(Family Features) There’s perhaps no better occasion to show off your kitchen skills than Mother’s Day, a perfect opportunity to turn the tables on mom and let her relax while you handle cooking duties. A homemade breakfast – or better yet, letting her sleep in for brunch – is a sure way to win her over and show how much you care.

Show your delicate side by working up a batch of Apple Ricotta Crepes, which require a soft touch to cook the light, silky batter to golden perfection. This rendition of the beloved thin pancakes calls for a ricotta spread and apple-cinnamon topping for a delightful pairing of savory and sweet.

If a full Mother’s Day celebration is on the menu, something a bit heartier may be required. A frittata provides the best of both worlds, as it’s a filling meal that’s also easy to make – just let the oven do the work. This Apple, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata is no exception as it calls for a handful of everyday ingredients you can whisk together in a cinch. While it’s in the oven (about 30 minutes, give or take) you can put the finishing touches on your last-minute decorations and handwritten cards.

Special occasions with those you love can be uplifted with the aroma and flavor Envy Apples that offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table. Available at Whole Foods and other major grocery stores, the craveable texture and crunch of this leading apple variety provides balanced sweetness as the ultimate apple experience for Mother’s Day gatherings. Along with their delicious flavor, the flesh remains whiter longer, even after cutting, slicing, dicing or cubing, so that homemade meals look as good as they taste.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more Mother’s Day brunch inspiration.

Apple Ricotta Crepes

Crepes:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1cup whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• butter, for cooking

Apple Topping:

• butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Envy Apples, sliced or cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• salt, to taste
• maple syrup

Ricotta Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon, zest and juice only
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste

1. To make crepes: In bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Add milk, eggs and vanilla then, using whisk, combine thoroughly. Mixture should be silky smooth. Refrigerate.
2. To make apple topping: In pan over medium heat, heat butter and brown sugar until bubbly and golden.
3. Add apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, to taste; cook over medium-low heat until apples are soft. Turn off heat and finish with maple syrup.
4. To make ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and sugar, mix well and set aside.
5. In nonstick pan over medium-low heat, melt small amount of butter.
6. Add one ladle crepe batter, cook until bubbles form, flip and cook until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. Stack crepes to keep warm and soft.
7. Spread ricotta mixture thinly onto crepes and fold into quarters. Top with apple mixture and serve.

Apple, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata

• 6 eggs
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 20 turns fresh cracked pepper
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 Envy Apple, small diced
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper and milk until well combined.
3. Stir in apples, tomatoes, goat cheese and chives until well combined.
4. Using 1/3 measuring cup, spoon frittata mixture into oven-safe large skillet or 9-by-9-inch pan.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are set.
6. Let cool slightly then serve.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) Holiday hams and deviled eggs may take center stage at Easter gatherings, but edible crafts offer a reminder of the magic of the season that’s found in moments spent together. Simple recipes that call for a dose of creativity are perfect ways to bring the kids to the kitchen, made even easier when all that work leads to sweet treats.

While plastic eggs may have led to a decline in good, old-fashioned egg-dyeing, there are still fun ways to bring crafts back to Easter celebrations. Consider these Kids Krafty Easter Cake Pops, which call for little ones to help dip seasonal shapes in chocolate, use cake molds and more.

Children of virtually any age can relish in the joys of using cookie cutters and decorating Easter Sugar Cookies, all with a little supervision and short list of instructions. This version shows how to make the cookies and homemade icing so you can create any color you desire for maximum creativity.

Remember, these delicious crafts don’t have to be perfect – having fun and making memories that last a lifetime are what make Easter truly special.

Visit Culinary.net to find more Easter inspiration and recipes from “Cookin’ Savvy.”

