14 Tasty BBQ Recipes To Add To Your Summer Cookout Menu

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May 15, 2024

Grilling season is upon us, and that means that BBQs are in our distant future. As it turns out, there are tons of ways to incorporate veggies, seafood, sauces and seasonings into your grilling routine so you'll be known for the best BBQ on the block. Fire up your grill (or your oven in some cases) and try a tasty summer recipe. Here are 14 mouth-watering BBQ recipes that are sure to rock your tastebuds.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Southwest BBQ Pork Sliders

Skip the pork ribs and pork chops in favor of this slow-cooker, easy-to-make BBQ pork recipe. This is a great BBQ food idea to make for a crowd, and we're pretty sure you only need to make it once for it to become a fan favorite. (via Half Baked Harvest)

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BBQ Ground Chicken Tacos

Give your Taco Tuesday an upgrade with this spin on the recipe. Paprika, garlic, and barbecue sauce make the chicken extra tasty, and the coleslaw is the perfect topping to satisfy your tastebuds! Serve with your favorite marg and dig in. (via Brit + Co)

Image via The Edgy Veg

G rilled Peaches & Pimento Pizza

Honor your vegan guests with this delicious flatbread. You can still get your fill of BBQ sauce with this pizza-meets-BBQ recipe. AKA, you won't have to make two entrees — vegans, pizza lovers and BBQ lovers alike will love this meal. (via The Edgy Veg)

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Lamb Burger

These Greek-inspired lamb burgers are perfectly charred on the outside, tender on the inside and stuffed with creamy feta cheese. Add this BBQ food to your cookout and everyone will be happy. If you're not quite ready to fire up the grill yet, we'll show you how to make them on a griddle too. Serve them on lightly toasted brioche with baby spinach and crunchy red onion, and top it all off with some homemade tzatziki. Just make sure you make enough, because if you serve this up at a BBQ party your guests will certainly be coming back for seconds and thirds. (via Brit + Co)

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Barbecue Chicken

Chicken wings have to be one of the best foods to barbecue. Eat it with a fork and knife or just go in with your hands — it's one of those fall-off-the-bone barbecue ideas that's always a good idea. (via Culinary Hill)

Image via Half Baked Harvest

BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Add this 30 minute side dish to your summer menu! And in addition to your typical BBQ food menu, you can easily cook up chicken and throw it with veggies to make an ah-mazing salad, too. (via Half Baked Harvest)

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Vegan Brisket (BBQ Style)

Don't forget your vegan and vegetarian guests! This baked seitan recipe is hearty enough for herbivores and carnivores alike, which makes it a great BBQ food idea. Not a seitan fan? For some, it is bland, funky tasting, and the texture doesn't do much for others. Let this recipe change your mind (and stomach!) for good! (via The Edgy Veg)

Image via The Endless Meal

BBQ Crockpot Beef Ribs

You need to add this easy sweet and smoky BBQ recipe to your summer menu. We can't wait to dig in! (via The Endless Meal)

Image via The Endless Meal

Grilled Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with BBQ Hummus

If you've never had these at one of your cookouts, you're not alone. Score some points with your neighbors with this uncommon (but delicious) BBQ recipe. (via The Endless Meal)

Image via Cozy Cravings

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Now brussels sprouts *may* not be a typical BBQ menu item, but you should definitely slot it in for your next cookout. The secret to these mouth-watering grilled veggies is the amazing honey-sriracha glaze, and TBH we can't wait to show these off this summer. (via Cozy Cravings)

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Peach and Bourbon Baked Beans

Let's be real, baked beans are a BBQ menu staple. Serve these up on their own or throw them in a salad for an amazing side dish. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Image via most hungry

Grilled Lamb Chops

Spice up your standard beef and chicken barbecue with some grilled lamb chops. You'll love the flavor, especially given how easy it is. When you get these ribs right, the thinner pieces of meat hanging off the small end of the rack will be smoky and firm (but not dry), while the meat inside will be milder and meltingly tender. (via most hungry)

Image via Amanda Wilens

Spicy Turkey Burger

This barbecue idea is great for fans of the grill and the skillet. Either way, these burgers make for delicious BBQ food. The slaw adds a nice flavor, texture, and temperature that complement the rest of the burger perfectly. (via Amanda Wilens)

Image via B+C

Campfire Cones

Top these BBQ ideas off with Brit + Co's Campfire Cones for a yummy treat. This campfire take on ice cream cones is one of our favorite desserts, like, ever. Barbecued desserts, however, can be a little tricky. Toasted marshmallows could melt through the grates, blackened baked bananas are just a little too hard to handle and s'mores… well, we've got nothing bad to say about s'mores. But we want something new and exciting AND easy. (via Brit + Co)

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This post has been updated.

