Latest news with #SimplyRecipes
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Unforgettable Cucumber Sandwiches
I've been rapturously eating this sandwich every summer since Takeaways • Pair peanut butter—especially the crunchy variety—with cucumbers. It's an unusual but delicious upgrade that elevates the simplest cucumber sandwich into something memorable. • The creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter pairs beautifully with the fresh, watery crunch of cucumber, creating a contrast classic spreads like cream cheese can't match. • You can build it as a sandwich using whole‑grain bread or, for a low‑carb version, dip cucumber spears directly into peanut your pantry, at this very moment, sits the key ingredient to transforming an ordinary cucumber sandwich from a watery, forgettable snack to a sandwich that'll blow your mind. Exactly in what way it'll blow your mind is up for debate, but it's worth trying just for the experience—and it might just become your new summer go-to. This take on a cucumber sandwich exists somewhat in the shadowy fringes of sandwich subculture. You won't see it on deli menus or tea party platters, but I'm a diehard fan, and I know I'm not the only one. Though the combo may sound oddball, it's a match made in heaven. If you know, you know. The Cucumber Sandwich Upgrade You'll Never Forget It's peanut butter. Yes, that's it. The sandwich soul mate of cucumber slices is peanut butter, a spread usually relegated to other, less dynamic if beloved sandwiches (ahem, PB&J). When Simply Recipes reader Bill Hunsinger wrote to us in response to a previous cucumber sandwich article we published, I sat up and took notice. 'If you want the absolute best-tasting cucumber sandwich you'll ever taste, make a peanut butter and cucumber sandwich,' he said. ' I learned this from my father, who I believe either learned it from his parents during the depression of the 1930s or when he was in the Air Force during World War II, which at that time was called the Army Air Corp.' Well! I've been rapturously eating peanut butter and cucumber sandwiches every summer since 2013 or so, and I've rarely encountered others with the same habit. It was great to talk shop. Bill went on to explain how he makes his take on his father's sandwich. How To Make a Peanut Butter and Cucumber Sandwich Two slices of the best whole-grain bread you can find One healthy helping of peanut butter, crunchy or creamy, your choice Enough cucumber slices (as thick as you want them) to cover the bread slice, usually four or six Put the two slices together, take a bite and enjoy "If you're not into a sandwich or you're watching your carbs closely, forget the bread and cut a cucumber into spears and then drag through the peanut butter still in the jar. Regardless of how you enjoy this combination, you'll find peanut butter (especially crunchy, my favorite) and cucumber is an unbeatable flavor that will make you wonder why you never tried this before. I learned this recipe 63 years ago, and I love it as much today as I did back in 1961." Bill mentioned the reaction he's received over the years when he's related this sandwich to others. 'It's usually the same face most people get when trying to describe biting into a lemon.' Who Even Eats This Sandwich? Besides me, Bill, and his dad, who else covets peanut butter and cucumber sandwiches? There are precedents: Think of fresh spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce or Indonesian gado-gago. The richness of the peanut butter sets alight the juicy crunch of cucumber in a way that spreads like Boursin or cream cheese just can't. Also, peanut butter is inexpensive, non-perishable, and needs no softening. It's always ready to be turned into a delightful sandwich. Its substantial body and nutritional density make a cucumber sandwich a meal that sticks with you. A 2013 story on NPR initially tipped me off on the cucumber-peanut butter combo. The sandwich mentioned in that story was far more elaborate, a pile of fresh garden vegetables (tomato, onion, cucumber) with cheese and a finishing slick of peanut butter. Like Bill's sandwich, it employs whole-grain bread. NPR listeners voted the recipe the winner of the 'Taste of Summer' competition that year; its down-home ingenuity must have struck a chord. Over the years, I pared down my take on it to just peanut butter, tomato, and cucumber. I only eat it this way if the tomatoes are big, fat, homegrown ones, and it's the messiest thing ever (I like thick, even layers of crunchy natural peanut butter on both slices of bread). You have to assemble the sandwich and eat it immediately, preferably over the sink with paper towels nearby. Usually, I toast the bread lightly so it holds up to the juicy vegetables better. Whole-grain bread is a common thread with this otherwise malleable sandwich. I asked Bill what he likes. 'I love Arnold's Whole Grains Healthy Multi-Grain,' he wrote back. 'It has an earthy, natural flavor without tasting like I just shoved my face into a pile of dirt and yet it's subtle enough so that it doesn't take away from the flavor created when cucumber and peanut butter combine on my taste buds.' If you've made it this far, you probably have your own personal history with peanut butter and cucumber sandwiches. If so, I'd love to know more, so and let us know how you make yours and where you first came across it. Many thanks to Bill for reminding us about this oldie but goodie of a summer sandwich combo. Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Coleslaw will taste even better if you follow one one simple step when making it
