4 Perfectly Cozy Recipes From 'A Couple Cooks' To Make Together With Your Partner

Oct 17, 2024

When Sonja and Alex Overhiser got hitched, they wanted to start hosting friends and family for dinner. But there was a problem: neither one of them really knew how to cook. “We started the A Couple Cooks blog to document our learning to cook together, and it gradually grew into both of our full-time jobs,” says Sonja. What they found in the process was that cooking together was actually fun. Also: cooking together can bring you closer and inspire new recipes that you love, and it encourages you to build community.

“For us, food has always been about people," adds Alex. "So we thought it would be especially meaningful to write a book about the joy of togetherness in the kitchen, and inspire other people to grab a partner (significant other, family member, or friend) and whip up something delicious together.”

Their new book A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together releases this week and makes a great holiday, wedding, or anniversary gift for couples, new and seasoned. Here, Sonja shares a few tips for cooking with your partner, plus four comforting and delicious recipes excerpted from the book!

Tips For Cooking With Your Partner

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Share in the planning and prep

The holidays can be kind of stressful (and sometimes we look forward with both excitement and dread!). Having another person share in the planning and prepping can de-stress the activity and even make it fun! Plus, you can create fun memories around new dishes you try (like, remember Alex, when we made that amazing apple galette with bourbon salted caramel for Thanksgiving?).

Focus on individual tasks (over a glass of wine?)

We each have our own skills and preferences. Alex is really good at things like making bread or searing meat, so he takes the lead in those sort of recipes. I tend toward prepping soups, salads, quick breads, desserts, and overall meal planning / strategizing. But often we'll change things up depending on the recipe! It's really a kitchen dance.

Put the relationship first

We often argue over the final seasoning and how much salt to add at the end of a recipe! I generally add too much to trying to get the flavor "pop" so Alex has to hold me back. Or we spar over how to style things on a plate (that's more of a food photography argument, but it translates to meals too!).

We've learned to really listen to each other and back down if we find the other person is very passionate about something. Of course, that could end in an "I told you so" moment later, but we've found that we try to remember that relationship and the experience is more important than one person being "right".

Don’t forget the herbs!

Our favorite cooking hack: Using fresh herbs! Every recipe is a little better with a few chopped herbs. We have an herb garden and some favorites are dill, basil, thyme, mint, and tarragon, and our rosemary and sage even hang through late fall to winter. If you don't have a garden, buying fresh herbs is absolutely worth the few extra dollars for the difference in flavor.

Recipes Excerpted From A Couple Cooks

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Harvest Caesar Bowl

Here’s a bowl that’s endlessly customizable—a riff on a dinner we started eating on repeat around the birth of our daughter and still do today! What began as a pregnancy craving for Caesar salad turned into a weeknight main dish with a rotating topping of veggies, chicken, or shrimp. (We’ll always remember devouring a takeout version in the hospital room while awaiting the baby’s arrival!) This satisfying combination of roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned chickpeas, and shaved Parmesan cheese is topped with an irresistibly creamy, Greek yogurt–based spin on Caesar (though feel free to use store-bought dressing if you’re pressed for time). Customize the bowl by adding cooked chicken or a grain like rice or quinoa, making it a filling meal that never gets old.

SERVES 4

2 lb [910 g] sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), skin on, scrubbed and cut into ¾ in [2 cm] dice
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (see Tips)
¾ tsp kosher salt
15 oz [430 g] can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 1½ cups [240 g] cooked chickpeas
⅛ tsp cumin
Freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch (about 8 oz [230 g]) Tuscan kale, washed, torn into bite-size pieces, and massaged
2 romaine hearts (about 8 oz [230 g]), chopped
2 cups [120 g] chopped red cabbage
¼ cup [18 g] Parmesan cheese shavings
¼ cup [35 g] roasted pepitas (see Tips)
1 recipe Creamy Parmesan Dressing (see page 189) or 1 cup [240 g] store-bought Caesar dressing

Preheat the oven to 450°F [230°C].
In a large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the garlic powder, chili powder, Old Bay, and ¼ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potatoes on it in an even layer. Bake, without flipping, until the cubes are tender and browned, 25 to 27 minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix the chickpeas with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the cumin, the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
To serve, divide the kale and romaine among four shallow bowls or plates. Top with the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, cabbage, Parmesan cheese, and pepitas. Drizzle generously with the dressing and serve.

Creamy Parmesan Dressing

¼ cup [60 g] mayonnaise
½ cup [120 g] Greek yogurt
¼ cup [8 g] finely grated
Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar
½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
½ tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

To make the dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until a creamy dressing forms. If necessary, stir in 1 tablespoon of water to bring the dressing to a pourable consistency (this varies based on the yogurt brand).

Tips

Don’t have Old Bay? Substitute ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus an additional ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt. If all you can find is raw pepitas, you can toast them yourself in a skillet over medium heat until they start to pop and become golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

Cooking Together

While one of you gets the sweet potatoes in the oven and chops the fresh vegetables for the bowl, the other can mix up the chickpeas and the dressing.

For Vegan

Use Lemon Tahini Sauce and omit the Parmesan shavings.

