EDIBLES

Make small holiday celebrations special with a fresh menu

Published

6 years ago

11/24/2020

(Family Features) Holiday festivities with immediate family members or just a few friends rather than larger gatherings may feel different than normal, but you can make the most of the situation with these tips to add intimacy and special meaning to celebratory moments:

Use special dishes, glassware and linens to convey the tone of the celebration. Go ahead and use your best dishes or enhance your everyday plates with the use of cloth napkins or a festive tablecloth. Bring out the fancy glasses to savor every sip.
Arrange visually appealing, individual mini-snack platters for each person. Combine grapes with a special cheese, crackers, olives and nuts for an easy way to curb appetites before the main course.
Set a festive table with a simple but creative centerpiece. For instance, you can combine candles, flowers and draped bunches of colorful grapes. Place votive candles on mirrors for added shimmer and sparkle. Tie a gold or silver wire ribbon bow around the napkins at each place setting. Handwritten place cards with guests’ names can add a surprising and special touch.
Stay healthy to enjoy the holidays. Choose healthy foods like fruits and vegetables that help support the immune system. Maintain your exercise schedule as much as possible and ensure you are getting enough sleep.
Opt for homemade over processed foods for signature dishes then reinforce with prepared items to fill out the menu, if needed. Let your guests bring part of the meal or something to contribute to the festivities.

Adding a sweet touch to the menu can help keep guests coming back for more. For example, fresh California grapes are available into January and are perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy them as a fresh, healthy snack or side dish, or as an ingredient to add taste and visual appeal to recipes to make the season feel special.

Start the meal with a simple but beautiful salad such as Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing, where the grapes provide festive color and pleasing texture. Pair your chosen entree with Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash for a hearty side dish that can also be served on its own. Finally, cap off the celebration with homemade Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie.

Visit grapesfromcalifornia.com/recipe to find more holiday-worthy dishes from appetizers and entrees to sides, snacks and desserts.

Create the Perfect Appetizer Plate

Delight your guests with individual appetizer plates this season by considering color, texture and presentation. Remember, this is the prelude to the meal, so small portions are perfectly fine. Consider this starter list:

Cheese
Nuts
Fresh grapes
Olives
Hummus
Marinated artichoke hearts
Salami slices
Spinach or other dips
Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)
Roasted red peppers
Crackers
Pita triangles
Thin breadsticks
Pretzels
Jam or honey

Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

8 cups fresh baby spinach, washed
4 1/2 cups California grapes
1 1/4 cups mandarin orange segments, drained if using canned
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup bottled light balsamic vinegar and oil dressing
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons raspberry jam
3/4 cup crunchy chow mein noodles

In large salad bowl, combine spinach with grapes, oranges and onion.
Whisk together dressing, orange juice and jam. Pour over salad and toss until greens are coated with dressing. Divide among eight plates and top with crunchy noodles.

Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie

Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 16

Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup ice water, plus additional if needed

Filling:

3 pounds Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 9 cups)
4 cups black California grapes
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all- purpose flour
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 pinch salt
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
demerara sugar, for garnish

To make dough: In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and toss with flour mixture. Smash each butter cube flat then use fork to stir in cold water. Knead lightly until dough comes together in ball. Transfer to floured work surface and use well-floured rolling pin to roll into 10-by-15-inch sheet. Fold each short side into middle and close like a book. Fold once more to make thick block and cut in half. Wrap each piece in plastic and chill at least 30 minutes or overnight.
To make filling: In large bowl, combine apples, grapes, sugar, flour, lemon juice and salt; set aside.
To assemble pie: Heat oven to 375 F.
Roll one half of dough out to 18-by-13-inch rectangle. Transfer to 10-by-15-inch heavy baking sheet; place in refrigerator to chill while rolling out top sheet. Roll out remaining dough to 18-by-13-inch rectangle and use pastry cutter to cut into 1 1/2-inch wide strips.
Transfer filling into chilled pastry and spread evenly. Lay dough strips on top of filling in lattice pattern and crimp sides together. Mix egg with water and brush top of pie. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake until filling is bubbling, and crust is nicely browned, about 45-50 minutes.

Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

3 pounds delicata squash, cut lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups farro
2 cups water
3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/2 cups halved California grapes
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Heat oven to 425 F.
On sheet pan, toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cayenne pepper. Spread into single layer and roast 10-15 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Turn squash and roast 10-15 minutes, or until browned and tender.
While squash is cooking, combine farro, water and remaining salt. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook until farro is tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain leftover water and transfer to large bowl. Add squash, remaining olive oil, remaining pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, grapes and parsley; toss.

Note: Acorn or butternut squash may be substituted for delicata squash.

SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission

EDIBLES

Elevate summer celebration with easy backyard recipes

Published

6 days ago

06/18/2026

bowienews

(Feature Impact) Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, at a picnic or simply relaxing poolside to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this summer is sure to be filled with special celebrations. Throughout those 250 years, food has brought people together – and continues to do so.

From barbecues to patios, fresh foods are at the heart of American celebrations. Healthy, fresh ingredients help elevate classic recipes with sweet corn taking center stage in many iconic summer dishes. As a trusted American grower, Duda Farm Fresh Foods provides equally healthy and flavorful recipes using Dandy Sweet Corn to build the heart of your menu.

While corn on its own is a classic side dish – with Americans consuming approximately 1,400 bushels per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture – you can put a twist on tradition by serving Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, as a bold and delicious way to enjoy fresh corn at its best. Cooked to perfection then slathered in a creamy, zesty mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese and chili powder, Elote transforms a simple ear of corn into an irresistible snack or side.

You can add its vibrant flavor and fun to your table with a number of easy cooking methods:

Grill: For the traditional method of cooking Elote, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates then cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until nicely charred and cooked through, like these recipes for Easy Elote Corn or Vegan Elote.
Boil: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and cook 5-7 minutes until tender.
Roast: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place corn on a baking sheet and roast 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Cook corn for 12-15 minutes, turning once.

Visit DudaFresh.com to find more ways to elevate your patriotic celebrations.

Easy Elote Corn

Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Servings: 4

1 Dandy Sweet Corn Tray (4 count)
1 lime, juice only (about 2 tablespoons)
1 cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
2 tablespoons Elote seasoning
1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
hot sauce or chili powder (optional)

Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Place corn directly on grates and cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and cooked through.
While corn is still warm, squeeze lime juice on all sides. Brush or spoon mayonnaise on each ear, ensuring all sides are coated.
Evenly sprinkle Elote seasoning over coated corn. Using hands, gently press seasoning into mayo.
Arrange Elote on serving platter, sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with hot sauce or chili powder for extra heat, if desired.

Vegan Elote

Recipe courtesy of Darn Good Veggies on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Cook time: 16 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4

Vegan Parmesan:

1/2 cup raw cashews
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Elote:

1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
1 pinch salt
4 ears Dandy Corn
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

To make vegan Parmesan: In small food processor or blender, pulse cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and salt until it resembles grated Parmesan.
Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In bowl, stir mayo, ancho chili powder, garlic, lime juice, chipotle powder and salt until smooth.
Place corn on grill or grill pan and cook on all sides until corn is cooked and has grill marks, about 4 minutes per side.
Spread corn with chili mayo then sprinkle with vegan Parmesan and cilantro.

SOURCE:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

EDIBLES

6 savvy ways to ensure grilling success this summer

Published

2 weeks ago

06/11/2026

bowienews

(Feature Impact) There’s just something timeless about a summer cookout with friends, family or neighbors. Whether it’s the sound of burgers sizzling on the grill or the smell of your favorite seasonal sides, the event invokes nostalgia and camaraderie.

