(Culinary.net) How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year.

These Mint Brownies have three delicious layers. First, a supreme brownie on bottom. Then a fluffy, green mint layer that’s full of flavor and color. Last, but definitely not least, a chocolate layer on top made with chocolate chips, butter and a little whipping cream.

All of these layers create a smooth, sweet, minty, bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion but especially St. Patrick’s Day. The green mint color really pops off the plate, giving it some extra flare and an appetizing glow.

To start, create the soft, chocolate filled brownie. Combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, one egg, water and the chocolate syrup pouch. Bake and cool completely.

Then it’s time for some colorful, festive fun. Make the filling with powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, softened cream cheese, a splash of peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat and pour over the cooled brownie pan.

The last layer is simple. In a saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. When it’s cooled to lukewarm, pour it over the filling for the final layer.

Refrigerate the Mint Brownies for two hours before serving. Cut them into bite-size pieces for small chunks that will melt in your mouth.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mint Brownies

Servings: 9-12

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch
• 3          tablespoons water
• 1/3       cup vegetable oil
• 1          egg

Filling:

• 3 1/2    cups powdered sugar
• 1/4       cup butter, softened
• 1/4       cup whipping cream
• 5          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       teaspoon peppermint extract
• 5          drops green food color

Topping:

• 1/2       cup whipping cream
• 1          bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips
• 1/2       cup butter

Heat oven to 350 F.

1. Spray 8-by-8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. To make filling: In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.
4. To make topping: In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set.
5. Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature.

Tips: Cut brownies with wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store covered in refrigerator.

(Family Features) Healthful eating starts with the ingredients you use, so it’s important to use fresh, seasonal ingredients that pack a nutritional punch. One of the easiest ways to meet your daily nutrient needs is to eat a variety of whole foods like fruit (which about 80% of the U.S. population doesn’t get enough of, according to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans), because they provide a unique mix of beneficial nutrients that can’t always be found in a supplement. 

Consider an option like delicious California Navel and Cara Cara oranges, which are in season and available nationwide, offering a wide variety of health benefits. Oranges are best known as an excellent source of vitamin C to support a healthy immune system, because one orange can offer 70-100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C depending the varietal. However, oranges also offer other important nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, including:

• Phytonutrients (beneficial compounds produced by plant foods) like flavonoids, which can help mitigate cell damage and support brain and heart health.
• Citrus is the only type of fruit packed with hesperidin and naringin, two flavonoids that offer anti-inflammatory properties.
• Potassium, which the body can’t produce on its own, supports cell function, healthy blood pressure levels, bone health and hydration.
• California Navel and Cara Cara oranges are good sources of fiber, which supports gut health.
• Oranges are good sources of folate, which is particularly important to consume during pregnancy because of its role in cell growth, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Oranges are a versatile fruit, making them an easy addition to both sweet and savory dishes as well as beverages. Try incorporating oranges into your weekly meal plan with dishes like a lighter version of orange chicken or drinks like this Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail. To help maximize the flavor profile and nutritional benefits of California oranges, consider these tips:

• Numerous parts of citrus can be consumed, including the flesh, juice, zest and peel, meaning a single piece of fruit can go a long way.
• Next time you use citrus in a beverage or as part of a meal, bring it to room temperature before cooking to help ensure you get the most juice.
• Because vitamin C is water soluble, it’s important to eat it fresh. When using as part of a recipe, use as little water as possible and avoid overcooking.
• For storage, it’s often best to keep oranges refrigerated to help them last longer and ensure freshness.

Visit californiacitrusgrowers.com to find more information.

Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail

Recipe courtesy of Gina Homolka of “Skinnytaste”
Servings: 1

• 1          California Cara Cara orange
• 1          cup ice
• 1          bottle (6.8 ounces) light ginger beer
• fresh mint leaves, for garnish

1. Slice orange in quarters then cut 2-3 slices for garnish and set aside. Juice rest of orange and place in copper mug (or any glass). Fill glass to top with ice. Add ginger beer and garnish with orange slices and mint leaves.

Source: California Citrus Growers

It’s your lucky day because you don’t have to search for the pot of gold under the rainbow for this winning recipe. Throw out the old Irish classics and sweeten things up this year with some mint chocolate chip fun.  

