4 Cooking Tips To Get *Perfectly* Al Dente Pasta Every Time

Trader Joe's 100% Colombian Instant Coffee

Don’t judge – even this coffee snob drinks instant coffee! I am all about ease when it comes to my morning routine (it truly takes me hours to actually wake up), and Trader Joe’s 100% Colombian Instant Coffee is just the thing to help me expedite getting some good ol' caffeine into my system.

Trader Joe's Pure Grade A Maple Syrup

I use this Trader Joe’s maple syrup for a multitude of kitchen creations: coffees, protein smoothies, pancakes, mug cakes, and muffins are the most frequent syrup-infused recipes I eat on a weekly basis. You can even use it for some stellar maple cocktails!

Trader Joe's Unsweetened Non-Dairy Almond Beverage

Another versatile TJ’s product I pick up just about every time I go grocery shopping is their almond milk. I prefer using the unsweetened iteration so I can use it across various recipes. I’ll use it for my morning coffees, mid-day smoothies, cereal bowls, baking adventures, overnight oats, and wherever else it’s needed, really! I’ll even add a tiny splash to my scrambled eggs to keep ‘em moist. It’s perfectly smooth and light, and a true delight to always have in my fridge.

Trader Joe's Coconut Cream Greek Nonfat Yogurt

I am a Greek yogurt girly through and through. It makes for a healthy, filling, protein-rich breakfast option that also helps me maintain a semblance of “gut health” amidst my afternoon snacking habits. But plain Greek yogurt is not nearly edible enough for my palate – that’s why I adore TJ’s coconut-flavored yogurt! It has a good amount of sweetness, plus it boasts a tiny bit of texture from coconut flakes. I typically pick up 2-3 cups on my grocery runs so I can enjoy it every other day during the week with granola and frozen berries.

Trader Joe's Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix

I like to prioritize protein in my diet because it keeps me feeling fuller for longer and helps me grow my muscles so I can grow in my yoga and climbing practices. When eating eggs and sausage for breakfast gets all too tiring, TJ’s Buttermilk Protein Pancake mix provides an ideal sweet option that still gives me 10+ grams of protein in a single sitting! It’s super easy to prepare, too. You just have to add a 1:1 ratio of pancake mix to water and make ‘em on the stovetop per usual. I like adding in some cinnamon to up the flavor.

I’ll also use it to make a mug cake when I feel like I need a little sweet treat in the evening – I add it to a mug with just enough water to make the batter extra thick, and then sprinkle some chocolate chips in it before throwing it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. It’s so yummy!

Trader Joe's Buffalo Chicken Dip

Oh, I could eat this entire dip in a single sitting. Buffalo anything is truly the key to my heart (and stomach). TJ’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is my go-to workday snack alongside some blue corn tortilla chips. It’s super satisfying (another great protein-rich option), creamy, tangy, spicy, and salty. All the things!

It’s packed with bits of chicken that can also make it a great addition for fuller meals beyond snack time: I’ve slathered some on a tortilla with cheese and cilantro for an easy quesadilla-type wrap, and even added a heaping scoop to plain pasta in lieu of traditional sauce.

Trader Joe's Palak Paneer

If you ride or die for Trader Joe’s, you know just how amazing their frozen section is. I was honestly really skeptical to try this frozen Indian dish the first time around, but once I had a taste, I was hooked. I make sure I have at least one in my freezer at all times to come to the rescue on nights I simply can’t bring myself to cook!

It takes about 4 minutes in the microwave to become a super creamy, comforting, healthy meal you can enjoy on its own or alongside some rice and naan (if you wish to go the extra mile). The paneer cooks out wonderfully. I am a chronic over-seasoner for any kind of food I eat, and I've found that adding a pinch of salt and a drizzle of TJ’s hot honey really takes this platter to the next level.

