This Spiced Walnut Apple Crisp Is the Perfect Fall Dessert

This easy apple crisp recipe with walnuts and warm spices is the ultimate fall dessert.

Want to make the most of apple picking season? This easy fall dessert is one perfect way to do it. While peeling and dicing the apples takes some patience, the rest of this crisp comes together in a matter of minutes.

Autumn Apples

These days, you don’t have to go to an orchard or even a farmers’ market to find an array of intriguing apples; most supermarkets stock several types besides plain old Red Delicious and Granny Smiths. Of course, apple picking is a hallowed autumn activity, and if you do bring home a haul of farm-fresh fruit, this is a great way to use it up.

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Wherever you get them, pick apples that taste great for this dessert. But pay attention to their firmness of character, too. You don’t want to use apples that will collapse into applesauce or turn dry and cottony during baking.

Related Reading: 11 Essential Apple Recipes for Fall

Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Cortlands, and Galas are some of the best types of apples to bake with.

Crisps & Crumbles

Crisps and crumbles are in the category of casual comfort food desserts that you can make from muscle memory once you’ve run through the recipe a time or two. And they’re just as perfect with fall fruit as with summer berries and peaches.

Alexis deBoschnek

This autumn crisp tosses sweet-tart apples with warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), then tops them with a mixture of oats, flour, finely chopped walnuts, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter.

Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Crisps, Crumbles, and Cobblers?

It comes together in a 9 x 9-inch baking pan and requires no other special equipment save a whisk, spatula, and mixing bowl.

OXO Good Grips Non-Stick 9 x 9 Cake Pan, $20.97 on Amazon

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So prepare to make this on repeat all fall—and don’t skip the vanilla ice cream!

Easy Spiced Walnut Apple Crisp

Pro-tip: Keep the diced apples in a bowl of cold water with a few tablespoons of lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown while you’re working on the rest of the recipe.

Spiced Walnut Apple Crisp

Prep Time: 30 minutesServes: 6

Ingredients

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 8 baking apples, such as Granny Smith, Cortland, or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, diced
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• Vanilla ice cream, to serve

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, lemon zest, butter, vanilla, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Add the diced apples and use a spatula to toss until well coated.
3. Transfer the filling to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, walnuts, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the butter and quickly work into the dry ingredients until the butter is broken down to the size of peas.
5. Sprinkle the topping in an even layer over the filling.
6. Preheat oven to 375 °F.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, the apples are bubbling, and the crumble is fragrant. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
8. Serve with ice cream. Enjoy!

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Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread tastes so quintessentially of the fall, with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and molasses. Plus an optional orange glaze! Use canned or homemade pumpkin purée.

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How to Make Caramel (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Intimidated by the thought of making caramel? It’s easier than you think! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make caramel and ideas on what to do with it.

Though the end result is complex and has incredible depth when it comes to flavor, the concept is actually pretty simple: It’s just melted sugar. Think of it that way and it’s already less intimidating.

And yet it’s so versatile in its final form. Pair it with apples, chocolate, coffee, pumpkin, vanilla ice cream…the list goes on. Sure, you can buy pre-made caramel products for pairing, but making it yourself is a lot easier than you may imagine.

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There are two basic methods for making caramel: dry or wet.

How to Make Caramel: Dry Method

1. Spread a layer of white sugar evenly in a clean saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Don’t step away; you’ll want to be close by to avoid it burning!

2. As the sugar starts to melt, use a wooden or silicone spoon to keep moving the sugar around to avoid clumps or burning. The sugar must reach at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for caramelization to take place (certain sugars have to be heated at slightly higher temps for the same reaction), but too much higher and it could burn and spoil the batch.

3. Use a thermometer or just trust your eyes and nose to know when it’s done. You can take it to a deep tawny color before it burns, but the darker it is, the more complex and less sweet; take it just up to edge of almost-burned and it’s even sort of smoky.

