Over the last couple of years, cauliflower Alfredo sauce has taken the interwebs by storm. Sure, it’s a great vegan and low-fat option, but what happened to indulging in a good ol’ cream and butter pasta? Everything in moderation, right? Besides, you just finished a round of Whole30 and you’re really jonesing for something that’s not a spiralized veggie. Lucky for you, National Alfredo day is TODAY, February 7, which sounds like the perfect opportunity to splurge a little. Check out these 19 Alfredo recipes that’ll help you celebrate the holiday the right way.
Nothing rings in the season better than Christmas cocktails. While some folks pine for next-level hot chocolate recipes, others are longing for sweet and spiced cider cocktails for a plethora of reasons. Perhaps it’s to get through an awkwardwork mixer, or maybe it’s the only way you can tolerate a certain in-law. Regardless of your situation, these 18 festive Christmas cocktail recipes are guaranteed to make you feel warm, fuzzy and in high spirits.
Brit + Co Christmas Cocktail Recipes
Brit + Co
Chocolate Martini
Did someone order a boozy chocolate drink? If so, your best bet is to serve them this scrumptious chocolate martini. This mix of chocolate liqueur, vodka, and more will make them feel so toasty. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Santa may want an alternative to milk and cookies when he comes to visit. To give him a proper send-off, leave this Christmas cocktail beside the peppermint bark you baked earlier in the evening. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Christmas Margarita
This Christmas cocktail recipe just sent a shiver down our spines! It's a tasteful blend of Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, tequila, and a splash of tequila. It's perfect for anyone who's taking a non-traditional approach to Christmas! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Peppermint White Russian
Peppermint cocktail recipes are mandatory if you're wiped out by the Elf On The Shelf festivities. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Peppermint White Christmas
This Christmas cocktail has the perfect blend of peppermint and vanilla, but get this — your guests' taste buds won't see this flavor coming! It makes for a pleasant surprise that'll have them asking for more. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Winter Aperol Spritz
A light and refreshing Aperol spritz is just the thing you need after spending time cooking a cozy Christmas eve dinner. (via Brit + Co)
Other Christmas Cocktail Recipes
The Sweetest Occasion
Hula on Ice
This is *the* cocktail you need this holiday season. With bright notes of pineapple and coconut meddling with spiced rum, chai and a tea-based syrup, this drink is easy to make and perfect for any gathering — big or small. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
Highwalls
Rum-Soaked Cherry Soothers
Fresh cherries and rum. That’s it — and that’s all you’ll ever want after you sip on one of these beauty shooters. This sweet and spiced drink is a fantastic boozy dessert or nightcap for the holiday season. (via Highwalls)
Garlic and Zest
Ruby Thyme Spritzer
We love brunch and we love cocktails — who doesn’t? But there’s more to choose from than the usual mimosas, Bellinis and Bloody Marys. This spritzer combines your morning fruit juice with fresh thyme to create a herbaceous cocktail that will pair wonderfully with your waffles or eggs benny. (via Garlic and Zest)
Boulder Locavore
Candy Cane Cocktail With Homemade Candy Cane Infused Vodka
\We’re used to seeing the candy cane incorporated into desserts and hot cocoas, but cocktails? Sign us up! This ruby-hued drink is as festive as it gets. (via Boulder Locavore)
Bijoux and Bits
Gingerbread White Russian
This rich and creamy classic gets a nice kick with the addition of ginger beer. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, gingersnaps get an invitation to the party too. Milk and cookies, please take a back seat. (via Bijoux and Bits)
Pizzazzerie
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
If your heart lies with fall flavors — even around the winter holidays — these apple cider sangrias are a fab way to indulge. They’re crisp, refreshing and won’t weigh you down. (via Pizzazzerie)
Cafe Delites
Berry Limoncello Sangria
Nothing can brighten up a drink more than the tang and sweetness from limoncello. This fruity and flavorful sangria brings berries to the equation for a full flavor that can’t be denied. This just *might* end up being your go-to sangria from now on. (via Cafe Delites)
The Blond Cook
Jack Frost Cocktail
This icy blue drink is totally as delish as it looks! Though we’ll admit, the blue Curacao, pineapple juice and coconut cream will tease you with a hint of summer. (via The Blond Cook)
Kate la Vie
Salted Caramel White Russians
If your love for cocktails knows no bounds and adventure is your middle name, these sweet and herbaceous drinks will be a slurp-worthy dream come true. Traditional White Russians get dolled up with amaretto, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and some chocolate and rosemary for extra WOW factor. (via Kate la Vie)
The Adventures of Bob and Shan
Eggnog Cocktail
It’s not really the holidays until you break out that ‘nog. This spiced, rich and creamy delicacy is yearned for all year long, so celebrating its arrival makes sense — and adding it to a cocktail is *clearly* the only way to celebrate. (via The Adventures of Bob and Shan)
I'm Bored Let's Go
Christmas Cookie Martini
A cookie-inspired martini is apparently a thing, and we are losing our collective minds. If you’re not into baking but most definitely into drinking, let this be your dessert. (via I’m Bored Let’s Go)
Vanilla and Bean
Bourbon Apple Cider Shrub Cocktails
A shrub takes some planning and some patience, but boy-oh-boy is it ever worth the wait. Apples and bourbon become buddies in this elixir, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Vanilla and Bean)
Follow us on Pinterest for more exciting cocktail inspo!
