How to Make the Best Cold Weather Drink With Just 5 Ingredients

In the summer, nothing beats an ice cold sangria. In the winter, nothing beats a hot cocktail — like a cup of spiced mulled wine by the fire. Whether you’re hosting girl’s night in or cozying up to Netflix and chill, this easy mulled wine recipe is the perfect adult beverage for cold weather. And it doesn’t hurt that all you have to do is throw it in the slow cooker for an hour or two. Best slow cooker recipe ever? You bet. Go ahead — try it, and we promise it’ll be your new favorite drink.

MulledWine-Finals-1

Ingredients:

— 1.5 liter (magnum) bottle of red wine (go for bold, big flavors)

— 1 bottle apple cider

— 4 whole cloves

— 3 cinnamon sticks

— 4 star anise

Tools:

— slow cooker or large saucepan

1. Pour all the liquid ingredients into slow cooker.

2. Add dry ingredients to the slow cooker.

3. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for at least one hour (and up to four hours). If you don’t have a slow cooker, bring ingredients to a boil in the saucepan and simmer for an hour.

Literally set it and forget it.

Add some fruit to make it prettier if you like!

Share pictures of your favorite winter cocktail with us using the hashtag #iamcreative.

Some desserts are timeless classics (looking at you, cookies and brownies), while others have truly faded into nostalgia territory. From over-the-top gelatin molds to fruity treats that peaked decades ago, certain sweets just don’t have the same appeal they once did.

If you’ve ever wondered which desserts are clinging to the past (and which ones you should definitely reconsider making in today's age), it’s time to take a deliciously nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Scroll on for 8 "old school" desserts that have lost their sweet charm.

مآمثلي آحد / PEXELS

1. Baked Alaska

This extravagant dessert featuring ice cream encased in cake and meringue was once a total showstopper at fine dining establishments. However, its complexity along with the rise of simpler, more modern frozen desserts has led it to fade from the dessert zeitgeist. It’s also quite tricky to prepare at home yourself, requiring careful timing and a quick broil – all without melting the ice cream inside.

Spend With Pennies

2. Ambrosia

Ambrosia was a true staple of mid-century American potlucks. It’s essentially a fruit salad mixed with canned mandarin oranges, pineapples, marshmallows, and coconut, often held together with whipped cream or (shudders) mayonnaise. It has fallen out of favor due to its heavy reliance on processed ingredients and a shift toward fresher, less-sugary desserts.

Betty Crocker

3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Oh, so retro! This buttery cake prepped with caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top was wildly popular in the 1950s and ‘60s, but isn’t too hot anymore since most dessert recipes these days tend to rely on less-processed, canned ingredients. At least it looks cool!

Allrecipes

4. Jell-O Salad

As another mid-century favorite, Jell-O salad combined flavored gelatin with a mix of fruits, marshmallows, and sometimes even vegetables like shredded carrots or olives (what the?!). Once an undeniable go-to for dinner parties and church potlucks, it’s now really seen as an oddity due to its artificial flavors, wobbly texture, and unconventional ingredient pairings.

Billie Lentz / Dupe

5. Chess Pie

Chess Pie is a simple (and very sweet) Southern dessert made from eggs, sugar, butter, and vinegar or lemon juice. It also boasts a rich, custard-like filling! While it still has a niche following, it has been overshadowed by trendier, more visually appealing pies like salted caramel or chocolate silk.

Felicity Tai / PEXELS

6. Fruit Cake

There was once a time where you couldn’t go wrong with fruit cake. This holiday staple, oftentimes packed with candied fruits and nuts, has earned a reputation for being overly-dense and cloyingly sweet. It’s also commonly mocked for its long shelf life and dry texture, making it more of a novelty than an actual dessert.

Allrecipes

7. Watergate Salad

A wacky creation of the 1970s, this pastel-green dessert featured pistachio pudding mix, Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and nuts. Though it was once pretty trendy for the times, its artificial flavors and processed ingredients make it feel super outdated in today’s era of more natural, whole-food desserts.

Markus Spiske / PEXELS

8. Rice Pudding

You don’t see this one too much anymore. While rice pudding was once pretty common, it has become eclipsed by trendier desserts like crème brûlée or mousse. Its soft, slightly mushy texture and simple ingredients may feel too plain for modern dessert lovers seeking more complex flavors and textures.

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It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Galentine’s Day comes but once a year, and it’s one of the holidays we get most excited about celebrating. This year when you’re brainstorming the perfect color scheme for your party or Galentine’s Day brunch, think pink! These 21 pink desserts recipes are the perfect treats to make your celebration feel as special as your friendships.

