Taste of Home August/September 2024

Say goodbye to those lazy days of summer. This time of year is a busy one with kids heading back to school (which also means amped-up extracurricular activities) and parents settling back into a routine. No more laid-back dinners … fast and simple is where it’s at! Get the day started with any of the speedy breakfast skillets in our “Rise & Shine” feature (page 23). They’re sure to keep your family energized and full until lunchtime. And before you head out the door in the morning, turn to page 54 and “Rock That Crock” with a quick-to-fix slow-cooker supper. Each recipe requires less than 20 minutes of prep time! Also, the one-dish meals in our “Bowls of Bliss” feature (page 46) are loaded with protein, grains and veggies for…

Sammies Stack Up Don’t give cold sandwiches the cold shoulder! You’ll come to love this lunchtime fave again with recipes like Club Roll-Ups, Chicken Caesar Wraps and Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas. Heading out to a football tailgate with friends? Cobb Salad Sub is perfect for making and taking when cooking for a crowd, and Smoked Salmon Egg Salad puts a tasty spin on a speedy standby. When you want something a little lighter, try colorful Fresh Veggie Pockets. Make Some Kitchen Magic! With Easy Everyday Cooking, you have at your fingertips over 400 fast, flavorful options for every type of meal, any time of day. You no longer have to compromise taste and nutrition for convenience, thanks to these make-ahead meals, 5-ingredient dishes, one-pot dinners and more. Order yours today…

STEP 1: COMBINE THE DRY INGREDIENTS In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a whisk helps eliminate any clumps. STEP 2: COMBINE THE WET INGREDIENTS In another bowl and with another whisk, beat eggs, oil and all three extracts until eggs are completely broken up. STEP 3: COMBINE THE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Be sure to stop stirring when no flour streaks remain. STEP 4: FOLD IN THE EXTRAS Using a rubber spatula, fold grated zucchini, crushed pineapple and chopped nuts into the batter until the ingredients are evenly dispersed. STEP 5: ADD BATTER TO PANS Divide the batter evenly among 3 pans. With a rubber spatula, mini offset spatula or the back of a spoon,…

FRUITS & VEGGIES Our board features fresh blueberries, clementines and grapes, plus dried banana chips. And don’t forget the baby carrots and celery sticks! SHAPE UP Use a mini cookie cutter to cut out cute shapes from slices of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. HAM PICKLE PINWHEELS In a food processor, combine 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, cubed, 1⁄4 lb. Genoa salami and 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish; cover and process until blended. Spread over 7 deli ham slices. Remove stems and ends of 14 to 21 okra pickles. Place 2 or 3 okra pickles down the center of each ham slice. Roll up tightly and cover. Chill for at least 2 hours. Cut into 1-in. pieces. OTHER IDEAS Fill in with other treats like yogurt-covered raisins, animal crackers, graham crackers,…

TASTY MARINATED TOMATOES Thickly slice 3 large or 5 medium fresh tomatoes. Arrange in a large shallow bowl. In a jar, combine ⅓ cup olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 tsp. salt, optional, ¼ tsp. pepper, ½ garlic clove, minced, 2 Tbsp. chopped onion, 1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley and 1 Tbsp. minced fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil; cover tightly and shake well. Pour over tomato slices. Cover and refrigerate for several hours. Makes 8 servings. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, GA Perfect Post-Workout A study published by the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that the antioxidants in tomatoes can improve overall recovery and help offset the breakdown of protein levels that occur when exercising. Tomatoes are also chock-full of sodium and potassium, which can aid in…

1. An inclined ramp means they’re never too old for couch cuddles. Collapsible Dog Ramp $92 chewy.com 2. Prevent neck and back strain with a raised bowl for easy eating. Elevated Dog Bowl $13 target.com 3. Liquid supplements promote mobility and heart health. 8-in-1 Flavor Infusions $28 zestypaws.com 4. Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with a cushy bed designed to soothe achy, stiff joints and relieve sensitive pressure points. 3-Sided Bolster Orthopedic Pet Bed $40 tractorsupply.com 5. Arthritis can cause a decrease in paw grip, making it hard to find traction on slippery floors. Stop the sliding with sticky-grip socks. Dog Socks for Hardwood Floors $10 walmart.com…