Brighten Up Bake Sales
(Family Features) A bake sale is a sweet way to support any charitable cause, whether it’s raising money for new uniforms or donating to a local animal shelter. These tips and recipes from the celebration experts at Wilton will make bake sale treats that stand out among the rest — it’s a piece of cake.
- Baking delicious goodies is just the start to a successful bake sale. Add some dazzling details. The eye-catching finishes on Bake-Sale Ready Cupcakes — swirls of colorful icing topped with jumbo sprinkles and butterfly decorations, complete with vibrant wraps — will ensure they sell out fast.
- Serve sweets-on-a-stick like Kaleidoscope Cookie Pops and School Star Cereal Treat Pops. Favorite treats are more fun and easier to eat when customers can just grab them and enjoy.
- Offer size options. Sell some cupcakes and mini breads by the “eaches” and cookies by the pop. Have dozens available, too.
- Wrap goodies using treat bags and ribbon, or pack in colorful, easy-to-transport boxes — making them perfect gifts customers will want to keep for themselves.
Visit www.wilton.com for other bake sale ideas and recipes, and for all of your baking and decorating supplies.
Coconut Lime Mini Breads
Makes 9 petite loaves
Breads
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1-1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons toasted sweetened flaked coconut
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cavities of Petite Loaf Pan with Petite Loaf Baking Cups.
- In medium bowl, combine flour, lime zest and baking powder. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in coconut extract. Add flour mixture alternately with coconut milk to butter mixture; mix until well combined. Divide mixture evenly into baking cups.
- Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool loaves in pan 10 minutes. Remove loaves from pan; cool completely.
- To make icing, combine confectioners’ sugar and lime juice in small bowl to desired consistency. Drizzle icing over tops of loaves, allowing icing to run down sides. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
Zucchini & Apple Bread
Makes about 12 servings
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded (about 1-1/2 cups)
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored and shredded (about 1 cup)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with vegetable pan spray.
- In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. In medium bowl, whisk together oil, eggs and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture. Stir in zucchini, apple and pecans, mixing until just combined. (Do not overmix.) Turn mixture into prepared pan.
- Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool bread in pan 10 minutes. Loosen edges of bread from pan. Remove bread from pan; cool completely.
Kaleidoscope Cookie Pops
Makes about 2 dozen cookies
- 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Round Comfort Grip Cutter
- Assorted Colors Cookie Icing
- Assorted Jumbo Sprinkles or other favorite Sugars and Sprinkles
- Cookie Treat Sticks
- Candy Melts candy (optional)
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts; mix well. Do not chill dough.
- Divide dough into 2 balls. On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12-inch diameter x 1/8-inch thick. Dip cookie cutter in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool cookies completely.
- Outline and fill-in cookie with Cookie Icing. Add zigzag border to some cookies. If desired, pipe alternating circles of colors onto cookie surface; immediately pull toothpick through icing from center of cookie to outer edge, pulling colors through. Or, arrange sprinkles and sugars on iced cookie surface. Let dry.
- Attach sticks to back of cookies with icing or melted candy. Let dry.
Bake Sale-Ready Cupcakes
Each cupcake serves 1
- Assorted Primary, Gold or Silver Baking Cups
- Favorite cupcake recipe or mix
- Buttercream or Chocolate Buttercream Icing
- Golden Yellow or other desired Icing Color
- Jumbo Stars and Jumbo Nonpareil Sprinkles
- Butterfly or other favorite Icing Decorations
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cavities of standard muffin pan with baking cups.
- Bake your favorite cupcakes in prepared pan. Cool completely. Color buttercream icing with icing color. Pipe tip 1M buttercream or chocolate buttercream icing swirl on cupcake top; insert icing decoration.
School Star Cereal Treat Pops
Makes about 2 dozen pops
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- Cookie Treat Sticks
- Cookie Icing
- Assorted Sprinkles
- Spray Star Cookie Treat Pan and rubber spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray.
- In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared pan; insert cookie sticks. When cool to touch, remove from pan. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50 percent power 30 to 60 seconds to soften.)
- Outline treat with Cookie Icing; add Sprinkles. Let dry.
Candy Bark
- 2 packages (12 oz. ea.) White or Light Cocoa Candy Melts candy
- Rainbow Chip Crunch or other Sprinkles or Sugars
- Line 10.5 x 15.5-inch cookie pan with parchment paper.
