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An experienced cookbook author and a dedicated executive member of Costco reveals her selection of ten indispensable ingredients that serve as the foundation for crafting straightforward yet incredibly tasty meals. Having frequently visited Costco while developing recipes for her acclaimed cookbook, "Big Dip Energy," she leveraged her spending habits to upgrade to an executive membership, recognizing the significant savings. Through this extensive experience, she has meticulously curated a list of cost-effective bulk items that are either everyday essentials for simple cooking or premium additions that elevate ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Among her top recommendations are S&W Organic chickpeas, an unparalleled value at approximately $1 per can for an eight-pack. These chickpeas are incredibly versatile, perfect for whipping up herby, vegan Green Goddess hummus for social gatherings, or adding a protein boost to salads and soups. They can also be air-fried or oven-roasted for a satisfying, crunchy snack. For those who prefer convenience, Ithaca Hummus stands out as her preferred store-bought brand, celebrated for its creamy texture, pure ingredients, and lack of additives. This substantial container can last for weeks in the refrigerator, making it an excellent base for dips or spreads, especially when paired with fresh vegetables like mini bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.

To enhance salads and dips, Kooshy Mambo Italiano's sourdough croutons are a favorite. Their ideal size and robust Italian seasoning, combined with the subtle tang of sourdough, provide an umami-rich flavor. These croutons can also be crumbled over pasta as a substitute for toasted breadcrumbs, mixed into chicken Caesar wraps, or incorporated into homemade snack mixes for an unexpected textural element. For an all-purpose flavor enhancer, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning powder is a superior choice over its liquid counterpart. This versatile powder can be used in marinades, to season cooked vegetables, or to add zest to morning eggs, offering a wide array of culinary applications.

Meredith Dairy's marinated goat cheese is another highly prized item, once a rare find but now a constant in her fridge since its arrival at Costco. This garlicky, herb-infused cheese adds a touch of indulgence to any dish, from salads and eggs to pasta and toast. The flavored oil remaining after the cheese is consumed can be repurposed for brushing on bread or making homemade mayonnaise. To introduce a spicy kick, Fly by Jing's signature Sichuan chili crisp is a must-have. Its balanced heat, textural complexity, and umami depth, derived from garlic, shallots, ginger, and fermented soybeans, make it an addictive addition to simple meals like white rice with rotisserie chicken.

For sandwiches and Asian-inspired dishes, Kewpie mayonnaise is an essential. Known for its richer egg yolk content and a hint of MSG, it delivers a powerful umami flavor that elevates tuna or egg salads. It also forms the base for delicious dips, such as spicy California-roll guacamole or crab-rangoon dip, and can be easily mixed with hot sauce to create a versatile spicy mayo. Jongga cabbage kimchi offers a delicious way to support gut health. While the author, a Korean American adoptee, didn't grow up with kimchi, she has come to appreciate this brand for its ideal balance of funk, spice, and crunch. This large container is perfect for banchan, Korean pancakes, homemade kimchi-cheese dip, or stir-fries, with a tip to balance its sourness with sugar or stir-frying as it ages.

Bachan's Japanese barbecue sauce is a long-standing favorite, eliminating the need to make homemade teriyaki due to its consistent quality and flavor. Despite its thin consistency, it thickens beautifully when heated, creating a sticky glaze ideal for salmon teriyaki or quickly tossing with rotisserie chicken and instant noodles for a quick meal. Lastly, MiLa's caramelized scallion noodles are a recent but welcome addition to her weeknight repertoire. The flavorful soy-based sauce coats the noodles perfectly, requiring only the addition of protein and vegetables to create a complete and satisfying dish. These curated selections underscore the value and variety available at Costco for both novice and experienced home cooks.

In an ongoing competition between two renowned American breakfast chains, IHOP and Cracker Barrel have consistently made significant business decisions. IHOP's "IHOb" campaign in 2018, which temporarily shifted its focus to burgers, garnered diverse public opinion but ultimately boosted burger sales. Cracker Barrel's recent attempt to modernize its logo in August 2025 by removing its iconic "old timer" character and rustic barrel faced intense customer backlash, leading to its reversal and a decline in quarterly sales. Despite these varying trajectories, both restaurants maintain a presence in the competitive casual dining market, prompting a comparison of their current offerings and overall customer experience. This evaluation aims to determine which chain truly provides better value and quality for breakfast diners.

To assess their current standing, a direct comparison was conducted, involving ordering identical breakfast platters and black coffee at both establishments on a Saturday morning. The analysis considers various aspects, including the ambiance, menu breadth, pricing, and the quality of individual breakfast items. This detailed examination highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each chain, culminating in a definitive conclusion about which restaurant offers a more compelling breakfast experience in terms of taste, variety, and overall value for money.

A Culinary Showdown: Cracker Barrel's Southern Charm vs. IHOP's Pancake Paradise

The culinary contest between Cracker Barrel and IHOP revealed distinct dining experiences, starting with the ambiance and menu selection. Cracker Barrel, with its deep roots in Tennessee since 1969, exuded a quintessential Southern charm. The restaurant's interior, characterized by farmhouse windows, wooden beams, patriotic bunting, and vintage decor, created a bustling and homey atmosphere, with nearly every table occupied. Its menu, while extensive for lunch and dinner, was somewhat limited in its breakfast offerings, missing key items like crepes, waffles, and omelets. In contrast, IHOP, founded in California in 1958 and boasting over 1,800 global locations, presented a more modern and less cozy environment. Despite being only half a mile from Cracker Barrel, IHOP was less crowded, and its decor felt minimal, focusing on sleek booths and promotional menu images. However, IHOP's breakfast menu was notably more diverse, featuring a wide array of pancakes, crepes, omelets, and waffles, surpassing Cracker Barrel's selection in variety.

The specific breakfast samplers chosen for comparison were similarly priced, with Cracker Barrel's "grandma's sampler" costing $13.49 and IHOP's breakfast sampler priced at $14.79. Cracker Barrel's meal included two buttermilk pancakes, two scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, and a hash-brown casserole. IHOP's offering featured two buttermilk pancakes, two scrambled eggs, two bacon strips, two sausage links, two ham slices, and hash browns. Both meals provided a substantial amount of food for their price points, indicating good overall value. The coffee experience also varied, with Cracker Barrel's brew being described as weak and watery, though it offered unlimited refills for $3.39. IHOP's coffee, priced at $3.69 with unlimited refills, was slightly stronger and served in a charming personal pot, enhancing the experience despite the coffee itself not being exceptional. These initial observations set the stage for a detailed taste test of each component, revealing which chain excelled in delivering a satisfying breakfast.

The Verdict: IHOP's Dominance in Taste and Variety

The detailed taste comparison of individual breakfast items solidified IHOP's lead over Cracker Barrel. Cracker Barrel's pancakes were impressively large and chewy, with a classic buttermilk flavor, but they lacked the fluffy texture often associated with exceptional pancakes. The scrambled eggs at Cracker Barrel were a major disappointment, described as overcooked, dense, dry, and largely flavorless, even after seasoning. The bacon, while salty and smoky, failed to achieve the desired crispiness, and the small sausage patty, though flavorful and cured-tasting, was considered insufficient in portion size. The ham was also unappetizing due to its tough, chewy texture and appearance. However, Cracker Barrel’s hash-brown casserole was a standout, offering a rich, savory blend of potatoes, cheese, onions, and spices, baked to a comforting perfection that was the highlight of the meal.

IHOP, on the other hand, excelled in multiple categories. Its pancakes were light, pillowy, and cake-like, boasting a rich, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor that perfectly balanced with syrup. The scrambled eggs at IHOP were soft, moist, and flavorful, with a unique cheesy undertone despite no cheese being listed as an ingredient, making them far superior to Cracker Barrel's. While IHOP's bacon was overly greasy and rubbery, the classic breakfast sausage links were juicy, spiced, and enjoyable, especially when dipped in syrup. The ham at IHOP was tender, uniformly colored, and had pleasant glazed edges, offering a more palatable experience than Cracker Barrel's version. Although IHOP's hash browns were crispy, they were largely bland compared to Cracker Barrel's flavorful casserole. Ultimately, IHOP’s meal, despite being slightly more expensive, offered a better overall experience due to its superior pancakes, eggs, and ham, and a greater variety of breakfast options, making it the preferred choice for a comprehensive breakfast.