(Culinary.net) Even if you’re not Irish, a green treat like this Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie can get you and your guests into the festive spirit. With enough seasonal flavor to go around, this recipe makes two pies, so be sure to cut every leprechaun a generous portion.

Find more festive recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie

Makes: 2 pies (9 inches each)

• 3 3/4    cups heavy whipped cream, divided
• 8          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4    cups, plus 2 tablespoons, powdered sugar, divided
• 5          drops green food coloring
• 1 1/4    teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon mint extract
• 1          bag mint chocolate candies, chopped, divided
• 2          chocolate cookie crusts (9 inches each)
• 1          bag mint chocolate candies

1. To make filling: In bowl of stand mixer, whisk 2 1/2 cups heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Transfer to bowl.
2. In separate stand mixer bowl, beat cream cheese on high 2 minutes. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and green food coloring; mix until smooth. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and mint extract; mix well.
3. Fold prepared whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Fold 1 cup chopped mint chocolate candies into filling.
4. To make frosting: In bowl of stand mixer, whisk remaining heavy cream and remaining powdered sugar. Add remaining vanilla extract and mix until stiff peaks form.
5. Pour filling into crusts and smooth tops.
6. Fill decorating bag with frosting and pipe thick band around edges of pies. Then pipe circle dollops evenly around edges of pies.
7. Scatter 1 cup chopped mint chocolate candies in middle of pies. Place whole mint chocolate candies into each dollop of frosting around edges of pies.
8. Refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours.

(Family Features) As the weather cools, spicy recipes can warm things up by satisfying your taste buds.

For example, award-winning chef Elise Wiggins brings the heat with this Fiery Beef Harissa Polpettes with Cooling Milk Goat Cheese Sauce recipe.

Inspired by her time spent cooking in Mexico and Central America, Wiggins puts a new spin on the popular polpette (Italian meatball), pairing bold seasonings with a cooling, dairy-based dipping sauce, made with pure, fresh Shamrock Farms milk.  

The recipe combination is a nice addition to any seasonal gathering, and the naturally soothing proteins in milk help combat the spice of the various chiles to cool down taste buds and complement flavors. Shamrock Farms milk also provides calcium, potassium and vitamin D, delivering flavor and versatility to a balanced diet without added growth hormones.

For more recipes perfect for cooler weather, visit shamrockfarms.net.

Fiery Beef Harissa Polpettes with Cooling Milk Goat Cheese Sauce

Recipe courtesy of chef Elise Wiggins
Yield: 12 polpettes

Polpettes:

• 1          dry ancho chile
• 2          dry guajillo chiles
• 10        dry arbol chiles
• 2          dry cayenne chiles
• hot water
• 1          tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1          tablespoon coriander seeds
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 1          tablespoon tomato paste
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4       cup Shamrock Farms Heavy Cream
• 1          lemon, zest only, finely chopped
• 2          teaspoons hot smoked paprika
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          pound ground beef

Dipping Sauce:

• 1          cup Shamrock Farms Whole Milk
• 1          cup goat cheese
• 1/4       cup fresh mint, loosely packed and julienned
• 1/2       teaspoon sugar

Breading:

• 2          whole eggs
• 1          teaspoon water
• all-purpose flour
• panko bread crumbs

1. To make polpettes: Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In pan, cover chiles with hot water; simmer until chiles are soft and pliable. In warm sauté pan, toast cumin and coriander until fragrant. In spice grinder, grind until seeds turn to powder.
3. Remove chiles from water; reserve water. In blender, combine chiles, garlic, ground spices, tomato paste, lemon juice, heavy cream, lemon zest, hot smoked paprika, salt and 1/2 cup reserved chile water; blend until smooth, thick paste forms.
4. Combine spicy harissa sauce with beef; mix well to incorporate. Roll into 2-ounce balls and place on sheet tray. Cook 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Leave oven on.
5. To make dipping sauce: In food processor, blend milk, goat cheese, mint and sugar. Place in dipping bowl in refrigerator until ready to serve. 
6. To make breading: In pan, crack eggs and add water; whip to incorporate. In separate pans, place flour and bread crumbs. Roll cooled polpettes in flour. Dust off excess. Roll in egg wash then breadcrumbs; set aside. Repeat until all polpettes are breaded. 
7. Place polpettes back on sheet tray. Cook until golden brown, approximately 10-12 minutes. Serve polpettes hot with chilled dipping sauce.

