(ARA) - Whether it's Christmas, New Year's, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, chances are you plan to host at least one family gathering this holiday season. Which means it's time for you to think of some creative ways to keep expenses down, but still have excellent food and festivities.
Here are some tips to save you time and money on your holiday planning:
* Entertain at home rather than eating out. Walmart has great deals on all the fixings you need to create fabulous holiday meals for eight people for as low as $30.
* Stock up on non perishable items ahead of the party - when sales happen. Beverages, dried and canned goods and even produce can be stored to help spread the cost out and get you the best prices. Blanch and freeze fresh vegetables so all you'll have to do is grab the freezer bag and toss in the veggies while cooking your favorite dishes.
* Plan your meals and your shopping list in advance using your grocery circular. For example, if you're serving bacon for breakfast, hang on to four strips to add in to Creamed Corn Gratin for dinner (recipe below). Or if you fix mashed potatoes for one dinner as a side dish, use the leftovers for a shepherd's pie to serve on a different night.
* Disposables may make life easier and allow you to spend more time with friends and family rather than clean-up in the kitchen. You can spice up the table decorations with paper plates and napkins featuring holiday prints, or mix and match different patterns for cups so everyone can remember which cup is theirs. However, if you have a large family gathering, the cost of using disposables might add up quickly, so consider using the dishes in your cupboard instead, and make sure you have plenty of dish detergent or dish washer soap on hand to tackle the pile.
* Look for simple-to-prepare recipes that don't require a lot of time in the kitchen, so you can spend more time visiting with your guests. A good meal doesn't have to be super fancy to be a success.
Food Network star Melissa d'Arabian has created great holiday recipes for Walmart so you can enjoy flavorful and wholesome meals for your holiday gathering and stay on budget. Here are two recipes to make for your next gathering:
Creamed Corn Gratin
Ingredients:
4 strips bacon, chopped
2 medium sweet onions, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cans creamed corn
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Directions:
In a large saute pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon pieces from the pan and in the remaining bacon fat, cook onions slowly over low heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Add back the bacon, and the thyme and cook another minute or two to release flavors. Add creamed corn and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat broiler to high. Place the corn mixture in a buttered gratin dish. Top with parmesan cheese and broil until golden brown and bubbly, about two minutes.
Warm Cinnamon Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch salt
Directions:
In a medium heavy saucepan, mix water and sugar and then place on medium high heat. Allow to boil (without stirring; only swirl pan if needed) until the mixture turns a pale golden brown, approximately seven minutes. Watch this closely, sugar burns quickly. Remove the mixture from heat, add butter and cream and stir vigorously (mixture will bubble). Return to heat and bring to boil and then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Allow to cool a few minutes before drizzling over pumpkin roll cake, pie, or vanilla ice cream.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Showing posts with label cinnamon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cinnamon. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Enjoy Sweet Potatoes With A Heart-Healthy Twist
(NAPSI)-This holiday season, you can use olive oil to give your dishes a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats without sacrificing taste.
For a lighter and more flavorful alternative to candied yams and other marshmallow-topped sweet potato dishes, try Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This twist on the comfort food favorite combines cardamom, fresh ginger and grated orange peel for a sweet-savory flavor. It uses olive oil instead of butter for a creamy consistency. And a crunchy baked topping of cinnamon breadcrumbs helps to ensure that even picky eaters will enjoy a healthy dose of the sweet potatoes' vitamins A and C. Holiday meals don't have to be elaborate to be festive and satisfying.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Prep. Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 57 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
4 large sweet potatoes (about 5 lbs.), peeled and quartered
Extra-light olive oil for greasing casserole
¼ cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 to 3 tsp. grated fresh gingerroot
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 egg
2 Tbsp. grated orange peel (approx. 2 oranges)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. cardamom, optional
⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 slices cinnamon bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
2 tsp. extra-light olive oil
Place potatoes in Dutch oven with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover loosely and simmer 15 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain well in colander; place in large bowl; set aside.
Heat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease 2-quart casserole with olive oil. In medium skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and gingerroot; cook and stir until tender.
Lightly mash potatoes with spoon or potato masher. Add onion mixture and remaining ingredients except cinnamon bread and 2 tsp. olive oil. For smoother consistency, beat with mixer to blend. For a chunkier mixture, mash with potato masher or wooden spoon to blend. Spoon into prepared casserole.
In food processor or blender, process bread pieces until completely chopped. Blend in remaining 2 tsp. olive oil. Sprinkle over potato mixture.
Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned and thoroughly hot.
Makes 16 to 20 servings.
