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Festive peppermint snacks with flavorful pop

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(Family Features) Among the many enchanting elements of the holiday season, the family traditions and familiar flavors of favorite foods enjoyed year after year bring loved ones together better than perhaps any other occasion. From decorating wreaths and trees to crafting ornaments and preparing classic recipes, it’s a season of cherishing memories and creating new ones.

While there are countless ingredients that harken to the taste of holidays past, there’s one sweet favorite that truly symbolizes the season: peppermint. Whether enjoyed in the familiar shape of a candy cane – the original kid-favorite – or added to recipes from beverages to desserts and everything in between, it’s a delicious way to connect generations.

For example, these Jingle Balls provide a perfect kid-friendly project to keep them busy rolling popcorn balls in sparkling colored sugar for bite-size bits of holiday magic. They’re equal parts holiday spirit and sweet appetizer, snack or dessert. Just be sure to have an adult melt together the butter, marshmallows and peppermint extract before letting little ones show off their creativity.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark offers another way for everyone to get in on the fun. The taste of peppermint and white chocolate make this a perfect holiday treat for sharing with a crowd. Plus, the easy prep means less time in the kitchen and more time savoring the classic flavors.

Better yet, it makes for a delicious gift to send off with guests as another festive celebration comes to a close. Simply package in a small, clear bag tied off with a colorful bow so loved ones can enjoy the tastes of the season in the days to follow.

These favorites are made possible by the versatility of popcorn, one of America’s most beloved snack foods. Celebrated for its seed-to-snack simplicity, popcorn’s smell, taste and versatility mean it can enhance any occasion as a budget-friendly solution for family gatherings.

Discover more delicious holiday snacks at popcorn.org.

Jingle Balls

Yield: 12 cups

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 12 cups popped popcorn
  • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • assorted colored sugars
  1. Lightly spray large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Add popcorn.
  2. Spread plastic wrap on cookie sheet; set aside.
  3. In medium saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows; stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour over popcorn, mixing until well coated. Let cool 2 minutes.
  4. Spray hands with cooking spray and form popcorn mixture into 3-inch balls. Gently press colored sugar onto balls. Let sit on prepared cookie sheet until cool and set.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark

Yield: 1 pound

  • 5 cups popped popcorn
  • 12 ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating
  • 1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints
  1. Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.
  2. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
  3. In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions. Stir in crushed peppermints.
  4. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely.
  5. When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.
  6. Store in airtight container at room temperature.


SOURCE:
Popcorn Board

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EDIBLES

A grownup twist on a childhood favorite

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(Family Features) When you’re looking for recipe inspiration, don’t be afraid to take things back to your childhood with a little home cooking. Even better, now you can enjoy those kid favorites as the main course (with an adult touch, to boot) in this Baked Broccoli Mac.

It’s a warm, cozy solution that pairs with bread and a salad for dinner or can be halved and served as a side.

Visit Culinary.net for more ways to turn childhood classics into family dinners.

Baked Broccoli Mac

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

  • 1 box (1 pound) pasta noodles, such as cellentani, elbow or penne
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups mozzarella
  • 1/2 block pasteurized cheese product, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

Topping:

  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  1. In large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well then add broccoli, chicken broth, cream, mozzarella, pasteurized cheese product, garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.
  2. To make topping: In bowl, mix breadcrumbs, butter and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Pour macaroni mixture into large baking dish then sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture. Bake 30 minutes.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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EDIBLES

Manage hectic mornings with quick, healthy breakfasts

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(Family Features) Getting kids up and out the door is a challenge all on its own, and on those busy school mornings when nothing seems to run smoothly, healthy breakfasts can go by the wayside. While it’s widely recognized as the most important meal of the day, that doesn’t always mean you have time to sit down and enjoy it.

Solving your morning rush with grab-and-go breakfasts you can make ahead of time accomplishes both goals at once: staying on schedule and fueling your kiddos (and yourself) for the day ahead. These delicious and nutritious recipes come from Healthy Family Project’s 2024 Back to School Campaign, which is raising $12,000 for the Foundation for Fresh Produce to support children’s accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.

