The weather might still say summer, but for pumpkin lovers across the country, the calendar only means one thing — the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Yes, September is right around the corner, meaning that PSL fans are pulling on their cozy sweaters and counting down the days. While Starbucks has yet to announce the official release date of the iconic drink, employees told Business Insider the pumpkin spice latte would be returning Tuesday, August 27 — it’s earliest release date ever. Typically, the PSL returns right around Labor Day weekend. Starbucks employees have been posting photos of the Pumpkin Spice syrup arriving at stores throughout this month, further fueling PSL superfans’ cravings. Can’t wait until the end of August for a taste of fall? Dunkin’ has your back. On Monday, Dunkin’ announced it would launch its fall menu on August 21. Menu items returning include pumpkin spice drinks, coffee and…
15 foods you need to eat before the end of summer
Summer is still in full swing, but we can’t help but notice September sneaking up on us. While the fall brings its own delightful foods (hellooo pumpkin spice!), once summer has slipped by, you just can’t enjoy a juicy watermelon in quite the same way. Take this as your summer foods PSA: Head to the market and get cooking these 15 quintessential summer foods before it’s too late! Blueberry pie Don’t miss out on homemade blueberry pie! A big juicy slice is simply a summer-must. You can even wash and freeze some berries now, if you want to prolong your blueberry pie calendar. That way, you can enjoy them for another month or two. Get the recipe. Vegetarian SPINach, ricotta stuffed peppers Use up those beautiful summer peppers in the best way we know how — stuffed peppers. Make this recipe tonight. Caprese Summer Rolls Perhaps you’re a fan of…
How to get rid of fruit flies in your home
The weather is warm, and your house is stocked with loads of yummy fresh fruit. This means it’s prime time to find those pesky little fruit flies floating around your kitchen. Rather than just shoo them away, here’s how to get fly-free in no time. Gnats vs fruit flies When you first spot little black bugs flying around your kitchen, you should make sure it’s a fruit fly and not a gnat. Fruit flies thrive off of rotting fruit or other high-fructose foods. They’re typically reddish orange or dark brown in color. Gnats, on the other hand, are usually grey or black, and tend to live in soil, so if you think it might be those, the issue might not be overripe produce. How did fruit flies get in my house? It might seems like fruit flies just appear spontaneously out of nowhere, or that they miraculously grow from rotting fruit.…
Blueberry red grape popsicles with mint
Popsicles aren’t rocket science. Of course you know they’re just frozen juice, but if you’re saving time and buying the store-bought version, that juice is loaded with extra sugars and artificial dyes. And that’s not even to mention the delicious flavor combinations you’re missing out on. This blueberry, red grape popsicle recipe makes a healthy summer treat. No unwanted ingredients — just blueberries, grapes, coconut milk, and mint. They’re so good for you, you could even eat one for breakfast! So grab a handful of fresh grapes and get started. You may never buy the boxed kind again! Blueberry Grape Mint popsicles Ingredients 1 1/2 cups fresh purple grapes 1 cup frozen blueberries 1/4 cup light coconut milk (from the carton) 6-7 fresh mint leaves (optional) Directions Add all of the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into popsicle molds (or paper cups if you…
7 reasons you should eat more cherries
When you eat cherries, you can enjoy so much more than just their delicious sweet taste. Yes, they’re the perfect quick snack — just rinse and go — but those tiny cherries are loaded with big health benefits too. Here are 7 good reasons to start snacking on this superfood today: 1. They’re a low-sugar sweet tooth fix Sweet cherries are delicious and sweet, but unlike that double scoop ice cream cone, they have zero added sugar. What’s more, they’re low on the glycemic index (22) compared to other fruits [grapes (46), peaches (42), plums (39)], which means their natural sugars will be released into your bloodstream more slowly, and you won’t feel that spike and crash of high-sugar snacks. All this makes them a go-to for folks with diabetes. 2. They’ll bring you better sleep If you’re tossing and turning all night long, try drinking cherry juice — or…
What’s the difference between limes and key limes?
It’s August and the celebration of summer foods continues, as we gorge on watermelon, all things caprese, and grilled goods every night. One more summer speciality we just can’t get enough of? Key Lime Pie. Of course, if you’ve ever made or eaten this tart and tasty pie, you might have asked yourself: What the heck is the difference between a regular, old lime and this fancy fruit called a “Key lime?” Perhaps you’ve even gone to the grocery store, and wondered if you could substitute one for the other — particularly if your store doesn’t stock the teeny speciality Key limes. So what’s the difference between the two? Well, not really that much. The truth is that “regular” limes and Key limes can be used interchangeably in recipes without risking too much of a disaster. Though, without using Key limes, your Key lime pie is arguably just a “Lime pie.”…
What’s in season in August?
Can you believe it’s already August? Summer is in full swing as evident by all of the delicious fruits and vegetables — Hello fresh berries! Yet, we can’t help but notice the fall crops starting to creep in (We’re looking at you apples!). Despite our growing anxiety that summer is slipping away all-too-soon, it’s hard not to fall in love with August produce. So many fruits make it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way. Plus, all of those zucchinis and tomatoes make dinner a breeze. So what should you be being in August? Take this list to the grocery store and pick up some of these in-season fruits and veggies: Apples Some apples are already hitting the shelves, but in just a week or two markets and stores will have bushels of the brand new crop. Enjoy as a snack, in a dessert, in a salad —…
Pistachio Pesto Recipe
If you haven’t peaked into your garden lately, you’ll likely find it blooming with basil! Which means one thing — it’s time for a million batches of fresh, homemade pesto. (Also see these 12 tips for making your most perfect pesto) The only thing I don’t dig about making basil is those pricey pine nuts. For this recipe, we’re going to skip them and add a slightly more cost saving nut — the pistachio. Plus, if you’re like me, I’m way more willing to just pop a few pistachios in my mouth as a snack. Pine nut leftovers? They might just go to waste. Pistachios pair perfectly with a traditional pesto recipe. They add their slightly sweet, rich nutty flavor. And as with any pesto recipe, this one is quick, easy, and mixes up perfectly in a food processor or even a blender if that’s all you have. Brush it…
Caprese salad 10 different ways
Caprese salad is a summer must-make kind of dish… But no really. Without all of these Caprese salad recipes, how will you ever use up all of your fresh, home grown tomatoes? You already know how to slice tomatoes and mozzarella, so here are some other ideas for when you want to have a little fun with the classic. 1. Caprese pasta salad You favorite ingredients tossed with your favorite pasta also requires a glass of your favorite chilled wine. Cool and refreshing salad recipe. 2. Caprese garlic bread Serve as a side dish or eat all on its own. Get the recipe. 3. caprese summer rolls Roasted tomatoes take these summer rolls to the next level. Get the recipe here. 4. caprese pizza Caprese. Pizza. Need we say more? Make one tonight. 5. strawberry caprese skewers Swap out strawberries for tomatoes in this interesting and tasty twist on Caprese. Make…
12 tips for makings the best pesto
Pesto is a simple and delicious summer staple. Without it, think of all the basil that would go to waste! But the trouble with this sauce it doesn’t always go so well. Here are 12 tips for how you can make your most perfect pesto. 1. Clean your greens Always, always, always be sure your basil is washed really well before you begin. You don’t want any gritty dirt in your pesto. Wash your basil using cold water — never warm. Warm water wilts greens. Use a salad spinner to get your leaves really dry or gently pat them between layers of kitchen towels to remove all of the moisture. 2. Make it a mix Don’t think you have to stick to just basil. You can add other leafy greens to give your basil a distinct flavor. Replace some of your basil with parsley instead for a lighter flavor, or try arugula…