Cute and Useful Back to School Lunch Gear

Going back to school after the long, lazy days of summer can be a tough time for kids. One way to help with that transition back to school life, is with some really fun and delicious school lunches. For your kids though, it’s not just about the food, it’s also about how it appears when they open that bag. To make your kids school lunch stand out, I’ve picked out some top-notch lunch gear that’ll make school lunch exciting again.

1. Bento Boxes

This leak-proof Bentgo Kids Lunch Box (about $28)  is ideal for your kids. It’s microwave, and dishwasher safe and made with BPA free materials. It’s durable, and tough and also comes with a 2 year warranty. Your kids will love the bright colors too. It’s a firm favorite among parents on Amazon, and the perfect way to liven up your kids school lunch with lots of different compartments for snacks.

Bentgo Kids Childrens Lunch Box | Photo courtesy Bentgo

Another great option is this 5 compartment Iwotou Bento Box (about $14). It comes with a detachable container for soup/sauce and a matching spoon. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe, and has a steam valve to keep food fresh, and make it easier for heating and freezing. It comes in just two colors – pink and blue.

Iwotou Bento Box | Photo courtesy Amazon

What’s nice about the Bentology Bento Box (about $19)  is that all the containers are removable, making it slightly easier to clean. It comes with three lids for the containers, and all parts are dishwasher safe, except for the lids. It comes in a variety of different colors, and is made of BPA free materials.

Bentology Leak-proof Bento Lunch Box

2. Lunch Bag

This Insulated Durable Lunch Bag (about $15) comes with a sturdy carry handle, and is fully insulated. It’s got a mesh pocket inside for an ice pack, and a mesh pocket on the side for a water bottle. It’s made to fit a regular sized Bento box, with a little extra room for snacks in the front pocket. It comes in a variety of adorable patterns, and is great quality for the price.

Insulated Durable Lunch Bag | Photo courtesy Amazon

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Related: Healthy Hacks of Lunch Box Classics

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3. Water Bottle

This vacuum insulated, double wall Kleen Kantine Bottle  (about $14) will keep your kids water nice and cold throughout the school day. It also keeps hot drinks like hot chocolate perfectly hot in the winter months.  It comes in a variety of colors, and compared to other models, this bottle is easy to clean and look after.  It’s made of stainless steel and is a great long-lasting option for your kids lunch box.

 

Kleen Kantine | Photo courtesy Amazon

4. Reusable Cutlery

This Sistema Cutlery Set ($6) comes with knife, fork, spoon and chopsticks! They come in a neat carry case, and all implements are dishwasher and microwave safe. They are BPA free, and feel very solid unlike most plastic cutlery.

Sistema To Go Collection 4 Piece Cutlery Set  | Photo courtesy Amazon

5. Slim Ice Coolers

If you, like me, worry about your kids lunch getting warm on a hot day, these Slim Lunch Ice Packs  (about $8) are for you. They are very small and light weight, so won’t add too much bulk to your kids lunch bag, but they keep everything nice and cool. They come in a variety of colors and are BPA free.

Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Lunch Ice Packs | Photo courtesy Amazon

6. Food Picks

These Japanese Animal Food Picks (about $8) are by no means an essential item, but they will make your kids lunch box a little more fun. They are useful too, as they can be used to pick up cubes of fruit or cheese without your kids fingers getting messy. They are BPA free, and come in a pack of 12 so you can have different animals for every day of the week. I promise you, they will bring a smile to your kids face when they find them in their lunchbox.

Torune Zodiac 12 Animals Food Picks for Bento Lunch Box  | Photo courtesy Amazon

7. Silicone Baking Cups

It might seem like an odd choice, but these Reusable Silicone Baking Cups (about $6) can be a real life saver when you are trying to stuff extra things into your kids bento box. It can help you squeeze two different foods into one compartment – making everything look a lot neater, and lets you have a variety of snacks in your bento box. As they are reusable, you can wash them in the dishwasher, and use them for next time.

Reusable Silicone Baking Cups | Photo courtesy Amazon

Related

• How to Prepare Waste-free School Lunches
• 20 Healthyish Kid Approved Snacks
• 7 Smart Bus Stop Breakfasts Kids Love

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15 Scrumptious Sandwiches to Jump Start Your Day

Breakfast between two slices of bread, waffles, biscuits, English muffins, or a bagel is a classic grab-and-go meal, but, when it’s the weekend, there’s no need to rush through these satisfying sandwiches. Sip that second cup of coffee, and chill while admiring the stunning achievement of a well-constructed breakfast sandwich. Here are some of our most popular versions, sure to appeal to every taste.

Meat Lovers

Good morning, bacon, ham, and sausage. Those porky products are prime candidates to partner up with fried, scrambled, and poached eggs. Add cheese for the big gooey finish, and, in most cases, pass the hot pepper sauce, if you want to fire up your creation.

Pancake Breakfast Sandwich. Photo by Molly

• Leftover Pancake Breakfast Sandwich
• Breakfast Sandwich Heaven
• Chef John’s Monte Cristo Benedict
• Hammy Egg Maple Bagel
• Grilled Cheese Brunch Bake
• French Egg and Bacon Sandwich
• Easy Sausage Breakfast Burgers
• Croque-Monsieur

Go low-carb with these creations and make your breakfast sandwiches on Easy Cloud Bread. Here’s a quick video that walks you through the recipe:

Veggie Breakfast Sandwiches

There are plenty of hearty options if you’d rather take the meatless route. These creations focus on big flavors, delivered by perfectly scrambled eggs mingling with fresh vegetables as well as going in fun directions with riffs on grilled cheese. Add a tossed green salad on the side and you’ve got some clean eating to kick off the day’s best meal.

Photo By Cat Lady Cyndi

• Fried Egg Sandwich
• Queenie’s Killer Tomato Bagel
• Dulce de Leche Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Waffle Sandwich
• Breakfast in a Pita
• The Legendary Egg Dog
• Open-Faced Egg Sandwich with Arugula Salad

Explore All Things Brunchworthy for Great Ideas on the Weekend’s Best Meal

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This Edible Glitter for Prosecco is Making Us Feel All Sparkly

I’m not sure how it happened. I swear, I was just doing a little research about edible glitter, and before I knew it, I had my credit card out. Sure, “Prosecco glitter” costs a pretty penny, but I’m so excited about all the sparkly drinks I’m going to make with it.

Rose Gold Shimmer for Prosecco | Photo by PopaBall

Not only does this stuff from a company called Lakeland give your bubbly an irridescent shimmer, it adds a slight raspberry flavor, and the glitter also has little hearts made from gold leaf that float around the top. Just too cute. And perfect for any showers you may have coming up this spring and summer—or really, for any gathering that could use a little extra sparkle. (Are there really any that couldn’t?)

Those little gold hearts! | Photo by PopaBall

I bought mine from a website called PopaBall* (Lakeland doesn’t seem to deliver international orders at this time), and be aware: the shipping costs more than the product. The shimmer itself was about seven dollars and the shipping was fourteen. But, again—sparkles!! And although the product is called “Shimmer for Prossecco,” I’m thinking it would look great in pretty much anything with bubbles.  Below are a few drink recipes just begging for some shimmer.

Tom Collins Cocktail

• Tom Collins Cocktail
• Strawberry Mojito
• Lime Honey Soda

*UPDATE (4/28): A bit of a heads up…I got an email from the company about my order today, saying they are working very hard to get FDA approval in the U.S., but they won’t know for sure until mid-week next week. A little odd, but I’m keeping my eye on the prize: sparkles! (I suspect media attention like this in the U.S. caught them off-guard in terms of their ordering expectations.) I will post a further update when I have one. And just remember: sparkles!!

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10 Fresh, Fun Ways to Use Spring Peas

Spring’s a great time to celebrate fresh green flavors, whether straight from the countryside at the farmers market or right there in a neighborhood grocery store. One of the finest indicators that spring’s really here is the arrival of fresh peas. Sweet and bright when fresh either in the pod or shelled, they’re too often overlooked — or just taken for granted, thanks to their frozen or canned cousins. These 10 creative recipe ideas will cast the humble pea in a new light.

1. Sweet Pea”Mockamole”

No avocados for guacamole? Lots of peas? Problem solved! The combination of sweet peas with traditional Mexican spices like cumin, garlic and chili peppers makes a unique dip for tortilla chips or veggies, and is just the kind of thing that’ll have people asking what the secret is. (This is also a prime candidate for making the trendy Avocado Toast.)

Sweet pea mockamole. Photo by Melissa Goff

2. Stuffed Pea Pods

This appetizer takes the adorable route by stuffing fresh pea pods with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs, with an optional shrimp topping and a garnish of whole peas.

3. Pea and Avocado Salad

Somewhere in between a guacamole and a shrimp salad, this springtime dish pairsthe sweetness of peas with that of shrimp, then mixes them both in with creamy,fresh avocado. Placing the whole salad back into the skin of the avocado makesfor an especially cute presentation.

4. Mushy Peas

A pub staple in Great Britain, mushy peas is a dish not as well-known in the United States. Think of it like mashed potatoes, but with peas. This recipe ramps up the rich, satisfying factor with butter and heavy cream.

