Dad of Divas

One Dad's Quest to Regain Control of his Kingdom

Summertime Solutions from General Mills

by Leave a Comment

 

hellotasty general mills

With summer in full swing, I thought you may enjoy some of the latest cereal news from General Mills.

 

  • Summer Fun Headed Your Way! Below are links to awesome General Mills partner-created snack recipes, seasonal tips and bright ideas all that start with cereal and end with a happy belly and hopefully a tiny dose of sanity during these busy summer months.

 

  • The Sandwich King! Did you hear that General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch is partnering with Jeff Mauro, a.k.a. The Sandwich King, to create tasty throwback recipes of some kid favorites. On the menu…a Cinnamon Toast Crunch PB&J, a flavorful twist on French Toast and an addictive trail mix perfect for road tripping. Catch details here or here.

 

 tasty summer with General Mills

Summer Content From Some Friends of General Mills:

——————————————————————————————-

New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?

Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader

Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Strawberry Shortcake Apple Cider Scones Recipe & #Giveaway

by 13 Comments

Strawberry Shortcake Scones

photo disclaimer_zpsaa1cb05b.jpg

Can you believe it’s already October? I know plenty of kids who are excited for Halloween—anyone going as Strawberry Shortcake?!

 

And since there’s nothing better to warm you up on a chilly Fall morning than freshly baked apple scones, I’m providing Strawberry’s own recipe. They’re easy and fun to make as a family project (kids will love getting their hands in their to mix up the dough!), but best of all, they’re also absolutely delicious.

Strawberry Shortcake Scones

APPLE CIDER SCONES RECIPE

This is one of the trickier recipes I make, but if you are up for a bit of a challenge and you like to get your little hands in a big bowl of flour, maybe you can have a little teatime treat as well. You can even use all whole wheat pastry flour if you want these to be a little healthier, but don’t use regular whole wheat flour. Whole wheat pastry flour is your best friend when you want something healthy, but still light and fluffy. We’re trying to make light scones for teatime, not hard pucks for hockey.

If you are the Apple Dumplin’ type, go for the extra apples, if you are more a raisin type of gal, go for that instead. Or, if you’re like me, leave them plain and load them up with strawberry jam and a little butter, hot out of the oven. They are good for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or to cheer up any turtle companions.

1 – 1/2 cup  all purpose flour

1 – 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2  teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

4 tablespoons cold butter (half a stick)

 

3 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup apple cider

1/2 cup buttermilk

 

 

Optional:

2 apples, peeled and diced by your assistant

or 1/2 cup raisins

1 egg (for egg wash)

Strawberry Shortcake Scones

1) Preheat oven to 450 F.

2) Completely mix the flours, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

3) Mix the honey, cider, and buttermilk in another bowl, we’ll get to them later.

4) Chop the butter up into small pieces, and add to the dry ingredients.

5) Now go wash your hands, or the next part is as yucky as a slug in a sorrel salad!  Don’t be shy, stick your hands in the flour bowl and go butter hunting!  Every time you find a big chunk, rub it between your finger and thumbs. Sometimes we want perfect smooth things when we are baking, but this is NOT one of those times. So, as good as you are at this, don’t rub them all away into nothing, you want gravelly bits of butter chunks at the end, and it doesn’t matter that some chunks are a little bigger or smaller.

6) Pour almost all the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, keeping about 1/8th of a cup, and add the apples or raisins if you want them.

7) Mix with a big spoon. We do NOT want a smooth ball of dough, instead we are looking for the two C’s, crumbly and clumpy. We want to mix until we get one main ball just barely sticking together with crumbs around it. If it’s not quite getting there, add more of the liquid ingredients a little bit at a time and try again. As lemon will tell you with her hair dye, it’s berry easy to add it, but it’s impossible to take it away.

8) Sprinkle some flour on a counter or a very large cutting board, and dump the ball of dough onto it. Then dust a little flour on top and smoosh the ball down with your hands into a flat disc. Again, it’s actually perfect if it’s a little cracked but still holds together, better than it being wet.

9) Roll it just a little until it’s flat and about an inch and a half thick.

10) Use your cookie cutter and cut out chubby little circles and put them on a baking tray or cookie sheet.

11) You don’t have to, but for a berry beautiful shine every time, beat an egg in a small bowl or mug until smooth, with a splash of water or milk.   If you have a pastry brush, lightly paint the top and sides of every scone. If you don’t have one, do some finger painting instead.