For more recipes, as well as additional information about olive oil, visit www.aboutoliveoil.org.
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For a lighter and more flavorful alternative to candied yams and other marshmallow-topped sweet potato dishes, try Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This twist on the comfort food favorite combines cardamom, fresh ginger and grated orange peel for a sweet-savory flavor. It uses olive oil instead of butter for a creamy consistency. And a crunchy baked topping of cinnamon breadcrumbs helps to ensure that even picky eaters will enjoy a healthy dose of the sweet potatoes' vitamins A and C. Holiday meals don't have to be elaborate to be festive and satisfying.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Prep. Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 57 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
4 large sweet potatoes (about 5 lbs.), peeled and quartered
Extra-light olive oil for greasing casserole
¼ cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 to 3 tsp. grated fresh gingerroot
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 egg
2 Tbsp. grated orange peel (approx. 2 oranges)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. cardamom, optional
⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 slices cinnamon bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
2 tsp. extra-light olive oil
Place potatoes in Dutch oven with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover loosely and simmer 15 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain well in colander; place in large bowl; set aside.
Heat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease 2-quart casserole with olive oil. In medium skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and gingerroot; cook and stir until tender.
Lightly mash potatoes with spoon or potato masher. Add onion mixture and remaining ingredients except cinnamon bread and 2 tsp. olive oil. For smoother consistency, beat with mixer to blend. For a chunkier mixture, mash with potato masher or wooden spoon to blend. Spoon into prepared casserole.
In food processor or blender, process bread pieces until completely chopped. Blend in remaining 2 tsp. olive oil. Sprinkle over potato mixture.
Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned and thoroughly hot.
Makes 16 to 20 servings.
For more recipes, as well as additional information about olive oil, visit www.aboutoliveoil.org.
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Monday, June 8, 2009
Please picky eaters with kid-friendly favorites
(ARA) - What’s the best way to get picky eaters to enjoy good-for-you foods? Get kids involved in preparing meals and snacks. Experts agree that when children lend a hand (or two) in meal preparation, they are much more likely to eat what they’re proud to have helped make.
One food that pleases even the pickiest of eaters is California Raisins. Raisins are a family-favorite snack and tasty addition to recipes that can help add to a child’s recommend fruit servings. Just 1/4 cup is a serving of fruit for adults and children older than 4 years, which make raisins a convenient and delicious way to add flavorful fruit to any recipe.
Start the day off right with a wholesome breakfast of whole grain pancakes with California Raisins and bananas topped with Cinnamon-Raisin Syrup. The batter for these No-Mess Banana Nut Pancakes is made in a zip-top bag and is easily mixed together by kids’ own hands, with the advantage of letting children have mess-free fun helping out in the kitchen.
Or, for a tasty treat the whole family will enjoy, bake up a batch of healthful Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies then have kids help squish low-fat ice cream between the cookies for a yummy ice cream sandwich. For even more fruit and fun, try rolling the edges of the ice cream sandwich in California Raisins.
For more delicious, kid-friendly and budget-wise recipe ideas, along with nutritional information, visit www.LoveYourRaisins.com.
No-Mess Banana Nut Pancakes with Cinnamon-Raisin Syrup
Cost per serving: $.96
Makes four to six servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: about 10 minutes total
Pancake Ingredients:
1 large ripe banana
2 cups whole grain pancake mix
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup California Raisins
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cinnamon Raisin Topping Ingredients:
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup California Raisins
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Place banana in a large resealable bag and squeeze well to mash. Add remaining pancake ingredients; seal and squeeze to mix well. Snip a small corner off the bag and squeeze batter onto a large hot griddle coated with nonstick cooking spray to make circles or squiggles. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. For topping, combine ingredients in a small bowl; microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until warm.
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cost per sandwich: $.51
Makes 18 ice cream sandwiches
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/4 cups California Raisins, divided
2 to 3 tablespoons hot water
1/4 cup heart healthy vegetable spread, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 quarts light vanilla ice cream or fat-free frozen yogurt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Measure flour, cinnamon, salt, soda, ginger and cloves into large mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside. Combine 3/4 cup raisins and hot water in food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Add spread, eggs and brown sugar and process until light. Turn into flour mixture and mix well. Stir in oats and remaining 1 1/2 cups raisins just until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and flatten slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely.
Spoon about 1/3 cup ice cream onto each of nine cookies and top with remaining cookies. Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
-----
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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One food that pleases even the pickiest of eaters is California Raisins. Raisins are a family-favorite snack and tasty addition to recipes that can help add to a child’s recommend fruit servings. Just 1/4 cup is a serving of fruit for adults and children older than 4 years, which make raisins a convenient and delicious way to add flavorful fruit to any recipe.
