EDIBLES
A full menu for fun-filled holiday festivities
(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)
- Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 F.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water; add 1 teaspoon salt.
- Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and cook until tender, 12-15 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- 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)
- 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.
- To make cake layers: Heat oven to 350 F.
- Line bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour bottoms and sides.
- In medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
- 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.
- Pour batter evenly among cake pans and bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool and remove layers from pans.
- 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.
- In chilled bowl, whip cream with chilled beaters until soft peaks form. Add sugar and gelatin; beat until stiff.
- 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.
- Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired, and decorate with any remaining whipped cream.
EDIBLES
Celebrate summer with homemade peach ice cream
(Feature Impact) Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.
Using ripe, succulent peaches will make this ice cream burst with natural sweetness, while the vanilla and brown sugar add extra richness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A little brightness and zing from the fresh lemon juice finishes off your bowl of refreshing summer goodness.
The recipe requires an ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before you churn, so be sure to plan ahead. Once finished churning, you can serve it immediately or pop it in the freezer to enjoy during the next heat wave.
Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Peach Ice Cream
Recipe adapted from Stephie Cooks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Churning and freezing time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (makes 1 1/2 quarts)
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (5-6 peaches)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Prior to churning: Freeze bowl of ice cream maker 24 hours.
- In large bowl, combine peaches, sugars, lemon juice and vanilla. Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugars have dissolved and peaches are juicy.
- Place peach mixture in blender or food processor; pulse until peaches are broken down but not totally pureed. Add heavy cream; stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into airtight container and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or overnight.
- Use ice cream maker to churn mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, serve immediately for softer consistency or place in airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze 2-4 hours to harden before serving.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
EDIBLES
6 simple, fun school-day meals with minimal chaos
(Feature Impact) When it comes to planning lunches and dinners on busy school days, simplicity is the name of the game. Parents who are already juggling carpools, practices, errands and homework don’t need anything extra added to their plates while they’re trying to get food onto everyone else’s.
Choosing uncomplicated meal ideas like these back-to-school recipes lets you reclaim some precious time from the morning and evening chaos. Designed to fit seamlessly into your existing routines, the recipes are familiar, flexible and filling – and, perhaps most importantly, won’t keep you standing at the stove for hours. Make it easy for your loved ones with Healthy Family Project’s registered dietitian-approved meal ideas packed with the nutrition to keep your family fueled all day.
Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more easy, family-friendly recipes for back-to-school season.

- Mandarin Chicken Rice Bowls – This fresh, fun dinner starts with a base of rice topped with juicy mandarin slices, savory chicken, fresh vegetables and a bright citrus dressing. Plus, it’s easily customizable to each family member’s tastes and preferences.

- Lemon Blueberry Pancake Lunchbox Bites – To make your kids’ eyes light up when they open their lunchboxes, opt for recipes that feel a little playful. These mini pancakes paired with colorful fruits definitely fit the bill, and they’re a great way to disguise nutritious ingredients like oats, eggs and bananas. Include a cup of yogurt on the side to make lunch dippable and interactive.

- Tomato Turkey Burger Bowls – Burger night gets a healthy twist in this creative recipe, which swaps a beef patty for lean ground turkey and oily French fries for roasted potato wedges while leaning into classic toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. If the kids still prefer their burgers as sandwiches instead of bowls, provide buns on the side so they can build their own.

- One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac – If just imagining a sink full of dishes makes you tired, that means it’s the kind of night for a one-pot dinner. Pasta, cheese, tomatoes and onions combine with your choice of protein for a hearty and satisfying comfort meal that might remind you of your own childhood.

- Greek Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Watermelon – Whether you pack them as a healthy school lunchbox side or serve as a refreshing after-school snack, these salad cups keep weekday flavors fresh and interesting. The combination of cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, feta and mint means your loved ones are getting fruits, veggies, protein and herbs all in one. For on-the-go enjoyment, remember to pack the dressing on the side.

- Easy Quesadilla Dippers – Cookie cutters aren’t just for cookies anymore. Eating is generally less of a battle for kids when their food is in fun shapes, so let them choose their star, heart, gingerbread man or dinosaur to make these quesadillas more craveable. Fillings are flexible, too: layer cheese with chicken, beans or cooked veggies of your choice then serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
SOURCE:
EDIBLES
Yes please to grilled cheese of the year, with a protein punch
(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.
It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.
Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.
Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.
VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

The Protein Powerhouse
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
- 2 Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
- 1 slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
- 5 ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)
“Powerhouse” Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
- Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
- Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
- To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.

The Classic
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
- 2 slices Borden American Singles
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
- Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
- Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
- Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.

SOURCE:
Borden
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