Show off your patriotic pride with playful food creations that are deceptively simple

The 4th of July is a day of parades, fireworks, and lots of celebrating with friends and family. Make the holiday extra special by whipping up a few festive appetizers, snacks, and some creative dessert ideas, too. From red, white, and blue dips to wow-worthy cookies and cakes, we’ve gathered up a bunch of red, white, and blue recipes to make your day next-level amazing. For the kids, check out these 4th of July crafts that’ll keep them busy while you prep.

Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Of all the sweet treats to serve on the 4th of July, these are light and delicious. They don’t take long, and they”ll cool off your crowd.

Frozen Berry Muffins

These frozen berry muffins are a great way to use up that fruit sitting in the freezer. This tasty recipe is so simple, you’ll be enjoying the 4th of July in no time.

Red, White, and Blue Pastries

Not only is this gorgeous treat perfect for patriotic holidays, but it is also delicious!

Red, White & Blueberry Almond Frozen Yogurt Bites

red white & blue recipes for 4th of July
Katie Kick via Good Life Eats

Perfect for a hot holiday, these adorable mini frozen yogurt bites have plenty of healthy fruit too. With no added sugar (just vanilla Greek yogurt), and a crunchy nut bottom, make a batch ahead of time and pull out right before the fireworks go off. Get this red, white, and blue recipe from Katie Kick over at Good Life Eats.

Red, White, and Blue Skillet S’mores

A skillet with toasted marshmallows, strawberries and blueberries for Memorial Day
3 Scoops of Sugar

Ready for a s’mores recipe that will knock your patriotic socks off? This simple idea from 3 Scoops of Sugar, which is full of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, will give a new twist to your s’more expectations! It’s extra festive and easy to pull off with your handy dandy skillet. 

Patriotic Push Pop Cake

red, white and blue recipe for push pops
Love from the Oven

For an adorable dessert that won’t require you to turn on the oven, you’ve got to make these push-pop cakes from Love from the Oven. With some store-bought pound cake and colorful frosting, this 4th of July recipe will come together in no time. 

American Flag Cheese Plate

A tray of fruit, cheese and crackers for Memorial Day
The Kitchen Prep

Get inspired by The Kitchen Prep to make a festive cheese plate for your holiday bash. It’s easy to customize to fit your family’s tastes and makes a delicious appetizer before your barbecued feast.

Patriotic White Chocolate Pretzels

Pretzel sticks drizzled with white chocolate and patriotic sprinkles for 4th of July
Beyond the Chicken Coop

Get the kiddos involved in making these fun chocolate-covered pretzels from Beyond the Chicken Coop. They’ll love decorating each one with a splash of sprinkles.

Flag Parmesan Garlic Chip Dip

Red, white and blue recipe for parmesan garlic dip for 4th of July
The Creative Bite

We’re obsessed with this dip idea from The Creative Bite—the cutest appetizer ever! Pair blue corn chips with a garlic parmesan dip and cherry tomatoes, and you’ve got a flag-inspired appetizer that your whole crew will love. 

Patriotic Cake Cookies

red, white and blue recipe for cookies
Tuxedo Cats and Coffee

These cookies from Tuxedo Cats and Coffee are everything we want from a patriotic dessert: easy, delicious, and pretty. They’re made using cake mix, so you don’t have to be a baking expert to pull off this one. 

4th of July Cake

red white and blue recipe for a USA cake
Jacks & Kate

We’re gaga for this uber-creative cake. It’s colorful, fruitful, and doesn’t require any fancy cake pans—really! Now that’s what we call a show-stopping red, white, and blue recipe. Find out how to carve your own country over at Jacks & Kate.

Vegan Watermelon Cake

A vegan red white and blue cake made out of watermelon
Abbey’s Kitchen

Looking for a red, white, and blue recipe that’s vegan, low-calorie, gluten-free, and totally wow-worthy? You’re in luck because this watermelon cake fits the red, white, and blue recipe bill! Learn how to make your own at Abbey’s Kitchen.

Patriotic Pancake Stacks

Mini pancakes with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries for Memorial Day
Modern Parents Messy Kids

Serve up the breakfast of champions with this perfect patriotic pancake idea. Think kid-sized pancake stacks, fresh berries, and a healthy dollop of whip cream. Yum! Get the full scoop at Modern Parents Messy Kids.

Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart

red white and blue recipe for vanilla cream fruit tart
Homemade Food Junkie

We love how this fruit tart is equal parts sweet and creamy. (Psst! The crust uses coconut oil, which adds an extra dose of delicious flavor.) Visit Homemade Food Junkie for the full recipe details.

Patriotic Mocktail

A red, white and blue mocktail for Memorial Day
The Merry Thought

We're awarding major points to this drink for having a patriotic presentation AND being completely kid-friendly. Now that's something we can all toast to! Get the whole how-to at The Merry Thought.

Brownie Flag

red white and blue recipe for brownie cake
Spicy Southern Kitchen

This sweet, red, white, and blue recipe couldn't be easier (hint: the prep time is only 15 minutes!). You can even make the brownies from a store-bought mix. Get the full lowdown on this jaw-dropping idea at Spicy Southern Kitchen.

Cheesecake Popsicles

red white and blue recipe for cheesecake popsicles
The Midnight Baker

Give the traditional popsicle a patriotic makeover! This idea has granita-like fruit layers and a rich cheesecake center you won't be able to resist. For the full rundown, visit The Midnight Baker.

Watermelon Star Bites

red white and blue recipe for watermelon star bites
Weelicious

Do as we say: put down the melon baller. These star bites burst with flavor and will be a hit at your BBQ. Bonus: it's easy to get your kids involved in making this treat. Hop on over to Weelicious for easy instructions.

Flag Candy-Coated Pretzels

pretzels covered in white chocolate and sprinkles to look like the American flag for Memorial Day
Poca Cosa

These treats are a little salty, a little sweet, and great to munch on between backyard games. We dare you to stop at one. Thanks to Poca Cosa for sharing these awesome patriotic treats.

Red, White, and Blueberry Salad

red white and blue recipe for a festive salad
Shared Appetite

Give your standard caprese salad a blueberry upgrade. Remember: if you're short on time before your big BBQ you can always prep the ingredients in advance. Get the full red, white, and blue recipe over at Shared Appetite.

Kettle Corn

red, white and blue recipe for kettle corn
Food Pusher

Major props to Food Pusher for this easy patriotic kettle corn. Simply pop your popcorn like you normally would and add food coloring. Voila! You've got yourself a bag of red, white, and blue bite-sized treats.

Watermelon and Blueberry Salad with Feta

red white and blue salad recipe for patriotic holidays
Wholesomelicious

This refreshing salad only takes 15 minutes to make but the result is totally memorable. The full recipe can be found at Wholesomelicious.

Independence Punch

red white and blue punch for Memorial Day
Big Bear's Wife

Summer games can build up quite a thirst! This patriotic punch uses cranberry juice, your favorite blue-colored sports drink, sparkling water (or a diet clear soda), and ice. Check out the red, white, and blue recipe (and quench everyone's thirst) at Big Bear's Wife.

Red, White, and Blue Trifles

red white and blue trifles
Boulder Locavore

Here’s the lowdown on this oh-so-pretty trifle: it’s got angel food cake squares, fresh blueberries and a fresh cherry sauce that’s easy to make. And if you want to top it all off with a dollop of freshly whipped cream? Well, we wouldn’t blame you at all. Boulder Locavore has the full trifle scoop, so click on over ASAP.

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

red white and blue potato salad for Memorial Day
Proud Italian Cook

Potato salad is pretty much a requirement at any summer holiday picnic, but why not give this classic dish its own patriotic twist? With the help of some colorful spuds and a drizzle of olive oil, you can whip this up in no time. Get inspired to make your own over at Proud Italian Cook.

Dairy Free Pops

dairy free red, white and blue popsicles for Memorial day
Pass the Plants

These delicious popsicles from Pass the Plants are not only an easy red, white, and blue recipe to make, but they're also dairy free. Beth from Pass the Plants shares some great tips for getting them just right!

Fruit Sparklers

Emily from One Lovely Life

One of our fave summer fruits gets to be the "star" of the show with these fun patriotic sparklers! Leave it to Emily from One Lovely Life to come up with this fantastic way to serve fruit at your BBQ.

Related: 4th of July Snacks the Whole Family Will Love

 

 

TikTok is useful. It taught us how to clean our cookie sheets, make no-bake cheesecake, and now — eat like Jennifer Aniston.

