Eat Your Heart Out: 15 Savory Recipes For V-Day All Day

Feb 12, 2014

Life may be like a box of chocolates but we think love is more like a bag of potato chips filled with mostly the really awesome folded kinds and a couple burnt ones in the mix because nothing is perfect, you know? Your heart-shaped sweet tooth is probably satisfied at this point so we’re hooking you up with Valentine’s Day’s lesser celebrated heroes, savory dishes and snacks! Bon appetit, babe!

1. Bacon and Egg Toast Cups: Give everyone’s favorite breakfast a Cupid-approved update with our handy how-to. (via Brit + Co.)

2. Heart-Shaped Hard Boiled Egg: This is one kitchen hack that’s going to blow everyone’s minds. (via Anna the Red)

3. Bacon of Hearts: We’ll include this in the unofficial breakfast section but we know you bacon lovers would eat this stuff covered with chocolate if they made them — oh, they do make them chocolate-covered. (via Paper Mama)

4. Sweet Potato Heart Crackers: Bake up some crunchy crackers for your little (or big) sweet potato. (via Merriment Design)

5. Cupid’s Arrows: We’re cheating a little bit here with a pop of sugary candy. But these little arrows just pierced our hearts. (via Organize and Decorate Everything)

6. Beet Cheddar Crackers: These blushing snackers have beets to thank for their cheery hue and flaxseed in them to thank for keeping your heart healthy. (via In Sock Monkey Slippers)

7. Love-ly School Lunches: Think outside the lunchbox and bag up a little love for your little one with fun ideas like this. (via Bento School Lunches)

8. Zucchini Tea Sandwiches: You don’t have to eat these classy little bites with your pinky in the air but you probably should. (via Love With Food)

9. Heart-Shaped Sushi: I heart sushi, you heart sushi, we all heart sushi. Especially heart-shaped sushi. (via Japan Centre)

10. Grilled Cheese Hearts and Tomato Soup: A yummy dish that will warm up your hottie inside (and out). Polar Vortex be damned. (via Ziggity Zoom)

10. Bacon Cheeseburger Pockets: Pack up these bad boys for your next romantic picnic and have yourself a cheesy, bacon-y lovefest on-the-go, no grill needed. (via Pocket Change Gourmet)

11. Sweetheart Salad: Cut X’s, O’s and hearts in the veggies, cheese and other toppings for the most romantic, leafy side dish possible. (via Workman Family)

12. Pear-Stuffed, Heart-Shaped Ravioli in Walnut Sage White Wine Reduction: Yes, you read that title right. Make a gourmet meal this V-Day that’s vegan to boot/bite. (via Vegan Miss)

13. Zucchini, Bacon and Cheese Fritters and Potato Rösti: A Swiss dish gets a delicious spin married with zucchini fritters that have bacon AND cheese in them. Heaven! (via Barbara Bakes)

14. Heart Pizza: You’ll know if it’s true love if they let you have the last slice… (via Once Upon a Cutting Board)

15. Healthy Chicken Pot Sticker Hearts: Dumplings for your dumplings! (via Babble)

What’s on your Valentine’s Day menu this year? Share below!

The 16 Best Vegetarian Trader Joe’s Snacks, According To Shoppers

If you think you already know all the best vegetarian snacks at Trader Joe's, think again, because the people of Reddit has something to say about every top-tier choice you can find between the aisles. From savory picks to sweet treats(my fave!), I just discovered a ton of new and surprising finds via Reddit, and I’m a very frequent TJ’s shopper.

You’re definitely not going to want to miss these 16 vegetarian snacks at Trader Joe's on your next trip!

Trader Joe's

1. Organic Roasted Vegetable Pizza

This vegetarian pizza has it going on with tons of roasted eggplant, zucchini, red onion, grilled yellow and red peppers, and garlic piled on top. One Redditor mentioned it was their favorite vegetarian find at TJ's and that they like to enjoy it with the Crumbled Goat Cheese once fully baked. Yum!

Trader Joe's

2. Crunchy Curls

The Crunchy Curls were mentioned several times because they truly make the best snack. These bites are made with lentil flour and potato starch to give a delicious but nutritious crunch.

Trader Joe's

3. Kimbap

This "veggie-forward" kimbap roll is made with Korean tofu to give it an extra boost of protein. All it takes to make is 2 short minutes in the microwave, so it's super easy to fix as a mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

4. Mini Mushroom Tartelettes

If you're all about bite-sized snacks, the Mini Mushroom Tartelettes are perfect for you. Between a flaky crust lies so many satisfying flavors from the blend of white and shiitake mushrooms, chopped garlic and shallot, and Parmesan, cream cheese, and ricotta.

Trader Joe's

5. Almond Chipotle Dip

“This dip is my fave,” one Redditor noted about Trader Joe's Almond Chipotle Dip. You can easily use the spicy dip to dunk veggie sticks and crackers in or make it a spread for wraps and sandwiches. One user even noted that it tastes similar to Bitchin' Sauce, which goes great with everything.

Trader Joe's

6. Vegetable Bird's Nests

As a Trader Joe's OG since 2003, the Vegetable Bird's Nests are totally worth crunching on, and many Redditors noted it as their favorite vegetarian snack. The lightly-battered combination of julienned onions, carrots, and kale gets so tasty in the air fryer.

Trader Joe's

7. Thai Vegetable Gyoza

Gyoza is equally as good for a snack as it is for lunch or dinner. These dumplings are simply packed with veggies, plus they're extremely simple to make in the steamer, frying pan, or microwave.

Reddit

8. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

TJ's Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies are ahh-mazing. Next time you're in need of a sweet treat, swing by their bakery section to find tons of delicious vegetarian snacks!

Trader Joe's

9. Scandinavian Swimmers

These marine-themed gummies come in all sorts of shapes that will bring you just as much joy as their sweet flavor and chewy texture will.

Trader Joe's

10. Eggplant Garlic Spread

Described as a "sleeper hit" on the Trader Joe's website, this eggplant spread can work with a variety of dishes like sandwiches, wraps, toasts, pastas, pizzas, crackers, and crostinis. Bonus points since it's absolutely vegetarian-approved!

Trader Joe's

11. Organic Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls

No other breakfast food speaks to me quite like the classic cinnamon roll. TJ's fully organic version is no exception – they're perfectly fluffy and sweet to enjoy any time of day!

Trader Joe's

12. Vegan Banana Bread

This loaf boasts a "fabulously sweet" flavor and a "dense, moist texture" that you might not even guess is fully vegan and vegetarian if you didn't know already. Try enjoying it slice-by-slice with a smattering of nut butter and cinnamon for absolute amazingness (and a protein boost!).

Trader Joe's

13. Mini Vegetable Samosas

The Mini Vegetable Samosas came up several times as Redditors discussed their favorite vegetarian Trader Joe's snacks. They're essentially the best savory pastries around, stuffed with a "curry-like mixture" of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, onions, and Indian spices. They are astounding when you cook 'em in the air fryer!

Trader Joe's

14. Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos

It doesn't get more basic than a taquito when it comes to easy snacks. These frozen, pre-made rolls are made with just black beans and cheese, so all vegetarians can happily enjoy them! Trader Joe's recommends you eat them with their famed Jalapeño Sauce, which we can confirm is downright addicting.

Reddit

15. Korean Scallion Pancakes

One Redditor said that TJ's Korean Scallion Pancakes are worth the try for vegetarians, especially when topped with arugula and a fried egg for a more filling snack or meal.

Trader Joe's

16. Hashbrowns

"The hash brown patties are never wrong 🤓,” one Redditor said. And it's true – these hash browns from Trader Joe's make a great snack no matter the time of day. They work well as a savory breakfast pairing or on top of salads. They're even delicious when enjoyed alone!

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5 "Overrated" Beauty Finds I Regret Buying In 2024

You'd think someone with acne-prone skin wouldn't buy viral beauty finds without doing thorough research, but I'm not above trying to recreate all the latest makeup trends at home. All this did was remind me that everything isn't for everyone — and that's okay! Well...it's not okay I fee like I wasted money, but at least I know what to stay away from. And now I'm here to help you figure out what to avoid as well!

Even though this products didn't work for me, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't use them. These are just my least faves of the year — take 'em or leave 'em!

Here are all the overrated beauty finds I wish I wouldn't have bought

Amazon

1. MILK Hydro Grip Primer

I should've known better than to buy this again, but I wanted to see if my skin would react better to it. The first time I tried to use this, I broke out along my jaws in tiny, red bumps. They were itchy and eventually turned into dark spots that took me over a year to get rid of.

Instead of letting that be the red flag that kept me away from this beauty find, I decided to use it in place of my trusted e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer I've been relying on. Two things happened:

It created a beautiful base for my makeup.
I didn't break out, but my faced still felt itchy.

I even switched my makeup brushes and checked to make sure other makeup products weren't expired. The culprit continued to be this primer so it's made it to my overrated list.

Amazon

2. KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

I was initially sent this to test, but I decided to buy it myself to see if I truly like it. While it was easy to add to my skincare routine lineup, I realized I actually didn't need to spend $70+ for an effective Vitamin C serum. The only difference between this serum and the one I truly love are their colors and textures.

This one has a slightly yellowish-orange tint to it while being a little thicker compared to the Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C serum I use. The latter is thinner and 100% transparent, plus the odor is slightly stronger. However, both of them aid in smoother skin, smaller pores, and a healthy glow.

I honestly wouldn't buy this one again just because I can get the same benefits for a lesser price.

Amazon

3.NYX Cosmetics Fat Oil Lip Drip

This is a controversial take, but I honestly didn't love the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. Although I love the color payoff, it was too sticky for my liking. I saw reviews that mentioned this, but I've purchased lip glosses other people didn't love that worked for me in the past. However, the reviews are telling the truth: the stickiness takes away from what could've been a great formula.

I'll just stick to my Tower 28 Lip Softie Hydrating Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla!

Amazon

4. L'Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

I know people love this beauty find because it is great. I just didn't think the hype was enough to convince me to buy it again because my essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara gets the job done for $5. I will say I love the washable feature of L'Oréal's version, but it's still not enough to make me willingly spend over $10 for it.

