(Family Features) The ultimate kid-friendly snack comes as a package deal – simple, delicious, nutritious and fun. One option that readily meets those demands are apples, pears and oranges perfectly sized for small hands, mouths and appetites.

While Lil Snappers’ smaller sizes allow fresh fruits to easily fit into bento boxes and brown bags for a wholesome lunchbox companion that leaves little waste, a dash of creativity also transforms these fruits into a favorite snacktime star – from crunchy critters to sweet treats.

Available in three-pound pouches and found in the fresh produce aisle, Lil Snappers come seasonally in a wide array of fruit varieties, including organics, grown by a sixth-generation family farming operation, Stemilt Growers. Options range from popular apples such as Gala, Pink Lady and Granny Smith, to delicious Bartlett pears, Bosc pears and more.

Try out these recipes for pint-sized snackers, and find quick and easy recipe ideas at lilsnappers.com.

Crab Critter

• 1          Lil Snappers apple
• 1          mini marshmallow

1. Cut apple in half lengthwise and remove stem. Remove core from one apple half.
2. Slice apple half without core into 8 wedges to serve as critter’s legs.
3. Set aside second apple half, which will serve as critter’s body.
4. Take two legs and make simple zig-zag cuts into flesh to create “claw-like” shape.
5. On a plate, arrange critter’s legs, fanning them out, then place claws in front of legs and reserved apple half on top for the head.
6. Cut mini marshmallow in half. Gooey side of each will easily stick to critter’s head to serve as eyes.

Little Mouse

• 1          Lil Snappers pear
• 1          slice orange rind
• 1          marshmallow
• 1          grape
• 2          toothpicks

1. Cut pear in half lengthwise. On plate, lay pear cut-side down. Using peeler, slice 3 inches of rind from orange. Trim sides to result in long, thin rectangle. Coil length of rind around finger and hold to set shape.
2. Cut one slice from end of marshmallow then cut that round in half to create two half-moon shapes. Gooey edge of each half-moon will stick to top of pear half to serve as critter’s ears.
3. Break toothpick in half and place picks in location for critter’s eyes, leaving about 1/4 inch sticking out from fruit.
4. Slice ends off of one grape and place domes over toothpicks to serve as eyes.
5. Using toothpick, make hole in back end of critter to place tail. Stick end of coiled orange rind into hole using toothpick to wedge rind into fruit. Reshape coil, as needed.

Note: Remember to remove toothpicks before nibbling.

Source: Stemilt Growers

(Family Features) Gearing up for a big crowd at your holiday festivities can provide moments of excitement, stress, fun and plenty of other emotions as the big dinner draws near. This year, avoid any nagging feelings of doubt with this step-by-step guide to prepare for large gatherings.

Plan in advance. Even if you're typically the last-minute type, the hectic holiday season is no time to wait until a few days ahead of the celebration to throw meals and more together. Instead, be sure to put together a guest list and send invites at least a few weeks out. Take inventory of supplies like silverware, plates, serving dishes and any accessories you'd like to feature at the table. Make an outline of the food each guest is bringing, or, if you'll supply all the food, ensure there will be plenty for everyone - don't forget to take into account special diets or allergies.

Make a list. Planning only takes you so far if you don't write everything down. Once the menu is determined, list out what you'll need to make the magic happen. Don't forget to jot down easily overlooked items that can be picked up the day of, such as ice.

Remember to thaw. One surefire way to make the big day a big disaster is to forget to thaw your main course. If you're planning to roast a turkey - perhaps the most common centerpiece - remember it takes around a day to thaw for every two pounds of meat. So, for example, it could take close to a week for a 14-pound turkey to fully thaw prior to cooking.

Prep the day before. There are many tasks (big and small) that can be taken care of the day before guests arrive, making the holiday less stressful for hosts. From whipping up simple appetizers like dips to giving the house a thorough cleaning, there's plenty of pressure that can be taken off your shoulders 24 hours in advance. If you really want to make the big day a breeze, consider cooking your main dish, slicing the meat and placing it in reheating pans one day prior.

Create a schedule. No matter how far in advance you plan or how much prep you complete prior to the festivities, there will always be day-of work to be done. With guests coming in and out, it can be helpful to lay out what's known as a "fire list," which details times chronologically for when things need done, such as starting the oven to warm the turkey or simply remembering to lay out dessert following the meal.

Find more holiday hosting tips and meal solutions at omahasteaks.com.

Butcher's Butter Filet Mignon Roast Garnish

• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup duck fat
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 anchovy filet, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 prepared Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon Roast

1. In small saucepan, combine butter, duck fat, rosemary, thyme, garlic, anchovy filet and black pepper. Heat on low 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and serve over Filet Mignon Roast.

Roasted Grape Gastrique

Roasted Grapes:

• 4 cups assorted grapes (picked, washed and dried)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick
• nonstick cooking spray

Gastrique:

• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water

1. To make Roasted Grapes: Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In bowl, combine grapes, olive oil, salt, pepper and cinnamon stick.
3. Lightly spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Pour grape mixture onto baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and pour into bowl.
4. To make Gastrique: In small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, 5-7 minutes, until sugar starts to brown.
5. Remove from heat and slowly add vinegar. Return to heat and stir until combined. Add cornstarch and water mixture; bring to boil. Remove from heat.
6. Pour Gastrique mixture over Roasted Grapes.

Whole Basted Turkey

• 1 Omaha Steaks Whole Basted Turkey (10 pounds)

1. Thaw turkey completely in refrigerator 3-4 days or, keeping turkey in vacuum-sealed packaging, place in sink full of cold water 5-7 hours, changing water approximately every 30 minutes.
2. Heat oven to 350° F. Remove turkey from vacuum-sealed bag. Place turkey in bag provided; secure bag with twist tie. Place bag in deep roasting pan. Using fork, puncture 6-8 holes in top of bag. For extra browning or crispness, slit top of bag for final 20-30 minutes of roasting.
3. Roast turkey 2 hours, 45 minutes- 3 hours. Turkey is done when internal temperature measured with kitchen thermometer reaches 165° F.

Source:  Omaha Steaks

Ingredients

• 2 firm ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 cup red grapes (about 16)
• 1/2 cup green grapes (about 16)
• 8 10-inch wooden skewers
• 1 1/2 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), finely chopped

Preparation

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Cut the banana into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Place in small bowl and toss gently with the orange juice.
2. Skewer fruit, alternating two grapes for each piece of banana, and place fruit skewers onto lined tray.
3. Place chocolate in small microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well, and microwave another 10 seconds if necessary to melt chocolate.
4. Using a spoon, drizzle melted chocolate onto fruit skewers.
5. Place the tray in the freezer for at least 2 hours. Once frozen, skewers may be transferred to a sealable plastic bag where they will keep in the freezer for up to a week. Allow to soften at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating.

Description

These delightful frozen treats are healthy, too.

Serves

Makes 4 servings

Source

California Table Grape Commission