Try one of these beloved New York City breakfast spots for pancakes your kid won’t soon forget

Looking for the best pancakes in NYC? We checked out skillets all over town to serve up this list of New York City’s best, kid-worthy flapjacks that come in all flavors, sizes and sweetness. From decadent and diner classics to refined and weird, this is where to eat to find NYC’s best pancakes. Want more ideas on where to eat with kids in NYC? Try these brunch spots, favorite restaurants of local foodie parents, or our top spots for eating outdoors with kids here! Special occasion? Try one of these fun theme restaurants

Related: Our Favorite NYC Spots for Brunch with Kids

For a Malted Twist in Hipster Central: Sunday in Brooklyn

Don't even think about trying to head here without a reservation. (We stopped by one weekend afternoon and the wait was about two hours.) But clearly, Sunday in Brooklyn—not too far from the brand new Domino Park—is doing something right. In addition to elevated breakfast and lunch foods, the restaurant serves its famous malted pancakes with hazelnut maple praline, and brown butter. They're rich, an unexpected but delicious taste sensation, and super fluffy. 

Sunday in Brooklyn
348 Wythe Ave. 
Williamsburg
Online: sundayinbrooklyn.com

For a Gluten-Free Pancake in Times Square: Friedman's at The Edison

You heard us right. Friedman's at The Edison Hotel will prepare its celebrated pancakes gluten-free. (In fact, they can do the same for 99 percent of their menu, and they even mark them with a little sign saying so!) Choose from blueberry, lemon ricotta, or buckwheat banana walnut. Good to know: Friedman's serves breakfast all day, and has also mastered kid faves like mac and cheese. 

Friedman’s at The Edison Hotel
228 West 47th St.
Online: friedmansrestaurant.com

Related: Kitschy Cool NYC Theme Restaurants Worth the Splurge

For Over-the-Top Pancakes in Midtown or Astoria

If you like your pancakes a little extra with a side of kitsch, head to Mom's Kitchen and Bar. You can get brunch all day here, including the Bedrock Pancakes (with Fruity Pebbles, mixed berries, berry syrup and whipped cream, shown here), mac and cheese pancakes or apple cobbler pancakes. Come for the comfort food, stay for the impressive collection of vintage lunchboxes! 

Mom's Kitchen & Bar Midtown
701 Ninth Ave. 
Midtown

Mom's Kitchen & Bar Astoria
33-01 31st Ave. at 33rd St.
Astoria

Online: eatatmomsnyc.com

For the Fluffiest Pancake: Bubby's

If you like your pancakes light and fluffy, you will love Bubby’s. Adapted from a James Beard recipe, Bubby’s uses sour cream instead of milk to get the perfect amount of fluffiness. They also serve sourdough and buckwheat versions and sometimes offer Johnny cakes, pancakes made from cornmeal. Little ones have the option of ordering silver dollar pancakes off the kid’s menu, but most eat right off the regular menu, usually opting for blueberry.

120 Hudson St.
Tribeca
Online: bubbys.com

For The Organic Pancake Served at Chelsea Market: Creamline

At this fast casual eatery tucked into the hustle and bustle of Chelsea Market, you can indulge in any menu item guilt-free thanks to the commitment to using sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients in every dish. Take the Buttermilk pancakes: They’re made with fresh Farmer Ground Flour and griddled to crispy and fluffy fabulousness. They’re served with Catskills Provisions maple syrup and a choice of organic banana, blueberries or chocolate chips. Farm to Tray? Count us in.

Creamline
Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Ave.
Chelsea

180 7th Avenue
Chelsea

Online: creamlinenyc.com

For the Almond Milk Pancake served in a grown-up setting: Dante

Since 1915, Dante has delighted guests with its sophisticated European ambience and feeling that you could linger all day over a delicious latte. The food at this Italian-Australian café that’s a quintessential part of the West Village is equally appealing and the almond milk pancake with seasonal berries and cinnamon maple syrup—served in its own cast-iron skillet—is sure to please any discerning kiddie taster. Best of all weekend brunch starts here at 10 AM when most locals are still sleeping so grab an outdoor table!

Dante
79-81 Macdougal St.
West Village
Online: dante-nyc.com

For the Pancake Like Grandma Makes: Good Enough To Eat

A popular spot on the Upper West Side, Good Enough to Eat serves pancakes just like Grandma makes, and they're so pretty, they are good enough to eat. Made from their four grain oatmeal pancake mixture, flavors include: apple, banana walnut, Belgium chocolate and coconut, fruit, and traditional. Oh, they also serve an amazing strawberry butter on the side to add a little more yumminess to the mix.