Header Image Courtesy of Marek Mucha / Unsplash.

34 Make-Ahead Cookout Recipes Perfect For Memorial Day

Keep your summer cookouts fun and stress-free with Crock Pot recipes (they do most of the work for you), cold dishes like pasta and potato salad, and these cookout recipes! They can all be made in advance, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend. We have you covered with 30 make-ahead dishes, from fruit to homemade hamburger buns, that will make your Memorial Day cookouts and beyond a total success. Prioritize cookout recipes that are easy to assemble, can be made in large batches, and are versatile enough to be served as a main course or side dish.

Cookout Recipes You Have To Try

Mexican Chicken & Avocado Wraps

Wraps are a super tasty and super easy meal to make before any group dinner. We're filling ours with spiced chicken, red peppers, spinach, and avocado. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)

Black Bean Burgers

Prep these black bean burger patties for any veggie guests coming to the BBQ. This cookout recipe can be personalized to your tastes with your preferred bean style and only take about 15 minutes to prep. (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Salsa

Save the jar salsa for another time and whip up this super fresh, spicy, and chunky homemade version. Be careful when blending the ingredients so not to turn it into a gazpacho. (via Brit + Co)

Elote One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Name a better group food than pasta salad. We'll wait. (via Brit + Co)

3-2-1 Ribs Method

The 3-2-1 method of cooking ribs refers to the number of hours spent at each stage. Three hours are spent smoking the meat, unwrapped and at a low temperature. Then there are two more hours of continued smoking, this time wrapped in foil. Lastly, there’s one final hour of smoking. This method ensures flavorful and tender ribs every time. (via Fox Valley Foodie)

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheese and potatoes are one of the best combos ever, amirite? These scalloped potatoes can be made way in advance and reheated right before serving. Just try not to eat them all before your guests arrive. (via Chew Out Loud)

Strawberry Oreo Chocolate Icebox Cake

Icebox cakes have been a potluck staple since… forever. This strawberry Oreo recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will be loved by adults and children alike. The cake needs to be made at least eight hours before your party so the cookies have time to soften, so allow for plenty of chilling time. (via Sweetest Menu)

Crockpot Corn On The Cob

Give yourself at least two hours before your dinner to make this dish. The key to making a corn on the cob that everyone will remember until next summer's cookouts is the garlic herb butter. Yummmm. (via Brit + Co)

Honey Strawberry Basil Margarita

Not only is a marg one of our favorite poolside sips, but strawberries, basil, and honey just all hit different in the summertime. This recipe only makes sense. (via Brit + Co)

Hailey Bieber's Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These drool-worthy wings have a secret ingredient in them for maximum crispiness: avocado oil. You can prep the buttermilk marinade and refrigerate the wings in brine for a few hours before they're ready to quickly cook in an air fryer. (via Brit + Co)

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs Cookout Recipe

With tomatoes, avocados, and corn, this cookout recipe is making us seriously consider chopping up a hot dog the next time we make burrito bowls. (via Brit + Co)

BLT Deviled Eggs

Sundried tomatoes, green onions and bacon are the delicious threesome that makes up the filling of these delightful deviled eggs. Be sure to make extra, because these will fly off of the platter as soon as you set them out. (via Ketogasm)

Cowboy Caviar

If you’re interested in testing out your knife skills, this dip is great for practice. It’s full of hearty beans, cilantro, chopped peppers and onion. You can even try adding a chopped avocado if you’re a major guac fan (and who isn’t?). (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Hamburger Buns

If you really want to impress a crowd, show up to a party with homemade hamburger buns. They’re not at all as difficult as you would think, and they’re the best accompaniment to a gourmet burger. (via Domestic Dreamboat)

Your Summer Won't Be The Same Without These Cookout Recipes

Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad

Pasta salad is a must-have cookout recipe, but you may not have had it with orzo. It’s just the right size to mix with finely chopped veggies and goes great with the fresh flavors of lemon and cucumber. Allow this to sit in the fridge overnight so the pasta can absorb all that delicious flavor. (via Give Recipe)