Related Reading: Explore the Deliciously Dark Side of Savory Caramel

Fine Cooking has more info on specific temperatures and colors of caramel to help guide you. Once you pull it off the heat, you can use the caramel as is for desserts like flan or pralines, or add in cream or vanilla for additional flavor and a more sauce-like consistency.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan, $35.97 on Amazon

A wider pan helps the sugar caramelize evenly, and a light colored material makes it easier to gauge the shade of your sugar.

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Flex-Core Silicone Spatula Spoon, $10 at Sur la Table

A silicone spoontula is ideal for gently stirring and easing your finished caramel from the pan.

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How to Make Caramel: Wet Method

1. Use a ratio of ⅓ cup of water per one cup of sugar and combine in a clean saucepan. Optional: Oil the inner sides of the pan to help prevent crystallization, or add a bit of corn syrup, lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar to the mixture in the pan. Set it on high heat and stir gently until the water starts to boil.

2. At this point, the water will begin to boil off and the sugar will start to caramelize. Keep a close eye on the sauce as the color begins to deepen and pull it off the heat once you’ve found the tone you’re going for.

This method will help you end up with a more liquidy version of the confection (like the kind that is used to make caramel apples)—but it’s also more prone to crystallization, which will make the caramel grainy. To avoid that, do not stir the mixture once it begins to boil until/unless you see uneven browning begin to occur. You can run a wet (but not dripping!) pastry brush over the inside walls of the pan partway through the process too.

OXO Good Grips Silicone Pastry Brush, $8.95on Amazon

A small brush is handy for washing sugar crystals from the sides of your pan.

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A few things to keep in mind for either method:

• Adding liquid (like cream) to caramel typically makes the mixture bubble up, so be prepared for that. Use a pot that’s deep enough to prevent overflow and get ready with an oven mitt to pull the pot off the heat.
• The caramel mixture will be scalding hot, so seriously, use oven mitts, and extra caution throughout the process to avoid any burns!
• Since caramel can easily tip over from dark brown to burnt, you can have a bowl of cold water large enough to fit your pan at the ready, and place the pan in it to halt cooking when your caramel is the perfect shade (just be sure the water won’t spill up over the sides and ruin it).

Caramel Recipes

Looking for more ways to use your homemade caramel? Here are some delicious ideas.

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce

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If your familiarity with Bundt cakes begins and ends with “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (you know the scene!), then it’s time to school yourself on this hole-y dessert. Pumpkin flavor and warm spices combine to make an autumnal treat that you’ll want to eat all year. A salted caramel sauce is the icing on the cake—literally. Get our Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce recipe.

Salted Caramel and Banana Breakfast Strata

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Need a way to justify enjoying sweet, gooey caramel for breakfast? Here you go! With rich challah or brioche, ripe bananas, and plenty of golden sauce, it’s indulgent enough already—and yet, you may as well add some chocolate chips or chunks for good measure. Get our Salted Caramel Banana Breakfast Strata recipe. (Try our Caramel Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Casserole recipe for an autumnal twist.)

Pecan and Salted Caramel Cheesecake

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Making a homemade pie crust and homemade caramel may seem daunting, but with an end result as delicious as this one, it’s worth the work. Chopped pecans pair with a layer of salted caramel sauce for a drool-worthy cheesecake. Get our Pecan and Salted Caramel Cheesecake recipe.

