Day: September 24, 2025

What Made Me Finally Quit Using Plastic Cutting Boards Forever

What Made Me Finally Quit Using Plastic Cutting Boards Forever


Nope, it’s not wooden, either.
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Easy and Fast Kale Soup Recipe

Easy and Fast Kale Soup Recipe

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair behind the celebrated culinary platform, A Couple Cooks. As the authors of two well-received cookbooks and busy caregivers, Alex and Sonja have perfected the skill of harmonizing family life with their love for cooking. Their adventure commenced in 2010 when they established A Couple Cooks to express their passion for uncomplicated, seasonal dishes and the happiness that cooking can infuse into daily life.

Throughout the years, A Couple Cooks has transformed into an extensive resource for home chefs, providing thousands of unique recipes, cooking advice, and meal preparation ideas. Every recipe is carefully designed, tested, and photographed by Alex and Sonja, guaranteeing that their audience enjoys dependable and visually enticing content. Their dishes aim not only to be tasty but also approachable, motivating people to view cooking as a pleasurable and fulfilling activity.

Alex and Sonja’s cooking philosophy highlights the importance of fresh, seasonal produce, which elevates the taste of their creations while advocating for sustainable and nutritious eating habits. Their website encompasses a diverse array of recipes, ranging from quick weekday meals to intricate dishes for special occasions, accommodating various dietary needs and restrictions.

Beyond their digital footprint, Alex and Sonja have penned two cookbooks that further highlight their culinary skills and imagination. These publications act as excellent resources for anyone eager to broaden their cooking skills and discover novel flavors and methods.

As a real couple who prepares meals together, Alex and Sonja offer a distinct viewpoint in the culinary landscape. Their joint effort in recipe creation and meal organization is reflected in the balance and synergy of their dishes. They also provide insights into how they succeed in cooking as a duo while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and careers.

Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have cultivated a community of food lovers who share their enthusiasm for cooking and enjoying good food. Their commitment to delivering high-caliber content and nurturing a passion for cooking has established them as reliable figures in the culinary realm. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner, Alex and Sonja’s recipes and guidance inspire and assist in making scrumptious meals that bring happiness to the table.

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10 Cocktail Recipes Featuring Irish Whiskey and Jameson

10 Cocktail Recipes Featuring Irish Whiskey and Jameson

**Jameson Drinks and Irish Whiskey Cocktails: A Toast to Silky Flavors**

Irish whiskey, celebrated for its sleek, fruity essence, serves as a flexible spirit that excels in numerous cocktails. Whether you’re throwing a bash or merely savoring a peaceful night at home, these Jameson drinks and Irish whiskey cocktails are bound to leave an impression. From the invigorating Irish Mule to the sweet yet tangy Irish Sour, these concoctions showcase the distinct traits of Irish whiskey, making them ideal for any event.

**The Irish Whiskey Taste Profile**

Irish whiskey is produced from a combination of grain whiskey and single pot still whiskey, predominantly utilizing Irish barley. In contrast to Scotch whisky, it does not include peat, yielding a flavor that is light and fruity with a floral aroma and traces of vanilla. This makes Irish whiskey one of the most accessible styles of whiskey, perfect for those who are just beginning their journey into the spirit.

**Top Jameson Drinks and Irish Whiskey Cocktails**

1. **Irish Mule**: An enjoyable variation of the traditional Moscow Mule, this cocktail fuses Irish whiskey with lime and ginger beer for a fizzy, refreshing experience. It’s straightforward to prepare and ideal for social events.

2. **Irish Coffee**: A timeless classic, Irish coffee marries dark roast coffee with Irish whiskey and lightly whipped cream. The floral and nutty undertones of Jameson elevate this cozy beverage.

3. **Jameson Whiskey Sour**: Commonly referred to as the Irish Sour, this cocktail delivers a smooth taste without the spicy finish often associated with bourbon or rye whiskey. It’s a fantastic method to relish Irish whiskey.

4. **Irish Maid**: This cocktail showcases the vibrant flavors of lemon, cucumber, and elderflower liqueur, striking a balance between sweet and sour. It’s a revitalizing option with floral and botanical undertones.

5. **Old Fashioned**: Substituting Irish whiskey in an Old Fashioned results in a more inviting rendition of the classic cocktail, with a fruit-forward essence that complements its light sweetness.

6. **Whiskey Highball**: A straightforward yet invigorating cocktail, the Whiskey Highball mixes Irish whiskey with soda water. It’s an effortless way to appreciate the flavors of Jameson.

7. **Irish Whiskey Lemonade**: Ideal for warm days, this drink combines freshly squeezed lemonade with Irish whiskey for a sweet and tart sensation with an alcoholic finish.

8. **John Collins**: A sparkling whiskey sour, the John Collins replaces gin with Irish whiskey, served with soda water in a highball glass.

9. **Whiskey Smash**: A zesty and light cocktail, the Whiskey Smash is a sweet-and-sour twist on the Mint Julep, showcasing lemon and mint. Employing Irish whiskey instead of bourbon enhances its flavor profile.

10. **Whiskey Ginger**: A timeless duo, Irish whiskey and ginger ale make for a simple yet tasty cocktail. Squeeze in some lime for an additional kick.

11. **Whiskey Tonic**: For a light, effervescent cocktail, blend Irish whiskey with tonic water. The sweet fizziness complements the silky notes of Jameson perfectly.

**Top Irish Whiskey for Cocktails**

Though Jameson ranks as the most recognized brand of Irish whiskey, various other exceptional options are available for cocktails:

– **Tullamore Dew**: Slightly sweeter than Jameson, with a smoother finish, perfect for cream-based cocktails.
– **Teeling Small Batch**: Features dried fruit notes that enrich spirited cocktails like an Irish Old Fashioned.
– **Redbreast 12**: A premium choice with deep sherry influences, ideal for special celebrations.

Other well-regarded brands include Green Spot, Powers, and Bushmills.

**Conclusion**

Regardless of whether you are a veteran whiskey aficionado or new to the spirit, these Jameson drinks and Irish whiskey cocktails provide something for everyone. Their silky, fruity flavors make them a lovely addition to any gathering. So, grab a bottle of your preferred Irish whiskey and start crafting!

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Macaroni and Cheese with Curds

Macaroni and Cheese with Curds

This cottage cheese mac and cheese dish creates creamy, protein-rich comfort food ready in merely 20 minutes. Here’s how to mix cottage cheese into the smoothest cheese sauce you’ve ever experienced!

Cottage cheese has emerged as a popular ingredient, and here’s one of my favorite methods to utilize it. When I initially proposed making cottage cheese mac and cheese, Alex gave me a look that conveyed “I care about you, but I’m worried about your choices.” Twenty minutes later, he was devouring every last bit!

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of testing recipes: cottage cheese resembles ricotta when blended, forming an exceptionally creamy base that’s naturally rich in protein. It adheres to the noodles beautifully, transforming it into one of my family’s preferred quick dinner solutions!

Ingredients for cottage cheese mac and cheese

You might be pondering, cottage cheese in pasta? Indeed, these white curds blend wonderfully when mixed with cheddar cheese and seasonings. I’ve discovered that adding some cornstarch is beneficial in thickening the sauce and covering the noodles. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Short pasta: Any kind of short noodles will do. I prefer using cavatappi, but it also works excellently with macaroni, shells, penne, rigatoni, and spirals.
  • Cottage cheese: I suggest using 4% milkfat cottage cheese for the most flavorful result. The 2% milkfat option is acceptable; just steer clear of fat-free cottage cheese.
  • Milk: I usually opt for 2% milk, but any variety of milk is acceptable.
  • Cornstarch: This ingredient aids in thickening the sauce and contributes a silky texture, akin to the flour and butter-based roux found in most mac and cheese recipes (like this one).
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar delivers that classic mac and cheese taste.
  • Garlic powder and paprika: The paprika is optional, but it enhances the color.

“It was incredibly delicious! I baked it and added a sprinkle of cheese on top along with some crumbs and ended up loving how simple and tasty it was. Thank you!” -Lisa

Professional tips for flawless results

Equipment: I utilize a high-speed blender for our blended recipes, which whips up the sauce in a matter of seconds. A standard blender and food processor are also suitable; even a smaller blender might suffice depending on its capacity.

Pasta tip: If the pasta requires more time than the sauce or you pre-cook your pasta, be sure to toss it with a little olive oil or it might stick to the pot.

Baked variation: This cottage cheese mac and cheese is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals. If you have more time, baking the mac and cheese at 350°F for 15 minutes enhances the flavor! It helps the sauce soak into the noodles, resulting in a more luxurious and savory taste.

Tip for serving a larger group

This recipe can easily be doubled for serving a larger group. You can use the 2x button in the recipe below to quickly increase the amounts. With 1 pound of pasta, you can transfer it into a 9 x 13″ baking dish and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F before serving.

