You may have difficulty finding protein powder if you’re vegan or can’t digest whey protein. Whey is a common foundational ingredient in many protein products, but these plant-based protein powders never use it. Check out the various flavors to find one that supports your dietary preferences. 1. Orgain Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder People who make protein shakes with Orgain’s vegan blend will likely discover their new favorite creamy drink. The mix is dairy-free and contains no added sugar. It supports numerous health goals while maintaining a plant-based foundation. $26.99 from Amazon 2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Chocolate Protein The 24 grams of protein in each serving of Optimum’s gold standard protein powder will keep hunger at bay until your next meal. The amino acids also aid muscle recovery if you drink plant-based protein shakes to supplement your workout routine. $34.99 from Amazon 3. Vega Strawberry-Banana Plant-Based Protein Vega’s protein powders are perfect for fruit smoothies. The strawberry-banana blend uses plant-based ingredients and protein from peas to keep you satisfied. It has lower calories than typical protein powders, clocking in at 100 calories per serving. The stevia sweetener and lack of artificial products also ensure that you’ll protect your health while working toward your goals. $16.49 from Amazon 4. Ambrosia Planta French Toast Protein Powder If you have a sensitive stomach, you may have had a bad reaction to protein powders. Ambrosia’s Planta protein powder can help with that. It has gentle, anti-inflammatory ingredients like amino acids, brown rice extract and pea protein that lacks fiber. Enjoy the gourmet flavors like french toast, sprinkle cupcake and gingerbread in your favorite smoothie and baking recipes. $49.98 from Amazon 5. Isopure Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder Isopure uses monk fruit sweetener to keep its vegan chocolate protein powder sugar-free and devoid of animal products. The zero-cholesterol, low-fat blend is easy to add to most dietary lifestyles. See how much you enjoy using it to make creamier smoothies and more flavorful desserts.  $31.43 from Amazon 6. Garden of Life Vanilla Organic Protein Powder There are a few reasons people love Garden of Life’s plant-based protein powder. It’s high in protein and essential nutrients while including two billion probiotic microorganisms. The protein powder will regulate your digestive tract while providing fruit-powdered antioxidants and post-workout recovery acids. $37.90 from Amazon 7. Bloom Superfood Mango Protein Powder Anyone who prefers putting protein powder in fruit smoothies and homemade juices can try Bloom’s superfood protein powder. The mango, berry, coconut and citrus flavors perfectly complement any fruits and veggies in your diet. Meanwhile, the pre and probiotic strains reduce bloating and regulate your digestive system. $39.99 from Amazon 8. Dymatize Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder You may want to try Dymatize’s protein powder if you’re a vegan weight lifter. The complete amino acid profile supports muscle growth and recovery while providing a hearty 25 grams of protein per serving. It’s also easy to shake into a smooth drink so you can make a protein beverage even if you aren’t near your blender. $26.17 from Amazon Try a New Plant-Based Protein Powder You don’t have to feel left out of the protein shake world if you’re vegan. Try these popular plant-based protein powders when ready to elevate your dietary routine. You’ll find the best blend when you enjoy the texture and flavor while getting all the nutrients your body needs.