5. Green Pea Pesto

This twist on a traditional basil pesto produces a sweeter, denser pasta condiment.(It’s great simply spread on crusty bread, too!) Peas take the place of pesto’s traditional pine nuts to add a little chunkiness and body to the sauce, while cheese, garlic, lemon juice and fresh basil keep the flavors bright.

Credit: Irisphoto/Flickr

6. Curried Peas

Look globally for ways to spice up your pea harvest. This Indian-inspired dish marries peas with tomatoes and onions, but the real kicker is the coconut milk,which provides a luxurious background from which the peas’ natural sweetness really shines.

Credit: Naples34102

7. Peas and Pancetta

Italians know the importance of letting great ingredients speak for themselves. Wine and herbs complement the counter balanced main ingredients — peas for their sweetness, pancetta (Italian-style bacon, more or less) for its saltiness.

8. Green Pea Sauce

Peas get combined with onions, garlic, vegetable broth and evaporated milk,then blended until smooth for a creamy, unique condiment. Try it over potatoesor with steak, suggests the recipe author.

9. Cheesy Peas

Sometimes you just want to take the indulgent route, and the fresh bright sweetness of peas can stand up to a rich dish like this. Gooey cheddar and a blend of herbs makes this a luxurious side dish.

10. Pickled Peas

Okay, so you’ve had plenty of peas already, but you’ve got plenty leftover? What to do with such an abundance? This tarragon-and-garlic-accented recipe solves your problem, presenting you with a preservation method for pickling your spring peas — perfect for adding to sandwiches, garnishing a Bloody Mary or simply snacking for months to come.

Discover More Inspiration on AllrecipesDish

• Spring Vegetable Soup
• 5 Brilliant Ways to Make the Best Avocado Toast
• 10 Ways to Make Grilled Chicken Tastier
• Spring Delight Salad

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25 Sweet and Savory Ways to Dress Up Your Pancake Brunch

Pancakes make for a casual, kid-friendly brunch, particularly when you set up a bar with an assortment of tempting toppers. Whip up a homemade syrup to replace the expected maple; put your slow cooker to work with a batch of spiced apple butter; heck, you can even go savory with a trendy avocado compound butter! Plus, many of these 25 amazing creations would make a terrific hostess gift if you’re heading to brunch at a friend’s place.

Homemade Syrups

Maple syrup is the standard across North America and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it — but it sure is fun to experiment with other options. These syrups will be standouts on top of basic Buttermilk or Blueberry Pancakes. Pro tip: To keep them easy to pour, opt for a quick trip in the microwave to warm them up just before serving.

Buttermilk syrup is ultra-rich and caramel-like. Photo by Molly

• Buttermilk Syrup
• Simple Strawberry Syrup
• Pecan Pie Pancake Syrup
• Pumpkin Breakfast Syrup
• Maple Vanilla Syrup

Fruit Compotes

Whole, seasonal fruits and a light touch of warm spices: A great compote can be the star of the brunch-time show. If you have a small slow cooker, use it to serve these compotes warm (they’re also great at room temperature). Compotes can be made ahead of time, but the colors are usually prettiest if they’re made the same morning they’ll be served.

Peaches and blackberry compote. Photo by Angela Sackett

• Spiced Blackberry and Peach Compote
• Warm Apple Compote
• Bourbon Fig Compote
• Flathead Cherry Compote
• Summer Berry Compote

Citrus Toppings

Tart flavors shine during special occasion brunches, particularly when mimosas are on the menu. Pro tip: Stir some lemon or orange zest into your favorite pancake recipe to make it a perfect match with a citrus topper. The bright flavors also go wonderfully with Crepes or delicate Swedish Pancakes.

Homemade lime curd for pancakes or waffles. Photo by Glenna Willis

• Fresh Lime Curd
• Chef John’s Kumquat Marmalade
• Warm Orange Sauce
• Lemon Syrup
• Sweet Candied Orange and Lemon Peel

Compound Butters

Intensely flavored butters can go savory or spicy, which make them a fantastic topper for creations such as Cornmeal Pancakes. You can make them several days ahead and store in the refrigerator; just take them out to soften about 30 minutes ahead of brunch.

Avocado Compound Butter. Photo by bd_weld

• Avocado Compound Butter
• Dill Butter
• Habanero Butter
• Chef John’s Nasturtium Butter
• Rum Butter

Fruit and Nut Spreads

Put seasonal fruit to excellent use in the thick, lightly spiced spread known as fruit butter. Slow cookers and microwaves are handy to get these spreads to the right consistency; you want them thick, not runny. Warm up a chilly morning by pairing any of these with Gingerbread Pancakes.

