(Family Features) When the sun is shining and you need to beat the heat, cool down with a little shade and a nutty, frozen treat. This kid-favorite is a childhood classic you can customize with favorite toppings, too.

Made with the protein power of peanuts, these Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches are easy to prepare on hot days that call for a cold dessert. Just bake chocolate chip cookies, spread them with peanut butter, add a scoop of ice cream and roll in chopped peanuts, chocolate chips or toasted coconut for a sweet bite of perfection.

With approximately 4,000 active peanut farmers, it’s likely your peanuts – often referred to as “nutrition in a nutshell” – came from Georgia, which produces 52% of the country’s supply.

Visit GAPeanuts.com for more delicious dessert ideas.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Peanut Butter Lovers and the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 12

• 24        fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (about 3 inches in diameter), cooled
• 1 1/2    cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• 1 1/2    quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• chopped peanuts, for topping (optional)
• mini chocolate chips, for topping (optional)
• toasted coconut, for topping (optional)

1. On 12 cookies, top sides down, spread layer of peanut butter. Add one scoop of ice cream to each. Create sandwiches by topping with remaining cookies.
2. Roll edges of ice cream in chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut, if desired. Place on baking sheet in freezer and freeze until firm.
3. Serve slightly frozen.

Source: Georgia Peanut Commission

(Family Features) For a frighteningly fun time in the kitchen this Halloween, gather your family around the cauldron to create a sweet, spooky dessert. Tricks and treats may provide thrills, but a homemade concoction can be the star of your hauntingly happy evening.

This Ghostly Graveyard Cake takes imagination and creativity from everyone with tombstones, skulls and spooky icing daring all to try a bite. With looks this chilling, it’s a perfect treat to enjoy while watching everyone’s favorite scary movie.

Find more deliciously devious desserts at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Ghostly Graveyard Cake

• 1          box chocolate cake mix
• 10        chocolate creme cookies
• 1          cup black melting chips
• 1          cup red melting chips
• 1          cup heavy whipping cream
• 3          cans buttercream icing
• 1          purple food coloring
• 1          black food coloring
• skull sprinkles
• tombstones and bones candies

1. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in three 6-inch baking pans. Once baked, allow to completely cool outside of pans.
 
2. In zip-top bag, using rolling pin, crush chocolate creme cookies; set aside.

3. In separate small bowls, add black melting chips and red melting chips.
4. In microwave, heat heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 minutes. Pour half the mixture into one bowl of chips and other half into other bowl of chips. Stir until chips are completely melted; set aside.

5. After cakes cool, on cake board, add small amount of buttercream icing so cake sticks. Using bread knife, level cakes.
6. Place one cake on cake board and add thin layer of icing on top. Place second layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Place final layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Add thin layer of icing to entire cake. Freeze 15 minutes.
7. In small bowl, mix two parts purple food coloring to one part black food coloring. Ice cake with deep purple icing. Using grooved scraper, scrape along sides of cake. Using angled spatula, smooth top of cake.

8. Add skull sprinkles around edges of cake. Using piping bag with small opening at tip, drip black drip mixture around top edges of cake. Repeat using red drip mixture.


9. Add chocolate creme cookie crumbs to top of cake. Add tombstones and bone sprinkles to top of cake.
 
 

(Family Features) As an important life skill, learning to cook and becoming familiar with kitchen basics can be an exciting adventure for kids from toddlers to teens. Using a delicious childhood favorite like popcorn as the key ingredient at the center of your lessons can spur interest and enthusiasm.

Along with understanding measurements and safety, teaching your children how to make simple recipes also offers opportunities to bond and make memories that can last a lifetime. Popcorn is a snack food associated with good times and it’s versatile enough to encourage creativity.

While it’s important to start with easy techniques that introduce future chefs to the culinary world, it’s also helpful to ensure they’ll enjoy eating their first creations so they’ll be eager for more time in the kitchen.