- Melt Candy Melts candy following package instructions; spoon into prepared pan. Tap pan on counter to remove air bubbles; if needed, smooth top with large spatula. Sprinkle on Rainbow Chip Crunch. Chill until firm, about 15 minutes. Remove parchment from pan; break candy into smaller serving pieces.
Source: Wilton Enterprises
Moscato Moscow Mule
Moscato Moscow Mule
Servings: 1
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 3 ounces Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 lime wheel
- 1 mint sprig for garnish
- Pour ginger beer, Moscato and lime juice into ice-filled copper mug. Garnish with lime wheel and mint sprig.
Source: Gallo Family Vineyards
Menudo
Menudo
Makes: 50 servings
Choose from Juanita’s Foods Traditional Menudo or Hot & Spicy — based on your preference.
- 3 1-gallon cans Juanita’s Foods Menudo
- 2 1-gallon cans Juanita’s Foods Hot & Spicy Menudo
- 10 onions, diced
- 5 cups chopped fresh cilantro
- 12 limes, in wedges
- 2 cups dried oregano
- 2 cups crushed chilies
- Simply heat and serve menudo according to package directions. Set out raw onions, cilantro, lime wedges, oregano, chilies or any of your personal favorites and allow your guests to garnish menudo according to their individual tastes.
Source: Jaunita's Foods
A New Twist for Lemon and Lime Lovers
(Family Features) It’s summer and there’s little that can compare to the refreshing sparkle that fresh lemon or lime gives a tall glass of iced tea or an ice-cold bottle of water. (And how about that great citrus taste on grilled fish?) But it’s not always easy — or convenient — to bring a whole lemon or lime with you when you’re on the go. Worse yet, it’s so frustrating to reach for a fresh lemon or lime at home only to realize either you’re out or they’ve gone bad sitting in your refrigerator.
Now, there’s good news for lemon and lime lovers. Fresh squeezed lemon and lime taste is now as simple as a tear of a packet or a shake of a bottle — and you don’t have to worry about it going bad before you’ve had a chance to use it. True Lemon and True Lime crystallized lemon and lime substitutes are made with 100 percent all-natural ingredients including real lemon and lime juice and oils. Available in packets and now rolling out nationwide in shaker containers, both can be used just like you would fresh lemon or lime juice.
True Lemon and True Lime can add true citrus flavor to:
- Drinks and smoothies,
- Marinades, rubs and flavoring pastes,
- Sauces,
- Main dishes,
- Fruits, vegetables and side dishes,
- Desserts and
- Any dish or drink that needs flavor-enhancing lemon or lime.
Convenient packets of the all-natural crystallized lemon and lime are also great to take to the office, to the gym or on summer vacation — anytime you’re on the go. Each packet contains the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice with no calories, carbohydrates, preservatives or sodium, but with a full 25 percent of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement. True Lemon and True Lime shakers have the same health benefits and offer an easy way for home chefs to sprinkle on a zesty citrus taste. They are also a great salt substitute for those watching their sodium intake.
For more information and recipes, visit www.truelemon.com.
Luscious Lime Summer Smoothie
Makes 1-1/2 cups
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 2 packets True Lime
- 1 ripe medium banana
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and halved
- 2 cups crushed ice
- Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Lemon Herb Salmon
Serves 4
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 packets True Lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon chives
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 medium salmon steaks, cut 1/4 inch thick
- In large bowl, combine all ingredients except salmon steaks; mix well. Add fish to bowl; spoon marinade over fish until well coated. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours, turning fish over after 1 hour.
- Place fish on broiler pan or on hot grill. Broil or grill 4 to 6 inches from heat, 10 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.
Source: True Lemon
Comfort Foods With A Twist
(Family Features) If you’re looking for a new take on home-style cooking, then George Duran has the recipe for you. Duran is a popular Food Network host and chef who likes to take favorite American dishes and give them a delightful twist. PBJ Bread Pudding, Cheeseburger Frittata and Tex-Mex Lasagna are just a few of the dishes he’s twisted.
“Comfort food is something that brings Americans together,” said Duran, “but I noticed that I was going to be limited with the number and originality of recipes I could introduce. (After all, how many ways can you make a PBJ sandwich?) That’s when I decided to take classic American flavors and twist them into a gourmet dish.”
