(Family Features) Don’t let Mother’s Day pass by as just another day on the calendar. Make this year’s celebration a true ode to the moms in your life with some extra special touches at breakfast and beyond.

Give Her the Day Off
Whether she’s the culinary expert of the home or cooking is usually a team effort, make sure her morning is one of rest and relaxation while you handle kitchen duties from prep to cleanup. These Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins are easily customizable to suit your family’s favorite tastes with nearly endless possibilities. Just make sure to place a foil-lined cookie sheet under the muffin tin to make cleanup a breeze.

For a sweeter touch on brunch, these Cinnamon Muffins offer a one-ingredient solution that take just 15 minutes to prepare. Serve alongside the egg muffins or let these ooey-gooey bites bake while mom enjoys the main course.

Add Flowers
Flowers are a timeless Mother’s Day gift for a reason. They provide pops of color on dining room tables, kitchen counters, end tables or even nightstands. Consider mom’s favorite spot in the house and place them within eyeshot for a frequent reminder of how much she’s appreciated.

Create a Personalized Card
Add a special final touch to an already memorable morning with a thoughtful card and handwritten message. Get the kiddos involved and create a card from scratch with construction paper, colored pencils, markers and more for a homemade gift she’ll cherish. If you didn’t fall from the artistic tree, don’t fret – a storebought card means all the same when paired with a heartfelt message that conveys your love.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, mom will appreciate the extra effort to make her day special. Find more family-friendly recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 1 pound regular-sliced bacon (not thick-sliced)
• 10 eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/3 cup half-and-half or milk
• 1 tablespoon garlic pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen spinach

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Using muffin tin, wrap bacon around inside of each muffin hole. In bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, half-and-half, garlic pepper and spinach. Pour into each hole, filling about halfway to avoid overflowing while cooking. Cook 40 minutes, or until eggs are golden.

Tips: Place muffin tin on cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch grease and make cleanup easier. If you want bacon taste without lining muffin holes, mix fried bacon pieces into eggs.

Substitutions: Line each hole with hashbrowns then add egg mixture. Use broccoli instead of spinach, if desired.

Cinnamon Muffins

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 2 tubes (8-count each) cinnamon rolls

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Grease muffin tin or line with liners. Using kitchen shears, cut each cinnamon roll into pieces and place in muffin holes.
3. Bake about 15 minutes, or until golden. Let cool then add provided icing.

Tip: To make icing extra special, add 2 tablespoons creamer and mix well before icing muffins.

 Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Even if Easter hosting duties fell on your plate this year and added one more thing to your holiday to-do list, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. After all, Easter is a time meant for fun and fellowship with the food just one part of the celebration.

Building the menu around simple, one-pan dishes can keep the focus where it needs to be: spending time and creating memories with family and friends. These dishes call for short lists of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry, and simple preparation to create a full spread perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, using only one pan makes cleanup a breeze, so you can get back to the festivities quickly.

A dish like this Easter Roast lets you check both the main course and side dishes off your list, relying on the oven to do most of the work for you after some quick prep work. Similarly easy to prepare, these Refrigerator Rolls can also be made up to six days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake – a perfect complement to the savory roast and veggies.

Finish off your feast with an adaptable dessert like this Blueberry Crumble. Made using just five ingredients and ready in about an hour, you can swap the blueberry pie filling and yellow cake mix for any combination that suits your guests’ tastes like apple pie filling with spice cake or cherry pie filling with chocolate cake; the sky’s the limit when it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth.

For more Easter recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

Easter Roast

Yield: 1 roast

• Salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• 1 roast (3 pounds)
• 1 bag (1 pound) baby carrots
• 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) trio potatoes or potato of choice
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon garlic pepper
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 bundle asparagus

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder over roast and rub into front, back and sides. Place seasoned roast in middle of large roasting pan.
3. Place carrots on one side of roasting pan and potatoes on other side.
4. In large bowl, mix beef broth and cream of mushroom soup with garlic pepper. Pour mixture over roast, potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle brown sugar over carrots and add chopped onion. Cover and cook 2 1/2 hours then remove from oven, add asparagus and cook uncovered 30 minutes.
5. Serve from pan or place on platter for more formal presentation.

