(Family Features) A beautifully designed charcuterie board may feel more like a grown-up treat, but with the right ingredients, delicious grazing boards can provide fun and nutrition for the whole family.

No matter what you call it, charcuterie boards, grazing boards and snack platters are all basically the same thing. The boards make a trendy addition to an entertaining menu, but a platter or kid-friendly board can be equally pleasing.

What you serve on a grazing board is entirely up to you. Most include a selection of meats and cheeses, and many incorporate nuts, crackers, dips and jams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. Creating your own board means there really are no rules; you can add just about anything you want.

To build a successful board, keep these tips in mind:

Choose ingredients and elements that don’t require temperature control. The idea of a grazing board is that it sits out for a while. Avoid anything that needs refrigeration, heat or will lose its shape or flavor if it rests for an extended amount of time.

Select a surface large enough to hold a variety of food. It can be a simple cutting board or a cute platter. There’s no specific size requirement but err on the side of bigger; spacing out your goodies can be more attractive and less messy.

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure every bite is delicious and nutritious. While shopping, remember to look for the Produce for Kids and Healthy Family Project logos next to favorite items in the produce department, as adding these flavorful fruits and veggies to your cart can help make a difference in your community.

Build your board around a theme to add an extra element of fun. Use mini cookie cutters to make fun, kid-friendly shapes out of cheese and meats. Be mindful of colors; a rainbow platter is vibrant and appealing, and colorful fruits and veggies offer a strong mix of nutrients.

Remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Classic favorites are all you need. Even kid favorites like sections of mandarin oranges, carrot sticks and chocolate chips are fair game for a family-friendly board.

Find more ideas for creating family-friendly treats at healthyfamilyproject.com.

Taco Tuesday Board

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook

• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Queso
• Hard and soft taco shells
• Ground turkey, seasoned and browned
• Lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped onions
• Chopped peppers
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

1. On grazing board or platter, arrange guacamole, salsa, queso, taco shells, ground turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions, peppers, sour cream, cilantro and lime wedges.

Weekend Breakfast Grazing Board

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cooked sausage links
• Mini frozen waffles, toasted
• Mini frozen pancakes, toasted
• Mini muffins
• Yogurt
• Fresh fruit
• Syrup
• Jelly

1. On grazing board or platter, arrange eggs, sausage links, toasted waffles, toasted pancakes, muffins, yogurt, fruit, syrup and jelly.

Source: Healthy Family Project

(Family Features) Cool winter days may have you tempted to burrow under a blanket and wait out the weather, but there are plenty of entertaining and affordable ways to enjoy quality family time together despite chilly temperatures.

Kids who are cooped up indoors during the winter often get restless, but you can make the most of that boredom by gathering everyone and discovering new ways to create memories together.

Get Your Game On
Forget about screen play and instead show the younger generation how much fun it can be to take on family rivals with classic board games or work in teams to complete age-appropriate puzzles. These activities allow everyone to participate and practice skills like problem solving while having fun.

Make a Meal Together
You likely know it’s a good idea to gather the family around the table for a meal, but there’s no need to wait until the food is done. Not only does cooking together give you something fun to do as a family, but it also helps kids develop important life skills and healthy habits, exposes them to new food options and allows them to practice reading and math when they follow recipes.

Get everyone in on the prep work with kid-friendly foods such as these flavorful frozen waffles that can be used as the base for simple and delicious recipes. A fun, easy way to enjoy a favorite cereal in waffle form, PEBBLES Waffles are available in beloved Fruity and Cocoa flavors. Start the day by making breakfast a family affair or mix things up and prepare a breakfast menu for dinner. Try one of these easy recipes for a sure way to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces.

Explore What Surrounds You
Resist the temptation to huddle indoors and instead explore how your community transforms with the seasons. Look for the best sledding hills or check out seasonal attractions like ice rinks and festivals. Even taking a family drive to see the holiday lights or marvel at the way snow transforms your surroundings gives you a way to break out of the house and enjoy some entertaining fun.

Encourage Artistic Expression
Once kids are bundled up properly, there’s little that tops good old-fashioned snow days. Snow angels, snow forts and snowmen are just the beginning. Inviting kids to create and design lets their imaginations run wild and, with a little luck, they’ll run off some of that pent-up energy, too. If you’re stuck inside, encourage creativity through arts and crafts, or make mealtimes a chance for children to explore their artistic sides by allowing them to customize toppings on favorites such as waffles.   

