Maya Gold Chocolate Mousse Cake

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 10

•             Melted butter
• 1          tablespoon ground almonds, plus extra for dusting pan
• 2          bars (3 1/2 ounces each) Green & Black’s Dark 70% Cacao
• 1          bar (3 1/2 ounces) Green & Black’s Maya Gold
• 1 1/2    cups sugar
• 1 1/4    sticks unsalted butter
• 1          pinch sea salt
• 5          large eggs
• confectioners’ sugar or edible gold dust

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Brush pan with melted butter and dust with ground almonds, shaking off excess.
2. In top of double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate bars, sugar, butter and sea salt. Remove from heat.
3. Beat eggs with ground almonds and fold into chocolate mixture. Pour into 8- or 9-inch springform cake pan and bake 35-40 minutes.
4. Remove sides of pan and leave cake on bottom part to cool. Using sifter, dust with confectioners’ sugar or brush with gold dust before serving.

(Family Features) If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it's good to know that a convenient pantry product can help fight osteoporosis – by the spoonful. Over 44 million American women and men aged 50 and older have osteoporosis or low bone mass. About half of American children under 5 years of age don't get enough calcium in their diets. And once children reach their teen years, more than 85% of girls and 60% of boys don't get their recommended daily allowance of calcium.

Since low lifetime calcium intake is one of the risk factors for osteoporosis, it makes sense to start building stronger bones in childhood, then continue through life. One easy and delicious way to automatically increase your family's calcium intake is to sprinkle nonfat dry milk into your recipes. Sprinkle nonfat dry milk into your favorite meatloaf mixture to help keep it moist.
Add it to breads, muffins and cakes for better texture and browning. Fortified with vitamins A and D, with D aiding calcium absorption, the "magic crystals" can also enrich smoothies, egg dishes, dips, puddings, mashed potatoes, soups and sauces.

For more calcium-boosting recipes and information, visit VeryBestBaking.com.

By the Spoonful
Look how easy it is to boost your calcium intake. Get the most calcium by adding 1 tablespoon of nonfat dry milk to many of the foods you eat every day. Make it a habit to get more calcium this wholesome and natural way.

Creamy Garlic Dip

Servings: 10

• 1          cup reduced-fat sour cream
  1/2       cup dry Nestlé Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
  2          tablespoons sliced green onions
  1          tablespoon cider vinegar
  1          clove garlic, finely chopped
  1/2       teaspoon salt
  1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper

1. In small bowl, combine sour cream, dry milk, green onions, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper; stir until smooth. Serve with assorted cut-up vegetables.

Nutritional information per serving: 70 calories; 5 g protein; 3 g fat (25 calories from fat); 7 g carbohydrates; 10 mg cholesterol; 0 g fiber; 190 mg sodium; 15% daily value calcium.

Creamy Fruit Smoothie

Servings: 4

• 3          cups fresh, frozen (unsweetened) or canned fruit, drained
• 1 1/3    cups (3.2 ounce envelope) dry Nestlé Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk
• 1/2       cup water
• 1/2       cup ice cubes
• 2          tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Place fruit, dry milk, water, ice, sugar and vanilla extract in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Note: For a tropical drink, try a mixture of mango, papaya and pineapple to make up 3 cups fruit. Follow directions above.

Nutritional information per serving: 150 calories; 9 g protein; 0.5 g fat (5 calories from fat); 28 g carbohydrates; 5 mg cholesterol; 2 g fiber; 125 mg sodium; 30% daily value calcium.

Zesty Potato Salad

Servings: 8

• 1/4       cup dry Nestlé Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
• 1/4       cup water
• 1/4       cup Dijon-style mustard
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2          pounds (about 6 large) red-skinned potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes, cooked, drained and cooled
• 2          cups green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces, blanched (optional)
• 1          cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4       cup sliced green onions
• lettuce leaves (optional)

1. In small bowl, combine dry milk, water, mustard, salt and pepper until well mixed. In large bowl, combine potatoes; green beans, if desired; bell pepper and onions; add milk dressing and toss well to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Serve over lettuce leaves.

Nutritional information per serving: 160 calories; 8 g protein; 1.5 g fat (15 calories from fat); 30 g carbohydrates; 5 mg cholesterol; 4 g fiber; 330 mg sodium; 20% daily value calcium.

