Nanette Wong
Jan 30, 2013
What is it about chips that makes them so addictive? Is it the crunchiness? The saltiness? Either way, we love chips but don’t love all the fat and calories. To make this year’s Super Bowl a little more healthful, we decided to look into nutritious chips without sacrificing flavor. We concocted 5 different chips (for our 5 delicious dips!), and trust us, they’re all amazing. And for those who still want a little bit of indulgence, we threw in a devilish treat as well — Bacon Chips! After all, no Super Bowl would be complete without bacon. Enjoy.
1. Beet Chips: Beets are so packed with flavor that you only need two ingredients to make ’em!
Ingredients:
– 3 small beets
– 2 tb olive oil
First, peel the beets. Then, using a mandolin or a knife, slice the beets thinly into small rounds. Place the rounds on a cooking sheet or silpat, and brush lightly with olive oil. Cover each the beets with foil, and place another cookie sheet on top. This prevents the chips from curling into themselves. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are curling slightly. Then, remove the cookie sheet that’s flattening them and bake for another 20 minutes, or until it’s crispy.
If you take them out of the oven and they don’t seem crispy, let it sit for a minute two to dry. Then, you’ve got crispy, crunchy, beet chips. Yum.
2. Crunchy Kale Chips: This might just replace our normal chips because they’re so ridiculously crunchy, you won’t believe it’s actually a healthy vegetable!
Ingredients:
– 5 oz (1/2 bag) prewashed and cut kale
– 2 tb olive oil
– salt to taste
In a large mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the kale. Toss it gently to ensure all kale is covered with oil. Then, sprinkle salt over kale. Lay it out on a baking tray, making sure none overlap, and bake at 275 degrees F for about twenty minutes until crispy. Easy peasy!
This has quickly become our daily afternoon snack here at Brit HQ. It’s that tasty.
3. Sweet Potato Chips: Who doesn’t love sweet potatoes? These baked chips are also a great alternative to sweet potato fries.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato
– 2 tb olive oil
– salt to taste
Scrub the sweet potato and slice into thin disks with either a knife or mandoline. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil and salt until all sweet potato slices are coated. As usual, lay the chips out on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 400 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes, or until brown.
So yummy!
4. Sweet Apple Chips: Apple chips are a great way to keep the doctor away.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 apple (honeycrisp works really well)
First, bring the water and sugar to a gentle boil. Remove from heat to let cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, slice the apple thinly with either a knife or a mandolin. Then, submerge the apple slices into the water-sugar mixture for about an hour, or until they’re translucent. Remove the chips from the mixture and lay out on a rack or silpat. Bake in the oven at 225 degrees F for about an hour, or until the edges are curled.
You’ll never need to step foot in Casa de Fruita again after making these mouthwatering apple chips.
5. Caramelized Bacon Chips: And as promised, Bacon Chips! These are slightly sweet, salty, and just plain awesome.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon (or half a pack)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– cayenne pepper (for garnish)
First, cut the bacon into 4 pieces per strip, or however big you want your chips to be. Put the sugar in a bowl, and dredge the bacon in the sugar. Lay the bacon out on a baking sheet or silpat and sprinkle tops with cayenne pepper. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until brown.
You’ll definitely need a napkin for these deliciously greasy bacon chips ;)
18 Healthy Camping Recipes That Don’t Sacrifice Flavor
Sara Cagle
Meredith Holser
Mar 15, 2024
Camping season is upon us, meaning it's totally acceptable to consider s'mores an official food group. While fireside cuisine isn't complete without some form of toasted marshmallow or ketchup-covered hot dog, an outdoor getaway can be a little more virtuous if you try to cook healthier mains. Here are 18 easy and healthy camping meals to sneak some nutrition into your next camping trip!