Good Enough to Eat
520 Columbus Ave. & 85th St.
Upper West Side
Online: goodenoughtoeat.com

Related: Where to Eat with Kids in Times Square

For the Mac & Cheese Pancake: Shopsin's

Pancakes get all kinds of crazy at this Essex Market outpost of the legendary Greenwich Village diner, now no longer. The variations run from enticing (peach melba, and lemon ricotta blueberry) to pushing the envelope, such as the iconic "slutty cakes", which come stuffed with peanut butter. And yes, another fan favorite is the Mac & Cheese pancake, which you can get solo or mashed up with some other brunchy item. (Be forewarned, the restaurant's menu is famously very, very extensive and they're closed Monday and Tuesday.) 

Shopsin's 
Essex Market Stall #8
Lower East Side 
Online: shopsins.com

For the Award-Winning Blueberry Pancake: Clinton Street Baking Company

Famous for blueberry pancakes and long lines, Clinton St. Baking Company is definitely worth the wait. Still, pancakes are served in the evening as well, so consider stopping in right at 5 p.m. when they open for dinner. Made with a whole lot of love and even more butter, these pancakes are more than a meal – they’re a work of art. Topped with their addictive signature maple butter, besides blueberry, they offer banana-walnut and chocolate chunk, and during pancake month in February, they offer a different flavor every day. And if your little ones can’t get enough at the restaurant, you can make them at home as the recipe is featured in the Clinton St. Baking Company's award-winning cookbook.

Clinton St. Baking Company
4 Clinton St.
Lower East Side
Online: clintonstreetbaking.com

For the Italian Pancake Served Among Flowers and Trees: Olio e Piu

At this West Village trattoria, your mood will lift as soon as you see the space, filled as it is with flowers and plants bedecking both the interior and exterior patio. Your kids will thrill at the sight of the café’s variety of Frittella Di Olio, an Italian staple of olive oil pancakes, that are rich but not too sweet. Our fave: the Fritella Botanica served with blueberry compote, lemon ricotta, maple syrup and lemon olive oil, though the Fritella Banana, with candied walnuts and bananas, doesn’t disappoint either. PS: Pancakes are available daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. so you don’t even have to wait ‘til the weekend to indulge!

Olio E Piu
3 Greenwich Ave.
Greenwich Village
Online: olioepiu.nyc

For a Local Favorite and Tons of Charm: Tom's

Helping give Brooklyn the title of best pancakes in New York City, Tom’s is a popular joint with many locals claiming the pancakes are not only the best in the city, but also the best on the planet. Offerings include: lemon ricotta, silver dollar and chocolate chip. Like any Saturday or Sunday, the lines are long, but you won’t go hungry as they keep you fed while waiting. Don’t eat too much as you need to save room for the pancakes. This is another cash only spot, so don’t forget to hit the ATM. Can't deal with long lines? Make a special mid-week pancake date with your kids.

Tom’s
782 Washington Ave.
Crown Heights

For The Donut Pancake: Cafe Luluc

In a little French bistro on a crowded street in Cobble Hill you will find some of the best pancakes in Brooklyn. More like a donut than a pancake, these round, floppy circles of perfection sprinkled with powdered sugar are only served with real maple syrup. During the weekend brunch hours there’s obviously a reason you’ll see a plate of pancakes on every table—they’re that good. This cash-only spot can get packed, so go pre-10 a.m. before the traditional brunch crowd gets there. You're up early anyway, right? If your kids are on the louder side, never fear, they have outdoor seating in a lovely back garden as well.

Café Luluc
214 Smith St. (between Butler and Baltic St.)
Cobble Hill
Online: cafeluluc.net


 

Your family is going to love these easy iron skillet recipes

When it comes to cooking, sometimes the cleanup (all those pots and pans!) makes us want to start scrolling through our favorite meal delivery apps instead. That’s why we’ve been searching for the best meals you can make in a cast iron skillet. This kitchen must-have heats everything evenly, can saute, sear, bake and broil and goes right from the stovetop to the oven—making it ideal for one-pot meals. From cast iron skillet steak to a Pizookie, we’ve got 16 iron skillet recipes you’ll want to put on repeat.

