Why I Loved "Slow Decorating" My Kitchen

Why I Loved “Slow Decorating” My Kitchen


Believe it or not, time is on your side.
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Create a Salad Bar in Your Fridge with These “Amazing” Organizers (They’re on Sale!)

Create a Salad Bar in Your Fridge with These “Amazing” Organizers (They’re on Sale!)


They’re stackable!
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Twelve Tasty Cocktails and Beverages Crafted with Ginger Beer

Twelve Tasty Cocktails and Beverages Crafted with Ginger Beer

Ginger beer serves as a favored mixer for cocktails, infusing a bubbly touch to various mixed drinks! It is a carbonated non-alcoholic drink crafted with sugar and ginger: akin to ginger ale, but not as sweet, featuring a more pronounced ginger taste.

As a cocktail aficionado, I’ve invested countless hours experimenting with different brands, fine-tuning ratios, and uncovering the finest ginger beer cocktails! I appreciate how it brings layers of spicy flavor and effervescent bubbles to beverages. Below are all my favorite ginger beer cocktails and drinks: from the timeless Moscow mule to mule variations, the enigmatic Dark and Stormy, and even the renowned Shirley Temple mocktail!

**Top ginger beer cocktails and drinks**

1. **Moscow Mule**: The crown jewel of ginger beer cocktails is the Moscow Mule! It originated in the 1940s and still reigns as the most beloved ginger beer drink globally. My favorite aspect is that you can prepare the drink right in the glass: vodka, fresh lime juice, and zesty ginger beer, making it simple to create on short notice.

2. **Dark and Stormy**: Arguably the second most favored ginger beer cocktail is the Dark and Stormy! This classic three-ingredient highball cocktail combines dark rum with sparkling ginger beer and a splash of sharp lime. The vanilla and brown sugar notes of the rum beautifully complement the spicy ginger.

3. **El Diablo**: Here’s an overlooked highball that is my go-to ginger beer cocktail, the El Diablo! It pairs tequila with crème de cassis for a berry-rich twist. The bold berry flavor, zesty lime, and piquant ginger come together to create a uniquely delightful drink!

4. **Whiskey Highball**: This timeless two-ingredient cocktail from the early 20th century provides a delicious way to savor whiskey’s intricate flavors. The ginger beer variation yields a more balanced drink than the conventional soda water option, making it more inviting (I personally enjoy it more with ginger beer!).

5. **Pimm’s Cup**: The Pimm’s Cup is a simple British cocktail that mixes cucumber slices with Pimm’s No. 1 and fizzy ginger beer. (As a tennis enthusiast, I’ve discovered it’s the signature drink of Wimbledon). This fruity, gin-based concoction is easy to sip and requires no cocktail shaker, making it perfect for gatherings.

6. **Gin Gin Mule**: This contemporary classic ginger beer cocktail merges the Moscow Mule with the minty Mojito! It harmonizes the fizzy ginger beer and lime of a mule with the fresh mint and sweetness of a mojito. This is another of my favorites because of its intriguing flavor!

7. **Floradora**: This light, effervescent classic from the early 1900s was inspired by a Broadway show of the same title. It features raspberry syrup paired with gin, lime, and zesty ginger beer to create this fun, vibrant pink cocktail!

8. **Mexican Mule**: This bold, fizzy twist on the classic Moscow Mule swaps tequila for vodka. The kick of the tequila pairs magnificently with spicy ginger and zesty lime, tailoring a drink I personally prefer even more than the original.

9. **Shirley Temple**: Here’s the traditional mocktail, prepared in the classic style with ginger beer rather than ginger ale. My take isn’t excessively sweet or syrupy: it’s a bubbly, invigorating non-alcoholic drink suitable for both kids and adults wanting quality mocktails.

10. **Kentucky Mule**: One of the most enjoyable ways to savor bourbon in a ginger beer cocktail, the Kentucky Mule replaces vodka with whiskey. It’s bubbly, vibrant, and bold with a spicy whiskey finish that’s perfect for summer evenings on the deck.

11. **Irish Mule**: This whiskey-based variation incorporates Irish whiskey instead of vodka for a lighter whiskey ginger beer cocktail. It’s an excellent introduction to whiskey drinking and adds instant excitement to any celebration.

