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Veggie Steamers in Sauce

April 5, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

What You Need:

1/2 C carrots, cut into 2 in. sticks
1 C broccoli
1 C cauliflower florets
2 T honey
2 T Dijon mustard
1/2 t dill weed, dried

How to Make It:

Completely cover the carrots in a saucepan with water and place over medium heat.
Bring the water to a rolling boil then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pan and steam the carrots for 10 minutes.
Carefully add in the broccoli and cauliflower.
Continue cooking on low for 8 minutes.
Drain the vegetables well and place them in a large serving bowl.
Whisk the honey and mustard together well in a small bowl.
Add the dill seed and whisk to combine.
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat well.

Serves: 6

Try these simple additions to your veggies steamers. Snow peas, sweet peas, Brussels sprouts, corn or green beans will all work to make this dish the perfect side at your Easter dinner.

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Cheesy Red Potato and Chive Casserole

April 4, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

What You Need:

2 T butter
1 onion, chopped
2 T flour
2 T of brown mustard
1 3/4 C of milk
1/2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 C Swiss cheese, shredded and divided
1 t chives
11/2 lb. red potatoes cut into thin wedges
1/2 C bagel chips, crushed
1 T of parsley

How to Make It:

Set the oven to 350 degrees and allow it to heat.
Use a cooking spray and lightly spray the bottom and sides of a rectangular baking pan then set aside.
Melt the butter in a skillet positioned over medium heat.
Add the onion and stirring frequently cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
Add the flour and whisk until the flour is completely moistened.
Whisk in the mustard well.
Stir in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
Adjust the heat to low and add the cream cheese whisking until smooth.
Put half of the Swiss cheese into the skillet and whisk until the cheese has completely melted.
Stir in the chives until completely incorporated into the sauce.
Place the potatoes into the prepared baking pan.
Pour the sauce over the potatoes and stir until well covered.
Spread the potatoes out evenly in the pan.
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated over for 55 minutes.
Stir the potatoes well then spread them out evenly in the pan again.
Sprinkle the top with the bagel chips.
Add the remaining Swiss cheese over the top of the entire casserole.
Return to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Remove and allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the parsley over the entire casserole before serving.

Serves: 6

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Make it a Healthy Easter Basket

April 4, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

bunnybasketWhen it comes to the kids Easter basket many of us cringe to think of all that unhealthy candy they will find. Easter baskets are full of chocolate, sugar and treats that are bad for their health all the way around. Try a healthier approach from the Easter bunny with a few of these ideas.

Instead of those solid chocolate eggs, those bags of M&M’s and all those jelly beans why not use healthier additions. Granola bars, pure juice boxes, string cheese, fresh fruit, sugar free gum and peanuts make a great choice. Give them just a little chocolate by adding chocolate covered raisins to the mix. A little chocolate can be a healthy addition if kept in moderation.

Instead of adding that solid chocolate bunny to the basket this year hide small chocolate eggs at their Easter egg hunt. Not only will the kids get exercise running around looking for the eggs but by the time they find them all only about a quarter of them will be worth eating.

Candy isn’t the only thing that can be found in an Easter basket. The Easter bunny loves to give away toys and other such types of presents. This year think about sinking the money into something that keeps them active or educates them. There might be something they have really been wanting and just haven’t saved the money to buy yet. The possibilities are endless.

Seasonal gifts are always a hit. With Spring just around the corner things such as gardening items, outside toys or even a summer pass to the local pool are great basket fillers. Add some bubbles or side walk chalk for the younger children to enjoy.

Small toys that promote activity are a great choice for an Easter basket. Jump ropes, outside games, balls and bats or a hula hoop can fill an Easter basket and give your children hours of enjoyment and exercise.

Craft items are wonderful Easter basket filler if you have a child that is into the arts. Scrapbooks have become very popular with girls. Boys might like a sketch book and some colored pencils. Choose items that fit your child’s needs or ones that they have been asking for over and over again.

Educational items are also a good idea. Storybooks, activity books or even hand held games such as Scrabble or Wheel of Fortune can be fun along with being educational. Keep them age appropriate and add things you know will peak their interest.

When it comes to the babies in the family they must be included but it can be a little hard to find healthy things to place in their baskets. Educational toys, stuffed animals, a new blanket, teething rings and teething cookies are always a good bet when it comes to our tiny ones.

Last but not least, if they want something special include that in their basket. Girls enjoy toiletries and may not have the extra money to buy something new. Boys enjoy movies, music and sporting items that may be just a little more than their wallet can afford.

