It’s Friday! Wow, this week has flown. Partly because we’re trying to do all we can to hold on to the last days of summer, and partly because we’ve been busy with a pretty big surprise for you. “What? A surprise?” We’re glad you asked!

If you haven’t seen it yet, there was some extensive remodeling done over at The Pioneer Woman. Lots of bright and shiny new things going on there. One of those shiny new things is something a little extra special for us here at Tasty Kitchen: a section called Food & Friends. There, you’ll find recipes and tips and food-related posts from Ree’s friends, many of whom you’ve already met as Tasty Kitchen members.

We hope you’ll pop over, say hi, and make yourself at home. We’ve also created a Food & Friends Tasty Kitchen account, so you can find all the posted recipes right here on TK. (Instagram, too!) And don’t you worry, Tasty Kitchen is here to stay, and will continue as the happy recipe sharing community that we’ve all come to love.

Here’s what you’ll find there!

How to Make Simple Syrup. There’s a reason it’s called simple syrup. Up your cocktail game by making flavored versions!

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. Grilled croutons for the win!

Blackberry Soda Floats. Creamy and fruity and bubbly. Play around with different combinations!

You Rule Cookies. How cute are these. Perfect back-to-school treats!

Summertime Shrimp Pizza. Hang on to summer just a little bit longer with this pizza. Sweet and crunchy corn, sweet and briny shrimp. Throw in extra summer veggies and dig in!

Peach Pistachio Galette. So easy and beautifully rustic. The peaches really shine here!

Spinach Basil Pesto Risotto. I’m sorry, you said something? I was too busy staring at the bowl of lusciousness.

We’re blown away by talents of the contributors there, and we know you will be too. So come say hi! Here’s the link to take you there directly: Pioneer Woman: Food & Friends.

Have a great weekend, friends!

#234 Jessica H: “Pot roast with potatoes.”

Congratulations! Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com and start shopping!

Happy Friday! Betsy and I have been trying to figure out what you might need in your kitchen this time of year. We’re failing. You might still be in summer mode and want an ice cream maker. Or maybe school is starting and you need a little help getting organized. Since we can’t decide, we’re putting you in charge! We’re giving away a $150 gift card to Chef’s Catalog. You can find just about anything you could possibly need there, so the shopping’s on us!

 
TO ENTER

To enter this giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

What are you planning on eating this weekend?

Just leave your answer below and you’ll be entered to win!

 
THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Contest ends tomorrow at 9PM PST.

The winner will be chosen randomly and announced this weekend.

Sponsored by Tasty Kitchen.

#38 Kelley HJ: “My girl loves turkey sausage in her lunch.”
#66 Lynne R: “My grandchildren would love new lunch boxes and they, of course, like anything mommie makes. In theory..”
#183 feistyfilly: “He’s such a good kid, he’d take carrots and apples every day. And pizza if I’d allow it, ha!”

Congratulations! You each win a lunch box in your choice of color and style. Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com to claim your sweet loot!

School is starting! How is that possible? It’s sad to say good-bye to summer, but most of us actually welcome the return to school and a little more routine in our lives. We also start off the year with good intentions for lunch packing organization. We want to keep it interesting but also pack food the kids will actually eat! We love these No-Bake Healthy Granola Bites from TK Member Mel. They’re the perfect addition to a tasty lunch or a great after-school snack. And a little bit of chocolate never hurts!

To celebrate the start of school and our grand plans for lunch packing success this year, we’re giving away three (3) lunch bags from Pottery Barn Kids. Winners choice of color and style.

 
TO ENTER

To enter this giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

“What is your child’s (or your own) favorite thing to take for lunch?”

Shout out your answer below and you’ll automatically be entered to win!

 
THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Contest ends tomorrow at 12PM PST.

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced Sunday.

 
Giveaway sponsored by Tasty Kitchen.

#549 Kelly W: “Sunday is my birthday and I’m being spoiled the whole weekend!! My daughter and her kids are taking me out Saturday and then my brother and his partner invited me to their place on Sunday. A girl could get kind of use to being spoiled like that!” (Talk about perfect timing!)

Congratulations! Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com to claim your loot.

Happy Friday, friends! Welcome to day five of our 5th anniversary giveaway week! We love our Tasty Kitchen community and want to say thanks for, well, being you! We just had to end the week with one of our favorite kitchen appliances, the KitchenAid Mixer. Oh, how we love these babies. We couldn’t live without ours, and we want to share the mixer love today.

In case you need an idea or two, here are some delectable mixer recipes from our fabulous members.

Amazing Soft Pretzel Rolls from Melanie of Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. One or two of these right out of the oven. Yes, please.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Mary Ellen of Whisk Together. Our highest rated Oatmeal Raisin cookie. Scrumptious!

Whipped Coconut Cream from Christina of Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe. Such a delicious vegan alternative to dairy. Not just for vegans!

Cuban Coffee Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate and Dulche de Leche from Gwen of Bunkycooks. If you have the ice cream attachment, here is some caramel and coffee lusciousness for you.

Chocolate Cheesecake Truffles from Amy of She Wears Many Hats. So easy and fun. Must try these heavenly bites!

Pizza Dough from Erica Lea of Buttered Side Up. A perfect whole wheat dough. Ready to be loaded up with toppings!

So there you have a little mixer inspiration. Now on to the details!

We’re giving away a Kitchen Aid Artisan stand mixer in the color of the winner’s choosing—or in Ree’s lovely floral design if you’d like!

 
TO ENTER

To enter this giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

“What are you cooking this weekend?”

Shout out your answer below and you’ll automatically be entered to win!

 
THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Contest ends tomorrow at 12PM PST.

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced Sunday morning.

 
All anniversary week giveaways sponsored by Tasty Kitchen.

#704 Becky K: “Some grilled fresh veggies right out of the garden!”

Congratulations! Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com to claim your loot.

It’s our fifth anniversary, and to say thank you to our wonderful community, we’re doing giveaways all week. Today, we have a Cuisinart Food Processor for you. It’s the powerhouse of the kitchen and can make life so much easier. Once you use one, you can never go back! Here are some great recipe ideas that use a food processor. The possibilities are endless!

Garlic White Bean Basil Hummus and Homemade Toasted Pita Chips from Monique of Ambitious Kitchen. Serious snack attack! Smooth and creamy white bean dip. Yum.

Homemade Nutella from Kate of Diethood. So delicious and easy to make this—or any nut butter—at home with a food processor.

The Best Cauliflower Crust Pizza from Michelle of The Lucky Penny. You’ve gotta try it. Great alternative to regular dough. Your food processor can shred cheese for your pizza, too!

Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread from Erika of The Pancake Princess. Gluten-free and delish. And it’s so convenient to grind oats you already have at home for the flour!

Homemade Goldfish Crackers from Erin of Dinners, Dishes and Desserts. This recipe was also featured in the TK Blog. How fun are these? The kids will love.

Cashew Panko Chicken Tenders with Polynesian Sauce from Tina of My life as a Mrs. Cashews chopped in a food processor make a great crust!

Those are just a few tasty recipes to make with your food processor. Now, let’s get busy winning one!

We’re giving away one Cuisinart Custom 14-cup Food Processor. It’ll be your new best friend.

 
TO ENTER

To enter this giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

“What’s your go-to summer meal that keeps you cool but still satisfies??”

Shout out your answer below and you’ll automatically be entered to win!

 
THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Contest ends tonight at 9PM PST.

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow morning.

 
All anniversary week giveaways sponsored by Tasty Kitchen.

#335 Pam S: “I love all of the colors — so hard to choose only one! Maybe the turquoise blue? Or the red? But the yellow is beautiful, too.” (Now’s your chance to pick one!)

Congratulations! Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com to claim your loot.

We’re celebrating our fifth anniversary with giveaways all week. Today, it’s one of our all-time favorite pieces of cookware, the Le Creuset French Oven. In my kitchen, it sits out on the stove almost all the time, ready for its next job. They’re so versatile and durable, and with all the bright, beautiful colors, they can become part of your kitchen decor. Here are some prize-winning recipes, best made in one of these French ovens. Get ready to be hungry.

Olive Oil & Italian Herb Dutch Oven Bread from Jackie of La Casa de Sweets. No knead. Delicious served warm!

Texas Chili from Jen of Devour the World. Short rib chili. Meaty goodness.