Note: If unable to find specific chiles, substitute any Mexican chile variety.

Source: Shamrock Farms

(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) Hosting holiday dinners can be stressful, even for the most seasoned home cooks. Between gift giving, cookie baking, home decorating and more, there’s often little time left to think through a festive feast for a hungry crowd of family and friends.

While the main entree and dessert are usually the first courses to be accounted for when planning, seasonal appetizers and sides can set your spread apart. Perfect for intimate gatherings or larger parties, a simple app like Cranberry Walnut and Brie Bites, filled with ingredients like Willow Tree Classic Chicken Salad and creamy Brie cheese, can leave guests anxiously awaiting the rest of the meal.

Round out your menu with must-have sides like potatoes. For example, a traditional French dish like Dauphinoise Potatoes are easy to make and feature a homemade butter and garlic sauce, thinly sliced potatoes and rich Gruyere cheese.

Once the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, however, one of the last things many hosts want to do is cook another big meal. With an option like Willow Tree Chicken Pies, you can skip the hassle and get a meal on the table quickly.

For more easy hosting ideas and recipes, visit willowtreefarm.com.

Cranberry Walnut and Brie Bites

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 12-16

• 2          packages (17 ounces each) puff pastry
• 1          bag (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1          cup sugar, plus additional, to taste
• 1          orange or lemon, zest only, cut into strips
• 2          tablespoons water
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1          container (7 1/2 ounces) Willow Tree Classic Chicken Salad
• 4          ounces Brie cheese, cut into 48 pieces
• 1/4       cup finely chopped walnuts
• 2          tablespoons minced fresh sage

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Once thawed, unfold into thirds.
3. Cut each third into 12 equal squares to make 48 squares.
4. Grease two mini muffin tins; press each puff pastry square into muffin cup.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes; remove from oven and press center of each cup in with end of wooden spoon.
6. While puff pastry is baking, prepare cranberry sauce. Add bag of cranberries into saucepan. In pan over low heat, combine sugar, one strip orange or lemon zest and water; cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Increase heat to medium and cook until cranberries burst, about 12 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add sugar, salt and pepper, to taste; let cool slightly and reserve.
7. Fill center of each puff pastry cup with chicken salad, 1/2 teaspoon cranberry sauce and one piece Brie cheese.
8. Bake 5-7 minutes, until Brie is melted.
9. Top with chopped walnuts and minced sage. Serve warm.

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-45 minutes
Servings: 1

• 8          ounces potatoes
• 1          tablespoon butter
• 1          large clove garlic
• 1/2       cup heavy cream
• 1          ounce Gruyere cheese, for garnish
• salt
• pepper

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Peel and finely slice potatoes.
3. Add butter to saucepan and melt. Finely mince garlic and add to saucepan; saute gently until garlic is pale golden color.
4. Add cream to saucepan and bring to rapid simmer but do not boil.
5. In oven-safe dish, arrange slices of potato in even layers.
6. Pour warm cream over potatoes slowly, allowing to seep between layers without overflowing dish.
7. Top generously with sliced Gruyere cheese and place in oven, 30-45 minutes per portion. When done, potatoes should be golden-brown on top, bubbling at edges and a knife should slide easily into center.

Note: Recipe can be multiplied for additional servings.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Dauphinoise Potatoes)

Source: Willow Tree

(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

3 dairy-inspired dishes for weeknight dinners

(Family Features) Warm meals that come together quickly are a necessity for busy families, especially on weeknights filled with homework, practices, meetings and more. Serving up comfort foods that require less time in the kitchen make for more moments spent together at the table.

