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Make Holiday Memories with Sweet Eats

Whether your festivities include immediate family or bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about making memories with loved ones.

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(Family Features) Whether your festivities include immediate family or bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about making memories with loved ones. From the first days of the season to the last, many families spend their precious time together with favorite activities and the best foods the holidays have to offer.

This year, you can change things up and start new traditions with a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to update classics due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting, fresh aroma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appearance; and naturally white flesh that doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples all lend themselves to shareable recipes like this Apple Wreath Salad or Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese, both perfect for holiday parties.

Because cherished memories are made with sweet ingredients, you can turn cozy movie nights into festive and memorable events year after year by pairing Hallmark Channel’s popular “Countdown to Christmas” holiday movies with delicious desserts like Apple Custard Sponge Trifle and Brown Butter Apple Pie.

Find more memory-making recipes at EnvyApple.com.

Apple Custard Sponge Trifle

Servings: 8-10

  • 6 Envy apples
  • 2 tablespoons golden caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, water
  • 1 tablespoon corn flour
  • 1 large plain sponge cake
  • 2 cups vanilla bean custard
  • 1/2 cup caramel or butterscotch sauce, plus additional for garnish, divided
  • 1/2 cup creamfresh apple slices
  • fresh strawberry slices
  1. Peel, core and dice apples; place in large saucepan. Add caster sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 cup water. Simmer apples 5-8 minutes until tender.
  2. Combine corn flour and remaining water. Stir corn flour mixture into apples until apples are syrupy.
  3. Cut sponge cake into 2-centimeter diced pieces. Arrange 1/3 of sponge pieces in base of serving bowl. Add half of cinnamon apple pieces, including syrupy juices. Add 1 cup custard and drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with sponge cake; chill.
  4. Whip cream and spoon dollops over sponge cake to cover top. Garnish with apple slices, strawberry slices and caramel sauce.

Apple Wreath Salad

Recipe courtesy of “The Produce Moms” (@theproducemoms)

Balsamic Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:

  • 10 ounces baby arugula
  • 3 Envy apples, sliced
  • 9 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 3 ounces pomegranate arils
  • 3 ounces pecans, toasted
  1. To make balsamic dressing: In small serving bowl, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
  2. Place dressing bowl in center of large board or platter. Arrange arugula around dressing bowl in wreath shape.
  3. Place apple slices on top of arugula. Sprinkle on goat cheese, pomegranate arils and pecans.

Brown Butter Apple Pie

Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Filling:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 pounds Envy apples, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 deep dish frozen pie shell
  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. To make streusel topping: Mix flour, chopped pecans and light brown sugar. Stir in butter using fingertips until incorporated with small lumps of butter visible. Refrigerate.
  3. To make filling: In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until amber, stirring often. Set aside to cool. In large bowl, stir sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla and flour using spatula. Pour brown butter over apples and mix, scraping skillet with rubber spatula to incorporate brown butter bits.
  4. Place frozen pie shell on baking sheet. Add 2 cups apple mixture into shell, gently pressing apple slices for even base. Add remaining apple slices and gently press. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over apples.
  5. Bake 30 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake 35-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples feel tender when pierced with fork.

Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese

  • Salted water
  • 1 pound macaroni noodles
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 Envy apple, peeled and diced
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Romano cheese, grated
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire

Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add noodles and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. In large pot over high heat, melt butter then saute diced apple until caramelized and tender. Sprinkle in flour and stir. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  3. Whisk in heavy cream and milk; bring to boil, whisking frequently so milk doesn’t burn.
  4. Once boiling, turn heat to low and whisk in cheddar cheese, Romano cheese, gruyere cheese, salt and Worcestershire. Continue whisking until cheese is melted thoroughly.
  5. Carefully pour mixture into large blender and blend on high until smooth.
  6. Pour cheese sauce over noodles and stir.
  7. Pour macaroni and cheese into 9-by-13-inch pan and spread evenly.
  8. Heat oven to broil.
  9. To make topping: In medium bowl, melt butter and stir in panko breadcrumbs.
  10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over macaroni and cheese; broil until golden brown.


SOURCE:
Envy Apples

Family

Ways to Make Mom’s Day Extra Special

Whether she’s the culinary expert of the home or cooking is usually a team effort, make sure her morning is one of rest and relaxation while you handle kitchen duties from prep to cleanup.

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(Family Features) Don’t let Mother’s Day pass by as just another day on the calendar. Make this year’s celebration a true ode to the moms in your life with some extra special touches at breakfast and beyond.