Banana Nut Bread

Servings: 2 loaves

• 4          cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3    cups (3.2-ounce envelope) dry Nestlé Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk
• 4          teaspoons baking powder
• 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4          large eggs
• 3 1/2    cups (about 7 medium) mashed very ripe bananas
• 2          cups granulated sugar
• 1          cup vegetable oil
• 1          cup chopped walnuts

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Grease two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, dry milk, baking powder and cinnamon. In large mixer bowl, beat eggs, bananas, sugar and vegetable oil on medium speed until well blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture; stir in nuts. Spoon into prepared loaf pans.
3. Bake 60-65 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutritional information per serving: 310 calories; 6 g protein; 14 g fat (120 calories from fat); 43 g carbohydrates; 35 mg cholesterol; 2 g fiber; 115 mg sodium; 10% daily value calcium.

Confetti Frittata

Servings: 4

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 2          cartons (8 ounces each) egg substitute
• 1 1/3    cups (3.2-ounce envelope) dry Nestlé Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk
• 2          cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2          cups (about 6 ounces) sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/2       cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 2          medium green onions, sliced
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon ground black pepper

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Spray 10-inch ovenproof skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In medium bowl, combine egg substitute and dry milk; mix thoroughly. Stir in cheese, mushrooms, bell pepper, green onions, salt and black pepper. Pour mixture in prepared skillet.
3. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until set in center. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes then cut into wedges and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 300 calories; 38 g protein; 8 g fat (70 calories from fat); 17 g carbohydrates; 15 mg cholesterol; 1 g fiber; 980 mg sodium; 60% daily value calcium.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Source: VeryBestBaking.com

(Family Features) It wouldn’t be summer without a fresh fruit pie. Sink your teeth into sweetness with every bite of this Fresh Strawberry Pie.

Find more summer recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Recipe adapted from Pillsbury

• 1          pie crust
• 6          cups whole fresh strawberries
• 1          cup sugar
• 3          tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4       cup water
• sliced strawberries
• 1          cup sweetened whipped cream

1. Heat oven to 450° F.
2. Press pie crust into 9-inch glass pie pan. Bake 9-11 minutes, or until lightly browned. Completely cool pie crust, approximately 30 minutes.
3. In blender, crush strawberries to make 1 cup. In saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add crushed strawberries and water. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Cool to room temperature.
4. Arrange sliced strawberries in cooled crust. Pour cooked strawberry mixture evenly over strawberries. Refrigerate 3 hours.
5. Top with whipped cream and desired toppings.

Source: Culinary.net

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

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

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Baked Alaska

Recipe adapted from Milk Means More

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

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

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Snack time just got a bit sweeter.  These wraps are simple enough to make that even kids can enjoy putting them together. For more snack recipes, visit culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Caramel Apple Wraps

• 3              large apples, any kind
• 1              tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1              cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1/3          cup creamy peanut butter, or almond butter
• 8-10       fajita-sized tortillas
• caramel sundae syrup

1. Wash and dice apples.  In medium bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.  Add diced apples to sugar mixture.  Toss apples to coat.
2. In small bowl, stir together yogurt and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Layout tortillas and spread 2 tablespoons yogurt mixture on each.  Spoon small amount of apple mixture at one end of each tortilla.  Start from end with apples and roll tortillas.
4. Drizzle with caramel syrup.

Recipe adapted from Milk Means More.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Dazzle your guests with a decadent dessert like this Crème Brûlée.  With a rich and creamy filling topped with a sugary crust, these individual-sized sweets can provide a perfect ending to nearly any get-togther.

Find more dessert recipes at www.culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Crème Brûlée

• 4          cups heavy cream
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2          teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1/2      cup granulated sugar
• 6          egg yolks
• vanilla sugar

1. Heat oven to 300° F.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the cream, vanilla and cardamom to simmer, whisking occasionally. Do not boil. Remove pan from heat and let rest 10 minutes.
3. In large bowl, whisk together sugar and egg yolks. Slowly whisk warm cream into egg mixture until smooth.
4. Set ramekins into baking dish with sides.  Pour mixture into ramekins.  Pour boiling water into baking dish about half way up sides of ramekins. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until custard is firm.  Chill 1 hour.
5. Before serving, evenly sprinkle vanilla sugar on top.  Use kitchen torch to caramelize vanilla sugar.

Recipe adapted from Milk Means More.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) When it’s cold outside and snow blankets the ground, try heating up the oven and whipping up a batch of Snowball Cookies.  These cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, and with a hint of coconut added to the frosting, your senses might think you’ve been transported to a tropical beach. 

For more cookie recipes, visit www.culinary.net.   

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Snowball Cookies

• 1/2         cup shortening
• 1            cup sugar
• 1            egg
• 1            teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2      cups flour
• 1/4         teaspoon salt
• 1/2         teaspoon baking soda
• 1/ 2        cup Greek yogurt
• 3 3/4      cups powdered sugar
• 1/2         cup butter
• 3            tablespoons milk
• 2            teaspoons coconut extract
• 1            cup shredded coconut

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Cream together shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla extract.
3. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda.  Add mixture to wet ingredients, alternatively adding in Greek yogurt.
4. Flour surface and roll out cookie dough. Use top of jar or biscuit cutter to make round cookie shapes.
5. Bake 8 minutes.  Transfer to cooling rack immediately.
6. In medium bowl, using a mixer on low, mix powdered sugar, butter, milk and coconut extract until thoroughly combined.  Beat on high until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
7. Spread frosting on cookies.  Pour shredded coconut into small bowl.  Press cookies, frosting side down, into shredded coconut.
8. Store in airtight container.

Recipe adapted from Milk Means More.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Perfect for a party or simply indulging yourself, these addictive pastry puffs make it hard to stop at one.  Easy to assemble with these step-by-step instructions, the ricotta mixture and fresh strawberry compote are dynamic together, and provide a generous touch of sweetness.

For the full video and instructions, plus more dessert recipe ideas, visit culinary.net .

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Ricotta Puff Pastries with Strawberry Compote

• 2                      sheets puff pastry
• 1/2                  cup, plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1/2                  cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1                      tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1                      tablespoon water
• 1                      package of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2                  cup homemade, part-skim or whole milk Ricotta cheese
• 1/4                  cup powdered sugar
• 1/2                  teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Cut both puff pastry sheets into nine squares.  Make slit in corner of each square toward middle of the pastry.  Fold corners to other corners to create pinwheel shape.  Brush pastry with 1 tablespoon heavy cream.  Combine granulated 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle on each puff pastry.
3. Bake 12-15 minutes, until pastry is golden brown and raised.
4. In medium saucepan on medium to high heat, pour in remaining granulated sugar and water.   Once sugar is dissolved, pour in fresh strawberries.  Bring mixture to boil then simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are broken apart and semi-thick sauce is created.  Let chill in refrigerator 2 hours.  To chill faster, put in freezer 45 minutes.
5. In medium bowl, using mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.  In separate medium bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy. Return whipped cream to ricotta mixture and whip for 1-2 minutes until mixture is light and fluffy.
6. Spoon ricotta cream into the center of each puff pastry pinwheel. Spoon strawberry compote in middle of ricotta mixture.

Recipe adapted from Milk Means More.

Source: Culinary.net

Do you know what the secret ingredient for these biscuits are?  Cottage cheese!  These biscuits are crispy-on-the-outside and moist and tender on the inside.  Slap on some butter and these warm and tasty biscuits will melt in your mouth.  For more mouthwatering recipe ideas, go to www.culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

What you’ll need:

• Flour
• Baking Powder
• Sugar
• Italian Seasoning (we used Oregano)
• Minced Onion
• Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Cottage Cheese
• Butter
• Milk
• Baking Sheet

In a large bowl add in:

Flour,

Baking powder,

Sugar,

Italian Seasoning (we used Oregano),

Salt and garlic powder,

Minced onion and whisk all the dry ingredients together.

Next, add in cottage cheese,

Melted butter and mix until crumbly.

Add in milk, mix until well combined.

On a prepared baking sheet, place dollops of batter onto the baking sheet. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.

Slap on some of your favorite biscuit topping and enjoy! 

See full recipe below.

Herb Biscuits

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 3 tbs butter
• 1/3 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil.
2. In large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, Italian seasoning, onion, salt and garlic powder. Add in cottage cheese and butter and mix until crumbly. Add milk. Stir until combined.
3. Drop large dollops of batter onto prepared baking sheet. Bake about 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with some butter or your favorite biscuit topping.

Recipe adapted by Milk Means More.

Source: Culinary.net

Ditch the celery stick and compliment your spicy Bloody Mary with cheese filled perogies and BACON!

For more beverage recipes, go to Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious drink recipe!

Bloody Mary

• 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
• 64 oz. tomato juice
• 2 cups vodka
• 2 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp. lime juice
• 6 cheese filled perogies (baked according to package)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)

1. Combine all ingredients into a large pitcher and stir well.
2. Pour over ice.
3. Garnish with cheese filled perogies and bacon using a wooden skewer.

Source: Culinary.net