The Best Pizza in NYC: Where to Go & What to Order

by Mimi O'ConnorSeptember 27, 2022

Pizza is always a good idea—here our favorite places to go around New York with the kids whether its for a slice or a whole pizza pie

What’s the best pizza in NYC? That, of course, is a matter of opinion, preference, and hot debate. But in the battle of the best pizza places in NYC, some slices and pies continually come out on top. We’ve rounded up our picks for the best pizza in NYC, including newcomers, old school favorites, spots in Little Italy, Brooklyn, and beyond. Tourists and locals alike flock to DiFara’s to stand on the long awaited line. When you think an original pizza isn’t possible, you meet Paulie Gee’s and your tastebuds are blown away by the creativity. After a square pie instead of round? Rizzo’s all the way. Looking for a great NYC pizza delivery option? Lots of these pizzerias will come to you. (One final note: In many cases, you need to buy a whole pizza, but that’s not so bad.)

Or maybe you are in search of the best pizza in . . . the world? That title goes to Una Pizza Napoletana, which was named the best pizza in the world from Top 50 Pizza—a world-wide guide to the best pizza. They’re only open Thurs.-Sun. from 5 p.m. until the dough is sold out—and we imagine it’s going to get a lot busier now. Dig in!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Una Pizza Napoletana (@unapizzanapoletana)

Una Pizza Napoletana
This is actually the sixth iteration of chef Anthony Mangieri’s pizzeria. Since the beginning of Una, the focus has been on the naturally-leavened, wood-fired pizzas. Complemented with a few appetizers and made-daily ice cream and seasonal sorbetto, families will enjoy sitting in the dining room surrounded by one-of-a-kind pieces of art while watching cooks work the dough by hand and carefully bake only three pizzas at a time in the oven.

175 Orchard St.
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Online: unapizza.com

DiFara Pizza
One of the tell-tale signs of great pizza in New York City is the lines, and DiFara Pizza has them. In fact, many trek to the original location in the Midwood section of Brooklyn to get the full experience. Since 1965 Domenico DeMarco has been personally hand-crafting legendary pies that draw crowds and high praise from native New Yorkers and culinary luminaries. Anthony Bourdain, for one, was a big fan. Expect waits, and to pay for the experience (a slice is $5, a pie is $30), but know that many people say the delicious pizza is worth it.

108 South St.
South Street Seaport, Manhattan

100 Lincoln Ave.
Staten Island

1424 Ave. J.
Midwood, Brooklyn

Online: difarapizzany.com

Roberta’s
Although Roberta’s is a youngster compared to many of the other establishments on this list (it opened in Bushwick in 2008), many people have declared its pies as the best pizza in NYC. The ultra hip restaurant crafts wood-fired pizza both classic and inspired with the freshest of ingredients, and its tasting menu restaurant Blanca was awarded two Michelin stars. People love the Bee Sting pizza, made with tomatoes, mozzarella, soppressata, chili, basil, and honey. If you’re lucky enough to live in the surrounding area of Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, or East Williamsburg, they’ll deliver to you from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week. Out of the area? You can order some frozen ones online to have on hand whenever the craving hits.

261 Moore St.
Bushwick, Brooklyn

6 Grand St.
Domino Park, Brooklyn

240 Fort Pond Rd.
Montauk

Online: robertaspizza.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paulie Gee (@pauliegee)

Paulie Gee’s
Looking for extreme creativity in a pizza? Look no further than Paulie Gee’s, which attracts quirky crowds with its original combinations. They offer nearly two dozen varieties, including an Edith’s Pastrami Reuben that contains swiss, sauerkraut, pastrami, caraway seeds, and Russian dressing. Favorites include A Whiter Shade of Kale (fresh mozzarella and nut-free kale pesto) and the Monte Cristo, with mild gouda, sliced Canadian bacon, and a pure maple syrup drizzle. They also do vegan pizza here, but you must dine in at the Greenpoint Avenue location. Need pizza to go? The Slice Shop at 110 Franklin Street offers pick up.

Paulie Gee’s is known for its creative (and delicious) pizzas and the crowds they attract. Examples include A Whiter Shade of Kale (fresh mozzarella and nut-free kale pesto) and the Monte Cristo, with mild gouda, sliced Canadian bacon, and a pure maple syrup drizzle. Need pizza delivery? The pizzeria offers classic pies from a delivery and takeout-only location (via Caviar) at 110 Franklin Street, also in Greenpoint.

60 Greenpoint Ave.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

110 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Online: pauliegee.com

L&B Spumoni Gardens
Home to a Sicilian square slice with chewy dough, cheese on the bottom, and sweet sauce on top, this Gravesend institution was founded in 1939 by Ludovico Barbati—who rightfully claims that making pizza is an art. You can also get round pies here, as well as the namesake spumoni, a molded gelato, typically made with three flavors and candied fruits and nuts. Can’t make it to Gravesend? The popular restaurant is opening a location in Dumbo, coming soon.

2725 86th St.
Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Online: spumonigardens.com

Rizzo’s Fine Pizza
Rizzo’s is the home of the “Original Thin Crust Square” pizza, a Sicilian pizza made with just cheese and sauce—no toppings). The establishment has also been family-owned and operated for more than 60 years. They now also turn out ultra-thin Neopolitan pies and specialty pizzas as well.