Roasted Cod

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHa6dW5HcL4/?hidecaption=true

Check out this versatile recipe for roasted cod and potatoes. You can add whatever you like to spice up the potatoes and fish. It's hard to go wrong!

Cider-Braised Chicken

https://www.instagram.com/p/CViHBgbFK45/?hidecaption=true

Try these cider-braised chicken thighs with apples. The family is going to love this fresh and delicious recipe.

Cast Iron Skillet Frittata

Carlsbad Cravings

This cast iron skillet recipe for frittata might have bacon, but this breakfast meal is very vegetarian friendly, as you can add just about anything you like! Get the recipe over at Carlsbad Cravings.

Deep Dish Skillet Pizza

iron skillet recipe for pizza
Taste of Madness

Pizza is always a family favorite, and this deep dish cast iron skillet version is a cinch to make. One thing to note: This recipe takes almost two hours from start to finish, so be sure to plan this for a Friday night, weekend, or day you know you’ll have time to get it done. Grab the recipe over at A Taste of Madness.

Related: 21 Simple Dinners That Use One Pan

Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet

shrimp and asparagus iron skillet recipe
The Recipe Critic

This easy cast iron skillet recipe can be completed from start to finish in less than 30 minutes, plus it only has a handful of ingredients, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe over at The Recipe Critic.

Skillet Chicken Tortilla Pie

iron skillet recipe for tortilla pie
Pinch of Yum

This one-pot meal has the feeling of enchiladas, but the mild flavor is ideal for picky eaters. This one takes over an hour, but it makes two pies, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for another night. Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.

Cast Iron Skillet Steak

cast iron skillet steak recipe
The View from Great Island

There’s a certain something about cooking a skirt steak in a cast iron skillet, and The View from Great Island has a great tutorial—only 5 steps!

Crispy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Food Fanatic

Chicken thighs are one of the most versatile dinner ingredients—they can be made in dozens of ways. Using a cast iron skillet, this crispy version will cook quickly, and your cleanup will be a cinch. Get the recipe from Food Fanatic.

Honey-Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

Hoisin pork iron skillet recipe
Kristine's Kitchen Blog

The hardest part about this recipe is making sure you get the pork marinated for at least 30 minutes (and up to a day) before tossing it in your cast iron skillet to brown and then popping it into the oven. Get the recipe at Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.

Related: 50+ Slow Cooker Recipes We’re Obsessed With

Cheesy Skillet Meatballs with Garlic Toast

The View from Great Island

Soft and flavorful meatballs? Check. Stringy, gooey, yummy cheese? Check. Garlic toast for crunch? Check! These skillet meatballs check every box when it comes to comfort food. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

iron skillet recipe for chicken pot pie
Scrambled Chefs

Our mouths are watering at the sight of this chicken pot pie made in a cast iron skillet. It’s got the flaky crust and savory inside you know and love, but used store-bought shortcuts, which make it perfect for families. Get the recipe from Scrambled Chefs.

Lemon Garlic Mahi Mahi

iron skillet recipe for mahi mahi
A Taste of Madness

All you need to make this mahi mahi is a handful of pantry items and 15 minutes; it’s hard to say you don’t have time to make dinner with a cast iron skillet recipe like this one. Get the recipe over at A Taste of Madness.

Easy Steak Fajitas

iron skillet recipe for steak fajitas
Isabel Eats

Fajitas are always a crowd-pleasing meal, and a cast iron skillet version makes it an easy weeknight dinner option. We love the version from Isabel Eats because she offers up tips and tricks that’ll up your fajita game.

Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna

Weelicious

This Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna from Weelicious is packed with veggies and is oh-so-delicious! It'll be a family favorite.

Related: Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter 

Easy Pork Cutlets

iron skillet recipe for pork cutlets
Brit Co

This recipe only has about five ingredients, takes about 15 minutes to make and is full of flavor. You’ll want to add this one to your recipe rotation for sure. Get the recipe from Brit + Co.

Sesame Beef and Broccoli

sesame broccoli and beef iron skillet recipe
Pinch of Yum

One of the most popular items on a Chinese Food takeout menu, this cast iron skillet version from a Pinch of Yum tastes just as good (or better!). Full of protein and sweet garlicky-ginger flavor, you won’t even miss the stuff that comes in the little box.