Lead image via Brit + Co
This post has been updated.
I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.
Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!
Kaboompics / PEXELS
1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)
Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!
They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.
Lukas / PEXELS
2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)
You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!
Nadin Sh / PEXELS
3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)
Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.
Nadin Sh / PEXELS
4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)
Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.
Pixabay / PEXELS
5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)
This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.
Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS
6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)
Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.
Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS
7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)
The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!
Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more deals!
Christmas is right around the corner, and we know everyone’s ready to par-tay. Whether you’ll be hosting a bash or two, or attending as a dinner party guest, leave thecookies and cocktails to someone else. Instead, bring out a sweet treat that’s guaranteed to get the most OMGs – cupcakes. You simply can’t go wrong with cute Christmas cupcakes — especially when they feature adorable Santa hats, sugary Frosty faces, and comical Rudolph noses.
Here are the tastiest, most crafty Christmas cupcakes for sprucing up the holiday dessert table this year.
Brit + Co
Melting Snowmen Cupcakes
Save these snowman Christmas cupcakes from melting by simply scarfing 'em down! The entire holiday party will go bonkers over the detailed decorations, too. (via Brit + Co)
Your Cup of Cake
Reindeer Cupcakes
You need these Christmas cupcakes in your life right now! Break them out while watching your fave Hallmark Christmas movies, and they’ll put you in the most perfect mood. (via Your Cup of Cake)
Baked Bree
Christmas Light Cupcakes
The M&M "bulbs" on these little trees have a totally 3D effect. It’s so cool, and the technique is so easy, even the littlest bakers in the house can get in on the decorating action. (via Baked Bree)
Averie Cooks
Tall Christmas Tree Cupcakes
The secret to building these green trees as tall as possible is ice cream cones. Set some on top of your Christmas cupcakes, then go crazy with the piping bag! (via Averie Cooks)
Frugal Mom Eh!
Santa Hat Cupcakes
Here’s a festive Christmas cupcake that requires zero special decorating tools. Just pipe on store-bought icing straight from the tube, then add mini marshmallows and voila — a jolly Santa hat! (via Frugal Mom Eh!)
Amanda Wilens
White Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting
This recipe reminds us of our fave Starbucks holiday drink, the Peppermint White Mocha. When anything sweet and minty comes in dessert form, we're there. (via Amanda Wilens)
Barley & Sage
Bourbon Eggnog Cupcakes
Eggnog is *the* signature drink of the holiday season, and baking it into some Christmas cupcakes only makes it better. (via Barley & Sage)
A Virtual Vegan
Festive Cranberry Orange Cupcakes
Cranberry and orange flavors team up alongside pistachio in these vegan cupcakes that'll put the finishing touches on your Christmas dinner. (via A Virtual Vegan)
Little Sunny Kitchen
Snowman Cupcakes
These jolly little guys are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Keep your phone handy to snap some Insta pics while you bake, because they’re guaranteed to rack up the likes. (via Little Sunny Kitchen)
Hungry Happenings
Ultimate Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes
These Christmas cupcakes are made from the very best chocolate batter you’ll ever taste, then topped with a giant swirl of chocolate ganache. Add a peanut-butter cup head, an M&Ms nose, and candy cane antlers, and they’ll be utterly irresistible. (via Hungry Happenings)
Bakerella
Snowman Cupcakes
These little treats are *snow* good. They're topped with donut holes, so you're basically getting two desserts in one! Both pieces are rolled in confectioner’s sugar before assembling, making this cupcake doubly-sweet. (via Bakerella)
Crafty Morning
Rudolph the Reindeer Cupcakes
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer… had a shiny gumball nose! Your littlest guests will be wow-ed to see their fave Christmas character make an appearance on your dessert table. (via Crafty Morning)
Frugal Mom Eh!
