Indulge Taste Buds with Better-for-You Snacks
(Family Features) The foundation of healthy eating may include nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but just as important are the snacks in-between meals. Regardless of when or where you snack, encourage better-for-you eating habits with nutritious nibbles to power through your day.
According to an online survey conducted among 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older across the U.S. by Wakefield Research on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board, Americans love snacks, and reach for them an average of three times a day.
However, where and when those snacks are eaten can vary from on the move to on the couch, from sunrise to after bedtime. Nearly a third (30%) of respondents are munching on snacks while in bed, calling it their favorite snacking spot. However, only 35% of their snack choices are considered healthy.
Fueling busy days can be easy with an option like pecans. According to the survey, 66% of snackers enjoy pecans on their own with 58% eating them as part of a trail mix. If you’re among the 50% who reach for a snack in the late afternoon, you can turn to nutritious, satisfying solutions to indulge afternoon cravings without the guilt. With pleasing crunch, comforting creaminess and a satisfying chew, pecans are the “no sacrifice” nut that can punch up your routine with both delicious taste and plant-based nutrition.
Just a handful of pecans – about 19 halves – provides a good source of fiber, thiamin and zinc and an excellent source of copper and manganese, a mineral that’s essential for metabolism and bone health. They also provide a mix of protein and good fats – 18 grams of unsaturated fat, including oleic acid, and only 2 grams of unsaturated fat – to help keep you full and energized throughout the day.
As an added bonus, their versatility and easy-to-pair profile makes them a perfect ingredient in recipes you can prepare in a cinch. For bite-sized treats that are packed with flavor and perfect for snack time, these Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites swap out flour and sugar in favor of blended pecans, chickpeas, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt with dark chocolate chips folded in for a sweet finishing touch.
Or you can simply toss warm pecans with olive oil and sea salt in this Roasted Pecans recipe for a grab-and-go snack that can be prepared in advance without worrying about spoiling. Another benefit of pecans: They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 9 months or frozen up to 2 years, giving them a longer shelf life than many pantry favorites. Plus, they can be thawed and refrozen without losing flavor or texture.
To find more surprisingly delicious nutritional facts or recipe inspiration, visit EatPecans.com.
Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
Recipe courtesy of Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24
- 1 cup raw pecan pieces
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- In blender or food processor, blend pecan pieces, chickpeas, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt 3-5 minutes, scraping down sides occasionally, until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Form into 24 cookie dough balls. Eat as-is; no baking required.
Note: Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Roasted Pecans
Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
- 2 1/4 cups raw pecan halves
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or pecan oil
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Preheat oven to 300 F.
- Place pecans on baking sheet and bake 15 minutes.
- In heat-proof bowl, toss warm pecans with olive oil and sea salt, crushing larger salt grains with fingers while sprinkling.
- Return pecans to baking sheet in single layer and bake 20 minutes, or until slightly browned and dry. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet.
Note: Store pecans in airtight container in refrigerator up to 9 months or freeze up to 2 years. Pecans can be thawed and frozen repeatedly without loss of flavor or texture.
Source: American Pecan Promotion Board
Put a Traditional Spin on Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate Mexican culture with pork stew and cinnamon sweets
(Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet treat.
Take this year’s festivities the traditional route with recipes that combine familiar favorites with ingredients you normally may not use otherwise, such as cactus. This Mexican Cactus Pork Stew makes Cinco de Mayo a cinch with the use of a Dutch oven. Just brown fresh pork shoulder (or reheat leftover pork) in the Dutch oven and combine with onion and jalapeno for the right mixture of flavor and spice. Once pork is cooked or warmed through, add broth, beans, spices, seasonings and a cup of chopped cactus for a southwestern spin.
After some lively chatter or friendly competition, you’re bound to work up the appetite for dessert. Call the kids to the kitchen to lend a hand with these Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies – they’ll love working with the dough and rolling warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect; you can ensure a bit of fun and flavor by letting their creativity shine.
Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly recipes perfect for celebrating holidays throughout the year.
Mexican Cactus Pork Stew
Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
- 1 pound pork shoulder (leftover or fresh)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) mild chili beans
- 1 cup chopped cactus (nopales)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- If using fresh pork, in Dutch oven, cube and brown it with onion and jalapeno pepper. If using leftover pork, reheat in Dutch oven with onion and jalapeno pepper.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili beans, cactus, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper, to taste.
- Simmer 25 minutes then garnish with green onions and cilantro.
Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies
Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
- 4 sticks butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for coating workspace
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup sugar
Topping:
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- In bowl, combine butter, 4 cups flour and cinnamon. Add egg and sugar then knead into ball.