Give Back to Others
It’s never too early to learn the intrinsic good of giving back, and cold winter months are an ideal time to instill a giving mindset. As a family, you could volunteer time at a local food bank or work together to assemble care kits with warm blankets and socks for the homeless. You could write letters to soldiers or make seasonal greeting cards for seniors at a local nursing home. Big or small, they’re gestures that make a lasting impression on young minds.

Find more family-friendly ideas for a winter to remember at postpebblescereal.com.

Fruity Smiley Face Waffle

• 2 Fruity PEBBLES Waffles
• 1 container whipped cream
• 1 cup Fruity PEBBLES cereal
• blueberries (optional)
• rainbow sprinkles (optional)
• maple syrup (optional)

1. Heat waffles until golden brown and place on plate. Use whipped cream to make smiley face eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Place cereal on top of whipped cream to make eyes, nose and mouth colorful. Add blueberries, rainbow sprinkles and syrup, if desired.

Cocoa Smiley Face Waffle

• 2 Cocoa PEBBLES waffles
• 1 cup Cocoa PEBBLES cereal
• 1 container whipped cream
• chocolate chips (optional)
• chocolate sprinkles (optional)
• strawberries (optional)
• chocolate syrup (optional)

1. Heat waffles until golden brown and place on plate. Use whipped cream to make smiley face eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Place cereal on top of whipped cream to make eyes, nose and mouth colorful. Add chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, strawberries and chocolate syrup, if desired.

Source: Post Cereals

(Family Features) Regardless of the occasion, any excuse to celebrate moms and dads is a worthy one. From birthdays and holidays to regular weekends at home, one of the best gifts you can give them is time spent together.

The entire family – including little ones – can get involved when the celebration calls for easy yet delicious recipes. Start a day of celebrating on a high note with these Apple Cinnamon Waffles for a sweet breakfast in bed. As the day goes on, keep everyone energized with Apple, Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches or Apple Berry Salsa served with chips, apples or graham crackers. Finally, as the day winds to a close, finish off the festivities with Apple Blondie Cupcakes for one last reminder of how much Mom and Dad mean to you.

These recipes and more family-friendly breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snack ideas are enhanced by the satisfying texture and taste of Envy Apples for a consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with crisp, elegant crunch. Easy to spot by their large, sharable size and crimson red skin that sometimes features a golden blush, they offer a fresh flavor perfect for snacking.

Try serving them as a tasty snack next time your loved ones gather for time together to watch an exciting family-friendly show like “Strawberry Shortcake.” Enjoy seasonal stories about her and her pals discovering hidden treasures while on vacation, encountering mysterious monsters and tangling with out-of-control spring flowers as she’s ready to “bake the world to a better place” all year round.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more recipes the entire family can enjoy together.

Apple Berry Salsa

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 2 Envy Apples, cored and chopped
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 pint blueberries
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• tortilla chips, pita chips, apple chips or graham crackers, for serving

1. In medium bowl, combine apples, strawberries, blueberries and salt.
2. In small bowl, whisk honey and lime juice. Pour honey and lime juice over fruit mixture. Stir together to combine.
3. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita chips, apple chips or graham crackers, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Apple Blondie Cupcakes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and cooled
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 Envy Apples, peeled, cored and 1/4-inch diced

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
2. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. In large bowl, whisk butter and brown sugar 2 minutes, or until well combined. Add vanilla and egg; whisk until incorporated.
4. Add flour mixture to large bowl of wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful to not overmix.
5. Fold in diced apples.
6. Spoon batter evenly into cupcake liners.
7. Bake 18-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean. Let cool and serve.

Apple, Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 (1 sandwich per serving)

• 1 Envy Apple
• 6 tablespoons peanut butter
• 4 slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons honey

1. Core apple and thinly slice.
2. Spread 3 tablespoons peanut butter on two slices of bread, reserving two slices of bread for sandwich tops.
3. Layer apple slices on top of peanut butter.
4. Drizzle 1 tablespoon honey over apple slices on each sandwich half.
5. Top each sandwich half with reserved slice of bread.

Apple Cinnamon Waffles

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted
• 1 Envy Apple, peeled and cored
• nonstick cooking spray
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), at room temperature
• maple syrup, to taste

1. In large bowl, whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder and brown sugar.
2. In smaller bowl, whisk eggs, milk and melted butter.
3. Make well in dry ingredients then mix in wet ingredient mixture until just combined.
4. Using cheese grater, grate apple. Fold grated apple into batter.
5. Prepare waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Ladle 1/4 of batter mixture into waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Repeat with remaining batter.
7. Top each waffle with 1 tablespoon room temperature butter and maple syrup, to taste.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) As you prepare to take on the day, one of the most beneficial ways to energize yourself each morning is by fueling your body with the proper nutrients, including protein.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team High-Performance Dietitian Allen Tran works with top athletes and recognizes the key role protein plays in their diets. Developed by Tran, these breakfast recipes can provide the nutrition necessary for journeying through your day with energy and verve. Protein Waffles include Rockin’ Protein Builder for an easy boost of protein. The 12-ounce shakes, which are low in carbs and sugar, are made with fresh milk and have 30 grams of high-quality protein to help build muscle without a chalky after-taste.

If you’re looking to make healthier choices or live an active lifestyle and are short on time, a premade recipe may allow for additional productivity. Recipes that can be made in advance – like the night before – may aid your goal to consume necessary nutrients without putting a rush on your morning routine.

Chocolate Cherry and Banana Overnight Oats are made with Shamrock Farms Chocolate Milk and are a source of protein, calcium and vitamin D. Plus, they can be made in advance, allowing you to grab a healthy, ready-made breakfast to take on the go. Adding milk to your diet helps serve as a source of energy while building and repairing muscles.

Find more tips and recipes to help enhance your nutrition at shamrockfarms.net.

Chocolate Cherry and Banana Overnight Oats

Yield: 2 jars

• 1/2       cup frozen dark sweet cherries
• 1 1/2    cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1          container (12 ounces) Shamrock Farms Chocolate Milk
• 1          ripe banana, sliced
• 1          pinch salt

1. In two mason jars, add 1/4 cup frozen cherries in each. In microwave, thaw 30 seconds.
2. Divide rolled oats, milk, banana and salt between jars. Cover with lids and shake until combined.
3. Store in refrigerator overnight or at least several hours.
4. Serve cold or warm in microwave.

Protein Waffles

Yield: 8-10 waffles

• 2          cups pancake mix
• 2          large eggs
• 1          container (12 ounces) Vanilla or Chocolate Rockin’ Protein Builder
• 1/4       cup canola oil
• 1/2       teaspoon cinnamon

1. Heat waffle iron.
2. Place pancake mix in bowl. In separate bowl, whisk eggs, protein shake and oil. Stir into pancake mix until just combined.
3. Bake in waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown.

Tip: To freeze for later consumption, cool waffles on wire racks. Freeze between layers of waxed paper in re-sealable plastic freezer bag. In toaster oven or microwave, heat waffles until heated through.

Source:  Shamrock Farms

Sweet ideas for a bright, seasonal spread

(Family Features) Spring is blooming on your Easter table. From yellow chick cupcakes to blueberry French-toast casseroles, there are plenty of ways to wow your brunch guests with simple seasonal recipes.

“Between hiding eggs and preparing baskets, you may be tempted to fall back on brunch basics like pancakes and scrambled eggs, but that’s no fun,” McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter said. “With simple pantry staples – like food color – and a little planning the night before, you can enjoy a fun and tasty holiday brunch.”

These simple tips from Vetter can help you transform a boring brunch into a colorful Easter feast.

• Waffle art is a fun way to get kids (and adults) involved during breakfast time. Try tinting the waffle batter orange by using McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors. Cut them into wedges hot out of the iron and pipe green frosting for the stems to create these Carrot-Shaped Waffles.
• Making French toast for a crowd can be a hassle. Instead, make a sweet breakfast casserole the night before to pop in the oven Easter morning. Add fresh, sweet-tart blueberries to celebrate spring.
• Rather than splurging on designer cupcakes, just pipe yellow marshmallow creme on mini cupcakes for a baby chick then decorate with sprinkles for the nose and cut up wafers to look like a hatching egg.

For more recipes and tips, check out McCormick.com and visit McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Baby Chick Cupcakes

Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24

• 1 package (12 ounces) white confectionary coating wafers
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 box (16 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
• 1 teaspoon Sunflower color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
• 2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional)
• 48 unfrosted mini yellow cupcakes, baked in white paper liners
• sprinkles (optional)
• additional McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors (optional)

1. To make broken egg shell pieces: melt coating wafers as directed on package. Spread on large foil-lined baking sheet to 1/4-inch thickness. Refrigerate about 10 minutes, or until firm. Break into small, irregular pieces. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar, beating until well blended after each addition, frequently scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Beat in marshmallow creme until well blended. In small bowl, stir food color into milk until dissolved. Add colored milk to frosting; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in additional milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency.
3. To decorate cupcakes: spoon frosting into large pastry bag fitted with large round tip. Pipe two dollops of frosting on top of each other to form baby chick. If desired, insert sprinkles into face for eyes and beak. Or tint any remaining frosting with food colors to pipe out eyes and beak.
4. Place coating wafer pieces around bottom of baby chick to resemble broken egg shell.

Carrot-Shaped Waffles

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups all-purpose waffle and baking mix
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Sunflower color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors, divided
• 1 teaspoon Berry color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
• 1/2 teaspoon Sky Blue color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

1. Heat round waffle iron. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix together waffle mix, milk, egg, oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 teaspoon each sunflower and berry colors until blended. Let batter stand 5 minutes to allow color to fully develop.
2. Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto center of waffle iron. Close lid. Cook about 3 minutes, or until no longer steaming. Carefully remove waffle. Repeat with remaining batter. Cut each waffle into 8 triangles. Set aside.
3. In another medium bowl, stir sky blue color and remaining sunflower color into cream. Add confectioners’ sugar and remaining vanilla; beat with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spoon into re-sealable plastic bag. Cut piece off one bottom corner.
4. To decorate and serve waffles, place waffle triangles onto serving plates and pipe green colored cream on wide side of each triangle to resemble carrot tops.

Overnight Lemon Blueberry Muffin Casserole

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Cinnamon, Ground
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold butter, cut into chunks

Casserole:

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, milk, divided
• 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Cinnamon, Ground
• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon McCormick Pure Lemon Extract
• 2 cups blueberries, divided

1. To make Streusel Topping: In medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cover. Set aside until ready to assemble in the morning.
2. To make Casserole: In large bowl, mix together eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon with wire whisk until well blended. Add bread cubes; toss gently to coat. Pour evenly into 13-by-9-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, remaining milk and sugar, and lemon extract until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup blueberries. Spread evenly on top of bread cubes. Top with remaining blueberries. Cover. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Heat oven to 350° F.
5. Remove casserole from refrigerator. Let stand 10-15 minutes.
6. Cut butter into Streusel Topping mixture with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) Ice cream is a classic summertime treat and a favorite indulgence for people of all ages. Now, this palate pleaser gets a modern makeover with recipes that cater to the most sophisticated tastes.

Give simple backyard cookouts and festive dinner parties alike an artful finale with creative desserts that make the most of Starbucks ice cream. They’re simple to make, easy on the wallet and a sure-fire way to impress your guests.

Super-premium ice cream, inspired by popular Starbucks beverages, turns floats, tiramisu and even hot chocolate into gourmet desserts that put a smile on everyone’s face.

Delight your friends and family all summer long with these delicious, unexpected flavors. For more information, visit starbucks.com.

Tips for Storing Ice Cream
From The International Ice Cream Association

• Don’t allow ice cream to repeatedly soften and re-freeze. When this occurs, ice cream’s small ice crystals can eventually turn into large, unpalatable lumps.
• Your freezer should be set at between -5°F and 0°F. Ice cream is easiest to scoop when stored between 6°F and 10°F, the ideal serving temperature range.
• Store ice cream in the main part of the freezer, not in the freezer door, where it’s subject to fluctuating temperatures.
• Keep the ice cream container lid tightly closed when storing in the freezer.
• Don’t store ice cream alongside uncovered foods; odors may penetrate ice cream and affect its flavor.

Mocha Cream Soda Floats

2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes

• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 can (12 ounces) chilled cream soda
• 1 cup Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino ice cream
• 2 dollops sweetened whipped cream

1. Evenly divide chocolate syrup into 2 tall glasses. Scoop 1/4 cup ice cream into each glass. Add soda, then top with remaining ice cream. Garnish with whipped cream.

Decadent Hot Chocolate Affogato

2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

• 3/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup half and half, heavy cream or milk
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt
• 1 cup Starbucks Coffee ice cream

1. Bring milk, half and half, chocolate, sugar and salt just to a boil in 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes or until chocolate is melted.
2. Scoop ice cream into two large ice cream bowls. Pour hot chocolate around ice cream and garnish, if desired, with whipped cream.

Coffee Bananas Foster

2 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

• 2 medium bananas, sliced
• 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons dark or light rum
• 2 slices prepared pound cake (about 1/2 inch thick), toasted
• 1 cup Starbucks Caramel Macchiato ice cream

1. Bring bananas, sugar, cream, butter and rum to a boil over medium heat in 10-inch nonstick skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
2. Arrange cake on 2 dessert dishes. Top with ice cream, then banana mixture.

Caramel Macchiato-Topped Waffles With Maple-Walnut Sauce

2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

• 1/2 cup pure maple or pancake syrup
• 2 tablespoons heavy or whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 2 prepared waffles, heated according to package directions
• 1 cup Starbucks Caramel Macchiato ice cream

1. Bring syrup, cream and butter to a boil in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in walnuts.
   Arrange warm waffles on 2 dessert plates. Top with ice cream, then drizzle with maple-walnut sauce.

Tiramisu Ice Cream Parfaits

2 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes

• 1 cup sweetened whipped cream, plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup mascarpone*
• 1/3 cup strong-brewed Starbucks coffee or espresso
• 1 cup chopped crunchy ladyfinger cookies
• 1 cup Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino ice cream

1. Fold 1/4 cup whipped cream into mascarpone in medium bowl. Fold in remaining whipped cream; set aside.
2. Spoon 1/2 of mascarpone mixture into 2 parfait dishes. Sprinkle about 1/4 of the cookies and 1/4 of the coffee mixture into each dish. Evenly scoop ice cream into dishes, then top with remaining ingredients. Garnish, if desired, with additional whipped cream, grated chocolate or chocolate covered espresso beans.

*Substitution: Use 1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened, whisked with 2 tablespoons milk instead of mascarpone. Fold into whipped cream and continue as above.

Source: Starbucks

(Family Features) Preparing an elaborate Easter spread for your family doesn’t have to be an expensive (or exhausting) endeavor. Rethinking familiar dishes and ingredients is an easy way to add a special touch to your meal.

Add a dash of affordable elegance to your Easter brunch with these simple tips from the experts at ALDI:

• For a colorful twist on an Easter classic, try pickling your deviled eggs. Pickling punches up the flavor of these tasty bites and gives your eggs a festive hue.
• Offer dishes that are pretty and practical. Bake pre-cooked angel hair pasta in muffin tins until the tops are crisp. Fill your pasta “nests” with ingredients such as poached eggs, cheese or diced ham, and you have an attractive brunch dish that is portioned just right for each serving.
• Cater to the individual tastes of your guests with a mimosa bar. Set out a table with champagne, a selection of fruit juices and sliced fruits and berries so your guests can mix and match as they wish.
• Chocolate-dipped desserts are easy and always a crowd pleaser. Make better-for-you treats by dipping Easter goodies in smooth, dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for lower sugar content. Or for a sweet treat without too much added sugar, repurpose dark chocolate by melting it for fondue, and serve an assortment of fruits or salty snacks, like pretzels, for guests to dip.
• Explore new ways to enjoy timeless classics. Maple is a terrific addition to sweet and savory snacks, from bacon to cookies and beyond. Give brunch a sweet spin with these Carrot Cake Waffles, which feature a decadent maple cream cheese drizzle. You can find the premium, affordable ingredients to make this crowd-pleasing brunch recipe at ALDI, along with everything else you’ll need to entertain this Easter.

Find more ideas and recipes for an excellent Easter meal at aldi.us.

Carrot Cake Waffles with Maple Cream Cheese Drizzle

Recipe courtesy of Chef Scott, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 8

Waffles:

• 2 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Baking Mix
• 3 tablespoons Stonemill Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Friendly Farms 1 Percent Milk
• 2 tablespoons Carlini Vegetable Oil
• 1 Goldhen Large Egg
• 1/2 cup Southern Grove Chopped Pecans
• 1/2 cup Southern Grove Raisins
• 1 cup grated carrot
• Carlini Butter Cooking Spray

Cream Cheese Drizzle:

• 8 ounces Happy Farms Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Specially Selected 100 Percent Pure Maple Syrup

1. To make waffles: Heat waffle iron.
2. In large bowl, combine baking mix, cinnamon and brown sugar. Whisk in milk, oil and egg until fully incorporated. Fold in pecans, raisins and carrot.
3. Coat waffle iron with nonstick spray. Ladle 1/2 cup of batter onto iron for each waffle. Cook 6-8 minutes, or until waffle is golden brown.
4. To make cream cheese drizzle: Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and syrup until fully incorporated. Drizzle over waffles. Serve immediately.

