You’d Never Guess This Tasty Green Bean Casserole Is Vegan + Gluten-Free

Traditional holiday casseroles, full of gluten, eggs, and dairy, are off-limits when you have dietary restrictions (enter extremely sad face here). If your family or friend group includes someone who is vegetarian, gluten-free, and/or picky (and thinks veggies taste straight-up like earth), then you’ll need to adapt a classic recipe so no one is left out of the feast. Follow along to learn how to make a green bean casserole from scratch, starting with the mushroom sauce, the beans, and the all-important onion topping — all feature a standard version plus simple substitutions for a vegan or gluten-free option!

Where does bean green casserole originate from?

According to Martha Stewart, green bean casserole became a future Thanksgiving staple with it's creating in 1955. After trial and error, Dorcas Reilly — Campbell Soup's home economist — used a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup to help create "the Green Bean Bake."


Why is it a well-loved Thanksgiving dish?

Green beans are arguably one of the easiest vegetables to cook and they tend to be filling. Given the fact Thanksgiving is a time for extended family to bond over dinner, green bean casserole is one of those dishes that don't require anyone to break the bank to make. It's delicious and fills bellies in heartwarming way.


What meals can be prepared alongside green bean casserole?

Since this can be considered one of your many Thanksgiving side dishes, finding appetizers and entrees to go with it is easy! Here's some of Brit + Co's top suggestions followed with recipe to make the best green bean casserole:

  1. Baked French Onion Meatballs
  2. Caesar Salad Wonton Cups
  3. Rosemary Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles
  4. Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs
  5. Instant Pot Paleo Beef Stew
  6. Roasted Turkey — of course!


Mushroom Sauce

(Makes sauce for 1 casserole)

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of butter (or coconut oil)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 12 ounces mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (leave out for GF/vegan version)
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
  • 1 cup milk (or 1 1/2 cups almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or 1 head of cauliflower, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper


Directions (for Traditional Sauce):

1. Heat butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until melted. Add onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they are soft and cooked. Add in garlic and mushrooms. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.

2. Sprinkle with cornstarch, and stir to combine. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Stir in milk and let cook for an additional minute until thickened. Add in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and stir until the cheese is melted. Reduce heat to low until the sauce is ready to be tossed with the green beans.


Directions (for Gluten-Free/Vegan Sauce):

1. In a large pan, add cauliflower, almond milk, salt and pepper. Cook until the cauliflower is soft.

2. Once cooked, add the mixture into a blender (or food processor) and blend until very smooth and creamy.

3. In the same large pan, heat up coconut oil and sauté onions and garlic. Once the onions are transparent, add in mushrooms; cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the cauliflower soup back into the pan. Reduce heat to low until the sauce is ready to be tossed with the green beans.


Green Beans

(Makes enough for 2 casseroles)

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds green beans

Directions:

1. Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil.

2. Meanwhile, chop off the ends of each green bean. Line them up or use kitchen scissors to make the process go faster.

3. To the pot of boiling water, add in the chopped green beans and boil for 3-5 minutes.

4. Drain the green beans in a fine mesh sieve, then run cold water over the beans to halt the cooking.

5. Transfer them to a separate bowl. Let sit while you prepare the onion topping.


Fried Onion Topping

(Makes enough for 1 casserole)

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, sliced toward the grain
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (or 1 1/2 cups almond milk)
  • 1 1/2 cups flour (or 1 1/2 cups coconut flour)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Directions (for Standard Version):

1. Soak the onions in milk for 5 minutes.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, add flour, salt, and paprika. Stir to combine.

3. Take a handful of onions and toss them in the flour to coat.

4. Add vegetable oil to line the bottom of a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in coated onions and fry in batches in oil for about 2 minutes, stirring as needed to brown evenly.

5. Drain on paper towels, then set them in a separate bowl until you’re ready to assemble your casserole.

Directions (for Vegan/Gluten-Free Version):

1. Soak the onions in almond milk for 5 minutes.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, add coconut flour, salt, and paprika. Stir to combine.

3. Take a handful of onions and toss them in the flour to coat.

4. Add vegetable oil to line the bottom of a pan over medium-high. Once hot, add in coated onions and fry in batches in oil for about 2 minutes, stirring as needed to brown evenly.