- Spread additional flour on counter and cut ball into six sections. Roll each section into 24-inch ropes then cut into 1-inch pieces and place on cookie sheet.
- Bake 10 minutes.
- To make topping: In bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll warm cookies in mixture and let cool on rack.
Refresh Spring Menus with Sweet and Savory Favorites
(Family Features) Whether your favorite springtime meals take you to the patio or have you throwing open the windows to let fresh air in, enjoying the sunshine and warmth with sweet and savory dishes is a perfect way to celebrate the season. Better yet – bring loved ones together with recipes that are as easy to make as they are delicious for refreshing taste without the hassle.
The uplifting aroma and flavor of Envy Apples offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table, especially when used in simple favorites like muffins, sandwiches, pizza or pies for delicious dishes all day long. Celebrating spring can start with this ultimate apple experience, allowing you to introduce loved ones to new ways to rethink weekly staples.
Wake up with breakfast or brunch on the patio, highlighted by Apple and Date Muffins you can prepare fresh or bake ahead of time then reheat for an easy, breezy morning. Spring often means outdoor activities which require a recharge at lunch like these Apple, Bacon and Brie Cheese Toasties featuring the perfect pairing of sweet with savory.
Wind down the day with Stilton Cheese Pizza, an ultimate family favorite and shareable solution. Finally, cap off the excitement of warming weather and time outdoors with a slice of Classic Apple Lattice Tart served with a scoop of ice cream or custard.
These recipes and more start with the craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples – a leading apple variety – that provide balanced sweetness with flesh that remains whiter longer, even after cutting, so your favorite meals look as delicious as they taste.
Visit EnvyApple.com to find more patio-perfect recipe inspiration.
Classic Apple Lattice Tart
Servings: 8-10
- 2-3 sheets puff pastry dough
- 5 Envy Apples
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
- ice cream, custard or cream, for serving (optional)
- Preheat oven to 365 F.
- Use two sheets semi-thawed pastry to line fluted tart pan approximately 10 inches, pressing and trimming neatly to fit; chill 15 minutes.
- Peel, core and thinly slice apples into large bowl; sprinkle with sugar, lemon zest and cornstarch then toss well to evenly coat.
- Arrange apple slices in pastry-lined tart pan, laying flat.
- Beat egg with milk. Brush egg wash around pastry rim.
- Cut 1/2-inch strips from remaining pastry sheet and make lattice pattern over apples, crimping edges once lattice is completed.
- Brush tart with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake 35-40 minutes, or until pastry is golden. Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with ice cream, custard or cream, if desired.
Apple and Date Muffins
Servings: 12
- 2 Envy Apples
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup bran flakes
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup milk
- butter or powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Preheat oven to 375 F and line muffin pan with cupcake papers.
- Peel and core apples and dice finely; toss with maple syrup.
- In large bowl, combine flour, bran flakes, brown sugar, dates, pumpkin pie spice and baking powder; mix well.
- In separate bowl, whisk melted butter, egg and milk.
- Add half maple-apple mixture to dry ingredients.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and fold together until mixed. Spoon evenly into muffin tin cupcake papers. Add 1 teaspoon remaining maple-apple mixture to top of each muffin.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until muffin mix is set and apple topping is golden. Allow muffins to cool 5 minutes before removing from tin.
- Serve with butter or dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Stilton Cheese Pizza
Yield: 1 pizza
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 storebought pizza crust
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup stilton cheese, divided
- 1 Envy Apple
- 4 slices prosciutto
- fresh arugula leaves, for garnish
- fresh basil, for garnish
- toasted walnuts (optional)
- Preheat oven to 450 F.
- Combine pizza sauce and sweet chili sauce. Spread sauce over pizza crust.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the stilton cheese.
- Cut apple in half then core and slice into thin wedges. Arrange apple over cheese then top with remaining cheese.
- Cook pizza 7-10 minutes until pale golden and starting to bubble. Add prosciutto and cook 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve with fresh arugula and basil. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, if desired.
Apple, Bacon and Brie Cheese Toasties
Servings: 2
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 teaspoon honey mustard, plus additional for serving (optional)
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1 Envy Apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 3/4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- side salad, for serving (optional)
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Lay out two slices bread, buttered sides down. Top with honey mustard then layer with two bacon slices, apple slices and brie cheese slices. Top with remaining slices bread, buttered sides up, to create two sandwiches.
- Heat grill pan or frying pan and cook sandwiches until golden brown on each side and cheese is beginning to bubble.
- Cut sandwiches in half and serve with side salad or extra honey mustard, if desired.
