(Family Features) Holiday hams and deviled eggs may take center stage at Easter gatherings, but edible crafts offer a reminder of the magic of the season that’s found in moments spent together. Simple recipes that call for a dose of creativity are perfect ways to bring the kids to the kitchen, made even easier when all that work leads to sweet treats.

While plastic eggs may have led to a decline in good, old-fashioned egg-dyeing, there are still fun ways to bring crafts back to Easter celebrations. Consider these Kids Krafty Easter Cake Pops, which call for little ones to help dip seasonal shapes in chocolate, use cake molds and more.

Children of virtually any age can relish in the joys of using cookie cutters and decorating Easter Sugar Cookies, all with a little supervision and short list of instructions. This version shows how to make the cookies and homemade icing so you can create any color you desire for maximum creativity.

Remember, these delicious crafts don’t have to be perfect – having fun and making memories that last a lifetime are what make Easter truly special.

Visit Culinary.net to find more Easter inspiration and recipes from “Cookin’ Savvy.”

Kids Krafty Easter Cake Pops

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 1 box cake mix
• 1 can frosting
• 1 bunny chocolate mold
• 1 cakesicle mold
• ice pop sticks
• 1 bag white chocolate chips or melting chips
• cake pop sticks
• 1 bag orange melting chips
• 2 tablespoons canola or coconut oil, divided
• 1 bag green melting chips
• pastel sprinkles
• 1 piece hard foam (optional)
• edible markers

1. Bake cake according to package instructions and let cool completely.
2. Crumble cake and mix with 1/2 can frosting until dough forms. Add more frosting, if needed. Using small cookie scoop, form dough into balls and set aside. Place dough in bunny molds then pop out and set aside with balls. Place dough in cakesicle mold, insert ice pop stick in each slot and freeze 5-10 minutes.
3. Melt handful of white melting chips. Stick tip of each cake pop stick in chocolate then insert into every cake ball and bunny until each has one stick. Set aside to dry.
4. Remove cakesicles from freezer and pop out of molds. In bowl, melt orange melts then mix in 1 tablespoon oil and transfer to cup. Dip cakesicles and scrape off excess using rim of cup. Place on parchment paper to dry.
5. In bowl, melt green melts then place in zip-top or piping bag. Cut tip off bag, pipe carrot leaves onto piece of parchment paper and let dry.
6. Melt remaining white melts and mix in remaining oil. Transfer to cup and dip ball-shaped cake pops and bunnies then tap stick on edge of cup to remove excess.
7. Over separate bowl, sprinkle ball-shaped pops with pastel sprinkles. To keep ball shape, let dry by sticking in piece of hard foam. Bunnies can dry face side up on parchment paper. After bunnies are dry, use edible markers to make face and color in ears.
8. When carrots and leaves are dry, remelt orange melts and place in piping or zip-top bag. Cut off tip and drizzle orange over carrots. Add small line of orange on each ice pop stick and place leaves on each stick. Let dry.

Easter Sugar Cookies

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

Icing:

• 1/3 cup meringue powder
• 1/2 cup warm water, plus additional for thinning (optional), divided
• 3 tablespoons vanilla
• 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• assorted food coloring

Cookies:

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 dash salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

1. To make icing: Mix meringue powder, 1/2 cup warm water, vanilla, powdered sugar and corn syrup. Separate into bowls and add food coloring; mix with water, as needed, to thin for piping.
2. To make cookies: Heat oven to 350 F.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Mix in egg, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Mix in flour 1 cup at a time to form dough. Roll dough out to 1/4-1/2-inch thickness.
4. Cut into shapes, place on baking sheet and freeze 10 minutes. Bake 8-12 minutes. Cool completely before icing.
5. Place icing in zip-top or piping bags and cut off tips. Put cookies on parchment paper. Trace outline first then fill in middle. Use toothpicks to smooth out.
6. Let dry 6 hours and finish decorating with different icing colors or edible markers.

Source: Culinary.net

 

(Family Features) It’s tough to top the joy of a spring morning spent celebrating with family, enjoying a delicious brunch or snacking on sweet treats. With warmer weather and bright sunshine comes plenty of opportunities to enjoy favorite recipes.

Celebrating the season with eggs can bring loved ones together in the kitchen and beyond, from crafting classic desserts to serving up new delights. Plus, the versatility of eggs allows for nearly countless creations.

