Seeing your little one coughing or sniffly can be heartbreaking. Not to mention exhausting for both of you. So, whether you’re already battling a cold around your house or want to be prepared for the next bout of illness, here are 10 parent-proven ways to soothe and comfort your sick baby. As always, consult your pediatrician about these and other remedies.

1. Get to know your nasal aspirator.
As parents, we have to do gross things. It’s inevitable. And when your baby has a ridiculously runny or stuffy nose but can’t blow it, we have to step in and clear that stuff out ourselves. Whether you use a snot sucker like a bulb aspirator, the NoseFrida, or an electronic nasal aspirator like the NoseBot to do the dirty work, you’ll be glad you did when your baby can breathe (and sleep!) easily again.

2. Treat congestion with saline.
Saline has been known to work wonders against congestion. Lay your little one down on his/her back and tilt the chin back just slightly. You can then gently spray two or three drops of saline into each nostril. It works best when followed by a nasal aspirator. Yep, you can't get away from that step.

3. Steam it up!
When your baby is congested, sleep is almost impossible. (For you and your babe.) One way of easing the congestion is by making things hot and steamy. Running a hot shower and hanging out in the steamy bathroom for a while can give you relief.

4. Run a cool-mist humidifier.
If steam isn’t your thing, a cool-mist humidifier can take some dryness out of the air. With the heat running in the house and the dry winter air, stuffiness is almost certain. Run the humidifier while your baby sleeps to offer some much-needed relief.

5. Oatmeal. It’s not just for breakfast.
With dry winter air, dry skin is not far behind. If your little one has red, dry, itchy skin, try a soothing oatmeal bath. Grind up some oatmeal in a blender or food processor and sprinkle a half cup of the powder into the bath as the water is running. Be sure to mix it all up and let your baby get a good soak. Around 15 minutes is the most they’ll likely need. Be careful: The oatmeal tends to make the bath pretty slippery.

6. Cuddles & more cuddles.
There’s nothing quite like a long snuggle with a parent when a little one has a cold. Even better when it can be skin-to-skin. In fact, being placed directly on a parent's skin is thought to help lower a fever. Get your baby down to the diaper, cover up with a blanket, and settle in for a nice, long cuddle.

7. Fluids. Fluids. Fluids.
Preventing dehydration when your baby has a cold is critical. If your baby is under 8 months, breastmilk and formula are the best options for fluids. Offer them often to help with dehydration; plus it gives that extra comfort sick babies need. For older babes, water tops the list.

8. Lukewarm baths.
If your baby feels warm or has a slight fever, putting them in a tepid or lukewarm bath can help. Join your baby in the bath to make it extra comforting. Just be mindful of the temperature of the water. Keep it even and avoid too much heat or cold for best results.

9. Try a little sweet & sour.
For babies over a year old, honey & lemon help with a sore throat or cough. Lemon is known to dry up congestion, and honey offers a soothing coating for their throats. But this is only safe if your baby is over one year old. If they’ve passed that stage, mix the ingredients and warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave. Once it has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, give your little one a teaspoon to drink.

10. Get out into the cool air.
There’s nothing like fresh, cool air to cure what ails you. Believe it or not, a walk in cold, fresh air can help relieve the swelling and congestion your little one gets from a cough. So bundle everyone up and get outside! You could also use the distraction of a nice walk.

If your big kid can use basic appliances, they can get their own dinner on the table with these recipes

At some point, the day will come when your older kids have to fend for themselves at dinner time. Whether it’s eating before a late practice, it’s their turn to cook family dinner, or you just aren’t home in time to handle the job, having a handful of easy-to-make meals is a must. We’ve rounded up easy dinners kids can make that are great for big kids who can work their way around the kitchen and simple appliances.

Mini Pita Pizzas

When it comes to easy dinner recipes for kids, they can start with a simple pita pizza. Using a pita instead of dough means that this meal cooks uber quickly, but is sturdy enough to make the transition either from the oven or a toaster oven without getting too droopy. This recipe is easy and customizable, which is great if your big kids are helping out with dinner for your other kids or the entire family.

Omelet

Stephanie Klepacki/Unsplash

 

There comes a point in every growing young person where they realize the magic that is brinner, and that’s where the omelet comes in. This easy recipe from The Spruce Eats comes together quickly and calls for ingredients like eggs and cheese—something you likely always have on hand. Want your kids to avoid the stove? Try this microwave omelet recipe!

