In March 2020, we opened up our creative library to the world and over 150,000 of you joined to stay creative during the pandemic.
Well, things have changed for sure, but it's still a bit crazy out there. Many of us are still balancing working from home by night with watching our toddlers by day. Some of us can't work and are catching a serious case of cabin fever this winter... and ALL of us want to stay inspired, creative, and take care of ourselves.
So starting February 1, 2023, we're offering 10 free courses for the next 3 months and you can always access all 120+ online classes for just $10/month or test drive them all with a 30-Day Free Trial after you create a free B+C account. Interested in learning some new recipes or baking techniques? Check out 45+ expert-led classes in our B+C Baking and Cooking Bundle.
You've all shared some beautiful and creative things over the past few years, so we wanted to figure out how to make it easier for all of you to keep learning, making and creating. This is just the first phase of some new things coming to B+C Classes, and we're excited to give members exclusive access to even more great creative stuff in the near future.
Stay creative, friends!
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like baking easy Christmas cookies (and making a mess in the kitchen with sugar, flour, and *all* the sprinkles). Thankfully, you don't have to be a trained pastry chef to create the best holiday cookies for Santa. Christmas cookie decorating doesn't necessarily mean sitting down with fancy candy topping and buckets of royal icing. It could be as simple as throwing together some easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients or hacking cake mix to make the dough. Now that you have the confidence to get started, check out these easy Christmas recipes and get to baking!
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like baking easy Christmas cookies (and making a mess in the kitchen with sugar, flour, and *all* the sprinkles). Thankfully, you don't have to be a trained pastry chef to create the best holiday cookies for Santa. Christmas cookie decorating doesn't necessarily mean sitting down with fancy candy topping and buckets of royal icing. It could be as simple as throwing together some easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients or hacking cake mix to make the dough. Now that you have the confidence to get started, check out these easy Christmas recipes and get to baking!
Fun Cookie Cutters To Make Easy Christmas Cookies More Festive
Cranberry Christmas Cookies
You can make the cookie dough in this recipe ahead of time and freeze it to save you time during the Christmas rush. When you're ready for this baking recipe, just take them out of the freezer and arrange on a baking sheet. Fourteen minutes later, you'll be enjoying one of the best Christmas cookie recipes: warm cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies — filled with melty chocolate chips. (via Brit + Co)
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
Is all that red and green cramping your style? Give typical holiday colors a break with these pink pastel ornament Christmas cookie idea, complete with crushed candy cane sprinkles. Eloise would definitely approve. (via Brit + Co)
Basic Gingerbread Cookies
This warmly spiced gingerbread cookie dough can act as a base for your favorite holiday shapes and decorations. Personally, we're suckers for this making snuggly sweaters with this easy Christmas cookie recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Hot Cocoa Cookies
Need a cup-shaped cookie to go with your steaming cup of hot cocoa? Try this frosted, easy holiday cookie recipe, made with store-bought ingredients. (via Brit + Co)
Cinnamon Bun Palmiers
These crunchy, delicate, heart-shaped cookies come together with puff pastry, cream cheese, and a cinnamon sugar coating. (via Brit + Co)
White Chocolate Candy Cane Fortune Cookies
This lightly pink holiday cookie idea is homemade, but in a pinch, just stock up at a Chinese restaurant and dip in white chocolate and crushed candy canes at home. (via Brit + Co)
Best Cookie Christmas Trees
These fun Christmas cookies are sure to wow all your holiday guests, including Santa himself. Plus, it's awesome to add a twist to the Christmas cookie game with zero baking. (via Brit + Co)
Gingerbread Emoji Cookies
Express those fond holiday emotions not with words but with a custom-made emoji expression. (via Brit + Co)
Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies
The holidays can be nutty, but baking Christmas cookies definitely makes things better. These goodies can be rolled out, cut, and decorated to your liking. Plus it makes for a fun date night or girls' day activity. (via Brit + Co)
Animal Cracker Sugar Cookies
Though there aren't any animal crackers in the actual recipe, the addition of honey and oat flour will make you think otherwise. Use the dough for all of your fave rolled or cut cookies. (via Brit + Co)
Oreo Chocolate Christmas Cookie Recipe
Though you can make any cut-and-bake cookies with the chocolate dough, we're partial to using it for these edible hot cocoa mugs. They are finished off with a sprinkle rim, Rudolph face, and candy cane handle. They're so cute they can almost pass for the real thing! (via Brit + Co)
Peppermint Sandwich Easy Christmas Cookies
Who needs store-bought Oreos when you can impress your friends with the homemade version? We also think that the scalloped edges are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)
Olde Fashioned Einkorn Gingerbread Cookies
These Christmas cookies can also double as cute decor, at least until they're all gobbled up. Add some powdered sugar before serving or add peppercorn eyes and buttons and bake until all the moisture is gone (around 10 minutes) to display them through the holiday. (via Calico and Twine)
Vegan Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies
Not only are these cookies tasty but they're extra cute. The hearts are perfect for Valentine's Day but for the holiday season swap your cookie cutters for some Classic Holiday Cookie Cutters. (via Two Spoons)
Slice 'n' Bake Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies + Whipped Buttercream Frosting
