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Managing Diabetes with Food and Friends
March 12th, 2010
Sherri’s Pesto Pasta
Diabetes is a growing concern in our country. Nearly 81 million Americans – or one in four households – have diabetes or prediabetes, with a new Read the rest of this entry “
Add a Piece of Heaven to Mealtime
March 4th, 2010
Lemony Angel Hair Toss
Is your calendar bustling with activity? Make mealtime a snap with a zesty toss-and-go recipe using quick-cooking angel hair pasta, a heavenly addition to any meal.
Did you know angel hair is one of the most popular pasta cuts in America, second only to spaghetti? Because of its delicate texture, this popular pasta is at its best when paired with lightly-structured sauces, seafood or vegetables, as showcased in Lemony Angel Hair Toss.
This simple, colorful dish of cherry and grape tomatoes, baby arugula and lemon juice is also a time-saver; the angel hair cooks up in just 5 minutes. The best part – by using Dreamfields Pasta, each serving contains only 7 grams of digestible carbohydrates, versus 37 grams if traditional pasta was used.
That’s not all – this pasta has an added health boost because it delivers twice the fiber (5 grams), fewer digestible carbohydrates and a lower glycemic index per serving than regular pasta. These health benefits, along with having all the taste and texture of traditional pasta, make it an ideal choice for the 81 million Americans with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and the entire family, too.
For more recipes and information about healthy eating, visit www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.
Lemony Angel Hair Toss
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Makes 8 servings
1 box Dreamfields Angel Hair Pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups packed baby arugula
2 cups halved cherry and/or grape tomatoes, assorted colors if desired
1/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Salt and pepper (optional)
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; rinse in cold water or in ice water until completely cooled and drain well.
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Toss with pasta.
3. Add arugula, tomatoes and cheese to pasta. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with pine nuts and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition information (1/8 of recipe): 262 calories; 8 g protein; 7 g digestible carbohydrates*; 11 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 2 mg cholesterol; 143 mg sodium;
5 g total dietary fiber.
*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 37 g carbohydrate.
Score a ‘Touchdown Team Brownie’ for Dessert
February 4th, 2010
Whether it’s tailgating at the stadium or huddling around the flat screen TV, everyone needs a game plan: a winning menu to keep armchair quarterbacks fueled through all four quarters of the big game.
Kick off the festivities with easy-to-serve, easy-to-eat pre-game nibbles like chips and salsa, veggies and dip plus plenty of liquid libations. Fans will cheer at halftime when they’re offered favorites like make-your-own sandwiches, hearty chili and coleslaw to tackle their hunger. Rely on the supermarket deli/prepared foods sections and purchase some or all of the foods ready to serve…that way everyone can enjoy the game instead of spending time in the kitchen.
Make the final quarter memorable with a fabulous dessert…Touchdown Team Brownie. It’s so easy to bake and decorate, plus it can be made a day in advance of the game. Bake the brownie (use a mix for convenience) in Wilton’s first and ten football pan, then simply add the zigzag stripes and outline stitching with Wilton’s ready-to-use white decorator icing. It’s a winner! Cheers all around!
Everything you need to know about baking and decorating brownies of every description can be found in Wilton’s “Brownie Fun!” book. Look for it in craft stores or online at www.wilton.com. The site also features entertaining ideas for every occasion…holidays to birthdays, weddings and more.
Touchdown Team Brownie
Makes about 20 servings
1 package (about 20 ounces) brownie mix (13 x 9 inch size)
Egg, oil and water to prepare mix
1 can (16 ounces) Wilton ready-to-use white decorator icing
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray First and Ten Football Pan with vegetable pan spray.
In large bowl, prepare brownie mix following package instructions; spread into prepared pan (will only fill pan about 1/3 full). Bake 30-35 minutes or until brownie tests done. Cool in pan on cooling grid 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely.
Place cooled brownie on serving platter. Add Tip 18 zigzag icing stripes and outline stitching.
Wilton Products:
First and Ten Football Pan
Ready-to-Use White Decorator Icing
Open Star Decorating Tip 18
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What’s For Dinner In 2010?
