Search Results for: blog spicy mixed nuts

Spicy Summer Salads

Who hasn’t been inspired by the steely determination and incredible athleticism displayed by the participants of the Summer Olympic Games in China? My family has been so wrapped up in the Olympics telecast that I have been making sure dinner and the dishes are done before the first second of primetime coverage begins each night. The broadcast of the games has also influenced our dinner menu. I’ve been trying to make dishes that are not too involved, yet contain the required nutritional allotment for a growing family. The following recipes are easy to prepare and would be welcome additions to … Continue reading →

Now That’s Spicy!

I am not a fan of spicy food but interestingly, all three of my younger children are. Yep, you read that right. My four year old and two year old twins love spicy food. While I generally make my own mild salsa. . .they prefer their salsa with jalapenos if I have them. But I have a feeling even their brave bellies wouldn’t be able to stomach these chicken wings. Starting this Thursday, January 10, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap in Chicago will begin serving chicken wings with a waiver and an alarm bell. The alarm bell is to summons wait … Continue reading →

Spicy Mixed Nuts

In a previous blog I touted the health benefits of holiday spices—-meaning, those spices featured in countless dishes we make during the holiday season from cookies to pies, entrees to side dishes. When I was done researching the nutritional information on all of the spices I’ve used in my holiday baking thus far I went back to my recipe box to see what other dishes I could “spice” up in the name of good health. That’s when I found this recipe. It’s an oldie (my mom has been making these nuts for decades), but a goodie (these nuts never lasted … Continue reading →

Fun Ways to Get Rid of Leftover Turkey

Thanksgiving hangovers are no fun. However, you can prevent the post-Turkey Day pain by being prepared. I’m not referring to an aspirin run; rather, I prefer hair of the dog treatments. If you gobbled til you wobbled on Thanksgiving Day, then get right back up on Black Friday and do it again, but with fun-filled, kicked-up turkey recipes like these: SPICY TURKEY SKILLET Ingredients: 2 pounds of leftover turkey, shredded or sliced 1 package taco seasoning mix 1/4 cup water 1 cup chunky salsa 2 cups corn 1 can (15-ounce) black beans, drained 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend 3 … Continue reading →

Families.com 2007 Cookbook ‘A’

The families.com cookbook is organized according to ingredients rather than by type of dish. This way if you have an ingredient on hand, and are wondering what to do with it, or if you want a recipe that uses a specific ingredient, then you can look it up in the cookbook. If you want a certain type of dish. . .use the categories on the right! Acorn Squash Ranchy Breaded Fish and Candied Acorn Squash Adobo seasoning Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Tex Mex Marinade Allspice Chai Spice Cutouts Spicy Mixed Nuts Oatmeal Waffles with Homemade Apple Butter Healthy Pumpkin Brownies … Continue reading →

Spiced Up Christmas Cookies

In a previous blog I mentioned that everyday spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, contain tiny amounts of vitamins, minerals and potent antioxidants that can help reduce heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Since then I have been trying to find additional seasonal recipes, which feature beneficial spices. Valorie has been kind enough to allow me to share the litany of Christmas cookie recipes I’ve experimented with (or enjoyed via others) this holiday season. The following cookies were included in a Christmas tin I just received from a former colleague of mine. It took me a couple of days but … Continue reading →

Super Easy Desserts for Entertaining: Caramel Pie and Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

‘Tis the season for decadent desserts that impress. . .but who has the time? This is a super easy pie that comes together rather quickly but yields impressive ‘guest worthy’ results. It reminds me of the topping on a German Chocolate Cake with coconut and pecans. Since all of the ingredients are poured into the pie as is, it comes together in a snap, but you do have to allow time for freezing. This pie makes a good pie to do ahead of time as it freezes well. Caramel Pie You will need: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup … Continue reading →

A “Twist” on Holiday Sweets

I mentioned in another blog that I like making candies at Christmas time. I mostly make fudge, however, believe it or not my most requested recipes have nothing to do with candies but rather with cleverly put together ingredients. I suppose it’s the salty and sweet combination that make my covered pretzels so popular. I do different things every year but thought I’d share a few of my ideas. This year, I am sure to include a new recipe I found from Family Fun magazine as well! Family Fun’s Chocolate Pretzel Bites You will need: waffle shaped pretzels Hershey’s kisses … Continue reading →

An Apple A Day…

Did you go apple picking this year? Our family takes an annual ride out to a local apple orchard, not because we can’t get enough of the sweet (or tart) fruit, but because my 2-year-old delights in yanking apples from their branches and toting them around in a little bag. The only problem is we never leave with just her little bag. We end up getting at least a bushel of mixed apples (from Honeycrisp to Granny Smith) and then I am faced with the challenge of creating dishes with them that the whole family will eat (see two of … Continue reading →