Raspberry Meringue Sandwiches

Baking a Moment

These light-as-a-cloud raspberry meringues are sandwiched with whipped chocolate ganache. It’s like each one holds a secret Galentine’s surprise inside. (via Baking a Moment)

Strawberry Bundt Cake

Caroline's Cooking

Roasted strawberries are the secret to this moist bundt cake. The freeze dried strawberries in the icing don’t hurt, either. (via Caroline’s Cooking)

Ultimate Strawberry Milkshake

The Lucky Pear

You know you’re enjoying a truly epic milkshake when you need to use a straw and a spoon to get down all the goodies. (via The Lucky Pear)

Strawberry Cupcakes

Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Filled with diced strawberries and pink sprinkles, these cupcakes are worthy of a celebration. Best of all, they’re finished off with a colorful swirl of frosting and a gumball for good measure. (via Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt)

Pink Ombre Rhubarb Mini Cakes

Lauren Caris Cooks

Mini ombre rhubarb cakes are pretty enough to double as Valentine’s Day decorations. Best of all, thanks to fresh rhubarb compote and rhubarb icing, they’re full of flavor too. (via Lauren Caris Cooks)

Ombre Peach Layer Cake

Live for Cake

Marvel at this gorgeous pink dessert recipe: Luscious layers of homemade peach jam are sandwiched by moist vanilla cake. The ombre frosting gives an elegant hint of the fruity surprise hiding within. (via Live for Cake)

Red Love Apple Galette

Eat Little Bird

Even if you love baking, little shortcuts are always appreciated. In this case, blushing red love apples are pretty enough that you don’t need to spend extra time decorating your dessert. (via Eat Little Bird)

Raspberry and Pink Lemon Sorbet

Circa Happy

If you’ve been scared to make ice cream at home, this recipe is for you. It takes just a handful of ingredients and is made in the food processor, without any fancy ice cream making equipment. (via Circa Happy)

Pink Champagne Macarons

Sprinkles for Breakfast

Nothing screams Galentine’s Day like all things bubbly and pink. That’s why these macarons, made with sparkling moscato, are the perfect pink dessert recipe. (via Sprinkles for Breakfast)

Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats

Dessert For Two

If you’re a fan of the classic Rice Krispies treats, wait until you try these. They’re not just pink — they get an extra boost of flavor from strawberry marshmallow creme. (via Dessert for Two)

Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Deliciously Sprinkled

Relive your childhood with these strawberry shortcake bars. And don’t forget: No one’s stopping you from adding any leftover strawberry crumbles to some softened vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. (via Deliciously Sprinkled)

Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Lovely Little Kitchen

You’ll see raspberries in a whole new light after tasting this decadent ice cream. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)

No Bake Pink Lemonade Pie

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Some Valentine’s Day desserts are a little too rich, but not this pie. It stays nice and light, thanks to the fluffy pink lemonade filling. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Blood Orange Cookies

Tutti Dolci

These colorful cookies get a citrusy boost thanks to a glossy coating of blood orange icing. But that’s not all — there’s blood orange juice in the cookie dough itself too. (via Tutti Dolci)

Pink Champagne Cake

Liv for Cake

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a piece of cake and a glass of Champagne. This treat combines both into one dessert you won’t be able to stop raving about. (via Liv for Cake)

Pink Mint Chocolate Bark

I Spy DIY

Peppermint bark isn’t just for Christmas. Here, it gets a Galentine’s Day makeover, thanks to candy melts and pastel nonpareils. (via I Spy DIY)

Grapefruit Champagne Mimosa Cupcakes

Baking a Moment

Grapefruit and Champagne cupcakes are the perfect toast to your friends this Galentine’s Day. Don’t be shy — you’ll want to spread extra grapefruit Champagne marshmallow frosting on each one. (via Baking a Moment)

Cherry Doughnut Holes

Just So Tasty

When doughnuts taste this good, they do double duty as breakfast and dessert. Just don’t forget a generous coating of two-ingredient icing to make them really special. (via Just So Tasty)

Pink Pomelo Rose Tarts

Butter and Brioche

Pomelo and rose make these silky tarts extra-fragrant. For even more pizzazz, each one is topped with a burnished cloud of honey meringue. (via Butter and Brioche)

Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies

Sally's Baking Addiction

Dark chocolate brownies are made extra-rich with the addition of a cheesecake swirl. There are fresh raspberries on top too, that help balance the ultra-decadent flavor. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

Meatloaf and Melodrama

There’s no need to break your back in the kitchen sweating over a batch of these strawberry crinkle cookies. They’re made with cake mix, so you can spend more time actually enjoying your dessert than making it. (via Meatloaf and Melodrama)

This post has been updated.

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.