Combat Cool Days with Comforting Dishes
(Family Features) From filling dinners to favorite desserts, comfort foods can bring smiles to friendly faces. As temperatures drop, lean on recipes that add flavor and bring warming scents to your kitchen.
Loaded with comforting ingredients like READ German Potato Salad, this Cheesy German Potato Soup can appease appetites with tantalizing taste. Ideal at dinner parties or festivities throughout winter, Mini Chocolate-Beet Cheesecakes with Maple-Orange Glaze combine Aunt Nellie's Sliced Beets with familiar cheesecake flavor for a tempting treat.
Visit readsalads.com and auntnellies.com for more comforting inspiration.
Mini Chocolate-Beet Cheesecakes with Maple-Orange Glaze
Servings: 12
Crust:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
Cheesecake:
- 1 jar (15 ounces) Aunt Nellie's Sliced Beets
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- whipped cream (optional)
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12 medium muffin cups with foil liners.
- To make crust: In medium bowl, combine flour and walnuts.
- Using fork or pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Place about 1 tablespoon mixture into each lined muffin cup. Lightly press crumbs into bottom. Bake 5-6 minutes, or until crust begins to brown.
- To make cheesecake: Drain beets, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. In blender, puree 1/2 cup beets and reserved liquid until smooth; set aside. Dice remaining beets; set aside.
- In large bowl, combine cream cheese and syrup. Beat until smooth. Add egg; mix until blended. Stir in reserved pureed beets. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Spoon about 3 tablespoons cream cheese mixture into muffin cups over warm crusts. Bake 15 minutes, or until filling is set. Let cool to room temperature. Place cheesecakes in refrigerator at least 30 minutes.
- To make topping: In small saucepan, combine reserved diced beets, orange juice concentrate, syrup and cinnamon. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring frequently. Continue cooking and stirring until mixture thickens and appears glossy, 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool to room temperature.
- Remove cheesecakes from muffin liners. Top evenly with glazed beets. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.
Cheesy German Potato Soup
Recipe courtesy of "Today's Creative Life"
Servings: 8
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milkchopped parsley or chives (optional)
- Place cheeses and flour in gallon-size zip-top bag. Close bag. Shake until cheese is covered with flour; set aside.
- In large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, stirring occasionally. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
- Pour off all but 2-3 tablespoons bacon drippings. Return Dutch oven to medium heat. Add carrots, onion and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and carrots are softened, 3-4 minutes. Add chicken broth, black pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme and parsley. Stir in potato salad. Continue cooking over medium heat 5 minutes, or until potatoes are heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in cream and milk. Cook 5-8 minutes until blended and heated through, stirring frequently. Slowly add cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Top with bacon. Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.
Spiced Apple Crumble
Apple orchards, apple picking and apple desserts all scream fall. Glowing with bright yellows and reds, apples are juicy and more than ready to be used in your favorite fall recipes. If you’re looking for something sweet and full of texture that can turn your taste buds upside down, look no further.
This scrumptious Spiced Apple Crumble is not only a family favorite but a holiday must-have. It’s the perfect dish to pack up and deliver to your next gathering of loved ones. Kids and adults love the deliciously sweet apple chunks filling the bottom of the pan along with the crumble topping. Top this killer sweet treat with vanilla ice cream for a sensational, melty, oozing-with-goodness dessert no one can forget.
It’s one of those recipes your friends will call you about after the gathering wondering “where did you get that recipe?” The best part: It’s perfect for crowds of any size. The bite-size chunks of apple and oats are appetizing for any sweet tooth.
The fall season leading up to the holidays is one of the times of year family and friends traditionally come together most. Nearly everyone loves a satisfying apple, especially when it is baked to perfection, covered with a crumble and topped with creamy, cool vanilla ice cream. Not to mention the splash of lemon added to this mixture brings out a unique tart twist.
Make your next fall festivity or holiday gathering just a little sweeter for all. Spice things up then cool things down. This dessert does it all in just one bite.
