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  • in Recipes

    4 Weeknight Dinner Ideas and a Prime Rib Recipe to End All Prime Rib Recipes

    This month, we welcome back Marta Rivera for more of her meal plans. Marta is a trained chef, mom of twins, an Army wife, and a Simply Recipes recipe tester and developer!
    It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!!
    I don’t know if I’m more excited about Christmas, or about the fact that we only have a week left until we’re out of 2020! (It’s the latter, in case you’re wondering.) But, I am excited to make all of the indulgent holiday recipes which I consider to be a few of my favorite things.
    This week’s recipes are pretty straightforward, easy to double, and freezer-friendly. Well, all with the exception of the prime rib for Christmas Day, but that’s part of the plan. Let’s go easy on the days leading up to the holiday, then go all out with a meal made for a Dickens’ novel. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Chocolate Dipped Toffee Graham Crackers

    Crisp graham crackers are dunked in rich chocolate and covered with crunchy toffee bits. Toss on some festive sprinkles for maximum holiday appeal.
    This is practically a no-cook, no-bake treat that will be at home on your holiday cookie or candy tray. It’s such a simple, satisfying sweet and kids can help sprinkle on the toffee bits and holiday nonpareils. It really doesn’t get any easier than this!

    The yield is about 24 pieces, which can be divided up into snack bags for cute gifts or stocking stuffers. Who doesn’t love chocolate and toffee together? And with the slightly sweet graham cracker center it’s so crunchable and addictive!

    You can use your favorite graham crackers for this, but I used Honey Maid Fresh Stacks because they are pre-cut into squares. I didn’t even have to break any graham cracker sheets apart! I’m not sure if this was smart or just lazy – or perhaps both (ha!). I could see it being a nice time-saver for busy parents.

    As you drizzle the graham crackers with white chocolate, sprinkle them fairly quickly with toppings  before the chocolate hardens. 

    I think this might become our new holiday tradition! They are so very easy to make and a little too easy to eat. The toffee bits really bring out a buttery note in the graham crackers. 

    If you’re not looking to spend a ton of time in the kitchen this year, but still want to make some holiday treat-making memories with the kids, then this may be the ticket! 

    [click to print]
    Chocolate Dipped Toffee Graham Crackers
    Yields 24 Cookies24 oz. chocolate candy coating (almond bark or Ghiradelli chocolate wafers)
    4 oz. white chocolate candy coating or almond bark
    24 graham cracker squares
    2/3 cup toffee bits (recommend Heath Bits o’ Brickle)
    2-3 tablespoons red and green nonpareilsCover a large work surface with parchment paper.  Transfer the candy coating to a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 100% power at 30 second intervals; stir well between heating until melted and smooth. Place a graham cracker into the melted chocolate and turn using two forks. Lift the graham cracker out of the chocolate with a fork and place on the parchment. Repeat this process with half of the graham crackers. After dipping about 12, the chocolate will begin to harden so re-heat it for about 30 seconds or until it can be stirred smooth. Wash and dry the forks; proceed with dipping the next 12 graham crackers. Allow the chocolate to set up at room temperature, about 20 minutes.Melt the white chocolate candy coating in the microwave as before with the chocolate coating, and transfer it to a disposable piping bag or a zip-top bag. Pour the toffee bits and nonpareils in small bowls and have them ready to hand. Drizzle four chocolate-covered graham crackers with the white chocolate and then immediately sprinkle on toffee bits and nonpareils. Repeat process until all of the graham crackers are drizzled and coated with toffee and sprinkles. Let stand at room temperature until set, about 20 minutes.When the white chocolate is set, peel a graham cracker away from the parchment and break away excess candy from around the edges. Lay on a clean plate or serving platter. Repeat process with all of the graham crackers. Store the coated graham crackers in an air-tight container, or package 6 in each of four clear gusseted treat bags and tie with festive ribbon for gifting.

    link Chocolate Dipped Toffee Graham Crackers By Heather Baird Published: Saturday, December 19, 2020Saturday, December 19, 2020Chocolate Dipped Toffee Graham Crackers Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

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    One Simply Terrific Thing: Rubbermaid’s Commercial Silicone Spatula

    Kitchen ToolsOne Simply Terrific Thing

    This high heat, commercial silicone scraper from Rubbermaid is a heavy-duty rubber spatula that puts all others to shame.