Give Her the Day Off
Whether she’s the culinary expert of the home or cooking is usually a team effort, make sure her morning is one of rest and relaxation while you handle kitchen duties from prep to cleanup. These Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins are easily customizable to suit your family’s favorite tastes with nearly endless possibilities. Just make sure to place a foil-lined cookie sheet under the muffin tin to make cleanup a breeze.

For a sweeter touch on brunch, these Cinnamon Muffins offer a one-ingredient solution that take just 15 minutes to prepare. Serve alongside the egg muffins or let these ooey-gooey bites bake while mom enjoys the main course.

Add Flowers
Flowers are a timeless Mother’s Day gift for a reason. They provide pops of color on dining room tables, kitchen counters, end tables or even nightstands. Consider mom’s favorite spot in the house and place them within eyeshot for a frequent reminder of how much she’s appreciated.

Create a Personalized Card
Add a special final touch to an already memorable morning with a thoughtful card and handwritten message. Get the kiddos involved and create a card from scratch with construction paper, colored pencils, markers and more for a homemade gift she’ll cherish. If you didn’t fall from the artistic tree, don’t fret – a storebought card means all the same when paired with a heartfelt message that conveys your love.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, mom will appreciate the extra effort to make her day special. Find more family-friendly recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

  • 1 pound regular-sliced bacon (not thick-sliced)
  • 10 eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half or milk
  • 1 tablespoon garlic pepper
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen spinach
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Using muffin tin, wrap bacon around inside of each muffin hole. In bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, half-and-half, garlic pepper and spinach. Pour into each hole, filling about halfway to avoid overflowing while cooking. Cook 40 minutes, or until eggs are golden.

Tips: Place muffin tin on cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch grease and make cleanup easier. If you want bacon taste without lining muffin holes, mix fried bacon pieces into eggs.

Substitutions: Line each hole with hashbrowns then add egg mixture. Use broccoli instead of spinach, if desired.

Cinnamon Muffins

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

  • 2 tubes (8-count each) cinnamon rolls
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Grease muffin tin or line with liners. Using kitchen shears, cut each cinnamon roll into pieces and place in muffin holes.
  3. Bake about 15 minutes, or until golden. Let cool then add provided icing.

Tip: To make icing extra special, add 2 tablespoons creamer and mix well before icing muffins.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/
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Family

Elevate Your Easter Dinner with These Top Five Delectable Meal Ideas

“Elevate your Easter dinner with these top five meal ideas: herb-crusted lamb, lemon roasted chicken, honey-glazed ham, stuffed shells, and spring vegetable risotto!” #EasterFeastIdeas 🐇🥚🍽️

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"Easter dinner with a beautifully decorated table, featuring a delightful spread of lamb, chicken, ham, and other mouthwatering dishes."


Easter is a time for joyous celebrations and gathering with loved ones over a scrumptious meal. If you’re looking to make this Easter dinner truly special, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ve curated a selection of mouthwatering dishes that will leave your guests craving for more. From traditional classics to innovative twists, these top five Easter meal ideas will make your dinner unforgettable.

  1. Herb-Crusted Lamb with Mint Pesto
    For a show-stopping centerpiece, look no further than herb-crusted lamb with mint pesto. Tender and succulent, this roast is complemented perfectly by a zesty mint pesto, which adds a refreshing burst of flavor. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a truly elegant Easter feast.
  2. Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken
    For those who prefer poultry over lamb, a lemon and herb-roasted chicken is a divine choice. The combination of tangy citrus and aromatic herbs creates a tantalizing flavor profile. The chicken turns out moist and juicy with a golden, crispy skin. Pair it with roasted asparagus and buttered baby potatoes for a delightful springtime meal.
  3. Baked Glazed Ham with Honey and Mustard
    No Easter dinner is complete without a glazed ham that’s perfectly caramelized and packed with flavor. This baked glazed ham with honey and mustard will leave your guests craving for seconds. The sweet and savory glaze, made from a blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and spices, creates a mouthwatering caramelized crust. Serve it with a side of silky mashed sweet potatoes and honey-glazed carrots for a truly indulgent Easter treat.
  4. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
    For a delicious vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste, these spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, baked in a rich tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  5. Spring Vegetable Risotto
    Capture the essence of the season with a vibrant spring vegetable risotto. This creamy dish combines Arborio rice with asparagus, peas, artichokes, and fresh herbs, creating a medley of flavors and textures. Each spoonful is a burst of springtime goodness. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or lamb.


