I was at the zoo with a baby strapped to my chest, another in a stroller, and one getting uncomfortably close to Ozzie, the zoo’s dominant silverback gorilla when she caught my eye. The zookeeper stood off to the side, patiently chopping fruit, meat, and veggies into bite-sized pieces. Just like I do. Every. Single. Meal. Standing at the zoo, I realized that feeding toddlers (yep, even the picky eaters) really boils down to this: make it easy for them to feed themselves, make it pretty, and keep the risky food to a minimum, or you’ll end up tossing out the whole shebang. Below are my toddler dinner ideas cliff notes from my zoo, er, kitchen.

Toddler Dinner Ideas: Safe Bets

  • Mediterranean Snacking Board: hummus, pita slices, cucumbers, red pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, feta, and sliced almonds.
  • Pasta tossed with rotisserie chicken, parmesan, and peas (reserve a little of the pasta water and mix it in to make the cheese gooey)
  • Baked, sliced sweet potatoes brushed with olive oil, topped with sliced avocado and hard-boiled egg (scrambled eggs work too).
  • Tacos with finely shredded chicken, cheese, and black beans, and a side of corn on the cob.
  • Whole grain English muffins with marinara and mozzarella (toasted in the oven), with orange slices.
  • Pancakes (add cinnamon to the mix) smeared with peanut butter and topped with thin slices of apple.
  • Boiled eggs, halved and salted, with broccoli, carrots, and snap peas (with ranch for dipping).
  • Broccoli, finely chopped, with shredded carrots, sauteed with ground turkey, soy sauce, and an optional spoonful of brown sugar.
  • Cereal and smoothies (I know, but it’s okay every once in a while, and the smoothies are packed with nutrients).
  • Scrambled egg and cheese burritos with cucumbers and tiny tomatoes on the side.
  • Pesto alphabet pasta with peas.
  • Mac & Cheese with sneaky veggies (tiny-sized pieces of broccoli, peas, or kale).
  • Toddler Charcuterie: Turkey Pepperoni, boiled, halved eggs, cubes of cheddar cheese, veggies, and a dipping sauce.
  • Cheese quesadillas (add beans or ground beef or rotisserie chicken for extra protein) with tomatoes and sour cream.
  • Avocado toasts on whole grain with kosher salt and diced shrimp.
  • “Choose your own adventure” burrito bowls with seasoned ground turkey, diced tomatoes, avocados, sour cream, and shredded lettuce options.
  • Alphabet pasta with jar tomato sauce, food processed with a handful of spinach or cooked carrots.
  • Baked chicken tenders and cooked carrot coins (dredge tenders in flour, dip in egg, and roll in Panko, then bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until done).
  • Baked, diced sweet potatoes with cinnamon and rotisserie chicken with sour cream and honey dipping sauce.
iStock

If You’re Feeling Lucky

  • Garbanzo beans, diced avocado, and feta cheese tossed with a little lemon juice and salt.
  • Couscous with peas, mint, and halved mini tomatoes.
  • Quinoa muffins (use 1 cup of cooked quinoa for every 1 egg, plus mix-ins like ham and cheese cubes or spinach and diced tomato, baked in muffin cups for 20 minutes at 350 degrees).
  • Deconstructed meatloaf (add salt and pepper to ground meat, bake until done, and serve with a side of ketchup, mashed potatoes, and green beans).
  • Curried chicken salad (baked chicken, cream cheese, and a spoonful of mayo, creamed) on cucumber slices and whole-grain toast.
  • Garbanzo beans with garlic, lemon, and olive oil.

Related: 10 Snacking Tips to Keep Your Kids Happy & Healthy

Don’t Forget to Sneak Nutrition into Dessert

  • Banana ice cream (puree sliced frozen bananas; add things like peanut butter, cinnamon, or honey for a twist)
  • Fruit pizza: Roll out and bake refrigerated croissants, spread on cream cheese, top with sliced fruit; cinnamon sprinkle optional)
  • Berries and sugar-free whipped cream.
  • Chocolate-dipped (or chocolate chip-studded, if you don’t want to wash an extra dish) bananas.
  • Frozen grapes, halved.
  • Canned pumpkin puree with cinnamon and whipped cream.

Sometimes you just need a few toddler dinner ideas to get you started. I hope my go-to’s (after all my trial-and-error) will help you find something they’ll eat without coaxing.

It’s no secret Trader Joe’s has a cult following

From heat-and-eat meals and fun florals to unique products you can’t find anywhere else, there’s so much to try out when you visit your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Luckily, the grocer just released the results of its 15th annual Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards, which highlights fan faves. Want to know what other products are consistent winners? You can check them out in the Trader Joe’s Best Product Hall of Fame.

Favorite Overall: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

chili and lime tortilla rolled chips are one of the best Trader Joe's products, according to customers.

Made from stone-ground corn masa that's rolled and fried to crispy perfection, then sprinkled with zesty hot chili and lime flavoring, these snackable rolls took the top prize again this year!  

Honorable Mentions

  • Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
  • Kimbap
  • Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
  • Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Related: The Best Trader Joe’s Food for Your Air Fryer

Favorite Beverage: Spiced Cider (seasonal)

Trader Joe's Spiced Cider
Trader Joe's

This winning beverage is only around at the holidays and you'll see folks loading up their carts when they come out. We prefer it warmed on the stove as it makes your house smell like the holidays. 