As a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed with no additional additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs, air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup and offers a whole grain that provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. Because whole grains are important sources of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, B vitamins and fiber, you can instill the values of nutritious snacking all while having some fun.

These simple yet delicious recipes and tips can help you get your kids involved in the kitchen.

Encourage Creativity
Making learning fun is an important introduction to the world of cooking. Starting with a versatile base ingredient like popcorn that’s naturally low in fat and calories, encourage your child to get creative with a recipe like Pop-a-rific Popcorn Balls. With simple variations like adding food coloring or mixing in candies, nuts or dried fruit, it’s a colorful way for little ones to build confidence in their skills.

Measure Ingredients
A key component to recipes of all difficulty levels, teaching measurements from teaspoons and tablespoons to cups, ounces and more is valuable knowledge. Start with the basics like these Simple Popcorn S’mores that call for popcorn and graham crackers to be measured out in cups so your child can focus on one unit of measurement. Then, if little ones are helping, have an adult melt the chocolate and drizzle for a family-favorite snack.

Get Messy
Learning how to create and explore is often productive (and fun) when children can get their hands dirty. Sweet ’n’ Salty Popcorn Pretzel Sticks are a perfect canvas for letting kiddos work directly with the ingredients as they can roll pretzels in peanut butter, add sprinkles to their heart’s content and press popcorn into their newfound favorite treat.

Find more kid-friendly recipes to get the whole family involved in the kitchen at popcorn.org.

DIY Popcorn Bar

Whether you're entertaining guests, hosting a houseful of kids or simply enjoying a weekend at home, a DIY popcorn bar provides a tasty and joyful way for children and adults alike to create their own version of an afternoon snack. Just set out a few ingredients and watch the fun unfold.

• Small popcorn bags, bowls or cups
• Scoops or spoons
• Popped popcorn
• Peanuts (remember to ask fellow parents if their children may have an allergy)
• Candies
• Raisins
• Chocolate chips
• Seasonings
• Shredded cheese
• Shredded coconut
• Melted butter

Sweet 'n' Salty Popcorn Pretzel Sticks

Servings: 6

• 6 tablespoons peanut butter
• 6 large pretzel rods
• 3 cups popped popcorn
• sugar sprinkles
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

1. Spread 1 tablespoon peanut butter over one pretzel, leaving 2-inch "handle" without peanut butter. Repeat with remaining peanut butter and pretzels.
2. Press and roll popcorn onto peanut butter to coat each pretzel. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
3. To make optional chocolate drizzle: Place chocolate chips in small resealable plastic bag and seal bag. Microwave 30 seconds, or until chocolate is melted.
4. Clip small corner from bag and squeeze to drizzle chocolate over popcorn.
5. Sprinkle with additional sugar sprinkles. Allow chocolate to harden before serving.

Pop-a-rific Popcorn Balls

Yield: 14 balls

• 3 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
• 1 package (1 pound) marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine

1. Place popped popcorn in large bowl.
2. In large saucepan over low heat, cook marshmallows and butter or margarine until melted and smooth. Pour over popcorn, tossing gently to mix well. Cool 5 minutes.
3. Butter hands well and form into 2 1/2-inch balls.
4. Variations: To color popcorn balls, add 3-4 drops of food coloring to smooth marshmallow mixture. Mix well to distribute color evenly then pour over popcorn as instructed.
5. Mix in candies, nuts or dried fruit after mixing popcorn and melted marshmallows. Stir to distribute then form into balls.
6. Place nonpareils in shallow bowl or plate. Roll popcorn balls in nonpareils after forming.

Simple Popcorn S'mores

Yield: 10 cups

• 10 cups freshly popped popcorn
• 1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 2 cups graham crackers, broken into small pieces
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate, melted

1. On baking sheet, combine popcorn, marshmallows and graham crackers.
2. Drizzle with melted chocolate and cool.

Source: Popcorn Board

(Family Features) When looking to guide your family toward healthier snacks, success can be as simple as rethinking the ingredients you choose to use, including your favorite produce, such as grapes.

