11 Snacks to Make With Just a Mug and a Microwave

Sometimes you need to indulge a little bit, but making an entire pie or cake for yourself results in either A) Eating way more than one person probably should in a single sitting or B) Throwing away and wasting food. Or maybe, it’s more like you live in a dorm room and all you have is a microwave and a mug. Spoon University is here to help, with recipes that let you make a sweet or savory treat for one using only those m and ms — a microwave and a mug. You’ll never think of nuking the same way again.

1. Rice Krispy Treat: Get your snap, crackle, pop on with a quick 30-second trip in the ‘wave. (Photo via Rebecca Block)

2. Chia and Flaxseed Microwave Oatmeal: If you imagine that microwaving oatmeal would make it a matter of mush — rethink. The creator of this recipe says it actually tastes better than what they’re slinging in the cafeteria. Make it extra healthy by throwing some blueberries and chia seeds on top. Your mom would be SO PROUD. (Photo via Becky Hughes)

3. Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup: Cookie without an oven? We’re so there. Not to mention, how fun is it to say “cookie in a cup?” (Photo via Alex Weiner)

4. Breakfast Omelette in a Mug: Go ahead, hit the snooze button for your 8am class, baby. We’re making your morning that much faster with a one-step omelette. (Photo via Megan Prendergast)

5. Microwave French Toast: You haven’t lived ’til you’ve have French toast for a snack. From a mug. (Photo via Kelda Baljon)

6. Nutella Mug Cake: We’re just going to go ahead and assume this is going to be your new bae. (Photo via Meredith Marcus)

7. Pumpkin Pie in a Mug: PIEEEE. Forget about reserving the pumpkin variety for fall. You’re buying the puree in a can anyway, right? So go ahead and make it your new springtime study-session snack. (Photo via Sarah Joh)

8. Dark Chocolate and Nutella Microwaveable Mug Cake: Finals are on the horizon, and after you ace all those exams, we highly suggest rewarding yourself with a quick and easy treat. Oh, well looky here, another Nutella mug cake to do just that, this time with a little help from some dark chocolate. (Photo via Parsa Lotfi)

9. Single-Serve Oreo Cheesecake in a Mug: Ain’t nobody got time to make a trip to the Cheesecake Factory on a Friday night. When you’re craving the creamy stuff, take 10 minutes out of your life and make use of those last three Oreos with this recipe. (Photo via Natsuko Mazany)

10. Real Mac and Cheese in a Mug: Forget that mystery powder cheese. This recipe makes use of the real deal, and will keep you from eating the entire contents of the blue box. (Photo via Alex Weiner)

11. Microwave Chocolate Cake With Ganache: Oh, this beautiful little thang? Yup, it came from a mug. (Photo via Kelda Baljon)

Know other microwave hacks? Post your tips in the comments!

Trader Joe's holiday suite is in full swing, and thank goodness. Christmas is already the best holiday around, and it only gets better with all of Trader Joe’s Christmas items! These 16 finds are perfect for topping off your Christmas charcuterie or completing the table for Christmas dinner. The best part is they’re all shoppable for under $10! All your guests will be raving.

Scroll on for this year’s best Trader Joe’s Christmas items to add to your cart!

Sweet Trader Joe's Christmas Items

Trader Joe's

British Shortbread Cookie Collection

This assortment of shortbread cookies would make an excellent Christmas Eve nightcap alongside some hot chocolate. Make it boozy if you're feeling brave!

Trader Joe's

Peppermint Crunch Popcorn

With this find, you get a bit of saltiness among the sweetness, plus the crunch is irresistible.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake

If you're celebrating Christmas with a small group, this mini sheet cake is the way to go. It delivers on the perfect portion size, and, of course, all things chocolate.

Trader Joe's

English Fudge Collection

This fun range of English fudge makes the ideal daytime (or post-dinner!) snack for Christmastime indulgence.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Marshmallows

Level up this season's hot chocolates with a dash of peppermint from these candy cane-flavored marshmallows. Yummm.

Trader Joe's

Candy Cane Baton Wafer Cookies

Wafer cookies are downright addicting. Make sure to grab a few tins of these on your next TJ's run, because your guests will be totally hooked on 'em.