It's just not the holiday season without frosted sugar Christmas cookies. Ditch the idea of a perfect cookie and instead, top yours with a fluffy buttercream and whimsical decorations. The messier the better! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Why choose between cookies and brownies if you don't have to? This hybrid is the best of both worlds, with a luscious peppermint frosting on top. It's the thing of our candy cane dreams! It's oh-so-tempting to serve these warm with ice cream in lieu of the frosting! (via Cooking Classy)
Toffee White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
Buttery toffee, smooth white chocolate, and rich macadamia nuts make these homemade Christmas cookies a natural pairing with hot chocolate. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Any combo of cinnamon and sugar tastes like the holidays to us. This easy Christmas cookie is great for all kinds of gatherings and is plain enough that even picky eaters will want one. (via Cozy Cravings)
Eggnog Frosted Chai Snickerdoodle Snowmen
Just when you thought mini Reese's cups couldn't get any better, they make impressively convincing snowmen hats on these unique Christmas cookies. Don't forget to save a couple cups to snack on later! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Ginger Spiced Sugar Cookies
The trick in these cute Christmas cookies is making a depression in the cookies with the bottom of a glass before sticking them in the oven, so you can fill each one with as much icing as you like. Load 'em up! (via The View from Great Island)
Cinnamon Spiced Almond Sugar Cookies
These cookies are made with healthier ingredients (like coconut sugar, cinnamon, and almonds) and are also grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. That means you can gift them to pretty much everyone on your list. (via Cotter Crunch)
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Trees
If you're going to give your kids a cookie, you might as well hide a strawberry on top to balance it out. Dip the strawberry in green candy melts, add sprinkle ornaments, and let it fully harden before attaching it to the cookie with a blanket of white frosting snow. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)
Paleo Caramel Apple Gingersnaps
Gingerbread cookies are a mainstay of the easy holiday cookie table. This recipe is made healthier with dried apples, then drizzled with a paleo-friendly caramel sauce. (via Food Faith Fitness)
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Turn your favorite cup of cocoa into a festive + easy Christmas cookie with this recipe. This is definitely for the chocolate lovers out there — it's got double the chocolate and a cocoa powder topping for good measure. (via Amanda Wilens)
Eggnog Cookies
If you don't usually love eggnog, give this recipe a try before you write it off completely. There's only a touch of spice, but it's just enough to keep things interesting. (via Half Full)
No-Roll, Softbatch Sprinkles Cookies
If you love cookies but dread rolling out the dough and meticulously decorating them, use this recipe. The dough doesn't need to be rolled out before you form the cookies, and since the sprinkles go directly into the dough, the decorations are already done. (via Averie Cooks)
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Soft and chewy molasses cookies are a hallmark of the holidays. And unlike some, these don't need to be chilled before baking, so they can go from the bowl to the oven to your mouth in record time. (via A Cookie Named Desire)
Gluten-Free Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate, caramel, and nuts form the traditional turtle cookie — but these are a deliciously gluten-free version. (via The Skinny Fork)
Easiest Christmas Cookie: Whipped Shortbread
If you're more of a visual learner, follow along with the easiest Christmas cookie recipe of all, the whipped shortbread cookie.
Check out our online baking classes for more easy Christmas cookie recipe ideas and inspiration and follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!
Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Sara Cagle
This post has been updated.
Lead image via Half Baked Harvest
Skip the flowers this year and give Mom a gift that (actually) keeps on giving in the form of a creative online class! What has your creative mom always wanted to do but never did because she was taking care of YOU for 18+ years? Chances are there's a class out there that's right on the money (and will get you major “best kid ever" points for thinking of it). Leave all your classic “mom hobby" generalizations at the door and get her something for Mother's Day that goes way beyond her expectations and is actually FUN :)
Intro to Travel Photography Online Class
Now that she can visit you for the first time in a year improve her photo game for summer travel.
Color + Pattern for Interior Design Online Class
Help her get her home styled for happy living with this color + pattern interior design class.
Cake Decorating
You can reap the benefits of having mom take this cake decorating class! #lickthebowl
Jewelry Making + Metalworking Online Class
This class taught and designed by Tiffany Whipps will give her everything she needs to make hammered wire and beaded earrings for herself (and likely all of her friends).
Watercolor Painting Online Class
Jenna Rainey walks you through mixing colors, making different brushstrokes, painting beautifully natural floral designs.
Flower Arranging Online Class
Farmgirl Flowers teaches mom everything she needs to know about selecting, processing and arranging her own unique florals!
Calligraphy 101 Online Class
Lauren Essl of Blue Eye Brown Eye gives mom a way to practice her penmanship and tap into this oh-so-hot-right-now lettering trend.
Leatherworking Online Class
Transport mom back to summer camp in the 70's. In this class, taught by Natalie Davis of Canoe Goods, she'll learn how to add textured designs to leather and construct this handy tray for keys, jewelry and other bits 'n' bobs.
Jewelry-Making Online Class
Mother-daughter duo Nur-E Gulshan and Nur-E Farhana Rahman own the awesome jewelry company Knotty Gal, which gives us serious mother-daughter relationship goals. Take this class together!
Letterpress Online Class
Our friends at Hello!Lucky will teach mom how to print her very own cards for every holiday with a handy-dandy tabletop letterpress machine.
