recipes

Healthy 01 March 2021

Give Spring Salads a Fresh Spin

(Family Features) With spring and warmer weather comes salad season, offering a perfect canvas for creating refreshing meals and appetizers centered around tasty greens, juicy tomatoes and crave-worthy dressings. Give your salads an update by avoiding the same tired mixes and instead create tasty meals fit for the season.

One easy way to up your salad game is by starting with quality ingredients like Fresh Express salad blends, NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes and Litehouse refrigerated salad dressings. These fresh, flavorful ingredients can be combined in a dish like this Chimichurri Chickpea Salad, a perfect way to go green this spring for nearly any occasion.

Part of the appeal of dishing up a homemade salad is the unlimited options you have at your fingertips to make the bowl of greens uniquely “yours.” For many, this means one thing: the more toppings, the better. With grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, ripe avocado, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese and a bed of fresh lettuce, this classic Cobb Salad offers an ideal lunch or even a quick family meal.

Because both these recipes can be made in 20 minutes or less, they provide simple solutions when short on time. Plus, the fresh ingredients sum up everything spring meals are made of.

Find more ways to create easy yet delicious salads at litehousefoods.com/iheartsalad.

Chimichurri Chickpea Salad

Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 1          cup fresh cilantro
  • 2/3       cup fresh parsley
  • 2          tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2          garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4       cup red wine vinegar
  • 2/3       cup olive oil
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       teaspoon pepper
  • 1          can (14 1/2 ounces) chickpeas, drained
  • 1/4       teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1          bag Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix
  • 1          cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, diced
  • 1          medium avocado, diced
  • 4          tablespoons Litehouse Avocado Ranch Dressing
  1. In food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse until sauce is smooth.
  2. Place chimichurri sauce in small bowl with chickpeas and crushed red pepper flakes; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, if possible.
  3. Divide kale, tomatoes and avocado between four bowls. Top each bowl evenly with marinated chickpeas. Drizzle with avocado ranch dressing and serve.

Cobb Salad

Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 3-4       eggs    
  • 1/4       pound bacon
  • 1          bag Fresh Express Sweet Butter Lettuce
  • 1          pound grilled chicken
  • 1          cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, halved
  • 1          ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/4       cup blue cheese
  • 1/4       cup Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing
  1. Bring pot of water to boil. Use slotted spoon to place eggs in water. Boil 10 minutes then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking process. Peel eggs and slice.
  2. Heat skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon and add to pan. Saute until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered, about 7 minutes. Remove from pan with slotted spoon.
  3. To assemble salad, start with bed of lettuce. Top with hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, bacon and blue cheese; toss in ranch dressing.

Source: Litehouse

Healthy 04 January 2021

New Year Nutrition

Take on 2021 with a sustainable, low-carb eating plan

(Family Features) A new year brings with it new opportunities to better yourself in all kinds of ways, including your health. Start by evaluating your at-home menu to make sure it aligns with your nutritional goals.

These recipes for Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls, Broccolini and Bacon Egg Bites and Flourless Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from Atkins offer better-for-you options that fit within a low-carb lifestyle that can help you eat right and make smarter choices in your kitchen. Each option offers a balanced approach to eating comprised of high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats. Plus, they’re easily personalized, allowing each recipe to help you meet your goals regardless of what eating plan you’re following and whether you’re looking to achieve weight loss, maintain your weight or achieve optimal health.

An Easy-to-Follow Food Guide

The latest science continues to support the many health benefits of a low-carb approach to eating beyond just weight loss. Simply reducing your carb and sugar intake by two-thirds over the “Standard American Diet” helps avoid the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

While many eating approaches can be vague in their approach, “The Atkins 100 Eating Solution’s” fan-favorite program provides a clear-cut way to control your carb intake with 100 grams of net carbs (the total carbohydrate content of the food minus the fiber content and sugar alcohols) and shows you how to make delicious and satisfying food choices that lessen their impact on your blood sugar. This personalized approach is a way of eating you can follow for life.

With cutting-edge research and delicious recipes, this book provides a variety of foods with plenty of room for personalization. This easy-to-use guide, written by Colette Heimowitz, the company’s vice president of nutrition and education, can also show you how the plan can be modified to fit in with most ways of eating, including vegetarian, Paleo, Mediterranean and more regardless of food preferences, lifestyle or cooking abilities.

Visit atkins.com/atkins-100-eating-solution-book to purchase the book.

Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls

Recipe courtesy of “The Atkins 100 Eating Solution”
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 4          large eggs
  • ice water
  • 2          cups fresh water
  • 1          quart vegetable broth
  • 5          ounces (3 cups) broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 10        ounces (4 cups) spiralized zucchini
  • 5          ounces (5 packed cups) baby spinach
  • 1          tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, white miso paste
  • 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
  • 1          tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus additional for garnish, to taste
  • 2          cups mung bean sprouts, for garnish
  • chili garlic sauce, for garnish
  • 1          cup shredded raw carrot, for garnish
  • 4          tablespoons crushed peanuts, for garnish
  1. In large saucepan of gently boiling water, cook eggs 7 minutes then transfer to bowl of ice water.
  2. Drain cooking water from saucepan then add broth and fresh water. Bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and cook 3 minutes then add zucchini and spinach. Continue cooking until spinach is wilted and zucchini is crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Ladle about 1/2 cup broth from saucepan into small bowl. Add miso paste and 1/4 teaspoon salt; whisk to combine. Return mixture to soup, add sesame oil and stir to combine. Add additional salt, to taste. Cover to keep warm.
  4. Remove eggs from ice bath; peel then cut in half lengthwise. Ladle 2 cups soup into four serving bowls. Top each portion with one egg and 1/2 cup sprouts. Drizzle with chili garlic sauce and additional sesame oil, to taste. Top each serving with 1/4 cup shredded carrot and 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts.

Nutritional information per serving: 10 grams net carbs; 17 grams total carbs; 7 grams fiber; 16 grams protein; 13 grams fat; 253 calories.

Broccolini and Bacon Egg Bites

Recipe courtesy of “The Atkins 100 Eating Solution”
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 5          slices (4 ounces) no-sugar- added bacon
  • 5          large eggs
  • 3          ounces cream cheese
  • 2          tablespoons feta cheese
  • 1          tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
  • 4 1/2    ounces broccolini (5-7 stalks), stalks and florets thinly sliced
  • 1          tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2    cups baby arugula
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly coat eight silicone egg-bite mold cups or eight cups of standard nonstick muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set in large baking pan.
  2. In large nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Chop bacon into small pieces.
  3. In blender, puree eggs, cream cheese, feta cheese, hot sauce and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
  4. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet. Add broccolini, water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until broccolini is tender, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Fill each egg cup with 1 teaspoon bacon and 1 tablespoon broccolini. Top with egg mixture, filling cups to about 1/8 inch from top. Add just enough boiled water to baking pan to come halfway up sides of molds.
  6. Bake egg bites until set, 20-25 minutes. Take pan from oven then take molds from water bath. Let egg bites cool then remove from molds.
  7. In medium bowl, toss arugula, lemon juice, oil and salt and pepper, to taste. Place 3/4 cup salad, two egg bites and 1/4 cup blueberries on four plates and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 9 grams net carbs; 11 grams total carbs; 2 grams fiber; 14 grams protein; 34 grams fat; 400 calories.

Flourless Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe courtesy of “The Atkins 100 Eating Solution”
Total time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

  • 1          cup sugar-free smooth or creamy peanut butter
  • 2          teaspoons stevia extract powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1          large egg
  • 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2       cup sugar-free semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  1. Set oven racks in upper- and lower-third positions. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In medium bowl, use handheld electric mixer on medium speed to beat peanut butter, stevia, baking soda and salt, scraping down sides if needed, until well combined, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low, add egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
  3. Shape dough into 24 balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Using tines of fork, carefully flatten each ball, creating crisscross pattern.
  4. Bake, rotating cookie sheets from top to bottom and back to front halfway through, until edges begin to brown and cookies are set, 7-9 minutes. Cookies should not be browned. Let cool 10 minutes on cookie sheets then carefully transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
  5. In small microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and microwave on high in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until melted, about 1 minute.
  6. Dip dry fork into chocolate then drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Nutritional information per serving (1 cookie): 1.5 grams net carbs; 3 grams total carbs; 1.5 grams fiber; 3 grams protein; 6.5 grams fat; 79 calories.

Source: Atkins

Healthy 11 December 2020

Turn to Tempeh for a Plant-Based Superfood

(Family Features) As a key part of a nutritious eating plan, protein intake can be a healthy step to take in the new year. One increasingly popular way to add protein to your at-home menu is with protein-packed, plant-based foods like tempeh.

Tempeh’s roots date back thousands of years and originate in Indonesia. It’s an all-natural protein source made with simple, whole-food ingredients – most often fermented soybeans, water and rice – and is high in protein, packed with fiber and low in fat, sodium and calories. Tempeh is also loaded with vitamins and minerals like calcium, manganese, phosphorus and iron, and has all nine essential amino acids. Because it’s fermented, the nutrients in tempeh are easy for the body to digest.

The health benefits of tempeh, including 18 grams of protein per serving, are one reason to give it a try, but another is it’s easy and versatile to cook. It has a firm texture, nutty taste and can be baked, fried, steamed or grilled. Tempeh also easily absorbs marinades, spices and sauces. To prepare tempeh, cut it into cubes, strips or crumble it then toss into a stir-fry, layer it onto a BLT sandwich or simply warm a skillet and sear it until golden brown.

The possibilities for tempeh are nearly endless, and it’s also increasingly easy to find. For example, Lightlife, founded in 1979 as “Tempeh Works,” was among the first commercial producers of tempeh in the United States. Today, it offers its Original Tempeh at more than 18,500 retail stores nationwide.

Find protein-packed meal ideas, like Sesame Ginger Tempeh Power Bowls with Quinoa and Sweet Potatoes, at lightlife.com.

