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    Spooky Popcorn Snack

    Embrace the taste of autumn – pumpkin spice – with these White Chocolate and Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn Bites. This easy-to-make treat included melted pumpkin pie spice-seasoned chocolate, toffee bits and sea salt.By Family Features | ContributorWhite Chocolate and Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn BitesServings: 12 12        cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn3          cups chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips1          tablespoon light olive oil2          teaspoons pumpkin pie spice1/2       cup toffee bits1          teaspoon flaked sea salt, crushedLine large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.In microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate, olive oil and pumpkin pie spice; microwave on medium 2-3 minutes, or until melted and smooth, stirring after each minute.Pour melted white chocolate mixture over popcorn; add toffee bits and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spreading to edges of pan; sprinkle sea salt over top.Let cool; refrigerate 1-2 hours, or until set. Break into chunks for serving.Tip: Homemade pumpkin pie spice can be made by combining 3 parts ground cinnamon with 1 part ground nutmeg, 1 part allspice and 1 part ginger.Visit Popcorn.org to find more Halloween-inspired snacks. More

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    Apple Crumble

    By Family Features | ContributorRecipe courtesy of Culinary.net.Apple Crumble1          can (20 ounces) apple pie filling1          box yellow cake mix1/2       cup chopped pecans (optional)1 1/2    butter sticks, melted            vanilla ice cream or whipped cream topping (optional)Heat oven to 375 F.In baking dish, spread apple pie filling across bottom. Mix cake mix with pecans, if desired, then evenly cover apple pie filling.Cover cake mix with melted butter. Do not mix. If butter pools in one spot, pick dish up and move from side to side until covered evenly.Bake 30 minutes until crust is brown.Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream topping, if desired. More

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    Mixed Berry Whole-Wheat Muffins

    These Mixed Berry Whole-Wheat Muffins are a perfect solution when you need to hustle out the door. As a healthy, delicious treat kids can take with them to school or eat during the commute, they’re quick and easy to make. Loaded with blueberries – a bona fide superfood that’s high in fiber, low in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K – you may even need to make a double batch so you have plenty for breakfasts and after-school snacks.Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family ProjectPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 15 minutesServings: 121 1/4    cups white whole-wheat flour1          teaspoon baking powder1          teaspoon baking soda1/8       teaspoon salt1          large egg1/2       cup maple syrup2          teaspoons vanilla extract3/4       cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt3/4       cup unsweetened applesauce1/2       cup chopped strawberries1/2       cup blueberriesPreheat oven to 400 F. Grease muffin pan and set aside.In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In separate large bowl, mix egg, maple syrup, vanilla, yogurt and applesauce.Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in strawberries and blueberries.Pour batter into prepared muffin tin, filling cups about 3/4 full.Bake 15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.Remove from oven and let cool in muffin tin 5 minutes before removing.Discover more ways to manage school-day schedules with easy, nutritious recipes at healthyfamilyproject.com. More

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    Grilled Glazed Salmon

    Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”Cook time: 15-20 minutesServings: 4-6Dry Brine:1/2       cup salt1          cup sugar1          cup brown sugar2          tablespoons lemon thyme or lemon zest3          tablespoons garlic powder1          tablespoon pepper1          salmon fillet (2-3 pounds) Glaze:1/4       cup brown sugar1/4       cup ketchup1/4       cup mustard1/4       cup apple cider vinegar1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce1          tablespoon garlic2          tablespoons gingersalt, to tastepepper, to tasteTo make dry brine: In bowl, mix salt, sugar, brown sugar, lemon thyme, garlic powder and pepper. Place salmon on cookie sheet and cover with brine. Refrigerate 10-12 hours, or overnight. After brining, rinse salmon completely. Dry with paper towel and let rest at least 1 hour.Heat grill to medium heat.To make glaze: In bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and ginger. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Brush over salmon.Place cookie sheet with glazed salmon on grill and cook 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 130 F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.Find more summer grilling ideas at Culinary.net More

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    Bring a Chill to Summer with Cool, Creamy Cheesecake

    By Family Features | ContributorFrench Style Cheesecake with Vanilla Wafer CrustRecipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”Total time: 25 minutes, plus 3 hours refrigeration Servings: 8Crust:2          cups vanilla wafers, crushed1          stick butter, melted1/4       cup brown sugarWhipped Cream:1          cup heavy cream3          tablespoons sugar1          teaspoon vanillaCheesecake:8          ounces cream cheese, softened1          teaspoon vanilla1/2       cup powdered sugarTo make crust: Mix crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter and sugar; press into pie pan or individual pudding cups.To make whipped cream: In large bowl, using electric mixer, mix heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until thickened into whipped cream.To make cheesecake: Add softened cream cheese, vanilla and powdered sugar to whipped cream bowl. Using electric mixer, mix until smooth. Pour over vanilla wafer crust and chill 3 hours.Find more summer dessert ideas at Culinary.net. More

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    Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara

    Recipe courtesy of AlbertsonsTotal time: 20 minutesServings: 42          bags (10 ounces each) cauliflower florets18        ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen1/2       tablespoon salt1          jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce8          fluid ounces heavy whipping cream1/2       teaspoon basil, dried1/4       teaspoon black pepper2          packages (5 ounces each) baby spinachFill large pot halfway with hot water, cover and bring to boil. Uncover then add cauliflower, tortellini and salt; stir for a few seconds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes, or cook according to package instructions.In separate large pot over medium heat, stir marinara sauce, cream, basil and black pepper to combine and bring sauce to simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes.Wash and dry spinach.When sauce has thickened, add spinach to pot in handfuls, waiting for spinach to wilt slightly before adding next handful. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.When cauliflower and tortellini are done, drain and add to pot with creamy marinara sauce; stir to combine.To serve, divide pasta between plates or bowls.Find more information and a seemingly endless collection of recipes at Albertsons.com. More