If you’re in a crunch for St. Patrick’s Day and need something glowing with green, here is a dessert that is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and more).

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are as green as four-leaf clovers and have delicious chocolate chips mixed throughout for some extra sweet flavor. Served beside a big glass of milk, they are perfect treats for any St. Patrick’s Day party or virtual gathering.

To start the recipe, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, green food coloring and peppermint extract for that crisp mint flavor. Beat with a hand mixture and combine the ingredients in both bowls together.

Add chocolate chips to the mixed cookie batter. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 11-24 minutes until the edges of the cookies are light brown. Cool on a wire rack before devouring.

With so much mixing and scooping to be done, this is a great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen, too. One of the  best parts is the eye-catching color. Watch children’s smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark green for a priceless reaction.

After being perfectly baked, these cookies are bright, fun and will be the hit of any celebration. Soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges and as green as can be. You can’t ask for much more on St. Patrick’s Day.

Find more recipes, celebration ideas and dessert favorites for every occasion at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 24-32

• 2 1/2    cups flour
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4    cups sugar
• 2          eggs
• 30        drops green food coloring
• 1          teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1          package (12 ounces) chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, food coloring and peppermint extract; beat until combined.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheet.
5. Bake 11-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
6. Cool on wire racks.

(Culinary.net) Hardly anything beats a cold, refreshing drink on a hot day. This Fizzy Orange Pineapple Punch provides a chilling moment of relaxation with the sweetness of orange and pineapple combined with the cool flavor of orange sherbet.

Find more drink recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Fizzy Orange Pineapple Punch

• 1          can (46 ounces) pineapple juice, chilled
• 1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1          can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1          bottle (2 liters) ginger ale
• 6-8       scoops orange sherbet
• orange slices, for garnish
• mint leaves, for garnish

1. In large punch bowl, combine pineapple juice, condensed milk and orange juice concentrate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Before serving, add ginger ale and top with scoops of sherbet, orange slices and mint.

(Family Features) Fresh fruits and veggies are often the flavors of spring, and you can bring them all together by celebrating National Salad Month with a homemade masterpiece.

This Steamboat Willie Green Apple Waldorf Salad, created in honor of Mickey Mouse’s 90th anniversary, is perfect for adopting a diet rich in produce with green apples, pineapple, blueberries, grapes, celery and, of course, salad greens. With all the fresh flavor, including Dole’s 50/50 Salad Blend – a robust and balanced blend of delicate baby greens and lettuces: tender baby spinach, peppery radicchio and invigorating arugula and chard – it’s an ideal recipe to honor National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day.

Large salads like this make for a nutritious yet filling meal for the whole family and can be enjoyed nearly any time of day as a lunch, appetizer, snack or even as a main course at the dinner table.

Find more easy-to-make recipes, kid-friendly activities, inspiration for families spending time together at home and more at dole.com/at-home-resources.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Steamboat Willie Green Apple Waldorf Salad

Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

• 3/4       cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 2         teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 16        ounces chopped, cooked chicken
• 1          cup chopped green apple
• 1          cup DOLE® Blueberries
• 1          cup Dole Red Grapes, halved
• 1          cup chopped, fresh Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple
• 1/2       cup Dole Celery, cut into chunks
• 1          tablespoon freshly chopped mint
• 1          package (5 ounces) Dole 50/50 Salad Blend
• 1/4       cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1. In medium bowl, stir yogurt and mustard. Stir in chicken, apples, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, celery and mint. Toss to evenly coat.
2. Pour salad blend onto serving platter. Arrange chicken mixture on salad blend and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts, if desired.

Tips: Can be served as salad or spooned onto tortillas and rolled up for wraps. Amount of yogurt dressing can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Source:  Dole

(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) Even though salads can be enjoyed year-round, the warmer months signal salad season for some fans of al fresco dining. Barbecues, family reunions, picnics, potlucks, block parties, pool parties or simple family dinners are a few reasons to savor the season, and all are ideal occasions to serve a salad.

This versatile Middle Eastern-Inspired Bean Salad can be assembled ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature.