Find more recipes for the fall season and holiday fun at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Spiced Apple Crumble
Servings: 6-8
Filling:
- 6 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon white flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 lemons, juice only
Topping:
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 cup white flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- To make filling: In medium bowl, add apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and lemon juice. Toss to evenly coat. Spread evenly in 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
- To make topping: In medium bowl, add oats, flour, brown sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, melted butter and salt. Fork mixture to create crumbles. Pour crumble topping over apple mixture.
- Bake 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Cooler weather often brings about nostalgic cravings for seasonal dishes and desserts. From grandma’s classic pies, to the sweet taste of apple cider touching your tongue, Fall is full of flavor, spice, sweets and treats, just waiting to be devoured with family and loved ones alike.
Home chefs will know it’s time to tap into the flavor of fall once that first leaf drops to the ground. The pumpkins are set on porches and little ones all bundle up to go outside and play in the cool breeze. Nearly everyone can tell when the warm and cozy delight is here to stay for the season.
The kitchen is often known as the “heart of the home” and homes all over the country will smell and taste like fall festivities all season long with this recipe for Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
The best part about this timeless recipe is that it’s known to evoke memories from childhood and can help introduce a new generation to a treat many generations before them have enjoyed.
Easy to make and pretty to look at, these cookies are great to make with little ones after a long day of pumpkin carving. Let the kids help with the preparation. They can use many ingredients you may already have in your pantry especially the ones they can reach with their little hands.
The result are a soft and slightly chewy, cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cookies sandwiched around a fluffy layer of vanilla bean cream filling that can keep each member of the family reaching for another.
Serve them to friends, neighbors, kids and adults and you will notice the delight spread across their faces with the very first bite. This recipe is something scrumptious that makes a statement for the upcoming season.
Find more seasonal dessert recipes and fall flavors for your family at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Servings: 10-12
Oatmeal Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
Vanilla Bean Cream Filling:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- To make oatmeal cookies: with a mixer, cream butter, dark brown sugar and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and oats. Gradually add oat mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon dough into hands and roll into balls. Flatten balls and place onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Move cookies to wire rack to cool completely.
- To make vanilla bean cream filling: with a mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and heavy cream; mix until combined.
- Pipe or spoon a large dollop of filling on bottom sides of half the cookies; top each with second cookie.
Great Game Day Grub
(Family Features) While you may not be able to enjoy game day with thousands of your closest friends at the stadium this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy tailgate-worthy grub at home with a smaller group of friends and loved ones.
Step up your home-gate with an appetizing pre-game lineup featuring customized hot dogs and bratwursts as the main course with other plate-filling appetizers on the side to keep the noshing going right up to game time like bacon-wrapped potatoes, sweet cinnamon churros and a savory take on guacamole.
Find more game day recipes worth cheering about at Culinary.net.
Build-Your-Own Brat Bar
A simple and tasty main course, hot dogs and bratwursts are mainstays on game day and can be easily topped and customized to match each guests’ taste buds, regardless of age. Consider setting out a variety of garnishes and topping options such as these:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
- Onions
- Chili
- Nacho cheese
- Shredded cheese
- Jalapeno peppers
- Diced tomatoes
- Sauerkraut
- Cole slaw
- Pickle spears
- Barbecue sauce
- Sriracha
A Bacon-Wrapped Winner
Creating a mouthwatering game day spread is all about teamwork, and it’s hard to find a better set of teammates than crispy bacon and potatoes.
Take one to the house with these Pigskin Potatoes that cut down on prep time and cleanup as an easy-to-eat finger food that can be made in advance. Just prep the potatoes and wrap with bacon a day or two ahead of time then throw in the oven an hour or so before kickoff.
Your base ingredient in these tasty, touchdown-worthy snacks, Wisconsin Potatoes, are low in calories, high in fiber and a source of vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants.
Find more game day inspiration at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com .