Sesame Ginger Tempeh Power Bowls with Quinoa and Sweet Potatoes

Pickled Pink Onions:

  • 1/4       cup white wine vinegar
  • 2          teaspoons white sugar
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced


Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette:

  • 2          tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2          teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2          teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2          teaspoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2          teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2          teaspoons toasted sesame seeds


Sweet Potatoes:

  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 1          large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices

Tempeh:

  • 1          package (8 ounces) Lightlife Original Tempeh
  • 1          teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2          cups baby spinach or kale
  • 2          cups cooked tri-color quinoa, at room temperature
  • 1/2       ripe avocado, cubed
  • 1/2       cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 6          red grape cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6          yellow grape cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2       cup pea shoots
  1. To make pickled pink onions: In small pot, bring white wine vinegar, sugar and salt to boil. Add onions and toss to coat 15 seconds. Turn off heat and let sit 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and bright pink. Set aside.
  2. To make sesame ginger vinaigrette: In small bowl, stir vegetable and sesame oils with ginger, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and sesame seeds. Pour into two small ramekins. Set aside.
  3. To make sweet potatoes: In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sweet potato slices and cook, turning occasionally, 15-17 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary until tender when pierced with knife. Remove to cutting board and cut each slice into quarters. Wipe out skillet.
  4. To make tempeh: Cut tempeh crosswise into eight triangles. In nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, heat vegetable oil. Cook tempeh with soy sauce until golden brown and warm, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove tempeh from pan and add baby spinach or kale; stir 1-2 minutes just until wilted.
  5. To assemble bowls: On bottoms of two shallow bowls or plates, spread cooked quinoa. Top with piles of warm sweet potatoes, pickled pink onions, sauteed spinach or kale, avocado, chickpeas, grape tomatoes and pea shoots. Top with tempeh and serve with sesame ginger vinaigrette.

Source: Lightlife

Meal Ideas 18 November 2020

Put a Zesty Spin on Weeknight Meals

(Family Features) Dinner in many households means foolproof recipes that families can count on, but those can become bland and boring. Finding new ways to put a twist on meals throughout the week adds fun to time spent in the kitchen while bringing new flavor to the table.

To help reinvigorate traditional weeknight dinners, chef Bobby Flay and Hidden Valley Ranch created the three-part Hidden Valley Ranch Night! series to debut dishes that bring bold flavor to traditional meals, such as these recipes for Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce and Ranch Seasoned Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas with Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream. The series will provide a spin on weeknight staples to showcase the simplicity, versatility and zesty flavor of ranch seasoning when used to create family-friendly dinners any night of the week.

Find more information, including series episodes and additional recipes, at hiddenvalley.com/ranch-night.

Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce

Servings: 4

Avocado Ranch Sauce:

  • 1/4       cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4       cup sour cream
  • 1          tablespoon well-shaken buttermilk
  • 1/2       teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 3          green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2          avocados, peeled, pitted and diced

Ranch Spice Crusted Burger:

  • 1 1/2    teaspoons Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
  • 1          teaspoon paprika
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1 1/2    pounds ground chuck (80% lean)
  • 2          tablespoons canola oil
  • 8          slices American cheese
  • 1/4       cup water
  • 4          brioche buns, split in half
  • Avocado Ranch Sauce
  1. To make avocado ranch sauce: In bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth. Fold in green onions and diced avocados; set aside.
  2. To make burgers: In small bowl, whisk ranch seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
  3. Heat large cast-iron pan or griddle over high heat. Divide meat into four 6-ounce patties and make deep depression in centers with thumb. Season each with spice rub on one side.
  4. Add canola oil to pan and heat until shimmering. Place on burgers in pan, spice side down, and cook until golden brown and lightly charred, 4 minutes. Turn burgers over and cook 4 minutes, or until they reach desired doneness.
  5. Top each burger with two slices cheese. Add water to pan and cover tightly with lid 10 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.
  6. Place burgers on bottom buns and top each with avocado ranch sauce and top buns.

Ranch Seasoned Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas with Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream

Servings: 4

Tomato Salsa:

  • 4          plum tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/2       small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2       jalapeno, finely diced
  • 1          lime, juice only
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil
  • 3          tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped into ribbons
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Quesadillas:

  • 2          tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 1/2    pounds cremini or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2          teaspoons Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning, divided
  • 12        flour tortillas (6 inches)
  • 2          cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 16        ounces roasted or rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • canola oil
  • 1/2       cup sour cream
  • tomato salsa
  • 2          tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  1. To make tomato salsa: In medium bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, olive oil and basil; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. To make quesadillas: Preheat oven to 450 F.
  3. In large saute pan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add mushrooms and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons ranch seasoning. Cook until mushrooms are golden brown and liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool.
  4. Place tortillas next to each other on baking sheet. Sprinkle thin layer of cheese on eight tortillas. Add cooled mushrooms to four tortillas and shredded chicken to other four tortillas. Season each layer with salt and pepper. Stack tortillas to create four, two-layer quesadillas. Cover each with remaining tortillas; brush top tortillas lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with remaining ranch seasoning.
  5. Bake 6-8 minutes until cheese is melted and tortillas turn lightly golden brown with crispy edges.
  6. Cut each quesadilla into four pieces. Garnish each slice with dollop of sour cream. Add dollop of tomato salsa on top of sour cream and garnish with basil.

