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A full menu for fun-filled holiday festivities

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(Family Features) When holiday gatherings turn into all-day events, having meals ready from morning to night becomes an important part of seasonal hosting. Starting with breakfast through the main course followed by a savory dessert, a full day of celebration calls for a variety of dishes.

To help keep your crowd fueled for a wide range of activities, consider these recipes for Hot Cocoa Pancakes to get your morning started, Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash to pair with a holiday ham and Black Forest Cake to end the festivities on a high note.

Find more holiday recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.

Begin the Holiday with a Family Breakfast

With so many activities scheduled and places to be during the holidays, starting the morning with a filling breakfast can help set your family on the path to enjoyable moments with loved ones.

These Hot Cocoa Pancakes require little time in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the family before hitting the road or working on decorations for seasonal gatherings. Made with Aunt Jemima pancake mix, containing no artificial coloring or flavors, this recipe makes it simple to put breakfast on the table quickly while still achieving a meal full of flavor.

Visit auntjemima.com for more family-friendly recipes.

Hot Cocoa Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes per pancake
Yield: 12 pancakes (3 per serving)

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup 2% or non-fat milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups Aunt Jemima Original Complete or Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix
  • 1/4 cup water
  • marshmallow spread (optional)
  • chocolate syrup (optional)
  • Aunt Jemima Syrup (optional)
  1. Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 F.
  2. In microwave-safe bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla until well combined. Heat in microwave 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir again to ensure mixture is combined.
  3. Combine cocoa mixture, pancake mix and water. Stir until large lumps disappear (do not beat or overmix). If batter is too thick, add additional 1-2 tablespoons water.
  4. Pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased skillet or griddle. Cook 90 seconds, or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter.
  5. Top pancakes with marshmallow spread and drizzle chocolate syrup, or top with syrup.

Party-Perfect Potatoes

Almost every holiday meal calls for side dishes to complement the main course, and as one of the most versatile base ingredients available, potatoes often provide home chefs with a multitude of options.

Served mashed, fried, scalloped, sliced, diced, boiled, roasted or just about any style in-between, potatoes are ideal for matching with the centerpiece of your family meal. These Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash call for Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes to achieve a dense, creamy texture with their just-buttered appearance.

Find more dishes for your holiday gatherings at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

  • 1 pound (3 medium) Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
  • 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 8-10 fresh (2-3-inch) sage leaves, stacked and cut into 1/4-inch strips
  • 1/2 cup 1% milk
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  1. In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water; add 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and cook until tender, 12-15 minutes.
  3. In small saucepan over medium heat, mix 2 tablespoons butter and sage. Tilting pan and watching closely, cook about 3 minutes, until butter foams and begins to brown; keep warm.
  4. Thoroughly drain potatoes and squash, return to pan and shake 1-2 minutes over low heat. Using hand masher, roughly mash to create chunky mixture.
  5. Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  7. Spoon into serving bowl and drizzle with brown butter and sage.

Serve Up a Savory Sweet

No holiday gathering is complete without dessert, and you can take your sweets to the next level with this rich, creamy Black Forest Cake recipe.

Tart cherries and whipped cream are combined with Domino Golden Sugar – a less processed option which is made from pure cane sugar and works cup-for-cup just like white sugar, but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor – for a contrasting profile to put a spin on a seasonal classic.

Find more holiday dessert ideas at dominosugar.com.

Black Forest Cake

Servings: 8

Cherry Filling:

  • 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water or unsweetened cherry juice
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart (Montmorency) cherries
  • 2 tablespoons cherry brandy (optional)

Cake:

  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Stabilized Whipped Cream:

  • 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar
  • chocolate curls or shavings, for garnish (optional)
  1. To make cherry filling: In medium saucepot, whisk sugar and cornstarch with water or juice then bring to boil over medium heat. Stir in cherries and cherry brandy, if desired, and boil 2-3 minutes, stirring, until sauce is thick and translucent. Drain cherries from sauce and set both aside.
  2. To make cake layers: Heat oven to 350 F.
  3. Line bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour bottoms and sides.
  4. In medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
  5. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar 2 minutes on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute. Stir in flour mixture and buttermilk.
  6. Pour batter evenly among cake pans and bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and remove layers from pans.
  8. To make stabilized whipped cream: In small pan or microwaveable bowl, combine gelatin and cold water; allow gelatin to bloom. Heat until gelatin melts and dissolves; set aside.
  9. In chilled bowl, whip cream with chilled beaters until soft peaks form. Add sugar and gelatin; beat until stiff.
  10. Prick tops of two bottom layers with fork and brush cherry filling over layers. Sandwich bottom layers with a 1/4-inch-thick spread of stabilized whipped cream. Sandwich second and top layer with same whipped cream. Spread remaining whipped cream over top layer and sides.
  11. Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired, and decorate with any remaining whipped cream.

SOURCE:
Aunt Jemima

Wisconsin Potatoes

Domino Golden Sugar

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EDIBLES

Street tacos from the slow cooker

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(Family Features) If your idea of street tacos includes standing over a hot skillet, wipe that sweat off your brow and give these Savory Street Tacos a try. They put the slow cooker and oven to work for you, providing that delicious street taco taste without the hassle. For more ways to simplify cooking at home, visit Culinary.net.

Savory Street Tacos

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 4-6

  • 1 chuck roast (2-3 pounds)
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 ounces) beef consommé
  • 16-20 street taco tortillas
  • 1 package (8 ounces) shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • salsa, for serving
  • guacamole, for serving
  • queso, for serving
  1. Cover chuck roast with taco seasoning then place in slow cooker. Pour beef consommé over roast and cook on low 6 hours to braise.
  2. Heat oven to 425 F.
  3. Use fork to shred roast.
  4. Brush outside of tortillas with avocado oil and fill with meat and shredded cheese. Place in casserole dish and bake 10-15 minutes until tacos reach desired crispiness.
  5. Place on tray and serve with salsa, guacamole and queso.