B+C Classes offer creative and business skills taught by the world's best experts. Choose individually from 120+ courses, or subscribe to our All Access Pass for all-you-can-learn at just $10/month.
There are some celebrity couples that feel like a match made in Heaven. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and more recently, Shaun White and Nina Dobrev. Not only are they both gorgeous, talented, and incredibly driven people, but they're also one of the funniest celeb couples to follow along with on social media.
Here's everything you need to know about their relationship!
A Timeline Of Nina Dobrev And Shaun White's Relationship
Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Dior Men
End Of 2019 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Are Introduced
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White officially met when they both spoke at a Tony Robbins workshop in Florida. Even though Shaun didn't know about anything about Nina at the time, he told People he realized she was a big deal when a bunch of people asked for pictures with her!
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
February 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend Time In South Africa
In 2020, when Nina Dobrev was filming Redeeming Love, fans started noticing that her Instagram photos and Shaun White's were taken in the same locations, even though they were making separate posts. Turns out, Nina had gotten Shaun to come visit her!
Image via Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Fresh Vine Wine
April 18, 2020 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Make Their Relationship Instagram Official
In true 21st century dating fashion, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took their relationship to the next level when they made it Instagram official. It's a pretty big step for any couple, but especially celebrities. If it's nerve-wracking telling your friends and acquaintances, imagine telling millions of fans! Instead of a regular photo, Nina posted a video that features a glimpse of Shaun's tattoo.
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
May 29, 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Quarantine Together
Like so many of us, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White had to take haircuts into their own hands during quarantine. "Adding to resume: hairdresser ✂️," Nina captioned an Instagram post of her giving Shaun an at-home haircut.
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
September 3, 2020 — Shaun White Turns 34
To celebrate Shaun White's 34th birthday, Nina Dobrev made a hilarious Instagram tribute to honor the snowboarder. "To the most untalented, humorless, least athletic, least coordinated, least gifted and my least favorite person.... happy birthday @shaunwhite," she says in the caption. "Hang in there. one day you will accomplish something. #dontgiveup"
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's age difference is two years — Shaun was born in 1986 and Nina was born in 1989!
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
Late 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate The Holidays For The First Time As A Couple
The holidays looked different for Nina Dobrev and Shaun White at the end of 2020, but they didn't let that stop them from celebrating. "I’m so thankful to be surrounded by so much love!!" Shaun says in his Thanksgiving Instagram post. "Getting older and watching my family continue to grow has been incredible. Hope everyone out there had an amazing thanksgiving!" The couple also celebrated Christmas together, with plenty of Santa hats and gifts to go around!
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
January 9, 2021 — Nina Dobrev Turns 32
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White chose wacky '80s getup to celebrate the actress' 32nd birthday. "Too bad we never have any fun together," Shaun says in his birthday Instagram post. "Happy birthday baby!"
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
February 8, 2021 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Hang Out With Her Vampire Diaries Costar
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took to the slopes alongside Paul Wesley (who starred opposite Nina in The Vampire Diaries) and his wife Ines de Ramon. "Sometimes you gotta double up to double down," Nina captioned her post of the quartet at Wyoming's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
February 14, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Share Their First Valentine's Day
Both Nina Dobrev and Shaun White made tributes to each other on the 'gram in honor of their first V-Day as a couple. "My favorite snow cone flavor is White," Nina says in her Instagram post. "Happy we got “stuck together” last year and stuck it out ;) happy valentine’s day to my quarantini in crime..."
"Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️," Shaun says in his caption. "I never knew I was so lickable till we met 😂... Thank you for keeping a smile on my face and being the beautiful person you are!"
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
October 31, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Wear An Iconic Couple's Halloween Costume
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White knocked Halloween out of the park with a hilarious, gender-swapped couple's costume inspired by The Queen's Gambit. Nina dressed as Thomas Brodie Sangster's Benny and Shaun went with Anya Taylor Joy's Beth. "Your move @anyataylorjoy ♟👑," Shaun says on Instagram.
Image via Clive Rose/Getty Images
February 2022 — Shaun White Competes In The Bejing Winter Olympics
In October of 2021, ahead of his involvement in the Beijing Olympics, Shaun White told People just how supportive Nina Dobrev had been for him. "Nina's incredible," he says in the interview. "What an influence on my life. Not only does she run her own show, her own world, companies she's involved in, things she's producing, all this stuff going on. She holds me to this same high standard which is so wonderful to have in a partner."
“We’ll be anxiously watching [Shaun compete] from home and cheering him on,” Nina Dobrev tells Us Weekly in early 2022. “I’m very, very excited for him. I can’t wait.”
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
March 5, 2022 — Nina Dobrev Throws Shaun White An On-Brand Retirement Party
Shaun White might have cut off his iconic red hair, but that didn't stop Nina Dobrev from using it as inspo for his retirement party! The get together was complete with red wigs, family reunions, and lots of selfies. "Celebrating the 🐐 and bringing back the 👩🦰 one last time…#RetirementPartyAt35," Nina captioned her Instagram post. Then they followed the party up with a tropical getaway!
Image via Lia Toby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
May 19, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Make Their Red Carpet Debut
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White attended the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in the summer of 2022. It marked their first red carpet appearance since becoming a couple *and* gave them the chance to support their friend Miles Teller!
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
June 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Take A Vacation
Nina and Shaun went on another vacation in the summer of 2022, complete with lots of beach time and plenty of beverages. Some of Nina's Instagram captions include "When it’s so blue outside it’s impossible to feel blue on the inside" and "Coconut or cocktail? There are two types of people in the world" and the photos are so cute I could cry.
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
October 1, 2022 — Shaun White Makes An SNL Appearance
During Miles Teller's run as SNL host, Shaun White joined his friend onstage. "Live from New York it’s Saturday Night!
Congrats to my buddy #MilesTeller on hosting @nbcsnl," Shaun wrote on Instagram. "Not surprised that you killed it. But I was very surprised when I arrived to support you…and they pulled me on stage to be part of a sketch 😂 Stoked to be a part of your big moment!!
"I loved being an emotional support animal 🐆 @nbcsnl," Nina captioned her post.
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
October 31, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Dress Up As Stranger Things 4 Characters For Halloween
In another iconic Halloween couple's costume, Nina and Shaun dressed up as Max and Vecna from the acclaimed fourth episode of Stranger Things 4 — with Nina as Vecna and Shaun as Max, of course. "Stranger things have happened," Nina said in her post, while Shaun admitted in his post, "not gonna lie I’ve miss the long hair."
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
January 9, 2020 — Nina Dobrev Turns 34
"What planet are you from and will you take me with you?!" Shaun asks in his birthday photo featuring Nina Dobrev in a pink wig. "Thanks for making life incredible! Happy birthday my love."
Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
June 26, 2023 — Shaun White Joins Nina Dobrev At The Out-Laws Premiere
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White stunned on the red carpet for Nina's movie The Out-Laws.
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
December 31, 2023 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend New Year's Eve In St. Barth's
If you ask me, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White have one of the most iconic friend groups ever. Miles and Keleigh Teller, as well as Chace Crawford, joined the couple in St. Barth's for New Year's. Can I come next time?!
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
January 9, 2024 — Shaun White Surprises Nina Dobrev With A Trip To Disneyland
I love a good surprise, especially when the surprise goes off without a hitch. For Nina's 35th birthday, Shaun (as well as a bunch of their friends like Julianne Hough) surprised Nina with a Disney trip and judging by Nina's reaction, it was just about the best present she could have asked for. The day consisted of a custom Mickey jacket, taking a party bus, roller coasters, and more!
"Happiest surprise on the happiest day at the happiest place on earth," Nina says in her Instagram post. "I have to say I am HARD to SURPRISE. I always know what’s up. But they got me good. I’m still in shock to be honest. Feeling incredibly lucky, celebrated, loved, grateful and appreciative of all the wonderful souls I am fortunate to surround myself with."
Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok
February 1, 2024 — Shaun White Calls Nina Dobrev His "Perfect Score"
At the beginning of February, Shaun White posted a TikTok of him and Nina Dobrev snowboarding together. Rather than snowboarding side by side, they're almost on top of one another as Shaun literally lifts Nina off the ground to spin them around. It's literally the cutest moment, and it makes *me* want to go snowboarding — if I have someone to snowboard with ;).
Screenshot via Nina Dobrev/Instagram Stories
February 11, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Attend The Super Bowl
Shaun and Nina shared a few flicks from their adventures before, during, and after Super Bowl LVIII on Instagram. The couple watched the game, flew over Las Vegas, together, and even sipped some Don Julio tequila to celebrate after the fact.
My favorite moments that the duo documented on social were definitely Nina chowing down on a hot dog in the stands (that's so me), Shaun dancing along to Usher's halftime show, and them sharing a kiss after the big Chiefs win!
The two just look *so* happy together, and that makes me happy.
"Can you propose to this women yet? Beautiful couple!!!😍🔥," one commenter wrote on Instagram... and I'm wondering the exact same thing!
Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
March 10, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Do Date Night At Oscars Afterparty
The stars always show out for the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, and Shaun and Nina were no exception to that rule! Our fave fiery couple looked amazing on the red carpet, but their best look? These two were smitten and all smiles on Nina's Instagram! Major heart eyes moment to say the least!
Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok
April 3, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Go Snowboarding (Again)
Snowboarding might not be a new thing for this "it" couple, but they still find a way to make it more fun every time they go. "Nina dropped her snowboard, so we had to go rescue it," Shaun says in a recent TikTok. In the video, he's carrying Nina while they snowboard and I am more than impressed! "Not all heroes wear capes," the caption reads.
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
April 6, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate Spring
Shaun White recently posted a recap of the sweetest spring date with Nina Dobrev and it's got me dreaming of warm afternoons and sunshine! "Lil’ bit of life lately 🍑," he says on Instagram. In addition to a video of the couple singing along to the radio, my favorite photo is Shaun and Nina in their bright orange jackets with the city in the background. I cannot wait for spring!
July 2024 — Shaun White and Nina Dobrev Head To The Olympics
Shaun White and Nina Dobrev are currently in Paris, France for the 2024 Olympics...along with Zac Efron apparently. The couple partied it up, but when they got back to their hotel and realized the elevator was out, Shaun climbed more than three flights of stairs with Nina on his back!
The Vampire Diaries actress is still recovering from a dirt bike accident in May, and has recently moved from crutches to a cane. We're wishing Nina a speedy recovery!