Duran says that keeping these 10 must-have ingredients in the pantry makes it easy to turn a midnight snack into a work of art: curry paste, nonstick cooking spray, bacon, ground cumin, coconut milk, red wine, chipotle hot sauce, pine nuts, fresh cilantro, and vanilla ice cream.
In his new book, “Take This Dish And Twist It: Comfort Food with New & Unexpected Flavors” (Meredith Books; November 2008), Duran re-imagines familiar foods and makes them fantastic in over 100 recipes.
Break out of the ordinary by adding fun along with flavor to your favorite comfort foods. Your taste buds will be glad you did.
Pepperoni Pizza Soup
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 6 minutes
Broil: 3 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
- 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
- 3 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 11⁄2 cups dried elbow macaroni (or other short dried pasta such as ditalini or alphabets)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
- 1⁄3 cup diced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
- dried oregano
- Preheat broiler.
In large pan put soup, water, and garlic; bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni, green onion, oregano, and pepperoni; cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until macaroni is almost done. - Pour soup into 4 oven-proof bowls. Top each with 1⁄4 cup mozzarella cheese, 1⁄4 cup cheddar cheese, and some oregano. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Or serve soup in a small round, crusty loaf of bread. Cut top off bread and scoop out insides. Fill with soup, top with cheeses, and broil as directed above. Try different “toppings” as well, such as mushrooms, onions, and sausage.
Watch video to see how to make this guacamole recipe!
Granny Smith Guacamole
Prep: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- ½ cup finely chopped Vidalia onion
- ½ cup snipped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Bottled hot pepper sauce, to taste
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- Kosher salt or table salt, to taste
- Assorted dippers (baked fruit crisps, apple chips, and/or tortilla chips)
- Scoop avocado flesh into bowl; add onion, cilantro, lime juice, and hot pepper sauce. Mash with fork until it reaches the desired consistency. Stir in apple and season with salt to taste.
- Serve with dippers.
Source: Meredith Corporation
Holiday Cookies for a Good Cause
(Family Features) The hottest item to give and exchange this holiday season is a cookie. That’s because each cookie shared this November and December can mean supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a non-profit that raises funds for pediatric cancer research through cookie sales.
Glad has teamed with businesswoman and mother Ivanka Trump and award-winning chef and head judge of Bravo’s “Top Chef Just Desserts” Johnny Iuzzini to help spread the word. You can help in two ways:
- Send a virtual cookie to a friend at www.Glad.com.
- Host a Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale or Cookie Exchange. Register the event at www.cookiesforkidscancer.org and share how many cookies were sold or exchanged.
Glad will donate up to $1 for each edible or virtual cookie exchanged, up to $100,000.
Cookies for Kids' Cancer inspires individuals, communities and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer. Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children in the United States, yet approximately half of the drugs used to treat children with cancer are at least 20 years old, according to the Institute of Medicine.
“As a mom, I want to do everything I can to help our children,” said Ivanka Trump. “The Cookie Exchange reminds us that the simplest transactions can be most impactful.”
Everyone can make a difference, one cookie at a time. Here is one of Iuzzini’s original holiday cookie recipes for inspiration:
Lime Shortbread
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen 2-inch cookies
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 finely grated zest limes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- Put butter into standing mixer with the paddle, and mix on medium-low until a thick paste forms with no visible butter lumps. Add lime zest, juice and salt, and mix until well combined.
- Meanwhile, sift flour and confectioner’s sugar together. With mixer on low, slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture, stopping to scrape down bowl as necessary. Mix until just combined.
- Turn dough out onto large sheet of plastic wrap and press into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Wrap dough tightly in plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Remove dough from refrigerator and let stand for about 10 minutes. - Lightly flour a sheet of parchment, unwrap dough, and set it on paper. Lightly flour top of dough and place another sheet of parchment over the top. Roll dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch cutter to cut out cookies; transfer them to baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Re-roll dough as necessary to cut out cookies until dough is used up. Freeze cookies on pan for 10 minutes.
- Bake cookies, rotating pans halfway through, until light golden brown on the edges, about 15 minutes. Cool on pan for 10 minutes before transferring to rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Summer BBQ - German-Style
Spätzle Salad With Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Peaches and Lemon Loaf
Sauerkraut Turkey Burgers With Emmentaler and Mustard Sauce
(Family Features) - Hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages and mustard - it's easy to forget that these "all-American" barbecue staples we crave this time of year originally came from Germany.