While the spotlight may land on the burgers and barbecued fare, seasoned grill masters know the supporting cast matters, too. Makers of soft, delicious hamburger and hot dog buns fit to be the foundation of summer gatherings for more than 100 years, the bun experts at Wonder suggest a few ways to ensure your entertaining ventures are successful throughout the season.

Do What You Can Ahead of Time

Stick to a mix of easy favorites and make-ahead sides to keep prep manageable while offering something for everyone to enjoy. When possible, prep ahead of time so you can keep your focus on the fun and your attention on the hot grill. Chop vegetables, wash lettuce for burgers, make sure you have picked out the perfect buns, form and season beef patties and mix marinades the day before the big bash to avoid last-minute rushes around the kitchen.

Prep the Grill

Patience is key when it comes to grilling, as a properly heated grill is the foundation for good cooking. Give gas grills enough time to come to temperature, around 10-15 minutes, and allow charcoal to ash over completely. When grilling different types of food, it’s especially helpful to set up cooking zones – direct and indirect – so you can cook meat, veggies and buns differently or move finished food to one side, as needed.

Additionally, to help prevent sticking, lightly oil the clean grill grates before cooking. Using tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil is often more effective than coating foods with oil.

Use a Meat Thermometer

You may be a seasoned grill master, but guesswork can lead to mistakes, especially when cooking for a crowd. Avoid overcooked (or worse, undercooked) chicken and burgers by using an instant-read thermometer to help ensure meat is cooked safely while retaining its juicy flavor.

Grill Buns Correctly

Burgers and hot dogs are classics for a reason, but avoiding soggy buns and mid-bite fallout requires the right bun for the job. Striking the perfect balance of pillowy softness with the structure to hold their shape through every loaded topping, condiment and bite is key when choosing the right bun for the job. More than just a vehicle for grilled favorites, Wonder Classic Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns are a familiar taste that makes cookouts delicious and have held it together, literally and figuratively, for more than a century. In continuing its longstanding partnership with the USO through the annual Deploy the Joy campaign, you can keep an eye out through Sept. 12 for special packaging on select products with scannable QR codes for a chance to win a $10,000 Birthday Bash.

For great grilled buns, follow a few easy steps:

Brush cut sides of buns with softened butter, mayo or both to help the bun brown evenly.
Lightly salt the buttered side before grilling.
During the last 2 minutes of cooking burgers or dogs, place buns cut-side down over medium-low heat for 30-60 seconds. Look for a light golden toast, crisp enough to hold up.

Let Food Rest Before Serving

After grilling, give meat a few minutes to rest before serving or slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the food for better texture and flavor.

Layer Burgers, Condiments and Toppings

After toasting buns, add a thin layer of sauce to coat the bun then lettuce that’s been patted dry to remove moisture. Add cheese to the opposite bun and be sure to place the burger and other toppings in the center to keep moisture away from the bread, preventing sogginess. Follow this simple order for sturdy buns:

Toasted top bun
Condiment or sauce
Cheese
Burger
Tomato and onion
Lettuce
Condiment or sauce
Toasted bottom bun

From simple, practical menus to crave-worthy twists on classics, you can find more ways to host a successful summer barbecue by visiting WonderBread.com/recipes.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (grilling hamburgers)

SOURCE:

Wonder

EDIBLES

Living allergic in a food-centered world

Published

1 month ago

05/21/2026

bowienews

Food is supposed to bring people together.
It sits at the center of our holidays, church potlucks, birthday parties, first dates, family reunions and late-night kitchen conversations. In Texas especially, I feel like feeding people is one of the purest forms of love we know. We celebrate with casseroles, comfort with pies, and gather around smoked meats and shared desserts.
Food is hospitality. Food is belonging.
But for some people, food is also calculation.
Before the appetizers even arrive, some of us are already scanning ingredients, evaluating risk, rehearsing questions, and trying to determine whether asking those questions is about to make everyone at the table uncomfortable.

Read the full feature in On The Table in your Thursday Bowie News.