January 22nd, 2010
The way America cooks is in the midst of a flavorful evolution, according to the 10th annual McCormick® FlavorForecast™. The report predicts an increased preference for high-impact flavors, balanced with comforting favorites. We’ll see new flavor combinations, thanks to the breadth of year-round ingredients, chosen and preserved at the peak of freshness, available in a pantry near you.
“Flavor has never been so quick and accessible,” says Kevan Vetter, Executive Chef at McCormick. “Today, a well-stocked pantry is like having a local farmer’s market or bountiful back yard garden in your kitchen.” The endless harvest of canned, pickled, preserved, frozen and dried ingredients are indispen sable, at-the-ready tools for everyday one-dish meal ideas that are anything but ordinary.
For example, a convenient can of coconut milk takes pumpkin pie spice and chicken thighs Caribbean. Economical canned chickpeas add Mediterranean flair to once-humble Shepherd’s Pie, now featuring the alluring warmth of roasted cumin. And,aromatic bay leaves join salty-tart preserved lemons to brighten up tortellini, courtesy of the local grocer(or,your own handi work —see sidebar).
Formoreeasyrecipesandfeaturedflavorpairings,visit www.flavorforecast.com.
Shepherd’s Pie with Cumin & Smashed Chickpeas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
1 1/2 pounds all-purpose potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed, divided
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick ® Gourmet Collection Sicilian Sea Salt, divided
1 pound ground lamb
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 tablespoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Roasted Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Ground Coriander
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper
1/4 cup whiskey orapple cider
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup eachfrozen carrots andgreen beans, unthawed
1. Place potatoes in 2-quart sauce pan.Add water to cover. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain and return to saucepan. Add 1/2 of the chickpeas, milk, butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the sea salt; coarsely mash until well blended. Set aside.
2. Brown lamb and beef in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Drain fat. Add onion, cumin, coriander, remain ing 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in whiskey. Stir broth in tocorn starch until smooth. Add to skillet ;stir constantly until well blended. Stir in vegetables and remaining chickpeas. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish. Spread potato mixture evenly over top.
3.Bake in preheated 400°F oven 15 to 20 minutes or until mix ture is bubbly and top is golden brown. If needed, place under preheated broiler to brown potato topping. Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition Information per Serving:316 Calories, Fat 14g, Protein
19g, Carbohydrates 25g, Cholesterol 63mg, Sodium 643mg, Fiber 4g
Caribbean Chicken with Mango Coconut Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon McCormick Paprika
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice, divided
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Sicilian Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon McCormick Crushed Red Pepper
8 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (about 3 pounds)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14 ounces) Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk
2 cups frozen mango chunks, unthawed
1. Mix flour, paprika, 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin pie spice, sea salt and red pepper in shallow dish. Coat chicken evenly on both sides in flour mixture.
2.Heat oil in nonstick 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove chicken. Drain excess fat from pan. Add red onion; cook and stir 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in tomatoes, coconut milk, mango and remaining 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice. Bring to boil. Return chicken to pan. Cover.
3.Bake in preheated 350°F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with cooked rice,if desired. Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition Information per Serving:357 Calories, Fat 21g, Protein 25g, Carbohydrates 17g, Cholesterol 86mg, Sodium 447mg, Fiber 3g
Lemon-Bay Tortellini with Spinach& Wild Mushrooms
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
1/2 preserved lemon
2 McCormick Bay Leaves
1 package (12 ounces) cheese tortellini
2 cups frozen leaf spinach, unthawed
4 strips bacon
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
8 ounces sliced assorted mushrooms
1 teaspoon McCormick Minced Garlic Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1. Remove and discard pulp from preserved lemon. Rinse peel to remove excess salt. Coarsely chop peel (about 2 table spoons). Set a side.
2. Bring water and bay leaves to boil in large sauce pot. Stir in tortellini. Cook as directed on package, adding frozen spinach during last minute of cooking. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Discard bay leaves.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; set aside. Add shallots to bacon drippings; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add oil, mushrooms, garlic and preserved lemon peel; cook and stir 3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add tortellini mix ture and reserved cooking water; toss to mix well. Sprinkle with bacon. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Makes 6 servings.