Whether your kids are adventurous eaters or have picky tastes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It fuels them for hours of fun, learning and healthy development. Check out these delicious breakfast ideas for kids that they — and you — will actually want to eat to stay full and prepared for whatever the day brings. 1. Pancakes It’s hard to go wrong with a classic. Pancakes are an old favorite that you can customize with fruit, like blueberries, or chocolate chips. You can even get creative with your designs to make faces in the pancakes or shape them like hearts, pumpkins, dinosaurs and other favorites. 2. Waffles Some kids prefer the texture and crunch of waffles over pancakes. Plus, waffle squares are perfect for holding everyone’s favorite part of the meal — the syrup! Use a waffle iron to cook each waffle to perfection, whether you like them soft or with a crispier crust. 3. Egg Bites There are dozens of ways to make eggs — scrambled, hard or soft-boiled, over easy, sunny side up. If you’re looking for convenience on the go while still getting enough protein in, egg bites are an excellent choice. Just combine eggs, cheese and your favorite veggies in a muffin tin and bake in the oven. You can make egg bites ahead of time and warm them up in the morning so your little ones can eat them as they get ready or on the way to school. 4. Omelets Another way to enjoy eggs in the morning, omelets are a great family activity for a weekend morning. Set up an omelet bar so everyone can choose their favorite fillings — cheese, bacon, ham or turkey, peppers, tomatoes and whatever else sounds good!  5. Blueberry Muffins Muffins are a classic sweet breakfast treat. Kids can savor a muffin at the table or grab one as they head out the door. Blueberry muffins are a tasty source of fruit in the morning. If blueberries aren’t a family favorite, you can switch it up it chocolate chips, banana or cinnamon muffins to ensure everyone is happy. 6. Cinnamon Rolls You can’t go wrong with a warm cinnamon roll covered in delicious, melting icing. While these breakfast treats can be a little messy, they’re perfect for sweet mornings at home. Here’s a tip to take your cinnamon rolls to the next level — add some heavy cream to the pan before baking to make your rolls extra moist and fluffy! 7. Overnight Oats These to-go oat cups are a perfect healthy breakfast for busy mornings. You can customize them with your kids’ favorite ingredients, but they often include oats, milk, yogurt, berries, bananas, strawberries, peanut butter and chocolate chips. Prepare them ahead of time in any cup or jar, then refrigerate overnight and grab them when it’s time to go. 8. Snack Plate If you’re struggling with picky eaters in the morning, consider making a snack plate. Fill it with fruits like strawberries and bananas, apple slices, celery sticks with peanut butter, yogurt and even some eggs or toast.  9. Smoothies Sometimes kids are more willing to drink their breakfast than eat it. If that’s the case in your household, try making breakfast smoothies with your family’s favorite fruits — think oatmeal, yogurt, banana, mango, strawberries and other exciting flavors. On hot summer days, you can fill ice pop molds with your fruit mix and enjoy frozen smoothie pops all day long. 10. Breakfast Pizza Pizza is a lunch and dinner favorite — so why not breakfast? Replace tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese with eggs and bacon. It’s a great meal to make together, letting your kids add their favorite breakfast toppings.  Make Breakfast the Best Meal of the Day These breakfast ideas for kids are sure to make the first meal of the day the best. Get your kids off to a good start and they’ll be better prepared for whatever comes their way.

Overnight oats are a delicious and healthy breakfast trend that takes little to no time to make. These oat recipes will quickly become a staple in your home. You can make so many different flavors there is sure to be one you will enjoy.  Here are four overnight oats recipe ideas.  What are Overnight Oats? Using a combination of whole rolled oats, milk and yogurt overnight will give you a soft, chewy and creamy texture to enjoy when you wake up. The oat absorbs the liquid when you combine all these ingredients and leave it chilling in the fridge overnight—leaving you with a yummy and filling breakfast.  This breakfast option is perfect since it can be meal prepped in advance and only cost you one to two dollars per jar.  Health Benefits  Whole rolled oats contain fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. These are all essential nutrients for the body to work in its best condition. When they soak overnight, it makes them easier to digest while reaping the nutritional benefits of protein from greek yogurt and more from fruits, nuts and seeds.  Overnight oats are a sweet and nutritious start to your morning. People often start their day with sweets like pancakes, donuts or muffins, which can be packed with sugars and make you hungry in an hour. When you have your oats prepped, you won’t be tempted by high-calorie and sugar options since you are satisfied with being satiated and enjoying sweets all in one.  Making Overnight Oats Overnight oats can be made in four simple steps: 1. Mix ingredients. Combine rolled oats, milk, yogurt, sweetener and a pinch of salt with any additional flavors 2. Pour into the container. Pour your mixed base into an airtight container.  3. Chill Overnight. Let the liquid absorb into the oats overnight.  4. Serve with Toppings. Choose toppings like berries, raisins, nut butter, fruits or anything else you would like to make it how you want.  