Recipes

Four Irish Recipes to Celebrate St. Patty’s Day

From hearty stews to minty pies, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are all about enjoying the flavors of the holiday. Whether you’re cooking up a feast or simply serving appetizers, this Irish Potato Bread is a simple, tasty snack to feed your guests. Irish Potato Bread INGREDIENTS 2 medium or large russet potatoes 1 egg 1 egg white 1/3 cup canola oil 3/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons green onion, minced 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting and kneading 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 375° F. Peel potatoes. Slice one potato and boil in saucepan 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove potato from saucepan into large bowl. Mash potato then set aside. Grate second potato onto cloth. Wring potato in cloth to remove excess water. Add grated potato to mashed potato in large bowl. Add egg, egg white, oil, milk, onion, caraway seeds, 3 1/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture is soft and sticky. Turn dough onto floured surface. Adding flour as needed, knead dough to form 8-inch round shape with slight dome. Place dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut large “X” on top of dough about 1/2 inch deep. Bake 55 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 1 hour before serving.   Irish Beef Stew As most stews go, this is a humble and forgiving recipe. Add your favorite root vegetables and serve with mashed potatoes. Serves 6. INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 pounds beef chuck, excess fat trimmed, cut in 1 1/2 inch pieces Salt Freshly ground black pepper 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1/3 cup tomato paste 2 cups beef stock 1 1/2 cups stout beer 2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 bay leaves 3 large carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick 1 large yellow onion, cut in 1-inch pieces 1 large rutabaga, cut in 3/4-inch pieces 1 large parsnip, cut in 3/4-inch pieces DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 325 F. (170 C.) Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat in an oven-proof pot or Dutch oven. Season the beef all over with salt and pepper. Add beef in batches to pot in one layer, without overcrowding. Brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef. Return beef to pot and add the garlic. Sauté 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook stirring, one minute. Add stock, beer, thyme, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. The meat should be just covered with liquid. If not, add additional stock or beer to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Transfer pot to oven. Bake until meat is tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. While the meat is cooking heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables and lightly sprinkle with salt. Sauté the vegetables until they brighten in color and begin to take on a golden hue, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove beef from oven. Skim any fat on the surface of the liquid with a spoon. Add vegetables to the beef, stirring to combine. Return beef to the oven, uncovered. Bake one hour, stirring once or twice, until the sauce is slightly reduced, the vegetables are tender and the meat is fork-tender. Remove and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with mashed potatoes. Source:http://gardenandtable.net Irish Pub Nachos If there’s one thing the Irish, it’s how to celebrate with good food. These potato based nachos feature some of your favorite toppings, making them perfect for sharing at any get together. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into quarter inch coins 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves scant 1/2 tsp ground thyme salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 5 slices thick cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled sour cream, or Greek yogurt, to taste pico de gallo, to taste 2 green onions, thinly sliced optional 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves DIRECTIONS Make sure you’ve washed and scrubbed your potatoes. Use a clean dish towel to dry up any of the excess moisture. Use a sharp knife to slice them into 1/4 inch thick coins. Add the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil. Add in the seasonings–rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to toss them to coat, gently but until all the spices and oil are evenly covering all the potatoes. On a large, rimmed baking sheet place the potatoes out in an even, single layer. Drizzle any remnants from the bowl evenly out over top. Bake the potatoes at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, flip the potatoes oven, and then return them to the oven to bake for a final 20 minutes. Let the potatoes cool just enough to safely handle. Transfer them to a flat cast iron pan, with the edges slightly overlapping in a spiral pattern. Spread the cheese and bacon out evenly over top. Bake another 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a minute. Serve these nachos with a scoop of sour cream in the center, a dollop of pico, and with green onions or cilantro sprinkled over top. Source : https://bit.ly/2V4lSv1 Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie Even if you’re not Irish, a green treat like this Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie can get you and your guests into the festive spirit. With enough seasonal flavor to go around, this recipe makes two pies, so be sure to cut every leprechaun a generous portion. Watch this video to see how to make this yummy recipe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWHRRApG2qw&feature=emb_title Makes: 2 pies (9 inches each) INGREDIENTS  3 3/4 cups heavy whipped cream, divided 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 1/4 cups, plus 2 tablespoons, powdered sugar, divided 5 drops green food coloring 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 1/4 teaspoon mint extract 1 bag mint chocolate candies, chopped, divided 2  chocolate cookie crusts (9 inches each) 1 bag mint