Boiled, scrambled, poached, baked and any other way you like them, eggs can be your kitchen superhero. As a natural source of vitamins and minerals, they’re a delicious protein powerhouse with just 70 calories per large egg.

Make the celebration truly memorable with the power of eggs in a sweet dessert like these Meringue Nests with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream and Strawberries, a perfect option for topping off a brunch feast or an afternoon meal.

Find more spring recipe ideas and ways to celebrate the season at incrediableegg.org.

Watch Video to see how to make this recipe!

Meringue Nests with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Recipe courtesy of the American Egg Board and Sam Adler (@frostingandfettucine)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 6 hours
Servings: 6

Meringue Nests:

• 1 1/4    cups granulated sugar
• 6          large eggs
• 1          teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2          teaspoons cornstarch

Garnish:

• 1          cup heavy whipping cream
• 1          teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
• 1/2       pint fresh strawberries, sliced

1. To make meringue nests: Preheat oven to 200 F. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spread sugar evenly and bake 5-7 minutes to slightly heat. Remove sugar from oven then increase oven temperature to 225 F.
2. Carefully separate egg whites from yolks completely. In bowl of hand or stand mixer fitted with whip attachment, whisk egg whites on medium-low speed until foamy about 1 minute.
3. Slowly add sugar 2-3 tablespoons at a time and mix on medium speed 2 minutes between each addition. Sugar needs completely mixed into egg whites to ensure success. Continue mixing on medium until mixed through and meringue does not feel gritty.
4. Add cream of tartar, vanilla extract and cornstarch. Increase to high speed and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. On two parchment paper-lined baking sheets, pipe or spread meringue with spoon into six 4-inch circular “nests.”
6. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes then turn off oven and let meringues cool without opening oven for at least 4 hours or overnight. The USDA recommends egg dishes be cooked to 160 F.
7. To make garnish: When ready to serve, in clean mixing bowl fitted with whip attachment, whip heavy whipping cream on medium speed. Slowly add sugar and vanilla. Continue mixing on high speed 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
8. Dollop whipped cream on meringue nests and top with sliced strawberries.

Source: American Egg Board

(Family Features) With its dramatic presentation, this freshly baked cake and ice cream-based dessert can impress guests at your next gathering. 

Find more dessert recipes perfect for entertaining at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Baked Alaska

Recipe adapted from Milk Means More

• 1/2       cup, plus 6 tablespoons, all-purpose flour
• 6          tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1          cup, plus 2/3 cup, granulated sugar, divided
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup 2% milk
• 1/4       cup canola oil
• 2          eggs    
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2    quarts ice cream, any flavor
• 3          large egg whites
• 1/8       teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make well in center of dry ingredients. Add milk, canola oil and eggs. Whisk until blended. Beat batter until smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour batter into 9-inch, round, greased cakepan. Bake 25-28 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze 1 hour.
4. In glass bowl, spray with nonstick cooking spray. Layer inside of bowl with plastic wrap, draping some over edges of bowl.
5. Scoop ice cream into bowl until full. Level ice cream. Place overhang of plastic wrap over ice cream. Freeze 2 hours.
6. Unwrap cake and place on plate. Unwrap ice cream and place on top of cake. Wrap both together and freeze 2 hours.
7. In medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Add remaining sugar and vanilla extract; beat mixture to form stiff peaks.
8. Heat oven to 500° F.
9. Unwrap stacked cake. Place on oven-safe plate. Spread meringue, creating swirl motions around cake. Bake 2-4 minutes until meringue peaks are brown and remaining meringue takes on dry appearance.
10. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and place in freezer.

Source: Culinary.net

Celebration Lime Cheesecake Bars
Quick Raspberry Sauce
Quick Berry Sauce
White Chocolate Glaze With Toasted Coconut and Pecans
Mixed Fruit Salsa
Magic Lemon Pie
Coconut Macaroons

(Family Features) - It's been called "magic." At least that's how it seemed in 1856 when Gail Borden transformed fresh milk into safe and shelf-stable sweetened condensed milk.

A return voyage from London in 1851 prompted Borden's invention. He saw children fall ill from lack of fresh milk and set out to find a way to preserve milk while maintaining its taste and quality. Borden developed a vacuum method to remove water from milk, adding sugar as a preservative.

