Innholdsfortegnelse for April - May 2014 i Taste of Home

Blue skies and family-favorite foods, here we come. THE SUN IS SHINING, THE WEATHER IS WARMING—TIME TO PULL OUT YOUR SLOW COOKERS! (Or should I say, don’t put them away?) Readers sent in some inspiring recipes for our Spring Slow Cooker Contest on page 61, including Slow Cooker Tropical Pork Chops, Simple Poached Salmon, Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone and Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken. Yum. Our Test Kitchen pros love inventing new ways to use this marvelous machine, and I’m pleased to report one of their best discoveries yet: the Very Vanilla Slow Cooker Cheesecake, page 88. You “bake” it in a slow cooker. Now that deserves a happy dance! SPEAKING OF HAPPY, WHO LOVES RHUBARB? You do! I have to admit I never got the magic of rhubarb. During my first months…

ONE SWEET YEAR Try a new dessert recipe each day of the year, with sweet, fresh ingredients like pears and summer berries—and plenty of chocolate, too—from Kim Laidlaw’s Dessert of the Day. amazon.com $35 JUST ADD COLOR Nothing amps up the fun factor more than rainbow sprinkles (unless you call them jimmies). Sprinkles! by Jackie Alpers bursts with colorful inspiration and recipes for making—and decorating—your happiest treats. quirkbooks.com $19 BUTTER LOVE Dive into homemade recipes, tips and bakers’ secrets from a beloved Vancouver, British Columbia, neighborhood bakery in Butter Baked Goods by Rosie Daykin. Then make tempting goodies to share with your dear ones. randomhouse.com $35…

Take one rotisserie chicken and your pick of these superstar recipes from readers like you. Supper’s gonna rock tonight. FAST FIX Super Quick Chicken Fried Rice After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This fried rice is now one of our favorite everyday dinners. —ALICIA GOWER AUBURN, NY START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. MAKES: 6 SERVINGS 1 pkg. (12 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 eggs, lightly beaten 4 Tbsp. sesame oil, divided 3 pkg. (8.8 oz. each) ready-to-serve garden vegetable rice 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1. Prepare frozen vegetables according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat. Pour in eggs; cook…

Freshen up stuffed French toast for a bright and early start to healthy cooking. Sugar and cream cheese usually star in stuffed French toast, while a little fruit sits on top. Jump-start your day and give your healthy habits a hand with this version that leaves you fueled and filled. Myrna Koldenhoven of Sanborn, Iowa, wisely cuts out the cream and slashes sugar and carbs to show off the true star ingredient—spring’s best fresh blueberries. Dig in. EAT SMART Blueberry-Stuffed French Toast French toast becomes light and lovely company food when you pile it high with fresh fruit. —MYRNA KOLDENHOVEN SANBORN, IA PREP: 35 MIN. • BAKE: 15 MIN. MAKES: 8 SERVINGS 11/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 3 Tbsp. sugar, divided 8 slices Italian bread (11/4 in. thick) 4…

Pass out the party hats—you’ve got a cake that practically sings “Happy Birthday!” Bursting with sprinkles inside and out, this is one special home-baked surprise. Confetti Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream This simple and tender cake has been celebrated in my family for years. Dressed up with tinted frosting and rainbow confetti sprinkles, it becomes pure party fun. —KAREN BERNER TASTE OF HOME CHIEF FOOD EDITOR PREP: 40 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING MAKES: 16 SERVINGS 21. cups cake flour 11/4 cups sugar 31/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 4 egg whites 3/4 cup whole milk 1 tsp. clear vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. almond extract 1/3 cup rainbow jimmies BUTTERCREAM 4 egg whites 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 11/2…