Pigskin Potatoes
Recipe courtesy of The Little Potato Company on behalf of Wisconsin Potatoes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 44 minutes
Serves: 8
- 1 1/2 pounds Boomer Gold Little Potatoes
- 6 ounces plain cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup orange cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- jalapenos, to taste (optional)
- 1 pound bacon, thinly sliced, rashers cut in half
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Boil potatoes until fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Cut in half and allow to cool.
- In bowl, use spatula to combine cream cheese, cheddar, chives, salt, pepper and jalapenos, if desired.
- Once potatoes cool, spread cream cheese on one half of each cut potato and sandwich using other half. Wrap each potato using half rasher of bacon around cut middle to secure cheese filling.
- Bake on middle rack 10 minutes to allow bacon to set. Flip and bake 10 minutes.
- Turn oven to broil. Broil 2 minutes, turn and broil 2 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispiness.
Tip: Bacon-wrapped potatoes can be made ahead of time and kept in refrigerator until ready to bake.
A Sweet Cinnamon Snack
Sweet, handheld snacks make for perfect teammates while watching a game at home, and these Churros are an ideal example of a quick, fun bite that’s made with ease.
Requiring less than an hour in the kitchen, they can be made in short order without missing your favorite team’s first play. Lightly coated with fresh cinnamon and flavored with C&H Golden Brown Sugar, these deep-fried delights are as simple to make as they are delicious.
Find more home-gating recipe ideas at chsugar.com .
Churros
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 45 churros
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons C&H Golden Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups canola oil, for frying
- 1 cup C&H Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- In medium saucepan over high heat, combine water, butter, sugar and salt; bring to boil.
- Reduce heat and add flour. Using wooden spoon, mix vigorously until mixture forms into dough. Remove from heat.
- While stirring, gradually add eggs into dough. Mix well. Place dough in pastry bag fitted with large star tip.
- In heavy pot over medium-high heat, heat oil until it reaches 365 F.
- On plate, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- Squeeze churro dough in 4-inch strips into hot oil. Fry 5-6 churros in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. When ready, transfer to plate lined with paper towels.
- Roll churros in sugar-cinnamon mix.
A Tasty Take on a Tailgate Favorite
Even at home, game day means good times with friends and family while enjoying moments together watching your favorite teams. A menu full of flavorful favorites takes the experience to another level, and tackling your spread by starting with a tasty dip is a sure way to fire up the crowd.
No tailgate or home-gate is complete without fresh guacamole made with the Avocados From Mexico brand. Because they’re always in season, you can enjoy guac during your favorite sporting events and beyond.
Take it to the house with a twist on a game day classic by testing out this Bacon Chipotle Guacamole, a tailgate-worthy snack loaded with crowd-pleasing flavor. Because it’s such a fan-favorite, you might find yourself making another round at halftime.
To find this recipe and more ways to take your tailgate to new heights, including more than 200 guacamole recipes to choose from, visit avocadosfrommexico.com .
Bacon Chipotle Guacamole
- 3 Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
- 3 tablespoons shallot, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juice only
- 8 ounces applewood smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, small diced
- 2 canned chipotle chiles, finely chopped
- ground cumin. to taste
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- In large bowl, mash avocados with shallots, garlic, cilantro and lime juice to desired consistency. Fold in bacon, tomatoes and chipotle chiles until well combined. Season with cumin, salt and pepper, to taste.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (hot dogs)
Photo courtesy of The Little Potato Company (Pigskin Potatoes)
Photo courtesy of C&H Sugar (Churros)
Photo courtesy of Avocados From Mexico (Bacon Chipotle Guacamole)
Family Foods to Fuel Education
A Sweet School Day Treat
A long day of learning and activities calls for a well-deserved snack, and cookies are just the solution for many families.
Soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched together with a fluffy vanilla bean buttercream create the perfect treat with these Homemade Oatmeal Creme Cookies. Because they take just an hour to create using flavor-boosting ingredients like Domino sugars, you’re left with plenty of time for helping with homework or simply enjoying moments together with loved ones.
Find more dessert inspiration at DominoSugar.com.