12) Bake in center of oven for 14 minutes, or until the tops are all golden brown. Have your assistant check on the oven and remove the scones to cool for a minute.

 

The scones will keep for a couple days in an airtight container, and they are good cold as well, but I love them when they are hot enough to melt a little butter, especially with jam.

I have a fun Fall giveaway for you. First, you can add to your Funko Pop! collection with their latest release: a ! Like the  I gave away last time, Strawberry features the patented big-eyed vinyl Funko style—paired with her own unique charm, of course. Plus a $25 visa gift card for you to use to purchase the goodies needed to create the above recipe for yourself!

How would you like to win this for yourself or for your family? All you need to do is the following to be entered:

  • Leave a comment regarding your favorite Strawberry Shortcake character
  • Share this giveaway on a social network and leave a comment where you shared it
  • ENTER THE GIVEAWAY – 

 

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

 

——————————————————————————————-

New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?

Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader

Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Quick and Easy Chicken by Linda Gassenheimer

by Leave a Comment

Quick and Easy Chicken
photo disclaimer2_zps8af35ac1.jpg

About the Book
Looking for hearty, healthy meals in a hurry? Chicken is easy to cook, incredibly versatile, and a wonderful choice for health-conscious home chefs. Grilled, sautéed, roasted or poached, chicken dishes range from All-American comfort foods like pecan-crusted, honey-glazed chicken to the savory flavors of North Africa and Moroccan spiced chicken.

To keep up with the popular appetite for all things poultry, the American Diabetes Association has teamed up with best-selling author Linda Gassenheimer to cook up QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN [April 2015, $9.95 US / $12.50 CAN], an affordable, easy-to-follow collection of chicken recipes designed for people with diabetes or prediabetes. With dozens upon dozens of recipes based on flavors and traditions from around the world, this handy little volume is stuffed with quick, easy, flavorful recipes everyone will love. Inside you’ll find recipes for every taste, including:

  • Oven-Fried Chicken with Creamed Corn and Lima Beans
  • Brazilian-Style Chicken and Quinoa
  • Italian Meat Loaf with Hot Pepper Lentils
  • Mu Shu Chicken Wrap with Chinese Egg Noodles
  • Chicken Pita Pocket with Greek Salad
  • Gorgonzola Chicken Scaloppini with Fresh Linguine and Sweet Pimentos
  • Sangria-Braised Pulled Chicken Sliders with Quick Slaw
  • Fresh Herbed Chicken with Red Potatoes and Green Beans

All of the recipes are complete meals based on ingredients you can easily find in any local supermarket. There’s even a “Shop Smart” section to help you choose the right ingredients to ensure a healthier meal. Whether you are pulling together a quick dinner for the family or planning to impress your friends with your new, healthier chicken lifestyle, QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN will help you make a diabetes-friendly meal that is both quick AND delicious!


My Take on the Book

There is a “shop smart” and another section with facts about chicken. The cookbook has 6 different sections with corresponding recipes. Some of the sections are All-American, Latin and Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asian / Indian.
Each recipe is written with attention to details for the reader. . There is the basic recipe for the chicken. The step – by – step instructions for preparing the chicken are well written and easy to follow. Linda includes a side dish recipe on the next page. She has included a “shopping list” so the reader knows what needs to be bought or found in one’s pantry. Helpful hints and nutrition facts are included for each recipe.
I chose two different recipes to prepare for my family. One was the Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Carrot and Zucchini Cannellini Beans.. The other one was Chicken Ragout with Mushroom Rice. Both recipes were easy to prepare. The recipes were tasty , however for my taste, I added additional herbs to flavor the dishes.
I believe if you are searching for a new chicken cookbook, you may find this one a new resource for your family meals.


—————————————-
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Find the Perfect Big Tournament Flavor With RO*TEL #JustAddRotel

by 10 Comments

Rotel-#CollectiveBias

 

Great Savings on RO*TEL at Walmart!

 

When I think of RO*TEL, I think of my Chicken Chili (See Below For My Recipe!)! I love using RO*TEL, whether it be for family gatherings or having something to munch on as I get ready to see my favorite college teams win during the big tournament that is happening right now. The thing that I like about using RO*TEL is that they use fresh ingredients to give you flavor that keeps on coming. On top of that, you can go spicy (my pick) medium or mild (lightweight!) to get the flavor effect that you love!