30-13 Steinway St.
Astoria, Queens
Online: rizzosfinepizza.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWwb3CFPBkj/?hidecaption=true

John’s of Bleecker Street
Famous for its comfortable, old-school ambiance, the charm of John’s is in its tile floors, tin ceilings, and wooden booths etched with the names of customers. Fun fact: this pizza joint was actually established in 1929 on Sullivan Street, until founder John Sasso lost his lease and dismantled the coal-fired brick oven of his shop and moved it to the restaurant’s current location. You can’t get a slice here (pies only), but the zesty sauce and charred crust will make you want to eat a whole pizza here anyway. John’s does take credit cards and also offers pizza delivery.

278 Bleecker St.
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Online: johnsbrickovenpizza.com

Joe’s Pizza
Another Greenwich Village staple that tops the charts for unbeatable taste is Joe’s, named after Naples-born Joe Pozzuoli, who still owns and operates the restaurant since it opened in 1975. It only accepts phone orders at its original location on 7 Carmine St., but it’s expanded to several spots across Manhattan with a Brooklyn location in Williamsburg. A classic pie starts at $24. Bring cash, and expect standing room only!

Various location s across Manhattan and Brooklyn
Online: joespizzanyc.com

Prince Street Pizza
Not far from Little Italy and NYC pizza royalty Lombardi’s, Prince Street Pizza is known for delicious pizza (the Spicy Spring Pie, with fra diavolo sauce, spicy pepperoni, and fresh mozzarella is a favorite), late nights (they are open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), and pepperoni cooked into cup-shaped perfection, perfect for holding drops of savory oil. Need pizza delivery downtown? Prince Street Pizza is the way to go. Round pies start at $22, but order ahead to avoid the long line!

27 Prince St.
Nolita, Manhattan
Online: princestreetpizzanyc.com

Don Antonio
No list of the best pizza places in NYC would be complete without midtown restaurant Don Antonio. Established by partners Roberto Caporuscio (owner of the popular Kesté Pizza & Vino), and Antonio Starita, the third-generation owner of one Naples’ oldest and most revered pizzerias, Don Antonio’s reigns have been passed down to Roberto’s daughter, Giorgia Caporuscio, whose culinary experience is leading to what many believe is “La Mecca” of pizza. This spot serves more than 40 classic and creative takes on pizza—including vegan and gluten-free—made in the Neapolitan tradition. The pies are wood-fired and the mozzarella is made in-house. Many people say the lightly fried pizza, the “Montanara Starita,” is a must.

309 W. 50th St.
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
Online: donantoniopizza.com

—additional reporting by Wai Sze Zara

15 Easy Japanese Recipes Kids Will Love

by Susie ForesmanSeptember 2, 2022

These recipes are easy to make at home

Japanese food tends to be pretty kid-friendly, thanks to its subtle yet rich flavors that aren’t too spicy. And with dishes like homemade sushi, ramen noodles, and gyoza, these Japanese food recipes are just as fun to make as they are to eat.

Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)

Gyoza is a traditional Japanese food recipe. — Everyday Washoku

Here’s a fun cooking project for the whole family. Everyday Washoku has photos and instructions on everything you’ll need to make gorgeous gyoza, pan-fried in the Japanese style.

Japanese Milk Bread

Also known as Hokkaido milk bread, this Japanese specialty is a soft and springy bread that has a slight sweetness. It’s the perfect weekend project since you’ll need to let it rise twice. Get the recipe from Simmer + Sauce.

Vegetable Noodle Soup

This Japanese food recipe for noodle soup is kid-friendly — The Six O’Clock Scramble

This delicious take on ramen packs plenty of veggies into a flavorful broth. Since it uses a normal pack of instant ramen (minus the flavor packet), it cooks up super fast. To get this Japanese food recipe, click here.

Tamagoyaki (Pan Fried Rolled Egg)

Tamagoyaki is a Japanese food recipe. — Japanese Cooking 101

Tamagoyaki is a Japanese omelet made by rolling together thin layers of seasoned egg in a frying pan. It might take some mastery—it cooks up a little bit like a crepe but without the flipping. Get the recipe from Japanese Cooking 101.

Vegan Sushi

If you’ve never made sushi before, then this step-by-step guide on vegan sushi from Kindly Coconut is the perfect place to start. You’ll get the rundown on what supplies you’ll need and learn how to make tasty sushi with butternut squash, kimchi, pickled veggies, and more.

Japanese Curry

A Japanese food recipe for curry. — Pickled Plum

A guaranteed kid-favorite Japanese food recipe, this curry is comfort food at its finest. It’s not spicy (perfect for little ones!) and has a nice sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a big scoop of rice. Visit Pickled Plum to see the recipe and a guide to the best store-bought curry mixes if you're short on time.

Vegan Tofu Nuggets

Switch things up from your standard chicken nuggets by making this dish from Chef Ja Cooks. Tofu is a popular staple in Japan, and kids are sure to love it when it’s fried up nugget style.

Gyudon (Beef Rice Bowl)

Gyudon is a popular quick meal in Japan, made from thinly sliced beef, a sweet and salty sauce, and fluffy scrambled eggs. This version from The Floured Camera is just the thing for a busy weeknight meal that’s still hearty and healthy.

Omurice (Omelette Rice)

Omurice is an example of yoshoku—Western food that has been reinvented in a Japanese style. Rice is fried with ketchup, chicken, and veggies and then wrapped in an omelet. The kids are sure to love this one, courtesy of Sudachi Recipes.

Chicken Katsu Sandwich

This chicken katsu sandwich from Something About Sandwiches is every kid’s dream lunch—a super crispy chicken katsu is paired with tonkatsu (Japanese barbecue sauce) and shredded cabbage on fluffy white bread.

Andagi (Okinawan Fried Donuts)

Andagi, aka Okinawan fried donuts, are a simple and delicious treat that your whole crew will love. This version from Keeping It Relle is a Hawaiian-inspired take on the recipe, with baking powder added for additional fluffiness and milk and vanilla for an extra rich flavor.

Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)

You might find meatballs like these at a yakitori restaurant, but they’re pretty easy to make at home, too. This version from Wandercooks uses seasoned ground chicken as a base and they’re basted with a sweet and savory sauce.

Ginger Soy Glazed Edamame

For a fun appetizer or snack, try this take on edamame from K33 Kitchen. The sweet, sticky, salty glaze is a fun twist on the typical salted version, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds makes it feel extra fancy.

Kitsune Udon

Udon is a great Japanese food recipe for kids. — iStock

This dish is a comfort food favorite, made with thick and chewy udon noodles and rich broth. The best part is that you can customize your recipe according to what the kids like. Get the details from Pacific Potluck.

Chicken Karaage (Fried Chicken)

This Japanese fried chicken is extra crispy—just the way we like it! It’s also marinated in a soy-based mixture for extra flavor and juiciness. Get the recipe from All Ways Delicious.

8 Trader Joe’s Meal Hacks to Try Now (Dinner in 15 or Less!)

by Allison SutcliffeAugust 27, 2022

Trader Joe’s is to you what the LEGO store is to your kids. A land of possibility that both delights and overwhelms. That’s why we’ve found eight simple dinner recipes to help you navigate Trader Joe’s landscape. From a five-minute meal even your Insta-pot can’t recreate to a fortified version of everyone’s favorite Mandarin Orange Chicken, these dishes will keep you warm and sane when the snow flies.

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Sausage

Wondering how to use up all that kale sitting in your bin? This simple stew-like recipe is perfect for cold winter nights, and the kids love it! Simply saute white onion and the sliced up sausage in a bit of olive oil until the onion is soft and the sausage has browned. Add the chicken stock or broth and bring to a boil. Then, add the tortellini and reduce heat to a simmer for about four minutes. Finally, toss in the chopped kale, let it wilt and then top with parmesan cheese.

Warm Winter Salad

dinner hacks, trader joe's, healthy family recipes

This easily assembled winter salad takes advantage of the fruits (and veggies!) of the season. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish but can double as a side just as easily. The trick? The warm vinaigrette dressing you whip up ahead of time and pour over a package of Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch bagged salad mix to soften it up. Top the now slightly wilted salad with sliced yellow beets, edamame and pomegranate seeds that all come prepped and ready to go. Then throw on your favorite winter citrus (we’re partial to grapefruit) before serving. This dish hits all the healthy notes!

Chicken Alfredo with Linguine and Broccoli

Give your go-to alfredo sauce a seasonal boost with this new harvest version that's made with lots of cheese, cream and plenty of fall flavors. Simply warm up the sauce on low with ready-made chicken strips, toss it with a bag of linguine and add some steamed broccoli on the side. Dinner is done!

Classic Fondue

Trader Joe’s is on a mission to bring fondue back. We’re loving it because busy parents can throw this cheesy meal together faster than your Insta-pot can say “ready, set, go!” Simply heat a container of Trader Jacques’ La Fondue (made with three savory kinds of cheese) in the microwave for about five minutes. Let it sit for one or two more, and then bring it straight to the table (psst … no dishes or special cookware are part of this easy-peasy meal’s appeal), where you can have fresh fruit, veggie, and French bread pieces waiting. The only thing that would make this meal better is a matching container of chocolate fondue for dessert!

Butternut Squash Soup

Bring your best winter soup game with this lighting-quick meal that’ll warm your mini crew up from the inside. It starts with a box of Trader Joe’s butternut squash soup heated through on the stove. It finishes with all kinds of scrumptious, seasonal toppings your little chefs will love to toss into this healthy soup base (We’re digging dried cranberries, sour cream, and pumpkin seeds, but green onions, almonds, and goat cheese might be just as good!). Cater your topping choices so everyone in the fam gets to ladle up a bowl of their favorite flavors. Pair it with a box of Raisin Rosemary Crisps, and you’ve got the easiest, tastiest soup you’ve ever made.

Fortified Mandarin Orange Chicken

You know your little foodie will gobble this one up no matter what the season. So why not turn it into a filling dish that meets your kiddo’s daily veggie requirement too? It’s easy to beef it up with winter greens like broccoli, peas and green peppers. Follow SOP for stovetop prep when you’re cooking the chicken and sauce. Throw in chunky green peppers and broccoli florets for the last few minutes, and cover your saucepan so they steam a bit, and then swirl in a handful frozen green peas just before you serve. Your little chef won’t know what hit her!

Individual Pizza Pies

Pizza is always a hit in your house, but deciding on toppings is where you hit a snag. Overcome the great pizza debate by making simple individual pies for your half-pint and better half this winter. Use Trader Joe’s frozen naan bread, covered with your favorite pizza sauce to start. Then let everyone pile their must-have toppings onto pre-shredded mozzarella. Mushrooms, olives, pineapple, pepperoni. It’s all fair game here. It takes about 5-7 minutes in a preheated 400-degree oven to turn the cheese nice and bubbly. That’s when you know they’re ready to bring to the table!