5. Drain on paper towels, then set them in a separate bowl until you’re ready to assemble your casserole.


Green Bean Casserole

(Makes 1 casserole; serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch cooked green beans
  • 1 batch mushroom sauce
  • 1 batch fried onions

Directions (for Standard Version):

1. Toss the cooked green beans in the mushroom sauce (can be directly in the pan), then pour into a casserole dish.

2. Top it off with your fried onions.

3. Bake in an oven at 375°F for 15 minutes or until heated through.


Directions (for GF/Vegan Version):

1. Toss the cooked green beans in the mushroom sauce (can be directly in the pan), then pour into a casserole dish.

2. Top it off with your fried onions.

3. Bake in an oven at 375°F for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Green bean casserole that will make everyone happy :) Both casseroles are pretty good! The mushroom sauces are almost identical in taste. However, be aware that the coconut flour fried onion does have a different flavor and texture that may take getting used to.

Enjoy!

Learn how toLight It Up with our tips and DIYs that create new spins on old traditions. We keep the best but tweak the rest so you can have a memorable experience that’s uniquely you.

Show us your favorite recipe by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative! And be sure to check out more delicious recipes on Pinterest.

This post has been updated.

DIY Production and Styling via Kelly Bryden/Brit + Co; photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

If gluten goes a little too hard on your tummy, these gluten-free Mediterranean diet recipes are here to save the day. Each dish is full of coastal flavors, abides by the very veggie-full Mediterranean diet guidelines, and has none of the gluten. Whether you're searching for a healthy lunch or easy appetizer, these 10 meals are sure to knock your cravings right out of the park without weighing you down.

Brit + Co

Herbed Quinoa Bowls

Veggies and healthy grains are at the heart of the Mediterranean diet, so these quinoa bowls easily hit all the marks. They're adequately seasoned with garlic, parsley, coriander, and salt and pepper, with the option to bulk up your bite with a fried egg or another light protein source like tofu. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Gluten-Free Baked Avocado Fries

Avocados are full of healthy fats, which are essential for eating according to the Mediterranean diet. Make 'em a super fun after-work snack by coating them in a layer of gluten-free breadcrumbs, baking them, and serving alongside a spicy aioli dip! (via Brit + Co)

Clean Cuisine

Gluten-Free Spinach Quiche

This GF quiche is the ultimate meal prep recipe, since you'll be left with leftovers for days. Pack it full of veggies like spinach and tomatoes or even some feta cheese to channel more Mediterranean flavors in each bite. (via Clean Cuisine)

Averie Cooks

Smoky Roasted Chickpea Salad

Cold salads can get boring real quick, so if you're still looking for ways to get in a ton of veggies at once, try out this roasted chickpea salad. It's got protein, vitamins, and a tasty smoky flavoring! (via Averie Cooks)

Half Baked Harvest

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

This gluten-free appetizer is unbelievably easy. Combine some cherry tomatoes with the balsamic dressing, let the mixture sit for half an hour, then serve atop a ball of burrata cheese. Each component complements the other in such a tasty way. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Girl on Bloor

Chickpea Quinoa Power Salad

We love a colorful salad. This one is perfectly balanced, plus the homemade jalapeño dressing really ties it all together, giving it tons of flavor in each forkful. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Parmesan Zucchini Fries

These zucchini fries make such a yummy starter or side dish. They're quite painless to prepare – just chop the veg up, season, and bake. They get even better when you pair 'em with buttermilk ranch! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vanilla and Bean

Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette

This dish brings forth sweet and savory! Plus, it's a bit heartier than your average lettuce-based salad. Quinoa forms the heart of this meal, with protein-rich black beans, mango, and crunchy pepitas joining the mix. (via Vanilla and Bean)

A Virtual Vegan

Gluten-Free Tabbouleh

Every bite of this gluten-free tabbouleh is so herby and fresh. The addition of tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion makes it certifiably Mediterranean! (via A Virtual Vegan)

Hello Little Home

Caprese Freekeh Salad

This Caprese salad is made more filling by adding in some cooked whole grain freekeh, so you can enjoy it as a light lunch or easy appetizer. (via Hello Little Home)

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Take our favorite celebrity BFF's, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively, and our favorite celebrity couple, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and you truly get one big happy family. Earlier this summer, Blake and Ryan showed up to the Eras Tour to support the "Fortnight" singer, and on July 25, Taylor returned the love by making a rare lengthy post to her Instagram story.