Chocolate Chip Pizookie Skillet Cookie

iron skillet recipe for a chocolate chip pizookie
Boulder Locavore

Ahh, a giant cookie baked in a cast iron skillet. Pretty much our idea of heaven. A cross between a pizza and a cookie, you can make one big one or go with mini cast iron pans for individual treats. Get the recipes over at Boulder Locavore.

Skillet Mexican Brownie

iron skillet recipes
Weelicious

You cant go wrong with this scrumptious Skillet Mexican Brownie from Weelicious. Top this gooey brownie with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream!

 

What do you get when you merge two really tasty kid-friendly dishes? Taco salad pizza! Catherine McCord of Weelicious dreamt up this delicious dish that is incredibly adaptable. Use either homemade or storebought pizza dough and let the kids in on the fun of adding toppings to the pizza. Catherine recommends making this dinner in a cast iron skillet if you prefer thick crust or a half sheet pan if you like your pizza on the thin side.

4-6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup refried beans
2 cups cheddar, mozzarella and/or Monterrey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small red onion, diced

1 package plant-based ground meat
1 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
1 avocado, pitted and diced
1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons cilantro
Optional Toppingssli
radish, sliced
tomatoes, diced

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.

2. Lightly grease a sheet pan with olive oil and stretch the dough to fit the size of the pan (about 16″ x 11″). Alternatively, you can use a large circular pizza pan or 12-15 inch cast iron skillet.

3. In a medium bowl stir the salsa and refried beans until thoroughly combined. Spread on top of pizza dough and top with grated cheese.

4. Bake pizza for 18-20 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

5. While pizza is baking heat a large sauté pan over medium/high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, add red onion, plant-based protein starter, taco seasoning and salt. Break apart with spatula and cook until moisture has evaporated and plant-based meat browns, about 12 minutes.

6. Remove pizza from the oven, top with plant-based meat, lettuce, avocado, sour cream* and cilantro and other optional ingredients.

* for decorative fun place sour cream in the corner of a small zipper bag. Use scissors to cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and twist it to resemble a piping bag. Drizzle the pizza in a zip zag pattern.

This post originally appeared on Weelicious.

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Catherine McCord is the co-founder of One Potato and the founder of the popular Weelicious brand, a trusted content resource synonymous with family and food. She has written three cookbooks including her latest Smoothie Project. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

Warm up from the inside out with these easy dinner ideas

When you’ve got tiny humans to keep happy and fed through the winter, it doesn’t get much better than comfort food—hearty soups, stews, and pasta dishes, yum! Fight off cabin fever by making one of these satisfying dishes that’ll warm you up from the inside out. Bonus points for most of these comfort food recipes being big portions; you’ll have plenty of leftovers too. 

Cream of Tomato Soup

The Cake Chica

This soup from The Cake Chica is just what your grilled cheese needs! It uses the freshest ingredients and takes two—count ‘em, two steps. And if you have a blender or food processor, it's that much easier! Get the recipe here.

Creamy Winter Squash Soup

Veggies Don’t Bite

Make use of in-season squash to whip up this tasty soup from Veggies Don’t Bite. As an added bonus, it’s super healthy—the thickness comes from pureed walnuts and cashews rather than heavy cream. Click here to grab the recipe.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

The Magical Slow Cooker

If you’re having Thanksgiving cravings, you’ve got to make this delicious chicken and gravy by Sarah Olson. Since it’s made in the slow cooker, it tastes like your favorite Turkey Day food without hours of work. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Goulash

Slim Shoppin’

This delicious goulash from Slim Shoppin’ can be thrown together in less than half an hour using ingredients you probably already have in the pantry. Little ones will love the hearty pasta mix. To get the recipe, click here.

Revamped Spaghetti Carbonara

Gourmet Dough

Gourmet Dough’s twist on spaghetti carbonara updates the classic dish with pancetta, cream and a splash of white wine (the alcohol burns off, of course!). Comfort food never tasted so good. To find out how it’s made, click here.

Asian Chicken Thighs

The Midnight Baker

We love warming up with a big plate of Asian food, and these chicken thighs from The Midnight Baker totally fit the bill. Pair the soy sauce-coated chicken with a side of veggie fried rice, and you’ve got a meal that’ll please your whole crew. Snag the recipe by clicking here.

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

Garnish with Lemon

This super easy take on meatball subs from Garnish with Lemon is perfect for a busy day. Just pop everything in the crockpot in the morning, then build the cheesy subs when it’s time for dinner. To see the recipe, click here.

