24 Recipes to Make With Jams and Jellies

Allyson Dickman
Apr 13, 2014

We all have jelly and jam jars hiding in the fridge, tasty fruit preserves we’ve kept around for those PB+J cravings but don’t know what else to do with. Turns out, there are loads of recipes to put those fruity spreads to good use. No matter if you’re armed with classic grape or spicy pepper jelly, there’s no limit to how far your jams and jelly can go. Buy yours at the store or make your jam fresh, and get ready to spread it on thick with these 24 sweet recipes.

1. Thumbprint Cookies: Dessert first! Add a dollop of your favorite jam or jelly to buttery almond cookies. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

2. Jam Straws: Move over, cheese straws. There’s a new twist in town! Grab one of these flaky pie dough rolls filled with tasty preserves for a breakfast on the go. (via Fat Girl Trapped In a Skinny Body)

3. Toaster Pastries: This homemade take on Pop-Tarts calls for a seriously awesome shortcut — jam! Instead of mashing up berries, just load these pastries with fruity preserves. (via Love and Olive Oil)

4. Ham and Cheese: The secret ingredient to this ham and cheese on sourdough? Homemade strawberry lemonade jam. (via My Recipes)

5. Peach Cupcakes: These sweet summer cupcakes are seriously peachy keen. That’s because peach jam gives already fresh peaches even more flavor. (via Taste and Tell)

6. Jam Crumb Bars: It’s not peanut butter and jelly, but these crumbly bars have a ton of nutty flavor to add to whatever jelly you have on hand. Do the right thing: Have one for breakfast and for dessert. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

7. Caramelized Onion Chicken: Want to know the secret to a super sweet and savory sauce? Jam. Add a raspberry version to this chicken dish, made with Asian flavors and sweet onions. (via Cooking Light)

8. Strawberry Cheesecake Lemon Bars: Sweet, creamy, tart — three words that perfectly describe these bright bars made with lemon cake, cream cheese and strawberry jelly. (via Inside BruCrew Life)

9. Chicken Wings: Okay, we already know peanut butter and jelly go together like football and Sunday, but PB+J chicken wings? That’s a trio worth digging into. Marinate your wings in jelly, peanut butter and hot sauce, and you’re in for one spicy surprise. (via NPR)

10. Jelly Doughnut Muffins: Craving a jelly doughnut without the squirting mess? Whip up this batter, mix in some jelly and bake in a muffin tin for a mess-free treat. (via Betty Crocker)

11. Pinwheel Cookies: These buttery cookies couldn’t be easier to make! Lay out some dough, slather on some jelly, roll it up, then slice and bake! (via Tutti Dolci)

12. Brie + Jam Pretzel Hand Pies: Baked brie with jelly is a popular party app, but this blogger is a total genius for throwing the already epic pairing into a soft pretzel shell. Everyone gets their own “pie” of cheesy jelly goodness. (via Girl Versus Dough)

13. Strawberry Smoothie: Make your morning smoothie even fruitier by adding jelly to frozen fruit and milk. (via A Spicy Perspective)

14. PB+J Muffins: Get all that classic sandwich flavor in two bites. These morning peanut butter muffins will delight your taste buds with their jam-loaded insides. (via Averie Cooks)

15. Sweet and Sour Meatballs: You don’t even have to think about this one. Throw three ingredients — meatballs, grape jelly and chili sauce — into your slow cooker, then let the magic happen while you go on with your life. Serve for dinner or as a party appetizer. (via Tablespoon)

16. PB+J French Toast: Let’s just go ahead and call this the ultimate breakfast: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiched between two slices of French toast. Drooling yet? (via Macaroni + Cheesecake)

17. Catalina Chicken: Serve dinner with some island flare. Chicken gets a tangy kick from Catalina dressing and apple vinegar, then a fruity helping of apricot jelly. (via Our Best Bites)

18. PB+J Popcorn: Toss fresh popped kernels with jelly, then mix it with another batch coated in white chocolate and peanut butter and you’ve got a snack that’s just as pretty and colorful as it is delicious. (via Something Swanky)

19. Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese: Give your grilled cheese a major upgrade. This creamy deluxe version has a heaping topping of sweet-and-spicy pepper jelly. (via My Food and Other Stuff)

20. Saltine PB+J Sandwiches: Try eating just one of these stacks. Sweet and creamy peanut butter cheesecake is topped with a heaping spoonful of jelly and sandwiched between salty crackers. Absolutely addicting. (via Diethood)

21. Donut Monte Cristo Sliders: Excuse us while we drool for a moment. These mouthwatering monte cristo sandwiches — that’s ham or turkey with cheese and, yep, jelly — are pressed between donuts, then topped with powdered sugar and more jelly. (via Jelly Toast Blog)