Kids Krafty Easter Cake Pops

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 1 box cake mix
• 1 can frosting
• 1 bunny chocolate mold
• 1 cakesicle mold
• ice pop sticks
• 1 bag white chocolate chips or melting chips
• cake pop sticks
• 1 bag orange melting chips
• 2 tablespoons canola or coconut oil, divided
• 1 bag green melting chips
• pastel sprinkles
• 1 piece hard foam (optional)
• edible markers

1. Bake cake according to package instructions and let cool completely.
2. Crumble cake and mix with 1/2 can frosting until dough forms. Add more frosting, if needed. Using small cookie scoop, form dough into balls and set aside. Place dough in bunny molds then pop out and set aside with balls. Place dough in cakesicle mold, insert ice pop stick in each slot and freeze 5-10 minutes.
3. Melt handful of white melting chips. Stick tip of each cake pop stick in chocolate then insert into every cake ball and bunny until each has one stick. Set aside to dry.
4. Remove cakesicles from freezer and pop out of molds. In bowl, melt orange melts then mix in 1 tablespoon oil and transfer to cup. Dip cakesicles and scrape off excess using rim of cup. Place on parchment paper to dry.
5. In bowl, melt green melts then place in zip-top or piping bag. Cut tip off bag, pipe carrot leaves onto piece of parchment paper and let dry.
6. Melt remaining white melts and mix in remaining oil. Transfer to cup and dip ball-shaped cake pops and bunnies then tap stick on edge of cup to remove excess.
7. Over separate bowl, sprinkle ball-shaped pops with pastel sprinkles. To keep ball shape, let dry by sticking in piece of hard foam. Bunnies can dry face side up on parchment paper. After bunnies are dry, use edible markers to make face and color in ears.
8. When carrots and leaves are dry, remelt orange melts and place in piping or zip-top bag. Cut off tip and drizzle orange over carrots. Add small line of orange on each ice pop stick and place leaves on each stick. Let dry.

Easter Sugar Cookies

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

Icing:

• 1/3 cup meringue powder
• 1/2 cup warm water, plus additional for thinning (optional), divided
• 3 tablespoons vanilla
• 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• assorted food coloring

Cookies:

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 dash salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

1. To make icing: Mix meringue powder, 1/2 cup warm water, vanilla, powdered sugar and corn syrup. Separate into bowls and add food coloring; mix with water, as needed, to thin for piping.
2. To make cookies: Heat oven to 350 F.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Mix in egg, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Mix in flour 1 cup at a time to form dough. Roll dough out to 1/4-1/2-inch thickness.
4. Cut into shapes, place on baking sheet and freeze 10 minutes. Bake 8-12 minutes. Cool completely before icing.
5. Place icing in zip-top or piping bags and cut off tips. Put cookies on parchment paper. Trace outline first then fill in middle. Use toothpicks to smooth out.
6. Let dry 6 hours and finish decorating with different icing colors or edible markers.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) How you begin each day affects more than whether you make it to work on time. In fact, those early morning hours are often the foundation for your entire day.

Set yourself up for success with these tips to help you maximize your mornings. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, starting the day the right way can help you power through your to-do list.

Wake Up On Time
Set your alarm for a reasonable hour that gives you ample time to get ready for the day ahead. If you have a commute or children or pets who need attention, be sure to factor in time for unexpected events like traffic jams or accidents. Avoid setting your alarm early and hitting snooze repeatedly; the quality of sleep you’ll add is poor and you’ll likely end up feeling more tired than if you’d just risen with the alarm.

Get Your Body Moving
Even a light workout is a great way to rev up for a new day. Prioritizing your health to start the morning can put you in a healthier mindset. Completing a workout before the day is even fully underway gives you something to be proud of, which helps boost your mental well-being. What’s more, an early workout gets your blood pumping, which supports stronger cognition and produces more energy.

Treat Yourself
It’s never too early to give yourself a little TLC, and a delicious coffee-based drink is a great way to perk up your morning with a tasty treat. The best indulgent coffee beverages start with quality coffee. Consider options from Eight O’Clock Coffee, which has selected and roasted high-quality, 100% Arabica coffee for more than 100 years. The rich, smooth flavor means you can drink it black, but it’s also the perfect base for a decadent latte with maple and vanilla or a classic iced caramel macchiato.

