TikTok has become a go-to source for recipe ideas, cooking hacks, and prep tips that keep us scrolling for inspiration. Creators have brought us many brilliant ideas that are keepers. However, not all TikTok ideas are created equal, and some may be problematic.
Recently, the practice of adding instant yeast to already cooked mashed potatoes has been a hot topic on social media. It’s supposed to make the mashers fluffier and give them a savory, bready flavor.
Traditional mashed potatoes are already fantastic, so adding a bready note to them might have you wondering, “Why bother?” But since the yeasted version is so popular right now, Allrecipes culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin had to try it for herself.
Creating a Valentine’s Day to remember can be a minefield. But it doesn’t have to be! Whether you just hate crowds, missed the boat on a reservation, or simply want to show off your cooking skills, these romantic dinner recipes practically shout, “I love you.” Pinky promise, it’s never been easier to impress with our special chicken, steak, seafood, or pasta dinners for a cozy night in this Valentine’s Day. All these recipes are a step above usual weeknight fare without being too complex or time-consuming, so you can instead put all your energy into making sure your sweetheart feels extra loved. This Valentine’s Day, get inspired to cook something spectacular at home with this list of our 50 best romantic dinners. They’re certainly a recipe for romance, that’s for sure. 😉
But what if you’re not a chef? Don’t worry, we got you. Everyone loves being cooked for, and remember, it’s the thought that counts! Stick with something simple and classic, like our linguine with clams, our Greek salmon, or our chicken Alfredo, or make a night out of cooking something more involved together. No matter the outcome, if you put some love into it, your meal will come out delicious and memorable.
Hoping to give your boo that nice steakhouse experience but without the sit-down meal upcharge? Check out our tomato butter roast chicken our lobster risotto, or our steak au poivre. They only look difficult to pull off at home.
Want more ideas for impressing your beloved this Valentine’s Day? Try serving a fun cocktail or the perfect bottle of wine with your meal—check out our guides to both reds and whites. And don’t forget about snacks and apps to keep your bae busy while you cook too.
With gravy, burger, rice and a fried egg, loco moco from the Hawaiian islands deserves a place in the comfort food hall of fame.
What is loco moco?
Hawaiian loco moco begins with a bed of cooked rice underneath a burger patty, which is then topped with a sunny-side up egg and rich drizzles of gravy. Locals enjoy it for lunch, as an oversized breakfast or even as a hangover cure. It can be found at eateries across the state—from diners and roadside stands to high-end restaurants—that serve both original and elevated versions of this humble dish.
Loco moco was created in the 1940s in the town of Hilo on the big island of Hawaii. A group of local teens convinced the owner of their favorite hangout, a restaurant called the Lincoln Grill, to come up with something new just for them. They wanted a menu item that was filling, cheap and quick to eat. Using ingredients on hand for other recipes—rice, burgers, gravy and eggs—the owner created loco moco. And that name? Rumor has it that “Loco” was the nickname of one of those teens; paired with the rhyming “moco,” the name stuck. Now, it’s a favorite plate lunch across the islands.
This rich, slow-simmered ragu sauce combines hearty meat, tangy tomatoes and aromatic herbs for a deeply flavorful sauce that elevates any plate of pasta.
Rich, hearty and deeply satisfying, this homemade ragu sauce is the ultimate comfort food for anyone craving a meal that tastes both indulgent and homey. The slow-simmered sauce, layered with ground beef, pork and smoky bacon, is infused with aromatics like garlic and thyme, then finished with a splash of cream for a velvety texture. It clings to pasta in the most irresistible way, making every bite a perfect balance of savory, sweet and umami. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy night in or a special family meal, this ragu recipe is sure to be the star of the table.
Our orange olive oil cake recipe makes a simple yet flavorful snacking cake that everyone will love. In my house, I always have to bake a double batch.
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 