Healthy Recipes with Big Flavor

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes a variety of commitments, from exercising to eating right. However, serving up healthy meals doesn’t have to be boring. Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Prep time: 30 minutesCook time: 50 minutes Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS 2 spaghetti squash (2 pounds each) 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided pepper, to taste 1 pound ground chicken 1 cup diced red onion, divided 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 can Black Ripe Sliced Olives 1 lime, juice only 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese 1 avocado, diced 1 large tomato, diced 1 jalapeno, minced 1/2 cup Lindsay Black Ripe Medium Olives 1 lime, wedged DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 400° F. In microwave, cook one whole squash 3 minutes. Repeat with second squash. Cut each in half and scrape out seeds. Drizzle 1 teaspoon oil over each half and rub around until insides are coated. Sprinkle each with salt and pepper, to taste; place on parchment-lined baking sheet center down to lay flat. Bake 50 minutes. Heat large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Put 2 teaspoons oil in pan then chicken, 3/4 cup onion and garlic. Cook until chicken is cooked through. Add tomatoes, cumin, chili powder and remaining salt; stir to combine. Bring mixture to boil and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes to reduce liquid, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in sliced olives and lime juice. When squash is cooked, scrape insides with fork to release from edge then create nest. Put 1/4 of chicken mixture and 1/4 cup cheese in each squash half. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Top with avocado, diced tomatoes, remaining onions, jalapeno, whole olives and lime wedges. Mediterranean Chicken and Grain Bowl Servings: 6 INGREDIENTS  8 ounces farro or brown rice 6 cups spinach, stems removed 1 1/2 cups diced seedless cucumbers 1 1/2 diced tomatoes 6 thin slices red onion    3 cups cauliflower florets 3/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette 3 cups cooked skinless chicken breast 6 tablespoons fat-free or low-fat crumbled feta cheese 3 tablespoons kalamata olives DIRECTIONS:  Cook farro according to package instructions. On serving plate, place 1/2 cup farro. Around farro, arrange 1 cup spinach; 1/4 cup cucumber; 1/4 cup tomatoes; 1 slice red onion, separated into rings; and 1/2 cup cauliflower. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over salad. Top with 1/2 cup chicken and garnish with 1 tablespoon feta cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons olives. Repeat with additional servings.  Curry-Spiced Tofu with Asian Vegetables Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces light, extra-firm tofu, drained and patted dry, cut into four slices 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, curry powder, divided 12 ounces packaged fresh stir-fry vegetables 1 tablespoon water 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 large onion, cut into 3/4-inch wedges 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup light coconut milk 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce DIRECTIONS: Put tofu on large plate. Sprinkle tofu on both sides with 1 tablespoon curry powder. In large microwaveable bowl, microwave vegetables and water on high 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are almost tender-crisp. Pour off remaining water. In large nonstick skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook tofu in single layer 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer to separate large plate. Cover loosely to keep warm. In same skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in vegetables and garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring constantly. Stir in coconut milk, chili garlic sauce and remaining curry powder. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Spoon vegetable mixture over tofu.

6 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet in 2020

If you’re on the lookout for simple ways to boost the nutritional content of your meals in 2020, we’re breaking down the trendiest superfoods that’ll be getting lots of attention.   Fermented Food Fermentation is a natural process through which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert carbs — such as starch and sugar — into alcohol or acids. Yogurt, pickles, kombucha, and kimchi are all popular fermented foods today. These foods contain natural probiotics (aka good bacteria) that can improve digestion and your immunity, Fermented foods are rich in beneficial probiotics and are associated with a range of health benefits — from better digestion to stronger immunity. Try it: Add kimchi or sauerkraut to sandwiches or salads, substitute sugary sodas with naturally sparkling kombucha and you can also add yogurt and kefir to your smoothies. Seeds Seeds contain all the starting materials necessary to develop into complex plants. Because of this, these little guys pack a powerful nutritional punch. Extremely nutritious this fatty staple is having a moment. Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, and good ol’ chia all provide healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Try it: Stock up on any kind of seeds you like and have them in baked goods, salads and dressings; You can also make chia seed pudding or add a spoonful of chia seeds to oatmeal to up the fiber and protein. Avocado These days, the avocado has become a popular food among millennial and health-conscious individuals. The Avocado is a fruit and it’s considered a superfood for its many health properties. Avocados are very nutritious and loaded with almost 20 essential vitamins and nutrients and are a good source of unsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and B vitamins. They’re weight loss friendly, heart-healthy and, last but not least, taste incredible. Try it: Mash avocado on toast, add it to salads or blend some with a handful or two of fruit for a delicious smoothie. Microgreens  These are the baby versions of the vegetables and herbs you already know about, like kale, spinach, and mustard greens, radish, arugula, beet greens, cilantro, and parsley. Packed with vitamins and minerals, microgreens are becoming a fun, flavorful way to add to meals. Try it: Add fresh microgreens to your salads or grains, stir them into pasta, or use them as a nutritious garnish to your favorite meals. You can also drink them down with a greens powder as smoothies. Pulses Pulses, which include peas, lentils, and beans that provide loads of fiber, carbs, and protein are the new veggie superfood. Nutritious, sustainable and affordable, this nutrient balance can help stabilize your blood sugar and improve digestion. Try it: They’re great for making vegetarian burgers, eating in salad, soup, or pasta. Also, use pulses in baked goods -either whole or as flour. MCT Oil  Keto has made pretty much all fats popular, especially MCT oil which is a big part of the diet. For those unfamiliar MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and even some dairy products. MCT oil is easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. It can be used as an instant source of energy or can be converted into ketones to fuel your brain. They’re less likely to be stored as fat than other types of fat are—and they don’t spike your blood sugar the way carbohydrates do. Try it:  You’ll get some MCTs from coconut oil—but you can also buy bottles of flavorless isolated MCT oil. Add a teaspoon or two to your oatmeal, smoothies, dips or salad dressings for a little extra oomph.