Easy Dinner Kids Can Make: Microwave Nachos

If you’d prefer your kids stay away from the stove, these microwave nachos are a great option. Just layer the chips, cheese, and toppings like beans, meat, or tomatoes, then take them for a spin in the microwave. Not only can your kids make this with healthy options, but it’s ready to eat in just a few minutes.

 

Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

chicken salad is an easy dinner kids can make
Karly Wood

 

There’s no stove needed for this simple dinner kids can make. Keep several bags of salad kits on hand for your older kids who can use one for dinner on their own. Then they can top with an easy protein like rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or even leftover burger patties. Easy peasy and healthy, too!

Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla Wrap

this pizza pizza is an easy dinner recipe for kids
Scrambled Chefs
Scrambled Chefs

 

Inspired by TikTok, this easy dinner recipe for kids will be loved by the entire fam. It’s simply a matter of artfully folding ingredients between tortillas, then using a panini maker to warm it all up. The great part? You’re not just relegated to pepperoni and mozzarella. Get creative by adding chicken or beef, dips or salad dressings, and your choice of cheese.

 

Ham & Cheese Sliders

easy dinners kids can make ham and cheese sliders
Wondermom Wannabe

 

If your big kids have moved beyond just a plain sandwich using cold cuts, have them try these delicious Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders made in the oven. An entire bag of Hawaiian rolls is sliced in half, then topped with cheese and ham (you can always mix up your meat and cheese!). Before baking, make sure to top it with the “Secret Sauce” as described by Wondermom Wannabe, then enjoy!

 

Easy Dinner Kids Can Make: Sloppy Joe’s

sloppy joes is an easy dinner recipe for kids
Carlsbad Cravings

 

If your big kid can brown beef, this Sloppy Joe’s recipe from Carlsbad Cravings is a fresh way to prepare it. It calls for the simple addition of green bell peppers and onion (though you could adjust based on your preferences) and a homemade sauce. If your kids just aren’t into that much prep work, there is absolutely no shame in picking up a packet of Sloppy Joe’s seasoning and adding it to your ground beef. Don’t forget the buns!

 

Easy Ground Beef Tacos

A Taste of Madness

 

Whether it’s Tuesday or not, your big kids can never go wrong with a tasty taco recipe. This version from A Taste of Madness cooks in 15 minutes and uses seasonings found in most kitchens. Be sure to keep the fixin’s on hand and this recipe readily available in your kitchen for those “on your own” nights.

 

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

easy dinners kids can make
Cookie & Kate

 

Classic grilled cheese and tomato soup is a rite of passage. Being able to whip up this meal will not only satisfy your big kids now, but it will come in handy when they’re young adults adjusting to being their own chef full-time. You can use this tasty grilled cheese recipe from Cookie & Kate or teach the kids to make them in the toaster if you’d rather them avoid the stove. As for the tomato soup, it’s as simple as pouring a can or carton into a bowl before popping it in the microwave.

 

Easy Dinner Kids Can Make: Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Pinch of Yum

 

Most kids won’t turn down the idea of pasta for dinner, so having this slow cooker mac and cheese recipe on hand will come in handy. You don’t need to pre-cook the pasta (just dump straight from the box!) or use a food processor to blend ingredients. Just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook for three hours.

If your older kids are comfortable with an Instant Pot, this recipe from Pinch of Yum requires just four minutes of cook time and is also a great option.

 

Easy Fried Rice

fried rice is an easy dinner kids can make
Rasa Malaysia

 

The best fried rice is made with leftover rice, which makes this dish even better for using up last night’s dinner. Kids can customize their protein, while also taking advantage of a frozen veggie mix to bring this tasty dinner to life. Even better, it’s made in one pan! Grab this simple recipe from Rasa Malaysia.

 

This hearty pumpkin soup recipe takes advantage of a key fresh ingredient this time of year: pumpkin!

Nothing goes with all those cozy sweaters and falling leaves like a hearty pumpkin soup recipe. This is the best time of year to make a batch from scratch since you can use the abundance of fresh pumpkins in the supermarket or use up your Halloween decorations to create it. Add a nice hunk of bread and a salad on the side, or top with fresh asparagus and potatoes, and you have a warm and balanced meal to usher in the season.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 pound pumpkin, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Optional: asparagus (lightly steamed) and/or diced potatoes (steamed or roasted)

Method:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring.

2. Add pumpkin and cook 3 minutes, until lightly softened.

3. Add stock and paste and stir to mix. Bring to a boil over high heat, lower to a simmer, and cover. Cook 20 minutes, until the pumpkin is very tender.

