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A creative twist on Halloween carvings

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(Family Features) When it comes to Halloween, carving the same pumpkin designs each year can become routine. This year, save a pumpkin and carve your spooky masterpiece into a watermelon instead.

Nutrient-rich watermelon can be a healthy alternative to other sweet treats full of added sugar during Halloween festivities as it’s a source of vitamins A and C as well as the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline.

Because they are made up of 92% water, watermelons can be an effective way to stay hydrated during trick-or-treating, and creations like a Mummy or Jack O’Melon can help satisfy sweet cravings while keeping friends and family members frightfully delighted.

To get started, consider these carving tips and tricks:

  • To make cutting and slicing easier, the watermelon should be at room temperate when carving.
  • Cut a small, thin, flat piece from the bottom of the watermelon to provide a stable base for carving.
  • Draw the design on the watermelon rind with a dry-erase marker before cutting. If you make a mistake, this can make it easier to wipe off.
  • Use a sharp knife with a pointed tip for easier, cleaner cuts. Consider a paring knife with a smaller tip for ease of detail.
  • Blend scraps of watermelon that are too messy for dicing or slicing to create an easy juice.

For more watermelon carving ideas, visit watermelon.org.

Mummy

Supplies and Tools:

  • Watermelon
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen knife
  • Dry-erase marker
  • Paring knife
  • Melon baller
  • Scoop
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Cheesecloth or gauze
  • Straight pin (optional)
  • Battery-operated candle or light
  • Small bowl
  • Blueberries or bloody candy eyes
  • Toothpicks, pins or glue
  1. Wash watermelon under cool running water and pat dry.
  2. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and use kitchen knife to cut off 1/4-1/2-inch of rind from bottom to provide sturdy base, being careful not to cut too deep into white part of rind. Cut 1-2 inches from stem end to create opening for bowl to be added.
  3. Using dry-erase marker, draw eyes, nose and mouth, along with wavy slits around carving. Use paring knife to cut them out, being sure to cut through to red flesh to let more light flow through.
  4. Use melon baller to hollow out inside of watermelon. Reserve watermelon balls. Use scoop to remove remaining watermelon.
  5. Using vegetable peeler, remove green skin off outside of watermelon, similar to peeling cucumber.
  6. Wrap thin strips cheesecloth or gauze around mummy carving and secure with straight pin, if needed.
  7. Place battery-operated candle or light inside carving and fit small bowl into top of carving. Trim away excess rind to make bowl fit securely.
  8. Fill bowl with melon balls. Attach candy eyes or blueberries using a toothpicks, pins or glue.

Jack O’Melon

Supplies and Tools:

  • Knife
  • Round watermelon
  • Melon baller
  • Dry-erase marker
  • Toothpicks (optional)
  • Battery-operated light
  1. Using knife, cut thin slice from bottom of watermelon to provide stable base.
  2. Cut circular piece of rind from top of watermelon big enough to reach into and remove flesh. Carefully remove top section and reserve for use as “lid.”
  3. Remove flesh from inside watermelon using melon baller, reserving melon balls for snacking. Hollow out remaining watermelon flesh and use blender to juice scraps and excess juice.
  4. Using dry-erase marker, draw outlines of eyes, nose, mouth, hair, ears and other features on side of watermelon. If mistake is made with marker, wipe off using paper towel to start over. Following outlines, carve features into watermelon and remove excess rind.
  5. Safe, battery-operated light can be firmly placed inside watermelon to provide haunting glow.
  6. Place circular piece of rind back on top of watermelon.

SOURCE:
National Watermelon Promotion Board

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EDIBLES

Warm up mornings with a fresh casserole

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(Culinary.net) On a cool, crisp morning, it’s hard to beat an exciting twist on a breakfast classic.

This French Toast Casserole is crisp on top while soft and moist in the middle, coming fresh out of the oven with the aroma of maple syrup and pecans that will have the whole house eager for a bite. It’s easy enough to make fresh in the morning- but can also be prepared the night before so all you have to do is add the topping and pop it in the oven.

Find more fresh breakfast recipes to start your day at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=LcZIYdnfpu0%3Fmodestbranding%3D1%26rel%3D0%26showinfo%3D0

French Toast Casserole

  • 1          loaf French bread (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 5          large eggs
  • 1 1/2    cups unsweetened milk
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1          teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4       teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4       teaspoon sea salt
  • maple syrup, for serving

Topping:

  • 2          tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup chopped pecans
  • 1          cup frozen strawberries
  • 1          cup frozen blueberries
  • confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
  1. Grease 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in baking dish. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes.
  2. If making casserole ahead, cover baking dish and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, let stand 30 minutes at room temperature to allow bread to soak up egg mixture.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  4. To make topping: Drizzle casserole with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Top with strawberries and blueberries.
  5. Cover and bake 35 minutes then uncover and bake 10-20 minutes, or until topping is browned and egg mixture has mostly set.
  6. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup.


SOURCE:
Culinary.Net

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EDIBLES

Create showstopping holiday meals with recipes featuring premium pork

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(Family Features) If you’re wondering what to serve for a delightful holiday meal, look no further than pork – a perfect match for festive menus as it’s easy to prepare, versatile, budget-friendly and pairs well with seasonal ingredients.

With flavorful, mouthwatering recipes like Apple Cider Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin and Stuffing-Filled Pork Chops, Coleman All Natural Meats offers trusted premium pork sourced from American farmers who humanely raise livestock with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones. All its pork is made of Heritage Breed Duroc, which is known for its tenderness, superior marbling, juiciness and flavor.

These elevated, seasonal pork recipes offer a delicious and unexpected twist your friends and family will love at your next holiday gathering.

For more recipe inspiration, visit ColemanNatural.com.

Apple Cider Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 45-60 minutes
Servings: 6

  • 1 Coleman Pork Loin (4 pounds)
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Glaze:

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar glaze
  • 6 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon minced rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon minced sage
  • 1 teaspoon minced thyme
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4-6 sliced apples
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Remove pork from packaging and pat dry with paper towel. Season all sides with salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. To make glaze: In bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar glaze, mustard, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, sage, thyme and garlic. Add salt and pepper, to taste. In steady stream, slowly add olive oil to emulsify while whisking.
  4. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear pork loin 2-3 minutes on each side.
  5. Move pork to lined baking sheet and brush on about half the glaze. Roast 30 minutes.
  6. Remove pork from oven and spread sliced apples around pork loin. Brush remaining glaze over pork and apples. Bake 20-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 150 F.
  7. Let pork loin rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Stuffing-Filled Pork Chops

Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 30-45 minutes
Servings: 6

Stuffing:

  • 1 small box biscuit mix
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2-3 stalks finely diced celery
  • 1 finely diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1-2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bag cornbread stuffing mix
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 6 Coleman Natural bone-in or boneless pork chops
  • oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced sage
  • 1 teaspoon minced thyme
  • 1 teaspoon minced rosemary
  1. To make stuffing: Bake biscuits according to package directions 1 day ahead. Dry biscuits will absorb more broth.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  3. In skillet, melt butter then add celery and onions. Saute until onions are translucent then add poultry seasoning and half the broth. Set aside to cool.
  4. In bowl, combine stuffing mix, crumbled biscuits and eggs.
  5. Add onion mix to bowl and mix well. Add leftover broth if mixture is too dry. Set aside.
  6. Slit each chop on rounded side, cutting almost through to bone, to create deep pockets for stuffing.
  7. Season chops with garlic, sage, thyme and rosemary. Fill each chop with stuffing mixture. Use toothpicks to keep chops closed.
  8. Preheat skillet with oil over medium-high heat and sear each chop 2-3 minutes on each side.
  9. Once chops are seared, add remaining stuffing to pan, cover with foil and bake 30-45 minutes until chops reach 140 F in center. Remove foil for last 10 minutes to brown top of stuffing, if desired.


SOURCE:
Coleman Natural Foods

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EDIBLES

Transform holiday leftovers into vibrant, flavorful meals

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(Family Features) Once your holiday feast comes to pass, you’re almost certain to find your refrigerator stuffed with leftovers. However, that doesn’t mean you want to eat the same meal again and again in the days that follow.

The star of many seasonal celebrations, turkey can be reused in a variety of post-holiday dishes to cut down on food waste and create fresh new meals your whole family can enjoy. Featuring a unique blend of 100% natural chili peppers, lime and sea salt, Tajín pairs perfectly with turkey, making it a go-to for creative leftovers.

Gone are the days of simply reheating turkey and stuffing or making a turkey sandwich. Instead, reinvent your holiday extras through fresh takes on classic dishes like this comforting Leftover Holiday Biscuit Pot Pie or spicy Leftover Turkey Carnitas Tacos.

For more holiday recipe inspiration, visit tajin.com/us.

Leftover Holiday Biscuit Pot Pie

Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Biscuits:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Turkey Pot Pie Filling:

  • 1/2 cup turkey fat
  • 1 1/2 cups diced onion
  • 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
  • 1 1/2 cups diced celery
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
  • 1 tablespoon diamond crystal coarse salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
  • 8 cups cold turkey stock
  • Tajín Clasico Seasoning, to taste (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 6 cups leftover cooked turkey, chopped
  1. To make biscuits: In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cream of tartar.
  2. Grate butter and mix with dry ingredients.
  3. Carefully add buttermilk and mix until incorporated.
  4. Fold over 5-6 times, roll out and cut into 10-12 rounds.
  5. Place cut biscuits on floured surface.
  6. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
  7. To make turkey pot pie filling: Preheat oven to 375 F.
  8. Heat large pot over high heat and add turkey fat.
  9. Add onions, carrots, celery, bay leaf, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper; gently sweat.
  10. Add 1/2 cup flour and cook 2-3 minutes.
  11. Add turkey stock 2 cups at a time, allowing to thicken before adding more.
  12. In bowl, mix remaining flour with turkey.
  13. Add turkey pot, bring to simmer until thickened.
  14. Add seasoning, to taste.
  15. Add pot pie filling to casserole dish and gently place biscuits closely together on top.
  16. Brush biscuits with melted butter and bake 25-30 minutes.
  17. Remove from oven and cool 10-15 minutes before serving.

Leftover Turkey Carnitas Tacos

Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 (2-3 tacos each)

  • 4-6 garlic cloves, peeled and separated
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh bitter orange juice or fresh lime juice with fresh orange juice combo
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Tajín Clasico Seasoning
  • 1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
  • 1 cup duck fat, ghee or high smoke point oil of choice
  • 4-6 tortillas

Toppings (optional):

  • pico de gallo
  • pickled onions
  • cilantro
  • pomegranate seeds
  • avocado
  1. With mortar and pestle, crush together garlic cloves and salt, make paste and place in medium bowl.
  2. Stir in juice, olive oil and seasoning.
  3. Fold mojo into shredded turkey meat.
  4. In large, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat, melt duck fat and wait until it forms a wave. Add turkey, in batches, stirring often, until meat turns light golden brown, then lower heat to medium. Turn off heat.
  5. Heat up tortillas, place turkey carnitas on top and add pico de gallo, pickled onions, cilantro, pomegranate seeds or avocado as desired.

Note: Once browned in duck fat, carnitas can be stored in the fat overnight and reheated over low heat to melt fat and warm carnitas.


SOURCE:
Tajín

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