Homemade Oatmeal Creme Cookies
Recipe courtesy of Michael Johnson on behalf of Domino Sugar
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Oatmeal Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup Domino Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
Vanilla Bean Creme Filling:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups Domino Confectioners’ Sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- To make Oatmeal Cookies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment or in large bowl with electric mixer, cream butter, brown sugar and golden sugar on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Set aside.
- In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and oats. With mixer on low, slowly add oat mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Using large cookie scoop, scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 1/2 inches between each cookie. Bake 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Allow cookies to sit on pan about 3 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
- To make Vanilla Bean Creme Filling: In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment or in large bowl with electric mixer, beat butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Turn speed to low and gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing until completely incorporated. Add vanilla bean paste and heavy cream; mix until combined.
- Turn mixer to medium-high speed and beat 3-5 minutes until buttercream is fluffy. If necessary, add cream 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency.
- To fill and assemble, pipe or spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons Vanilla Bean Creme Filling on bottom halves of Oatmeal Cookies; top with remaining halves.
Source: Domino Sugar
Enjoy Seasonal Favorites with Fall Comfort Foods
(Family Features) While this autumn season will likely look different than years past, wholesome meals celebrating fall flavors provide something to look forward to. Eating foods like walnuts, colorful fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can be a solution for improving overall well-being in an enjoyable, delicious way.
Along with fall favorites like root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, apples and cranberries, kitchen staples like walnuts also have their own prime season. Walnuts harvested during autumn from the fertile soils of California supply more than 99% of walnuts in the U.S. and more than half of the world’s walnut trade.
Each harvest produces enough walnuts for you to enjoy the tasty and nutrient rich benefits year-round. Pro tip: Storing them in the fridge or freezer maintains freshness longer.
Welcome the flavors of fall with this Apple Pear Walnut Crisp and Pumpkin Walnut Sage Risotto, and find more recipes to celebrate the season at walnuts.org/fall-favorites.
Apple Pear Walnut Crisp
Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Walnut Crisp Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups California walnuts, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and sliced into 1-tablespoon pieces
Apple Pear Filling:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 D’Anjou pears, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ice cream (optional)
- caramel sauce (optional)
- To make walnut crisp topping: In food processor, pulse 1 cup walnuts until finely ground.
- In small bowl, combine ground walnuts, flour, brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until coarse crumb forms.
- Coarsely chop remaining walnuts and stir into crumb mixture until incorporated. Set aside.
- To make apple pear filling: Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In bowl, toss apples, pears, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice.
- Place fruit mixture in bottom of 10-inch cast-iron pan or baking dish.
- Sprinkle walnut crisp topping mixture over fruit.
- Bake 45 minutes, or until fruit mixture is hot and bubbly and topping is golden brown.
- Top with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.
Pumpkin Walnut Sage Risotto
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Risotto:
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese
Walnut Sage Pesto:
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 cup California walnuts
- 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, plus additional for garnish, if desired
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese, plus additional for garnish, if desired
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- To make risotto: In medium pot over medium-low heat, heat vegetable stock.
- In large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until soft.
- Add rice and cook, stirring often, 2-3 minutes until rice is translucent except for white center.
- Add hot stock 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently. As stock is absorbed, add another cup. Continue until all stock has been incorporated and rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes. Stir in pumpkin and cheese.
- To make walnut sage pesto: In bowl of food processor, combine garlic and walnuts; pulse until minced. Add 1/2 cup sage leaves, 1/2 cup cheese and olive oil; pulse until coarse pesto forms. Season with salt, to taste.
- In final few minutes, add 1/2 cup walnut sage pesto to risotto, stirring until well incorporated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, to taste. Garnish with remaining pesto, cheese and fresh sage, if desired.
Source: California Walnuts
Cheesecake Cupcakes with Oat & Walnut Crust
(Family Features) Make family meals part of your home by digging into kid-friendly desserts like these Cheesecake Cupcakes with Oat and Walnut Crust, and join the Family Meals Movement, which encourages Americans to pledge to share one more family breakfast, lunch or dinner at home per week. Find tips, recipes and ways to increase your family meal frequency at familymealsmovement.org.
