Millennials Share Their Most-Treasured Holiday Traditions

Alli Hoff Kosik
Dec 21, 2016

At the heart of many of our favorite things about the holiday season — comfort food, marathon Christmas decorating sessions, cheerful holiday movies and giving (or receiving!) the perfect gifts — there’s often one common theme: tradition. The holidays may not bring a sentimental tear to your eye, but you’re still bound to do at least some reflection before the end of the year about the rituals that are most meaningful to you. Thanks to the anonymous social chatter app Yik Yak, we’re taking a peek at the holiday traditions that millennials totally heart.

Just like they did for Thanksgiving, Yik Yak recently prompted its users to share their most cherished holiday memories. Take a break from wrapping all of those gifts, and scroll down to read responses from 22holiday-ready millennials.

THEY can’t miss binging CLASSIC Christmas Movies

THEY seriously Love christmas lights

THEY have some wacky, beloved Holiday meal traditions

THEY LOVE NOTHING MORE than chillin’ at home

THEY cherish Family bonding time

THEY Even Love the Less-Than-Jolly Time Spent With Family

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Images via Getty and Yik Yak)

15 Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes To Make In 2024

If there’s one thing you can guarantee this holiday season, it’s that you can make plenty of leftover ham recipes. Out of all the dinner roasts, the salty, versatile meat has the best potential; it can be incorporated into quiche, soup, or even enchiladas. Whether you choose to have your holiday leftovers for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these 15 recipes will help you use up every last bit.

Leftover Ham Recipes You'll Love

Ham and Cheese Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Who says you can’t continue to celebrate Easter throughout the rest of spring? Keep the family in town and invite them over for a mimosa-filled brunch with this cheesy, bready casserole as the main event. Plus, it's a make-ahead recipe, which just makes us love it even more. (via FoodieCrush)

Ham and Cheese Monkey Bread

We're pretty sure that monkey bread is our love language. If you and your S.O. need something tasty to snack on while you watch baseball, opt for this gooey bread. It'll definitely become the MVP of the night. (via Show Me the Yummy)

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Waffles

If you're a ham and cheese fan, then you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the classic combination inside a hash brown. Take the crispiness to the next level by cooking the batter in a waffle maker because everything tastes better when you cook it in a waffle maker. (via Damn Delicious)

Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche

Filling, tasty, and oh-so-cheesy, you can’t go wrong with a quiche on a chilly spring morning. One forkful of this luscious dish, and you’ll be instantly transported to a French bistro. Once you get the hang of this recipe, you can try all kinds of quiche, from sausage to peppers. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

One-Pot Ham and Pea Pasta

Kids will jump for joy at the sight of this creamy, tasty pasta, and you'll jump for joy at the fact that it takes less than 30 minutes to make! They might even eat the peas if you’re lucky. (via Salt and Lavender)

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

In the days after a big holiday meal, make things easier with a tray of sliders to keep everyone well fed. Brush the tops of leftover buns with honey and Dijon mustard, stuff with Swiss cheese and ham, then pop those in the oven until melty and toasted. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Sweet butternut squash lends some of its starch to make this risotto extra creamy. Salty, caramelized ham and a generous dose of Parmesan cheese help balance out the flavors and textures. (via Give It Some Thyme)

We Can Get Enough Of These Leftover Ham Recipes

Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas

Before you clean up the kitchen, prep these enchiladas for tomorrow's breakfast. All you'll have to do is roll out of bed, pop them in the oven, and enjoy the smoky, cheesy aroma. Top with salsa, sour cream, and avocados to make them extra yummy. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Leftover Ham Pizza

Ordering in might be tempting after the holidays, but there’s really no reason to when you have a fridge full of leftovers. Try making your own pizza using your heaps of leftover ham. You can even add pineapple to it if that’s your favorite combo. (via The Cookie Writer)

