(Family Features) Breezy spring days can lead you on nearly any adventure, and they can happen in your own backyard, on a short road trip or during a full-blown beach vacation. No matter where you are when those warmer days arrive, you can put outdoor meals on the menu and take advantage of perfect opportunities for fresh brunch spreads to share with loved ones.

Whether you’re enjoying spring sunshine at home or traveling with friends and family, Florida Orange Juice can be a delicious, nutritious addition to your outdoor plans. By delivering a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have associated health benefits, it’s perfect for supporting healthy immune systems and overall health.

With no added sugar, 100% orange juice comes coupled with essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, folate and thiamin. Orange juice is one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods, and it can serve as a substitution for sugar-sweetened beverages in the diets of both children and adults while providing a convenient way to complement whole fruit intake to help reach one’s daily fruit intake recommendations. 

As an ultimate go-to beverage and ingredient, Florida Orange Juice is convenient and versatile for use in breakfast recipes like these Orange Juice Biscuits or cocktails such as Orange Juice Spicy Margaritas. These naturally sweet, tasty recipes make for ideal additions to brunch menus all spring long.

“Families across the country are planning spring vacations and springtime brunches, so it’s an important time to think about wellness and immune health,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “As the ultimate drink for spring, 100% orange juice is a healthy option while on the go and it’s easy to add into almost any recipe. It’s rich in vitamin C and includes other nutrients like potassium, folate and thiamin, making it a great choice for overall wellness.”

To find more ways to enhance spring brunches, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Orange Juice Biscuits

Orange Butter Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups Florida Orange Juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Orange Biscuits:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 2 cups bleached all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading
• 1 2/3 tablespoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup Florida Orange Juice

1. To make orange butter sauce: Boil orange juice 5 minutes, or until reduced by half. Add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
2. To make orange biscuits: Preheat oven to 425 F.
3. Use fingers to rub sugar and zest together until sugar is moistened and looks like wet sand.
4. In large bowl, whisk orange sugar, 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Using two forks or pastry blender, cut in shortening to size of small peas.
5. Combine milk and orange juice then stir into flour mixture to make sticky dough.
6. Turn out dough onto well-floured work surface. Sprinkle top with flour and knead about six times while folding dough over in half and using more flour as needed.
7. Pat dough out to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with round cutter by dipping cutter in flour then pressing into dough. Do not turn cutter while pressing.
8. Place biscuits close together but not touching on baking sheet.
9. Gather dough scraps and fold 2-3 times, pat out again and cut biscuits. Repeat until dough is used.
10. Brush tops with orange butter sauce. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature with remaining sauce.

Orange Juice Spicy Margaritas

• 2 cups Florida Orange Juice
• ice
• 2 cups simple syrup
• 8 ounces silver tequila
• 2 ounces triple sec or orange liqueur
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 4 ounces seltzer
• ghost pepper salt, to taste
• 4 Florida Orange slices, 1/4-inch thick

1. In saucepan over medium heat, reduce orange juice to 1 cup and allow to cool.
2. Fill cocktail shaker 3/4 full with ice. Add orange juice reduction, simple syrup, tequila, triple sec and lime juice.
3. Shake and pour into four glasses. Top each glass with 1 ounce seltzer.
4. Pour ghost pepper salt onto saucer and dip edges of orange slices in ghost pepper salt. Place orange slices on rim of each glass, if desired.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Culinary.net) Almost nothing says comfort food quite like a freshly baked casserole. Next time your family asks for a warm, comforting meal, try this Rotisserie Chicken-Biscuit Casserole with just a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes of cook time.

Find more comfort food recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Rotisserie Chicken-Biscuit Casserole

• 1          whole rotisserie chicken
• 8          refrigerated biscuits
• 1          can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2       cup milk
• 1/4       cup sour cream
• 2          cups frozen vegetables
• 1/2       teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8       teaspoon pepper

1. Heat oven to 450° F.
2. Remove meat from rotisserie chicken and shred; set aside. Discard bones.
3. Cut biscuits into quarters; set aside.
4. In saucepan, stir soup, milk, sour cream, chicken, vegetables, basil and pepper. Cook until boiling.
5. Spoon chicken mixture into baking dish. Arrange quartered biscuits over filling.
6. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.

When you need a breakfast to feed a large group, this Biscuit-Sausage Mushroom Casserole is a perfect option. The savory aromas of sausage and bacon are almost sure to have your guests standing in line with a plate and fork in hand.