Winter Rice Bowl

You’ve been looking for an excuse to try Trader Joe’s new Everything But the Bagel seasoning, so we came up with one for you. Make it the primary flavor of this simple winter rice bowl that combines seasonal squash and broccoli with Trader Joe’s precooked, frozen chicken. Cook the chicken, squash zig zags and broccoli on their own (psst ... it’s easy to throw a personal spin on this bowl by subbing your seasonal faves in lieu of ours). Then zap the three-minute miracle bag of TJ's Organic Brown Rice in the microwave before tossing it into a bowl. Top the rice with fixings and then get down to seasoning it to your liking. Serve it mixed together or leave the separate parts atop the rice.

9 Easy Grilling Recipes Perfect for a Summer Cookout

by Abigail MatsumotoMay 17, 2022

The grill is your go-to summer cooking tool, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of burgers and steaks. When you’re ready to switch up your dinner menu, you’ll want to check out our roundup of easy grilling recipes. From sweet and sour grilled chicken to skewers and even grilled fruit, these recipes are sure to spice up your spread. Read on to get fired up about all of the delicious possibilities.

Grilled Chicken Recipe

One of the easiest things to grill in the summer is chicken. With endless possibilities, there’s a style and flavor for everyone. We can’t wait to try this Sweet & Sour Chicken version. You can find the recipe in the post below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Easy Recipes + Kitchen Systems (@kelseynixon)

Corn on the Cob

What goes better with grilled chicken than corn on the cob? A staple for summer dinners, make some with butter and salt for the kids, and add elote seasoning, spicy mayo or just about anything else you can think of for the adults.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Comelona (@kitchen.notebooks)

Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp cook fast, so the hardest thing about this recipe is the prep work. Check out the video below and look for the link to the printable recipe!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lisa Bryan (@downshiftology)

Grilled Zucchini Salad

If you’ve got kids who like to keep it simple, set aside a few pieces of zucchini for them to have plain, while the rest can be tossed into this simple summer salad recipe.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Plenty of Chickpeas ~ Cris (@plentyofchickpeas)

Veggie Beef Tin Foil Packets

Campfire food can be made at home too. Foil packets are genius because there’s literally no cleanup and you can add just about anything you want to the mix. The post below has the recipe for this particularly yummy-looking dinner.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Annalise / CompletelyDelicious (@completelydelicious)

Grilled Sweet Potato

Better than french fries (we think), grilled sweet potatoes are a cinch to prep (see the post for details), and after you’ve lathered them in olive oil and salt, they only take about 4-5 minutes on each side before they’re done.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brittany Mullins (@eatingbirdfood)

Grilled Avocado

If you haven’t tried this yet, we highly recommend adding it to your summer recipe rotation. Warm and smooth and stuffed with everything from shrimp to feta and tomatoes, grilled avocados are a real treat. Check out the recipe below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Foodtempel Recipes (@foodtempel_com)

Chicken Skewers

Another easy way to get a whole meal done at once is to assemble chicken skewers. Add fruit, and vegetables and marinate them in your favorite sauce.

Grilled Peaches with Feta

These grilled peaches can be served with feta, like in the recipe below, or with ice cream for a sweet summer dessert. A totally understated way to enjoy a sweet treat!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Easy Vegan Recipes 🌱 (@thevegansclub)

9 Sustainable Mother’s Day Gifts Mom Will Love

by Abbey McGeeApril 19, 2022

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shower Mom with love, appreciation and gifts. This year, why not celebrate the mother figure in your life with a gift that’s good for mom and the world? Our list of eco-friendly gifts are guaranteed to make mom smile, plus they’re good for the community. Show the mom, grandma, aunt or other special person in your life how much she means to you with a sustainable product from a local Seattle shop this Mother’s Day.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sukies Candle Co. (@sukiescandleco)

Sukie's Candle Company

A beautiful scented candle signals a serene moment even on the busiest of days. Seattle born and raised, Sukie turned her candle-making passion into a business in 2018. Today, Sukie’s Candle Co. produces non-toxic, vegan, eco-friendly candles with 40-plus hour burn times in exotic fragrance collections including citrus, fruity, floral and spice/woody. Sukie’s uses 100% pure soy wax, derived domestically from American farmers. Plus, all of her candles are infused with natural essential oils (phthalate-free!) and individually hand-poured in reusable glass containers. Shop online or visit a local retailer to purchase a little serenity for Mom.

Online: sukiescandleco.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bevin B. Cooper Farkas – queen B, bumble B design (@bumblebdesign)

bumble B design

For over 20 years, woman-owned bumble B design has curated themed gift baskets, bags and boxes. Surprise Mom with a basket full of her favorite goodies collected by bumble B design. It will include high quality, eco-friendly products that are creatively packaged into gifts suited for every taste and interest. Choose from a variety of themes including Champagne Cheers, Seattle Snacker Basket or Chocolate Gratitude Box (featuring organic, Fair Trade certified, Fran’s Chocolates). Eco-friendly features include reusable drinkware and bags, locally-sourced products and recycled packaging whenever possible. bumble B design hand delivers to most Seattle locations, or you can pick up from its local gift studio. Shipping is available for gifts that don’t contain alcohol.

206-769-7675
Online: bumblebdesign.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eco Collective (@ecocollective_)

Eco Collective

It’s always a good time for pampering! Eco Collective offers an extensive selection of sustainable self-care products that make the perfect gift for Mother's Day. This Seattle-based online shop offers skin care, bath and body, hair care and wellness products including sun care, facial masks and more. Eco Collective’s products are responsibly sourced, plastic-free and kind to people, animals and the planet. All packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable to help reduce the company's carbon footprint. Take care of a special mom in your life while taking care of the planet.

