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!

Desserts make Christmas go around, but it can be hard to find time to bake with countless holiday parties to attend. If you're feeling a little oven-shy or wonder why those cookie recipes you try to bake come out looking gooey, maybe it's time for a different approach.

Because we've been there before, we put together a list of 35 stellar “no-bake" recipes that will satisfy everyone's preferences and dietary restrictions! If you're still craving something sweet after reading about these delectable treats try making our No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie or our adorable No-Bake Grammy Bon Bons!

Half Baked Harvest

No Bake Mixed Berry Custard Tart

It's hard to believe this stunning dessert is no bake! Buttery Ritz crackers are the secret with homemade vanilla custard, mixed berries, and sweet honey. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Clean Cuisine

No Bake Key Lime Pie

Love the little something green on your holiday dessert table and this healthy twist on traditional key limes is sure to please! (via Clean Cuisine)

Vikalinka

No Bake Strawberry Meringue Cheesecake

It's all in the name and it's all absolutely delicious. (via Vikalinka)

Averie Cooks

No Bake Tiramisu

Not a lot of time? This no-bake dessert infused with espresso, Kahlua, a luscious creamy filling is decadent and so easy! (via Averie Cooks)

Hello Little Home

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Give your cheesecake a taste of fall with this delightful holiday dessert. (via Hello Little Home)

Kathryn's Kitchen

No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers

These no bake bars are a crowd pleaser and make great last-minute gifts! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Woman Scribbles

No Bake Coffee Swirl Cheesecake

Add a hint of coffee flavor to your cheesecake dessert. (via Woman Scribbles)

Chocolate No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

A staple around the holidays, these cookies require one pot and a stove top. These cookies contain dangerously delicious amounts of peanut butter and chocolate, and for a different texture, try making them with Crunchy peanut butter. (via Foodista)

The Real Food Dietitians

Vegan No Bake Brownies

Whip up these egg-free brownies in only 20 minutes! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vanilla and Bean

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

These bite-size desserts are gluten free and incredible delicious. Bet you can't eat just one! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Oreo Parfaits

This three-ingredient dessert is so simple and requires no oven! (via Completely Delicious)

Scotcheroo Bar

This classic from Buns in My Ovenis always welcome at large gatherings. Added bonus, you can make a whole pan of these treats in one batch making it a low stress contribution. (via Buns in My Oven)

Triple Chocolate Brownies

The name alone makes us hungry. Anything with that much chocolate has to be delicious. (via Food 52)

Peanut Butter Bar

Another large group friendly recipe, these Peanut Butter Bars from Our Best Bitesare sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, think a giant Reese’s cup. (via Our Best Bites)

Vegan Peanut Butter Cacao Fudge Bars

Yes these amazing looking fudge bars are vegan! That means none of your friends and family have to miss out on the holiday goodies. (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Oreo Truffles

How do dense and delicious little Oreo truffles sound to you? We’re certainly excited about this finger friendly truffle. (via Bakerella)

Chocolate Mousse

No no-bake list would be complete without a mention of mousse. So here is a fabulous chocolate mousse for your palate’s pleasure. (via Food Network)

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

Looking for a sweet gift for that candy lover in your life or maybe just trying to find an easy item to contribute to that holiday party? Look no further! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Peppermint Fudge

This super simple fudge has color in all the right places. Not to mention the sweet crushed candy cane on top that makes this dessert undeniably festive. (via Shugary Sweets)

Girl Scout No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Thin Mint Cookies

Dreaming about Girl Scout Cookies? Satisfy your crunchy, minty craving by making your own thin mints and if you’re feeling generous, give some as gifts! (via Everyday Reading )

Thin Mint Puppy Chow

What makes the delectable powdered sugary goodness of puppy chow (or muddy buddies) even better? Some mint! (via Shugary Sweets)

Samoa Bars

Okay maybe we’re a little Girl Scout focused but if Thin Mints aren’t your thing why not make Samoa Bars! (via Babble)

No-Bake Holiday Cheesecakes

White Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake

These very red and white little cheesecakes would add the perfect festive touch to any meal and will wow friends and family! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake

Ready to wow the folks at your Holiday table? Knock their socks off with this stunning and simple Cheesecake! (via Just a Taste)

Gingerbread Oreo No Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Oreos, cheesecake, and gingerbread all in one? I think I just died and went to no-bake dessert heaven. (via My Baking Addiction)

No-Bake Holiday Pies

No Bake Mini Grasshopper Pies

We can’t get over how sweet these little desserts are, both visually and to eat! These individual desserts would be a perfect addition to a small dinner party. (Image via A Pretty Life in the Suburbs)