Fruit Salad With Lemon Dressing

By the time everyone has scarfed down their burgers and potato salad, dessert might be an afterthought. This fruit salad is a wonderful post-dinner treat that eases your sweet craving without being too heavy. (via Paleo Leap)

Vegan Bacon + Cheese Loaded Potato Skins

With spicy cashew cream sauce and mushroom bacon, these potato skins might just become your favorite summer dish. We'll be making these for every cookout forever and always. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Sangria Popsicles

We love sangria. We love popsicles. This is a match made in heaven. You'll definitely want to make these ahead of time so that they have enough time to freeze, but make sure you wait to take them out of the freezer so they don't melt ;). (via Brit + Co)

Make-Ahead Layered Picnic Salad

Your mom will be so proud when you bring out this dish she made when you were a kid. There’s a reason this type of layered salad has stood the test of time: It’s easy, delicious and can be assembled way before your barbecue. (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)

Grilled Maple Sriracha Chicken Skewers

These simple skewers have only four ingredients, but pack some intense flavor. The chicken is best marinated overnight and takes only 15 minutes to grill the next day. Score! (via Table for Two)

Minty Pea Salad

We’ve all had those moments when we forget about a barbecue until the day before. Those times call for this easy salad that can be made on the fly or ahead of time. (via Budget Bytes)

Potato Salad Bites

It’s just not a Memorial Day cookout without potato salad, but the same-old-same-old can get a bit boring. These little two-bite potatoes are a mix of potato salad and a twice-baked potato. They’re perfect as an appetizer or as a cute hand-held side dish. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Blow Your Own Mind With These Tasty Cookout Recipes!

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon With Sage and Black Pepper

Class up any outdoor party with these sweet and salty prosciutto-melon bites. The mix of flavors is addictive, but there’s no cooking involved. That means you can wrangle in just about anyone to help you assemble. (via The Homemade Haus)

Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Put together all of these shrimp boil packets whenever you have a spare moment — that way, all you have to do is throw them on the grill come party time. Did we mention there’s also ZERO cleanup involved? (via Damn Delicious)

Vegan Barbecue Baked Beans

When hosting a cookout, it may be tempting to grab a can of baked beans from the store and call it a day. Refrain from that temptation and you will *not* be sorry you took the time to make your own. The flavor is unreal, and you can even mix everything up and throw it in your crockpot if you like. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip Cookout Recipe

This dip is chock full of enough cheese to please the kids, and enough veggies to please the parents. Everyone will be happy! Serve with chips or just dig in with a spoon. (via Brit + Co)

Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad

This pasta salad could be a whole meal in itself. It’s packed with veggies, protein and whole grains that will keep you energized for all the fun outdoor games (lookin’ at you, volleyball). (via Well Plated)

Vegan Mexican Sweet Potato Salad With Avocado Dressing

You’ve never had potato salad like this before. If you’re dying to switch it up, go for this Mexican version with corn, avocado and chipotle. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Cajun Crawfish Queso

When you think of queso you might not think of seafood, but you'd be surprised how tasty this crawfish cheese dip actually tastes. Don't forget the cajun mix! (via Brit + Co)

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Cold treats on a hot day are absolute summer perfection. These pops last in the freezer for weeks, so don't be afraid to make a big batch… just in case. (via Tastes of Lizzy T's)

Healthy Coleslaw

A coleslaw recipe is a pre-req for any Memorial Day or cookout bashes! Carrots and celery come together with a healthy swap for the classic mayonnaise dressing made with yogurt. You'll love it and so will your guests. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Carrot Hot Dogs

Prep your carrots with maple syrup and coconut aminos to give them a surprisingly meaty flavor. Whip up some BBQ sauce and aioli, and throw your favorite hot dog toppings into tiny bowls for everyone to serve themselves. (via Brit + Co)

Breakfast Burger

There's a chance you've had an egg on a burger before, but have you had an egg *and* sausage *and* hash browns?! If your answer is no, it's never too late to try it out. (via Brit + Co)

Decadent Potato Chip Brownies

This cookout recipe is an amazing addition to any #TreatYourselfThursday. There are lots of sweet and salty combos we love, and these brownies take the cake! (via Brit + Co)

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This article has been updated from a previous post.

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George And Amal Clooney's Courtship Included...Letters From His Dog?