The benefit of cottage cheese

According to Healthline, cottage cheese can be a nutritious choice when compared to other cheese varieties. Here are some advantages of cottage cheese:

  • It
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Cider with Alcohol Infusion

Cider with Alcohol Infusion

Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Partners Behind A Couple Cooks

Alex and Sonja Overhiser are the vibrant pair responsible for the well-loved food blog, A Couple Cooks. Launched in 2010, the blog has become an essential reference for food lovers in search of easy, seasonal recipes and useful cooking tips. As the authors of two renowned cookbooks, Alex and Sonja have carved out a niche as reliable voices in the culinary landscape, sharing their love for cooking with a wide audience.

The couple’s culinary adventure began with a mutual appreciation for food and a goal to create nutritious, tasty meals for their family. As busy parents, Alex and Sonja grasp the hurdles of meal planning and preparation, which motivates them to develop recipes that are both easy to follow and flavorful. Their philosophy highlights the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, inspiring home cooks to celebrate the natural tastes of each season.

A Couple Cooks transcends a mere recipe collection; it exemplifies the joy of cooking. Alex and Sonja maintain that cooking together enhances bonds and fosters cherished memories. Their blog features thousands of original recipes, all carefully crafted and photographed by the couple. Every dish is tested on their family, guaranteeing it aligns with their high standards for flavor and quality.

Beyond recipes, A Couple Cooks provides an abundance of cooking tips and meal planning suggestions. Alex and Sonja are dedicated to empowering their readers to build confidence in the kitchen, offering advice on everything from fundamental cooking methods to more advanced culinary techniques. Their inviting style and sincere passion make cooking an enjoyable and enriching experience for everyone.

Through their blog and cookbooks, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have motivated countless people to embrace the craft of cooking. Their commitment to crafting simple, delightful meals has struck a chord with home cooks across the globe, establishing A Couple Cooks as a cherished resource for anyone eager to enhance their culinary talents. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Alex and Sonja’s recipes are bound to inspire and please.

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Weekly Meal Schedule for September 29, 2025

Weekly Meal Schedule for September 29, 2025

### About the Author: Holly Nilsson

Holly Nilsson is the imaginative mind behind Spend With Pennies, a site devoted to offering simple and comforting recipes designed for everyday cooking. With a strong enthusiasm for nostalgic tastes and straightforward cooking methods, Holly enables busy home chefs to whip up delightful meals that are both enjoyable and easy to manage.

Her culinary path is characterized by a dedication to making home cooking attainable for everyone, no matter their expertise. Holly’s recipes frequently take cues from classic dishes, reinvented to align with the rapid-paced lives of contemporary families. This method not only retains the heart of cherished meals but also guarantees that they can be crafted with minimal effort.

Beyond her endeavors with Spend With Pennies, Holly is the writer of “Everyday Comfort,” a cookbook aimed at motivating readers with wholesome, homemade dishes that conjure feelings of warmth and familiarity. This book embodies her belief in creating meals that unite people, making it a priceless asset for anyone aiming to expand their cooking skills.

For those curious about more of Holly’s culinary outputs, her website provides a diverse array of recipes that satisfy different preferences and occasions.

#### Follow Holly on Social Media:
– [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/spendpennies/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ispendwithpennies/)
– [Twitter](http://spendpennies)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spendpennies/)

Through her captivating content and accessible recipes, Holly Nilsson keeps motivating home cooks to prepare dishes that are not just flavorful but also brimming with love and nostalgia.

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These Pint-Sized Mason Jars Keep Food Fresh, and Even “Make Junk Look Nice”

These Pint-Sized Mason Jars Keep Food Fresh, and Even “Make Junk Look Nice”


They come in five sizes!
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Fast and Easy 30-Minute Potsticker Soup Recipe

Fast and Easy 30-Minute Potsticker Soup Recipe

    **Quick and Easy 30-Minute Potsticker Soup Recipe**

    Potsticker soup is a wonderful blend of tastes and textures, merging the savory delight of dumplings with a hearty, aromatic broth. Ideal for a swift weeknight meal or a soothing lunch, this 30-minute potsticker soup recipe is both effortless and gratifying. Let’s explore how you can create this tasty dish in no time.

    **Ingredients:**

    – 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    – 1 small onion, diced finely
    – 2 cloves garlic, chopped
    – 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, shredded
    – 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
    – 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    – 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    – 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    – 1 package (around 12-16) frozen potstickers or dumplings
    – 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy, coarsely chopped
    – 2 green onions, chopped
    – Salt and pepper to taste
    – Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for spiciness

    **Instructions:**

    1. **Prepare the Aromatics:**
    – In a large pot, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for around 3-4 minutes until translucent.
    – Incorporate the chopped garlic and shredded ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

    2. **Create the Broth:**
    – Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

    3. **Cook the Potstickers:**
    – Gently add the frozen potstickers to the boiling broth. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated and tender.