Overnight Oats Recipe Ideas  1. Blueberry Overnight Oats  Whisk together the main ingredients of oats, milk and yogurt. Add lemon juice, blueberries, chia seeds, vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup. Once it is all mixed, place it in your container and you are done.  2. Pumpkin Overnight Oats Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie food that is good for your heart, eyes and immune system. Adding it to your overnight oats will give you even more nutritional benefits. After completing the staple sets, add pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Place your jar in the fridge and wait till morning to enjoy.  3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats  Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic and loved combination. Add natural peanut butter and unsweetened cocoa powder to make oats in this flavor. Refrigerate and enjoy.  4. Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats There's nothing like dessert for breakfast. With this recipe, you'll feel like you're waking up to eating a delicious strawberry cheesecake. After mixing the usual base of the oats, add fresh-cut strawberries, softened cream cheese and lemon juice. You’ll jump out of bed to start your day with this recipe.    Try Overnight Oats for Breakfast Oats are a delicious and healthy breakfast option you can look forward to every morning. Try out one of these recipes to find your go-to overnight oats.

If you enjoy snickerdoodles, gingerbread men and a sprinkle of cinnamon on your morning oats, you might just be in luck. This tasty brownish-orange spice could drastically improve your health.  Researchers still have a long road ahead in testing the health benefits of cinnamon, but what they’ve turned up so far is quite promising. Experiments with rats and in test tubes show a large variety of uses for this common spice.  Improves Insulin Sensitivity Cinnamon might be a game changer for people with insulin-resistant conditions like type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Insulin is a hormone that carries sugar from your blood to your cells to use as energy. Resistance to the hormone translates to less sugar entering the cells and more remaining in your bloodstream. One of the fantastic health benefits of cinnamon is it can function similarly to insulin, helping to carry sugar out of your blood and into the cells where it belongs. In addition to acting like insulin, cinnamon can also help naturally increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin.    Steadies Blood Sugar Another possible benefit of cinnamon is its effect on the pancreas. Your pancreas releases digestive enzymes when you eat to break down your food. Cinnamon may interfere with those enzymes, slowing them down and releasing sugar into your bloodstream over an extended period. This may be vital in helping people with blood sugar control issues stabilize their levels by avoiding spikes.  Aids in Digestion Many digestion issues stem from poor gut health caused by disturbances or imbalances in your gut’s microbiome, a system of around 50 trillion bacteria. The ideal scenario is to have more good bacteria than bad in your gut, which keeps you healthy and aids digestion.  Cinnamon is one of a few spices that function as a prebiotic, feeding your gut’s healthy bacteria. The nourished bacteria help your body prepare to break down food faster and eliminate waste more efficiently. You’ll deal with less constipation and stomach upset. Reduces Cholesterol Levels High cholesterol is a common problem in the U.S., and if not managed properly, it can lead to heart disease and sometimes death. Studies are beginning to show a link between cinnamon supplementation and improved cholesterol levels. Along with stabilizing blood sugar, this spice can lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL). Lowering all these markers would significantly impact your heart health, reducing your risk of disease.  Diminishes Risk of Cancer Cancer research with cinnamon is still in the early stages. However, test tube experiments and studies on rats found cinnamon had an anti-cancer and anti-tumor effect. A compound within the spice, called cinnamaldehyde, may be able to kill off cancer cells, especially in the colon. It may also have the ability to inhibit cancer from taking root in the first place. Research still has a long way to go, including human studies to determine if the effects are the same and find the proper dosage.  Lessens the Chances of Alzheimer’s Cinnamon may prove to be a key component of Alzheimer’s treatment and prevent some of the brain’s natural degeneration. An extract in the spice has been shown to block the buildup of proteins responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.  Like cancer research, scientists still have a lot of ground to cover before officially recommending it. Many studies needed an unsafe amount of cinnamon to achieve the desired result. While this may seem like a promising avenue, researchers must first work out all the kinks.  Kills Bacteria and Viruses Some other great health benefits of cinnamon are its antimicrobial properties — it kills bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and other microorganisms. Because of these perks, many companies have begun using the extract in disinfectant cleaners. You could even make some of your own if you enjoy making your products. It’s a great chemical-free way to clean your home.  Reap the Health Benefits of Cinnamon  Researchers are still unsure of the usage and dosage recommendations you need to enjoy the health benefits of cinnamon. Your current options include OTC supplements, essential oils, cleaners and as a spice in your favorite foods. Many claim they see the benefits of using cinnamon this way, but only time and more evidence will tell if they’re placebos or the real deal. 