Potato Ham Chowder

Double the pork, double the fun. Add layers of flavor to this chowder with diced ham, salty bacon, and sweet corn. This is the perfect dish for any spring or summer day that ends up being chilly. (via Damn Delicious)

Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Bake

You won’t believe how easy this creamy rice bake is to prepare, but with Cream of Chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese, it won't taste like leftovers. (via Plain Chicken)

Healthy Ham and Cheese Casserole With Apples and Sage

Still craving hearty dishes but want to eat healthier as we enter the warmer months? Compromise with this better-for-you bake, made with whole-wheat penne, nonfat Greek yogurt, and fresh apples. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Ham and Cheese Pastry Puffs

These flaky treats are basically bite-size ham, cheese, and mustard sandwiches in puff pastry. The unexpected five-spice seasoning blend on top adds both beautiful color and serious flavor. Serve as baby shower apps or turn them into an unexpected brunch dish. (via Plain Chicken)

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Ham and pineapple are a classic culinary match, no matter what time of year it is. Add a fun kick to your spring menu with a zesty fried rice featuring the tried-and-true combo. (via The Recipe Critic)

Cheesy Garlic Butter Sandwich Skewers

Make your plain ham and cheese sandwiches exciting again. Thread them onto skewers and brush them with fragrant garlic butter for a meal that deserves five stars! (via The Cookie Rookie)

Follow Brit + Co on Pinterest for more leftover ham recipes.

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Sara Cagle

This piece has been updated.

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Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club Just Announced A Thoughtful Pick For May!

I've recently started sitting on my balcony in the morning to catch up on standout book club reads, and it's been so refreshing. Call me obsessive, but I just can't get enough of finding hidden gems that others — like Jenna Bush Hager — are reading. When she's not co-hosting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she's sharing her monthly book club picks on Read With Jenna and accompanying podcast!

Created by Hager in 2019, Read With Jenna features over 50 titles that Hager eagerly shares with other book lovers. She told The Today Show, "There's nothing like falling in love with a book," and I wholeheartedly agree. If you can't get enough of curating your own bookshelf, here are 25 standout reads from Jenna Bush Hager's book club.

May 2024

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Real Americans is a beautiful story about identity, class, and more in America. It begins with Lily Chen falling in love with Matthew despite their different backgrounds. She's dealing with being an unpaid intern who's the child of someone who escaped Mao's Cultural Revolution while Matthew is the heir of a successful pharmaceutical company. Nevertheless, they somehow manage to fit together.

But, something happens in between the time they fall in love and the moment Lily's son Nick realizes his mom seems to be keeping something from him. She's never talked about his father and this has only piqued his curiosity even more.

The more he tries to find answers about his dad, the more Nick realizes there's not always a clear path to the past.

April 2024

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

What if you came home from work one day to discover you're married to a stranger and everyone knows but you? That's exactly what happens to Lauren and it confuses her because she's sure she'd remember getting married. Not only that, but she's apparently been married for a while. Everyone in her life knows and the life around her shows evidence that her marriage isn't a fluke. So why can't she remember it?

The answer to her question lies in the mysterious act that occurs in the attic. For some reason, it's become a place where she 'receives' new husbands and a brand new lifestyle. She starts to enjoy the newness of living different lives, but eventually she wonders if it's possible to find happiness in one of the realities she's being afforded.

March 2024

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

Debuting tomorrow, The Great Divide is a tale about the intersection of lives, compassion, and dedication. Set in Panama, the novel allows readers to form an intimate relationship with Omar, Ada Bunting, and John Oswald as they navigate circumstances that bring them together.

Despite his father's disdain for a new canal that's been commissioned to be built, Omar finds himself among one of the workers tasked with paving the way for it to exist. It's backbreaking work that takes a toll on him, but his weariness is comforted by Ada. Having seen firsthand how Ada cares for those who are fragile or sick, scientist John Oswald immediately enlists her help due to his wife being sick.

The Great Divide sweeps you into it's compassionate arms and has an ending that'll surely make your heart swell.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

To celebrate it's 40th anniversary, Jenna Bush Hager's book club has named The House on Mango Street as it's second pick for March! It's about Esperanza Cordero's desire to define who she is outside of what her Spanish culture has chosen for her. There's moments of sheer bliss that make heart-wrenching recollections easier to stomach, but Esperanza always finds a way to embrace how these things make her who she is.

February 2024

Good Material

Good Material is the new coming-of-age novel for adults who are still trying to figure out if they're adulting properly and revolves a series of events that makes main character Andy feel like he's down on his luck. From watching the breakdown of his longterm relationship to feeling like he's not growing as a comedian, it's clear that Andy is ready to do whatever it takes to become better in the love and career departments. But, is he truly ready to learn his life's lessons and will he be prepared for what happens next?

January 2024

The Waters

Trigger Warning: This novel contains graphic mention of animal cruelty.
The Waters is a gripping tale that involves Hermine "Herself" Zook's unmistakable way of healing others in Whiteheart, Michigan. However, she doesn't have the best relationship with her daughters and this makes for a complicated life when her granddaughter, Dorothy "Donkey" Zook" is left in her care.

Despite Donkey's desire to run free in Whiteheart, her family's past threatens to disrupt that and then some. Will she be able to understand what's threatening the community around her or history repeat itself? Find out when the book releases January 9, 2024.

December 2023

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

#ReadWithJenna announced its December pick yesterday and it's a historical novel that's sure to tug at your heartstrings. We Must Not Think of Ourselves follows Adam Paskow's journey as a Jew held captive by the Nazis. He later finds himself working alongside others who are committed to immortalizing history as it unfolds around them. Not without flaws, Adam unintentionally falls in love with Sala Wiskoff despite the latter being a married mother. This thrusts him into a world filled with complicated choices fueled by the need to survive and love.

Will his choices hinder those he's agreed to help or will he prove that taking risks is necessary for history to move forward? Pick up a copy of We Must Not Think of Ourselves to find out!

November 2023

The Sun Sets in Singapore

To help ring in a new month, Jenna Bush Hager's book club announced its November pick earlier today. Available for purchase tomorrow, The Sun Sets in Singapore introduces us to three women whose paths seem different at first glance. However, each of them have something that's lurking behind initial assumptions. As Dara, Amaka and Lillian find themselves 'lost' in Singapore's paradise, they begin to realize there is a such thing as too much tranquility - especially if it's disguised to hide life-altering truths. Will they be able to confront what they've escaped from or will it continue to follow them like shadows on a summer day?

October 2023

How To Say Babylon

Jenna Bush Hager's October pick is a tale of what happens when toxic traditional views begin to threaten a family's foundation. Young Safiya Sinclair must come to grips with her father's authoritative reign over her family, especially when she realizes her mother's only act of rebellion is making sure her daughters are educated. It's something that Sinclair allows to open her mind and set her free from her father's views.

A Woman Is No Man

Let your curiosity and assumptions about this book's cover introduce you to the journey of Deya. While she has her sights set on going to college and chasing her dreams, her strict grandmother is only concerned about Deya becoming someone's wife. Tradition seems to rule her life, and it's the last thing Deya wants. A random turn of events grants her wish and takes her on a journey of self-discovery where she learns what it means to be a woman whose voice is not only heard, but also respected.

Searching For Sylvie Lee

Families can carry hidden secrets that threaten to undo everything one knows once they begin searching for the truth. And this is exactly what happens when Amy rushes to find out what happened to her older sister Sylvie after her disappearance. With her confidence growing as she draws nearer to the truth, Amy is faced with the difficult task of seeing her family without rose-colored glasses and has to decide what that means for them as well as her.

Nothing to See Here

When Lillian drifts apart from her roommate and eventual friend Madison, she thinks nothing of it. That is until Madison begs her to help her caring for her stepchildren whose irritation manifests as fire. Over time Lillian is able to develop a beautiful relationship with the twins and learns the depths of her love are limitless.