To prepare with fresh spinach:Cook tortellini as directed, omitting the frozen leaf spinach. Cook bacon and mushrooms as directed. Stir in 1 package (6 ounces) baby spinach leaves until slightly wilted. Continue as above.
Nutrition Information per Serving:416 Calories, Fat 24g, Protein 13g, Carbohydrates 37g, Cholesterol 46mg, Sodium 729mg, Fiber 5g
Preserving Lemons
Although preserved lemons can be found at some specialty food stores, making your own requires just three basic ingredients — lemons, salt and time (it takes at least three weeks before the lemons are ready to use).
For added dimension, bay leaves can even be included in the preserving salt. It is the supple rind of preserved
lemons that is most valued — sliced, chopped or minced to complement the texture of the dish.
For step-by-step instructions, visit mccormick.com.
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Natural Ingredients For Homemade Soup Success
January 15th, 2010
No matter what time of year, selecting in-season produce and natural ingredients helps ensure that meals taste their best. In the cooler months, try using vegetables like carrots, pumpkin and butternut squash to provide the perfect flavor for seasonal favorites like stews and soups.
To create a great-tasting homemade soup, start with broth, which provides a flavorful foundation for any recipe. For the most delicious flavor, select a broth with high-quality ingredients like 100% natural Swanson chicken broth. It’s a blend of chicken stock that has been perfectly simmered with delicious garden vegetables and sun-drenched herbs, making it ideal for soup as well as a variety of other dishes.
Next, hit the produce department to pick up some in-season vegetables. Many grocers offer pre-washed and pre-cut produce, which in addition to being at the peak of flavor, can help save time in the kitchen.
Butternut Squash Soup with Sage is simple to prepare and takes advantage of fresh, natural ingredients. A savory base of chicken broth combines with butternut squash, Granny Smith apples and ground coriander, to create a silky smooth soup that can be served as a hearty starter or light meal. Visit www.SwansonBroth.com and www.CampbellsKitchen.com for more recipes.
Butternut Squash Soup with Sage
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Makes: 4 servings (2 cups each)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 butternut squash (about 2- to 2 1/2-pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced (about 2 cups)
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness® or Certified Organic)
Pepperidge Farm® Golden Butter Distinctive Crackers (optional)
1. Heat the oil in a 6-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the squash, apples and onion and cook until they’re almost tender. Stir in the coriander. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
2. Stir the broth in the saucepot. Heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes or until the squash is tender.
3. Place half of the squash mixture, with a slotted spoon, into a blender or food processor, reserving the cooking liquid. Cover and blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into a medium bowl. Repeat the blending process with the remaining squash mixture. Pour the reserved cooking liquid into a liquid cup measure. Return all of the puréed mixture to the saucepot. Add the reserved additional cooking liquid until soup is the desired consistency. Serve the soup with the crackers, if desired.
Tip: For a special garnish, fry 12 fresh sage leaves in 1 tablespoon of butter in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat until they’re crisp. Remove the leaves from the skillet and drain them on paper towels. Drizzle each serving of soup with some sage butter and top with 3 fried sage leaves.
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Save Money on Healthcare Costs
January 8th, 2010
Health care costs keep rising and many people are paying more out of the family budget for medical care than in the past. In 2007, people spent nearly $268.6 billion in out-of-pocket expenses, according to the American Hospital Association. It may feel like these costs are out of your control, but there are things you can do to save money and still get quality health care. Here are a few tips:
Choose the most appropriate facility.
• Urgent care vs.same day appointment. Many people assume that the fastest way to get in to see a doctor is to head to an urgent care center. But it generally costs more to do that. Many doctors now hold open space for same day appointments to make sure that they are available to see their patients who need same day attention. So, call your doctor’s office first to see if you can schedule a same day appointment.
