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Fall is in full swing, which means it's time to enjoy everything we love about the season: Football, crunchy leaves, cooler weather and pumpkins! Everyone's favorite gourd is slowly making its way back onto food and drink menus, and for good reason – pumpkin is rich in fiber and vitamins, and goes well with many popular dishes due to its versatility. Whether you want something sweet or savory, pumpkin is the perfect ingredient to add to many popular recipes.

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Pumpkin Spice Capuccino

No need to wait in line at your local coffee shop for this classic fall beverage. With just a few common ingredients and a bit of pumpkin spice flavoring, you can make your own pumpkin spice cappuccino right at home.

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Pumpkin Pancakes

You can add pumpkin to almost anything to make it a special fall treat – including pancakes! By adding pureed pumpkin and a few spices to pancake batter, you can create the perfect breakfast food for a chilly autumn morning.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Muffins With Mascarpone Cream

Turn a classic autumn beverage into a delectable dessert with these pumpkin spice latte muffins. The mascarpone cream filling and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) make this a moist breakfast or dessert item that's perfect for fall. You can also follow a more traditional pumpkin muffin recipe to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking.

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Pumpkin Soup

For a great comfort food during those extra chilly days, whip up a batch of flavorful pumpkin soup. Simmer your favorite fall sprigs and spices together, such as ginger, thyme and nutmeg, to create a medley of flavors in every bowl.

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Thai Pumpkin Curry

Pumpkin is a sweet and tender squash to feature in your favorite curry recipes. The cooked pumpkin mixed with Thai red
curry paste and coconut milk meld together harmoniously to create this unique, savory dish.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookie bars are the perfect blend of sugar, spice and everything nice. By adding pumpkin puree to this classic cookie recipe, you've created a moist treat that's reminiscent of the season.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Beer Bread

As your grocery store's beer aisle features more and more of the season's pumpkin brews, now is the time to bake with these spiced beverages. Pumpkin chocolate chip beer bread is perfect to share with your family or coworkers, but we won't tell if you keep it all for yourself.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake

This pumpkin cheesecake's velvety smooth texture and flavors make it a sinfully delicious dessert to indulge in during the cooler months. Paired with a cup of coffee, this cheesecake can even be enjoyed year-round — no matter how you slice it.

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Raw Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

This raw pumpkin swirl cheesecake adds a unique and delightful dessert item to any Thanksgiving spread. The nutty pecan, coconut and medjool dates crust paired with a creamy pumpkin filling make for a great vegan and gluten/refined sugar-free cheesecake.

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No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

Preparing this no-bake pie is easier than picking out pumpkins at a pumpkin patch. Plus, if you make your own fresh pumpkin puree, you ensure that the pie is jam-packed with minerals and fiber, so you won't feel guilty going back for a second slice.

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Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

If you're looking to impress your guests at Thanksgiving with a decadent dessert, this rich homemade pumpkin cake fits the bill. Top with cream cheese frosting and you have an irresistibly scrumptious cake that pays rightful homage to the season.

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Coachella released its food offerings menu for the two-weekend festival, and while it's totally drool-worthy, trekking to the desert for three days may still be out of reach. But just like you can watch a live stream of the performances from the comfort of home, you also don't have to miss out on the festival's delicious food because you lack a coveted wristband. Create your own line-up of dishes using this comparative guide, and with a little prep, you can eat like you're right there in the crowd. You know, minus the whole weird, shirtless guy bumping into you while you dance.

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An Old Fashioned to Open the Festival

When people arrive on the polo fields, a plethora of alcoholic beverages are a given – including the whiskey cocktails that Seven Grand will be serving. Start your live stream and make this recipe for a timeless old fashioned to get in the spirit. Made with bourbon, bitters, orange peel and a basic simple syrup, this will quickly become your go-to drink for the next three days.

Hawaiian Poke for a Sunset View

While Sweetfin Poke will be on hand for hungry fans as the sun goes down, you can recreate the same raw fish dish at home with this recipe. Serve the marinated tuna in baked wonton cups for dance-friendly eating, and don't forget the toppings. Things like fresh cut pineapple, shredded carrots, green onions and avocado make all the difference – and you won't have to worry about a stranger accidentally knocking the finished dish out of your hands.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs You Wouldn\’t Have to Search For

It goes without saying that friends stick together at Coachella, even if that means missing a set so that you can accompany your pal in a hunt for a meatball sandwich from Sotto. Join in that "ride or die" sentiment by making these meatballs yourself. Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance so they'll be ready whenever your bestie gets hungry.