The Girl With The Louding Voice

As she grows up in Nigeria, Adunni longs for a future that looks different from what she's always known. She goes to great lengths to figure out how to do so and this takes her down a path filled with sorrow and faith.

Valentine

When Mary Rose Whitehead finds young Gloria Ramirez on her doorstep, she quickly realizes a vicious act of brutality happened. Unfortunately, justice isn't swift and this leads Whitehead to take matters into her own hand.

A Burning

A Burning takes readers on a tale that intertwines the lives of three different people. Beginning with the public smear campaign of Jivan, readers are then introduced to a gym teacher whose ambitions cloud his judgment and a sweet, yet misunderstood soul who works to clear Jivan's name.

Friends and Strangers

Friends and Strangers follows Elisabeth and Sam as they navigate what it means to show up in the different seasons of their lives. They somehow form an unlikely friendship that's quickly threatened and leads to things that are hard to come back from.

Leaving The World Behind

When Amanda and Clay decide to take a breather from city life with their teenagers, they initially feel they're in for peace and quiet at the rural location they've chosen. Unfortunately for them, the owners of the home they're renting arrive in the middle of the night. It's a tale of wariness that spills over and it's up to the reader to decide if it's warranted or not.

White Ivy

People aren't always what they seem, and Ivy Lin is a prime example of this. She learns how to steal from her grandmother, and she doesn't stop until her mother decides enough is enough. After being sent to China, Ivy grows to become trustworthy and evens bumps into her former crush's sister. But, her past begins to haunt her and she finds out that some things are hard to forget.

What's Mine And Yours

Gee and Noelle's worlds collide when integration brings them together. Behind the scenes we find that their mothers — both with strong opposing views — are doing what they feel is best to prepare their children for a life in America. Each has their own reasoning even if it threatens to erase who their children truly are.

Good Company

Flora Mancini is forced to question the life she and her husband have built when she discovers he didn't actually lose his wedding ring years ago. It's enough to make anyone go mad, but she somehow works to piece together the puzzle to discover the truth and decide how to move forward.

Malibu Rising

Things reach a fever pitch in this tale about family secrets and longing. Each of the Riva siblings have their own ghosts and anticipation to look forward to as their famous summer party draws near. It's only a matter of time before things bubbling underneath the surface burst in front of everyone.

Hell of a Book

Hell of a Book is about an author who's being followed by an imaginary child and a Black boy named Soot. As the past and present collide, Hell of a Book somehow lives up to its name in a reckoning tale.

Bright Burning Things

Bright Burning Things sheds light on a former entertainers love for her son and struggle to part ways with drinking. It's a tale that's familiar to those who have parents who struggle with alcoholism and the pain it often inflicts.

Black Cake

With their mother's cryptic message and a family-long recipe involving black cake looming between them, brothers Byron and Benny must work together to learn more about her history. They also have to find a way to repair their relationship before everything that still ties them together is lost forever. Be sure to read Black Cake before it comes out on Hulu this November!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova Sullivan has suffered two great tragedies in life — the death of her husband and her son's unsolved disappearance. When she befriends an octopus named Marcellus, he becomes determine to help her understand what happened to her son before evidence is completely lost at sea.

Check Out More Titles From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club:

Images via Amazon

Which books are you adding to end-of-year reading list? Let us know in the comments and follow our Amazon Storefront for more of must read picks!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Header image via Amazon.
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44 Festive Christmas Dessert Ideas To Feed Your Holiday Spirit

It's time for apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice to take a backseat: Christmas desserts with peppermint and spiced eggnog recipes are here to shine. Festive food gets us in even more of a holiday mood than we're already in, and you really can't decorate your space or watch a holiday movie marathon without some sweet treats, can you? Get ready to yank your baking supplies out of the pantry at least once or twice this holiday season. Here are festive desserts that will make you excited to get dusted with flour and sugar.