These traditional foods are delectable. But why not try some über-tasty, new German barbecue recipes? Each recipe uses typical German ingredients that are readily available and each is healthier than you might think.
All of these recipes use heart-healthy canola oil, which has the lowest saturated fat of all popular vegetable oils, is high in vitamin E, and is a good plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. With its light flavor, canola oil allows the summer vegetables and juicy grilled peaches to shine.
Visit www.germanfoods.org to find a local or online retailer of authentic German foods and beverages for barbecues, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, rolls, mustards, pickles, cheeses and mineral water. Visit www.canolainfo.org for more tips on healthy summer barbecuing.
Tips for Safe Grilling
Eighty-four percent of gas grill owners say it is important to follow basic safe grilling tips when using a gas grill, however, only about one in three (35 percent) say they know a great deal about gas grills, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. To help the 74 million barbecue households in the United States enjoy a safe and healthy summer season, the propane industry has developed its top 10 tips for grilling safely with propane gas:
- When the cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
- After filling or exchanging the cylinder, take it home immediately. Keep the vehicle ventilated and the cylinder valve closed and capped.
- Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position. Do not use, store or transport cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).
- Never leave the grill unattended. Always follow grill manufacturer's instructions for lighting the grill and make sure the grill top is open when attempting to light the grill.
- Before connecting the cylinder to a propane gas grill burner for the first time, use a leak-detection solution (a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid soap) to check connections for tightness. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
- If you suspect a gas leak and are able to safely turn off the gas supply valve, do so immediately and call the fire department.
- Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
- Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
- Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
- When not in use, turn off the grill's burner controls and close the cylinder valve.
For additional tips, visit www.usepropane.com.
Spätzle Salad With Grilled Vegetables
Ingredients
- Canola oil for brushing grill
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon German mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 red pepper, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 green pepper, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 2 zucchini, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 eggplant, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound spätzle
- Fresh basil to garnish
Preparation
- Heat grill on medium heat. Brush grill with canola oil. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup canola oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Place cut-up vegetables in dressing. Toss to coat well. Grill vegetables on skewers or in basket until tender and lightly browned.
- Cook spätzle according to directions on package. Place cooked spätzle in a large bowl and toss with grilled vegetables. If more moisture is desired, whisk together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and canola oil. Toss, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Serves
Serves 6 to 8
Grilled Peaches and Lemon Loaf
Ingredients
- Canola oil for brushing grill
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 fresh peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 lemon loaf cake sliced into 8 pieces*
- Dark German chocolate shavings
- Mint sprigs
Preparation
- Heat grill on medium heat. Brush grill with canola oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons canola oil, lime juice, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and cinnamon.
- Grill peaches 3 to 4 minutes on each side; grill lemon loaf until grill marks appear. Remove peaches and lemon loaf from grill.
- Place peaches on top of lemon loaf slices and drizzle with prepared dressing.
- Garnish with German chocolate shavings and mint sprigs, and serve with ice cream.
Serves
Serves 8
Notes, Tips & Suggestions
*Find the recipe at www.canolainfo.org or buy German imported packaged cake.
Sauerkraut Turkey Burgers With Emmentaler and Mustard Sauce
Ingredients
- Canola oil for brushing grill
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups shredded German Emmentaler cheese, divided
- 1 cup German sauerkraut with wine, squeezed dry
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons Bavarian mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 pretzel rolls or other sandwich rolls, split horizontally and toasted
Mustard Sauce
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup German mustard
- 2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced dried cranberries
Accompaniments
- German pickles, red onion rings, sliced tomatoes and lettuce leaves
Preparation
- Combine turkey, 1 cup cheese, sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, egg white, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix together with hands. Shape into 4 patties.
- Heat propane grill on medium-high. Brush grill with canola oil to prevent sticking. Cook burgers, turning once, 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Toast rolls on the grill, and sprinkle burgers evenly with remaining cheese during the last two minutes of cooking.
- For mustard sauce, whisk together canola oil, German mustard, vinegar and cranberries.
- Place burgers on rolls, spread with mustard sauce and top with accompaniments.