Three-Ingredient Date Caramel (or Runny Raw Caramel Sauce)

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Healthy Date Caramel by @mindful_moose Recipe: Ingredients⠀ Raw Caramel⠀ 25 pitted medjool dates⠀ 1 cup rice malt syrup (or maple syrup, but reduce slightly – try 3/4 cup because it's much sweeter)⠀ 1/4 cup tahini (or any nut butter)⠀ 1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)⠀ 1/3 cup melted coconut oil⠀ 1/4 tsp sea salt⠀ 2 tbsp water⠀ ⠀ How To Make: Soak the dates for 10-15 minutes in boiling water. Peel off the skins (makes a smoother caramel), and place in a high powered blender or food processor along with all the other ingredients. Blend until completely smooth. Store in a jar in the fridge. Enjoy! #veganfoodspace #vegantreats #treatyoself

A post shared by Vegan Food Space (@veganfoodspace) on Feb 23, 2019 at 8:00am PST

Whether you’re trying to cut back on refined sugar or just looking for an easier, fool-proof method, these plant-based takes on caramel sauce actually don’t use heat; they use lots of blending instead! Grab your food processor and watch a bowl of dates transform into a nutty, thick, caramel-like topping that is vegan and gluten free with this Three-Ingredient Date Caramel recipe. Or, if you want something runnier to use as a sauce, try the Raw Caramel recipe pictured above.

Chocolate Caramel Apples with Salted Pretzels

Chowhound

Were you the kid who plotted out which houses had the best Halloween candy growing up? Then this grown-up take on one of your favorite treats will make your inner child beyond happy. The creamy-crunchy-salty-sweet snacks won’t last long, so enjoy them before they fly off the plate. Get our Chocolate Caramel Apple recipe.

Salted Caramel Popcorn Balls

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If you were more of a popcorn ball kid, these crunchy, salty, and sweet caramel popcorn confections are the perfect thing to whip up at home. Get our Salted Caramel Popcorn Balls recipe.

Salted Caramel Frosting

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You can also mix your homemade caramel sauce into a batch of fluffy frosting, perfect for slathering on cakes and cupcakes all fall. It pairs perfectly with almost any cake flavor, including vanilla bean, chocolate, spiced apple, and pumpkin. Get our Salted Caramel Frosting recipe.

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The Best Black Friday Deals on Kitchen Appliances & Cookware

We’re only just starting to plan our Halloween parties, and yet there’s already talk of Black Friday deals for 2019. While it’s too early to say what the best Black Friday deals on cookware and kitchen appliances will be, we can make some predictions based on last year (and what we hope to see).

This is where all our picks for best Black Friday kitchen and cookware deals 2019 will be announced, so bookmark this page and check back for updates as we get closer—but expect some deals to be leaked as soon as late October.

Related Reading: What You Need to Know About Black Friday 2019 | The Best Cyber Monday Deals on Kitchen Appliances & Cookware for 2019

What to Expect for Black Friday 2019

There will undoubtedly be deals on big ticket items like fridges and dishwashers, as well as low prices on items like the Instant Pot and various air fryer models.

Last year, we saw great prices on blenders, wine fridges, Crock-Pots, and KitchenAid attachments. It’s always a tempting time to finally buy a sous vide circulator, too, or to score a stand mixer ahead of the holiday baking crush. And cookware sets from brands like All-Clad are bound to be on sale at Sur la Table, Amazon, Macy’s, and other retailers.

Until we have more concrete details, here are some current sales that might catch your attention.

Cuisinart Knife Set, $20 on Best Buy (normally $99.99)

Best Buy

This deal of the day for a six-knife set is a steal at $80 off; the chef’s knife, serrated bread knife, slicing knife, santoku knife, paring knife, and utility knife are all made from stainless steel with a nonstick coating, which resists wear and tear and helps them stay sharp. (The sleek black profile looks sharp too.) Each knife includes its own sheath to protect it while it’s in storage.Buy Now

Le Creuset Signature Deep Round Dutch Oven, $199.96 at Sur la Table (normally $324.95)

Sur la Table

We love Le Creuset and there’s always a beautiful new color to tempt us (Truffle is the most recent addition—and then there’s the “Star Wars” collection coming to stores on November 1). Their classic 5.25-quart Dutch oven is currently marked down as part of Sur la Table’s Anniversary Sale and is available in five fetching shades, including an exclusive Indigo option.Buy Now