Establish a Self-Care Routine
While you’re still working toward being fully awake, a routine that lets you dive into daily preparations on autopilot can be helpful. Making time to take care of yourself can give you greater confidence to tackle the day, so find a pattern that fits and run with it. Aside from basic hygiene, take time to moisturize your skin and apply sunscreen. Also build in time to focus on your mental health, whether you make some notes in a gratitude journal or meditate to manage stress.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Countless studies support the benefits of eating a nutritious breakfast. It’s good for your metabolism and digestive health. It also gives your body the fuel it needs to help you push through the day. You’re likely to think faster and be a more effective problem-solver when your body has proper nourishment. Eating early in the day also affects your mood; you’re less likely to be irritable if you’re not hungry.

Find more inspiration to perk up your mornings at eightoclock.com.

Maple Vanilla Latte

• 1 1/2 cups milk, divided
• 1/2 cup strong-brewed Eight O'Clock French Vanilla Coffee
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ground cinnamon, to taste

1. In microwave, heat 1 cup milk.
2. Pour coffee into mug and, using milk frother, top with warm milk.
3. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon, to taste.
4. Using milk frother, foam remaining milk then add to mug.

Salted Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee

• 1/2 cup Eight O'Clock Caramel Macchiato Coffee, chilled
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ice
• squeezable caramel sauce
• 1 pinch sea salt

1. Stir together chilled coffee and milk.
2. Pour over ice into glass.
3. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

Source:

Eight O’Clock Coffee

(Family Features) Elevate summer desserts all season long with versatile, refreshing ingredients that can transform classics like ice cream into a new treat that’s bound to become a family favorite.

This Creamy Vegan California Grape Ice Cream offers a dairy-free alternative to traditional summer sweets and is powered by Grapes from California. Simply puree grapes, combine with oat coffee creamer and let your freezer do the work. The result is a perfect balance of cold, fruity goodness in a silky-smooth bite.

Crisp, juicy and sweet, grapes also provide flavor and texture in a wide range of recipes.  As an easy, portable and healthy snack, grapes can also be frozen for a simple, standalone dessert ideal for summer occasions.

Find more ways to cool off in the heat by visiting GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Creamy Vegan California Grape Ice Cream

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes, plus 6-8 hours freeze time
Servings: 8 (1/2 cup per serving)

• 1          pound stemmed black Grapes from California
• 12        ounces vanilla oat coffee creamer, well chilled
• 12        ounces unsweetened oat coffee creamer, well chilled

1. In high-speed blender, puree grapes until smooth. Transfer to medium saucepan and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook 10-15 minutes, or until reduced to 1 cup. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
2. Stir creamer into pureed grapes and pour into stainless steel mixer bowl. Using stand mixer, mix well. Cover and freeze 6-8 hours or overnight.

Substitution: For lighter color, use 3/4 pound black grapes and 1/4 pound red.

Note: Make sure stainless steel bowl is well chilled or frozen before making ice cream.

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 6 g fat (39% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 45 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Source:

California Table Grape Commission

(Culinary.net) Satisfying your craving for dessert just got a lot easier. These Caramelized Bananas are a delicious combination of crunchy caramel on the outside and soft bananas on the inside. Just a few ingredients perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream equals a flavorful treat.

Find more easy dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Caramelized Bananas

•             Butter, for melting in pan
• 2          bananas
• 1/2       teaspoon cinnamon
• 2          tablespoons maple syrup
• vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. In medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Slice bananas evenly into 1/2-inch-thick coins. Once skillet is hot, add banana slices.
2. Sprinkle in cinnamon, pour in maple syrup and toss gently to coat both sides. Cook bananas 4 minutes on each side until caramelized. Remove from heat and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips: Be sure bananas are not overly ripe. Green tinge is preferred as bananas will hold up better to heat. Sugar burns quickly watch closely when caramelizing.

A family-favorite meal starts with a main course that looks and smells as good as it tastes. Creamy Mushroom Pasta Nests deliver that festive flavor with a robust blend of breadcrumbs, earthy mushrooms and a homemade sauce crafted with Violife Just Like Cream Cheese. Developed to capture the taste of dairy cream cheese, it’s designed to be enjoyed by everyone at the table this holiday season as a non-GMO solution free from dairy, soy, nuts, gluten, preservatives and lactose.