For more breakfast recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

 Biscuit-Sausage Mushroom Casserole

• 1          package (16 ounces) pork sausage
• 1          package (12 ounces) bacon, chopped
• 8          tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2       cup flour
• 4          cups milk
• 1          package (8 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
• 12        eggs
• 1          can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1          can (12 ounces) flaky biscuits

1. In pan over medium-high heat, cook pork sausage until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and drain sausage. Set aside.
2. Chop bacon into small pieces. In separate pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and drain bacon. Set aside.
3. In saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Add flour; whisk until smooth. Cook on low heat 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk. Cook until bubbly and thickened. Add sausage, bacon and mushrooms; mix well. Set aside.
4. In large bowl, combine eggs, evaporated milk and salt. Using whisk, beat until blended.
5. In saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add egg mixture; cook until firm but moist, stirring occasionally.
6. Heat oven to 350° F.
7. Spray 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Spoon half the egg mixture into bottom of baking dish. Top with half the gravy mixture. Repeat layers.
9. Separate biscuit dough and cut into quarters. Top sauce with biscuit quarters, points facing up.
10. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until mixture is heated and biscuits are golden brown.

See more videos!

(Family Features) Enjoy your summer with fresh fruit like strawberries in this Easy Strawberry Shortcake recipe.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make recipe!

Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Recipe courtesy of Pillsbury

• 1          can (5-8) Pillsbury flaky buttermilk biscuits
• 2          tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4       cup sugar

Strawberry mixture:

• 3          cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/3       cup sugar

Whipped cream:

• 1/2       cup whipping cream
• 2          tablespoons sugar
• 1/4       teaspoon vanilla

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Separate biscuits. Dip tops and sides of biscuits in melted butter. Dip biscuits, covering tops and sides, in sugar. Place sugar-side up on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 13-17 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. To make strawberry mixture: In medium bowl, mix strawberries and sugar. Set aside.
4. To make whipped cream: In small bowl, beat whipping cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and beat into mixture.
5. On plate, split biscuits and put dollop of whipped cream mixture on bottom half of biscuit. Add strawberry mixture. Replace biscuit top and dollop with whipping cream.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) During the season for outdoor parties, reunions, picnics and delicious desserts, try bringing a new dish to the table with a recipe like this Apple-Cranberry Cobbler. 

Find more recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Apple-Cranberry Cobbler

Recipe courtesy of Wilton

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 5          apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1 1/2    cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2          teaspoons lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2       cup granulated sugar
• 2          tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1          container (10.2 ounces) refrigerated home-style biscuits, quartered
• 2          tablespoons butter, melted
• 2          tablespoons sparkling sugar

1. Heat oven to 375 °F.
2. Prepare pie pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In large bowl, mix apple slices, cranberries, lemon juice and vanilla extract.
4. In small bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Stir into fruit mixture.
5. Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Cover with foil. Bake on cookie sheet 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven.
6. Toss biscuits in melted butter. Distribute cut biscuits over fruit.
7. Sprinkle biscuits with sparkling sugar. Return to oven and bake 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven.
8. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) The most important meal of the day deserves to be special, so enjoy a fresh take on some classic recipes and infuse delicious gourmet flavors into every bite.

Biscuits should be bursting with mouth-watering flavor, not boring or bland. Try this recipe for biscuits infused with Salted Caramel and Warm Cinnamon Graham flavors using the Wilton Treatology Flavor System.

Or, boost a breakfast staple with a tropical twist on the traditional pancake using warm, Toasted Coconut flavor concentrate to infuse bold new flavor into pancake batter. Then, hot off the griddle, slather generously with caramel-infused butter amped up with brown sugar for a salty-sweet combination worth waking up for.

Treatology makes it easy to infuse new flavor combinations into countless recipes for every meal from breakfast through dessert. Use the Wilton Treatology Flavor System to mix drops of flavor and create your own recipes. For more recipe ideas, visit www.wilton.com/treatology.

Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits with Caramel Glaze

Makes: 1 dozen biscuits

Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon Wilton Treatology Warm Cinnamon Graham Flavor Concentrate
• 1 cup raisins

Glaze:

• 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon half and half
• 4 drops Wilton Treatology Salted Caramel Flavor Concentrate

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In large bowl, stir together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In measuring cup, stir together milk and Warm Cinnamon Graham Flavor Concentrate. Stir milk mixture and raisins into flour mixture until a dough forms.
4. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead 3-4 times or until dough comes together. Roll dough to 1-inch thickness and cut biscuits using a 2-inch round cutter, re-rolling dough as necessary. Place biscuits onto prepared pan.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on pan on cooling grid 5 minutes.
6. For glaze, whisk together confectioners' sugar, half and half and Salted Caramel Flavor Concentrate. Spoon glaze over biscuits and serve warm.