• All-Day Apple Butter
• Pumpkin Butter
• Microwave Peach Plum Butter
• Chunky Pear Butter with a Lemon Twist
• Cashew Butter

Explore More Ideas for Pancake Brunches

How to Make the Best Pancakes from Scratch
This Simple Swap Gives You Ultra-Fluffy Pancakes
Make the Best Crepes Ever with These Simple Tips and Recipes

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Nationwide Recall on Ready-to-Eat Chicken Breasts

On Monday, the The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced a recall of approximately 42,147 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken breast products by “Chef’s Line All Natural Fire Grilled Chicken Breast.”  They say these products may contain under-cooked chicken, resulting in the potential survival of bacterial pathogens in the products.

Here are the specific products affected by the recall:

• 9-lb. foodservice cases containing 8 poly film packages of “CHEF’S LINE ALL NATURAL FIRE GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST” with product code 22586, produced on 04/07/17, and Best by date 06/14/17.
• 9-lb. foodservice cases containing 8 poly film packages of “saladworks FULLY COOKED FLAME GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS” with product code 22500, produced on 03/29/17 and Use by date 06/05/17.

NOTE: The affected products also have the number “P-45411” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The issue was first discovered when customers complained that the products appeared undercooked. But luckily, there have been no confirmed reports of illness or negative reactions to the chicken yet. Regardless, the USDA urges anyone who has purchased one of these products not to eat them. They recommend throwing away the products or returning them to the store where they were purchased.

Read more details about the recall here.

 

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19 Amazing Pancakes That Go BIG on Flavor

Sure, old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes are an amazing way to start the day, but what’s super fun about flapjacks is that they can also be the perfect place to play. Think of them as a blank canvas, ready to take on all sorts of flavors. Here are some of our top-rated variations on everybody’s favorite brunch classic.

Fruit Forward

Let’s make the leap to blueberries and beyond. Just consider all the amazing ways apples and oranges and bananas make pancakes taste extra special. Plus, adding fruit means those flapjacks are good for you, too.

Photo by lutzflcat

• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
• Bourbon Bacon Apple Pancakes
• Veronica’s Apple Pancakes
• German Apple Pancake
• Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes
• Banana Pancakes
• Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes
• Cinnamon Peach Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Super Sweet

Dessert for brunch? Yes, please and pass the platter of chocolate drizzled, Southern cake-inspired, treat-filled flapjacks. Balance all the sweetness with bacon cooked in the oven. Those crispy strips are the BFF to these goodies.

Chunky Monkey Pancakes. Photo by CCloves2Bake

• Chunky Monkey Pancakes
• Red Velvet Pancakes
• Creamsicle Pancakes
• Elvis Pancakes
• Mini Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Spice Time

Warming gingerbread, fragrant nutmeg, hints of cinnamon that are reminiscent of Grandma’s ambitious baking projects are such a welcome way to greet the day, especially when it’s gray outside. But please don’t relegate these beauties strictly to cool weather months. They are super yummy every day of the year.

Photo by CCloves2Bake

• Cinnamon Griddle Cakes
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• Whole Wheat Cinnamon Pancakes
• Grandma’s Gingerbread Pancakes
• Pumpkin Pancakes with Nutmeg Whipped Cream
• Simply Pumpkin Pancakes

Check Out All Things Brunchworthy

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Reese’s Fans Will Go Nuts Over This Crunchy Upgrade

At long last, Reese’s new, hotly anticipated peanut butter cup is just days away. Yep, come May, Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cups are hitting a candy shelf near you.

Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cups will run you $1.09 for the regular two-cup size, and $1.79 for the king size.

Just imagine your classic, delicious Reese’s cup, but add crunchy chocolate cookie bits to the peanut buttery center. As someone who really, really appreciates any extra crunch I can get out of my treats (I’ll pass on the solid Hershey chocolate, but will take all the Krackles), my mouth is already watering. Looks like I’ll have a new favorite candy to sneak into the movie theater along with my Twizzlers.

If you get antsy over the weekend, below is a recipe to tide you over. I recommend sprinkling chocolate cookie crumbles (Oreos or maybe even biscotti for something really crunchy) on top before the chocolate hardens to mimic the real deal.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups should get you through the weekend.

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10 Ways to Make Grilled Chicken Tastier

Grilled chicken is such an easy and popular dish to make in the summer. Sometimes though, you can get stuck in a rut with the same recipe every time. With the help of some delicious marinades, sauces and brines, you can take your grilled chicken to the next level. Here are 10 sumptuous grilled chicken recipes to make this summer grilling season special.