    4. **Add the Greens:**
    – Mix in the baby spinach or bok choy, allowing it to wilt in the hot broth for about 2-3 minutes.

    5. **Season and Serve:**
    – Sample the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. For an added kick, incorporate chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
    – Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.

    **Tips for Success:**

    – **Dumpling Variety:** Feel free to utilize any type of frozen dumplings you like, such as chicken, pork, or vegetable.
    – **Broth Base:** For a deeper flavor, consider using a homemade broth or enhancing store-bought broth with extra herbs and spices.
    – **Vegetable Variations:** Try different greens like kale or napa cabbage for a twist on the classic recipe.
    – **Make it a Meal:** Incorporate cooked noodles or tofu to make the soup more substantial.

    This quick and easy potsticker soup is not only straightforward to prepare but also provides a comforting, homemade flavor that will warm you on any day. Relish the delightful mix of tender dumplings and flavorful broth in just 30 minutes!

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    Desiring Fresh Mango Chicken Salad: A Tasty Recipe Worth Trying

    Desiring Fresh Mango Chicken Salad: A Tasty Recipe Worth Trying

    ### Mango Chicken Salad: A Zesty Treat

    This lively salad features succulent mango, juicy chicken, and an assortment of crisp vegetables, all mixed together with a zesty Asian dressing and garnished with toasted peanuts. It’s an ideal dish for those looking for a cool and healthy meal.

    #### Flavor Profile
    The salad presents a cheerful, tropical, and subtly savory taste, achieving an excellent harmony of sweetness, acidity, and freshness in every bite.

    #### Suggested Tools
    – A **vegetable chopper** for straightforward preparation.
    – **Storage containers** to keep ingredients organized and fresh throughout the week.

    #### Ingredient Alternatives
    For a nut-free alternative, try using pepitas, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or homemade croutons in place of peanuts.

    ### Ingredient Suggestions
    – **Mango**: Choose a ripe, unblemished mango that gives slightly when pressed. If opting for frozen mango, ensure it is thawed prior to dicing.
    – **Chicken**: Rotisserie chicken is a quick choice, but sliced chicken thighs or grilled breasts are good options as well.
    – **Vegetables**: Go for vibrant selections like red bell peppers, green or red onions, and English cucumbers for extra crunch.
    – **Greens**: A bag of shredded coleslaw and salad mix can streamline prep time.
    – **Dressing**: You can buy a dressing or whip up your own. A Thai-inspired sesame ginger dressing or a cilantro lime dressing can enhance the flavor.

    ### Simple Salad Variations
    – **Fruits**: If mangoes aren’t available, consider mango chutney, diced peaches, nectarines, strawberries, or blueberries.
    – **Vegetables**: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover vegetables like peas, corn, asparagus, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
    – **Proteins**: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, tuna, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
    – **Toppings**: Elevate your salad with pickled red onion, crumbled feta, diced avocados, chopped bacon, or pickled jalapeños.

    ### Maintain Freshness
    Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping the salad, toppings, and dressing separate. This allows you to relish it as a fresh salad or incorporate it into pita pockets or wraps for a speedy lunch.

    ### Nutrition Facts (per serving)
    – **Calories**: 367
    – **Carbohydrates**: 21g
    – **Protein**: 26g
    – **Fat**: 22g
    – **Saturated Fat**: 3g
    – **Cholesterol**: 62mg
    – **Sodium**: 612mg
    – **Potassium**: 836mg
    – **Fiber**: 5g
    – **Sugar**: 14g
    – **Vitamin A**: 8319 IU
    – **Vitamin C**: 88mg
    – **Calcium**: 87mg
    – **Iron**: 2mg

    ### Final Thoughts
    This Mango Chicken Salad is not just visually appealing but also a wholesome choice that can be easily adapted to your preferences. Savor the lively flavors and fresh ingredients that make this dish a remarkable pick for any meal!

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    I Tried the New Limited-Edition Kraft Mac & Cheese Before It Hit Stores — Now I’m Petitioning to Make It Permanent

    I Tried the New Limited-Edition Kraft Mac & Cheese Before It Hit Stores — Now I’m Petitioning to Make It Permanent


    Classic mac, with a spicy-sweet twist.
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