Source: Envy Apples
Better-for-You Meals from Breakfast to Dinner
(Family Features) Whether you’re encouraging loved ones to start a new wellness kick or looking to add new ideas to an already-nutritious menu, families at any stage of a journey toward better health can use newfound favorites to bring fresh flavors to the table.
These dishes from Milk Means More provide an all-day assortment of deliciousness from breakfast to lunch and dinner so you can bring everyone together for tasty, nutritious meals no matter the occasion. Dairy foods, like the low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese found in these recipes, are fundamental to good nutrition.
Constructing a better-for-you menu calls for a balanced diet with a variety of foods to get essential nutrients. This balance is important for maintaining healthy gut and immune function while optimizing overall wellness.
Start by ramping up your family’s breakfast with these slightly sweet Mini Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Cinnamon-Maple Topping for a protein-packed way to start the day with a healthy addition of fresh berries.
Fusion cooking is on the menu at lunchtime with the spicy-sweet combo of Cajun-seasoned chicken mingling with mango and pungent blue cheese in these Chicken, Mango and Blue Cheese Pitas. Finally, finish the day with Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes – an easy-to-make family meal ready in 30 minutes.
Find additional better-for-you recipe inspiration at MilkMeansMore.org.
Mini Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Cinnamon-Maple Topping
Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, culinary dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings:6
Topping:
- 1 3/4 cups plain Greek yogurt (fat free, 2% or 5%)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (fat free, 2% or 5%)
- 1/2 cup milk (skim, 2% or whole)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- oil
- 1 cup fresh blueberries or chopped fresh strawberries
- To make topping: Stir yogurt, syrup and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate.
- To make pancakes: In mixing bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In separate bowl, whisk egg, yogurt, milk, butter and vanilla. Add yogurt mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until combined (batter should be slightly lumpy).
- Scrape batter into large plastic food storage bag. Oil nonstick griddle or large nonstick skillet. Heat over medium heat. Cut off about 1/2 inch from corner of plastic bag. Squeeze batter, about 1 tablespoon at a time, onto hot griddle. Cook 1-2 minutes per side, or until pancakes are golden brown, turning to second sides when bubbles form on surface of pancakes and edges are slightly dry.
- Serve warm pancakes topped with cinnamon-maple yogurt and sprinkled with berries.
Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes
Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, culinary dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into 4 serving-size pieces
- 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch (half sheet) baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.
- Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.
Chicken, Mango and Blue Cheese Pitas
Recipe by Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, culinary dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Sauce:
- 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon orange juice or lime juice
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 large fresh mango, seeded, peeled and chopped
- 3 large whole-wheat pita rounds (or 6 small), halved
- 1 1/2 cups spring greens
- 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (3 ounces)
- To make sauce: In small bowl, stir yogurt, honey and juice. Cover and refrigerate.
- To make filling: In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Cook and stir chicken with seasoning in hot oil 4-6 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from heat. Stir in mango.
- Fill pita pockets with greens, chicken mixture and blue cheese. Spoon yogurt sauce on top.
Cinnamon Chocolate Popcorn
(Family Features) Cozying up to the fireplace or snuggling deeper into a favorite blanket or throw are sure ways to warm yourself on cold days. For an extra touch of coziness, adding a favorite snack to the occasion can help you relax and release the stresses of the day.
Consider a versatile ingredient like popcorn that can help enhance wintertime treats as one of America’s most beloved foods. The seed-to-snack simplicity of popcorn makes it easy to enjoy by the handful on its own or as part of a tasty recipe served by the fire.
This Cinnamon Chocolate Popcorn takes just minutes to prepare and combines two delicious flavors in one easy treat. Quick and delightful, it’s sure to become a family favorite, particularly during the cooler months when chilly forecasts call for comforting snacks.
To find more winter desserts and pop-able snacks, visit popcorn.org.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Cinnamon Chocolate Popcorn
Yield: 3 quarts
- 3 quarts popped popcorn
- butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray
- 9 tablespoons powdered cocoa mix (cocoa sweetened with sugar or sugar substitute)
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- Place popcorn in large bowl and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle cocoa mix and cinnamon on popcorn. Toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Source: Popcorn Board
5 Steps to Start Each Day Strong
(Family Features) How you begin each day affects more than whether you make it to work on time. In fact, those early morning hours are often the foundation for your entire day.
Set yourself up for success with these tips to help you maximize your mornings. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, starting the day the right way can help you power through your to-do list.
Wake Up On Time
Set your alarm for a reasonable hour that gives you ample time to get ready for the day ahead. If you have a commute or children or pets who need attention, be sure to factor in time for unexpected events like traffic jams or accidents. Avoid setting your alarm early and hitting snooze repeatedly; the quality of sleep you’ll add is poor and you’ll likely end up feeling more tired than if you’d just risen with the alarm.
