Erin Metz

Ice is the unsung hero of your kitchen — of course, a few cubes are integral to keeping your drinks comfortably cool, but they're also much more versatile than you might assume. The shape of your ice can greatly affect different cocktails, ice cubes are fundamental for a crispy bread crust, and ice is even a top notch secret ingredient for grilled cheese. But ice cubes don't stay fresh forever. While technically, they won't ever go bad or spoil, they can definitely start to taste funny after sitting in the freezer for too long.

By Erin Metz | In recent years, charcuterie boards have become the go-to appetizer for hosts, offering guests a platter full

Food Republic Canapés Vs Hors D'oeuvres: What's The Difference? Link Copied

Just days after news of a massive recall on multiple frozen waffle brands due to a major listeria risk, even more breakfast products have been added to the collection of potentially contaminated items. On October 22, 2024, food processing company TreeHouse Foods — which supplies frozen breakfast food products to grocers across the United States and Canada – expanded its recall of frozen waffles to include other griddled breakfast products. This includes three frozen waffle products sold at Trader Joes and 13 products found at Wegmans. Other affected grocery chains include Target, Publix, and Walmart.

Fans will no longer have to wait until fall each year to get their hands on the Starbucks Baked Apple Croissant. On October 24, 2024, the company confirmed via Instagram that it has heard customers' pleas for the treat to become a permanent menu item, and is finally making it official.

TGI Fridays has suddenly closed a large portion of its operating locations, raising concerns that the restaurant is in serious financial trouble. On October 28, 2024, CNN reported that the company shuttered 49 restaurants across multiple U.S. states in the span of one week, bringing its total number of locations from 213 down to 164. This number has dwindled even lower compared to the 270 locations that were open at the start of 2024.

Subway has been accused of false advertising regarding the amount of meat added to its customers' sandwiches. On October 28, 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed in Brooklyn, New York, alleging that Subway's ads for its Steak and Cheese sandwiches do not accurately reflect the product served to customers (via Reuters ). While many of us love that Subway bread smell, a sandwich that is mostly bread is definitely disappointing, and lead plaintiff Anna Tollison was frustrated to pay just over $7 for a sub that contained a teensy amount of beef.

Starbucks drinks are about to become a bit less expensive for those who prefer non-dairy milks. As of November 7, Starbucks will no longer be tacking on an additional charge for customers who request dairy-free substitutions. While some nut-based milks like oat milk are standard in certain Starbucks drinks, many other beverages on the menu have historically required an up charge to be customized with soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.

Nothing says "party" quite like a tray of Jell-O shots. While a standalone shot of liquor often leads to puckered lips and furrowed brows, a cup of boozy gelatin offers the same exciting action with a far more pleasant aftertaste. But when you are planning out your party menu, you'll want to keep in mind how many boxes of Jell-O you need to ensure there are enough shots for everyone on the guest list over 21 years of age.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream... unless it has been melted and refrozen. Ice cream can last for quite a while in your freezer, but once you take it out, it can't remain exposed to room temperature air for long, if you want to keep it safe to eat. If the ice cream inside your favorite pint or tub appears to have lost its shape, or has a strange texture or odor, you might want to reconsider eating it. Ingesting ice cream that was refrozen after melting can actually be a serious health concern.