RO*TEL

Are you creating a big snacking spread for the Big Tournament? Looking for ways to spice up game day and save money at the same time? is the perfect way to spice up your favorite recipes. From guacamole to pot roast sliders, adding a can of RO*TEL makes a traditional game day recipe into something extraordinary. Click this link http://cbi.as/4wqx  to print a Walmart coupon where you buy 3 cans of RO*TEL, you will get 1 can free!

 RO*TEL

Hurry, this coupon expires on April 6th and is only while supplies last!

RO*TEL
Be sure to look for RO*TEL in either the Pasta or Hispanic aisle in Walmart!

 

Dad of Divas’ Chicken Chili

Most of this recipe is a “dump” recipe and I make it to taste. Also it depends on how large of a batch you want to make. I will give you the bare bones ingredients needed!

  • 2-4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (cubed and pre-cooked)
  • 1-2 Large Container Great Northern Beans
  • 1-2 Containers of Salsa (you choice of temp)
  • 1 8oz pouch of shredded cheese – There is a mexican blend or you can just use cheddar)
  • Cumin to taste
Take a larger pot, add in beans, salsa, cooked chicken and 1/2 of the cheese. Continually stir and cook until bubbling. Taste to make sure flavor is where you want it. Adjust as needed. Once done, either add in the rest of cheese and stir in to melt or have people add this to the top of the chili when served.

 

 

California Raisins Great Grilling Recipe

by Leave a Comment

I hope that everyone is enjoying this great long Memorial Day Weekend, I know that I am. Not only have we been having fun together, but we also have been grilling up a storm! With that in mind, the California Raisin Marketing Board had approached me to try out their new grilling sauce and I was more than willing to try it out and give my two cents worth to all of you!

As many of you know I love to grill and I love trying my hand at new sauces and experimenting with what the grill can do and what I can do with the grill also. I don’t always have success on my experiments, but I still enjoy doing it none-the-less.

So as I was asked to try out their new grilling sauce, I said, bring it on, so that I could try my hand at something new and to see if it would remain in my famil’y keeper cookbook! So the recipe is below…and do keep in mind this recipe does has some heat along with it!

Raisin Chipotle Grilling Sauce RecipeRaisin Chipotle Grilling Sauce Recipe
Mix the ingredients below in a saucepan, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes. After cooling, puree in blender or food processor. Here are the ingredients for the Raisin Chipotle Grilling Sauce:

  • 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
  • 1-1/2 cup California raisins
  • 1 cup husked and chopped tomatillos
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup chopped onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 to 2 chipotle chiles, canned in adobo, minced, and sauce, to taste

I decided to use this on chicken, though I think that you could also use this on beef or pork. If you are at all concerned with the chiles, you could potentially leave this off and see what it tastes like, but I have come to find that just because you use chiles, it is not always hot (spicy). I decideed to pre-marinade and leave a bit on the side for crushing on during the grilling of the meat as I find that this tends to help with the overall flavor.

I did try the sauce with the chiles and tested it out before working with the meat and found it to be very tasty! As I mentioned also, the chiles gave it a little bite, but it was not spicy at all!

The sauce was easy to prepare and I found that I did tend to make a little more that the recipe called for to have some for pre-marinating and basting later, but it was worth it. I cooked the chicken on indirect heat and this extra grilling time allowed the flavor to truly cook on making the chicken taste delicious!

We ended up serving this with some Garlic Mashed potatoes and fresh  green beans amd everyone was very happy with the results, especially me. This recipe will devinitely remain in my cookbook for the future! If you are looking for a tasty sauce for your grilling cookbook, try this out, you will not be disappointed!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

——————————————————————————————-

New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?

Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader

Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Back To School with Mrs Butterworth’s!

by Leave a Comment

Nothing gets a young mind ready for school like a delicious breakfast. This year, get your child prepared and alert in the morning with some great back-to-school recipes from Mrs. Butterworth’s- the thick, rich and buttery syrup that has been brightening-up breakfast tables for generations.

Mrs. Butterworth’s has always enjoyed making kids smile and has been working overtime to make sure her loving fans get some new, exciting ways to enjoy the morning.