Pineapple Chicken Skewer Lettuce Wraps
Bring this pre-marinated chicken and fixings to your campsite, then unload everything onto a tray for everyone to customize their own skewers and wraps before heating them up over the fire! (via Brit + Co)
Shakshuka
The inviting aromas of sizzling tomatoes, onions, red pepper, and spices will wake you right up of your sleeping bag, if you’re still feeling like a zombie when you wake up from the previous day’s adventures. This zesty skillet meal also gets a good boost from chickpeas! (via Brit + Co)
10-Minute Vegan Stir-Fry
If all you have time to do in the way of food prep is to stop at Trader Joe’s on the way to your campsite, you’re in luck. This 10-minute vegan stir-fry comes together with three main ingredients and requires zero advance work. This is one of the easiest healthy camping meals with a light medley of veggies and plant-based protein. (via Brit + Co)
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
There’s nothing like eating a hearty bowl of chili while gathering around the campfire! This meat-free version is made with sweet potatoes and black beans, and it will reheat over the grill in a jiffy. (via Brit + Co)
Asparagus + Goat Cheese Frittata
Feed a crowd in style with this healthy, protein-packed frittata, bursting with the springy flavors of asparagus and goat cheese! Feel free to substitute the asparagus for whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand, too. (via Brit + Co)
Honey Sriracha Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Traveling off the grid, but want to stay on top of your health goals? No prob! Prep these to-go containers according to this recipe, pack 'em in a cooler, and reheat at camp. This way, you'll have healthy camping meals to eat on for several days! (via The Girl on Bloor)
Caprese Chicken Foil Packs
Simply layer chicken, olive oil, pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese into some foil, cook for half an hour, and enjoy this refreshing fireside meal. It has a healthy kick with lighter ingredients and flavors to fully satisfy! (via Damn Delicious)
Tahini Chickpea Cucumber Salad
Try this easy-to-pack, versatile salad on its own, on a sandwich, or spooned over some grilled chicken and greens for an array of healthy camping meals to fuel your entire trip. (via Hello Veggie)
Campfire Baked Feta
3 ingredients, 5 minutes. That's how easy this healthy camping meal is, and you just can't beat that! Throw everything into a skillet over the fire and bake through, then dip some crusty bread into this feta dip with tomatoes and chickpeas. You could even serve this over top some pre-cooked pasta! (via Live Eat Learn)
Southwest Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Recharge after a day of hiking with this veggie-rich salad. It's especially easy to make ahead, pack in a cooler, and enjoy right away. This is one of the most substantial healthy camping meals because of the quinoa! (via The Creative Bite)
Thai Salmon in Foil
Cook fresh salmon over a fire, and you’ll feel like a true outdoorswoman — especially if you pretend you just caught it in the river! This succulent cut of salmon takes on Thai flavors from the fish and hoisin sauces. Lean protein FTW. (via Damn Delicious)
Stuffed Grilled Avocados with Shrimp + Mango Salsa
Those adept at grilling over a fire will love these tropical stuffed avocados, filled with garlicky shrimp and spicy mango salsa. The fresh ingredients amp this dish up to be one of the yummiest healthy camping recipes around. (via The Roasted Root)
DIY Instant Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy camping breakfast that's so easy to make yourself! Instead of buying those pre-made packets at the store with tons of additives, opt for this homemade version that uses only 5 ingredients. Once it's prepped, you can bring it to the campsite in mason jars to go no-waste. (via The First Mess)
Summer Rolls with Almond Butter Satay
Light summer rolls are the ideal healthy camping dinner because they’re cheap, customizable, and fun to make as a group! The nutty satay dipping sauce from this camping recipe is the best part in terms of both its addictive flavor and easy preparation. (via Fresh Off the Grid)
5-Ingredient Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packs
Pesto and crumbly feta on top of silky salmon filets will always feel restorative, no matter how hot it is outside. This recipe packs in all that good Mediterranean flavor! (via The Seasoned Mom)
Italian Chicken + Veggie Foil Packs
If you’re concerned about getting all of your veggies in while sleeping in a tent, worry not! These packs, emanating the aroma of an Italian trattoria, have five different ones. (via Hello Glow)
Lemon-Dijon Asparagus + Pea Macaroni Salad
This recipe is just as good for summer BBQs and picnics as it is for camping, plus, it's packed with countless veggies for that healthy boost you're looking for! To prep for a trip, chop and store the veggies separately from the cooked pasta. Keep the dressing separated in a mason jar, too, so you can just mix everything together in one swift step once you've set up camp! (via Vanilla and Bean)
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars
This healthy camping food literally helps you live out your granola girl dreams! With 5 simple ingredients, this recipe yields a whopping 16 servings full of oats, PB, honey, and chocolate chips. Yummm. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Going camping this summer? Tag us in your food pics on Instagram!
Lead image via Vanilla and Bean.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sarah Landrum and Meredith Holser.