4. Transfer to a food processor and puree until smooth. Add cheese, salt, and pepper; mix and serve warm.

5. If serving with asparagus, lightly steam and add two or three spears diced to add a punch of color.

Recipe adapted from pumpkinrecipes.org

There are some classic summer recipes here

When you’re sweating it out in the summer, the last thing you want to do is turn on the stove and make an elaborate dinner. From refreshing salads and cold dinner ideas to delicious wraps, we’ve whipped up a list of our favorite summer recipes that don’t involve cooking. Take a break from the oven and make one of these tasty no-cook meals!

Shrimp Spring Rolls

These fresh and delicious shrimp spring rolls from Tastes Better from Scratch are such an easy cold dinner idea, you’ll want to add them to your recipe rotation ASAP.

Chopped Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad is a cold dinner idea
Pinch of Yum

Grab a bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots, roast chicken, peanuts, and other yummy ingredients like ginger, soy, and of course, peanut butter, and whip up this Thai-inspired chicken salad from Pinch of Yum without ever having to turn on the stove or oven.

Easy Summer Corn Salad

corn salad is a great cold dinner idea, a great no cook meal and an easy summer recipe
Hip2Save

Great as a side or a delicious dinner, this summer corn salad is refreshing and light. Made with a homemade dressing, you can easily dress up this salad by adding a protein and make it easier, by chopping up everything the night before! Find the recipe at Hip2Save.

Best Ever Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a perfect cold dinner idea and a classic summer recipe
How to Feed a Loon

Psst! The secret to this chicken salad from How to Feed a Loon—besides fresh and simple ingredients—is that it uses rotisserie chicken. It makes the prep work extra easy and the result extra delicious. Enjoy it as a sandwich or on top of a bed of lettuce!

Mexican Bean Salad

Mexican bean salad is a good no-cook meal and one of the easiest cold dinner ideas
Canva

Now, this is our kind of cooking: the most work you’ll have to do for this Mexican-inspired salad is chopping and opening a few cans of beans. And since letting it sit helps the flavors meld together, it tastes even better the day after you make it. To get the recipe, click here.

Tomato Marinara Sauce

Heather Ford via Unsplash

Your mind will be blown when you try this tomato sauce that doesn’t require any cooking at all. Just throw all the ingredients into the blender or food processor and prepare to be impressed. Click here to grab the recipe.

Chicken Taco Pinwheels

chicken taco pinwheels are a good cold dinner idea and an easy summer recipe
Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish

These tasty pinwheels from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish make the perfect lunch or light dinner. With an assist from a rotisserie chicken, a little spinach, and a sprinkling of taco seasoning, they’re as tasty as they are a healthy summer recipe. 

Related: 25 Cold Pasta Salad Recipes (because It’s Just Too Hot)

Crab Rolls

One of our favorite cold dinner ideas! Inspired by the classic lobster roll, you can make these with pre-cooked crab from the store. With a few other ingredients, you’ll have a no-cook meal ready in under 30 minutes. Click on the picture for this incredible summer recipe.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

chicken Caesar pasta salad recipe
Life Made Simple

What do you get when you combine pasta and Caesar salad? This dish from Life Made Simple! It’s loaded with all the classic flavors you expect—crisp romaine, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and lots of cheese!

No Noodle Pad Thai

Cookie and Kate

It doesn’t get much more refreshing than this noodle-free pad Thai by Cookie and Kate. Fresh and crunchy veggies are coated with a sweet, tangy, slightly salty peanut sauce to make a fabulous light dinner.

Open Sandwich with Cold Cut Salad

no-cook meals
A Gourmet Food Blog

This Dutch recipe from A Gourmet Food Blog has all the makings of an instant kid favorite: crusty bread, lunchmeat, and a little mayo. It’s a fun way to take your bologna sandwich to the next level.

Rainbow Raw-maine Taco Boats

no-cook meals
Minimalist Baker

For a super fresh and satisfying dinner, you’ve got to try this fun take on taco boats from Minimalist Baker. Veggies are nestled into leaves of romaine, then it’s all drizzled with hummus and a creamy tahini sauce.

Bagel Toast

no-cook meals
The View from Great Island

When it’s too hot to contemplate cooking, a bagel bar is THE way to go. There are a million delicious ways you can layer them up, and the results can be as hearty and healthy as you want. Get inspired to make your own over at The View from Great Island.

 

Related: 14 Trader Joe’s Products Perfect for a Summer Cookout

Kiddie Cobb Salad

this kiddie cobb salad is a great cold dinner idea
Mom's Kitchen Handbook

Here’s a win-win idea from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook: skip the over-complicated summer meal and get the kids to eat more greens. They’ll love this cobb salad, which sports delicious add-ons like avocado, smoked turkey, and egg.