Protein Pancakes

These hearty protein pancakes provide such a nice balance between getting your daily nutrition in while also enjoying a sweet treat. Pro tip: add in some pumpkin pie spice to give the batter even more fall edge and flavor! (via Brit + Co)

Lazy Breakfast Sandwiches

These crowd-pleasing breakfast sandwiches are made possible with the magic of Hawaiian sweet rolls. First, batch-cook your eggs and sausage in a sheet pan, then get ready to build the tastiest sammies of your life. The best part is they're highly customizable – add in veggies to the eggs and play around with different cheeses until you find your perfect fall breakfast combo. (via Maria Provenzano for Brit + Co)

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Muffins

Use up some oats, warm spices, and your apple of choice (we get it – not everyone can be a Granny Smith fan), and a few other pantry staples to craft these nutritious breakfast muffins. Just toss all the ingredients in one big bowl and bake, then you've got enough on-the-go bites to last you the entire week! (via Brit + Co)

Vegetarian Egg Cups

These healthy egg bites are reminiscent of our fave Starbucks food order, but cost way less to make right at home. You can easily swap out the veggies and choice of cheese for your own personal taste, too. These meal prep-able bites make the perfect fall breakfast since they're packed with enough protein to fuel you for the day. (via Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste for Brit + Co)

Traditional Norwegian Pancakes

You'd be surprised at just how easy these Norwegian pancakes are to make! Just 5 ingredients, and you've got some seriously delish, satisfyingly thin, and perfectly sweet flapjacks on your plate. Top your creation with seasonal fruits like apple, cranberry, or figs to really dig into the fall vibes. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Chicken & Waffles

Does it really get better than some good ol' chicken & waffles? We think not. The crispy, breadcrumb-covered chicken tenders in this recipe do require a bit of extra work, but it's so worth it once you sink your teeth into a bite that's both sweet and savory. And syrupy – never forget the syrup! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Olympic Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate is yummy any time of year, which is why you need to try making these muffins that went viral over the summer Olympics. Made with a touch of instant coffee and packed with a rich dark chocolate ganache filling, these may not be the healthiest of fall breakfast ideas, but dang, are they good! (via Jordan Howlett / Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

These healthy, gluten-free, and low-cost breakfast cookies will certainly set your day off on the right foot. Pumpkin puree, flax meal, pepitas, dried cranberries (for the fall-ness of it all), and coconut are all wonderful additions to the oat-packed dough. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vegan Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan breakfast casserole is perfect for serving a brunch crowd with specific dietary restrictions. It's definitely super hearty since it's made with tater tots, tofu scramble, and plant-based sausage. It delivers the same bulky, breakfast-y effect as a non-vegan option would, and the best part is you'll have plenty of leftovers if you end up making it just for yourself! (via The Edgy Veg)

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is the childhood breakfast of our dreams, so if you're stuck on what to make the fam for a lazy Sunday brunch, let this recipe dissolve all your problems – no monkey business here! These soft and doughy bread rolls get coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar blend before being glazed in a super-sweet cream cheese frosting. (via Clean Cuisine)

Cheesy Pesto Avocado Bacon Breakfast Burritos

These totally meal prep-worthy burritos combine cheese, eggs, spinach, roasted potatoes, avocado, and crispy bacon for a very satisfying fall breakfast. Your morning routine will become a thousand times easier if you make 'em ahead of time and freeze them so they keep the entire week! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

Sweet potato and kale are an absolute power combo, but we bet you've never thought of having them for breakfast before. Don't shy away from hearty vegan fall breakfast ideas like this one – it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as protein to keep you full and satisfied all morning long! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Matcha Overnight Oats

This overnight oats recipe is a delectable two-fer, being loaded with fiber from the oats and chia seeds, as well as caffeine from the matcha powder. So, you'll wake up to a nice boost of energy that's also great for your gut! (via Earthly Provisions)

Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

It doesn't get more fall than this! These buttery biscuits paired with a rich sausage gravy simply don't compare to anything you can order at a restaurant since they're made with love right at home. (via Completely Delicious)

Gingerbread Oatmeal

Your kitchen will start smelling like absolute heaven the moment you start whipping up this oatmeal on the stove top. With the help of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this hearty, fiber-rich bowl earns the tastiest fall twist. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles

Potatoes and waffles are pretty much two of our favorite things, so combining each food into one is so genius. You'll fall in love with the crispy exterior, while the inside stays fluffy and tender. Serve with avocado, lox, or eggs to make these bites even more breakfast-worthy. (via The First Mess)

Shakshuka

Shakshuka – AKA runny eggs cooked in a bath of flavorful tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices – is a classic when it comes to fall breakfast ideas. There's a good amount of spicy flair and plenty of heartiness to go around. Share this one-skillet meal with friends and loved ones with a side of toasty, crispy bread for dipping delight. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Apple Cider Mochi Donuts

Apple cider donuts for the win! These sweet treats have a unique mochi-like texture, thanks to the addition of sweet rice flour. It makes them super tender and bouncy – you won't be able to get enough! These donuts would make an excellent addition to your Saturday breakfast plans alongside a cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee for fall time. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Sweet Potato Muffins with Maple Pecan Butter

These muffins are 100% vegan, though they don't taste like it at all! They're also free of processed sugar, making them a healthy bite to enjoy in the AM. The maple-pecan butter totally makes this recipe. (via Butternut Bakery)

Y2K — In Theaters December 6, 2024

Remember that Y2K crisis at the turn of the millennium? This December movie, which follows two high school juniors who crash a New Year's Eve party, reimagines it as a full-blown disaster — blood, guts, and all.

Y2K stars Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, The Kid Laroi, and Fred Durst.

Mary — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Get a new look at one of the most famous women in the world when Mary drops on Netflix next month. This movie will give you a whole new look at the titular heroine's life — from being forced into hiding to running for her life, all to protect her baby son from a murderous king.

Mary stars Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus, Mila Harris, and Anthony Hopkins.

Another December movie that will have you looking at motherhood differently is Nightb—ch, which follows Amy Adams character's life as she becomes a mother...and becomes convinced she's also turning into a dog.

Nightb—ch stars Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowden, Emmett James Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper.

F Marry Kill — On Digital December 6, 2024

We all know dating apps can be a really horrifying experience, but when true-crime lover Eva starts to believe one of her three dates could be the “Swipe Right Killer," she finds herself in a life-or-death situation.

F Marry Kill stars Lucy Hale, Samer Salem, Virginia Gardner, Jedidiah Goodacre, Brendan Morgan, Brooke Nevin, and Bethany Brown.

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6

If you're still singing "Nonsense" by Sabrina Carpenter, then this December movie (er, holiday special) is for you. Not only will the popstar perform tunes from her fruitcake EP, but she'll be joined by special guests as well!

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter stars, you guessed it, Sabrina Carpenter.

Maria — On Netflix December 11, 2024

Angelina Jolie's newest film follows iconic performer Maria Callas. After a glamorous, albeit difficult, public life, Maria moves to Paris for some quiet — and must confront her identity, her past, and her future in the process.

Maria stars Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer.

Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters December 13

Despite the fact it's coming out around the holidays, Aaron Taylor Johnson's new December movie is not for kids. The flick follows the titular Kraven as he morphs from the son of a gangster to the brutal and fearsome villain comic fans know so well.

Kraven the Hunter stars Aaron Taylor Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, and Russell Crowe.

Carry On — On Netflix December 13

One TSA agent is in for a less-than-jolly holiday when he's blackmailed by a traveler hoping to bring a very dangerous package into the airport on Christmas Eve.

Carry On stars Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, and Sofia Carson.

Not only is this Lion King sequel giving us a brand new look at a classic story, but it also marks Blue Ivy Carter's acting debut! The movie tells the story of how Mufasa began his journey as an orphaned cub and how a run-in with royal heir Taka changed everything.

Mufasa: The Lion King stars Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Aaron Pierre, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, and Blue Ivy Carter.

Nicole Kidman's new December movie will add some spice to your holiday, thanks to an affair with her character's much-younger employee. Is it getting hot in here?

Babygirl stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

If you're still laughing about the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest, then you'll definitely want to show up to see this flick, which stars our favorite Timmy as Bob Dylan during his historical move from folk to rock'n'roll.

A Complete Unknown stars Timothée Chalamet Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Boyd Holbrook, and Nick Offerman.