12. **Apple Cider Mule**: Here’s a seasonal variation that’s even more delightful than the original! This autumn ginger beer cocktail harmonizes cider and ginger in a bubbly blend that looks stunning in copper mugs and is ideal for entertaining.

**Top brands of ginger beer**

Today, there are numerous types of ginger beer brands available. Here are a few insights on the top brands to consider for these ginger beer beverages:

– **Q Ginger Beer**: This is our number one pick! It boasts excellent flavor and is crafted with real ginger. It comes in smaller cans, so you don’t need to open a large bottle.

– **Fever Tree Ginger Beer**: Fever Tree also offers great flavor and is our alternative choice! It’s made with real ginger and doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners.

– **More Ginger Beer Brands**: Here’s a list of additional top brands.

**Expert tips for perfect ginger beer cocktails**

– **Temperature matters**: Always use ice-cold ingredients, particularly the ginger beer. Room-temperature mixers will dilute your drink and diminish carbonation.

– **Fresh citrus only**

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Easy Recipe for Applesauce Cake

Easy Recipe for Applesauce Cake

This simple applesauce cake comes together right in the baking pan, eliminating the need for bowls: just 10 minutes of preparation for a moist, cinnamon-flavored cake! Ideal for busy bakers, and pairs well with either powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting.

Over time, I’ve developed numerous cake recipes, and this one continually receives fantastic feedback: my favorite straightforward applesauce cake! The brilliance of this recipe is that you mix everything directly in the baking pan, allowing you to have a tender, spice-infused cake in the oven in just 15 minutes.

The secret to its flavor isn’t solely the applesauce, which keeps the cake remarkably moist and fluffy. It’s the blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, and warm spices in that ingenious one-pan mixing technique!

Reasons this applesauce cake recipe is so effective

I absolutely adore this moist, spice-scented one that you can make directly in the baking dish. I created this applesauce cake recipe inspired by the book Prep: The Essential College Cookbook by my author friend Katie Sullivan Morford. It has become a beloved recipe in my family! Here’s why:

– It’s incredibly simple to prepare. No mixing bowls needed! Everything is mixed in the cake pan.
– It offers substantial cozy flavor. This cake includes olive oil, Greek yogurt, and applesauce to ensure it remains moist. With such basic ingredients, you might expect the taste to be bland, but it boasts the perfect level of sweetness, a delightful cinnamon aroma, and tangy fruitiness from the applesauce.
– It’s suitable for any time of the year. While applesauce cake has a slight autumn feel, it can be made at any time.

Key ingredients

– Applesauce: I prefer using unsweetened applesauce for this recipe. Homemade applesauce isn’t necessary, but it would enhance the flavor!
– Brown Sugar: I specifically opt for light brown sugar since it adds molasses undertones without dominating the apple flavor and maintains a lovely light brown hue.
– Greek Yogurt: Along with applesauce, this ingredient provides the cake’s moist texture. I’ve found that full-fat Greek yogurt works best, though low-fat can substitute in a pinch.
– Olive Oil: Using olive oil in place of butter results in a softer crumb and helps the cake stay moist for days. I prefer a mild olive oil (look for labels that say “mild taste”, though any variety works).
– Cinnamon: I use a generous amount of cinnamon in this recipe because it complements the applesauce beautifully. If you enjoy warm spices, consider adding ½ tsp each of ground ginger, allspice, and cloves.

My one-pan mixing technique

The charm of this applesauce cake is in its ease. You can easily mix everything right in the buttered baking dish, thus avoiding extra cleanup.

Start by buttering your pan thoroughly. Combine all the dry ingredients in the pan first, using a fork to break up any clumps of brown sugar. The trick is to create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.

I crack the egg into the well, then add the oil, yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla all at once. The mixing happens quickly: I use a fork to combine from the center outward until just blended.

Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing! Stop as soon as the flour disappears. A few lumps are okay and won’t affect the cake.

Topping suggestions

Of course, you can top this applesauce cake with icing if you prefer. However, to keep it light and simple, we like to use a light dusting of powdered sugar instead. Here are some topping ideas:

– Powdered sugar (simplest): Dust with powdered sugar.
– Glaze icing (festive): Prepare a double batch of Powdered Sugar Icing and pour it on top.
– Maple glaze (fun): Try this easy Maple Glaze for an abundance of cozy flavor!
– Cream cheese icing (rich): Make our Cream Cheese Frosting and spread it generously on top.

Storage and make-ahead recommendations

Store the applesauce cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months (thaw at room temperature).

Make-Ahead Tip: I frequently bake this cake in the morning and serve it that evening. It tastes even better after resting for a few hours.

Dietary information

This applesauce cake recipe is vegetarian. Use dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version. (And let us know how it turns out!)

Easy Applesauce Cake

This applesauce cake is wonderfully moist, infused with cinnamon and brown sugar. Plus, you mix the entire batter directly in the cake pan! No mixing bowls required.

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 pieces
Category: Dessert
Method: B

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7 Kitchen Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2026 (and 3 on Their Way Out), According to Designers

7 Kitchen Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2026 (and 3 on Their Way Out), According to Designers


Form and function will come together even more.
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A 1970s Kitchen Looks 2x as Bright After a Minimalist Makeover

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It’s so much brighter.
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A Handbook for 30 Cocktails and Beverages with a Halloween Theme

A Handbook for 30 Cocktails and Beverages with a Halloween Theme

Themed cocktails enhance any gathering’s excitement, particularly for Halloween! As a cocktail enthusiast and devoted admirer of this autumn celebration, I have dedicated the past few years to crafting enjoyable drink recipes for my beloved season.

For more than ten years, I’ve been honing Halloween beverages, discovering that the finest spooky cocktails blend both flair and taste. Here are my favorite Halloween cocktails suited for the occasion, featuring fizzing dry ice concoctions, timeless drinks with a frightful flair, and autumn classics that are effortless to serve to a crowd. Let the eerie festivities commence!

**Tip:** If you intend to utilize dry ice in your Halloween alcoholic beverages, please familiarize yourself with the safety and handling guidelines in [How to Make Dry Ice Cocktails](https://www.acouplecooks.com/dry-ice-drinks-cocktails/).

## Premier Halloween drinks and cocktails

### Witches Brew
My top Halloween cocktail is the Witches Brew! This eye-catching neon green mixture may appear intimidating, but it highlights the sweet-tart notes of melon and citrus from Midori and Cointreau. Incorporate a piece of dry ice, and it transforms into a bubbling cauldron sure to enchant your guests. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/witches-brew-drink/)

### Vampire’s Kiss
It resembles a creepy Halloween drink, but the Vampire’s Kiss is truly a martini crafted with vodka, Chambord, and cranberry juice! The dry ice causes it to froth like fresh blood, yet the flavor is all about the sophisticated cocktail featuring sweet-tart berry notes and a fruity finish. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/vampires-kiss-cocktail/)

### Halloween Margarita
I’ve revamped the traditional margarita with my spiced [apple cider syrup](https://www.acouplecooks.com/boiled-apple-cider-syrup/), which infuses cozy autumn flavors without overpowering the lime and tequila foundation. Coat the rim with black [colored sugar](https://www.acouplecooks.com/colored-sugar/) and adorn with blood orange slices for the complete spooky presentation. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/halloween-margarita/)

### Halloween Punch
This blood-red cauldron bubbles and emits smoke thanks to dry ice, but it’s actually a well-balanced fruit punch crafted from cranberry and apple juices. I appreciate that it caters to both younger guests (omit the rum) and adults (include aged rum) while preserving that enchanting smoking appearance. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/halloween-punch/)

### Halloween Sangria
My Halloween variation on sangria combines red wine with cinnamon sugar and sparkling cider for a beverage that encapsulates autumn in a glass. I’ve created two versions—one sweeter for leisurely sipping, the other drier for wine aficionados—both showcasing DIY colored sugar rims. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/halloween-sangria/)

### Apple Cider Spritz
This light, effervescent cocktail unites Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco, achieving a delightful balance of bitter and sweet. Assemble it directly in the glass with an apple slice garnish, creating a delightful Halloween drink suitable for any party level of expertise. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/apple-cider-spritz/)