George and Amal Clooney are one of the celebrity couples I’d personally be upset over if they ever break up. Like...my heart just wouldn’t be able to handle it because their love story is one for the books — not to mention all the power couple fashion moments we'd miss out on!

I was introduced to George Clooney’s work via Quentin Tarantino’s movieFrom Dusk ‘Til Dawn (thanks, dad) and have always found him to be a force of nature, but I didn’t take him for the ‘settling down’ type. Imagine my surprise when the man who once claimed he’d never get married eventually found himself smitten with Amal Alamuddin, an intelligent Human Rights Lawyer.

Since their fateful first meeting at George’s home years ago, the two have gone on to get married, have children, and even established the Clooney Foundation for Justice together. If you can’t get enough of their relationship either, here’s a full timeline of their love story!

George and Amal Clooney's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

July 2013: George And Amal Clooney’s First Introduction

In 2018, George sat down with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction to recount various moments from his life, including when he first met Amal. He remembers being at home at Lake Como when one of his friends asked if they could bring a plus one with them.

To make things even wilder, his own agent let him know his bachelor days would soon be over. “I got a call from my agent who called and said, ‘I met this woman who’s coming to your house who you’re gonna marry,’” he said.

Once he met Amal and began talking to her, it was apparent they had chemistry that resulted in them exchanging emails. George told The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart…Then she sent some pictures from when she was here, and we were writing each other, emailing, talking, mostly about what was going on in each other’s lives, and over a period of time it became clear we were more than just friends.”

I’m being dramatic, but I think this dispels the idea that it’s impossible to find love if you don’t leave home.

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 2013: George and Amal Have Their First Date

George also told The Hollywood Reporter about how their first official date came to be. He was in London overseeing the music for Monuments Men and decided to invite Amal for a visit. “Then we went for dinner…and when we came out, there were 50 paparazzi there. But she handled it like a champ. And pretty quickly, things escalated once I was in London,” he said

While they dated and got to know each other, they told CBS that they wrote each other letters. While they described that courtship, Amal added that some of the letters George wrote to her came from...his dog? Talk about bringing someone into your inner world! TBH, I'm more than here for it — let your sweet, goofy flag fly, George!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner

April 2014: George and Amal Get Engaged

I always say there’s no denying when you’ve fallen in love with someone, and that couldn’t be more true for George and Amal Clooney who got engaged after six months of dating. Seriously, the way George proposed is something out of a romantic fairytale because he planned it. Not only that, but he cooked for her and sent her on a short scavenger hunt — except she didn’t know she was supposed to be looking for a ring.

He revealed even more details about the moment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you’re supposed to do. I had a playlist with my Rosemary [Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I,’” he said.

Needless to say, Amal happily accepted his proposal! Ironically,I’m starting to realize there’s not always a set timeline for people to get engaged or married after dating. Some people only date for a few months while others date for years before deciding to get married. It’s all very personal.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

September 2014: George And Amal Clooney Get Married

It wouldn’t be right if the couple didn’t get married in Italy, the country where they first met. Of course they were free to get married wherever they wanted, but leave it to the Clooneys to keep the romance going.

People reported the lovely couple wed at the Aman Canal Grande resort and guests like Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski were in attendance.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

January 2015: George and Amal Grace the Red Carpet Together

For the first time ever, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet at the beginning of 2015. They attended the Golden Globes together where George received the famed lifetime achievement award.

Towards the end of his speech, George praised Amal in only a way that a man truly in love with his wife could. He said, "You make every single day — every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — feel as special as tonight..."

Image via Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images

Late 2016: George and Amal Found the Clooney Foundation for Justice

By 2016, George and Amal Clooney decided to found the Clooney Foundation for Justice — an organization that aims to shed light around social injustices found across the globe. They've prioritized spending their own money to help those in need without a second thought and have even donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Image via Clemens Bilan/Getty Images

February 2017: PEOPLE confirms George and Amal are expecting twins

Almost three years after getting married, a source close to George and Amal Clooney revealed the two were expecting a baby together. They told People, "They’re all very happy," referring to the couple's family.

George later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was shocked when he discovered the couple would actually become parents to twins. He recalled their experience in the ultrasound room. "He goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake," he said of the exchange between the doctor and the couple.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2017: George and Amal Clooney Welcome Their Twins

People also reported the birth of George and Amal Clooney's twins — Alexander and Ella — during the summer of 2017. "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days," they revealed in lighthearted joint statement.