Source: Hidden Valley Ranch

Ethnic 09 November 2020

Uncovering the Top Mexican Food Trends for 2021

(Family Features) Many families constantly search for meal inspiration, and one of the best ways is to look toward trendy tastes for new options to add to the menu.

One of the country’s top Hispanic food brands, Cacique, tapped culinary experts and chefs Aarón Sánchez, Bricia Lopez and Santiago Gomez to curate the third annual “What’s Next in Mexican Cuisine” trends forecast uncovering popular flavors, techniques and dishes to expect in the coming year.

“One way we can all honor the impact of Latin culture in America is through food,” Sánchez said. “One easy step you can take to connect with a culture is by using authentic ingredients, like in this Chorizo Ragu with Cheesy Toast, which uses three staple Mexican ingredients – queso fresco, crema Mexicana and chorizo. It’s inspired by my prediction that Mexican comfort foods and deep, rich sauces made from scratch will rise in popularity.”

Consider these top Mexican food trends for 2021 according to Sánchez, Lopez and Gomez along with findings from a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Cacique:

  • The bread baking craze of 2020 will now include homemade corn and flour tortillas with 55% of Americans reaching for masa harina, flour and tortilla presses to make their own.
  • Americans have a thirst for dehydrated chiles with varieties ranging from pasillas to anchos set to become more popular in American kitchens. 
  • Dried chiles, beans and cheeses such as queso fresco will find their way into more American kitchens as people adopt a “from scratch” approach and back-to-basics techniques. 
  • Coziness, meet Cozumel as Mexican comfort foods reign supreme and people gravitate toward nostalgic “homemade” style favorites like enchiladas.
  • Get ready to dive into deep, rich sauces, including mole, which will continue to grow in popularity.
  • Salsa macha will share the spotlight thanks to exploration of the breadth of salsa varieties that exist within Mexican cuisine. 
  • Food exploration will satisfy Americans’ wanderlust as 55% plan to travel less in 2021, and the same percentage report they’re looking to learn the stories behind famous Mexican recipes. 

To find more trend-inspired recipes, visit caciqueinc.com.

Chorizo Ragu with Cheesy Toast

Recipe courtesy of chef Aarón Sánchez

  • 3          bolillo-style rolls or 1 long baguette
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil 
  • 1          yellow or white onion, chopped
  • 2-3       carrots, chopped
  • 1⁄2       teaspoon salt
  • 6          cloves garlic, divided
  • 8          ounces white or cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 2          tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1          tablespoon dried oregano 
  • 1          teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1⁄4    pounds ground beef
  • 1          package (9 ounces) Cacique Pork Chorizo
  • 1          can (28 ounces) crushed or pureed tomatoes
  • 6          tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 9          tablespoons Cacique Crema Mexicana, plus additional for serving
  • 1 1⁄2    cups crumbled Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Halve bread lengthwise.
  2. In heavy-bottomed pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots and salt then cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables just start to soften, 3-4 minutes. Mince 2 garlic cloves and add to pot with mushrooms; cook about 3 minutes.
  3. Use spoon to push vegetables to edges of pan then add tomato paste, oregano and cumin to center of pan; saute until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
  4. Increase heat to high and add beef and pork chorizo. Break meat up with spoon but don’t over-stir. When beef is no longer pink, pour in tomatoes and bring to simmer. Decrease heat to medium-high and let simmer, stirring occasionally.
  5. While ragu simmers, use fork to mash or whip butter with crema until smooth. Mince or finely grate remaining garlic cloves then stir into crema mixture.
  6. Spread crema mixture evenly over bread, trying to cover as much area as possible. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco all over and place bread on rimmed baking sheet, cheese side up. Toast 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Finish under broiler 30-60 seconds for deeper browning, if desired. Cut bread into individual portions.
  7. After about 20 minutes of simmering, ragu should thicken and flavors meld. Swirl in additional crema then serve ragu in bowls with cheesy toast or ladle over pieces of toast.

Source: Cacique

Holiday 09 November 2020

Popping Up Festive Holiday Fun

(Family Features) During a holiday season that may not quite feel the same for many families, you can add a magic touch to at-home festivities with activities and treats that get everyone involved. Creating decorative holiday sweets allows little ones and grown-ups alike to take part in the fun, and the end result is delicious desserts for all to enjoy.

Start with a main ingredient like whole-grain, freshly popped popcorn. At 30 calories a cup, it’s naturally low in fat, non-GMO and gluten-free for a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday indulgences. It’s a clever way to create artsy representations of the season at hand that celebrate festive flavors like peppermint, coconut, chocolate and other sweet eats.

