Forget Halloween Candy! Try This Veggie Skeleton Platter Instead

For a lot of people, Halloween is all about candy — bucketsful and bucketsful of the stuff. You’ll have enough leftover candy to last until Christmas. But if you don’t have a sweet tooth, or you just fancy celebrating with a healthier Halloween treat this year, this hummus and veggie platter is just the thing. Who knew veggies made such a great skeleton? I made a mermaid skeleton (because the only thing cooler than a veggie skeleton is a freaking mermaid skeleton) but you can make whatever kind you fancy — a human, a cat, a raven, maybe even a unicorn. Why not?

Ingredients:

Serves 6

— 3 cups hummus (homemade or store-bought)

— a variety of vegetables, such as asparagus, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper and cauliflower

Instructions:

1. Spread the hummus in an even layer on a baking tray.

2. To make the mermaid’s tail, cut thin slices of cucumber into quarters and layer them over each other to create “scales.”

3. Create a spine and rib cage using your choice of vegetables.

4. Add arms in whatever position you like.

5. Cut two pointed ovals from slices of carrot to form the tip of the tail.

6. Create a skull — I used a piece of cauliflower. I created two small holes with a knife and added small pieces of black olive to create the eye sockets.

7. Add some hair — I used thin strips of carrot.

8. Add some fresh spinach “seaweed” underneath the mermaid.

9. Serve chilled, with extra veggies for dipping.

Spread the hummus in an even layer on a baking tray. If you’re not a fan of hummus, you could use any other kind of chilled dip instead.

To make the mermaid’s tail, cut thin slices of cucumber into quarters and layer them over each other to create “scales.” Press each piece lightly into the hummus.

Create a spine and rib cage using your choice of vegetables. I used asparagus as the spine, and strips of slightly curved bell pepper work really well as ribs.

Add arms in whatever position you like. I used more asparagus, which I snapped in half to create elbows. I think the asparagus tips make great hands!

Cut two pointed ovals from slices of carrot to form the tip of the tail.

Create a skull — I used a piece of cauliflower. I created two small holes with a knife and added small pieces of black olive to create the eye sockets.

Add some hair (I used thin strips of carrot).

Add some fresh spinach “seaweed” underneath the mermaid.

Serve chilled, with extra veggies for dipping. And there you have it! The perfect healthy Halloween recipe.

Do you have any brilliant Halloween recipes? Share your ideas on Twitter @BritandCo!

Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to my grocery receipts. It’s not just the price of eggs — everything feels more expensive, and it's made me think more intentionally about how to make my food last longer. I’ve always hated wasting food. Not only is it tough on the planet, it’s tough on my budget, too. Americans toss out about 38 percent of our food — that’s the equivalent of 145 billion meals ending up in landfills (yikes!). Sure, a big chunk of that comes from restaurants, but even at home, being mindful of waste feels like a win for both the environment and my wallet.

So, instead of putting my groceries away haphazardly, I want to make sure I'm storing everything exactly how — and where — it should go. Luckily, I've learned there are some foods that actually last longer outside of the fridge. And they might surprise you!

Scroll to see the foods you don't need to refrigerate after all...

Alena Darmel

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

Rens D

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

Elle Hughes

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

Shutterstock

4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

Pixabay

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

Gil Ndjouwou

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

Natalia Olivera

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

Eric Prouzet

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

Kaboompics.com

9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!

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It's almost time to return to Cousins! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is coming this summer, and Prime Video just gave us a first official look at Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. The new episodes will open at the end of Belly's freshman year of college, and in addition to seeing the evolution of our favorite characters, author and co-showrunner Jenny Han says "there are going to be surprises" in the final season. Eek!

Here's your first look at Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno, and Christopher Briney in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3, coming to Prime Video July 2025!


Jenny Han says 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' fans are in for a few surprises.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"There are the things that [fans] know and then there are things they think they know, and then there's going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them," Jenny Han tells Entertainment Weekly. Listen, I am a very proud member of Team Conrad, and seeing how cozy Belly and Jeremiah are in these pics (not to mention the set leak that's definitely not in the third book), I'm starting to wonder if Prime Video is teasing I should switch teams.