If you’re a Friends superfan, you may have already heard the tales of the actress eating the same salad for lunch every, single day they filmed. Courtney Cox has mentioned it in interviews, and through the years, the recipe has changed just a bit. But recently, the recipe went viral on Instagram and TikTok, along with a super easy-to-follow recipe.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Eating Healthy (@eatinghealthyfeed)

Here’s the recipe:

3.5 cups cooked bulgur wheat ( I made 1 cup uncooked )
2-3 chopped mini cucumber
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped mint
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
2 cups chickpeas
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta

Yes, it’s really this easy. You just dump all of this in a bowl, douse it with olive oil and lemon, mix it up, and enjoy! We had to try it to see if it was really worth eating every day. The verdict? Yes. It’s delicious!

Maria Guido

As busy parents, one of the easiest things you can do for self-care is mix up a batch of something that you can easily eat for lunch for a few days. How many times do you get to 5 p.m. and realize you’ve eaten nothing? Yeah, us too. Try it! You can find the bulgar wheat in the organic section of your local supermarket—or where they keep the bagged grains.

Every parent knows the struggle of bedtime, especially if you’re reading the same book over and over. Now your routine has a new look that any 80’s mom or dad can get on board with: The Golden Girls: Goodnight, Girls.

Dorothy, Blanche and Rose are having a sleepover and are nowhere near ready to settle down to go to sleep (sound familiar?). Ma is trying everything to get them to wind down, but the gals have a lot to do before hitting the hay!

Young readers might not get all the fun Easter eggs (like St. Olaf!) and show references hidden among the colorful illustrations, but parents will. The gang sings, dances, tries on dress-up clothes, has some cheesecake, says goodnight to Miles and Stan and then hears a Sicily story from Ma before finally going to bed. We really hope it starts with “Let me tell you a story. Picture it, Sicily…”

You can already pre-order the book, The Golden Girls: Goodnight, Girls which releases this June for just $8.

––Karly Wood

 

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Every “Golden Girls” Fan Needs This Epic Mug Set

Need a new mug to sip from while you binge watch old episodes of your fave gal pals? A new set from Jerrod Maruyama has you covered!

This four-piece barware collection captures The Golden Girls with all their personality. Enjoy either hot or cold beverage with the likes of Sophia Petrillo, Rose Nylund, Blanche Devereaux and Dorothy Zbornak like never before!

Each mug can hold 19-19 ounces, is microwave safe and can be placed top-shelf in your dishwasher. The four-piece set retails for $90 and can be purchased at toynk.com.

Don’t need all four? This set makes the perfect gift for your girlfriends for tuning in for a night of streaming and cheesecake.

If you’re looking for more ways to harness your inner Golden Girl and dress up your space, you should also check out this Sophia-inspired Chia Pet and snag the Little Golden Book all about Betty White. Now that all the actresses have been reunited in the afterlife, we have to keep their girl power strong somehow!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of ToyNK.com

 

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It’s that sweet time of year when giving kids sugar isn’t just okay, it’s encouraged. Yup, Valentine’s Day is under a month away, and what better way to say “I Love You” than with a trip to a classic candy shop? The metroplex is filled with spots that would even make Willy Wonka’s eyes pop, and we’ve listed our very favorites here. From gourmet chocolate to old-school goodies you’ll want to snack on yourself, see the top candy stores in Dallas-Fort Worth below.

Perry Merrity via Unsplash

Rocket Fizz

You can find everything from Whirly Pops to Candian candy (think Oh Henry!) bars at this fun spot. They also have a great selection of specialty sodas.

2701 Main Street, Ste. 160
Deep Ellum, TX 75226

1707 N Collins Street, Ste. 111
Arlington, TX 76011

317 South Main Street
Grapevine, TX 76051

Online: rocketfizz.com

Kokopelli Sweets

Tucked away in a corner of the historic West End district, you’ll find more than just candy here. There’s a great selection of cheesecake and gelato, too. 

​​1718 N Market St. 
Dallas, TX 75202

Online: kokopellisweets.com 

Gabby Cullen

Popcorn Papa

Located in Rockwall, Popcorn Papa is known for its wide variety of gourmet popcorn, but did you know they also have a great candy shop with sugary goodies that fulfill every kid’s sugarplum dreams. 

919 I-30 Frontage Rd #119 
Rockwall, TX 75087

Online: popcornpapa.com

Kate Weiser Chocolate

A DFW favorite, this local chocolatier is known for its gorgeous chocolates that come in designs that are almost (almost) too beautiful to eat. 