Dishing out a dessert that boasts the colors of the season is a perfect way to cap off a gathering of friends and family. With pops of red and deliciously sweet flavor, Pomegranate Cheesecake is ideal for serving in individual tins so guests can delight in the creamy deliciousness together without the hassle of cutting and serving.

Visit ViolifeFoods.com to find more holiday-worthy recipes.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Nests

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Marinade:

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 3 1/2    ounces hoisin sauce
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          tablespoon garlic chili paste
• 2          tablespoons black and white sesame seeds
• 1          teaspoon harissa paste

Breadcrumbs:

• 1          tablespoon Violife Plant Butter
• 1/2       cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1          tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1          teaspoon dried garlic

Pasta:

• 17 1/2 ounces mushrooms, roughly sliced
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 10 1/2 ounces fresh spinach
• 1          package Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original
• 17 1/2 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
• 1          teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 1/2    ounces Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge, grated

1. To make marinade: Whisk olive oil, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic chili paste, sesame seeds and harissa paste. Set aside.
2. To make breadcrumbs: In frying pan, heat plant butter. Add breadcrumbs, rosemary and garlic; saute 3-5 minutes until golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. To make pasta: Saute mushrooms in olive oil 5-7 minutes until golden. Add spinach, 2-3 minutes, and pour over marinade. Add cream cheese and whisk until creamy.
4. Boil pasta according to package instructions. Sieve and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, adding to pasta sauce. Whisk constantly until combined.
5. Using tongs, make small nests in pasta, place on plates and pour creamy mushroom sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan.

Pomegranate Cheesecake

Prep time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 6 individual cheesecakes

Crust:

• 10 1/2 ounces vegan gingerbread biscuits
• 6          ounces plant-based butter
• 1/4       teaspoon salt

Cheesecake:

• 0.07     ounces agar-agar
• 3 1/2    ounces canned coconut milk
• 2          packages Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original
• 2          tablespoons maple syrup
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon vanilla essence

Pomegranate Syrup:

• 10        fluid ounces pomegranate juice, divided
• 3          tablespoons cornstarch
• pomegranate seeds, for garnish

1. To make crust: In blender, blitz gingerbread biscuits until they form powder. Add butter and salt; blitz again until combined.
2. Place in six individual greased tart tins and smooth over base with back of spoon. Refrigerate to set.
3. To make cheesecake: In small pot over low heat, dissolve agar-agar in coconut milk, whisking constantly. Once boiling, remove from heat and set aside.
4. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, maple syrup, lemon juice and vanilla essence; slowly pour over warm coconut milk, whisking until combined and creamy. Divide evenly among tart tins and refrigerate 4 hours.
5. To make pomegranate syrup: In small bowl, combine 3 fluid ounces pomegranate juice with cornstarch. In small pot, boil remaining pomegranate juice 5 minutes. Pour in cornstarch and pomegranate mixture; whisk 5 minutes until syrup forms. Cool.
6. When cheesecakes have set, remove from tins and serve on plates. Pour pomegranate syrup on top and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Source: Violife

(Family Features) It’s tough to top the joy of a spring morning spent celebrating with family, enjoying a delicious brunch or snacking on sweet treats. With warmer weather and bright sunshine comes plenty of opportunities to enjoy favorite recipes.

Celebrating the season with eggs can bring loved ones together in the kitchen and beyond, from crafting classic desserts to serving up new delights. Plus, the versatility of eggs allows for nearly countless creations.

Boiled, scrambled, poached, baked and any other way you like them, eggs can be your kitchen superhero. As a natural source of vitamins and minerals, they’re a delicious protein powerhouse with just 70 calories per large egg.

Make the celebration truly memorable with the power of eggs in a sweet dessert like these Meringue Nests with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream and Strawberries, a perfect option for topping off a brunch feast or an afternoon meal.

