A collection of the finest fried spuds in the countryEven though their name sounds very international, french fries are about as American as any food can be - they're deep-fried, they're the quintessential vehicle for ketchup (America's favorite condiment, hands down), and they're made from one of the country's most bountiful crops, potatoes. However, while french fries are so popular in the U.S. that they can be found on most menus, those who know fries know that the standard, mediocre orders stand worlds apart from the outstanding examples.

Check out America's Best French Fries

So what makes a perfect fry? There's the crunchiness element for sure - that crisp exterior texture that holds up against the impending threat of sogginess. Then, the soft, fluffy interior, filled with potato that's cooked through but not dried out or raw-tasting. The color also comes into play - the best fries have that undeniable golden-brown hue. When all of these elements come together, they create the perfect fry that needs no condiments.

America's 35 Best

Easy, delicious and nutritious! You don't have to fuss over appetizers at your next get-together when you make this dip. Literally throw everything needed in a slow-cooker, step away, and let it do all of the hard work. When this deliciously creamy and cheesy dip is finished, pour it into a serving bowl or keep it warm by serving it directly from the slow-cooker. Serve it with chips, crackers, or fresh bread for an appetizer everyone will love.

Ingredients:
10 ounce bag baby spinach, fresh or frozen
1 can (14 ounces) artichokes, drained and chopped
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup feta
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Related: Fried mac and cheese balls, Mexican sushi bites, and 33 more ingenious party snacks

Helpful Tip:
Create a light version by substituting skim milk, reduced fat

Take the guesswork out of grilling and serve up the tastiest, juiciest dishes for your Memorial Day barbecue.


1. Flavor It

When it comes to backyard grilling, there are several ways to add extra flavor to your food. The quickest way is with glazes, which are syrupy coatings often made with honey, maple syrup, or molasses that are brushed on during the last few minutes of grilling. Similarly, wet and dry rubs require little preparation time. Apply these blends of herbs and spices (wet rubs incorporate moist ingredients, such as oil, mustard, and yogurt) up to a few hours before cooking to create a savory crust.












2. Add Smoke

Whether you grill over gas or charcoal, use hardwood logs, chunks, briquettes, or chips to impart a smoky flavor to foods. Different wood varieties add subtle nuances; try applewood for sweetness, mesquite for tang, or hickory for a baconlike taste.













Plus: 25 Sensational Side Dishes »



3. Create Heat Zones

On a kettle grill, bank coals in its

Prepare asparagus with eggs mimosa up to two days in advance.Heading to a holiday get-together? Prep these simple dishes in advance and you'll be the hit of the party.

1. Asparagus with Eggs Mimosa
Take advantage of late-spring asparagus at your local farmer's market to make this fresh, colorful dish. You can steam the asparagus, make the vinaigrette, and hard cook the eggs up to two days ahead. Just keep the elements separate, then dress the asparagus (no need to reheat) and grate the eggs right over the top right before serving. To put a summery spin on it, try grilling the asparagus (you can still hold it for up to two days in the fridge). Get the recipe for Asparagus with Eggs Mimosa.

2. Orzo Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Feta, and Mint
A slightly different take on a traditional pasta salad, this summer-worthy side is refreshing and simple to throw together. Can't find orzo? Try pearled/Israeli couscous or elbows instead. You can make this and refrigerate it up to two days ahead. Get the recipe for Orzo Salad with Grape

By Stacy Fraser, Test Kitchen Manager at EatingWell

While pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and picnics, traditional recipes typically weigh in at over 500 calories per serving. They also skimp on good, healthy ingredients like whole grains, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs and lean protein. Here are our 5 secrets for making a healthier pasta salad that's full of flavor, plus 5 pasta salad recipes all under 315 calories per serving.

Don't Miss: See How to Make Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing That Cuts 350 Calories

1. Pick the Right Pasta
Whole-wheat pasta adds 2 grams of heart-healthy fiber per ounce of dry pasta versus white pasta. The amount of dry pasta to start with depends on the shape. To get 4 cups of cooked pasta, use 2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 1/2 cups shells, 3 cups bowties or fusilli. Cook pasta and drain (but don't rinse). Spread on a large baking sheet to cool.

Get our FREE Broccoli & Feta Pasta Salad Recipe How-To!

2. Load Up on

Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad

Your family will love these flavorful pork chops with a crunchy almond topping. As for the perfectly fluffy quinoa? Simmer, drain, and let it stand, covered, to steam; then fluff!

Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

6 (1/2-inch-thick) bone-in center-cut pork rib chops (about 4 lb.)
2 tablespoons lemon-herb seasoning
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa
1 (8-oz.) package fresh sugar snap peas
1 garlic clove, sliced
Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
1/3 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup chopped dry-roasted almonds

See More: 101 Mouth-Watering Comfort Food Classics

Preparation

1. Rub pork chops with herb seasoning and 1 tsp. kosher salt. Sear half of pork in 2 1/2 Tbsp. hot olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. Keep pork warm on a wire rack in a 200° oven. Repeat procedure with 2 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil and remaining

Let Chinese Astrology Help Choose Tonight's Dinner Menu!
"What's for dinner?" It's a question you ask yourself every day. And with so many choices of cuisine in the world, how could it ever be possible to find yourself in a food rut?

If you're a creature of habit, you might view trying something new as quite a commitment. What if you end up wishing you'd just had "the usual"? Next time you're thinking of take-out or heading out to a restaurant, mix up the menu by using the Chinese zodiac as your guide. See what your Animal Sign says about the flavorful fare most likely to satisfy your palate!

(Don't know your Chinese Animal Sign? Visit Astrology.com's Chinese Astrology section and learn for yourself!)

Rat
Latin American tapas appeal to the sophisticated and social Rat. Ceviche, queso, calamari, and olives delight the senses, while course after course of colorful, bite-sized plates create the perfect ambiance. Eating is an activity for reconnecting with old friends and charming new ones. And of course, margaritas on the table only improve

Just when you thought you had figured out what to make for dinner, you suddenly realize that you forgot to plan a side dish recipe to use. No sweat. Instead of turning to the usual boring potato recipes, rice recipes, or vegetable side dishes, try our inspired takes instead. This week, The Daily Meal staff and members of the Culinary Content Network created eight original, interesting side dish recipes for you to try at home. Check out the highlights below.

All of the recipes featured here can be made at home for about $17 or less, excluding the cost of small amounts of basic ingredients such as butter, oil, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and other dried herbs and spices.

Jane BruceCouscous with Roasted Vegetables and Feta

This side dish can also serve as a meal on its own, but it's great as an accompaniment to a protein like grilled chicken or fresh fish…

- Carly Goldsmith

Click here to see the Couscous with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe.



Arthur BovinoGrilled Potato, Onion, and Arugula Salad

Sweet