There's no better way to top off a scrumptious dinner than with a big slice of this yummy coconut custard pie. With a mild taste of coconut and the sweet taste of custard, you'll be wanting to go back for seconds. If desired, top with toasted coconut or better yet, some whipped cream.

Coconut Custard Pie

• Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, chopped
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2-1/2 cups 2% milk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Toasted sweetened shredded coconut, optional

1. Preheat oven to 450°. Line a 9-in. deep-dish pie plate with pastry. Line pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake 10 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Sprinkle coconut over crust; set aside. Reduce oven setting to 350°.
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, flour, vanilla and salt. Pour over coconut; sprinkle with nutmeg.
3. Bake, uncovered, 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate leftovers.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Source: Culinary.net

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

This delicious Pistachio Cake will be a hit at your next get together.  Simple to make and your guests will devour it in minutes.  For more recipes go to www.culinary.net.
 

Pistachio Cake

• 1 package white cake mix
• 1 package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 3 Large eggs
• 1 cup Club Soda
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting

• 1 package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 carton frozen whipped topping, thawed.

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.  Spray non-stick spray into bundt pan.
2. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, club soda and canola oil into a large bowl.  Beat mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes.  Add in walnuts and stir.
3. Transfer mix to prepared bundt pan.
4. Bake 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from the center.
5. Cool in pan 10 minutes before transferring to plate.
6. For Frosting: Combine pudding mix and milk in large bowl.  Beat mixture on low for 1 minute.
7. Fold in thawed whipped topping.
8. Spread over cake.
9. Refrigerate until serving.

The original farm-to-table food kids already love – milk

(Family Features) Locally sourced foods are becoming increasingly important to families across the country – and more moms are taking note of where their family’s food comes from. In fact, more than three-quarters of moms are actively looking for locally sourced food options when grocery shopping for themselves and their families, according to a new survey from the National Milk Life Campaign. ¹

From Farm to Glass
Many people are surprised to learn that milk is one of the original farm-to-table foods. Nearly two-thirds of moms think milk takes anywhere from more than two days to more than a week to travel from the farm to grocery stores throughout the country, when it typically arrives on shelves in just 48 hours, on average, after leaving the farm. In fact, milk often originates from many family-owned and operated farms about 300 miles away from your grocery store.²

Part of a Balanced Diet
As a minimally processed and farm-fresh beverage, milk is a wholesome way to help your family get natural protein and balanced nutrition. Whether it’s reduced fat, fat free or organic, dairy milk is remarkably simple, containing just three ingredients: milk, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Whether enjoyed as a beverage or used as an ingredient in your favorite recipe, milk is a versatile pairing for any meal. Even award-winning chefs and restaurateurs like Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli use milk as a foundational farm-to-table ingredient in many of their signature dishes.

For a traditional favorite that kids are sure to enjoy, try Giorgio’s homemade ice cream recipe. The whole family will love making (and eating) this treat, and you can feel good about the wholesome and delicious ingredients like milk.

For more information and delicious recipes, visit milklife.com.

Giorgio’s Homemade Ice Cream

Servings: nine 2/3 cup servings

• 1 1/2    cups whole milk
• 2 1/2    cups heavy cream
• 8          egg yolks
• 1          cup cane sugar
• 1/4       teaspoon sea salt
• 1          tablespoon vanilla extract

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk and the heavy cream to a simmer, over medium heat. 
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks until they lighten in color. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding in small amounts and then return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Add the vanilla, adjust the seasoning and cook the ice cream base for 3-4 hours.
3. Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. 

Nutritional information per serving: 390 calories; 30 g fat; 18 g saturated fat; 260 mg cholesterol; 5 g protein; 27 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 115 mg sodium; 113 mg calcium (10% of daily value).

¹ Weber Shandwick conducted an online Google survey among 1,010 moms between the ages of 18-54 on behalf of The National Milk Life Campaign between June 22 – June 26.  

² “Milk: More Local Than You May Think,” http://dairygood.org, (August 06, 2014).

Source: MilkPEP

Fueling kids for back to school

(Family Features) As kids head back to school, it’s a good time to refocus on nutritious food and beverage choices to make sure kids are properly fueled and ready to learn. Making the best choices for her family is every mom’s priority, but it can be confusing to navigate all the options available.