Runners-Up

  • French Market Sparkling Lemonade
  • Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
  • 100% Tangerine Juice
  • Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Flavored Oat Creamer

Favorite Cheese: Goat Cheese

Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's

Goat cheese is the GOAT for 2023 and we can totally understand why. It's great as an addition to a dip, spread on a sandwich, or crumbled over a salad. 

Runners-Up

  • Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip (limited)
  • Burrata
  • Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper
  • English Farmhouse Cheddar with Caramelized Onions

Related: 28 of the Healthiest Things You Can Buy at Trader Joe’s

#1 Lunch & Dinner: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Trader Joe's butter chicken
Trader Joe's

Whole chicken chunks, creamy curry with tomatoes, paired perfectly with long-grain Basmati rice—what's not to love? 

Runners-Up

  • Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
  • Vegetable Fried Rice
  • Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

Favorite Sweet/Dessert: Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Trader Joe's sublime ice cream sandwiches
Trader Joe's

These are definitely the ice cream sandwiches that you hide in the back of the freezer and eat when the kids go to bed. 

Runners-Up

  • Mint Chip Ice Cream
  • Hold the Cone! Chocolate Chip
  • Hold the Cone! Chocolate
  • Almond Kringle (seasonal)

You can check out the rest of the winners at traderjoes.com.

—Additional reporting by Karly Wood 

This Advent calendar is a top seller at Trader Joe’s for the holiday season

Run, don’t walk to your closest Trader Joe’s. The grocer’s annual 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is back for 2023!

Our editors spied the famed Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty on Nov. 8, and it’s packed with plenty of must-have products. This coveted calendar tends to sell out before Thanksgiving, so if you’re in the market for one, act fast.

As soon as you bring this cutie into your car, the dreamy aroma of citrus will take over and you’ll be glad you nabbed it.

What will you find inside Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty Advent calendar?

  • Lavender bath salts
  • Brazil nut hair mask
  • Gingerbread cookie moisturizing lip balm
  • Brown sugar carob lip scrub
  • Sweet nectarine scented ultra moisturizing hand cream
  • Neroli bamboo scented shave cream
  • Cake batter scented body butter
  • Orange popsicle scented exfoliating sugar scrub cube
  • Rice polish face cleansing powder
  • Vitamin C firming body butter
  • Yuzu bath fizzer
  • Daily facial sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 40

You can find the calendar in the beauty aisle of your local Trader Joe’s for $19.99—but not for long. This one is very popular!

While we were there, we also spied this year’s 12 Days of Scented Candles Advent Calendar for $29.99. We love this option along with the chocolate Advent calendars priced at just $1.99 and the Advent calendars for pets.

Keep an eye out for other holiday favorites that have been trickling in. All the elves on your list will want a bottle of Peppermint, Gingerbread, or Egg Nog Liqueur—perfect for all those holiday cocktails you’ll be mixing up. Felted wool trivets have been hitting the shelves, along with dog toys, holiday snacks, and the scented candle trio.

Cross your fingers that year’s felted wool garlands will come in the mini size again as we loved pairing them with our Elf on the Shelf along with those mini totes they sold last month. Get ready, Instagram!

It’s hard to choose between the Instant Pot chicken wings and the bacon-wrapped potato wedges

Whether you’re having a small gathering, heading to a big bash, or just want something special for a movie night with the kids, we have a few easy appetizer recipes that’ll come in handy. From finger foods to veggie appetizers, keep reading to check out our favorite appetizer recipes that are all made using three ingredients or less.

Baked Brie with Jam

Savory, gooey cheese, sweet fruit preserves, all served warm, what’s not to love? Get the recipe from America’s Test Kitchen.

Avocado Dip

Serve this 3-ingredient no-cook appetizer with crackers or veggies, either way, it’ll be a hit. Get the recipe from All Things Mama. 

3-Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs

Ready in just 20 minutes, this 3-ingredient appetizer is perfect for little hands! Get the recipe from When Salty and Sweet Unite.

Proscuitto-Wrapped Pears with Balsamic Glaze

This is the definition of an easy appetizer recipe! If you want to get really fancy, consider throwing in a slice of cheese.

Monkey Bread

This cheesy monkey bread from Brit + Co is literally as easy as 1, 2, 3... ingredients. Kids will love the soft bread and parents will love how easy it is to make. 

Caprese Skewers

caprese skewers are an easy appetizer recipe
iStock

Quite possibly one of the easiest appetizers to whip up, simply grab fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and pesto; skewer, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, and go! 

Tomato and Cheddar Palmiers

The Suburban Soapbox

These pretty palmiers from The Suburban Soapbox will definitely impress your guests. Buttery puff pastry and tart tomatoes meld perfectly with rich cheddar cheese—delish! 

Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip

chili cheese dip is an easy appetizer
Julie’s Eats and Treats

Break out your slow cooker for this crowd-pleasing dip from Julie’s Eats and Treats. With just two ingredients, it’s definitely the simplest thing you’ll make all day. 

Related: 18 Finger Foods Easy Appetizers You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Averie Cooks

This appetizer from Averie Cooks is kid-approved and super easy to make. You’ll get the crunchy, melty effect of mozzarella sticks but without the mess and hassle of deep frying. 