Marinades

Be sure to marinade your chicken in the refrigerator. To impart the most flavor, marinade for at least a few hours or overnight.

1. Marinated Grilled Chicken II

The secret to tender, flavorful chicken in this recipe is a bottle of Italian-style salad dressing. Recipe creator Denise Boyd says, “This recipe can be used for inexpensive chicken pieces or to grill a whole chicken. The Italian salad dressing gives the dish some zing!”

Photo by Dianne

2. Chicken Kabobs Mexicana

You might think you’ve gone on a weekend trip to Mexico after you taste these grilled chicken kabobs. The quick and easy marinade of oil, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and cumin adds a pop of flavor to the kabobs. Enjoy with a side of guacamole, warm tortillas, and salsa. Community member Naples34102 tried this recipe and wrote, “Beautiful, delicious, and oozing with simple, fresh, Mexican flavors.”

Photo by CookinBug

3. Grilled Lemon Yogurt Chicken

This recipe from Chef John uses yogurt and lemon juice in the marinade for both flavor and the ingredients’ tenderizing characteristics. Chef John says, “There is something special about what yogurt does to chicken in its smoky, sizzling time over charcoal. It imparts a tangy flavor that lifts all the other flavorings. It tenderizes slightly, without turning the meat into mush. It grills to a caramelized dark brown without tasting burnt.”

Photo by Eileen Allwine

4. Grilled Chipotle Marinated Chicken

Add a little spice to your grilled chicken with this recipe. Recipe creator David Huntzinger says, “This chicken is grilled after being marinated in a spicy marinade. The chipotle chiles give the marinade its smoky flavor. You can increase the heat to your liking with your favorite hot sauce.”

Sauces

What is added to the chicken once it’s grilled can be as important as what it’s marinated in, in terms of flavor and taste. In many of the recipes, the grilled chicken gets a double whammy of flavor boost from both the marinade and the sauce.

5. Grilled Chicken with Peach Sauce

Perfect for summertime, this chicken is glazed with a combination of peach preserves, Dijon mustard, and garlic. For extra fruitiness, fresh peaches are grilled and served along with the chicken.

Photo by Allrecipes Magazine

6. Grilled Chicken Breasts with Fresh Strawberry Salsa

Chicken and strawberries together? Why not! While the chicken marinades in olive oil, serrano chile, garlic, chili powder, and raspberry vinegar, you can quickly prepare the spicy strawberry salsa out of fresh strawberries, mint, serrano chile, and red onion. We recommend tasting the salsa first, before deciding if you want to sweeten it up with sugar.

Photo by Meredith

7. Chimichurri Sauce

Traditionally served with grilled meat, this Argentinian herb sauce is fantastic with grilled chicken. It’s a breeze to make too, and takes under a minute in your blender. Give this recipe a try as written, or follow recommendations of our community and add fresh cilantro and extra garlic.

Photo by Meredith

8. Pineapple Chicken Tenders

Did you know that pineapple juice is a great tenderizer? It’s a part of the marinade for these chicken tenders, together with soy sauce and brown sugar. For extra flavor, double the marinade and reduce half of it on the stove to a glaze consistency. Serve the grilled chicken tenders with the reduced glaze on the side and throw in some grilled pineapple while you’re manning the grill.

Photo by Lidia Perez

Brines

While you might think about brining for Thanksgiving (the turkey), marinating smaller pieces of poultry, like chicken, is definitely worth the while.

9. Simple Chicken Brine Recipe

Community member Jay, shared this recipe, saying “This simple chicken brine will help make the meat more tender and juicy.” Community member VictoriaJ agrees, saying “Really good brine. Made my grilled chicken really moist and juicy without being overwhelming.” When preparing this recipe, a simple combination of water, salt, sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil, be sure to use Kosher or sea salt (not the table salt). To further control the amount of salt, consider rinsing the chicken once it is out of the brine, before patting it dry, brushing with oil, and grilling.

Photo by BigStock

10. Pickle Brine Chicken

Here’s another fun way to brine your chicken, using pickle juice. Chef John created this recipe and said, “Like most brine recipes, the payoff is in the texture and moisture content and not necessarily in the taste. Having said that, these did have a nice little twang. So the next time you have nothing left in the pickle jar but the juice, you now know what to do.”

Photo by Chef John

For more grilling inspiration:

• Top Tips For Grilling Successfully
• Grilling Times For Chicken And Poultry
• Top Tips For Safe Summer Grilling

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Oreo Just Announced New Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

…but we might really need to scream for this particular ice cream. Actually sort of literally—perhaps in the form of a massive tweet attack on Oreo. Because Oreo has just released peanut butter ice cream in grocery stores in the UK. But only the UK. When we really need them to be available, ya know, everywhere. And that I do mean quite literally.