September 2017: George and Amal Clooney Make Their First Appearance After Becoming Parents

Later that year, George and Amal Clooney graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in support of George's film Suburbicon. George — an ever dapper gentleman — wore a classic black tuxedo while Amal wore a lilac Versace gown.

Image via Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2018: George and Amal attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

Things were quiet for the couple until the spring of 2018. They attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly publicized wedding. They were just a few of the celebrities that were seen in the crowd.

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

February 2022: George and Amal accept the Catalyst Award together

A couple of years later, George and Amal Clooney were the proud recipients of the joint Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. The amazing work they'd been doing in connection with the Clooney Foundation for Justice hadn't gone unnoticed and they were praised for their amazing philanthropic work.

While accepting the award, George gave a moving speech about their foundation's purpose. "One of the Elevate Prize Foundation's core values is human safety and freedom...Our goal at the foundation is to free the innocent and punish the guilty. I think we're both inspired by the young people out there challenging injustice in their communities, a new generation that won't accept the status quo," he said.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

September 2022: George and Amal attend London premiere of Ticket to Paradise

The couple then attended the London premiere of Ticket to Paradise where they looked refreshed and glowy. This is my attempt to be appropriate, but they truly looked smoking h-o-t!This time George wore a three-piece suit while Amal stunned in beautiful slip dress.

Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

October 17, 2022: George and Amal attend Ticket to Paradise Los Angeles premiere

They then attended the L.A. premiere of Ticket to Paradise where George looked debonair in a grey suit. Amal wore a gorgeous Alexander McQueen number that was an appropriate nod to the film's paradise theme.

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 3, 2022: George and Amal Attend The Kennedy Center Honors

George and Amal Clooney attended the Kennedy Center Honors where he, along with honorees, received a nod for lifetime achievements. They were a picture of perfection on the red carpet, especially Amal. She dazzled in a lovely Valentino gown that looked amazing on her frame.

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

August 31, 2023: The Couple Attend The DVF Awards in Venice

While attending the DVF Awards in Venice, Amal received the DVF Leadership Award. During her acceptance speech, Amal thanked George for being by her side. People reports she said, "Venice is the place where almost nine years ago we were married. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away, and you make our lives magical. It is sometimes hard to believe you exist, so thank you for being the brightest light in my life.”

September 28, 2023: George and Amal host The Albies

Before the end of 2023, People reported George and Amal Clooney hosted their foundation's second annual Albies at the New York Public Library to continue highlighting the importance of securing human rights for all.

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30 Tasty Chicken Wing Recipes That Belong In The Foodie Hall Of Fame

What goes better with a Super Bowl party than chicken wings? Nothing, nada, nil. Make this year one that goes down in chicken-wing hall of fame with one of these Super Bowl-friendly recipes. Finger-lickin’ goodness is literally at your fingertips. Pick one recipe or go for a Hail Mary by making it a wing smorgasbord. Ready for kickoff? Down. Set. Hike ’em into your mouth.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Chicken Wings

These easy sheet pan chicken wings are baked with seasonings and garlic until crispy, then tossed with parmesan and a spicy garlic buffalo sauce for a spicy, garlicky, crispy and amazing appetizer. Go team! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Got an air fryer? Whip up this simple and crowd-pleasing recipe without all the cleanup! Crispy and delicious.That's a win in our book. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Baking Powder Chicken Wings

This is the best way to make crispy chicken wings in the oven. No need for deep frying! (via Give Recipe)

The Best Dry Rub Chicken Wings

Add spices, brown sugar, and baking powder, and then bake, grill, or fry these delightfully crispy wings. (via Cozy Cravings)

Smoked Chicken Wings

If you have a smoker, these wings are delicious and a great appetizer while you're smoking something longer. (via Culinary Hill)

Habanero Peach Grilled Chicken Wings

Just five ingredients to get the amazing spicy-sweet flavor in this easy-to-make recipe! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Asian Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Coated in a sticky Asian sauce, these crispy wings are sweet and tangy with a touch of spice. (via Vikalinka)

Spicy Baked Barbecue Chicken Wings

For when you're feeling classic BBQ wings, this baked recipe has a kick and is perfect for the big game! (via Averie Cooks)

Raspberry Jalapeño Chicken Wings

This wing brings a new meaning to hot, sticky, sweet. The sweetness of raspberry jam and the spicy kick of fresh jalapeño team up to create a taste that you’ll definitely want to tackle. (via My Homemade Life)