Instant Pot Wings

Instant Pot wings are an easy appetizer
Mom Advice

Everybody loves chicken wings, and Mom Advice has a foolproof method for making them in the Instant Pot. A quick pass under the broiler gives them a crispy finish. 

Pesto Yogurt Dip

Melanie Makes

This light and fresh dip from Melanie Makesis an ideal appetizer to serve before a heavy holiday meal. Pair it with plenty of fresh veggies, cheese, and crackers, and you’ll be ready to entertain a crowd. 

Best Breadsticks Ever

These breadsticks are an easy appetizer
Kiwi & Carrot

How fancy do these breadsticks from Kiwi & Carrot look?! Using a pre-made puff pastry makes them super easy to pull off, even if you’re not a master baker. 

Crock Pot Glazed Kielbasa Bites

Julie’s Eats and Treats

This genius recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats is totally hands-off, thanks to the magical Crock Pot. It’s made with kielbasa, brown sugar, and one unexpected ingredient.

Bacon Wrapped Cherries with Thyme

We Are Not Martha

It might sound strange, but stay with us: these bacon-wrapped cherries from We Are Not Martha are delicious. The savory bacon makes a perfect contrast for tart, juicy cherries. 

Related: 13 Trader Joe’s Appetizers to Serve During the Holidays This Year

Quick Dinner Rolls

Life, Love and Good Food

Start your meal off with these yummy dinner rolls from Life, Love and Good Food. No rising required—just mix up the three ingredients, and bake the rolls in a muffin tin. 

Everything Parmesan Crisps

The Suburban Soapbox

This inventive take on a crispy cracker from The Suburban Soapbox is bound to be a hit with cheese lovers. Even better, they come together in less than 10 minutes, leaving you more time to obsess over the rest of the menu. 

Creamy Salsa Dip

Simply Stacie

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, whip up a batch of this super easy dip from Simply Stacie. Paired with fresh veggies and tortilla chips, don’t be surprised if this one disappears fast. 

Classy Pigs in a Blanket

Culinary Hill

Make your party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.

Blue Cheese Bites

blue cheese bites are an easy appetizer recipe
A Wicked Wisk

Serving something warm to take the chill off is also the perfect way to welcome guests. This easy appetizer recipe from A Wicked Wisk combines a couple of our favorite things—flaky biscuits and flavorful blue cheese—to make a melty, bubbly appetizer perfect for a crowd. Drooling yet? 

Related: Did Somebody Say Bacon? 7 Bacon Appetizers to Make Today

Honey-Roasted Pecans

Trial and Eater

If you’re worried about dinner timing or want something festive (and deceptively simple) on your snack tray, make a batch of these honey-roasted pecans from Trial and Eater for guests to graze on throughout the day. The recipe couldn't be easier, but it’s way more delicious than the store-bought kind. 

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Wedges

bacon-wrapped potato wedges are an easy appetizer recipe
A Calculated Whisk

Potato wedges just got even tastier, thanks to this recipe from A Calculated Whisk. How? Why, wrap them in bacon, of course! Now you’ve got an appetizer fit for a hungry crowd of grown-ups and kiddos alike. 

Baked Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

baked ham and cheese roll up is an easy appetizer recipe
Pumpkin ‘n Spice

For an appetizer that’s a bit more filling, try these yummy roll-ups from Pumpkin ‘n Spice. It’s easy to customize them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonings. As a bonus, you can keep this recipe in rotation for school lunches. 

 

BRB, time for a TJ’s run

It’s pumpkin season at Trader Joe’s! In addition to all the fall and Halloween goodies, the neighborhood market is fully stocked on all things gourd. From pumpkin crackers and cookies to hummus and espresso beans, there are plenty of brand-new products, not to mention cult faves to indulge in this year.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Breakfast Items

Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants

Trader Joe's

No proofing is required for these non-traditionally shaped croissants. They're made with cheesecake-inspired filling of cream cheese, pastry cream, pumpkin purée, and a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

A box of two is $3.99 in the freezer section.

Pumpkin O’s

Your day is made when you start it off with Pumpkin O’s in your bowl. They are vegan and gluten-free and will run you just $2.99/box.

Pumpkin Greek Nonfat Yogurt

Sprinkle on a little pecan granola and this yogurt is the best way to start your day when there’s a chill in the air.

Pumpkin Ginger Scones

You’ll find these cuties in the freezer section and they could not be easier to make. Just pop them in the oven and you’ll be able to enjoy their warm goodness in a flash. Pair with pumpkin butter for an over-the-top breakfast.

Pumpkin Butter

Trader Joe's pumpkin butter

Perfectly sweet and perfectly spreadable, this fall favorite can be found near the jams and we love it on a toasted pumpkin bagel.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese

Spread some pumpkin cream cheese on your pancake bread or toasted bagel for a sweet and creamy treat.

Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix

We love this one for the weekend because it’s easy to whip up and the kids will love it. There’s even a gluten-free version if that’s your jam.

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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Lunch and Dinner Items

Gluten Free Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin ravioli is a Trader Joe's fall item

You’ll find both the gluten-free and regular versions of this pasta during the fall season. We love it with an easy brown butter and sage sauce.