Q: Roxanne, you really captured the season on a plate! How’d you make this dish so springy and bright? A: Inspiration for this recipe came from my backyard—plus my family’s love of pork. I have my own little garden, and spring brings fresh herbs, green onions and plenty of citrus. Garlic and ginger are my favorite seasonings. Next came the idea to add tropical fruit, because the colors remind me of the warming weather. Chili sauce adds punch, and nuts lend some texture. The result is a carefree main dish my family keeps asking for. I know yours will, too! Great Grills of Fire Light the grill and gather the neighbors—your backyard is the place to be. Send in all your homemade dishes that sizzle on the grill, from appetizer…

Dive into readers’ sweep-you-off-your-feet cheesecakes. Smile big for awesome crusts (Nutter Butter, baby!), chocolate and coconut fillings...even a version made in the slow cooker. Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Cheesecake A co-worker’s bar cookies inspired this cheesecake. I tweaked my usual recipe and came up with something amazing. —JOYCE SCHAMBERGER AMBOY, IL PREP: 45 MIN. • BAKE: 50 MIN. + CHILLING MAKES: 16 SERVINGS 32 Nutter Butter cookies (16 oz.) 1/2 cup butter, melted 3 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1 pkg. (10 oz.) peanut butter chips, melted 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 eggs, lightly beaten TOPPING 2 cups miniature marshmallows 3/4 cup peanut butter 2/3 cup light corn syrup 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. vanilla extract 11/2 cups dry roasted…

Share your own recipe creations today at tasteofhome.com/submit. You could be in Taste of Home. We’re looking for your favorite original dishes, like these: BRING ON BRUNCH You really know how to say “good morning.” Send the springy recipes that wake everybody in a hurry: rhubarb-cream waffles, honeyglazed bacon, cheesy asparagus egg bake and other a.m. eats. QUICK & EASY TEX-MEX Take a Southwest food tour—right at your table. Share the speedy 6-ingredient dishes that go places, like chicken and pinto bean chili, poblano pork quesadillas, loaded steak taco salad and more Tex-Mex favorites. SPRING-FRESH PASTAS Let the sun shine on pasta night. Dish up your shrimp linguine with arugula pesto, spring onion and ham-stuffed shells, lemon-feta orzo with sweet peas and other punchy main dishes. LET’S HEAR IT for…

Decorating eggs is more fun with dark chocolate. A Pennsylvania home cook shows you how. Peanut Butter Easter Eggs Get the kids involved in making these chocolate and peanut buttery treats, well worth the sticky fingers! —MARY JOYCE JOHNSON UPPER DARBY, PA PREP: 35 MIN. + CHILLING • COOK: 5 MIN. • MAKES: 16 EGGS 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 21/3 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 11/2 cups dark chocolate chips 2 Tbsp. shortening Confectioners’ sugar icing, optional 1. In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter and vanilla until creamy. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and cracker crumbs. Shape mixture into 16 eggs; place on waxed paperlined baking sheets. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm. 2. In a…

Feed your need for adventure and load up on fascinating facts this spring break with a family trip to the Smithsonian Institution’s FOOD: Transforming the American Table 1950–2000 exhibit in Washington, D.C. Just a few of the delicious curiosities awaiting you: JULIA CHILD’S KITCHEN Yup, the same kitchen from Julia’s Cambridge, Massachusetts, home, where her cooking shows were taped. She donated the whole kit and caboodle to the museum so it’s outfitted with hundreds of her cooking implements. Don’t you wonder what was in her kitchen junk drawer? NEVER A THIRSTY MOMENT Take a gander at a 1962 Ford Falcon and its newfangled glove box with special cup rings. The rings can keep a drink upright...as long as the car is not in motion. Fast forward to 1997, when Chevrolet…

Celebrate the region’s flavors and knack for nutrition with these home cooks’ quick and easy recipes full of herbs, veggies and plenty of good taste. “Fresh shrimp, herbs, tomatoes and cheese make this good-for-you recipe really pop.”—SONALI RUDER EAT SMART FAST FIX Feta Shrimp Skillet On our honeymoon in Greece, my husband and I had a dish like this one. When we got home, I wanted to re-create the flavors. Now, making it brings back such wonderful memories. —SONALI RUDER NEW YORK, NY START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. MAKES: 4 SERVINGS 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cans (141/2 oz. each) diced tomatoes, undrained 1/4 cup white wine, optional 1 lb. uncooked…

