In a DISTRUPT clinical trial investigating new treatments for MRSA infections, a phase 3 study revealed that the antistaphylococcal lysin exebacase, when combined with standard antibiotics, did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with MRSA bacteremia/endocarditis. This outcome was unexpected, especially considering the promising results from the phase 2 study, which showed the potential effectiveness of the exebacase and antibiotic combination.
The study was terminated early for futility on the recommendation of the unblinded data safety monitoring board, after randomizing 259 patients. In the MRSA group (n=97), Day 14 clinical response rates were 50.0% for exebacase plus antibiotics (32/64) and 60.6% for antibiotics alone (20/33) (P=0.392). Adverse event rates were similar across both groups, and no exebacase-related hypersensitivity events were reported.
“The clinical response rate was unexpected based on the phase 2 study, in which the clinical response rate in the MRSA subgroup at day 14 was 42.8% higher in the exebacase+ antibiotics group compared with the antibiotics alone group (71.1% (20/27) vs. 31.3% (5/16), ad hoc P= 0.0101),” investigators wrote. “The clinical response rate in the antibiotics alone group in the MRSA population (60.6%) was higher than that encountered in the phase 2 execabase study (31.3%) and in most but not all clinical trials in MRSA bacteremia. The sample size calculation for this phase 3 study estimated a 40% clinical response rate in the antibiotics alone group based on the phase 2 study.”
3 Key Takeaways
The phase 3 clinical trial exploring the efficacy of exebacase combined with standard antibiotics for treating MRSA infections ended unexpectedly, as it did not demonstrate improved clinical outcomes in patients with MRSA bacteremia/endocarditis.
The trial was prematurely concluded on the advice of the unblinded Data Safety Monitoring Board after enrolling 259 patients, due to futility.
The discrepancies between the phase 2 and phase 3 trial results, particularly in the clinical response rates within the MRSA population, underscore the need for careful consideration of study design, including the selection of endpoints and the composition of the study population.
In the group receiving only antibiotics, the clinical response rate exceeded what was observed in phase 2. Variability in the study population and the limited sample size of phase 2 and phase 3 studies could have heightened the chance of discrepancies in the diverse elements of the Day 14 clinical outcome.
“Clinical response was a composite endpoint including symptom improvement and no metastatic foci/septic emboli, change in antibiotics due to non-response, or death,” investigators wrote. “This composite endpoint was designed to specifically address regulatory requirements as to how the patient feels, functions, and survives by including a 2-step improvement in a 4-step ordinal scale of attributable symptoms of infection.”
The study’s design was particularly notable; it was structured as a phase 3 superiority trial comparing exebacase plus antibiotics to antibiotics alone, diverging from the conventional noninferiority framework of comparing a new antibiotic against a standard one. Additionally, it focused on a primary efficacy assessment at day 14, rather than utilizing a test-of-cure evaluation.
All in all, this study offers insights for upcoming superiority trials targeting S. aureus bacteremia/endocarditis. Future studies should consider whether improvement or resolution of pain, fatigue, and other symptoms should be a part of clinical response criteria at early time points. The results of the DISTRUPT study were unexpected but it offers important considerations for future investigators seeking to design superiority trials for regulatory approval in similar indications.
Reference
Fowler V, Das A, Lipka-Diamond J, Ambler J, Schuch R, et. al. Exebacase in addition to standard-of-care antibiotics for staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections and right-sided infective endocarditis: a phase 3, superiority-design, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (DISRUPT). Clinical Infectious Diseases. Published January 31, 2024. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciae043
This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.
Whether you’re an amateur baker or a seasoned professional, the best baking tools and equipment can instantly upgrade your next baking session. But with all the different kinds of tools that can go into baking, finding the best baking sheets, best baking dishes, or best silicone baking mat can take a lot of trial and error.
That’s why I put together this master list of some of my all-time favorite baking products, from bread-baking tools to the best mixer for baking! Whether you need a few items to complete your kitchen or you’re starting from scratch, these are the essential baking tools I can’t live without.
Credit: The Recipe Critic
My Top Picks:
Best Baking Sheets: Nordic Ware 3 Piece Baker’s Delight Set – $26.98 at Amazon
Best Food Scale: OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale – $55.95 at Amazon
Best Bench Scraper: Amazon Basics Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Scraper/Chopper – $8.99 at Amazon
I own these baking sheets and am always using them for recipes like my Brookies Cookies and White Chocolate Oreo Cookies! I love them because of their versatility. From making one-pan dinners to sheet-pan cakes, this pure aluminum set includes three different sizes: a quarter sheet, a jelly roll, and a half-sheet pan, so you can always have the perfect option on hand. Nordic Ware’s baking sheets have even landed on guides from other top publications, like Food & Wine, Wirecutter, and more.
The most accurate way to measure ingredients in baked goods is to do it by weight. I love this nifty digital scale from OXO because it has a pull-out display and easy-to-use functions that can weigh ingredients up to 11 pounds. It also comes highly recommended by Food & Wine, Taste of Home, Epicurious, and Serious Eats.