For example, many celebrity websites, diet books, blogs and popular social media feeds make it appear trendy to ditch dairy. Yet experts say going dairy-free has significant downfalls, especially for kids and young adults. A survey from the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) found 6 in 10 moms have tried restricting their dairy intake, and fewer moms encourage their kids to drink milk today compared to how many were encouraged to drink milk themselves as children – in fact, some are even restricting their children’s intake of dairy.

It can be hard to get enough nutrients without milk in your diet. Drinking dairy milk during childhood through early adulthood is important to help achieve maximum bone strength. It’s also important to drink milk as an adult to help maintain bone strength and density. Most dairy alternatives don’t have the same nutrients as dairy milk and kids may not eat enough kale, spinach or sardines to replace the calcium in milk.

However, many moms know how important milk is for their kids. According to the NOF survey, more than 80 percent of moms know milk is nutrient-rich. In fact, milk is the top food source for three of the four nutrients of concern identified by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans: calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

Incorporating farm-fresh milk into your diet can be fun for the whole family. Try making your own flavored milk or smoothie at home with these recipes for Vanilla Cinnamon Milk or a Rainbow Unicorn Smoothie.

Find more information and nutritious recipes to pair with milk at milklife.com.

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk

• 8          ounces milk
• 1/2       teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2          teaspoons honey

1. In glass, combine milk with vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and honey.  Stir until well mixed.

Nutritional information per serving: 130 calories; 5 mg cholesterol; 8 g protein; 24 g carbohydrates; 105 mg sodium; 308 mg calcium (30% of daily value).

Rainbow Unicorn Smoothie

• 1 1/2    cups low-fat or fat-free milk, plus additional (optional)
• 1/2       cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 2          cups (about 10 large) frozen strawberries
• 1          cup frozen blueberries
• 1          cup frozen mango chunks

Optional toppings:

• 6          tablespoons whipped cream
• 4          teaspoons sprinkles
• horn candles, wicks trimmed

1. Blend milk, yogurt and fruit until smooth, adding additional milk or water to thin, if needed.
2. Divide smoothie into four glasses and, if desired, top each with whipped cream, sprinkles and horn candles.

Nutritional information per serving: 120 calories; 1 g fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 5 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 3 g fiber; 60 mg sodium;  175 mg calcium (20% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk.  

A perfect way to entertain around the table

(Family Features) With springtime in full bloom, brunch is the perfect way to entertain friends and family for nearly any upcoming occasion or celebration. Take advantage of the budding season with quality time spent with loved ones, more outdoor experiences and wholesome nutrition for the whole family, starting with a delicious morning meal around the table.

When it comes to the food they serve their families, moms want to provide good nutrition, especially for their kids, to help them grow up healthy and strong. Serving a nutritious meal each morning is one way to help kids get a good start to the day, so they can be their best in school, play and any other activities the day brings.

Whether moms know it or not, they are powerful role models for their children’s health and nutrition. When moms set the example and eat nutritious meals themselves, kids notice. For instance, according to a study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, moms who drink milk are more likely to have kids who drink milk, which is a household staple that provides important nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and potassium. Setting the example for quality nutrition can be made easy with a delicious meal served with milk to celebrate any occasion this season with guests of all ages.

This simple egg casserole is the perfect excuse to bring the family together and start a beautiful spring day with a wholesome meal and quality time together. For more recipes and reasons to bring the family together, visit milklife.com.

Easy Egg Casserole

Servings: 4

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 cup lean ham, cubed
• 1 cup frozen seasoned potatoes with onions and peppers
• 3/4 cup frozen spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup lowfat cheddar or Swiss cheese, shredded
• 6 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly coat 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Arrange ham, potatoes, spinach and cheese in bottom of casserole dish. In large bowl, beat eggs and milk together and pour over ingredients in casserole dish.
3. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed. Serve immediately.
4. Pair each serving with 8-ounce glass of milk.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 9 g fat; 3 g saturated fat; 350 mg cholesterol; 32 g protein; 34 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 630 mg sodium; 500 mg calcium (50% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk, and include an 8-ounce glass of milk.

Source: MilkPEP

Quality nutrition for the perfect start to longer spring days

(Family Features) With warm weather on the horizon, it’s time to turn the clocks forward and say “so long” to winter and “hello” to longer spring days. With an extra hour of daylight ahead, spring is the perfect season to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and get the family on track with healthy habits and quality nutrition – starting at breakfast.

As you plan morning meals for your family this spring, remember that milk provides important nourishment – like high-quality protein – for you and your kids. As one of the original farm-to-table food, this wholesome drink typically arrives on grocery store shelves in just two days from many family-owned and -operated dairy farms. Milk is minimally processed for safety and farm fresh, often originating from dairy farms fewer than 300 miles away from your grocery store.

Start off warm springtime mornings with a sweet, butterfly-inspired twist on a breakfast sandwich made with Mandarin orange slices, sure to get your kids excited about wholesome choices at breakfast. Pair with an 8-ounce glass of milk to give your kids more of what they already love, with protein they need to give them a good start on the day.

For more information and kid-friendly recipes with milk, visit milklife.com.

Monarch Muffin

Recipe by Tiffany Edwards of Creme de la Crumb

• 1 white English muffin
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
• 6 blueberries
• 4 mandarin orange slices
• 1 green grape, cut into strips

1. Slice and toast English muffin. Spread cream cheese on both halves of muffin.
2. Arrange three blueberries in a line down the middle of each half of the muffin and place a mandarin orange slice on each side of the blueberry lines to serve as wings of the butterfly. Place grape strips above blueberry line as antennas.
3. Serve with an 8-ounce glass of milk.

Nutritional information per serving: 310 calories; 8 g fat; 4 g saturated fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 14 g protein; 46 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 440 mg sodium; 364 mg calcium (35% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk, and include an 8-ounce glass of milk.

Source: MilkPEP

(Family Features) If you’re planning a monster bash this Halloween, brew up drinks so frightfully delicious that it will spook the taste buds of every little ghost, witch and goblin.

The Spooky Smoothie is a flavorful combination of vanilla milk and Greek yogurt, which is blended with ice and topped with whipped cream. The fun is all in the orange-tinted Limited Edition TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Milk, so make sure to serve it in a clear glass. And ghosts will rise from the dead for the chocolaty Monster Mash Mudslide. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/TruMooMilk.

Both of these tasty concoctions feature TruMoo, which is made with 35 percent less total sugar than the leading chocolate and vanilla milk competitor and has no high fructose corn syrup. That’s one thing that won’t scare you this Halloween season.

Spooky Smoothie

Yield: 4 servings

• 3 cups Limited Edition TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Milk, orange color
• 1 1/2 cups lowfat vanilla Greek yogurt
• 5 cups ice cubes
• 1/4 cup fat free whipped cream
• Candy corn for garnish, optional

1. In blender, combine vanilla milk, yogurt and ice cubes. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
2. To serve, pour into serving glasses. Top with whipped cream and candy corn.

Monster Mash Mudslide

Yield: 4 servings

• 4 cups TruMoo Lowfat Chocolate Milk
• 10 chocolate wafer cookies, coarsely broken
• 1/2 cup frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
• 8 mini chocolate chips or mini chocolate candies (orange/brown color recommended)

1. In blender, blend chocolate milk and chocolate wafer cookies until smooth. Heat mixture in saucepan or microwave until just heated through.
2. To serve, pour chocolate milk mixture into 4 glasses. For each serving, spoon a large, upright dollop of whipped topping to resemble a ghost. Insert chocolate chips or chocolate candies into dollop for eyes.

Note: To enjoy a cold mudslide, do not heat in saucepan or microwave.

Source: TruMoo

(Family Features) After a long day at school, kids need a chance to unwind. Often that down time involves physical activity, and a nutritious snack is the perfect way to make sure kids are ready to take on their free time with gusto then recharge to keep going until bedtime.

A busy schedule may make the temptation for unhealthy convenience snacks strong, but it’s actually easier than you think to refuel with good-for-you foods on the go. One simple trick: use kids’ favorite ingredients in unexpected ways.