Get Your Body Moving
Even a light workout is a great way to rev up for a new day. Prioritizing your health to start the morning can put you in a healthier mindset. Completing a workout before the day is even fully underway gives you something to be proud of, which helps boost your mental well-being. What’s more, an early workout gets your blood pumping, which supports stronger cognition and produces more energy.
Treat Yourself
It’s never too early to give yourself a little TLC, and a delicious coffee-based drink is a great way to perk up your morning with a tasty treat. The best indulgent coffee beverages start with quality coffee. Consider options from Eight O’Clock Coffee, which has selected and roasted high-quality, 100% Arabica coffee for more than 100 years. The rich, smooth flavor means you can drink it black, but it’s also the perfect base for a decadent latte with maple and vanilla or a classic iced caramel macchiato.
Establish a Self-Care Routine
While you’re still working toward being fully awake, a routine that lets you dive into daily preparations on autopilot can be helpful. Making time to take care of yourself can give you greater confidence to tackle the day, so find a pattern that fits and run with it. Aside from basic hygiene, take time to moisturize your skin and apply sunscreen. Also build in time to focus on your mental health, whether you make some notes in a gratitude journal or meditate to manage stress.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Countless studies support the benefits of eating a nutritious breakfast. It’s good for your metabolism and digestive health. It also gives your body the fuel it needs to help you push through the day. You’re likely to think faster and be a more effective problem-solver when your body has proper nourishment. Eating early in the day also affects your mood; you’re less likely to be irritable if you’re not hungry.
Find more inspiration to perk up your mornings at eightoclock.com.
Maple Vanilla Latte
- 1 1/2 cups milk, divided
- 1/2 cup strong-brewed Eight O'Clock French Vanilla Coffee
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon, to taste
- In microwave, heat 1 cup milk.
- Pour coffee into mug and, using milk frother, top with warm milk.
- Stir in maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon, to taste.
- Using milk frother, foam remaining milk then add to mug.
Salted Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee
- 1/2 cup Eight O'Clock Caramel Macchiato Coffee, chilled
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- squeezable caramel sauce
- 1 pinch sea salt
- Stir together chilled coffee and milk.
- Pour over ice into glass.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
Source:
French Toast Casserole
(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!
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- To make topping: Drizzle casserole with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Top with strawberries and blueberries.
- Cover and bake 35 minutes then uncover and bake 10-20 minutes, or until topping is browned and egg mixture has mostly set.
- Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup.
Source: Culinary.Net
Hosting Advice for a Perfect Holiday Ham
(Family Features) Bringing together loved ones with classic seasonal meals is a staple of the holiday season, and few centerpieces call to mind childhood memories like a tender ham cooked to perfection. A longtime hallmark of family meals during the holidays, ham can feed a crowd, complement a wide variety of side dishes and is easily elevated with glazes, spices and rubs of all kinds for those who want to take their hosting up a notch.
While ham can be the centerpiece of your holiday dinner, it’s also a versatile dish that can be served for any special occasion. Ham is also ideal for incorporating into holiday brunches, served as an hors d’oeuvre at cocktail parties and shared at office potlucks.
To help cook the perfect ham for your celebration, consider this advice for a festive feast from the experts at Coleman Natural Foods, which has produced high-quality, all-natural, humanely raised, no antibiotics ever, fresh and prepared meats sourced from American farmers since 1875.
Start with a tender and delicious spiral ham, which is pre-cut in one continuous swirl, allowing you to simply cut each piece from the one behind it for even, consistent slices.
Set the oven to 250-350 F, keeping in mind lower temperatures lead to longer cooking times but more tender meat. Bake 10-16 minutes per pound, adding glaze about 15 minutes prior to finishing, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145 F at its thickest part.
Make your guests’ mouths water with a sweet glaze that mingles with the ham’s natural saltiness, creating a balance of flavors. To achieve a unique taste, try flavors such as pineapple, honey or ginger. For a classic, delicious ham perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, try this Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham.
After enjoying as the centerpiece of your holiday dinner, it can be savored in the days following your celebrations to help make lunches and weeknight meals a breeze after a busy season.
Leftover ham can be enjoyed in sandwiches like a ham and cheese melt, mixed in a delicious salad, chopped up into an omelet for a hearty breakfast or added to macaroni and cheese for a protein-packed dinner.
Find more holiday ham recipes at ColemanNatural.com.