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    Fresh and Delicious Pizza Recipes

    Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! author Sara Haas shares two pizza recipes you can make at home, hot and fresh!Roasted Tomato Margarita PizzaMakes: One 10-inch pizzaIngredients1 pint cherry tomatoes, washed and dried3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil2 cloves garlic¼ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon black pepper, divided1 ball dough of your choice, at room temperature4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced1 cup fresh basil, tornDirectionsPlace pizza stone on lowest rack in the oven or, if using a steel, place on the highest rack. Preheat oven to 500°F at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before baking.Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, garlic, salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Spread tomatoes out onto a foil-lined baking sheet and place on top oven rack. While the oven is preheating, bake the tomatoes, stirring once halfway through cooking, until tomatoes are blistered and juicy, 15–20 minutes. Note: Keep your eye on these tomatoes since they’ll be cooking in the oven as it’s preheating.Sprinkle a bit of fine cornmeal and all-purpose flour on a pizza peel or piece of parchment. Stretch out the dough, shape into a circle and transfer to prepared peel or parchment. Top stretched dough with roasted tomato mixture and cover with mozzarella slices. Sprinkle on top with the remaining ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden, 8–10 minutes.Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Garnish with basil, cut into slices and enjoy immediately.BBQ Kale PizzaMakes: One 10-inch pizzaIngredients1 ball dough of your choice, at room temperature2 tablespoons Easy BBQ Sauce (see bonus recipe below) or store-bought BBQ Sauce2 cups stemmed, shredded kale, preferably dinosaur or lacinato¼ cup thinly sliced red onion½ cup (2 ounces) low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese½ cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese½ green apple, sliced into thin sticks, julienned1 teaspoon crushed red pepperHot sauce, for servingDirectionsPlace pizza stone on lowest rack in the oven or, if using a steel, place on the highest rack. Preheat oven to 500°F at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before baking.Sprinkle a bit of fine cornmeal and all-purpose flour on a pizza peel or piece of parchment. Stretch out the dough and shape into a circle, then transfer to prepared peel or parchment. Spread BBQ sauce over dough leaving a 1-inch border around the edge, then top with kale and onion. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden, 8–10 minutes.Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Garnish with apple and crushed red pepper, then cut into slices and enjoy immediately. Serve hot sauce on the side.Bonus Recipe:Easy BBQ SauceMakes: About ½ cupIngredients½ cup ketchup¼ cup water2 tablespoons yellow mustard⅓ cup apple juice or apple cider1 tablespoon molasses1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce2 tablespoons packed brown sugar1 tablespoon honey1 teaspoon smoked paprika1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper1 tablespoon apple cider vinegarDirectionsCombine all ingredients except for the apple cider vinegar in a small pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 25–30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.Ingredient Note: For a less sweet sauce, use a lesser amount of brown sugar.Storage Note: Refrigerate for up to five days.About the AuthorSara Haas, RDN, LDN, is a professional recipe developer, food photographer and freelance writer. Sara has been featured in Eating Well Magazine, Allrecipes, Shape Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and more. She is also the author of Taco! Taco! Taco! and co-author of The Fertility Foods Cookbook. Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!Written by Sara Haas, RDN978-1-57826-968-6, $25.00 hardcoverPublished by Hatherleigh Press.Distributed through Penguin Random House.Available wherever books are sold.www.hatherleighpress.com More

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    Peanut Butter Cups and Cinnamon Candy Poppers Recipes

    By Family Features | ContributorBreak out the red, white and blue – it’s time to honor America’s birthday. Along with all the booms and blasts, make sure your crowd is satisfied with one of the country’s most beloved snack foods and a true firecracker in the kitchen: popcorn.Whether your gathering will take place poolside, in air-conditioned comfort or while watching spectacular fireworks shows among the backdrop of the night sky, tasty treats that honor the occasion allow you to show off your patriotic pride.These Peanut Butter Cups are an ideal summer snack that’s easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. All you need to do is melt together peanut butter, butter and marshmallows then mix in popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts and raisins. Bake in individual paper liners for grab-and-go convenience then share with your nearest and dearest. For added flair, use American flag-themed liners or finish your creation with toothpicks connected to miniature American flags.Add a touch of heat to this year’s celebrations with Cinnamon Candy Poppers that bring a real bang to the snack table. Inspired by those classic firecrackers that a Fourth of July party can’t go without, these balls of ooey-gooey goodness provide a truly patriotic spark.Peanut Butter CupsYield: 24 cups1/2       cup peanut butter1/2       cup butter or margarine1          package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows6          cups freshly popped popcorn6          cups spoon-size shredded wheat1          cup dry roasted peanuts1          cup raisinsPreheat oven to 250 F.In microwave on high heat using large, microwavable bowl, melt peanut butter and butter 1 minute.Add marshmallows and microwave on high 1 minute, or until marshmallows puff; stir.Add popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts and raisins; stir gently.Place paper liners in two 12-cup muffin pans. Divide mixture into 24 cups.Bake 10 minutes.Remove from oven and tore “cups” in airtight container.Cinnamon Candy PoppersYield: 24 balls            Nonstick cooking spray3          quarts popped popcorn4          tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine3          cups miniature marshmallows1/2       cup cinnamon-flavored candiesred and blue confection starsred licorice stringSpread large sheet of plastic wrap on work surface and spray with nonstick cooking spray.Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows until melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn. Add cinnamon candies and mix well until coated.Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and form mixture into 24 balls. Gently press red and blue stars onto each ball. Place piece of licorice string on top of each ball.Find more popcorn-inspired snacks for your summer celebrations at Popcorn.org. More