Tip: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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EDIBLES

Add this superfruit to your menu for heart-healthy meals

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(Family Features) It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu – morning, noon and night – can go a long way toward healthier eating habits. While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you can use to add good fats and great taste to recipes throughout the day.

As a versatile fruit with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, avocados have become a household staple. Avocados From Mexico is a national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Initiative – Eat Smart Program, encouraging people to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables and other heart-healthy foods into their meals.

By supporting this initiative, Avocados From Mexico is helping to raise awareness about the importance of making smart nutrition choices. The brand’s “Good Fats Meet Great Taste” campaign, featured at select Kroger locations, highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and fresh food choices as part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.

Avocados provide a good source of naturally unsaturated fats, which can be part of a heart-healthy eating pattern when consumed in place of saturated fats. A well-balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods like avocados, whole grains, lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables can support overall heart health. In addition to good fats, avocados are also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams per one-third of a medium avocado.

If you’re looking for an easy yet tasty way to add more avocados to your family’s menu, this Avocado, Brussels Sprout, Kale and Date Salad provides a delicious introduction to the superfruit. Loaded with greens and fit for sharing with a crowd, you can do your part to bring avocados to your nearest and dearest, neighbors or anyone you’re hosting for a fresh, better-for-you meal.

The best part: This heart-healthy dish comes together in a snap. Just process the homemade dressing featuring dates, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Then toss Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion, pistachios and, of course, avocados before combining with the dressing.

Finally, serve with shaved Parmesan cheese on the side (so guests who prefer to avoid dairy can do so) and enjoy for a fresh meal that’s equal parts delicious and nutritious. Sliced avocados are the star of the dish, with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making this an always good, super fun recipe and a way to begin making smarter food choices.

Discover more ways to add heart-healthy meals to your menu by visiting AvocadosFromMexico.com/avocado-nutrition.

Avocado, Brussels Sprouts, Kale and Date Salad

Servings: 8

Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 dates, pitted, softened
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Avocados From Mexico, sliced
  • 6 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved or shredded
  • 3 cups lacinto (dinosaur) kale, shredded
  • 1 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pistachios (or pumpkin seeds), shelled
  • reduced-fat (sharp) Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for topping (optional)
  1. To make dressing: In food processor, process lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pitted dates and mustard. Slowly add olive oil to combine.
  2. To make salad: In large salad bowl, combine avocados, shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion and pistachios. Drizzle salad dressing evenly over greens and toss until well-coated.
  3. Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.


SOURCE:
Avocados From Mexico

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Bring the family together with baked breakfast pizzas

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(Family Features) If you feel like it’s a struggle to get the entire family together for a meal, it might be time to put fun back on the menu. A little creativity and a few favorite ingredients are all it takes to bring back family mealtime and spend precious moments at the table.

These Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas are a perfect way to start a weekend morning, offering a delicious invitation to loved ones to join you in the kitchen. Equal parts sweet, savory and nutritious, you can enjoy seeing smiles on their faces while feeling good about what you’re serving them.

Providing just the right touch of sweetness are North Carolina Sweetpotatoes, one of the most versatile vegetables in the produce department. They’re easy to add to a variety of recipes – even breakfast pizza – to enhance flavor and nutrition. Try them on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled, slow-cooked or air-fried for quick and easy options that are a breeze in the kitchen.

Spelled as one word to avoid confusion with the white potato (a distinctly different species), sweetpotatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease. In fact, they’re even considered a “diabetes superfood” by the American Diabetes Association. As a natural sweetener, they give recipes that sweet flavor you crave without the added sugar.

Whether they become your favorite oft-used ingredient or you stock up on the abundant veggie, sweetpotatoes also boast a long shelf-life – up to 4 weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – meaning you can buy in bulk without worrying about waste.

Find more ways to cook with sweetpotatoes by visiting ncsweetpotatoes.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=1XNLYoUvu10%3Fsi%3D1X7vxeCb0tZ02RVJ%26controls%3D0

Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 4

  • 4          medium North Carolina sweetpotatoes (about 2 pounds), divided
  • 1          tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, olive oil, divided
  • 1/4       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4       teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4       teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8       teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • all-purpose flour, for rolling out dough
  • 1          pound whole-wheat pizza dough at room temperature, divided into four equal portions (4 ounces each)
  • 1          cup freshly shredded Gouda cheese
  • 4          large eggs
  • 1/4       cup diced chives
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Place 1 pound sweetpotatoes directly on rack and bake until soft, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 minutes. Peel and puree flesh until smooth; reserve 1 cup.
  2. Increase oven heat to 450 F. Peel remaining sweetpotatoes and dice into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss 2 cups diced sweetpotatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and salt and pepper, to taste; place in even layer on baking sheet. Roast until softened but not crisp, 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. Remove from oven.
  3. Lightly flour clean, flat work surface. Roll each ball of dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness (about 7 inches diameter).
  4. With remaining oil, lightly coat rimless baking sheet. Transfer rolled out dough to baking sheet.
  5. Spread pureed sweetpotato over surface of each dough round, about 1/4 cup each, leaving about 1/2-inch border. Top each with 1/4 cup shredded Gouda. Add 1/2 cup roasted sweetpotato cubes, leaving open space in center of pizzas.
  6. Carefully crack one egg into center of each pizza; bake 15 minutes until crusts are golden brown on bottom, cheese is melted and egg whites are fully set. Carefully remove pizzas from oven.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top each pizza with 1 tablespoon diced chives.


SOURCE:
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

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