Anna Monette Roberts
Assistant Editor, Food
Savory Sight

Savory Sight: Whole Fish Baked in a Salt Crust

Don't let whole fish dry out!

Don't let whole fish dry out! FreshTartSteph shows us a method of baking it in a salt crust, made from salt and egg whites.

After a brief bake, crack open the crust (very impressive) to reveal moist, silky fish, not salty at all but perfectly seasoned, ready to eat alongside spring vegetables with a drizzle of best olive oil. You can't beat it for elegance and simplicity.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

cooking techniques

How to Properly Cook Ground Beef, in Pictures

Cooking ground beef on the stove top seems simple enough, but so much can go wrong.

Cooking ground beef on the stove top seems simple enough, but so much can go wrong. Have you ever crowded the pan too much, and found yourself with rubbery, steamed ground beef? Does your beef seep out a ton of liquid, or do you struggle to chop the meat up into bite-size pieces, resulting in "meat rocks" (as one editor's boyfriend hilariously dubs it)? If cooking perfectly ground beef eludes you, have no fear. These pictures will show you how to properly brown ground beef — or any ground meat, for that matter — so that your tacos, tomato sauce, and sloppy joes turn out tasty every time.

recipes

Tex-Mex Tacos Take No Time to Make

I'm all for tacos consisting of crispy corn tortilla shells, ground beef, and cheddar cheese.

I'm all for tacos consisting of crispy corn tortilla shells, ground beef, and cheddar cheese. This Tex-Mex favorite — inspired by the beef tacos I grew up on — may be a far cry from saucy carnitas and queso fresco, but that doesn't mean there's not room in the taco world for them to coexist!

The best part of the recipe? You'll be able to get these tacos on the table before you have time to say "giddyup." Just prep all the ingredients, and let diners customize and stuff their tacos to their liking at the table.

I made these in the style they're served at some of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants — stuffed over the brim with lettuce and tomatoes. Care for more flavor? Add in some guacamole or salsa. I've even been known to drizzle (or more like drown) queso dip over these bad boys.

Forks will be required to scoop up the falling fillings, y'all. Get ready to dig into these Tex-Mex tacos.

sandwiches

7 Sandwiches That Travel Well

Whether you're on the road or packing something for a picnic or a hike, these seven sandwiches are ready to withstand the weather, challenges, and other wear and tear that may occur during travel.

Whether you're on the road or packing something for a picnic or a hike, these seven sandwiches are ready to withstand the weather, challenges, and other wear and tear that may occur during travel. Gone are the days of soggy sandwiches! Click through for seven sandwiches that travel well.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Root Vegetable and Prosciutto Tart

We're rooting for this tart from mamamouse, made with root vegetables, prosciutto, and goat cheese.

We're rooting for this tart from mamamouse, made with root vegetables, prosciutto, and goat cheese.

This tart is pretty irresistible and contains all of my favorite things: goat cheese, meats that taste like bacon and . . . I think that's all it takes to win me over.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

Eco

Burning Question: Are Biodegradable and Compostable the Same Thing?

Biodegradable and compostable: they mean the same thing, right?

Biodegradable and compostable: they mean the same thing, right? Not so: even though the denotations of these words may sound synonymous, the labels are actually misleading. While biodegradable items refer to any material that breaks down and decomposes in the environment, compostable goods are organic matter that breaks down to become a pile of nutrient-rich soil.

Keep reading to learn more about what distinguishes the terms "biodegradable" and "compostable."

recipes

This Tropical Green Smoothie Is Spring Break in a Glass

Miss out on Spring break?

Miss out on Spring break? Not to worry: mango, avocado, pineapple, and a few splashes of milk are all you need to go on a miniature tropical getaway.

Why, you might ask, should you add avocado to the smoothie? Don't skip out on it: the fruit imparts a pleasant green hue on the drink, plus it contributes to the overall thickness and mouthfeel of the smoothie, since avocados are naturally high in fat. It won't really affect the flavor, though: this smoothie is all about the mighty sweet mango and mouth-puckering pineapple.

I prefer my smoothies on the thicker side, but keep blending it with more milk until you reach your desired consistency. I like to pop my smoothie in the freezer for 10 minutes or so to really chill it up.

Keep reading for the recipe.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Soft Pretzels

Once you've made Running to the Kitchen's soft pretzels, all you'll want is some dipping mustard!

Once you've made Running to the Kitchen's soft pretzels, all you'll want is some dipping mustard!