Red Curry Vegetable Lentils from Gina of Running to the Kitchen. Healthy veggies can be comfort food, too!

Braised Beef Short Ribs Over Polenta with Gorgonzola from Carly Klock. A truly scrumptious, stick-to-your-ribs dinner.

Homemade Ricotta Cheese from Gaby of What’s Gaby Cooking. So easy and so rich. Definitely worth making your own. (Le Creuset pots are great for other homemade ingredients, like Greek yogurt.

Turkey Bolognese Ragu with Pappardelle from Nam of The Culinary Chronicles. This is an everybody-pleaser! Hearty and so tasty!

So, now that our tummies are growling, let’s get to the giveaway!

We’re giving away one Le Creuset 7 1/4-quart Round French Oven. You get to choose the color, too!

 
TO ENTER

To enter this giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

“Which Le Creuset color is your favorite?”

Tell us your answer below and you’ll automatically be entered to win!

 
THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Contest ends tonight at 9PM PST.

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow morning.

 
All anniversary week giveaways sponsored by Tasty Kitchen.

#470 Lisa: “The best thing to grill is paella! The smoke from the charcoal makes it so amazing! Perfect for a big party.”

Congratulations! Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com to claim your loot.

It’s day two of our anniversary week of giveaways! We’re celebrating five years here at Tasty Kitchen, and today we’re thinking about grilling. ‘Tis the grilling season, and we could all use a nice set of tools when we’re making magic over an open flame. More on the giveaway in a minute, but first, feast your eyes on a few of our favorite grilled recipes.

Huevos Rancheros Burger from John of Patio Daddio BBQ. Chorizo burger. With an egg on top. Heck, yes. Patio Daddio knows his way around the grill.

Grilled Corn with Bacon Butter and Cotija Cheese from Jessica of How Sweet It Is. Whole new level. Did we mention bacon butter?.

Chipotle Chicken Kabobs with Avocado Cream from Justine of Cooking and Beer. Spicy, sweet. Kickin’ chicken!.

Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Rum Sauce from Dara of Cookin’ Canuck. Excuse us while we eat this sauce by the spoonful.

Grilled Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Arugula Pizza from Meagan of A Zesty Bite. Fresh and yummy. And grilling pizza is just plain fun!

Grilled Zucchini Fries—another one from our friend Patio Daddio. An easy, flavorful side dish. Helps use up some of that zucchini from the garden, too.

Now that you have a few new recipes to try, it’s time for the giveaway!

We’re giving away this great BBQ tool set for all your basic grilling needs.

The winner also receives this mesh outdoor cookware set so you can throw just about anything you want on the grill.

As a bonus, we’ll include this Grand Grill Daddy grill cleaning brush so you can keep your grill nice and clean and always ready for the next meal!

 
TO ENTER

To enter this giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

“What’s your favorite thing to grill for guests?”

Shout out your answer below and you’ll automatically be entered to win!

 
THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Contest ends tonight at midnight PST.

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow morning, along with another new giveaway. The fun continues!

 
All anniversary week giveaways sponsored by Tasty Kitchen.

The winner of the Blendtec blender is:

#669 Izzybee: “Ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream.” (Yes, yes, and oh yes.)

Congratulations! Contact prizes@thepioneerwoman.com to claim your loot.

 
Hi friends! We’re celebrating a special day today, the fifth anniversary of Tasty Kitchen! Five years of delicious recipes and fabulous community. We want to say thanks to you for being a part of Tasty Kitchen, so we’re having a week of giveaways—5 years, 5 days of fun loot. Here we go!

Today, it’s all about the Blendtec, baby. Summer leaves us craving cold stuff! Milkshakes, smoothies, cold soups, icy coffee, even nut milks. We all need a mean machine for blending, and the Blendtec WildSide blender is definitely that. Check out these scrumptious blender recipes:

Pineapple Coconut Pear Milkshakes from TK member Ann. So creamy and coconutty.

Nutella S’more Iced Coffee from TK member Lindsey. No fire needed! And it has marshmallow whipped cream. Score.

Chocolate Hazelnut Milk from Three Many Cooks. All you need to know is two words: liquid Nutella. Amen.