Storage

Leftovers will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

Diet Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan option

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Spiced Latte Loaf

The moist slices of this fun and funky quick bread are reminiscent of a chai latte, with notes of milky vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The best part is when you cut the first slice to show the beautiful spiced swirl decoration inside. There are a few components to assemble, so it’s nice to have a partner to help with this baking project. One day we had the crazy idea of slicing up leftovers into strips and baking it to make biscotti, and it’s surprisingly effective. The crunchy strips pair well with morning coffee or an afternoon snack.

MAKES ONE 9 X 5 IN [23 X 13 CM] LOAF

1½ Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ cup [52 g] packed light brown sugar
2 ¼ cups [315 g] all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup [200 g] granulated sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
½ tsp kosher salt
1 egg
1 cup [240 ml] milk of choice
¼ cup [60 ml] neutral oil
¼ cup [60 ml] unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350°F [180°C]. Butter a 9 x 5 in [23 x 13 cm] metal loaf pan.
In a small bowl, stir together the spice mix: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
In a medium bowl, make the streusel topping: Add the brown sugar, ¼ cup [35 g] of the flour, and 1 teaspoon of the spice mix to the bowl and mix lightly with a fork. Continue mixing while pouring in the melted butter until a crumbly mixture forms. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups [280 g] of flour and the granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a smooth batter forms. Pour ¾ cup [180 g] of the batter into a liquid measuring cup and stir the remaining spice mix into the measuring cup to create a darker spiced batter.
Pour about half the vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it into an even layer with a spatula. Pour the spiced batter on top and smooth it, then pour on the remaining vanilla batter and smooth it. To swirl the batters together, insert a butter knife in the top corner of the pan so it just touches the bottom. Draw about 3 large S shapes through the entire pan, then repeat in a slightly different position. Rotate the pan 90 degrees and make 2 large S shapes in the other direction. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the streusel.
Bake the loaf for 50 to 55 minutes, until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and invert the loaf onto a cooling rack. Let cool fully to room temperature (30 minutes to 1 hour) before cutting into slices.

Tip

Turn leftovers into biscotti! Cut ¾ in [2 cm] thick slices into 1 in [2.5 cm] wide strips, then bake at 300°F [149°C] for 45 to 55 minutes, until golden brown and mostly crisp (they will firm up as they cool). Let cool for 30 minutes. Store in a sealed container with a paper towel. Serve with coffee or tea.

Cooking Together

Have one person start with the streusel topping while the other makes the batter. Then assemble the loaf together.

Storage

The loaf will keep, wrapped in aluminum foil, at room temperature for 4 days, or refrigerated for 10 days (bring to room temperature before enjoying). To store frozen for up to 3 months, slice the loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container.

Diet Vegetarian

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Apple Galette with Bourbon Caramel

This rustic French tart lets you skip fiddling with pie dough to make free-form folded layers of golden pastry. Piling the crust full of cinnamon-spiced apples is a fun fall treat, but of course you can indulge any time of the year. There are endless variations on this type of fruit tart. Serve with melty vanilla ice cream, or even better, drizzle with gooey Bourbon Salted Caramel. The mad scientist in you will love how easy it is to make a caramel sauce out of a few basic ingredients.

SERVES 8

Galette Dough

1½ cups [210 g] all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp baking powder
10 Tbsp [150 g] cold unsalted butter or vegan butter
5 to 6 Tbsp [80 to 90 ml] cold water
1 egg, for the egg wash
1 Tbsp Demerara or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Filling

1 lb [455 g] crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp (about 2 large), unpeeled, thinly cut into ⅛ in [3 mm] slices (3½ cups sliced)
2 Tbsp light brown sugar
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp allspice
⅛ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into very small pieces Bourbon Salted Caramel (recipe follows)

To make the galette dough, in a medium bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and baking powder. Cut the butter into small pieces, then use a pastry blender or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until mostly incorporated and a pebbly texture forms, with pea-size or smaller pieces.
Sprinkle 5 tablespoons [80 ml] of the cold water over the flour, mixing gradually with a fork until the flour is mostly incorporated. Knead with your fingers until the dough comes together, adding the additional 1 tablespoon water. (If the mixture is still too floury, add ½ tablespoon more water.) Form the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a thick disk. Chill the crust in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1 hour (see Tips).
Preheat the oven to 375°F [190°C] and line a rimmed baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. Flour a work surface.
To make the filling, in a medium bowl, stir the apple slices with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cornstarch until fully coated.
On the floured surface, roll out the dough into an even 12 in [30 cm] circle (if necessary, move the dough around and add a bit more flour underneath to keep it from sticking). Carefully transfer the dough to the parchment paper.
Fan out small handfuls of apple slices and layer them on the crust, reserving the juices at the bottom of the bowl. Leave at least 2 inches of dough uncovered around the outside edge. Fold the outside edges of the dough over the filling, overlapping the folds to form a partial top crust. Pour the reserved juice over the exposed apple slices in the center.
Dot the apple slices evenly with the small pieces of butter. Whisk the egg and use a pastry brush to brush it over the crust. Sprinkle the crust and filling with Demerara or turbinado sugar (or more granulated sugar).
Bake until the crust is golden brown, 38 to 40 minutes. Transfer the galette on the parchment paper to a baking rack and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before cutting into pieces and serving. Drizzle with Bourbon Salted Caramel (recipe follows) before serving, or top with ice cream.

Bourbon Salted Caramel

MAKES ⅔ CUP [160 ML]

½ cup [100 g] granulated sugar
¼ cup [60 ml] water
½ tsp kosher salt
⅓ cup [80 ml] heavy cream
½ Tbsp bourbon (see Tips)
¼ tsp vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, water, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the sugar and salt are dissolved and it starts to boil, about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat slightly to a simmer and cook, constantly bubbling, until the sugar turns deep amber, 8 to 11 minutes. Occasionally give a gentle stir with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Watch closely toward the end of the cooking time, as the color darkens quickly.
Once the sugar turns deep amber, immediately reduce the heat to low. Add the cream, which will cause the mixture to bubble vigorously; stir constantly with a spatula, until it is a rich caramel color, about 90 seconds. Stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract and cook for 20 seconds more.
Transfer the caramel to a small bowl to cool, leaving any hardened bits of sugar in the pan. Let cool and thicken for 10 minutes before serving. It will keep thickening the longer it sits; if it becomes too thick, reheat gently before serving (see Tips).

Tips

Galettes are endlessly customizable! For the filling, use 3 cups of any seasonal fruit, ⅓ to ½ cup [65 to 100 g] of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Taste and adjust the filling as desired based on the sweetness of the fruit. Try peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, and more.

Make the crust in advance for easy prep. The dough will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days. Before rolling, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Or wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months, then defrost overnight in the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature before rolling.

You can also make the caramel sauce in advance. Refrigerate the sauce, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Omit the bourbon in the caramel sauce if desired. It’s just as tasty!

Liqueur Pairing

After the galette, enjoy a small glass of Amaro Nonino Quintessentia or Amaro Averna. These caramel-colored liqueurs have a bittersweet, smooth finish and an herbal complexity that complements the apples’ natural tartness.

Cooking Together

After the dough is chilled, have one person roll out the dough while the other person makes the filling. Then whip up the caramel sauce together while the galette bakes.

For Vegan

Use vegan butter and, instead of using the egg wash, brush the crust with nondairy milk. Omit the salted caramel.

Storage

Leftovers will keep, refrigerated, for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Diet

Vegetarian, vegan option

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Mini Cardamon Cinnamon Rolls

What’s a better weekend baking project than ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls? The star here is the cardamom-orange filling, inspired by a cardamom bun we had on a Sunday morning bakery run in Chicago. (We couldn’t pass up a visit to Lost Larson bakery, since it’s the name of our son, which he found wildly amusing.)

This makes a 9 x 9 pan of mini rolls, so you can eat more than one and have enough to go around! Baking is a two-day process (since who wants to wake up 3 hours beforehand?). Start the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight, then bake them in the a.m. and enjoy the cinnamon-spiced scent wafting through your kitchen.

MAKES 16 SMALL ROLLS

Dough

3 cups [420 g] bread flour
¼ cup [50 g] granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) [21 g] instant yeast (see Tips)
1 tsp kosher salt
4 Tbsp [55 g] unsalted butter
1 cup [240 ml] milk
1 egg, beaten

Filling

½ cup [100 g] packed light brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp lightly packed orange zest
1½ Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Frosting

½ cup [60 g] powdered sugar
1 Tbsp milk
⅛ tsp vanilla extract

To make the dough, in the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and kosher salt. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the milk and heat until lukewarm (warm to the touch, but not hot, or between 105° and 115°F [40° and 45°C]).
Pour the butter and milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and stir with a fork until a rough dough forms. Attach a dough hook to the mixer and mix on medium-low speed for 6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and stretchy. The dough should be very sticky and will not form a ball in the mixer. (You can also knead the dough by hand; keep in mind it will be very sticky at first.)
Flour a work surface, scrape the dough onto it, and knead it a few times, then shape it into a rough ball. Place the dough ball in a large clean bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm location until doubled in size, 1 to 1½ hours.
To make the filling, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest. Grease a metal 9 x 9 in [23 x 23 cm] baking dish.
Lightly flour a work surface and scoop the dough onto it. Gently roll out the dough into a 12 x 12 in [30 x 30 cm] square. Tug the corners a bit to make them as square as possible. Brush the dough with the melted butter, leaving a ½ in [13 mm] border unbrushed at the left and right edges.

Tips

Instant yeast (rather than active dry yeast) is required for this recipe, which allows quick rise times. If using active dry yeast, the rise times will be about double.

To bake the cinnamon rolls the day of, proceed immediately to baking. Bake 20 minutes covered with foil, then uncovered about 10 minutes, checking whether they are cooked through using a food thermometer.

Cooking Together

This is a baking project that’s much easier with a partner! It’s often helpful to have one person read the recipe out loud while the other gets their hands into the dough. Trade off on tasks and enjoy the process.