If only we could reach through the photo…

Because they. Look. Amazing. Right?! And while I can’t say for certain—I’ve never actually had one (ahem!!)—they seem to be exactly what they sound like: peanut butter ice cream sandwiched between two Oreo cookies. And could we really want or ask for anything more? I’m thinking, no. So, let’s get on it. Tweet them, tag them, @ mention the heck out of the situation. We can do this! We must do this.

Never lose sight of the goal:

And if you’re lucky enough to be in the UK right now, you can find them at Sainsbury’s, but for all the rest of us much sadder, peanut butter ice cream sandwich-less people, here are some recipes that might fill the void until we get our fair share (I suggest topping each of these with crumbled Oreos):

One of the main ingredients in this Hot Fudge Ice Cream Bar Dessert is—you guessed it—peanut butter.

• Hot Fudge Ice Cream Bar Dessert
• Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
• Alaskan Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie

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Why Cooking With Beer Is (Almost) Better Than Drinking It

As much as we like to savor a beer on its own, beer is not just for washing down pretzels on game day, but can be used in cooking — similar to the way you can cook with wine. Cooking with beer adds a deep, earthy flavor to savory dishes such as chili, soup, and stew; and a nutty, caramelized flavor to baked goods. It’s great for just about every cooking technique, too: baking, braising, deglazing, battering, sauces, marinating, and simmering. Here’s a quick guide to cooking with beer, including top-rated recipes to try.

Beer’s Balancing Act

Here’s how it works: The hops used in brewing beer make it bitter by nature. However, the malt found in beer provides just enough natural sweetness to balance the flavor perfectly. In addition, foods high in sugars — vegetables such as carrots, corn, and onions (think caramelized onions) — are balanced by the bitterness. The bitter edge also helps balance very rich and creamy foods, like this Guinness Beer Cheese Dip, cheese soup or French onion soup (instead of wine), and cheese fondue.

The Right Beer for the Right Recipe

Fried Foods

Want a stack of crispy onion rings or fried shrimp? Replace fizzy seltzer water in your batter with a light beer, such as lager, to make the batter light and airy. Avoid stout, as it can turn the batter an unappetizing shade of gray.

Use a light lager for these perfectly light and crispy Coconut Shrimp.

Photo by Yan

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Soups and Stews

Replace stock or wine with stout or ale in recipes for hearty beef stew or lamb shanks. For a lighter dish like seafood or chicken, use your favorite wheat beer.

Go with something dark and rich, such as a porter, when making this Boilermaker Tailgate Chili.

Photo by Molly

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup is a lighter chicken chili that can be made with a wheat beer.

Photo by My 3 boys

This top-rated recipe for Beer Glazed Brats and Sauerkraut uses lager in the mix.

Photo by lutzflcat

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Baking with Beer

Beer bread is a classic quick bread where the beer, along with baking powder, provides natural yeast to help the loaf rise. Use a light lager unless you want a dark, bitter bread like Guinness Bread.

When baking with chocolate, reach for the darker stouts. The chocolate notes are brought out by the complex, dark beer.

Stout and chocolate are a match made in heaven in these Chocolate Beer Cupcakes.

Photo by Qhhunter

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Marinades and Sauces

Love me tender! Though it has less acidity than wine, beer helps to tenderize meat just like a wine marinade. The beer will helps to caramelize the outside of seared meats, like steak. It also adds an earthy, smoky flavor to barbecue sauce.

Sweet molasses balances the dark, bitter beer in this recipe for Beerbecue Beef Flank Steak.

Photo by lutzflcat

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Pro Tips for Cooking with Beer

Which Kind of Beer to Use?

Just like white and red wine, light and dark beers have distinctive flavor profiles. Often a recipe calls for beer without giving you an idea of where to begin. Here are some general guidelines for how to cook with beer:

• Wheat beers are great with chicken and seafood
• Ales, porters, and stouts are perfect for pork, beef, and lamb.
• Belgian ales go great with hearty meat and game.
• Nut-brown ales pair well with stews and cheesy dishes.
• And, for dessert? Use light, fruity beers.

If you’re still overwhelmed with all of the choices, pale ale is a versatile choice: it’s hoppy, rich and fruity, without being overpowering. But, look out for the India Pale Ales (IPA’s): they might be great to drink, but are often too bitter to cook with.