Taylor Swift/Instagram

Taylor Swift posted a photo to her Instagram story featuring Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy — all of whom are involved in Deadpool & Wolverine, in theaters July 26!

"Over the past few years I have watched one of my best friends on the planet pour every bit of his heart, soul, sweat, time, energy, jokes, pain, joy, rebellion, darkness, and magic into this film," she says. "He's created the best work of his life, and this film feels like an actual joy portal, a wild escape from reality, and an abs sandwich."

After joking that Ryan, Blake, and Shawn randomly crashed her photo, Taylor continues, saying, "Shout out to Wade Wilson [the character played by Ryan Reynolds], aka my godkids' sperm donor!"

Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management/Noam Galai/Getty Images for Disney

Ryan Reynolds has been vocal about how much his kids (James, Inez, Betty, and Olin) love Taylor Swift, and the family's appearance at the Eras Tour even went viral!

"I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he says onThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"

Read up on Blake Lively and Taylor Swift's friendship timeline for more!

Lead image via Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Do you still fold your panties and hide them under your clothes as soon as your doctor steps out of the exam room? If so, welcome to the embarrassed health club!

According to a survey by National Institutes of Health, 19 percent of women get embarrassed while at the doctor and 16 percent fear they're going to waste their doctors' time. My own embarrassment stems from uncomfortable sex ed classes and outdated beliefs about what "classy" ladies are supposed to talk about regarding their bodies.

Call me delusional, but I think it's time for us to start taking our health seriously by asking embarrassing questions that would make some of our grandmothers clutch their pearls. Some of my biggest health breakthroughs came from either asking things that made me blush or having my primary doctor ask if I'd been experiencing problems.

If you're still too shy, I'm standing on the front lines to ask Dr. Jennie Stanford, an Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch,all of the embarrassing questions you've been wondering about.

My discharge has been thick and clumpy lately. What does that mean?

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Contrary to what I learned when I was younger, discharge is actually normal and each vagina has its own natural smell. Still, not everyone knows what's considered normal and what indicates an issue. And, turns out, it's different for everyone.

Dr. Stanford says, "While they don’t always signal anything dangerous, changes in vaginal discharge could be your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. It’s worth considering the possible causes to rule out health conditions that may need to be addressed."

This isn't a reason to dislike your period, but she says your hormonal fluctuations could be why your discharge has changed. "Vaginal discharge can vary during different phases of the menstrual cycle," she says. "This is normal, as a result of hormonal changes and changes in the vagina, cervix, and uterus. You may notice a pattern of changes over time, so if there are deviations from what you consider normal, you may want to consult with a physician."

If you've ruled out your period, Dr. Stanford says that a change in your vaginal discharge could be related to intercourse. "Vaginal discharge may have a different appearance after intercourse, including amount, consistency, and possibly a small amount of spotting. This should clear over the next day or two," she says. But if you notice things seem persistent, it's time to reach out to your doctor!

Other things to make note of are the color, consistency, and odor of your vaginal discharge since vaginal and pelvic infections can affect them. "These can be bacterial, viral, or fungal causes. Specifically, a thicker, more clumpy-appearing discharge is most often associated with yeast vaginitis, or a vaginal yeast infection," says Dr. Stanford.

It's important to note that having a yeast, bacterial, or fungal infection doesn't mean you're not practicing healthy hygiene. She says, "This can be caused by taking antibiotics or other medications, eating certain foods, after oral sex, or as a result of using some personal care products. Be sure to mention this type of change in discharge to your physician, who can run the necessary tests and prescribe appropriate treatment."

Is it normal to have intense body odor after switching to a natural deodorant?

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We've all heard that aluminum-free deodorant is the way to go, but there's one side effect that some people don't like: stinky armpits. And apparently, we can chalk it up to the lack of aluminum and other chemical ingredients that can mask underarm smells.

"Without the antibacterial agents in conventional deodorants, your skin microbiome will change [and] likely intensify," Dr. Stanford says. "This is one primary reason for increased odor, which may be intense."

You're likely not used to your au natural smell, which can be jarring, but it doesn't mean something's wrong with your body — unless the odor is intense for several weeks. In this case, Dr. Stanford recommends talking to your primary care physician or a dermatologist about other contributing factors.

Should I be douching to help clean my vagina?