Refrigerator Rolls

Yield: 18 rolls

• 2 packages yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 6-7cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick softened butter
• oil, divided

1. In large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. When yeast is foamy, add 3 cups flour. Mix in salt, eggs and butter.
2. Once mixed well, add remaining flour 1 cup at a time and knead dough into ball in bowl. Remove dough from bowl and place on clean surface.
3. Wash and dry bowl then grease with drizzle of oil. Place dough in bowl and let rise 1 hour or store in refrigerator if making in advance.
4. When ready to use, grease muffin pan with oil. Roll dough into hand-size balls and place in each muffin hole; cover 1 hour.
5. Heat oven to 350 F. Bake rolls 30 minutes.
6. Note: Dough can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator up to six days. If making ahead, punch down dough, cover and place in refrigerator. Punch down daily until ready to use.

Blueberry Crumble

Yield: 1 cake

• 1 can blueberry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 bag (4 ounces) chopped pecans
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1/4 cup oil
• whipped cream, for serving (optional)
• vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Spread pie filling on bottom of 9-by-11-inch pan. Sprinkle cake mix and pecans on top. Do not mix.
3. Drizzle melted butter and oil on top of cake mix and pecans. Do not mix. Lift pan and tilt from side to side until cake mix is completely covered in butter.
4. Bake 1 hour until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) If St. Patrick’s Day inspires feelings of hearth and home rather than leprechauns and green beer, you can celebrate tradition with warm, filling meals that harken back to Irish heritage. Soups and stews are certain to conjure up some nostalgia while soft, delicious cake is a perfect way to honor tradition regardless of your ancestry.

This Irish Sláinte Stew offers a warm welcome to guests with your own way of toasting to the holiday – Sláinte is “cheers” in Gaelic. This hearty meal is perfect for a crowd with traditional stew meat slow-cooked in a Dutch oven with beef broth, spices, carrots, potatoes, herbs and an Irish draught beer. Serve alongside crusty bread that’s ideal for soaking up each delicious drop.

Share a sweet way to complete the meal in style with Irish Apple Cake, a classic dessert to top off a filling celebration. This version is easy enough to prepare with a handful of everyday ingredients for the cake, a crumbly topping and homemade custard for the finishing touch.

If you’re looking for additional ways to honor tradition this St. Patrick’s Day, consider a few other cozy Irish dishes:

• Boxty (potato pancakes, similar to latkes)
• Boiled cabbage
• Irish soda bread
• Shepherd’s pie
• Corned beef and cabbage
• Potato soup
• Irish coffee
• Colcannon (mashed potatoes and greens)
• Coddle (typically including pork sausage, potatoes and onions)
• Seafood chowder

To find more ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, visit Culinary.net.

Irish Sláinte Stew

• Oil, for drizzling
• 1 pound stew meat
• 1-2 pinches salt, plus additional to taste, divided
• 1-2 pinches pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 48 ounces beef broth
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 3cups potatoes, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons garlic pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 1 bottle Irish draught beer of choice
• crusty bread, for serving

1. In Dutch oven over medium heat, drizzle oil and brown stew meat with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over meat.
2. Add beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, garlic pepper, thyme, rosemary and chives. Add Irish draught beer.
3. Bring to boil, stirring, 5 minutes. Simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with crusty bread.

Irish Apple Cake

Cake:

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1 stick butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 apples of choice, peeled and cubed
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half

Topping:

• 1/2 stick butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 cup brown sugar

Custard:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease and flour 9-inch round springform pan.
2. To make cake: In large bowl, sift flour with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger. Using fork, cut butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Add sugar and apples; mix well. Stir in eggs and half-and-half until mixture reaches thick, dough-like batter. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. To make topping: In bowl, mix butter, flour and sugar to create crumbled mixture. Sprinkle on top of batter in pan. Bake 1 hour. Check with toothpick to make sure middle is completely done. If not, bake 5-10 minutes. Let cool on rack.
4. To make custard: Whisk egg yolks and sugar. In saucepan, bring half-and-half to boil. Add one spoonful half-and-half at a time to egg mixture, whisking while adding. Once whisked together, return to saucepan and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla.
5. Serve custard over cake.

 Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) ’Tis the season for sweet and savory favorites – from the mouthwatering desserts you crave each year to starters and snacks that hold over hungry guests. Elevate your holiday entertaining with the right combination of appetizers, main courses, sides, sweets and beyond that start with the same seasonal staple: pecans.

As a versatile nut that can be used throughout the holidays, pecans have you covered so you can cook and enjoy a myriad of dishes, add festive flair to decor, or provide a nutritious snack in the midst of season-long indulgences. This year, pick up an extra bag of pecans to create nutritious, delicious dishes to enjoy on-the-go or serve to guests.

To help celebrate the holiday season, the American Pecan Promotion Board introduced a digital Pe-Calendar to highlight the many ways pecans can be enjoyed in and beyond a traditional pie. From Dec. 7-18, the interactive calendar will unveil tasty recipes for pecan fans to enjoy, along with fun games that can enter you in to win exciting prizes each day. From delicious Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberry Orange Chutney to nutritious Pecan Snack Mix with Cranberries and Chocolate, along with prizes, the calendar provides an ultimate way to shell-ebrate with the must-have holiday nut.

To sign up for daily email reminders to open a new door for chances to win nutty prizes, or to find additional holiday recipes, visit EatPecans.com.

Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberry Orange Chutney

Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Cook time: 24 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup maple syrup, plus 1 teaspoon for garnish, divided
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 orange, zest and juice only
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme, plus additional for garnish, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
• 1 round brie (13.4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup roasted pecan pieces
• crackers
• toasted bread
• apple slices

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cranberries (reserving some for garnish), 1/2 cup maple syrup and water to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens, 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove cranberry mixture from heat and stir in orange zest, orange juice, 1 teaspoon thyme, rosemary and bourbon, if desired.
4. Place brie on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 5-7 minutes, or until inside of cheese softens while outside remains intact.
5. Transfer brie to serving platter and top with chutney and toasted pecans. Drizzle remaining maple syrup over brie and garnish with remaining fresh thyme and reserved cranberries. Serve with crackers, toasted bread and apple slices.

Pecan Snack Mix with Cranberries and Chocolate

Recipe courtesy of Jess Larson and the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling time
 

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 cup rice squares cereal (wheat or cinnamon)
• 1/2 cup pretzels
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1. In large, microwave-safe bowl, add pecans, rice squares cereal and pretzels. In small, microwave-safe bowl, add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt and nutmeg. Microwave butter mixture 1-2 minutes until melted then pour over dry mix. Toss well to combine.
2. Microwave snack mix in 45-second intervals, about 4-5 intervals total, until mix is fragrant, golden and toasty.
3. Cool mix completely then stir in cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

American Pecan Promotion Board

(Family Features) Among the many enchanting elements of the holiday season, the family traditions and familiar flavors of favorite foods enjoyed year after year bring loved ones together better than perhaps any other occasion. From decorating wreaths and trees to crafting ornaments and preparing classic recipes, it’s a season of cherishing memories and creating new ones.

While there are countless ingredients that harken to the taste of holidays past, there’s one sweet favorite that truly symbolizes the season: peppermint. Whether enjoyed in the familiar shape of a candy cane – the original kid-favorite – or added to recipes from beverages to desserts and everything in between, it’s a delicious way to connect generations.

For example, these Jingle Balls provide a perfect kid-friendly project to keep them busy rolling popcorn balls in sparkling colored sugar for bite-size bits of holiday magic. They’re equal parts holiday spirit and sweet appetizer, snack or dessert. Just be sure to have an adult melt together the butter, marshmallows and peppermint extract before letting little ones show off their creativity.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark offers another way for everyone to get in on the fun. The taste of peppermint and white chocolate make this a perfect holiday treat for sharing with a crowd. Plus, the easy prep means less time in the kitchen and more time savoring the classic flavors.

Better yet, it makes for a delicious gift to send off with guests as another festive celebration comes to a close. Simply package in a small, clear bag tied off with a colorful bow so loved ones can enjoy the tastes of the season in the days to follow.

These favorites are made possible by the versatility of popcorn, one of America’s most beloved snack foods. Celebrated for its seed-to-snack simplicity, popcorn’s smell, taste and versatility mean it can enhance any occasion as a budget-friendly solution for family gatherings.

