(Family Features) If holiday gatherings have started to feel more overwhelming than celebratory, it’s time to go back to the basics with seasonal desserts that are easy yet elegant.

Classic Desserts

Wow your crowd this year with a mouthwatering Hummingbird Cake or Coconut Cake that call to mind holidays past without requiring hours spent in the kitchen (like grandma used to do). Or for a classic take on an old favorite, these Christmas Cinnamon Cookies can even let the kiddos get involved – just make the dough then have your little helpers use their favorite cookie cutters to make festive shapes before the oven does the rest of the work.

Find these recipes and more from “Cookin’ Savvy” at Culinary.net.

Hummingbird Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy“

• 1 spice cake mix
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup banana cream Greek yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple
• 1 cup crushed pecans
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Frosting:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 package pecans (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In mixing bowl, mix spice mix and sugar. Blend in yogurt, eggs and pineapple. In separate bowl, mix pecans, flour and butter then add to cake mixture.
3. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter. Pour half the mixture into each pan then bake 45 minutes. Cool on rack before icing.
4. To make frosting: In mixing bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
5. Ice cake then decorate with pecans, if desired.

Coconut Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy“

• 1 vanilla or white cake mix
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup coconut Greek yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 eggs

Frosting:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 5 cups powered sugar
• 2-4 cups shredded coconut

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour and sugar. Blend in yogurt, milk, butter and eggs.
3. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter. Pour half the mixture into each pan and bake 45 minutes. Cool on rack before icing.
4. To make frosting: In mixing bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
5. Ice cake then pat shredded coconut gently into icing.

Christmas Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy“

• 1 2/3 cups self-rising flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons water (optional)
• 1 cup powered sugar (optional)

1. In mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, sugar, brown sugar and egg to make dough. If dough is too dry to form into ball, add water. Form into log and wrap in parchment paper. Refrigerate 1 hour.
2. Heat oven to 350 F.
3. Roll dough out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheet covered in parchment paper and bake 8-10 minutes. Let cool on rack then dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

(Family Features) Holiday celebrations tend to bring out everyone’s best and brightest, and this year you can pair the sparkle and magic of the season with the heartwarming comfort of cozy foods. Eye-catching decor boasting holiday reds, greens and golds becomes even more inviting when complemented by favorite wintery snacks that enhance the holiday spirit.

Spend a snowy afternoon nestled in a warm kitchen with your little ones making these Festive Popcorn Trees, which offer the best of both worlds. These charming, edible trees allow you time together while encouraging creativity as your kids decorate their own popcorn masterpieces, adding a whimsical touch to your holiday table.

Popcorn, a beloved snack throughout the year, serves as a delightful and versatile addition to festive gatherings. Its irresistible flavor not only satisfies cravings but also evokes heartwarming memories of shared moments with loved ones – whether it’s the joy of crafting popcorn garlands, creating homemade ornaments or enjoying it alongside other seasonal snacks. Embrace the traditions that bring family and friends closer, all while indulging in the wholesome goodness of popcorn.

Find more ways to pop up a cozy holiday celebration at popcorn.org.

Must-Haves for a Comforting Holiday Snack Bar

Lighten the load of holiday hosting this year with a serve-yourself snack bar that allows guests to personalize their plates with favorite cozy season hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

• Popped popcorn
• Popcorn toppings (spices, seasonings, cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, Parmesan cheese)
• Baked brie (or other cheeses)
• Individually wrapped chocolates
• Crackers
• Pretzels
• Nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews)
• Marshmallows
• Cinnamon sticks
• Candy canes
• Sugar cookies
• Hot chocolate
• Hot tea
• Seasonal punch

Festive Popcorn Trees

Yield: 10 trees

• 10 cups air-popped popcorn
• 1 bag (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• nonstick cooking spray
• green decorating sugar
• blue decorating sugar
• 1 tube white frosting with decorating tip
• assorted small colorful candies, such as sprinkles
• miniature silver dragees
• sugar cookies, for serving (optional)
• shredded coconut, for serving (optional)

1. Place popcorn in large bowl.
2. In medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir marshmallows and butter until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour mixture over popcorn in bowl. Toss well to coat popcorn evenly.
4. Line baking sheet with foil. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray then scoop about 1 cup popcorn mixture. Shape mixture into cone, keeping base flat. This forms one tree. Sprinkle tree with green and blue decorating sugars; place tree on baking sheet. Repeat to make additional trees.
5. Pipe frosting on trees to make garland then decorate with colorful candies and miniature silver dragees.

Serving suggestion: Place each tree on sugar cookie, if desired, and decorate serving tray with shredded coconut to resemble snow.

Tips: Start the recipe with unflavored white popcorn for best color and flavor. Make colored sugar by adding food coloring to sugar then stirring in bowl or shaking vigorously in sealed container. Add more food coloring for more intense tones.

SOURCE:
Popcorn Board

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

(Family Features) After a day battling the cold and fighting the wind, a comforting meal made at home is often just what you crave. Turn those blustery winter conditions into warm, cozy evenings with favorite recipes that offer not only convenience but provide a little kick of spice.

Winter Comfort

For a quick and delightful meal that’s equal parts comforting and unique, try this Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle that’s sure to please with a crispy rice waffle loaded with sweet and spicy flavor, topped with chicken and drizzled with honey. It’s a treat that truly satisfies from the inside out in just 7 minutes.

The crispness of the gluten-free rice waffle is made possible by Minute Rice’s Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup that entices taste buds with a sweet and mildly spicy contrast and playful presentation. Ready in as little as 60 seconds, the rice cup ensures convenience and distinct seasoning, making each waffle perfectly flavored and offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Whether you’re shaking up your breakfast routine or enjoying a fun and easy dinner, it can be taken to new heights with the combination of honey and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for delicious decadence.

For a savory solution the entire family can enjoy together, this cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole combines jasmine rice, cheddar cheese, roasted cauliflower, Buffalo hot sauce and crumbled blue cheese for a crave-worthy oven bake.

Prepare the Minute Instant Jasmine Rice in just 5 minutes for a quick mealtime solution without compromising quality or taste. Next, heat the oven and mix the ingredients then sit back and wait for a golden brown casserole with a cheesy interior and tantalizing blend of spicy, salty and tangy flavors.

Topped with green onions, this vegetarian meal is sure to please your hungry loved ones. If meat lovers need a bite of protein, simply serve alongside seared chicken or beef.

Visit MinuteRice.com to find more family-friendly ways to warm up mealtimes all winter long.

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Hot Honey Chicken and Waffle

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 Minute Hot Honey Chicken Seasoned Rice Cup
• 1 egg
• nonstick cooking spray
• 2 chicken tenders, cooked
• 2 tablespoons honey, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for garnish

1. Preheat mini waffle maker. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In medium mixing bowl, combine rice and egg. Mix well.
3. Spoon rice mixture into waffle maker. Cook until light goes off.
4. Place waffle on plate with cooked chicken tenders on top.
5. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve.

Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

• 2 cups Minute Jasmine Rice
• 1 package (8 ounces) plain cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce
• 4 cups frozen cauliflower florets, blanched and cooled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup finely crumbled blue cheese
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Prepare rice according to package directions. Transfer to greased 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
2. In medium bowl, stir cream cheese and hot sauce. Add cauliflower, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper; toss to combine. Spoon over rice. Sprinkle with blue cheese.
3. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Sprinkle with green onions.

Tips: Substitute goat cheese or feta for blue cheese, if desired. Meat lovers can serve as a side dish to seared chicken or beef.

SOURCE:
Minute Rice

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.