How to Get an Impressive Poached Egg With This Microwave Hack

Jan 30, 2018

Poached eggs are going above and beyond eggs Benedict these days. With their silky yolks acting as the perfect sauce, they can really amp up your Buddha bowls, salads, and even some soups. Poaching an egg sounds easy in theory: You bring water to a simmer, add a splash of vinegar, create a whirlpool, and carefully drop your egg into the center. Unfortunately in practice, we’re often left with wispy egg whites and slightly overcooked centers. Thankfully, this microwave hack is everything it’s cracked up to be.

trial and error

Some reviews claim that this hack is genius, while others have reported walking away with egg on their face — literally. If you aren’t careful, you may experience an eggsplosion. This is why it’s important to take things slow until you’ve got a perfect cook time nailed down. All microwaves are different, and a 950 watt microwave will obviously cook an egg much more quickly than a 700 watt microwave.

I ended up with great results by poaching the egg for 55 seconds on high power in a 950 watt microwave; if you have greater wattage than 950, cook it for 45 seconds, and then check on it. If it needs more time, cook it in 5-10 second increments until you’ve got the consistency you desire. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be an egg-poachin’ pro in no time.

What you need

Ingredients:

an egg
a small microwave-safe bowl (we suggest one that will hold about 1 cup of water and is deep enough so that when you add the egg, it is completely submerged in the water).
a microwave-safe saucer or lid, to cover the bowl
1/2 cup of cold water
a fork

Poaching your egg

Instructions:

Add 1/2 cup of cold water to your microwave-safe bowl.
Carefully crack your egg into the water and ensure it’s completely submerged.
Place the bowl into the microwave and loosely cover it with a microwave-safe saucer or lid to prevent splatters or explosions.
Cook the egg on high power for 45-55 seconds, depending on your microwave wattage. If you’re unsure, it’s best to play it safe and cook it for less time, continuing to cook it in 5-10 second bursts as needed.
Once the time is up, let the egg sit in the microwave for about 10 seconds so it can settle. Then, carefully lift the lid and check on your egg to make sure the white is set, but the yolk is still runny.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the egg from the water and set it aside or onto your dish if it’s ready to go.

Do you have any useful egg-poaching tips? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Dana Sandonato / Brit + Co)

6 Easy Coffee Hacks That Make Your At-Home Drinks Taste Like Starbucks

As much as I adore coffee, you could not convince me to drink it black. I like my drinks sweet (but not too sweet) and creamy (but not too creamy), with plenty of flavor that doesn’t drown out the actual coffee notes. But sometimes, the classic coffee-creamer combo gets old and I need a way to spice up my morning joe. Luckily, there are endless ways to upgrade coffee that take your brew from boring to beautiful.

I polled my inner circle (we’re all coffee snobs to a degree) about their #1 favorite add-in that truly makes their coffee shine. These 6 simple coffee upgrades are all affordable, easy, and compatible with all kinds of brewing methods. Next time your pick-me-up needs a pick-me-up, try out one of these hacks!

Brigitte Tohm / PEXELS

1. Lavender

Lavender in a latte is sheer heaven. I’ve DIY’ed my own lavender syrup before (it’s too easy), but you can also buy it ready-made! Any sort of syrup makes for an easy coffee upgrade, really. Brands like Jordan's Skinny Mixes and Torani are my go-to’s, and they sell a vast array of flavors to suit any taste!

Lisa Fotios / PEXELS

2. Cinnamon

I’m convinced cinnamon belongs in everything. I put it in my protein pancakes, yogurt bowls, and cookies, but it’s also a supreme add-in for coffee and even matcha lattes! The warm flavor notes of cinnamon are also perfect for cozying up in the fall and winter.

Julissa Helmuth / PEXELS

3. Honey

Cinnamon in coffee gets even better when you put honey in the mix with cinnamon. It’s one of my pal’s absolute go-to’s in lattes (hot or iced), but it also works just as well in hot drip coffees or cold brews.

Andrea Davis / PEXELS

4. Oat milk

Oat milk (or milk of any kind) is a perfect coffee hack for those who can’t stand black coffee. It helps cut the sharpness and acidity of the brew, adding some creaminess and color to each sip. I find that oat milk is the best pairing for breakfast time!

Amazon

5. Protein shake

In place of milk, I also really like adding a splash of a protein shake to my coffee for a dose of creaminess and flavor. The protein is just an added bonus!

I really love Koia’s protein shakes since they sell a lot of different flavors, from Cinnamon Cereal to Pumpkin Spice.

JaYoung Choi / PEXELS

6. Brown sugar

I’ve used brown sugar many times to make a Starbucks copycat brown sugar shaken espresso right at home. I’ll simply add equal parts instant coffee and brown sugar to a mason jar with ice, shake it up, and top it off with cinnamon and milk.

If you prefer sipping on something a little less fancy, adding a spoonful to a plain hot coffee could be really delightful, too!

Target

7. Cold foam

The final (and tastiest) coffee hack I drink on the regular is cold foam! Target sells a good range of cold foam cans in various flavors, but I’ve really come to love the salted caramel iteration. It’s perfect for topping of iced coffees for a nice mid-day treat!

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

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SOS Gabriel Might Not Be In 'Emily In Paris' Season 5: "Not Fun Anymore"

Emily in Paris season 4 was the buzziest season yet, and for good reason. Emily's in Rome, Camille was never pregnant, and Gabriel's hair went from très hot to tragique. In addition to the viral response to Gabriel's new hair, season 4 left me pretty sad because after four years of waiting for Emily and Gabriel to get together, they almost immediately break up — and actor Lucas Bravo is just as confused as we are.

Carole Bethuel/Netflix

“The ‘sexy chef’ was very much part of me in Season 1 and we grew apart season after season because of the choices he makes and because of the direction they make him take,” Lucas Bravo told IndieWire while promoting Mélanie Laurent’s Freedom. “As they made him kind of unaware of his surroundings, of the dynamic, always victimizing and always being completely lost in translation and oblivious to anything that is happening around him and being manipulated by everyone, it kind of became not fun for me to shoot or to see a character I love so much and brought me so much, being slowly turned into guacamole. I really grew apart from him.”

Honestly it makes me really sad that a character we all love so much is becoming unrecognizable. But at the same time, it makes me feel a little bit better, because we're not the only ones who feel like Gabriel has changed. And while Lucas has done what he can to bring those early-series aspects of Gabriel back, he says "there is only so much I can do in the limits of a script.”

Netflix

“I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set," he continues. “It makes me question if I want to be part of Season 5…because my contract ends at Season 4. I really want to see if Gabriel gets back to his fun, cheeky, playful, alive self. Because three seasons playing melancholic, sad, depressed, and lost is not fun anymore. It’s a comedy, everybody is having fun around me, everybody is jumping around, and I’m just slowly sinking into god knows what.”

Say what now?! If Lucas Bravo leaves Emily in Paris, I truly don't know what I'd do. Gabriel is my favorite character on the show! (Or at least, early Gabriel was.) Seeing him move from 30, flirty, and thriving to someone who's consistently in the middle of an existential crisis doesn't make sense within the world of the show. And even though Lucas thinks the show has a "lack of risk," he still loves everyone involved.

“I love the show. It started everything for me. I love the show and the people in it," he says. "With saying that, I feel like I am not being nice or grateful, but when you love something you want it to be…you want the best version of it. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been frustrated with the direction by character is taking. But we’ll see where it goes. The show is not over.”

Just like the show's iconic costumes are all about expression and fun, here's hoping Emily in Paris is able to bring some life back into our favorite chef. Because if not, it sounds like we could be nearing the end of the show's most popular would-they-won't-they relationship. Fix this Netflix, I beg you!

What do you think of Lucas Bravo's dilemma? Do you miss season 1 Gabriel? Let us know in the comments and check out the latest Emily in Paris season 5 news.

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30 Hot and Broth-y Soups That Will Soothe You Like Chicken Noodle

We all pine for soup season, despite the bone-chilling weather that comes with it. Curling up with a steamy bowl of feel-good makes trudging through the snow seem worth it. (Almost.) Sadly, such weather can also result in the sniffles, aches and that dreaded tickle in the throat. Hot and boozy drinks are a surefire way to warm your insides at night, but you need to nourish that bod too. Though some swear that chicken noodle soup is meant to heal the soul, we’ve got 30 broth-y concoctions that will warm you up in the chill and make you feel better when you're under the weather.

Lemony Garlic Chicken and Orzo Soup

Caramelized garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, kale, and chicken broth all make up this tasty, warming soup. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Minestrone Soup

This plant-based soup is loaded with nutritious and colorful vegetables, beans, pasta, and seasonings. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Miso Cabbage Soup

This miso soup with cabbage is a flavorful and nourishing Japanese-inspired dish. (via The Edgy Veg)

White Bean Soup

This Blue Zone-inspired soup is loaded with antioxidant-rich beans. (via Clean Cuisine)

Oyster Mushroom Soup

This super flavorful soup is made with vegetables, herbs and pasta. (via Give Recipe)

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

The beef in this stew is fall-apart tender, making this hearty soup perfect for lunch or dinner. (via Averie Cooks)

Potato Leek Soup with Italian Sausage

Warm up your week with a satisfying potato leek soup with Italian sausage. (via Completely Delicious)