Lodge 5-Piece Seasoned & Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set, $69.95 at Walmart (normally $149.99)

Walmart

Quality cast iron, properly cared for, will last forever and it can handle any kitchen job you throw at it, from deep frying food to baking dessert, and simmering stew to cooking pancakes. This 5-piece, pre-seasoned, enameled cast iron cookware set from Lodge consists of two skillets (8 inches and 10.25 inches, respectively), a 5.5-quart Dutch oven, and a 10.5-inch cast iron griddle—and you get all that for under $70.Buy Now

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The Best Cyber Monday Deals on Kitchen Appliances & Cookware

Cyber Monday 2019 will be here before you know it. While we can’t say yet what the best Cyber Monday deals on kitchen gadgets and cookware will be, we have our fingers crossed for some specifics, and can make some guesses based on what we saw last year.

This is where all our picks for best Cyber Monday cookware and kitchen deals will be announced, so bookmark this page and check back for updates as we get closer. Some deals will likely be “leaked” as early as late October, so you may not have long to wait.

Related Reading: The Best Black Friday Deals on Kitchen Appliances & Cookware for 2019

Until we see more specifics on discounted air fryers, Instant Pots, stand mixers, and more, here are some items currently marked down at various retailers that may pique your interest in the meanwhile.

GreenLife 18-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set, $79.97 (normally $129.99)

Green Life/Wal-Mart

On sale now, this went down even lower (to $49) last year, but if you can’t wait to see how it will compare this Cyber Monday, it’s still a great deal. The ceramic non-stick coating is dishwasher safe and non-toxic, and the soft-grip handles make it comfortable to use. Plus, the color is fantastic (but it also comes in a silvery gray if you prefer something more neutral).Buy Now

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, $699.95 at Sur la Table (normally $1,290)

Sur la Table

If you have more cash to spare, it’s definitely worth upgrading to a set of stainless steel All-Clad cookware. This 10-piece suite with 8- and 10-inch skillets, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart saute pan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot are currently marked down as part of Sur la Table’s Anniversary Sale, but we’re sure to see more great prices on cookware sets when Cyber Monday rolls around again.Buy Now

GoWise USA 5.8-Quart Air Fryer, $68.48 on Amazon (normally $90)

Amazon

If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting an air fryer but can stand to wait a little longer, you’ll probably see some deep discounts for Cyber Monday. Still, if you shop around, you can find some on sale now, like this model, which is on the larger side and has a sleek touch screen design. It’s over $20 off and you can save an additional $1.61 with the digital coupon option (which may seem like small potatoes, but it all adds up, right?).Buy Now

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These Black Cuisinart Kitchen Knives Are Marked Down Under $20 Today

A solid six-piece knife set is currently on major discount at Best Buy as the retailer’s Deal of the Day. These cool Cuisinart knives in a sharp (get it?) matte metallic black make a perfect gift for yourself or a budding chef with lots of slicing, dicing, mincing, chopping, and paring to do. 

Related Reading: The Best Healthy Meal Kits (For When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking)

The knife set—marked down $80 to under $20 (today only)—includes a versatile chef’s knife, serrated bread knife, slicing knife, santoku (all-purpose) knife, paring knife, and utility knife, each in its own sheath to protect from dents and dulling.

Cuisinart 6-Knife Set in black, $20 on Best Buy

Best Buy

Stainless steel with a nonstick coating designed to resist wear and tear and maintain optimal sharpness over time. Each of the six sharp kitchen knives come with a fitted protector to guard against dulling while in storage. Buy Now

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Chocolate Pumpkin Pancakes

Looking for the perfect Halloween breakfast this year? These chocolate pumpkin pancakes made with real chocolate milk, warm spices, and pumpkin are a showstopper with both kids and adults alike!