Fresh California grapes, for example, make for an ideal snack because they are tasty, healthy, hydrating and refreshing, but grapes can also be used to make dishes that are satisfying and delicious like these Sweet and Spicy Nachos. Grapes of all colors - red, green and black - are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. Plus, they are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and contain virtually no sodium.

Find more better-for-you snack ideas at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sweet and Spicy Nachos

Recipe courtesy of the California Table Grape Commission
Servings: 2

Chipotle Barbecue Sauce:

• 1          tablespoon canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 2          tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 2          tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1          teaspoon honey

• 3          ounces baked tortilla chips (about 28 chips)
• 1/2       jalapeno, seeded, stemmed and finely minced (optional)
• 2          tablespoons finely diced red onion
• 4          ounces grilled chicken, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/4       cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4       cup queso Cotija Mexican cheese, crumbled
• 1/2       avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced
• 1          cup halved California grapes
• 3          tablespoons chopped cilantro

1. Heat oven to broil.
2. In food processor or blender, puree chipotle pepper, barbecue sauce, lime juice and honey until smooth.
3. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange tortilla chips in single layer.
4. Sprinkle chips with jalapeno, if desired; onion; chicken; and Monterey Jack cheese. Drizzle with Chipotle Barbecue Sauce.
5. Place tray in oven about 6 inches below element; broil 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Cotija Mexican cheese, avocado, grapes and cilantro.

Source: California Grapes

Add some sweetness to your breakfast routine with this delicious and easy-to-make Cherry Coffee Cake.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Cherry Coffee Cake

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          can (12.4 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• 1 1/2    cups (21-ounce can) cherry pie filling
• 1/2       cup slivered almonds or pecans (optional)

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Spray 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Separate cinnamon roll dough into eight rolls; cut each roll into quarters.
4. Place dough rounded-side down in pan.
5. Spoon pie filling over rolls. Sprinkle almond slivers or pecans over cherry filling, if desired.
6. Bake 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Invert onto plate or cutting board. Invert again onto serving plate.
8. Remove lid from icing. Microwave 3-10 seconds. Stir icing and drizzle over warm coffee cake.
9. Serve warm.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Invite your friends and neighbors over, spread out some comfy seating and dim the lights. Whether it’s a kids’ birthday party, an adult gathering or nearly anything in-between, hosting a movie night in the comfort of your own home – or on a projector in the yard – can be the perfect escape. Of course, tasty snacks only add to the fun.

Light and airy popcorn is a movie watching staple, and one you can feel good about eating. At only 30 calories per cup, whole-grain, freshly popped popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO, gluten-free, contains no artificial additives or preservatives and is sugar-free.

Enjoyed a handful at a time or as part of creative, flavorful snack recipes – like Popcorn Pepperoni Pizza Dippers, Sweet and Salty Popcorn Party Mix, Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix and Truffle Popcorn – popcorn offers plenty of versatility to fit nearly any theme.

Get more great popcorn recipes at popcorn.org

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sweet and Salty Popcorn Party Mix

Yield: 14 cups

• 10        cups popped popcorn
• 2          cups miniature pretzel twists
• 1          cup pecans
• 1          cup peanuts
• 2          cups rice, wheat or corn cereal squares
• 1/2       cup butter (1 stick)
• 1/2       cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4       cup corn syrup
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda

1. Heat oven to 300° F.
2. In large bowl, combine popcorn, pretzels, pecans, peanuts and cereal squares; set aside.
3. In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir mixture until it begins to boil. Boil 3 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Note: Mixture will foam.
4. Pour syrup over popcorn mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour mixture onto large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes, stirring twice during baking. Stir mixture several times as it cools. Store in airtight container.

