Family

Put Your Convection Oven to the Test with These Delicious Recipes

If you’re trying to figure out how best to cook with your convection oven, we’ve got some helpful advice and delicious recipes to get you started. Cooking Tips: Cooking simple dishes (like cookies) or shorter cooking times, lower the expected temperature by 10-15 percent. Cooking complex dishes (like roasts) that require a lot of time, lower the temperature by as much as 30 percent. Convection is good for: Roasting ham, turkey, roast-ready beef cuts, and similar meats Roasting vegetables and potatoes for an extra crisp Cookies and muffins—especially when you have a big batch to bake at once.  Pies and pastry Casseroles—when covered they won’t lose much moisture. Toasting breads or buns   Maple Balsamic Roasted Vegetables Vegetables roasted with rosemary and olive oil, then finished with a drizzle of maple balsamic reduction. These vegetables are a must for your next dinner party. Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Recipe by foodnessgracious Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds whole thin rainbow carrots 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled chopped into 1 inch cubes 2 small red onions cut into thick chunks 1/2 pound rutabagas peeled and diced 1 1/2 pounds parsnips peeled and sliced thinly 1/3 cup olive oil 2 tsp sea salt 2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary 1 1/2 tbsp dry herb de provence 1 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Instructions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl combine all of the vegetables. Add the oil, salt, pepper, herbs and rosemary and toss to coat well. Place the vegetables on a large roasting pan or two baking sheets, making sure they are all level and not on top of one another. Place in the oven and cook for about 45 minutes, checking that the point of a sharp knife spears the vegetables easily. When the vegetables are cooking in the oven, place the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar in a pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer slowly until it has reduced by about half and is nice and thick. Once the vegetables are ready, lightly drizzle some of the syrup over them and return to the oven for 5 more minutes. Serve warm or store in the refrigerator until ready to use. HOMEMADE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN  Who loves Rotisserie Chicken? just about everyone. Rotisserie Chicken is so tasty, juicy, convenient, and it’s just the recipe you need to keep in your arsenal.Chicken rotisserie marinade 4+ pound Whole chicken .5 bottle lemon juice .25 cup white wine .25 cup extra virgin olive oil Chicken rotisserie rub 1 tablespoon Honey 3 tbsp unsalted butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 4 tsp garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried basil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Marinade instructions Clean cavity of whole chicken, wash and pat dry. Combine all marinade ingredients and mix. Pour into a large freezer bag and add the whole chicken. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Rub instructions Remove chicken from the marinade. Melt the butter and honey in the microwave and mix. Evenly brush the butter and honey mixture on and inside the chicken. Mix all of the dry ingredients and apply it to the entire chicken. Tuck wings underneath chicken and truss the legs together with twine. Run rotisserie rod through the cavity of chicken and insert the rotisserie forks into the skin of the chicken. At 350 degrees F, a whole chicken takes about 20 to 30 minutes per pound to cook. Therefore, a 4-pound chicken should take 1:20 – 2 hours to cook. Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature. When chicken reaches 175 to 180 degree F, it is done. Old Meatloaf  Perfect the preparation of a meatloaf by combining  conventional and convection oven performance for the perfect meatloaf dish.  Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Recipe by Scott Basye  Ingredients 1 cup fresh bread crumbs(soft white bread) 1/3 cup milk 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (85/15) 1/2 pound ground pork (not lean) 2 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 medium carrot, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup creme fraiche 2 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder 1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 6 slices bacon 1 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl place bread crumbs and drizzle the milk over the top. Set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet, add the onion, celery and carrot. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are soft, but not browned. Add garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, scrape into a small bowl and allow to cool to room temperature (about ten minutes). In another bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, creme fraiche and Worcestershire sauce. In a large bowl place the beef and pork, add the breadcrumb mixture, vegetables, egg mixture and the rest of the ingredients except the bacon, ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the meatloaf ingredients and then place into an large ovenproof baking dish. Lay five strips of bacon lengthwise over meatloaf; cut the remaining bacon strip in half and place at each end of loaf. Place in oven and set timer for 45 minutes. Meanwhile combine Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard and Nutmeg and set aside. At the end of 45 minutes, set oven to convection and cook meatloaf for another 15 minutes. When completed, remove meatloaf from oven and pour or brush glaze all over the surface of the bacon (it’s ok if some drizzles down into the pan). Place back in over and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the glaze is bubbling. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Serve! Huevos Rancheros Bake This is a flavorful dish that checks all the boxes for a  yummy weekend brunch, or a breakfast-for-dinner moment.  Prep Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Recipe by Tablespoon Kitchens Ingredients

5 Steps to Meal Prep for the Week

Eating healthier and saving time around the house are common goals for many families, and there’s one solution that can help attain both: meal-prepping. By planning and preparing meals in advance of each week, you can practice better portion control while creating free time for normally hectic mornings, afternoons and evenings. Consider these tips to start your meal-prepping process: Include the whole family. By letting everybody in on meal-prepping, you’re helping ensure everyone is satisfied with the breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks that become your end results. Even if you only plan to work in advance on lunches, for instance, loved ones will likely enjoy the process more if all are pleased with the meals they enjoy later. Plan the meals. Once the whole gang is included and on-board, start brainstorming the recipes and dishes you’d like to make. Try starting with just one course at first – lunch is likely to be the easiest – to help keep meal-prepping simple at the start. Buy ingredients in bulk. Whether your grocery shopping takes place over the weekend or on a free weeknight, purchasing ingredients and supplies in bulk – without overbuying perishables like fruits and veggies – can help make sure you have everything you need once it’s time to build the meals themselves. Head to the kitchen. Pick one day each week when you can plan to spend ample time in the kitchen making your meals. Use cooking techniques that are less hands-on, like baking or slow-cooking, as often as possible so you can multitask throughout. Sort and divide. Using quality food containers to keep your meals as fresh as possible, start splitting up servings in ways that fuel you and family while instituting improved portion control. By sorting out specific meals ahead of time, you can begin creating better eating habits.

10 Lucky Foods for New Year’s Day

A new decade is upon us, and we have big hopes that good fortune will be on our side this New Year. People around the world have special foods they eat for good luck on New Year’s. Think about adding one of these New Year’s Eve party foods to bring luck to you and all your guests. Make 2020 your best year ever. Pork: For the longest time, Pork was associated as a dish reserved for the wealthy. In some cultures because pigs root forward they are a sign of prosperity.  This delicious meat is known to bring good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day. Fish: Do yourself a favor and add a hearty fish cuisine to your menu to supercharge your good fortune in the New Year. It is believed that the fish scales resemble coins symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Mix and match a few different New Year’s Eve food traditions with black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread to make a fortune this year. As the Southern saying goes, “peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold. Greens: The color green symbolizes good luck and money. On New Year’s sink your teeth into some yummy and healthy leafy richness with greens like Kale, cabbage, collard greens, brussels sprouts, and green beans. Cornbread: Another southern tradition is eating cornbread on New Year’s Day.  Eating these golden delights will bring in good fortune this year. Black-eyed peas: Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a time-honored tradition. in the American South, black-eyed peas are considered auspicious because of their resemblance to coins. Get started with a fresh black-eyed peas salad if you’re not in the mood to get very creative in the kitchen. Noodles: In China, Japan, and many other Asian countries, it’s customary to serve and eat noodles on New Year’s Day. Their length symbolizes long life. just make sure not to break or shorten the noodles during the cooking process. Pomegranate: As per the Turkish tradition, Pomegranates are associated with fertility and abundance. The Pomegranate seeds symbolize fertility and abundance for the coming year. Cakes: Ring-shaped cakes are amazing options to bite into, on this New Year’s Eve. It’s easier to make at home. It is often said that ring-shaped cakes with trinkets baked inside are symbolic of life coming full circle. So indulge your sweet tooth. Lentils: Italians believe that lentils hold a great deal of goodness. So it makes sense that lentil-based dishes are a great choice in the New Year. Grapes: The Spanish and Portuguese eat 12 grapes as the clock chimes 12 times at midnight to symbolize the 12 months of the New Year. Try passing around at your NYE party for a tasty twist.

Homemade Halloween Treats

Halloween is one of the most fun days of the year, and it calls for the good stuff, candy and treats of all kinds. Get creative this time around and stock your own snack supply with homemade goodies. Whip up your own treats in the comfort of your own kitchen instead of the usual store-bought sweets. Party Mix One of the simplest recipes you could imagine, a Halloween-themed party mix basically calls for your favorite snacks tossed together. in a large-sized bowl or individual containers combine anything from candy corns and miniature chocolates, pretzels, popcorn and more. It’s your mix, make it your way. Spooky Cupcakes When it comes to Halloween it’s all about kid friendly treats. Bake your favorite cupcakes and then let the kiddos use icing and toppings for creepy customized creations. This is a very fun Halloween activity for the whole family Scary Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin is the flavor of the season, which makes pumpkin pie a traditional taste this time of year. The best thing about this treat is it calls for a fairly small number of ingredients, making it a simple way to bake a classic favorite. Plus, you can easily give pumpkin pie some Halloween flair using whipped cream for a spooky Jack-o-lantern-like face. Creepy Cookies Whether your family craves chocolate chip or prefers the sweetness of sugar cookies, you can lay out your favorite dough and use seasonal cookie cutters think Frankenstein, witches, ghosts, spiders and more for a frightful bite. Apple Teeth Skip out on bobbing for apples for a fun Halloween themed twist to a healthy snack favorite of apples and peanut butter. To put a spooky spin on this delicious flavor combo add mini marshmallows for fluffy fangs . Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Be the Hero of Your Grill This Summer

Summer is all about enjoying the warm weather with family and friends, but even with the longer summer days, the season can feel short for many. That’s why it’s important to make the most of summer by maximizing your fun in the sun with some of the best memories being made while entertaining al fresco and nothing brings people together like a barbecue. There seems to be something about being outdoors and the sizzle of fresh food on the grill that makes you want to gather with family and friends. For a fun-filled, yet relaxing barbecue, it’s important to keep the essentials on-hand for easy entertaining. From bright decor to refreshing drinks and fresh ingredients, party prep ensures you save time and money, and are always ready to wine and dine your guests. This summer, you can be the hero of your grill with a few simple tips and tricks: A great meal starts with great meat. Make sure to use versatile, high-quality and tender cuts. Cut down on time, not flavor. Look for pre-seasoned meats such as pork chops, or slice, dice or cube larger cuts like boneless loin to shorten cook time and increase flavor. Grill like a pro. Use direct heat for burgers and chops, and indirect heat for larger cuts like ribs.

Feel-Good Mother’s Day Activities

Mother’s Day is dedicated to the most important woman in the world. Gifts are fabulous, especially thoughtful ones; but this year go above and beyond to give your mom the gift of your time. Spend the day with her doing something that will bring you both closer together and will be a wonderful memory for years to come. Why not start this mother day with an activity that can become a mother’s day tradition. DO BRUNCH TOGETHER Who doesn’t love brunch? And how convenient is it that Mother’s day falls on Sunday-the official brunch day. Take mom out for a fabulously delicious meal and bottomless mom-osa (mimosa). BOOK A MASSAGE Relax, refresh and renew her mind, body, and spirit with a well-deserved massage. The healing power of massage is well researched. So give mom a gift that keeps giving in wellness. Join her if you can, and turn it into a fab spa day! PAMPER HER WITH A MAKEOVER Mom is beautiful inside and out, but she may not have the time or energy to keep up with her appearance. This is why a makeover is an awesome gift. TAKE A COOKING CLASS Take the class together! Even if mom is the best cook in the world, she will appreciate a cooking class to learn a new recipe to add to her repertoire. TAKE A DAY TRIP Go on an adventure-, you don’t have to venture too far, you can find somewhere you’ve never been to close to home. Explore some local places, could be anywhere from an island to the mountains to neighboring cities. GO TO A CONCERT Give mom a night she’ll always remember at a concert. Watch her cares fade away as the cool vibrations fill the air with the sounds of her favorite musician or band. BOOK A FAMILY SHOOT Gather the entire family for a fun family photo-shoot. Find a photographer who will capture the essence of your family’s personality and love for each other. Frame your favorite photo as a gift for mom. GO WINE TASTING Spend the day at a winery or wine tasting event. This is a 21+ activity for the big kids who want to toast mom with a glass (or two) of wine! After the tasting, gift mom with a few bottles of her favorite to take home. SERVE BREAKFAST IN BED Allow mom to sleep in, a rare luxury for most moms. When she’s woken up, get her mother’s day off to a perfect start with a delicious breakfast feast in bed. PLAN A PICNIC The sun is out and the flowers are in full bloom, it’s the perfect weather to fill up a picnic basket with mom’s favorite foods and beverages, grab a blanket and spend the day talking, playing games and relaxing. CATCH A GAME Is mom a sports fan! Why not take her to a game of her favorite team. Take it up a notch and get her signed memorabilia. SEE A MOVIE Skip Netflix and chill and opt for an actual movie date with mom. Make sure you see something she’s sure to enjoy. GO ON A HIKE There’s nothing like a good hike out in the great outdoors to recharge and de-stress. Take mom on a refreshing and exhilarating hike up a mountain or in a park, on the beach or the woods. GO TO A MUSEUM OR GALLERY Escape reality for a day and discover new art at a museum or exhibit. Some museums may even offer special Mother’s Day tours and events she’s bound to love. HELP HER EXPLORE A PASSION PROJECT She’s always supporting everyone else’s hobbies and activities, barely having the time to engage in her own. Sign her up for a class or workshop where she can pursue a new passion or rekindle an old one. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Father’s Day Gifts for the Man Who Loves to Cook