### Butterbeer
My interpretation of the wizarding world classic is fizzy with butterscotch flavor and a frothy top that genuinely tastes magical. Numerous recipes tend to be overly sugary, but I’ve adjusted mine to let all the flavors emerge without excessive sweetness. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/butterbeer/)

### Drunk Ghost
This playful Halloween cocktail, composed of coconut rum, vanilla vodka, and coconut cream, evokes a tropical getaway in Halloween attire. Top it off with a ghost Peep if available, or decorate the glasses like ghosts for the complete spooky vibe. [Get Recipe](https://www.shakedrinkrepeat.com/drunk-ghost/)

### Mulled Cider
This is the quintessential cozy Halloween beverage, infused with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves for remarkable warmth in a cup. It can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, offering both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options. Add bourbon or rum for the adult version! [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/mulled-cider/)

### Skeleton Key Cocktail
This original from Detroit merges bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and ginger beer in a refreshing highball that’s bubbly, floral, and bittersweet. The floating orange bitters generate a hazy appearance that establishes this modern classic as the ideal Halloween drink, without any excessive theatrics. [Get Recipe](https://www.acouplecooks.com/skeleton-key-cocktail/)

### Corpse Reviver
This timeless 1930

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This New Chocolate Snack Is So Good, I Have to Hide the Bag from Myself

This New Chocolate Snack Is So Good, I Have to Hide the Bag from Myself


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Pressure Cooker Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Pressure Cooker Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    **Pressure Cooker Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: A Rapid and Tasty Dish**

    In the current fast-moving environment, carving out time to whip up a tasty and fulfilling meal can prove difficult. Nevertheless, with the introduction of pressure cookers, crafting a savory dish like spaghetti with meat sauce has become exceptionally simple. This approach not only expedites the process but also amplifies the flavors, making it a preferred choice among hectic home chefs.

    **Why Opt for a Pressure Cooker?**

    Pressure cookers are celebrated for their capacity to prepare meals rapidly while preserving nutrients and flavors. By cooking under elevated pressure, these appliances drastically shorten cooking durations, making them ideal for recipes that typically call for extended simmering times, such as meat sauces. The contained environment also guarantees that flavors penetrate deeply into the ingredients, leading to a rich and flavorful sauce.

    **Ingredients Required**

    To create a traditional spaghetti with meat sauce in a pressure cooker, you will need the following components:

    – 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
    – 1 onion, finely diced
    – 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    – 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
    – 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
    – 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
    – 1 teaspoon of dried basil
    – Salt and pepper to taste
    – 8 ounces of spaghetti
    – 2 cups of water or beef broth
    – Olive oil
    – Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish (optional)

    **Cooking Instructions Step-by-Step**

    1. **Sauté the Aromatics**: Activate the sauté function on your pressure cooker. Pour in a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat. Introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns clear.

    2. **Brown the Meat**: Add the ground beef or sausage to the pot, crumbling it with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Remove any excess fat if needed.

    3. **Incorporate the Tomatoes and Seasonings**: Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Combine all the components thoroughly.

    4. **Add the Spaghetti**: Snap the spaghetti in half and layer it atop the meat sauce. Pour the water or beef broth over the spaghetti, making sure that most of the pasta is submerged.

    5. **Pressure Cook**: Lock the lid onto the pressure cooker and adjust it to high pressure for 8 minutes. After the time is finished, execute a quick release of the pressure.

    6. **Stir and Serve**: Carefully open the lid and mix the spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Allow it to rest for several minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

    **Advantages of Pressure Cooker Spaghetti**

    This approach to cooking spaghetti with meat sauce presents various benefits. The pressure cooker dramatically cuts down cooking time, allowing for a meal ready in under 30 minutes. The elevated pressure similarly aids in tenderizing the meat and blending the flavors, resulting in a sauce that tastes as though it’s been simmering for hours. Plus, using one pot reduces cleanup, making it a perfect option for weeknight meals.

    **Conclusion**

    Pressure cooker spaghetti with meat sauce exemplifies how contemporary kitchen gadgets can streamline cooking while maintaining flavor. This dish is ideal for anyone longing for a cozy and satisfying meal but pressed for time. With a handful of basic ingredients and a pressure cooker, you can relish a delicious homemade spaghetti dinner that will delight the entire family.

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