(Family Features) A busy day doesn’t have to come between you and your favorite people at mealtime. With a little creativity and a simple ingredient like olive oil, you can set the table with flavorful meals and surround yourself with the company of friends and family, enjoying the experience together.

There’s no need to get complicated when you have quality ingredients like olive oil to add some extra zest. You can have flavor at the ready with Olive Oil Ice Cubes, for example. Add fresh herbs from your garden to an ice cube tray then fill with smooth, light and flavorful olive oil and freeze. Whenever you need to get the flavor sizzling, simply toss a cube into the pan.

Create a nearly effortless dressing with olive oil for a recipe like Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Berries and Pecans. White fish fillets like cod also pair well with an olive oil-based pesto, which can help ensure you’re prepared for any stressful day that dares to challenge your time around the table, allowing you to enjoy life’s pure moments. Olive oil even adds flavor to sweet and succulent desserts, such as Chocolate-Pumpkin Cake.

When the minutes start to slip away, capture them back with recipes that use olive oil to create meals you can feel good about while savoring the company of those around you.

Make every moment count and find more simple, enjoyable recipes at Bertolli.com.

Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Berries and Pecans

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1-2

• 7 cups arugula
• 2 ounces goat cheese
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1 cup mixed berries (such as blackberries or strawberries)

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. In bowl, toss arugula, goat cheese, pecans and mixed berries.
2. To make dressing: In bowl, mix lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt and olive oil.
3. Add dressing to salad for serving.

White Fish Fillets with Pesto

Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Fish:

• 2 cod fillets (about 7 ounces each)
• salt, to taste
• Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to taste

Red Pesto:

• 1 bunch basil
• 1 ounce cashews
• 3/4 ounce Parmesan cheese
• Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• water

1. To prepare fish: Rub both sides of fillets with salt and olive oil while heating saucepan.
2. Sear fillets meat-side first followed by skin-side.
3. Heat oven to 350° F.
4. To make Red Pesto: Puree basil, cashews, Parmesan cheese and olive oil while adding small amount of water.
5. Add additional olive oil as necessary, ensuring sauce is thick enough to cover fish.
6. Place fish in oven tray, cover with Red Pesto and bake 5 minutes.

Chocolate-Pumpkin Cake

Total time: 20 minutes

• 2 eggs
• 4 1/2 ounces sugar
• 4 1/2 ounces Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 1/2 ounces flour
• 1/3 ounce cocoa powder
• 1/8 ounce salt
• 5 1/4 ounces pumpkin
• 1/10 ounce baking powder

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Mix eggs with sugar thoroughly and beat until bubbles form. Slowly add in olive oil while continuing to stir mixture.
3. Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, pumpkin and baking powder; using whisk, mix well.
4. Pour into cake mold lined with baking paper and bake 15 minutes.
5. Let cool and remove cake from mold.

Olive Oil Cubes

• Assorted herbs
• ice cube trays
• Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Break up herbs by hand. Add herbs to trays. Fill trays with olive oil and gently set in freezer; allow to solidify.
2. When cooking, use cubes for added flavor.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Berries and Pecans, Olive Oil Cubes)

Source:  Bertolli

Savory dishes featuring pesto

(Family Features) One of the best times of each day is gathering with family members to enjoy home-cooked meals. Using fresh and versatile ingredients, adults can be at ease that everyone is eating right with a nutritious dinner and kids are eating something delicious and relaxing each evening.

Pesto can be used as an ingredient in many recipes and brings a punch of flavor to each dish on the table. For example, it can be served mixed in potatoes, as a spread on sandwiches, dolloped on soups or dips and as a sauce on pasta.

With authentic Italian taste capturing the recipes of the region, Filippo Berio Pestos are made to suit any taste. The versatile flavors include Classic Basil, Sun Dried Tomato, Tomato & Ricotta and Hot Chili and Olive. Each variety is vegetarian, gluten-free and GMO-free, making it the perfect addition to any dinner.

Pesto can be served hot or cold, so it is easy to cook with or add to dishes featuring fresh vegetables, like this recipe for Chicken Caprese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. Add Savory Zucchini and Fontina Muffins to the meal for a fun twist on muffins.