Continue reading "Chocolate Pumpkin Pancakes" »

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11 Tuna Salad Recipes Perfect for Your Work Lunch Box

 

A good tuna salad recipe is a thing of beauty, and we have several of them, from no-frills to downright fancy. The key is to use a good, high-quality, oil-packed tuna; look for brands packed in pure olive oil. In tuna salad sandwich form, it’s appealingly nostalgic but also suitable for grown-up palates, and it easily transcends bread if you’d rather have something based on rice or greens.

From updated takes on the classic mayo-based sandwich filling and tuna melts to sophisticated seared tuna bowls and salads, here are 11 of our favorite tuna salad recipes to pack for lunch or enjoy for an easy dinner.

Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 24 cans for $38.83 on Amazon

Yes, it's pricier than Starkist, but it's also worth it.

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1. Grown Up Tuna Salad

Chowhound

Skip the kid stuff—sophisticated flavors like fennel and Dijon mustard turn this tuna salad into a lunch we crave. Use a very good-quality oil-packed tuna to elevate the flavor, and feel free to use whatever bread you like. Get our Grown Up Tuna Salad recipe.

Related Reading: The Best Gluten-Free Bread to Buy

2. Deli-Style Tuna Salad

Chowhound

Another punched-up option, this deli-style tuna salad incorporates chopped cornichons and pepperoncini, and is great served with shredded iceberg and extra mayo on white toast for the ultimate crunch. Get our Deli-Style Tuna Salad recipe.

3. Tuna Melt Sandwiches

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A classic for a reason, tuna melts are always satisfying. Our version uses rye bread for a heartier lunch and capers and mustard to add some pizzazz to the tuna. Your coworkers will be envious when they see this come noontime (wrap it in foil and reheat it in a toaster oven for gooey cheese). Get our Tuna Melt recipe.

4. Spicy Chipotle Tuna Melts

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If you like a little more spice, this tuna melt brings jalapeño and chipotle to the mix, plus Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for extra umami. Follow the same reheating instructions as above. Get our Chipotle Tuna Melt recipe.

5. Tuna Melt Potato Skins

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Three good things are better than one, so stuffing crispy potato skins with creamy tuna salad and topping it with melted cheese just makes sense. Get our Tuna Melt Potato Skins recipe.

6. Tuna, Olive, Avocado, and Green Bean Salad

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Oil-packed tuna stars in this market salad. Bright with fresh vegetables and herbs, this is a great summertime lunch that will power you through any afternoon, but it works in cooler weather too if you’ve been eating too much heavy comfort food and need a little break. Get our Tuna, Olive, Avocado, and Green Bean Salad recipe.

7. Tuna and Cannellini Bean Bruschetta

Chowhound

Simple and quick, this recipe tops toast with tuna salad. Using canned tuna and beans makes it an affordable and fast lunch option. Briny capers and chopped parsley give the toasts a bright and fresh flavor (but pack the salad and bread separately, of course). Get our Tuna and Cannellini Bean Bruschetta recipe.

8. Grilled Tuna with Cucumber Salad

Chowhound

Just because you’re packing your lunch doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant. This dish pairs grilled sushi-grade tuna with a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad flavored with lime juice, bird chile, and fish sauce. But if you use high-quality canned tuna, it still tastes great tumbled with the other ingredients. Get our Grilled Tuna with Cucumber Salad recipe.

9. Niçoise Salad

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One bite of this salad and you’re transported away from your cubicle to the south of France. The best part? This composed salad is easy to assemble ahead of time: Prepare the potatoes, green beans, and dressing in advance then toss it all together with oil-packed tuna just before lunch. Get our Niçoise Salad recipe.

10. Italian Tuna-and-Rice Salad

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Italians know food, and this salad is no exception to the rule. Healthy and cheap, it combines rice and oil-packed tuna with olives and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s light and versatile: Turn it into a sandwich, serve it over greens, or roll it into a wrap. Get our Italian Tuna-and-Rice Salad recipe.

