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    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

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    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

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    Best Breakfast Rolls for Christmas Morning

    Draw your family from their sweet slumber on Christmas morning with the smell of freshly baked breakfast rolls wafting through the air. Sticky Buns studded with pecans, Cinnamon Rolls (regular or gluten free), Raspberry Jam Rolls or S-shaped St. Lucia Saffron Buns make the morning extra special. Continue reading “Best Breakfast Rolls for Christmas Morning” » LEGGI TUTTO

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    Eggnog Cookies

    Usher in the holiday baking season with these simple, soft, and tender eggnog cookies! Laced with fragrant nutmeg and real eggnog, these are a great contender for this year’s cookie tin or holiday dessert. Continue reading “Eggnog Cookies” » LEGGI TUTTO

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    Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies

    A grocery store classic brought home for the holidays! These super soft, cakey cookies are delicious with a cold glass of real milk – a true festive treat the whole family will love. Double the batch to gift or freeze! Continue reading “Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies” » LEGGI TUTTO