As great of a product as this is, it's overrated to me because of the price tag.

Sephora

5. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Sigh...it's so hard for me to admit this, but this Haus Labs foundation has become my most overrated beauty find of 2024. It's not that it doesn't work for a few hours, but my skin prefers tinted moisturizers more than anything. I talked about it briefly on TikTok, but skin tints feel like you're not wearing anything on your face.

I'm always really oily after wearing this foundation for a few hours, but I can get extended wear out of the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint I've been wearing. I like to think it's because it has vegan collagen, ceramides, and cactus extract in it whereas this foundation has ingredients like fermented arnica in it.

Both do a great job of calming inflammation, but something about this foundation makes my skin think it's incredibly dry.

Visit our Amazon Storefront for a list of beauty products we do love!

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

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20 Stuffed Mushroom Recipes For The Best Christmas Appetizers

Mushrooms act as a wholesome, earthy base for easy, one-bite Christmas appetizers. Once the stems are twisted off, the ‘shrooms can be filed with a host of flavorful toppings like bacon, cheese, and aromatic veggies, then roasted or slow-cooked until bubbly and tender. Start prepping your turkey, because we have irresistible stuffed mushroom recipes below.

Slow-Cooked, Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

Feast your eyes on a stuffed mushroom that’s filled with spinach-artichoke dip. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

If you don't have a ton of time to bake your mushrooms, this is literally the perfect appetizer. It can be served cold, but between the onions, olives, cheese, and tomatoes, there are so many amazing flavors your guests won't even care. (via Brit + Co)

5-Ingredient-Stuffed Mushrooms

A Spicy Perspective

The star ingredient in these Asian-inspired bites is plum sauce, which offsets the savoriness of pork sausage, sesame oil, and mushrooms. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Jalapeño-Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Peas and Crayons

Looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried jalapeño poppers? These baked bites, which still taste indulgent, fit the bill. (via Peas and Crayons)

Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Real Food Dietitians

These vibrant, slightly spicy ‘shrooms make a flavorful appetizer for a Mexican-inspired meal. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms With Hollandaise

Foodie Crush

These three-cheese hollandaise-drizzled mushrooms are the new brunch attraction in town. (via Foodie Crush)

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms With Garlic and Gouda

Peas and Crayons

Make a platter of these, and your seafood-lovin’ friends won’t know what hit them. (via Peas and Crayons)

French-Onion-Soup-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Veg Life

These mushrooms pack all of the flavors of French onion soup, including the signature cheesy crust, into one convenient bite. (via The Veg Life)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon

Port and Fin

These cheesy mushrooms are wrapped in a crispy bacon hug. (via Port and Fin)

Spanakopita-Stuffed Mushrooms

Wholesome Yum

Flaky, feta-rich spanakopita is a staple at cocktail parties. Enjoy a low-carb version by replacing the pastry with mushrooms. (via Wholesome Yum)

Easy Pizza Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms

The Girl on Bloor

These stuffed mushrooms are basically just mini pizzas, and what could be better than that? Nothing. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Vegetarian, Italian-Stuffed Mushrooms

Bowl of Delicious

You don’t need meat to give stuffed mushrooms a robust flavor. These get plenty of pizzazz from shallots, garlic, parmesan, and herbs. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Bacon-and-Blue-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms With Creamy Hot Sauce

The Food Charlatan

These saucy bites will be a welcome addition to any spread, be it a game-day party or movie night. (via The Food Charlatan)

Vegan, Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms

Hummusapien

This guilt-free appetizer gives you a healthy dose of greens from spinach and basil. (via Hummusapien)

Shrimp-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Little Spice Jar

You’ll be transported to a little restaurant by the sea when you take a bite of these mushrooms. The breadcrumbs on top add a crunch that complements the tender shrimp. (via Little Spice Jar)

Italian, Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Chunky Chef

These breakfast-friendly ‘shrooms would make a deliciously unexpected side to sweeter pancakes or French toast. (via The Chunky Chef)

Buffalo-Chicken-Stuffed Mushrooms

My Life Cookbook

Whether or not you’re keto, you’ll find many things to enjoy about these low-carb, high-fat mushrooms like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken, and a touch of hot sauce. (via My Life Cookbook)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Food Fanatic

In this case, stuffed mushrooms are really just an excuse to eat ample bites of gooey goat cheese, and we’re all for it. (via Food Fanatic)

Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms

Plain Chicken

If you ask us, you can have pizza without crust but never without cheese. Enjoy all the flavors of a meat lover’s pie in these easy, stuffed mushrooms. (via Plain Chicken)

Curry-Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Pretty Bee

Indian flavors, including garam masala and coconut milk, fill these white button mushrooms. (via The Pretty Bee)

Follow us on Pinterest for more stuffed mushroom recipes *and* more amazing ideas!

This post has been updated.

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6 Home Decor Trends That Will Be Huge In 2025 (Thanks To Studio McGee)

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

Check out our online newsletter for more 2025 home decor inspo!

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

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14 Shots You’ll Actually Want To Take This New Year’s Eve

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.

party ideas nsfw new years eve