The Secret to These Veggie Burgers Is… Plant Blood?!

Nora Landis-Shack
Oct 13, 2014

We promise this isn’t out of a horror film, at least for us humans. For plants on the other hand, it might be a different story. Scientists have figured out how to make a veggie burger that tastes like meat, and the secret is a compound called, perhaps slightly unappetizingly, plant blood.

Before you scream and run away, hear us out in the name of science. Heme, part of the iron compound hemoglobin found in human and animal blood, can also be synthesized from plant matter. Impossible Foods, a food alternative startup backed by Bill Gates, has partnered with scientists from Stanford to figure out how the heme compound from plants can be turned into delicious meatless burgers like these.

The burgers, which have no cholesterol and replicate meat that’s 80% lean, 20% fat (one of the richer options out there), supposedly imitate the taste and texture of your favorite patty, without any of the guilt over eating an animal.

Now, if you’re already a vegetarian because eating meat grosses you out, this might not be the best product for you. But for those of us who want to be a bit healthier or are trying to cut back on meat consumption, this could be a seriously viable option. And while they’re expensive now (costing about $40 to produce one burger), once mass production starts the prices should drop.

Finally, the most important question: do they really taste and feel like a hamburger? According to one taste tester, the texture is spot on. The taste is less so, evoking ground turkey more than a juicy beef patty. If it’s the latter you’re craving, you might not be fully satisfied. But if you’re willing to try something new, we say go for these meaty veggie burgers and tell us how they taste.

Would you eat one of these meatless burgers? Tell us in the comments below!

(h/t The Week)

This Is The Only Brisket Recipe You'll Ever Need For Passover And Beyond

Whether you're cooking one for Passover or just to pass around your dinner table, a solid brisket recipe is a must-have in your repertoire. And while this brick of beef can seem intimidating, we've got you covered with a fool-proof (and delicious) recipe. You see, Brit+Co's very own President, Matthew Schulte, boasts a fantastic brisket, so we had to ask him what he does to make the magic happen. His mom's recipe was a little too watery and he loves Italian, so this recipe is a bit of a blur between classic Osso Buco and the tried and true Jewish tradition. Luckily for us — and you! — he sent along every thoughtful detail. So, without further ado, here's our favorite brisket recipe!

Brisket Recipe Ingredients:

Photo by Tijana Drndarski/Unsplash

Prep time: 20 mins
Oven time: 7-8 hours. Low and slow!

  • 1 Dutch Oven — Le Crueset preferred, but not required 😉
  • 4-5 lbs of flat cut brisket (brisket reduces as it cooks, so this accounts for 1/2 lbs per person and a 20-30% reduction)
  • 1 small can of tomato paste
  • 1 large can of chopped tomatoes
  • 1 1/4 cup of a full bodied red wine (Matthew recommends something Italian)*
  • 1 32 oz beef broth, or enough to cover your vegetables
  • 4 whole, peeled cloves of garlic
  • 2 Vidalia onions, cut into large pieces
  • 3 shallots, diced
  • 8+ peeled carrots — the more the merrier, but 2 per person for sure
  • Fresh chopped thyme
  • Fresh chopped oregano

Brisket Recipe Instructions:

Photo by Isaac Taylor / PEXELS

  1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.
  2. Heavily salt, pepper, and thyme your brisket. (Both sides)
  3. Set your stove to high heat, sear your brisket for 5 minutes on each side in the dutch oven. Remove from the dutch oven when done.
  4. Lower the heat on your stovetop and add little beef broth to deglaze your dutch oven.
  5. Keep the heat low and add your shallots and garlic. Sweat those for 1-2 minutes.
  6. As the shallots and onions sweat, separately add tomato paste and smooth all over the brisket with the fat side down, keeping the paste is on top of the meat. Add some thyme to that once done.
  7. Add carrots and herbs to the shallots and garlic. Sweat the veggies for 4 more minutes.
  8. Add onions to veggies, and prepare the base for the meat to rest on top.
  9. Pour in 1 cup of wine and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. Add in enough beef broth so it covers most of the veggies.
  11. Add the brisket (with tomato paste facing up) back to the dutch oven on top of the veggies.
  12. Add the diced tomatoes.
  13. Bring to boil and cover. After that, you can put it in the oven.
  14. Check meat in 3 hours — be sure it doesn't need more liquid, and add in more if it does.
  15. Check meat again in 2 hours — this is now the fifth consecutive hour in the oven.
  16. Increase the oven temperature to 300 degrees for the last 2 hours, and add some beef broth (or wine if needed).
  17. Take the meat out and slice against grain — it's likely going to fall apart.
  18. Put your brisket back in the oven for last 30 mins to an hour.
  19. Voila! It's ready to serve.

Looking for even more recipes? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter to get them straight to your inbox!

