21 Dishes With Super Random Secret Ingredients

Sometimes all a recipe needs is a secret ingredient to make it go from okaaay to incredible. It’s easy to stick with the traditional (aka boring) way of making some dishes, but why not try and be more adventurous with your cooking? Amp up your meals by trying out one or more of these 21 recipes containing the most random secret ingredients you would never even think to use.

1. Avocado Chocolate Truffles: Chocolate and avocado? Random but also GOOD. (Photo via Emily Hu)

2. Waffle Pizza: We can’t believe we didn’t think of this sooner. This might be making an appearance in our weekly rotation. (Photo via Phoebe Melnick)

3. Potato Chip Cookie Bars: This sweet treat is your elementary school dream come true. (Photo via Julia Murphy)

4. Avocado Ice Cream: We put it in everything else, so we might as well add it to our ice cream, right? (Photo via Hannah Lin)

5. Diet Coke Drumsticks: Say hello to this chicken lickin’ craziness. (Photo via Fei Huang)

6. Pizza Croutons: These cheesy bites will bring your salad to the next yummy-gooey level. (Photo via Abby Wang)

7. Pine Needle Cookies: TOTALLY random, but we’re sure there’s some good nutritional value in these bad boys. (Photo via Abigail Chen)

8. Ice Cream Bread: The two best foods on earth combined into one chocolatey loaf. (Photo via Rachel Lee)

9. Vodka Pie Crust: A little indulgent? Maybe. Super delicious? Most definitely. (Photo via Paige Delany)

10. Kale + Turkey Meatballs: Looking for a little more leafy greens in your life? Sneak in that kale without anyone knowing. (Photo via Tiffany Zau)

11. 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes: These ‘cakes are perfect for those mornings when you can’t get out of your PJs and head to the store. (Photo via Zoe Zaiss)

12. Pepperoni Chips: Chips made out of meat? #Genius (Photo via Anna Polovick)

13. Flavored Skittles Vodka: Taste the rainbow — responsibly, of course ;) (Photo via Sarah Strong)

14. Sprite Pancakes: Get that refreshing citrus soda flavor on your breakfast plate with this easy-peasy recipe. (Photo via Dylan Barth)

15. Pizza Bread Pudding: Could it get any better? We think not. (Photo via Alex Furuya)

16. Cauliflower Tortillas: Say bye bye to all those gluten-free tortillas that are reminiscent of cardboard. These cauliflower ones are simply delish. (Photo via Maris Altieri)

17. Beer, Pretzel + Sausage Mac and Cheese: Need we say more? (Photo via Alex Vu)

18. Diet Coke Brownies: Chocolatey, bubbly goodness FTW. (Photo via Marykate Surette)

19. Pineapple S’mores: Gimme gimme s’more of this tropical-inspired treat. Who needs chocolate anyways? (Photo via Sarah Silbiger)

20. Coconut Oil Banana Bread: Sorry, Gma, our recipe is better. (Photo via Becky Hughes)

21. Soda Cake: It’s like a delicious science experiment in a mug. But you can EAT it. (Photo via Paolo Cuyno)

Have any other secret ingredients you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!

Here at Brit+Co, we're suckers for a good pun. We mean, Fourth of Jul-ice cream is TOO GOOD. It also begs the question: What is Fourth of Jul-ice cream? The obvious answer is a cold red, white and blue milky, sugary slap in the face. In a good way. Keep reading for three ways to get your fix. We've got a classic cone, a layered milkshake and a childhood recipe for ice cream “soup" (you all know what that is).

Brit + Co

Ingredients:

Brit + Co

— coconut (or other white) ice cream

— red and blue gel food coloring

Instructions:

Brit + Co

1. Scoop ice cream into a bowl.

2. Add food coloring and mix well.

For all three treats, you will need red, white and blue ice cream. There are red and blue flavors on the market, but we couldn't find any, so we used dye. Feel free to buy or dye.

Brit + Co

You gotta be quick with the licks to keep this from melting on your hand. We didn’t go with classic Neapolitan flavors (strawberry, vanilla, chocolate), but you could easily do so by dyeing the strawberry a deeper red and using white chocolate for the blue. Our version is solid coconut, but follow your heart!