Crispy Baked Balsamic Caramel Chicken Wings

Sure to score some points for uniqueness, this one’s all about the sweet and savory glaze. (via Sarcastic Cooking)

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Sticky molasses and honey meld together with garlicky goodness for a taste that is sure to be stuck on the minds (and breath) of your jersey-sporting guests. (via Jo Cooks)

Pub-Style Buffalo Wings With Boursin Dip

Beer, wings, and friends are really some of life’s greatest pleasures. These typical pub-style wings are just what you need to get game day started. (via Dinner With Julie)

Baked Korean-Inspired Chicken Wings

Served with a refreshing cucumber salad, these baked wings are a healthier version of your favorite game-watching bites.(via Girl on Blor)

Spicy Maple Baked Chicken Wings

Bake these babies in an oven until crispy and dress with a sweet and spicy maple sauce for a combo that's a total touchdown. (via Completely Delicious)

Sweet Orange Chili Glazed Chicken Wings

Reduce orange juice, honey, and chili paste down into this addicting glaze that will win everyone's heart, and tastebuds.(via Original Dish)

Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

Sweeten the deal with a little honey and BBQ and baked, not fried, wings. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Ranch Chicken Wings With Buffalo Dipping Sauce

Try a little flip-flop here. Rather than using the white stuff as a dip, these crispy wings are bathed in Ranch dressing at the beginning, then do a reverse by using tangy buffalo sauce for your dipping pleasure. (via Doughmesstic)

Cambodian Style Pork Stuffed Chicken Wings

Chicken and pork? You betcha! Serve these double whammies, and you’ll instigate some major audible wowing from your guests. (via Be Mindful. Be Human)

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings

Someone call the Fire Marshall, ’cause these wings are hot. Hot. HOT! Cayenne pepper, red jalapeños, and hot sauce — that’s a trifecta of tang that’s not joking around. (via Barbecue Bible)

Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings

Healthy and tasty – in this scenario you score both. Win big by serving them alongside the blue-cheese dijon dipping sauce. (Steamy Kitchen)

Super Crunch Oven Fried Honey Dipped Wings

Here comes some super crunch for some super fans. These wings deliver with cereal. That’s right: Cornflakes to the rescue! (via Stovetop Stories)

The Best Oven Fried Chicken Wings

Get double coverage with these oven-fried wings served with both a traditional Buffalo or sweet-and-spicy Thai sauce! (via I Sing in the Kitchen)

Sweet and Sticky Pomegranate Chicken Wings

Messy and delicate with a vibrant splash of crunchy pomegranate seeds, guests may request a replay on these wings. (via How Sweet It Is)

Lemongrass BBQ Wings

Big on planning? Hop on this recipe one day in advance and get busy marinating with fish sauce, lemongrass, and honey. Simple and flavor packed, they’re sure to be an instant fan fave. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Grilled Turmeric and Lemongrass Chicken Wings

Tanginess and earthiness come together in one FAN-tastic bite. These wings may be the star of the night. (via Bon Appètit)

Tea Smoked Chicken Wings

This one will have guests in a time out while they ponder the smoky flavor… emitted from tea leaves! (via Serious Eats)

Honey Cumin Boneless Chicken Wings With Greek Yogurt Dip

Sweet, earthy, and cool, these wings go down in one bite. (via Soni’s Food)

Sweet and Sour Sticky Thai Boneless Oven Baked Chicken Wings

Refs may blow the whistle on these play-stopping wings. Crunchy, boneless, sweet, and sour, they’re unstoppable. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crispy Taco Wings

A grand disguise, these tacos aren’t wrapped in a shell but baked into a crispy chicken wing… SCORE! (via Noble Pig)

Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

Pop, fizz, ahhhhh, Coca-Cola marinade will have guests going sis boom bah! (via Cherry On My Sundae)

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Desperate For Long Nails? How To Finally Make Your Nails Grow Faster

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

Cuticle oil
Biotin
Diet
Nail protection
Avoid picking and peeling

Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

“Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

Looking for more beauty tips and inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more!

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

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

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Yulin Kuang’s Debut Novel “How To End A Love Story” Is Summer's Hottest Book Club Pick

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

Looking for more reading recs? Be sure to check out our storefront for more of our fave books!

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

Lead image via Amazon

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