusive, members-only brews and merchandise. Unlike their beer subscription, which ships your favorite non-alcoholic brews regularly, members can order whatever they want whenever they want it. The only catch? Members have to order a minimum of four six-packs per order. With member pricing at $10.99 per pack, that’s a $44 minimum. Luckily, shipping is free.

“Earlier this year, my husband decided to make the switch to non-alcoholic beer,” says tester and staff writer Marisa Hillman. “He loves the variety, affordability and, of course, the taste of the Athletic Brewing Co. beers he’s tried so far.” Marisa received a variety pack of best sellers along with two limited edition 6-packs. Her shipment arrived just in time for a large get-together at her home where her husband wasn’t the only one who had recently switched to non-alcoholic brews. “All of the beers were a hit with my husband and guests,” she says. “Everyone agreed you’d never know you were drinking a non-alcoholic brew. They’re that good.”

Athletic Brewing Co. offers an impressive variety. Those who have trouble deciding what to order can filter brews by style, season and flavor profile. And if you don’t like beer, Athletic Brewing Co. also offers hops infused sparkling waters that members can enjoy for just $8.99 per six-pack.

What To Look for When Choosing a Beer of the Month Club

While some may purchase a beer subscription for themselves to explore new flavors, others might consider snagging one as a gift for a beer lover in their life. When choosing a beer of the month club, it’s important to consider the recipient. Folks who enjoy a variety of flavors might do well with a club that offers many different brews in each box. On the other hand, those who are a bit pickier may prefer a box that focuses on one type (i.e., pilsners or IPAs) or comes with customization options.

According to Bart Watson, Vice President of Strategy and Chief Economist for the Brewers Association, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a beer club. That said, one big obstacle is shipping.

“What are you looking to learn more about or taste by region, style, or brewery? Pick something that’s going to make you excited every month,” he says. “One note is that many breweries will be limited in their ability to offer beer-of-the-month clubs directly to consumers based on DtC laws, which is why the Brewers Association is working at the Federal and State levels to make it easier for breweries to ship directly to customers, just like wineries can in the vast majority of states.”

If you’re hunting down a beer of the month club subscription as a gift, think about the presentation. Some beer clubs arrive with a wealth of information on the brewing process and featured breweries. Many others offer bonuses like monthly classes. Alternately, some beer subscriptions emphasize sourcing exotic options rather than focusing on gift-ready packaging and in-depth info. These are typically for folks who are simply interested in taste testing rather than the entire brewing process.

How We Found the Best Beer of the Month Clubs

To find the best beer of the month clubs, we began by recruiting a few beer-loving editors. We looked into as many beer of the month clubs as possible, focusing on finding those with the best reviews and recommendations. From there, we purchased five different subscriptions from the most popular services. Depending on the service, we tried each option for a total of one to three months.

During testing, we focused on the taste of each inclusion, the variety, customization options, any info or brochures and the packaging. We also made note of any special extras, including limited-edition inclusions or other fun finds. Throughout the process, we thought about who would best enjoy each subscription and whether it would make a good gift. In the end, we found the best beer of the month club for brew newbies, beer experts and everyone in between.

Why You Should Trust Us

As Taste of Home’s resident food and drink expert, I’ve tasted everything from the best snack boxes to cookie of the month clubs and beyond. I would never recommend something that feels like a waste of space in my own kitchen or tummy. My passion lies in testing everyday kitchen items, food and other finds so that no one has to experience potential disappointment after spending their hard-earned dollars on a subpar product.

Combined, our team has decades of experience testing and evaluating everything from the best flower delivery services to coffee clubs and baking boxes. While choosing inclusions for the best beer of the month clubs, we focused on finding subscriptions that offer delicious brews and a solid bang for our buck.

For this piece, I also spoke to Bart Watson, Vice President of Strategy and Chief Economist for the Brewers Association. Bart is a stats geek, beer lover, and Certified Cicerone. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where in addition to his dissertation, he completed a comprehensive survey of Bay Area brewpubs one pint at a time.

The post Raise a Glass for the 6 Best Beer of the Month Clubs appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• Cheddar cheese
• Sliced green olives with pimientos
• Green grapes
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Sweet red pepper
• Fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
• Sliced pepperoni
• Summer sausage