August 28, 2024 — Shaun White & Nina Dobrev Attend A Gossip Girl Star's Wedding, And Look Good Doing It
Shaun White and Nina Dobrev turned up in style to Jessica Szohr's (who you'll recognize as Vanessa from GG) wedding to Brad Richardson. Nina served as Jessica's Maid of Honor, and their Instagram posts have me emotional!!
"Almost two decades of friendship, there’s almost nothing we haven’t been through together," Nina says in her caption. "It makes me so happy to see you glowing with such a huge smile on your face. It’s an indescribable feeling to see your best friend marry the man of her dreams and create a beautiful (arguably the most beautiful) family together. It’s just the beginning, your life starts now. Congratulations you two lovebirds 🤍🤍🤍 i love you both so much!!!"
"You have been there with me through thick and thin for almost 2 decades… so thank you… thank you Nina for all you’ve done throughout our friendship- but especially for all the wedding events;)," Jessica's post says. "You outdid yourself … going through a surgery, had a movie coming out, redoing a house, and being such an amazing friend through everything. For real- love you more than you will ever know!"
October 30, 2024 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Announce Their Engagement
Nina and Shaun announced that they're engaged at the end of October, and in Julianne Hough's words, "made all our dreams come true!" The couple posted separate Instagram posts celebrating the news, and Nina's definitely made me laugh: "RIP boyfriend, hello fiancé."
Shaun popped the question in front of a beautiful arch decorated in white roses (with a 5-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring, no biggie), and literally swept Nina off her feet. "I went into shock. I just froze and stared at him,” Nina tells Vogue. And even though she says she blacked out and doesn't remember the actual proposal, she does know "he said all the right things.” I could cry!
The proposal came after Shaun had had to reschedule a few times (once after her dirt bike accident and once after she suspected it on their Cape Town vacation) — and to make sure Nina wasn't suspicious, he sent her a fake invitation to a dinner with Anna Wintour! "He made the invite look so legitimate,” Nina says.
Their upcoming nuptials will be quite the event, and one source tells People their wedding will be a "blowout party." I'm not even the slightest bit surprised. “They are the perfect fit together — fun and adventurous, but also very grounding for each other,” the source says. “After the proposal, they were calling and texting friends saying, 'It can't get better than this' and were just glowing.”
@nina GRWM for a Vogue Dinner hosted by Anna Wintour… or so I thought 🤭💍 @Shaunwhite ♬ original sound - Nina Dobrev
And in a Get Ready With Me video on November 14, Nina Dobrev revealed the one part of the proposal that left her "shocked": Shaun's ability to keep it a secret for so long!
"I don't think I've ever been more shocked or surprised or happier in my entire life," she says in the video. You can just hear the excitement in her voice! "I'm the planner in our relationship so I was shocked that Shaun pulled this off without me knowing. Every detail was absolute perfection." Cheers to the happy couple!
Check back here for the latest update on Shaun White and Nina Dobrev, and read up on Gigi Hadid And Bradley Cooper’s Full Relationship Timeline.
This post has been updated.
Instant Pot recipes are all the rage, so it's only natural that we take a step back from our belovedCrock Pots to revisit a truly classic cooking method: pressure cooking. You're probably picturing the terrifying pot of years past that was known for leaving remnants of green beans on the ceiling. Well, times have definitely changed.
Electric pressure cookers of today are more like a fast version of a slow cooker and have little-to-no risk of taking your eyebrows off.
Whether you're looking to invest, or you were gifted one and have no idea what to do with it, keep reading to discover easy pressure cooker recipes that are perfect for a beginner!
Why is it good to cook in a pressure cooker?
Flo Dahm / PEXELS
Pressure cooker recipes are very helpful because of how much time you'll save. And even though it cooks so quickly, it doesn't leave your food dry the way that other fast cooking methods can.
What cannot be cooked in a pressure cooker?
Engin Akyurt / PEXELS
You'll want to avoid cooking crispy foods like French fries in a pressure cooker. We'd recommend using an air fryer instead — you'll still save time, but you won't have to worry about them getting mushy. (Same thing with noodles. Stick to your go-to stovetop method!)
What are the best things to cook in a pressure cooker?