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Sigh. Despite the fact so many of us relied on Summer's Eve growing up, Dr. Stanford says douching isn't generally recommended. "Vaginas have an optimal pH range, and they are designed to maintain that range in a method that has been described as a 'self-regulating' mechanism," she says. If you've heard your vagina knows how to take care of itself and scoffed, here's proof that it actually does.

"Generally, vaginal pH changes that are out of the normal range signal something going on," she continues. "Certain microbiota (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) make up the vaginal microbiome, which is part of a healthy vagina. Removing the microbiota that are designed to be there can allow more pathogenic (dangerous) organisms to take over."

Hearing it explained this way sets off alarms and bells in my head because it makes douching sound harmful. That's the thing though; it is. But, there is one thing you can do to help keep the area clean.

Dr. Stanford says, "As a general recommendation, rather than douching, shower and clean the vulva once daily with warm water and a non-irritating soap (or more often in certain conditions). Be sure to talk with your doctor about specific recommendations for you."

Is it normal to experience spotting after sex?

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I thought it would be worthwhile to ask Dr. Stanford this question because I can only imagine how many other women experience this. She says, "It is common for women to spot (lightly bleed) after sexual intercourse. This can occur as a result of vaginal or cervical irritation, or even uterine cramping. In general, this is not problematic and should resolve within a couple of days at most."

I've found that when I do spot after sex, it's usually right before my period and it's usually gone after a couple of hours. I also don't notice an odor associated with it which is also a good sign.

"If it persists or if there are signs of other irritation or potential infection, see your doctor right away," insists Dr. Stanford.

Does the pull-out method really work?

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My sister's a Pharmacist and she says I'd be surprised to know how many people of all ages still rely on the pull-out method as a form of birth control. If you're a part of this crowd (either using it on its own or with other contraceptive), Dr. Stanford wants you to know a few things.

"The withdrawal method of PIV sexual intercourse is where the penis is withdrawn from the vagina prior to ejaculation," she says. "To discuss the effectiveness of contraceptive methods, it is helpful to consider the effectiveness with perfect use and the effectiveness with typical use, as they are often significantly different."

What does this mean? According to Dr. Stanford, it means you're going to have to commit to effectively utilizing this method during sex. "While perfectly using the withdrawal method can achieve success as high as about 95 percent (5 out of 100 cases resulting in pregnancy), the typical use success rate is more applicable at around 75 percent, and here is why.

It can be difficult to consistently withdraw prior to intercourse every time, and many people expel pre-ejaculate (ejaculate fluid released prior to orgasm). Because pre-ejaculate contains sperm, it can lead to pregnancy," she explains.

In other words, she recommends that you use a backup form of contraception because it's not always easy to...hit the mark every time.

I've been having sharp stomach pains, but my cycle went off last week. Is this normal?

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Stomach cramps can confuse anyone who's trying to get out of the land of period cramps. I've been there before and can usually pinpoint what's going on, but that's not always the case for others.

Dr. Stanford says, "Abdominal pain can result from a variety of causes, from gastrointestinal to pelvic/genitourinary to other causes in between. With menstrual cycle-related pain specifically, cramping is most common around menses, but it can also occur in other phases of the cycle, such as ovulation."

I've personally never experienced ovulation cramps and the one time I thought I was, turns out I was already pregnant. It was something that led me to reach out to my doctor and it was a good thing I did. Dr. Stanford recommends you reach out to your doctor if you notice sharp abdominal pain outside your period.

I'm breaking out in hives after shaving my legs. What's happening?

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Sometimes shaving is accompanied by cuts, bruises, and itchiness. If you find yourself dealing with the latter issue, it can be downright annoying.

"Dermatitis (or skin irritation) is common, and there are a variety of different types of dermatitis caused by a variety of conditions. Contact (or irritant) dermatitis results from something than comes into contact with the skin that causes irritation. Shaving can be a common cause," says Dr. Stanford.

While there's nothing wrong with shaving, she says it can also cause razor burn or irritation to hair follicles. "Hives are more often associated with an allergic reaction, which could be in response to other ingredients added around razors. Or, it could be a bigger issue, not directly related to shaving. Anytime there are concerns of hives, you should seek medical evaluation right away," she warns.

My anus has been itching really bad lately. What could be going on?