S’More Pie

If you tried our S’More pie and loved it, you’ll love this version as well! It does take longer to make but maybe you could whip up both and have a blind tasting… (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Orange and Cream Pie

To satisfy, dare we say it, the non-chocoholics in the room. This classy pie will be refreshing and sweet. (via Joy the Baker)

Peanut Butter Pie

And the peanut butter just keeps coming! This light and fluffy peanut butter pie will keep Grandpa coming back for seconds. (via One Ordinary Day)

Vegan Walnut Pumpkin Pie

A vegan take on a Holiday classic. This pie is the best of both worlds! (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Miscellaneous No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pomegranate Jelly

This elegant dessert requires absolutely no oven and looks amazing in a delicate glass. Make sure the glasses allow easy access for large spoons! (via Inspired Edibles)

Candy Cane Bark

Chaos is key to a gorgeous candy cane bark. Throw everything together and voila! A dessert that’s ready to be gifted. (via Babble)

Oreo Layer Dessert

Cool whip and chocolate pudding, nothings better! This low maintenance dessert is perfect for the dessert maker that prefers to keep things simple. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Banana Pudding with Homemade Salted Caramel

Just in case you’re looking for something a tiny bit old fashioned for a family dinner, give these a try! They are a delicious new take on a sweet classic. (via Just a Taste )

Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites

If massive amounts of sugar and butter make you squirm, there’s no need to miss out on all the dessert fun. Try these slightly sweet and healthy granola bites! (via Joy the Baker)

Which no-bake holiday dessert recipe will you try before the end of 2024?

Lead image via My Baking Addiction

While plenty of people adopt cats year-round, you might not know that spring marks the start of "kitten season" or when cats tend to welcome more kits into the world.

So, it'll soon be the perfect time to visit your local shelter and adopt a feline friend in need of a loving home.

You may have to get pet accessories like a cat carrier, litter box, scratching post, and some toys. Of course, you will also need to find the pur-fect name for your newest addition.

Whether you're a fan of the classics or want something a bit more fresh, here are some of the most popular cat names for 2025.

Scroll to find out some of the most popular cat names for 2025!

1. Milo

Matheus Guimarães

If you have an energetic cat that loves to keep you on your toes, Milo might just be the right name match.

It's charming, upbeat, and has a friendly ring to it. It can also fit a feline with multiple personalities, from mischievous troublemakers to more cuddly companions.

2. Aspen

Arina Krasnikova

Inspired by the beauty of Colorado, the name Aspen immediately brings to mind beautiful images of serene landscapes.

So, as more pet parents embrace nature-themed and travel-inspired names, Aspen has become a favorite for felines who are free-spirited and adventurous.

3. Loki

Cats Coming

This name is ideal for a clever and mischievous cat that keeps you guessing. Loki is inspired by the Norse god of trickery and has become a very popular choice for felines with a playful streak.

If your pet enjoys sneaking around or playing pranks, Loki could perfectly capture their personality.

4. Nova

Quang Nguyen Vinh

For owners fascinated by the cosmos, Nova is a name inspired by celestial explosions that light up the galaxy. So, it's a great fit for a cat that's full of energy.

Interest in things like space exploration and futurism has only continued to grow, which is why Nova has become a trendy name choice.

5. Clover

Inge Wallumrød

As a symbol of charm and luck, the name Clover can bring a touch of whimsy to your life. Like Aspen, it's nature-inspired and sounds very cheerful.

If you feel as though your feline has brought joy and good fortune into your home, Clover could be an ideal match.

6. Snoop

Cats Coming

It's hard to hate Snoop Dogg. With a career spanning decades, he's a cultural icon known for his catchy raps and cool attitude.

This more modern name works well for cats that are laid back and charming. It's stylish yet still has a sense of fun and flair.

7. Charlie

Wojciech Kumpicki

Charlie is a timeless name that can suit practically any feline. It's also gender-neutral, meaning it works for both male and female cats, making it a go-to for pet parents who appreciate classic yet versatile names.

It has a warm and approachable feel to it as well, suiting cats that are outgoing and affectionate.

8. Jinx

Anil Sharma

Finally, Jinx is a great name for a cat with a sneaky streak. It's mysterious, mischievous, and a little bit magical, hence why it's a top pick for pets that always seem to be up to something.

It also has a short, bold sound that's easy to distinguish and undeniably unique.

Looking for more pet & lifestyle advice? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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.