Beginning with a can of READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad can help streamline prep and provide a pleasing flavor to complement the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mint in the salad. The hummus-based dressing combined with a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend gets a bright accent from a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Colorful Pickled Beet and Red Quinoa Salad is also an option that can be served chilled or at room temperature, and can make for a vegetarian main dish or side salad.

At just the right size for a salad, Aunt Nellie’s Whole Baby Pickled Beets are teamed with red quinoa and punctuated with chickpeas, almonds and feta. The fresh orange vinaigrette helps tie the flavors together.

For additional salad inspiration, visit READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com.

Middle Eastern-Inspired Bean Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          can (15 ounces) READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad
• 1/2       cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1          small cucumber (4-5 inches long), cut in half lengthwise then thinly sliced crosswise
• 2          green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1          small clove garlic, minced
• 1/4       teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Dressing:

• 2          tablespoons prepared hummus
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4-1/2   teaspoon za'atar seasoning blend

1. Drain bean salad. Discard liquid. Place bean salad in large bowl.
2. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onions, parsley, mint, garlic and red pepper flakes to bean salad. Toss to combine.
3. To make dressing: Combine hummus, lemon juice and seasoning; set aside.
4. Add dressing to salad just before serving; toss to combine well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Pickled Beet and Red Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 8

Vinaigrette:

• 1/4       cup fresh orange juice
• 1          tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2       teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2          tablespoons olive oil

Salad:

• 1          jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie's Baby Whole Pickled Beets
• 1          can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2       cup thinly sliced green onion
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2       cup red quinoa, cooked according to package directions (about 1 1/2 cups cooked)
• 1/2       cup coarsely chopped almonds, toasted
• 1/3       cup crumbled reduced-fat or traditional feta cheese
• 1          tablespoon orange zest

1. To make vinaigrette: In small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, black pepper, salt, if desired, and olive oil; set aside.
2. To make salad: Drain beets. Place in large bowl; set aside.
3. Add chickpeas, green onion, parsley and quinoa to beets. Add vinaigrette; toss to combine well.
4. Just before serving, add almonds to salad; toss to combine well. Sprinkle with feta cheese and orange zest. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Source: Seneca Foods

New seasonings make it easy

(Family Features) Exotic flavors common in the Middle Eastern region of the world like harissa, za’atar and shawarma are having a moment, appearing on restaurant menus and in popular make-at-home recipes.
 
Now is the perfect time to give these flavors a try. Thanks to new global seasonings from McCormick Gourmet, the spice combinations are already blended for the ultimate taste and simplicity.

Made from high-quality herbs and spices, the seasonings are USDA-Organic certified and Non-GMO Project verified so you can feel good about the ingredients used in your cooking. The expertly blended spices help create distinctive global-inspired dishes that take your home dining experience to the next level so you can explore these flavors from around the world without leaving the comfort of home.

• Za’atar: This traditional Middle Eastern blend of spices including thyme, oregano and sesame seeds is perfect for sprinkling on flatbreads, roasted vegetables, nuts
  or popcorn. It can also be mixed into hummus or oil
  for dipping.

• Harissa: A spicy flavor found in North African cuisine, this seasoning is made from a combination of chilies, warm spices and mint. Add it to meat and veggies before roasting, stir it into cooked rice and grains, mix it into yogurt to make a dip or combine it with roasted bell peppers and oil to turn this spice into its namesake sauce.

• Shawarma: Often associated with the slow roasting of meat, this Middle Eastern street food favorite is made with cinnamon, coriander, cardamom and more. Use this seasoning to flavor an easy marinade for chicken, pork or steak.

Look for these flavors as well as new Peruvian and Berbere seasonings in the spice section of retailers nationwide. Find more recipe ideas at McCormickGourmet.com.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1 1/4    cup plain Greek yogurt, divided
• 5          teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Shawarma Seasoning, divided
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
• 2          pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4          pita pockets, halved
• 1          medium seedless cucumber, thinly sliced
• 8          lettuce leaves

1. In small bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt and 1 teaspoon shawarma seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. In small bowl, mix oil, lemon juice, remaining yogurt, remaining shawarma seasoning and sea salt. Reserve 2 tablespoons of mixture; set aside.
3. Place chicken in large re-sealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 1 hour, or longer for extra flavor.
4. Heat grill or skillet to medium heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard remaining marinade. Grill or saute 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165 F, brushing with reserved marinade.
6. Slice chicken into thin strips. Serve in pitas with cucumber, lettuce and yogurt dressing.

