Add Some Pop to Your Party

6/13/2017

No matter the occasion, every celebration is better with snacks. Whether you’re hosting game day with the guys, catching up with girlfriends, gathering for family movie night or inviting your kids’ friends over for a grade school sleepover, you can’t go wrong with popcorn treats, such as these recipes for Caramel-Nut Popcorn Crunch, Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix, Poppy Chow and English Toffee Popcorn Bars.

Add Some Pop to Your Party

(Family Features) No matter the occasion, every celebration is better with snacks. Whether you’re hosting game day with the guys, catching up with girlfriends, gathering for family movie night or inviting your kids’ friends over for a grade school sleepover, you can’t go wrong with popcorn treats.

Popcorn is the perfect partner for a broad span of flavors, especially when they’re sweet or salty – or both. You can make each mouthwatering bite pop even more by adding texture with crunchy nuts or silky melted chocolate.

Even if you simply serve plain popcorn to your guests, you can feel good about serving healthy, whole grain, freshly popped popcorn, which is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free.

Find more ways to pop up more fun for your next party at popcorn.org.

Caramel-Nut Popcorn Crunch
Yield: 20 pieces

10 cups freshly popped popcorn
2 cups whole almonds
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Heat oven to 225° F. Spray 15-by-10-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray.
In large bowl, mix popcorn and almonds.
In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup. Over low heat, stir mixture until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, almond extract and baking soda.
Pour over popcorn and almonds, immediately stirring gently to coat. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly.
Bake 1 hour. Cool completely. Break into pieces and store in airtight container.

Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix
Yield: 2 quarts

6 slices thick-cut bacon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, divided
8 cups popped popcorn
2/3 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon maple extract

Heat oven to 400° F.
Line jelly roll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack. Bake 15 minutes, or until ends of bacon start to curl. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings. Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; bake 15 minutes until browned. Cool then coarsely chop bacon.
In large bowl, combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries.
Combine butter, black pepper, maple extract, remaining maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Drizzle over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.
Spread popcorn mixture in jelly roll or roasting pan. Bake 5 minutes. Toss in bacon pieces. Serve warm.

Poppy Chow
Yield: 2 quarts

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
In microwave safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave 2 minutes; stir until smooth.
Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn and stir until well coated. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over popcorn and stir until coated.
Cool to room temperature before serving. Store in airtight container, refrigerated, up to 24 hours.

English Toffee Popcorn Bars
Yield: 20 bars

2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup peanuts
1 cup flaked coconut, toasted

Toffee:

1 1/2 cups butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons water
4 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup

Chocolate Topping:

1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) chocolate pieces
1 tablespoon shortening

Heat oven to 200° F.
In large bowl, combine popcorn, peanuts and toasted coconut. Cover bottom of buttered 15 1/2-by-10 1/2-by-1-inch jelly roll pan with half of the popcorn mixture. Keep filled pan and remaining popcorn mixture warm in oven.
To make toffee: In heavy 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add sugar and blend well.
Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches full boil. Add water and corn syrup; mix well.
Wash down sides of pan with pastry brush dipped in water to remove any sugar granules.
Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches soft-crack stage on candy thermometer (280° F). Immediately pour mixture over warm popcorn in jelly-roll pan, making certain all popcorn is covered. Quickly spread and press remaining popcorn mixture into hot toffee. Set aside to cool.
For topping, melt chocolate and shortening over low heat. Spread over popcorn mixture, making certain any loose pieces are held in place.
Cool. Cut into bars. If bars will not be served immediately, wrap in plastic wrap for storage.

SOURCE:
The Popcorn Board

Elevate Your Easter Feast with Sweet, Simple Ham

3/25/2017

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For most, it’s not Easter without the classic ham centerpiece. This year, add a flavorful twist to everyone’s favorite holiday main dish with a glaze, chutney or sauce, such as this Ham with Honey, Fennel and Mustard Glaze.

Elevate Your Easter Feast with Sweet, Simple Ham

(Family Features) For most, it’s not Easter without the classic ham centerpiece. This year, add a flavorful twist to everyone’s favorite holiday main dish with a glaze, chutney or sauce.

Ham pairs well with many flavors, making it easy to create a unique dish every time. From sweet to savory and oh-so succulent, these ham combinations can bring easy elegance and flavor to the table. Serve a decadent ham recipe to ensure your Easter feast is as memorable as it is delicious with a recipe like this Ham with Honey, Fennel and Mustard Glaze.

With this recipe, the traditional ham is now elevated with fresh spring flavors and a crowd-pleasing glaze. Served with bright, seasonal asparagus, this dish brings together unexpected flavors creating a soon-to-be family favorite.

For more Easter inspiration and ways to transform more or leftover ham into tasty baguettes, crepes, quesadillas and more, visit PorkBeinspired.com.

Ham with Honey, Fennel and Mustard Glaze
Servings: 15

1 7- to 8-pound spiral-sliced smoked ham, bone-in
6 tablespoons fennel seeds
1 cup honey
1 cup Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon pepper
3 pounds asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 325° F. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
Meanwhile, use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to coarsely crush the fennel seeds. Set aside 1 tablespoon, then transfer the remaining fennel to a medium bowl and add the honey, mustard, and pepper. Set 1 1/2 cups of the mixture aside.
Place the ham flat side down in a large shallow roasting pan and brush with about 1/2 of the remaining honey-mustard mixture. Roast the ham, basting with the same honey-mustard mixture and pan juices every 25 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140° F., 15 to 18 minutes per pound (loosely cover with foil if ham gets too browned). Remove the ham from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest 15 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, add a rack to the upper third of the oven and increase the temperature to 400° F. Arrange the asparagus on two large rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and reserved fennel seeds, and bake until tender, about 15 minutes.
Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or a platter. Serve the asparagus and the reserved honey-mustard mixture on the side.

SOURCE:
National Pork Board

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Holiday Hacks

10/3/2016

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Seasonal changes signal that the holidays are fast approaching, and while many people love gathering with family and friends at this time of the year, entertaining can take the jolly out of the holiday. This year, take the stress out of hosting with these five simple holiday hacks and this recipe for Rustic Pear Galette.

Holiday Hacks

Simple seasonal solutions

(Family Features) The air is getting cooler, leaves are changing colors and days are getting shorter. All of these seasonal changes signal that the holidays are fast approaching. While many people love gathering with family and friends at this time of the year, entertaining can take the jolly out of the holiday. This year, take the stress out of hosting with these five simple holiday hacks.

Buy in Bulk. One month before your holiday gathering, buy nuts – almonds, pistachios, walnuts – in bulk. Pour the nuts into screw-top mason jars, label with brightly colored tape and store in your pantry. When guests stop by, bring out a few jars, unscrew and serve with seasonal cider.

Candy Cane Lane. Candy cane flakes work wonders – from holiday drinks to topping off cakes and ice cream. Crush candy canes in a blender or smash between paper towels and store in an airtight container. Simply sprinkle for seasonal ease and festive yum.

Double Duty. Buy flavorful refrigerated salad dressings – think sriracha or ranch – and use to top salads or potatoes, or as a quick, delicious dip. One jar offers many solutions.

Bee Smart. Be prepared for unexpected gift-giving moments and keep several simple and affordable gifts on hand. Pour local honey into mini mason jars, wrap the neck with holiday twine and include a message that works for all, “Have a BEE-autiful Holiday.”

Tis the Seasons. For entertainment ease, keep versatile products on hand, like Simply Artisan Reserve Simple Seasons, a soft, finely crumbled cheese in a shakable jar. Sprinkle the cheese on flatbreads, sliders, desserts and more – and enjoy the flavor in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can make a seasonal dessert that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen.
For more recipes, visit litehousefoods.com.

Rustic Pear Galette
Serves: 4-6
Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Pie crust

3-4 medium pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Glaze:

2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon boiled water

Topping:

Simply Artisan Reserve Feta Cheese Simple Seasons

Heat oven to 425° F. Line 15-by-10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper; spray paper with cooking spray.
On lightly floured surface, roll crust into 11-inch round. Drape crust over rolling pin, transfer to baking sheet.
In large bowl, toss pear slices with lemon juice. Sprinkle in cornstarch, brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss until pears are evenly coated.
Arrange pears in mound in center of dough, leaving 2-inch border. Fold border over filling to cover pears partially. It does not need to be even.
Bake 15 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350° F and bake additional 40 minutes until pears are tender and crust is golden brown.
In small bowl, stir together honey and boiled water to make glaze. When galette is done, remove from oven and brush honey glaze over top of fruit and crust, and sprinkle liberally with feta cheese.

SOURCE:
Litehouse

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