11. Tuna Poke Bowls

Chowhound

For something truly fresh, take a tuna poke bowl, which tastes good cold (or you can warm the rice in the microwave)—and if you’re at all worried about how the raw fish will travel, you can make these with cubes of seared or even poached tuna instead. Pack the garnishes separately so the nori stays crisp. Get our Tuna Poke Bowl recipe. (Or make our Ahi Tuna Poke recipe to pack in a lidded bowl and bring along wonton crisps or tortilla chips for scooping it up.)

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How to Host a Hot Pot Dinner Party

A hot pot dinner party is easy to pull off, perfect for fall—and super fun. Here’s what you need to know to host the best hot pot party at home.

A few years ago, my parents brought home a pot-and-burner set they’d picked up at a specialty store. Now, whenever I go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, our tiny kitchen table is inevitably covered in bowls of sliced meat and raw vegetables. My dad hands me a bowl and a pair of tongs as my mom sets out a huge pot of broth, and dinner is served.

Hot pot, the communal cooking method found throughout Asia, is an event that stretches beyond, “let’s get something to eat together” variety. Anyone who’s had it, whether it’s at the wildly popular chain restaurant Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot (there’s even one in Plano, Texas,) or at the more upscale Tang Hotpot in New York, knows it’s not only delicious and soul-warming, but inevitably a good time.

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Please don't hesitate to give yourself a Moon Festival feast. #spicy #sichuan #crawfish #devine #tanghotpot #hotpot #freshingredients #chinatown #manhattan #chinesefood #vegetarian #lunchcombo #luchset #luchspecial #veggies #carnivore #wagyu #healthy #eatnyc #thrillist #timeout #infatuation #eater

A post shared by Tang Hotpot 唐锅 (@tanghotpotnyc) on Sep 13, 2019 at 8:10am PDT

But you don’t need to go to a restaurant to do it. As my mom says, “It’s the easiest meal to serve.” The guests, after all, do the cooking themselves. When you throw a hot pot dinner party, all you have to do is make sure everyone’s glasses are full as the broth boils. Below, a few tips and tools you’ll need.

The Equipment

The first thing you need is a pot. You’ll want one that’s wider than a traditional soup pot, so that heat will be equally distributed and you won’t have to go deep-sea diving for anything that goes missing from your tongs. A pot around 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep will work for up to six people.

For the “hot” part, you’ll need a burner (unless you get an electric hot pot).

Aroma Stainless Steel Electric Hot Pot, $58.67 on Amazon

Have hot pot at home with this dual chamber electric model.

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Butane burners provide the most fine-tuned heat control, but can be unpredictable. For easier clean up (and to keep your house from burning down), go with an electric or induction burner. (Be aware that induction-based heat sources require induction-compatible pots.)

There are also plenty of affordable pot-and-burner sets specifically designed for hot pot. Many of the pots come with a built-in divider, so that you can serve two different flavors of broth at once.

Rosewill Induction Burner with Pot, $49.99 on Amazon

A pot and burner set to get you started.

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You’ll also need utensils for cooking your ingredients in the broth, and for serving them up. You can use tongs, skewers, and/or chopsticks for dipping ingredients into the hot pot.

Trenton Gifts Mini Silicone-Tipped Tongs, 3 for $5.99 on Amazon

The silicone coating means these are great for gripping and dipping even delicate ingredients.

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A wide ladle will let you scoop some broth into your bowl.

Wide Silicone Ladle, $12 at Sur la Table

A wider ladle makes it easier to grab ingredients and get enough broth for yoru bowl at once.

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Small White Textured Stoneware Bowls, 4 for $19.96 at World Market

The stoneware bowls in this set each has a different pattern for a unique yet unified look.

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And platters for arranging all your raw ingredients are a must.

Indigo Serving Platter, $19.99 at World Market

Arrange ingredients on a few of these oblong platters around the table.

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Now, on to the food itself.