Discover more delicious holiday snacks at popcorn.org.

Jingle Balls

Yield: 12 cups

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• assorted colored sugars

1. Lightly spray large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Add popcorn.
2. Spread plastic wrap on cookie sheet; set aside.
3. In medium saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows; stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour over popcorn, mixing until well coated. Let cool 2 minutes.
4. Spray hands with cooking spray and form popcorn mixture into 3-inch balls. Gently press colored sugar onto balls. Let sit on prepared cookie sheet until cool and set.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark

Yield: 1 pound

• 5 cups popped popcorn
• 12 ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating
• 1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints

1. Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.
2. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
3. In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions. Stir in crushed peppermints.
4. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely.
5. When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.
6. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Source: Popcorn Board

(Family Features) Cozying up with a bowl of warm deliciousness is a perfect way to ward off the chill of winter, and it’s made even better when shared with those you love. Turning to favorite chilis and soups with comforting ingredients and smoky spices can transport your family from snow and sleet to warmth and paradise.

Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili offers a reprieve from the cold with hearty flavor and family favorites seasoned with chili powder, cumin and cayenne pepper for classic taste with a twist. The thinly sliced potatoes and bacon of READ German Potato Salad in a sweet-piquant dressing provide a delicious new take on traditional chili.

A bit on the lighter side but equally satisfying, Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup calls for shallots, diced tomatoes, spinach, cannellini beans, cooked small pasta and more for a true winter warmup. Served with toasted bread cubes, it’s sure to warm loved ones up from the inside out.

Its key ingredient is Aunt Nellie’s 3 Bean Salad, featuring premium green, wax and kidney beans in a light, sweet-tangy vinegar dressing. As a ready-to-eat solution, it can be served chilled, at room temperature or as part of comforting winter recipes.

Visit READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com to find more cozy cold-weather dishes.

Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili

Recipe courtesy of "Dad with a Pan" on behalf of READ
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

• 4 strips thick bacon, cut into cubes
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch segments
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 Fresno peppers, diced
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can READ German Potato Salad, drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. n large saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons drippings in saucepan.
2. Add smoked sausage and cook until browned.
3. Once sausage is cooked, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
4. Drain excess fat then stir in chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano and Fresno peppers until well mixed.
5. Add drained diced tomatoes, German potato salad and cooked bacon to saucepan.
6. Add beef broth and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Bring mixture to simmer and let cook about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are melded.

Substitution: Jalapenos can be used for Fresno peppers.

Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup

Recipe courtesy of Sarah Meuser on behalf of Aunt Nellie's
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 27 minutes
Servings: 8

• 10 ounces day-old crusty bread, such as ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling (optional)
• 2 medium shallots or 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth (about 6 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, uncooked
• 2 cups frozen cut leaf spinach or chopped fresh spinach
• 2 jars (15 1/2 ounces each) Aunt Nellie's 3 Bean Salad, drained
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Place bread cubes in single layer on large baking pan. Bake until bread cubes are lightly browned, 8-12 minutes. Set aside.
2. Heat large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil; swirl to coat. Add shallots; cook 5 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add cannellini beans, tomatoes, broth and black pepper; bring to boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes, or according to package directions. Stir in spinach and bean salad. Simmer 5 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Ladle soup evenly into bowls. Top with toasted bread cubes and lemon zest, if desired. Drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired.

Source: Seneca Foods

(Family Features) Holiday gifting is an exciting tradition for many families, but finding that perfect present for the person who seems to have it all can be tricky. This year, you can add a touch of sweetness to that special someone’s stocking with the gift of fresh fruit.

Look no further than the delicious taste contained in Florida Citrus gift boxes with premium citrus hand-selected at the peak of ripeness and delivered fresh to your recipient’s door. From varieties of fresh fruit to tasty delights like orange blossom honey, jellies, candies and chocolate, it’s an easy choice for crossing off holiday checklists.

Well-known for its vitamin C content, it provides a combination of nutrients to support overall health for a nutritious twist on seasonal gifting.

“Fresh Florida Citrus fruits provide an attainable solution for individuals falling short of their daily nutrient goals,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “It offers a number of key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, fiber and thiamin, and can help support overall well-being when consumed as part of a healthy diet.”