Storage

The cinnamon rolls will keep at room temperature, covered with aluminum foil, for up to 2 days. Reheat, covered, at 350°F [180°C] until warmed through,10 to 12 minutes.

Diet

Vegetarian

Thanks Sonja and Alex! Check out A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together for more delicious recipes you can cook together.

Check out our Pinterest for more recipes too!

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25 Dessert Pizza Recipes That Are A Little Slice Of Heaven

There are many ways to enjoy a great dessert pizza. Deep dish or flatbread, healthy or indulgent — you can even hack a two-ingredient crust! We just don't give enough credit to the endless possibilities. You can top them with seasonal fruit, drizzle them with caramel or chocolate and, of course, invite your favorite candy to the pizza party.

Any way you slice it, dessert pizzas are out of this world and we just cannot get enough. Want to try one? Here are some great dessert pizza recipes to get you started on your path to sweet pizza serenity.

Tasty dessert pizza recipes to savor this weekend

What is dessert pizza made of?

Dessert pizza is made up of sweet toppings and cream cheese or a sugar spread. It swaps the usual tomato sauce and pepperoni for sweet alternatives, and it's delicious!

What is the best dessert to go with pizza?

We love eating ice cream or some chocolate after we finish a slice of pizza. Sorbet or even a plain piece of fruit is another good option if you want something sweet, but light.

What dessert can be made from pizza dough?

You can use pizza dough for cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, or babka.

Brit + Co Dessert Pizza Recipes

Brit + Co

Grilled Dessert Pizza

Not only is this dessert pizza served on flatbread, but it's full of delicious nuts, fruit, and cheeses so it's healthy as well as yummy.

Brit + Co

S'mores Pizza

Whether you decide to make this dish while it's still cold out or wait until campfire season, it's sure to become a family favorite. Serve it while it's still warm for maximum deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Memorial Day Dessert Pizza

This might be the perfect dessert pizza for the last weekend in May, but it will taste just as good for the rest of the year. The berries and coconut taste amazing together – but feel free to drizzle some honey on top for good measure.

More Dessert Pizza Recipes

Creme de la Crumb

Apple Crumble Flatbread

Imagine the most comforting and warm apple crumble, but handheld. This flatbread is that – and so much more. That scoop of vanilla ice cream is definitely non-negotiable. Let it melt a bit, and you'll fall in love with how it mixes with the rich caramel sauce.

A Spicy Southern Kitchen

Bananas Foster Dessert Pizza

Bananas Foster is a southern dessert that we all need to get behind, especially when it's served on top of a crispy pizza crust. Stock up on your rum and bananas, because when the mood strikes, you'll want to be prepared.

A Spicy Southern Perspective

Strawberry Cookie Pizza

This berry-fied dessert pizza is baked in a single pan, making clean-up a whole lot easier. This could be a good bite for dessert or breakfast!

Show Me the Yummy

Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza

The person who discovered that caramel and apple are amazing together deserves a major gold star. This dessert pizza combines a crispy peanut butter cookie crust, a fluffy caramel vanilla frosting, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and… Snickers!

Bowl of Delicious

Rainbow Fruit Pizza

Sugar cookie dough forms the base of this colorful dessert pizza! This is an easily customizable dessert pizza recipe, since you can add or omit any fruits you'd like to.

Food Fanatic

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

Dessert that doubles as a fun activity is always a good choice. Use this cookie-covered pizza as a tasty base to top with your favorite candies and drizzles at your next girls' night in. Just don't forget to bring the cocktails, too.

The Recipe Critic

Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza

When you want that homemade cinnamon roll flavor without all of the work, toss together this dessert pizza that's finished off with cream cheese frosting. Once you get a taste of this pizza-breakfast hybrid, you won't want to go back to regular old rolls.

The Real Food Dietitians

Gluten-Free Berry Dessert Pizza

This GF dessert pizza is worthy of making on cozy nights in. The crust certainly won't make your tummy hurt if you're sensitive to gluten.

The Girl on Bloor

Homemade Beaver Tails with Pizza Dough

These sugary slabs of dough (AKA beaver tails) are the perfect dessert pizza. Try any combo of toppings you want to, but we highly recommend Nutella + banana.

Girl vs. Dough

Cookies + Creme Dessert Pizza

With just a few pantry items you already have lying around, you can have a quick dessert pizza on the table in no time. Why spend all night making a ton of individual cookies when you can just make one huge one and call it a day? (via Girl vs. Dough)

Completely Delicious

Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza

Raspberries and brie cheese adorn the top of this dessert pizza crust, and then are joined by candied pecans and rosemary for an extra elegant touch.

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

Everyone loves a good oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Please the masses with this giant version that can be sliced into pizza-like wedges and eaten on the go. It's the perfect party favor to bring to the next event you're invited to.

Dessert Now Dinner Later

Oreo Fudge Brownie Pizza

There's no such thing as too much chocolate! This beauty has a brownie crust, crushed Oreos, and a creamy fudge drizzle. Top everything with chocolate shavings, and you're all set for a chocoholic's dream dessert.

Two Spoons

Chocolate Cherry Pizza Tart

Rich chocolate and sweet cherries team up to form a dependable and decadent dessert pizza. Make sure you share this recipe with your closest sweet tooths!

Sugar Spun Run

Raspberry White Chocolate Dessert Pizza

If only the base of every pizza could be sweetened cream cheese, white chocolate and raspberry puree. Okay, maybe that wouldn't be good on *all* pizzas, but it sure makes for one hell of a dessert pizza.

Cleobuttera

Peanut Butter Cup Pizza

Homemade hand-tossed pizza dough makes all the difference in this indulgent masterpiece. You might as well go big when you're talking about two types of chocolate!

Oh Sweet Basil

Rocky Road Chocolate Pizza

The great thing about this dessert pizza is that you simply mix all of the ingredients together and press them into a pizza pan to set. No baking involved! Plus, it's a fun recipe to make with the kiddos on a cold afternoon.

My Suburban Kitchen

Cast Iron S’mores Pizza

Roughing it is *so* much easier when you have an incredible dessert to share with your pals. This pizza will have you all singing “Kumbaya" around the campfire all night long. No icky s'mores sticks required.

The Fit Foodie

Watermelon Pizza

If this fruity pizza doesn't have you yearning for summer, nothing else will. Cue the barbecues and mojitos, ASAP. Make a DIY watermelon pizza dessert bar with your favorite toppings, from fresh fruit to granola, coconut flakes, mint leaves and more.

Rachel Mansfeld

Doughy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

This dessert pizza recipe even works in collagen peptides, giving you a nice nutritional boost.

Culinary Hill

Brownie Pizza

Balance out the brownie crust in this pizza by topping things off with colorful fruit cuts! That means dessert is still healthy, right? (via Culinary Hill)

Earthly Provisions

Vegan Cookies and Creme Dessert Pizza

We didn't know a vegan dessert pizza could be so tastyyy. Add as many Oreo crumbles as your heart desires! (via Earthly Provisions)

Follow us on Pinterest for more dessert inspo, and check out our cooking and baking online classes for all your sweet treat needs!

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

You Probably Missed This Luke & Lorelai Wedding Easter Egg In 'Gilmore Girls' Season 2

Every Gilmore Girls fan knows that Luke and Lorelai were always endgame. Despite the fact they had to watch each other get into different relationships (while I love Max, I'll never be able to stomach the way Christopher acts ugh). But there's one moment in an early Gilmore Girls episode that teases Luke and Lorelai getting married, and even though I've watched it countless times I never caught it before!

Here's that Luke and Lorelai wedding detail you probably missed in Gilmore Girls season 2.

Lorelai teased her wedding date way before 'A Year in the Life'

@dianaathome Caught on my 11523rd rewatch 🤯 #gilmoregirls #gilmoregirlstiktok @valeriescateyescream ♬ original sound - Diana @ Home

Gilmore Girls season 2, episode 3, "Red Light on the Wedding Night" opens with Lorelai and Rory tasting Fran's cakes at Weston's Bakery ahead of Lorelai's wedding to Max. And when Fran insists the girls stay to figure out exactly which cake flavor they like the best, sticking firm to the idea that there's nothing more important than your wedding day, Lorelai doesn't bat an eye when she says, "Well, it ain't Guy Fawkes Day." And TBH, Fran's confused response is exactly how I felt the first time I watched this episode.

We all know Lorelai gets cold feet when she realizes she's not actually in love with Max and bails on him before the wedding. After all, it's definitely more memorable than Lorelai's joke, which I've always taken to be a throwaway line (she really does have a random sense of humor). That is, until @dianaathome on Tiktok pointed out that Guy Fawkes Day, a British holiday celebrating the failed Gunpowder Plot that happened in 1605, takes place on November 5 — the same day as Luke and Lorelai's wedding in A Year in the Life.

I can't believe I never caught this! And I'm not the only one. "I don't know if I'm more impressed that someone snuck this in or that you found it!" one user commented, while another says, "It is Helen Pai and Dave Rygalski's anniversary. [Luke and Lorelai's] original wedding date June 3rd is Helen Pai's birthday!" (Helen Pai is the real-life, albeit loose, inspiration for Lane Kim!)

Now, while this is a super fun connection to find, a lot of Gilmore Girls viewers are realizing just how much they dislike Lorelai's behavior in the actual scene (as in, eating all the cake knowing Sookie was already preparing one). And it's sparked a ton of conversation.

"I felt so bad for [Fran]! She put all the effort and make all those adorable and tasty cakes and the two of them are like “Hehe screw ethics we get to eat free cake!”since Sooki was just going to make one for free," one Reddit user says. "Maybe it’s the service industry in me talking but I can’t get over how annoyed I would be."

Another goes so far as to say this scene is why they "I like to think this is the reason she wouldn’t sell the Dragonfly to Lorelai & Sookie. Revenge."

If Fran's cake tasting really was free, then eating her out of house and home just for fun is definitely not cool, Lorelai. (Although I still think it's not as unrealistic as her showing up to Chilton in a tee and shorts).