Mozzarella and Tomato Salad

Caprese salad is a classic summer recipe, a great cold dinner idea and a great no cook meal
Bryony Elena via Unsplash

When you need a summertime meal, keep it simple! Combine fresh mozzarella and tomatoes for an easy peasy, kid-approved salad. For the quick how-to, (courtesy of Chef Brendan Collins), click here.

Gouda Rollups

these cheese roll ups are an easy cold dinner ideas
Arla®

These rollups from Arla are a great way to change up a lunch routine or give your usual summertime dinner a new spin. Use your favorite cheese, add in some extra veggies for a healthy kick, and you’re good to go!

Antipasto Salad

no-cook meals
Dinner at the Zoo

Psst! Looking for a salad that won’t trigger your picky eater’s veggie radar? This no-cook meal from Dinner at the Zoo is loaded with meat, cheese, olives and yes, veggies, so it’s got a range of tasty ingredients. You can even top it off with a homemade Italian-style dressing!

Southwestern Veggie Hummus Wrap

hummus veggie wraps are one of the best cold dinner ideas and they are an easy summer recipe
Chelsea's Messy Apron

This delicious wrap idea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron is super flavorful and even includes hummus and a bunch of good-for-you vitamins and minerals. Eat it straight-up as a summertime salad or just have a tasty wrap for dinner!

Greek Salad

Jeffrey Betts/Unsplash

For a cold dinner idea that everyone will love, why not go the classic route of sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta? This salad is a cinch for picky eaters—just arrange it on the table salad-bar style, which allows each family member to create their own unique dish. Snag the recipe for this no-cook meal here.

 

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. 

Whether your kids have nut allergies, or your school is nut-free, this easy lunchtime nut-free basil pesto pasta dish is a winner. Made with sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts, it’s a delicious and allergy-friendly addition to the lunch menu.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients for Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pasta:

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup hulled roasted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
Kosher salt
1 pound fresh pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Place the basil, sunflower seeds, cheese, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the ingredients are well chopped, about 2 minutes.

2. Add the oil and process for another minute, or until smooth. Add salt to taste. For a smoother texture, add a little extra olive oil.

3. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserve some of the pasta water, and set aside.

4. Add the cooked pasta back to the empty pot and toss with the pesto and cherry tomatoes. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.

5. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

 

Reprinted from THE 52 NEW FOODS CHALLENGE: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year, with 150 recipes. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Tyler Lee.

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As we welcome the new year, it’s time to introduce healthy routines and reevaluate your family’s eating habits. With a well-balanced regimen and meal plan that the entire household can partake in, your kiddos will learn the importance of nutrition and adopting a wholesome lifestyle.

While it can be tough to get children on board with eating nourishing foods—we’re looking at you, pantry full of snacks—involving them in the decision-making process for meal-time and asking for a lending hand in the kitchen can get the excitement rolling.

To help kickstart your family’s wellness journey, we’ve turned to foodie mom Meghan Allen of @raisingtwinboys for inspiration. With eight-year-old twin boys of her own, Allen knows how important it is to raise healthy eaters who play a role in creating the food they eat.

 

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“We watch cooking shows together and sometimes pick out recipes online to make and try,” Allen says. “They love trying new foods and often put their own spin on them by adding or removing ingredients. We consider cooking an art form and allow them to play around in the kitchen.”

With Sun-Maid’s classic raisins, Allen shares fun, creative and easy breakfast recipes that her sons Hayden and William have tested—and approved. Read on to learn how to make these on-the-go options for busy school mornings.

Build-Your-Own Overnight Oats

Even the pickiest of eaters will look forward to breakfast with these simple yet delicious build-your-own overnight oats that can be made in advance of a hectic school week. “These are made with ingredients you probably have in your pantry already and they can be customized to your and your kiddos’ taste, which makes them a crowd pleaser,” Allen adds.