You Get What You Pay For

Just like cooking with wine, what you put in is what you get out. So, while you don’t have to break the bank to buy a nice beer for cooking, don’t pick the bottom of the barrel either. Use something you would enjoy drinking, because as you cook, the flavors will reduce and intensify. And, don’t forget to check the beer’s expiration date!

What about the alcohol?

Afraid that serving your kids some cupcakes or stew made with beer might get them, well, a little buzzed? Fear not. Beer does not have much alcohol to begin with (it’s mostly water), and as soon as you cook or bake with it, the alcohol evaporates quickly.

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Thirsty for More?

• Get ready for game day and learn about the basics of beer in these helpful articles.
• We’ve picked out our best beef + beer recipes just for you.
• Check out the ways beer makes brunch better.
• Browse our entire collection of recipes for cooking with beer.

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3 Tips for Way Better Backcountry Cooking

Going backpacking is the pinnacle of outdoor experiences. You’ll want to pack light with backpacking food, but that doesn’t mean lowering your standards when it comes to flavor. The occasional pre-packaged freeze-dried meal is great when time is of the essence, or when you just need something easy after a long day of hiking. But you didn’t get a reputation as a foodie for nothing, so why not elevate your game while you’re on the trail? With these tips, you’ll be packing the best camping food on the your next rugged trip to the great outdoors.

1. Stock Up on Freeze-Dried Staples

As always, the key is in preparation. Plan your meals in advance so you’ll know what and how much to buy. Keep in mind that while you might never use instant rice or potato flakes at home, everything’s fair game on the trail. Your local supermarket likely has a good selection of dried beans, mushrooms, veggies, and fruits that are perfect staples for your al fresco dinners. The nuts-and-dried-fruit-aisle at Trader Joe’s, especially, is a backpacker’s best friend. For extra flavor, pack some fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and honey.

If you’re specifically looking for dried foods and can’t find much locally, browse the web. Packitgourmet, Karen’s Naturals, North Bay Trading, and Harmony House each offer wide selections of dried/dehydrated base ingredients (freeze-dried vegetables, meats, grains, potatoes, etc) in backpacker-friendly formats.

2. Pack Our Picks for the Best Freeze-Dried Meals

If you can’t be bothered to make your own meals for that trip to the back country, there are plenty of camp-ready, freeze-dried civilian MRE (that’s “Meal, Ready to Eat”) dinners to take along on your trip. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite standalone to throw in your pack.

Go Global

Thai chilies lend just the right kick to Good To-Go’s Thai Curry, a flavorful mash-up of fresh broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and green beans over jasmine rice. Spice lovers will also like Good To-Go’s Bibimbap, a zippy Korean mixed rice dish with sesame, carrots and spinach. If you want to bring along a taste of India, Chana Masala from Backpackers Pantry — packed with chick peas, tomatoes and south asian zest — might just be the closest you’ll get to Indian take-out on the trail. For breakfast: chia, hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds mingle with dried banana, currant, and coconut in the brand’s protein-packed Oatmeal breakfast.

Take Comfort

Comfort food on the trail is like a warm blanket. Alpine Aire’s Chicken Gumbo satisfies with big chunks of vegetables and a spicy kick. Long a backpacker’s staple, Mountain House’s Beef Stroganoff with Noodles gets the texture right and the rehydrated meat and vegetable chunks practically melt in your mouth. And finally, Mary Jane’s Farm uses all organic ingredients (meat, cheese, potatoes). Plus, this dish gets kudos for old school flavor and the “stick-to-your-ribs” consistency of its Organic Shepherd’s Meat Pie.

It’s partly what it doesn’t have — gluten, grain, milk, soy, or nuts — that makes Paleo Meals To Go’s Canyon Chicken Chili appealing to those with food sensitivities. But the southwestern flavor and protein punch are what make this meal a keeper for any of us.

Paleo Meals To Go’s Freeze-Dried Allergy-Free Chicken Chili–Just Add Water. Photo courtesy of Paleo to Go.

 

Don’t Forget Dessert

You’ll need all the calories you can get if you are checking off the trail miles all day long. Mountain House’s Neapolitan Ice Cream may be chalky but tastes almost as good as the real thing—especially when you’re out in the backcountry and far from the neighborhood ice cream truck.

Neopolitan freeze-dried ice cream…yum!

3. Dress Up Your MRE’s

Freeze-dried meals sure are convenient — just boil some water and pour into the pre-made meal’s Mylar bag, right? Sometimes  a freeze-dried dinner satisfies your need for calories but isn’t tasty. Spice up a bland MRE with your own favorite flavors with these tasty ideas. If you mix a little creativity with opportunism, your trailside culinary options are unlimited. Just don’t forget your camp stove!

