(Culinary.net) Surprise your family with a dessert fit for the season. This Carrot Cake recipe is a traditional take on the timeless treat and created using everyday ingredients. 

Find more dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Carrot Cake

• 2 1/4    cups flour
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2       teaspoon baking powder
• 1          cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/4    cups sugar
• 3          eggs
• 1 1/2    cups carrots, shredded
• 1          cup crushed pineapple with juice
• 2/3       cup walnuts

Frosting:

• 2          packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
• 3/4       cup butter, softened
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 1/2    cups powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and baking powder.
3. In mixing bowl, cream together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add in carrots and crushed pineapple.
4. Add dry mixture to wet ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in walnuts.
5. Pour batter into two lightly greased 8-inch round cake pans and bake 25-30 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely. Remove cakes from pans and slice off tops to level cakes.
6. To make frosting: In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually add in powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
7. Spread two large spoonfuls frosting over top of one cake and stack second cake on top. Frost entire cake with remaining frosting.

(Family Features) Many spring celebrations call for fabulous food, specifically dishes fit for brunch, even if your “crowd” is simply your nearest loved ones gathered at the family table. A wide variety of recipes may fit the festivities, but a combination of comforting bites with sweet and savory flavors is perfect for appeasing all appetites.

This menu of morning recipes includes Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken as a filling option to base the meal around with Breakfast Casserole as a more traditional dish. For a sweet sendoff, this Brown Sugar Bundt Cake is best served warm as a midday dessert or can be added to your plate as a simple side.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

A Sweet Morning Eat

Add flavor to your brunch with the sweet taste of honey as part of a remade rendition of a breakfast favorite: chicken and waffles.

This recipe for Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Chicken combines sweet with savory to shine as the main course for your gathering.

Find more recipe ideas at honey.com.

Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken

Recipe courtesy of chef Jenny Dorsey on behalf of the National Honey Board
Servings: 4

Chicken:

• 8          boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2          cups buttermilk
• 2          tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 3/4       teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon rosemary, chopped
• 2          tablespoons orange blossom honey
• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 2          teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 2          teaspoons paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon ancho chile powder
• vegetable oil, as needed

Waffles:

• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
• 2          teaspoons orange blossom honey
• 1          teaspoon orange zest
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4    cups whole milk
• 2          large eggs
• 1/4       cup fresh chives, chopped
• 3/4       cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• honey

1. To make chicken: Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels; place in large bowl.
2. In separate bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, rosemary and honey. Pour buttermilk mixture over chicken; cover and let marinate 8 hours or overnight.
3. In separate mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining salt, remaining pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and ancho chile powder; stir.
4. Remove each piece of chicken from buttermilk, shake to remove excess liquid and dredge in flour mixture. Shake off excess.
5. In deep fryer, heat oil to 375° F. Fry chicken until internal temperature reaches 175° F or juices run clear, approximately 5 minutes per thigh.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. To make waffles: In large mixing bowl, mix flour, honey, orange zest, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, chives and cheese until combined.
8. Use waffle maker to cook four waffles in batches.
9. Place chicken on waffles and drizzle with honey.

A Dairy-Fueled Brunch Dish

Whether it’s just part of a brunch spread or the focus of your meal, an egg-based casserole is a perfect way to appease a morning crowd.

This version of Breakfast Casserole calls for potatoes, ham, eggs, milk and cheese for a simple dish that requires little preparation before popping in the oven.

Visit milkmeansmore.org for more morning dishes.

Breakfast Casserole

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          pound red or white potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• water
• 1/2       small onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2       teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 1          cup reduced-fat and reduced-sodium, chopped, cooked ham (about 4 ounces)
• 1          cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 4          eggs
• 1 1/2    cups skim milk
• 1          tablespoon mustard

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large saucepan, cover potato pieces with enough water to just submerge. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Add onion. Return to simmer, covered, about 5 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly.
3. Coat 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place potato-onion mixture in baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine. Sprinkle ham and cheese on top.
4. In medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk in milk, mustard and remaining salt. Pour over layers in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

A Bundt Cake for Brunch

Many brunch festivities may center around classic breakfast foods like quiches and fresh fruits, but you can take your gathering to the next level with a treat to pair with nearly any dish.

This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake can be the simple, sweet side your guests crave as a complement to the savory recipes on the table. Made using just a handful of household ingredients, including the flavor-boosting addition of C&H sugars, it can be created in about an hour and served warm during your next at-home brunch gathering.

Find more sweet treat ideas at chsugar.com.

Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Browned Butter Blondie” on behalf of C&H
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2          cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 10        tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 3/4    cups packed C&H Golden Brown Sugar
• 1/4       cup C&H Granulated Sugar
• 2          large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2    teaspoons vanilla
• 1          cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• C&H Confectioners’ Sugar, for dusting

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix on low speed.
5. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with yogurt. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and use offset spatula to level batter.
7. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until cake is golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. If cake browns too quickly while baking, cover with foil after 35 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and cool on baking rack 20 minutes. Invert pan onto baking rack and gently tap bottom of pan to release cake.
9. Cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken)

Source:  Domino Golden Sugar
United Dairy Industry of Michigan

A quick and easy way to get comfort food on your dinner table is this recipe for Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken. Add some green beans and mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded meal for your family.

For more comfort food recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make recipe!

Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4          boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2       cup flour
• 4          tablespoons butter      
• 8          ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2       cup chicken broth
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 2          cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2       cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4       cup green onions, sliced

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Prepare baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cut each chicken breast in half. Place flour in resealable bag. Place chicken in resealable bag with flour; toss to coat.
3. In large skillet, melt butter. Add chicken to skillet; brown all sides. Transfer chicken from skillet to 11-by-7-inch baking dish.
4. In skillet, saute sliced mushrooms in remaining butter until softened. Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to boil then cook 5 minutes. Spoon over chicken.
5. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and green onions. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

(Family Features) Hay rides and pumpkin carving aren’t the only time-honored traditions of fall. This time of year also brings the opportunity to enjoy spooktacular and hair-raising seasonal treats.

Whether served alone in a glass or incorporated in tasty recipes, limited edition TruMoo Orange Scream can help you whip-up festive sips and snacks. Inspired by orange frozen pops with vanilla ice cream and made with no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones and no artificial sweeteners, this creamy orange milk is so frightfully delicious and nutritious, it might make you scream with joy.  

And this fall, the colorful milk is getting a makeover. In celebration of DreamWorks’ Trolls, Poppy and Branch – the eternally optimistic troll and her overly cautious counterpart – will make an appearance on specially marked bottles of TruMoo Orange Scream and Chocolate milks.

Kick off this year’s fearsome festivities with recipes inspired by the movie and its beloved characters: Truly Colorful Crepes and Poppy’s Orange Scream Pudding Parfaits. It’ll be no surprise when the whole family asks for more.

For more exciting recipes, visit TruMoo.com, and find TruMoo Milk on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Truly Colorful Crepes

Serves: 6

Crepes

• 2          large eggs
• 1 1/4    cups TruMoo Orange Scream milk
• 1          cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3       cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3          tablespoons melted butter
• 1          teaspoon orange extract
• 1/4       teaspoon salt

Filling

• Frozen yogurt
• confectioners’ sugar
• 1          tablespoon grated orange peel
• blue sprinkles (optional)

1. In large bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, sugar, melted butter, orange extract and salt. Beat with wire whisk to combine well. Cover and place mixture in refrigerator for 1 hour, or up to 2 days.
2. Stir mixture with spoon. Heat lightly greased 9-inch skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter into center of pan; quickly swirl or spread mixture to fill skillet. Cook each crepe 30 seconds; flip; cook another 10 seconds until lightly browned. Place crepe on large cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining batter. Do not stack crepes on top of each other.
3. To serve, place 2 small scoops of frozen yogurt in center of crepe; fold sides over to close. Sprinkle crepes with confectioners’ sugar, grated orange peel and sprinkles, if desired.

Poppy’s Orange Scream Pudding Parfaits

Serves: 4

• 1          package (16.5 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
• 1          package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding and pie filling
• 2          cup TruMoo Orange Scream milk
• whipped topping
• blue and green sprinkles

1. Prepare cookies as package directs. Set aside.
2. Prepare instant pudding as package directs, using milk.
3. In a glass or parfait dish, crumble 1 cookie; top with large spoonful of pudding. Repeat layering. Dollop with spoonful of whipped topping; top with sprinkles. Repeat to make three more parfaits.

Source: TruMoo

(Family Features) When fall comes around, it brings many iconic flavors, festive traditions and family meals, along with cravings for warm, hearty dishes. For your next gathering of loved ones, whether it’s a special occasion, sporting event or simply spending quality time together, serve a classic comfort food perfect for a small crowd.

While a roast leg of lamb may be considered time-intensive or best-suited for special occasions, it can be a surprisingly stress-free dish to prepare at home. A simple way to update familiar dishes, grass-fed lamb, available at your local Whole Foods Market, is easy to cook; prepare it the same way you would grass-fed beef.

This grass-fed leg of lamb recipe, for example, requires little fuss and the oven does the work for you. Infused with garlic and thyme, topped with a creamy meat sauce and garnished with a side of seasonal produce, you can delight your family and friends with this tender and delicious meal. Plus, New Zealand grass-fed lamb is a lean, finely textured and flavorful protein, well-suited for a variety of dishes.