The dish is the perfect addition to a summer meal. Coleslaw is an absolute staple with meals during the summer months. Its creaminess and super crunch makes it a firm favourite as a salad topper, barbecue side dish, and as a "picky bits" staple. Making your own version of the dish has many benefits, namely being able to customise it to your exact liking. And while many think they've managed to perfect this delicious cabbage, carrot, and onion-based dish, one foodie says her grandmother had the best secret for the most amazing coleslaw, writes The Express. Food writer and photographer Mackenzie Schieck says there's one thing that sets her family recipe apart from most. She explained: "Most coleslaws have slices of cabbage and other ingredients that are small-ish but clearly discernible from one another." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But Mackenzie's grandma did something differently. "She chopped her ingredients more finely than anyone else", said the Simply Recipes writer. However, many foodies would argue that finely chopping the ingredients removes one of the best parts of this dish, the distinct crunchiness. After all, most recipes call for shredded vegetables, which is how achieve the lovely textured strands of colour throughout the creamy sauce. But Mackenzie insists that chopping everything up "extra small" lends the coleslaw to being "hands-down the most melt-in-your-mouth slaw" she's ever had. That said, it's important to note that the coleslaw still has a "nice crunch" while melding with the sauce in a way many don't. How to make tastier coleslaw Good chopping skills aren't necessary to replicate this clever coleslaw hack if you have a blender to hand. The Simply Recipes writer suggests shredding the veggies in the blender one ingredient at a time, until they are lightly shredded into large chunks. Then, use a knife to chop everything up to your desired size. Of course, Mackenzie's grandma would suggest that smaller is better. Coleslaw recipe Ingredients One small white cabbage or half a large one Four carrots, peeled One large red onion Half a small bunch of dill Chives, parsley or coriander, finely chopped (optional) One tbsp Dijon mustard 50g mayonnaise 50g yoghurt Sour cream or more mayo One to two tbsp white wine vinegar A few pinches of paprika Method This "classic" homemade coleslaw recipe by Good Food can be made in a few simple steps: Remove any bruised or damaged outer cabbage leaves, then halve through the stem and remove the core with a sharp knife. Put the cut side down onto a cutting board and slice into fine shreds (or place a few chunks into a blender), then chop finely. Grate or blend the carrots, then slice the onion as finely as possible and add to the bowl with the cabbage. Add the herbs to the mixture, then take a jug and whisk the mustard, mayo, yoghurt and vinegar. Season well to taste, adding more vinegar if necessary. Tip the dressing into the vegetable bowl and mix everything together with a large spoon to coat the vegetables. Sprinkle with a few pinches of paprika, and serve straight away. The mixture can be covered and chilled for up to three days. Mix well before serving.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Upgrade your ice, ditch this morning phone habit and check out this cucumber hack for eggs — plus 11 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, health enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share the internet's best tips for living well this week. It's Father's Day, and Yahoo Life spoke with some of our favorite dads about how they raise their kids and keep their bond strong. Actor and author Hill Harper, who is a single dad to his 9-year-old son, Pierce, tells Yahoo Life that he's limiting his child's screen time and instead prioritizing extracurriculars like sports — and even a Mandarin course! Meanwhile, content creator and dad Strider Patton is connecting with his daughter in a unique way: by braiding her hair. He's also sharing videos of himself working on new hairstyles and building a girl dad community in the process. One way you can show appreciation for your own dad — or father figure — this Father's Day? Write them a gratitude note. Research shows that it can increase our own feelings of well-being and happiness while making us more satisfied in our relationships. Plus, it's a way better gift than a new pair of dress socks. Want to dive into your best week yet? Peek at the local weather forecast, and check out your horoscope if you're seeking some astrological guidance. Then read up on the small steps you can take this week and beyond. This hack from Simply Recipes is genius — and it's zero waste! Next time you're cutting up lemon