Roast Chops with Apples, Spuds and Cider

Kerry Altiero’s Adventures in Comfort Food

Pork chops are super yummy when paired with apples, and the whole fam is sure to love this recipe from Kerry Altiero. With the addition of potatoes and kale, you’re set with a one-dish meal that couldn’t be more delicious. To grab the recipe, click here.

Roasted Poblano and Corn Soup

Veggies Don’t Bite

Warm up with a comforting bowl of poblano and corn soup from Veggies Don’t Bite. A great choice for Meatless Monday, it’s delicious topped with a drizzle of garlicky lemon crema. Get the recipe by clicking here.

One-Pot Skillet Ravioli & Spinach Lasagna

Aberdeen’s Kitchen

Lasagna that’s ready in 20 minutes? Sign us up! This recipe from Aberdeen’s Kitchen uses store-bought ravioli instead of the traditional lasagna noodles. Get all the details by clicking here.

Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

Frou Frou & Frills

This fettuccine alfredo from Frou Frou & Frills is sure to be an instant kid favorite. Sneak in some mushrooms and spinach to up the healthy factor. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Food Network

Saucy pulled pork is one of our go-to comfort foods, and this recipe from Food Network is the ultimate BBQ dish. Your whole crew will love the perfectly tender, tangy pork. Click here to get the recipe.

Crock Pot Mushroom Chicken

Cooking with Karyn

This five-ingredient chicken dish from Easy Crock Pot Recipes will make dinnertime a breeze. It’s great served over pasta and rice, and little ones will love the creamy taste. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Pork Tenderloin with Pan Sauce

Chef Mommy

For a super comforting dish, you’ve got to try this pork recipe from Chef Mommy. The pan sauce keeps the meat super moist, and paired with potatoes and veggies, you’ve got a healthy meal for the whole family. Click here to see the recipe.

Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken

Weelicious

Cook up some tropical flavors to get you through the holidays with this sweet and sour chicken dish. Soy, honey and ginger are just some of the ingredients that go into creating a meal that keeps its flavor and works great for lunch and dinner. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.

Classic Chicken Stew

Mindy's Cooking Obsession

There's something about the word "stew" that invokes chilly autumn nights and full tummies. This classic chicken stew recipe will is definitely on the top of the comfort foods list. Get the full recipe here

Crock Pot Seasoned Chicken with Peppers & Onions

The Seasoned Mom

This slow cooker recipe from The Seasoned Mom is sure to find a place in your meal rotation. There are lots of ways to remix it—serve it with pasta or rice, or make it into a cheesy sandwich. Plus, if you’re an Instant Pot fan, it can be put to use with this recipe

Butter Chicken

One Lovely Life

Your littles will love this dairy-free butter chicken from One Lovely Life. The creamy, flavorful sauce, paired with rice or quinoa, is sure to have the whole fam asking for seconds. To snag the recipe, click here.

 

If you’re anything like us, your favorite part of camping is sharing homemade meals around the campfire. There’s something magical about firing up the fire pit and making s’mores with the kids. This summer, take your campfire desserts to the next level with these unique (but still simple!) camping recipes. From blueberry crisp in a dutch oven to melty, marshmallowy banana boats, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to get inspired.

Campfire Dessert Pizza

Spaceships & Laser Beams

Switch things up on your next camping trip with this awesome dessert pizza from Spaceships & Laser Beams. You can customize the toppings to your family’s taste, using anything from fruits and berries to marshmallows and chocolate chips. Click here to see the recipe.

S’mores, Of Course!

a pretzel peanut butter s'mores recipe
Oh, Sweet Basil

No camping trip is complete without s’mores, and we’ve got you covered with a bunch of unconventional takes on the campfire classic. Click here to see them all.

Campfire Cobbler

A Duck’s Oven

With just four ingredients, this s’mores-inspired creation from A Duck’s Oven is super easy to throw together over the fire. Melty marshmallows, fresh strawberries—what’s not to like? To get the recipe, click here.

Apple Crisp Foil Packets

Gimme Some Grilling

Apple crisp over the campfire—it doesn’t get any better than that. This recipe from Gimme Some Grilling includes instructions to make it over the fire, on the grill or in the oven. Don’t forget the ice cream! Click here for all the details.

Campfire Cones

Pip and Ebby

These fun campfire cones from Pip and Ebby are guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones. Fill up an ice cream cone with goodies (think marshmallows, berries, chocolate, graham cracker pieces), wrap them in foil and heat them over the fire. To get the recipe, click here.