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Gabi Conti
Mar 15, 2024
There are times when you’re celebrating big, so you're willing to spring for an expensive champagne. But what if you want a little bubbly to freeze, spike mimosas with, or to pour into a champagne tower? Trader Joe's to the rescue! Trader Joe's champagne has expanded waaaay beyond 'Two-Buck Chuck' to include French champagne and other sparkling white wines produced using the Champagne method, which are *way* less expensive.
Time to pop some tags – no – corks! Here are some of the best Trader Joe's champagnes you can snag on a bargain... ones that even your wine snob friends will love.
Simpler Wine Italian Wine co*cktail
We're kind of obsessed with these little guys, which hold a little over a glass of wine in each $1 can. We love the mango flavor, with hints of fruit and a fizzy finish. Bring these to any BYOB situation, and you're sure to be a hit.
French Fizz Le Blanc 2021
This French sparkling wine, made with a blend of grapes, has a light body with a dry, crisp, and citrusy taste. Plus, the bottle looks so fancy! It also comes in a tasty rosé version.
Brut Rosé French Sparkling Wine
We can’t get enough of this pink Italian sparkler. When summer rolls around, be sure to stock up on these reasonably priced ($7!) bottles.
Opaline Pinot Noir Brut Rosé
This bottle has the delicate flavors of red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, and it bubbles just like a much more expensive option would. You essentially get the taste you love without the price tag!
Trader Joe's Reserve Brut Rosé
Also fermented in the traditional méthode champenoise, this North Coast Californian bubbly has hints of strawberry and a clean, dry finish. It's a flawless upgrade to your basic brunch mimosas!
Villa Antica Asolo Prosecco DOCG Superiore
Prosecco is a dry Italian sparkling wine that starts with different grapes than champagne and undergoes an entirely different fermentation process. (Champagne goes through a second fermentation in the bottle to achieve all of those bubbles and rich texture, while prosecco's second fermentation happens in large vats, which is why it's so affordable.) This prosecco has a clean mouthfeel, bright, bubbles, and a melon-forward flavor. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Platinum Reserve Brut Sparkling Wine Sonoma County
This medium-bodied brut hints of apple and pear, plus a light gingery spice. It's easy sipping, so you don't have to save it for a special occasion — today will do! Cheers!
La Burgondie Crémant de Bourgogne
Made up of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, and Aligotè grapes, this sparkling bev has notes of citrus and red apple with a dash of gingerbread spice.
If you’re enjoying this roundup of Trader Joe’s champagne, there’s more where that came from. Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our newsletter!
Photos via Trader Joe’s.
Additional reporting by Sally Jones and Meredith Holser.
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24 Over-The-Top Brownie Recipes For Your Sweet Tooth
Emily McDonald
Meredith Holser
Mar 14, 2024
Chocolate. It’s a beautiful, magical, valuable thing. And if you love it just as much as we do, you’ll need some great brownie recipes up your sleeve to make when the sugar cravings kick in. Sure, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cakes are cool and all, but brownies just hit the spot like no other. Feeling… feelings? There’s a brownie for that – and we’re here to serve it to you. Ahead, 24 mind-blowing brownie recipes for everyone to enjoy!