Trinity Groves
3011 Gulden Ln., Ste. 115
Dallas, TX 75212

NorthPark Center
8687 North Central Expressway, Ste. 400B
Dallas, TX 75225

Online: kateweiserchocolate.com

Efrain R. via Yelp

IT’SUGAR

Located in Fort Worth’s historic Sundance Square, not only can you find 1 lb. Reese’s and Hershey Bars, but they also carry Funko Pop! figurines, which means it’s a tween’s dream come true.

503 Main St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Online: itsugar.com/sundancesquare

Atomic Candy

Besides staples like saltwater taffy, Abba Zabba and Jelly Belly’s, you’ll find Japanese candy, European candy and Hispanic candy here.

105 W Hickory St. 
Denton, TX 76201

Online: atomic-candy.com

Dude, Sweet Chocolate

Dude, Sweet Chocolate

A Dallas institution, this renowned Bishop Arts sweet shop has an array of treats including decadent truffles, homemade marshmallows, chocolate bars, drinking chocolate and more. 

408 W Eighth St. #102 
Dallas, TX 75208 

Online: dudesweetchocolate.net 

Candy World

Your kids can pick their bag of goodies from over 600 varieties of candy, including chocolate, sour candies, sugar-free candy, and nostalgic candy bars like Big Hunk.

460 Cedar Sage Dr.
Garland, TX 75040

820 W. Stacy Dr. #628
Allen TX 75013

3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy Ste. 341
Grapevine, TX 76051

Online: candyworld.info

Mom and Popcorn

Besides all the unique popcorn flavors, this McKinney-based sweets shop has an old-fashioned feel with glass bins and big barrels filled with almost every kind of candy kids can imagine. 

215 E Louisiana St.
McKinney, TX 75069

Online: momandpopcorn.com

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Like so many other basic items, cream cheese is having a bit of a supply chain issue right now. Yes, your bagel may have to be served a new way, but that also means your fave cheesecake might need to take a back seat right now.

To help with the stab to your heart this news brings, Kraft Heinz wants to offer a little something to ease the pain. The company wants you to Spread the Feeling by dishing up a different dessert this holiday, and they’ll pay you $20 to do it!

In order to snag the twenty bucks, customers will need to make a reservation at spreadthefeeling.com on Friday and Saturday after 12 p.m. ET. According to Heinz, they will have 10,000 reservations on Friday and 8,000 on Saturday on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you’re confirmed, you can go ahead and grab any dessert and then provide the receipt dated between Dec. 17 and Dec. 24. You can then use it Dec. 28 and Jan. 4 to redeem a $20 digital reward.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Kalisha Ocheni via Unsplash

 

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Chicago lights up around the holidays—literally. The Christmas season officially begins in the Windy City with The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, with Mickey and Minnie Mouse leading the charge as Grand Marshals. It is the Midwest, so dress in warm layers and take your family for an evening of festive city fun. Read on to learn more about this popular Chicago Christmas parade, including where families should line up for the best views, as well as where to stay and what to eat while downtown.

Schedule

The weekend's free festivities begin with a Lights Festival preview night on Fri., Nov. 19, 4 p.m. featuring a tree-lighting ceremony in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza (410 N. Michigan Ave.). Musical entertainment will be provided by Grammy-nominated singer, actress and Broadway star Deborah Cox and the Chicago Carolers. 

On Sat., Nov. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Lights Festival Lane (Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave.) hosts a variety of family-friendly activities including Subaru's Share the Love pet adoption event in partnership with PAWS Chicago, a photo opp with Eli's Cheesecake Company's 30th anniversary Lights Festival cake and cheesecake, and live DJ entertainment. Families can capture a photo with Santa and get free, temporary holiday tattoos in the BMO Kid Zone.  At 5:30 p.m., Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie step off in their new 50th-anniversary attire, leading a magical tree-lighting parade between Oak St. and Wacker Dr. along The Magnificent Mile. 

Highlights

Watch for new floats designed by CPS students in partnership with BMO Harris Bank and T-Mobile. This new partnership was created to bring a real-world, work-based STEAM design challenge to students.

Also new this year is the balloon debut of Bumble, the Abominable Snowman (from 1964 TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), plus four high school marching bands from Ohio, and The Pack - Official Chicago Sky Drum Line.

Returning fan-favorites include Rudolph, the Petosky Steel Drum Band, The Cirque Experience/Wheel Jam, and more.

Celebrity appearances along the parade route include one of the most renowned groups of all time, Kool & The Gang who will perform Celebration, a fitting song for the occasion. The diverse entertainment lineup also includes the American hip hop/pop rap duo from Atlanta, Tag Team, plus Broadway artist Deborah Cox, and American Idol finalist and Illinois native, Grace Kinstler.