Popcorn Pepperoni Pizza Dippers

Yield: 16 squares

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 2          eggs
• 1/2       cup tomato and basil reduced-fat cooking cream
• 1          tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
• 1/8       teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 10        cups popped popcorn
• 1          cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3       cup thinly sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped
• marinara sauce, for dipping

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, whisk eggs, cooking cream, parmesan cheese and black pepper. Stir in popcorn, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
3. Spread mixture in prepared pan, patting down with spatula or spoon.
4. Bake about 15 minutes until set and lightly browned. Let sit 5 minutes. Cut into 16 bars. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Truffle Popcorn

Yield: 10 cups

• 1 1/2    tablespoons olive oil
• 1          tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, white truffle oil, divided
• 1/2       cup popcorn kernels
• 1          tablespoon butter
• 3          tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2       teaspoon sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper

1. In large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid, combine olive oil and 1 tablespoon truffle oil. Add about three popcorn kernels.
2. Heat over medium-high heat until one kernel pops. Add remaining popcorn kernels; cover.
3. Once corn begins to pop, shake pot constantly over heat.
4. When popping slows, remove pot from heat and transfer popcorn to large serving bowl.
5. Melt butter and mix in remaining truffle oil. Pour mixture over popcorn; toss.
6. Sprinkle parmesan cheese, salt and pepper over popcorn; toss to distribute evenly.
7. Serve immediately or store in airtight container.

Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix

Yield: 2 quarts

• 6          slices thick-cut bacon
• 1/4       cup pure maple syrup
• 8          cups popped popcorn
• 2/3       cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
• 2/3       cup dried cranberries
• 2          tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/4       teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon maple extract

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Line jellyroll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack. Bake 15 minutes until ends of bacon start to curl.
2. Remove and reserve 2 table­spoons bacon drippings. Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; bake 15 minutes until browned. Cool then coarsely chop bacon.
3. In large bowl, combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries.
4. Combine butter, black pepper, maple extract, remain­ing maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Drizzle over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.
5. Spread popcorn mixture in jellyroll or roasting pan.
6. Bake 5 minutes. Toss in bacon pieces. Serve warm.

Source: Popcorn Board

(Family Features) No matter what kind of events you have on your social calendar, you can pop up delicious treats that are sure to be a hit.

Whether hosting a get-together for the guys and tuning into the game or having a night in with the girls, freshly popped popcorn, which is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, can help you please every palate.

Sweet, spicy, salty or served in more non-traditional ways, the possibilities are endless, and perfect for everything from date night to a family movie night or even a sleepover or kids’ party. And since it’s healthy and whole grain, popcorn is a satisfying snack suitable for every occasion that you can feel good about serving.

Find more versatile, nutritious recipes for your next event at popcorn.org.

Cookies ’N Cream Popcorn

• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 1 package (11 ounces) white chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 15 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped

1. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
2. In medium saucepan on low heat, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil; stir until blended.
3. Pour melted chocolate over popcorn, stirring until well-coated. Stir in chopped Oreos.
4. Spread mixture on baking sheet and chill until chocolate has set. Break into pieces to serve.

Serves

12 cups

Popcorn Party Pizza

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 bag (10.5 ounces) mini marshmallows
• 2 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 tube (.68 ounces) red piping gel
• 1 package red raspberry fruit roll-ups
• green jelly beans
• coconut
• candy-coated chocolate pieces

1. Spray 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In large saucepan over medium heat, heat butter.
3. Stir in marshmallows until melted.
4. Stir in popcorn until well coated.
5. Spread mixture evenly onto prepared pizza pan.
6. Drizzle red piping gel over “pizza” to make “sauce.”
7. Cut small circles (about 1 1/4 inches in diameter) from fruit roll-up and place on pizza for “pepperoni” slices.
8. Decorate as desired with jelly beans, coconut and candies. Allow to cool completely before cutting into wedges to serve.