Header image via Lex Guerra/Unsplash

recipe ideasfoodcookingRecipes

7 Binge-Worthy Short Story Collections For When You Need A Break From Novels

As no stranger to sifting through books to read and round up, it suddenly dawned on me that R.L. Stine's Fear Street series helped introduce me to the brilliance that are short story collections. There were several endearing elements about friendships in those books that I loved, but the horror and thriller aspects kept me on the edge of my seat. Now that I'm older (and more well-read), I realize that R.L. Stein isn't the only one killing the short story game — there are so many other talented authors who have unique and gripping tales to tell outside of novels.

I'd obviously be remiss if I didn't share some of the stunning short story collections I've found since then. Here are 7 amazing short stories that will have you edge of your seats, so be sure to grab your reading journal to jot them down! From learning how to love someone in spite of their flaws, reclaiming your life after heartache, and facing your fears before they swallow you completely, these stories truly have it all.

Short Story Collections To Read Right Now

No Diving Allowed by Louise Marburg

What lies beneath the surface of a pool's shimmery surface? It's something Louise Marburg seeks to answer with three short story collections in No Diving Allowed.

Two brothers are seemingly unable to move past tension that's followed them since their childhood in "Identical" and it's revealed how much this has taken a toll on them. On the other hand, "Let Me Stay With You" shows how assumptions can paint a negative picture of someone that's not true while "Minor Thefts" shines a glaring light on one family's drama.

The people found in this story are imperfect, but love still finds a way to help them stay afloat.

Have Mercy On Us by Lisa Cupolo

Have Mercy On Us is similar to No Diving Allowed, but the stories found in its pages focus more on people who are fighting to live a life that's meaningful to them. From an older man who's determined to rescue his son in Kenya to a woman who decides she's not going to let her spouse's infidelity crush her, these stories will change the way you look at love and forgiveness. You'll also feel a renewed call to choose how you want to live your life.

What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah

Short story collections are meant to grab your attention and sometimes they break your heart because their message is received long before their tale ends.

You'll meet a woman whose desperation for a child causes her to make a drastic decision, two teens who truly begin to see each other in a new light, and more characters who must come to terms with the roles they've taken on.

It'll only be a matter of time before you find yourself reaching for a few tissues while reading this book.

The Rock Eatersby Brenda Peynado

Brenda Peynado explores the relationship people have with being considered an outsider and how far people are willing to go for those they love. Whether from a personal or political standpoint, the characters you'll come across will make you shake your head in disbelief and have hope for them at the same time. You'll come across families who believe that worshipping angels is the answer to their prayers in one story and children whose ability to fly causes them to have a very close relationship with rocks.

There's hints of magic, mysticism, and the human ability weaved throughout each tale that we know you'll love.

The Thing Around Your Neckby Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has a beautiful way with words that makes it easy to get lost in her world. She uses The Thing Around Your Neck to help explain how men and women are more connected than they think, and she also explores the relationship parents have with their children.
It's a beautiful telling of how worlds can collide and whether it's worth trying to find common ground between two seemingly opposing things.

What Is Not Yours Is Not Yoursby Helen Oyeyemi

How do you handle the keys in your life and what would people find if they used them to unlock the doors they're designed for? In What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours, four sets of keys determine the fates of two lovers, someone who purposely closed themselves off from others, a mysterious house filled with locks, and a magical diary that's full of things that shouldn't be unlocked.

Four Past Midnight by Stephen King

You may want to read Four Past Midnight early in the morning because these short story collections are sure to give you nightmares. Four stories — One Past Midnight, Two Past Midnight, Three Past Midnight, and Four Past Midnight — make up the pages of Four Past Midnight and each of them are filled with horrifying scenarios that'll make your imagination run wild.
In One Past Midnight, a family finds themselves among a group of people who survive a terrifying plane experience only to realize their terror has just begun when they reach land again.
Two Past Midnight follows writer Mort Rainey's sad life as he deals with the fallout of his marriage in Tashmore Lake. He doesn't think things can get any worse until an imposing man named John Shooter starts making threats that take an evil turn.
Three Past Midnight details Sam Peebles' attempt to figure out what's going on in his mind and if he can stop what's threatening to come out before it's too late.
Four Past Midnight introduces readers to what happens when one man — Old Pop Merrill — decides to try to exploit a supernatural force he doesn't understand for profit.

For even more reading recs, be sure to check out our storefront to see all our fave books right now!

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

Lead images via Amazon

book recommendationsreading listentertainmentreadingBooks

A Fan Favorite Guest Is Coming Back For "The Bear" Season 3

2023 proved to be one of the best years in television history, and one new TV show that everyone was talking about was The Bear. Not only did it provide even higher career stakes for all of our favorite chefs, but it also deepened the relationships, connections, and heart the first season gave us. I can't wait to see how The Bear season 3 takes the drama a step further — and hopefully brings in a slew of guest stars that rivals season 2's "Fishes" episode. The Bear season 3 is officially coming summer 2024! Here's everything you need to know about the new installment. Yes, chef!

Who's going to be in The Bear season 3 cast?

Image via FX/YouTube

You can expect all your favorite The Bear cast members to return for season 3, including Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, and Ayo Edebiri. And it's official: fan favorite guest star Will Poulter will be back for season 3 too!

Jeremy Allen White also told Deadlinethat he'd love to see another episode where “we can get as many (guest stars) to come back for one day,” just like the chaotic family Christmas episode of The Bear season 2.

Erin Jones on TikTok makes the fantastic point that bringing in another chef, possibly one from Carmy's past life, that shows interest in Sydney could help steer the romantic side of the show because it could help Carmy realize he likes her. I, for one, am totally here for Sydney x Carmy endgame, and while it's still up in the air, you simply cannot deny that Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri have incredible chemistry. (And I am still waiting on Ayo Edebiri to star in a romantic comedy!!)

Did The Bear win any SAG Awards?

Image via FX/Hulu

The Bear once again won big at the 2024 SAG Awards, winning for Comedy Series Ensemble, Male Actor in a Comedy Series, and Female Actor in a Comedy Series. During our Q+A with Inside Out 2's Ayo Edebiri, she mentioned the biggest lesson she's learned from Sydney is to embrace good lessons — not just the hard parts of life.

"You don't need to learn lessons from hard things or bad things, it's equally as important to learn them in wonderful moments, [even if] it sometimes might feel hard to," she says. Check out our interview here!

When is The Bear season 3 coming out?

Image via FX/Hulu

Seasons 1 and 2 of The Bear filmed in February and premiered in June of 2022 and 2023, respectively.FX announced in late 2023 that a third installment of the hit TV was coming, with a promise that it'd hit screens before the end of 2024 – and they will deliver on this timeline!

According to Variety, FX chairman John Landgraf confirmed a more concrete release date for the series during a presentation at the Television Critics Association’s winter 2024 press tour. He said that The Bear season 3 will come out in June of 2024.

Due to the show's natural "anxiety-inducing" nature, Landgraf said that all of the episodes forThe Bear season 3 will release on one day (like season 2), rather than a weekly schedule.

"We made a decision to drop the whole thing because it has a beautiful, uplifting ending,” he detailed.

During the 2024 SAG Awards, Matty Matheson let us know that filming for season 3 is going "really well."

"It's just heads down, full hearts," he says. "We're just back in Chicago, weather's kind of nice. Big scripts, big scenes, cameras are on and we're ready." Until we get to see The Bear season 3, feel free to rewatch seasons 1 and 2 on Hulu — I know I will!

What is The Bear season 3 about?

Image via FX

In an interview with Variety, Jeremy Allen White revealed that after all of season 2 focused on Carmy and the gang opening a brand new restaurant, The Bear season 3 will feel more aligned with season 1.

"Now, in the third season, I think we’re going to go back to that functioning kitchen atmosphere that we had in the first," White said in the interview.

Now that the staff of The Bear has finished opening the restaurant, they're able to just run it!

"In January, I’m going to spend a fair amount of time getting together with some chefs," White continued. "There’ll be a menu set, I believe, that’s going to be for the restaurant in the third season. And I know that I’m going to start putting together that menu with different chefs and cooking and just trying to get prepared to do more of that stuff on camera."

Who are the Faks in The Bear?

Image via FX/Hulu

The Faks are family friends of the Berzattos. The two Faks we know best are the hilarious brothers Neil (Matty Matheson) and Theodore (Ricky Staffieri). Neil is always around to help Carmy and the gang fix something (because, naturally, something is always broken) and we hope he's around a lot more for The Bear season 3!

Did The Bear win any Emmy Awards?

Image via FX/Hulu

Yes, The Bear won a bunch of Emmys this past year, including: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Jeremy Allen White, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Ayo Edebiri.

Who plays Carmen's mom in The Bear season 2?

Image via FX/YouTube

Natalie and Carmy's mom, Donna (who you can see in the season 2 episodes "The Fishes" and "The Bear"), is played by Academy Award winner, Jamie Lee Curtis.

Why is Carmy called Bear?

Image via FX/Hulu

Carmy's last name is Berzatto, so multiple family members are called different forms of "Bear" as a family nickname or term of endearment (like "Sugar Bear" or "Mikey Bear"). Carmy is most frequently referred to as just "Bear," and decides to name his restaurant The Bear.

Let us know what you want to see in The Bear season 3 on Facebook and check out the rest of our New 2024 TV Shows.

Lead image via FX/YouTube.

This post has been updated.

pop cultureentertainmentthe beartv showtv