Cats Coming / PEXELS
You can turn all kinds of dishes into pressure cooker recipes! From Pad Thai to soups to perfecting the black beans you serve in your taco bar, keep reading for the best foods to cook in a pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli
Brit + Co Guides
“Pasta e fagoili” means pasta and beans, and this hearty yet simple-to-make soup has plenty and more. Comfort food at its best! (via Brit + Co Guides)
Insanely Easy Pressure Cooker Pho
Brit + Co
The only thing better than a homemade pho recipe is an easy homemade pho recipe. Nothing matches the taste of this homemade broth, and the basil, jalapeños, lime, and chili sauce topping are the perfect finishing touch! (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Steamed Cod with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Brit + Co
This Chinese dish can be on your table in roughly 30 minutes. From a frozen state, fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Brit + Co
Beef turns out fork-tender every time in the Instant Pot like magic. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Brit + Co
You can whip up this creamy chicken pasta with mushrooms and plenty of cheese in less time than it takes to order takeout. (via Brit + Co)
Pressure-Cooker Ramekin Eggs
Brit + Co
Eggs en cocotte sounds fancy, but these soft-cooked eggs, cooked in ramekins, can be whipped together and pressure-cooked in a matter of minutes. (via Brit + Co)
Fluffy Instant Pot Quinoa
Brit + Co
Fun fact — your pressure cooker’s rice setting does a lot more than just cook one type of grain. Try quinoa, then dress it up with your fave salad toppings. (via Brit + Co)
Baked Potato Soup
Brit + Co
Pressure cook potato soup, purée it in a blender, then top it with your favorite baked potato fixings like bacon bits and green onion. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Brit + Co
Spicy butter chicken and basmati rice can be made at the same time in your pressure cooker. Who knew? (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Paleo Orange Chicken
Brit + Co
Yes you can make a healthier version of the classic American-Chinese staple, and it can be made even quicker when seared and pressure-cooked in the Instant Pot. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Salmon Dinner
Brit + Co
Salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli can be steamed up all together in three minutes via the ~wonders~ of the Instant Pot. This healthy pick has got to be one of our favorite pressure cooker recipes. (via Brit + Co)
Basic Pressure-Cooker Chicken Breasts
Brit + Co
Yes, you can pressure-cook chicken breast in 10 minutes. Brine it overnight for that extra flavor oomph. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Vegetarian Frittata
Brit + Co
Sneak in a bunch of veggies with this frittata that’s also loaded with plenty of cheese. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Carnitas
Brit + Co
These flavorful carnitas start with pork shoulder, aromatic veggies, adobo sauce, and beer, but add your go-to herbs and seasonings to make it yours in this simple pressure cooker recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Pressure-Cooked Vegetarian Chili
Brit + Co
Quinoa naturally thickens this pressure cooker-made chili. All you need to worry about is what toppings to choose! (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich
Brit + Co
This French Dip recipe is Pinterest’s most popular Instant Pot recipe, and once you see the step-by-step close-ups, you’ll understand why. (via Brit + Co)
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Brit + Co
Eight different vegetables, sweet Italian sausage, cannellini beans, San Marzano tomatoes, lemon, and fresh parsley make this one hearty soup to remember. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Brit + Co
Pressure cook a few eggs on a trivet with a bit of water for just a few minutes, and you’ll be amazed how creamy they turn out. (via Brit + Co)
Weeknight Saucy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Bowls
Half Baked Harvest
This easy pressure cooker recipe reminds us exactly of summer nights (hello, juicy pineapple), and makes for a simple weeknight meal! (via Half Baked Harvest)
5-Ingredient Easy Pressure Cooker Recipe for Cheesy Egg Bake
Kitschen Cat
Pressure cooking may seem like it’s too intense for the likes of delicate eggs, but fact is, it's quite the contrary; the moist heat does wonders for keeping them fluffy and the result is perfect every time. (via Kitschen Cat)
Instant Pot Salmon with Chili-Lime Sauce
Savory Tooth
When was the last time you cooked flaky and flavorful salmon in just five minutes? If your answer is never, then you obviously haven’t tried making it in the pressure cooker. (via Savory Tooth)
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Feel Good Foodie
Prep this super simple shredded chicken in the pressure cooker to have on-hand for weeknight salads, tacos, wraps, and more. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Culinary Hill
Believe it or not, the types of mushrooms you choose for this dish will have a huge impact on its flavor. Try porcini, oyster, or enoki! (via Culinary Hill)
Instant Pot Dandelion Greens with Caramelized Onions
Forks & Foliage
The best part about this pressure cooker recipe is the balance of flavors. It's not too bitter, and balances deep and bright flavors for a side dish you'll always want as your main! (via Forks & Foliage)
Smoky Miso Soup with Mustard Greens & Navy Beans
No Eggs or Ham
It's soup season! This pick is vegan, and the liquid smoke and paprika add just the right amount of smoky flavor you'll want on the rainiest of days. (via No Eggs or Ham)
Pressure Cooker Pork Ragu with Orecchiette Pasta
Krumpli
This dish gives new meaning to one-pot pasta. Pork shoulder usually has to be cooked for many hours to yield a tender result, but with the pressure cooker, you’re looking at just one hour. (via Krumpli)
Quick + Easy Tomato Carrot Marinara Sauce
Letty's Kitchen
Sneaking veggies into your kiddo’s meals isn’t an easy feat. Use your pressure cooker to make quick work of this versatile marinara sauce that conceals a ton of carrots. (via Letty’s Kitchen)
Pressure Cooker Sriracha Chicken Tacos
The Girl On Bloor