Online: ecocollective.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by fairtradewinds (@fairtradewinds)

Fair Trade Winds

Not sure what to get Mom, but want to find a special Mother's Day gift with a purpose? Look no further than Fair Trade Winds. From felt flowers to bird houses, jewelry to food products, you’ll find the perfect gift. Bonus: Fair Trade Winds has put together a Mother’s Day Gift Guide if you need some inspiration. Purchasing fair trade products supports positive change by emphasizing equality and sustainability, helping artisans, families and communities become self-sustaining. At Fair Trade Winds, a significant percentage of your purchase goes directly to the creators, all over the world. Check out their extensive online catalog or stop by their Ballard gift shop to find that just-right gift.

5329 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA 98107
206-743-8500
Online: fairtradewinds.net

Hours: Mon.–Thu., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Glass Drinking Straws

Take a tasty treat up a notch with an eco-friendly glass drinking straw from a Granite Falls-based glass studio. This local Etsy shop handcrafts glass straws and carrying cases that aim to reduce plastic straw pollution and add a touch of fun to your iced coffee or seltzer. Choose from a plain straw or add a one-of-a-kind custom accent (coffee mug, animal, music note) to personalize it. Carrying cases are created from organic cotton and come in a wide variety of colors. Straws are dishwasher and microwave safe, and each purchase includes a cleaning brush. We'll drink to that.

Online: etsy.com/shop/DrinkingStrawsGlass

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Girlfriend Collective (@girlfriend)

Girlfriend Collective

Comfortable activewear can also be earth-friendly. Who knew? Seattle-based online retailer Girlfriend Collective’s clothing offers a high-end fit using sustainable, recycled materials. Vibrant colors, chic designs and ultimate comfort make Girlfriend Collective’s pieces a go-to part of any wardrobe. Tees, tanks, rompers, leggings and bras are made with cutting edge products like recycled polyester, recycled post-consumer bottles, ECONYL yarn (made from recycled fishing nets and other waste) and more. All packaging is 100-percent recycled and recyclable. From the raw materials sourced to create the pieces to the facilities producing the clothing, Girlfriend Collective values sustainability, fair trade and ethical labor practices, making it easy for you to do the same.

Online: girlfriendcollective.com

Terra Bella Flowers

Nothing says “I love you, Mom” like a classic, colorful bouquet of flowers. Select a distinctive floral arrangement from Seattle’s Terra Bella Flowers. This local florist specializes in custom floral designs, houseplants and botanicals and supports local and global growers who celebrate organic, sustainable growing methods and human equality. Terra Bella Flowers can create something beautiful to suit anyone’s preferences. Add on a little extra something (like a candle or chocolates) and include a gift with delivery. Located in the heart of the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge neighborhood, Terra Bella Flowers offers daily delivery throughout Greater Seattle and some Eastside neighborhoods to make it easy for busy families.

7319 Greenwood Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-0205
Online: terrabellaflowers.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Sat. & Sun.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Metamorphic Gear (@metamorphicgear)

Metamorphic Gear

For the outdoor enthusiast, consider one of Metamorphic Gear’s rugged, yet stylish totes, crafted with recycled sailing materials as a Mother's Day gift. Founder Lindsay Lawrence is a sailor and outdoorsman who wanted to design stylish and reliable eco-friendly products. Using his sailing experience, he recognized the durability of sail material and upcycled it into tote bags. Metamorphic Gear’s best-selling totes contain more than 90 percent upcycled materials with a truck tarp base, sailcloth top and climbing rope handles. One percent of every sale goes to support clean oceans. Retailers around the Puget Sound carry Metamorphic Gear totes so you can pick one up for Mom’s next outdoor adventure.

Online: metamorphicgear.com

Prairie Underground

Ecologically and ethically-conscious fashionistas love to fill their closet with Prairie Underground’s functional, contemporary designs. Since 2005, Prairie Underground has made sustainability a top priority, honoring social, environmental and economic resources and respecting human rights and the natural world. Hemp and organic cotton is incorporated in every collection of tops, pants, hoodies and outerwear. Limited production reduces waste and shifts the focus to uniqueness. All clothing is manufactured here in Seattle, supporting local garment production in an ethical manner. Shop online or make an appointment to shop at their local boutique. If you're not sure what mom wants, why not get a gift card?

940 S. Harney St.
Seattle, WA 98108
206-328-3514
Online: prairieunderground.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (by appointment only)

Feature image: iStock

The Best Casseroles to Feed Your Family

by Emily MyersMarch 9, 2022

There’s something about a casserole that summons up the cozy comforts of home. Baked mostly unattended, they go straight from oven to table, making them hassle-free to cook, easy to serve and a cinch to clean up. Perfect for pot-lucks, picnics or everyday dinners, scroll down for 13 creative casseroles that’ll give your meal planning a boost.

Enchilada Casserole

For a gluten-free veggie option, this layered enchilada casserole reinvents traditional lasagne with fab results. The recipe at Cookie and Kate uses salsa, veggies, corn tortillas and Monterey Jack for a hearty, veg-packed dinner loaded with fresh Mexican flavors.

Brown Rice Skillet

An easy, one pan recipe with Mexican flavors, plenty of veggies, beans and cheese is the perfect casserole to end the week. It's the pick-me-up the family needs when energy is flagging. Head over to Cook Nourish Bliss for the recipe—you can always ditch the jalapeno if you think that will be too spicy.