Fruit Kabobs

Chelsie Jangord / Dandies

Via Dandies, here’s a new twist on kabobs that we haven’t seen before—fruit kabobs! Fruit and Dandies marshmallows are placed on skewers, then lightly charred to get a little caramelization. Click here to grab the recipe.

Cinnamon Roll-Ups

This sweet recipe from Almost Supermom will get everyone in on the action. All you need is a tube of crescent rolls, cinnamon sugar and a frosting drizzle if you like. Using s'mores skewers, roll the crescent dough around the skewer and roll in the cinnamon sugar. Cook over a campfire for about five minutes, rotating frequently. Top with a drizzle of frosting. 

Campfire Blueberry Crisp

Using your cast iron skillet or a foil baking dish, top blueberries with a crisp topping that's made by combining oats, cinnamon, sugar and spices. Dab with butter, cover with foil and bake away! Mommy Hates Cooking says that you can use any fresh fruit or even canned fruit in place of the blueberries. Top it with vanilla ice cream that you can make in a bag and HEAVEN. Bonus: leftovers are perfect for breakfast. 

Pineapple Upside-Down Bonfire Cake

This brilliantly-easy dessert (or breakfast?) from The Starving Chef uses store-bought individual shortcakes, canned pineapple rings, brown sugar and maraschino cherries to create this kid-favorite treat over the campfire. 

Molten Lava Campfire Brownie in an Orange Cup

This recipe from Tablespoon is super easy and fun as it cooks the brownie right inside an orange peel! Use your favorite boxed brownie mix and get these puppies baking over the fire in no time. 

Banana Boats

For this delicious campfire treat, start by peeling a portion of the banana and splitting the banana down the middle length-wise. You can stuff it with whatever you'd like including chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, Teddy Grahams and trail mix. Wrap each banana in foil and roast over the fire. Let these guys cool off before you enjoy them as the banana will be hot! 

—Susie Foresman & Kate Loweth

 

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Get ready for your next family camping trip with these camping recipes that take your campfire cooking way beyond s’mores. With foil packet meals, grilled chicken recipes, camping breakfasts and even the infamous walking taco, your family will be singing your praises and going to sleep with full bellies. Get the campfire ready!

Campfire Breakfast Burritos

Michael Saechang via flickr

We know you've got a big day ahead and the monkeys are a little slow on their feet, so try this on-the-go breakfast from Alaska from Scratch. While they call for prep-work at home, all you'll need to do the morning of is heat all the ingredients together, wrap it up in foil and cook it on the fire for a toasty, melty burrito that will fuel your day.

Campfire Skillet Potatoes and Eggs

There's nothing better to start a day on the right foot than a camping breakfast. Think a big skillet of potatoes, eggs and cheese cooked over the campfire. This recipe from Over the Fire Cooking combines breakfast sausage, potatoes and onions that get topped with eggs for the perfect runny-yolk goodness. 

Cinnamon Roll-Ups

This sweet recipe from Almost Supermom will get everyone in on the action. All you need is a tube of crescent rolls, cinnamon sugar and a frosting drizzle if you like. Using s'mores skewers, roll the crescent dough around the skewer and roll in the cinnamon sugar. Cook over a campfire for about five minutes, rotating frequently. Top with a drizzle of frosting. 

Chorizo Stuffed Bell Pepper

Get veggies into the kids early in the day with this easy recipe from Over the Fire Cooking. After cooking chorizo with onions, add the filling to bell peppers and top with an egg. Cook until the egg is done to your preference. YUM. 

Campfire Blueberry Crisp

Using your cast iron skillet or a foil baking dish, top blueberries with a crisp topping that's made by combining oats, cinnamon, sugar and spices. Dab with butter, cover with foil and bake away! Mommy Hates Cooking says that you can use any fresh fruit that you have or even canned fruit in place of the blueberries. Top it with vanilla ice cream that you can make in a bag and HEAVEN. Bonus: leftovers are perfect for breakfast. 

Leftover Campfire Hash

Use up leftover steak from last night's dinner in this delicious hash from Campfireskillz. Sauté cubed sweet potato, leftover steak, onions and spinach in olive oil. Top with eggs for runny-delicious goodness. 

Mediterranean Salmon in Foil Packets

This five-ingredient recipe from The Seasoned Mom will have a flavorful dinner on the picnic table in no time. Top fresh salmon with pesto, tomatoes, onions and feta and seal those babies up in heavy-duty foil. Cook over indirect campfire heat until the fish flakes easily with a fork. 