22. Short Rib Grilled Cheese: What is is about jam that makes already amazing food even better? Case in point: A short rib and fontina grilled cheese is even more devour-able after slathering that crispy bread with homemade fig jam. (via Yes to Yolks)

23. Raspberry Vinaigrette: Top your greens with jelly too… or at least with this nutty vinaigrette made with raspberry preserves. (via The Galley Gourmet)

24. Apricot Braided Loaf: This braided bread has everything you want in a morning bread, and we mean everything. Chewy on the outside, light and airy on the inside and sweetly stuffed with apricot jam and cream cheese. (via Karen’s Kitchen Stories)

What’s your jam? Tell us your favorite jelly flavor or recipe below!

Oprah Winfrey's January Book Club Pick Is The Hopeful Self-Improvement Book You've Been Waiting For

Oprah Winfrey's book club is known for having exquisite reading picks, and the book she's chosen for the first month of 2025 is no different. The first week of January has already been challenging to say the least, ushering in loss and despair for some of us. While it's not a total fix, self-improvementbooks can help us get more in tune with ourselves during times like this — and Oprah Winfrey's January book club pick, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle, is perfect for that.

We think it's an excellent choice since more of us are looking for ways to tap into our inner humanity so we can see a little more patience and empathy.

Here's all the details about Oprah Winfrey's book club pick for January, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose.

Harpo, Inc / Chris Frawley

In collaboration with Starbucks, Oprah Winfrey shared her January pick, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose on The Oprah Podcast January 7. She and Eckhart Tolle shared a conversation about the concepts in his book while onstage at the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building. A live audience was in attendance and shared a few laughs as the renowned host and author talked about how we can transform our lives.

You can watch the full podcast episode here!

Amazon

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is expounding on his teachings in The Power of Now to help us finally stop making "ego-based" decisions. He feels it's time for us to live a life that's not governed by flighty definitions of happiness while also sharing ways we don't have to experience as much as mental or emotional pain.

In a world that feels more divided than ever over every little thing, we think it's a great read for those who are anxious to see a change. As this book proves, the work starts within ourselves.

Looking for more to read? Add Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick to your TBR list next!

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

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10 Best Drew Barrymore Movies, Ranked From Iconic To Absolutely Awful

Now widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most optimistic and compassionate figures due to her recent career shift as a talk show host, Drew Barrymore is also a veteran actress who’s made her mark behind the camera. Above all else, she’s truly iconic, at just 49 years young, she’s achieved more than most do in a lifetime.

From being catapulted to global fame at the age of 4 to becoming one of the most recognizable movie stars in the world, Barrymore has had a career that’s nothing short of extraordinary. It’s safe to say Barrymore has solidified her spot in Hollywood and continues to be an influential figure. Now for the fun part — with a lengthy resume chalk full of incredible films, you may be wondering where to start.

So, to make it easier, here’s a list of the Drew Barrymore movies everyone should see in their lifetime.

1. E.T.

Universal Pictures

This remains one of Barrymore’s most iconic roles, and at 6 years old no less. Stephen Spielberg’s E.T. continues to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made since its release in 1982, and comes in with a 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb and a whopping 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s no wonder why as the film beautifully portrays two children befriending an alien and keeping his existence a secret to protect him. If you want to cry, this is a must-see. If you don’t, well, you still have to watch this, just have the tissues ready. Not to mention, 6-year-old Drew Barrymore is so cute in this.

2. ​Ever After

20th Century Fox

A retelling of the fairytale Cinderella with Drew Barrymore? Say less. There have been a handful of Cinderella adaptations, to say the least, but this may be one of the best, and Barrymore is to thank for that. Her effervescent innocence shines through in this role and she offers a wit and independence that was not seen in preceding versions – Barrymore’s Cinderella is resourceful and isn’t the archetypal damsel in distress, which is why this is a refreshing must-watch. Plus, its 7.1 out of 10 score on IMDb and 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Scream

Dimension Films/Paramount

Yes, I know Barrymore is only in Scream for all of 10 minutes, but in my humble opinion, it may be the best 10 minutes of the film. Her incredible performance and blood-curdling scream open the film, and thrust you into the most prolific horror film franchise of our time. So yeah, I think this deserves a spot on the list. And even though it's rated 7.4 out of 10 on IMDb and 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it's arguably one of Barrymore's most iconic moments ever.