Chicken Parmesan

Get the classic flavors of an Italian dish all in one pan with this recipe from The Weary Chef. Super simple and gooey with mozzarella this dish, has a crispy panko parma topping, and will likely be added to your list of lifesaving weekday dinner dishes.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

This easy chicken recipe has all the elements of the best kind of comfort food; a rich creamy sauce, tender poached chicken, delicate crunchy poppy seeds and a crisp Ritz crust. It's a casserole that will have kids coming back for more. Head to The View From Great Island for the recipe with suggested variations and easy shortcuts.

Breakfast Casserole

The genius behind the breakfast casserole is that it can be served any time of day—and it'll be gobbled up like candy. This recipe from Weelicious is endlessly versatile and super tasty. A comforting casserole at its very best.

Easy Peasy Tuna Bake

Every household needs a recipe that can be pulled together with just a few pantry staples—and this tuna casserole is it! Make way for a new family favorite as mac 'n' cheese meets tuna 'n' peas. Head to The Seasoned Mom for this simple take on a family classic.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

This casserole has all the goodness of chicken soup baked into a comforting gratin and topped with homemade croutons. The kids will love everything about it from the creamy sauce and the tasty chicken to the crunchy topping. The recipe comes to us from Lindsay over at Pinch of Yum who says it's the perfect fix for cold Minnesota winters.

Veggie Beef Casserole

Sometimes the best recipes are the old ones—and a tasty beef casserole with lots of winter veggies, all covered in gooey cheese, is a classic. This recipe from our archives comes from Anna at Anna’s Cooking Adventure who recommends adding a final helping of cheese five minutes before you pull it out of the oven to give it a crunchy casserole topping.

Overnight French Toast

Who said casseroles have to be savory? This french toast bake from Erin Clarke at Well Plated is fluffy inside, crunchy on top, and bursting with blueberries—the perfect feast to kick off the weekend in style. Prep the night before, leave in the refrigerator overnight and there's just an hour of unattended cooking time in the morning. Head to Well Plated for the recipe and how-to video.

Veggie Casserole

This veggie casserole from Weelicious is a tasty and easy dinner you can get on the table fast. You can use whatever mixture of veggies you have left in the fridge or freezer.

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Try this easy stuffed cabbage casserole from The View from Great Island that everyone in the family will love! This casserole is so flavorful, no one will guess that it's so simple.

Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

This spicy chicken and cauliflower casserole from A Taste of Madness is easy to make from things you often already have around the house. This is such an easy, throw-it-together recipe!

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Make this delicious sausage breakfast casserole from Sunkissed Kitchen ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you're ready. Everyone will love this tasty dish.

— Taylor Clifton & Emily Myers

12 Summer Casseroles The Whole Family Will Love

From Soups to Casseroles: 10 Turkey Recipes to Memorize

9 British Recipes Perfect for Your Comfort Food Cravings

Costco’s Shamrock Ravioli Is Back for St. Patrick’s Day

by Erica LoopMarch 2, 2022

When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day foods, ravioli probably isn’t the first one that comes to mind. But at Costco, you can get this Italian fave-turned Irish treat in fabulously festive shamrock shapes!

This isn’t the first time the warehouse club has brought their loyal members holiday happiness in the form of pasta perfection. Costco celebrated Valentine’s Day with red heart-shaped ravioli and Halloween with bat-shaped pasta, too. Now Nuovo Pasta, the makers of creative carbs, is bringing us a five-cheese green shamrock St. Patrick’s Day treat.

So what can you expect from Nuovo’s shamrock-shaped ravioli? The pasta product includes imported Irish aged cheddar, shredded mozzarella, creamy white cheddar, velvet ricotta and parmesan cheese. Turn the pasta’s package over and you’ll find a special surprise—a recipe for an Irish vodka sauce.

In addition to the savory sauce recipe, we happen to love the fun green and white ravioli that we hope to all leprechauns will finally get our kids to eat an entire meal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Camw5zuKxvE/

The St. Patrick’s day-themed pasta is available at Costco warehouses across the country in a two-pack of 16 oz. each for $9.99.

—Erica Loop & Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Nuovo Pasta

Here’s the Real Reason Costco Checks Your Receipts Before You Leave

Costco Membership Now Comes with a New Feature You’re Going to Love

16 Simple Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Recipes

by Kate LowethJanuary 20, 2022

We’ll be the first to admit that we love chicken. Why? You can’t beat its versatility. Fried, poached, roasted, broiled, baked, slow-cooked—you name it, we’ve tried it. Here are 11 of our favorite kid-friendly chicken recipes, which will make this week’s meal plan a cinch.

photo: iStock

1. Perfect Roast Chicken
If you’re anything like us, trying to perfect the roast chicken has been one long struggle. Not only do you need the ideal amount of flavor but it’s hard to gauge how long to leave the chicken in the oven. Well, thanks to this amazing recipe, our struggles are now over. Say hello to the perfect roast chicken.

2. Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
If you’ve got picky eaters at your table, a good way to get them to eat is to let them dip their foods in fun sauces. Here’s a great, easy chicken meal. Simply put the chicken on a skewer and dip away!

3. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
With the winter weather approaching, there’s nothing like a hearty stew to warm us up. This recipe features chicken, potatoes and veggies, which are always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It uses the most parent-friendly kitchen appliance of all: the slow cooker.

4. Mustard & Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken
This recipe is a favorite of Red Tricycle’s managing editor. Why? It only requires four ingredients (well, five if you count vegetable oil). Part sweet, part spicy (if you don’t like spicce merely use less mustard), this chicken is sure to wow your fam.