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
The base of this holiday cupcake is the richest double-fudge cake batter you’ll ever taste. Prepare for the onslaught, because everyone will be asking for the recipe! (via Frugal Mom Eh!)
Pink Owl Kitchen
Blackberry Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream
Blackberries remind us so much of the winter season. If you want to serve some fruity Christmas cupcakes this year, this easy recipe is your best bet! Just wait 'til you try that buttercream. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
A Spicy Perspective
Chai Latte Cupcakes
The warm spices included in chai will also warm your heart as you begin to bake these Christmas cupcakes for the fam. (via A Spicy Perspective)
One Little Project
Easy Snowman Cupcakes
These snowmen are super festive, and they come together fairly quickly using ingredients that you probably already have on-hand. Be sure to finish them off with a generous avalanche of granulated sugar to make them extra sweet. (via One Little Project)
The Girl Who Ate Everything
North Pole Cupcakes
These Christmas cupcakes get their jolly flair from a peppermint stick decorated like the North Pole. How cute are these?! (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)
Half Baked Harvest
Gingerbread Cupcakes
Cookies + cupcakes = dessert overload. But we're here for it! Each bite of these Christmas cupcakes will bring forth that warm, fuzzy feeling. (via Half Baked Harvest)
One Little Project
Polar Bear Paw Footprint Cupcakes
These polar bear paw-print cupcakes look just like little teddy bear paws. And the clever coconut "fur" makes them just as sweet to look at as they are to eat. (via One Little Project)
Two Sisters Crafting
Mickey Mouse Santa Hat Cupcakes
Hold onto your holiday Mickey Mouse ears, because everyone’s fave Santa hat cupcakes just got a cartoonish twist. Your new favorite Christmas cupcakes have arrived! (via Two Sisters Crafting)
Your Cup of Cake
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Christmas season has not truly arrived until you spend a morning sipping on hot chocolate. Be sure to invite a few friends over, because treats this sweet treat must be shared. (via Your Cup of Cake)
Bakerella
Mini Polar Bear Cupcakes
Sprinkles and candies make for the cutest little cupcake faces. These baby bears would be super adorable at a winter wonderland-themed party. (via Bakerella)
Earthly Provisions
Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes with Snowmen
This vegan gingerbread cupcake base will enchant you and your guests even further once you top them with tiny lil' snowmen. (via Earthly Provisions)
Kathryn's Kitchen
Strawberry Santa Hat Cupcakes
These Christmas cupcakes are as healthy as they get – with a darling strawberry Santa hat! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)
If you’re enchanted with these adorable Christmas cupcakes, follow us on Pinterest for more fun recipes!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
As much as I love celebrity couples, I love celebrity sibling relationships even more. And Elle and Dakota Fanning are two sisters I've grown up watching since I first saw Dreamer in 2005. Considering Elle Fanning is only five months older than me, and I have a sister of my own, this is one relationship that feels particularly familiar. And while Elle has also watched Dakota Fanning act since we were kids, Dakota just revealed seeing Elle onscreen is just as special for her.
Here's why Dakota & Elle Fanning get emotional seeing each other onscreen.
Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.
“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”
And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”
“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”
And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.
When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."
Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."
You can see Elle Fanning in A Complete Unknown, in theaters December 25, and you can also stream Dakota Fanning's new show The Perfect Couple on Netflix now.
Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.
If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.
The Noshery
Mantecaditos con Guayaba
These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)
Broma Bakery
Meringues
French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)
Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
Alfajores
Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)
Fancy Peasant
Melomakarona
These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)
Very Eatalian
Baci di Dama
The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)
Cooking Classy
Linzer Cookies
These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)
Olivia’s Cuisine
Basler Brunsli
If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)
Cilantro Parsley
Buñuelos
These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Chef Lindsey Farr
Apricot Kolachys
The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)
Life, Love and Sugar
Cutout Sugar Cookies
In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)
Saveur
Polvorones
You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)
A Healthy Life for Me
Pignoli
These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)
Fancy Peasant
Kourabiedes
These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)
Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.