or ginger for a recipe, save a few extra slices and plop them on a tray. Stash them in the freezer, and hours later, you'll have 'ice' that doubles as additional flavoring for your water. This is especially good for people who find plain water a little bit blah and end up reaching for sweetened beverages, which come with extra sugar and calories instead. Another idea to try: Cube watermelon or cucumber and freeze them for a refreshing, vitamin-packed alternative to ice. It's a common habit: Our alarm goes off, and suddenly, we're scrolling on our phones before we have a chance to even think about what we're doing. Heart health experts tell Parade it's time to stop. Why? There are a few reasons. Dr. Paul Bhella, a cardiologist, tells the outlet that psychological stressors are 'linked to high blood pressure and heart disease in the form of heart attacks and heart failure," and getting a stream of messages — or even just reading not-so-great news — can set us up for stress and anxiety. But it's more than that. Experts say that the minutes you spend scrolling mean you have less time for healthy habits, like making yourself a nutrient-rich breakfast, exercising or taking mindful moments for yourself — all things that can protect your heart over time. So, instead of wasting 10 minutes in the morning checking texts, use that time for something more productive and stress-reducing, like stretching or taking a walk around the block. Can you fry eggs without oil? Maybe … if you have a cucumber handy. A viral hack on social media claims that rubbing a cut cucumber on a hot pan can create a nonstick surface for frying eggs — no oil needed. There could be some science behind it, dietitian Heather Martin, who tried the trick herself, tells Today. Cucumbers secrete a starchy, gel-like liquid containing compounds like MLPs (major latex-like proteins), which might temporarily seal pan pores and reduce sticking. Martin tried the hack with multiple veggies — including cucumbers, zucchini and onions — and found that while all helped release eggs from both nonstick and stainless steel pans with minimal sticking, unlike oil, they required close attention to ensure the eggs would slide off smoothly. Still, if you're seeking to cut calories you would otherwise find in the oil — or are just curious in case you ever run out of your EVOO — consider slicing up a cuke and trying it yourself. Summer is the season for stone fruit — think fruits with a pit, like plums, peaches and nectarines. These vitamin-packed fruits are rich in fiber, which is important for protecting gut health and even warding off colon cancer. Dietitian Valerie Agyeman tells USA Today that there are lots of fun ways to eat stone fruits, including throwing them on the BBQ. "Grilled plums with cinnamon make such a simple but sweet treat,' she shares. Spoon some protein-rich Greek yogurt on top for a healthy twist on dessert. If you're struggling with a lack of motivation and feelings of disconnection, you may assume you're dealing with depression. It could be something else: functional freeze, a term experts use to describe that numb, detached feeling that can arise due to ongoing or overwhelming stress. Unlike with depression, in which you might feel overwhelming sadness, 'when you're experiencing a functional freeze response, one of the primary symptoms is dissociation,' Dr. Willough Jenkins, a child psychiatrist, tells Women's Health. While seeking out professional help is important, one thing you can do is try grounding techniques to get you back into your body: Consider the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, in which you identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. Or, try progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), tensing and then releasing a specific part of your body before moving on to the next. Relationship experts spoke to Self about the bad habits you should nix in your romantic partnerships. One surprising thing to avoid is bringing humor into every conversation. While it's important to be able to laugh with your love, psychotherapist Janet Bayramyan tells the magazine that cracking jokes during difficult talks can occur when one person is 'uncomfortable or incapable of having tough conversations and emotional intimacy,' leading them to use 'humor to deflect.' If you find yourself falling into this pattern, she says, be honest. You can 'let your partner know there's a part of you that wants to deflect because you have a hard time with serious conversations.' Getting vulnerable — and being accepted for it by your person — can make you less likely to crack a joke and more capable of diving into the hard stuff. Do you douse your sushi in soy sauce? You could be overdoing it on sodium, which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure. One swap to consider is to use coconut aminos, experts tell Women's Health. This slightly sweeter sauce is rich in umami flavor but much lower in sodium (just 270 milligrams per tablespoon compared to soy sauce's 879 milligrams). That's a big deal if you're watching your salt intake or trying to stay under the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans limit of 2,300 milligrams. Coconut aminos are also naturally gluten-free and soy-free, so they're perfect for people with allergies. Lobster rolls are a summertime favorite, but lobster is pricy, which is why you may be seeking an alternative for the iconic beach sandwich. One option, according to the Takeout, is to use monkfish instead. Like lobster, it's meaty rather than flaky, meaning it works great when mixed with mayo, chives and other ingredients common in this sandwich. Plus, monkfish has crucial nutrients, such as B vitamins and selenium. Sautée your fish in butter, or poach it in salted water for the best results. As EatingWell reports, black pepper is getting more expensive due to shortages and looming tariffs. If it's your go-to way to jazz up a dish, the higher price point is a good excuse to shake something else on your food, including some other spices that have health benefits. Try turmeric to help fight inflammation — it adds warmth and color to soups and curries as well as scrambled eggs and roasted veggies. Or reach for cinnamon — yes, even when a dish is savory. Not only does cinnamon support healthy blood sugar levels, it also gives dishes like chili, roasted squash or chicken more depth of flavor. A study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that people recovering from heart issues, including heart attacks, had a much lower risk of another event if they swapped just 30 minutes a day of sitting still with some form of movement — or even extra sleep. Study participants who incorporated even light activity, like walking or standing more throughout the day, saw a 50% to 60% drop in repeat heart attacks or cardiac events. Why? 'Movement is the current that keeps everything flowing,' Dr. Robert Segal tells CNN. 'Sitting still for hours is like damming up a stream — things get sluggish, pressure builds and debris (in this case, fats, glucose, clots) accumulate in the blood vessels.' One way to get up without doing a hardcore workout? Try 'exercise snacks' — aka movement that you sneak in throughout the day. Do some jumping jacks at your desk, run up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or walk to the bathroom on the far side of the office instead of using the one closest to you. Diets like Atkins and keto say carbs are a no-go, but it's not necessarily the best approach, experts tell EatingWell. Cutting carbs drastically can lead to nutrition deficiencies, such as a lack of 'folate, antioxidants and fiber,' explains nutritionist McKenzie Caldwell. While cake and cookies are carbs that offer little in the way of nutrients, complex carbs like whole grains, fruits and starchy veggies are your body's preferred fuel source, dietitian Samantha DeVito adds. 'When you drastically reduce your intake, you might feel sluggish, irritable or find it harder to concentrate,' she notes. That's why it's so hard to stick to a low-carb diet long-term. Choose carbs like oats and sweet potatoes, and pair them with protein and healthy fats to support your blood sugar for sustained, steady energy and proper nutrition. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to open a jar of pasta sauce for dinner and finding the darn thing just won't budge, no matter how much elbow grease you put in. Fortunately, our friends at the Takeout have a simple solution: Run the lid under hot water to expand the metal and loosen the vacuum seal. Hot water not doing the trick? You can also give the lid a few firm taps with a butter knife, or use the knife to gently pry under the edge like a lever. Both methods help break the seal and make twisting much easier. Are you always reaching for chips after a tough day at work? Dietitian Jessica Levinson tells Prevention that you can break that stress-eating habit by getting into a better one. Instead of heading to the pantry when you're stressed, lace up your shoes and take a walk. This will disrupt your snacking and make you feel better afterward, which can lead you to no longer crave your previous snack. 'Exercise releases endorphins that can stimulate relaxation, and the fresh air is also a natural stress reducer,' she notes. Not only will you feel calmer and better able to make healthier food choices, you'll also break up sedentary time, which comes with a slew of physical and mental health risks. Food scraps like broccoli stems, radish tops and beet greens don't need to end up in the garbage disposal. Instead, they can become flavorful dishes that stretch your grocery budget, plant-based blogger and Scrappy Cooking author Carleigh Bodrug tells CNN. The food expert says that simple swaps — like saving broccoli stalks for vegetable fries or tossing carrot tops into pesto — can help families save more than $1,000 a year on groceries. Another tip? Stop tossing food that is past its 'best before' date, which can be arbitrary, and use your senses to assess if it's worth throwing out. Slimy cucumbers or mushy fruit can get tossed, but cauliflower that still smells and looks fresh is OK. 'I still have waste, but if we're being more mindful about what we buy, we're going to have less waste over time, which really adds up,' Bodrug says.