Cheesecake Cupcakes with Oat and Walnut Crust
Recipe courtesy of Liz Weiss on behalf of the FMI Foundation
Crust:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned or quick oats
- 1/2 cup walnut halves or pieces
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) light cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 lemon, zest only
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings (optional):
- plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- sliced strawberries
- sliced raspberries
- sliced blueberries
- fresh mint
- toasted coconut flakes
- agave
- sliced almonds
- lemon zest
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Line cupcake pan with eight paper baking cups and set aside.
- To make crust: In bowl of food processor, pulse oats and walnuts until coarsely ground. Add olive oil, butter, sugar, cinnamon and salt; pulse until evenly moistened and combined.
- Press 1 tablespoon of mixture firmly onto bottoms of cups. Bake 7 minutes until cooked.
- To make filling: In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add egg, cornstarch, lemon zest and vanilla; continue beating until well combined.
- Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups. Bake 20-22 minutes until cream cheese mixture is set. Remove from oven and cool in tins about 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely. Place in refrigerator and chill completely before serving or decorating with yogurt, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mint, coconut flakes, agave, almonds and lemon zest, if desired.
Source: FMI Foundation
Super Snacking
(Family Features) Snacks are a way of life for people of all ages, but especially children, who consume about 25% of their daily calories from snacks, according to research published in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.” Providing nutritionally balanced snacks for your children at home can make for a happy and healthy day.
Planning snacks that are as delicious as they are healthy is a winning solution, and snacks are a simple way to add more nutrition to your child’s diet.
For example, low-fat and fat-free dairy foods are essential to children’s growth and overall wellness. They provide calcium and vitamin D, two nutrients kids don’t get enough of, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines recommend 2-3 servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods every day, depending on the child’s age.
Giving kids a role in the preparation can give them added incentive to enjoy healthy treats, and these recipes are all easy enough that kids can make them on their own (or with minimal assistance). Giving your kids the ability to play a role in the kitchen and create is a gift that can last a lifetime. The culinary skills they develop early in life can give them the confidence and know-how to cook nutritious meals for themselves as teens and adults.
Dairy: Did You Know?
Dairy foods can add taste and versatility to your plate, but they also deliver a unique package of essential nutrients important for good health.
- Milk has a unique combination of nine essential nutrients: protein; calcium; potassium; phosphorus; vitamins A, D and B12; riboflavin and niacin. Each of these nutrients is a key ingredient of milk and they all work together to help keep bodies healthy.
- Milk, cheese and yogurt are good sources of high-quality protein, which is essential for growth and maintenance of muscle and other proteins within the body.
- Enjoying dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt as part of a healthy diet is associated with many health bonuses, including reduced risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Get more ideas to get kids cooking and snacking smart at milkmeansmore.org.
Red, White and Blue Greek Yogurt Bark
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12
- 3 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup honey, plus additional for drizzling (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries, halved
- In medium mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup honey and vanilla.
- On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spread Greek yogurt mixture to 1/4-inch thickness. Press strawberries, blueberries and raspberries into yogurt. Freeze at least 3 hours. Break into pieces upon removing from freezer.
Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
- 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 dash cinnamon
- apples, graham crackers or other dipper of choice
- In bowl, six Greek yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon until smooth.
- Serve with apples, graham crackers or another dipper of choice.
Good Morning Yogurt Parfait
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
- 1/2 cup sliced or diced fruit, any variety
- 6 ounces low-fat or fat-free vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup granola or other cereal (optional)
- In small bowl or cup, layer fruit and yogurt, starting with fruit on bottom. Top with cereal or granola, if desired.
- Note: This recipe can be made using low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese sweetened with honey and cinnamon.