These Mixed Berry Whole-Wheat Muffins are a perfect solution when you need to hustle out the door. As a healthy, delicious treat kids can take with them to school or eat during the commute, they’re quick and easy to make. Loaded with blueberries – a bona fide superfood that’s high in fiber, low in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K – you may even need to make a double batch so you have plenty for breakfasts and after-school snacks.

With a simple graham cracker crust and creamy Greek yogurt filling, Mandarin Orange No-Bake Tarts offer another refreshing, kid-friendly morning meal. They can help you start your day on the right foot whether you’re short on time or able to eat a quick bite together as a family.

Discover more ways to manage school-day schedules with easy, nutritious recipes at healthyfamilyproject.com.

Mixed Berry Whole-Wheat Muffins

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

  • 1 1/4 cups white whole-wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease muffin pan and set aside.
  2. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In separate large bowl, mix egg, maple syrup, vanilla, yogurt and applesauce.
  3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in strawberries and blueberries.
  4. Pour batter into prepared muffin tin, filling cups about 3/4 full.
  5. Bake 15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool in muffin tin 5 minutes before removing.

Mandarin Orange No-Bake Tarts

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 1 hour

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
  1. In bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
  2. Press mixture into bottom of individual mini tart pans or mini muffin tin. Refrigerate crusts to set while preparing filling.
  3. In bowl, combine Greek yogurt, vanilla and honey or maple syrup. Mix well.
  4. Spoon yogurt mixture into chilled crusts.
  5. Freeze tarts at least 1 hour. Top with mandarin segments.


SOURCE:
Healthy Family Project

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EDIBLES

Tasty recipes to combat the hustle and bustle

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(Family Features) Jam-packed calendars and little spare time at home can make heads spin. When those hectic weeknights are giving your family fits, turn to delicious recipes you can have ready in 30 minutes or less.

Start with kitchen staples like chicken and rice – they’re easy to prepare and versatile enough to let you cook a variety of meals without feeling like you’re stuck in a dinner rut. For example, these Air-Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Tenders with Rice offer a kid-friendly take on bang bang chicken that’s both sweet and spicy.

This air-fryer favorite requires just half an hour in the kitchen and calls on the quality and convenience of Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice to make busy weeknights a breeze. In just 10 minutes, the aromatic rice cooks up soft and fluffy with a uniquely delicious flavor that’s naturally gluten free, Non-GMO Project Verified and free of MSG and preservatives.

For a real escape from the everyday hustle and bustle, invite island flavors to dinner with this simple yet satisfying Grilled Hawaiian Chicken and Coconut Rice. Remember, high quality doesn’t have to be high maintenance.

Ready in 10 minutes, Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is a quick, easy and mess-free option that is guaranteed to always cook right. It’s an appetizing addition to this tropic-inspired meal that can help you tackle hectic schedules without sacrificing flavor.

Find more ways to solve dinnertime dilemmas at SuccessRice.com.

Air-Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Tenders with Rice

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, divided
  • 1/4 cup sriracha hot sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 bag (12 ounces) coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • green onions, for garnish (optional)
  1. Toss chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce and 1 tablespoon sriracha. Drizzle with sesame oil.
  2. Preheat air-fryer to 400 F. In two batches, without overfilling basket, air fry chicken tenders, turning basket halfway during cook time, 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Prepare rice according to package directions. Stir mayonnaise with remaining sweet chili sauce and sriracha until blended. In large bowl, toss coleslaw mix with 1/4 cup bang bang mayo sauce.
  4. Divide rice among four bowls. Top with chicken, coleslaw mix and cucumber. Drizzle with remaining bang bang mayo sauce.
  5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken and Coconut Rice

Prep time: 5 minutes, plus 4 hours for marinating
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup white onion, chopped
  • 1 bag Success Basmati Rice
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 4 pineapple rings
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
  1. In 1-gallon bag, combine chicken with soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic and onion. Marinate in refrigerator about 4 hours.
  2. Heat grill to medium heat.
  3. Prepare rice according to package directions, replacing 2 cups water with coconut milk.
  4. Once finished marinating, remove chicken and pat dry. Grill about 7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F.
  5. Pat pineapple rings dry and grill about 1 minute per side.
  6. Mix shredded coconut with rice. Place pineapples on top of chicken and serve with rice.


SOURCE:
Success Rice

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