Thanks to Florida’s unique climate with subtropical temperatures, abundant sunshine, distinctive sandy soil and ample rainfall, the citrus fruits pack a juicy, naturally sweet taste from the Sunshine State. These gift boxes can bring a new spin to your holiday menu.

Whether you’re shipping a box to a family member, friend, neighbor or your own front door, holiday get-togethers can receive a spark of sweetness from a delicious appetizer like Grapefruit Avocado Bruschetta. This fresh take on a party favorite calls for toasted baguette slices topped with chopped grapefruit, Roma tomatoes, avocado and red onion to take your hors d’oeuvres selection to the next level. For the adults in attendance, put a simple yet refreshing cocktail on the menu with this Grapefruit Paloma – just rim four glasses with margarita salt and mix a few easy ingredients to bring a little sunshine to the festivities.

Find more information, check availability in your area and shop for gift boxes at gifts.floridacitrus.org.

Grapefruit Avocado Bruschetta

Servings: 3

• 1 cup Florida Grapefruit sections
• 1 baguette, sliced on bias
• 2-3 whole garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 3-4 ripe Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 large avocado, chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• Florida Grapefruit segments, for garnish (optional)
• cilantro sprigs, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Chop grapefruit.
2. Place baguette slices on baking sheet and toast 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Rub toasted sides of bread with cut sides of garlic cloves; reserve.
4. In medium bowl, combine tomatoes, grapefruit, avocado, red onion, cilantro and olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss gently to combine.
5. Spoon grapefruit mixture over prepared bruschetta.
6. Garnish with fresh grapefruit segments and cilantro, if desired.

Grapefruit Paloma

Servings: 4

• 24 ounces Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 16 ounces silver tequila
• 16 ounces seltzer
• ice
• margarita salt (optional)
• 4 Florida Grapefruit wedges (optional)

1. In large pitcher, mix grapefruit juice, tequila and seltzer with ice.
2. Rim four glasses with margarita salt, if desired.
3. Divide paloma among glasses; garnish with grapefruit wedges, if desired.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) When Thanksgiving hosts and their guests ponder must-have desserts, one of the most common favorites is an oh-so-delicious pie. More specifically, with nearly endless possibilities and its familiar festive flavor, pecan pie is one of America’s most beloved holiday treats.

From nods to the Northeast’s love of maple to celebrating sweet tastes of the West Coast with a citrus twist, the American Pecan Promotion Board is celebrating regionally inspired recipes. While the classic pecan pie is a hit at the Thanksgiving table, you can make it a perfect palette for creativity this year by enjoying local flavors that take the festivities up a notch.

For example, putting a festive spin on the holiday favorite can be as easy as this sweet and savory Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie that’s a mouthwatering take on tradition. Or, if you’re in need of a quick snack everyone can share while mingling, opt for this Chocolate Cherry Pecan Snack Mix that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. It includes chocolate-glazed pecans tossed with yogurt-covered raisins, pretzels and dried tart cherries – a staple of the North.

When it comes to pecans, great taste is just the beginning. They’re the ultimate supernut due to their flavor versatility and nutritional benefits. Next time you’re shopping for pie ingredients, remember you can pick up an extra bag to add to favorite appetizers, snacks, meals, desserts and more all holiday season long.

Find more regional recipe inspiration by visiting eatpecans.com.

Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie

Recipe courtesy of Emily Caruso of "Jelly Toast" on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 70 minutes
Servings: 10

• 1 pie dough (9 inches)
• 4 strips thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups raw pecan halves

1. Place baking sheet in oven. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Gently line pie pan with rolled out pie dough. Press into edges and up sides. Use fingers or fork to create decorative edge. Set aside.
3. In skillet, fry bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels then chop into small pieces and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup bacon grease.
4. In large bowl, whisk dark corn syrup, light corn syrup, brown sugar, reserved bacon grease, butter and bourbon. Add eggs and salt; whisk until mixture is even. Fold in pecan halves and chopped bacon.
5. Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula. Gently cover edges of pie crust with aluminum foil. Place pie on preheated baking sheet and bake 60-70 minutes, or until pie is set in center.
6. Remove pie from oven and cool completely before serving or chilling.

Notes: Pie can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allow pie to come to room temperature before serving.

Chocolate Cherry Pecan Snack Mix

Recipe courtesy of Emily Caruso of "Jelly Toast" on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 20

• 1 large egg white
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup dried tart cherries
• 1 cup small pretzels
• 3/4 cup yogurt-covered raisins

1. Heat oven to 325 F.
2. In bowl, whisk egg white, brown sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt until well blended. Add water to thin mixture slightly. Fold in pecan halves until well coated. Spread mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until mixture is well set. Stir mixture several times during baking. Allow pecans to cool completely and transfer to bowl. Mix in dried cherries, pretzels and raisins.

Source: American Pecan Promotion Board

(Culinary.net) A sweet and savory treat, these Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Pretzels will disappear scary fast at your next Halloween party. With just three ingredients, they’re easy to make and share with guests of all ages.

Visit Culinary.net to find more quick, simple treats.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Pretzels

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Yield: about 36 pretzels

• 3/4       cup orange candy melts
• 1          bag (16 ounces) mini pretzel twists
• 1/4       cup mini green coated chocolate candies

1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In medium microwave-safe bowl, melt candy melts 30 seconds then stir. Working in 15-second intervals, continue microwaving until melted and smooth, stirring between intervals. With fork or dipping utensil, dip 36 mini pretzel twists, one at a time, into melted orange chocolate and gently tap side of bowl to remove excess.
3. Lay each covered pretzel on parchment paper. Using remaining pretzel twists, break apart enough to equal 1/4 cup.
4. Place one mini green chocolate candy (to form leaf) and one broken pretzel piece (to form stem) on top of each dipped pretzel. Repeat with remaining pretzels and chocolate candies.
5. Let set until solid. Pretzels can harden on counter about 30 minutes, or placed in refrigerator or freezer 5-10 minutes.

(Family Features) Quick and easy family dinners often feel few and far between, but you can make them a more frequent occurrence by depending on seafood as a flavorful, easy-to-prepare protein.

Today, more than half of all seafood consumed in the U.S. is raised by aquaculture, also known as seafood farming. While this industry has made strides throughout the last few decades, from increasingly sustainable farming practices to technological advancements, not all seafood farms are equal and neither are the certifications you see on the packaging.

Aquaculture helps meet the ever-growing popularity of seafood and provides people in developing countries with healthy protein. It also aids in rebuilding populations of threatened and endangered species along with boosting wild stocks of freshwater and seawater species. By ensuring supply chain integrity from farm to the store, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) Sea Green certification label lets shoppers know they’re protecting oceans, coasts and wildlife while also investing in restoring them.

With a mission to help the industry feed a growing global population while respecting the planet and its people, the council aims to minimize the industry’s impact on climate change and protect fish welfare. To achieve these goals, the certification label helps shoppers identify products that meet strict standards for responsibly farmed seafood, raising the bar for farm performance, verification and traceability.

With increased demand from the culinary community for alternative seafood sources that preserve wild populations without compromising farm-to-fork flavor or freshness, ASC’s certification helps ensure the seafood you’re buying is what it claims to be. That way, you can enjoy make-at-home recipes like Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon.

Visit SeaGreenBeGreen.org to find family-friendly recipes and certification information.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon

• 1          bag (1 pound, three 6-ounce portions) ASC-certified North Coast Seafoods Naked Norwegian Salmon
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Honey Mustard Glaze:

• 1/3       cup honey
• 1/4       cup whole-grain mustard
• 2          tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
• 2          tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2          teaspoons horseradish
• 1          teaspoon smoked paprika

Crunch:

• 3/4       cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2          tablespoons dried parsley
• 2          tablespoons olive oil

1. Thaw salmon and pat dry. Arrange on oiled baking tray. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. To make glaze: In small bowl, combine honey, mustard, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish and paprika; mix until well combined. Chill glaze until ready to use.
3. To make crunch: In bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley and oil; mix well. Reserve.
4. Preheat oven to 400 F.
5. Top each salmon portion with 1 tablespoon glaze and spread evenly over fish. Press crunch evenly onto glaze.
6. Bake 15-17 minutes until fish is cooked through.
7. Serve with drizzle of remaining glaze.

Source: Aquaculture Stewardship Council