Hitting your daily protein goal can be difficult with most breakfast foods high in carbs and fat. Even if you don’t have a protein goal but find yourself getting hungry shortly after you eat, adding protein to your breakfast will keep you satisfied longer. Here are four high protein breakfast ideas to try.   1. Protein French Toast  If you wake up craving some french toast from a diner but want to add more protein to your diet, you can use this protein french toast hack. Depending on if you want it higher or lower in calories, you can choose between a base of liquid egg whites or regular eggs.  Take a protein powder of your choice and mix a scoop into the eggs. Whisk it until smooth and add cinnamon. Coat sliced bread on eat side, then cook in a pan till you see bubbles coming through the bread. Cook the other side thoroughly and you have protein french toast around 38g per serving. It can vary depending on the protein powder you use and the amount of eggs. Top with fruit, maple syrup or whatever you prefer.  2. Protein Oatmeal Nothing is cozier than a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning. This is an excellent option if you are running low on time but still want a delicious protein packed breakfast.  All you need to do is prepare your oats by adding a little more water than usual. Once they are cooked pour a scoop of protein powder into the watery oats. Mix thoroughly until the powder is fully absorbed. Add nut butter for extra protein or fruit topping to make it an even more delicious option. Depending on your protein powder, this recipe should have around 30g of protein per serving.  3. At Home McGriddles  Fast food may seem like a quick and cheap option on your way to work or school. A survey stated that 32% of people eat fast food because it is cheap. You can make your own McGriddles that are equally as delicious with little preparation time.  When you are at the store, pick up Kodak frozen pancakes, eggs or liquid egg whites, turkey bacon and cheese. Grab two frozen pancakes, warm them up while cracking an egg into a pan and cook thoroughly. You can prepare two slices of turkey bacon on the side. Once everything is cooked, add the egg with cheese and turkey bacon onto the pancakes with a side of maple syrup. This recipe will come out to around 26g of protein.  4. Breakfast Burrito You can make this delicious breakfast burrito and prep for the week. Start by dicing potatoes and add olive oil and spices of your choice. You can bake or air fry them while you prepare lean ground beef. Season with your favorite spices and add diced onions.  Lastly, you want to make your fluffy eggs. Whisk six eggs on medium heat while gently mixing every one to two minutes. To prepare your burrito, grab a tortilla and sprinkle on some cheese. Layer your beef potatoes and eggs and include sriracha mayo for a little extra spice. This recipe comes out to 44g of protein per burrito.  Try a High Protein Breakfast  Eating a high protein breakfast can be delicious and filling all in one. Try one of these high-protein breakfast ideas that will make you excited about your day's first meal. 