5. Thai Basil Chicken
Take a stab at making your own Thai Basil Chicken with this kid-friendly recipe courtesy of Seattle mama and Red Tricycle contributor, Pat.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Verde
Did someone say slow cooker? There’s nothing like the feeling of whipping up a great meal with the handy crock pot. Throw all of your ingredients in the pot and voila — you have a fantastic piping hot Chicken Verde dinner.

7. Greek Stuffed Chicken
Stuffing is a great way to dress up chicken. Here a normal ol’ chicken breast is stuffed with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Your kids will love digging into these treasures of goodness.

8. Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are the perfect size for little fingers. This recipe is a favorite of our Managing Editor, mainly because the wings are oh-so-easy to make in a cinch, and the wings are coated in scrumptious homemade teriyaki sauce. Just remember that your fingers will be quite sticky when eating these so you’ll want to line up some wet paper towels in advance.

photo iStock

9. BBQ Chicken with Green Beans
Nothing screams summer more than BBQ. Boneless skinless chicken breast will make this dish amazing and you can either use store bought BBQ sauce or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own. Serve with a side of green beans to make up the nutritional value of this dish.

10. Curry Fried Chicken
Spice up your fried chicken recipe with some curry flavor. Serve this recipe hot at dinner or cold for a picnic. Your kids will love it.

11. Black Bean Chicken Quesadilla
Chicken is broiled and paired with pureed black beans and a simple salsa made from tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juice. Yum!

12. Quick Marmalade Chicken
Marmalade adds a bit of sweet flavor to this chicken recipe, which is ideal for those kiddos who don’t like to eat their meat. The best part? This meal can be made in 30 minutes or less!

photo: iStock

13. Chicken Parmesan Goes Light
Chicken Parm is one of those dishes that everyone loves, but nobody truly wants to eat too frequently because of its unhealthy reputation. Here Chicken Parmesan goes light with a healthier take on this age-old favorite.

14. Chicken With Creamy Mustard Sauce
Creamy mustard sauce adds extra flavor to this healthy recipe. It’s fast, easy and delicious — what more could you want?

15. Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken
With a few simple steps (you can open a can, right?) this meal will be ready to go by the time you get home. Serve it with pasta, rice and veggies for a complete meal. Oh, and did we mention that this kid-approved recipe only requires five ingredients?

16. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Can’t you just smell this one through the screen? This soup is comfort food to the max and so easy you won’t resort to canned again.

—Kate Loweth

Stew & Chili Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter

20 Comfort Food Recipes to Get You Through Winter

11 Latke Recipes That You Can Make All Year Long

by Leah R. SingerNovember 26, 2021

What’s the best part of Hanukkah? It’s not the gifts, learning how to spin a dreidel or chocolate gelt (although we do like an excuse for chocolate). It’s latkes. That’s right, potato latkes—the perfect excuse to eat food fried in oil (as if we really needed one). Even if you want to throw some veggies into the action, we’ve found a recipe for you. See our favorite 11 latke recipes below.

1. The Perfect Latkes
Make what the View from Great Island calls “the perfect latkes” this December. Perfectly crisp, there’s also a recipe for spiced applesauce!

2. Gold Potato Latkes
Gold is the secret ingredient in this delicious latke from Leah's Thoughts. Yukon gold potato, that is. The buttery taste of the Yukon potato will give these latkes a super-rich flavor.

3. Vegetable and Feta Latkes
With grated zucchini, potato and carrots in this recipe, the latke is healthy, right? Add some crumbled feta cheese and you have a dish that is unique and sure to please even picky eaters.

4. Brussels Sprout Latkes with Dijon Yogurt Sauce
Live Eat Learn just took your next latke to a new level, not to mention what they've done for brussels sprouts! Sprouts never tasted (or looked) so good! This recipe calls for potatoes, shredded Brussels sprouts and leeks. The sauce is equally delicious with ingredients like Greek yogurt, dijon and maple syrup.

5. Butternut Squash Latkes
This recipe is so simple even your kids can make Hanukkah dinner! The key is shredding butternut squash the way you would potato. And then frying them up to perfection. Get the how-to over at Eating Richly.

6. Waffle Iron Sweet Potato Latkes
Talk about a new twist to an old favorite. These latkes from Family Friends Food are made with sweet potatoes. And instead of frying them in a pan with oil, the latkes are scooped into a waffle maker. What you get is a tasty latke that looks like a breakfast favorite.

7. Mashed Potato Latkes
Who says the traditional latke should have shredded potato? Not Two Kooks in the Kitchen whose recipe calls for leftover mashed potatoes as the starch. We think it's a great idea, especially if you don't have a lot of time to spend on grating but still want delicious fried latkes to enjoy.

8. Keto Cauliflower Fritters
A low-carb version of the classic potato pancake, this fritter recipe is cheesy-good and the fact that you can use store-bought cauliflower rice means your prep time will be cut in half. Get the recipe from Savory Tooth.

9. Kimchi Latkes
Ready to give your traditional latke a spicy Asian twist? Girl in the Little Red Kitchen combines Russet potatoes with a heaping portion of diced kimchi for an Asian twist. A side of sour cream and Sriracha sauce makes for a perfect side to the latke.

10. Mini Potato Latkes
How cute are these little latkes? Perfect for tiny hands, this recipe from What Should I Make For will be a winner with the kids. The adults will appreciate the accompanying apple creme fraiche.