Pumpkin Bisque

trader joe's pumpkin bisque

This soup is a great option to keep on hand for the nights when sports are taking over and the kids are angry.

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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Snacks & Desserts

Pumpkin Spice Batons

Trader Joe's pumpkin spice batons

These delicate wafers are filled with pumpkin spice and will cheer up any tea time spread, we know it!

Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies

Apple & Pumpkin hand pies are a Trader Joe's fall item

Perfectly portable, these hand pies are great to bring along for little ones to enjoy on the go.

Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Sandwich Cookies

Trader Joe's pumpkin spic joe-joe's

Snag a sleeve of these to keep on hand for when the sweet pumpkin craving really hit.

Pumpkin Blondie Brownies

Everyone knows that the TJ’s blondies are addictive and these ones might just top the list with their white chocolate chips.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Trader Joe's pumpkin chocolate chunk cookie mix

This DIY dessert mixes chocolate with a lightly pumpkin-flavored cookie mix for a taste you’re going to love.

Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

trader joe's pumpkin cranberry crisps

The autumnal crackers are our first pick for a fall-themed charcuterie tray. Top with some pumpkin butter or cream cheese.

Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These will be the hit of your fall-themed bento box lunch as they are shortbread cookies with pumpkin spice that are coated in yogurt. What’s not to love?

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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Beverages

Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Tea

Fancy a cup of tea? Settle down with this completely fall-infused rooibos blend, made with pumpkin spices and many more. It’s also naturally caffeine-free and kosher!

La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Latte

pumpkin spice latte is a Trader Joe's fall item

Forget making a second stop at Starbucks and snag your favorite fall beverage at Trader Joe’s instead. This perfectly portable Pumpkin Spice Latte is found in the cold case and you’ll want to grab a few to get you through the school pickup line.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur

Whether you sip this over ice or added to your after-dinner cup of pumpkin spice coffee, you’ll love having this sweet liqueur in your liquor cabinet.

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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Skincare + Home Products

Pumpkin Overnight Face Mask

Trader Joe's pumpkin overnight face mask

Folks are obsessed with this product so you’ll want to snag one ASAP when you see it. We can’t promise that it will cure your insomnia but it just might leave your face looking refreshed in the morning.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Butter

Pumpkin body butter is a popular Trader Joe's fall item

The pumpkin beauty products are on point this year and you’ll definitely want to buy a tub or two of this body butter to get you in the mood for all those pumpkin patch and apple farm visits.

Vanilla Pumpkin Scented Candle

trader joe's vanilla pumpkin candles

If you can’t bake up a pumpkin pie to get your house smelling like fall, this candle is the next best option.

Vanilla Pumpkin Hand Soap & Hand Lotion

We love this cute box as it makes the perfect autumnal hostess gift to keep on hand for when you get invited to a last-minute Halloween party.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Scrub

With a base of exfoliating brown sugar and mega-moisturizing pumpkin, sunflower, and jojoba seed oils, this body scrub is a must-buy addition to your beauty routine.

 

Finally, pumpkin season is here

Trader Joe’s does not disappoint when it comes to seasonal products, especially with regard to its pumpkin, apple, and Halloween goodies. You’ll find tasty autumnal flavors of all your favorite Trader Joe’s fall items including yogurt, pasta, donuts, and snacks. There are so many options that even picky eaters will find a thing or two to add to this month’s school lunches.

The fall beauty section is a real star with a pumpkin body scrub and pumpkin body butter that you’ll definitely want to snag. There’s even a giftable soap and lotion set in a lovely vanilla pumpkin scent. We’ve rounded up the most recent fall products—and be sure to check back as TJ’s continues to pack its shelves with fall goodness.

New Trader Joe’s Fall Items

La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Latte

pumpkin spice latte is a Trader Joe's fall item

Forget making a second stop at Starbucks and snag your favorite fall beverage at Trader Joe’s instead. This perfectly portable Pumpkin Spice Latte is found in the cold case and you’ll want to grab a few to get you through the school pickup line.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin ravioli is a Trader Joe's fall item

You’ll find both the gluten-free and regular versions of this pasta during the fall season. We love it with an easy brown butter and sage sauce.

Ghosts & Bats Crispy Potato Snacks

We confess that we buy these “for the kids” but really they are for us. They are just $2.49/bag so you should just go ahead and get a few bags.

Cinnamon Brooms

If you want your house to smell like fall, snag one of these cinnamon brooms to hang on your door. Bonus: They easily switch over to Halloween decor once October hits.

Pumpkin O’s

Your day is made when you start it off with Pumpkin O’s in your bowl. They are vegan and gluten free and will run you just $2.99/box.

Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage

Non-dairy maple oat beverage is a Trader Joe's fall item

We love this addition to our morning coffee routine and know you will too.

Apple Cider Foaming Hand Soap

Apple Cider foaming soap is a Trader Joe's fall item

You’ll have the kids washing their hands all day when they can use this delicious-smelling foaming hand soap. It’s only $2.99 and lasts quite a while.

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are one of Trader Joe's fall items kids love

Another favorite in the apple cider category are these cinnamon-sugar coated apple cider donuts that are perfect when you warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Josephsbrau Oktoberfest

This full-bodied beer is perfectly priced to bring to your next fall gathering whether it’s a football game or Halloween party.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Butter

Pumpkin body butter is a popular Trader Joe's fall item

The pumpkin beauty products are on point this year and you’ll definitely want to buy a tub or two of this body butter to get you in the mood for all those pumpkin patch and apple farm visits.

