What the PEEP?! Peeps Milk Is Easter’s Official Drink

Mar 05, 2015

Just like every other holiday, Easter only comes around once a year. FYI, the holiday that hops around lands on Sunday, April 5 this year. Since *everyone* loves to capitalize on holidays — guilty as charged, check out all of our eggcellent Easter egg ideas — a new contender in the WTF holiday product category has been released. And it has us Peep-ing.

While we’re super curious to try a glass of these fluffy beverages out, they currently are only available in the Mid-west. So it’s either time for a Spring Break road trip or the perfect chance to beg your grocery store’s stocking manager.

Would you try a pint of the Peeps Milk? Let us know in the comments.

(h/t Mashable)

41 Easter Side Dishes To Steal The Show At Your Holiday Potluck

If you've been invited to an Easter potluck but haven't made an Easter side dish yet, have no fear. These unexpected, vibrant dishes are here to steal the show! From creamy casseroles and dips to seasonal soups and refreshing salads, there's something on this list that everyone will want a bite of. Choose from 41 delightful Easter recipes that work as appetizers too and savor an Easter Sunday with a feast for family and friends.

Baked Artichokes With Honey Whipped Feta

Dip these baked Panko-coated artichokes into a sweet and creamy honey-whipped feta cheese for all your spring holidays. Everyone's going to love it! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Here us out on cabbage: when you bake this underrated veg with cheese and herbs, even kids will love it. (via The Edgy Veg)

Cream of Asparagus Soup

This perfect spring soup turns our favorite spring veg into the star of the show. It's full of fresh and vibrant flavors! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Roasted Golden Beet Salad With Farro

Roasted beets, farro, goat cheese, and crunchy almonds are a perfect side for a crowd and meal for everyday. (via Barley & Sage)

Toast with Oregano-Truffle Cream Cheese and Olive Oil Tossed Tomatoes

Inspired by breakfast in Barcelona, this simple recipe of toasted bread is topped with olive oil, tomato and oregano-truffle cream cheese is SO good. (via No Eggs And Ham)

Kale Stir Fry With Mushroom and Red Onion

Seasoned with balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, this simple and satisfying meal takes just 15 minutes. (via GastroPlant)

Cabbage And Peas

Add a pop of spring green to your table with this bright salad of cabbage and sweet peas. (via This Wife Cooks)

Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

If you're looking for classic, soul food on your Easter Sunday this creamy baked macaroni and cheese with a crusty top is the best! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Vegan Split Pea Soup

Creamy split green peas and golden potatoes made in a dutch oven is a delicious vegan meal.(via Veggie Society)

Cucumber Mint Yogurt Salad

This refreshing and creamy dish is super simple and requires just 5 minutes. Pair with toasty bread or crackers. (via Forks and Foliage)

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes

Crispy potatoes are always a crowd pleaser. These oven-roasted parmesan baby potatoes are a perfect as a side dish no matter what season. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Simple Charcuterie Board

Stand out from the potluck crowd with a gorgeous charcuterie board. Amanda Wilens shows you how to build one to impress. (via Amanda Wilens)

Focaccia Bread With Roasted Garlic And Olives

This focaccia has a rich olive oil flavor with sweet roasted garlic and kalamata olives to add briny contrast. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Korean Corn Cheese

Corn and mozzarella cheese makes for a delicious side that's also easy to make. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Grilled Peaches And Pimento Pizza

Bring the pizza party to the potluck with this seasonal dish you can grill or bake. (via The Edgy Veg)

Farro Salad With Peas And Feta

This light and delicious farro salad has peas, arugula, feta, and a juicy lemon dressing. (via Culinary Hill)

Zucchini Chips

Make chips for your favorite dip from zucchini and eggplant. (via Fancy Peasant)

Creamy Vegan Ricotta with Tofu

Spread this tofu-based ricotta dip on toast, in a pasta dish, as a dip, or even in a lasagna. It comes together in about 10 minutes! (via Simply Quinoa)