Frozen Banana Pops
Prep time: 2 hours
Servings: 8
- 4 large bananas, peeled
- 8 wooden ice pop sticks
- 2 cups vanilla non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- Cut each banana in half and carefully insert wooden ice pop stick in bottom of each , about one-third into banana. Place bananas on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze bananas until partially frozen, about 30 minutes.
- Carefully dip each banana in tall pint glass of vanilla yogurt to coat, leaving 1/2-inch at bottom of banana uncoated. Return yogurt-coated bananas to parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until completely firm, about 1 hour.
- Microwave peanut butter until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. Drizzle peanut butter evenly over bananas then place on baking sheet to freeze until peanut butter is firm, about 30 minutes.
- Serve immediately or wrap each banana in plastic wrap and store in freezer up to 3 months.
Carrot Cake
(Culinary.net) Surprise your family with a dessert fit for the season. This Carrot Cake recipe is a traditional take on the timeless treat and created using everyday ingredients.
Find more dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Carrot Cake
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, shredded
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 2/3 cup walnuts
Frosting:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Heat oven to 350° F.
- In large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and baking powder.
- In mixing bowl, cream together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add in carrots and crushed pineapple.
- Add dry mixture to wet ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in walnuts.
- Pour batter into two lightly greased 8-inch round cake pans and bake 25-30 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely. Remove cakes from pans and slice off tops to level cakes.
- To make frosting: In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually add in powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Spread two large spoonfuls frosting over top of one cake and stack second cake on top. Frost entire cake with remaining frosting.
Seasonal Brunch Ideas with an Original Farm-to-Table Ingredient
(Family Features) Brunch with family and friends can be a treat any time of the year, but spring’s fresh, seasonal ingredients and warmer days practically beg loved ones to gather for the morning meal.
These cute, kid-friendly Bunny Oatmeal and Easy Egg Casserole recipes are simple and made with real foods like milk, bringing richness and flavor, and ingredients you can feel good serving to kids.
Whether it’s skim milk for lighter lattes with friends, 2% milk to wash down birthday cake or strawberry milk for a sweet celebration surrounding the game-winning goal, milk’s already a part of the foods – and meaningful moments – that matter.
For more kid-friendly, seasonal recipe ideas, visit milklife.com.
Bunny Oatmeal
Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Edwards of Creme de la Crumb on behalf of Milk Life
Servings: 1
- 1/3 cup instant oats
- 3/4 cup fat-free milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2/3 small banana
- 2 fresh blueberries
- 1/2 small strawberry
- chocolate syrup (optional)
- 1 glass milk (8 ounces)
- In microwave-safe bowl, stir oats, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar. Microwave on high 30-60 seconds and stir.
- Cut banana in half crosswise. Cut 1 1/8-inch thick coin slice from flat ends of each banana half. Place two banana slices in upper third of oatmeal bowl, side by side, to make eyes. Top each banana slice with one blueberry.
- Place remaining banana halves at top of bowl, hanging out, to create ears.
- Place strawberry in middle of bowl to make nose then drizzle chocolate, if desired, to make mouth and whiskers.
- Serve with 8-ounce glass of real milk for added nutrition.
Nutritional information per serving: 320 calories; 2 g fat; 10 mg cholesterol; 18 g protein; 59 g carbohydrates; 5 g fiber; 190 mg sodium; 550 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk and include 8-ounce glass of milk.
Easy Egg Casserole
Recipe courtesy of Milk Life
Servings: 1
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup lean ham, cubed
- 1 cup frozen seasoned potatoes with fresh onions and peppers
- 3/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup low-fat cheddar or Swiss cheese, shredded
- 6 eggs
- 3/4 cup fat-free milk
- 1 glass milk (8 ounces)
- Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly coat 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. In bottom of casserole dish, arrange ham, potatoes, spinach and cheese.
- In large bowl, beat eggs and milk. Pour mixture over ingredients in casserole dish. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed.
- Serve with 8-ounce glass of real milk for added nutrition.
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. Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk and include 8-ounce glass of milk.
Source: MilkPEP