Serves
Serves 4
SOURCE: Canola Info
Propane Education Council
German Agricultural Marketing Board
Bring Global Flavor to Your Table with Pork
(Family Features) Explore new flavors and cuisines and take a tasty trip around the world with pork - all from the comfort of your own home. Pork's versatility and savory taste make it the perfect pairing with global ingredients and dishes, giving you a passport to delicious mealtimes you will want to share with family and friends.
Need some inspiration? Create a Pork Bucket List and fill it with ideas for global-tasting meals with pork. Try:
Making your own marinade using a new ingredient from a far-off place, like chiles.
Visiting a new ethnic restaurant that serves dishes like dim sum or Korean barbecue and then find recipes at PorkBeinspired.com to replicate your favorites at home.
Discovering pork dishes from all seven continents, starting with Asia and these Thai Ribeye Pork Chops.
For Thai Ribeye Pork Chops, mix up a slightly tangy Asian-inspired marinade before grilling. And remember, for juicy, tender results that you, your family and friends will love, grill your pork chops to an internal temperature between 145°F (medium rare) and 160°F (medium), followed by a three-minute rest.
Serve these chops on top of a bed of noodles for a Thai pork noodle bowl, or alongside an herb salad of fresh basil, mint, scallions and cilantro for a meal packed with a world of flavor.
Keep your grilling and cooking fresh and exciting with more global recipes. Visit www.PorkBeinspired.com and www.Pinterest.com/PorkBeinspired for recipes, ideas, tips and more.
Thai Ribeye Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped OR 1 tablespoon dried cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed (about 3 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 boneless ribeye pork chops, about 3/4- to 1-inch thick
Preparation
- Whisk together soy sauce, cilantro, garlic, brown sugar, vegetable oil and lime juice in bowl.
- In large baking dish, arrange ribeye pork chops in even layer. Pour marinade over pork chops, reserving about 1/4 cup of marinade in refrigerator for later use.
- Marinate pork chops for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat indoor grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from marinade, discarding excess marinade. Place pork chops on hot grill for 4 minutes on each side, flipping once until internal temperature of pork measures between 145°F (medium rare) and 160°F (medium) on meat thermometer.
- Transfer grilled pork chops to cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing against grain.
- Pour reserved marinade over sliced pork before serving.
Serves
4 servings
SOURCE: National Pork Board
A Sweet Celebration!
Celebration Lime Cheesecake Bars
Quick Raspberry Sauce
Quick Berry Sauce
White Chocolate Glaze With Toasted Coconut and Pecans
Mixed Fruit Salsa
Magic Lemon Pie
Coconut Macaroons
(Family Features) - It's been called "magic." At least that's how it seemed in 1856 when Gail Borden transformed fresh milk into safe and shelf-stable sweetened condensed milk.
A return voyage from London in 1851 prompted Borden's invention. He saw children fall ill from lack of fresh milk and set out to find a way to preserve milk while maintaining its taste and quality. Borden developed a vacuum method to remove water from milk, adding sugar as a preservative.
Eagle Brand first became a staple during the Civil War, when troops needed milk that wouldn't spoil. It is also credited with significantly reducing the infant mortality rate in North America. When the two World Wars brought rationing and shortages to American households, Eagle Brand proudly provided a "magic" way to make desserts. Today, Eagle Brand is still America's most trusted sweetened condensed milk.
For more delicious recipes, visit www.eaglebrand.com.
Celebration Lime Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 7 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- 1/3 cup flaked coconut, packed
- 2 (8-ounce) packages plain cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup lime juice
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F. With mixer fitted with flat paddle, combine flour and sugar; add butter and egg yolk; blend until combined. Mix in coconut. Press dough evenly into bottom of greased 13x9-inch glass baking dish.
- Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edge of crust is golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs; mix until just combined. Stir in lime juice. Pour batter over baked crust. Once oven has cooled to 350°F, bake 17 to 22 minutes or until center is set.
- Cool. Cover and chill 2 hours. Serve with toppings (optional, recipes follow). Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Serves
Makes 18 to 20 bars
Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Optional Toppings:
White Chocolate Glaze With Toasted Coconut and Pecans
Quick Raspberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 (12-ounce) packages frozen raspberries, thawed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender and mix until smooth. Store covered in refrigerator.