Whether it’s a breakfast pleasure or an afternoon snack, these recipes created by celebrity chef Kevin Roberts will make your mouth water. Kevin, also known as the “The Food Dude,” is author of Munchies and Kissing in the Kitchen, media personality, executive chef and owner of three successful restaurants, and host of new TLC’s BBQ Pitmasters.

So just when you think “breakfast got boring,” try these fun and fresh ideas that might just become your favorite before school dish!

HAWAIIAN FRENCH TOAST
Serves 2.

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon, Butter
2 EGGS, beaten
1 teaspoon, Cinnamon
4-8, Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, cut in half
1/2 cup, Mrs. Butterworth’s Sugar Free Syrup, warm

THE STEPS
1: Heat butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2: In a large bowl mix eggs and cinnamon.
3: Dunk rolls into mixture and coat thoroughly.
4: Cook bread until golden brown on both sides about 3-5 minutes each side.
5: Warm your syrup in the microwave and pour over toast.

BAKED GRAPEFRUIT WITH CINAMMON AND SYRUP
Serves 1-2.

INGREDIENTS
1 large Grapefruit, halved
1 teaspoon, Mrs. Butterworth’s Original Syrup
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

THE STEPS
1: Preheat toaster oven to 400 degrees.
2: Cut grapefruit in half.
3: spread syrup over top of grapefruit.
4: Spread the cinnamon on each half.
5: Bake for 20 minutes or until roasted and soft, let cool, and cut into quarters.

BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
Serves 2.
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon, Cinnamon
1 tablespoon, Mrs. Butterworth’s Original Syrup
1 Sweet Potato, washed and cut lengthwise into fry-like pieces

THE STEPS:
1. Preheat toaster oven or oven to 400 degrees.
2: In a medium bowl, add cinnamon and syrup. Mix together.
3. Mix in the sweet potato fries and coat.
4. Lay the fries on a baking tray or tin foil. Bake until cooked through.
5. Serve with a side of warm syrup for dipping.

GRANOLA, SYRUP AND MILK
Serves 1-2.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups, Granola
2 cups, Milk
2 teaspoons, Mrs. Butterworth’s Original Syrup

THE STEPS:
1. In a medium bowl, add granola, milk and top with syrup.
2. Serve before it gets soggy.

About Mrs. Butterworth’s
Mrs. Butterworth’s® distinctive shaped bottle has been making kids smile for over 40 years. Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup can be found in Original flavor, Sugar Free or Lite—all of which deliver that distinct thick, rich and buttery taste. In addition to syrup, Mrs. Butterworth’s also offers Complete Pancake and Waffle Mix, available in Buttermilk and Home-style flavors. For more information about Mrs. Butterworth’s, please visit www.mrsbutterworthsyrup.com .

*Mrs. Butterworth’s has always been synonymous with breakfast, and was recently named one of America’s top five most loved spokes figures, according to a poll of 1,500 people by E-Poll market research which rated based on sincerity, likability and coolness. It’s the brand that your children love.

About Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC. is a leading seller and manufacturer of nationally branded food products. Pinnacle has a strong portfolio of leading brands including Duncan Hines® Baking Mixes and Frozen Brownies, Vlasic® Pickles, Log Cabin® Syrup, Mrs. Butterworth’s® Syrup, Hungry-Man® Meals, Mrs. Paul’s® Seafood, Van de Kamp’s® Seafood, Lender’s® Bagels, Armour® Canned Meats, Swanson® Meals, Aunt Jemima® Frozen Breakfast, Celeste® Pizza, and Open Pit® Barbeque Sauce.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

——————————————————————————————-
New to the Divadom?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Great Summer Cookie Recipes and Fun Pancakes Parents and Kids Will Love

by 1 Comment

Aunt Jemima®, the frozen pancake expert you trust to bring great tasting, warm breakfasts to your family, is introducing new Aunt Jemima Frozen Confetti Pancakes. Aunt Jemima’s Homestyle Pancakes are now filled with colorful rainbow sprinkles, offering parents a delicious breakfast choice that makes mornings fun for kids!

“We understand that you don’t always have the time to make your family a delicious, warm and wholesome breakfast especially during the week,” said Andy Reichgut, Vice President of Marketing at Pinnacle Foods. “New Aunt Jemima Frozen Confetti Pancakes offer a way to make breakfast time special everyday in under a minute.”

