This season, when you’re craving something sweet, try this Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips. It’s rich with lots of semi-sweet chocolate chips but also has a prominent pumpkin flavor that is hard to resist.

This recipe is easy to make and provides an opportunity to get the little ones involved in the kitchen. For example, they can stir and pour those yummy chocolate chips into the batter.

Made start to finish in less than an hour, this dessert gives you more time to rake leaves, carve pumpkins and cuddle up by the fireplace.

It can be a perfect treat for get-togethers from parties and events to just a couple friends enjoying each other’s company.

It’s light and moist with a crisp exterior. The signature pumpkin taste blends with the sweet chocolate to create a unique taste perfect for fall.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 45-50 minutes

Servings: 12

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 2          teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1          cup canned pumpkin
• 1/3       cup brown sugar
• 1/3       cup granulated sugar
• 1/2       cup vegetable oil
• 3          eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2       tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1          cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1          cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and pumpkin spice. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, combine canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir together.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix until combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool at least 10 minutes in pan before removing to wire rack to finish cooling.

(Family Features) Scoring big on game day requires championship-level meals and snacks that keep the crowd full and ready for action. You can take your tailgate to the house with these baked dishes that help simplify homegating so you can focus on the big screen.

From a salsa-based dip and chicken wings to kick off the party to sweet brownies for celebrating victory, each of these recipes call for less than an hour in the kitchen. Clock management is key to tackling a tailgate spread, making these delicious dishes the perfect play calls on game day.

To find more tailgate and homegate recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

Just Wing It

Skip the silverware at your next homegate and dive right in with a fan favorite that requires just your hands and a heap of napkins: wings.

Whether you pick through your pieces or clean each wing to the bone, these Game Day Chicken Wings are perfect for eaters of all types. A simple flour-based coating keeps the recipe easy to make and baking in the oven means you can skip the messy fryer or firing up the grill.

Cook until crispy then corral your party’s favorite dipping sauces from ranch and blue cheese to barbecue and more. Once your spread is served, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the game.

Visit Culinary.net to find more touchdown-worthy tailgate recipes.

Game Day Chicken Wings

Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/2       cup butter, cubed
• 1/3       cup flour
• 2          teaspoons paprika
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon black pepper
• 10        chicken wingettes, thawed
• dipping sauces (optional)
• fresh parsley (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Line baking sheet with foil. Arrange butter cubes on foil.
3. In medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Coat both sides of wings in flour mixture then evenly space among butter cubes on baking sheet.
5. Bake wings 30 minutes.
6. Turn wings over and bake 15 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked.
7. Serve with dipping sauces and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.

Score Big with a Salsa-Based Dip

Whether your game day celebrations call for a full-blown parking lot party or homegating with your closest friends, the nibbles and noshes you serve set the stage. Building your menu with crowd-pleasing classics – including one tried-and-true favorite that offers a fresh, veggie-forward taste: chilled salsa – makes your guests cheer for more than just the home team.

Healthy game day snacks are important to almost half (48%) of tailgaters and 18% said they’d consider leaving a party if salsa wasn’t served, according to the “Game Day Eats Report” survey from refrigerated salsa brand Fresh Cravings. With its low calorie count packed with high flavor, salsa supports health-conscious goals. Made with ingredients like fresh tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and more, the authentic taste of chilled salsa is a universal favorite among fans.

With a belief that plant-based foods should contain wholesome ingredients and bold flavors worth celebrating, Fresh Cravings refrigerated salsas are available in the produce section, next to dressings and dips, in restaurant-style or chunky mild, medium and hot varieties. Chilled salsa is an affordable and vibrant-tasting alternative to jarred salsa, making it a key ingredient in this Mexican Pizza Dip from celebrity chef George Duran. It’s a simple crowd-pleaser you can make in less than an hour, leaving more time for pregame festivities.

For more information and game day recipe ideas, visit freshcravings.com.

Mexican Pizza Dip

Recipe courtesy of chef George Duran
Servings: 6-8

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1          pound ground beef
• 1          package taco seasoning mix
• 8          ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2       cup sour cream
• 1          cup Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa, plus additional for topping
• 1          cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2       cup blended Mexican cheese
• sliced jalapeno (optional)
• sliced black olives (optional)
• green onions (optional)
• tortilla chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Spray 8-by-8-inch glass pan or large souffle dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
3. In large saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and add ground beef, breaking up with flat wooden spatula, until fully cooked. Sprinkle taco seasoning throughout beef and combine.
4. Place warm beef mixture in large bowl and add cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup salsa and mozzarella. Mix well until combined and pour into prepared pan. Top with blended cheese and sliced jalapeno, black olives and green onions, if desired.
5. Bake until fully warmed and cheese is melted, 30-35 minutes.
6. Top with small spoonfuls of salsa. Serve with tortilla chips.