For more information, cooking tips and recipes, visit beefandlambnz.com.

Grass-Fed Leg of Lamb

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Lamb:

• 4 1/2-5 1/2       pounds Atkins Ranch grass-fed leg of lamb, at room temperature
• 1 3/4    ounces butter, softened
• 3          cloves garlic, crushed
• 1          teaspoon roughly chopped thyme leaves
• salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 1-2       handfuls thyme sprigs
• 1          onion, sliced
• 1/2       cup olive oil

Meat Sauce:

• 1          cup beef stock
• 3/4       cup creme fraiche or sour cream
• lemon zest, finely grated
• 1          tablespoon wine vinegar
• 1          bay leaf
• salt, to taste
• sauteed mushrooms (optional)
• sauteed green beans (optional)
• steamed carrots and snap peas (optional)

1. Heat oven to 320° F.
2. To prepare lamb: Using sharp knife, make 4-5 shallow slits in lamb. In bowl, mix butter, garlic and chopped thyme. Coat butter mixture in slits and sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Place thyme sprigs and sliced onion in base of roasting tin and place lamb on top. Drizzle olive oil over lamb. Roast 2 hours, 45 minutes.
4. To make meat sauce: Remove lamb from oven 30 minutes before end of cooking time. Place lamb on board then tip juices into saucepan. Place lamb back in roasting tin and return to oven.
5. Skim fat off roasting juices. Add beef stock to remaining juices and bring to boil.
6. Reduce heat and add creme fraiche or sour cream, lemon zest, vinegar and bay leaf. Simmer until sauce reduces some. Season with salt, to taste, to counteract acidity.
7. Remove lamb from oven and rest covered loosely with foil and tea towel 10 minutes before carving.
8. Strain sauce into bowl or gravy boat and serve hot with lamb and sauteed mushrooms, green beans or steamed carrots and snap peas, if desired.

Source: Beef + Lamb New Zealand

(Culinary.net) Cooking for a small crowd can be daunting. With this recipe for Caramel French Toast, you can prepare it the night before, bake in the morning and satisfy your guests without going overboard in the kitchen.

Find more breakfast and brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Caramel French Toast

• 6          slices white bread, halved
• 1/4       cup butter, cubed
• 1/2       cup brown sugar
• 1          tablespoon corn syrup
• 3          eggs
• 3/4       cup half-and-half
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2       teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• powdered sugar (optional)

1. Cut bread slices in half.
2. In saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to boil, stirring frequently.
3. Pour into 8-inch square baking dish. Arrange bread slices over caramel mixture.
4. In small bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Pour over bread slices. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
5. Heat oven to 350° F.   
6. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and remove aluminum foil.
7. Bake 25-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
8. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired; serve.

(Family Features) Invite some friends to bring their favorite holiday cookies to nibble on at your party.

Make your cookies stand out with a secret ingredient favored by both home bakers and chefs – molasses, which is a 100 percent all-natural, pure sweetener. It complements chocolate, nuts and spices, and gives cookies that irresistible “I-can’t-eat-just-one” homemade taste.

For more recipes and information, visit grandmasmolasses.com.

Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Yield: 6 dozen cookies

• 8          tablespoons butter
• 1/4       cup milk
• 1/4       cup Grandma’s Original Molasses
• 1          teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4       cup sugar
• 1          cup flour
• 1/2       teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          cup quick or old-fashioned oats
• 1          cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Melt butter in saucepan. Remove from heat; stir in milk, molasses and vanilla.
3. Sift together sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Blend into milk mixture. Stir in oats and nuts.
4. Drop level teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 6-8 minutes.

 Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Source: Grandma's Molasses

(Family Features) World Plant Milk Day on Aug. 22 is a day to celebrate plant-based alternatives to dairy milk – from soya to oats to cashew nuts to hemp, the diversity of vegan milks continues to grow. However, milk isn’t the only dairy product with plant-based alternatives.

Consider that 65% of the population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, according to the National Institutes of Health, resulting in the need for dairy alternatives across the board.

The desire for plant-based butters and spreads is growing, according to Upfield, the company behind brands like Country Crock, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Flora and more. From both a health and sustainability perspective, more and more consumers are aiming to decrease the amount of animal products in their diets without compromising on taste.