Butternut Squash Italian Lasagne

When the temps dip, you’ll be glad you have this tasty dinner in your freezer. It is topped with pumpkin seeds and breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.

Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies

Apple & Pumpkin hand pies are a Trader Joe's fall item

Perfectly portable, these hand pies are great to bring along for little ones to enjoy on the go.

Harvest Chili

The taste of the season is definitely Harvest Chili with its sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love the combination of black beans and sweet potatoes.

Mini Maple Flavored Marshmallows

We can think of so many ways to use up these mini marshmallows from topping squash casserole to adding to cinnamon hot cocoa. They are gluten free and vegan and are made with real maple syrup.

Vanilla Pumpkin Hand Soap & Hand Lotion

We love this cute box as it makes the perfect autumnal hostess gift to keep on hand for when you get invited to a last-minute Halloween party.

Pumpkin Greek Nonfat Yogurt

Sprinkle on a little pecan granola and this yogurt is the best way to start your day when there’s a chill in the air.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese

Spread some pumpkin cream cheese on your pancake bread or toasted bagel for a sweet and creamy treat.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Scrub

With a base of exfoliating brown sugar and mega-moisturizing pumpkin, sunflower, and jojoba seed oils, this body scrub is a must-buy addition to your beauty routine.

Maple Spiced Nut Mix

This is going to be your new favorite nut mix, we promise. It has maple-roasted almonds and pecans along with black pepper, dried cranberries, and pepitas.

Honeycrisp Apple Candle

These candles top our list of favorite scents so you’ll want to be sure to pick up enough to get you through to Thanksgiving.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur

Whether you sip this over ice or added to your after-dinner cup of pumpkin spice coffee, you’ll love having this sweet liqueur in your liquor cabinet.

Caramel Apple Mochi Ice Cream

If you like your chilled dessert with the flavor of caramel apples, this is the dessert for you. They come with 6 in a packet and are priced at $4.99.

Sit back and relax with this amazingly simple recipe (it might be the easiest we’ve ever seen!), and add some kid-friendly flavor to your evening

We can’t think of much that our kids like better than chicken teriyaki! For the perfect family feast, try this Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki recipe from Kylee at Our Little Acre. If you’re looking for other amazing dinner ideas, check out our list of crock pot dinner recipes.

Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken, cubed
1 cup chicken broth (optional; Kylee recommends skipping it)
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced

Preparation Method:

1. Combine chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic cloves in a large bowl.

2. Add chicken to the sauce, and mix.

3. Pour chicken mixture into crock-pot.

4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.

5. Serve over hot cooked rice and spoon on extra sauce if desired.

recipe courtesy of Our Little Acre

 

Here’s a hint: a pizza cutter can be used for more than just pizza

When it comes to feeding a crew of hungry kids, we’ve never met a shortcut we didn’t like. This is why, it being the season of busy weeknights and early bedtimes, we want to give you as many cooking hacks (scooped from resourceful parents everywhere) as possible. From meal-prep advice to the easiest way to get an egg that peels with ease, here are 36 clever food and cooking shortcuts that’ll save you tons of time. 

Pizza Cutter for Herbs

using a pizza cutter on herbs is a clever cooking hack
iStock

Having fresh herbs in the house is nice for creating marinades, dressings, and more, but finely chopping those herbs can be difficult. The good news is, there’s a way to make the process easy. Place the herbs on a cutting board, and roll a pizza cutter through them. Don't worry about cutting in a perfect line, just roll through the bunch as many times as you want.  

Peeling a Mango

cooking hacks: how to peel a mango
Fedor via Unsplash

The skin of a mango is pretty thick, and the peeling process usually involves careful knife skills. We found another way to get that pesky skin off with ease. All you need to do is slice the mango in half and grab a tall glass. Using the rim of the glass, get between the skin and the fruit at the bottom of the slice. Push down, and the skin will slide right off. Voila! You've got a perfectly peeled mango.

Steam Eggs Instead of Boiling Them

Morgane Perraud via Unsplash

Boiled eggs can be a challenge to peel, but if you steam them over boiled water for 10-15 minutes, the shell will come off in no time.  

Add an Ice Cube to Sautéing Onions to Avoid Burning

Cooking hack: add an ice cube to sauteing onions so they don't burn
Simona Sergi via Unsplash

If your onions are on the verge of burning, throw an ice cube into the pan. It'll evaporate quickly and give the veggies a hint of moisture to avoid being overcooked. 

Store Partially Chopped Veggies in The Freezer

a good cooking hack is storing partially chopped vegetables in the freezer
Ashish Ansurkar via Unsplash

Have you ever just chopped half a stalk of celery or bulb of cauliflower, and had to put it back in the fridge where it immediately starts to wilt? If you want to keep your partially chopped veggies fresh, we recommend putting them right in the freezer. This locks in the freshness, and they’ll be ready to jump into the frying pan after a little defrosting time.