Fried Chicken That Makes You Feel the Heat

Master the art of crispy fried chicken (as a nod to Free Range) as you get into a groove by paying attention to two key components: taking your time and watching the temperature. Season your bird with sweet paprika and cayenne pepper, and you can enjoy that spicy kick without breaking a desert sweat. And to get even more into it, devour your pieces with your fingers for the authentic festival experience.

French Press Espresso to Welcome Saturday Morning

You're going to wake up more refreshed than if you had slept in a camping tent, but that doesn't mean you should miss out on a strong dose of coffee in the morning. Festival goers may have Blue Bottle Coffee, but you can whip out your trusty French press instead. Combine pre-ground espresso beans and hot water in your press and allow it to sit for 90 seconds before pushing down on the plunger. There's your cup of black gold, and you didn't even need mess with a tangled sleeping bag.

Stuffed French Toast as You Make a Day Plan

Like those who are starting their Saturday in the desert, you need your sustenance as you pick out which performances you'd like to see today. Take a hint from the Superba Food + Bread's brick-and-mortar menu, which serves croissant French toast, and make this stuffed version for breakfast. The hazelnut filling totally makes up for any feelings of FOMO about this pop-up near the stages.

Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranates for When You Think of the Celebrities

O.K., so the collection of popular acts isn't the only reason why Coachella is such a hot ticket: the likelihood that you'll see an A-lister is also a worthwhile premise, too. Pretend you're sampling dishes from Joe Jonas' hip new restaurant, Hinterland, by recreating its brussels sprouts offering with pomegranate seeds and lemon dressing. You probably won't see a star in your living room, but at least this dish is (sorta) celeb-approved.

Beef Rib Eye Roast to Keep Your Energy High

Festival-goers will tell you that there's always a vital make-or-break moment that determines your level of fun for the day. For them, rallying for a slew of late-night parties means that an afternoon crash is inevitable. For you? Well, you're just hungry. As the crowds desperately wait in line for a Top Round Roast Beef sandwich, plan ahead and enjoy a beef rib eye roast without dealing with a hangry crew. And the very best part about making this at home: the leftovers!

Donut Holes That Will Keep the Beat

Anytime of the day is a good time for donuts, as Donut Farm would agree, and making them from pancake mix means you'll be able to satisfy your craving and get back to the dance party in your living room in no time. These do take a few minutes to fry up in a pan, but you can pause the live stream to make sure you don't miss a thing.

Ramen Soup You Can Savor Like a Favorite Song

Make this ramen recipe like Ramen Hood would, and you'll be able to savor every bite instead of trying to slurp it all down before finding a good spot for a must-see band. And unlike getting stuck behind some tall fans, there is really no way you can mess up this satisfying dish. Combine almost any seasonings with any vegetables, and the end result will be absolutely delicious.

Beer Battered Fish Worthy of Social Media

Your social media feed may be an endless stream of Coachella moments for the next two weekends, but this batch of beer battered fish will give you the perfect set-up for a #fromabove shot to break up the monotony. Add 12 ounces of pale ale to the batter, and serve up another 24 ounces for yourself. Your followers will appreciate the change of pace, and they'll be just as jealous about how your weekend is shaping up. You can thank Beer Belly's menu for the idea.

No Churn Coffee Flavored Ice Cream with a Side of AC

Between overpriced water, floppy hats and McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, wristband fans don't have many options when it comes to staying cool in the desert heat. But even if you're not exposed to the elements, that doesn't mean you won't want a cool treat come mid-afternoon. You only need five basic ingredients to make gourmet quality ice cream from your air-conditioned space.

Garam Masala Glazed Baby Carrots for a Health-Conscious Moment

Munching on festival-inspired food isn't just about heavy offerings that leave you ready for a nap. You also need some substantial nutrition to give you enough energy to keep dancing, and that's where these glazed baby carrots come in. In keeping with the Commissary's healthy dishes, these veggies are covered in warm Indian spices and simmered in a skillet. They are so good you'll be eating them straight from the pan between songs.

