MOVE OVER, DARK ROAST: Blonde Roast (Coffee) is in!

A growing number of coffee brands like Starbucks are rolling out light-roast brews. Labeled “blonde,” the beans have spent less time in the roaster to coax out flavors more gently and make a lighter, less bitter-tasting drink with the same amount of caffeine. The companies claim that the beans’ natural sweetness nixes the need for milk and sugar. The verdict of our own blind tasting? Testers were pleasantly surprised by the smooth, mellow flavor, noting zero bitter bite and the same rich mouthfeel as darker coffee. Full disclosure, though: Many still craved a splash of dairy.

—Kate Parham

From our July/August Issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray

More coffee talk:

• The First In-Car Espresso Machine
• How To: Make Cold Brew Coffee
• Dilution Solution: Coffee Ice Cubes

Pulling together our July/August Faves was a blast—lots of color that really got us in the mood for summer (we called these products in months before the temps got warmer!). But I have to say, the Eats page scored major points this time with our editors this round—a candy tasting! You can’t beat that. Little EDWRR staff secret: we’re huge cotton candy fans!

Click here to see which sweets made the cut: Every Day Faves Eats

—Allyson Dickman, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

From our July/August 2012 issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray

Spider-Man and Batman are both soaring into movie theaters this summer. They’re buff, tough and ready to kick some serious butt—but doesn’t that leave them starving? We talked to dietitian Karen Gaham to break down a day in the life of food for these heroes.

BATMAN

(aka Bruce Wayne)
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 210 lbs.
To Run Wayne Enterprises and Hack into Computers: This job is all about optimal brain function, so he needs foods high in omega-3s: 2 salmon fillets, 1 cup walnuts and 2 oz. chia seeds.
To Keep up His Muscle-Building Regimen: Holy protein, Batman! To build muscle, he’ll want 2 chicken breasts, 6 eggs, 1 cup walnuts, 2 salmon fillets, 2 cups broccoli and 3 cups spinach.
To Defeat Villains in Hand-to-Hand Combat: High-fiber carbs — like 2 cups oatmeal and 2 bananas — will boost his energy.
Estimate Daily Calorie Intake: 4,826

Click here for Spider-Man’s Diet

—Lauren Smith, Online Editorial Assistant

From our July/August 2012 issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray

PIN YOUR MENU!

Plan your dream dinner party in minutes using our visual pinboard to combine dishes until you create the perfect, eye-catching spread. Get guests excited by inviting them to share your board!

—Judith Pena, Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief

From our July/August 2012 issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray