I have a confession to make, I’m a big fan of coconut, so when I saw this recipe for no bake Festive Fruit and Nut Balls I knew I had to include it in the holiday recipes I’ve been sharing here. The best part about this recipe is you can make it up to one month ahead of time, and store them in the freezer.
They would work great for your holiday parties, for a cookie exchange party, or the office carry in. Wherever you take this recipe I’m sure it will be a hit.
The best part is they’re relatively healthy …read more

Around the holidays it’s hard to find healthier food choices. It seems like everything is delicious, but it’s also loaded with calories. When I’m hostessing a party I like to make sure there are healthy options available on the table.
Many times during the holiday season I’m invited to potluck and carry in dinners. Since I never know what is going to be offered, I always try to bring a healthier option to the party myself that everyone will enjoy. Then I know there will be at least one thing there that won’t blow my eating plan completely.
Today I have a …read more

With Thanksgiving coming up I thought I’d talk turkey about everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie. Yum! One of my favorite recipes for pumpkin pie is right on the back of the Libby’s can, but you don’t have to stick with the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I thought I’d share some other pumpkin recipes with you today. Just in case you want to put a new spin on your Thanksgiving dessert this year.

I love these cute little pumpkin pie bites
Not quite pumpkin pie, but still delicious, pumpkin cheesecake
Pumpkin pie in miniature, pumpkin tartlets
Looking for a lighter version? Try crustless …read more

I want to focus on holiday recipes and entertaining over the next few weeks, and I’ve been lining up some good stuff to share. I can’t wait! I love the holiday season. Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday of the year.
I love all the delicious food, but the only problem is not much of it is healthy for you. Several of the holiday recipes I have are healthy for you, starting with the one I’m sharing today from “Go Green with Pistachios.” They have a whole roundup of great healthy holiday recipes featuring pistachios. These cranberry-orange pistachio bars are one …read more

Mashed potatoes are definitely a Thanksgiving Day staple, but you don’t have to load them down with butter. If you’re working on lightening up your Thanksgiving menu this year I have a great recipe for basic mashed potatoes, with yogurt and skim milk to share with you today. There are also a few variations to dress them up if you want to add a little extra flavor.
This mashed potato recipe is courtesy of the United States Potato Board (USPB) “Quick & Healthy Series.” Did you you know on Thanksgiving alone, an astounding 104 million medium sized (5.3 ounce) potatoes will …read more

What happens when you suddenly find out you’re having a group of friends over to watch the big game on Sunday, and you need to come up with some last minute snacks to feed them?
These Chicken Nachos are a great spur-of-the-moment party food, since you’re likely to have all of the ingredients right in your pantry. If you don’t you should stalk up now, it’s an easy recipe to make at the last minutes if you have all the ingredients on hand.
The best part is these nachos are really quick and easy to make. The recipe is part of Mealtime.org’s …read more

When you’re having a backyard barbecue, or cookout it’s nice to make the whole meal on the grill. I have an easy grilled appetizer recipe for you today from Thai Kitchen.
Marinade the chicken ahead of time, and make up your sauce. When the guests arrive throw your appetizers on the grill and have a little conversation while they’re cooking.

Chicken Satay
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Refrigerate: 1 hour
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Ingredients:
½ cup Thai Kitchen® Coconut Milk
2 tablespoons Thai Kitchen® Premium Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons Thai Kitchen® Red Curry Paste
2 teaspoons minced fresh lemongrass
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch strips
Bamboo skewers
½ cup …read more

Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill are an easy summer barbecue staple. Here’s a recipe, courtesy of Aaron McCargo Jr. and Wright® Brand Bacon, that puts a new twist on the hamburger and the hot dog. It’s a fun recipe for backyard cookouts, because it’s easy, and you can do the prep ahead, then throw them on the grill or in the oven when your guests arrive.

Bacon Burger-Style Hot Dog
Recipe serves 4

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
6 strips uncooked Wright® Brand Smoked Bacon
1/4 cup jalapeño peppers, chopped
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
4 …read more

You can beef-up your grill cuts with a great marinade, or rub. I have a few tips and recipes for you today from Chef Scott Popovic, corporate chef for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand.
They shared some information on the choice cuts of beef, what the best marinades and rubs are, and some recipes to go with it.
Marinades and spice rubs help broaden the repertoire of any master griller, giving beef a new look and taste the whole family will enjoy. Start with these basic tips to match the right cut with the best seasoning method:

Spice rubs are commonly used …read more

One of my favorite things to make on the grill for a summer cookout, or barbecue is kabobs. They’re easy to make up ahead of time to marinade, then set them aside and pull them out when your guests arrive.
The teriyaki gives this kabob recipe from Swanson a different twist.

Teriyaki Pork Kabobs
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 ¾ cups Swanson Beef Stock
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
12 medium mushrooms
1 large red onion, cut into 12 wedges
4 …read more