Trader Joe's

Boozy Bottles

Dark chocolate loaded with cognac liqueur? Sign us up immediately!

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries

As if it couldn't get even more chocolatey, these sophisticated chocolate-covered cherries come to the TJ's forefront. They're super decadent, making them the ultimate addition to your charcuterie spread.

Savory Trader Joe's Christmas Items

Trader Joe's

Elevated Cracker Assortment

Crackers are a must for any dinner party. This trio is a total treat around Christmas.

Trader Joe's

Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Oh, yeah. These tender scallops wrapped in bacon are not only delicious AF, but easy AF to prepare from frozen. Your next best Christmas appetizer awaits!

Trader Joe's

Double Cream Brie

Baked brie is a non-negotiable on our Christmas dinner menu. Heat this baby up with some honey or jam, then delightfully dip in with your fave TJ's crackers.

Trader Joe's

Dinner Rolls

It goes without saying that dinner rolls are a classic item to include for Christmas dinner. These $3 pull-apart rolls boast the perfect soft interior and impeccable flavor.

Trader Joe's

Savory Squash Pastry Bites

Got some hungry (erm, hangry) guests at your place? Tide their cravings over with these air fryer-friendly savory squash bites.

Trader Joe's

Caramelized Onion Goat's Milk Cheese

The sweetness of goat cheese is instantly complemented with caramelized onion in this $3 find.

Trader Joe's

Crispy Battered Calamari

This appetizer will make it look like you spent way more time on your Christmas appetizer spread than you actually did.

Trader Joe's

Prosciutto-Wrapped Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

It doesn't get better than some cured meat and cheese. These snackable sticks would look adorable on a charcuterie set-up.

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We all know the Yellowstone season 5 cast is stacked: Kelly O'Reilly, Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille — and now Bella Hadid?! Yep, that's right, the model showed up on the latest episode of the TV show and the internet is going crazy. Not only because Bella is in the show (and she's an incredible equestrian) but also the fact that creator Taylor Sheridan cast her as his onscreen girlfriend.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Bella Hadid's Yellowstone cameo — and the internet's reaction.

Was that Bella Hadid on Yellowstone?

Paramount

Well yes, that was Bella Hadid on Yellowstone. Good eye! The actress appeared in season 5, episode 13, "Give The World Away." When Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) shows up at Travis Wheatley's ranch, she's greeted by Travis' girlfriend Sadie (Bella Hadid) instead of the horse trainer himself (who's played by creator Taylor Sheridan).

As the episode progresses, we see Beth and Sadie start to bond (or at least, we see Beth try to figure out why Sadie's with Travis) and Sadie hops on a horse herself. If there's one thing that will solidify the return of the Western aesthetic, it's Bella Hadid wearing a cowboy hat.

And this isn't the first time Bella has showed off her horseback riding skills! Her boyfriend Adan Banuelos posted a video on November 3 of Bella competing, saying "Bella rode 3 horses and qualified to 7 different finals, bringing home her first CHAMPIONSHIP buckle! We continue to be proud of her in (and out) of the arena."

The model and actress' 'Ôrəbella Alchemy Foundation also works with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) to provide therapeutic and adaptive horseback riding for individuals for special needs.

After the new Yellowstone episode aired, the internet simply couldn't help but roast Taylor Sheridan (who's 54) for casting the 28-year-old Bella Hadid as his own girlfriend.

"Taylor Sheridan making Bella Hadid his girlfriend in 'Yellowstone' is objectively hilarious," @spaseycasey tweeted, while @rigginsslim says making Taylor's character "the Dutton savior + coolest guy in the universe" while "1/3 of it is him shirtless [and] he’s f—king Literally Bella Hadid" isn't even "the top 5 dumbest parts of the episode."

However, it looks like this was the push some of Bella's fans needed to start the show! "starting yellowstone because bella hadid made a cameo in it," @cardiganfml tweeted. (I literally cannot judge considering I started 1923 after seeing Brandon Sklenar in It Ends With Us).

Bella Hadid wasn't the only guest star on this week's episode of 'Yellowstone'

In addition to Bella, we also saw Blake Lively's brother-in-law Bart Johnson make a guest appearance. The High School Musical star's character has the audacity to try and hit on Beth during a girls' night out. Read the room!