Tip: Waffles can be placed in a re-sealable bag, frozen up to three months and reheated in toaster.

Source: ALDI

Endless possibilities with potatoes

(Family Features) Delicious and nutritious, it’s no wonder potatoes are a menu staple for many. Everyone craves meal variety, and potatoes offer a perfect canvas to inspire new flavor exploration so you can enjoy something different every day. From russets, reds, yellows, whites and purples to petites, fingerlings and more, there are multiple varieties to keep dishes interesting.

You might be used to preparing this kitchen staple mashed, baked or fried, but these inventive recipes show how easy it is to incorporate flavors and techniques to create new potato dishes for any meal of the day in 30 minutes or less.

Find more meal ideas featuring a variety of potato preparations at PotatoGoodness.com/explore.

Fiesta Potato Smashers

Yield: 8
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

• 5 small yellow potatoes
• 5 small red potatoes or potato of your choice
• 1 pint sweet mini peppers (red, orange and yellow)
• cooking spray
• 4 tablespoons fat-free sour cream or fat-free Greek yogurt (optional)
• 8 sprigs cilantro, picked from stems
• salt, to taste
• chili powder, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste

1. Place whole potatoes into microwave-safe, covered dish.
2. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes.
3. While potatoes are cooking, cut mini peppers into 1/4-inch slices. Spray nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat to medium. Add peppers and saute until they start to brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Remove potatoes from microwave and with layer of paper towels covering each potato, smash on cutting board until 1 3/4-inch thick.
5. Spray saute pan with cooking spray, heat on high and add smashed potatoes. Cook 1-2 minutes until potatoes start to brown.
6. On plate, place potatoes and layer with sour cream or yogurt, if desired, peppers and cilantro. Dust with salt, chili powder and pepper, to taste. Serve warm.

Nutritional information per serving: 50 calories; 350 mg sodium; 0.7% vitamin C; 1 g fiber; 1 g protein; 293 mg potassium.

Steak and Potato Tacos with Poblano Chiles

Yield: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 poblano chiles, stemmed, seeded and sliced
• 12 ounces white potatoes, quartered lengthwise then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 flank steak (12 ounces)
• garlic powder
• chili powder
• salt
• pepper
• 12 corn tortillas (6 inches each)
• chopped fresh cilantro
• pico de gallo salsa
• hot sauce

1. In heavy, large nonstick skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and chiles and saute until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Transfer onion mixture to bowl. In same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and saute until golden brown and tender, about 12 minutes. Return onion mixture to skillet with potatoes and keep warm.
3. Sprinkle both sides of steak generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt and pepper. In heavy, large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook until browned on both sides, turning once, about 8 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer steak to cutting board; let rest 5 minutes.
4. While steak rests, heat tortillas on griddle or over gas flame until warm, turning frequently with tongs.
5. Thinly slice steak. Top tortillas with steak and potato mixture; sprinkle with cilantro.
   Serve with pico de gallo and/or hot sauce.

Nutritional information per serving: 167.9 calories; 6.3 g fat; 13 mg cholesterol; 19.1 mg sodium; 6.8% vitamin C; 20.9 g carbohydrates; 2.5 g fiber; 7.1 g protein; 147.4 mg potassium.

Potato Prosciutto Waffles

Yield: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

• 1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
• 3 medium russet potatoes (or 3 cups mashed potatoes)
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional for salting water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly lay prosciutto on paper. Bake 10-15 minutes until prosciutto is crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
3. Peel and cube potatoes. Place in pot of salted water and bring to boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to rapid simmer and cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Strain potatoes from water and transfer to large bowl. Mash potatoes with fork or potato masher.
4. Add milk, butter, eggs, cheese and thyme to potatoes. Stir to combine.
5. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add to potato mixture and stir until just combined. Crumble prosciutto and fold it into batter.
6. Heat waffle iron. If required, grease with cooking spray.
7. Spoon about 1 cup batter onto waffle iron and cook according to iron’s instructions until waffles are golden, about 4 minutes. Keep waffles warm in 200 F oven until all waffles are cooked and ready to serve.
8. Serve with touch of butter, sour cream or poached or fried egg.

Nutritional information per serving: 332 calories; 16 g fat; 109 mg cholesterol; 1,138 mg sodium; 13% vitamin C; 32 g carbohydrates; 3 g fiber; 15 g protein; 653 mg potassium.

Source: Potatoes USA

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