Christmas Desserts To Make Your Holiday Magical

Vegan Mini Chocolate Pies with Pecan Caramel

Mini pies are the perfect Christmas dessert because they're hand-held and they're bite-sized, and these feature chocolate, pecan, and caramel flavors (some of our favorite holiday picks!). Plus they're vegan, which just makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Puppy Chow Recipe

You probably already have everything you need for this DIY recipe. Peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)

The Best Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are so good, they don't really need any embellishments, but would it really be a Christmas party without reindeer cookies?! Save a few to leave out for Santa, too ;). (via Brit + Co)

Oreo Red Velvet Cheesecake

If you love red velvet and you love cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you. The crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together beautifully so that every bite you take is better than the last! Plus, the oreos on top are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Christmas Cookies

Cookies will never be totally healthy, but there are definitely ways that you can make them healthier. Just make a note that the dough needs to sit overnight before you can bake them so keep that in mind when making for friends and family! (via Brit + Co)

Eggnog French Toast

Have breakfast for dessert when you add eggnog to your French toast batter. It adds just the right amount of spice to the recipe and makes it creamy and smooth. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Chai Latte Cupcakes

Turn your favorite morning beverage into a sweet treat with these cupcakes. The flavors and spices make for the perfect holiday season dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Peppermint Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache

Find a new way to enjoy the minty flavor of peppermint with this macarons recipe. Covered in white chocolate, it's a nod to the traditional French pastry. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Move over white chocolate ganache because this pumpkintart is ready for its turn in the spotlight. We love that the gingersnap crust helps balance the rich taste of dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Puff Pastry Apple Roses

These roses look good enough to eat because they are edible! It's the one time you'll enjoy stopping to smell the roses. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Apple Cake

If puff pastry apple roses feel like too much of a lite dessert, you'll want to keep this vegan apple cake recipe handy. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

We have a *major* sweet tooth for anything that involves gooey chocolate, so combining our love of doughnuts and hot chocolate sounds like a dream come true. (via Brit + Co)

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups

Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)

Eggnog with Sugared Rosemary

Who says desserts have to be food? This sweet drink is a classic Christmas dessert, whether you're decorating the tree or curling up for a movie night. Our favorite detail is definitely the sugared rosemary. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)

Even Santa Will Want A Bite Of These Christmas Desserts!

Peppermint Bark Cannoli

You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Image via Mott's

Mott's Gingerbread Cups

These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)

Rum and Eggnog Bundt Cake

We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)

Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies

With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Champagne Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze

One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Gluten-Free, Paleo Apple Tart

With the ultimate combo of apples and cinnamon, this lovely, healthy-ish tart won’t last long at the dessert table. (via Simply Recipes)

Apple and Mincemeat Filo Wreath

This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti

We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)

Homemade Marshmallows

Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

White Christmas Sparkle Cake

If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)

You Won't Believe How Tasty These Christmas Desserts Are

Meringue Christmas Wreath Cake

But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)

Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies

It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)

Christmas Tree Mousse Cups

You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)

Peppermint Cream Puffs

Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Funfetti Christmas Cake Roll

Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)

Italian Pear Cranberry Tart

If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

We'd Recommend These Christmas Desserts To Everyone

Viennese Crescent Cookies

Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)

Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath

Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)

Sugar Cookie Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)

Tahini Brownies

If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)

Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via rachLmansfield)

Olive Oil Orange Cake

This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)

Sugar Dusted Donut Christmas Tree by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5 in foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online baking classes for more festive Christmas desserts.

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Dana Sandonato, and Chloe Williams.