For a more traditional meal the whole family can enjoy, try this Tomato and Tortellini Soup made with Tomato & Ricotta Pesto. This pesto is based on an age-old Sicilian recipe, combining the sweetness of tomatoes with the smoothness of ricotta cheese and the rich taste of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

For more flavorful recipes and ways to cook with pesto, visit FilippoBerio.com.

Savory Zucchini and Fontina Muffins

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 12

• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2       cup Filippo Berio Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, divided
• 1/3       cup Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3/4       cup milk
• 1/4       cup granulated sugar
• 1          egg
• 1          cup shredded zucchini
• 2          green onions, finely chopped
• 12        cubes (1/2 inch each) fontina cheese

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with large paper liners.
2.  
3. In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. In separate bowl, whisk 1/4 cup pesto, olive oil, milk, sugar and egg; stir into flour mixture until moistened. Fold in zucchini and green onions.
4. Divide half the batter evenly among muffin cups; place cube of fontina on top of batter. Top each with 1 teaspoon remaining pesto; top with remaining batter.
5. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and top of muffin springs back when pressed lightly. Let cool slightly; serve warm.

Tip: To make extra savory, add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon.

Chicken Caprese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4

• 2          small spaghetti squash
• 2          tablespoons Filippo Berio Robusto Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
• 3/4       teaspoons salt, divided
• 3/4       teaspoon pepper, divided
• 12        ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1          small onion, finely chopped
• 1/3       cup Filippo Berio Classic Pesto
• 1 1/2    cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 8          ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Halve spaghetti squash lengthwise and scrape out seeds; drizzle cut sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bake, cut sides down, on parchment paper-lined baking sheet 45-50 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly. Using fork, scrape strands of squash into bowl; reserve squash shells.
2. In skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; cook chicken, onion and remaining salt and pepper about 5 minutes, or until chicken is browned. Stir in pesto; bring to simmer. Cook about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Stir in cherry tomatoes; cook about 1 minute, or until slightly softened.
3. Toss spaghetti squash with chicken mixture; divide among reserved squash shells. Top with mozzarella cheese; broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with chopped basil.

Tip: For a more savory dish, add chopped black olives or jarred artichokes, if desired.

Tomato and Tortellini Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6

• 2          tablespoons Filippo Berio Olive Oil
• 1          onion, finely chopped
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          carrot, diced
• 1          stalk celery, diced
• 1/2       cup Filippo Berio Tomato & Ricotta Pesto
• 1          teaspoon dried basil
• 1          teaspoon oregano
• pinch of chili pepper flakes
• 1          can (28 ounces) whole Italian-style tomatoes
• 4          cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 3/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
• 1          package (12 ounces) fresh cheese tortellini
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

1. In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil; cook onion, garlic, carrot and celery about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add pesto, basil, oregano and chili flakes; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, salt and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
2. In blender or using immersion blender, puree tomato mixture; return to pan and bring to simmer. Add tortellini; cook 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan.

Tip: Dried basil can be substituted for 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Source: Filippo Berio

(Family Features) This Easter holiday, hop into a new tradition and swap your classic ham for savory lamb.

Cooking lamb can be easier than many might think, especially when using a pressure cooker. You can combine aromatic herbs with white wine for a juicy leg of lamb in under an hour. Or try baking a rack of lamb crusted with a quinoa-hazelnut combination and topped with a mint pesto.

For a perfect, set-and-forget side, try slow cooker carrots, sprinkled with dill weed and lemon extract for a delightful spring dish. End the meal with festive cupcakes modeled after the Easter bunny, which can satisfy the sweet tooth of guests of all ages.

Find more Easter recipes at McCormick.com and find McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Watch video to see how to make these adorable cupcakes!