Pineapple Upside-Down Bonfire Cake

This brilliantly-easy dessert (or breakfast?) from The Starving Chef uses store-bought individual shortcakes, canned pineapple rings, brown sugar and maraschino cherries to create this kid-favorite treat over the campfire. 

Walking Tacos

You just might incorporate the deliciousness of walking tacos into your at-home life after you've tried them while camping. Cook ground meat in a skillet and add your preferred taco seasoning. Using individual bags of chips like Fritos or Doritos, split the bag down the side and open it wide over a bowl. Top with taco meat, cheese, sour cream and whatever other toppings you like. 

BBQ Chicken & Veggies Foil Packets

Thrifty Jinxy offers up this chicken and veggie foil packet recipe that is kid approved. Using small chunks of chicken or thin-sliced chicken breasts, add your favorite veggies and a dollop of BBQ sauce to your foil packet and seal them up nice and tight. Cook over the campfire for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and enjoy! 

Molten Lava Campfire Brownie in an Orange Cup

This recipe from Tablespoon is super easy and fun as it cooks the brownie right inside an orange peel! Use your favorite boxed brownie mix and get these puppies baking over the fire in no time. 

Campfire Kebabs

This classic option requires very little prep work and can be modified with whatever veggies and proteins you like. Start by marinating your cubed protein in your favorite teriyaki sauce and popping those babies in the freezer at home. Let them defrost at the campsite and skewer them up with your favorite veggies like peppers and mushrooms, or even fruits like pineapple. Grill them over a fire until you reach the desired doneness. 

Banana Boats

For this delicious campfire treat, start by peeling a portion of the banana and splitting the banana down the middle length-wise. You can stuff it with whatever you'd like including chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, Teddy Grahams and trail mix. Wrap each banana in foil and roast over the fire. Let these guys cool off before you enjoy them as the banana will be hot! 

 

 

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Editor’s note: This story is aimed to lower the chemicals you use in everyday life, such as silver polish, laundry softener, etc. but please follow the CDC guidelines for keeping your home and surfaces disinfected and clean to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Everyone loves a clean house, but you don’t always have to use products packed with chemicals to get things to sparkle and . From natural ways to soften your laundry to using lemons to shine your chrome, read on for 12 ways to clean without the chemicals.

photo: fede13 via flickr

Lemon

1. Use lemon juice to polish all that chrome and stainless steel in your kitchen or bathroom. We like to keep an extra bottle of already juiced lemon on hand for just such a reason, but if you’ve made lemonade and have lemon rinds left, you can actually use the lemon half right on corners.

2. You can also use said lemon rind, juice or a wedge to clean a cutting board. The lemon not only disinfects, it removes trace odors left behind from things like onions and garlic.

Vinegar (White)

3. Mix vinegar to water at a 3 to 1 ration (3 cups vinegar to one cup water) for cleaning windows and mirrors.

4. Use straight vinegar in a spray bottle to combat mildew. Spray offending area and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water.

5. Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab an extra one-gallon jug of white vinegar for your laundry room. Add a good 20 drops of essential oil, shake, and keep on hand for a fabric softener. Just add a half cup to each load (shake the jug to distribute the oils before each use).

6. Almost every hard-surface floor, from vinyl to hardwood, can be effectively cleaned with a simple water and vinegar solution. One cup vinegar to a half-gallon of hot or warm water should do the trick.

photo: evitaochel via pixabay

Baking Soda

7. Use baking soda with a hint of essential oil, like lavender, sprinkled in to deodorize your carpets. Sprinkle, vacuum up, inhale.

8. DIY your own room freshener without all the toxic chemicals. Just put some baking soda in a cute jar, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (we love the combo of mint + lavender) put the lid on, and shake. Once you’ve got your baking soda + essential oils distributed, remove the lid and place several holes in it to let the freshening begin!

photo: andreas160578 via pixabay

Salt

9. Use a teaspoon of salt to tepid water (not hot or even warm) to clean and disinfect water bottles (and sippy cups). This keeps you from that dreaded soapy water taste and neutralizes any lingering odors in your bottle. You can even soak the lids and sippy attachments in a mild salt solution, just be sure to rinse the heck out of it to flush the salty flavor away. A cotton swab with a salty paste can help get in the nooks and crannies of lids, too.