Hearty and satisfying, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can bring everyone together for a warm, soothing meal, while Cheesy Turkey Chili Mac makes for familiar fare enjoyed by adults and kids alike. For a rich, creamy, one-dish dinner solution, Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce requires less than 45 minutes of kitchen duty, making it an ideal weeknight family-favorite.

These dairy-fueled recipes from Milk Means More of Michigan can be part of a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy and a variety of protein foods.

Find more weeknight meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

• 4          slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces
• 3/4       pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 10        ounces (about 4 cups) farfalle (bow tie) pasta
• 2 1/2    cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4          cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2    teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2       teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1          cup heavy cream
• 1          cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3          cups baby spinach leaves
• 1          cup halved cherry tomatoes, for garnish

1. Place removable pan inside programmable pressure cooker. Using saute function, cook bacon, uncovered, until crisp. Use slotted spoon to remove bacon from pan. Drain bacon on paper towels. Leave 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; discard remaining.
2. Add chicken to bacon drippings in pan in two batches. Using saute function, stir-fry chicken 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through. Use slotted spoon to remove chicken from pan. Repeat until all chicken is cooked. Press cancel.
3. Stir pasta, broth, garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper into drippings in pan. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure setting and cook 5 minutes. Press cancel.
4. Allow pressure to release naturally 5 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release any remaining steam. Remove lid.
5. Stir cream into pasta mixture. Using saute function, cook and stir, uncovered, until boiling. Boil, uncovered, about 4 minutes, or until sauce generously coats pasta, stirring frequently. Press cancel. Stir in chicken and Parmesan cheese.
6. Place spinach and bacon in large bowl. Pour pasta mixture over top. Toss until combined. Ladle into serving bowls. Top each serving with tomatoes.

Cheesy Turkey Chili Mac

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1          tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1          pound lean ground turkey
• 1          cup chopped onion
• 1          can (15 1/2 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1          can (15 ounces) no-salt- added tomato sauce
• 1          can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chili peppers
• 1 2/3    cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1          tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 8          ounces (about 1 3/4 cups) elbow macaroni
• 1/2       cup 2 percent or whole milk
• 2          tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2          cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 3/4       cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt or sour cream

1. Place oil in removable pan of programmable pressure cooker. Place pan in pressure cooker. Using saute function, heat oil until hot. Add turkey and onion. Cook, uncovered, about 5 minutes, or until turkey is no longer pink, stirring to break up. Press cancel.
2. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, garlic salt and pepper. Stir in macaroni. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure setting and cook 5 minutes.
3. Allow pressure to release naturally 2 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release any remaining steam. Remove lid.
4. Stir macaroni mixture. Whisk together milk and flour. Stir into macaroni mixture. Using saute function, cook and stir, uncovered, 1-2 minutes, or until boiling. Press cancel.
5. Stir cheese into macaroni mixture until melted. Ladle into serving bowls. Spoon dollops of yogurt or sour cream on top.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour

• 1          cup shredded carrots
• 1/2       cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2       cup sliced celery
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 2          tablespoons butter or clarified butter
• 4          cups chicken broth
• 4          ounces (about 2/3 cup) wild rice, rinsed and drained
• 1          teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 12        ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1          cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2          tablespoons flour
• 1/2       cup whipping cream

1. In Dutch oven, cook carrots, onion, celery and garlic in hot butter about 2 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir broth, wild rice, thyme, salt and pepper into vegetable mixture. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 40 minutes. Stir in chicken pieces. Return to simmer, covered, 10-15 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is done.
3. In small bowl, whisk together yogurt and flour. Gradually whisk in cream. Stir into chicken mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling. Boil 1 minute. Ladle into bowls.

Source:  United Dairy Industry of Michigan

Add tasty, crunchy grapes to seasonal dishes

(Family Features) The holiday season is typically marked by gatherings of friends and family. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, drop-in visitors or an important seasonal meal, taking a fresh approach to the menu can make the get-together more special.