But no matter which team you're on, Lola Tung promises the season won't let you down.

Team #JellyFish will get their time this season.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"The one thing I've always admired about Jenny is that every season and every decision about what's coming next is purely to serve the story," Lola says. "She's never going to do anything that doesn't make sense for the story. It's all about this beautiful world she's created and giving the fans something really, really special and giving us something really special to work with."

And that includes some sweet moments which Jeremiah and Belly, who "are, at their core, best friends," Lola adds. "That relationship is something that's so special and so unique to them, so it's exciting to see this season and how their relationship blossoms."

And 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' images also feature Conrad.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But don't worry Conrad fans, we also get a look at the elder Fisher brother who "we know that he went to Stanford, and so he's continuing on his journey to become a doctor, as you can see from that white coat," Jenny says. "I think people won't be surprised to see that."

Keep reading for more images from The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3!

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Jenny Han also teases this image is actually a flashback, "so do with that what you will." BRB, I'm off dreaming of a beach vacation. I also can't help but point out the warm color grade of this season! The golden look makes everything feel warmer and more magical — and offers a youthful glow as Belly gets older.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But for those of us who care more about Steven and Taylor (Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer) than the main love triangle, we got this single crumb from the new images. And I'm more than happy about it, thank you very much.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Belly (Lola Tung) gets cozy on campus in a hoodie and sunglasses.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

And Belly and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) get cozy with each other at a party.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But they work as hard as they play! I have this exact outfit Belly's wearing, and you best believe I'm adding it into my fashion rotation.

How many episodes will The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 have?

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Great news! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will have 11 episodes instead of 7 or 8 like seasons 1 and 2 did. Stay tuned for the official release schedule.

Who's in the cast?

Prime Video

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 cast features all your favorites:

  • Lola Tung as Belly Conklin: a beach-loving volleyball player who's always dreaming of summer.
  • Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher: Belly and Steven's lifelong friend who Belly's always had a crush on.
  • Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher: Conrad's sunny younger brother.
  • Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin: Belly's older brother.
  • Rain Spencer as Taylor Jewel: Belly's best friend.
  • Jackie Chungas Laurel Park: Belly and Steven's mom and Susannah Fisher's best friend.

Meet The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Cast before the new episodes air on Prime Video this July!

If you've been invited to an Easterpotluck but haven't made an Easter side dish yet, have no fear! These unexpected, vibrant dishes are here to steal the show! From creamy casseroles and dips to seasonal soups and refreshing salads, there's something on this list that everyone will want a bite of.

Choose from 41 delightful Easter recipes that work as appetizers and savor an Easter Sunday with a feast for family and friends.

Feel Good Foodie

Green Goddess Salad

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

Brit + Co

Bite-Sized Eggs Benedict

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

Evolving Table

Mashed Cauliflower Purée

Cauliflower has become an Easter side dish fave, and this garlicky recipe (also keto!) only gives us more reasons to keep the momentum going. (via Evolving Table for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Scallion & Greek Yogurt Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Despite the intricate, show-stopping appearance of these mashed potatoes, they're surprisingly easy to put together, thanks to your slow-cooker! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cheesy, Garlic-Roasted Asparagus

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

Alan Campbell

Greens & Citrus Salad with Tahini-Ginger Dressing

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

Brit + Co

Keto Cheesy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

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

Courtesy of The Unofficial Bridgerton Cookbook

Portia's Green Soup

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

Jessica Smith

DIY Potato Salad

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

Justina Huddleston

Roasted Broccoli

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

Melanie Burke

Steamed Artichoke with Garlic Butter

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

Brit + Co

Sweet Potatoes in a Blanket

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

Brit + Co

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Pink Tahini Sauce

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

Brit + Co

Crunchy Green Beans with Butter

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

Sarah Anderson

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

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

Half Baked Harvest

Baked Artichokes With Honey Whipped Feta

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

Give Recipe

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

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

The Girl On Bloor

Cream of Asparagus Soup

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

Barley & Sage

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Farro

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

No Eggs or Ham

Toast with Oregano-Truffle Cream Cheese & Tomatoes

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

Gastroplant

Kale Stir Fry with Mushroom & Red Onion

Seasoned with balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, this simple and satisfying side dish takes just 15 minutes to make! (via Gastroplant)