In honor of #WorldPlantMilkDay, and the rise in demand from consumers for plant-based alternatives, consider these fast facts on plant-based alternatives to dairy:

• It takes 21.2 pounds of whole milk to make 1 pound of butter, according to “The Science of Animal Agriculture.”
• Making plant butter has a much less harmful impact on the environment than raising livestock for use in dairy butter production, according to a study published in “The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment” comparing plant butter and dairy butter in the U.K., Germany and France. This includes significantly less carbon dioxide emissions, two-thirds less land use and half of the overall water use.
• According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there was a 25% drop in liquid cow milk consumption from 2000-2017.
• Data released by the Plant Based Foods Association and The Good Food Institute shows U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods have grown 11% in the past year, bringing the total plant-based market value to $4.5 billion. The total U.S. retail food market has grown 2% in dollar sales during this same period, showing that plant-based foods are a key driver of growth for retailers nationwide.

For more information, visit upfield.com/purpose.

Source: Upfield

(Family Features) Summertime means plenty of grilling, giving you an opportunity to try this Grilled Banana Pound Cake Kabobs dessert recipe alongside your favorite entrees.

Find more grilling recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Grilled Banana Pound Cake Kabobs

• 1          loaf (10 3/4 ounces) frozen pound cake, thawed and cubed
• 2          large bananas, cut into 1-inch slices
• metal or soaked wooden skewers
• 1/4       cup butter, melted
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ice cream
• desired toppings

1. Heat grill to medium heat.
2. Alternately thread cake and bananas on skewers.
3. In small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Brush mixture over kabobs.
4. Place kabobs on greased rack and grill for up to 1 minute, turning once.
5. Serve with ice cream and desired toppings.

Source: Culinary.net

Impress guests with your DIY skills this summer

(Family Features) Bringing over family and friends for a backyard barbecue is a classic way to show appreciation to loved ones. Celebrate the summer by grilling steak, one of the most popular meals for a cookout.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Almost nothing beats a savory steak sizzling hot off the grill, and ribeyes are one of the most popular and flavorful cuts you can choose. Remember, though, not all ribeyes are the same. Learn about the different cuts and styles from the experts at Omaha Steaks:

Classic Ribeye
The classic ribeye is rich and well-marbled, a true steak-lover’s steak with flavor that multiplies as marbling melts during cooking, creating buttery richness and irresistible steak flavor. A classic ribeye is easy to cook on the grill, in a pan or seared and roasted in the oven, and it’s easy to season since the rich beef flavor doesn’t require much help.

Bone-in Ribeye Cowboy Steaks
A Private Reserve Bone-In Ribeye, often called the “Cowboy Steak,” features flavor and tenderness with plenty of marbling for a signature ribeye taste. The bone-in cut not only lends even more flavor and extra juiciness, it makes for a striking presentation on a special occasion. Season lightly to let the steak’s natural flavors really shine, and have big plates ready to make a big impression.

Omaha-Cut Ribeye
This robust, richly-marbled ribeye is tall and thick, a distinct steak shape you normally find only in filet mignon. The cut, which is available exclusively from Omaha Steaks, combines the tender texture of the filet with the traditional rich, buttery ribeye flavor that makes it a steakhouse favorite. These juicy, flavorful ribeyes cook well thanks to their thicker size, which allows for a more uniform distribution of heat.

Ribeye Crown Steak
A melt-in-your-mouth steak, the Private Reserve Ribeye Crown Steak is uniquely high in both tenderness and rich ribeye flavor. It’s cut from the richest, most buttery portion of the ribeye, and that intense marbling deepens the signature ribeye flavor while extra aging enhances the tenderness. This is a true entertaining selection, ideal for wowing a crowd.

King-Cut Ribeye on the Bone
With a flavor-enhancing bone in the middle, this ribeye is truly distinctive. These cuts are perfect for smoking after a pan sear, or try slow-roasting, quick-roasting or grilling over indirect heat. The three-pound cut might just break your plate, so plan on a platter and carve to serve.

Explore more steak cuts for summer celebrations at OmahaSteaks.com.

Smoky Bacon, Chive and Shallot Butter

Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks
Cook time: 25 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10

• 4          ounces bacon, coarsely chopped
• 2          sticks unsalted butter, divided
• 1          small shallot, minced
• 3          tablespoons chives, finely chopped
• 1          teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste

1. In small saute pan, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally until browned and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to small bowl.
2. Cut 1 stick butter into pieces. Add pieces to drippings and cook, stirring often, until butter foams and browns, about 5-8 minutes.
3. Strain mixture into medium bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Stir in minced shallot.
4. Allow bacon fat-butter mixture to cool 30 minutes, or until it reaches room temperature.
5. Add remaining stick butter to bacon fat mixture. Using hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until light and fluffy. Add chives, vinegar and reserved bacon. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Place butter mixture in refrigerator and allow to firm slightly. Butter can be made up to 3 days in advance. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour prior to serving to allow butter to soften.

Source: Omaha Steaks