Get your family hopping straight to the table with home-cooked traditional dishes and inspired new recipes for this yesr’s celebration. Maple-Peach Glazed Ham “We created this by trying different toppings on slices of ham, using what we had in the kitchen.” —BONNIE HAWKINS 5 INGREDIENTS Maple-Peach Glazed Ham This is one of my husband’s favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it’s so good and easy. —BONNIE HAWKINS ELKHORN, WI PREP: 5 MIN. • BAKE: 2 HOURS MAKES: 16 SERVINGS (ABOUT 2 CUPS SAUCE) 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7 to 9 lbs.) 2 cups peach preserves or orange marmalade 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup orange juice 2 Tbsp. ground ancho chili pepper, optional 1. Preheat oven to 325°. Place ham…

Gather the neighbors and throw the goods on the grill—it’s Memorial Day! Just ask guests to bring a side for your smokin’ all-American spread. EAT SMART Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers I tried to whip up a healthy veggie burger that wasn’t dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill because even my grandchildren prefer them over classic hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip on a bun! —KT REHRIG ALLENTOWN, PA PREP: 30 MIN. • GRILL: 10 MIN. MAKES: 8 SERVINGS 2/3 cup water 1/3 cup quinoa, rinsed 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 jar (16 oz.) salsa, divided 1 cup crushed baked tortilla chip scoops 2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium taco seasoning 8 whole wheat hamburger buns, split 8 lettuce leaves 8 slices…

Creamy Fresh Asparagus Soup Tangy lemon and sweet tarragon give this creamy asparagus soup a springtime flavor you’ll savor and share. PREP: 20 MIN. • COOK: 20 MIN. MAKES: 6 SERVINGS 2 Tbsp. butter 2 lbs. fresh asparagus, trimmed, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 large sweet onion, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups) 1 carton (32 oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. minced fresh tarragon or 1/4 tsp. dried tarragon 3/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel 1. In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and onion; cook and stir 10-12 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. 2. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 6-8 minutes or until…

FAST FIX Tater Tot-chos Playing with food is such a blast when you have mini Tater Tots and colorful taco toppings. Let kids customize their own for smiles all around. —ELEANOR MIELKE MITCHELL, SD START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. MAKES: 6 SERVINGS 4 cups frozen miniature Tater Tots 1 lb. ground beef 1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning 2/3 cup water 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives, optional 2 cups shredded lettuce 1/4 cup taco sauce 1/2 cup sour cream 1. Bake Tater Tots according to package directions. 2. In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until…

Celebrate National Garlic Day—it’s April 19—with these delicious odes to the best-loved bulb. Parmesan & Garlic Fries Toss 5 cups frozen fries with 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1/4 tsp. salt and 3-4 minced garlic cloves. Arrange in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 450° for 15-20 minutes, flipping once, until tender and lightly browned. Toss the fries with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and serve hot. Great Garlic Bread Combine 1/2 cup melted butter with 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese and 4 minced garlic cloves. Brush over a halved-lengthwise loaf of French bread. Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley. Bake bread at 350° for 8 minutes. Slice and serve warm. Garlic Maple Dressing Place 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup pure…

TASTE OF HOME SENIOR FOOD STYLIST Homemade Pasta Dough Go for it. Once you try homemade pasta, you’re hooked. PREP: 15 MIN. + STANDING • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS 2 eggs 1 egg yolk 1/4 cup water 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper 1/4 tsp. salt 11/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup semolina flour 1. In a small bowl, whisk the first six ingredients. On a clean work surface, mix the all-purpose and semolina flours, forming a mound. Make a large well in the center. Pour egg mixture into the well. Using a fork or fingers, gradually mix flour mixture into egg mixture, forming a soft dough (the dough will be slightly sticky). 2. Lightly dust work surface with flour; knead dough gently five times. Divide into six…

