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

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

Find more deliciously devious desserts at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Ghostly Graveyard Cake

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

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

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

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

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


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

(Family Features) When dining outside with your loved ones, there are few things better than a tasty dish the whole family can enjoy. This Chipotle Chicken Flatbread makes for a perfect al fresco meal.

Prepared along with a fresh salad or simply enjoyed by itself, this flatbread is simple to make and even kids will love adding the toppings and sauce. It’s colorful and fresh, making it a perfect addition to get-togethers on the patio.

Plus, the cooking time is only 16 minutes, which makes this a quick and delicious solution to defeat.

For more al fresco recipe ideas, visit Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Chipotle Chicken Flatbread

Adapted from butteryourbiscuit.com

• 2          flatbreads
• 2          cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1          clove garlic, diced
• 4          chicken tenders, cooked and cubed
• 1          pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/2       cup ranch dressing
• 1 1/2    teaspoons chipotle seasoning
• 2          tablespoons cilantro leaves, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Place parchment paper on baking sheet and add flatbreads. Sprinkle cheese on flatbreads. Top with garlic, chicken and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake 16 minutes until cheese is melted.
3. In small bowl, mix ranch and chipotle seasoning.
4. Drizzle ranch dressing on flatbread and sprinkle with cilantro leaves.

(Family Features) Quick and easy yet delicious meals make time spent in the kitchen effective and enjoyable. Next time you’re in a time crunch for lunch or a simple dinner at home, lean on recipes that require five ingredients or less and can be ready in a snap.

These Creamy Chicken Risotto and Chile Verde recipes are perfect in a pinch to satisfy hunger without requiring complicated prep or cooking steps. Just heat rice and add ingredients like cheese and seasonings for flavorful meals you can cook in mere minutes.

With a main ingredient like Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups, you can have the base of your recipe ready in only 1 minute. Featuring a new and improved recipe, the cups offer a homestyle taste with carrots, onion and garlic, making them a perfect addition to salads, soup or as an easy side.

Find more fast, flavorful meal ideas at MinuteRice.com.

Watch videos to see how to make these recipes!

Creamy Chicken Risotto

• 1          Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup
• 2          tablespoons heavy cream
• 1          tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2          teaspoons chopped basil
• 1          pinch garlic powder

1. Microwave rice according to package instructions.
2. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil and garlic powder; mix to combine.

Chile Verde

• 1          Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup
• 2          teaspoons salsa verde
• 1          tablespoon shredded cheese
• 1/16     teaspoon ground cumin

1. Microwave rice according to package instructions.
2. Add salsa verde, shredded cheese and ground cumin; mix to combine.

Source: Minute Rice

(Family Features) The next time your kids are begging for an indulgent snack after finishing chores or dessert following dinner, call them to the kitchen for a quick, delicious lesson. Teaching children to cook helps them get more comfortable with an important life skill while encouraging independence – all while having a little fun.

This Popcorn Party Pizza swaps out the classic pizza crust for popcorn – a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed with no additional additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs – infused with gooey melted marshmallows and topped with childhood favorites.

After an adult melts the marshmallows and lines the pan with the marshmallow-popcorn mixture, kids can help create their own work of art with red piping gel as “pizza sauce;” rolled fruit snacks as “pepperoni” slices; and jellybeans, coconut and candy-coated chocolate pieces for the oh-so-sweet toppings.

Visit popcorn.org to find more kid-friendly recipes to help children learn their way around the kitchen.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Popcorn Party Pizza

Yield: 8 slices

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 3          tablespoons butter
• 1          bag (10 1/2 ounces) mini marshmallows
• 2          quarts popped popcorn
• 1          tube (0.68 ounces) red piping gel
• 1          package red raspberry rolled fruit snack
• green jellybeans (optional)
• coconut (optional)
• candy-coated chocolate pieces (optional)

1. Spray 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In large saucepan over medium heat, heat butter. Stir in marshmallows until melted. Stir in popcorn until well coated.
3. Spread mixture evenly onto prepared pizza pan.
4. Drizzle red piping gel over “pizza” for “sauce.”
5. Cut small circles (about 1 1/4-inch diameter) from rolled fruit snack and place on pizza for “pepperoni” slices.
6. Decorate with jellybeans, coconut and candies, if desired. Cool completely before cutting into wedges.

Source: Popcorn Board

(Family Features) Taking the stress out of family meals at home can be as simple as turning your attention toward recipes that pack plenty of flavor without complicated prep. In fact, you can even turn an easy, everyday side dish into a full-blown dinner by simply adding your favorite protein.

This Greek Chicken Fried Rice, for example, transforms a traditional side dish into a filling meal for four in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it requires just one wok or skillet, leaving hardly any cleanup on those busy weeknights when homework, after-school activities and social calendars fill your schedule.