Cap Off Game Day with an All-Star Combo

Pregame festivities call for salty snacks and meaty morsels, but halftime eating and postgame celebrations are perfect for sweet treats.

You can sweeten up your tailgate or homegate with a shareable option like Marbled Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies made with Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane sugar and dissolves and measures cup for cup just like white granulated sugar without compromising performance or taste. Featuring an undefeated combination of peanut butter and chocolate, this dessert is ideal for baking a day ahead so you can manage the clock on game day.

Find more tailgating sweets at dominosugar.com.

Marbled Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 brownies

Chocolate Brownies:

• 1/2       cup (1/4 pound) butter
• 2          ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1          cup Domino Golden Sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2          eggs
• 1/2       cup all-purpose flour

Peanut Butter Marble:

• 1/4       cup natural (no added sugar) peanut butter
• 4          tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2       cup Domino Golden Sugar
• 1          egg
• 1/4       teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4       cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4       teaspoon baking powder

• powdered sugar, for topping (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. To make chocolate brownies: In medium saucepot over low heat, melt butter and chocolate. Remove pot from heat; stir in sugar and vanilla until blended.
3. In small mixing bowl, whisk eggs until frothy then stir into chocolate mixture.
4. Sift flour into batter and stir just until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing to edges.
5. To make peanut butter marble: In mixing bowl, cream peanut butter, butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat just until blended. In separate bowl, sift or whisk flour and baking powder then stir into batter just until combined.
6. Carefully spread peanut butter marble over chocolate batter. Use knife to swirl batters together, first horizontally then diagonally.
7. Bake 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting. Top with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

Source:Fresh Cravings
Domino Sugar

(Family Features) A healthy breakfast can give your student a boost that lasts all day long. Mornings tend to be rushed, but it’s still possible to prepare easy breakfasts that power little learners throughout the school day.

Fresh fruit is a breakfast staple, and a nutritious option like watermelon is a sweet way to satisfy hunger (and thirst). As a refreshing ingredient or standalone treat, watermelon includes just 80 calories and no fat. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C (25%) and because it’s made of 92% water, it’s a flavorful way to encourage kids to start a busy day well hydrated.

A bowl of watermelon cut into cubes, balls or fun shapes is a winning idea, but you can also think outside the rind with these ways to give watermelon a place at your breakfast table:

• Top a grain-based cereal like corn flakes or oatmeal with bite-size bits.
• Make Watermelon Donuts for a grab-and-go delight, perfect on hectic mornings.
• Freeze cubes overnight and use them in place of ice with your favorite smoothie ingredients.
• Put a twist on a breakfast favorite with these Watermelon Oat Flour Waffles.
• Add a layer of oat crumble to a bowl of watermelon balls for a savory, satisfying treat.

Kid-Friendly Cuts
It’s no secret that kids gravitate toward fun foods. Watermelon is a versatile fruit that offers plenty of serving options that let kids get hands-on and creative.

Slices
A classic watermelon slice may be basic, but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve. With the rind on, it’s an instant finger food with a built-in “handle.” Add a wooden stick for watermelon you can eat like a sucker or pop it in the freezer for a cool way to start the day.

Cubes
Simple and versatile cubes are a solution for banishing breakfast boredom. You can cube a melon and use them differently every day of the week by eating them on their own, mixing in a fruit salad, layering with other ingredients, blending in a smoothie and more.

Sticks
There’s nothing like a dipper to get kids’ attention. A watermelon stick offers a bit of rind to hold onto and a juicy strip of sweet melon that’s perfect for dunking in a cup of yogurt or fruit dip.

Cutouts
Cut watermelon into thin slices and use cookie cutters to create a treat that shows off creativity.

Get in a school morning groove with more easy breakfast ideas at watermelon.org .

Watermelon Oat Flour Waffles

Yield: 8 waffles

Waffles:

• 1          cup old-fashioned or regular oats
• 3/4       cup all-purpose flour
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          cup watermelon juice
• 1/2       cup vegetable oil
• 4          egg whites
• nonstick cooking spray

Garnish:

• 2          cups plain Greek yogurt
• 3          cups watermelon, diced 1/2 inch
• fresh mint leaves
• powdered sugar (optional)
• honey (optional)

1. Preheat Belgian or regular waffle iron.
2. In blender, process oat flakes into flour.
3. In bowl, mix oat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. Mix in watermelon juice and oil.
4. Whip egg whites into stiff peaks and fold into batter.
5. Spray hot waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into waffle iron and bake 3-4 minutes, or according to waffle iron instructions. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Garnish waffles with yogurt; watermelon cubes; mint sprigs; powdered sugar, if desired; and honey, if desired.

Watermelon Donuts

Servings: 1

• 2          slices seedless watermelon, 1 1/2 inches thick
• 2          tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1          pinch sugar
• vanilla, to taste
• 9          slivered almonds

1. Cut out donut shapes from watermelon slices.
2. Sweeten Greek yogurt with sugar and vanilla, to taste, to create frosting.
3. Frost half of watermelon donuts with half of frosting. Add layer of remaining watermelon donuts and top with remaining frosting.
4. Sprinkle toasted almonds over top and serve.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

From tasty small bites to a filling feast and even dessert for breakfast, brunch options are nearly endless. Take your spring brunch to the next level with recipes that appease appetites of all kinds.

First, start with portioned pastry cups perfect for appetizers. Bring out the protein-packed breakfast burritos for the main course then, for a final touch of sweet deliciousness, offer up lemony doughnuts to cap off the feast.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

Bite-Sized Breakfast

Appetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for starting a morning meal with loved ones. Or, if a busy schedule looms, try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Pastry Brunch Cups

Servings: 18

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 18 eggs
• 2 cups diced ham
• chopped fresh green onions

Heat oven 375 F.

1. In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside.
2. Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham.
3. Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Power Brunch with a Protein-Packed Burrito

A well-rounded brunch calls for a multitude of dishes and beverages, but it wouldn’t be complete without a protein-packed recipe to get the day started.

This delicious Breakfast Burrito is loaded with colorful veggies and Silver Fern Farms 100% grass-fed strip steak. Hailing from New Zealand, home to some of the world’s most natural tasting beef and lamb, this premium cut of beef is aged 21 days and minimally processed with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. The animals are grass-fed year-round and allowed to roam and graze freely, so the beef offers a lean, flavorful texture that tastes just as nature intended.

Visit silverfernfarms.com to find more at-home brunch inspiration.

Breakfast Burrito

• 1 Silver Fern Farms New Zealand 100% Grass-Fed New York Strip Steak (10 ounces)
• oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced lengthwise
• 4 large mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 avocado
• lime wedges (optional)
• hot sauce (optional)

1. Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, heat pan over medium-high heat.
2. Rub steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Cook until medium-rare, approximately 3-4 minutes each side. Remove from pan and cover loosely with tinfoil to rest 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add splash of oil. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 1 minute.
5. Add cumin, paprika and chili powder; stir through.
6. When veggies are tender (about 2 minutes), add tomato and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Heat pan to medium heat and add splash of oil.
9. Pour egg mixture into pan and cook, lifting and folding eggs until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir constantly.
10. Lay tortillas on flat surface or plate.
11. In center of tortilla, add cooked veggies and top with thinly sliced beef. Add handful of spinach, scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, cilantro and avocado. Fold bottom of tortilla and roll.
12. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired.

Dine on Deliciously Sweet Doughnuts

Brunch is never complete without something sweet to cap off the morning feast, and doughnuts are often the perfect complement to an array of main courses.

These Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts pair the bite-sized morsels with lemon curd (if that suits your style) for a sweet-tart combination. They’re made using Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane sugar and is less processed than white granulated sugar, as one you can always trust in your favorite recipes. It works cup-for-cup just like white sugar but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor.

Visit dominosugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating throughout the year.

Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 7 minutes

Doughnuts:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups Domino Golden Sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 5 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Curd (optional):

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 4 lemons, zest and juice only
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

1. To make doughnuts: In large saucepan, preheat oil to 350 F. Prepare cookie sheet with paper towel to drain doughnuts once out of hot oil.
2. In bowl, mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Add lemon zest, eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Use ice cream scoop to scoop small amounts dough into oil, 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry each batch until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Keep oil at or near 350 F; if oil is too hot, doughnuts will turn golden brown but centers may still be raw. Remove from oil and drain in paper towel. Repeat with remaining dough.
4. While still hot, toss doughnuts with remaining sugar.
5. To make lemon curd, if desired: In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and salt.
6. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook at low-medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool before serving with doughnuts.

Source: Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Domino Golden Sugar

(Family Features) During a holiday season that may not quite feel the same for many families, you can add a magic touch to at-home festivities with activities and treats that get everyone involved. Creating decorative holiday sweets allows little ones and grown-ups alike to take part in the fun, and the end result is delicious desserts for all to enjoy.

Start with a main ingredient like whole-grain, freshly popped popcorn. At 30 calories a cup, it’s naturally low in fat, non-GMO and gluten-free for a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday indulgences. It’s a clever way to create artsy representations of the season at hand that celebrate festive flavors like peppermint, coconut, chocolate and other sweet eats.

For example, Coconut Popcorn Snowballs add fun and flavor to wintertime with a coat of sweetened coconut “snow” and candy cane handle while easy-to-construct Holiday Popcorn Snowmen are sure to be a hit with your children. Add to the holiday spirit throughout your home with wintery Jingle Balls that call for colored sugars to create a magical sparkling effect then take the creativity to the next level by encouraging kids to make their own red-nosed, sleigh-pulling team of Chocolate Popcorn Reindeer.

Discover more decorative dessert recipes at popcorn.org.

Coconut Popcorn Snowballs

Yield: 8 balls (4 inches)

• 2          cups shredded or flaked sweetened coconut
• nonstick cooking spray
• 3          quarts popped popcorn
• 4          tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
• 3          cups miniature marshmallows
• 1          teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract
• 8          candy canes or candy cane sticks (about 3-4 inches)

1. Place large sheet wax or parchment paper over work surface. Spread coconut on paper.
2. Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
3. In medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows until melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated.
4. Spray hands with cooking spray and press mixture firmly to form into balls. Place balls on coconut; roll and press coconut to coat. While holding popcorn balls, gently press candy cane into each ball.
5. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap for storage.

Jingle Balls

Yield: 12 cups

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 12        cups popped popcorn
• 6          tablespoons butter or margarine
• 3          cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2       teaspoon peppermint extract
• assorted colored sugars

1. Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Add popcorn.
2. Spread plastic wrap on cookie sheet; set aside.
3. In medium saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows; stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour over popcorn, mixing until well coated. Let cool 2 minutes.
4. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and form popcorn mixture into 3-inch balls. Gently press colored sugar onto balls. Let sit on prepared cookie sheet until cool and set.

Chocolate Popcorn Reindeer

Servings: 8

• 8          cups unsalted, unbuttered, popped popcorn
• 2 1/2    cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2       cup chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips
• 2          tablespoons butter or light olive oil
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 16        pretzel sticks
• 16        eyeball candies
• 8          red candy-coated
• chocolate candies

1. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.
2. In saucepan over medium heat, heat marshmallows, chocolate, butter and salt, stirring often, until smooth. Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn until well combined.
3. Scoop 3/4 cup popcorn mixture into ball. Repeat with remaining mixture to make eight balls. Place each ball in paper muffin cup liner.
4. Insert one pretzel stick on each side of ball to resemble antlers, attach two eyeball candies for “eyes” and one red chocolate candy for “nose.” Repeat with remaining balls. Let cool completely.

Holiday Popcorn Snowmen

Yield: 5 snowmen

• 1          package (1 pound) large marshmallows
• 1/4       cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, plus additional for greasing hands
• 1          teaspoon vanilla
• 10        cups popped popcorn
• sprinkles (optional)
• licorice (optional)
• gum drops (optional)
• cinnamon candies (optional)

1. In large saucepan, melt marshmallows and 1/4 cup butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let stand 5 minutes.
2. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and stir. Butter hands well and form into balls.
3. Decorate with sprinkles, licorice, gum drops and cinnamon candies, if desired.

Popcorn Board

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

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

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

A Sweet Morning Eat

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

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

Find more recipe ideas at honey.com.

Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken

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

Chicken:

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

Waffles:

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

• honey

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

A Dairy-Fueled Brunch Dish

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

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

Visit milkmeansmore.org for more morning dishes.

Breakfast Casserole

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

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

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

A Bundt Cake for Brunch

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

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

Find more sweet treat ideas at chsugar.com.

Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

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

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

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

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

Source:  Domino Golden Sugar
United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Family Features) Brunch with family and friends can be a treat any time of the year, but spring’s fresh, seasonal ingredients and warmer days practically beg loved ones to gather for the morning meal.

These cute, kid-friendly Bunny Oatmeal and Easy Egg Casserole recipes are simple and made with real foods like milk, bringing richness and flavor, and ingredients you can feel good serving to kids.

Whether it’s skim milk for lighter lattes with friends, 2% milk to wash down birthday cake or strawberry milk for a sweet celebration surrounding the game-winning goal, milk’s already a part of the foods – and meaningful moments – that matter.

For more kid-friendly, seasonal recipe ideas, visit milklife.com.

Bunny Oatmeal

Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Edwards of Creme de la Crumb on behalf of Milk Life
Servings: 1

• 1/3       cup instant oats
• 3/4       cup fat-free milk
• 1/4       teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon vanilla
• 1          teaspoon brown sugar
• 2/3       small banana
• 2          fresh blueberries
• 1/2       small strawberry
• chocolate syrup (optional)
• 1          glass milk (8 ounces)

1. In microwave-safe bowl, stir oats, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar. Microwave on high 30-60 seconds and stir.
2. Cut banana in half crosswise. Cut 1 1/8-inch thick coin slice from flat ends of each banana half. Place two banana slices in upper third of oatmeal bowl, side by side, to make eyes. Top each banana slice with one blueberry.
3. Place remaining banana halves at top of bowl, hanging out, to create ears.
4. Place strawberry in middle of bowl to make nose then drizzle chocolate, if desired, to make mouth and whiskers.
5. Serve with 8-ounce glass of real milk for added nutrition.

Nutritional information per serving: 320 calories; 2 g fat; 10 mg cholesterol; 18 g protein; 59 g carbohydrates; 5 g fiber; 190 mg sodium; 550 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk and include 8-ounce glass of milk.  

Easy Egg Casserole

Recipe courtesy of Milk Life
Servings: 1

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          cup lean ham, cubed
• 1          cup frozen seasoned potatoes with fresh onions and peppers
• 3/4       cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2       cup low-fat cheddar or Swiss cheese, shredded
• 6          eggs
• 3/4       cup fat-free milk
• 1          glass milk (8 ounces)

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly coat 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. In bottom of casserole dish, arrange ham, potatoes, spinach and cheese.
2. In large bowl, beat eggs and milk. Pour mixture over ingredients in casserole dish. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed.
3. Serve with 8-ounce glass of real milk for added nutrition.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 9 g fat; 3 g saturated fat; 350 mg cholesterol; 32 g protein; 34 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 630 mg sodium; 500 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk and include 8-ounce glass of milk.

Source:  MilkPEP

(Culinary.net) If you’re looking for an easy dessert, this Whoopie Pie recipe is the perfect way to cap off weeknight meals.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Whoopie Pies

• 1          box spice cake mix
• 1 1/2    cups apple butter
• 1/2       cup canola oil
• 2          eggs
• 8          ounces cream cheese
• 4          tablespoons butter
• 3          cups powdered sugar
• 2          tablespoons milk
• 1          teaspoon vanilla

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In large bowl, whisk spice cake mix, apple butter, oil and eggs.
4. With ice cream scoop or large tablespoon, spoon batter into rounded heaps, about 2-3 inches in diameter, onto parchment paper. Space spooned batter 2 inches apart.
5. Bake 14 minutes. Let cool.
6. In large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla; beat until blended.
7. Frost flat sides of pie halves and place halves together.
8. Refrigerate and store in sealed container.

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

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

For more recipes and information, visit grandmasmolasses.com.

Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Yield: 6 dozen cookies

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

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

 Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Source: Grandma's Molasses

(Family Features) Brew up a witch’s cauldron of fun this Halloween with special spooky treats. The Haunted House Cake looks almost too spooky to eat, but this masterpiece will disappear as if by magic. Invite guests to tread through the graveyard of creative chocolatey treats you’ve conjured up with some of your favorite candies.

Haunted House Cake

Prep time: 20 minutes
Decoration time: 40 minutes
Makes: 1 cake

2          cans (16 ounces each) vanilla frosting
orange food coloring
2          frozen pound cakes (16 ounces each), thawed
1          box thin chocolate wafer cookies
1          tube (.68 ounces) black decorating gel
1          bag Twix Fun Size Bars
1          bag M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies Pumpkin Patch Mix
1          bag M&M’S Peanut Chocolate Candies Pumpkin Patch Mix

In bowl, tint frosting orange using food coloring; set aside.

Spread 1/2 cup frosting on bottom of both pound cakes; press together. Stand cakes vertically on serving plate.

Create pitch of roof by trimming top of one cake at slight angle. Trim other cake at steeper angle to make roof look tipsy.

Completely cover cake with remaining frosting. For roof tiles, break chocolate wafers in half and arrange, overlapping slightly.

Pipe black decorating gel for windows. Add candy bars for door and chimney. Use broken wafer cookies for shutters. Use chocolate candies to outline top of roof and sides of house.

In food processor, grind remaining cookies along with a few candy bars. Spread mixture around base of house for “dirt” and scatter chocolate candies on top.