Shaved Carrot Salad with Pomegranate Harissa Dressing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 5

• 1/4       cup chopped fresh mint
• 3          tablespoons pomegranate juice
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Harissa Seasoning
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Organic Black Pepper, coarse ground
• 3          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2       pound multicolor carrots, washed and peeled
• 1/2       cup shelled roasted pistachios
• 1/2       cup dried cranberries
• 3          cups baby arugula
• 1/4       cup crumbled feta cheese

1. In large bowl, mix mint, pomegranate juice, honey, harissa seasoning, sea salt and pepper. Gradually add oil while mixing with wire whisk until well mixed. Set aside.
2. Trim carrot ends. Slice each carrot lengthwise into ribbons with vegetable peeler or mandoline. In medium bowl, toss carrots with 1/4 cup prepared dressing. Stir in pistachios and cranberries.
3. Arrange arugula on serving platter. Drizzle with remaining dressing and top with carrot mixture. Sprinkle with feta before serving.

Za’atar Labneh

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 (2 tablespoons each)

• 1          cup labneh (yogurt cheese)
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Za’atar Seasoning, divided
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• pita bread, for serving (optional)
• pita chips, for serving (optional)
• sliced fresh vegetables, for serving (optional)

1. In small bowl, mix labneh and 1 teaspoon seasoning until well blended.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining seasoning.
3. Serve with fresh pita bread, pita chips or sliced fresh vegetables, as desired.

Source:  McCormick

(Family Features) Flavorful foods and cold drinks are the focal points of just about any summer gathering. Create a party atmosphere that can stand out by adding a bit of island infusion to both bites and beverages so your warm-weather soiree can soar to new heights.

To help add that island spark, an ingredient like bitters provides a potent flavor made from botanicals like aromatic herbs, bark, roots and fruit. While known for their ability to balance countless cocktails, it may come as a surprise that bitters are regarded by some chefs as a pantry staple, adding real depth of flavor to a variety of dishes. Bitters can be added to classic and contemporary cocktails and a range of cuisines to create taste-tempting creations.

Much like vanilla extract, when cooked, the alcohol in bitters evaporates, so bitters-infused recipes can be enjoyed by the whole family at your next backyard barbecue or patio party.

Center your spread around a summer favorite like Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters, a tangy Caribbean twist on a classic dish featuring a spicy chili rub. Coupled with a vinegar-based sauce dashed with Angostura aromatic bitters, an unmistakable culinary and cocktail essential made with the same secret recipe since 1824, the flavorful sliders make for a crowd-pleasing main course.

Add to the island vibe with a unique take on a tried-and-true sweet treat like cake. Orange Butter Sponge Cake enhances every party's dessert course with the sweet and tangy combination of citrus and bitters.

These tasty foods paired with hot temperatures call for cooling off with inventive bitters-forward drink recipes like the Queen's Park Swizzle, Angostura's signature Trinidadian cocktail, and a summertime go-to, the Traditional Mojito. These drinks balance the art of the swizzle with the tastes of tiki to provide guests with refreshing beverage options.

Whether you're an aspiring home chef, an amateur bartender or anything in between, you can elevate summer entertaining with bitters to complement an array of ingredients for exceptional entertaining all summer long.

Find more summertime food and drink recipes to savor at AngosturaBitters.com.

Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters

Servings: approximately 14 small sandwiches

Chili Rub:

• 3-3 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Bitters Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) unseasoned tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Nature's Intent apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

• 14 small slider buns

1. To make Chili Rub: Stir together aromatic bitters, chili powder and salt; let stand 10 minutes.
2. Cut pork shoulder across grain into 1 1/2-2-inch thick slices; trim excess fat. If needed, cut into chunks to remove some fat.
3. Rub meat with chili mixture. In 8-quart pot or 9-10-inch wide, high-sided saute pan with lid, heat oil. Add meat and brown on both sides, about 15 minutes total. Remove meat and place on plate; keep warm.
4. To make Bitters Sauce: Combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, aromatic bitters, chili powder and garlic cloves; stir well. Pour into hot, empty pan. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring and scraping bottom of pan.
5. Return meat to pan; spoon sauce over meat. Cover and cook 1 hour and 15 minutes on low, rearranging meat halfway through cooking. Transfer meat to plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
6. To thicken sauce, if desired: Let sauce cool in pan 5 minutes then whisk in cornstarch. Bring to boil; continue to cook and whisk until slightly thickened.
7. To serve: Pull meat apart with two forks or fingers. Serve warm on buns, drizzled with sauce.