Did you catch this Gilmore Girls Easter egg the first time around? Let us know on Facebook!

pop culture gilmore girls entertainment

This Is The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe For Valentine's Day, Or Any Day

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your sweetie, hosting a Galentine's brunch for your gal pals, or basking in love with your fam, there's no question that a fancy dessert helps set the tone for a cozy and love-filled night in. We personally love cooking pasta recipes followed by a succulent dessert, but the menu options for Love Day run the gamut from seafood to international cuisine.

One thing that's not optional is chocolate — known to promote feelings similar to being in love or spending time with those closest to you, chocolate is one of the best flavors for Valentine's Day desserts. Combined with red wine and seasonal pear, it makes for a simply decadent treat — hence, this Red Wine Pear Cake. Trust us: This is going to be the best chocolate cake recipe you have ever tried.

Learn how to make the best Chocolate Cake ever

Red Wine Pear Cake With Chocolate Ganache

Sarah Anderson

Ingredients:

Pears

3-4 firm Bosc pears
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups red wine
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3-4 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cake

2 eggs
1/2 full-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
11 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 teaspoon pink salt
1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate chips or bar broken into small pieces
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Ganache

2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons reserved spiced wine (see recipe notes)

Sarah Anderson

Directions:

Peel the skin off the pears and remove the stems, seeds, and core. Slice in half. Add water, red wine, cinnamon, and cloves into a saucepan and place the pears in the liquid. Bring the wine mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes, until the pears are tender. Remove the pears from red wine and let cool. Continue simmering until sauce is reduced, and reserve 2 tablespoons for the chocolate ganache.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease two 9-inch springform cake pans with butter or oil and set aside.
Whisk two eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
In a small bowl, add the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar and whisk thoroughly. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in the coconut sugar then remove from heat and add in the red wine and salt until well mixed. Quickly add in the dark chocolate pieces and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted. Pour the vanilla extract in and whisk again.
Add about one third of the chocolate mixture to the whisked eggs. Mix thoroughly and then pour back into a mixing bowl with the rest of the chocolate mixture.
Add in coconut milk mixture, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and mix until well combined.
Pour the cake batter into two greased cake pans.
Slice wine-poached pear halves in quarters and place in your desired design on top of the cake batter in the cake pans.
Bake the cakes for 20-30 minutes.
While cakes are baking, add the dark chocolate and coconut milk or heavy cream to a small saucepan. Heat on low until the chocolate is melted, whisking so that it is well mixed. Add in the reserved wine sauce and whisk again. Remove from heat and set aside.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the springform pans. Place one cake on a cake platter or stand, and drizzle some chocolate ganache on top. Then place the second cake on top of the first and pour the remaining chocolate ganache over the top.

If this is the best chocolate cake recipe you've ever tried, you'll want to sign up for our newsletter for more recipes like this one!

Recipe by Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated.

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Each Zodiac Sign Has It’s Own “Power” Colors — & They Can Actually Make You Happier!

Did you know the colors you are surrounded with can enhance your mood and energy? Think about the color palette in your closet right now. What colors are you most drawn to? Before you freak out if black or gray are your go-to colors for your daily wear (guilty!) maybe after reading this, it will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try to work with new colors. What if I tell you that your astrological sign has a designated color palette to support your journey?

Color therapy, or “chromotherapy,” can supplement your well-being. Integrating astrology will also help you pinpoint the colors you are most attracted to and how to become more in tune with yourself. Astrology is a fantastic modality for gauging self-acceptance while also becoming your best self, and color therapy is the therapeutic means to rebalance and power up your goals.

Working with the colors assigned to your zodiac sign can support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Read on to learn how color therapy works and which color palette best suits your zodiac sign!

Here's how to make color therapy work for your zodiac sign — and feel good doing it!

What is color therapy?

Helena Lopes

Color therapy is a holistic, non-invasive modality used for the body. Historical figures such as Pythagoras (circa 2,500 years ago) applied “color light” therapeutically, while “color halls” were used as a means of treatment in ancient Egypt, China, and India. The modern medical pioneer patron of color therapy was Niels Finsen of Denmark in 1877. He discovered that visible light was how ultraviolet or red light energy could heal wounds, bacterial infections, or scars. Sounds familiar? In this present, infrared light therapy is used for pain relief, improved sleep, inflammation, facials, detoxes, and more. Knowing this, you can see why color and light restores our mind, body, and emotional needs.

There are many ways in which you can work best with color therapy. To implement physical changes, you can update your selection of colors in your clothing, nail colors, makeup palette, or home decor. For the mind and emotional system, you can work with colors through visualization practices like art, meditation, or a color therapy lamp.

How Can Color Therapy and Astrology Work Together?

let mous

Color therapy works by frequency or wavelengths of colors, which can have a physiological or psychological impact on our well-being. Using appropriate colors guided by your zodiac sign can rebalance or harmonize your body’s energy centers. How can color therapy integrate with your zodiac sign? It begins by knowing and working with your Sun sign, granting you more confidence and understanding regarding your direction. It extends our overall vitality and spreads endless radiance in our lives. It fuels our well-being and emits light wherever it touches in the birth chart. In principle, our Sun sign is our destination point, our identity. Now, the Sun Sign is where we can reach that higher level of understanding about our process and how we will experience fulfillment in this life. Incorporating color therapy guided by astrology can help you obtain confidence, and when you feel balanced, you make sound choices.