Shred Chicken in Your Food Processor

Shutterstock

From tacos to salads, casseroles, and beyond, shredded chicken is a staple for family meals. But shredding it all by hand or with a pair of forks can take forever! Amazingly, there’s a quick fix for that—just toss boiled or baked chicken breasts in your mixer, and you’ll have expertly shredded chicken in seconds.

Put Water in Your Microwave to Preserve the Moisture

iStock

Whether it’s leftovers or meal-prepped treats, your microwave is a powerful tool. But you’re always at risk of drying out your food when you use it. We’ve got a simple way to avoid that. Toss a glass of water into the microwave with your food to give it a little extra moisture.

Freeze Sauce in Ice Cube Trays

iStock

We’re all about making cooking easier. With this meal-prep hack, you’ll be able to create perfectly portioned sauces days or weeks in advance and use them whenever you want. Just mix up your favorite sauces, put the liquid in your ice trays and freeze. Keep the portions frozen until you're ready to use them.

Boil Potatoes for an Easy Peel

Jaye Haych via Unsplash

From fries to mashed potatoes and chips, everybody LOVES potatoes. But, for a lot of recipes, peeling the potatoes is a must, and using a potato peeler or knife can be time-consuming and difficult. We have an easy fix! Boil the potatoes, let them cool, and the skin will peel off in seconds.

Try Silicone Baking Sheets

using a silicone baking sheet is a good cooking hack
Amazon

Do you hate cleaning cookie sheets? We know that cleaning them can be difficult because the grease and grime are baked in deep. Using a silicone baking sheet, which makes removing all of your tasty morsels as easy as pie, will change your life. We like this one

Related: 15 Genius Kitchen Organization Hacks

Use Lemon Slices as a Base for Grilled Fish

Agto Nugroho via Unsplash

Your filet of salmon will stay intact much easier if you line it with slices of lemon. Plus, the juices will seep up, making a flavorful dinner. See one of our favorite recipes here

Put Marshmallows in Your Brown Sugar

storing marshmallows with brown sugar to keep it soft is a cool cooking hack
Shutterstock

Brown sugar is a baking necessity for cookies, cupcakes, and pies, but unlike white sugar, it can dry out very quickly, which means you’ll be stuck breaking up hard blobs of sugar when you want to use it. But, there’s an easy fix for this. All you need to do is throw a few marshmallows into the airtight container with your brown sugar to conserve the moisture and make it easy to scoop.

Separating Strawberry Tops

Call Me Fred via Unsplash

Strawberries are healthy and delicious. But chopping the green tuffs off the top of every piece of fruit takes so long! Use this fun trick to get them off without a knife: Take a straw and push it from the bottom of the fruit to the top in one swift motion—it'll pop those little green leaves right off.

Flatten Ground Meat

ground beef, which can be flattened to freeze, a genius cooking hack
iStock

No matter how hard you try, it seems like there’s never enough freezer space. We have a fun way to help you create extra room. Take your ground beef out of its package, put it in a Ziploc bag, flatten it, and put it back in the freezer; you'll be surprised by the extra open space. You can also write the expiration dates on the bags to make sure your meat is always fresh.

Cut Corn Over Your Bundt Cake Tin

Mohd Hafiz Yahya via Unsplash

Let’s face it, chopping fresh corn is a pain, mostly because the kernels get all over the counter. But there’s a way to make sure it never happens again. Grab your bundt cake tin, flip it upside down, stand the corn up in the middle, and slice the kernels off; they’ll fall perfectly into that round tin, so cleaning up is a breeze!

Stabilize Your Cutting Board

Samantha Fields via Unsplash

Slicing and dicing are a big part of cooking, which means you’re always reaching for the cutting board. But it’s important to make sure that it isn’t slipping and sliding all over the place, so make it stable by putting a damp dishtowel underneath it. It'll keep it in place and make clean-up even easier. 

Cupcake Liner Catches Popsicle Drips

Allison Sutcliffe

Popsicles are a childhood fave, but they can turn into a bit of a sticky mess. Prevent all of that dripping by slipping cupcake liners onto the bottom of your kids' popsicles. Slide the liner up so that it cups the bottom of the popsicle to make sure it catches all of those little drips.

Cut Cheesecake with Dental Floss

using floss to cut cheesecake is a smart cooking hack
Karolina Kołodziejczak via Unsplash

Cheesecake is a dessert that kids and parents love, but cutting it equally can be difficult. Well, we've got an easy way to slice it perfectly every time. Try using dental floss. Just make sure the dental floss is unscented, so you don’t get a minty surprise with your dessert.  

Grate Your Butter

using a cheese grater on butter is a cooking hack
Shutterstock

Softened butter is a staple for all bakers out there, but putting solid butter in the microwave isn’t always the best way to get that soft consistency you're looking for. Try grating it with a cheese grader instead.

Use White Bread on Your Birthday Cake

iStock

Birthday cake is yummy, but when the party’s over, you're left with half a cake that'll be stale by tomorrow. What if there was a way to preserve this delectable sugar overload? Try putting slices of white bread on the interior sections of the cake where you cut into it—the bread locks in moisture.

Use Cookie Molds for Fun Food

Maja II via Unsplash

No matter what time of year it is, you can always use cookie cutters. And they can be used for much more than just cookies. You can also use them to create pancakes or eggs with designs like flowers, cartoon characters, and more. 

