(Family Features) The next best thing to baking cookies for many home chefs is baking cookies with friends. Dust off your favorite recipes, create a festive playlist and fill your home with the tantalizing aroma of baked goodies for the ultimate Christmas cookie party.

Turn things up a notch and swap classic sugar cookies for these festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, Peppermint Truffle Cookies and Almond Gingerbread Cookies. Along with those tasty treats, don’t let your guests go thirsty. Add peppermint extract to a slow cooker hot chocolate so guests can sip and be merry throughout the party.

Find more holiday recipes at McCormick.com.

Peppermint Truffle Cookies

• 8          ounces bittersweet baking chocolate
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) butter
• 1          cup sugar, divided
• 1          egg
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract
• 2          cups flour
• 36        milk chocolate kiss-shaped candies, unwrapped

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large, microwavable bowl, heat chocolate and butter on high 1-2 minutes, or until butter is melted. Let stand 10 minutes to cool slightly. Add 1/2 cup sugar, egg and peppermint extract. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually beat in flour on low speed until well mixed.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Press chocolate candy into center of each ball, forming dough around candy to enclose it. Roll in remaining sugar to coat. Place 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
4. Bake 9-11 minutes, or until cookies are set. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Almond Gingerbread Cookies

• 3          cups flour
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Ginger, Ground
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Cinnamon, Ground
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Nutmeg, Ground
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 3/4       cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4       cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2       cup molasses
• 1          egg
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/3    cups sliced almonds

1. In large bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.
2. In separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg and vanilla extract; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into thick, flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours, or as long as overnight.
3. Heat oven to 350° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sliced almonds, pressing almonds into dough. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until edges of cookies just begin to brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.

Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• 1/2       gallon (8 cups) whole milk
• 1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1          package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

1. Place whole milk, condensed milk, chocolate chips and peppermint extract in slow cooker. Cover. Cook 60-70 minutes on high, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is heated through, stirring every 15 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to warm or low to serve.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

• 1 2/3    cups flour
• 1/3       cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 1/4    cups granulated sugar
• 2          eggs
• 1 1/2    teaspoons McCormick Red Food Color
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2       cup confectioners’ sugar
• nonstick cooking spray

1. In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Refrigerate 4 hours.
2. Heat oven to 350° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in confectioners’ sugar to completely coat. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are puffed. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) If you love to entertain and want to support a good cause, now you can do both at the same time.

Currently in its 16th year, Cook for the Cure is a program that gives those with a passion for cooking a way to support the fight against breast cancer. Through culinary-based fundraising, events, auctions and the sale of select products, the partnership between KitchenAid and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has raised more than $10.7 million for the cause.

“It adds another layer of purpose to one of life’s great pleasures, cooking and enjoying food with family and friends,” said Anthony Pastrick, brand manager for KitchenAid. “The program continues to fuel passionate cooks with simple, creative ways to support a meaningful cause."

You can make a difference by hosting a party that lets you Cook for the Cure by raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Invite guests for an evening of appetizers, such as these Mini Fruit Tarts, and drinks. Encourage fundraising by awarding a prize to the guest with the highest donation, or let donors enter their names into a drawing to win a restaurant gift certificate or spa treatment.

Organize a fundraising bake sale. Get the neighbors involved in baking, promoting and selling – it’s a great way to bring people together. Your contribution could be these Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars.

Host a potluck brainstorming party. Invite people who share your passion for helping others to bring their favorite dish and think up creative ways to support the cause as a group. Vote on a project then let everyone pitch in to get started. Cooking good food, sharing time with friends and giving back to the community – that’s a recipe for a truly great party. Learn more at CookfortheCure.com.

10,000 Cupcakes

Sharing baked goods with friends is a pleasure. Now you can make it even more meaningful by sharing to raise money for a good cause.

From Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, for every original cupcake image or video shared on Twitter or Instagram with the collective hashtags #10000cupcakes and #donate, KitchenAid will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen, up to a maximum donation of $10,000. In addition, KitchenAid will donate $250,000 or more to Susan G. Komen through the Cook for the Cure program to support the fight against breast cancer. Since 2001, they have donated more than $10.7 million to Komen through the initiative, sales of pink products, celebrity chef auctions and fundraisers hosted by supporters.

Visit cookforthecure.kitchenaid.com/10000cupcakes/ to see the full terms and conditions and learn more about the 10,000 Cupcakes program.

Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars

Recipe courtesy of Lindsay Conchar of Life, Love & Sugar on behalf of KitchenAid
Makes: 12-16 bars

• 1 1/2    cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5          tablespoons butter, melted
• 16        ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2    cups powdered sugar, divided
• 3          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 1/4    cups heavy whipping cream, divided
• fresh berries

1. Line 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, bringing up over sides.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter, and stir until well combined. Press crumb mixture evenly into bottom of cake pan. Set aside.
3. In bowl of stand mixer, beat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth. In separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until it starts to thicken. Add remaining powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half the whipped cream into cheesecake mixture and place remainder in refrigerator to use later. Spread cheesecake mixture evenly in cake pan.
4. Refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours, or until firm.
5. Use parchment paper on sides to lift bars out of pan then cut into squares. Use remaining whipped cream to top cheesecake bars then add fresh berries, as desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Mini Fruit Tarts

Recipe courtesy of Kelly Kwok of Life Made Sweeter on behalf of KitchenAid
Makes: 6 pastries

Pastries:

• 1          frozen puff pastry sheet (17.3 ounces), thawed
• 1          large egg
• 1-2       teaspoons milk

Frosting:

• 1/4       cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 8          ounces cream cheese, chilled
• 1-2       tablespoons coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk, plus additional             (optional)
• 1          teaspoon coconut extract
• 1/2       teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3-3 1/2             cups powdered sugar, plus additional (optional)

Toppings:

• assorted fresh fruit
• powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

1. To make pastries: Heat oven to 400° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Place puff pastry sheet on lightly floured work surface and cut each sheet into 12 3-inch squares.
3. In small bowl, beat egg with milk to make egg wash and lightly brush onto each square.
4. Transfer pastries onto baking sheet and bake 10 minutes, until pastries have puffed up and are golden.
5. Cool completely on wire rack.
6. To make frosting: In stand mixer bowl fitted with flat beater, beat butter on medium speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
7. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth and fully incorporated. Add coconut cream, coconut extract and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
8. Gently stir in powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Turn stand mixer on high and beat 1 minute, until fully combined. Add additional powdered sugar and coconut cream until desired consistency and level of sweetness is reached.
9. Spread or pipe coconut cream cheese frosting into middle.
10. Top with fresh fruit and another pastry square. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Chris Scheuer of The Cafe Sucre Farine (cupcake)

Source: KitchenAid

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

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

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

Caramel Crumble Bars

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

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

Easy Apple Pie Bars

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

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

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

Source: Musselman’s Apple Butter

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

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

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

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

Easy Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Makes 25 truffles

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

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

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

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

Source: Organic Valley

Crust

• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Icing

• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Crust: Combine all ingredients; mix well. Pat firmly into 8-inch square cake pan. Bake 12 minutes or until golden.
3. Filling: Beat egg whites and brown sugar. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into egg mixture; mix well. Stir in coconut, cherries and pecans. Spread over crust. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Icing: Beat all ingredients together until creamy. Drop spoonfuls of icing onto warmed bars; spread gently. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Makes 16 bars

Source: CanolaInfo | National Sweet Cherry Foundation

(Family Features) When the scent of fresh blooms begins to fill the air, it’s a sure sign that spring has sprung. It’s the perfect time of year to gather loved ones for a leisurely meal, then linger over dessert as you enjoy this season of refreshment.

No dessert menu is complete without an array of treats, and these creamy, homemade Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars are the perfect way to put a sweet finishing touch on your celebrations. Or go for a crowd pleaser with this Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert and its smooth, velvety texture and plump, juicy cherries.

The secret ingredient in each of these desserts is Lucky Leaf Fruit Fillings, which are GMO-free and contain plenty of fruit – and no high-fructose corn syrup – for exceptional tasting desserts every time. With popular flavors like apple, blueberry, cherry and strawberry, you have plenty of convenient, versatile ways to dress up desserts.

Find more tasty treats for all your spring entertaining at luckyleaf.com.

Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

Recipe courtesy of Inside BruCrew Life blog
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 30 vanilla cream-filled cookies
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 eggs
• green gel food coloring (optional)
• 1 can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Blueberry Pie Filling, divided
• 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
• key lime slices (optional)

1. Place baking sheet on bottom rack of oven. Fill halfway with water. Heat oven to 325° F. Line 9-by-13-inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
2. Using food processor, pulse cookies until crumbly. Stir together crumbs and butter. Press evenly into bottom of prepared pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar and sour cream, and beat again until smooth. Add key lime juice, zest and flour, and beat until mixed thoroughly. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat gently after each. Add green food coloring to cheesecake mixture, if desired.
4. Spread cheesecake batter evenly over crust in pan. Add 1 cup of blueberry pie filling over top of cheesecake. Use butter knife to gently swirl pie filling into cheesecake. Do not let knife go through to crust.
5. Place pan on oven rack above tray of water. Bake 45-48 minutes. Remove immediately and place on wire rack for 1 hour then place in refrigerator until completely chilled.
6. Cut into 24 squares and serve with whipped topping, remaining pie filling and key lime wedges.

Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert

Recipe courtesy of Lemon Tree Dwelling blog
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 16 ounces whipped topping, divided
• 2 small boxes cheesecake-flavored pudding
• 3 cups milk
• 1 can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling
• 1/2 cup. chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In medium mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, finely chopped pecans and butter.
3. Press into 9-by-13-inch baking pan; bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
4. In separate mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Mix until smooth; spread evenly over cooled crust.
5. Combine cheesecake pudding mix, milk and 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, and mix until smooth. Spread evenly over cream cheese layer in pan.
6. Top with pie filling, remaining whipped topping and chopped pecans.

Source: Lucky Leaf

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The Mother’s Day Edition

(Family Features) Whether she’s your mom or a “like-a-mother” mentor, chances are you’ve got a lot to thank her for this Mother’s Day. It’s a time for celebrating your biggest supporters, number one fans and best friends.

In life, we’re lucky to form relationships with women we can learn from and grow with. Beth Somers, Elizabeth Nelson and Emily Tatak from the Wilton Test Kitchen consider themselves lucky.

Beth Somers, Director of Creative Content Development, owes her start to her former boss Milette Raz. Raz is trained in the Wilton Method of Cake DecoratingTM and taught Somers how to decorate. But Somers thinks of Raz as so much more — calling her a mentor, her second mother and her friend. Years after working together, the duo teamed up for Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, returning home as champions of season six with winning recipes like Tropical Getaway Cupcakes.

Elizabeth Nelson, Assistant Culinary Specialist, attributes her love of baking to her grandma Ann, learning the basics with her and picking up passed down recipes that she brought with her to college. She looks up to her mother, her grandmother and her great-grandmother, whom she’s told she also gets her competitive nature from. Nelson and her grandmother went through a lot of trial and error together to come up with what they believe is the perfect cinnamon roll recipe, very similar to this recipe for Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze.

For Emily Tatak, preserving family recipes and continuing the traditions around the holidays and in the kitchen led to her career at Wilton as an Assistant Culinary Specialist. She owes her inspiration to her mom, who taught her how to bake. Together they iced cakes, decorated sugar cookies and even made a gingerbread house from scratch. Keeping with tradition, celebrating the holidays without grandma Irene’s Kolachy recipe just wouldn’t be the same.

For more recipe ideas to honor your mother or special mentor, visit s.wilton.com/MentorKnowsBest.

Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze

Servings: 1 dozen rolls

Rolls:

• 1 1/3 cups warm milk (105°F)
• 2 packages (1/4-ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting

Filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons bread flour
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Glaze:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup lightly-packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (about 1/4 pound)

1. For rolls, stir together warm milk, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in large bowl. Let stand 5–10 minutes or until foamy. Add butter, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, egg yolks, vanilla and salt. Mix with electric mixer using dough hook on medium speed until combined. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix on medium speed until smooth, elastic dough forms, about 5 minutes.
2. Spray large bowl with vegetable pan spray. Form dough into ball, place into bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand in warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
3. For filling, stir together butter, sugar, flour and cinnamon in medium bowl until well-combined.
4. Prepare 13-by-9-inch pan with vegetable pan spray.
5. Punch dough down and roll out to 18-by-14-inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread filling onto dough and roll up from long end, like a jelly roll. Pinch seam to seal, trim ends and cut into 12 equally-sized pieces.
6. Place rolls into prepared pan; cover with plastic wrap and let rise 25–30 minutes or until doubled in size.
7. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap from rolls and bake 25–29 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack while preparing glaze.
8. For glaze, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cream. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture reaches a simmer; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Pour glaze over warm rolls. Serve warm.

Grandma’s Kolachy Cookies

Servings: 6 1/2 dozen cookies

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Poppy seed, apricot and strawberry pastry filling
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

1. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Add flour, vanilla and salt; beat until just combined. Divide dough into 2 disks. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill at least 12 hours.
2. Heat oven to 375°F.
3. Working with 1 disk at a time, roll each to 1/8-inch thickness on generously floured surface. Cut cookies using 2-inch round cutter. Place on cookie sheet and make indentation in dough with thumb. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon pastry filling into each indentation.
4. Bake 16–18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool cookies on pan on cooling grid 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on grid. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Tropical Getaway Cupcakes

Servings: 2 dozen

Cupcakes:

• 2 eggs plus 4 egg whites, lightly beaten (reserve 2 yolks for filling)
• 1 cup cream of coconut
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened and cut into tablespoons

Filling:

• 2 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1/4 cups thick mango juice, divided
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Pinch salt

Icing:

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (about 1 orange)
• 1 teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pans with baking cups.
2. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, cream of coconut, water, coconut and vanilla extracts until well combined.
3. In large bowl, mix flour, shredded coconut, sugar, baking powder and salt with electric mixer on low speed until combined, about 15 seconds. Add butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat on low speed until mixture looks dry and crumbly and largest chunks of butter are about 1/4 inch in diameter, about 30 seconds. Stop mixer and add half of liquid ingredients. Beat on low speed until flour mixture is moistened, about 15 seconds. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 45 seconds. With mixer still running, slowly stream in remaining liquid. Stop mixer and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Beat on medium speed for an additional 30 seconds. Divide batter evenly into baking cups, filling about 2/3 full.
4. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in centers of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan on cooling grid 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on grid.
5. For filling, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch and 1/4 cup mango juice in small bowl until smooth.
6. In saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup mango juice, sugar and salt. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Slowly stream half of hot liquid into egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Add egg yolk mixture back into saucepan and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Strain through fine mesh sieve. Cool completely.
7. For icing, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy; gradually add confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, scraping down bottom and sides of bowl as necessary. Add orange zest and vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
   To assemble, remove center of cupcake with coring tool or paring knife. Fill with mango filling. Pipe icing onto cupcakes.

Note: Stir cream of coconut before measuring it, as it tends to settle as it sits. Coconut can be coarsely chopped in food processor or with knife.

Easy ideas for feeding unexpected holiday guests

(Family Features) The holiday season brings friends and family from far and wide, and that often means you’ll be rolling out the welcome mat to guests who drop by unexpectedly. Whether you encounter a surprise visit or well-intentioned plans get shifted in the hustle and bustle of the season, make-ahead dishes will let you go with the flow and have fuss-free snacks and meals on hand, ready to serve your loved ones no matter when they arrive.

Ease your mind one step further and ensure each recipe comes out perfectly by using the right equipment during preparation. For example, Anolon Gourmet Cookware is designed for superior performance, lasting durability that stands up to rigorous kitchen use and easy maintenance. With sturdy ergonomic handles for lifting and leverage, the equipment is both comfortable to hold and aesthetically pleasing.

Explore more pots, pans and cookware options from Anolon Gourmet Cookware at anolon.com to make it easy to welcome unexpected guests this holiday season.

Sausage, Cheddar and Sourdough Strata

Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware

• Large Anolon Advanced Umber Skillet
• 8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• butter
• Anolon Vesta 9-by-13-inch Baking Dish
• 1 sourdough baguette (12 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until no longer pink, 7-8 minutes, breaking into smaller pieces with wooden spoon. Transfer to bowl with slotted spoon. Add oil to skillet; stir in onion, garlic, thyme and basil: cook 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5-6 minutes; remove from heat.
2. Butter baking dish. Place single layer of bread on bottom; top evenly with onion mixture and sprinkle with sausage and cheese. Top with remaining bread slices.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper until well combined. Slowly pour mixture over top layer of bread. Cover with plastic wrap and place heavy objects (e.g., canned food) on top to weigh it down. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
4. Heat oven to 350° F.
5. Remove baking dish from refrigerator and uncover. Bake until strata is puffed and browned, and eggs are set, about 40-50 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before cutting into serving pieces.

Pumpkin and Macadamia Soup

Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware

• 3.5-Quart Anolon Advanced Umber Saucepan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped raw macadamia nuts
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cups diced squash or pumpkin
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups chicken stock
• roasted macadamia nuts, for garnish

1. In heavy-based, large saucepan, heat oil; add raw macadamias, onion and ginger, and saute over medium heat 2-3 minutes, or until golden.
2. Add squash and apple, and cook 1-2 minutes longer then pour over stock. Cover and cook 15-20 minutes, or until squash is soft.
3. Tip off some liquid and reserve then puree remainder using immersion blender, or in blender until smooth and creamy. Add reserved liquid to bring to desired consistency.
4. Reheat and serve in bowls sprinkled with roasted macadamias.

Brown Butter Pecan Cinnamon Bars

Recipe courtesy of Anolon Gourmet Cookware

• Anolon Vesta 9-by-13-inch Baking Dish
• 10 ounces unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease baking pan.
3. In medium pot over medium-low to medium heat, heat butter until golden brown, stirring frequently and making sure to scrape bottom of pan. Remove from heat and pour into bowl when golden brown to stop more coloring. Set aside.
4. Whisk together sugars, eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk in butter in steady stream. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and pecans. Stir until evenly blended.
5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
6. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Do not overcook or bars will be dry. Let cool to room temperature then cut into pieces.