Acai Bowls for the Sunday Snooze Fest

By the third day of the weekend, fans may wake up with a sore back in a leaky tent. Phew, that's not you. Start your morning off with a bowl of antioxidant packed fruit, a la Backyard Bowls, and you'll be feeling just fine. Blend frozen acai with bananas, your choice of fresh or frozen fruit and milk. Pour the mixture into a bowl and dress it up with granola or shaved coconut. Perfection.

Steak Tacos To Stay in the Moment

By the third day, groups in the polo fields can start to get wary of the scene – and they may ditch the day's performances for a poolside party. Your equivalent may be an increasing desire to shut your laptop's screen. Don't get discouraged! Crank up the tunes and whip up a batch of juicy steak tacos, just like those served by Guerrilla Tacos. Add in all the fixings, and you'll be glad you powered through, just like the die-hards at the festival.

Tandoori Chicken to Eat With the Last Headliner

As the crowd is throwing on jackets for one final night of the desert's moonlight cool down, you can warm up from the inside out with this Indian spiced tandoori chicken recipe inspired by Badmaash. Squeeze on some lime juice and top with slices of red onion before taking a seat to watch Coachella's final performance. You deserve to take a bow, too.

If there's one snack that practically goes hand in hand with movie night, it's popcorn. It's delicious, customizable, easy to make and even easier to eat. Though you can make popcorn in the microwave using store-bought, pre-packaged bags or on the stovetop using old-school disposable popping pans (Jiffy Pop, anyone?), a good popcorn maker can help you make popcorn in larger quantities. It's also healthier than pre-packaged popcorn as it gives you more control over the amount of butter, salt and oil that goes in. Additionally, while more research is needed, scientists have discovered a possible link between chemicals called perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) commonly found in pre-packaged bags of popcorn (as well as other food packaging), and cancer.

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Types of Home Popcorn Makers

There are three main types of home popcorn makers:

​Microwave Popcorn Makers​: The most basic option, they're typically glass, silicone or plastic bowls with vented lids that you fill with kernels and little to no oil before popping it in the microwave. They're dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

​Electric Popcorn Makers​: Also known as air poppers, these countertop appliances circulate hot air to pop popcorn kernels, similar to how an air fryer works. They don't require any oil, so they produce the healthiest popcorn. They're the most expensive type of popcorn maker.

​Stovetop Popcorn Makers​: These pots include hand cranks that you turn to ensure the kernels pop evenly. Because you don't have to continually shake them, they're safer and more reliable than traditional pots. They're usually made from stainless steel or aluminum and are easy to clean. Stovetop popcorn makers are ideal for old-fashioned recipes like popcorn balls or kettle corn.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Popcorn Maker

​Capacity​: How much popcorn do you want to make at once? If it's just you and a significant other or a couple of friends, you probably don't need that much. If you're hosting a huge movie night with tons of guests, you'll probably want a large electric popcorn maker. Consider also how much popcorn may get wasted.

​Cooking Method​: As long as you're not adding heaps of butter, oil and salt, all three types of popcorn makers can produce popcorn that's healthier than many pre-packaged popcorn brands. Air-popped popcorn is typically the healthiest and doesn't require much effort. Stovetop popcorn requires more effort but arguably produces the tastiest and crunchiest results. Microwave popcorn is the easiest to make. For oil-free popping, electric models are your best bet. If you want to add butter (or even have the butter added automatically), some electric models are equipped for that, too.

Tip

If you do want to use oil when making popcorn, some healthy and great-tasting options include olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil, avocado oil and red palm oil.

​Cleanup​: Every type of popcorn maker will require at least some cleanup, so look for parts that are dishwasher-safe or easy to wipe down with a damp sponge.

With these considerations in mind, we've rounded up the best home popcorn makers in 2022.

