Cucumber Cups
Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip

(Family Features) For tailgating time, a variety of flavorful dips and crunchy dippers is a winning game plan. Try these tips to serve up better-for-you options for your next party.

In the world of appetizers, dip is king. From savory to sweet, this simple tailgating party addition can take on flavors that span the globe, or that are as American and as beloved as the gridiron game itself.

• Keep it light – A tailgating scene can seem overwhelming for those who don’t want to splurge all their day’s calories, so be sure to have lots of fresh, crunchy vegetables on hand. Start with your standard dippers – like sliced carrots, broccoli and cucumbers – or score big with unique vegetable dipper options – like snap peas, asparagus spears and radishes. This recipe for Cucumber Cups creates simple and crunchy bite-sized noshes with a delicious dip of Sabra Hummus in the center. For more great game day recipes, visit www.sabra.com.
   
• Serve Delightful Dippers – Potato and tortilla chips go hand-in-hand with tailgating festivities, but beyond these standards is a whole world of other dipping options. For a Mediterranean touch, go with flatbread, pita bread or pita chips. Instead of plain old butter rounds, opt for more texture with multi-grain crackers that include raw flax, chia or sesame seeds. Or, serve up a warm batch of buffalo wings with this smoky and spicy recipe for Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip.
• Offer Variety – A large spread of dippers calls for a wide assortment of scrumptious dips. As an alternative to sour cream or cheese-based dips – which are loaded with fat, preservatives and sodium – serve up an assortment of delicious Sabra Hummus. Hummus offers up the protein, iron and fiber that other dips lack. 

Incorporate a few of these dip tips into your game day strategy and watch as fans huddle up to fill their plates.

Cucumber Cups

Ingredients

• 2 English cucumbers
• 1 container Sabra hummus
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped

Preparation

1. Peel cucumbers and slice lengthwise into 1 1/4-inch pieces.
2. Using melon baller, carve out seeds to create a vessel, making sure to leave bottom intact.
3. Using piping bag or small spoon, fill each with hummus, about 1 teaspoon each.
4. Sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped parsley.

Serves
Yield: 16 servings

Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup Sabra hummus

Preparation

1. Whisk first seven ingredients together (vinegar through paprika). Add Sabra hummus and combine thoroughly.

SOURCE:
Sabra

Layer on the Fun with Easy-to-Make Treat Pops

Mixed Berry Treat Pops
Strawberry Shortcake Treat Pops
Whoopie Pie Cakes

If you’re looking for a standout dessert for the next family gathering, birthday party or holiday celebration, look no further. Easy to make and fun to eat, Treat Pops offer a new twist on sweet treats and add a pop of color to any occasion.

“There are no rules when it comes to Treat Pops,” said Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton.”Kids and adults alike can express their creativity by creating layers of sweetness with cake, icing, sprinkles, edible decorations, fresh fruit and more in a reusable, clear container that lets you see the fun inside.”

Let the ideas pop into your head with these tips:

• Easy as Pie: Bake your own cake layers in Wilton’s Mini Whoopie Pie pan, or use vanilla wafers if you are short on time. Fill a reusable Treat Pop container by alternating cake, icing and seasonal fruit for an easy stackable sweet treat.
• Standing Ovation: Turn the lid upside down and it doubles as a stand so your Treat Pops can be displayed and decorated in a variety of ways – passed on a festive tray, marking each place setting, or perched playfully in a container on a dessert table. Wilton also offers a Treat Pop stand to make your dessert the center of attention.
• Rainbow of Color: Personalize Treat Pops for any celebration with colorful icing, and add whimsy with Wilton’s customized labels, decorative pix and toppers.
• Universally Fun: Surprise guests with a Treat Pop favor the next time you host; your guests will enjoy the edible takeaway as they push up layers of flavor and fun.

For more treat pop recipe ideas, decorating tips and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Mixed Berry Treat Pops

Ingredients

• Whoopie Pie Cakes (see below)
• 1/2 cup sliced raspberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 package (10 oz.) Wilton Vanilla Whipped Icing Mix, prepared according to package instructions

Preparation

1. Place one cake in bottom of Treat Pop. Add layer of mixed berries. Pipe a swirl of whipped icing from back edge following the curve of the container, then filling in the center. Continue layering until Treat Pop container is full. Top with berries, if desired.

Serves
Makes about 12 Treat Pops

Strawberry Shortcake Treat Pops

Ingredients

• Whoopie Pie Cakes (see below)
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 package (10 oz.) Wilton Vanilla Whipped Icing Mix, prepared according to package instructions

Preparation

1. Place one cake in bottom of Treat Pop. Add layer of strawberries. Pipe a swirl of whipped icing from back edge following the curve of the container, then filling in the center. Continue layering until Treat Pop container is full. Top with sliced strawberries, if desired.

Serves
Makes about 12 Treat Pops

Whoopie Pie Cakes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg white
• 3/4 teaspoon Wilton Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract
• 1/3 cup milk

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare Mini Whoopie Pie Pan with vegetable pan spray.
2. In large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and salt.
3. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg white and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. Alternately add flour mixture and milk in three additions, beating until just combined. Spoon one tablespoon of batter into each cavity.
4. Bake 9-11 minutes or until tops of cakes spring back when touched. Cool in pan 3 minutes. Cool completely on cooling grid.

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Convenience tip:

Substitute vanilla wafer cookies for Whoopie Pie cakes.

SOURCE:
Wilton

(Family Features) Crunch time for most families is the frenzied, action-packed hours between the school’s dismissal bell and dinnertime. Squeezed in between is often a flurry of homework, sports practices, dance classes, music lessons and hanging out with friends.

The last thing most parents have time for is preparing snacks. Instead of unwrapping a candy bar or driving through a fast food joint, pull out a healthy treat or put together a delicious dish in a matter of moments. For more great snacking ideas, visit www.culinary.net.

Farm Rich

When crunched for time after school, between games or before practice, we understand that a quick and easy-to-prepare snack is a must, but you also want to feed your family wholesome, real snacks. New Crispy Dill Pickles and Toasted Ravioli are great-tasting snacks made with real ingredients and ready to eat in minutes. Farm Rich – they’re real snacks for real families. For coupons and more information, visit www.farmrich.com.

Mini Babybel

When planning for back-to-school, be sure to add Mini Babybel to the grocery list.

Individually portioned, Mini Babybel is a little cheese with huge appeal. Rich, creamy and 100 percent natural cheese, it is the perfect choice for snack time. With 20 percent of your daily calcium needs, this nutritious cheese snack is sure to satisfy the whole family. Visit www.mini-babybel.com for more information and snack ideas.

Popcorn

For back-to-school snacking you can’t beat popcorn. Pop up a bowl and let the fun flavor creations begin – sweet, savory, or with just a dash of salt. Popcorn is a grab-n-go treat that takes minutes to make. Plus, it’s a whole grain that contains fiber to fuel the body and keep you feeling fuller longer than other snacks. This beloved treat is also economical, costing mere pennies per serving. Pop up some fun today.

Go Bananas

Frozen bananas are a quick, healthy treat. Cut a banana into four pieces, spear with a toothpick and freeze for two hours. Then melt chocolate chips in the microwave, dip each frozen banana pop into the chocolate until coated, shake off excess and place on waxed paper. Have the kids help out by embellishing each pop with chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers or colorful sprinkles. Once hardened, return the pops to the freezer until ready to enjoy.

SOURCE:
Family Features

Hazelnut Coconut Ice Cream
Mocha Mousse Pie

(Family Features) As the weather begins to heat up, the best way to cool down is with a sweet treat! This summer, invite your whole family into the kitchen and get cooking with great new recipes guaranteed to liven up your summer spread.

Jif® is here to help you welcome the warmer weather with two easy dessert recipes fresh from the Jif Recipe test kitchen. Whether hosting a summer barbeque, neighborhood block party or spending special meal time together as a family, here are a few ways the creamy flavors of Jif Chocolate and Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Hazelnut Spreads can sweeten your family’s memorable summer moments:

• A mouth-watering homemade pie is always a favorite for dessert. This summer, try something new and give your pie a unique hazelnut twist. Mocha Mousse Pie is a great way to wow everyone at the table and get your whole family involved in the kitchen. Prepare the hazelnut drizzle topping and let their culinary creativity go to work. 
• For a refreshing and nostalgic treat, enjoy a good old fashioned ice cream cone during the searing summer months. Give your usual go-to flavor a break and try a scoop of Hazelnut Coconut Ice Cream – a tasty twist on the classic summer standby flavored with Hazelnut Spread and coconut.

Jif Chocolate and Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Hazelnut Spreads are available where you buy groceries.

For more information, tips and recipes, find Jif on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at www.Jif.com.

©/^tm/® The J.M. Smucker Company

Hazelnut Coconut Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup Jif® Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut Spread (or Jif Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Hazelnut Spread)
• 1 can (15 ounces) cream of coconut
• 2 cups half-and-half

Preparation

1. BEAT chocolate hazelnut spread and cream of coconut in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in half-and-half. Beat until well blended, about 1 minute.
2. FREEZE in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. PLACE ice cream into freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

Serves
Yield: 5 cups, 10 (1/2 cup) servings

Preparation Time:
10 minutes

Mocha Mousse Pie

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Jif® Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Hazelnut Spread, divided
• 1 (6 ounces) ready-made graham cracker pie crust

Preparation

1. BEAT heavy cream in large bowl with electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff and soft peaks form. Beat in vanilla. Reserve 3/4 cup for topping. Stir 3/4 cup hazelnut spread in medium bowl until smooth. Stir into remaining whipped cream until combined. Spoon evenly into graham cracker crust.
2. SPREAD reserved whipped cream over center of pie to within 1-inch of edge. Place 1 tablespoon hazelnut spread into corner of small resealable plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH 10 seconds or until soft. Cut a small corner off of bag. Drizzle over top. Chill 2 hours.

Serves
Yield: 10 servings

Preparation Time:
30 minutes

SOURCE:
Jif Peanut Butter

Dairy Delivers Protein for Active Lifestyles

Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Shake

(Family Features) Many people are taking advantage of warmer temperatures and increased hours of sunlight to get fit and ready for the summer. As they dive into new exercise regimens, hit the practice fields or take to hiking trails, they will be looking for ways to fuel their efforts.  Enter dairy, a protein powerhouse that provides numerous benefits to active individuals. Dairy protein can help build and repair muscle, strengthen the immune system, regulate metabolism and keep you satisfied longer. Also, dairy foods are a tasty, convenient and cost-effective way to power up with protein throughout the day.

Easy Protein Add-ons
According to the Institute of Medicine, 10 to 35 percent of total daily calories should come from protein. This translates to about 50 to 175 grams per day of a 2,000 calorie diet.  When you consider that one serving of milk, cheese or yogurt provides approximately 8 grams of high quality protein (meaning it includes all essential amino acids), and that these foods fit easily into meals or snacks, it is plain to see how dairy foods can help you meet your protein needs and fitness goals. 
 
Note: Calorie needs differ per individual, see choosemyplate.gov for guidelines.

For additional recipes, and to learn more about dairy protein and the other eight essential nutrients dairy foods provide, visit DairyMakesSense.com. 

To power up with dairy, try these protein-packed tips:

• Cool Down with Chocolate Milk – Reach for low-fat chocolate milk after a workout. The protein it provides supports healthy muscles and the carbohydrate refuels energy.
   
• Cut Back with Cheese – Grab a slice, wedge or stick when you need something to tide you over between meals. The protein in cheese can curb hunger, which makes it a great tool for weight management.
• Count on Yogurt – Enjoy this versatile food at any time of day.  Double up on protein with Greek yogurt, which often contains twice the amount as regular yogurt.
   
• Go with Whey -Boost your intake by adding whey protein in powder form to smoothies, shakes, coffee, cereal, yogurt, soup, sauces, dips and baked goods. This amazing protein source is found naturally in milk.
   
• Bank on Breakfast – Space your protein intake throughout the day to help maximize its benefits. Start the morning off right with a protein-rich beverage, such as this Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Shake.

Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Shake

Ingredients

• 1 cup fat-free or 1% low-fat chocolate milk
• 1/2 cup frozen bananas, sliced
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth and creamy. Serve in tall glass or to-go drink container.

Serves
Makes: 1 serving

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

SOURCE:
Midwest Dairy Council

Fast-Fix Dinners

Chorizo Bolognese
Vegetarian Lasagna Skillet
Easy Chicken Parmesan

(Family Features) Family schedules can get hectic, but it doesn’t have to be hard to make time for a great family dinner. Whether it’s a hearty dish of Bolognese or lighter vegetarian fare, quality ingredients and easy recipes can help you get a great dish on the table in no time.

The whole family will love the Latin-inspired flavors found in Chorizo Bolognese. Ground beef, chorizo, sliced olives and adobo seasoning are cooked in tomato sauce and poured over pasta. Look for canned tomatoes and sauces, like those from Hunt’s®, which are 100 percent natural and free from artificial preservatives. Hunt’s uses hot water to peel their tomatoes with FlashSteam® instead of being peeled with harsh chemicals like other leading brands. When you’re taking the time to prepare homemade meals for your family, it’s important to use quality ingredients.

Another crowd pleaser is Easy Chicken Parmesan. Start by combining grated Kraft® Parmesan cheese with diced tomatoes flavored with basil, garlic and oregano. Coat each chicken breast with the delectable sauce and place it in the oven. While it bakes for 30 minutes, you can help the kids with their homework or enjoy a little time to yourself.

For those looking for a meatless option, try the Vegetarian Lasagna Skillet with a pre-prepared Alfredo sauce to help save you time. Combine the creamy white sauce with pasta, zucchini, beans, fire roasted tomatoes and part-skim mozzarella cheese and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. For more delicious signature recipes, visit www.hunts.com.

While visiting the website, choose an easy weeknight Hunt’s Signature Recipe with Kraft cheese and you’ll receive a valuable coupon. Share your favorite recipe with friends on Pinterest, Facebook or email and you will receive the chance to win one of several prizes, including $5,000 to host your own party with Chef George Duran. For recipes, official rules, complete details and a chance to win, visit www.hunts.com.

Chorizo Bolognese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta, uncooked
• 1/2 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)
• 6 ounces fresh pork chorizo (Mexican-style)
• 1/4 teaspoon adobo seasoning blend
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup sliced stuffed green olives
• 1 (15-ounce) can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, chorizo, adobo seasoning and pepper to skillet; cook 3 minutes or until meat begins to brown, stirring once.
2. Add onion and olives; cook 2 to 3 minutes more or until meat is crumbled and no longer pink. Drain. Stir in tomato sauce; reduce heat and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese.

Serves
Servings 6

Preparation Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Vegetarian Lasagna Skillet

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dry bowtie (farfalle) pasta, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons Pure Wesson Canola Oil
• 2 cups quartered, sliced zucchini
• 1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 (16-ounce) jar light Alfredo pasta sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, drained well
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add beans, Alfredo sauce and garlic salt to skillet; heat until hot and bubbly.
3. Add cooked pasta to skillet; stir to combine. Add drained tomatoes; toss to combine. Top with cheese. Reduce heat; cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese.

Serves
Servings 6

Preparation Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Easy Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, undrained
• 6 tablespoons Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
• 6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds)
• 3/4 pound spaghetti, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups Kraft Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Pour tomato sauce and undrained tomatoes into 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Stir in 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) Parmesan. Add chicken; turn to coat evenly both sides of each breast with sauce. Cover.
2. Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is done (165°F). Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on package, omitting salt.
3. Top chicken with remaining cheeses; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mozzarella is melted. Drain spaghetti. Serve topped with chicken and sauce.

Serves
Servings 6

Preparation Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

SOURCE:
Hunt’s

Chocolate Toffee Grapes
White Chocolate Almond Grapes
Caramel Peanut Grapes
Grape Relish
Grape Roquefort Canapés
Frosted Grape

Clusters of colorful grapes are traditional additions to many holiday tables. Whether they are used for a centerpiece, a garnish for the main course (think turkey, crown roast of pork, baked ham) or a “must” addition to a fruit and cheese plate, grapes offer beauty, flavor and freshness to the season.

But there are many other ways to add grapes to special meals and party fare. The recipes included here are easy-to-make, beautiful and tasty examples of unique ways to prepare and serve grapes. Luckily, many varieties of fresh grapes from California are available throughout the holiday season and into January. For more recipes and serving suggestions, visit www.grapesfromcalifornia.com.

Grape Tuxedo Bites, 3 Ways

Sometimes, the amount of cookies and other sweets served during the holidays can be overwhelming. Grape Tuxedo Bites 3 Ways are the exception. These three recipes, featuring white and dark chocolate, caramel, toffee bits, almonds and peanuts, are definitely rich, but because the center of each is a refreshing, juicy grape, they avoid being overly sweet.

Chocolate Toffee Grapes

Ingredients

• 25 green or red seedless California grapes
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped semisweet chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped toffee bits

Preparation

1. Put toothpicks into grapes, set aside. Line baking sheet with wax paper or parchment.
2. In small double boiler, melt chocolate and oil together over medium-low heat, stirring until melted, about 5 minutes (or in microwave on high power 30 seconds, stirring once). Dip grapes in chocolate and then in toffee. Place on baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment. Repeat until all grapes are used. Chill until set.

Serves
Makes 25

White Chocolate Almond Grapes

Ingredients

• 25 green or red seedless California grapes
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped salted almonds

Preparation

1. Put toothpicks into grapes, set aside. Line baking sheet with wax paper or parchment.
2. In small double boiler, melt chocolate and oil together over medium-low heat, stirring until melted, about 5 minutes (or in microwave on high power 30 seconds, stirring once). Dip grapes in chocolate and then in almonds. Place on baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment. Repeat until all grapes are used. Chill until set.

Serves
Makes 25

Caramel Peanut Grapes

Ingredients

• 25 green seedless California grapes
• 1/2cup finely chopped salted peanuts
• 1/2 cup caramel bits or 10 unwrapped caramels
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Preparation

1. Put toothpicks into grapes, set aside. Line baking sheet with parchment. Place peanuts in small bowl and set aside. In small saucepan, melt caramel and cream together over medium-low heat, stirring until melted, about 5 minutes. Keep warm. Dip grapes in caramel and then in nuts. Place on baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment. Repeat until all grapes are used. Chill until set.

Serves
Makes 25

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Note: You can also melt caramel in microwave. Put caramels in microwaveable bowl or glass measure and zap on high 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and zap an additional 20 seconds if necessary.

Grape Relish

Description
For a small holiday party, a festive assortment of cheeses, meats, breads and crackers is an easy solution. This pretty Grape Relish provides the perfect foil to the rich assortment, combining sweet, tart and aromatic elements. The relish is also a wonderful accompaniment to poultry dishes, too.

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely chopped red and green seedless California grapes
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon safflower or vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 baguette, sliced thinly

Preparation

1. In medium bowl, combine chopped grapes, shallot, thyme, vinegar, sugar, oil, salt and pepper. Transfer to small serving bowl and set aside. Makes 2 cups.
2. To make crostini, preheat oven to 350°F. Spread baguette slices on baking sheet and toast until crisp, about 10 minutes. Let cool.

Serves
Servings 8

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Suggested buffet platter selections to accompany relish: Crostini, ham, sliced duck breast, pâtés, additional grape clusters, assorted mustards in small condiment bowls or custard cups and cheeses, such as St. Andre, Manchego, aged cheddar or goat cheese.

Grape Roquefort Canapés

Description
The welcome combination of grapes, cheese and nuts on holiday buffet platters is fairly common, but these tasty Grape Roquefort Canapés roll all three altogether in one simple bite-sized serving. Creamy cheeses, with the distinctive bite of Roquefort, the juicy sweetness of grapes, the crunch of nuts and the anise hint from the tarragon are just the kind of easy-to-eat appetizer that quickly satisfies without being heavy. Plus, they’re very elegant.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup crumbled Roquefort or other blue cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
• 20 red seedless California grapes
• 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pistachios or toasted walnuts

Preparation

1. Line small baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In small food processor (or mix by hand), combine cream cheese, Roquefort, heavy cream and tarragon until well mixed. Transfer to medium bowl and stir in grapes. Put nuts in small bowl. With tablespoon, scoop up grape and gently coat in cheese mixture. Roll in nuts and place on prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours and serve.

Serves
Makes 20

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Goat Cheese Variation: Substitute 1/4 cup soft goat cheese for Roquefort; 1/4 cup finely cut chives for tarragon; and 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans for pistachios.

Frosted Grape

Description
Set amid a selection of other treats, frosted grapes make quite an impression. Delicate, but ever so tempting, these easy-to-make beauties are also a lovely garnish atop cakes and custards.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds seedless California grapes, cut into 2- to 4-inch clusters
• 2 large egg whites, beaten or 1/4 cup pasteurized liquid egg whites
• 1 cup superfine granulated sugar

Preparation

1. Hold one grape cluster by the stem and brush lightly with egg whites. Transfer to rack set over wax paper, then sprinkle with sugar. Using fingers, turn cluster to lightly coat. Gently shake off excess sugar. Repeat with remaining clusters. Let grapes dry, uncovered, at room temperature, about 2 hours.

SOURCE:
California Table Grapes

Caramelized Onion with Pancetta and Rosemary Stuffing
Apple-Raisin Stuffing

(Family Features) This holiday season celebrate with loved ones by serving up fresh takes on classic dishes that will have your guests reaching for seconds. After all, the holidays are all about bringing the whole family together, and a warm, inviting meal is at the heart of every memorable gathering. 

Delicious stuffing dishes-with a twist!
While delectable entrees are often revered as the “stars” of most holiday meals, many agree that a holiday dinner is not complete without the stuffing. The scrumptious combination of fine breads and savory seasonings brings tradition and warmth to any spread. This year, add a dose of the unexpected to your own holiday menu by serving up a twist on classic stuffing, using one of these mouth-watering recipes featuring Pepperidge Farm® Stuffing. Made from premium bread and flavorful ingredients, this delicious side (also available in a new unseasoned mix) provides a high-quality foundation for creating praise-worthy stuffing dishes.

The Apple-Raisin Stuffing recipe highlights the seasonal flavors of cinnamon, apples and raisins for a savory-yet-sweet dish, while the Caramelized Onion with Pancetta and Rosemary Stuffing recipe boasts the rich, salty flavors of pancetta alongside sweeter caramelized onions.

For more information, visit www.pepperidgefarm.com.

Caramelized Onion with Pancetta and Rosemary Stuffing

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 large sweet onions, diced (about 3 cups)
• 1 package (4 ounces) cubed pancetta (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 3 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness or Certified Organic)
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1 package (14 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Herb Seasoned Stuffing

Preparation

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat butter in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 15 minutes or until well browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir pancetta, garlic, celery and rosemary in saucepan and cook until pancetta is well browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in broth and sherry and heat to boil. Remove saucepan from heat. Add stuffing and mix lightly. Spoon stuffing mixture into greased 3-quart casserole. Cover casserole.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until stuffing mixture is hot.

Serves
Yield: 12 servings

Preparation Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 20 minutes

Apple-Raisin Stuffing

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Chicken Broth
• 4 cups Pepperidge Farm® Herb Seasoned Stuffing
• 1 medium apple, cored and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation

1. Heat butter in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Add broth and heat to boil. Remove skillet from heat. Add stuffing, apples, raisins and cinnamon and mix lightly. Spoon stuffing mixture into 1 1/2-quart casserole.
2. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until stuffing is hot.

Serves
Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time:
25 minutes

Bake Time:
25 minutes

SOURCE:
Pepperidge Farm