If you want tender chicken infused with big flavor, look no further than the pressure cooker. Pair it with some fresh veggies and mango for tacos that pop with spice. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Instant Pot Shrimp Pasta with Vodka Sauce
A Spicy Perspective
If anything's vodka sauce-infused, you can count us in. Plus, this pressure cooker recipe makes a hearty dish so easy. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Pressure Cooker Cinnamon Roll Steel-Cut Oats
Pressure Cooking Today
Steel-cut oats are a more nutritious way to have breakfast, but they also take forever to cook. If you start this cinnamon-roll-flavored recipe in the pressure cooker as soon as you wake up, your breakfast will be ready in no time. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Pressure Cooker Moroccan Meatballs
Skinnytaste
Spiced, tender meatballs cook up in less than an hour in your pressure cooker. Serve these with bread or rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. (via Skinnytaste)
Pressure Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Savory Tooth
Cooking pork loin under pressure is one of the best ways to make sure it doesn’t dry out. The pressure cooker keeps all of that juiciness in the meat. (via Savory Tooth)
Instant Pot Lima Beans and Ham
The Blond Cook
Simple and nutritious lima beans and ham is one dish anyone can master with their pressure cooker. The ham infuses each bite with smokey flavor, while the beans become tender and creamy without having to be soaked the night before. (via The Blond Cook)
Pressure Cooker Recipe for Korean Beef
Damn Delicious
Sweet, tangy, salty, and meaty, this pressure cooker Korean beef comes out meltingly tender every time. Make enough for seconds! (via Damn Delicious)
Pressure Cooker Vegetarian Red Beans and Rice
Kitschen Cat
Enjoy this Cajun classic without having to book a plane ticket to Louisiana, thanks to your trusty pressure cooker. (via Kitschen Cat)
Pressure Cooker Almond Butter Lava Cakes
Kitschen Cat
Almond butter adds decadent richness to these moist dark chocolate cakes that are sweetened naturally with honey. (via Kitschen Cat)
Instant Pot Pumpkin Oatmeal
The Real Food Dietitians
In under 15 minutes, you could have a warm, steamy bowl of cozy oats sitting in front of you. Serve this pressure cooker recipe with some strong coffee, and you'll start your day off right. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Instant Pot Chicken Pad Thai
The Girl On Bloor
We will literally never say no to Pad Thai. It's the perfect dish for any time of year because even though it's served hot, the flavors are still bright enough to make it totally crave-able in the spring. This recipe will take you less than 10 minutes and will become a total crowd favorite. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
Salt & Lavender
This Olive Garden copycat soup recipe is concocted in the pressure cooker, allowing all of the good, comforting flavors to soak in. (via Salt & Lavender)
Pressure Cooker Mongolian Beef
The Blond Cook
Soy sauce and hoisin do a bang-up job of transforming flank stank in your pressure cooker. This pressure cooker recipe is a sticky-sweet yet savory dish that you should definitely serve with fluffy white rice. (via The Blond Cook)
Pressure Cooker Lo Mein
Kirbie's Cravings
Our favorite way to eat our veggies? Tossed with long strands of seasoned noodles, of course. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
Pressure Cooker Black Beans
Well Plated
Never underestimate the power of black beans. Make them on the weekend, then use them as a base for lunch and dinner all week long. (via Well Plated)
Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Hello Little Home
This pressure cooker recipe translates for both the Instant Pot and your stovetop, but no matter which method you go with, it'll still be overly creamy and cheesy. Yum! (via Hello Little Home)
Chicken Coconut Korma
Completely Delicious
Curry-based dishes need to be in your winter meal rotation when you're craving something different. They have just the right amount of spice to open up the sinuses, too. This one is packed with plenty of protein and veg. (via Completely Delicious)
3-Ingredient Pressure Cooker Mexican Chicken
Gimme Some Oven
Spicy, saucy, tender chicken for tacos, burritos, and more is super easy to whip up in your pressure cooker. Best of all, this recipe requires just three ingredients, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time rummaging through your cabinets before you get to cooking. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Pressure Cooker Turmeric Lentil Soup
The Girl On Bloor
Give your body an anti-inflammatory boost with this golden turmeric and lentil soup. It’s healthy vegan comfort food everyone will love. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Pressure Cooker Hamburger Mac and Cheese
Salt & Lavender
Like the boxed meals you grew up with (but way healthier), this hamburger mac and cheese is total comfort food. (via Salt & Lavender)
Piña Colada Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
The Girl On Bloor
We suggest prepping a massive batch of these Instant Pot oats to have a dependable breakfast meal prep at the ready whenever you (or your fam) need it. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Pressure Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
A Fork's Tale
Stuffed peppers…without actually having to stuff peppers? Count us in! (via A Fork’s Tale)
Vegan BBQ Jackfruit "Pulled Pork"
Chef Bai
Prep this amazing vegan pulled pork in the pressure cooker to fill some healthy tacos with! (via Chef Bai)
Pressure Cooker Chicken Butternut Chili
Put On Your Cake Pants
Balance out the spiciness of this chili by adding some sweet, tender butternut squash. Along with beans and chicken, it helps make this a hearty and nutritious meal. (via Put On Your Cake Pants)
Pressure Cooker French Potato Salad
A Communal Table
Potatoes cook up ever-so quickly in your pressure cooker. Dress them in a light vinaigrette along with some other veggies for a French-inspired take on the barbecue classic. (via A Communal Table)
Pressure Cooker Zucchini Basil Soup
My Food Story
When you think of pressure cooker recipes, you probably picture a giant roast or a heavy meat-laden stew. This veggie soup is just the opposite, and is perfect as a light starter for any weeknight meal. (via My Food Story)