Start the day off right with a wholesome breakfast of whole grain pancakes with California Raisins and bananas topped with Cinnamon-Raisin Syrup. The batter for these No-Mess Banana Nut Pancakes is made in a zip-top bag and is easily mixed together by kids’ own hands, with the advantage of letting children have mess-free fun helping out in the kitchen.
Or, for a tasty treat the whole family will enjoy, bake up a batch of healthful Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies then have kids help squish low-fat ice cream between the cookies for a yummy ice cream sandwich. For even more fruit and fun, try rolling the edges of the ice cream sandwich in California Raisins.
For more delicious, kid-friendly and budget-wise recipe ideas, along with nutritional information, visit www.LoveYourRaisins.com.
No-Mess Banana Nut Pancakes with Cinnamon-Raisin Syrup
Cost per serving: $.96
Makes four to six servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: about 10 minutes total
Pancake Ingredients:
1 large ripe banana
2 cups whole grain pancake mix
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup California Raisins
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cinnamon Raisin Topping Ingredients:
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup California Raisins
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Place banana in a large resealable bag and squeeze well to mash. Add remaining pancake ingredients; seal and squeeze to mix well. Snip a small corner off the bag and squeeze batter onto a large hot griddle coated with nonstick cooking spray to make circles or squiggles. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. For topping, combine ingredients in a small bowl; microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until warm.
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cost per sandwich: $.51
Makes 18 ice cream sandwiches
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/4 cups California Raisins, divided
2 to 3 tablespoons hot water
1/4 cup heart healthy vegetable spread, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 quarts light vanilla ice cream or fat-free frozen yogurt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Measure flour, cinnamon, salt, soda, ginger and cloves into large mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside. Combine 3/4 cup raisins and hot water in food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Add spread, eggs and brown sugar and process until light. Turn into flour mixture and mix well. Stir in oats and remaining 1 1/2 cups raisins just until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and flatten slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely.
Spoon about 1/3 cup ice cream onto each of nine cookies and top with remaining cookies. Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Sunday, November 2, 2008
Drinks to Warm Up Your Holidays
(ARA) - Hand off a hot beverage -- to dinner guests, neighbors who drop by or kids during story time -- and you instantly warm both tummies and hearts. Make sure you treat yourself too; wrapping your hands around a warm mug in the midst of a cold day can help you unwind!
Traditional favorites include hot cider, cocoa, teas and coffees -- all so good there's no need to look for replacements. But by adding just a few of the right spices, you can transform these everyday winter drinks into extraordinary festive fare.
Tips for Spicing Up a Variety of Hot Drinks
* Mull to be merry. Mulling a beverage simply means heating and spicing it. Sometimes sweeteners and/or other beverages are added, too. Mulled apple juice or cider is classic, but why not mull other favorites, like cherry, raspberry, white grape and cranberry juices, as well as red and white wines? Just be careful not to boil the wine or you'll ruin the taste and evaporate the alcohol. Good mulling spices include allspice, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek, ginger, lemon peel, nutmeg, orange peel and star anise. Have fun experimenting -- or streamline your routine by stocking up on a mulling spice mix, like Simply Organic Mulling Spice or Frontier Cider Mate.
* Give the crock a workout. Fill your crock pot with an aromatic and warm spiced beverage and keep it on low throughout the day. You'll have a ready-to-serve treat at any time, and your home will be scented, too.
* Make an impression with homemade gifts. For simple but lovely homemade gifting, combine the dry ingredients for a special hot drink in a small jar or canister and tie with a festive ribbon. Punch a hole in a recipe card with mixing directions and attach to the ribbon. For even easier gifting, simply place a package of beverage mix -- like those mulling spices -- in a festive mug and tie with a ribbon. Or choose a special tea and deliver it in a pretty cup and saucer.
* Stock up on cinnamon sticks. Indispensable for mulling, cinnamon sticks also spruce up hot party drinks when used as swizzlers.
* Spruce up your black teas. Add cinnamon sticks, orange peel and/or lemon peel to any black tea. Sweeten, if you like, with honey or brown sugar. To richen the flavor even further, add a tablespoon or two of cognac.
* Enliven green teas with crystallized ginger and sliced fruit (like pears).
* Think ethnic. For Spanish flair, add black pepper and chilies or cinnamon to hot chocolate. For French influence, thicken cocoas with cornstarch or arrowroot and stir in some Grand Marnier and vanilla extract. Top with a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg.