Serves
Makes 3 cups
Quick Berry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup raspberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar or to taste
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup diced strawberries
Preparation
- In large bowl, combine raspberries, lemon juice and sugar.
- Using large fork or potato masher, smash berries to make puree.
- Fold in blueberries and strawberries. Store covered in refrigerator.
Serves
Makes 2 1/2 cups
White Chocolate Glaze With Toasted Coconut and Pecans
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips or white vanilla chips
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Preparation
- In skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add coconut and pecans; continue mixing until coconut is light brown. Remove from heat. Cool.
- In large bowl, combine chips, lime juice and remaining butter. Microwave on medium-high 30 to 40 seconds. Mix until smooth.
- Pour glaze over bars, spreading evenly. Top with coconut mixture.
Mixed Fruit Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
Preparation
- Mix all ingredients in bowl. Chill at least 1 hour. Stir before serving.
Serves
Makes 2 1/2 cups
Magic Lemon Pie
Description
Created in the early 1900s, this pie was touted as "magic." Adding lemon juice to Eagle Brand creates a rich, creamy filling, without cooking, that is easy to make, delicious every time and never fails, even for first-time bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind or 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 (8- or 9-inch) graham cracker or baked pie crust
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon rind or extract and egg yolks; stir until mixture thickens. Pour into chilled graham cracker crust or cooled pie crust.
- In medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar on medium speed, 1 tablespoon at a time; beat 4 minutes longer or until sugar is dissolved and stiff glossy peaks form.
- Spread meringue over pie, carefully sealing to edge of crust to prevent meringue from shrinking. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.
Marinate Time
10 minutes
Serves
Makes one (8- or 9-inch) pie
Coconut Macaroons
Description
A macaroon recipe with Eagle Brand was featured in magazines as early as 1919. Developed for simplicity, it can be made and baked in minutes - no flour, baking powder, rolling or cutting needed.
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 1 egg white, whipped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 (14-ounce) package flaked coconut
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with foil; grease and flour foil. Set aside.
- In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg white, extracts and coconut; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets; slightly flatten each mound with a spoon.
- Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Immediately remove from baking sheets (macaroons will stick if allowed to cool); cool on wire racks. Store loosely covered at room temperature.
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Serves
Makes about 4 dozen
Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Macaroon Kisses: Prepare and bake as above. Press solid milk chocolate candy piece in center of each macaroon immediately after baking.
Source
Hydrate Your Way to More Energy
(Family Features) Americans thirsting for more energy can refresh their hydration habits by thinking outside the water glass. Some foods - including flavorful, water-rich produce like watermelon - can help hydrate the body as well.
"Sliced, cubed or blended, or even simply juiced, watermelon is a delicious way to increase fluid intake and boost energy," said Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietician and author of several nutrition and wellness books. "Watermelon is 92 percent water, and the perfect ingredient for salads, salsas, smoothies and more."
With a distinctively sweet, refreshing taste, it may be hard to think of watermelon as a nutritious, low-calorie hydration boost. But actually, beyond its high water content, watermelon is loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium, fiber and phytonutrients, such as lycopene.
Tips for picking the perfect watermelon
Choosing a good whole watermelon at the store may seem like a challenge, because the thick rind hides the vibrant fruit inside. But actually, making a good pick is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Look the watermelon over. You are looking for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents.
- Lift it up. The watermelon should be heavy for its size; most of the weight is water.
- Turn it over. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
Once you've got your watermelon home, there are dozens of ways to enjoy it, including a wide range of cold, refreshing beverages. One easy way to up your water intake with watermelon is this simple one-ingredient recipe for watermelon juice:
Just cut a seedless watermelon into one-inch chunks with a sharp knife and place in blender. Blend watermelon well until juice is smooth. If you prefer, you can strain the juice to remove the pulp.
For a little extra flavor, try combining watermelon juice with other fruity flavors, as in this Agua Fresca, which blends that natural sweetness of watermelon with lime, a small amount of sugar and water.
Find more ideas to help you sip your way to hydration with mouthwatering inspiration at www.watermelon.org.
Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped watermelon
- 7 cups coarsely chopped watermelon
- 6 cups watermelon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large lime, juiced
- 1 serving water (if needed)
- Watermelon wedges
- Mint leaves
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients, including slices of juiced lime, in large serving pitcher.
- Garnish with watermelon wedges and mint.