Find more weeknight meal solutions at MilkMeansMore.org.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Greek Chicken Fried Rice

Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of “Foxes Love Lemons” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 13 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1          large chicken breast, finely chopped
• 1/2       cup chopped onion
• 3          cups prepared white rice
• 2          eggs
• 1          cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2       cup roughly chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2       cup crumbled cow’s milk feta cheese
• 1/2       cup grape tomatoes, quartered
• 1/3       cup Kalamata olives, halved
• 2          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper

1. In wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until almost cooked through, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
3. Add rice; cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Push rice to sides of wok, creating well in center of wok. Crack eggs into well and scramble vigorously with wooden spoon; cook 2 minutes, keeping eggs in well, or until eggs are fully cooked.
4. Add chickpeas, parsley, cheese, tomatoes, olives, lemon juice, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes, or until warmed through, stirring frequently.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Culinary.net) Eating healthier and saving time around the house are common goals for many families, and there’s one solution that can help attain both: meal-prepping. By planning and preparing meals in advance of each week, you can practice better portion control while creating free time for normally hectic mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Consider these tips to start your meal-prepping process:

1. Include the whole family. By letting everybody in on meal-prepping, you’re helping ensure everyone is satisfied with the breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks that become your end results. Even if you only plan to work in advance on lunches, for instance, loved ones will likely enjoy the process more if all are pleased with the meals they enjoy later.
2. Plan the meals. Once the whole gang is included and on-board, start brainstorming the recipes and dishes you’d like to make. Try starting with just one course at first – lunch is likely to be the easiest – to help keep meal-prepping simple at the start.
3. Buy ingredients in bulk. Whether your grocery shopping takes place over the weekend or on a free weeknight, purchasing ingredients and supplies in bulk – without overbuying perishables like fruits and veggies – can help make sure you have everything you need once it’s time to build the meals themselves.
4. Head to the kitchen. Pick one day each week when you can plan to spend ample time in the kitchen making your meals. Use cooking techniques that are less hands-on, like baking or slow-cooking, as often as possible so you can multitask throughout.
5. Sort and divide. Using quality food containers to keep your meals as fresh as possible, start splitting up servings in ways that fuel you and family while instituting improved portion control. By sorting out specific meals ahead of time, you can begin creating better eating habits.

Visit Culinary.net for more kitchen tips and tricks.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) The weeknight dinner meal can be a challenge...it must taste good, appeal to the family and be easy to prepare. Economical would also be a plus.

Sound like a tall order? Not when Salsa Verde Bean Enchiladas are on the menu. Just five ingredients...tortillas, prepared salsa verde, shredded Mexican cheese blend, cumin and canned Southwestern Bean Salad...are all that's needed for an easy Tex-Mex entrée.

The zesty bean salad, straight from the can, has just the right blend of chili powder and spices to provide a hint of heat to the black beans, kidney beans, corn and bell peppers. To make the filling, simply purée one can of the salad, and stir in a second can along with a dash of cumin. Spread onto corn or flour tortillas, roll up, and place in a baking dish. Pour on the salsa, sprinkle with the pre-shredded cheese blend and bake.

How easy is that? Add precooked chopped chicken or cooked ground beef or turkey to the bean filling if you like. Mixed greens and orange segments tossed with a vinaigrette would make a great accompaniment, or assorted favorite fruits would be tasty, too.

Southwestern Bean Salad is great to have in the pantry. It's equally delicious at room temperature or chilled. For a quick accompaniment, serve with grilled meats and poultry, burgers or sandwiches. Use it to top a mixed green salad, or add cooked pasta such as rotini or penne for a quick main dish pasta salad. Or, puree and serve as a zesty bean dip with tortillas.

For other great recipes made with READ salads, visit www.readsalads.com.

Salsa Verde Bean Enchiladas

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Standing Time: 10 minutes

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ Southwestern Bean Salad
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 12 soft corn or flour tortillas (6 to 8 inch diameter)
• 2 cups prepared salsa verde
• 1-1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional Toppings:
Sour cream, chopped avocado, fresh chopped cilantro, lime wedges

1. 1. Drain 1 can of salad; discard liquid. Place in food processor. Process until pureed but still slightly chunky.
2. 2. In large bowl, stir together pureed salad, second can of salad with liquid, and ground cumin. Spoon mixture evenly down center of tortillas. Roll up and place seam-side down in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. 3. Pour salsa verde evenly over enchiladas. Top with cheese. Cover with foil. Bake at 350°F 30 minutes. Remove foil; continue baking 10 to 15 minutes until beginning to brown around edges. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving with optional toppings, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information per serving (1/6 of recipe): 418 calories; 15 g protein; 53 g carbohydrate; 16 g fat; 1438 mg sodium; 27 mg cholesterol; 9 g dietary fiber; 15 mg iron; 0.06 mg thiamin; 1224 IU vitamin A; 3 mg vitamin C.

Source: Aunt Nellie’s Beets (Seneca Foods Corporation)

(Family Features) Celebrating the holidays with family meals and activities is what the season is all about, and when those moments and at-home projects are kid-friendly, you can get the whole gang involved.

A simple weeknight at home during the holiday season can turn into family fun time starting with a recipe like these Reindeer Hot Dogs, a dish that requires little prep time and allows for help from little ones. Made with Gwaltney Hot Dogs, a tasty, kid-friendly dinner solution requires just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.

Once everyone is finished eating and all have pitched in to help with cleanup, turn your attention to a family activity that transforms everyday supplies into this Wooden Snowman Ornament for seasonal decor to hang on a tree or elsewhere in the house.

Find more kid-friendly recipes to involve the whole family at gwaltneyfoods.com.

Reindeer Hot Dogs

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10

• 1          can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1          package Gwaltney Hot Dogs
• 1          slice white cheese
• black olives
• ketchup

1. Heat oven according to crescent roll package directions.
2. Cut hot dogs into three equal sections.
3. Lay out crescent rolls and wrap around middle sections of hot dog pieces.
4. Cut triangles out of end sections to look like antlers.
5. Cut two slits at top of dough; press end hot dog pieces into slits.
6. Bake according to crescent roll package directions. Cut out small circles from sliced cheese for reindeer eyes. Cover cheese pieces with small slices of black olives for pupils. Add ketchup to hot dogs for red noses.

Wooden Snowman Ornament

Craft courtesy of Gwaltney

• 7ice pop sticks
• Hot glue gun
• Foam paintbrush
• Black paint
• Glitter
• White paint
• Googly eyes
• Colored craft foam
• Sequins
• Buttons
• String

1. Line up six ice pop sticks next to each other vertically.
2. Place line of hot glue horizontally across sticks, about one-third of the way down, and adhere seventh stick to create brim of snowman’s hat.
3. Using black paint, brush top third (brim to top of hat) and let dry.
4. Mix glitter into white paint and brush lower two-thirds of sticks, creating snowman’s face.
5. Use googly eyes, colored craft foam, sequins and buttons to create details of face and hat, such as mouth, nose and hat decor.
6. Glue piece of string to backside to hang ornament.

Source: Gwaltney

(Family Features) With school, work and evening activities all spiraling in different directions, most families find that some things have to give. Make sure quality time around the dinner table isn’t one of them with these savvy solutions that can help make weekday meals a cinch.

One-dish wonders
Most busy families are well-versed in the benefits of slow cooker meals, but when you haven’t planned that far ahead there are other options, such as your oven’s broiler, that allow you to capture the convenience of single-dish meals. A cookie sheet filled with your favorite protein, veggies and a sprinkle of seasoning will broil in minutes. Just remember to cut your protein into small pieces that will cook through quickly and line your sheet with foil for easier cleanup. Another quick-fix idea: empty the odds and ends from the pantry and veggie drawer to make a stir-fry in minutes.

Go for the gold
When it comes to mealtime, Sunday dinner is the gold standard. It’s the one day of the week when you’re most likely to go “all out” and prepare a great-tasting meal. But you can achieve similar meals during the week using delicious, time-saving sides such as packaged Idahoan Signature Russets mashed potatoes, which can be made in just 5 minutes. The smooth flavor of Idahoan Signature Russets – like original homemade mashed potatoes with just a hint of butter and cream – makes any day taste like Sunday.

Quick-prep proteins
Every family has its favorite go-to meals that stand the test of time. Build your repertoire with a few recipes centered on proteins that take next to no time to prepare. Eggs don’t have to be restricted to the breakfast table, especially in preparations like a frittata or quiche. Or rely on seafood, which can be seared to perfection in minutes. A mild white fish is an ideal foundation for creating diverse, rich flavors, such as this Seared Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce.

For more tips to increase family time and get quick meals on the weeknight dinner table, visit idahoan.com.

Seared Halibut with Lemon Butter Sauce

Serves: 4

Lemon Butter Sauce

• 1/2       cup white wine
• 1/4       cup fresh lemon juice
• 8          tablespoons whipping cream
• 3/4       teaspoon fresh garlic, chopped
• turmeric, to taste
• salt, to taste
• white pepper, to taste
• 8          tablespoons unsalted butter, diced

Halibut

• 4          teaspoons olive oil
• 4          halibut filets (6-8 ounces each)
• salt
• pepper
• lemon zest
• herbs

Vegetables

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 2          small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 2          small yellow squash, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 2          small red peppers, washed, seeded and sliced into strips

Potatoes

• 2          cups Idahoan Signature Russets Mashed Potatoes (from 16.23-ounce package)

1. For lemon butter sauce, add white wine, lemon juice, cream, garlic, turmeric, salt and pepper to saute pan. Heat on high heat and reduce to half its original volume.
2. While lemon sauce is reducing, prepare fish and vegetables.
3. Once reduced, remove from heat and swirl in diced butter.
4. For halibut, heat non-stick skillet on medium-high heat with olive oil. Season halibut with salt and pepper. Sear until deep golden brown, approximately 5 minutes each side. Remove from heat and cover with foil.
5. For vegetables, add olive oil to skillet over medium-high heat. Saute zucchini, squash and pepper until crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes. Keep warm.
6. For potatoes, prepare mashed potatoes following package instructions.
7. To serve, plate mashed potatoes, vegetables and halibut. Drizzle halibut with lemon butter sauce and garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs.

Note: Haddock or striped bass can be substituted for halibut.

Hoisin Roasted Pork with Steamed Greens

Serves: 4

• 2          tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2          tablespoons honey
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 1          pork tenderloin filet (16 ounces)
• 8          ounces fresh sugar snap peas
• 8          ounces green beans
• 2          cups Idahoan Signature Russets Mashed Potatoes (from 16.23-ounce package)

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In bowl, combine hoisin, honey and soy. In non-metallic bowl, pour marinade over pork and set aside for 15 minutes.
3. Heat medium nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add marinated pork and cook each side 1-2 minutes.
4. Transfer pork to baking tray and cook 15 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Steam fresh sugar snap peas and green beans together. Set aside.
6. Prepare mashed potatoes following package instructions.
7. To serve, plate mashed potatoes, sliced pork and steamed vegetables. Spoon pan juices over pork and enjoy.

Roasted Chicken Provencal

Serves: 4

• 8          chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2       cup dry white wine
• 1/4       cup chicken broth
• 2          thyme sprigs
• 2          garlic cloves, crushed
• 2          cups Idahoan Signature Russets Mashed Potatoes (from 16.23-ounce package)
• 1          cup sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4       cup pitted black olives, halved
• sauteed green beans

1. Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken thighs on both sides in hot oil. Add white wine, chicken broth, thyme sprigs and garlic.
2. Over high heat, heat mixture to boiling. Cover and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, prepare mashed potatoes according to package directions.
4. In skillet, add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and olives; cover and simmer 5 minutes longer until chicken is tender.
5. Serve chicken thighs with mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans.

Source: Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

(Family Features) Take advantage of slower summer schedules and warmer weather by rounding up the family and heading to the backyard for fun, food and family time.

The opportunities for quality family time during the warmer months are nearly endless, especially with just a little creativity and ingenuity, like these fun summer ideas from Borden Cheese.

Let your inner kid run free
Celebrate your favorite summer memories with your kids by breaking out the flashlights to play tag and other fun games in the backyard all night long. Whether it’s kick the can, ghost in the graveyard, capture the flag or a good, old-fashioned game of hide and seek, backyard games are a great way to get the whole family to unplug and enjoy summer evenings together. Don’t be surprised if the neighbors join in the fun, too.

Fire up your appetite
Ditch the kitchen and get the whole family engaged by recreating everyone’s favorite pizza on the grill. The perfect base for everyone to cook up their own creations, this deliciously easy Cheesy Flatbread Pizza recipe can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Keep it simple for kids with Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds or dress it up with some fresh veggies straight from your garden or local farmer’s market. For added fun and flavor, toss your family’s pizza on the grill for a crispy, authentic crust.

Rethink family movie night
Get off the couch and take your family movie outside. All you need is a sheet, a projector and some comfy pillows and throws to turn your backyard into an open-air movie theater. Watch new releases, old favorites or even home movies on the big screen right in your own backyard. To keep the fun going, pitch a tent and spend the night outside sleeping under the stars.

Find more family-friendly recipes for summer at BordenCheese.com.

Cheesy Flatbread Pizza

Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          piece (12 inches) cracker bread or flatbread
• 1          tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for brushing
• 1          package (8 ounces) Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds, divided
• 8          strips thick-sliced bacon, cooked crisp and broken into 1-inch pieces
• 4          whole garlic cloves, sliced
• 4          plum tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2       red onion, cut in strips
• 1/4       cup chopped Italian parsley
• fresh basil leaves (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Brush bread with small amount of olive oil and place on cookie sheet. Spread 1 1/2 cups cheese evenly around bread. Top evenly with bacon pieces.
3. In small skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until hot. Add garlic and saute until lightly browned. Sprinkle onto pizza. Arrange sliced tomatoes and red onions on pizza.
4. Add parsley to remaining cheese and spread over ingredients.
5. Bake 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.  

Tip: For a different flavor profile, try grilling pizza rather than baking. Brush raw side of dough with olive oil and grill until bottom of crust is golden brown.

Source: Borden Cheese