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It's embarrassing to talk about our bathroom habits, but that's one way to also see what's going on with our health. Dr. Stanford says the following reasons could explain why your anus is itching:

  • Under-cleaning, leaving residual stool or sweat
  • Over-cleaning, causing dryness and irritation
  • Poor diet, leading to irritation of substances in the stool
  • Allergic irritation to toilet paper, soaps, or other personal care products
  • A tear in the anal sphincter, called an anal fissure
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Various types of infections (bacterial, fungal, worms)

"If anal itching persists, see your doctor to investigate possible causes," she implores.

No matter what I do, it seems like I always have bad breath. Should I switch toothpastes?

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This is another embarrassing question that you may not want to ask, but it's necessary to get to the root of what could be causing bad breath. "Halitosis (bad breath) can have a number of causes," says Dr. Stanford.

Some of the reasons are:

  • Poor oral hygiene (not brushing or flossing regularly)
  • Periodontal disease (gum disease)
  • Oral thrush
  • Dental caries
  • Ill-fitting dental appliances
  • Tonsil stones (tonsiliths)
  • Dry mouth (insufficient saliva)
  • Medications
  • Dietary components, like garlic, onion, other spices, coffee, alcohol, and others
  • Tobacco use
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Upper and lower respiratory infections

How often should I be urinating daily?

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This is one of those things that's not really black and white. Dr. Stanford says, "This is a complex question with no one correct answer. Frequency of urination varies depending upon age, sex, activity level, other health conditions, current medications, hydration status, and other factors. Be sure to consult with a trusted healthcare professional to review factors specific to you."

Looking for more health tips? Learn how to balance hormones with our helpful guide!

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There are few celebrity friendships as iconic and long-lasting as Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's. The actors met while filming Titanic in 1996, but unlike their characters Jack and Rose, Kate and Leo’s relationship survived long after the ship hit the iceberg and the press tour came to an end.

Kate and Leo put the whole “guys and girls can’t be friends” claim to bed, but according to her, their friendship has endured precisely because they've kept it platonic. “I think the reason that friendship works is because there was never any romantic thing,” Winslet told Marie Claire UK (via Huffington Post). “It’s so disappointing for people to hear that because in the soap opera of the Kate and Leo story, we fell in love at first sight and had a million snogs, but actually we never did.”

The story of Winslet and DiCaprio’s friendship spans over 25 years. Check out these defining moments of their friendship timeline, from Titanic to today.

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1996 — Kate and Leo meet on the set of Titanic.

We all know and love the friends-to-lovers trope, but Winslet and DiCaprio are the poster children for the lovers-to-friends trope. The actors met while playing love interests in Titanic. Although their onscreen relationship has never come to fruition offscreen, Winslet says the pair immediately clicked as friends.

“He was just very free with himself, and he had this effervescent energy that was really magnetic,” she said in a 2023 Titanic re-release featurette. “And I remember thinking, 'Oh, this is gonna be fun. We're definitely gonna get along.' And we just really did. We just really did.”

1998 — They walk the red carpet together at the Golden Globes.

If you Google “young Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet,” there’s a 99 percent chance the first pictures will be from this red carpet, mostly because Winslet’s look is sooo ’90s. In an interview with ET, DiCaprio says they absolutely came together, but clarifies that they’re “good buddies.”

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2008 — They join forces on screen again.

The first movie Winslet and DiCaprio did together post-Titanic was Revolutionary Road, where they play another couple who doesn’t work out because one of them dies by the end of the movie (quite a specific niche to fall into, no?). Unlike Jack and Rose, their characters in Revolutionary Road have a tense relationship, which Winslet said made working on the film “an immensely emotionally challenging experience” for both of them.

“There’s just a trust factor there. We both know that we have the best intentions for each other, but we also know that we can push each other’s limits,” DiCaprio said in an interview for the film. “There’s probably no other actress out there that I would feel as comfortable attacking, and I know she can give every bit of it right back to me.”

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

2009 — Kate shouts Leo out in her Golden Globes acceptance speech.

Winslet won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama for her role in Revolutionary Road. She gave a heartfelt speech that included some very kind words for her costar and best friend.

“Leo, I’m so happy I can stand here and tell you how much I love you and how much I’ve loved you for 13 years. Your performance in this film is nothing short of spectacular. I love you with all my heart, I really do,” Winslet said. DiCaprio blew her multiple kisses as she spoke. Feel free to join in the audience’s aww-ing; this moment is just too sweet.