Bunny Butt Cupcakes

Recipe courtesy of Amanda Rettke of “I am baker”
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24

• 1          2-layer size white cake mix
• 1          tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, McCormick Pure Lemon Extract, divided
• 1          tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 3/4       cup white chocolate chips
• 2          sticks butter, softened
• 16        ounces confectioners’ sugar
• 2          tablespoons milk
• 10        drops McCormick Green Food Color
• 1-2       drops McCormick Red Food Color
• 12        large marshmallows, halved crosswise
• 3          tablespoons white nonpareil sprinkles

1. Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding 1 tablespoon lemon extract and vanilla. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
2. To make bunny feet: In medium, microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips on high 30 seconds. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Spoon into pastry bag or re-sealable plastic bag. Snip small corner from bag. Pipe 24 pairs of bunny feet onto parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Use toothpick to smooth out bumps or rough edges, and gently tap cookie sheet on counter to help settle. Allow to harden 2 minutes in freezer or 15 minutes in refrigerator.
3. To make frosting: In large bowl, beat butter and remaining lemon extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Remove half the frosting and place in medium bowl. Add green food color; mix until evenly blended. Spoon into pastry bag fitted with grass decorating tip. Set aside. Remove half the remaining frosting into small bowl. Add red food color; mix until light pink. Spoon into another pastry bag.
4. Using pink frosting, pipe three toes and padding on each bunny foot. Once frosting has set (about 1 hour) gently press down on pink frosting to create smoother look.
5. To assemble cupcakes: Pipe green frosting onto each cupcake in series of short motions to create individual grass spots. Cover top of each cupcake completely.
6. To make bunny butts: Place cut sides of marshmallow halves onto each frosted cupcake, leaving room for bunny feet. Shape remaining white frosting into dime-sized balls then roll with white sprinkles to cover. Pipe small drop of remaining pink or white frosting onto top of each marshmallow. Press bunny tail on top.
7. Place both bunny feet against base of marshmallow with toes facing down.

Lemon Dill Slow Cooker Carrots

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3-4 hours
Servings: 6

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2          pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-1-inch chunks
• 2          tablespoons water
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Dill Weed
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Pure Lemon Extract
• 2          teaspoons Dijon mustard
• teaspoon white wine vinegar

1. Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add carrots, water and salt; toss to coat. Cover.
2. Cook on high 3-4 hours, or until tender.
3. In small bowl, mix olive oil, dill weed, lemon extract, Dijon mustard and vinegar. Stir into cooked carrots in slow cooker before serving.

Rack of Lamb with Quinoa-Hazelnut Crust and Mint Pesto

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

• 2          tablespoons red quinoa
• 2          tablespoons white quinoa
• 1/2       cup water
• 1/4       cup, plus 1 tablespoon, finely chopped toasted hazelnuts, divided
• 2          racks of lamb, about 1 pound each
• 3          tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 1/8    teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Organic Black Pepper
• 2          teaspoons lemon juice
• 2          tablespoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Mint
• 1/8       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Organic Garlic Powder
• cup plain Greek yogurt

1. Rinse quinoa; drain well. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring quinoa and water to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 13 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Spread cooked quinoa on baking sheet to cool. Stir in 1/4 cup hazelnuts. Set aside.
2. Heat oven to 450° F. Brush racks of lamb lightly with 1 teaspoon oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper. Coat lamb with quinoa mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place lamb on roasting rack in foil-lined, shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons oil.
3. Roast 20-25 minutes, or until desired doneness.
4. To make Mint Pesto: In small bowl, mix remaining oil, remaining hazelnuts, lemon juice, mint, garlic powder and remaining sea salt until well blended. Stir 1 teaspoon pesto into yogurt.
5. To serve: Carve lamb into chops. Drizzle with remaining pesto. Serve with yogurt sauce.