• Retail clinics can offer convenient, quick and affordable access to care for common medical conditions such as strep throat, ear infections and minor burns. They are often located within department, drug or grocery stores. Most are open nights and weekends. Your health insurance may cover these visits, or offer them at discounted rates. Check your benefits documents or your health plan’s Web site for information. Read the rest of this entry “
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Smart Choices for a Healthier Diet Soyfoods a “Must Have” in 2010
January 8th, 2010
The New Year is here and making smart food choices is on everyone’s mind. Two food trends we will hear more about in 2010 are plant-based proteins and eco-friendly foods. Soybeans are a great example of both, and many nutrition experts say soybeans are an important part of a healthy diet and a “must have” for 2010.
“Soyfoods are a nutrient-rich addition to anyone’s diet. All soy comes from soybeans, which are an all-natural, plant-based protein source with a long history of providing nutrition to people all over the world,” said Registered Dietitian Allegra Burton.
Soybeans are a nutrient-dense food delivering high-quality protein, carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fats and a number of vitamins and minerals important to good health, such as folate, potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium. Plus, foods made from whole soy are especially nutritious because whole soy is minimally processed and keeps all of the naturally occurring nutrients from the bean intact.
Compared to other beans, soybeans are highest in protein and iron, both of which are essential for human health. Additionally, soybeans contain isoflavones, which are plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties.
What most people do not know is that soybeans provide one of the most energy-efficient sources of complete protein on the planet, which makes soy a great eco-friendly food choice. Choosing more earth-friendly, plant-based foods, such as soyfoods, can reduce your carbon footprint while enhancing the quality of your diet.
Soyfoods are easy to fit into a healthy lifestyle with recipes like this Barley and Edamame Salad and delicious Spiced Soy Hot Chocolate. You can also enjoy whole soy on the go with foods such as SOYJOY®, which is all natural and made with real fruit and whole soybeans. The whole soy used to make SOYJOY is non-genetically modified and grown in the United States. Learn more about the benefits of whole soy at SOYJOY.com.
Barley and Edamame Salad
Serves 4
2/3 cups pearled barley
2 cups shelled edamame
1 cup shredded carrot
3 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup chopped green onion
Low-fat Asian dressing to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare barley and edamame according to package instructions. In medium bowl, toss all ingredients until dressing is evenly distributed. Serve warm or cold.
8 grams protein from whole soy per serving
Spiced Soy Hot Chocolate
Serves 1
1 1/2 cups light chocolate soy milk
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Light whipped cream, optional garnish
Cocoa powder, optional garnish
In medium saucepan, combine soy milk, peanut butter and cinnamon. Cook over low to medium heat, whisking frequently, until mixture is smooth and peanut butter is melted, about 5 minutes. Serve in mug. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cocoa powder, if desired.
7 grams soy protein per serving
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Add Healthy Snacking to This Year’s Resolutions
December 30th, 2009
Forget diet shakes and strict meal plans. This year, pledge to eat more snacks! Healthy snacking is emerging as a new food trend for consumers who have resolved to focus on health and wellness in 2010.
Today’s consumers see snacking as an integral part of their lifestyles. From stressed-out Generation Xers to comfort-seeking Baby Boomers and wellness-savvy Millennials, consumers recognize that smart mini-meals can be part of an all-day wellness plan, according to U.S. trend watcher Iconoculture.
Iconoculture reports that consumers want to bring their lives back into balance. They crave basic, comforting, filling and better-for-them foods when they snack, including nuts, seeds, fruits, popcorn and veggies.
“Consumers want their snacks to be multitasking munchies,” said chef and cookbook author Tina Salter, who develops recipes for Diamond culinary nuts, Emerald snack nuts and Pop Secret popcorn. “They want snacks that provide health benefits, but that are also convenient, delicious, satisfying and taste a little indulgent.”
Healthy snacks, numerous benefits
One of the keys to healthy snacking is not just eating foods that are good for the body, Salter said, but also finding treats that are handy and leave us satisfied without the guilt. That’s why so many healthy snackers are turning to nuts and popcorn. Both snacks are high in fiber, have proven antioxidant benefits and provide a whole host of benefits versus other snacks.