The Best Overall Popcorn Maker

Presto Poplite Hot Air Popper

$26.56 at Amazon

The Presto Poplite is easy to use, oil-free and affordable. It air-pops up to 18 cups of popcorn in just a few minutes, making it perfect for impromptu movie nights with friends. It includes a built-in tray for melting butter that doubles as a measuring cup or scoop. All you have to do is pour popcorn kernels directly into the chute, add butter to the melting tray (if desired) and plug it in. Within a few minutes, you'll have delicious, crispy popcorn popping up out of the chute and directly into your bowl. Because it's oil-free, it's pretty easy to clean—a wipedown with a damp sponge and a quick, soapy hand wash for the butter tray will do. The air popper comes with a built-in cord wrap for convenient storage. The only downside is that there's no on/off button, so the only way to turn it off is to unplug it.

Runner-Up Best Electric Popcorn Maker

West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine

$29.99 at Amazon

One of the pluses of this electric model is that the popcorn is self-contained as it's popping, thanks to the machine's vented cover—so you don't need to worry about stray popcorn making a small mess on your countertop. You can use it without oil for a healthier snack, or add melted butter to the butter well that's built into the cover for that movie theater popcorn taste. It makes up to a generous 6 quarts (24 cups) of popcorn at a time. After popping, the lid cover can double as a popcorn bowl for easy sharing (but you may want to let it cool off a bit). The base of the machine includes a convenient cord wrapping design, while the machine itself nests snugly inside the cover for space-saving storage.

The Best Microwave Popcorn Maker

Cuisinart Microwave Popcorn Maker

$12.99 at Amazon

If you want to keep things ultra-simple and yet healthier than a pre-packaged bag of microwavable popcorn, Cuisinart's microwave popcorn maker is a great value. It makes up to 10 cups of popcorn at once in just a few minutes. Made from silicone, the bowl collapses down for convenient storage and comes with a clear plastic lid to prevent spillage. You can add oil, salt and other flavorings as you wish, but oil isn't required. It doesn't get much easier than this.

The Best Stovetop Popcorn Maker

Wabash Family Farms™ The Original Whirley Pop™ Stovetop Popper

$26.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

This traditional-style stovetop popcorn maker produces popcorn that tastes very similar to the movie theater popcorn you're probably used to. It yields up to 6 quarts (24 cups) of popcorn in three minutes and leaves very few kernels unpopped, if any. It's designed similarly to a medium-sized cooking pot but features a crank with a wooden handle that you must turn constantly during the popping process, so it does require a bit of effort and attention (it's easy to crank, however). The crank's hardwood handle stays cool throughout the process. All you need to add is as little as a teaspoon of oil before you begin popping. The pot and lid are made from aluminium that isn't the thickest, but as long as you're careful handling it, this classic stovetop popper should last a very long time (it comes with a 25-year full warranty).

The Best Personal-Size Popcorn Maker

Ecolution Original Microwave Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper

$10.39 at Amazon

If you live alone or only need a snack-size portion for movie night, this microwavable popcorn popper will be just right. It makes up to 1 1/2 quarts (6 cups) of popcorn in three minutes and doesn't require any oil or butter—although you can certainly add some, if you like. The popper is made from durable, temperature-safe and BPA-free borosilicate glass, while the ergonomic handle remains cool. The popper's three-in-one lid helps you measure, cover and melt butter, while the popper's wide mouth makes preparing and sharing easy. The only minor downside is that because it's made from glass, it's more fragile, so just be careful handling and storing it.

The Best Popcorn Maker for Home Theaters

West Bend Hot Oil Theater-Style Popcorn Machine

$70.56 at Amazon

For anyone who wants to make their movie-viewing space feel more like a traditional theater, this popcorn machine from West Bend will add the perfect touch. It looks just like the commercial popcorn machines that movie theater concession counters use, but it's been designed for easy home use. Its 4-quart kettle yields five to six servings of popcorn in a few minutes. While it's the largest popcorn maker on this list, its footprint is less than eleven inches square and it stands under 18 inches tall, so it can still sit on your kitchen or snack bar countertop. The non-stick kettle is removable and requires no pre-heating, while its lid magnetically attaches for extra security. The machine's door tilts so serving is easy and effortless. In addition to the machine, kettle and stirring rod, you get a serving tray, a kernel measuring cup, an oil measuring spoon and a popcorn scoop.