Hey Family, Father’s Day is coming up. Yey! Sure, typical Father’s Day gifts generally get the job done – think golf clubs, tool set and even a stylish tie – but what about the dad who enjoys spending time making magic in the kitchen. Don’t forget him. Give him the tools he needs to succeed, whether he’s baking for the big game, preparing a meal for the family, trying out a new recipe or seeking to master the perfect steak. Reaching one’s fullest potential in the kitchen requires the right equipment, so put the best gear in his hands (or on his counter) and up his culinary experience with these ideas from Cosmo Appliances. From a Portable Induction Cooktop Burner to a Sous Vide Cooker turn his Kitchen countertop into a versatile powerhouse, give your food-savvy dad what he needs to up his culinary game. For more Father’s Day gift inspiration, visit cosmoappliances.com. A Super Range for a Super Dad Dad deserves tools as bold and innovative as his culinary creations. Featuring Gas or Dual Fuel Ranges that combine modern styling with high-performance cooking technology. Dad will appreciate the authentic professional appearance with a robust profile. With high performance sealed burners that deliver exhilarating precision while the convection oven provides consistent heat for perfect roasting, baking, and broiling. These one-of-a-kind Ranges are sure to take his culinary prowess to a whole new level. Chef on the Go For those warm summer weekends, camping is a fantastic activity that provides hours of enjoyment and a welcome opportunity to connect with loved ones and nature. After a day full of outdoor activities, Dad will want to prepare something easy, simple and very fast. Upgrade your camping cuisine with a portable Induction cooktop. Thanks to induction technology, electromagnetic currents generate heat from within the metal in the cookware for extremely fast and even heating. Boasting impressive safety features unlike burners with flammable and combustible vapors, our system remains cool to touch until cookware is placed on it. It’s sleek, compact design allows him to enjoy cooking anywhere he goes. Personal Pasta When its your dads turn to cook he’ll be looking to put his personal touch on dinner, so give him the ability to make his perfect meal with a Cosmo’s Sous Vide Cooker. Gadget savvy dads and foodie dads alike love sous vide cooking because its science meets cooking, making it super cool. Dad can cook a variety of foods sous vide, including seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, desserts, and even infused alcohols and kinds of vinegar. Sous Vide Cooking with Cosmo achieves fail-proof results, with steak cooked medium-rare from edge to edge, tender, juicy chicken breasts, and ribs with meat falling off the bone. It’s just what a Dad needs to bring something fresh and new to the table. Gifts under $20 for Dad Cookie Master Does dad love to bake? then we can bet you he hates the post bake clean-up. Let’s talk cookies stuck to the pan or new pans that already have rust on them…eww! Dad will love our baking mat and pan and the fact that it is commercial grade, durable and easy to clean! The mat is BPA free and made of food grade silicone. Cosmo’s nonstick baking mat will turn any surface into a non-stick healthy baking alternative; with even heat distribution he’ll bake like a pro without the need for butter, grease, or cooking sprays. Shop here King of the Grill For many dads, summer is synonymous with outdoor grilling and barbecues. Get dad a pair of Cosmo Silicone Kitchen Gloves perfect for Barbecue grilling and much more. Not all gloves are created equal. When handling hot food, rearranging coals and grill plates he needs a heavy duty pair of insulated BBQ gloves. Our exceptional pair of silicone gloves is designed for cooking lovers with protection and comfort in mind. They’re the most versatile kitchen tool for baking, cooking, and grilling, and can be used inside the kitchen for baked goods, by the grill for barbecuing chicken, frying a turkey, or even the fireplace! Dad will enjoy maximum protection while wearing these heat and cold resistant gloves. Shop here