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
Prep time: 12 minutes
Cook time: 90 minutes
Servings: 32
- 1 fully cooked Coleman Natural Applewood Smoked Bone-In Spiral Ham (7-9 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Preheat oven to 325 F.
- Remove ham from packaging and place in roasting pan with flat side down.
- Bake ham about 1 hour until heated through to internal temperature of 130 F with meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of ham.
- In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and cloves. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted and ingredients are well combined.
- Brush about half of glaze over ham, making sure to fill crevices or scored cuts.
- Return ham to oven and bake 30-45 minutes, or until glaze is bubbly and caramelized with internal temperature of 145 F.
- Baste ham with pan juices and glaze every 10-15 minutes while baking.
- Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Source: Coleman Natural
Sweeten the Holiday Season with Deliciously Creamy Desserts
(Family Features) Once the table is cleared and gifts are put away, it’s often time for one of the favorite moments of holiday gatherings. The taste (and smell) of those divine desserts you may only make once a year is enough to keep guests hungry even after the main course.
Put a new staple on holiday menus for years to come with this Cran-Raspberry Quinoa Pudding Trifle that combines fresh raspberries, vibrant cranberry sauce, orange juice and orange zest for a unique dessert. Ready in 30 minutes, it can be an easy way to impress everyone at the table with a creamy pudding base inspired by favorite winter flavors.
As a tasty treat that’s ideal for just about any occasion, this take on rice pudding is made using Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa, which offers a heat-safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved bag and is easily prepared in just 10 minutes. Its light, nutty flavor and versatility creates a pudding that’s perfect for a wide range of pairings, from satisfying chocoholics or pumpkin-spice fanatics to whipping up a sweet, simple dessert.
For a comforting dish full of familiar cold-weather flavors, serve Pumpkin Pecan Rice Pudding Bars. Pumpkin-spice fanatics can enjoy their favorite ingredient mixed into a rice pudding base sweetened with coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, whipping cream and maple syrup.
This holiday-inspired dessert relies on the fluffiness of Success Boil-in-Bag White Rice as a high-quality, precooked solution. The boil-in-bag rice is quick and easy with no measuring and no mess, and it’s ready in 10 minutes to make seasonal recipes a cinch.
Find more sweet holiday recipe inspiration at SuccessRice.com.
Cran-Raspberry Quinoa Pudding Truffle
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Quinoa Pudding:
- 2 bags Success Tri-Color Quinoa
- 4 cups almond milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Creamy Yogurt Layer:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cran-Raspberry Layer:
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 cups gluten-free vanilla cookies, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- To make quinoa pudding: Prepare quinoa according to package directions, substituting almond milk for water. Drain, reserving almond milk.
- Remove quinoa from bags and stir into almond milk in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Bring to simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, 5-8 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Refrigerate 45-60 minutes, or until well chilled.
- To make creamy yogurt layer: In large bowl, stir yogurt, honey and vanilla. In separate bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Stir whipped cream into yogurt mixture until blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- To make cran-raspberry layer: In medium bowl, stir cranberry sauce, orange juice and orange zest. Gently fold in raspberries.
- To assemble: In 10-cup trifle dish, layer 1/3 quinoa mixture, 2 tablespoons almonds, 1/3 cran-raspberry mixture, 1/3 vanilla cookies and 1/3 yogurt mixture. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining raspberries and almonds.
Pumpkin Pecan Rice Pudding Bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
- 1 bag Success White Rice
- 1 cup pecans
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread pecans on baking sheet and toast 8-10 minutes. Cool then chop.
- In large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Slowly add about 1/2 cup hot liquid to eggs and beat well. Stir egg mixture back into saucepan and cook over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice, vanilla and pecans.
- Pour mixture into greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks then add maple syrup and continue beating until peaks form. Serve with warm pudding.
Tip: For sweeter pudding, increase brown sugar to 1 1/2 cups.
Source:
Caramelized Bananas
(Culinary.net) Satisfying your craving for dessert just got a lot easier. These Caramelized Bananas are a delicious combination of crunchy caramel on the outside and soft bananas on the inside. Just a few ingredients perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream equals a flavorful treat.
Find more easy dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Caramelized Bananas
- Butter, for melting in pan
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- vanilla ice cream (optional)
- In medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Slice bananas evenly into 1/2-inch-thick coins. Once skillet is hot, add banana slices.
- Sprinkle in cinnamon, pour in maple syrup and toss gently to coat both sides. Cook bananas 4 minutes on each side until caramelized. Remove from heat and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Tips: Be sure bananas are not overly ripe. Green tinge is preferred as bananas will hold up better to heat. Sugar burns quickly watch closely when caramelizing.