2012 — Leo walks Kate down the aisle.

A source told Us Weekly that DiCaprio walked Winslet down the aisle at her wedding to Ned Rocknroll (whose real name is Edward Abel Smith, in case you were worried) in December 2012.

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2016 — Kate Winslet cries at Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar speech.

When Leo finally won his first Oscar in 2016 for The Revenant, the camera cut to Kate tearing up and clasping her hands in front of her face during his speech. She was also spotted giving him a quick, friendly kiss on the cheek during a commercial break.

2017 — They have dinner in Saint-Tropez.

Pictures blew up over the internet of DiCaprio and Winslet “vacationing” together in Saint-Tropez, but Winslet later revealed that they were there on business. “Leo did his annual fundraiser for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. He and I went together and we auctioned off dinner with Jack and Rose and actually raised $1.35 million. It was extraordinary,” she told E!.

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2021 — They reunite for the first time since the pandemic hit.

Winslet revealed that she cried the first time she saw DiCaprio after the pandemic began. “I’ve known him for half my life! It’s not as if I’ve found myself in New York or he’s been in London and there’s been a chance to have dinner or grab a coffee and a catch up,” she told The Guardian. “We haven’t been able to leave our countries. Like so many friendships globally, we’ve missed each other.”

2023 — Winslet reflects on her friendship with DiCaprio on Titanic’s re-release featurette.

Kate Winslet revealed that when she and Leonardo DiCaprio call each other, they pick up the phone right away. “There’s no like, ‘Hang on, I’ll call you tomorrow.’ It's instant,” she told ET Online. Think about that next time your bestie gives you an impromptu ring.

The actress also got a bit more sentimental about her long-standing friendship with Leo. “You know, if you think about it, in the world that we live in now, to have friendships that bind you, and that shared history, it’s really something,” she said.

One thing’s for sure: if the Titanic had actually gone down in 1997, Kate would have definitely made room for Leo on that dang door.

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27-year-old Simone Biles has once again taken the Olympics by storm. Despite dropping out of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 (a move she said was her "biggest win"), the Team USA gymnast is back and better than ever for the Paris Games. Fans are loving everything from her eye makeup to her insane moves to choosing a track from Taylor Swift's Reputation for her floor routine. We. Can’t. Get. Enough. If you're in the same boat, then keep reading for 11 facts you didn't know about the Olympian!

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1. Simone Biles was adopted and raised by her grandparents. Simone’s biological mother’s fight with addiction left her unable to properly care for her children. After a stint in foster care, Simone’s maternal grandparents Ron and Nellie officially adopted Simone and another of her siblings. Simone even calls her grandmother Mom!

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2. She taught herself to do backflips off her family’s mailbox, according to NBC (via Good Housekeeping). And this was before she ever enrolled in gymnastics. It was clearly in the stars for this one!

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3. A field trip introduced her to gymnastics. When Simone was six, her daycare took a trip to a local gym. She was a natural alongside the other gymnasts. "While there I imitated the other gymnasts, and Coach Ronnie noticed," she says on her Team USA profile. "The gym sent home a letter requesting that I join tumbling or gymnastics."

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4. She’s so teeny. Like, 4’8″ teeny. But you know what they say: Height doesn’t measure heart.

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5. Simone Biles was homeschooled. Simone was so dedicated to her training that she decided to do homeschooling for high school to allow more hours in the gym a week, from the usual 20 up to 32 hours a week.

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6. G-Eazy is her favorite artist. Simone told ABC News he’s her favorite. Send us all the song recommendations, S!

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7. Pizza is her favorite food. “After every meet I have pizza. Pepperoni pizza,” shetold ABC News in 2016. What did we tell you? She's a HERO.

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8. She “doesn’t do bugs.” At the World Gymnastics Championships in 2014, a bee flew near Simone on the medal podium and she famously threw her bouquet at it. Can’t say we blame her.

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9. She’s an all-around sports fan. Her favorite basketball player is Steph Curry, she announced the Houston Texans’ pick at the 2016 NFL draft, and her husband Jonathan Owens is on the Green Bay Packers.

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10. Simone. Is. A. Hero. Yeah, we know you already know that one. But we can never say it enough.

What’s your favorite Simone Biles moment? Let us know over on Instagram!

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