    Print

    Photography Credit: Marta Rivera

    According to my family and many of my friends, I might be obsessed with rubber spatulas. At present, I have no less than eight in my kitchen drawer. But I call that passionate, not obsessed.
    Do I need eight spatulas? No. Do I feel better about having backups in case something happens to seven of them? Absolutely.
    You don’t need to be as passionate about rubber spatulas as I am, but I strongly recommend you invest in at least one good one, and that would be Rubbermaid’s commercial high-heat spatula.
    Rubber Spatulas vs Silicone Spatulas
    First of all, let’s clear something up: Rubber spatulas are really silicone spatulas.
    While most people (myself included) call all of these “rubber” spatulas, they’re actually made of silicone, which is what enables them to stand up to the higher temperatures. It’s kind of like referring to all food containers as Tupperware.

    The Best Rubber Spatula: Rubbermaid’s High Heat Scraper
    How often have you been left holding the handle of a fractured rubber spatula while attempting to scrape out cookie dough from a bowl?
    Unlike the flimsy spatulas you encounter hanging from a clip display in the baking aisle of your grocery store, this silicone spatula is durable enough to withstand a plunge into the firmest of cookie doughs. I have yet to break one!

    Are they the most decorative items I’ve ever purchased? Not really. But when it comes to getting the job done in the kitchen, I’m not looking for beauty contest winners. These are the very same rubber spatulas I used in commercial kitchens as a newbie chef, so I never doubt they’ll take care of business in my home kitchen.
    They’re also high-heat resistant because the head is made of silicone, which means they can scrape off the sides of those pans of melted sugar.
    I own the 9 1/2-inch and 13 1/2-inch sizes, both of which are ideal for those who do any cooking or baking. Grab the larger one for scraping down large mixing bowls full of batter. The small one is a go-to for smoothing icings or spreads on your next cake or bun recipe.
    For me, a rubber spatula is as essential to a home kitchen as a cook is. However, it’s much more acceptable to have more than one of the former than it is of the latter—at least in my kitchen.

    This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Simply Recipes. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.

    Marta Rivera
    Marta Rivera is trained chef with over 20 years in the culinary field and the blogger behind Sense & Edibility. She graduated from the Baltimore International Culinary College with degrees in Culinary Arts and Classical Pastries. Her cookbook is Taste and See Cooks.
    More from Marta LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Recipes

    A Guide to Throwing a Small-Scale Holiday Party

    The holidays are upon us, and whether you’re scaling back your celebration or just into the snacks and comradery with virtual friends, there’s good reason to celebrate!
    While actual dinner parties may be off the table this year, intimate or virtual gatherings with family and friends are meant to be easy!

    But of course, there are always a few things to consider. Food is at the top of the list — as is thinking through some of the details to make your life easier so you can join in the festivities yourself.

    The Set-up
    The beauty of a small holiday party is the simple set-up — thankfully, no one is expecting nice glasses or cloth napkins. So here are our favorite tips to ensure your space is ready:
    Get crazy and move furniture around to create an open, comfy space around the TV for a holiday movie night. Maybe even borrow bean bags or floor pillows to encourage hanging out together, even if it means lounging on the floor.
    Set out a cooler stocked with beverages (include fizzy water and Coke for some non-alcoholic options), so everyone can help themselves.
    Choose food that doesn’t need to be reheated or fussed with.
    Place a trash and recycling can where they’re easily accessible, so they’ll (hopefully) tidy up and take care of their trash as the afternoon ticks on.

    The Snacks
    Let’s not waste any time here: we all know the snacks are the most important part of any holiday, but this year instead of going over the top with numerous dips, we’re simplifying and aiming for elevated appetizers the whole family will love!
    When we start thinking through our shopping list, grabbing a few boxes of TRISCUIT Crackers, RITZ Crackers and refreshing Coca-Cola is a solid start. Then we always pick up olives, a bunch of different cheeses, some sliced veggies, and dips.
    On the menu this year are these TRISCUIT Ham, Cheese and Jam Toppers and RITZ “Deli” Sandwiches. Each incorporates the classic crackers we fell in love with as kids in new grown-up ways (and we love that TRISCUIT Crackers are baked with 100% whole grain wheat).

