Latest news with #potluck
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
The 1-Ingredient Swap That Makes Your Salad the Star of the Potluck
One creamy condiment upgrade, endless potluck possibilities. Just don't tell Grandma. Craving an anarchic salad this summer? Look no further than America's Midwest, where anything goes. In lovingly lumpy—and often gelatinous—brouhahas of aspics, gelatin puddings, and canned fruits, Midwestern salads are as iconic as they are controversial. Rather than defining them by what they are, it is much easier to explain what they are not. Midwestern salads are not your typical leafy ensemble of green mixes, nor do they possess any crunchy wedges. Really, they're pretty much anything outside the pedantic boundaries of what non-Midwesterners might define as a 'salad.' For me, Midwestern salads were a staple long before I understood their regional quirks. My mother used to pebble-chop apples, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and hard-boiled eggs—folding them into a mayonnaise-y mash that defied categorization but always showed up at potlucks and family dinners. It should come as no surprise, then, that within the vast world of Midwestern salads, the more savory ones remain a core part of my own dinner-party zeitgeist. In fact, I love bringing some mid-century pea salads and potato-bowl numbers to impress skeptics at the barbecue. But somewhere along the way, I discovered a new ingredient that makes every one of these traditional recipes something new—and it revolves around the very component that unites every bound salad: mayonnaise. For your next bowl of heartland hospitality: swap your Hellman's and Miracle Whip for some Kewpie. Still, within the vast world of Midwestern salads, the more savory ones have broken into my personal dinner-party zeitgeist. There's nothing like polishing off some mid-century pea salad or serving a potato-bowl number at the family barbecue. So here's a tip for serving your next bowl of heartland hospitality: swap your Hellman's and Miracle Whip for some Kewpie. What Is Kewpie Mayonnaise? Similar to midwestern salads, mayonnaise can be a bit polarizing. Personally, I've never understood the hate. What's not to love about a textural sensation of eggy, buttery, goodness? I'd grown up in a Hellman's family myself, slathering sandwiches and swathing salads with the stuff. It wasn't until later in life, however, that I discovered Hellman's turbo-charged counterpart. Kewpie mayonnaise, the denser, tangier offshoot of its American predecessor, has now been around for exactly a century. Founded by Toichiro Nakashima, who had developed a fascination with Western potato salads while working in America and Britain, Kewpie was created as a nutritious and tasty way to improve Japanese pantries. Unlike the original mayonnaise recipe, which uses both egg whites and yolks, Kewpie uses just the latter, making it thick, custard-like, and an absolute delight. It has ascended to star status in recent years, appearing in recipes across home cooking and restaurant menus alike. And within the world of Japanese mayonnaise that Kewpie has created, there are even more variants. The American version of Kewpie, for one, does not contain MSG (which could stand for either monosodium glutamate or, as one of my friends says, the "make-stuff-good" powder). Korean Ottogi Gold mayonnaise is also MSG free and has a simpler, thinner flavor profile with fewer ingredients. For me, though, Kewpie—and MSG—remain king. Japanese mayonnaise will, indeed, elevate all your favorite salads. So the next time you head to the supermarket, consider a new culinary faction—and reach for the Kewpie instead of the Hellman's. And expect your next Midwestern moment to be a wholly new, delightfully different dish. Recipes to Try with Kewpie For each and every bound salad you know how to make, there's an even better Kewpie version. And with plenty of summer still left, it's as good a time as ever to impress your potluck crowd with a fresh, new offering—say, a Japanese Potato Salad that's creamy, tangy, and unexpectedly craveable. If you find the umami too overwhelmingly delicious (it happens), try cutting it with a few slivers of apple or celery—à la Waldorf Salad. Want a little more body? Ironically, the answer is eggs. You could fold them into a Kewpie-rich riff on a Classic Macaroni Salad, or go full sandwich mode with a Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich. Of course, there's no shame in leaning into retro comfort either—a chilled scoop of Old Fashioned Pea Salad still hits the spot. Bound by Mayo, Not by Rules Maybe the real treasure was the salads we made along the way. I've entirely insinuated that Midwestern salads are not to be dissociated from chaos—a truth by which I still stand. But as turbulent as these dishes may seem, they're vibrant, richly American parts of our cultural appetite. For all their randomness, they endure: a mix of diasporic flavors, new ingredients, and old traditions. Today, I still make my mom's version—just with Kewpie. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
A rainy Fourth of July in Fort Worth? Here are some ideas for celebrating indoors
Unfortunately for us in Fort Worth and North Texas, it's looking like it will be a rainy Independence Day. The National Weather Service predicts a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday, with a temperature high of 89 degrees. There has not been a stormy Fourth of July since 2019, according to the NWS historical climate data. But just because the weather is gray, does not mean we can't still celebrate the red, white and blue — it just may need to be an indoor party. The National Weather Service warns against swimming during a thunderstorm because of the risk of lightning. The general rule of thumb is, 'if thunder roars, go indoors.' It's best to get out of any body of water and stay inside until 30 minutes after the last thunder clap. Here's a few ideas on how you can celebrate Fourth of July safely inside. [MORE: Summer rain is 'leaning below' normal for North Texas] The holiday is just as much about the food as it is about celebrating America's independence. One way you can celebrate is by hosting a potluck and making it into a contest. And even better, you can also host a hot dog eating contest. It is not always safe to be by a metal grill during a thunderstorm, so be sure to check your local forecast and listen for thunder to decide whether or not to grill inside. You can also try recipes that don't require a barbecue. ⚡ More trending stories from our newsroom: →fourth of July flight got canceled? Know your rights →Costco just changed its hours. What to know →TX barbecue joints dominated this list Games are the best way to stay occupied while inside. Create teams and attempt your favorite game show. Fourth of July themed Jeopardy Fourth of July themed Family Feud Card games Twister Long form games like Catan or Monopoly are great for a rainy day. This one may seem lame to be glued to the TV during a holiday, but it may help you feel a little more festive. Rangers play the Padres at 1:40 p.m. Watch on Fubo, or Sling TV. Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Watch on ESPN. John Deere Classic, golf tournament at 3 to 6 p.m. Watch on the Golf Channel or ESPN+. PBS A Capitol Fourth, livestreamed from the lawn of the nation's capitol in D.C. Watch on PBS. CNN's the Fourth in America, fireworks and live music performances. Watch on CNN. FOX's The Big Independence Day Special. Watch on FOX. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, livestream of New York City's firework show. Watch on NBC and Peacock.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
24 Summer Salads for Your 4th of July Get-Together
If you're searching for the perfect dish to bring to a 4th of July potluck, pool party, or barbeque, we've got you covered with these seasonal salad recipes. These crowd-pleasing dishes are packed with fresh produce and vibrant flavors to help you beat the heat. Our recipes like Bacon-Ranch Potato Salad and our High-Protein Creamy Cucumber Salad are so good you'll leave the party with an empty any of these recipes? Tap "Save" to add them to MyRecipes, your new, free recipe box for bacon-ranch potato salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing side that complements just about everything, making it a perfect choice for bringing along to potlucks, barbecues and family gatherings. Our tangy, creamy ranch dressing features all the same classic herbs and seasonings as the bottled version. In a pinch, you can swap it out for store-bought. View Recipe This high-protein cucumber salad features cottage cheese as its creamy base, replacing the traditional mayonnaise or sour cream. Crisp cucumber slices are folded into the mix for a light yet satisfying texture packed with protein. This salad makes a perfect cooling side dish for summer meals. View Recipe This loaded bean salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that's full of creamy texture and all the classic fixings. The navy beans serve as a neutral base, allowing ingredients like bacon, scallions and Cheddar cheese to shine. A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream ties everything together. This salad is rich in fiber and plant-based protein, making it the perfect easy side dish. View Recipe This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it's as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it's a perfect quick lunch or dinner. View Recipe Roasting potatoes is the ultimate way to avoid watery, mushy or bland potato salad. Boiled potatoes can hold on to moisture (even if they seem dry!), which can affect the texture of the final dish. Roasted potatoes hold their shape without the risk of them falling apart, and the roasting process concentrates the flavor of the potatoes so your potato salad will be extra savory. We love the anise flavor of tarragon in the dressing but feel free to use a mix of fresh herbs to make this easy side dish your own. View Recipe This high-protein pasta salad is a satisfying dish packed with plant-based protein from chickpea pasta and chickpeas, with an extra boost coming from fresh mozzarella cheese pearls. Tossed with fresh veggies and flavored with zingy za'atar seasoning, this salad is perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. View Recipe This strawberry-and-kale salad with burrata is a delicious, nutrient-packed dish that offers a host of anti-inflammatory benefits. The base of tender lacinato kale is rich in antioxidants, while sweet, juicy strawberries provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and anthocyanins, known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Creamy burrata balances the earthy greens perfectly. It's perfect as a side dish, or make it a meal by topping it with grilled chicken or cooked whole grains. View Recipe This cheeseburger salad is a fun twist on a classic burger. It features a crisp base of chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, pickles and juicy cherry tomatoes. A melty cheeseburger patty is served warm on top, along with a tangy ketchup-mayo-pickle sauce that ties all the flavors together. Optional sesame seeds add a hint of crunch and nod to the traditional burger bun. View Recipe This rotisserie chicken and roasted sweet potato salad is the perfect anti-inflammatory dinner. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants like beta carotene, while chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and satisfied. Tossed with fresh greens, apples and a tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is a wholesome meal that's perfect for busy nights. View Recipe This strawberry caprese salad is a fruity twist on the classic Italian dish, with juicy, ripe strawberries standing in for tomatoes. The sweet-tart flavor of strawberries goes beautifully with fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. This colorful salad is perfect as an appetizer, side dish or light lunch. To make it a main dish, top it with roasted chicken or add white beans. View Recipe This loaded chicken and broccoli salad is a protein-packed powerhouse that doesn't skimp on the classic 'loaded' flavors you love. With tender, juicy chicken and crisp, fresh broccoli as the base, this salad delivers a satisfying bite in every forkful. A creamy dressing ties everything together, while mix-ins like crispy bacon, shredded cheese and scallions add layers of flavor. It's the perfect salad for a high-protein lunch or dinner that keeps you full and energized. View Recipe Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado create a delicious contrast in this easy salad. Tossed with a zesty lemon-shallot vinaigrette, this salad is bright, tangy and perfectly balanced. It's best served right away, as the cucumbers tend to release water over time, which can dilute the vinaigrette. View Recipe This teriyaki chicken salad is a delicious blend of tender, glazed chicken thighs and crisp sliced veggies, all tossed in a flavorful teriyaki dressing. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, you can add some crispy fried onions or shallots, which provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness. Whether you keep it simple or add the extra crunch, this salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that's sure to become a favorite. View Recipe This spinach-blueberry salad has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, complemented by refreshing cucumber slices and creamy goat cheese. Champagne vinegar adds a mild, delicate touch that pairs beautifully with summer fruit. You can use white-wine vinegar instead; simply reduce the amount by a teaspoon to maintain the balance of flavors, as it has a sharper taste. View Recipe If you don't have time to make a homemade dressing, use 3 tablespoons of store-bought olive oil vinaigrette. Keep prep time short by using rotisserie chicken (or leftover chicken) and a pouch of microwavable quinoa. View Recipe Use an array of colorful tomatoes to make this healthy shrimp salad pop. Cooking the shrimp with fresh herbs and garlic infuses them with flavor without coming off too strong, for a light dinner salad that's perfect for summer entertaining. View Recipe This avocado caprese salad has all the flavors of a classic caprese salad, plus creamy avocado. The sweet and tangy balsamic dressing pulls everything together, with fresh basil bringing a refreshing pop of color. Add capers for an even bigger flavor. View Recipe This quick and easy chopped salad is inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, including chickpeas, cucumber and feta. A garlicky oil and vinegar dressing brings everything together. View Recipe This light and tangy cucumber pasta salad is fresh and bright. The orecchiette pasta holds the dressing for flavor in every bite, but you can use another small pasta shape if you like. This easy salad is perfect for a warm day or to serve as a lunch dish for company! For a fruitier flavor, try apple-cider vinegar in place of white distilled vinegar. View Recipe This gorgeous and healthy summer vegetable salad is loaded with pretty produce, including golden beets, avocado, corn, microgreens and radishes. Chickpeas and edamame add substance, and an herb-filled buttermilk-avocado dressing makes this salad really special. Serve it on its own for a light vegetarian meal or add grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner. View Recipe This quick salad recipe features ingredients inspired by the Mediterranean, including Kalamata olives, cucumber and more. Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a refreshing side dish. View Recipe This refreshing twist on the classic caprese salad replaces tomatoes with sweet, juicy watermelon. Basil and balsamic vinegar push this easy summer salad to the savory side, but if you want some sweeter notes, opt for balsamic glaze. An optional drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil at the end helps marry the flavors. View Recipe For a gorgeous take on a classic caprese, make this healthy salad recipe with heirloom tomatoes in various colors, shapes and sizes. Swapping regular mozzarella for creamy burrata makes this summer salad even more special--but it's still incredibly easy to make. View Recipe A mix of cool, crunchy vegetables gives this healthy salad satisfying bite for a perfect potluck side. View Recipe Read the original article on EATINGWELL
New York Times
23-06-2025
- General
- New York Times
My One-Pan Zucchini-Pesto Orzo Is Supremely Summery
No condiment says summer quite like pesto. Homemade or store-bought, the herby, garlicky sauce adds a sunny sparkle to pasta dishes, tomato salads, pizzas, grilled chicken and fish — pretty much anything that could use pungency and color. It's such a crowd pleaser that even small children who balk at strong flavors or absolutely anything green will happily scarf something down if it's covered in pesto. So let's get the pesto party started with my recipe for one-pan zucchini-pesto orzo. Topped with cherry tomatoes and served warm or at room temperature, this vibrant dish is giving big-pasta-salad energy, making it ideal for a potluck or picnic. Plus, it's a snap to throw together: Brown the zucchini in a skillet with red-pepper flakes, then stir the orzo and broth into the same pan so everything finishes cooking together. Add marinated tomatoes and mozzarella at the end along with the pesto and plenty of basil's cooler cousin, fresh mint. Presto! Make it for dinner tonight, then keep it on repeat all summer long. Featured Recipe View Recipe → Crunchy tortilla fried-chicken cutlets: Rick Martínez's take on chicken Milanese features corn masa flour and crushed tortilla chips for an irresistible salty-crisp crust. He serves the cutlets with an easy homemade tomato salsa seasoned with dried chiles de árbol, but store-bought salsa will work just as well. Soy butter fish and peas: Use any white, flaky fish (like hake, cod or halibut) to make Andy Baraghani's light, summery dish. Lay the fillets in a skillet over a savory mix of soy sauce, butter and rice vinegar, top with crisp snow peas or snap peas, then gently steam. It's a fresh and speedy one-pan wonder. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Forbes
16-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
4 Ways To Boost Teamwork This Summer
4 Ways To Boost Teamwork This Summer Summer is the perfect season to refresh team dynamics, enhance collaboration, and bring a bit of sunshine into the workplace culture. With longer days and a more relaxed atmosphere, it's an ideal time to implement lighthearted yet meaningful initiatives that strengthen teamwork, deepen connections, and foster a more engaged, supportive environment. In fact, a study by Gallup revealed that engaged employees can boost workplace productivity by up to 14%, making this the perfect moment to invest in your team's connection and cohesion. Here are four effective ways to boost teamwork this summer. When the end of the week rolls around, most people are ready to unwind. Why not use Fridays as an opportunity to bring your team closer together? Creating a Friday tradition is a great way to build rapport, boost morale, and set a positive tone going into the weekend. Sharing food has always been a universal way to bond. It gives teammates a chance to chat in a more relaxed setting. This could be as simple as having lunch together every Friday, whether it's ordering in, a potluck, or heading out to a local spot. Aside from meals, other Friday traditions could include having a casual dress theme in the office, such as Hawaiian shirt Friday or flannel Friday. Whatever the ritual, the key is consistency. Make it fun, inclusive, and something your team looks forward to. These small gestures of connection can build trust and camaraderie that carry over into the work itself. Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Fun fact: teams that feel recognized every month are 36% more likely to be engaged and 22% more likely to be committed, according to a study by Achievers. Recognition doesn't have to wait until formal reviews or annual awards. A simple, structured way to appreciate each other regularly can work wonders for team spirit and motivation. Create a recurring calendar invite for a team-wide "Shoutout Session," such as on Wednesdays at 10 AM. During this time, encourage teammates to recognize each other for great work, collaboration, or even small acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. These shoutouts or compliments can be done via team chats, during meetings, or via posts on a shared board. You can also create a 'Star Team Player' poster every week to highlight a team member's accomplishments. The goal is to normalize gratitude and give people a space to uplift one another. It also sets a tone that celebrating others is just as important as individual achievement. A well-timed compliment can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and remind everyone that their contributions are seen and valued. Team retreats don't have to mean expensive overnight stays or elaborate off-site events. With a bit of creativity, you can plan a memorable team-building experience that fits your budget and still gets people out of their day-to-day routines. Simple group activities such as a picnic at a nearby park, a mini scavenger hunt around the city, a game night with board games and snacks, or a volunteer day at a local nonprofit or food bank. Create an environment where people can interact differently, away from project deadlines and meeting agendas. Casual, shared experiences can break down barriers, spark new friendships, and improve collaboration once everyone is back at their desks. It would be best to conduct a survey beforehand to gather input and make sure the activity is something most people will enjoy. One of the best ways to build empathy, respect, and collaboration is to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Organizing a fun 'Role Swap Day' can give team members a chance to step into each other's roles for a few hours or a full day, depending on your workflow. This doesn't mean everyone has to master someone else's job. A team member can shadow another teammate, assist with routine tasks, or take on a project component they don't usually handle. For instance, an IT personnel might join a sales team for the day, or a supervisor could try out a basic analytics task. The goal is to build cross-functional understanding and appreciation, so the tasks should be lighthearted and safe, with no pressure to perform perfectly. It also helps individuals grow professionally by exposing them to different skill sets and challenges within the team. To keep things organized, pair people up in advance and set clear expectations. After the activity, the team can have a meeting that will encourage everyone to share their insights, such as what they learned, what surprised them, or what they now see differently about a colleague's role. Teamwork doesn't thrive by accident. It grows through intention, effort, and shared experiences. This summer, you can try these four ideas to foster a more connected and supportive team. You will also be creating a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best. So go ahead! Start a new tradition, give a shoutout, plan that retreat, or swap roles for a day. Remember, the most effective team-building strategies don't require big budgets or grand gestures. It's often the small, consistent actions that build the strongest bonds.