Find more spring recipe ideas and ways to celebrate the season at incrediableegg.org.

Watch Video to see how to make this recipe!

Meringue Nests with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Recipe courtesy of the American Egg Board and Sam Adler (@frostingandfettucine)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 6 hours
Servings: 6

Meringue Nests:

• 1 1/4    cups granulated sugar
• 6          large eggs
• 1          teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2          teaspoons cornstarch

Garnish:

• 1          cup heavy whipping cream
• 1          teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
• 1/2       pint fresh strawberries, sliced

1. To make meringue nests: Preheat oven to 200 F. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spread sugar evenly and bake 5-7 minutes to slightly heat. Remove sugar from oven then increase oven temperature to 225 F.
2. Carefully separate egg whites from yolks completely. In bowl of hand or stand mixer fitted with whip attachment, whisk egg whites on medium-low speed until foamy about 1 minute.
3. Slowly add sugar 2-3 tablespoons at a time and mix on medium speed 2 minutes between each addition. Sugar needs completely mixed into egg whites to ensure success. Continue mixing on medium until mixed through and meringue does not feel gritty.
4. Add cream of tartar, vanilla extract and cornstarch. Increase to high speed and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. On two parchment paper-lined baking sheets, pipe or spread meringue with spoon into six 4-inch circular “nests.”
6. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes then turn off oven and let meringues cool without opening oven for at least 4 hours or overnight. The USDA recommends egg dishes be cooked to 160 F.
7. To make garnish: When ready to serve, in clean mixing bowl fitted with whip attachment, whip heavy whipping cream on medium speed. Slowly add sugar and vanilla. Continue mixing on high speed 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
8. Dollop whipped cream on meringue nests and top with sliced strawberries.

Source: American Egg Board

(Family Features) Spending precious moments enjoying outdoor meals with family and friends is part of what makes warm weather get-togethers so special. Take those al fresco occasions to the next level with a favorite dessert: ice cream.

Homemade ice cream is a hallmark of many family events from birthday celebrations and pool parties to warm weather holidays spent basking in the sunshine. Completely customizable with an array of fruits or other tasty mix-ins plus toppings of your choice, it’s a perfect way to put a grin on loved ones’ faces.

At your next outdoor event, try an option like Cheesecake Ice Cream with Fruit Swirls from Milk Means More. It’s a simple solution you can make a couple days in advance with your favorite fruit flavor such as blueberry, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, peach or apricot. Plus, this recipe serves a crowd, making it perfect for serving up smiles.

Visit MilkMeansMore.org for more delicious dessert ideas.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Cheesecake Ice Cream with Fruit Swirls

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

• 12        ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 3/4       cup sugar
• 1          cup sour cream
• 3/4       cup half-and-half
• 2          teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/4    teaspoons lemon juice, divided
• 1          dash salt
• 1/3       cup blueberry, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, peach or apricot fruit spread

1. In large mixer bowl of electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add sour cream, half-and-half, vanilla, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and salt. Beat on low speed until combined then beat on medium speed until smooth. Cover and refrigerate 2-24 hours, or until cold.
2. Pour cream cheese mixture into 1 1/2-quart ice cream freezer. Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.
3. In small bowl, stir fruit spread and remaining lemon juice.
4. Spoon about one-third of ice cream into 2-quart food storage container. Spoon about half of fruit spread mixture in dollops over ice cream. Repeat layers. Top with remaining ice cream. Cover and freeze 4-24 hours.
5. To serve, scoop ice cream into dessert dishes.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Family Features) It’s hard to top a brunch feast spent snacking on sweet treats in the sunshine with loved ones. At the center of your celebration can be a springtime tradition with nearly endless possibilities: eggs.

Lean into the season with creative recipes like Prosciutto and Parmesan Egg Cups or Eggy Lemon Sandwich Cookies to take brunch to the next level. As a natural source of vitamins and minerals, eggs are a delicious protein powerhouse with just 70 calories per large egg. Boiled, scrambled, poached, baked and any other way you like them, they’re a kitchen superhero.

This spring, add eggs to your menu and explore fresh ways to celebrate the season at incredibleegg.org.

Prosciutto and Parmesan Egg Cups

Recipe courtesy of the American Egg Board and "Joy the Baker"
Total time: 34-36 minutes
Yield: 6 cups

• 12 pieces thinly sliced prosciutto
• 6 slices tomato
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 large eggs
• fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives

1. Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 350 F.
2. Line muffin pan with six cupcake liners. Drape two slices prosciutto in each cup over liner, ensuring there are no holes for egg to sneak through.
3. Place one tomato slice in each cup. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmesan atop each tomato. Crack one egg into each cup. Sprinkle each with fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.
4. Bake 14-16 minutes, or until eggs are cooked as desired. Top with chives.
5. Cool 5 minutes before serving warm.

Eggy Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Recipe courtesy of the American Egg Board and "Joy the Baker"
Total time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Yield: 16-18 cookies

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Lemon Curd:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1-2 tablespoons warm milk
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

1. To make dough: In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
2. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together shortening and butter until well combined. Scrape down sides of bowl, add sugar and beat on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3-5 minutes.
3. Add egg, milk and vanilla extract; beat until combined. Add dry ingredients and beat on low until dough forms. Scrape down sides of bowl to ensure no dry pockets at bottom. Wrap and refrigerate dough 30 minutes.
4. Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 350 F.
5. Roll half of dough on lightly floured counter to 1/4-1/2-inch thickness. Cut with 2-3-inch egg cookie cutter and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Use 1-inch round or egg-shaped cookie cutter to cut yolk holes out of half the cookies. Bake 8-10 minutes until just golden around edges. Cool completely before filling.
6. To make lemon curd: In 2-quart heavy saucepan, whisk juice, zest, sugar and eggs. Stir in butter and cook over low heat, whisking frequently, until curd is thick enough to hold marks of whisk and bubbles appear on surface, about 6 minutes.
7. Transfer lemon curd to bowl and chill, covered with plastic wrap, until cold, at least 1 hour.
8. To make buttercream: In medium bowl using electric hand mixer, beat butter until well softened. Add powdered sugar, salt and lemon zest; beat on low. Add milk and whip to combine. Beat in poppy seeds. Transfer frosting to zip-top bag with corner cut off or piping bag with medium round tip. Leave buttercream at room temperature until ready to pipe.
9. To assemble cookies: Flip each whole egg cookie so bottoms are facing up. Pipe buttercream frosting around edges. Spoon 2-3 teaspoons lemon curd into centers of cookies. Top each with one cookie with hole; press gently and spoon 1 teaspoon lemon curd into cookie hole.

Source: American Egg Board

(Culinary.net) When celebrating with family, there is nearly nothing better than passing a light and sweet dessert around the table. These Simple Macaroons are crisp, dipped in decedent chocolate and a completely scrumptious option for celebrating Passover.

Simple to make and easy to eat, this sweet dessert is a crowd favorite. With a fresh kick of lemon zest and crunch of shredded coconut, they are a bite-sized, delicious way to end your meal.

They take little to no time to make, only baking 10-12 minutes for a tray full of tasty dessert bites ready to devour.

With sweet honey and vanilla, the flavors come together to create something sweet but not overpowering. It’s a small, crumbly bite that’s perfect for sharing during Passover.

Find more sweet treat recipes for any holiday at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Simple Macaroons

Recipe adapted from marthastewart.com
Yield: 15 macaroons

• 1          large egg
• 2 1/4    tablespoons honey
• 1/4       teaspoon vanilla extract
• grated lemon zest
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4    cups shredded coconut
• 5          ounces dark chocolate, melted

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In bowl, whisk egg. Add honey, vanilla, lemon zest and salt; whisk. Stir in coconut until completely coated with egg mixture.
3. Using 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, make 15 balls, transferring each to parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake macaroons 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until coconut starts to brown on edges.
5. Transfer sheet to wire rack and let cool.
6. Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate or dip bottom sides of macaroons in melted chocolate to cover bases. Refrigerate 15 minutes to set.

Source: Culinary.net