Make your entire house smell like Auntie Anne's in the mall with these easy, homemade pretzels!

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

weekly recap

The Best of POPSUGAR Food This Week

Late-night bites wedding guests will love to munch on Inspiring springtime Instagram snaps A tastebud-buzzing frozen margarita 5 cheese ball recipes to roll with Video: Buttermilk pancakes that are so good, you'll never buy mix again Shake up a memorable signature wedding cocktail When is the bulk bin worth it?

Photos: Anna Monette Roberts, Nicole Perry, and Andrew Weeks Photography via Style Me Pretty
recipes

Tortilla Chips Two Ways: Fried and Baked

How do you prefer your tortilla chips?

How do you prefer your tortilla chips? Puffed from the fryer and slightly flaky, or crunchy and dense from a trip to the oven? Good news: in less than 30 minutes, you'll have your chips both ways, thanks to two simple techniques.

To bake the chips, generously oil and salt them, then bake them for about 20 minutes, or until they crisp up and are firm to the touch. These chips will stay fresher for longer than the fried variety.

While you're frying, tend to the chips closely, because they only take a few minutes and the heat may need adjusting while you're frying. These chips tend to go stale after a few hours, so plan to make them right before you eat them.

Serve the chips with your favorite queso dip, salsa, or guacamole.

Keep reading for the recipe.

Spring

Perk Up With a Pink Rhubarb Soda

When making a rhubarb galette recently, I had a lot of leftover syrup from cooking down the rhubarb.

When making a rhubarb galette recently, I had a lot of leftover syrup from cooking down the rhubarb. There was no way that I was letting that ruby red sauce, full of concentrated rhubarb flavor, go down the drain. Determined to figure out a solution, I ventured to try a refreshing glass of rhubarb soda. I poured about three tablespoons of the syrup per glass (although you can use less if you prefer a less-sweet beverage) over tall glasses full of ice.

Next, in went the sparkling soda water. If you plan to serve this at a party, don't stir it up, because the pink and clear layers are quite eye-catching.

Keep reading to see what it tastes like.

Wedding

15 Late-Night Bites to Serve at Your Wedding

After a long night of dancing and drinking, wedding guests need a little late-night bite to munch on while they retire to their cars and head back to their hotel rooms.

After a long night of dancing and drinking, wedding guests need a little late-night bite to munch on while they retire to their cars and head back to their hotel rooms. Cookies and milk, hamburgers and fries, and even miniature quesadillas and churros are a few items that happy couples are serving at the last hour of their wedding receptions. Take a peek to find inspiration for your own wedding — or just because junk food in mini form is always cute!

recipes

No Sugar Needed For a Flavorful Frozen Margarita

In Texas, just about every restaurant offers three different ways of serving a margarita: straight up, on the rocks, or frozen.

In Texas, just about every restaurant offers three different ways of serving a margarita: straight up, on the rocks, or frozen. I took this for granted, as when I moved to California, I sadly discovered that most Mexican joints don't offer the slushy form (with a few exceptions — thank heavens for the frozen margarita machine at Tacolicious!). Luckily, I am the proud owner of a blender, so when I'm making Mexican food at home, you better believe I'm pairing it with a frozen margarita.

There's no sugary syrup involved in my recipe, only orange liqueur, lime juice, and blanco tequila. And if you're worried it won't be sweet enough, don't be! This is a smooth, very drinkable cocktail. This recipe will make you feel the effects fast, so even if you think it tastes "weak" after a few sips, remember: that's just because your taste buds may be a bit frozen!

Keep reading for the recipe.

Eco

Pack a Compostable Picnic

It's shorts-wearing season, and what better way to catch some rays than to pack a leisurely afternoon picnic?

It's shorts-wearing season, and what better way to catch some rays than to pack a leisurely afternoon picnic? Keep Mother Nature looking good by loading your picnic basket with compostable dinnerware items. It's easier than ever to purchase plates, cutlery, and cups that are 100 percent biodegradable and made from natural sources like corn and sugar-cane fiber. Click through to take a look at all the recommended items you'll need. Now go dust off the checkered blanket, and start whipping up your favorite picnic treats.

party planning

Keep on Rollin': 5 Cheese Balls to Try

Happy National Cheese Ball Day!

Happy National Cheese Ball Day! We were thrilled to learn that there's a day to celebrate the cheese ball, because we're always looking for an excuse to make one.