A bench scraper is one of the most underrated kitchen items, but it earns a spot on my list of the best baking tools. I love using one because it helps me maintain a tidy workspace, and this pick from Amazon is great for cutting dough, scraping surfaces, and smoothing icing on cakes. You don’t need anything expensive or fancy when it comes to a bench scraper, but this one has useful tick marks that can help you measure items up to 6 inches long.
Although cookie scoops can be fairly affordable, you want to make sure you’re buying a durable tool, like my favorite one from Williams Sonoma. Not only will it help you make uniform cookies, but it can also be used for meatballs, ice cream, cake pops, and more. This scoop will give you pretty standard-sized cookies.
Like a bench scraper, a good bowl scraper will help you keep your kitchen clean and organized during the baking process. It can scrape dough or any ingredients cleanly from bowls or work surfaces. This pick from Ateco is made from plastic, which is gentler and less abrasive than a metal bench scraper, so you won’t have to worry about scratching your mixing bowls or counter. Ateco makes excellent baking accessories — you’ll see a few of them on this list — and this is one of my all-time favorites.
The Calphalon springform pan boasts a durable steel construction that’s perfect for an even bake. The nonstick coating helps release cakes easily, which makes it the ideal candidate for recipes like my Biscoff Cheesecake or my Buttermilk Cake. Besides the fact that I absolutely love it, it’s also a top-tier recommendation from experts over at Food Network, America’s Test Kitchen, and Business Insider.
Once again, Ateco takes the cake (literally). I’ve found that the brand’s cake spatulas, including this offset model, tend to be firmer than others, which makes for easier control and crisper lines when frosting cakes. This option has a 7.63-inch stainless steel blade that’s perfect for my Lemon Raspberry Cake.
JK Adams’ French Dowel Rolling Pin is my personal favorite tool for rolling out dough. It’s easy to maneuver and simple to maintain thanks to the long, tapered design. Although it’s hand wash only, I think it’s 100% worth having in your kitchen for bread and pizza dough. This rolling pin is also recommended by Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats, and Epicurious.
Whether you’re hand mixing doughs like pie crusts, dumplings, or scones, the Spring Chef Dough Blender is easy on your hands and wrists and will give your baked goods an even better texture. Plus, it’s made by a small business, and when you’re done, you can easily toss it in the dishwasher.
I absolutely love using this cake decorating tip set for creating fun, sleek designs. At around $15, this 6-piece set is affordable but still boasts a durable design — plus, you basically get every kind of piping tip needed for baking and decorating. It’s a great starter set or a long-lasting upgrade.
Baking bread loaves requires a good loaf pan, and I love this one from Wilton. At around $10, it’s a steal thanks to the nonstick surface. It’s ideal for carefully extracting cooled bakes and transferring them to a cooling rack. If you need some inspiration, I recommend using this loaf pan to make my Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf and my Perfect Pumpkin Bread.
KitchenAid stand mixers are an excellent tool if you’ll be baking cakes or breads in large batches. Plus, you can invest in a lot of different attachments, such as an ice cream mixing bowl, a meat grinder, a juicer, or a pasta roller. The tilt-head model is great for beginners and smaller batches, whereas the bowl-lift has a much larger capacity and a higher power motor.
For easier cleaning, a nonstick surface, and even heating, a silicone baking mat is a must. I’m a big fan of this one from Silpat because it’s safe to use in the freezer, microwave, and oven. Don’t just take it from me, though — it has a 4.8-star rating from more than 8,700 Amazon shoppers.
Like any good cooling rack, this one from Wilton will cool your baked goods when they’re fresh out of the oven. I personally like this pick from Wilton because of the three-tier design that triples your space, giving you ample room to cool a big batch of cookies. And, with a 4.8-star rating from more than 10,200 Amazon buyers, it’s an obvious addition to your arsenal of the best baking tools.
There’s nothing worse than flour lumps in a baked good, or spending forever sifting it into your wet ingredients. Investing in a flour sifter is a great solution, and this hand crank pick allows you to quickly and easily sift your flour with limited messiness. The stainless steel design is durable and can be used for other dry ingredients, too.
This cast-iron cake stand from Ateco is incredibly sturdy. It has a rotating turntable that comes with a non-slip pad to keep your cake in place, making it a must-have for frosting and decorating. The turntable and base are also separate for easy cleaning, and when you’re not using it, it still makes a beautiful piece to display in your kitchen.
For all the bread bakers out there, Le Creuset Dutch ovens live up to their reputation. The pot is one of the best baking tools that I regularly use because the enamel is easy to clean and won’t crack or stain. It’s also one of my favorite vessels for cooking soups, stews, and sauces.
Not all muffin pans are created equally, as proved by this 12-muffin steel pan made by USA Pan. The pan’s superior nonstick surface makes it easy to clean and cook with, and it comes highly recommended by Serious Eats, Allrecipes, Epicurious, and Food & Wine.
This pie dish is a beautiful piece of porcelain bakeware made in France (and is an Amazon small business!). It’s great for even, effective heat distribution, and I adore the sleek cream hue. I especially love that you can choose between a navy or red rim, depending on your kitchenware aesthetic.
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of good mixing bowls. This glass nesting set is my go-to because they’re conveniently stackable. You’ll receive four bowls that are dishwasher-safe and can even be microwaved or put in the oven at up to 500 degrees.
Just like Crate & Barrel’s measuring cups, these measuring spoons are made with sleek and durable stainless steel. This set is a staple in my kitchen, and they’re conveniently dishwasher-safe and connectable thanks to a removable ring. The set comes with four spoons (a quarter teaspoon, half teaspoon, teaspoon, and tablespoon), and is also available in a stylish copper.
Chef Craft’s spoon and spatula combo is the best of both worlds: It’s not flat like a spatula, but not too round like a spoon. The handy shape means that It’s perfect for mixing, folding, and scraping ingredients, and it can even survive high temperatures of up to 450 degrees. Plus, you’re supporting a small business with your purchase!
Credit: Amazon
Keep your hands safe with these extremely popular silicone oven mitts from HOMWE. The textured silicone exterior of the mitts allows them to easily grip hot pans without accidentally holding on to food or absorbing liquids. And, when they eventually get dirty, they’re easily cleanable thanks to the machine-washable materials.
A good whisk needs to be durable, and a great whisk needs to be indestructible. This whisk from my collection is excellent for mixing dressings, sauces, dry ingredients, and wet ingredients. You can choose between 8- and 12-inch options, but either one is safe to throw in the dishwasher for breezy cleaning.
Whether you’re brushing on a glaze or an egg wash, these pastry brushes will help provide an even cover while resisting heat. The boar bristles are surprisingly durable and fluffy, and the handles are sturdy and ergonomic. As a bonus, the two-brush set also comes highly recommended by The Spruce Eats and Taste of the Kitchen, and it comes from a small business.
Pyrex measuring cups are some of the best baking tools because they’re known for being durable and affordable. Although they may seem redundant if you already have measuring cups, they’ll save you dishes because they double as great mixing bowls and are conveniently microwave-safe, plus, they’re particularly great for measuring liquids. This handy set also has a 4.8-star rating from more than 56,000 shoppers on Amazon. This set comes in three sizes, 1-, 2-, and 4-cups.
Staub and Le Creuset often battle it out in the bakeware category, but you can’t beat the affordability and versatility of this Staub baking dish set. In addition to the standard 9×13-inch size, I love that you also receive two smaller sizes (7.5 x 6 inches and 10.5 x 7.5 inches) for casseroles, cakes, and brownies. Beyond the beautiful ceramic design and breezy nesting storage, you can’t beat the beautiful colorways available, ranging from turquoise to light green.
As simple as it sounds, having quality, easily accessible parchment paper is a necessity when you’re baking. Parchment paper is nonstick, which means it’s super easy to slide things off once they’re cool. And with a 4.6-star rating, the Amazon Basics brand is a popular favorite (including mine!).
A reliable pair of measuring cups is an absolute must-have in any kitchen. I adore this stainless steel set from Crate & Barrel because they’re super durable, dishwasher-safe, and come with a handy ring for easy storage. (Bonus: If stainless steel doesn’t quite match your kitchen decor, you can also opt for copper!)
Credit: The Recipe Critic
How To Store Baking Tools
Keeping your kitchen organized, let alone all of your baking supplies can be difficult. Setting aside a dedicated space for baking ingredients and tools can help you maintain a clean workspace, regardless of whether it’s an entire cabinet or just a corner of your counter. From there, you can maximize your space with stackable shelves, slide-out drawers, and lazy Susan turntables.
If you’re low on space, you can experiment with hanging some of your most beautiful bakeware on a peg board or vertically storing your cookware with an adjustable organizer. Nesting storage containers for flour, sugar, and other baking ingredients can help keep your counters clean. You can also repurpose old jars to hold and display smaller tools, like cookie cutters or piping tips.
Everyone’s perfectly organized kitchen will look different — at the end of the day, you just want your equipment and ingredients to be easily accessible and easy to put away.
How to Clean Baking Sheets
It’s normal for a baking sheet to develop some buildup over time. When a regular wash isn’t doing the trick and you want to restore the baking sheet to its original state, you can try mixing baking soda and water, then gently rubbing it on your pan and letting it sit. From there, you can use a sponge or even a ball of aluminum foil to scrub it off.
Credit: The Recipe Critic
Are Silicone Baking Mats Safe?
Yes, silicone baking mats are made with food-grade silicone that is safe. You can use them in the freezer, oven, and microwave without worrying about any adverse effects on your food or health. They’re also safe to toss in your dishwasher after cooking.
How to Use a Piping Bag
You can use piping bags for a ton of different baked goods. Whether it be frosting cupcakes or creating perfectly uniform macarons, piping bags can come with a bit of a learning curve, but practice makes perfect. Before placing any mixtures into the plastic bag, you’ll want to cut off the tip of your piping bag and carefully nestle your piping tip inside the bag. From there, you’ll just fill it with your desired frosting or batter and get to work.
If it’s your first time using a piping bag, you can always practice on a flat, food-safe surface, like a paper plate or even some spare cookies before testing the waters.
Credit: The Recipe Critic
My Favorite Baking Recipes
With a new arsenal of the best baking tools and equipment, you’ll need some recipes to try out! Check out some of my favorites below.
When life changes, your health coverage and saving options may change too. If you’ve had a change, like you got married or moved to a new address, let the Marketplace know.
What type of changes should I report?
Certain changes are considered . There are 4 basic types:
Loss of health coverage: Losing job-based coverage (yours or a household member’s) or eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Residence changes: Certain household moves, like to a new ZIP code, county, or state
Household changes: New baby, marriage, divorce, or death
Other qualifying life events, like changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for or becoming a U.S. citizen
Pain that lasts more than a few months is chronic pain. Some types can’t be cured. But treatment can help you find relief.
The right choice for you depends on:
How long the pain has lasted
How bad it is
What’s causing it
Where you hurt
Treatments have changed a lot over the years, says Steve Yoon, MD, a sports injury and joint pain expert in Los Angeles. “There are more options than ever,” he says.
Doctors may use many options together to help you feel better.
RFA targets the nerves that send pain signals to your brain. Your doctor will use a needle with a tip that heats up. The needle is placed very close to the nerve. The heat zaps it so that it can’t send the pain signal.
The treatment helps with many types of pain, including arthritis and neuropathy. Research shows it can also ease lower back and hip pain. It can also help your knee and neck.
A newer type of it, called “cooled RFA,” may offer more precise relief, says Anita Gupta, DO, PharmD, co-chair of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Ad Hoc Committee for Prescription Opioid Abuse. Research is underway to see if cooled RFA is more effective than the regular kind.
Radiofrequency ablation can relieve pain for 8 months to a year. After that, a doctor can treat you with it again.
Look for someone who has training to do it, Gupta says.
These deliver medicine directly where they’re needed in your body. A doctor will usually use an X-ray to find where to put it.
Your doctor will decide which medicine is best. Steroids and local anesthetics (painkillers) are often used together. Local anesthetics numb the nerve or muscle. Steroids ease inflammation, which lowers pain.
There are many types of shots for chronic pain.
Nerve root blocks target the nerves along the spine that lead to pain in other areas, such as the arms or legs.
Epidural steroid injections can help with disc problems, like herniated discs. The shots go in the outer part of your spinal column.
Trigger point injections work on tight spots in muscles. Sometimes, these spots are so tight they squeeze nerves and lead to pain in other places.
Shots may not take the hurt away completely, Gupta says.
“The benefits can last from 4 weeks to 1 year, depending on the type of pain, the source of the pain, and how advanced the problem is,” she says. You may need a series of shots for the results to last.
For longer-lasting relief, a doctor may suggest a pain pump, says Stuart Finkelstein, MD, an addiction and pain expert in Lakewood, CA. The pump is implanted, usually near the base of the spine. It delivers a slow drip of medication. Your doctor will set up the pump so the medicine is released automatically.
Doctors can prescribe these powerful meds for chronic pain. They block or reduce pain signals. Common ones include:
Some opioids have been around for centuries. Others have been made in the past few decades.
They’re very effective for severe pain. But they also have side effects that can include:
Drowsiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Confusion
Dizziness
Constipation
More-serious side effects are possible, such as:
Addiction
Accidental overdose
Opioids can also make some people stop breathing and die. That’s a risk especially when the dosage is higher or when someone uses them with other drugs or alcohol.
It’s also not clear if these meds are helpful after a few months. Addiction is common among people who take them long-term. One of the safest ones is buprenorphine, Finkelstein says. It blocks pain like other opioids, but its effects taper off at higher doses. So, it’s less addictive.
Sometimes doctors use buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction.
Researchers are studying new types of these meds with fewer side effects and potentially less chance of addiction.
Many types of pain medications are available. The best one for you may not be obvious.
Some common over-the-counter drugs can help. Aspirin and ibuprofen are “completely underutilized,” Gupta says.
Acetaminophen relieves many types of mild to moderate pain, and you can get it over the counter. It’s also combined with other medications available by prescription.
Keep in mind that even over-the-counter meds carry risks. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take.
Other choices include:
Things like yoga, massage, and acupuncture aren’t new. But there’s a lot of recent research on them.
Acupuncture involves placing tiny needles in the skin at certain points on the body. Many studies show it can ease low-back pain. It may also help for joint pain due to arthritis.
Massage, spinal adjustment, and yoga can also help some people with low-back pain. The relief from massage may be short-term, though.
Talk with your doctor if you’re thinking about complementary and alternative options. Some may be risky for certain people.
“You may not be able to address the health problem causing pain,” Yoon says, “but you can improve quality of life, and that’s what really matters.”
Since the introduction of ART in 1996, mortality rates among people with HIV have significantly declined. A new study goes into the trends of cause-specific mortality in those who began ART in Europe and North America, uncovering disparities in the reductions of deaths, particularly from AIDS, across different subgroups. Decreases in the primary causes of death, especially AIDS-related fatalities among people with HIV on ART, were not uniform across all subgroups. Interventions aimed at high-risk populations, managing substance abuse, and treating coexisting health conditions could elevate the life expectancy of people with HIV to levels closer to those of the general population.
The research took data from 189,301 HIV-positive individuals, and 16,832 deaths (8.9%) across 1,519,200 persons to years of observation. AIDS was the leading cause, accounting for 4203 deaths (25.0%), with non-AIDS cancers excluding hepatitis and cardiovascular diseases following. A sharp decline in AIDS-related death proportions from 49% in 1996-1999 to 16% in 2016-2020 was observed, alongside a significant drop in the overall mortality rate from 16.8 per 1000 person-years in the late 1990s to 7.9 in recent years.
“The main strengths of this study are the large sample size, geographical diversity, representativeness of the included people with HIV, and the availability of data on cause-specific mortality, classified according to a common protocol,” investigators wrote. “However, causes of death were classified retrospectively and without complete patient histories, so misclassification is more likely than if the causes had been classified based on full medical history. Autopsy, which is becoming less common over time remains the gold standard for classifying causes of death, and clinical classifications might not correlate well with those from autopsy reports.”
Significant declines were also noted in mortality rates from cardiovascular issues, liver problems, non-AIDS infections, non-AIDS cancers excluding hepatocellular carcinoma, and deaths from suicide or accidents. However, an increase in mortality rates was observed among women who acquired HIV through injecting drug use, with a slight decrease noted among men in this group.
3 Key Takeaways
While the introduction of ART has dramatically reduced mortality rates among people with HIV, the decline in AIDS-related deaths and other causes of mortality has not been uniform across all subgroups.
The study emphasizes the need for interventions specifically designed for high-risk populations, alongside strategies to manage substance abuse and coexisting health conditions.
The findings advocate for a comprehensive public health approach that extends beyond improving ART outcomes
“For some people with HIV, there was information on a number of comorbidities or potential causes of death, which could lead to the death being classified as of unknown cause or unclassifiable,” according to investigators. “In particular, HIV was previously more likely to be mentioned as a cause on a death certificate because the person who died had HIV, even if it was irrelevant to the death. The Coding Causes of Death (CoDe) processes and rules were set up to minimize the impact of this, by accounting for recent CD4 counts and AIDS diagnoses rather than relying solely on death certificate information.”
The study advocates for public health strategies that not only continue to improve ART outcomes but also address the broader social and health-related challenges faced by people living with HIV. Creating interventions to the specific needs of high-risk groups and addressing substance use and comorbidity management could enhance life expectancy between individuals with HIV and the general population, moving towards an era where HIV diagnosis does not dictate a significantly shortened lifespan.
Reference
Trickey A, McGinnis K, Gill M, Abgrall S, Berenguer J, et. al. Longitudinal trends in causes of death among adults with hiv on antiretroviral therapy in Europe and north America from 1996 to 2020: a collaboration of cohort studies. The Lancet. Published January 24, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(23)00272-2
This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.
Introducing the easiest and tastiest appetizer that every party needs! Bacon crackers start with a buttery cracker layered with salty bacon and sprinkled with brown sugar and black pepper. It only takes 4 ingredients to make this sweet and salty snack.
I can’t even describe the magic that happens when these candied bacon crackers bake! The buttery crackers absorb the bacon drippings, and the sugar melts and caramelizes the cracker into an addicting snack. The salty crisp bacon paired with the sweet sugar are PERFECTION! It’s the BEST flavor combination! Everyone goes wild over these appetizers and the best part is how easy they are to make.
I love an easy appetizer that I can whip up last minute. You never know when you’ll have guests last minute and this is the appetizer to make when that happens. Here are some more easy appetizer recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients. Make these little smokies, this shrimp, or our all-time favorite 5-minute dip!
Ingredients to Make Bacon Crackers
All it takes is 4 ingredients to make these sweet and savory bacon crackers! It’s such a simple appetizer and takes no time at all. Find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Club Crackers: The perfect-sized cracker to fit the bacon slices.
Bacon: Choose your favorite! Use thick-cut, thin-cut, or peppered bacon. There’s no need to sprinkle with pepper if it’s already on the bacon.
Brown Sugar: Caramelizes and candies the bacon for a sweet and salty combination.
This bacon crackers recipe is the easiest appetizer to whip up! In no time at all you will have a flavor-packed appetizer that will be everyone’s favorite! Bring these to your next party or game day.
Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit then place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
Arrange Crackers on Prepared Pan: Line the crackers in a single layer on top of the wire rack.
Cut and Place Bacon Pieces on Crackers: Cut the bacon into fourths then place 1 piece on top of each cracker. Save the remaining bacon for another recipe!
Sprinkle with Sugar and Pepper: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the bacon. Lastly, sprinkle cracked black pepper on top of the brown sugar.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp to your liking. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are my tips and variations below for making these bacon crackers. I also have a few ideas on how to make them spicy if you like added heat. You’re going to love how quick and easy they are!
Crackers: Any buttery cracker will work for this appetizer. I prefer using Club crackers because they are sturdy enough to withhold the bacon and sugar as they melt and seep into the cracker. I also love the perfect size that it is for the bacon!
Make it Spicy: Add sliced jalapenos, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you want more heat. Also, the added spice levels up all the flavors. It’s DELICIOUS!
Freeze Bacon: Here’s a little tip for cutting the bacon. Pop it in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting it. It chills and hardens slightly to make the cutting easier. Save any leftover bacon for another recipe or double this recipe. The more bacon crackers the better!
Wrap the Crackers: Instead of placing the bacon on top, simply wrap a longer piece around the whole cracker. You may need to adjust the baking time but more bacon? Yes please!
How to Store Bacon Crackers
These bacon crackers will disappear before you know it! They are so addicting and your guests will devour them. However, here’s how to store any leftovers you might have.
On the Counter: Place any leftover bacon crackers in an airtight container. Allow them to cool before storing them. They will keep on the counter for up to 2 days. The crackers and bacon may lose some of their crispiness, but the overall flavor will still be enjoyable. These crackers are best served at room temperature and I don’t recommend storing them in the fridge.
If your house is anything like mine, laundry stains are a daily fact of life.
For many of us, laundry tops the list of household jobs we’d rather not do. It’s often voted the one job we’d gladly hire someone to help with if we could. Especially with small children, stains make laundry even tougher.
Even some of my most crunchy friends will turn to conventional stain sticks and sprays to get stains out. Yes, even friends who make their own deodorant, toothpaste, and laundry soap still use conventional stain removal methods.
And who could blame them, since many natural stain removal methods don’t seem to work on tough stains?
Why Use Natural Stain Removal Methods?
When you switch to natural cleaning, you can’t just spray it all with Shout, wash it in Tide, and call it a day… so what to do?
Conventional laundry stain treatments are some of the most toxic cleaning products available. They contain harsh detergents, solvents, parabens, and a host of artificial colors and scents.
Then there’s chlorine bleach often used for white clothes that’s a major health concern. A 2010 study reported well over a quarter of a million children under the age of 5 were injured by household cleaners. Bleach was the leading source and can be lethal if ingested (most reported cases were from kids ingesting bleach, usually from a spray bottle).
Pre-Made Natural Stain Remover
Already know you want a natural stain remover, but don’t want to DIY it? Branch Basics has a non-toxic natural stain remover that works really well. You can use their cleaning concentrate and Oxygen Boost to pretreat the stained area.
Another good option is Truly Free. I’ve used their natural liquid laundry detergent for years. Truly Free has an Oxyboost stain fighter, as well as an enzyme stain remover and a laundry stain stick.
Both of these brands offer good non-toxic options if you just want something quick and all-purpose. If you want to create your own stain removers though, then read on!
I borrowed some wisdom from my grandma’s era and with the help of my professional stain creation experts (aka my children). I compiled a helpful list of effective stain treatments for various types of stains. You can keep this list handy for reference when you’re doing laundry. I’ve also included a printable version (at the bottom of this post) in case it will be helpful to you too.
How to Remove Stains From Clothes
Removing stains naturally takes a little more know-how and work than the conventional products. When used correctly, these methods can remove some of the toughest stains (and you won’t have to keep the poison control number on hand!).
TIP: Always treat stains from the back, rather than the front, to avoid rubbing the stain in more.
Natural Stain Remover Supplies
First, you’ll need the following staples on hand:
Optional, but nice:
How to Treat Different Types of Stains
Here are some of the most common stains and how to treat them naturally. Be sure to check the product care label first before proceeding.
Paint Stains: Soak in rubbing alcohol for 30 minutes and wash out.
Tea or Coffee Stains: Immediately pour boiling water over the stain until it’s gone. If it’s an old stain scrub it with a paste of borax and water and wash immediately.
Grass Stains: Scrub with liquid dish soap or treat with equal parts hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water.
Mud Stains: Let the dirt dry and brush off what you can, then scrub with a borax/water paste and clean in the washer immediately
Tomato-Based Stains: For ketchup and other tomato products, treat with white vinegar directly on the stain and wash immediately.
Nail Polish: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to immediately blot up the nail polish before it air dries. Use a cloth dipped in dishwashing liquid and warm water to dab up the stain, then rinse in cool water. If there’s still a color stain, then make a paste with equal parts cornstarch and white vinegar. Apply to the area and let sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing off with a toothbrush. Rinse with cold water and launder.
Ballpoint Pen Ink Stains or Marker: Soak in rubbing alcohol for 30 minutes or spray with hair spray and wash out.
Red Wine Stains: I use a mixture of soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. You can get the recipe for my red wine stain remover here (there’s also an option for upholstery).
Wax Stains: Do not try to clean hot wax off of fabric, as this only pushes it deeper into the fibers. Once the wax has cooled, place an ice cube over the area to harden the wax. Scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife or spoon. Dab some enzyme-based stain remover (Branch Basics or Truly Free have good options) over the area. Use a clean cloth or soft toothbrush to work in the cleaner. After 15 minutes rinse with warm water and then launder.
Dingy Whites, Sweat Stains, or Deodorant Stains: Soak the stain directly in a mix of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water for 30 minutes. Then add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the wash water. For really tough yellow stains, make a paste of 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and rub into the stain. Leave on for 5 minutes before laundering.
Other Food Stains: Treat with a mix of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water and soak.
Grease Stains and Oil Stains: For oil-based stains sprinkle the area with dry baking soda to remove any loose oil or grease and brush off. Then, soak in undiluted white vinegar for 15 minutes, rinse, and scrub with liquid dish soap before washing
Vomit, Urine, Poop, Egg, Gelatin, Glue, or Other Protein-Based Stains: DO NOT WASH IN WARM WATER!!!!! This will set in the smell. Soak in cool water and then wash with an added mixture of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup baking soda in the washing machine.
Blood stains: Like other protein stains, hot water will only set the stain in. To remove blood stains rinse/soak in cold water, then apply hydrogen peroxide to the area before tossing it in the wash.
When I encounter stains that don’t respond to the methods above, I’ll use stronger products that still contain natural ingredients. My favorite is Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, which gets an “A” from the Environmental Working Group, and is an amazing all-purpose natural cleaner. Be sure to use Sal Suds NOT castile soap, which won’t work the same.
It can be used directly on really tough stains in a pinch, though I prefer to make a natural stain spray:
Natural Stain Remover Spray
The closest non-toxic alternative I’ve found to stain removal sprays is this homemade version. It takes under two minutes to make and can be kept by the washing machine for easy use.
In the battle against COVID-19, antiviral drugs have emerged as a clinical tool in preventing the progression from mild-to-moderate disease to severe illness, particularly when administered within 5 days of symptom onset. This insight highlights the crucial connection of education, preparedness, and health care in mitigating severe COVID-19-associated outcomes, including death.
Despite recommendations for antiviral use among high-risk adults to prevent severe COVID-19, its uptake remains low at ≤35% in the general adult population. A review of 110 high-risk Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients—all vaccinated and with mild-to-moderate COVID-19— revealed reasons for underuse: 20% declined the offered treatment. In contrast, 80% were not offered any treatment.
“We focused on eligible patients who truly didn’t get antiviral treatment, rather than on estimating the amount of use overall,” said coinvestigator Paul A. Monach, MD, PhD, chief of rheumatology, VA Boston Healthcare System. “The electronic search indicated that only 28% of patients received antivirals, but we found during chart review that additional patients did receive antivirals, just not in a way easily found by searching VA pharmacy records. The actual amount of use is about 50%, although that calculation isn’t in the final version of the paper, so it shouldn’t be considered peer-reviewed.”
“Limited information is available on reasons for failure to prescribe antivirals to eligible patients with COVID-19,” the study investigators wrote. “Algorithms to determine these reasons using electronic medical records (EMR) review would have to be based entirely on text data; therefore, measures to develop them would likely be prone to bias.”
For those not offered treatment, reasons included symptom duration exceeding 5 days (22.7%), potential drug interactions (5.7%), or lack of symptoms (22.7%). And nearly half (48.9%) gave no reason beyond mild symptoms. Notably, 55.8% of these patients only received follow-up calls without any treatment discussion, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address antiviral underuse.
Main Takeaways
Antiviral medications are essential in preventing the progression of COVID-19 from mild-to-moderate stages to severe illness, especially when given within the first five days of symptom onset.
Despite the proven efficacy of antivirals and CDC recommendations, their use remains surprisingly low, with uptake at ≤35% among the general adult population.
There is a clear gap in patient management and communication, highlighted by the fact that a substantial number of patients do not receive adequate information or discussions regarding their eligibility for antiviral treatment
Improving Antiviral Uptake
“On the provider side, a few patients fewer than we expected were not offered treatment because of drug interactions with Paxlovid,” said Monach. “However, other antivirals are available, and the safety of discontinuing another drug for 5 days to take Paxlovid probably varies a lot and is safe for most drugs. Finally, about 40% of patients who didn’t receive an antiviral weren’t offered one and didn’t have a contraindication that we could find in the chart. Therefore, some providers need an education that high-risk patients with mild symptoms are exactly the target population – although it was clear from the review that most providers in emergency departments and primary care know that.”
Monarch explains how there should be primary care follow-up calls after patients have gone home, especially regarding test results because this could be a key area for improvement. Initially, these calls emphasized isolation and visiting the emergency room if symptoms worsened, advice that was apt during 2020-21. However, with the availability of antivirals, this approach is now considered outdated and misdirected. It is recommended that healthcare institutions update their guidance for staff responsible for these calls to include current treatment options, ensuring that the advice given is relevant and comprehensive.
Among the reasons for not providing treatment, delays in seeking care and potential drug interactions were noted, alongside a notable percentage of patients who were not given any explanation for the lack of treatment offered, particularly if their symptoms were considered mild. Furthermore, many of these patients did not have antiviral treatment discussed with them, pointing to a gap in patient management, and the need for improved strategies to ensure that eligible patients are informed and offered potentially life-saving antiviral treatments.
“Although the original studies were done in unvaccinated patients, it is clear from our previous work and others’ work that some patients remain at high risk for severe COVID-19 despite vaccination and boosting,” explains Monach. “Studies in high-risk patients indicate the benefit of antivirals for them as well, it’s just not clear whether the risk is reduced by 50% or more than that.”
Monarch says patients with comorbidities should be considered for antivirals. “There’s general agreement that patients who are immune-suppressed or have serious lung, heart, or kidney disease should be offered treatment. There’s also general agreement that at some point age confers high risk even in a patient without other risk factors.”
Overall, antiviral drugs are undervalued clinically in the ongoing battle of COVID-19 in preventing severe disease outcomes. While clinicians continue managing the complexity of COVID-19, they need to consider to ensure that every patient eligible for antiviral therapy is informed, offered, and supported through their treatment journey.
Reference
Monach PA, Anand ST, Fillmore NR, La J, Branch-Elliman W. Underuse of Antiviral Drugs to Prevent Progression to Severe COVID-19 — Veterans Health Administration, March–September 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Published January 25, 2024. Accessed January 31, 2024. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7303a2
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Tender, juicy pieces of lobster tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with linguine noodles. Prepare to be amazed by this restaurant-quality lobster pasta- each bite is a dream!
Calling all seafood lovers! If you love this lobster pasta, here are a few more recipes you need to add to the dinner lineup: lobster bisque, seafood lasagna, and reader-favorite lobster tail!
Amazing Lobster Linguine
This lobster pasta is comfort food at its finest. Fresh linguine, a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce, and tender lobster pieces all tossed together. What could be better than that? It’s a blend of flavors and textures that is absolutely dreamy.
This restaurant-quality lobster pasta is fancy enough for special occasions or date night, but also simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, even the people that aren’t big seafood lovers in your family will be a fan! Words can’t describe how tasty this dish is. You’ve got to try it for yourself! Here is everything you’ll need:
Ingredient List
I love that this recipe uses so many simple ingredients, even though it tastes like something you would get from a fancy restaurant! Exact measurements for each can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Linguine: This long, thin pasta helps catch the delicious sauce and lobster pieces. Cook it al dente for a perfect bite. Also, reserve some pasta water before draining for the sauce!
Lobster Meat: Cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use cooked lobster tails, claws, or knuckles – any part works!
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
Chopped Shallot: Adds a mild oniony flavor without overpowering the dish. Chop it finely so it’s evenly distributed.
Garlic Cloves: Because everything is better with garlic! Fresh minced garlic works best for adding flavor to every bite.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy sauce. Full-fat cream will give you the richest flavor, but half and half can also be used for something lighter.
Parmesan Cheese: So the sauce has delicious cheesy flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the lobster pasta to taste.
Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water helps give the sauce a silky texture and also thins it out.
Fresh Basil and Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but these add extra delicious flavor!
Lobster Pasta Recipe
Grab that skillet and get ready to make a dinner that everyone will be raving about. If you really want to take things up a notch, try serving it with garlic knots or homemade breadsticks! The sauce is too good not to dip.
Precook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Cook the pasta to al-dente. Before draining the pasta, save some pasta water for the sauce.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and saute until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and then cook for 1 minute.
Mix in Cheese and Cream: Lower the heat and slowly add in the cream and parmesan cheese. Heat through and stir until the cheese is melted.
Add Seasonings and Pasta Water: Add the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasonings, and lemon zest. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to thin the sauce. Then taste the sauce and add additional seasoning to your liking.
Combine: Add the cooked lobster meat and pasta. Toss to combine with the sauce.
Serve: Top the pasta with fresh basil, parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Then serve immediately while it’s warm. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Use your imagination and what you have on hand to create this amazing creamy lobster pasta! You’re going to love how it turns out with any of these tips and variations.
Pasta: I love using pasta that can really soak up the sauce and hold it in its crevices. For this lobster pasta, you can use almost any pasta you like, even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Al Dente: Cook your pasta al dente. This means the pasta is tender but still chewy and holds its shape with a bit of firmness. This will allow the pasta to absorb the sauce and hold on to the flavor in every bite.
Lobster Substitutions: Not a fan of lobster? No problem! You can also use other protein options like chicken, bacon, or sausage.
Heavy Cream: You can use half and half instead of heavy cream to also cut a few calories but your sauce won’t turn out quite as rich.
Add-ins: Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to this lobster pasta. Just stir them in when you add in the lobster. It would be delicious in this recipe!
Leftover Lobster Pasta
This lobster pasta is so incredible the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Heat your leftovers so you have a quick and satisfying lunch!
In the Refrigerator: Keep leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If it needs thinning add a splash of cream as it heats.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Cook the pasta to al-dente. Before draining the pasta, save some pasta water for the sauce.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and saute until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Lower the heat and slowly add in the cream and parmesan cheese. Heat through and stir until the cheese is melted.
Add the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasonings, and lemon zest. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to thin the sauce. Taste the sauce and add additional seasoning to your liking.
Add the cooked lobster meat and pasta. Toss to combine with the sauce.
Top the pasta with fresh basil, parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately warm. Enjoy!
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