For example, Coconut Popcorn Snowballs add fun and flavor to wintertime with a coat of sweetened coconut “snow” and candy cane handle while easy-to-construct Holiday Popcorn Snowmen are sure to be a hit with your children. Add to the holiday spirit throughout your home with wintery Jingle Balls that call for colored sugars to create a magical sparkling effect then take the creativity to the next level by encouraging kids to make their own red-nosed, sleigh-pulling team of Chocolate Popcorn Reindeer.

Discover more decorative dessert recipes at popcorn.org.

Coconut Popcorn Snowballs

Yield: 8 balls (4 inches)

  • 2          cups shredded or flaked sweetened coconut
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 3          quarts popped popcorn
  • 4          tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
  • 3          cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1          teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract
  • 8          candy canes or candy cane sticks (about 3-4 inches)
  1. Place large sheet wax or parchment paper over work surface. Spread coconut on paper.
  2. Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
  3. In medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows until melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated.
  4. Spray hands with cooking spray and press mixture firmly to form into balls. Place balls on coconut; roll and press coconut to coat. While holding popcorn balls, gently press candy cane into each ball.
  5. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap for storage.

Jingle Balls

Yield: 12 cups

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 12        cups popped popcorn
  • 6          tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 3          cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2       teaspoon peppermint extract
  • assorted colored sugars
  1. Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Add popcorn.
  2. Spread plastic wrap on cookie sheet; set aside.
  3. In medium saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows; stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour over popcorn, mixing until well coated. Let cool 2 minutes.
  4. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and form popcorn mixture into 3-inch balls. Gently press colored sugar onto balls. Let sit on prepared cookie sheet until cool and set.

Chocolate Popcorn Reindeer

Servings: 8

  • 8          cups unsalted, unbuttered, popped popcorn
  • 2 1/2    cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2       cup chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips
  • 2          tablespoons butter or light olive oil
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 16        pretzel sticks
  • 16        eyeball candies
  • 8          red candy-coated
  • chocolate candies
  1. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.
  2. In saucepan over medium heat, heat marshmallows, chocolate, butter and salt, stirring often, until smooth. Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn until well combined.
  3. Scoop 3/4 cup popcorn mixture into ball. Repeat with remaining mixture to make eight balls. Place each ball in paper muffin cup liner.
  4. Insert one pretzel stick on each side of ball to resemble antlers, attach two eyeball candies for “eyes” and one red chocolate candy for “nose.” Repeat with remaining balls. Let cool completely.

Holiday Popcorn Snowmen

Yield: 5 snowmen

  • 1          package (1 pound) large marshmallows
  • 1/4       cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, plus additional for greasing hands
  • 1          teaspoon vanilla
  • 10        cups popped popcorn
  • sprinkles (optional)
  • licorice (optional)
  • gum drops (optional)
  • cinnamon candies (optional)
  1. In large saucepan, melt marshmallows and 1/4 cup butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let stand 5 minutes.
  2. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and stir. Butter hands well and form into balls.
  3. Decorate with sprinkles, licorice, gum drops and cinnamon candies, if desired.

Popcorn Board

Holiday 05 November 2020

Flavorful Holiday Dishes Prepped in Minutes for Small Gatherings

(Family Features) In what’s certain to be a holiday season unlike any other, you can transform your seasonal menu in 20 minutes of prep time or less by incorporating flavorful ingredients that make ordinary dishes extraordinary, ensuring the holidays are as special and memorable as any other year.

Stress-free holiday entertaining at home begins with ingredients like Holland House Cooking Wines that add an extra boost of flavor to recipes like Tuscan White Bean Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe combines pantry staples and enticing seasonings for an easy-to-make soup that simmers in the slow cooker. This Sherry, Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake is another delicious and convenient recipe to feed your family on early holiday mornings. This simple, tasty brunch bake can be easily prepped the night before.

While holiday gatherings may be smaller this year, spending time with family can be made even more special when sharing a homemade, holiday-inspired meal. Sherry Cherry Pork Loin Roast, made in a time-saving slow cooker, provides an easy way to bring your family together for a flavorful holiday meal.

This festive season, Holland House Cooking Wines provide an easy way to delight your family. They’re available in four flavors – Marsala, Sherry, White and Red – made using fine grapes and blended seasonings, aged to perfection, to offer bold flavor to your holiday cooking.

Visit hollandhouseflavors.com to find more holiday-worthy dishes.

Sherry Cherry Pork Loin Roast

Recipe courtesy of Cate Meade of “Cate’s Kitchen Fit”
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5-6 hours
Servings: 8-10

  • 7          tablespoons avocado or grapeseed oil, divided
  • 2          large Vidalia onions, halved and thinly sliced
  • 4          teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1          pork loin roast (4-4 1/2 pounds), trimmed and patted dry
  • 3          teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

Sherry Cherry Sauce:

  • 3/4       cup Holland House Sherry Cooking Wine
  • 5-6       cloves garlic
  • 1          cup frozen Bing cherries, divided
  • 1 1/2    tablespoons dry mustard powder
  • 4          tablespoons Holland House Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1          bunch fresh parsley, large stems removed, plus additional reserved for garnish
  • 3          tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
  1. In large slow cooker on high heat, add 2 tablespoons oil, sliced onions and 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Season roast evenly on all sides with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 tea­spoon pepper.
  3. Place large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil to pan. Sear pork loin 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer roast to slow cooker on top of onions.
  4. Cover and cook on low 3 hours.
  5. To make Sherry Cherry Sauce: In blender, blend sherry cooking wine, garlic, 1/2 cup cherries, mustard powder, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, parsley, remaining olive oil, remaining salt and remaining pepper until smooth; set aside.
  6. After pork loin cooks 3 hours, add Sherry Cherry Sauce around pork roast. Cover and cook 2-3 hours on low.
  7. To glaze, brush roast with warm sauce 3-4 times in last hour of cooking.
  8. Once pork reaches internal temperature of 145 F, remove and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.
  9. To finish sauce, remove 1/4 cup cooking liquid and mix with cornstarch to make a slurry. Whisk slurry and remaining cherries into sauce. Cook in slow cooker on high 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Slice roast 1/2-inch thick, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with Sherry Cherry Sauce and braised onions.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Recipe courtesy of Jillian Wade of “Food, Folks & Fun”
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Servings: 8

  • 4          cups chicken stock
  • 1          cup Holland House White Cooking Wine
  • 1          can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1          medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 1          cup celery, diced
  • 1          cup carrots, diced
  • 6          large cloves garlic, minced
  • 3          cans (15 1/2 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1          can (13 3/4 ounces) artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
  • 1          bay leaf
  • 1          teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1          teaspoon salt
  • 1          teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4       teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 4          cups kale (about 6 ounces), cleaned, destemmed and chopped
  • 5          ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 8          teaspoons Parmesan cheese, shaved (for garnish)
  1. Place chicken stock, white cooking wine, tomatoes, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, bay leaf, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper and rosemary in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.
  2. About 30 minutes before serving soup, stir in kale and cover.
  3. In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, cook pancetta until crispy, about 4 minutes. Move pancetta to paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with pancetta and Parmesan cheese shavings.

Sherry, Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake

Recipe courtesy of Jillian Wade of “Food, Folks & Fun”
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Servings: 10

  • 8          tablespoons salted butter, melted, plus additional for greasing pan, divided
  • 2          teaspoons olive oil
  • 2          large shallots, minced
  • 1/2       cup Holland House Sherry Cooking Wine
  • 1          package (20 ounces) frozen hash brown potatoes
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       teaspoon pepper
  • 2          cups (8 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1          cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 8          ounces precooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 8          large eggs
  • 1 1/4    cups whole milk
  • 1/2       teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 2          tablespoons fresh chopped dill
  • 1          teaspoon fresh chopped dill, for garnish (optional)
  • 2          teaspoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
  1. Move oven rack to middle position and preheat to 400 F. Generously grease 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter; set aside.
  2. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, add olive oil and preheat pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in cooking wine and cook until liquid is evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Add frozen hash browns to prepared baking dish. Pour melted butter over potatoes and add salt, pepper and caramelized shallots.
  5. Use spoon to mix well. Bake 30 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through and some edges are beginning to brown. Remove potatoes from oven and reduce temperature to 325 F.
  6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over potatoes followed by ham.
  7. In large measuring cup or small bowl, vigorously whisk eggs, milk, mustard powder and dill until fully combined and eggs become frothy, about 1 minute.
  8. Pour egg mixture evenly over potatoes, cheese and ham. Store covered in refrigerator if prepping night before.
  9. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until edges of casserole are golden brown and center of casserole is set.
  10. Cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with chopped dill and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Source: Holland House

Healthy 04 November 2020

Easy Dishes to Boost Immunity

(Family Features) Staying healthy is important year-round, but especially in the cooler months when temperatures drop, people spend more time inside and germs can spread easily. What you eat and the lifestyle you embrace are critical components of staying healthy.

Nourishing meals full of fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods and whole grains help provide the body's immune system with the nutrients it needs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, being physically active every day, having enough fluids and reducing stress also help keep the immune system in shape.

As a nutritious food to include on your grocery list, grapes of all colors - red, green and black - contain more than 1,600 natural plant compounds such as antioxidants and other polyphenols that help protect the health of cells throughout the body. They also contain about 82% water, so they provide important fluids for hydration, which is also critical to a healthy immune system.

Grapes can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or an immune-boosting ingredient in recipes like Chicken, Spinach and Grape Pita sandwiches and Grape and Salmon Power Salad. Each provides a mix of immune-supporting nutrients, including zinc in chicken, vitamins A and C in kale, polyphenols in grapes and other important nutrients in the salmon, walnuts and barley.

Find these recipes and more in "Eating for Immune Health" along with additional ways to eat healthy and stay well at grapesfromcalifornia.com.

Chicken, Spinach and Grape Pita

Servings: 4

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground sumac
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 package (5-6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup red California grapes, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 4 whole-wheat pita breads (6 1/2 inches each), warmed and halved
  1. In small skillet over medium-high heat, toast pine nuts, stirring constantly until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and let cool. In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, shallot, olive oil, red pepper flakes, sumac, salt and pepper. Add spinach, chicken, grapes, feta and pine nuts; toss to mix. Stuff into pita breads and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 445 calories; 24 g protein; 46 g carbohydrates; 20 g fat (39% calories from fat); 5 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 57 mg cholesterol; 658 mg sodium; 6 g fiber.