Eagle Brand first became a staple during the Civil War, when troops needed milk that wouldn't spoil. It is also credited with significantly reducing the infant mortality rate in North America. When the two World Wars brought rationing and shortages to American households, Eagle Brand proudly provided a "magic" way to make desserts. Today, Eagle Brand is still America's most trusted sweetened condensed milk.

For more delicious recipes, visit www.eaglebrand.com.

Celebration Lime Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 7 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• 1/3 cup flaked coconut, packed
• 2 (8-ounce) packages plain cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup lime juice

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. With mixer fitted with flat paddle, combine flour and sugar; add butter and egg yolk; blend until combined. Mix in coconut. Press dough evenly into bottom of greased 13x9-inch glass baking dish.
2. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edge of crust is golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
3. With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs; mix until just combined. Stir in lime juice. Pour batter over baked crust. Once oven has cooled to 350°F, bake 17 to 22 minutes or until center is set.
4. Cool. Cover and chill 2 hours. Serve with toppings (optional, recipes follow). Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Serves

Makes 18 to 20 bars

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Optional Toppings:

Quick Raspberry Sauce

Quick Berry Sauce

White Chocolate Glaze With Toasted Coconut and Pecans

Mixed Fruit Salsa

Quick Raspberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 (12-ounce) packages frozen raspberries, thawed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender and mix until smooth. Store covered in refrigerator.

Serves

Makes 3 cups

Quick Berry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup raspberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar or to taste
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup diced strawberries

Preparation

1. In large bowl, combine raspberries, lemon juice and sugar.
2. Using large fork or potato masher, smash berries to make puree.
3. Fold in blueberries and strawberries. Store covered in refrigerator.

Serves

Makes 2 1/2 cups

White Chocolate Glaze With Toasted Coconut and Pecans

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips or white vanilla chips
• 1/4 cup lime juice

Preparation

1. In skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add coconut and pecans; continue mixing until coconut is light brown. Remove from heat. Cool.
2. In large bowl, combine chips, lime juice and remaining butter. Microwave on medium-high 30 to 40 seconds. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour glaze over bars, spreading evenly. Top with coconut mixture.

Mixed Fruit Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sugar

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients in bowl. Chill at least 1 hour. Stir before serving.

Serves

Makes 2 1/2 cups

Magic Lemon Pie

Description

Created in the early 1900s, this pie was touted as "magic." Adding lemon juice to Eagle Brand creates a rich, creamy filling, without cooking, that is easy to make, delicious every time and never fails, even for first-time bakers.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind or 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 (8- or 9-inch) graham cracker or baked pie crust
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 4 tablespoons sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon rind or extract and egg yolks; stir until mixture thickens. Pour into chilled graham cracker crust or cooled pie crust.
2. In medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar on medium speed, 1 tablespoon at a time; beat 4 minutes longer or until sugar is dissolved and stiff glossy peaks form.
3. Spread meringue over pie, carefully sealing to edge of crust to prevent meringue from shrinking. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Marinate Time

10 minutes

Serves

Makes one (8- or 9-inch) pie

Coconut Macaroons

Description

A macaroon recipe with Eagle Brand was featured in magazines as early as 1919. Developed for simplicity, it can be made and baked in minutes - no flour, baking powder, rolling or cutting needed.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 1 egg white, whipped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 (14-ounce) package flaked coconut

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with foil; grease and flour foil. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg white, extracts and coconut; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets; slightly flatten each mound with a spoon.
3. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Immediately remove from baking sheets (macaroons will stick if allowed to cool); cool on wire racks. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Serves

Makes about 4 dozen

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Macaroon Kisses: Prepare and bake as above. Press solid milk chocolate candy piece in center of each macaroon immediately after baking.

Source

Eagle® Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

Magic Lemon Pie

Created in the early 1900s, this pie was touted as "magic." Adding lemon juice to Eagle Brand creates a rich, creamy filling, without cooking, that is easy to make, delicious every time and never fails, even for first-time bakers.

• 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind or 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 (8- or 9-inch) graham cracker or baked pie crust
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 4 tablespoons sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon rind or extract and egg yolks; stir until mixture thickens. Pour into chilled graham cracker crust or cooled pie crust.
2. In medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar on medium speed, 1 tablespoon at a time; beat 4 minutes longer or until sugar is dissolved and stiff glossy peaks form.
3. Spread meringue over pie, carefully sealing to edge of crust to prevent meringue from shrinking. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Serves

Makes one (8- or 9-inch) pie

Source:  Eagle® Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk