As a child of immigrant parents, I grew up fascinated by classic Americana motifs. My family may not have celebrated Fourth of July if it weren’t for my annual neighborhood block party, but I love our national holiday for the opportunity to dress up in red, white and blue, munch on flag-bearing cakes, and watch all the fireworks. Don’t get me wrong; I love my Taiwanese heritage, but I embrace the fact that I’m an American as well. This Fourth of July, I want to incorporate some festive patriotism in one of my favorite treats: donuts! Read on to learn how to make this grand ol’ dessert.
Ingredients:
Makes 10 donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup raw cane sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
Baking the donuts
1. Combine butter, oil, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.
2. In another bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. Stir half the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then stir in buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix. The batter will be thick.
3. Spoon batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frosting your donuts
1. Melt a tub of vanilla frosting in the microwave to make a glaze. Divide the glaze in three bowls. Add drops of blue food coloring in one bowl and red food coloring in another bowl. Mix to dye glaze.
2. In a shallow dish, spoon glaze in red, white, and blue stripes.
3. Dip donuts in glaze and set on parchment paper for glaze to set.
Combine butter, oil, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.
In another bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.
Stir half the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then stir in buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix. The batter will be thick.
Spoon batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
While your donuts are cooling, make the glaze. Melt a tub of vanilla frosting in the microwave. Divide the glaze in three bowls. Add drops of blue food coloring in one bowl and red food coloring in another bowl. Mix to dye glaze.
In a shallow dish, spoon glaze in red, white, and blue stripes. Dip donuts in glaze and set on parchment paper for glaze to set.
Time to paint the town red, white, and blue!
As Uncle Sam would say, “I want YOU!”
How will you celebrate the Fourth of July? Share your photos on Instagram using #britstagram, and follow us on Pinterest for more festive recipes. This post has been updated.
DIY Production and Styling: Irene Lee
Photography: Brittany Griffin
The Wicked moviepress tour has been a truly beautiful thing to witness. Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo have cried in almost every interview because of how much they love their characters and each other, and it seems like working on this project really did heal something in them. So, after the sincerity of their interviews, I was really taken aback when I learned Dax Shepard had Cynthia Erivo on his Armchair Expert podcast...and chose to ask her about going to the bathroom?
Keep reading for what Dax Shepard had to say and, like me, wonder why he asked it in the first place.
On an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, Dax Shepard asked Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo if her famously long nails make it difficult to wipe when she goes to the bathroom. “I knew you would ask that,” Cynthia responds, saying “no one’s afraid” to ask such an intimate question.
“My answer is that nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside,” she says. “You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!”
When he asked if she was annoyed or offended by the question, Cynthia admits she's "annoyed by it."
“I'm, like, 'Come on, guys,' ” she says. “But I get it, but it's also, like, ‘I'm a functioning adult, and I've never walked around smelling like, you know…'"
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
The actress has proved she's nothing if not honest this fall, going viral for saying "thank goodness" the actresses who auditioned with her for Glinda didn't land the role and for vocalizinghow much a fan edit of the Wicked movie poster offended her (she later admitted she should have texted her friends instead of posting on social media).
Now, this question was very weird to me for a few reasons. Not only does it have nothing to do with the film, but Dax asking Cynthia about her bathroom habits gives me a similar feeling to the one I got watching that male interviewer ask Scarlett Johansson about her underwear during Avengers: Age of Ultron press. Just...what is the reason? Plus, the fact Cynthia has also been vocal about how much she values her nails as a part of Black culture only makes the question (and the fact the nails feel like, no pun intended, the butt of the joke) weirder.
"Here’s the thing," Cynthia tells Dax before switching topics. "There are people who do not have nails who need to check how they’re wiping." Get 'em girl!
What did you think about this Armchair Expert interview with Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Latest Wicked: Part Two News!
You’ve got your annual Fourth of July cookout responsibilities down pat. One friend brings the pasta salad, another gladly takes care of the grilled veggie sides, and then you are happily in charge of the patriotic flag cake. But this year, you might want to shake things up. We’ve got 15 red, white, and blue cupcakes and cakes with broad stripes and bright stars to celebrate Independence Day in style.
Flag Cake
Oh Sweet Basil
No dessert is more patriotic than a full-blown flag cake adorned with white icing, ruby raspberries, and blueberries. (via Oh Sweet Basil)4th of July Cupcakes
The Little Blonde Baker
Red, white, and blue are twirled to perfection to give you these slightly psychedelic vanilla cupcakes; they’re topped with a finger-lickin’ buttercream that you can easily make on your own. (via The Little Blonde Baker)Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Cupcakes
Treats and Trends
Funfetti has become a birthday *must,* but we’re bringin’ it for the Fourth of July with these gloriously festive cupcakes slathered in buttercream frosting. (via Treats and Trends)Red, White, and Blue Cake Pops
Love Maegan
With a white chocolate coating and festive sprinkles, these gorgeous cake pops are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re also really fun and easy to make, so get the kids to help! (via Love Maegan)Red, White, and Blue Cake
What Should I Make For...
This naked layered red velvet cake skips the festive sprinkles and replaces them with fresh berries. (via What Should I Make For…)Fourth of July Peanut Butter Cookie Cake
Sweetest Menu
What your Fourth of July party REALLY needs is an oversized peanut butter cookie cake covered in red and blue chocolate candies. (via Sweetest Menu)Firecracker Cake
Love Bakes Good Cakes
With red, white, and blue drips of delicious frosting, this vanilla cake is as exciting on the inside as it is on the outside, thanks to some crafty yet simple techniques. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)Patriotic Swirl Cupcakes
Two Sisters Crafting
It’s hard to beat colorful swirls of buttercream sitting atop moist and crumbly chocolate cupcakes, amirite? Follow the simple tutorial and WOW your pals. (via Two Sisters Crafting)Low Carb 4th of July Vanilla Berry Cake
It's Autumn's Life
If this vanilla berry cake proves anything, it’s that you can still be festive while keeping things clean and simple. Decorated with sweet strawberries and blackberries, this dessert is low in carbs but big on flavor. (via It’s Autumn’s Life)Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Our Family of Seven
This recipe brings cupcakes to a whole new level by filling ice cream cones with batter before baking. They’re then topped with icing as usual, and a maraschino cherry for good measure. (via Our Family of Seven)Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake
Just A Taste
This cooling ice cream cake is made with frozen pound cake, your choice of raspberry or strawberry sorbet, and a whipped topping that’s decked out in fresh berries and patriotic goodies. (via Just a Taste)Red Velvet 4th of July Cupcakes
Your Cup Of Cake
These ruby cakes are brimming with red velvety goodness and whipped cream icing, and topped with fresh blueberries for a touch of blue. (via Your Cup of Cake)Red, White, and Blue Cake
Preppy Kitchen
Bring this gawk-worthy petal cake to your Fourth of July cookout and treat your friends to three decadent layers of spongy cake and buttercream. (via Preppy Kitchen)Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes
Pack Momma
Speared with sparkling stars, these cupcakes boast American pride with colorful icing and cake layers. (via Pack Momma)American Flag Cake
Cooking Is Messy
This cake might seem run-of-the-mill at first glance, but when you cut into it and reveal your mad baking skills, guests will be left in a complete state of awe. (via Cooking Is Messy)This post has been updated.
I literally can't believe I'm writing this, but after a year of keeping up with all the biggest and best 2024 movies, I'm here with a final installment: December movies! This year has had some truly remarkable flicks (Challengers! Wicked! The Fall Guy!) and we're truly going out with a bang. While you're keeping up with all the best December TV shows coming out, here are the best December movies coming next month.
Keep reading for all the new December movies to add to your watchlist in 2024.
Y2K — In Theaters December 6, 2024
A24
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
Netflix
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.
Nightb—ch — In Theaters December 6, 2024
Searchlight Pictures
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
Lionsgate
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
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
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
Pablo Larraín/Netflix
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
Jay Maidment/Sony
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
Netflix
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.
Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters December 20
Walt Disney Pictures
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.
Babygirl — In Theaters December 25
A24
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.
A Complete Unknown — In Theaters December 25
Macall Polay/Searchlight Pictures
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.
Let us know which December movie you're most excited for on Instagram!
Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers — A Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her newest movie Babygirl comes from A24, and the steamy drama is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.
Scroll down to learn more about Babygirl — and to watch the HOT new trailer!
What is the plot of Babygirl?
A24
Babygirl Plot
In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays Romy, a powerful CEO struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy meets a young intern named Samuel, and feels immediately drawn to him, the two begin a torrid affair.
And filming scenes with Harry Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”
But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”
"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”
When is the Babygirl release date?
A24
Babygirl Release Date
Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, but you can watch the movie in theaters December 25, 2024.
Who's in the Babygirl cast?
A24
Babygirl Cast
The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.
What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”
“It left me raggedm" Kidman says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”
“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”
What does babygirl energy mean?
A24
"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we could be guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.
Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!
There were SO many moments that made our jaws drop here:
- The thumb in the mouth
- The pink skirt moment
- NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!
Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵
Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.
This post has been updated.