Coconut Caramel Pancakes

Makes: 12-15 pancakes

Pancakes:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Wilton Treatology Toasted Coconut Flavor Concentrate

Flavored Butter:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/4 cup firmly-packed dark brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon Wilton Treatology Salted Caramel Flavor Concentrate
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. In medium bowl, combine milk, egg, butter and Toasted Coconut Flavor Concentrate. Create well in center of flour mixture and pour in milk mixture. Whisk until all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with vegetable spray. Pour 3 tablespoons batter onto hot skillet, flipping once when pancake stops bubbling and sides are dry.
4. In small bowl stir together butter, brown sugar, Salted Caramel Flavor Concentrate and salt until combined.
5. Serve pancakes warm with flavored butter.

Source: Wilton Products

(Family Features) When planning this year’s holiday menu, consider building meals around a versatile main course that you can dress up or down and then integrate into easy leftover dishes. A ham is a perfect solution because it works equally well as the centerpiece of an elegant meal or as savory sliders to serve with chutney or hot mustard.

Beyond versatile ingredients, a winning holiday menu relies on proper preparation, and that’s why quality cookware is essential. An option like Anolon Gourmet Cookware is designed for superior performance that can help bring joy to cooking and features heavy-duty pan bodies and comfort-grip handles for safe and secure lifting and leverage. The aesthetically pleasing cookware’s premium-quality, nonstick surface provides lasting durability, effortless food release and easy clean up – perfect for the busy holiday season.

Ham it Up (or Down)

Ham is an ideal holiday protein because you can serve it as a centerpiece dish or as part of a more casual meal and still achieve great results either way. Make the most of this holiday favorite with these tips:

• Be sure to get a ham big enough for leftovers. It's just as good sliced up for sandwiches or fried with eggs as it is when presented in its full glory out of the oven.
• Think beyond the main table. A glazed ham is pretty on the table, but it's also delicious when served casually, for example on a sandwich bar with savory rolls, tangy mustards and other condiments.
• If your holiday plans are up in the air, go ahead and make a ham in advance to keep on hand for casual meals during the busy holiday season or for a quick meal with unexpected guests.

Explore more cookware options to serve up your holiday best at anolon.com.

Country Ham and Cheddar on Biscuits

Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware
Servings: 24

Chutney:

• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• medium Anolon skillet
• 1          small onion, finely chopped
• 2          teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 3/4       teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4       cup dried currants
• 3          tablespoons water
• 2          tablespoons raspberry vinegar
• 2          tablespoons sugar
• 1/4       cup apple jelly
• 1          tablespoon country Dijon mustard
• 1/4       teaspoon salt

Biscuits:

• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
• 1          teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon baking soda
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 8          tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4       cup low-fat buttermilk, plus 2 tablespoons
• Anolon large nonstick baking sheet
• 1          large egg yolk, beaten

• 12        ounces country ham, thinly sliced
• 6          slices (about 6 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese

1. To make chutney: heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and ginger; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 3-4 minutes.
2. Add curry powder and cinnamon; cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in currants and cook until slightly softened, 2 minutes.
3. Add water and vinegar and cook until currants plump slightly, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in sugar and cook 1 minute.
5. Remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes. Stir in jelly, mustard and salt; refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. To make biscuits: Heat oven to 425° F.
7. In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pepper, baking soda and salt. Using pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until mixture is moistened.
8. In bowl, knead dough 3-4 times to bring together. Press dough into disk and wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 20-30 minutes. On lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using 2-inch fluted biscuit cutter, start at outside edge of dough and cut out biscuits and set on baking sheet. Gently press dough scraps together and roll again to 1/2-inch thickness. Repeat to cut out 24 biscuits total. Brush tops of biscuits with egg yolk.
9. Bake biscuits in center of oven until puffed and tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 15 minutes.
10. Split biscuits in half and set aside. Lay ham slices on cutting board in single layer. Using 2-inch fluted biscuit cutter, punch out 24 ham circles and place each on bottom half of biscuit. Lay cheese slices on cutting board and punch out 24 circles to place each on top of ham. Spoon chutney evenly on top of each biscuit then replace top half of each biscuit.

Note: Biscuits can be assembled several hours ahead of serving and kept in refrigerator.

Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware
Servings: 14-16

• 11-12   pounds shank half bone-in cooked ham
• large Anolon roasting pan
• 4          cups cola, divided
• 2          cups orange juice, divided
• 1/2       cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4       cup Dijon mustard

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Trim skin and excess fat off ham. With sharp knife, score ham all over in diamond pattern. Place ham in roasting pan then pour 1 cup cola and 1 cup orange juice over it. Cover pan with aluminum foil and roast 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. While ham roasts, in medium saucepan, combine remaining cola, orange juice, brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat and cook about 45-48 minutes, until reduced to 1 cup and mixture is slightly syrupy.
4. After ham roasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, remove foil and baste with glaze. Continue roasting and basting ham every 15 minutes with glaze until it is glossy and instant read thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 145° F, about 1 hour and 15-30 minutes longer. Remove from oven and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Source: Anolon Gourmet Cookware

Add a delicious twist to entertaining

(Family Features) The holidays are the ultimate time for connecting with friends and family, so treat them to something special this year with your own mouthwatering take on a holiday feast. Add a new and delicious twist to entertaining this season with a festive bacon bar.

Mix things up with simple decorating tips and these easy-to-make – and even easier to eat – bacon recipes from Smithfield that can help create the perfect setting for your next holiday gathering. Whether drizzled with caramel and sea salt, twisted with puff pastry or baked with bourbon and maple syrup, your guests can enjoy bacon in a variety of ways. The classic cut and versatility of Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon is ideal for dishes you can include in your bacon bar like bacon cheddar biscuits, savory bacon jam and flavorful bacon salt. You can also incorporate different bacon flavors; with more than 10 different Smithfield varieties to choose from, there truly is something for everyone.

Complete your holiday spread with printed labels that festively identify the variety of bacon flavors, unique recipes and side dishes on display. Simply print templates onto thick card stock and cut to your desired shape. Use twine or holiday ribbon to tie the labels onto mason jars, bowls or baskets, or use a small clothespin to clip the labels onto your bacon creations. Garnish your display with garland, red berries and pine cones for added holiday cheer.

Visit Smithfield.com/BaconBar for printable labels, more decor ideas and recipe inspiration to give your own bacon bar a personal touch.

Crispy Bacon Twists with Gouda and Apricot Preserves

Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 15

• Nonstick spray
• flour, for dusting
• 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup (12 ounces) apricot preserves
• 2 cups (about 7 ounces) Gouda cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 pounds (about 25-30 slices) Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Line two rimmed baking pans with foil, set baking racks in pans and lightly spray racks with nonstick spray.
2. On lightly floured surface, roll out one puff pastry sheet to roughly 8-by-12 inches. Brush top with egg and thinly spread 1/2 cup preserves over dough. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon rosemary, lightly pressing cheese mixture into dough. Fold short end of dough over to enclose cheese mixture and lightly roll to seal. Cut into 15 1/2-inch strips. Repeat with remaining puff pastry and ingredients.
3. Lay one slice bacon diagonally. Grab one strip of prepared dough by ends and place one end of dough strip horizontally at top end of bacon and roll bacon with dough downward, stretching dough strip while rolling. Place spiral-wrapped bacon twist on prepared rack and repeat.
4. Bake twists 35-45 minutes, or until pastry is browned and bacon crisp, rotating pans as needed for even cooking.
5. Let cool 5 minutes and gently use spatula to remove twists from racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tip: For a different flavor, try smoked or aged Gouda or fresh thyme instead of rosemary.

Caramelized Bourbon Bacon

Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 12

• 2 packages (16 ounces each) Smithfield Thick Cut Bacon
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Line two baking pans with parchment paper.
2. Remove bacon from package and space evenly on pans without overlapping slices.
   Place pans in oven and bake 15 minutes. Rotate pans halfway through baking time. Meanwhile, combine honey, bourbon and syrup.
3. Remove bacon from oven. Carefully drain grease from pans. Brush bacon with bourbon mixture. Return to oven and bake 3-5 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.

Sea Salt Caramel Bacon

Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 12

• 2 packages (12 ounces each) Smithfield Thick Cut Bacon
• 4 tablespoons caramel topping
• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Line two baking pans with nonstick foil.
2. Remove bacon from package and space evenly on pans without overlapping slices.
3. Place pans in oven and bake 10 minutes. Rotate pans and continue baking until crisp, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Using tongs, place bacon slices on clean parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Let cool slightly.
4. Heat caramel in microwave 10 seconds. Drizzle bacon with caramel. Sprinkle with sea salt. Return to oven and bake 2 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes. Using tongs, remove to cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Bacon Cheddar Biscuits

Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 12

• 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup cooked Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon, diced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon and extra for rolling, divided
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 3/4 cup milk

1. Heat oven to 450° F.
2. In small bowl, toss together cheese, green onions and bacon with 1 tablespoon flour. Set aside. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Use pastry cutter or two forks to cut in butter.
3. Add milk and stir just enough to bring ingredients together. Gently fold in cheese mixture.
4. Turn dough onto floured surface and knead about 1 minute. Pat or roll out dough to 1/2- or 3/4-inch thickness. Cut into rounds with 2 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter.
5. Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Source: Smithfield

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