Check out the beverage aisle of your favorite grocer’s health food section and you’ll see kombucha in every flavor you can imagine. This beverage has remarkable kombucha health benefits, earning it a coveted shelf space.   It turns out that this ancient beverage is chock-full of health benefits. It provides many of the same perks as tea, plus a few extras.  Why should you add this beverage to your weekly menu? Here are five kombucha health benefits that will make you drink up.  1. Rich Source of Probiotics  Kombucha’s most impressive quality is probably the megadose of juicy probiotics it delivers to your intestines. What are probiotics, and why are they so beneficial?  Probiotics refer to beneficial bacteria that live in your body and perform multiple functions, including fighting off bad bacteria. The probiotics in kombucha come from a combination of ingredients known as “mother” or SCOBY, short for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.  Such healthy bacteria make up your intestinal microbiome. Researchers have discovered that these colonies communicate with your brain via your vagus nerve and influence multiple facets of your health:  Reduces obesity and Type 2 diabetes risk: An imbalance in your microbiome leads your gut to misfire hunger signals to your brain, prompting cravings and weight gain. Furthermore, researchers have associated certain strains of gut bacteria with increased or decreased Type 2 diabetes risk.  Influences cancer risk: Alterations in your intestinal microbiome can increase your colorectal cancer risk. Furthermore, certain types of bacteria can help or hinder chemotherapy treatments.  Affects the presentation of intestinal diseases: People with inflammatory bowel disease often have dysregulated intestinal microbiomes.  Alters your mood and behavior: Your gut manufactures most of your body’s serotonin. This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in mood.  Getting more probiotics in your diet is essential to health. Kombucha offers one of the tastiest ways to increase your intake.  2. Loaded With Antioxidants One of kombucha’s main ingredients is green or black tea. Tea is loaded with antioxidants, substances that bind with damaging free radicals, removing them from your body before they can mutate and damage your cells.  Antioxidants have the power to prevent cancer, ease your heart disease risks and maintain a more youthful appearance. Different plant colors typically correlate to various antioxidants — for example, red and blue veggies and fruits are rich in anthocyanins. That’s why eating the rainbow is beneficial — but you can drink it, too.  How? You can find kombucha that contains nearly any fruit and the goodness of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the source of all tea. You’ll find every hue from blueberries to mango — vary your intake to get more of the good stuff your body’s cells need to fight disease.  3. Kills Bacteria and Yeast  It may seem counterintuitive to say that kombucha kills bacteria and yeast. After all, isn’t each bottle full of the stuff?  However, remember all things in your body exist in a delicate balance. You need good bacteria to wage war against the bad. Kombucha from green or black tea contains a potent form with strong antibacterial properties against infection-causing species. It also reduces Candida yeast levels, a name you might be familiar with if you’ve ever had a yeast infection.  Furthermore, the fermentation process creates a byproduct called acetic acid. This substance also abounds in vinegar, which makes the white stuff so potent for killing bacteria when housecleaning. It has similar effects inside your body.  4. Improves Cholesterol Levels  Did your doctor advise you to reduce your cholesterol levels the last time you had an annual blood test? If so, you might want to add more kombucha to your diet. Why? One study showed that this stuff may reduce your numbers by as much as half.  Furthermore, kombucha lowers LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of waxy fat that can clog your arteries. It does so while raising HDL or “good” cholesterol, which protects your heart. Kombucha also increases niacin levels, slowing cholesterol production in the liver and glucuronic acid, which helps your body eliminate excess cholesterol as waste.  5. Reduces Liver Toxicity  Perhaps one of the best kombucha benefits is that it can help detox your liver and improve overall function. Here, though, it’s crucial to tread lightly. There are two types of this beverage:  Commercial kombucha: Anyone can buy this brew. Although fermentation produces some alcohol, most brands’ levels are lower than 0.5%, making them classifiable as non-alcoholic.  Hard kombucha: Hard kombucha uses extra sugar and yeast and takes longer to ferment. The higher alcohol content reduces many of the probiotic benefits, although you still get some with a hefty dose of antioxidants. However, you must be 21 and consume more calories overall.  Hard kombucha won’t do your liver any favors — please don’t think the benefits cancel out and make it safe. It’s as risky as any other adult libation. However, the commercial kind has shown hepatoprotective effects in animal studies.  Kombucha Health Benefits Kombucha is a delicious fermented tea beverage found in many health food stores. It’s chock-full of benefits to support positive health.  Consider the five kombucha health benefits listed here. Then, head to the store and find your favorite new healthy brew. 