This Wife Cooks

Cabbage And Peas

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

Pink Owl Kitchen

Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

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

Veggie Society

Vegan Split Pea Soup

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

Forks & Foliage

Cucumber Mint Yogurt Salad

This refreshing, creamy dish is super simple and requires just 5 minutes to make. Pair it with toasty bread or crackers for the ultimate Easter side dish! (via Forks & Foliage)

Feel Good Foodie

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes

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

Amanda Wilens

Simple Charcuterie Board

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

A Spicy Perspective

Focaccia Bread with Roasted Garlic & Olives

This focaccia has a rich olive oil flavor with pieces of roasted garlic and Kalamata olives to add briny contrast. It makes a wonderful, carby side dish for any Easter potluck spread! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Takes Two Eggs

Korean Corn Cheese

Corn and mozzarella cheese makes for a delicious side dish that's fairly easy to make – and even easier to devour. (via Takes Two Eggs)

The Edgy Veg

Grilled Peaches & Pimento Pizza

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

Culinary Hill

Farro Salad with Peas & Feta

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

Fancy Peasant

Zucchini Chips

Make chips for your favorite dip from zucchini and eggplant for the best Easter potluck starter around! (via Fancy Peasant)

Simply Quinoa

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Dip

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

Salt & Lavender

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

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

Rachel Mansfield

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad

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

The Endless Meal

Bang Bang Cauliflower

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

Cozy Cravings

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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

Chef Bai

Truffle Beet Carpaccio with Pistachio And Capers

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

Two Spoons

Vegan Caesar Salad

The vegan caesar dressing in this fresh recipe is made with tahini, lemon, and dijon mustard for a creamy, tangy, and refreshing bite! (via Two Spoons)

Live Eat Learn

Mediterranean Layered Hummus Dip

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

Cilantro Parsley

Prosciutto Ricotta Toast

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

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This post has been updated.

1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!

"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."

Here's what Michelle Randolph had to say about 1923 season 2, and the Dutton family tree, in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 interview.

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."

Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books For 1923 Lovers and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. And this post has been updated.

Leaders in the matcha industry are predicting a matcha shortage this spring. Sparked by a huge surge in demand, it’s possible that your go-to drink could be affected.

Here’s everything you need to know about this season’s matcha shortage.

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

Per The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha powder put an “unprecedented strain” on the tea industry last year, and the same effect is predicted to take place in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan saw a 185% increase in matcha production from 2010 to 2023 in order to keep up with demand from cafes and home baristas around the world, The Japan Timesreports.

Cup of Couple / PEXELS

Seeing that over half of Japan’s matcha is exported internationally, matcha lovers are looking toward the country for their green tea fix. Search interest for matcha has nearly quadrupled over the past 5 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

This year, mostly organic matcha strains will be affected by the shortage, though lower-grade varieties could face the same issues if consumers begin reaching for them in favor of organic offerings. While top-tier, organic strains like ceremonial-grade matcha are known for being sweeter and smoother, the lower-grade kinds like culinary-grade matcha are noticeably more bitter and don't have the same vibrant color.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

Matcha can only be harvested in the springtime, so though a shortage may be happening now, there’s hope for increased supply in the near future. This year’s harvest will start in April.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Even though production will ramp up, Jason Eng of Kametani Tea in Japan, a company that produces matcha for beverage companies around the world, says: “This year will be an interesting one. We haven’t hit a point yet where we’re going to run out, but it’s going to be really tight this autumn – not just for us but for everybody. The demand is off the charts.”

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