With new Aunt Jemima Frozen Confetti Pancakes you can have perfectly delicious pancakes that are full of fun in a flash! Confetti Pancakes are ready to be served to your family in 1 minute out of the microwave or toaster. Whether you need a warm and nutritious breakfast or are looking for a creative way to celebrate something special, Aunt Jemima Frozen Confetti Pancakes will brighten up your family’s mornings.
Aunt Jemima Frozen Confetti Pancakes are a good source of 6 vitamins and minerals and contain no preservatives. They are available in the freezer section of grocery stores across the country for a suggested retail price of $2.69 for a package of 12 pancakes. New Confetti Pancakes join the Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancake line which includes Homestyle, Buttermilk, Low Fat Buttermilk, Whole Grain, Mini and Blueberry.
Your browser may not support display of this image. Sprinkle some extra fun on your child’s special day this year with a Confetti Birthday Pancake. Follow the simple instructions below to make this unforgettable birthday breakfast your family can share!
 

Confetti Birthday Pancake

Ingredients:

  • 3 Aunt Jemima Frozen Confetti Pancakes
  • 1 sliced orange
  • 1 sliced strawberry
  • Whipped cream
  • Sprinkles
  • Birthday candle

Directions:

  1. Heat up 3 Aunt Jemima Frozen Confetti Pancakes and stack one on top of another
  2. Decorate edge of top pancake with whipped cream
  3. Add pieces of sliced orange on top of whipped cream – approximately ½ inch apart
  4. Add a dollop of whipped cream to the center of the top pancake and top with strawberry slices
  5. Add sprinkles
  6. Place the finishing touches on your creation by adding a candle to the center of the top pancake
  7. Make a wish!

###

For more information about Aunt Jemima® Frozen Breakfast, log onto www.auntjemimafrozen.com. 

————————————————————————————————-

Cookies are a popular easy-to-make treat, but oftentimes they lack in originality. Duncan Hines offers the perfect way to make a cookie that’s a bite above the ordinary by using the brownie mix you know and love as the batter. Because they are made with Duncan Hines fudgy Brownie Mix, these cookies will be the most soft and chewy cookie you’ve ever tasted! These Brownie Cookies are an unexpected way to make any day more special.

“Our goal is to bring consumers baking experiences to a whole new level by offering innovative and versatile ways to use our trusted brownie mix,” said Lora Van Velsor, Vice President of Marketing for Duncan Hines. “Brownie Cookies are just as easy-to-make as regular cookies, but there’s nothing ordinary about them. You simply use our brownie mix as the cookie batter to make a unique treat.”

Impress your friends and family with a cookie like they’ve never had before. Mix up your regular cookie routine with these rich and delicious Brownie Cookie recipes. For more inventive recipes log onto www.duncanhines.com/browniecookies.
.
Your browser may not support display of this image.
EASY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIE COOKIES
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies are a perfect marriage of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, easy to make and fun to share.
Ingredients:
Cookies:

Peanut Butter Filling:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup peanut butter

Frosting:

Baking Instructions:

  1. Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, beat brownie mix, softened butter, softened cream cheese and egg. Mix either by hand or by using a mixer.
  2. Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into balls and place on lightly greased or parchment lined cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Should make 2 1/2 dozen cookies.
  3. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and peanut butter together and roll into small balls using about 1 teaspoon. Press peanut butter balls into surface of uncooked brownie cookies and slightly flatten cookie. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are set. Cookies may appear slightly under cooked, but do not overbake. Cool on cookie sheets for about 3 mins and transfer to wire rack.
  4. If Desired: Place 6 tablespoons of frosting into a microwave safe container and melt (30 seconds), drizzle melted chocolate over top of cookie. Cool.
    Tips:
  1. For easy clean up, place wax paper or parchment paper under wire rack — then drizzle the frosting on cookies

Your browser may not support display of this image.
BROWNIES AND CREAM SANDWICH COOKIES
Almost like ice cream sandwiches, but without the ice cream headache! Chocolate and vanilla are always an incredible combination, especially when it’s Duncan Hines Dark Fudge Brownies and Chocolate Chunks.
Ingredients:

Baking Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 ºF. Grease cookie sheet.
  2. Combine brownie mix, egg, water and oil in large bowl. Stir until well blended and soft dough forms. Drop by level measuring tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 375 ºF. for 7 to 8 minutes or until cookies are set in center. Do not over bake. Cool for 1 minute before removing to cooling rack. Cool completely before assembling.
  4. Spread frosting on half the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with another cookie. Gently press together.

Jump start the season with a sensational summer menu

by Leave a Comment

Make it a party to remember with savory and sweet recipes from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the grilling season and it is the perfect time for entertaining. Gathering family and friends for an evening of fellowship and food is the fun part.  Deciding what to serve can be the challenge. Choosing some make-ahead recipes along with a quick, healthy grilled entrée gives the host the chance to enjoy the party and time with the guests. Fresh foods enhanced with flavors from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas punch up sweet and savory recipes and lend your dishes depth and flair. So, send out those invitations and fire up the grill. The Memorial Day menu is set and it is time to celebrate the season.
Easy, elegant entertaining starts with a mouth-watering menu filled with traditional summer–time flavors that can easily be assembled and served.  Find the complete Memorial Day menu for eight guests at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and let the summer fun begin.
Memorial Day Menu
Savory red, white and bleu appetizers play out the patriotic theme of the Memorial holiday and offer a tasty morsel to guests.  “Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Lemon Extract complements just about any dish,” says Beth Nielsen, Chief Culinary Officer at Nielsen-Massey. “It is the perfect partner with herbs such as garlic and parsley. Using pure flavors saves time but does not compromise taste.”    
Lemon-Bleu Stuffed Tomatoes
2 tablespoons dry white wine
2 teaspoons finely minced shallots
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
½ teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Lemon Extract
? teaspoon white pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
5 ounces blue cheese crumbles
2 pints cherry tomatoes (approximately 48)
Combine the wine and shallots in a small bowl. Let stand.
Combine the cream cheese, garlic, lemon extract, white pepper, cayenne pepper and shallot mixture in a mixing bowl. Beat until well blended using an electric mixer. Fold in the bleu cheese with a wooden spoon. Cover and chill.
Rinse the cherry tomatoes. Remove the tops by slicing a small amount off each tomato. Scoop out the seeds with a small measuring spoon. Cut a small slice off the bottom of each tomato so it will stand upright when plated. Fill each tomato with ½ tablespoon of the chilled Lemon-Bleu Stuffing using a pastry bag or spoon.
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract adds depth of flavor to this five-ingredient dressing, perfect on fresh baby salad greens. Left over dressing can double as a marinade for chicken, fish, pork or vegetables.
Vanilla-Infused Balsamic Vinaigrette and Greens
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
¼ teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
20 ounces baby salad greens
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. To serve, toss baby greens in a large bowl with ¼ cup of the vinaigrette to coat the leaves. Makes ¾ cup.
In just 12 quick minutes, family and friends will enjoy a grilled-to-perfection salmon filet. This flavorful fish is complimented by the sweet and savory herb infused marinade.
Salmon with Vanilla Balsamic Marinade
Vanilla Balsamic Marinade
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, diced
1-1/2 teaspoons dried organic parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons dried organic basil
½ teaspoon dark brown sugar
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
Salmon
8 (4 to 6 ounce) 1-inch thick Salmon fillets
canola oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
For the marinade, combine the olive oil, shallot, parsley, basil, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and vanilla paste into a blender container and puree. Pour evenly into two containers and set one container aside.
For the salmon, preheat the grill. Brush each fillet with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Brush the tops of the fillets with the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade. Place the fillets marinated side down on a grill rack over direct heat. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes or until dark grill marks appear and the marinade begins to caramelize. Turn the fillets and grill for 3 to 4 minutes longer. Serve with the reserved marinade. Serves 8.
Elegant entertaining becomes easy with a bit of organization. The recipes are gathered and the timetable below provides the instructions to create a memorable evening.
Timetable
That morning
Mix up the Summertime Coolers, refrigerate
Prepare Lemon-Bleu Stuffed Tomatoes, refrigerate until ready to serve
Make the Vanilla-Infused Balsamic Vinaigrette, refrigerate
Several hours ahead
Wash and slice the strawberries, chill
Wash and dry the salad greens, chill until serving
Prepare the Vanilla Balsamic Marinade for the salmon
30 minutes before serving
Prepare the Lemon and Rosemary Risotto
Whip the cream
Bring the stuffed tomatoes to room temperature
Just before serving
Brush the salmon with the marinade, grill and serve
Drizzle the dressing on the salad greens


Main Image

Coupons and voucher codes
Everywhere
The Network Niche