* For a mocha drink, simply use strongly brewed coffee in place of some of the liquid in your favorite hot cocoa recipe.
* Add quality flavorings or extracts for an instant flavor boost. Frontier offers every option from almond to walnut for any hot beverage -- including milk, cocoa, tea and coffee.
Here’s the recipe for a deliciously rich toddy that adds delight to any gathering:
Visions of Sugarplums Toddy
Ingredients:
4 cups milk, divided in half (dairy, rice, or soy)
2 Tbsp. honey
1/8 tsp. cardamom powder
4 oz. white baking chocolate, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. nutmeg powder
4 6-inch cinnamon sticks
Directions: Warm 2 cups of the milk, honey, cardamom, and baking chocolate in a saucepan until chocolate is melted. Add remaining milk and heat until warm. Stir in vanilla. Pour into cups, sprinkle with nutmeg and add cinnamon stick stirrers. Substitute almond extract (or another flavoring, like peppermint extract) for the vanilla now and then. At a toddler's tuck-in time, serve without the chocolate to induce slumber. Makes about 4 servings.
For more tips and recipes for hot drinks -- and an online source of ingredients like mulling spices, cocoa, cinnamon sticks and spices -- visit www.frontiercoop.com/hotdrinks.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Traditional favorites include hot cider, cocoa, teas and coffees -- all so good there's no need to look for replacements. But by adding just a few of the right spices, you can transform these everyday winter drinks into extraordinary festive fare.
Tips for Spicing Up a Variety of Hot Drinks
* Mull to be merry. Mulling a beverage simply means heating and spicing it. Sometimes sweeteners and/or other beverages are added, too. Mulled apple juice or cider is classic, but why not mull other favorites, like cherry, raspberry, white grape and cranberry juices, as well as red and white wines? Just be careful not to boil the wine or you'll ruin the taste and evaporate the alcohol. Good mulling spices include allspice, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek, ginger, lemon peel, nutmeg, orange peel and star anise. Have fun experimenting -- or streamline your routine by stocking up on a mulling spice mix, like Simply Organic Mulling Spice or Frontier Cider Mate.
* Give the crock a workout. Fill your crock pot with an aromatic and warm spiced beverage and keep it on low throughout the day. You'll have a ready-to-serve treat at any time, and your home will be scented, too.
* Make an impression with homemade gifts. For simple but lovely homemade gifting, combine the dry ingredients for a special hot drink in a small jar or canister and tie with a festive ribbon. Punch a hole in a recipe card with mixing directions and attach to the ribbon. For even easier gifting, simply place a package of beverage mix -- like those mulling spices -- in a festive mug and tie with a ribbon. Or choose a special tea and deliver it in a pretty cup and saucer.
* Stock up on cinnamon sticks. Indispensable for mulling, cinnamon sticks also spruce up hot party drinks when used as swizzlers.
* Spruce up your black teas. Add cinnamon sticks, orange peel and/or lemon peel to any black tea. Sweeten, if you like, with honey or brown sugar. To richen the flavor even further, add a tablespoon or two of cognac.
* Enliven green teas with crystallized ginger and sliced fruit (like pears).
* Think ethnic. For Spanish flair, add black pepper and chilies or cinnamon to hot chocolate. For French influence, thicken cocoas with cornstarch or arrowroot and stir in some Grand Marnier and vanilla extract. Top with a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg.
* For a mocha drink, simply use strongly brewed coffee in place of some of the liquid in your favorite hot cocoa recipe.
* Add quality flavorings or extracts for an instant flavor boost. Frontier offers every option from almond to walnut for any hot beverage -- including milk, cocoa, tea and coffee.
Here’s the recipe for a deliciously rich toddy that adds delight to any gathering:
Visions of Sugarplums Toddy
Ingredients:
4 cups milk, divided in half (dairy, rice, or soy)
2 Tbsp. honey
1/8 tsp. cardamom powder
4 oz. white baking chocolate, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. nutmeg powder
4 6-inch cinnamon sticks
Directions: Warm 2 cups of the milk, honey, cardamom, and baking chocolate in a saucepan until chocolate is melted. Add remaining milk and heat until warm. Stir in vanilla. Pour into cups, sprinkle with nutmeg and add cinnamon stick stirrers. Substitute almond extract (or another flavoring, like peppermint extract) for the vanilla now and then. At a toddler's tuck-in time, serve without the chocolate to induce slumber. Makes about 4 servings.
For more tips and recipes for hot drinks -- and an online source of ingredients like mulling spices, cocoa, cinnamon sticks and spices -- visit www.frontiercoop.com/hotdrinks.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
-----
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Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
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