Oil

10. Cast iron skillet hack: If you properly season your pans, you won’t need to scrub too much but sometimes it happens. (Never, ever use soap and water on a cast iron skillet!) If you have a tricky sticky spot, use coarse salt and a vegetable scrubber dedicated to this purpose with a helping of cooking oil to clean off the gunk. While we recommend seasoning your pans after each use with a helping of cooking oil, try this lazy hack for every once in awhile: wipe your pan clean with a dry cloth and then spray with a cooking spray like Pam before storing.

11. Mix vinegar and oil together to make a furniture polish! Do it a 3 to 1 ration (so 3 tablespoons oil to 1 tablespoon vinegar). Or sub lemon juice for the vinegar. We recommend making this one in small batches (a little goes a long way) and applying with a super soft cloth, not a paper towel.

photo: marthaposemuckle via pixabay

Toothpaste

12. Toothpaste cleans stains and tarnish on any silver surface. If you’ve got a detailed edge on an antique plate, a gentle toothbrush + toothpaste can take the tarnish out of the nook and crannies and is way less harsh than some commercial silver polishes out there (which can actually strip silver plating). Ditto this method for jewelry.

—Amber Guetebier

featured image: Stocksnap via pixabay

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Fans of meals you can make in a dash rejoice! Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals will return to the Food Network on Apr. 1—and that’s not all. We’ve got the scoop on the food fun that Rachael Ray is about to bring your way.

She’s a cookbook author, talk show host and, of course, star of her own half-hour cooking show. Best of all, Ray whips up realistic recipes that we can all make and in under 30 minutes, no less! From Ray’s chicken patty parm meatballs to  stove-top pot pie, cast iron skillet pizza and Korean-inspired sloppy joes, this new season sounds downright delicious.

photo: Courtesy of Food Network

Along with 30 Minute Meals, fans can also catch Ray in the companion series Rachael’s Best of Brooklyn, starting Mar. 29 on FoodNetwork.com. As if that’s not enough, Ray’s food-filled series premiere also comes with a new daily recipe highlighted in FoodNetwork.com’s newsletter and Facebook Live tutorials. Ray’s FB fans can also tune in to the Food Network’s Facebook page on the first four Mondays of April to watch episodes of 30 Minute Meals commercial-free and in real time.

Ray’s 30 Minute Meals debuts Apr. 1 at noon ET on the Food Network, with 30 new episodes airing for 30 days. Just in case you forget when to watch Ray,  use your Alexa-enabled device to get reminders and receive recipes from the new season. All you need to do is say, “Alexa, talk to Food Network!”

—Erica Loop

 

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In Partnership With Eggland’s Best

Take things a bit further with your Shakshuka and add delicious vegetables!

Prep Time 10 min  Cook Time 25 min  Yield 4 servings 

You will need:

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, finely diced

2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste)

½ tsp. cracked black pepper

½ tsp. turmeric

2 tbsp. tomato paste

1 small eggplant, peeled and diced

2 poblano peppers, diced

1 cup diced Portobello mushrooms

1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

Salt to taste

4 oz. feta cheese

5 large Eggland’s Best eggs

Directions:

Heat a large cast iron skillet on medium high.

Add the oil, then the onions, garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and turmeric.

Cook just until the spices become fragrant, then add the tomato paste. Cook for about an additional 1 – 2 minutes.

Add the eggplant, poblano pepper, and mushrooms and cook until the vegetables are softened.

Add the crushed tomatoes, and salt (you may not need much as the feta is quite salty) then cook for another 4 – 5 minutes.

Add in the feta cheese in small clumps throughout the mixture. Make sure the cheese is submerged into the tomato sauce.

Create 5 wells in the pan and add the eggs into the wells.

Lightly run your spatula into the whites to break it slightly and allow it to incorporate some of the tomato. Leave the yolks whole.

Cook for about 2 – 5 minutes, depending on how hard you want the egg whites.

Cover and cook for 1 minute to lightly cook the top of the egg whites, but not much longer, or else you risk cooking the yolks.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the eggs and serve hot with a side of bread.

 At Eggland’s Best, their commitment is to produce a more nutritious egg, which is also the finest, freshest, and most delicious egg possible. From unique hen feed and strict quality standards to their network of USDA-inspected local farms all over the United States, you can be confident that a classic, organic, or cage-free egg with the EB stamp on the shell is a nutritionally superior egg that delivers farm-fresh taste.

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