Ingredients (Makes 4 Jars):

  • 4 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • 2 cups Milk of your choice (I used Almond)
  • 8 Tbsp. Almond Butter
  • 1 cup Sun-Maid California Raisins
  • 4 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
  • Toppings of your choice, we love:
    • Blueberries
    • Strawberries (sliced)
    • Coconut Chips
    • Cacao Nibs
    • Bananas (sliced)
    • Walnuts

Directions Per Jar:

  1. Pick your favorite jar with a lid.
  2. Add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to your jar.
  3. Add 1 Tbsp. chia seeds on top of almond butter.
  4. Add 1 cup oats to cover chia seeds.
  5. Add ½ cup of your choice of milk to cover the oat mixture.
  6. Add ¼ cup of Sun-Maid California Raisins on top.
  7. Top with additional toppings of choice! We loosely use 1-2 Tbsp. of blueberries, strawberries, coconut chips, cacao nibs, bananas and walnuts per jar.
  8. When done building, cover each jar with a lid, chill overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours.

 

No-Bake Cacao-Raisin Energy Bites

Need a boost in the morning? These bite-sized treats, generously stuffed with cacao and Sun-Maid raisins, can do just the trick. Allen recommends customizing the recipe by rolling the energy bites in shredded coconut, sesame seeds or cacao nibs. “Sun-Maid is a staple in our house,” says Allen. “[These] can help guide moms, like me, who are looking for easy solutions to breakfast and weekday morning chaos.”

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Almonds
  • ½ cup Walnuts
  • 2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder
  • ¼ to ½ Tsp. Salt
  • ¾ cup Sun-Maid California Raisins
  • 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds
  • 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
  • ½ cup Almond Butter
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Water
  • Toppings of your choice, we love:
    • Shredded Coconut
    • Extra Sesame Seeds
    • Cacao Nibs

Directions:

  1. Prep a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Pour all ingredients, except almond butter, into a food processor.
  3. Use “pulse” button to blend.
  4. Add ½ cup of almond butter into food processor.
  5. Use “pulse” button again to blend.
  6. Form small balls from mixture and add to baking sheet. It’s best to form them into the size of a ping-pong ball.
  7. To add some variety to your bites, roll them with toppings of your choice such as shredded coconut, sesame seeds or cacao nibs.
  8. Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours prior to serving.

For more breakfast ideas with Sun-Maid’s versatile, wholesome products, head to our back-to-school recipe generator!

Take your tastebuds on a tour through Italy this holiday season. With this impressive arancini recipe—featuring crispy, fried Arborio rice balls stuffed to the brim with savory Carando Toscano ground sausage, portobello mushrooms and mozzarella cheese in a zesty tomato confit—your guests will be asking for the secret ingredient.

Check out the recipe from Carando below so you can create the perfect appetizer for your next holiday dinner.

Total Time Skill Level Servings
1 hr 25 minutes Intermediate 6

 

Ingredients

Carando Toscano ground sausage 1 pkg.
Arborio rice 1 1/2 cups
Chicken stock 4 cups
Fresh garlic, minced 5 cloves
Medium Shallot, Minced 1
Portobello mushrooms, diced 1/2 pound
Mozzarella cheese, grated 1/2 pound
Breadcrumbs 2 cups
San Marzano tomatoes, drained 1 can
Medium yellow onion, sliced 1
Extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup
Zest of one orange As needed
Vegetable Oil for Frying As needed

Instructions

    1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
    2. Add one tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil, shallots, and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
    3. Add the rice and sauté until translucent.
    4. Add 1/4 of the chicken stock, stirring constantly until it is absorbed.
    5. Continue to add the stock,1/4 at a time, stirring constantly, until all of it is absorbed and the rice is tender.
    6. Transfer the rice to a sheet pan, spread it out in a thin layer, and allow to cool.
    7. While the rice is cooking, brown the sausage in a large skillet.
    8. Add the mushrooms and cook until all of the water is released and evaporated.
    9. Drain the mixture and allow to cool completely.
    10. Pulse the sausage and mushroom mixture in the bowl of a food processor until just chunky, then add the mozzarella and pulse a few times to just incorporate. Reserve.
    11. While the rice is cooling, heat a heavy sauce pot over medium-high heat.
    12. Add the remaining extra virgin olive oil and when it begins to shimmer, add the onions, stirring occasionally.
    13. When the onions are just before burnt, remove them with a slotted spoon. Discard onions and add tomatoes to the pot, stirring often to break up the tomatoes.
    14. Once the confit is at desired consistency, remove from the heat and add the zest. Reserve.

Tips to Stretch Your Dollar

If you find yourself with any leftover Carando Tuscan ground sausage, add a nice kick to your holiday stuffing, or save it for the following morning and make a tasty breakfast burrito. Add in cheese, scrambled eggs, spinach, mushrooms and any other fillings of your choice for a fully-loaded meal to kickstart your day.

In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks, Eckrich® Smoked Sausage and Carando Toscano Ground Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time. 