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Loaded with flavor and so much cheese, this hot spinach and artichoke dip gets the Easter party started. (via Salt & Lavender)

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad

Gluten-free noodles absorb liquid more than regular pasta so keep some extra lemony dressing on the side of this springy pasta dish. (via RachL Mansfield)

Big Bang Cauliflower

Spicy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, these bite-sized cauliflower bit are so good tossed in a homemade bang bang sauce. (via The Endless Meal)

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

This easy vegetarian appetizer recipe is made with creamy spinach, melty ricotta, salty parmesan, and earthy spinach wrapped up in flaky, buttery puff pastry. Sold! (via Cozy Cravings)

Truffle Beet Carpaccio With Pistachio And Capers

We never met a dish with capers we didn't like -- add sweet beets and arugula with the smokey marinade for a tastebud-satisfying treat. (via Chef Bai)

Vegan Caesar Salad

The vegan caesar dressing is made with tahini, lemon, and dijon mustard for a creamy, tangy, and refreshing salad. (via Two Spoons)

Mediterranean Layered Hummus Dip

Hummus topped with roasted pepper, chipotle, roasted garlic, and jalapeño cilantro is on a whole other level, so good! (via Live Eat Learn)

Prosciutto Ricotta Toast

Toasty bread topped with crispy prosciutto and creamy ricotta, lemon, honey, and basil is a side to add to your party rotation. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Find More Easter Side Dishes From Brit + Co:

Green Goddess Salad

If you're looking for a healthy side dish that still tastes amazing, then this Green Goddess salad is right up your alley. The dressing is full of lemon juice, cheese, rice vinegar, and garlic for a seriously tasty dish. (via Brit + Co)

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

These bites work as a side dish to your entrée, or as an appetizer that you can snack on before the rest of the fam arrives for Easter dinner. You can totally customize these babies and remove or add any ingredients that you wish. (via Brit + Co)

Bite-Sized Eggs Benedicts

Even if you're not having an Easter brunch extravaganza, we're all about breakfast for dinner so we'll add these bites to our menu regardless. (via Brit + Co)

Crunchy Green Beans With Butter

Green beans might not seem like an exciting Easter side dish to bring to a potluck, but these will be a crowdpleaser. The original recipe makes enough for just four people, so adjust it accordingly. (via Brit + Co)

Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Pink Tahini Sauce

You can’t go wrong with crispy smashed taters, especially when they’re served with plenty of gooey brie cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potatoes in a Blanket

Why serve crescent rolls solo, when you can stuff them with roasted sweet potato wedges, caramelized onion, and cheese? (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Broccoli

If you’re feeding a crowd of picky eaters with different dietary needs, this tasty Easter side dish is a must; it’s vegan, paleo, and Whole30-friendly. (via Brit + Co)

Steamed Artichoke With Garlic Butter

If someone in your crew claims that they aren’t into vegetables, the dreamy garlic butter that's used for dunking this steamed artichoke might just be a turning point for them. They'll thank you after they've devoured this whole Easter side dish. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Potato Salad

The herbs make found in this potato salad make it spring-ready. It's also a great option for all your spring picnics and summer barbecue get togethers. (via Brit + Co)

Portia's Green Soup

We've been dreaming about this Bridgerton-inspired recipe, and we're pretty sure you will be too. Avocado, cucumber, and chives give 'refreshing' a whole new meaning. (via The Unofficial Bridgerton Cookbook/Brit + Co)

Easter Side Dishes That Taste Good All Year Long:

Keto Cheesy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

This hearty Easter side dish is as easy as it is delicious. After all, everything is better with bacon and plenty of cheese sauce. (via Brit + Co)

Greens & Citrus Salad With Tahini-Ginger Dressing

With plenty of veg and flavorful add-ins, this salad is clearly too legit; too legit to quit. (via Season: A Year of Wine Country Food, Farming, Family, & Friends/Brit + Co)

Mashed Cauliflower Purée

Cauliflower has become an Easter side dish fave, and this garlicky recipe only gives us reason to keep the momentum going. (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy, Garlic-Roasted Asparagus

Fact: No one is going to pass up a vegetable that tastes like garlic bread...or that's covered in cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Scallion and Greek Yogurt Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Despite its intricate, show-stopping appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to put together thanks to your slow-cooker. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more Easter side dishes and spring recipes!

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

This post has been updated.

24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

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

This post has been updated.

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This Cadbury Cocktail Recipe Is the Adult-Approved Treat You Need for Easter

Whether you’re planning to dye a few Easter eggs, create a basket full of goodies, or cook a mean Easter dinner, this cool-kid approved holiday requires a lot of prep work and leg work from the adults. Between buying candy, dye for the eggs, and ingredients for your egg and bacon carbonara (*prayer hands emoji*), it’s safe to say us adults deserve a little treat that is egg-tastic (and 21 and up!). This Cadbury cocktail is the perfect way to end the day (you know, when the kids are asleep). Made with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla vodka, cream de cacao, and Cadbury goodness, this sweet treat will seriously make your insides melt. Trust. Us.

Ingredients:

Makes one drink

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa
1 ounce vanilla vodka
1 Cadbury egg (just the cream part)
1/4 cup of milk (we used cashew, but any will do)

Instructions:

1. Pour the dark chocolate chips and a small amount of milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until you start to see the chocolate melting. Stir completely until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Pour the chocolate on top of a level plate and carefully rim the martini. Let gravity do its thing by letting the chocolate drip on the edges of the glass. Place the glasses to the side.

3. For the cocktail, unwrap the Cadbury egg, cut it down the middle, and carefully scoop out the cream. Shake the cream into the shaker.

4. Next, measure 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa, 1 ounce vanilla vodka, and 1/4 cup of milk, and place all the ingredients into the shaker. Just double these measurements if you want to create a drink for a friend. (Duh, of course you do.)

5. Add a handful of ice, and carefully shake for about 10 seconds or until the Cadbury cream has broken apart and melted.

6. Pour the liquid into the martini glass and shave the rest of your dark chocolate over the cocktail. Serve immediately.

Pour the dark chocolate chips and a small amount of milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until you start to see the chocolate melting. Stir completely until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pour the chocolate on top of a level plate and carefully rim the martini. Have gravity do its thing by letting the chocolate drip on the edges of the glass. Place the glasses to the side.

For the cocktail, unwrap the Cadbury egg, cut it down the middle, and carefully scoop out the cream. Shake the cream into the shaker.

Next, measure 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa, one ounce vanilla vodka, and 1/4 cup of milk, and place all the ingredients into the shaker. Just double these measurements if you want to create a drink for a friend. (Duh, of course you do.) Add a handful of ice, and carefully shake for about 10 seconds or until the Cadbury cream has broken apart and melted.

Pour the liquid into the martini glass and shave the rest of your dark chocolate over the cocktail. Serve immediately.

Who needs an Easter basket when this cocktail will do just fine.

Whats your favorite Easter recipe? Tweet us @BritandCo, and follow us on Pinterest for more delicious cocktail recipes!

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Angelina Jolie Finally Opened Up About Her "Extremely Private" Kids & Motherhood

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

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New Mom Shares Exactly How Much It Cost To Have A Baby In 2024 – Spoiler Alert, It’s A LOT

Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

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A post shared by Josephine Anderson (@fosterthevalley)

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
Labs: $3,440.81
NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
Anatomy scan: $1,270
RhoGam: $360
Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
Epidural: $5,720
Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
Pediatrician: $209

That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
- Office visits
- Lab work
- Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
- Hospital admissions
- Specialist consultations during admission
- Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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