Red, White and Blue Neapolitan

Brit + Co

Take note of the round container we used for this. It was a fail! We highly recommend you use a bread tin instead. To make your ice cream, scoop the more solid white ice cream into a strip down the middle of the tin. This will act as a barrier for the other two, which will be in a more soup-like form due to mixing in the food coloring. Add red to one side and blue to the other. Place it in the freezer for around two hours.

Brit + Co

Here's where the fail happened. When we tried to scoop the ice cream, because it was in a round tin, the act of pulling the scoop towards me spun ALL of the ice cream around in a circle. Whoops! I managed to get some in the end, but it wasn't ideal.

Brit + Co

The proper way to eat ice cream is two scoops on a cone.

Brit + Co

Ice cream: a true American patriot.

Brit + Co

It took us five stores to find dragon fruit and when we sliced it open, it was a vibrant magenta rather than the white we expected. Sweet surprise in our book and a perfect topping for a layered milkshake.

Fourth of July Layered Milkshake

Brit + Co

Mix and pour, mix and pour, mix and pour. If you want a thinner shake, add a bit of milk to your ice cream before you pour it in the glass.

Brit + Co

Top with dragon fruit and pocky or any other fruit/candy combo you love.

Brit + Co

We couldn't stop staring at these. They're so pretty!

Brit + Co

This one is a callback to childhood. When we were kids, we loved mixing my ice cream until it was liquid and then pretending it was soup. What is with that? Why would we want to turn DESSERT into something that would normally be dinner or a side?

Ice Cream “Soup"

Brit + Co

All you need to do for this award-winning “recipe” is mix your ice cream until it is the perfect consistency. Then add toppings. This is a dessert soup, after all, so toppings can consist of candy, sprinkles and fruit.

Brit + Co

Meet your match, smoothie bowl.

Brit + Co

Other ideas for toppings include blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, mochi, chia seeds and white chocolate. Don’t be afraid to add all different shades of red, white and blue. Your toppings don’t all need to be bold primary colors.

Brit + Co

We hope we've inspired you to get creative with your ice cream this year! Happy Fourth of July!

Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas!

This post has been updated.

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more food news!

This post has been updated.

We'll be the first to admit it: We love pie. Sweet pie, spiked pie, pie a la mode… if it has a flaky crust and a fruit (okay, or chocolate) filling, we're in. That doesn't mean we don't love a good cookie every now and then, and yes, we've been known to devour a molten lava cake or three, but if we all had spirit foods ours would absolutely, positively be pie.

Assuming our wild affection for these bits of pastry wonder hasn't dimmed your own interest, let's get down to business and talk 18 of the best pies to bring to all of your summer gatherings this season. Definitely ours.

Brit + Co

Classic Blueberry Pie

Sometimes, nothing's better than the classics. The blueberry and the pie crust of this recipe have the blue and the white covered, but feel free to add some red food coloring to make this recipe extra patriotic. (via Brit + Co)

Averie Cooks

S'mores Brownie Pie

Let's start things off with a firecracker bang. This is a s'mores pie. In other words, it is a decadent treat that should probably make an appearance at every picnic, barbecue and Fourth of July celebration you attend this summer. (via Averie Cooks)

Neighborfood

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Light, refreshing and reminiscent of a classic summer beverage, this strawberry lemonade pie is great for hot summer days. You don't have to serve it with a glass of strawberry lemonade, but we wouldn't blame you if you did. (via Neighborfood)

Tartelette

End of Summer Pie

By the time 4th of July comes around, we have more than enough berries on our hands. A quintessential summer treat, this triple-berry pie combines some of the best flavors of the season under a pretty lattice crust, and cleans out your fridge at the same time. (via Tartelette)

Brit + Co

Apple Pie Tacos

If you see your Independence Day being full of adventure and traveling, you might want to opt for these travel-sized pies. Apple pie is a summer classic, and if you're feeling Southern, add some slabs of cheddar cheese on top (trust us). (via Brit + Co)

A Cozy Kitchen

Blackberry Cardamom Hand Pies

Rumor has it that hand pies are good for portion control, but that seems to only be true if you can keep yourself from eating five in one sitting. Trust us, it's harder than it sounds. The combination of spice and summer fruithere is extra hard to resist. (via A Cozy Kitchen)

Bakers Royale

Blackberry Lime Pie

While we're on the subject of new spins on summer fruits, this blackberry lime pie is infinitely worth your consideration. It's like a margarita that you can eat. (via Bakers Royale)

How Sweet It Is

Strawberry Mug Pies

This is pie in a mug. Pie. In. A. Mug. Plus, sweet summer strawberries always make things better. You can thank us later. (via How Sweet It Is)

Saveur

Plum Pie

Sweet and tart, this pie combines the flavor of grapes and fresh plums to make a summer pie with intense flavor. In addition to the killer flavor, we love that this pie comes with a hack: just use a can of grape jelly to help make the filling. (via Saveur)

Heart of Gold

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie With Rose Scented Whipped Cream

It's the rose-scented whipped cream that truly caught our attention here, and we're pretty sure that we're going to add it to every dessert recipe for the rest of the summer. (via Heart of Gold)

Averie Cooks

Crack Pie

The original pie can be found at Momfuku Milk Bar. To make it yourself, it demands a moderate chunk of time and has a lot of ingredients… but its name does not lie. So addicting! Don't worry about bringing any Tupperware. You won't need any. (via Averie Cooks)

Gimme Some Oven

Mojito Pie

A minty, Mojito-inspired twist on a classic Key Lime Pie. This is our idea of a great happy hour. (via Gimme Some Oven)

A Beautiful Mess

Buttermilk and Honey Pie

A custard-based pie, this sweet treat is easy to whip up and would taste fantastic alongside a pile of summer berries. Sprinkle some sugar overtop of the berries beforehand to make them extra sweet. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Bon Appetit

Sour Cherry Pie

Rumor has it you should eat this pie's leftovers for breakfast. Who'd say no to that? (Not us). (via Bon Appetit)

Port and Fin

Key Lime Pie

The coconut graham cracker crust on this pie sounds extra refreshing for summer weekends, and make sure you keep it in the fridge right up until you're ready to serve. (via Port and Fin)

Sprinkle Bakes

Deep Dish Berry Pie Tart

We'd never argue with a cream cheese pie crust. Or a deep dish pie. Ever. Grab some extra whipped cream to balance out all those extra berries. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Joy The Baker

Lemon Raspberry Pie Crust Hearts

Just in case you have a little extra crust left over at the end of your kitchen adventure, these pie crust hearts have your name written all over them. (via Joy The Baker)

Brit + Co

Raspberry Cream Pie

This pie features fresh berries and cream cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious Nilla Wafer crust. It's okay, our mouths are watering too. (via Brit + Co)

What's your favorite type of summer pie? Follow us on Pinterest for more summer recipe inspiration!

This post has been updated.

Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are two of my favorite people in Hollywood because of the fact they do literally whatever they want, and they don’t care what you think about it. I aspire to be this confident and unbothered!! They've both had pretty big years — Dakota led both Madame Web and Daddio, while Jennifer announced she's pregnant with her second child at the end of October, and when I saw they hung out together, I knew this was one celebrity friendship I'd LOVE.

Are Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friends?

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are friends! The actresses were recently spotted on a stroll in Los Angeles, beverages in hand. Jennifer wore a tee and blue hoodie that showed off her growing baby bump while Dakota kept things chic with a black-on-black coat and v-neck sweater over a white tee shirt. They both looked super cozy! And, let's face it, beverages are basically an accessory at this point, and their drinks of choice prove they love little treats as much as we do!

And this isn't the first moment Jennifer Lawrence BFF moment that's made us fangirl this year! At the Oscars in March, Jennifer introduced Emma Stone, who ended up winning Best Actress for her role as Bella in Poor Things. Emma cried, Jennifer couldn't stop smiling, and it was an adorable moment for girls' girls everywhere.

Did Jennifer Lawrence date Chris Martin?

Not only are they two of Hollywood's "It" girls, but they also share an overlap in their dating history. Jennifer Lawrence (who's now married to Cooke Maroney) dated Dakota Johnson’s current beau Chris Martin between 2014 and 2015. Dakota started dating him just two years later.

Rumors started circulating in August that Dakota and Chris had called it quits, but thankfully, Dakota proved they were just rumors when her rep told Page Sixthe couple is still "happily together." The Social Network actress also told Bustle that when it comes to Chris' kids (whom he shares with ex Gwyneth Paltrow), she loves them "like my life depends on it. With all my heart." I'm simply obsessed.

Stay tuned for all the best Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friendship moments, and read up on why Dakota Johnson's Book Club Isn't Your Average Celebrity Reading List.

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.