If you've never had a cheese ball, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite appetizer: its base is cream cheese, and it's typically whipped up with various aromatic herbs, other cheeses, and sometimes meat, like bacon. Then it's patted into a ball shape and rolled around in various coatings like pecans, pepper, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, fresh fruit, or cookies like Nilla Wafers (there are also sweet varieties out there). While cheese balls are typically reserved for party occasions, we're thinking there's no reason on earth not to make and enjoy a cheese ball to ourselves on this fine holiday.

Sources: Anna Monette Roberts, Kitchen Meets Girl, and Young Austinian
taste test

Taste Test: Pringles Stix

Pringles . . . in stick form?

Pringles . . . in stick form? With the relaunch of Pringles Stix ($3) in Pizza, Cheese, and Honey Butter flavors, many in our office scoffed at the unfamiliar shape and wondered how the Pringles Stix fared compared to the company's famed flaky chips. However, the experience and flavors of the sticks weren't what we anticipated. Keep reading to see our tasting notes and rating.

Pringles Pizza Stix

Our tasters sang praises for this pizza flavor. Described as packing plenty of pizza-like flavors, one taster even ventured to say, "I want to go back in time so my mom can pack these in my lunch box." Another likened the sticks to Italian cheesy bread topped with plenty of basil and oregano.

Tasters' average rating:


See the other flavors.

Cocktails

13 Ways to Shake Up a Standout Signature Wedding Cocktail

More and more, couples are choosing to create a signature cocktail at their wedding.
Signature Wedding Cocktail Ideas

More and more, couples are choosing to create a signature cocktail at their wedding. When we asked you where you stood, most of you said you loved the idea! Whether you're currently on the lookout for ways to make a standout cocktail or love some wedding eye candy, here are some great cocktail ideas from real weddings.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Spring Green Smoothie

Guilty of neglecting your blender for far too long?

Guilty of neglecting your blender for far too long? Now that the weather's warmer, GraceDickinson has a seasonal smoothie that you'll want to whirl up.

I bring you this recipe not because it's a new, novel idea. Let's get real. Green smoothies are so five years ago. However, a phased-out fad they are not. These powerhouse shakes can still be an incredibly life-changing diet addition and shouldn't be forgotten. (Insert advertising slogan here. But seriously, they are wonderful.)

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

Cooking Basics

5 Tips For Smarter Composting

What's keeping you from composting?

What's keeping you from composting? Is it too stinky? Does it attract fruit flies in your kitchen? Or does it just seem too difficult to bother with? Whatever your excuse is, these tips will help dispel your fears or bad experiences with composting so you can feel good about filling the green bin.

  1. Get rid of the stink and flies: While there are some airtight compost bins with charcoal lids that help prevent smells from getting out, here's a guaranteed stink-proof method. Place all the food scraps in a compostable green bag and store it in the freezer until the bag is full.
  2. Stop trashing your food: The compost bin can be the new home of all of your food scraps including vegetables, eggshells, coffee grinds, meat, bones, and leftover cooked food. Just remember to remove any stickers, plastic, or foil from the food.
  3. Toss the packaging: If it's made of wood, paper, or compostable plastic, then it belongs in the compost bin. If it came from the ground, it's compostable, so even greasy pizza boxes can go in there. (Plastics labeled "biodegradable" are not compostable.)
  4. Research where you can compost: If you have access to a backyard, set up your own composter or reach out to the city for a green compost collection bin. If you live in a large city, see if your apartment building has a green bin or ask your landlord to request one. Otherwise, most farmers markets will have a compost drop-off for you to contribute to each week.
  5. See the amazing results: If you compost and recycle regularly, you'll soon notice that you barely have any trash — I toss one bag of trash a week, if not once a month. Thanks to composting, the days of stinky trash are gone, as my trash bin only holds nonrecyclable packaging, plastic wrappers, and bags.

What are your tips for smarter composting?

Spring

How to Shell and Prepare Fava Beans

Unless they're very young (in which case they can be eaten whole), fava beans must be peeled twice: the outer shell and outer skin of each bean must be removed to enjoy the tender, buttery fava beans.

Unless they're very young (in which case they can be eaten whole), fava beans must be peeled twice: the outer shell and outer skin of each bean must be removed to enjoy the tender, buttery fava beans. It's a little bit of a fussy technique; however, blanching and shocking the beans in their shell makes it easier to shuck them. Fava beans are in season from April to July, so take a look at these step-by-step photos for easy prep all Spring and Summer long.