Ribollita Soup with Greens & Butter Beans

This Tuscan-inspired soup made with a rich tomato broth, lots of veggies and greens, butter beans for protein, and cozy cheese is perfect with a side of toasty bread. (via The Original Dish)

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Busy week? Brown some beef and pop all of the ingredients for this delicious soup in the slow cooker! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

This southern-inspired is the perfect recipe for those cozy, chilly days! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Soup du Jour

This soup recipe teaches you how to make any satisfying soup with the ingredients you have on hand. (via Live Eat Learn)

Brothy Beans

This comforting and delicious soup is so easy to make with creamy white beans braised with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and a parmesan rind, yum! (via Cozy Cravings)

Easy 10-Minute Wonton Soup

This easy 10-minute Wonton soup uses cilantro chicken wontons from Trader Joe’s! (via RachL Mansfield)

Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup

This miso soup and ramen hybrid takes spicy miso broth, adds edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, and pours it over tasty soba noodles. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Kielbasa Soup

Comfort food at its finest: sausage, vegetables, and potatoes! (via Salt & Lavender)

French Onion Soup

This easy French Onion Soup is perfect for the Francophile in you. (via Culinary Hill)

Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup

If you’re staying true to your grandmother’s convictions about chicken soup when feeling under the weather, we got you. This hearty bowl provides you with the essence of chicken soup, but amps it up with salsa verde, chili powder and cumin. (via One Lovely Life)

Spiralized Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars

This is the perfect low-carb meal prep idea - just add boiling water, microwave and enjoy! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Quick and Easy Pasta e Fagiole Soup

The words “quick” and “easy” sound pretty good when you’re on the down and out. This no-fuss bowl of wholesome goodies will fill you up and warm your belly, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Winter Vegetable and Oat Soup

When you think of finding comfort in food throughout the chilly months, two things come to mind: hot soups and hearty bowls of oatmeal. Imagine the two together! This is exactly what you get with this big serving of contentment. (via Coffee and Crayons)

Vegetable Miso Soup With Soba Noodles

With a cook time of only 30 minutes, this smooth umami-filled miso soup sure beats trekking out in the cold to get take-out. It’s a cinch to make and it stores well, so be sure to make extra for future indulgence. (via 8th and Lake)

Dill Pickle Soup

This soup is a total *dream* for dill pickle lovers everywhere. Naturally GF and vegan, this bowl of briny goodness can be made in just 20 minutes; no slaving over a stove required. (via Pure Ella)

Whole Grain Chicken Noodle Soup

Sometimes you can’t help but crave a classic. Though this chicken noodle soup brings us back to the basics, it’s anything but standard. Tender chunks of chicken and whole wheat noodles create a bowl that is both delicious and satisfying. (via Simply Sissom)

Vegan Barley and Lentil Soup

This simple and delish bowl of soup is full of healthful ingredients and might just become a winter staple in your home — and you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. It only calls for a few ingredients, most of which are probably in your pantry right now. (via Vibrant Plate)

Healthy Turkey Wild Rice Soup

One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey is to throw it into a robust soup. This meal will have you glowing with its abundance of tender shredded turkey, nutritious beans and substantial rice. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Italian Wedding Soup

This simple and quick American-Italian classic is always guaranteed to satisfy. Filled with leafy spinach, orzo and tender meatballs, this soup will cozy you up after a single spoonful. (via Jo Cooks)

Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

This glorious flavor-packed jumble lets you set it and forget it — no effort required. Just place all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it take care of the rest. Your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of curry and veggies until you can finally dig in. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Stuffed Pepper Soup

With fresh herbs and spices, this deconstructed stuffed pepper soup can be tangy and invigorating and comforting. (via Vikalinka)

Red Curry Noodle Soup

This Thai soup is rich and fragrant and comes together in just 15 minutes! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Butternut Squash, Kale and White Bean Soup

This adaptable vegetarian soup can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese. It’s replenishing, herbaceous and loaded with nutrients. It’s the perfect cure for those wintry chills. (via A Nerd Cooks)

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy + comforting soup ideas.

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See Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie Reunite In The 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' Teaser Trailer

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton #TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Watch The Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'

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This post has been updated.

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These 15 Friendsgiving Recipes Are Easy, Affordable, and BFF-Approved

Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!

Brit + Co

Drop Biscuits

Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.

Brit + Co

Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)

Brit + Co

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).

Brit + Co

Roasted Broccoli

Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Polenta

Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.

Brit + Co

Roasted Sweet Potato

Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.

Brit + Co

Fall Quinoa Salad

If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Pasta Bake

When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.

Brit + Co

Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chive Biscuits

Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!

Brit + Co

Keto Cheese Ball

Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!

Brit + Co

This post has been updated.

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