Chilled Tomato Soup & Green Goddess Whipped Cream from Tami of Running with Tweezers. Perfect for summer.

Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas from Jackie Dodd of Domestic Fits. Sweet meets heat. And tequila. Yeah, baby.

So, are you ready to win that blender? It’s easy!

 
TO ENTER

To enter this giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post:

“What’s your favorite way to cool off in the summer?”

We shared five of our favorite ways above. Now we want to hear from you!

 
THE RULES

One entry per person, please. Contest ends tonight at midnight PST.

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow morning. Be sure to check in every day this week for the winner and the next giveaway!

And happy 5th TK anniversary you! We wouldn’t be here without ya.

Beginning today, we’ve made some important changes in the Review/Rating system here on Tasty Kitchen!

As many of you know, Tasty Kitchen was launched less than a year ago. It’s been just wonderful watching so many of you join, participate, and share your best dishes with the community of awesome folks here. All bias aside, it has seriously become my new go-to recipe source whenever I’m in search of something specific.

Of course, all new sites are works in progress and I knew from the get-go that I’d need to continually tweak things here and there to make everything work perfectly. One of the most important areas that has needed work—and the number one source of concern from the community—has always been the Ratings/Reviews system for recipes. As many of you pointed out, it was a little too easy to click on the red mitt rating system and assign arbitrary ratings to this recipe or that, and many who submitted recipes found it frustrating (rightly so) that anyone could click on one or two mitts and lower the overall rating of their recipes. Also, it was a little too easy to accidentally click on the wrong mitt rating—and with no way for this to be undone, the rating stuck.

Another common complaint: the Reviews section. The “Reviews” were actually more in line with a regular “Comments” section—while there were many legitimate reviews from folks who’d made the recipe in question, there were also just general comments relating to the recipe, things like “This looks yummy” or “I make something similar to this at Christmastime every year.” Both categories of dialog are absolutely welcome and an important aspect of the community—but we realized over time that it was important for Reviews and Comments to be separate.

So here are the changes, which just went into effect today:

 
REVIEW:

COMMENT:

1. On recipes, Reviews and Comments will be in separate (tabbed) sections. You must be logged in to leave either a Review (feedback if you’ve made the dish) or Comment (general discussion/remarks)

2. In order to leave a Rating (1 through 5 mitts), you must also leave a Review. Assigning the mitt rating is part of the Review dialog box.

 
 
These changes should really make a difference when it comes to searching for tried and true recipes. You can read honest Reviews from those who’ve made, served, and gobbled down the recipe, and you can read general feedback from others in the Comments. Best of both worlds!

A few important things to keep in mind:

* All Reviews posted before today will automatically revert to Comments. There really wasn’t any way for the system to discern the difference in past Reviews/Comments, so to be on the safe side, we’ve made them all Comments. If you have tried and reviewed recipes here on Tasty Kitchen and would like your Review to be included in a recipe’s overall rating, feel free to go ahead and leave a new Review.

* All Mitt Ratings before today have been erased. We realize this is a radical move and will mean that we are all, in essence, “starting from scratch” with our recipe ratings. However, we felt that it was important to the overall integrity of Tasty Kitchen’s ratings system to begin with a blank slate and remove all ratings from the old system, which was fraught with error. Don’t worry, though—I intend to make my way through many of my favorite recipes I’ve tried and bring the ratings up to date. In no time, the ratings will be built back up again.

* You will not be able to review and rate your own recipe.

* You can only rate and review a recipe once. If for any reason you want to change a review or rating that you’ve made, you can now delete your review AND rating, and leave a new one.

* If you’re used to sorting recipe searches by rating, keep in mind that the pages will turn up empty/scarce while the ratings being to repopulate throughout the site. To help with that process, we encourage you to go back to the recipes you’ve tried and review them.

And that’s it!

Implementing these changes ensures that all ratings are based on reviews left by those who have actually tried the recipe. So while it may be painful to see everything reset to zero, in the long run, this will make the recipe ratings a more reliable gauge of people’s actual experience with the recipe.

I LOVE YOU, MAN!

Thank you for being patient, not only throughout this post…but during this small adjustment period! I’m confident this new change will be a super improvement for the recipe community here on Tasty Kitchen.

Ree