Electric Pressure Cooker Lamb

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 48 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1          tablespoon McCormick Garlic Powder
• 1          tablespoon McCormick crushed Rosemary Leaves
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Sea Salt
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Thyme Leaves
• 1/2       teaspoon ground McCormick Black Pepper
• 2          tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1          semi-boneless leg of lamb (about 4 pounds)
• 1          cup Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Stock
• 1/2       cup dry white wine
• 2          medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1          medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
• 1/4       cup water
• tablespoons cornstarch

1. In small bowl, mix garlic powder, rosemary, sea salt, thyme and black pepper. Set aside.
2. In electric pressure cooker, heat oil on saute setting until simmering. Sprinkle half the seasoning mixture evenly over lamb. Place lamb in pressure cooker. Cook 8-10 minutes, or until browned on all sides, turning occasionally. Add stock, wine and remaining seasoning mixture to pressure cooker. Arrange carrots and onion around lamb. Close lid.
3. Cook 25 minutes on high pressure. Once complete, allow pressure to release naturally with vent closed 15 minutes. Vent to release remaining pressure; remove lid. Remove lamb and vegetables from pressure cooker; set aside and keep warm.
4. Set pressure cooker to saute. Cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced by about half, about 5-10 minutes. In small bowl, mix water and cornstarch. Stir into pressure cooker with wire whisk. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1-2 minutes, or until thickened. Serve lamb and vegetables with gravy.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) From Easter to Passover to the Kentucky Derby and beyond, there is a lamb dish for nearly every spring occasion.

While many traditions rely on lamb as a centerpiece, it doesn’t have to be prepared like grandma’s overcooked, tough and often tasteless roast. Today’s home cooks are forgoing the jar of mint jelly and using fresh mint in pesto and salsas, while serving their lamb medium-rare to preserve its tender juiciness.

If a rack of lamb is your preferred cut for spring celebrations, the American Lamb Board offers six simple steps for the perfect entree. For those who opt for roasting a boneless leg of lamb that is tender and full of flavor, try using these step-by-step instructions for a succulent lamb roast. For a real showstopper, turn off the oven, fire up the grill, butterfly a leg of lamb, season well and grill to desired doneness.

Toss grandma’s jar of mint jelly and brighten up your feasts with fresh condiments like this Mint-Pistachio Pesto or a Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Sea Salt. For more tips and spring celebration-worthy recipes, visit americanlamb.com/spring/.

Mint-Pistachio Pesto

Recipe courtesy of the American Lamb Board

• 1 cup shelled, toasted, unsalted pistachios
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley
• 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• pinch of red chili flakes

1. In food processor, pulse all ingredients until mixed but still somewhat chunky.

Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Sea Salt

Recipe courtesy of the American Lamb Board

• 1/2 cup coarse sea salt
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 1/2-3 pounds boneless leg of American lamb, trimmed and butterflied
• extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 lemons

1. In food processor, grind salt and rosemary leaves together until mixture is texture of coarse sand.
2. Season lamb generously with rosemary salt, working it into all crevasses; it should take about 2 tablespoons. Set lamb aside at room temperature at least 30 minutes before grilling, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.
3. Heat charcoal or gas grill. Pat lamb dry, if needed, and rub lightly with olive oil to coat.
4. Grease grill grates with oil and place lamb on hottest part of grill. Cook with grill covered, turning once, until brown and crusty.
5. Move lamb to cooler part of grill and continue cooking until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 130° F for medium-rare, 15-25 minutes total. Transfer lamb to platter, cover with foil and let rest at least 10 minutes before cutting into thick slices against the grain.
6. Halve lemons and brush cut sides lightly with oil. Place cut-side down on grill until deeply charred, 2-3 minutes.
7. Arrange lamb slices on large platter or directly over salad. Serve with charred lemon halves for squeezing and additional rosemary salt.

Source: American Lamb Board

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) washed, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1/2 ripe Avocado from Mexico (4 ounces), pitted and diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves or Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
2. Pierce outside of each half of squash a few times with a fork. Place squash cut side down on baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, or until very tender when tested with a fork. Cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, place avocado, basil or parsley, chives, Parmesan, garlic, salt, black pepper and hot water in blender and process until smooth, turning blender off and on occasionally and adding a tablespoon or two of additional hot water if needed. There will be between 1/2 and 3/4 cup of pesto.
4. When squash has cooled, use fork to rake the spaghetti-like threads of squash into a serving bowl. Discard skin. Drizzle pesto over squash and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Serves

Makes 6 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Credit: Cheryl Forberg, R.D. "The Biggest Loser: Simple Swaps" (Rodale, 2009)

Source Avocados from Mexico