    Games and Activities
    On one hand, you don’t need many games if everyone’s actually watching the holiday movie or conversing with one another. But more often than not, there’s a few small people (or even big people) who could really use a little something to do to stay out of the cook’s hair.
    If your space allows, we love creating an entirely separate area that’s not right in front of the TV. This way, movie fans can watch the holiday flick and everyone else has a chance to enjoy snacks, listen to tunes, play games, and practice their dance moves.
    A few of our favorite go-to activities the whole family will love:
    Operation
    Twister (yes, even adults love a good game of Twister!)
    Cards: Old Maid for the kids, Gin Rummy for the teens and adults
    Board Games: We love Ticket to Ride for older kids and adults and, of course, Candy Land’s a big hit with the younger crowd
    Sidewalk Chalk and bubbles (if the weather’s nice)

    Pulling it all Together: Your Checklist!
    If this is your first small holiday gathering with family, don’t stress! Most everything can be done in advance, and keep in mind: the vibe is casual! Here’s your checklist:
    Get the grocery shopping out of the way: we love to make the shopping easier by ordering all of our groceries for delivery when possible.
    Stock up on paper plates, napkins, and extra paper towels.
    Dust off your cooler and pick up plenty of ice.
    Make sure you’ve got extra trash bags on hand.
    On the day of, set up a little separate corner or area where the kids can hang. LEGGI TUTTO

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    5 Reasons Strawberries Are Our Morning Go-To

    The beautiful, healthy fruit that’s there for us all year round? Florida strawberries! There are innumerable reasons to sing their praises; here are our top five!

    This post is sponsored by Florida Strawberries.
    Of all the fresh fruits to reach for at breakfast, strawberries are far and away our favorite. It’s hard to beat their sweet, juicy flavor coupled with their vibrant, cheery red color.
    Lucky for us (and you, too!), it’s Florida strawberry season, which means there’s no time like the present to get your morning fill. We recently sat down with our team to round up all the reasons we turn to these gorgeous berries as our breakfast standby.
    Reason #1: Seasonal Goodness
    You know when you walk into a grocery store in the heart of February and encounter a bounty of onions, brussels sprouts and kale? Maybe some apples and citrus? Well, good news! You’ll also find strawberries, from mid-November through late March.
    Yes, you can find these red jewels even in the dead of winter because Florida is the second-largest producing region in the United States, and February is the peak of their winter strawberry harvest.

    Reason #2: WFH … or On The Go
    Florida strawberries are easy to enjoy regardless of your morning routine. Whether you’re working from home or are on the go, they’re a quick and feel-good choice, and easy to incorporate into warm oatmeal, yogurt, cold cereal, fruit salads, scones and muffins!
    So as far as fruit is concerned, strawberries are the real MVP this year (and every year); they’re as easy to pack up and take with you when you’re running around with the kids as they are to reach for as you’re hustling to your home office.

    Reason #3: A Treat for the Whole Family
    Mornings are hectic for families, especially when just about everyone wants something different for breakfast. Luckily, Florida strawberries are an easy choice.
    The last thing any parent feels like doing first thing in the morning before their coffee (or, really, anytime) is thinking through accommodating different meals and palates, and thankfully strawberries are a perennial crowd-pleaser. Keep them around, and there won’t be any more scrambling to find healthy options for the whole crew.
    Reason #4: Kick the Day Off, Healthfully
    They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it count?
    Florida strawberries are virtually fat-free and contain no cholesterol. One serving of about eight strawberries has only 45 calories and provides more vitamin C than an orange, or about 140% of the U.S. RDA for vitamin C. When you kick off your morning with something so healthy, there’s no doubt you’ll have the energy to tackle whatever the day brings.