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.

Quick and Tasty

For those who are always on the go, it can be difficult to find time to whip up meals and snacks that are both nutritious and tasty. However, with some simple changes – and time-saving recipes – you can create delicious dishes and meals that will keep you feeling energized to fuel your busy lifestyle. This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is an easy dish featuring egg roll flavors and it’s ready in only 15 minutes! Egg Roll Bowl with Shrimp Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 5 cups frozen cauliflower rice 3 tablespoons grape seed oil 3 tablespoons sesame oil 4 teaspoons minced or pressed garlic 2 teaspoons ginger paste 6 cups pre-cut coleslaw (cabbage and carrots) 1 cup sliced red bell pepper 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, root and tips trimmed 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice blend 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce 2 tablespoons mirin rice cooking wine 1 pound cooked and peeled shrimp, thawed 4 teaspoons sesame seeds In microwave, steam cauliflower according to package instructions. While cauliflower is cooking, warm large, nonstick skillet with lid over medium heat. Add oils, swirl to coat pan and, when shimmering, add garlic and ginger. Sauté until sizzling and fragrant, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Add coleslaw, bell pepper and scallions; continue sautéing, stirring frequently, until cabbage just begins to wilt, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle on five-spice blend and stir to incorporate. Add soy sauce and mirin rice cooking wine to pan and stir to evenly coat cabbage. Add shrimp to skillet; toss to evenly distribute. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid and allow shrimp to warm, about 3 minutes. Measure about 1 cup cooked cauliflower rice into bottom of four bowls. Top evenly with shrimp and cabbage mixture, about 1 cup vegetables and 9-11 large shrimp per serving, drizzling with pan sauce evenly. Sprinkle each bowl with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and serve while hot. Notes: To help meal come together quickly, use frozen cauliflower rice, pre-grated ginger paste, pre-minced jarred garlic and bagged coleslaw mix. Green onions and bell pepper can also be pre-sliced.

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.

Delicious Christmas Leftover Recipes

Get creative with Christmas dinner leftovers. Transform your leftover turkey and all the other holidays’ trimmings into a whole range of delicious dishes. From casseroles to pizza, these recipes are full of festive flavor. Leftovers can be great, just make sure you make the most of them and follow food safety practices. What to Do With Leftover Ham Ham Pizza Try making your pizza using your fridge full of leftover ham.  To make it a Hawaiian style pizza you can even add pineapple to it if that’s your favorite combo. Ingredients 2 cups of chopped, leftover ham 1 store-bought pizza dough OR 1 batch of homemade pizza dough 1 jar of store-bought or batch of home-made herb pizza sauce  1 (240 g) ball of mozzarella cheese, sliced 1 large onion, sliced Instructions Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Lightly dust your counter-top in flour. Using a rolling pin, roll out your pizza dough until desired size and thickness is reached. Carefully transfer to pizza pan and adjust accordingly. Spread your sauce to about 1-inch from the edge of the pizza dough. That uncovered part will be your crust. Evenly spread out the ham and onion. Finish off with mozzarella cheese. Place into oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until mozzarella cheese is nicely browned and crust is golden. Allow cooling slightly before cutting! Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders  After all the holiday cooking you might want to take it easy, these sliders are a simple and satisfying dish to whip up. Ingredients 24 slices of  ham 6 Slices of Swiss cheese, cut into fourths 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/2 cup butter melted 1 tablespoon Onion Powder 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 packages (12 count) Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls Directions  Cut rolls in half and spread mayo onto 1 side of the rolls. Place a slice or two of ham and slice of Swiss cheese in the roll. Replace the top of the rolls and bunch them closely together into a baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, melted butter, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour sauce over the rolls, just covering the tops. Cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for an additional 2 minutes until tops are slightly browned and crisp. Serve warm. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole It’s the day after Christmas and you’re still feeling festive, and need to make breakfast to feed a large group, this casserole is a perfect option. Ingredients  10 large eggs 1 1/2 cup milk 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish 1 tsp. garlic powder Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 4 cups cubed French bread or baguette 1/2 lb. ham, chopped 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, thyme, and garlic powder and season generously with salt and pepper. Butter a large baking dish. Add bread and top with ham and cheddar. Pour over egg mixture. Bake until eggs are cooked through and ham is golden, 45 to 55 minutes. (To make ahead, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to overnight, then bake as directed.) Garnish with more thyme and serve. What to Do With Leftover Turkey Turkey Enchiladas We all love Mexican food, and this recipe is the perfect comfort dish to use up that leftover turkey.  Ingredients 2 cups cooked shredded turkey 2 teaspoons cumin 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups shredded Mexican style cheese 12 tortillas (enchilada size/fajita size – about 8-10 inches) 2 cups enchilada sauce chopped cilantro Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a casserole/baking dish. Lay tortillas out on a clean flat surface. Distribute black beans and shredded turkey between each tortilla and lay it out in a strip right down the middle of each tortilla. Sprinkle cumin over black beans and turkey. Divide one cup of cheese between each tortilla, sprinkle the cheese right on top of the black beans and turkey. Spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a prepared baking dish. Roll up each tortilla and place side by side in the dish. Sprinkle  remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, and remaining cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese has melted and tortillas start to brown a little bit. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm. Turkey Panini These grilled Italian sandwiches are a real treat! The cranberry sauce and thyme give it that extra holiday touch. Ingredients 3 ounces sourdough bread 2 slices sliced about ½ inch thick 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 3 ounces turkey breast 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce 1 slice provolone cheese 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Directions Heat a panini press or skillet to medium-high heat. Spread the mayo on both sides of the bread. Lay the slices down on a clean work surface. Place the sliced turkey meat on top of one slice of bread. Add the fresh thyme leaves, then the cranberry sauce and finally the provolone cheese. Cover the sandwich with the other slice of bread. Transfer the sandwich to a panini press or hot skillet. Press together gently to help the whole sandwich stick together. Cook it until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese is melted about 3-4 minutes. Turkey Spaghetti Bake A pasta dish big enough to feed a crowd and delicious enough to keep them coming back for more. Ingredients 1/2 pound spaghetti 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow onion finely chopped 3 cloves garlic finely chopped 1 1/2 cups leftover shredded turkey or chicken 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes salt and pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella ½ cup small fresh mozzarella balls Fresh basil to garnish Directions Preheat

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Holiday celebrations call for recipes of all kinds, but perhaps the most popular area at many parties is the dessert table. Add flavor to your get-togethers with a festive treat like these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies, which call for the seasonal taste of peppermint and the versatility of dairy for a sweet bite after a holiday meal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA_XO-fwEbg Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes freeze time Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 40 2-2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup peppermint crunch baking chips In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Gradually add flour and mix on low until combined. Add baking chips and continue mixing on low until fully combined. On wax paper or parchment paper, form dough into 12-14-inch log and freeze at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Heat oven to 350° F. Cut shortbread dough into 1/4-inch slices; bake 13-15 minutes on parchment-lined baking sheets.

A Comfort Food Classic

Tis’ the season for comfort foods, and this recipe with crumbled bacon and cubed potatoes smothered in melted cheddar cheese is sure to satisfy. Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole INGREDIENTS 5 pounds red potatoes, cubed 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled  1 pound cheddar cheese, cubed  16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese 1 yellow onion, chopped  1 cup mayonnaise  8 ounces sour cream  1 tablespoon minced chives  1 teaspoon salt  1 teaspoon pepper  INSTRUCTIONS: Heat oven to 325 Degrees F. In large bowl, combine potatoes and bacon.  In separate large bowl, combine cheese, onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, salt and pepper. Add to potato and bacon mixture until combined.  Pour into 9-by-13-inch baking dish.  Bake 50-60 minutes until browned and bubbly.

Hello Airfying: A Healthier Way to Cook Your Favorite Food

You’ve probably heard about the Air fryer, that cool kitchen gadget people have been raving about since it hit the market.  Are you still wondering what all the hype is about?  Made popular by claims air frying is a healthy alternative for frying food; because it replicates the wonders of deep-frying in a healthier way. So, how does it work? The Air Fryer, uses rapid air technology to fry, bake, roast or grill your food with only a tablespoon or less of oil. Think of it as a hi-tech counter-top convection oven. Something else to consider, is the air fryer is a time-saver when you find yourself short on time to cook. It offers fast cooking, with little to no preheating required. It’s a great companion tool for adventurous cooks with little time to spare. What You Can Make in an Air Fryer AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES The first thing you can try is a simple and delicious batch of French fries. Fresh or frozen potatoes! Crunchy, easy and healthy! Ready in under 30 minutes.   Ingredients 1 tbsp Flat leaf parsley 1 Garlic powder 1 Salt and pepper 1 tbsp Olive oil, extra virgin 1 pound Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick sticks) Instructions:  Throw your fries into the air fryer basket, and cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. While the fries are air-frying, chop the herbs and garlic, and mix with olive oil in a medium-size bowl. Remove the fries from the air fryer and transfer to the bowl with the garlic, rosemary and oil – toss thoroughly, and season with salt.  Serve with ketchup or sriracha mayo — which is 1:1 ratio of sriracha to mayo, Yum! AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS Air fryer chicken wings are the crispiest wings you’ve ever had! Cook a whole batch in your air fryer with a few simple ingredients. Ingredients 1 tsp Paprika, smoked 1 Salt and pepper 1 tsp Garlic powder 1 tbsp Olive oil 2 tbsp Barbecue sauce 1 tbsp Olive oil 1 1/2 lbs Chicken wings & drumettes Instructions: Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Season chicken wings with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika and place into the air fryer basket Cook the wings for 20 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes When time is up, flip one last time and increase the temperature to 400 degrees F. Cook an additional 8 minutes until skin is crispy and golden Remove wings from air fryer and place in a bowl or serving dish Toss with BBQ sauce  Finally, cook the BBQ sauce coated wings in the Air Fryer for additional 2 minutes and enjoy! SPICY GARLIC CHILI SHRIMP Bursting with flavor, this air fried shrimp recipe is perfect for all occasions it’s heavenly with a flavorful spicy kick. Ingredients 1 pound of shrimp peeled and de-veined 3 Tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic minced 2 teaspoons chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper  Sweet Chili Sauce (to taste) Instructions: Set temperature to 400° and timer to 5 minutes for preheating. Rinse Shrimp  with water Apply a thin layer of oil to the shrimp and put into the fry basket evenly, put the fry basket with pot back in the appliance. set time for 5-8 minutes or until they look crunchy and golden. Remove from basket and coat with seasonings to your taste. GRILLED CORN ON COB Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is sweet, and juicy as can be! Make this with fresh corn for a great side dish recipe. No fuss, no mess, all deliciousness. Ingredients Corn Cobs (Sliced) 2 pcs Cooking Oil 1 tsp Instructions: Skewer the corn cobs, sliced to preference Set temperature to 400° and timer to 5 minutes for preheating. Apply a thin layer of olive oil to the corn and put into the fry basket evenly, push the fry basket with pot back in the appliance. Set time for 10 minutes or until baked golden. Add butter, salt, mayonnaise, season salt or whatever you like and enjoy! GRILLED PEACHES AND CREAM Love grilled peaches? – But who wants to heat up the grill for a few little peaches? Now you don’t have to, you can simply pop ’em in the AIR FRYER!!! You’ve got an easy and delicious Dessert in minutes.   Ingredients 2 peaches  1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup butter, diced into tiny squares Cool Whip or Ice Cream Instructions: Cut peaches into wedges and pull out pits In air fryer, set a piece of parchment paper on top of rack Lay peach wedges, skin side up (on side) on parchment Air fry at 350 degrees for 5 minutes Mix together crumbs, brown sugar and butter Flip peaches skin side down Spoon crumb mixture over top of peaches – try and keep the butter on top of the peaches as best you can Air fry at 350 degrees for another 5 minutes Place peaches onto plates and top with whipped topping Spoon any excess butter/topping mixture from parchment onto whipped topping Want More Recipes? The Cosmo Air fryer comes with a complimentary Recipe Book with these and many more recipes to try.  GET YOURS HERE If you need fast, healthy, convenient and tasty meals, then once again, an air fryer is for you.