What did you think of this week's Yellowstone episode? I can't believe next week is the finale! Check out why Paramount+'s New Drama Landman Will Fill The Yellowstone Void In Your Life.

Brown butter pasta. Wedge salads. Espresso martinis. Actual martinis. What do these foods and bevs all have in common? They make me fancy as ever when I’m chowing down on them.

But there’s one flavor in particular that goes above and beyond in the way of fancy foods, and it just so happens to be featured in one of Trader Joe’s tasty new dips.

Trader Joe's

I’m talkin’ truffle, baby! Not one, but two types of the earthy, richly-umami fungus stars in Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip, and TJ’s fans can’t get enough.

Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip boasts an “exceptionally creamy” base made up of ricotta, parmesan, and cream cheese. Most importantly, it earns its super sophisticated flavor from a blend of black truffle paste and white truffle-infused olive oil. Yeah, I’m obsessed.

@traderjoesobsessed

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently shared all the truffle goodness on their page, with truffle-infused favorites like Truffle Burrata, Truffle Brie, andTruffle Oil joining the ranks. Their followers truly blew up the comment section with lots of love for the famed Truffle Dip

“Come through truffle!!!!🔥❤️,” one person wrote.

“I use this as a pasta 🍝 sauce,” another commenter said. “It's amazing!!”

“I think it’s soooo good with the brioche toasts,” someone else said.

“I buy one every week,” another person commented. “I'm obsessed!”

The Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip is shoppable in stores for just $5.49 for 7.5 ounces of the creamy, dreamy product. It’s the perfect addition to slather on lunch wraps and sandwiches and will definitely make your holiday charcuterie spread shine this year.

No matter how you enjoy it, you’re sure to become absolutely obsessed, too.

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If you're anything like me, you treat Christmas like a whole fashion show. Whether it’s a wholesome family dinner or a (not so wholesome) party with hometown friends, I always plan to pull a look or two.

As opposed to years past, I’m looking to shake up my Christmas outfits a bit, playing with multiple patterns, cozy (yet stylish) layers, and, of course, a good pair of boots. Looking for inspo along those lines? We’ve got all the Christmas outfit ideas you need to stun at this year’s festivities.

Check out these 12 Christmas outfit ideas you have our full permission to copy this season!

Kayla Walden

Sparkles are extremely festive this time of year – go all out with a sequined dress to really embrace the Christmas spirit! You can find so many similar options at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. When paired with some cute ballet flats, you'll be feelin' like a little Christmas fairy in no time.

Haley Sprankle

A blazer will never fail to make your Christmas outfits look sophisticated. Layer one on top of a basic cable knit sweater for a classic feel (that'll also keep you super warm)! From there, trousers or tailored jeans will do. Don't forget to accessorize with red Christmas nails and a bold red lip color!

Jasmine Williams

Layers, layers, layers: it's the name of the Christmas outfit game, especially if you live somewhere super cold. But a practical 'fit doesn't have to be boring! Start with a comfy turtleneck and pants (over some leggings for extra warmth), then go crazy by mixing colors and patterns. This plaid + leather combo will be on repeat. Step into your favorite winter boots to bolden up the look!

Ali Ives

Statement jackets are the way to go. This leather one is lined with a furry material that not only holds in your body heat during outdoor excursions, but looks so chic, too. Layer one with some leggings, a black mini dress, and a bright red sweater like this one so you feel cozy all day long! Don't forget the boots, either! 😍

Haley Sprankle

Hair bows are the perfect accessory to rock alongside your Christmas outfits. From sleek sweaters like this one to more formal dresses, they fit the occasion oh-so nicely.

Haley Sprankle

For a *spicier* holiday get-up, don't hesitate to reach for your fave tall boots and little black dress. It's a no-fail combo! With an all-black situation like this one, you won't have to spend extra time worrying about if your outfit is matching perfectly or not. Wear the two pieces with some sheer black tights, or get creative with colored ones, like a bold red or sparkly white.