Did you run out of food coloring? Are you unhappy with your crust? Do you not have the right tools? It’s no problem with these great baking hacks

It’s that most wonderful time of the year: holiday cookie time! This year, don’t dread it, own it with these Christmas baking hacks to salvage any quandary. From a baking powder substitution and what to do if you don’t have a rolling pin to what to use in place of eggs or butter, we’ve got the goods on making goodies.

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1. Holiday baking often calls for some pepperminty goodness, but who keeps peppermint syrup on hand for once-a-year baking? (No, Schnapps doesn’t count). Use an abundant ingredient: peppermint candies. Just put them in a Ziploc bag and smash them to bits. A great stress reliever!

2. Use tongs to make an even crimping pattern along the edge of your pie crust.

3. No rolling pin? Try this rolling pin hack: Use a wine bottle as a rolling pin (no, it doesn’t have to be full!). 

4. Fill a wine bottle with ice (and cork well) to keep pie dough chill while rolling it out, great for when it's hot or humid. 

5. Sub a little of your water for vodka and your pie crust somehow comes out flakier. And now you have an almost-full bottle of vodka on hand. Just sayin'...

Related: Holiday Treats You Can Have Delivered

A pile of red, green, and white star and present shaped Christmas cookies
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6. Add a marshmallow to the top of your cupcakes five minutes before you take them out of the oven for a gooey, perfect topping—no frosting required.

7. If you run out of food coloring, use Jello to tint decorative icing.

8. Looking for a natural way to dye when baking? Check out these simple recipes for making natural food coloring yourself. 

9. Fill an oral syringe with thin icing to get precise lines and letters when decorating. 

10. If you do have piping tips, fill two piping bags or Ziplocks with different colored frosting. Don't overfill the bags; now put both bags into one tip, and you'll squeeze out a swirl of color.  

Related: 38 Classic Holiday Cookies to Try This Year 

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11. Put a pan of water in the bottom of the oven to give your bread a crisp, browned crust. You can also use a spray bottle with water; spritz the oven to create steam.

12. Substitute butter in your next boxed cake recipe for a super-rich and luscious cake. You can even just melt it to make sure it incorporates easily.

13. You can also sub avocado for butter if you want something dairy-free and heart-healthy. Use one avocado to one stick of butter ratio. And if you run out of butter (or avocado), you can use applesauce in its place.

14. When making pies, freeze your butter, and then grate it into your flour mixture, instead of trying to crumble it with your fork. This will help integrate it more evenly and keep the butter cool.

15. Soften your butter BEFORE you mix it into your cookie dough batter, and try using salted butter instead of sweet cream.

Measuring spoons with baking ingredients are lined up on a table
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16. Use a set of visual measuring cups. Perfect for kids and parents who need to squint just to read the measurements, the shape tells the size! The innovative cups make cooking and baking fun and easy for everyone.

17. Soften butter in the microwave, but be careful. Use a low power level, like two, and put it in for no more than 10 seconds to avoid melted butter (vs. softened). If it's not soft enough, continue to microwave at five-second intervals until it is. 

18. Soften too-hard butter by putting it between two pieces of waxed paper and whacking it hard with a rolling pin. Once it’s been smacked a bit, roll it out (still between the waxed paper). The kids will love helping with this one.

19. Another method for softening too-cold butter without microwaving it to a puddle: set it on top of the stove while the oven is preheating. It will gradually soften: this works great if you are baking a cake and want to use the butter for a no-fail frosting.

20. Bring cold eggs to room temperature by placing them in a bowl of hot water for 5-10 minutes. 

Related: 34 Food & Meal Prep Hacks Every Parent Needs 

A father and daughter stand over eggs in the kitchen baking together
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21. Use the other part of an eggshell to remove any errant bits of shell. Miraculously, this works and is way faster than struggling with a spoon or your fingers.

22. Baking for someone with an egg allergy? Use a flax egg. Simply measure one tablespoon of flaxseed meal (that’s flax seeds you put in the blender or you can buy already blended) to two tablespoons warm water for each “egg.” Mix it and let it sit for five minutes. The consistency will be similar to an egg. Or, opt for this egg alternative from Bob’s Red Mill.

23. If you want your chocolate chip cookies to have a more caramel flavor, sub out ½ cup of white sugar with additional brown sugar. If you want them with a more sugar-cookie-like taste, leave out all the brown sugar and use only white (most recipes call for some of each).

24. Use a muffin tin to make sure your cookies turn out uniform in size.

25. Easiest cookie ever? Hershey’s Kiss in pretzel circle, melt on parchment paper covered cookie sheet in oven until just soft. Boom. Next level: Use Rolos instead. 