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Salsa Pasta
365 Days of Slow Cooking + Pressure Cooking
Cut through the creamy richness of chicken pasta Alfredo with a jar of salsa in this satisfying weeknight recipe. (via 365 Days of Slow Cooking + Pressure Cooking)
Instant Pot Risotto
Two Spoons
Making risotto can sometimes be a feat, but with the pressure cooker, it doesn't have to be. This easy recipe delivers a delicious bowl of risotto in a matter of minutes. (via Two Spoons)
Pressure Cooker Turkey Verde and Rice
The Creative Bite
This healthy meal is packed with flavor and will be sure to satisfy those Thanksgiving turkey cravings. Did we mention there are only five ingredients? That’s a dinner win at its finest. (via The Creative Bite)
Pressure Cooker Green Chile Pork Carnitas
Pressure Cooking Today
Taco Tuesday is a weekly must in many households. Simplify the process by making your pork carnitas in the pressure cooker and garnish them with a little bit of fresh onion, cilantro, and cheese. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Apple, Pumpkin, and Black Bean Chili
Clean Cuisine
This easy chili benefits beautifully from the sweetness in the apple and pumpkin. (via Clean Cuisine)
Pressure Cooker Ribs
Leite's Culinaria
The way you cook ribs will forever be changed after you use a pressure cooker. This simple recipe contains ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. (via Leite’s Culinaria)
Pressure Cooker Recipe for Lemon Chicken Soup
The Endless Meal
This soup is oh-so comforting, but still light on the flavoring, thanks to the citrusy lemon. (via The Endless Meal)
Pressure Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Pressure Cooking Today
Why order takeout when you can make it better and faster at home? Before everyone decides what they want, you could already have this honey sesame chicken finished and plated. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Pressure Cooker Pinto Bean and Chard Burritos
Kitschen Cat
The pressure cooker isn’t just for heavy comfort food-style dishes. Whip up these healthy pinto bean, chard, and brown rice burritos in a flash so you can eat something nutritious at the end of a long, stressful day. (via Kitschen Cat)
Pressure Cooker Blueberry Cornmeal Breakfast Cake
Kitschen Cat
We tend to whip out our pressure cooker at dinner time, but it’s just as effective at churning out hands-off breakfasts, too. Cornmeal cake studded with blueberries stays ultra-moist in your cooker, making for an indulgent morning meal. (via Kitschen Kat)
Instant Pot Lentil Stew
Salt & Lavender
When you just need a cozy meal, this lentil stew is the perfect solution. It's even more enticing, now that the cooking process is slashed when you use a pressure cooker. (via Salt & Lavender)
Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup
Savory Tooth
Don’t be put off by the green color of this hearty soup. It’s full of rich flavor, and split peas are chock-full of protein, too. (via Savory Tooth)
Pressure Cooker Coca-Cola Baked Beans
Kitschen Cat
Cooking homemade baked beans from dried legumes takes literal hours to yield a tender result. With the pressure cooker, all that flavorful sauce is imparted into the beans in a fraction of the time for one tasty side dish. (via Kitschen Cat)
Cheesy Chili Mac
Chattavore
There’s no need to make a questionable dinner from a box when you can make the same thing from scratch and feel good about it. (via Chattavore)
Pressure Cooker Faux Chicken Pho
The Sophisticated Caveman
The beauty of cooking is that you can take one of your favorite dishes and make it your own. This soup is inspired by traditional pho, but uses spiralized daikon radish instead of rice noodles for a healthy twist. (via The Sophisticated Caveman)
Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oats
Kitschen Cat
Steel-cut oats usually take more time than you have for breakfast in the morning, but with a pressure cooker, you can have them ready before you perfect your mascara. (via Kitschen Cat)
Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding
Pressure Cooking Today
This rice pudding is a versatile dish that you can have for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. Serve it warm straight from the pressure cooker, or chill for a couple of hours if you like it cold. (via Pressure Cooking Today)
Pressure Cooker Recipe for Cacio e Pepe
Instant Pot
This is a delicious recipe you can make with pretty much what you almost always have in your fridge and pantry: spaghetti, pepper, some grated cheese, butter, and broth. Mix up your pasta rotation with something a little creamy and peppery this week! (via Instant Pot)
Pressure Cooker Artichokes
Kalyn's Kitchen
Homemade whole artichokes are a delicious and impressive appetizer for a fancy dinner party. Make a huge batch of these for your next girls’ night in, and the ladies will thank you almost as quickly as they’ll dip these in melted garlic butter or lemon aioli. (via Kalyn’s Kitchen)
Pressure Cooker Summer Italian Chicken
Nom Nom Paleo
One trick to producing a fantastic meal when using a pressure cooker is to finish your dish with fresh ingredients to balance the taste of the cooked food. This Italian chicken stew is full of marinated flavor and topped with lots of fresh herbs. (via Nom Nom Paleo)
Instant Pot Paleo Beef Stew
The Endless Meal
Paleo pals, unite! This pressure-cooked beef stew is super easy to make, and will fill you with all the good and warm flavors you crave. (via The Endless Meal)
Red Lentil Butternut Squash Curry
Insatnt Pot
This rich and thick red lentil curry recipe from Vegan Richa’s Instant Pot Cookbook: 150 Plant-Based Recipes is finished with creamy coconut milk and tastes plant-based fresh and hearty at the same time. (via Instant Pot)
Frozen Chicken Pasta from the Pressure Cooker
Live Laugh Rowe
Any dish that can go from frozen to table in 20 minutes is a winner in our book. (via Live Laugh Rowe)
Follow us on Pinterestfor more pressure cooker and Instant Pot recipe inspiration, and check out our online cooking classes for special dishes!
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This article has been updated from a previous post.