Grape and Salmon Power Salad

Servings: 6

  • 3/4 cup pearled barley
  • 3 cups firmly packed kale leaves, torn and sliced into ribbons
  • 1 cup halved red or black seedless California grapes
  • 8 ounces cold, cooked salmon, skin and bones removed
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  1. Cook barley according to package directions. Drain and cool.
  2. Tenderize kale by blanching in boiling water 2-3 seconds or microwaving 1 minute. Rinse pieces in cold water to stop cooking; squeeze dry. Fluff and uncrimp dry kale pieces with fingers. In medium bowl, mix barley, kale, grapes, salmon and walnuts.
  3. To make dressing: In small bowl, whisk lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne. Gradually mix in olive oil. Pour onto salad and fold gently to combine.

Nutritional information per serving: 413 calories; 15 g protein; 30 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (47% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 22 mg cholesterol; 232 mg sodium; 500 mg potassium; 4 g fiber.

Source: California Table Grape Commission

Holiday 02 November 2020

Festive and Flavorful Holiday Snacks

(Family Features) The holidays are filled with delicious food - from indulgent breakfasts to decadent desserts - but snacks can get overlooked. Spice up this holiday season with festive snacks that are perfect for a quick on-the-go bite or a taste of your favorite holiday dessert.

Although beloved in pie, pecans are a versatile nut that can be used beyond the pie shell - add them to a snack mix, incorporate them into granola or munch on them straight from the bag. Delicious and nutritious, 1 ounce of pecans offers 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber, plus 12 grams of "good" monounsaturated fats and only 2 grams of saturated fat - perfect to power you through long days of holiday shopping.

This holiday season, nosh on a handful of these spiced Gingerbread Pecans for a sweet and savory snack while decorating the house or wrapping presents late at night, or set out a bowl for the family to enjoy.

You can also make snack-sized versions of your favorite holiday desserts to have on-hand when you're craving a quick and tasty treat. Chopped pecans add a flavorful and nutrient-dense crunch to these paleo-friendly No-Bake Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bites, while pecan halves provide a festive touch to these Reindeer Pecan Brownies.

Discover more nutritious, delicious and festive recipes at AmericanPecan.com.

Reindeer Pecan Brownies

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield: 20 brownies

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon pecan or canola oil
  • 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 20 raw pecan halves, cut in half
  • 40 candy eyeballs
  • 20 red chocolate candies
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chip
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In large bowl, whisk melted butter, oil and sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until mixture is thick and pale in color, about 1 minute.
  3. Sift in flour and cocoa powder. Add espresso powder, if desired, and salt. Using rubber spatula, fold dry ingredients into butter mixture until just combined. Batter should be thick.
  4. Using 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, transfer batter to prepared mini muffin tin. Bake 13-15 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean, with some lingering crumbs.
  5. Add chocolate chips to heat-proof bowl; microwave until smooth and melted. Pour melted chocolate into sandwich bag and cut off small portion of one corner to use as tip. Use melted chocolate to "glue" on pecan antlers, candy eyeballs and red candy noses to brownies.
  6. Allow chocolate to set before transferring brownies to airtight container.

Note: Brownies will stay fresh for up to three days.

Gingerbread Pecans

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 cups (6 servings)

  • 1 large egg white, beaten
  • 2 cups raw pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice blend
  • 1 pinch salt
  1. Preheat oven to 300 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
  2. In large bowl, use fork to whisk beaten egg until frothy. Add pecans and stir until coated. Sprinkle pecans with granulated sugar, brown sugar, gingerbread spice and salt. Stir to coat evenly. Spread pecans in even layer on prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake pecans 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Allow pecans to cool completely.

Note: Pecans can be stored in airtight container for up to four days.

No-Bake Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bites

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 bites (6 servings)

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups raw pecan pieces
  • 3/4 cup pitted medjool dates (about 7 dates), soaked in hot water 10 minutes
  • 1 pinch pink salt

Filling:

  • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 pinch pink salt
  • 1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)
  • 12 raw pecan halves, for topping
  1. To make crust: In food processor, process pecan pieces, drained dates and salt until combined and "dough" starts to form into ball.
  2. To make filling: In bowl, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, pumpkin spice, maple syrup, pink salt and collagen peptides, if desired. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Line cupcake tin and evenly distribute crust mixture, about 1 1/2 tablespoons in each cupcake opening. Use fingers to press crust into even layer.
  4. Evenly disperse pumpkin pie filling among openings until tins are about half full.
  5. Top each with one pecan half and place in freezer at least one hour.

Source: American Pecan Council

Holiday 21 October 2020

Make Small Holiday Celebrations Special with a Fresh Menu

(Family Features) Holiday festivities with immediate family members or just a few friends rather than larger gatherings may feel different than normal, but you can make the most of the situation with these tips to add intimacy and special meaning to celebratory moments:

  • Use special dishes, glassware and linens to convey the tone of the celebration. Go ahead and use your best dishes or enhance your everyday plates with the use of cloth napkins or a festive tablecloth. Bring out the fancy glasses to savor every sip.
  • Arrange visually appealing, individual mini-snack platters for each person. Combine grapes with a special cheese, crackers, olives and nuts for an easy way to curb appetites before the main course.
  • Set a festive table with a simple but creative centerpiece. For instance, you can combine candles, flowers and draped bunches of colorful grapes. Place votive candles on mirrors for added shimmer and sparkle. Tie a gold or silver wire ribbon bow around the napkins at each place setting. Handwritten place cards with guests’ names can add a surprising and special touch.
  • Stay healthy to enjoy the holidays. Choose healthy foods like fruits and vegetables that help support the immune system. Maintain your exercise schedule as much as possible and ensure you are getting enough sleep.
  • Opt for homemade over processed foods for signature dishes then reinforce with prepared items to fill out the menu, if needed. Let your guests bring part of the meal or something to contribute to the festivities.

Adding a sweet touch to the menu can help keep guests coming back for more. For example, fresh California grapes are available into January and are perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy them as a fresh, healthy snack or side dish, or as an ingredient to add taste and visual appeal to recipes to make the season feel special.

Start the meal with a simple but beautiful salad such as Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing, where the grapes provide festive color and pleasing texture. Pair your chosen entree with Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash for a hearty side dish that can also be served on its own. Finally, cap off the celebration with homemade Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie.

Visit grapesfromcalifornia.com/recipe to find more holiday-worthy dishes from appetizers and entrees to sides, snacks and desserts.

Create the Perfect Appetizer Plate

Delight your guests with individual appetizer plates this season by considering color, texture and presentation. Remember, this is the prelude to the meal, so small portions are perfectly fine. Consider this starter list:

  • Cheese
  • Nuts
  • Fresh grapes
  • Olives
  • Hummus
  • Marinated artichoke hearts
  • Salami slices
  • Spinach or other dips
  • Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Crackers
  • Pita triangles
  • Thin breadsticks
  • Pretzels
  • Jam or honey

Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

  • 8          cups fresh baby spinach, washed
  • 4 1/2    cups California grapes
  • 1 1/4    cups mandarin orange segments, drained if using canned
  • 1/3       cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3/4       cup bottled light balsamic vinegar and oil dressing
  • 1/4       cup orange juice
  • 3          tablespoons raspberry jam
  • 3/4       cup crunchy chow mein noodles
  1. In large salad bowl, combine spinach with grapes, oranges and onion.
  2. Whisk together dressing, orange juice and jam. Pour over salad and toss until greens are coated with dressing. Divide among eight plates and top with crunchy noodles.

Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie

Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 16

Dough:

  • 4          cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2    tablespoons sugar
  • 2          teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 1/2    sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1          cup ice water, plus additional if needed

Filling:

  • 3          pounds Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 9 cups)
  • 4          cups black California grapes
  • 3/4       cup sugar
  • 2          tablespoons all- purpose flour
  • 2          tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1          pinch salt
  • 1          egg
  • 1          tablespoon water
  • demerara sugar, for garnish
  1. To make dough: In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and toss with flour mixture. Smash each butter cube flat then use fork to stir in cold water. Knead lightly until dough comes together in ball. Transfer to floured work surface and use well-floured rolling pin to roll into 10-by-15-inch sheet. Fold each short side into middle and close like a book. Fold once more to make thick block and cut in half. Wrap each piece in plastic and chill at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. To make filling: In large bowl, combine apples, grapes, sugar, flour, lemon juice and salt; set aside.
  3. To assemble pie: Heat oven to 375 F.
  4. Roll one half of dough out to 18-by-13-inch rectangle. Transfer to 10-by-15-inch heavy baking sheet; place in refrigerator to chill while rolling out top sheet. Roll out remaining dough to 18-by-13-inch rectangle and use pastry cutter to cut into 1 1/2-inch wide strips.
  5. Transfer filling into chilled pastry and spread evenly. Lay dough strips on top of filling in lattice pattern and crimp sides together. Mix egg with water and brush top of pie. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake until filling is bubbling, and crust is nicely browned, about 45-50 minutes.

Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

  • 3          pounds delicata squash, cut lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 3 1/2    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1          teaspoon coarse salt, divided
  • 1/2       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1          pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2    cups farro
  • 2          cups water
  • 3 1/2    tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1          teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 1/2    cups halved California grapes
  • 1/2       cup chopped parsley
  1. Heat oven to 425 F.
  2. On sheet pan, toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cayenne pepper. Spread into single layer and roast 10-15 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Turn squash and roast 10-15 minutes, or until browned and tender.
  3. While squash is cooking, combine farro, water and remaining salt. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook until farro is tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain leftover water and transfer to large bowl. Add squash, remaining olive oil, remaining pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, grapes and parsley; toss.

Note: Acorn or butternut squash may be substituted for delicata squash.

Source: California Table Grape Commission

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