How Colors Align With Zodiac Signs

Brit + Co

Observing the astrological signs, they are all categorized within the elemental values. Starting with fire, the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are placed within this element. These signs hold precedence over the esoteric realm of spirit as they are meant to initiate, inspire, and teach. Fire tones are within the spectrum of golds, reds, and oranges.

The signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn reside within the earthy realm. They are supportive, detailed, and persevering in nature. The earth element enables humanity to take a firm stance involving patience or consistency. Deep greens, grays, and navy are colors that hold a grounded energy for these signs.

The signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius inhabit the air element. Those who hold this element strongly have the skill to circulate a constant flow of ideas, remain stimulated, and effectively communicate. Air energy guides humanity in the exchange of information, negotiation, and evolution. For clarity, the colors that best support these signs are yellows, pastel blues, or electric blues.

Ending with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, these signs embody the water element. Natives with a strong water element are receptive to others' feelings and can be intuitive. They can also conjure creativity, withstand intensity, and dive deep into the world of dreams. Colors such as purples, deep reds, or soft greens can help these signs invoke self-love and confidence.

Colors for Each Zodiac Sign

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Personality Traits: Aries is bold, energetic, and daring, often leading the way with confidence and courage. They are natural-born leaders who take on challenges fearlessly.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Colors like red and orange help Aries channel their energy and passion. These colors promote confidence, courage, and an enhanced sense of purpose to match their bold nature.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Personality Traits: Known for their patience, determination, and deep connection to nature, Taurus seeks stability and grounding. They are steady and reliable, with an appreciation for beauty and luxury.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like green and brown are ideal for Taurus. These colors promote relaxation, groundedness, and stability, aligning with Taurus' need for balance and connection to nature.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Personality Traits: Gemini is versatile, adaptable, and intellectually curious. They thrive on communication and change, with a playful and creative side. Their dual nature makes them curious and full of ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Bright yellow and light green stimulate mental agility, creativity, and versatility for Gemini. These colors foster communication and mental clarity, enhancing their natural curiosity and adaptability.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Personality Traits: Compassionate, intuitive, and deeply connected to family and emotions. Cancer nurtures others and seeks emotional fulfillment. They are protectors and caretakers.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft white, silver, and pale blue promote emotional healing, inner peace, and nurturing energy. These colors align with Cancer’s need for emotional well-being and tranquility.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Personality Traits: Leo exudes warmth, creativity, and pride. With their strong sense of self, they seek recognition and joy, and they inspire others with their vitality and passion.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Gold, yellow, and orange help Leo amplify their natural creativity and vitality, enhancing their self-expression and sense of pride. These warm colors increase confidence and fuel their dynamic energy.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Personality Traits: Virgos are known for their perfectionism, sharp intellect, and organizational skills. They are reliable, practical, and thrive on productivity and efficiency.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green and blue are ideal for Virgo, promoting balance, healing, and clarity of mind. These colors assist in maintaining a calm and focused environment, supporting Virgo’s need for order and tranquility.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Personality Traits: Libra values harmony, beauty, and fairness. They seek balance in all aspects of life, often striving for peace and cooperation in their relationships and surroundings.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Pastel colors, particularly light blue and pink, promote peace, harmony, and emotional balance. These soft hues help Libra maintain their sense of equilibrium and enhance their diplomatic nature.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Personality Traits: Scorpio is intense, passionate, and deeply transformative. Known for their mystery and depth, they possess great inner strength and are drawn to uncover hidden truths.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Deep red, black, and maroon channel passion, power, and transformation for Scorpio. These intense colors align with their transformative nature and help them harness their strength.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Personality Traits: Sagittarius is adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical. They love exploring new ideas, cultures, and places and often share wisdom and joy with those around them.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Purple and deep blue enhance spiritual growth, adventure, and wisdom. These colors stimulate the Sagittarian desire for exploration and wisdom while supporting their boundless optimism.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Personality Traits: Capricorn is disciplined, ambitious, and pragmatic. They take a methodical approach to life and are determined to achieve their goals through hard work and patience.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like gray, brown, and navy support Capricorn’s need for focus, discipline, and groundedness. These colors help them stay on course and maintain a practical mindset.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Personality Traits: Aquarius is eccentric, innovative, and idealistic. They value independence and individuality, often challenging the status quo and embracing forward-thinking ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Electric blue and purple enhance mental clarity, innovation, and independence. These vibrant colors support Aquarius' need for originality and their intellectual pursuits.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Personality Traits: Pisces is intuitive, empathetic, and imaginative. Known for their dreamy and artistic nature, they deeply connect to the spiritual and emotional realms.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green, seafoam blue, and lavender promote relaxation, creativity, and intuition for Pisces. These calming colors enhance their dreamlike state and encourage emotional balance and creativity.

Color Therapy Visualization Technique

Anh Nguyen

Now that you know which color vibrates with your zodiac sign, you can use this visualization technique to connect more with your Sun sign. Color therapy is a powerful tool for balancing energy, emotions, and well-being. By using the healing properties of colors, you can encourage emotional release, relaxation, and revitalization. Each color carries its frequency and vibration, which can help align and support different aspects of your life, from physical health to mental clarity.

This color therapy visualization technique will guide you through grounding, relaxation, and energetic renewal. Connecting with the colors that resonate with you will activate healing energy within your body and mind, clearing away any negative or stagnant energy. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that you can do daily to restore balance and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Energetic Healing Visualization Technique

Mikhail Nilov

Position yourself comfortably or sit in a lotus position. Place your left hand over your heart area.
Take a deep breath through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. With each breath, feel your body becoming more relaxed.
Focus on the soles of your feet and imagine an energetic pull grounding you, anchoring you in the present moment.
Take another deep breath, feeling a nurturing energy rising from the ground, reaching up to the soles of your feet. Allow this energy to gently move upward, relaxing and energizing your body—feet, calves, thighs, core, shoulders, arms, neck, face, and head.
Imagine a bright, glowing light in the sky above you. This light represents your Higher Self.
See the light spiraling down toward you, entering through the crown of your head and flowing through your body. As it moves, it changes into a vibrant color that resonates with you.
Take another deep breath and allow the colored light to fill your core center. Visualize it growing brighter and expanding with each breath, filling your entire body.
Imagine the light forming a dome or egg-like shape around your body, extending outward, cleansing your physical and energetic space.
Release any tensions, worries, or negative energy, visualizing them fading away into the ground. Trust the process of transformation.
Continue this visualization as long as you need. When you feel light and neutral, place your hands in a prayer position and silently offer thanks.
Visualize the light around you returning to its source, and when ready, gently open your eyes.

This practice can be done 1-2 times daily, ideally in the morning or before bedtime.

Adara Cox

By integrating color therapy with your astrological sign, you can tap into a powerful tool for enhancing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These simple yet effective practices allow you to align with the natural flow of your energy and support your unique traits, helping you to feel more balanced and connected to yourself. Whether you choose to surround yourself with the colors that resonate with your sign or engage in visualization techniques, color therapy offers a profound way to nurture your overall health and personal growth.

Remember, your journey toward healing and balance is personal, and using the right colors can be an uplifting part of that process. Take time to explore the colors that speak to you and notice the subtle shifts they create in your life.

Do you wish to learn more about Lumi's work with astrology and her holistic approach? Lumi Pelinku invites you to dive deeper into your journey through an extended reading that can provide tailored insights and inspiration. Click here to book your reading today!

For more astrology advice, be sure to Ask Lumi for advice and follow the conversation on Facebook!

zodiac signs color colors astrology

Target Has The Cutest 2025 Valentine’s Day Decor – All Under $10!

Love is in the air – and, as it turns out, on the shelves at Target! We can always count on Target to have the cutest home decor pieces for every holiday, and right now, their Valentine’s Day decor is making us swoon. Target has everything you need to create a festive and cozy vibe (and for way less $!), whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a Galentine’s Day party, or happily spending the season solo.

Get ready to fall head over heels for these 13 Target Valentine’s Day decor pieces that’ll help you celebrate the season, all for $10 or less.

Check Out The Best Target Valentine's Day Decor For 2025

Here's a quick glimpse at what's available as part of Target's sweet Valentine's Day decor drop. We are obsessed.

Shop Our Favorite 2025 Target Valentine's Day Decor

Target

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

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4 Perfectly Cozy Recipes From 'A Couple Cooks' To Make Together With Your Partner

Tips For Cooking With Your Partner

Share in the planning and prep

Focus on individual tasks (over a glass of wine?)

Put the relationship first

Don’t forget the herbs!

Recipes Excerpted From A Couple Cooks

Harvest Caesar Bowl

Spiced Latte Loaf

Apple Galette with Bourbon Caramel

Mini Cardamon Cinnamon Rolls

Tasty dessert pizza recipes to savor this weekend

​What is dessert pizza made of?

What is the best dessert to go with pizza?

What dessert can be made from pizza dough?

Brit + Co Dessert Pizza Recipes

More Dessert Pizza Recipes

Here's that Luke and Lorelai wedding detail you probably missed in Gilmore Girls season 2.

Lorelai teased her wedding date way before 'A Year in the Life'

Learn how to make the best Chocolate Cake ever

Red Wine Pear Cake With Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients:

Pears

Cake

Ganache

Directions:

Here's how to make color therapy work for your zodiac sign — and feel good doing it!

What is color therapy?

How Can Color Therapy and Astrology Work Together?

​How Colors Align With Zodiac Signs

Colors for Each Zodiac Sign

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

​Color Therapy Visualization Technique

Energetic Healing Visualization Technique

Get ready to fall head over heels for these 13 Target Valentine’s Day decor pieces that’ll help you celebrate the season, all for $10 or less.

Check Out The Best Target Valentine's Day Decor For 2025

Shop Our Favorite 2025 Target Valentine's Day Decor

What is dessert pizza made of?

How Colors Align With Zodiac Signs

Color Therapy Visualization Technique