In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Other facts supporting nuts as a part of a healthy diet include:
• Walnuts are one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids. One serving of walnuts, about 1/3 cup or 12-16 walnut halves, several times a week has been shown to lower overall cholesterol and blood pressure while reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and fighting arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. For more information, visit the California Walnut Board online.
• Almonds are a beneficial source of vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and a good source of fiber, copper, phosphorous, and riboflavin. A one-ounce serving, about 23 almonds, has 13 grams of good unsaturated fats, just 1 gram of saturated fat, and is always cholesterol free. For more information, visit Almond Board of California,
“Nuts are delicious, nutritious and portable, making them an excellent choice for today’s busy consumers,” Salter said. “Stash them in your desk at work, in your purse or gym bag and in your car so you always have a healthy snacking option at hand.”
Many delicious and nutritious snack products can be found in grocery store snack aisles including Emerald Nuts in on-the-go canisters and 100 calorie packs as well as five flavors of Emerald Trail Mix in resealable pouches.
Movie night just got healthier
A recent study showed that plain popcorn has the highest level of polyphenols among snack foods; polyphenols potentially reduce risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. With zero cholesterol or trans fats, plain popcorn is 100 percent whole grain and is an easy to prepare snack for the whole family.
An economical snack, popcorn such as Pop Secret 94% Fat Free Microwave Popcorn or the new Pop Secret Jumbo Popping Corn Kernels for make-at-home popcorn, provides a satisfying, high fiber treat with high satiety levels to aid in hunger management.
Visit feedyourfingers.com for more information about the health benefits of nuts and for delicious nut recipe ideas from Diamond Foods, a premier producer and marketer of Diamond culinary nuts, Emerald snack nuts and Pop Secret popcorn. Download a free PDF of the “Nuts for Healthy Living” guide at diamondnuts.com/live_well/.
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Indulge in “Me-Time” for a Smooth Holiday Season
December 22nd, 2009
Taking a personal time out, even for only a moment, can make a big difference.
While you rush to buy gifts for loved ones and prepare for festive parties, keep in mind indulging in “me-time” can actually provide some much-needed benefits. Coupling daily chores with moments of relaxation can help improve your mood and relieve tension. In fact, 77 percent of women found taking a momentary breather helps give them an energy boost, making it easier to tackle the growing list of daily tasks during the holidays.
With hectic schedules fast approaching, how do you find a moment to yourself? Taking an hour or more to relax during the day can be unrealistic; however, almost two out of three women admit indulging in premium chocolate, like Lindor Truffles, can give them a moment of “me-time.” Taking time for yourself, even for only a few minutes, can make a big difference, especially when trying to avoid the strains of everyday life. As you go through your to-do list, keep in mind these tips from Lindt that will help make this holiday season a smooth one.
* Holiday shopping can be enjoyable. As you think about the perfect gift for others, don’t forget to think about yourself. While shopping, pick up a small, delicious treat to keep you going through the day.
* Finding the perfect present can be made simpler by choosing gifts that are elegant and ready-to-give. You can even use the time you save on gift wrapping to do something for yourself.
* If you do need to gift wrap your presents, turn this tedious task into the perfect time to rejuvenate. Put on relaxing music, get comfortable and treat yourself with your favorite Lindor Truffle.
* When running holiday errands, try to plan ahead, consolidate trips and remember to factor in some “me-time” when you get home. Put your feet up and enjoy an indulgence or a cup of tea or coffee to reward your holiday efforts.
* You can’t get through the holidays without spending a day or two in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a chore. Add some fun by inviting friends over to bake together and take the pressure off. Try rolling Lindor Truffles in chocolate followed by powdered sugar, coconut shavings or nuts for a simple and elegant way to personalize holiday desserts.
For more information on “me-time” tips or Lindor Truffles, visit www.LindtLindorTruffles.com.
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Holiday Time-Saver: Savor the Season with Quick Entertaining Tips
December 22nd, 2009
With a tree yet to trim, a mound of gifts to wrap and the annual holiday pageant looming, the added stress of holiday hosting can feel overwhelming. Bring back the joy of holiday entertaining with some time-saving shortcuts and tips courtesy of Joan Hanson, test kitchen director for Hormel Foods.
Time it Right. Whether this is your first year entertaining or you’re known as a pro, everyone could use an extra few minutes around the holidays. One way to cut corners in the kitchen, while still delivering a rave-worthy meal, is to rely on products that eliminate your prep time. For example, Jenny-O Turkey Store Oven Ready turkey comes sealed in its own cooking bag with a pop-timer, making it easy to insure a tender and juicy turkey every time. You can place the turkey directly from the freezer into the oven without thawing, cleaning or seasoning, making this a holiday must-have for those pressed for time.
Easy Apps. No need to stuff, skewer, bake or broil elaborate or hard-to-make appetizers. Save time and energy by purchasing stand-alone finger foods like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and Greek olives. Pair with an assortment of cheeses, crackers and baguettes or focaccia bread. For an attractive presentation, create an appetizer buffet by arranging the items in a bowl or on a platter and decorating with cranberries or ivy.
Send-a-Side Dish. Host a pot-luck dinner and ask each guest to bring a side dish or dessert. Flex your entertaining skills by offering to prepare the main course. Impress your guests by preparing and serving a premium boneless ham. For an extra special touch, add a simple glaze, such as the simple Traditional Ham Feast recipe below.
Make-Ahead Menu. If you are planning a sit-down dinner, create a menu that can be prepared in advance. Lasagnas, casseroles, stuffings and many desserts can be cooked or baked ahead of time and frozen. The day before, chop, slice and dice any additional ingredients you’ll need the day of the gathering. A few hours before the party, you’ll be able to simply warm, assemble and serve.
For more party ideas, visit http://www.HormelFoodsRecipes.com or http://www.Jennieo.com.
Traditional Ham Feast
1 Hormel® Cure 81® Half Ham
1 (16-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
Bake ham according to package directions. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients. Heat slowly until smooth, beating with wire whisk or rotary beater. Thirty minutes before ham is done, remove from oven. Spoon 1/2 of glaze onto surface of ham. Continue baking. Serve ham with remaining glaze. Serves 8 to 10.
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Make the Most of Holiday Classics
December 18th, 2009
Don’t let guests fear the ghost of holiday meals past; instead ensure perfection with these holiday classics that warm the heart and please the pocket book.
Did you know one ham can provide an easy-to-prepare holiday meal with plenty of delicious options for leftovers? For meal planning and preparation tips, be sure to watch HamTV to get the most out of your holiday ham. http://www.cooksham.com/hamTV
Main Course: Honey-Glazed Ham with Cranberry-Pecan Relish
The holiday dinner table never looked so beautiful with this easy-to-prepare Cook’s Bone-in Spiral Sliced Ham with tangy cranberry-pecan relish. The perfect blend of tradition and fresh culinary flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy all generations gathered at your table.
1 Cook’s Bone-in Spiral Sliced Ham
Honey Glaze
1/2 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cranberry-Pecan Relish
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, finely chopped
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
6 ounces sweetened dried cranberries
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1. Remove glaze packet from ham and save for another use. Begin preparing ham according to package directions. While baking, prepare Honey Glaze by mixing honey, mustard and lemon juice until blended. Set aside.
2. Combine apples and juice cocktail in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add cranberries; simmer 5 minutes, or until fruit is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in marmalade and pecans. Set aside until ready to eat. Can be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
5. Brush ham with Honey Glaze for last 30 minutes of baking. Let stand 10 minutes. Carve and serve with Cranberry Relish.
Luncheon: Holiday Ham and Winter Fruit Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Delight guests with this remix on a traditional holiday green salad. Perfect for a luncheon or as a starter, each bite blends warm Cook’s Ham with holiday fruits and nuts, and the sweet taste of maple.