Serves

8 slices

Popcorn and Peanut Truffles

• 6 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
• 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup honey

1. In large bowl, stir popcorn and peanuts together; set aside.
2. In microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips 10 seconds. Stir chips and repeat, stirring after each 10 seconds, until chips are melted. Warm honey in microwave 10 seconds and stir into chocolate until well blended.
3. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir until popcorn is evenly coated. With small ice cream scoop, push popcorn mixture into scoop and release onto wax paper to form truffles. Refrigerate until firm.

Serves

30 pieces

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Truffles can be stored in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Toasted Coconut and Chocolate Popcorn

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 bag (7 ounces) shredded coconut, toasted

1. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
2. In small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and coconut extract; stir until melted and combined.
3. Pour over popcorn, coating well. Spread popcorn onto large cookie sheet.
4. In glass measuring cup, melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil in microwave on low heat until smooth. Drizzle over popcorn. Immediately sprinkle coconut over popcorn mixture; cool.
5. Break into pieces and serve.

Serves

10 cups

Cheesy Pepperoni Popcorn

• 1/4 cup nonfat Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon dried sage
• black pepper, to taste
• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 3/4 cup turkey pepperoni, cut into bite-size bits
• olive oil cooking spray

1. In small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, marjoram, basil, sage and pepper; mix well.
2. Place cooked popcorn and turkey pepperoni in large bowl; spray lightly with cooking spray.
3. Sprinkle popcorn and pepperoni with cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Serves

6-8 cups

Source: Popcorn Board

(Family Features) Crisp fall days call for flavorful desserts that warm you from the inside out. There’s no better way to capture the flavor of fall than with dishes that celebrate traditional seasonal favorites like cinnamon, spice and tart, juicy apples.

These desserts are perfect for fall, and a secret ingredient makes them quick and easy so you have plenty of free time to work up an appetite and earn an extra bite (or two). Apple butter is more than just a spread for toast; it’s a versatile ingredient that can enhance your favorite recipes. With Musselman’s Apple Butter, made the old-fashioned way for perfect texture and a deep, rich flavor, you can make it simple to satisfy your craving for a taste of autumn at its best.

Find more fall tips and recipes perfect for sharing with your family at musselmans.com.

Caramel Crumble Bars

• 1          box (15 1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix, dry
• 1/2       cup butter, softened, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 3/4       cup Musselman’s Apple Butter, plus 3 tablespoons
• 1          egg
• 1          package (11 ounces) caramels, unwrapped
• 2/3       cup walnuts, chopped
• 2/3       cup flaked coconut, sweetened
• 2          tablespoons butter, melted

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Grease 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
2. With electric mixer on low speed, beat dry cake mix and 1/2 cup softened butter until mixture is crumbly. Spoon 1 cup cake mix mixture into medium bowl; set aside.
3. Add 3/4 cup apple butter and egg to remaining mixture. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Spread evenly into pan. Bake 20 minutes, or until starting to brown and top is set.
5. Place caramels, 2 tablespoons butter and remaining apple butter in microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and melted.
6. Pour caramel mixture evenly over partially baked crust. If caramel has cooled and set, microwave 1 minute until soft and pourable.
7. Combine walnuts, coconut and 2 tablespoons melted butter with reserved cake mix mixture. Mix until crumbly.
8. Break up topping and sprinkle evenly over caramel.
9. Bake 16-18 minutes, or until topping is starting to brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Easy Apple Pie Bars

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 20

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 7          cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 1          cup Musselman’s Apple Butter
• 1 1/2    teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1/2       cup brown sugar
• 2          frozen pie crusts, defrosted
• 1          egg white
• 2          tablespoons sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1          cup powdered sugar
• 2          tablespoons milk

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Grease 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place diced apples in large mixing bowl. Add apple butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and brown sugar. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Place one pie crust in bottom of greased pan. Slowly stretch out crust to cover pan’s bottom. Cut some edges off, if necessary. Spread apple filling evenly over crust.
4. With rolling pin, roll second crust to make it same size as pan. Place second crust on top of apple pie filling and tuck down edges to cover.
5. To make topping: In small bowl, whisk egg white until foamy and brush over crust. In another bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over crust.
6. Bake 50-60 minutes until crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly before cutting.
7. To make glaze: In small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk and remaining vanilla, and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and serve.