For example, these Chocolate Banana Muffins show that a glass isn’t the only way to enjoy chocolate milk. When you use a nutrient-rich option like TruMoo Chocolate Milk, you can feel great about serving up these muffins to your whole family. It’s a nutritious and delicious treat for adults and kids alike, whether you enjoy it on its own – served cold or hot – or as an addition to recipes.

It’s made with fresh white milk sourced from local dairies, pure cocoa and just enough natural sugar to make it taste great, it's a nutritious and delicious treat for adults and kids alike. What’s more, there’s no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones and no GMO ingredients.

"The protein, vitamins, minerals and great taste in TruMoo Chocolate Milk can help kids meet their nutritional score in every pour," registered dietitian Leslie Bonci said. "The protein and carbohydrates included is the perfect ratio to help replace electrolytes lost after engaging in after-school sports."

Find more delicious after-school and after-sports snack ideas at TruMoo.com.

Chocolate Banana Muffins

Recipe courtesy of the Mommy Hates Cooking blog on behalf of TruMoo
Yield: 18 muffins

• 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1 1/2 cups TruMoo Chocolate Milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 3 medium bananas
• old-fashioned rolled oats

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and cocoa. Add in milk, butter, vanilla and eggs. Continue mixing until batter is formed.
3. Mix in bananas. Add spoonful of batter to greased muffin tins; fill about halfway full then sprinkle batter with rolled oats.
4. Bake 25 minutes, or until golden on top.

Source: TruMoo

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Impress guests with elegant appetizers

(Family Features) Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. Foods like milk, cheese and yogurt not only enhance the flavor and texture of dishes everyone loves, but they also add high-quality nutrients to support the health and wellbeing of your guests.

Each of these recipes features a different variety of cheese as the essential ingredient for success. These decadent, elegant apps, which can be prepared in minutes, are sure to be party favorites. Find more ideas for serving up an elegant, yet simple menu your guests will love at MilkMeansMore.org.

Holiday Baked Brie

Recipe created by Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of United Dairy Industry of Michigan
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 14 minutes
Servings: 8

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• kosher salt
• ground black pepper
• 1 Brie round (8 ounces)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
• crackers or toasted bread

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 8-10 minutes, or until deep golden brown, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper; remove from heat.
3. Place Brie on parchment paper-lined rimmed baking pan; drizzle with honey. Transfer to oven and bake 5-7 minutes, or until inside of cheese is softened, but outside remains intact.
4. Transfer Brie to serving platter; top with pomegranate arils, pistachios and mushrooms.  Serve immediately with crackers or bread.

Butternut Squash Queso Dip

Recipe created by Rachel Cooks on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10

• 12 ounces butternut squash puree, frozen
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 finely diced red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces) petite diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1. Place unwrapped squash in microwave safe bowl and heat in microwave 5 minutes at 50 percent power, or until thawed.
2. In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4-5 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add squash, tomatoes, cumin and chili powder, and bring to boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and add cheese. Stir until melted and serve immediately.

Parmesan Crisps with Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato

Recipe created by Art From My Table on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8

• 6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 8 basil leaves
• 8 sun-dried tomatoes, jarred

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. On baking sheet, make eight flat circles out of 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese each. Bake cheese 5 minutes, or until just beginning to turn golden.
3. Using metal spatula, remove crisps from pan immediately, placing on rack or plate to cool.
4. Place vinegar and sugar in small saucepan and boil until mixture is reduced to about 1/4 cup and is thickened.
5. Top each crisp with 1 fresh basil leaf and 1 sun-dried tomato. Drizzle balsamic reduction over top.

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Recipe created by The Lemon Bowl on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24

• 24 large mushrooms, stemmed and reserved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 can artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 pinch chili flakes
• 1 pinch minced scallions

1. Heat oven to 350° F and place mushroom caps in single layer on baking sheet lined with foil.
2. Mince reserved mushroom stems and heat olive oil in large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and mushroom stems to pan along with salt and pepper. Saute 2-3 minutes, or until mushrooms are softened. Add spinach and artichoke hearts to pan and cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and place mixture in large mixing bowl. Stir in feta cheese and onion. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
3. Using small cookie scoop, add 2 tablespoons filling to each mushroom cap. Bake mushrooms 20-25 minutes, or until mushroom caps are softened. Sprinkle with chili flakes and minced scallions to serve.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

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