Your gut microbiome is responsible in many ways for your health and well-being. An unhealthy gut can lead to a weakened immune system, fatigue, brain fog, bathroom problems and difficulty losing weight, just to name a handful. However, supporting your health could be as simple as adding gut-healthy foods to your diet.  You want to aim for a stable balance between good and bad bacteria in your gut. Foods like probiotics and prebiotics will support the good bacteria and help them do their job fighting and warding off the bad. Aim to eat at least one of these gut-healthy foods every day.    1. Yogurt Yogurt is one of the most well-known of a family of foods considered probiotics. Probiotics are full of good bacteria. Regularly eating these foods can help replenish your store of good bacteria and bring balance to your gut.   While yogurt is the most common option for most people, not everyone’s system agrees with dairy. If you tend to get gas or experience other digestive trouble after eating cow’s milk products, try yogurt made from other sources like coconut or almond. Other popular probiotic options include kombucha, sauerkraut and tempeh.  2. Asparagus Asparagus is a powerhouse. Its high fiber content feeds good gut bacteria, helping them to do its job. It also helps to solidify your stool to make regular bowel movements easier. Asparagus is also full of antioxidants and minerals that may help lower blood pressure, fight inflammation and prevent certain cancers.  3. Bananas There’s a reason doctors often recommend bananas as an important food after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting. They contain high amounts of potassium and electrolytes, which replenish bacteria in your gut. Bananas are also full of fiber, though you want to eat them when they’re just barely ripe — they lose fiber content as they ripen. 4. Whole Grains Whole grains are a simple source of fiber. The acid created when your good gut bacteria break it down feeds your cells and fights off harmful bacteria. Whole grains are such a broad group that you should have no trouble finding something you like. Try options like quinoa, couscous, brown rice and whole grain breads.  5. Beans and Legumes As with whole grains, beans and legumes reach your large intestine intact. Your good gut bacteria break them down in a process called fermentation, which causes the gas you may experience when eating these for dinner. Despite your social embarrassment, these are one of the best gut-healthy foods you can eat.  Foods to Avoid While everyone’s gut microbiomes are a bit different and foods don’t affect people universally, some food groups are generally considered harmful to gut health.  1. Red Meat A compound in red meat called carnitine causes a reaction with your gut bacteria to create something entirely new and potentially dangerous, leading to plaque build-up in your arteries. Try to lower your consumption of red meats and focus instead on lean meats or non-animal proteins.  2. Alcohol One or two drinks aren’t a big deal, but drinking in excess can lead to inflammation in your gut. Ultimately, you’ll disrupt the balance of your microbiome and could develop leaky gut syndrome, where bacteria leaks into your bloodstream.  3. Processed Foods Processing foods typically removes essential nutrients, depriving your gut bacteria of what it needs. Whole foods, in their most natural state, will yield the healthiest gut microbiome.  Adding Gut Healthy Food Can Boost Your Health Choose gut-healthy foods from this list or similar options from the same food groups to drastically improve your immune system and digestive health. Good nutritional choices can also impact your mood since 90% of your serotonin receptors are located in your gut.  Overall, the best thing you can do for your gut health is to consume foods in their most natural state. Choose a variety of colors to maximize the array of vitamins and minerals. Also, add probiotic or fermented foods, like yogurt, where you can and eat plenty of fiber each day.

The reality of baking is often far different from the mental image you create when searching for new recipes online. Instead of you and your kids kneading dough in perfect harmony, you spend 20 minutes mopping up melted otter you tried to soften in the microwave.  What you need is a little savvy you probably didn’t get in school, as home economics classes take a backseat to reading, writing and arithmetic. Here’s how to ripen bananas and ten other baking hacks to make your time in the kitchen more productive and fun.  1. How to Ripen Bananas To ripen bananas quickly, it helps to know what spurs the process along in the first place. The magic lies in ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone. If you want to bake a batch of banana bread in the morning but only have a green bunch, try putting them in a paper bag with a ripe apple. The ethylene from the apple will spur your enclosed bananas to ripen by morning.  What if you can’t wait overnight? In that case, put your bananas, skin and all, on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven at 300 degrees for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until black on the outside. Scoop out the creamy middle.  2. Read Your Recipe Backwards First  We’ve all been there. We need to get supper on the table, but the recipe we followed takes longer than the approximate time listed. How to avoid such embarrassments when you have a group of eight over for a dinner party?  Take a tip from top chefs and work your way backward when reading a recipe, calculating enough extra time for dishes to sit and cool before proceeding to the next step. Some go so far as to rewrite the recipe in different words to ensure they have it right — you decide if you want to emulate such extremes.  3. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Adding wet ingredients to dry can result in clumps. Mixing the dry ingredients by themselves first ensures they disperse evenly — keeping you from having too much baking powder in only one corner of the cake. Furthermore, you spread out your spices, letting the savory flavor reach every last bite.  4. Add Eggs One at a Time You’ve heard the saying, “Oil and water don’t mix.” This principle applies to baking — but adding eggs to creamed butter and sugar expects you to do that.  Treat your eggs like you would a new relationship. You don’t want to lay everything on at once. Instead, add one at a time, creating a creamy emulsion instead of a lumpy mess.  5. Don’t Overmix  Finally, you don’t want to overmix. The reason lies in gluten, a wheat protein that provides the structure for cakes and bread. Overmixing results in baked goods that are chewy or stringy. Continuing to mix can result in cookies so crumbly that they fall apart when you try to take them off the pan.   6. Flour Your Cookie Cutters Few things lead to more sighs of disappointment than your reindeer’s antlers sticking to your cookie cutter. Of course, Santa’s sleigh could have been pulled by a team of does.  However, you can keep your horns on your male deer by flouring your cookie cutters. Doing so prevents the dough from sticking, making them easier to remove.  7. Add Bread to Brown Sugar  If you don’t bake often, your brown sugar can turn into a brick in between uses. The problem results from moisture.  Remove it overnight by adding a slice of white bread to your container. The bread hardens while the sugar gets soft.  8. Make Honey Less Sticky With Olive Oil Using honey instead of sugar improves the overall health qualities of many dishes. Honey has antimicrobial properties that help you fight germs while sweetening your brownies.  However, it’s a pain to get it off the spoon. Your solution? Dip your silverware in olive oil before inserting it into the honey, and the sticky stuff will slide right off.  9. Melt Butter Mess-Free Anyone who has had to wash their microwave’s bottom plate after melting butter all over it knows that this device alone isn’t the best way to soften a stick. What to do instead?  Heat a mug with about two cups of water in the microwave. Cut the butter into small squares while it boils. As soon as you reach boiling, remove the container and water, enclosing the butter in the microwave. The lingering ambient heat will soften your stick without melting it into a mess.  10. Swap Your Flour Here’s a tip to make your next baking expedition healthier: try an alternative to all-purpose flour. You’ll have to adjust your techniques slightly, but you can substitute almond flour for the white stuff at a 1:1 ratio. You’ll enjoy greater protein intake and fewer blood sugar swings, making it easier to drop those last few pounds.  Almond flour will brown more quickly than all-purpose, so keep an eye on your oven time. You also want to avoid packing it, letting it lie loosely in the measuring cup.  11. Coat Your Baking Dish With Breadcrumbs Finally, do your bundt cakes always crumble when you try to remove them from the pan? Solve your problem with a few breadcrumbs.  Simply dust the inside of your baking dish with breadcrumbs after you grease it with butter or oil. The crumbs create friction that makes your cake slide onto the serving tray.  How to Ripen Bananas and Other Baking Hacks If your kitchen fun often ends a bit differently than you imagined, you might need a few tricks of the trade. Professional chefs swear by the above hacks to produce quality wares time and again.  Now that you know how to ripen bananas and these other ten kitchen hacks, it’s time to get creative. What will you and your crew bake up this weekend?