The Broth

Sichuan-style, which is a spicier base, is the go-to style of broth most people are familiar with. Stir-fry a few dried Sichuan chiles with roughly equal proportions of sliced ginger, minced garlic, black bean paste, and whole Sichuan peppercorns. Add a few bay leaves, several star anise, and a sprinkling of cloves. Once all the ingredients are cooked down into a paste, add the base into your pot of chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then lower back down to a simmer.

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Make hot pot at home in cold days #recipes #chinesefood #hotpot

A post shared by Elaine (@chinasichuanfood) on Dec 18, 2018 at 4:47pm PST

Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Stock and Broth?

But by all means, feel free to get more creative. Try a Thai curry with sautéed garlic by mixing four parts vegetable stock and three parts coconut milk, as well as red curry paste, lime juice, and fish sauce to taste. Top with sliced ginger and a few sprigs of Thai basil.

Or opt for a Japanese sukiyaki, made with equal parts mirin, sake, and soy sauce, two parts dashi, and a bit of sugar to taste.

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Kaikagetsu is a Japanese restaurant in the LES specializing in Hida beef, a super premium wagyu from Gifu prefecture where the cattle are raised in an environment with pristine water and air. We tried Hida Beef in a number of different ways, and my favorite was the sukiyaki ($60 for 5 slices). It’s hands down the best sukiyaki I’ve ever had in the city by a long mile. Make sure to order a side of raw egg and rice to go with this course, it was so divine ! What a feast with flowing sake and of course always a wonderful time catching up with @stuffbeneats * * Kaikagetsu | Restaurant in LES specializing in Hida beef kaiseki courses | * * Snapped: Hida beef sukiyaki | Nom factor: 9/10 * * * * * * * * * * #tbc9nomz#hidabeef #wagyu #steak #lowereastside #kaikagetsunyc #sukiyaki #すき焼き#和牛 #beefhotpot #japanesehotpot #japanesefoodnyc#kaisekinyc#kaiseki #eater @kaikagetsunyc

A post shared by ɴʏᴄ ғᴏᴏᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ (@thebellychronicles) on Aug 27, 2019 at 6:33pm PDT

You can even try French onion soup for a fondue-like spin.

And if you’re overwhelmed by the broth possibilities, you can simply fill your hot pot with a basic stock and let the dipping ingredients be the stars.

The Dipping Ingredients

Sliced beef, fish balls, bok choy, potatoes, mushrooms, tofu, and rice noodles are all fail-safe ingredients, but the truth is you can cook just about anything in a hot pot. A good rule of thumb is this: Keep proportions of meat or seafood, non-meat items, and noodles to a 2:4:1 ratio.

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Introducing the new brunch program for Saturdays and Sundays, featuring unlimited Rosé, Mimosa or fresh juice. For $32/person, you could have all the essential and best-selling ingredients to start your weekend bright. After all, summer is (almost) here. #spicy #sichuan #beef #devine #tanghotpot #hotpot #freshingredients #chinatown #manhattan #chinesefood #vegetarian #lunchcombo #luchset #luchspecial #veggies #carnivore #wagyu #healthy #eatnyc #thrillist #timeout #infatuation #eater

A post shared by Tang Hotpot 唐锅 (@tanghotpotnyc) on May 25, 2019 at 8:02am PDT

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You also want to make sure the ingredients you select pair well with the flavors in the broth. For a curry-based pot, you might want vegetables with more bite, like bell peppers; in a more moderately spicy pot, try frozen dumplings; for a Western-style pot like onion soup, replace the noodles with toasted bread.

How to Eat Hot Pot

Simple: Slice all the meat and vegetables into bite sized portions and gather your guests around the table. Using your tongs, ladles, and chopsticks or skewers, dip whatever ingredients you want into the broth. Once each ingredient thoroughly cooks, put it into your bowl alongside a ladle of hot soup.

Garnish as you please—if you really want a kick, use a dipping sauce like sesame oil or crispy chili oil. This is a party after all.

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