When it comes to candy canes, there’s usually not a whole lot left to the unknown. Once you peel back the thin, plastic wrapper, you expect you’ll get to enjoy a nice peppermint-flavored candy. But the world seems to have gone a little crazy lately and so too have our trusty red and white striped Christmas treats. Archie McPhee — the maker of candy cane flavors no one would ever ask for — thinks that peppermint is just a little too predictable. From macaroni and cheese, to pizza, and even ham (hamdy canes, of course), the quirky candy company probably has a candy cane for that. For veggie lovers, the green and white striped Kale Candy Cane ($7) offers “The bitter grassiness of your favorite vegetable.” Also, find comfort that “This set of six Kale Candy Canes gives you all of the flavor of kale with none of the dietary benefits.” The red…
17 Thanksgiving recipes you don’t want to miss
This year, make Turkey Day more delicious than ever. Even if you’ve hosted the holiday for decades and think your menu is as good-as-it-gets, it could be time for a refresher. For the ultimate holiday feast, try a few recipes from this Thanksgiving recipe roundup. Stuffing in the crock pot Who has oven space for all of those side dishes? Plus, cooking stuffing in the bird might not be the best idea anyway. http://craves.everybodyshops.com/crock-pot-stuffing-saves-time-on-thanksgiving-day/ Roasted butternut squash It’s delicious and healthy. Plus is will ad a splash of color to your table. What more could you want? http://craves.everybodyshops.com/roasted-butternut-squash-with-cranberries-and-goat-cheese/ Cheesy broccoli casserole Make room for a new tradition at the table. These cheesy broccoli casserole is a win with kids and adults alike. http://craves.everybodyshops.com/thanksgiving-day-broccoli-cheese-casserole/ Baked brie with cranberries and jalapeños How fast can an appetizer disappear? Just don’t blink! This cranberry brie will be gone in seconds. http://craves.everybodyshops.com/baked-brie-with-cranberry-jalapeno-jam/ Layered pumpkin delight…
The 9 best cheeses to use in mac and cheese
Instant mac and cheese might pass the test for as a college dorm room quick fix, but everyone knows that nothing beats the homemade stuff. At its best, the real deal — made from scratch — can truly transcend you to a carb-loving comfort food heaven. Whether it’s baked into a crunchy-topped casserole or scooped straight from the stove top, the creamiest mac and cheese starts with the right cheese. So what cheeses guarantee maximum creaminess? The main quality a cheese must have is meltability. It might seem obvious, but often times home cooks can lose sight of the end goal (And, admittedly, those fancy, sprawling cheese departments at the supermarket can have us wanting to experiment with all kinds of cheeses we don’t need). Plus, you want a cheese that isn’t going to separate into an oily, grainy mess. So stay on task and when you head to the…
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese perfect for fall
Here’s an earthy mac and cheese that takes a risk and wins! Pumpkin and cheese are actually make a great flavor combination. If you’re skeptical, substitute for another squash such as butternut squash. This quick dish is yummy and totally fun for fall. Imagine the surprise when you tell everyone it has a touch of pumpkin! The flavor isn’t overwhelming. It’s just subtle enough that you can taste the unique fall take on this class comfort food. Pumpkin puree has a moist, velvety texture, and it will keep the cheese gooey a little longer, I find. I like to grate my own cheese because it melts faster too, but whether you buy bagged or block, make sure it’s extra sharp cheddar — there’ just more flavor that way. Note: Be sure to use pumpkin puree and nothing labeled “pumpkin pie mix.” The latter has lots of spices mixed. Pumpkin Mac and…
Here’s how your favorite chefs make mac and cheese
The next time you want to feast on some cheesy, gooey goodness, remember eating mac and cheese is part of our national heritage — It’s downright patriotic. Legend has it that mac and cheese came to the United Sates courtesy of Thomas Jefferson, who became enamored with the pasta dish while visiting France. It was Jefferson who brought home noodle recipes and a pasta machine to the States, since these things were unavailable in the Colonies at the time. He loved the dish so much, he even served it at a state dinner in 1802. Flash forward a few decades. Kraft Foods marketed its boxed macaroni and cheese in 1937 during the throes of the Great Depression. One box could serve a family of four for just 19 cents. The company sold 8 million boxes that year. During the war, when fresh meat and produce were in short supply, the boxed mac and cheese…
20 Recipes Dad really wants for his Father’s Day Feast
If you’re having trouble thinking what gift Dad wants