Source: Anolon Gourmet Cookware

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Easy ideas for award-winning desserts

(Family Features) No matter the season or the reason, no party is complete without dessert. The trick to making the most out of your celebrations is finding ways to trim your kitchen time so you can enjoy the festivities, without sacrificing quality or flavor in your favorite sweet treats.

Many dessert recipes require multiple time-consuming steps, but using canned fruit can help cut down on prep work and provide you and your guests with a refreshing, delicious treat.

Fresh fruits are popular ingredients for desserts, but it can be difficult to know whether you’re choosing a ripe, sweet fruit. For example, pineapples have several potential indicators of ripeness, such as a sweet smell coming from the bottom of the fruit, the rind yielding slightly to pressure or a yellow, golden color rising toward the crown. An alternative such as Dole Canned Pineapple lets you know you’re getting pineapple that is at its sweetest, because the canning process locks in flavor when the fruit is perfectly ripe.

In addition to baked recipes, canned fruit is also well-suited for other desserts, such as fruit salads, baked muffins and breads, or even as a dessert topping. Whether you’re creating a blue ribbon recipe for a local competition – such as one of the most famous award-winning desserts, Pineapple Upside Down Cake – or delivering a delicious dessert to the family table, Dole Canned Fruit is the perfect ingredient.

Find more tips for your next gathering from the expert chefs at Dole Packaged Foods’ test kitchen at dolesunshine.com.

Old-Fashioned Upside Down Cake

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

• 2/3 cup margarine, divided
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 can (20 ounces) Dole Pineapple Slices
• 10 maraschino cherries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt 1/3 cup margarine. Remove from heat. Add brown sugar and stir until blended.
3. Drain pineapple slices; reserve 2 tablespoons syrup. Arrange pineapple slices in sugar mixture. Place cherry in center of each slice.
4. Beat remaining 1/3 cup margarine with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, lemon peel, lemon juice and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Blend into creamed mixture alternately with sour cream and reserved pineapple syrup.
5. Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar to make stiff meringue. Fold into batter. Pour over pineapple in skillet.
6. Bake 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes then invert onto serving plate. Serve warm or cold.

Chocolate Mandarin Orange Cake

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12

• 2 cans (15 ounces) Dole Mandarin Oranges, divided
• 1 box (2 layer) devil’s food cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 orange, peel grated (optional)
• 1 package (4-serving size) vanilla flavor instant pudding
• 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spray two (9-inch) cake pans with cooking spray. Drain mandarin oranges, keeping fruit and syrup reserved separately.
2. In large bowl, combine cake mix, juice from one can of mandarin oranges, eggs, oil and orange peel; beat 2 minutes.
3. Pour cake mix into prepared pans. Layer mandarin oranges from one can over each cake and gently submerge them into cake batter.
4. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan onto wire rack; cool completely.
5. Pour 1/2 cup reserved juice from second can of oranges in bowl with pudding mix; whisk 2 minutes, or until pudding mix is completely dissolved. Remove 12 orange slices from second can and dry with paper towel; set aside. Fold in whipped topping and remaining mandarin oranges. Spread mandarin frosting on top of first layer of cake and out to edges. Place second layer on top of first layer.
6. In small saucepan, heat cream until just beginning to steam, but do not boil. Remove from stove and stir in chocolate. Stir until well-blended. Pour chocolate mixture over cake and garnish with reserved mandarin oranges. Refrigerate half hour before serving.

Fabulous Carrot Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened, divided
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 can (20 ounces) Dole Crushed Pineapple, drained
• 4 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup Dole Seedless Raisins
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two (9-inch) round pans.
2. In large bowl, beat 1 cup butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Fold in crushed pineapple, carrots, raisins and vanilla.
3. In medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Gradually add to pineapple mixture and fold until well-blended. Pour into prepared pans.
4. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans 15 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.
5. Beat cream cheese with remaining 1/2 cup butter until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar, lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth. Frost completely cooled cake. Garnish with additional crushed pineapple and grated carrots, if desired.

Note: Cake can be baked in 13-by-9-inch pan. Bake 50-60 minutes at 350° F. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Source: Dole

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

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

Fruit and Fowl for Family

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

Pan Chicken with Grapefruit Shallots and Mint Sauce
Servings: 4

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

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

Melted and Amazing

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

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

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

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

A Chocolatey Finishing Touch

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

Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake
Servings: 12

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

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

Source: Texas Sweet, Roth Cheese, Nestle

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