• Throw in some additional dried veggies.
• Stuff your meal in a bell pepper, wrap it in tin foil and roast the whole shebang over hot coals for 10 minutes.
• Drizzle in some olive oil, or give it a few taps off the hot sauce.
• Fill a tortilla with your MRE and add some fresh avocado and onion. Mix in some sausage or some tuna.
• Fry an egg and slide it on top.
• If the MRE is too salty or you want to make it stretch to feed your hiking partner too, add in extra beans, rice or couscous.
• If you score some good dinner rolls at a bakery on your way to the trail, stuff your ready-made meal in it and call it a sandwich (next level hot pocket?).

Related content:

More backpacking recipes and camp cooking planning advice from the Pros at REI

Search the Allrecipes Library of Camping Recipes

The Ultimate List of S’mores Recipes

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The Best New Ultralight Luxuries for Backpacking

One of the reasons backpacking camping is so liberating is that it forces you to carry only what you need for a few days. But with so much focus on the ultralight gear available now, there’s no reason you have to leave all the creature comforts behind anymore. These eight ultralight camping gear luxuries will soon become necessities in all your trips. Espresso, anyone?

A Foon–a spoon and fork (and chopsticks!) combine into one tool. Photo from GSI Outdoors

1. The Foon

What do you get when you combine wooden chopsticks with a long-handled “foon” (fork/spoon)?  GSI Outdoors’ Glacier Stainless Kung Foon ($12), of course. Use the chopsticks and foon on their own, or combine them into an ingenious long-handled scooper and scraper, perfect for mixing up every last drop of that freeze-dried dinner and then shoveling it into your mouth. Bonus: this foon’s “bowl” is deep enough to use for eating soups, cereals, oatmeal, or whatever else your camp cook throws your way.

Photo by Wacaco

2. Espresso, Anyone?

Weighing in at less than a pound and standing only 6.8 inches tall, Wacaco’s Minipresso (about $59) won’t take up much room in your pack but will make you the only barista within miles around. Pour in some ground coffee and a little hot water and give it a few pumps, and your own Morning Joe is ready to go. Whip up a few shots for later by the campfire with this espresso martini cocktail.

3. Sensational Sleeping Bags

The new line of warm and highly compressible Patagonia Sleeping Bags feature 850-fill goose down, which, according to its site is “traced from ($279-$519) parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked.” The sleeping bags also come with a host of nifty features borrowed from 45 years of the company ‘s expertise designing and manufacturing jackets and other outdoor wear, such as lightweight stitch baffle construction, replaceable center zippers, Houdini liners that dry quickly and are soft next to the skin.

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Related: Camping Snacks that Won’t Wreck Your Tent

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Photo by Kammok

4. Hammock Hang Time

Let’s face it, there’s no better way to relax at the campsite than hanging in a hammock. The Kammok Roo ($99) can accommodate up to 500 lbs — invite a friend! If you’re hanging out overnight, you’ll want to keep the creepy crawlies at bay with the Dragonfly Bug Net ($75). Pair your power relaxation with some lemonade and you’ve got an afternoon of heaven ahead of you.

Photo by SteriPEN

5. The Cleanest Water

Water purification tools have come a long way. The SteriPEN Ultra ($100) is state-of-art when it comes to convenience and “strength-to-weight” ratio. It has a USB-rechargeable water purifier no bigger than a magic marker that utilizes ultraviolet light to kill not just bacteria and protozoa but viruses as well, sans any chemical aftertaste.

6. Pooper Scooper

When you’ve gotta go, The TentLab’s Deuce of Spades is there for you, if you can find it in the recesses of your pack. Weighing in at just 0.6 of an ounce, this paper-thin potty trowel ($19.95) makes good use of aerospace-grade aluminum to cut through small roots and tough ground so you can dig a hole to do your business in no time.

7. The Ultimate Waterproof Shoes

Love ‘em or not, Crocs are hands-down the ultimate camp shoe, classic Crocs ($35) are lightweight and tough (strap ‘em to the outside of your pack while you hike). Rubbery in feel, Crocs are made with Croslite material, which does not contain latex. They work with or without socks and since they don’t absorb any moisture, they’re perfect for stream crossings, and come out of the water as dry and light as when they went in.

The Sleek Curved Flask from Snow Peak. Photo courtesy of Snow Peak.

8. A Neat Night Cap

Snow Peak’s sleek Titanium Curved Flask ($150) weighs in at only 2.5 ounces and holds 6.7 fluid ounces of your favorite scotch or whiskey without adding any metallic taste. There are cheaper camping flasks out there, but is it really worth skimping when style points matter?

 

 

 

 

 

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