If you've been on the internet at all in the last week, there's a chance you've seen THAT Hollywood Reporter magazine cover. You know, the one about Justin Baldoni's Baha'i faith, with artwork of Justin holding a copy of It Ends With Us and Blake Lively slingshotting her phone at him. It's very evocative — or "sexist," according to Blake Lively. But no matter what you think, there's a good chance it'll make you say, "What am I looking at?"

Here's how Justin Baldoni's Baha'i religion reportedly influenced the making of It Ends With Us.

Is the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni feud just "a perfect storm of two opposing personalities”?

Sony Pictures Releasing

The Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively legal battle hinges on Blake's claims that Justin sexually harassed her on set (and then orchestrated a campaign to ruin her reputation), while Justin considers her "outrageous" claims to be defamation. The Hollywood Reporter reports Ryan Reynolds has been "extremely active" trying to "drum up as much support" as possible in their personal and professional lives.

As we get closer to their March 2026 trial (and see countless websites, text leaks, and voice memos from both parties), one insider wonders if the whole situation boils down to "two opposing personalities."

“The Justin that I know isn’t capable of doing the things that he’s accused of doing because he truly sees himself as this feminist. But Blake clearly got grossed out,” the insider tells THR. “I honestly feel like it was a perfect storm of two opposing personalities.”

According to THR, the Baha'i faith has over 5 million followers in more than 230 countries, with 3,000 members in LA alone — including Rainn Wilson, Penn Badgley, and Justin. While one source from Justin's 2019 film Five Feet Apart claims it “had shades of Scientology," another says they'd never "worked with a male director who was so worried about everyone’s emotional and mental well-being."

“There was an openness and emotionality to his style that was more typical of a woman, and it probably wouldn’t be an issue if it was a [female director] because of the preconceived notions of gender," they continue. "But if you get a bunch of teamsters together who are told that they should share their feelings, of course someone is going to ask, ‘Why is he such a freak?’ But [Justin] genuinely believes that if we do this, we’ll work better as a group. There’s a little bit of an arrogance to it. It’s like he doesn’t want to acknowledge the world we live in.”

Blake Lively just spoke out about the "extremely offensive" story, saying it "seems to explain away documented examples of sexual harassment and retaliation by calling them ‘cultural misunderstandings.'"

What do you think about the idea this is all just a "misunderstanding"? Let us know in the comments.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande immediately went viral (and got awards season buzz) for their performances in Wicked. Both women are so engaging, full of life, and magnetic in the movie, which sees their characters in a rivals-turned-BFF's plotline at Shiz University. But as we move into Wicked: Part Two (titled Wicked: For Good), and their characters become established in Oz, Cynthia teases we'll see more "spice" than before.

Here's what Cynthia Erivo had to say about Wicked: Part Two (AKA For Good) at the SAG Awards.

'Wicked: For Good' has a "little bit of spice."

At the 2025 SAG Awards on February 23, Cynthia Erivo spilled on what fans can expect from Wicked: Part Two, which is scheduled to premiere November 21, 2025.

"I think you can expect a little bit of spice in the second part because they've grown up a little bit," she tells People. "They're not in school anymore; they've stepped into their careers and stepped into their choices and we'll see a little bit of spice, I think. For sure. It's necessary." Okay, that totally makes me think of "As Long As You're Mine." It gives me butterflies every time I hear the original Broadway version, and I can't wait to hear Cynthia and Jonathan Bailey sing the movie version.

And this isn't the first time one of our leads has spoken on the new movie! On February 9, Ariana Grande told the Santa Barbara International Festival the Wicked sequel will be "very special" and "very emotional." (Get ready for another press tour full of tears!) "So if movie one is about choices, movie two is about consequences."

"I think the second movie really embodies unconditional love and forgiveness and friendship," she says. "And you'll have to wait and see, but it is quite different."

Even if Wicked: For Good is different than Part 1, one thing's for sure: the cast's bond will shine through just as strongly.

Ethan Slater told Brit + Co in November 2024 that the cast really came to feel like a family. He says Ariana, Cynthia, and director Jon M. Chu "would hug everyone who came in."

"The first day I think every actor had a minimum two-hour meeting with Jon just to walk through all of the designs and all the things and talk about character," he continues. "From from the very beginning, it just felt like it's really safe...This huge movie is something that we've been waiting for for 20 years on a big scale with the biggest stars in the world, it could have felt really intimidating and it felt really familial immediately."

Are you excited for Wicked: Part Two? Follow us on Facebook for the latest movie news and check out our exclusive interview with actress Michelle Yeoh!