Related: 30 Storage Hacks Every Parent Needs

Make Oatmeal in Your Rice Cooker

Alex Motoc via Unsplash

Oatmeal is a warm alternative to cold cereal, but it does take a little more time to make in the morning. Try using your rice cooker to make the oatmeal instead. This way, you don’t need to worry about watching, stirring or remembering to turn off the stove. Just put everything inside, and within minutes you’ve got scrumptious oatmeal.

Use an Apple Corer to Make French Fries

Lisa Carpenter

An apple corer/slicer can instantly transform a plain potato into everyone's favorite side. That's right, you can make homemade fries in a snap with a utensil you may already have in your kitchen drawer. Grandma's Brief has all the delicious details.

 

Freeze Herbs in Ice Trays

freezing herbs in an ice tray is a good cooking hack to use
Shutterstock

Want fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary all year long? No problem. This cooking hack is worthy of Martha Stewart, sans the effort. Just put fresh herbs in ice trays, add oil, and freeze. Freezing the herbs in oil also prevents them from turning brown or getting that dreaded freezer burn. 

 

A Thrifty Mom

Wedges are so 2022. No, not the ones you wear on your feet; those are still fabulous. We're talking about watermelon wedges. Instead of slicing the melon into wide wedges that inevitably get juice all over everyone's face and chin, cut the fruit in half, then slice it in a grid. You'll get evenly sized slices that each have just enough rind on the bottom for little hands to grab.

 

Cut Pancakes with a Pizza Cutter

Cook and Craft Me Crazy

The trusted pizza slicer really is a mom's best friend. From sandwiches to pancakes, you can use this snazzy slicer to save time and messes. 

 

Cook Eggs in the Oven

Nick Evans

It is a literal Egg McMuffin. Nick of Macheesmo shows us how to make a breakfast sandwich even more amazing by simply baking the eggs in a muffin tin. Best part? You can add other ingredients to the eggs (think spinach, ham, cheese) and then freeze the whole thing for busy on-the-go mornings. Find the original recipe here and the updated version here.

 

Frozen Grapes Taste Great

grapes, can be frozen for a snack, which is a great cooking hack
J Yeo via Unsplash

Pop grapes into the freezer for a sweet and crunchy treat that tastes like candy. A refreshing snack any time of the year, this is also a great way to make sure you always have fruit on hand.

 

Use Magnets to Keep Water Cups Handy

Dana Williard via Made Every Day

Talk about having a “why didn’t I think of that” moment. If your kids are anything like ours, then you probably go through a few water cups every day. Cut down on needless dishes with this awesome cup hack from Dana over at Made Everyday.

 

Related: 23 Life-Saving House Cleaning Hacks

Cut Up Noodles

Christine Sandu via Unsplash

Use your noodle: Cut up spaghetti, linguine, and ramen with scissors. Smaller bites and shorter bits will ease frustration at the dinner table and make after-dinner clean-up easier.  

 

DIY Uncrustables

Jill Nystol via One Good Thing

You like the idea of making PB&J (or some "other butter" and jelly) ahead of time but don't really know how to make a good freezer version. Good news! One Good Thing by Jillee explains the how-to and shows you how to seal that sandwich—no fancy gear needed.

 

Coffee Filters as Snack Containers

Kimberly Harris via The Nourishing Gourmet

A brilliantly simple idea from The Nourishing Gourmet, swap out plastic baggies or even bulky reusables in favor of a biodegradable coffee filter. Psst! If you’ve gone Keurig, we’re betting you’ve got a box of these collecting dust somewhere in your kitchen.

 

Ice Cube Trays as Snack Holders

Jennifer Bishop

Having a stash of snacks is a must for every parent. But, having a bunch of different canisters, bags, and boxes on hand is difficult for travel and storage. Well, we’ve got the perfect hack for you! Try using silicone ice cube trays as snack trays for at home or on car trips.

Use Binder Clips in the Fridge and Freezer

If you need an easy way to keep all of your favorite munchies fresh in the fridge, may we suggest binder clips? Yes, you read that right. Grab some binder clips, and clip all of your bags of food directly onto the rungs of each shelf. This saves space and keeps everything nice and fresh. This works for bags in the freezer as well. 

This three-ingredient crock pot sweet pork recipe is so simple you can make it with your eyes closed. At least, that’s what Erin at Table for 7 claims she loves most about this dish. Depending on how much spiciness your tastebuds like (or don’t like), you can switch up your salsa choices to best suit what your picky eaters enjoy most. Serve this pork on top of a bed of rice and dig in.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Sweet Pork: 

2 lbs boneless pork
2 c salsa
1 c brown sugar

Method:

1. Spray crock pot or line with crock pot liners/parchment paper. Add pork into crock pot.

2. In a separate bowl, mix salsa and brown sugar well. Pour over pork.

3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

4. Shred/cut pork before serving.

recipe and photo courtesy of Erin at Table for 7

Keeping a chronicle of her cooking exploits on her site Table for 7, Erin says her site is all about her cooking and baking experiences; the good and the not so good. Erin’s not a professional baker, cook, or photographer but honest about what she prepares at home. Along with her plain-eating husband, her family consists of a couple of picky eaters (and one very picky eater). She creates recipes that aren’t fancy, flashy, or cost you a small fortune to make.

