Taste of Home April - May 2017

Poor peas. Pushed around plates, cagily dropped for the dog, they get a bad rap at the table. Well, I think they’re delicious, and so do my kids. Peas have been their go-to veggie since they were sprouts—one of Jess’ first table foods and Jackie’s most-requested TV snacks. I remember watching the girls follow their grandma in her garden, eagerly waiting for her to pop freshly shelled green morsels into their mouths, dirt and all. It’s nice that they like them, because these legumes pack a big nutritious punch. Lowfat, high-fiber peas are chock-full of vitamins —A, B1, B6, C and osteoporosis-fighting K— and are a major source of vegetable protein. Isn’t it time to give ’em a chance? Peas Please Asian Noodles My Asian-inspired pasta salad doubles up on…

GET SOCIAL! HOT ON FACEBOOK Our fans couldn’t pass up Mama’s Potato Salad from Sandra Anderson. Like us for big helpings of fun. facebook.com/tasteofhome HEY, INSTAGRAMMERS! Visit @tasteofhome on Instagram to feast your eyes on photos and videos of scrumptious recipes like Carolyn Henderson’s Sausage Manicotti. GET PINSPIRED Hop on over to our Easter Treats Pinterest board to get loads of ideas for baskets, brunches and more. tasteofhome.com/eastertreats SHORT & TWEET Deliciousness in 140 characters. twitter.com/tasteofhome Spring Greens Tell us how you make the most of vibrant greens with spinach pasta salad, gingery bok choy stir-fry, a baby kale smoothie and more. Share Your Story We want to hear what makes your spring celebrations shine. Is it making the ultimate breakfast in bed for Mom? How about that annual trek…

For all crusts: Once you mix the crumbs, transfer to an ungreased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. Press onto the bottom and up the sides. Bake at 350 degrees. PRETZELS Mix 2 3/4 cups crushed pretzel sticks with 3/4 cup melted butter and 1/3 cup sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes. CAP’N CRUNCH Crush about 4 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal in a zip-top bag to make 2 3/4 cups crumbs. Mix crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter. (No sugar is needed.) Bake 10-12 minutes. SALTINES Crush about 60 saltine crackers to make 2 3/4 cups crumbs. (You’ll need about 1 1/2 sleeves of crackers.) Mix crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Bake 15-18 minutes. TEDDY GRAHAMS Crush enough Teddy Grahams to equal 2 3/4 cups crumbs. (Use most…

Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans I was under doctor’s orders to reduce the amount of sodium I was eating, but I just couldn’t part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments, I came up with this potluck favorite, and now everyone’s happy! —Sherrel Hendrix, Arkadelphia, AR Prep: 10 min. + soaking • Cook: 8 1/2 hours • Makes: 12 servings (1/2 cup each) 1 pkg. (16 oz.) dried great northern bean 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1/2 lb. each) 2 cups water 1 medium onion, chopped 2 tsp. garlic powder, divided 2 tsp. onion powder, divided 1 cup barbecue sauce 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 2 tsp. hot pepper sauce, optional 1. Rinse and sort beans; soak according to package…

Salsa Dipper Deviled Eggs Chips and salsa are an all-time favorite on taco night, but add them to fun deviled eggs and it’s an instant fiesta! —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Food Editor Takes: 20 min. • Makes: 12 servings 6 hard-cooked large eggs 1/4 cup salsa 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1 green onion, finely chopped Dash each salt and pepper 12 tortilla chips Additional chips and salsa, optional 1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks; set whites aside. In a small bowl, mash yolks. Add salsa, mayonnaise, onion, salt and pepper; mix well. Spoon into egg whites; refrigerate. 2. Just before serving, place a tortilla in each egg half. If desired, serve with additional chips and salsa. Per serving: 79 cal., 5g fat (1g sat. fat), 93mg chol., 93mg…

TEST KITCHEN BEST EVER TASTE OF HOME The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Here’s my tried-and-true version of scalloped potatoes. I slice them extra thin and toss them in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Then, to make them the greatest potatoes around, I sprinkle the top with fresh-made bread crumbs that get nice and crispy in the oven. Make room for these at all your family get-togethers. —Aria Thornton, Taste of Home Prep Cook Prep: 40 min. • Bake: 75 min. + standing Makes: 10 servings 4 Tbsp. butter 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 tsp. ground mustard 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups whole milk 1 block (12 oz.) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided 1 block (4 oz.)…