For something completely different, try this hash recipe. Hash is a casual dish that is meant to be fulfilling and comforting. Using crab brings it to an entirely different – and luxurious – level. This is a delicious recipe that your whole family will love. Recipe and image courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission.
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients:

4 medium Idaho Potatoes
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 cup Julienned Shallots
2 teaspoons Chopped Garlic
1/2 teaspoon Ground Star Anise
1 cup Diced Sweet Red Bell Peppers
2 tablespoons Diced Serrano Chile
2 cups Jumbo Crabmeat, cleaned & picked
1/4 cup Orange Juice Concentrate
2 tablespoons Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley
1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
S …read more

Yogurt is a healthy snack that is tasty too. Recently, Yoplait launched two new bakeshop-inspired flavors that will help you satisfy your desire for sweet desserts — Yoplait Light Red Velvet Cake and Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy Blueberry Pie.
Yoplait was kind enough to send me a few samples of these flavors to try out, and I must say that I was impressed. Both have only 100 calories, no fat and contain 20% of the daily value of calcium and vitamin D.
And though they were both good, I was most impressed by the Blueberry Pie flavor. Very rich and creamy …read more

For your next dinner party, skip the dips and make a unique, more sophisticated appetizer insted. This appetizer offers a crunchy, flaky exterior and delicate goat cheese center that never fails to please guests. This recipe is courtesy of The Food Channel.
Why try? Goat cheese triangles may be assembled and frozen up to 3 days in advance of your party. It’s always smart to do some the prep in advance. To bake, simply bake the frozen pastries as directed below.
Foodie Bytes: For added flavor, use a goat cheese that has been seasoned with pepper or herbs. For a sophisticated touch, …read more

For the month of March, Tommy Bahama’s signature drink is the Calypso Sun. This fresh, tropical cocktail features Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum. It’s perfect for relaxing at home, laying poolside on a cruise, or just about anytime.
Calypso Sun
Ingredients

2 parts Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum
2 parts pineapple juice
1 part fresh orange juice
1 part Coco Lopez

Directions
Mix all ingredients over ice in a hurricane glass. Garnish with an orchid or a slice of pineapple.
Image: istockphoto

Spaghetti and meatballs are always a family favorite. And in this recipe, meatballs and pasta come together in an easy-to-make casserole. Using frozen meatballs, jarred sauce and your favorite pasta, this quick and hearty Italian dish is one that your whole family will love. Recipe and image courtesy of BHG.com.
Makes: 8 to 10 servings
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 45 minutes
Ingredients

16 ounces dried ziti or penne pasta
1 26-ounce jar tomato pasta sauce
1 16-ounce package Italian-style frozen cooked meatballs (32), thawed
1 15-ounce can Italian-style tomato sauce
1 15-ounce carton ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)

Directions
1. Cook pasta according to …read more

Sipping on something green is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Instead of green bear, mix up a delicious green cocktail instead. Made with ROSANGEL Tequila and Midori (giving it that festive green hue), Liquid Luck isn’t as Irish as a Guinness, but it’s a fabulous choice for a St. Patty’s Day get-together.
Ingredients:

1 part ROSANGEL
1 part white cranberry juice
2 splashes Midori
1 splash Triple Sec

Method:
Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Strain into a martini glass.

Are you looking for something a little bit different to serve at your next party? Polenta cups are a great edible container for incredibly tender meat. They also work wonderfully as a party appetizer. Braising allows you to maximize value by making the most of inexpensive cuts of meat. Both the polenta cups and braised beef can be prepared several days in advance. This recipe is courtesy of The Food Channel.
Cook Time: 2½ hours
Serves: 12
Foodie Byte: The braising liquid should be 1/2 to 2/3 up the side of the beef – if you need to add more liquid, add equal …read more

March is National Peanut Month. And though some people are allergic to peanuts, peanut butter is a staple food in almost every household. Americans eat about 3 pounds of peanut butter per person each year. That’s a total of ~900 million pounds — enough to spread across the floor of the Grand Canyon.
Peanuts are a terrific source of protein, Vitamin E, niacin, folate and other vitamins and minerals. National Peanut Month began back in 1974, prior to that (back to 1941) it was National Peanut Week. Today, let’s take a look at this delicious recipe for peanut butter cookies.
Peanut Butter …read more

Do you love carnitas at restaurants but never make them at home? This delicious recipe for casuelitas and carnitas is one that your whole family will love. This recipe is courtesy of Todd Downs, FS Insights, Fort Wayne, IN through the Idaho Potato Commission.
Yield: 12 servings

Casuelitas
Ingredients:

4 ounces Lard
4 C Masa Harina Flour for Tamales
2 C Warm water
2 t Salt
2 t Baking Powder
4 C Mashed Idaho Potatoes
4 C Queso Quesadilla Cheese, grated
1 1/2 t Twang Brand Lime Salt
2 t Salt
1 t Chipotle Powder
2 t Garlic Salt

Directions:
Combine the Lard, Masa, Salt and Baking Powder in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. …read more

When you are making ribs, the first ingredient you grab is probably not plums. However, this recipe for sweet pork spareribs is absolutely delicious, using plums, soy sauce and ginger. You can add brown sugar instead of white sugar to the recipe, if you prefer.
Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients

8 coarsely chopped fresh California plums
1 1/2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 rack pork spareribs (1 1/2-2 lbs.)

Directions
In a blender or food processor, whirl plums until blended. In 1-quart microwave safe bowl, combine all ingredients, except ribs. Microwave on high, uncovered for 8 …read more