Guinness S’mores Brownies
All the things you love, together at last. Guinness gets tossed into this brownie recipe with a s'mores twist for a delightfully decadent treat. (via Brit + Co)
Vegan Peppermint Brownies
This brownie recipe would be immaculate for the holiday season, but chocolate and peppermint taste amazing together year-round. Do what you will with that information. (via Brit + Co)
Nutella Brownies
Nutella gives these fancy brownies an addictive nutty finish, perfect for pairing with a cold glass of milk or even some coffee! (via Brit + Co)
Vegan Red Velvet Brownies
When red velvet flavors meet your classic brownie recipes, something magical happens. The result is obviously these stunning vegan brownies with a smattering of homemade icing! (via Brit + Co)
slu*tty Brownies
There's nothing risqué about this brownie recipe... other than the fact that it's made with Oreos, cookie dough, and dulce de leche. Um, did someone say sugar rush?! (via Brit + Co)
Brownie Cake Pops
These portable brownie pops allow you to take your cravings on-the-go. Plus, you can customize 'em pretty easily with the sprinkles of your choice! (via Brit + Co)
Buttered Popcorn Crunch Brownies
Get chompin’ on these salty-sweet fancy brownies for your next movie night! The entire watch party will be pleased with how ooey-gooey they are. (via How Sweet Eats)
Mocha Brownies with Espresso Glaze
We're drooling already. Coffee and chocolate are already two of our favorite things, so when they combine, it's pure magic. (via The Original Dish)
Chewy Chocolate Drenched Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Fudge Brownies
Say that five times fast! This brownie recipe is perfect for bringing to a work potluck or bake sale, so you can watch as they disappear in the blink of an eye. Yum! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Red Velvet Chocolate Swirled Brownies
These over-the-top brownies earn a 10/10 for presentation. Just look at those swirls! (via Averie Cooks)
Praline Brownies
This brownie recipe is gonna satisfy every sweet tooth with two rich, distinct layers of chocolatey brownie and creamy praline topping. (via Cookies and Cups)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
Brookies are the best dessert mashup around, since you get the best of both worlds in just one bite. Craving a little nibble of each? Look no further than these fancy brownies. (via Completely Delicious)
Rich Dark Chocolate Brownies with Flaky Sea Salt
A little sprinkling of flaky sea salt never did any harm! When paired with dark chocolate, the salt creates a wonderful flavor combo you'll come back for time and time again. (via No Eggs or Ham)
Ube Brownies
Ube (purple yam) shines so bright in this brownie recipe. It lends a sweet, almost-earthy flavor that works ridiculously well with the chocolate. (via Takes Two Eggs)
Irish Cream Cheesecake Brownies
Everybody is Irish on St. Brownie’s Day – especially if these cheesecake brownies are being served alongside some green co*cktails! (via Chez Catey Lou)
Fudgy Flourless Brownies
The fact that you can pull of a flawless brownie recipe like this without any flour is astounding to us. We want a bite, stat! (via My Whole Food Life)
Vegan Biscoff Brownies
The sweet, spiced nature of Biscoff cookies just makes so much sense to mix into some over-the-top brownies. In this cake, you'll use Biscoff cookie butter to enrich the batter with the flavor! (via Earthly Provisions)
Hazelnut Tahini Brownies
Bye. We've died and gone to heaven after seeing these rich tahini brownies! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies
These fancy brownies are a tasty callback to classic chocolate-covered strawberries, and we need a batch to feast on as soon as humanly possible. (via Give Recipe)
Double Espresso Chocolate Brownies
Wake up to the smell of freshly-baked espresso brownies! We wouldn't want our daily dose of caffeine any other way, TBH. (via Louise’s Spis)
Salted Caramel Pretzel Topped Fudgy Brownies
The crunchy miniature pretzels that sit atop these devilishly fudgy brownies balance out each bite in terms of flavor and texture, and it's a beautiful, beautiful thing. (via Averie Cooks)
Chocolate Coconut Brownies
It's like if Almond Joy turned into a decadent brownie recipe. (via Averie Cooks)
Peppermint Pattie Brownies
Alternatively, this brownie recipe is like if York peppermint patties transformed into a crazy-yummy baked good. (via How Sweet Eats)
Rocky Road Brownies
More candy for my brownies, please! These rocky road brownies boast a fantastic layer of mini marshmallows for sugary effect. (via The Kitchen Paper)
Rich and fudgy? Or soft and cakey? Tell us how you like your brownie recipes in the comments!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
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Maggie McCracken
Mar 15, 2024
I'm not going to lie, I've eaten a lot of avocado pasta over the years. I discovered it during a time when I was trying out the Mediterranean Diet, and it quickly became a go-to weeknight dinner option for me. Because it's made with avocado, it's creamy, rich, and delicious — but also super nutritious. There's a reason it's become such a beloved recipe for anyone who wants to eat wholesome, delicious pasta recipes but also wants a good dose of nutrients.
Before we dive into the recipe, here are a few reminders about why avocados are so good for you: First, avocados are chock-full of healthy fats, mostly of the monounsaturated variety. These fats are great for your heart health and can help keep your cholesterol levels in check. Plus, they give your skin that fabulous glow we all crave! Avocados are also bursting with fiber, which is fantastic for your digestive system. It keeps things moving along smoothly and helps you feel fuller for longer, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
As for the vitamins and minerals, avocados are loaded with potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and keeping your muscles functioning properly. They're also packed with vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate, all of which are vital for overall health and well-being.