This Easter, unleash your culinary creativity and impress your guests with these sensational meal ideas. Whether you choose a succulent roast, a flavorful chicken dish, a glazed ham, a cheesy pasta delight, or a vibrant risotto, your Easter dinner is bound to be a hit. Celebrate the joys of Easter with the ultimate feast that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and delighted. Cheers to a memorable and delicious Easter dinner!

"Easter dinner with a beautifully decorated table, featuring a delightful spread of lamb, chicken, ham, and other mouthwatering dishes."

“Here are some additional ideas for a successful dinner that you might find helpful.”

https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/menus/best-ever-easter-dinner/best-ever-easter-dinner

“Elevate your Easter dinner with these top five meal ideas: herb-crusted lamb, lemon roasted chicken, honey-glazed ham, stuffed shells, and spring vegetable risotto!” #EasterFeastIdeas 🐇🥚🍽️

If you’re looking for delicious food recipes and the latest foodie news, make sure to visit our Food and Beverage section.https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

🐣 Happy Easter, everyone! 🌼🐇
Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and lots of chocolatey delights. May your Easter egg hunts be full of laughter and excitement. Remember to cherish precious moments with your loved ones and savor every bite of those delicious treats. Let’s celebrate the spirit of renewal and new beginnings together. Hoppy Easter! 🥚🌷 #Easter2022 #HoppyEaster #JoyfulCelebrations

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Easy Easter Eats

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One-pan dishes to make hosting simple

(Family Features) Even if Easter hosting duties fell on your plate this year and added one more thing to your holiday to-do list, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. After all, Easter is a time meant for fun and fellowship with the food just one part of the celebration.

Building the menu around simple, one-pan dishes can keep the focus where it needs to be: spending time and creating memories with family and friends. These dishes call for short lists of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry, and simple preparation to create a full spread perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, using only one pan makes cleanup a breeze, so you can get back to the festivities quickly.

A dish like this Easter Roast lets you check both the main course and side dishes off your list, relying on the oven to do most of the work for you after some quick prep work. Similarly easy to prepare, these Refrigerator Rolls can also be made up to six days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake – a perfect complement to the savory roast and veggies.

Finish off your feast with an adaptable dessert like this Blueberry Crumble. Made using just five ingredients and ready in about an hour, you can swap the blueberry pie filling and yellow cake mix for any combination that suits your guests’ tastes like apple pie filling with spice cake or cherry pie filling with chocolate cake; the sky’s the limit when it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth.

For more Easter recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

Easter Roast

Yield: 1 roast

  • Salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • 1 roast (3 pounds)
  • 1 bag (1 pound) baby carrots
  • 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) trio potatoes or potato of choice
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon garlic pepper
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 bundle asparagus
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder over roast and rub into front, back and sides. Place seasoned roast in middle of large roasting pan.
  3. Place carrots on one side of roasting pan and potatoes on other side.
  4. In large bowl, mix beef broth and cream of mushroom soup with garlic pepper. Pour mixture over roast, potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle brown sugar over carrots and add chopped onion. Cover and cook 2 1/2 hours then remove from oven, add asparagus and cook uncovered 30 minutes.
  5. Serve from pan or place on platter for more formal presentation.

Refrigerator Rolls

Yield: 18 rolls

  • 2 packages yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups lukewarm water
  • 6-7cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 stick softened butter
  • oil, divided
  1. In large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. When yeast is foamy, add 3 cups flour. Mix in salt, eggs and butter.
  2. Once mixed well, add remaining flour 1 cup at a time and knead dough into ball in bowl. Remove dough from bowl and place on clean surface.
  3. Wash and dry bowl then grease with drizzle of oil. Place dough in bowl and let rise 1 hour or store in refrigerator if making in advance.
  4. When ready to use, grease muffin pan with oil. Roll dough into hand-size balls and place in each muffin hole; cover 1 hour.
  5. Heat oven to 350 F. Bake rolls 30 minutes.
  6. Note: Dough can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator up to six days. If making ahead, punch down dough, cover and place in refrigerator. Punch down daily until ready to use.

Blueberry Crumble

Yield: 1 cake

  • 1 can blueberry pie filling
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 bag (4 ounces) chopped pecans
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • whipped cream, for serving (optional)
  • vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Spread pie filling on bottom of 9-by-11-inch pan. Sprinkle cake mix and pecans on top. Do not mix.
  3. Drizzle melted butter and oil on top of cake mix and pecans. Do not mix. Lift pan and tilt from side to side until cake mix is completely covered in butter.
  4. Bake 1 hour until golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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