Fresh spinach packs some serious nutrients for your vision, teeth, bones, skin and plenty more. Just add sausage, a simple toss-together dressing and onions—and grab your fork. EAT SMART FAST FIX Sausage Spinach Salad Want a fast way to turn a salad into a hearty meal? Add sausage. The tangy mustard dressing also goes with smoked salmon or chicken. —DEBORAH WILLIAMS PEORIA, AZ START TO FINISH: 20 MIN. MAKES: 2 SERVINGS 4 tsp. olive oil, divided 2 fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links (3 oz. each), cut into 1/4-in. slices 1/2 medium onion, halved and sliced 4 cups fresh baby spinach 11/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. stone-ground mustard 1. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Add sausage and onion;…

Time to get cracking on those eggs you cooked up for Easter. These readers have a few ideas in their baskets. 1 Line eggs up in the middle of a meat loaf before baking. A surprise in every slice! —LOUISE CANNING CONSTANTINO PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ 2 Split and lightly toast an English muffin for Faux Eggs Benedict. Add a thin slice of ham or Canadian bacon. Layer with sliced eggs and pour on your favorite cheese sauce. Sprinkle with paprika and fresh chives. —SHARON FERGUSON VERO BEACH, FL 3 A family favorite is Goldenrod Toast. Make a standard white sauce and stir in chopped egg whites just before removing from heat. Pour over toast. Press egg yolks through a sieve and scatter them on top. —KATIE MCBRYDE SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 4…

Top ’em with sausage and gravy, smother ’em with butter and jam or sandwich ham and cheese inside—home cooks really know how to rock a biscuit. Now it’s your turn to roll out these flaky favorites. Buttermilk Angel Biscuits When I make these slightly sweet biscuits, I sometimes fold over one side of each about a third of the way for a more traditional look. —CAROL HOLLADAY DANVILLE, AL PREP: 30 MIN. + STANDING • BAKE: 10 MIN. MAKES: 2 DOZEN 2 pkg. (1/4 oz. each) active dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°) 51/4 to 51/2 cups self-rising flour 1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 cup shortening 13/4 cups buttermilk 1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, whisk…

Give it up for Mom! Readers share classic childhood recipes from the women who taught them that cooking is love. Psst, pass it on. “While I was a newlywed living in another state, I would call Mother, and she’d lead me, step by step, through recipes over the phone. I’ve returned to my hometown of Memphis and, while my cooking style has changed, being in the kitchen still reminds me of Mom and her good down-home food.” —Sandi Pichon, daughter of Maxine Haynes EAT SMART Sunday Pork Roast Mom would prepare this dish for our family, friends and guests at the three restaurants she and Dad owned. The herb rub and vegetables make it amazing. —SANDI PICHON MEMPHIS, TN PREP: 20 MIN. BAKE: 1 HOUR 10 MIN. + STANDING MAKES:…

Get to the garden patch. Spring means warming weather, beautiful buds and rhubarb recipes our Field Editors have been waiting all winter to share. It was so worth it. Pineapple-Rhubarb Jam Rhubarb, pineapple and strawberry make an awesome jam that brings back memories of living on a farm and growing my own rhubarb. —DEBBI BARATE SEWARD, PA PREP: 35 MIN. • PROCESS: 10 MIN. MAKES: 7 HALF-PINTS 5 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb (about 12 stalks) 5 cups sugar 1 can (20 oz.) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained 1/4 cup water 1 pkg. (6 oz.) strawberry gelatin 1. In a Dutch oven, combine rhubarb, sugar, pineapple and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 18-22 minutes or until rhubarb is broken down, stirring occasionally. Add gelatin; cook and…