For more easy crock pot dinner recipes click HERE

Book the tickets and call the babysitter

Nothing says date night like dinner and a movie. And since you’ve seen every child-friendly release since your kids were born, here’s a list of movies for adults; to be seen in all their big-screen glory without a cartoon character in sight. And if you’re lucky, they’ll be shown at one of those theaters with the giant reclining chairs and a bar. Okay, maybe the chairs are a bad idea for exhausted parents, but may you find these showing in a theater you love, kick back with your favorite adult, and enjoy them without a kid telling you they need to go to the bathroom—again.

John Wick Chapter 4

Everyone loves Keanu, and there’s something so satisfying about watching him play a ruthless, vengeful hitman. Fans of the franchise have been waiting for Chapter 4—put on a two-year hiatus thanks to COVID. There are also rumors the last installment of the franchise won’t deliver a happy ending for its beloved main character.  March 24

Air

Air is a good date night movie.
Amazon Studios

 

The movie about how the iconic Air Jordan sneaker came to be is directed by Ben Affleck and is stacked with a star-studded cast, including Viola Davis, who Michael Jordan apparently insisted play his mother. Also starring Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, and Affleck himself. April 5

Paint

Paint is a good date night movie.
IFC Films

 

This is sadly not a Bob Ross biopic, but Owen Wilson channels everyone’s favorite public television painter for his role in Paint. It’s a fictional comedy about Carl Nagle, a painter with a public television show who is worried when a younger, cooler painter starts to steal his spotlight. The movie is not based on any of Ross’ real-life experiences, but it’s clearly inspired by him, and because of that, we’re all in.  April 7

Sweetwater

Sweetwater is the story of Hall of Famer Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, who made history as the first Black basketball player to sign an NBA contract. He was the star player for the Harlem Globetrotters at the time. It stars Everett Osborne as Clifton, Jeremy Piven, Cary Elwes, and Richard Dreyfuss.  April 14

Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny

Who didn’t grow up with Indiana Jones? And who doesn’t want to see Harrison Ford revising his role as Jones for the first time since 2008? This is the first installment of the franchise not directed by Steven Spielberg and also stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Shaunette Renée Wilson, and Antonio Banderas.  June 30

Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning

Paramount Pictures

 

Tom Cruise has been playing Ethan Hunt, a member of a fictional spy agency called Mission Force, since 1996. 1996! His role kicked off a franchise lasting almost three decades, and 2023 sees the seventh installment of the franchise hitting the screen, with Hunt no doubt jumping off cliffs while keeping the world safe. There is reportedly a stunt in the upcoming film that involves riding a motorcycle off a cliff in Switzerland, then turning into a base jump. The footage above proves it.  July 14

Oppenheimer

Cillian Murphy stars as Robert J. Oppenheimer in this biopic about the physicist and “father of the atomic bomb.” The star-packed cast includes Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Rami Malek, and Josh Hartnett. Directed by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Inception, Memento).  July 21

Barbie

Barbie is a good date night movie.
Warner Bros.

 

This trailer looks like a pink fever dream, and we are so here for it. Margot Robbie plays Barbie and Ryan Gosling is cast as her beau, Ken. The film’s supporting cast includes more exciting actors, including Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, and everyone’s favorite Marvel superhero, Simu Liu, in yet-to-be-revealed roles.  July 21

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

The plot has been largely under wraps, but Deadline reported that Greece is the setting for Toula and Ian’s (John Corbett) daughter Paris’ wedding. The third film is dedicated to Michael Constantine (Toula’s father, Gus), who died in August 2021. It won’t be the same without Gus running around with his bottle of beloved Windex, but we can’t wait to see the sparks between Vardalos and Corbett again.  September 8

The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

The fourth installment of the franchise focuses on a young Coriolanus Snow (originally played by Donald Sutherland). It follows Snow’s involvement in the games and is set 64 years before the events in the original series—which means Jennifer Lawrence won’t be reprising her role as Katniss Everdeen.  November 17

Wonka

Warner Bros.

It’s about time we got an origin story for the most famously devious chocolatier of all time. Timothée Chalamet will play a young Willy Wonka, and we’ll reportedly see how he crossed paths with the Ooompa Loompas and ended up with his impressively creepy factory. Also starring Olivia Colman, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, and Keegan-Michael Key.  December 15

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Apparently, during the filming of the first Aquaman, Jason Momoa developed a story pitch for a sequel, and thanks to the huge success of the movie, it was greenlighted. Momoa is set to return to the big screen on the biggest movie day of the year, with Amber Heard as Mera and Ben Affleck reprising his role as Batman. “When an ancient power is unleashed, Aquaman must forge an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally to protect Atlantis, and the world, from irreversible devastation.” Hopefully, the sequel will be just as jam-packed with slow-motion scenes of Aquaman emerging from the sea.  December 25

Legally Blonde 3

Reese Witherspoon will reprise her role as Elle Woods, and thank goodness, because who else could do this? The 2001 release brought us our favorite horoscope-obsessed, vegetarian law student who refused to let tired stereotypes and a remarkable jerk of an ex-boyfriend stand in her way of becoming a power lawyer. There’s no official release date yet, but the MGM site still says, “coming in 2023.”  TBD