In short, avocados are a nutritional powerhouse that can do wonders for your body. Cheers to good health and avocados aplenty, and try this easy avocado pasta recipe the next time you want a meal that's creamy, carby, nutritious, and comforting (so, pretty much any day).
Tangy Avocado Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 avocados
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/8 cup sunflower seeds
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- optional: chili flakes & lime garnish
Directions:
- Prepare your pasta of choice according to box directions. We used pappardelle pasta, but you can swap in gluten-free pasta for this recipe too!
- While the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce. Add all of the ingredients (except pasta) to a blender or food processor. Blend for 1 minute.
- After the pasta is strained, return it to the pan or in a bowl and add the avocado sauce. Gently fold the pasta and sauce together until well combined.
- Serve with a generous sprinkle of chili flakes and a lime garnish.
If you love avocado pasta recipes like this one, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more meal inspo!
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21 Genius Uses For Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Seasoning
Nicole Iizuka
Mar 15, 2024
Are you as obsessed with Trader Joe’s“Everything But the Bagel” seasoning as I am?! It’s a magical combination of salt, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and two kinds of sesame seeds, and when it hit shelves people went absolutely nuts for the stuff (myself included). I mean, how could you not? As a kid, I’d order an everything bageland shake it to collect the extra seasoning so I could scoop it up into the cream cheese, and have that flavor explode in every single bite.
This seasoning has such a great flavor and really does make everything — and I mean *everything* — taste good! It’s sweet and savory, and has a little spice from the garlic and a nice crunchy texture. Plus, it evokes that lovely nostalgic memory of tearing into your first fresh-out-of-the-oven everything bagel with a thick layer of schmear.
And while you have your traditional uses for this superb spice mix, here are a few other inspired ideas that become even better with a sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
Uses For Everything Bagel Seasoning From Trader Joe's
- Avocado toast is still all the rage, so next time you’re craving it, try topping it with some everything bagel seasoning. Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a nice, spicy kick.
- Freshpoke was almost made for this! The crispy crunch of the sesame seeds works really well paired with fresh fish and sushi toppings.
- When you’re thinking aboutegg recipes, you should also pair that thought with some of this seasoning. Scrambled, fried, poached, any kind of egg will work!
- Imagine the flavor explosion that is an everything bagel seasoning-crusted chicken. It’s going to totally change the way you look at chicken.
- It also works well on salmon, steak, and turkey!
- This seasoning also adds a nice pop of flavor to any of your salads.
- Or more specifically, try tossing them on your homemade croutons!
- We all love a good slice ofpizza, and with the garlic and onion, this topping is a no-brainer.
Image via Trader Joe's
9. Make your hummus absolutely dreamy with a nice kick of spice.
10. And for your next movie night, sprinkle on your buttered popcorn.
11. Try adding a layer onto your grilled cheese for a crispy crunch that melds perfectly with warm, gooey cheese.
12. When it comes time for summer BBQ season, top your burger buns with a dusting of everything bagl seasoning, or even try mixing it into your patties!
13. Sure, Chicago hot dogs have their poppyseed buns, but just imagine if your New York-style hot dog came topped with a shake of everything bagel seasoning.
14. Grilled veggiesneed some seasoning too, and this pick adds a nice salty flavor to any veggie dish.
15. Mac and cheesereaches a whole new level of awesomeness with the addition of some crispy everything bagel seasoning crunch.
Image via Trader Joe's
16. Alright, so this one isn’t a dish per se, but try making some everything bagel seasoning butter. You’ll pretty much want to spread this on everything.
17. Give a boring egg salada new breath of life with some seasoning.
18. And just in case you didn’t get enough of an avocado fix with the avocado toast, try spicing up your next batch of guacamole.
19. Try making candied everything bagel bacon. Just sprinkle the seasoning with a little bit of brown sugar on your bacon before baking or frying it, and wait for the magic to happen.
20. If dessert’s your thing, this sweet and savory combo actually works! It might sound crazy, but theeverything bagel donut exists, and it’s pretty awesome.
21. Finally, while there are tons of amazing applications for the Everything But the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's, just adding loads more to your already well-seasoned everything bagel and cream cheese is never a bad option.
No seasoning was left behind in the reporting of this article... just in case you were worried about seeing it spilled on the table!
What are some of your favorite ways to use Trader Joe's Everything Bagel seasoning? Let us know on Twitter @BritandCo!
Photos by Nicole Iizuka.
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