As you prepare for the festivities, consider recipes that feature healthy ingredients such as versatile California grapes, which come in three vibrant colors – red, green and black – and can add a palate-pleasing crunch and plenty of taste to everything from main dishes to sides and even desserts. Heart-healthy grapes are also perfect on their own as a snack and their natural beauty can help enhance any table as an edible garnish or fresh centerpiece.

Using grapes as a featured ingredient in your holiday dishes can provide a fresh twist on seasonal dishes, such as this Grape Dutch Baby or these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes and Balsamic Glaze. For dessert, use the natural sweetness of grapes to create a smooth Grape Caramel Sauce that can be served as a topping for ice cream or other seasonal desserts.

Seasonal Entertaining with Grapes

While the beautiful, vibrant colors of grapes can add visual interest to recipes, they can also serve a variety of purposes when hosting:

• Grapes can make for easy decorations when placed in bowls, on platters or draped from a cake plate.
• Grapes can be “frosted” with sugar, spices and chopped nuts then served as a finger food or used as a garnish to decorate cakes, cookies, puddings, mousses and other seasonal desserts. Simply dip grape clusters in liquid gelatin then roll in your desired mixture.
• Grapes make for a quick and easy hostess gift. Wrap multi-colored grape clusters in tissue paper then place them in a basket or tin tied with ribbon.

Find more holiday recipes at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes and Balsamic Glaze

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• pinch of salt
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1          cup red California grapes
• 2          tablespoons ready-to-use balsamic glaze

1. Heat oven to 450° F. 
2. On baking sheet, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste, until sprouts are well-coated. Roast until deep golden brown, about 17-20 minutes, turning sprouts halfway through roasting. Stir in grapes and roast 3-5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and drizzle with glaze or drizzle platter with glaze and pile sprouts on top.

Nutritional information per serving: 150 calories; 3 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 7 g fat (42% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 30 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

Grape Caramel Sauce

Prep time: 5 minutes              
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          pound green or red California grapes, divided
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 3/4       cup sugar
• 1/4       cup water
• 1/3       cup heavy cream (optional)
• large pinch of salt
• ice cream

1. In blender or food processor, combine 12 ounces grapes with lemon juice and puree. Set aside. Coarsely chop remaining grapes.
2. In medium saucepan, combine sugar and water then bring to boil, stirring a few times. Simmer without stirring, brushing down sides of pot with brush dipped in water if crystals start forming. When mixture has turned deep, golden brown, remove from heat and whisk in pureed grapes until smooth sauce has formed. Turn on heat and simmer until mixture has reduced by one-third and forms smooth caramel sauce. Whisk in cream and salt; stir in chopped grapes and serve over ice cream.

Nutritional information per serving of sauce: 200 calories; 40 g carbohydrates; 5 g fat (22% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (14% calories from saturated fat); 15 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Grape Dutch Baby

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 3          large eggs
• 2/3       cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3       cup low-fat milk
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 5          tablespoons unsalted
• butter, divided
• 2          cups red California
• grapes, halved
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/8       teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• confectioners’ sugar

1. Heat oven to 450° F. Put large (10-inch) cast-iron or ovenproof skillet in oven.
2. With electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs until frothy then beat in flour, milk, vanilla and salt, and beat until smooth, about 1 minute (batter will be thin). Remove skillet from oven and add 2 tablespoons butter, swirling to cover pan. Pour in batter and return to oven. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 14-19 minutes.
3. While pancake is baking, in another skillet over high heat, melt remaining butter and add grapes, brown sugar and cinnamon, if desired. Cook until grapes are heated through and sugar has melted. Spoon grapes over pancake, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and serve. 

Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories; 6 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 18 g fat (58% calories from fat); 10 g saturated fat (32% calories from saturated fat); 180 mg cholesterol; 380 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Source: California Table Grape Commission