Vinaigrette
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup canola oil
Salad
1/3 cup pecan halves
8 cups mixed salad greens
3 medium pears, cut into wedges
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 cup diced Cook’s Ham, warmed
1. Mix all vinaigrette ingredients except oil with wire whisk. Beat in oil until blended.
2. Arrange pear wedges on greens
3. Sprinkle with diced ham, pecans and cranberries
4. Drizzle vinaigrette over salads
Party Pleaser: Holiday Ham Wrap Tree
Who can resist this festive table centerpiece that’s delicious too? Perfect for an office or school party, these Cook’s Ham wraps stack up to an impressive holiday meal.
1 pound slices from Cook’s Bone-in Spiral Sliced Ham
6 ounces cream cheese, whipped
1 cup sliced sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
6 6-inch spinach flour tortillas
1. Slice ham into 1/2-inch wide strips
2. Spread thin layer of cream cheese over surface of tortilla
3. Place two strips of ham side by side along lower third of tortilla, extend from one end
4. Add two strips of red pepper, and one slice of cheese each
5. Fold tortilla edge over contents and roll tightly
6. Cut into 1-inch pinwheels
7. Stack pinwheels in rings one on top of another, decreasing size of each ring until reaching top of tree
8. Garnish with cranberries, or star-shaped cutouts of pepper
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Gadget Gift Guide 2009
December 11th, 2009
Not sure what to get the gadget-lover in your life? This quick gadget guide will give you the scoop on what to look for so you can spread some holiday cheer.
E-book Reader
What it is: A small, portable device that lets you download entire books, newspapers and magazines in digital format. Made to mimic ink and paper publications, you can read with ease any time, anywhere. You’ll find a range of prices and services with Sony Reader, Amazon Kindle, Cool-er, iRex iLiad and Bookeen Cybook.
What to look for: Long battery life and an easy to read screen. The reader should be easy to carry and must be readable even in bright sunlight. Note that some e-readers must download materials by being connected to a computer, while others can do it wirelessly.
Who to buy it for: Travelers, gadget-lovers, busy book lovers.
Bluetooth Headset
What it is: A wireless headsets that lets you talk on the phone hands-free. You can find headsets from $20 and up.
What to look for:
• Make sure the headset runs the same version of Bluetooth that the user’s phone does.
• If they wear glasses, look at in-ear headsets rather than those that go over the ears – glasses and a headset can get cumbersome.
• Headsets with good noise cancellation can make conversing in busy, noisy areas a lot easier.
Who to buy it for: Phone fanatics, road warriors.
Cell Phone Signal Booster
What it is: A small electronic device that reduces dropped calls and improves cell phone signal by capturing the stronger signal from the outside and amplifying the signal indoors. According to the zBoost “State of the Cell Signal” survey, 70 percent of cell phone owners experience problems with cell phone service, including dropped calls, poor signal reception or dead zones in their homes. A signal booster can make those problems a thing of the past.
What to look for: Make sure the signal booster you get meets the needs of the intended user. Think about:
• How much mobility will they need – will they be working at their desk or within a larger area?
• How many phones or devices need signal boosting, one or several?
• Where does the reception need to be improved, indoors or in a vehicle? The zBoost-ONE PCS, for example, is the industry’s first one piece cell phone signal booster. It works with PCS carriers like Sprint or Metro PCS. Place the unit in the window, plug it in and enjoy all of the voice and data functionality on a PCS phone up to 1200 square feet.
• For more cell phone signal booster options, visit www.wi-ex.com.
Who to buy it for: Road warriors, home office workers, rural or urban dwellers.
Pocket Camcorder
What it is: A pocket-sized digital video recorder that can go anywhere, making it easy to record events and special moments. Video is usually very easy to download to computers and the web. Camcorders such as Flip from Pure Digital, Kodak’s Zx1 and Creative’s Vado are affordable options.
What to look for:
• Resolution – Digital camcorders come in standard definition and high definition (HD). Standard definition offers video quality fine for viewing on a computer or a non-HD TV, and will usually cost less than HD. High definition produces wide-screen video suitable for viewing on an HD TV.
Who to buy it for: proud parents, college students, travelers.
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