11. Adam and Maxine's Famous Latkes
According to Epicurious, you can't go wrong with this iconic recipe. Get it here.

—Leah R. Singer with Gabby Cullen

12 Terrific Thai Food Recipes for Families

by Karly WoodNovember 10, 2021

Bored with your current dinner faves? Take a trip to Thailand! Thai cuisine is very kid-friendly with lots of rice, noodles and meat dishes that make it easy to incorporate newer flavors like sweet chili and curry. Keep scrolling to find simple Thai food recipes the entire family will enjoy (and that whip up in a flash).

Pad Kee Mao

This drunken noodle recipe from Gimme Some Oven is definitely family friendly, despite the name. Made without alcohol, the noodle-meat-veggie dish is polished off with a delicious sauce made with Thai basil, giving it that extra kick.

Thai Garlic Fried Shrimp

Quick dinner to the rescue! Less spicy than other versions, this Thai garlic fried shrimp from Christie at Home comes together in just 30 minutes and uses amazing aromatics like sesame oil and green onions.

Thai Mango Sweet Sticky Rice

Get ready for your kids to devour this dish! Joyous Apron has a delicious recipe that combines sticky rice, coconut sauce and fresh mango into this plate-licking dessert.

Thai Sweet Chili Peanut Noodles

It takes just four ingredients and 15 minutes to get this recipe from Rasa Malaysia on the table. Even better? You can use American ingredients you probably already have on hand, like spaghetti noodles!

Thai Basil Pork

Fifteen minutes for dinner? Pass the pork, please! Leite's Culinaria has an uber easy that uses ground pork, chili, Thai basil and fish sauce that results in a takeout-worthy dish.

Vegetarian Thai Green Curry

You can skip the meat in this chick pea-based curry dish from Chelsea's Messy Apron. Made with snow peas and butternut squash that are easily concealed under warm green curry, your kids will hardly realize they're racking up veggie points.

Pad Thai

Pad Thai has appeared on a "World's 50 Best Foods" list and with good reason: it's easy, flavorful and super kid friendly. This easy version from Feasting at Home comes together in 15 minutes of cook time and even uses ingredients you can find at American grocers.

Thai Fried Rice

Show us a kiddo who doesn't love fried rice! This tasty recipe from A Spicy Perspective brings together classic fried rice ingredients like egg and green onion, with a splash of curry to make it totally Thai.

Chicken Massaman Curry

If you family is ready to dig into red curry, Chicken Massaman is the place to start. Favorite Family Recipes shares a mild yet savory recipe using massaman curry paste, chicken and veggies that kids won't be able to turn down.

Gai Yang

Perfect for summer, Thai BBQ Chicken is a crowd pleaser and a nice twist on traditional chicken dishes. Rasa Malaysia's recipe uses chicken wings, sweet chili sauce, sriracha and cilantro resulting in both a sweet and savory meal that can easily be adjusted for picky palates.

Thai Iced Tea

No ice tea compares to this rich, Thai version. Hungry Huy shares a recipe that uses steeped tea, sweetened condensed milk and crushed ice that rivals any you'd find in a restaurant.

Banana Roti

Let's hear it for Thai Banana Pancakes! This street vendor fave requires a little bit of prep work, but the kids will be begging you to whip up this recipe from Hot Thai Kitchen forever after devouring their first bite.

––Karly Wood

20 Global Recipes Your Kids Should Try at Least Once

10 Authentic German Food Recipes Perfect for Oktoberfest

8 Traditional Cuban Recipes for the Entire Family

9 African Food Recipes You Need to Try at Home

10 Tasty Vietnamese Recipes for Families

14 Restaurant-Worthy Middle Eastern Recipes Families Will Love

11 Simple Greek Recipes for Families

11 of the Best Kid-Friendly Indian Food Recipes

Pizza is always a good idea—here our favorite places to go around New York with the kids whether its for a slice or a whole pizza pie

Related reads

These recipes are easy to make at home

Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)

Japanese Milk Bread

Vegetable Noodle Soup

Tamagoyaki (Pan Fried Rolled Egg)

Vegan Sushi

Japanese Curry

Vegan Tofu Nuggets

Gyudon (Beef Rice Bowl)

Omurice (Omelette Rice)

Chicken Katsu Sandwich

Andagi (Okinawan Fried Donuts)

Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)

Ginger Soy Glazed Edamame

Kitsune Udon

Chicken Karaage (Fried Chicken)

Related reads

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Sausage

Warm Winter Salad

Chicken Alfredo with Linguine and Broccoli

Classic Fondue

Butternut Squash Soup

Fortified Mandarin Orange Chicken

Individual Pizza Pies

Winter Rice Bowl

Related reads

Grilled Chicken Recipe

Corn on the Cob

Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Veggie Beef Tin Foil Packets

Grilled Sweet Potato

Grilled Avocado

Chicken Skewers

Grilled Peaches with Feta

Related reads

Sukie's Candle Company

bumble B design

Eco Collective

Fair Trade Winds

Glass Drinking Straws

Girlfriend Collective

Terra Bella Flowers

Metamorphic Gear

Prairie Underground

Related reads

Enchilada Casserole

Brown Rice Skillet

Chicken Parmesan

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

Easy Peasy Tuna Bake

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Veggie Beef Casserole

Overnight French Toast

Veggie Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads

Pad Kee Mao

Thai Garlic Fried Shrimp

Thai Mango Sweet Sticky Rice

Thai Sweet Chili Peanut Noodles

Thai Basil Pork

Vegetarian Thai Green Curry

Pad Thai

Thai Fried Rice

Chicken Massaman Curry

Gai Yang

Thai Iced Tea

Banana Roti

Related reads