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11 Bathing Suit Brands Outer Banks Locals Swear By

Growing up on the Outer Banks means I've gone through my fair share of swimsuits. All it takes is one summer of surfing wipeouts, sun bathing, swimming, and hitting up the shops (because you really do everything in a bathing suit on the OBX) to know exactly which bathing suit brands are worth buying — and which are cheap enough to avoid forever. I took to social media to ask real Outer Banks locals which bathing suit brands they can't get enough of. Keep reading for all the details!

Target

Image via Target

I know y'all love Target just as much as I do — and along with their home decor, cute shoes, and comfy clothes, their bathing suit options are some of my friends' favorites. Target's got a ton of diverse and affordable swimwear options that is full of different styles, sizes, and prices. That means there's something for everyone! I'm obsessed with this Underwire Bralette Bikini Top and High Waist High Leg Extra Cheeky Bikini Bottom.

Aerie

Image via Aerie

Aerie is perfect for Outer Banks fans because it's one of the most-used bathing suit brands on the show! This store balances style with comfort and casual, and TBH half the swimsuits are cute enough to be tank tops. Their bathing suits will make you feel confident and add a pop of color to your summer wardrobe! This Smiley® String Triangle Bikini Top and Cheekiest Tie Bikini Bottom are a great place to start ;).

​Old Navy

Image via Old Navy

Old Navy is a great place to shop for affordable basics, and that definitely extends to swimsuit season. Their bathing suits come in a range sizes, and they're durable, classic, and super affordable (a lot of them are under $20!). They also have just enough Americana edge to live out your '00s rom-com dreams. I can't stop looking at the Zip-Front Bikini Swim Top and High-Waisted Bikini Swim Bottoms.

Body Glove

Image via Body Glove

Body Glove is one bathing suit brand that's just as functional as it is stylish, and it's also equal parts feminine and sporty for any gal who's always on the go. The Free Flow Eli One-Piece Swimsuitis one of my favorite suits because it's so colorful and it's also supportive, which you absolutely need when taking part in a treasure hunt.

AlySwim

Image via AlySwim

If you're looking for the true Outer Banks experience, then you should grab a suit made by someone who grew up there! AlySwim is totally customizable, and a lot of the suits are reversible so you get two looks for the price of one. With trendy patterns and vibrant colors, bathing suits like the Blue Hawaiian Eva Top and Bottoms will make a bold statement.

Rey Swimwear

Image via Rey Swimwear

The bathing suits from Rey Swimwear are as classy as they come, and it feels like there are endless options for colors, patterns, and silhouettes. There are also options for longer torsos, which is such a blessing for us #TallGirls. Sarah Cameron would be all over this Marie bathing suit!

More Bathing Suit Brands OBX Locals Love

Image via Kenny Flowers

Maaji is the thing of our '90s dreams, and each bathing suit will make you feel the summer magic we crave all year long. I love the Hot Magenta Adhara V Wire Bralette Bikini Top and Sublimity Regular Rise Classic Bikini Bottoms!

Left on Friday is for the minimalists. But just because the swimsuits are simple and elegant doesn't mean they're boring — and the asymmetrical silhouette on the Shoreline Suit proves it.

Kenny Flowers immediately reminds me of Palm Royale every time I look on their site because of the old school vibe and bright colors. I NEED the Acapulco Underwire Bikini Top and High Waist Bikini Bottom!!

Lime Ricki is the place to go if you're looking for modest swimsuits that will also turn heads all summer long. The bold prints and bright colors are both nostalgic and playful, and it's also a really accessible brand. Celebrate your individuality in a suit like the Shell Stripe Ruffle-Strap One Piece.

Korni Jeane lets you mix and match different vibes to create a bathing suit that's unique to you and your personal aesthetic. I'm confident Kiara would love this Bandeau Top and All Ruffled Up Bottoms.

Every cute bathing suit needs equally cute accessories so check out The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked next!

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

Lead image via Kenny Flowers

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The Dunkin’ Summer Menu Just Dropped – See The New Lineup Here!

Another one of my favorite coffee chains’ summer menus just dropped, and I am ready to sip away! Rumors about the Dunkin’ summer menu were introduced by foodie inside source, @markie_devo last month, and it appears they were right.