Related: Feeling Left Out? These Are the Common Baking Substitutions & Swaps You Need 

A gooey chocolate cookie broken into pieces next to other chocolate chip cookies
Jennifer Pallian via Unsplash

26. Dust your cookie cutters with flour or powdered sugar before you use them to help keep them from sticking.

27. Want soft gooey cookies? Under-bake them slightly. If the recipe says 12 minutes at 375 degrees, pull them out at 10.

28. Sprinkle just a little bit of sea salt on your chocolate chip cookies before baking for that sophisticated professional flavor.

29. Use a wine glass to cut out perfectly even biscuits or sugar cookies.

A clear mixing bowl on a table with bright yellow ingredients being stirred into another ingredient
Taylor Kiser via Unsplash

30. If you’ve “sorta” burned your cookies, use a box grater to shave off the darkest parts.

31. Also, measure out your cookie dough with an ice cream scoop, then chill them on the pan for a bit before baking (you can even freeze them, which means you can do this all ahead of time, bake the cookies the morning of and you get a better cookie). If you can’t afford the time (or space), just chill the bowl of dough for 20 minutes in the freezer before you start to scoop.

32. Store your cookies (or what's left of them) in an air-tight container with an apple wedge to keep the cookies moist. 

A boy and his friend are in the kitchen stirring ingredients in a silver bowl during a baking themed birthday party
Annie Spratt via Unsplash

33. Use an ice cream scoop to assure level amounts of batter for cupcakes.

34. You can make gluten-free flour by blending up gluten-free oats until they are powdered. 

35. Moisten the heck out of your boxed cake mix with a ½ cup of applesauce, yogurt, or even—wait for it—mayonnaise. Try it! We swear it works.

36. Add ½ cup of oil and two eggs to any boxed cake mix and LEAVE OUT the water or other liquids... and voila! You’ve got cookie dough. (Mind. Blown.)

Related: Baking Kits for No-Fail Treats

Baking ingredients, bowls and spoons sit on a table waiting for you to use some baking hacks
Calum Lewis via Unsplash

37. Keep your brown sugar from going rock-hard by storing it in an air-tight container. Toss in a piece of bread to keep it moist. 

38. If it's too late and your brown sugar is already hard, microwave it for 30 seconds in a bowl covered with a wet paper towel or place it in the oven to soften for about 15 minutes. 

39. Does your recipe call for powdered sugar, but you are out? Use a spice grinder or food processor and pulverize white granulated sugar until it’s powder.

40. Slice your cheesecake with dental floss (but not the minty kind).

41. Hate dealing with metal sheet pans and cookie tins? Use a silicone baking mold instead. We love Silpat molds—there's no need to ever grease the molds or use liners, and your goodies bake to perfection (though depending on your oven, you may want to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time). 

42. Need a baking powder substitution? The following are equal to 1 tsp. of baking powder:

  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt + 1 tsp. baking soda. Mix dry ingredients first before adding yogurt to dry ingredients (Reduce the amount of water or other liquids.).
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon juice + 1/4 tsp. baking soda.

Looking for more common baking substitutions? We've got you covered

Great! You’ve got the hacks. Now you need the recipes. Here are our favorite 51 insanely popular cookie recipes.

—Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Erin Lem

From cooking classes to kitchen necessities, Sur La Table is making this season delicious with the best food gifts out there

Loving food and loving Sur La Table go hand-in-hand. After all, for 50 years, Sur La Table has revolutionized how home cooks have stocked their kitchens and has pretty much set the industry’s standard (they were the first West Coast retailer to carry that kitchen staple, the Cuisinart Food Processor, in 1974! They’ve known what’s up for a while.). We head to Sur La Table first thing when we’re on the hunt for kitchen goodies and the best cooking gifts, and with the holidays coming, who isn’t? And now, we’re not only able to prepare our kitchens for the season; we can show off our new tasty talents with Sur La Table cooking classes!

Our shopping list for the Sur La Table sale is right here, along with the classes we’re signing up for to impress our guests this holiday season. We’re talking the best cooking gifts, supplies, and the perfect way to learn everything we’ve ever wanted to know about creating fantastic food. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re featuring sales up to 60% off, so you know it’s a great time to get your holiday shopping started (and possibly done?)! Maybe our Love Language is cooking…or eating. Yeah, it’s probably eating.