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Simple three-ingredient salad dressing recipe is perfect for summer
A quick and easy salad dressing recipe that requires just three store cupboard ingredients has gone viral, and people are desperate to try it out for themselves. Salad is an essential fixture of the summer dining table, and everyone has their preferred way to savour it. For some, a fresh garden salad complements the main dish well, whilst others make a hearty meal of it by packing in fats, proteins, and carbs— for instance, with dishes like chicken Caesar or salad Niçoise. One widely accepted notion is that salad is elevated with a splash of dressing, yet many off-the-shelf dressings tend to go off before you've had the chance to use up the bottle. A straightforward concoction of three pantry staples might just solve your issues of eating undressed greens. According to Simply Recipes, this luscious dressing involves merely three ingredients and takes no longer than five minutes to create from scratch. It's quite adaptable, suitable for dressing simple salads, notably those containing chicken, and ideal as well for whipping up homemade coleslaw. Rachel Knecht from Simply Recipes mentions she often whips up this sweetened dressing "on repeat" to complement her preferred salad made of grilled chicken, white rice, crisp iceberg lettuce, and thin carrot strips, reports the Express. The base formula is quite simple: just blend together rice vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise. Rachel points out: "Sometimes you'll find sesame oil or poppy seeds added. I add salt, but again, you could skip it if you want to." For the serving size, Rachel's recipe yields about half a cup, which suffices to nicely cover a full head of iceberg lettuce, making roughly four portions. Creamy salad dressing recipe Ingredients 1/4 cup rice vinegar Two tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (optional) One teaspoon sesame oil (optional) 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional) Method Rachel points out that the simplicity of this recipe allows for easy adjustments according to personal taste preferences. She describes her original version as "more tangy than sweet" but suggests increasing the sugar incrementally by one teaspoon if needed, allowing for flexibility in flavour. For best results, using full-fat mayonnaise is encouraged, as it helps prevent the mixture from curdling when it meets the vinegar. This also grants the added benefit of making the sauce ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator for as long as two days, without compromising texture. The first step in creating the dressing is combining the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into a small container and whisking until smooth. You can stop whisking once the sugar and salt have dissolved. Then, incorporate the mayonnaise by whisking, ensuring the dressing's silky texture. You may also whisk in sesame oil and poppy seeds at this time if you decide to use them. If desired, season with pepper for extra flavour. Now, pour the dressing gently into a bowl containing your freshly washed salad before tossing the mix to blend all the ingredients together.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dips, Chips And Forecast Tips: Transform Your Super Bowl Menu Based On Your Weather
It's the mainstay of football gatherings nationwide: The dip. Stock up on crackers or chips, pita and pretzels because you know that the dip you serve – whether hot or cold – will be the superstar of the Super Bowl party. According to Google Trends, Americans have been searching for their favorite appetizer over the past few weeks and they're looking for crowd-pleasing flavors that everyone can recognize. Dips are easy to make and can feed crowds of people efficiently. These communal dishes encourage sharing and socializing, which every good host knows are the keys to a successful watch party. And on a cold winter game night, they can warm guests up with a little heat, spice and zing. This year's winner? Buffalo Chicken Dip, the easier-to-eat-than-wings party staple, dominates in 13 states, including much of the Northeast. But other hot dishes are in close competition: Queso and Cheese Dip variations are also very popular this year in the South. So let's add one more ingredient to these party recipes… the weather. And whether you're dealing with cold temperatures, mild winter days or leftover snow and ice, we have your dips. You just have to buy the chips. Many, many parties will feature Buffalo Chicken Dip. This recipe from Brown Eyed Baker is an easy classic that features three different layers of flavors, focusing on the power trio that is hot sauce, chicken and cheese. Try corn chips as an alternative dipper to complement these sharp, pungent flavors. What's the Weather There? 'Just like that one person you invite to your Super Bowl party who has to leave early, Winter Storm Garnett should leave New England by afternoon. It will be breezy, but not as cold as it could be this time of year,' said senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. Switch up the flavor profile and give a nod to Kansas City-style barbecue with a tomato-based, sweet and smoky dip. Toss ingredients into a slow cooker if you wish, and allow the thicker, sweeter KC BBQ dish to bubble away until game time. Creme de la Crumb offers an easy recipe that you can make ahead of time. Serve this with crusty bread to make it more like a meal. What's The Weather There? 'Like the chips left on your plate, after you ate all the dip, much of the central U.S. will be dry. Not shockingly, it will be cold, too,' according to Erdman. Looking for an Instagram-worthy choice that's popular with partygoers? Many states in the South are searching for recipes for cheese dip or queso. This dip works for all ages and that trendy cheese pull is oh-so-satisfying with a salty tortilla chip. Customize with taco meat, peppers, tomatoes or even bacon to make it your own, as this recipe from Simply Recipes suggests. What's The Weather There? Erdman has this to say to Southerners: 'Floridians, including snowbirds and other tourists, just take your chips and queso, some towels, a good book and hang out at the beach all day. Make sure to tease your friends in cold places on social media. And you can still make it home in time for the big game.' Guacamole is a traditional cold dip that's fresh, healthy and delicious, but we're offering a twist on the classic with this avocado dip recipe from My Baking Addiction. And the best part? This dish can be made as mild or as spicy as you want. It's smooth and creamy, thanks to ingredients like sour cream and cream cheese. Make it a few hours before the party and chill it in the refrigerator until kickoff. What's The Weather There? 'Take that spread of food and a TV outside on the patio if you're in the Southwest Sunday. Can we come over around 5 p.m.? We'll bring whatever you want. If you're in the northern Rockies, go skiing first, then load up on chips and dip at the bar after,' said Erdman. I Predict 6 More Weeks Of Baking: Banana Bread Meal In A Bowl: Italian Wedding Soup Winter's Cheesy, Cozy Comfort Food: Homemade Macaroni And Cheese