    Reason #5: Endless Options!
    When shopping for strawberries, select those that are firm, plump and fragrant and have a bright glossy-red appearance. Their fringed caps should be bright green and look fresh, too.
    Once they’re home and in your kitchen, Florida strawberries are endlessly versatile. Bake them into muffins, scatter them on oatmeal, blend them into smoothies, or even make homemade jam! LEGGI TUTTO

  • in Recipes

    5 Kitchen Shortcuts to Make Dinner Prep a Breeze

    Getting smart in the kitchen means finding small shortcuts that make a big impact! And we’re excited to share all our best tips today, guaranteed to buy you more time (and sanity) in getting dinner on the table this week.

    This post is written in partnership with Perdue.You’d think after all this time, our team would have the weeknight dinner thing figured out. But while we all talk about food all day, the struggle is still real.
    Whether you have kids or not, the truth is that planning meals, shopping for ingredients, and cooking dinner each night of the week is a pretty major feat. Our new motto that’s proven to make life so much easier: Assembly versus cooking. Try it on for size. We think you’ll like it.
    Take Help Where You Can
    There’s no shame in the shortcut game. Store bought pesto may not taste quite as fresh as homemade, but it’s accessible and delicious, and it helps get a pasta dinner on the table fast.
    Likewise, bottled salad dressing can be a total lifesaver, as can PERDUE® SHORT CUTS®, convenient packages of fully-cooked and sliced chicken breasts that make for an easy addition of protein to your favorite meal.

    Do Ahead: Roast a Pan of Veggies
    It’s no secret that doing your meal prep in advance saves tons of time as the dinner hour nears. This, too, takes planning of course.
    But there’s no need to break out a cookbook or consult the internet here: simply grab the seasonal veggies you have in the fridge and roast up a big pan for the week ahead.
    Once cooked and cooled, simply add PERDUE® SHORT CUTS® for an easy sheet-pan meal. Alternatively, refrigerate the chicken and veggies in a covered container and use them throughout the week in your favorite grain bowls, pastas, quesadillas, or your favorite lunch salad.

    Condiments and Sauces are Key
    When you’re assembling a meal, condiments are key. If you’ve got a good pesto or green sauce, a good basic dressing, and maybe a few dips (hummus and edamame avocado dip are favorites on our team), meals can come together quickly.
    Here’s the game plan: break out your leftover rice or pasta, warm your PERDUE® SHORT CUTS® and grab your favorite sauce and a meal is made. Just think of all the possibilities: burrito bowls, saucy chicken pasta bakes, warm grain salads – the opportunities are endless!

    Wash and Prep Your Veggies (Now)
    We know, we know. When you get home from the store the last thing you feel like doing is washing and prepping your veggies.
    But truth be told, your week will be infinitely easier if you take the time to do it straightaway. Just think: with pre-prepped veggies and PERDUE® SHORT CUTS® on hand, your next assembly meal practically makes itself.  Talk about timesaving!
    Batch Cooking (and Freezing) is Your Friend
    If you’re actually taking the time to cook dinner for your family, you might as well double and freeze the other half for a lazy weekday in your future.
    A well stocked freezer is, indeed, the busy cook’s secret (and savior). Make a big batch of quesadillas to freeze using PERDUE® SHORT CUTS® or double up on soups, chilis or curries. Your future self will thank you.

    A Few Recipes for Inspiration LEGGI TUTTO

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    Festive Black and White Cookies

    Also called Half-Moons, these rich, buttery cookies have a cake-like texture and colorful frosting. The classic black and white version is glazed with vanilla and chocolate frosting, but this version is dressed for the holidays in red and green.It seems strange to call these 'black and white cookies' when they are so obviously not black and white, but I couldn't resist giving this New York native a holiday spin. Contrasting colors of thick glaze covers each side of a large lemon-scented half dome. It's not cake, but I also hesitate to call it it cookie. It's somewhere between the two. What I do know for sure is that their size and heft will power you through any intense gift wrapping marathon you may be gearing up for this week.Continued, click to read more… LEGGI TUTTO

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    Vegan Gingerbread People

    There’s a new gingerbread cookie in town! Warmly-spiced and made dairy-free thanks to a lovely, light olive oil. Decorate them simply and enjoy, or gift to friends and neighbors! Continue reading “Vegan Gingerbread People” » LEGGI TUTTO