Keeping the Easter basket healthy isn’t really that hard of a chore. Just remember that a little chocolate is a welcome sight and as long as it’s in moderation it can be a healthy addition to any Easter basket.

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Sunny Gelatin Salad

April 3, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

What You Need:

2 C boiling water
2 (3 oz.) boxes apricot gelatin
2 C sour cream, divided
4 t lemon peel, grated and divided
1 (16 oz.) can apricot halves, drained and chop coarsely
2 T sugar
1 t ginger
1 T lemon juice

How to Make It:

Place the boiling water into a mixing bowl.
Whisk the gelatin powder into the water until completely dissolved.
Whisk in 1 C of sour cream until the mixture become smooth.
Add the lemon peel and stir to combine.
Place the chopped apricots into the mixture and whisk until completely incorporated.
Pour the mixture into a gelatin mold or large serving bowl.
Cover and chill until set about 4 hours.
Place the sugar into a small mixing bowl.
Add the ginger and toss to combine.
Add the remaining lemon peel and the lemon juice to the mixture.
Fold in the remaining sour cream and stir until smooth.
Remove the mold and place the gelatin onto a serving plate.
Spread the topping onto the gelatin just before serving.

Serves: 8

Try different fruit combination in this gelatin salad. Strawberries with strawberry gelatin, pineapple and pineapple gelatin or even cherries with cherry gelatin will work to make this salad a hit at your Easter dinner.

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Magic Bunny Salad

April 2, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

mrsbunnyWhat You Need:

4 canned pear halves
8 whole cloves
8 almond halves
4 t cottage cheese
4 lettuce leaves

How to Make It:

Place one lettuce leaf on each of 4 serving plates.
Lay each pear cut side down on the lettuce.
Use toothpicks to attach 2 cloves to the smaller end of each pear half for eyes.
Add 2 almond halves to each side of the pear for ears.
At the larger end of each pear place 1 t of the cottage cheese to make a tail.

Serves: 4

Children will be delighted when they see these little bunnies setting at their place at the Easter table. Add a chopped red maraschino cherry to the front of the pear with a toothpick for a twitching bunny nose.

Filed Under: Kid Friendly, Recipes, Soups and Salads Tagged With: , , ,

The Easter Bunny’s Favorite Candies

April 2, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

chocbunnyeggsMost of us already know the candy we want the Easter Bunny to bring us. We all have our favorites. Chances are it’s the same thing year after year. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate or even those wonderful fruit filled eggs. This year maybe something new should be added. Here are a few ideas of what might be a special addition to that candy filled Easter basket.

Sweet Tarts are becoming more and more popular. These sweet treats have a tang and have always been a favorite among children. You can find them shaped like bunnies, chicks and eggs. They go like crazy and with the new designs the kids are bound to love them.

Pez have also been a long time favorite. The candy is a treat but for most children it’s the dispenser that enjoy. With tops shaped in many Easter designs kids of all ages enjoy playing and eating these little treats.

M&M’s have come a long way in creating a scrumptious Easter candy. They can be found in large packages or individual packages. With the Easter pastel colors they make the perfect addition to anyone’s Easter basket.

Plain ole chocolate candy bars can also be a special treat. Many of us have a favorite candy bar that we just can’t live without. Three Musketeers, Snickers, Hershey bars and others are at the top of the list. Kit Kat even has a bar shaped like bunny ears. Try one of the candy bars like Milky Way that are shaped like an egg and see if that’s not a hit this year.

Peeps have been around for years. Everybody loves a marshmallow peep. They come in so many different colors now and the shapes include eggs, ducks and yes they still have the chicks. Check them out before counting them out of this years Easter basket.

Jelly beans are the number one seller at Easter. Over 14 billion were sold last year. Not only are they good to eat but they are easy to use in an Easter basket. They add color to our baskets and give the kids something to look for in all that grass.

Crème eggs such as Cadbury eggs are always a hit. Reese’s has a peanut butter egg that will melt in your mouth. Cadbury eggs look just like real egg yolk and all except they are encased in chocolate. The Reese’s egg is of course peanut butter encased in chocolate. How can you beat that?

Robin’s eggs are also a hit. These malted milk chocolate covered eggs are a special addition to any Easter basket. Pop one in your mouth, let the chocolate melt and chomp on the insides. Can’t wait to get a hold of one can you?

Last but not least the all time favorite has to be the hollow chocolate bunny. They are the best when it comes to Easter candy. They come in all shapes and sizes but every one of them puts you in chocolate heaven. Kids as well as adults always look forward to finding their chocolate bunny on Easter morning.

These are just a few ideas of the many different types of Easter candy the bunny can bring you on Easter morning. Keep the favorites but add a few new ones to the list. Your family and your taste buds will be glad you did.

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Cotton Tail Salad

April 1, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

What You Need:

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
2 C crushed pineapple, drained
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) container whipped topping, thawed
3/4 C pecans, chopped

How to Make It:

Place the cherry pie filling into a large serving bowl.
Fold the strawberry pie filling into the cherry pie filling.
Fold the crushed pineapple into the mixture.
Pour the condensed milk into the bowl and stir to combine.
Add the whipped topping and stir until completely incorporated into the salad.
Sprinkle the pecans over the top of the entire salad.
Cover the bowl and chill until completely chilled through about 2 hours.

Serves: 8

One of the easier salads to make for that Easter dinner this one is always a hit. Add colored mini marshmallows to give the salad a little Easter color. Halved seedless grapes are also a treat.

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Gum Drop Mallow Salad

March 31, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 1 Comment

jellybean2What You Need:

1 lb. gum drop candies
1 lb. seedless grapes, halved
1 C mini marshmallow
2 C crushed pineapple, drained
1 C pecans, chopped
2 t lemon juice
2 t water
3/4 C pineapple juice
2/3 C sugar
1 t vinegar
1/4 C flour

How to Make It:

Put the gum drop candies into a large mixing bowl.
Add in the grapes and marshmallows and mix to combine.
Fold the pineapple into the mixture well.
Sprinkle in the chopped pecans.
Pour the lemon juice into a saucepan positioned over medium heat.
Pour in the water and pineapple juice and whisk to combine.
Add in the sugar and whisk again to incorporate.
Pour the vinegar into the pan and stir well.
When the mixture has begun to boil slowly add in the flour being sure to whisk the mixture while adding.
When all the flour has been added, continue whisking the mixture for 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
Remove the sauce from the heat source.
Cool the sauce to about room temperature.
Pour the sauce over the gum drop mixture and stir to cover the ingredients well.

Serves: 6

Cooling the sauce to room temperature is very important. Pouring hot or warm sauce over the gum drops and marshmallows will case them to melt and ruin your salad. Test the sauce by touching it with your fingertip to ensure it is room temperature.

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Easter Sweet Potato Salad

March 30, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

easterboquetWhat You Need:

6 C fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 C mayonnaise
1/2 C brown sugar, firmly packed
1 C pecans, toasted and chopped
1/2 C raisins

How to Make It:

Cover the sweet potatoes well with water in a saucepan.
Position the pan over medium heat and bring the water to a brisk boil.
Adjust the heat to low and cook the potatoes 10 minutes or until tender.
Drain the potatoes, transfer to a serving bowl and let them cool 5 minutes.
Place the mayonnaise and brown sugar into a small bowl.
Whisk until the sugar is incorporated into the mayonnaise well.
Stir in the pecans until well combined.
Add the raisins and stir to incorporate.
Stir the dressing into the cubed potatoes.
Cover and chill at least one hour or until completely chilled through.

Serves: 8

Toasting pecan is a very simple task. Place pecan halves on a cookie sheet. Place them in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 6 minutes. Be sure to stir the pecans often so they do not stick and so they brown evenly. Remove the pecans and let them cool. Use a chopper to chop the pecans to desired consistency.

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Easter Bunny Salad

March 29, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment

rabbiteggWhat You Need:

1 head of lettuce, rinsed and shredded
1/2 C celery, diced
1/2 C green onions, chopped
1 can water chestnuts, sliced
2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas
2 C of mayonnaise
1 T sugar
1/2 C Parmesan cheese
10 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
5 hard boiled eggs, chopped
6 small tomatoes cut into wedges

How to Make It:

Pour the lettuce into a large salad bowl and toss to fluff up.
Add the celery and green onions to the lettuce.
Spread the water chestnuts over the salad.
Add the frozen peas to the salad bowl.
Add the mayonnaise to the salad.
Sprinkle the sugar and Parmesan cheese over the mayonnaise.
Mix the salad together being sure all the ingredients are blended together well.
Place plastic wrap tightly over the bowl.
Chill overnight or at least 4 hours.
Remove the salad and stir to insure the ingredients are blended well.
Sprinkle the bacon bits then the egg over the entire salad.
Top the salad with the tomato wedges.

Serves: 8

For a little color in your salad mix add chopped pimento before adding the mayonnaise. Sweet onions or red onions, chopped instead of the green onions also make a tasty addition to this salad.

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