Online Freeze & Bake Appetizers Class

Our Thanksgiving is about to get even tastier (and arguably easier) thanks to this one! Learn to create Baked Brie en Croute with Apricot Jam, Honey Mustard-Prosciutto Palmier, and Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms (no, seriously. You'll be able to make this stuff.). All three of these dishes freeze beautifully for make-ahead prep, and each one also has an easy vegetarian option. You really can please everyone this year!

Sur La Table Online Freeze & Bake Appetizers Class ($29) Here

Online Salted Caramel Lattice-Top Apple Pie Class

Lattice-top pie birdseye view

They had us at "salted caramel". Get ready to have the place of honor on the dessert table with this gorgeous lattice-top pie! This class teaches both pie crust technique as well as how to create the filling and lattice work. Honestly, you might want to go ahead and make more than one after you've perfected it. The chances of ever having leftovers are almost non-existent.

Sur La Table Online Salted Caramel Lattice-Top Apple Pie Class ($29) Here

Online Prep Now, Eat Later: Homemade Lasagna Class

Combine the holiday season with your everyday schedule and you have a time balancing act. We know you can do it, but we're also all for making it easier. Enter this saves-the-day weeknight dinner class! Homemade lasagna, made from scratch, that tastes just like home and is perfect for chilly weather that you can make now and pop in the fridge to be baked later. Crafted from parmesan Bechamel, homemade lasagna noodles, and Italian sausage or mushroom red sauce, it's love on a plate after a busy day!

Online Prep Now, Eat Later: Homemade Lasagna Class ($29) Here

In-Store Holiday Cookie Decorating Class

Christmas cookies

Are you more of an in-person learner? Looking for some family time? Sur La Table's got you. Their in-store class offerings include the Holiday Cookie Decorating Class, an all-ages class that teaches sugar cookie and gingerbread cookie decorating (plus, you get the recipes!). Head over to the link to select your location and find class times that are closest to you!

In-Store Holiday Cookie Decorating Class ($69-$89) Here

In-Store Festive Bread Workshop

A plate of snowflake shaped holiday bread

If you've always wanted to be the house that smells like freshly-baked bread over the holidays, you knead to check out this workshop! Raspberry Snowflake Pull-Apart Wreath and Chocolate Hazelnut Babka are both covered, and this two-hour class gives you the skills to recreate them at home!

In-Store Festive Bread Workshop ($89) Here

Sur La Table Harvest Appetizer Plates—Set of 4

Set of four appetizer plates

If you're creating all that fantastic food, you'll want a fun place to put it, right? These appetizer plates from Sur La Table are Thanksgiving-ready, dishwasher-safe, and beautiful, of course! We suggest grabbing two or more sets depending on the number of guests you're expecting for dinner.

Harvest Appetizer Plates—Set of 4 ($40 On Sale $27.96) Here

Sur La Table Cast Iron Set—5 Pieces

Cast iron is a must-have for the kitchen. It heats evenly, is oven-safe up to 500°, and makes an incredible gift for serious and amateur chefs alike! It includes two Dutch ovens and a 10" skillet, so the possibilities are endless. Plus, this set is on sale for an amazing price, so snap it up fast!

Cast Iron Set—5 Pieces ($600 $239.96) Here

Emile Henry Pie Dish

Red pie dish

You just learned the skills to make the most divine pies; now make sure you have the perfect dish to make them at home. The Emilie Henry Pie Dish is crafted from Burgundy clay that heats evenly, cooks gently, and is so durable it can go from a hot oven to the freezer immediately. It's chip-proof, can be cut into directly when serving, and is incredibly easy to clean. This is no run-of-the-mill pie dish!

Emile Henry Pie Dish ($54.95 On Sale $34.96) Here

Sur La Table Ultimate Cookie Cutter Set

Set of cookie cutters scattered around raw cut dough and frosting

It's that time of year! In addition to 14 stainless steel cookie cutters, you get 10 pastry bags, four stainless steel tips, one icing scribe, one 4" offset spatula, and one coupler. That's enough to make anyone feel like a pro! (And these cookie cutters aren't just for the holidays! You'll be able to create fun treats all year with this selection.)

Sur La Table Ultimate Cookie Cutter Set ($34.95) Here

Sur La Table Ornaments

We are completely in love with the Sur La Table collection of handcrafted artisan ornaments. These beautiful ornaments are unique and definitely ready to make your home sparkle. Whether you (or a loved one) are a cocktail lover, a chef, or just appreciate whimsical goodies, there's a huge selection for everyone on your list!

Sur La Table Ornaments (Starting at $18) Here

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All images courtesy of Sur La Table.