4. Donnie Darko

Newmarket Films

This thought-provoking, and might I add haunting, film has still been top of mind for me since my first watch. While Barrymore’s screen time is certainly limited in Donnie Darko, there’s no questioning the impact her role and character offered the film. Her character, high-school teacher Karen Pomeroy, is a relatable anchor in a film that is otherwise unsettling. And that, friends, should be enough reasoning to get you to watch this movie. Plus its 8 out of 10 on IMDb and 87 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

5. Whip It

Searchlight Pictures

It’s only fitting Whip It follows a performance like Ever After – two very different settings, yet two very similar roles for Barrymore in that she plays a strong, independent woman in both. Even more so, Barrymore not only starred and directed this film, she co-wrote the screenplay as well. What can’t she do?! I love this movie (about a roller derby league) so much that it ~magically~ appears on my TV screen every year. It comes in with a 6.9 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 86 percent RT rating.

6. ​Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind

Miramax

If anyone ever needed proof that Barrymore has range — I don’t know who would, but that’s beside the point — I’d show them George Clooney’s directorial debut Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind. Barrymore plays a supporting role that seemingly morphs into one of her most memorable as she plays the typical supporting woman alongside Sam Rockwell’s game show host & undercover assassin. Because what man can simply exist without a woman behind him? The movie has a 7 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 79 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

7. ​The Wedding Singer

New Line Cinema

I didn’t mean to intentionally put two Adam Sandler movies on this list, but here we are. What can I say? The Barrymore and Sandler duo cannot be stopped! It’s another early 2000s film (that decade has the best rom-coms, and I won’t debate this fact), where Barrymore and Sandler slowly fall in love…despite the fact she’s engaged to someone else. What’s not to love? The movie has a 6.9 on IMDb and 72 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

8. ​Never Been Kissed

20th Century Pictures

If She’s All That and Mean Girls had a movie child together, (with maybe a hint of step-parenting from 21 Jump Street) it would be Never Been Kissed. This movie (which as a 6 out of 10 on IMDb and only 55 percent on RT) is quintessential early 20's Barrymore entering her rom-com phase, and for that, I’m forever thankful. Barrymore stars as an undercover journalist who breaks into the most popular clique at school…and then falls for her English teacher.

9. ​Charlie's Angels

Columbia Pictures

I remember my first time watching Charlie’s Angels – it’s one of those films everyone’s dad calls a classic – and after watching it, I thought ‘dang, rightfully so.’ Beneath all of the visible hairspray, sexy innuendos, and revealing outfits, this film is really about strong female relationships and camaraderie. If anything, it’s a fun time filled with action and drama, and, I hate to admit it, it’s a classic (despite the fact it has a 5.6 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Don't even get me started on the 45 percent audience score!).

10. 50 First Dates

Columbia Pictures

It’s no secret that Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have insane screen chemistry, and this movie proves it. 50 First Dates is a witty romance that Barrymore shines in. She portrays a woman who has amnesia after an accident, meaning she basically relives the same day over and over. Her portrayal is truly unforgettable and she commands the screen — sorry Adam. The movie scored a 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb but somehow only got a 45 percent on Rotten Tomatoes!

What's your favorite Drew Barrymore movie? Did we leave anything off the list? Let us know in the comments and read up on A Definitive Ranking Of Emma Stone's Best Movies for more!

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"XO, Kitty" Season 2 Welcomes You Back Into The Covey Family

To All The Boys will always be a comfort movie, and when Netflix announced we were getting a spinoff about our favorite little sister Kitty Song Covey (who's now a teenage matchmaker), I was over the moon! Well, fans of XO, Kitty are in for a treat because season 2 drops on January 16 — and it's one of our most-anticipated January TV shows. Not only are we reuniting with one of our favorite Coveys, but another cast member from the movie cast is making an appearance too!

Here's everything we know about XO, Kitty season 2.

Who's joining the cast this season?

Netflix

XO, Kitty season 2 stars Anna Cathcart, Audrey Huynh, Sasha Bhasin, Joshua Lee, Minyeong Choi, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan, Peter Thurnwald, and Regan Aliyah.

And the best news of all is that Noah Centineo is returning as Peter Kavinsky!! This was not on my 2025 bingo card and I'm THRILLED.

What is XO Kitty season 2 about?

Netflix

Kitty's back for her second semester at KISS, and she's hoping to scale things way back. What can we say? She's in her casual dating era! That is, until a letter from her mom's past sends her on a whole new journey. "There are so many new people now,” Anna Cathcart told Tudum. “To see her world expand is a huge, huge difference and will be a really fun thing to follow.”

It sounds like XO Kitty season 2 will be a continuation of that coming of age!

Where can I watch XO, Kitty season 2?

Netflix

XO, Kitty season 2 hits Netflix January 16, 2025.

What are you excited to see in XO, Kitty season 2? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for even more pop culture news! Don't forget to check out this year's January Movies too.

This post has been updated.

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