Queen's Park Swizzle

Makes: 1 cocktail

• 12-14 mint leaves
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce Demerara simple syrup
• crushed ice
• 2 ounces Caribbean rum
• 6-8 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

1. In highball glass, muddle mint leaves in lime juice and simple syrup, then fill glass with dry, crushed ice.
2. Pour rum over crushed ice and swizzle well until glass is ice cold and frosted.
3. Pack glass with more crushed ice and top with aromatic bitters. Garnish with mint sprig.

Traditional Mojito

Makes: 1 cocktail

• 1 cube brown sugar
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 12-15 mint leaves
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• 2 ounces white rum
• 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• crushed ice
• 1 bottle club soda
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

1. In Collins glass, muddle brown sugar cube and simple syrup, then add mint and lightly press to extract flavor. Add lime juice, rum and aromatic bitters.
2. Fill glass with crushed ice and swizzle.
3. Repack with crushed ice and top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprig.

Orange Butter Sponge Cake

• 8 ounces butter, plus additional for buttering pan
• 2 cups cake flour, plus additional for flouring pan
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon Angostura orange bitters
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• powdered or extra-fine sugar, for dusting

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Butter and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Sift flour three times and add baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 10 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well between additions. Add vanilla and orange bitters.
4. Divide flour mixture into four portions. Set electric mixer on medium low and add flour alternately with orange juice, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until incorporated after each addition.
5. Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake 35-40 minutes, or until cake pulls away from sides of pans. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes in cake pans before turning out.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters, Orange Butter Sponge Cake)

Source:

(Family Features) A traditional backyard barbecue is typically filled with a wide array of tempting foods that make it hard to keep a healthy eating plan on track. With a few simple modifications to your menu, you can transform your grilling party into a spread of better-for-you foods you can still enjoy.

Get creative on the grill. An easy swap like chicken or pork instead of burgers and brats is an instant nutrition boost. Use wood chips or a marinade to create a main dish so tasty you’ll forget it’s a health-conscious choice.

Put produce front and center. There’s no time like summer to enjoy the bounty of the garden, so pile on the veggies in place of dense, calorie-laden sides. A crisp, refreshing salad, lightly seasoned veggies on the grill and even fresh raw veggies with a light yogurt dip can all be healthier additions to your barbecue menu.

Make apps amazing. A health-conscious meal doesn’t have to mean eliminating entire courses. Appetizers while you wait for the grill to heat are practically a requirement, after all. Instead of the typical rich, creamy dips, try a lighter approach, like these cracker canapes. Add a special touch with Crunchmaster crackers, which are gluten-free, non-GMO and full of flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients from trusted sources and available in Sea Salt, Roasted Vegetable, Applewood Smoked BBQ and Aged White Cheddar flavors, these snacks are crafted to fit healthy lifestyles. 

Find more delicious ideas for summer entertaining at crunchmaster.com.

Grilled Watermelon, Feta and Balsamic Cracker Canapes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

• 4          watermelon wedges (1/2-inch thick slices, 4 inches wide at base)
• 16        Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Sea Salt Crackers
• 1/4       cup finely crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4       cup prepared balsamic reduction
• 2          tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

1. Heat grill to medium-high; grease grate well. Grill watermelon wedges, turning once, 3-5 minutes, or until grill-marked on both sides. Cut each watermelon wedge into four smaller wedges.
2. Top each cracker with watermelon wedge and sprinkle with feta. Drizzle with balsamic reduction. Garnish with fresh mint.

Tip: Add finely chopped Kalamata olives for a tangy twist.

Source: Crunchmaster