Additional performers appearing during the television broadcast-only will include the cast from Broadway in Chicago's upcoming production of Frozen, Chicago Theatre, Cirque: Twas the Night Before, Chicagoland dance teams and Teatro ZinZanni.

Santa Claus will soar down the route to officially signal the start of the holiday season before the grand conclusion featuring a spectacular fireworks show shining over the Chicago River.

Best Spots for Viewing

Birds-Eye View of The Magnificent Mile
For crazy-cool aerial views, visit 360 CHICAGO Observatory and see The Mag Mile from 1,000 feet up!

Tree-Light Parade Viewing
Remember that Michigan Ave. is typically less crowded on the east side of the street, especially at the north end of the procession route.

Fireworks Spectacular Viewing
A stunning fireworks show is displayed over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge, so standing along Wacker Dr. or in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) are prime viewing spots. Just remember, the DuSable Bridge closes as early as 3:30 p.m., so be sure to make your way across the bridge before that time.

How to View at Home

The parade will air on ABC 7 Chicago on Sun., Nov. 21 and Sat., Dec. 11, 6 p.m., and on Christmas Day at 8 a.m.

The nationally televised event will be hosted by ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchors Alan Krashesky and Cheryl Burton on Sun. Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., on ABC 7 Chicago. Anchors Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini will capture the magic from the street.

Additionally, The Lights Festival can also be streamed on abc7chicago.com and will be available on-demand and on the ABC 7 Chicago app.

photo: Swissotel Chicago

Where to Stay

Many hotels near The Magnificent Mile offer discounts and special perks the weekend of the parade, and throughout the holiday and winter season. However, rooms tend to book quickly so make your plans well in advance. You’ll have more than 70 hotels to choose from on or near the Magnificent Mile, from luxury to affordable accommodations and from boutique to large-scale in size.

Hilton Hotels of Chicago, Kimpton Hotels, ACME Hotel, Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, The Peninsula Chicago, Best Western River North, Loews Hotel and Swissotel Chicago are all family-friendly, offering great deals or special perks and experiences. 

Where to Eat

themed restaurants in chicago finger licking foodie tours
Gino's East

Of course, there will be a variety of drinks and noshes at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court, including Eli's Cheesecake Company to satisfy the sweet tooths. Follow your nose to Garrett Popcorn Shops for some of their famous popcorn, Gino's East River North for classic deep dish pizza, Shanghai Terrace for an elevated Cantonese experience, Rosebud on Rush for Italian favorites, and Frontera Grill and Tanta for Latin cuisine. 

For other dining ideas, check The Magnificant Mile's official list of restaurants.

Where to Park

We recommend taking public transportation, but if you're driving, book parking in advance through SpotHero. To reserve your spot, visit the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Millennium Park Garage & Grant Park North Garage are closest to the south end of the Lights Festival parade route on Michigan Avenue. Pre-purchase parking for your lowest rate.

If you are looking for downtown parking near Pioneer Court for the Lights Festival parade, InterPark is a great option. Easy out after the end-of-night fireworks show.

Public Restrooms

  • Lights Festival Lane, Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
  • 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 N. Michigan Avenue
  • Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue
  • The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Avenue
  • Information Tent

    The Magnificant Mile Information Tent (401 N. Michigan Ave.) is available for questions and information about the Festival and will have complimentary hand warmers. Download the local Discovery Guide, with app partner GettinLocal, to receive real-time events updates concerning the parade. 

    COVID Protocols

    Any guest attending any of the Lights Festival events will be asked to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, throughout the Lights Festival footprint. 

    — Maria Chambers & Wendy Altschuler

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    Are you on dessert duty this year? Before you start fretting, head to your local Trader Joe’s and stock up on all the holiday sweet treats the grocer is known for. Whether you’re looking for a delectable pastry you can keep in the freezer or want to get a little more creative with a boxed mix, the neighborhood market is all about saving your holiday dessert this year.

    Thanksgiving Pie Chocolate Truffles

    It can be hard to please everyone's sweet tooth, but not with this fun Thanksgiving Pie Chocolate Truffle pack. Flavors include Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Caramel Pie and Silk Mousse Pie for just $4.

    Apple Cranberry Tart

    These sweet and flaky tarts are the epitome of holiday flavor. Perfect to bring as a last minute dessert to a party or as a sweet gift to a friend, we bet these would taste phenomenal warmed up with a cup of coffee.

    Grab in the bakery aisle for $5.

    Cranberry Orange Bars

    Move over lemon bars, these cranberry babies are here for the season. Made on a sweet shortbread then topped with cranberry puree and sweetened orange peel, this made the perfect post-dinner sweet.

    A box of 12 is just $5.

    Tiramisu Torte

    Trader Joe's via Instagram

    Trader Joe's elegant Tiramisu Torte is a show stealer. Made with a layer of coffee-soaked sponge cake and a layer of frozen mascarpone, it's topped off with a bit of chocolate and covered in cocoa powder.

    You'll find this classy dessert in the freezer aisle.

    Pumpkin Cobbler

    Tired of pumpkin pie? Pumpkin cobbler to the rescue! Skip slaving in the kitchen and grab this delectable dessert that's made with pumpkin filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove.

    It's just $5 in the bakery section.

    Rustic Apple Tart

    If cranberry isn't your thing, there's nothing wrong with sticking to a classic apple tart like this one. This simple dessert is made with crisp apples and topped with almonds and sugar that would go great alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    Grab it in the freezer section for $6.

    Sweet Bites

    Trader Joe's via Instagram

    It's hard to please everyone when it comes to food, and that's where Trader Joe's Sweet Bites come in. Made in France, the box of 12 with three flavors includes Chocolate & Coffee “Opera” Cake, Raspberry “Macaron Aux Framboises” Cake and Caramel & Chocolate Cake and has a little something for everyone.

    You can find this sweet treat in the freezer section.

    Gingerbread Turkey Trot Kits

    When all else fails, just grab a dessert you know the kiddos will love! This adorable turkey trot kit comes with everything you need to whip up your own adorable turkey.

    Grab the kit for just $6. Gobble gobble!

    Pumpkin Pie

    Trader Joe's

    Tradition is the name of the game when you pick up TJ's frozen Pumpkin Pie. The classic dessert is always a winner and is made with velvety pumpkin and best served with a large dollop of whipped cream.

    Feed a crowd for just $5.99 with this pie that is found in the freezer aisle.

    Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie

    Tart and vibrant, this is the perfect swap for that can of cranberry jelly no one eats! Heat for less than 10 minutes than enjoy with some ice cream.

    Find it in the freezer aisle for $6.

    Pumpkin Ice Cream

    Trader Joe's via Instagram

    Dessert was never easier! This holiday, grab a few cartons of Trader Joe's festive pumpkin ice cream, and toss in a few extra toppings like gingerbread or shortbread cookies to make it extra fancy.

    Shop plenty of flavors in the freezer aisle at Trader Joe's.

    ––Karly Wood

     

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    It isn’t Thanksgiving without some turkey! While we all enjoy a lovely, juicy bird at the dinner table, Baskin Robbins wants to mix things up.

    The Turkey Cake has returned for all your imposter tricks. Made with the ice cream of your choice then topped with two sugar cone legs and a caramel praline topping glaze, this cake will give your actual turkey a run for its money. 

    If you’re looking for a more manageable dessert with no carving required, you’ll want to grab a cone of Baskin Robbins’ newest flavor, Snickerdoodle Chai. This seasonal flavor is made of a combination of snickerdoodle dough chunks, vanilla chai flavored ice cream and a cinnamon swirl.

    Both treats will be offered at Baskin-Robbins locations throughout the month of November, while supplies last. Want a sweet deal? Baskin-Robbins is offering $5 off any cake purchase of $35 or more through November 25 and a free kids scoop starting on Thanksgiving Day through November 30 with a purchase of $15 or more.

    —Karly Wood

    All photos courtesy of Baskin-Robbins

     

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    Most of us have have had at least one Chia Pet in our lives, but have you ever had a Golden Girls chia?

    The decorative planter that has been mesmerizing people since the late ’70’s has always had whimsical choices, but these Golden Girls options ($20) really take the cake (the cheesecake, that is). Coming in Rose, Dorothy, Blanche and Sophia options, there’s really no reason you shouldn’t just collect them all.

    photo: Amazon

    Each Chia Plant comes with the terracotta planter, drip tray and enough seeds for up to three plantings. All it takes is two weeks to get your Golden Girls growing!

    Perfect for the holidays or for any uber GG fan, you can find them all on Amazon for $20 each.

    ––Karly Wood

     

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