Kayla Walden

If your personal style leans more preppy, this is the Christmas outfit idea to copy: loafers and a pleated skirt instantly make you look dressed up, but the nice part is you're not sacrificing comfort for style one bit. This outfit formula can span over endless color combos, but we particularly love the burgundy-leaning look with this one.

Meredith Holser

You can never go wrong with a good green or red plaid dress. Bonus points if it's vintage, like this one! You can easily dress it up with tights and a cardigan, with boots or ballet flats to match!

Kayla Walden

Velvet dresses have our hearts (and closets). The material evokes a very vintage-y Christmas vibe that you can style over and over again. We're currently eyeing similar styles to this one from Target and Anthropologie!

Rachael Sprankle

Sequins shine again! If it's Christmas party time, you truly cannot go wrong with an eye-catching ensemble like this one. You'll leave the whole crowd stunned. A sequined dress also makes for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics! 📸

Ali Ives

Bundling up this winter doesn't have to be drab. Throw on a plaid scarf on top of a layered look to embrace all the Christmas vibes!

Kayla Walden

Playing with different materials and non-traditional color combos might just surprise you when it comes to creating the coolest Christmas outfits. For instance, this 'fit combines leather and suede, which contrast each other beautifully. You also might not immediately think of black and brown working well together, but this outfit idea defies all fashion "rules" in that regard.

Haley Sprankle

For a Christmas-y night out (ahem, bar crawl, anyone?), don your cutest holiday sweater with some comfy jeans and boots. We've found some really great options for fun holiday sweaters that are still super stylish!

Haley Sprankle

Get you a good tall black boot, and your Christmas outfit ideas will go far. They work wonderfully with everything from maxi dresses to midi skirts!

Kayla Walden

No matter what you wear this Christmas, there's always room for a playful (and festive!) hair bow.

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As I type this, I'm sipping on chai tea, wrapped in a blanket covered in hedgehogs holding candy canes, while twinkly lights hang on the wall behind my head. That's right baby, it's Christmastime!! (Well, almost). It might not be Thanksgiving yet, but we're getting in the holiday spirit early, because...well, why not? A few Christmas music, a taste test of Taylor Swift's chai tea cookies, and A Charlie Brown Christmas are all surefire ways to make any cloudy, dark-before-5 pm day merry and bright. After you've watched Snoopy prepare dinner for all his friends in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, press play on the oh so sweet A Charlie Brown Christmas!

Here's everything you need to know about how to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for the 2024 holiday season.

How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

You can stream A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming on Apple TV+ this year, which is also where you'll find It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. So if you're wondering, 'Is A Charlie Brown Christmas on Netflix?' unfortunately, no, it's not.

But while the $9.99 cost for an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to literally so many other titles, it's understandable if that's a deal breaker. Good thing there's a 7-day free trial! Apple TV+ is also airing the special for free on two days during the holiday season: December 14 and December 15. Mark your calendar!

Check out Everything Coming To Apple TV+ In 2024for a look into the streamer's newest projects!

What happened in A Charlie Brown Christmas?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Plot

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, our titular main character is not feeling merry and bright. Even though the world is cheery (and snowy) around him, he simply can't break out of his funk — especially when he tries to direct his friends in the local Christmas play and they all make fun of him. But thankfully, Linus, and one special little Christmas tree, help save Charlie Brown's Christmas spirit.

The special definitely struck a chord in audiences. According to TODAY, almost half of the entire country tuned into the premiere, and A Charlie Brown Christmas ended up winning an Emmy in 1966 for Outstanding Children's Program.

When did A Charlie Brown Christmas come out?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Release Date

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on CBS December 9, 1965. Even though Charles M. Schulz's comic strip introduced characters like Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, and Snoopy in 1950, this was the first time the characters appeared in a TV special.

Can I stream the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Concord Music Group

Yes you can listen to the A Charlie Brown Christmas album (which has sold more than 5 million copies) on streaming platforms!

Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas not airing?

CBS/Apple

After Apple bought the rights to the Charlie Brown specials in 2018, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown haven't regularly premiered on TV. 2022 marked the last time Apple allowed PBS stations to air A Charlie Brown Christmas once during the holiday season.

Will ABC show A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Check out 60 Unique Christmas Card Ideas That Also Make Great Instagram Captions for more inspiration!

This post has been updated.