The Dunkin’ summer menu got released on May 1 (just six days prior to the rumored Starbucks summer menu drop), and it looks way too yummy. I’ll have a hard time not ordering these tasty drinks and food items! Based on the success of the Dunkin’ spring menu, the new summer menu doesn't miss.

So, as things begin to heat up, let’s take a look at the *official* Dunkin’ summer menu. Here's what to order today!

When does the Dunkin' summer menu come out?

Image via Dunkin'

The Dunkin' summer menu came out on May 1, 2024.

Everything On The Dunkin' Summer Menu

NEW! Kiwi Watermelon Refresher

You'd think that this green drink would be matcha – but nope, it's the all-new Kiwi Watermelon Refresher! Based on the name, this drink mixes kiwi and watermelon for a super fruity and fresh sip. Dunkin' Refreshers are caffeinated with green tea, too, so some of the tea brew could shine through in the flavor. This sounds too good to not order on a sunny summer's day.

NEW! Vanilla Frosted Donut Signature Latte

Available to order hot or iced, this next drink is totally new to the Dunkin' summer menu. Their 'signature' lattes are often super sweet and topped with whipped cream and drizzle. This one will take on the flavors of a classic frosted donut, with rainbow sprinkles to boot. I simply need it now!

NEW! Blueberry Donut Coffee

Also available hot or iced, I expect the rumored Blueberry Donut Coffee to taste like a blueberry donut. Blueberry cake donuts are my absolute favorite kind, so it'll be interesting to see (and taste) how this sip lives up to the OG.

Lemonade

I find it a little odd that Dunkin' doesn't already serve lemonade, but summer seems like the perfect time to start doing so! Dunkin' will be making lemonade a permanent part of their menu on May 1. The last time they had lemonade was when they began serving the Dunkin’ Lemonade Refreshers in 2021, so it appears they're bringing it back for good.

You'll be able to order it on its own or inside their regular lineup of Refreshers (pictured above) – including the new Kiwi Watermelon one!

NEW! Green Goddess Dunkin’ Wrap

Now onto the food! The Dunkin' summer menu has three new snacks slated, and the first one is this wrap. The Green Goddess Dunkin' Wrap is made from scrambled egg whites, farro, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, crumbled feta cheese, green goddess sauce, and wrapped in a green lavash. It looks highly similar to the Spinach Feta wrap on the Starbucks breakfast menu! 👀

NEW! Watermelon Burst Classic Donut

I'm not so sure about this one. Watermelon and donuts don't ever cross paths in my mind, but you never know, it could be delish! This donut is filled with a watermelon-flavored cream filling. I need it now!

Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Chocolate Chunk Cookie – looks like a classic! Like the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread on the Dunkin' spring menu, this rumored item looks like a conveniently pre-packaged easy snack to enjoy on the road or during your lunch break!

All The Dunkin' Summer Menu Rumors

IG @markie_devo

Dunkin' fans sounded off in the comments of the summer menu rumors, sharing their thoughts about the new seasonal roster when it was leaked in April 2024.

Some Dunkin' diners aren't super thrilled with the snack selection on the leaked menu.

"Watermelon donut is wild," one person wrote. "They really need to do better with their food & snacks 😒," another said.

One user is disappointed that Dunkin' isn't doing anything overly innovative with their upcoming rumored summer menu.

"So basically blueberry and vanilla flavored coffees like they’ve had all along," they wrote. "Man they are really slacking on new flavors lately. So disappointing."

On the other hand, some Dunkin' sippers are interested in the more out-there flavors.

"Kiwi Watermelon refresher and Watermelon Burst donut both sound intriguing! Not going to lie!" one user said. "This menu isn’t bad at all I am glad they are bringing Lemonade back I love it," another echoed.

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Lead image via Dunkin'.

This post has been updated.

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