Source: Musselman’s Apple Butter

(Family Features) Named for the earthy, exotic fungi they resemble, chocolate truffles require no hunting, digging or specially trained dogs and they won’t break the budget either. Real white truffles from Italy can set back the pocketbook more than $1000 for just one pound. Of course, chocolate truffles are a visual imitation only; they are sweet, addictive, and a great way to turn some organic chocolate, cream and butter into a decadent treat.

These ultra creamy truffles are made in the tradition of the Swiss style of chocolate truffle using heavy cream and butter to create what is called a ganache – a lovely French word for a mixture of chocolate and cream. According to Monique Hooker, Organic Valley’s French-born Chef, “using the best quality, organic cream and butter makes a difference.”

This recipe is so easy that kids can help and it is open to many variations. One option is to infuse the cream with some rich, floral Organic Madagascar vanilla extract, or split a whole vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the cream as it simmers. Or, try using white chocolate, and roll the balls in finely minced sweetened coconut. For decoration, top each truffle with a small piece of roasted nut such as pistachio or pecan, a tiny candy, or if serving immediately, add one perfect raspberry to each truffle. Serve for parties, birthdays, or any occasion that needs a little chocolate.

For more dessert recipes using organic cream and butter, visit www.organicvalley.coop.

Easy Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Makes 25 truffles

• 1/2 cup Organic Valley heavy whipping cream
• 12 oz best quality semisweet chocolate (preferably Fair Trade and Organic) chopped into small pieces, or 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 6 tablespoons Organic Valley unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1. In a small heavy saucepan, bring the cream gently to a simmer over medium low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate and butter. Stir mixture just until the chocolate has completely melted, using very low heat if necessary. Remove from heat. Pour the chocolate mixture into a shallow bowl, and allow to cool. Cover tightly and refrigerate until firm, at least two hours or overnight.
2. Line a cookie sheet or platter with baking parchment or waxed paper. Dip a teaspoon or small scoop such as a melon baller into warm water and scrape across the surface of the truffle mixture to form a 1-inch ball. Quickly roll balls in cocoa powder. Repeat with the remaining truffle mixture. Cover and refrigerate truffles. Serve in paper candy cups which are available in cookware shops or where cake decorating items are sold.

Variations: For a variety of truffles, roll balls in finely chopped nuts, finely minced sweetened coconut flakes, chocolate sprinkles, colored sugar or powdered sugar.

Tips: Truffles make a wonderful gift. Nothing says “I Love You” better than chocolate. Wrap a selection of truffles on a small red paper plate with cellophane and tie with a ribbon.

Source: Organic Valley

(Family Features) Planning ahead for family meals around the holidays can be a headache-inducing practice, but putting to work recipes that everyone can enjoy makes it a much more enjoyable process. By planning out an evening’s worth of courses, you can take care of hungry pre-dinner guests, knock a main dish out of the park and cap off everyone’s night with a spectacular dessert.

These recipes for Culinary Education Center House Fondue, Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots and Mint Sauce, and Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake will help keep everybody satisfied throughout the party, from start to finish. Find more holiday recipes at culinary.net.

Fruit and Fowl for Family

Make your meal delightfully tasty with simple-to-create Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots and Mint Sauce. This quick, easy recipe pairs succulent chicken with sweet Texas grapefruit juice, which provides a light flavor enhancement and a fat-free source of beneficial components such as vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene. Find more recipes that take advantage of grapefruit’s quality and taste at Texasweet.com.

Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots and Mint Sauce
Servings: 4

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper, plus additional, to taste
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
• 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup shallots
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh Texas Rio Star Grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon minced mint, divided
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 4 mint leaves

1. Salt and pepper chicken.
2. In large skillet, heat half the oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until both sides are browned well, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to plate and tent with foil.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil to pan. Add shallots and crushed red pepper. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
4. In small bowl, whisk together broth, grapefruit juice, half the minced mint and flour. Add to skillet. Cook, whisking until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
5. Return chicken to skillet with juices; reduce heat to low. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes.
6. Serve chicken with sauce spooned over. Use remaining minced mint and mint leaves to garnish.

Melted and Amazing

From the presentation to the pairings, it’s easy to make an ordinary spread extraordinary this holiday season. Cheese is a good starting place for properly pairing food and wine to make flavors more vibrant. Take this year’s event to the next level with this Culinary Education Center House Fondue to bring the wow-factor to your gathering by combining three melted cheeses with light wine for an enjoyable appetizer. To find more ways to incorporate cheese into your holiday entertaining, visit rothcheese.com.

Culinary Education Center House Fondue
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

• 3/4 pound Grand Cru Original, shredded
• 3/4 pound Grand Cru Reserve, shredded
• 1/2 pound Roth Fontina, shredded
• 16 ounces Pinot Grigio or other light- to medium-bodied white wine
• 1 loaf crusty artisan bread
• fresh apples, grapes and pears
• black and white pepper (optional)
• nutmeg (optional)

1. In ceramic fondue pot, combine cheeses and wine; stir to combine. Allow mixture to soak 15-30 minutes.
2. Heat mixture over low heat, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not allow mixture to boil. When cheese has melted completely, remove from heat and transfer to tabletop burner.
3. Serve fondue with chunks of bread and fruit. If desired, provide pepper and/or nutmeg guests can sprinkle onto a plate and use for dipping bread and cheese. Pair with chilled dry Riesling and a shot of authentic Swiss kirschwasser.

A Chocolatey Finishing Touch

There’s no better way to round out a holiday party than with a delicious dessert, especially one packed with everyone’s favorite ingredient – chocolate. This candy-coated Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake can put the finishing touch on your holiday celebration. Find more scrumptious dessert recipes at nestle.com.

Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake
Servings: 12

• 3/4 cup Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa, plus extra for coating pans
• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee or water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups superfine sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2-3 containers (16 ounces each) prepared chocolate frosting, or about 3 3/4-5 1/2 cups homemade
• 1-2 Nestlé Crunch Candy Bars, finely chopped
• 24-36 pieces Nestlé Butterfinger Bites Candy, finely chopped

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease bottoms of three 8- or 9-inch-round cake pans; line with parchment or wax paper circle. Grease parchment then coat lightly with small amount of cocoa, tapping out excess.
3. In large bowl, sift together flour, 3/4 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt. In small bowl, combine buttermilk, coffee and vanilla extract.
4. In large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth. Beat in sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula; beat again. Alternately add flour mixture in three additions with buttermilk mixture in two additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Scrape down sides of bowl; beat again. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Invert each layer onto wire rack; remove parchment paper then invert right-side-up. Cool completely.
6. To assemble, level cakes (trim tops off), if desired, using serrated knife. Place dollop of frosting in center of cake pedestal or serving platter. Tear four strips of parchment paper and place in square around outer 3 inches of pedestal.
7. Place one cake layer over dollop of frosting. Spread about 1 cup frosting over top; sprinkle top evenly with about 1/4 cup chopped candy bar. Top with another cake layer; spread with about 1 cup frosting. Sprinkle with remaining chopped candy bar. Top with third cake layer. Cover top and sides with thin layer of frosting.
8. Refrigerate 15 minutes then cover with remaining frosting. With hands, press chopped candy pieces around sides of cake. After frosting has set, gently remove strips of parchment paper.
9. Cut cake into slices to serve.

Source: Texas Sweet, Roth Cheese, Nestle

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