Every year, come December 27, the holiday blues hit our household. Mama is exhausted from all that shopping and cooking. Papa is exhausted from either “A.”: Helping Mama, “B.”: Listening to Mama complain, or “C.”: Both. (In our household it’s “C”.) As far as our kids go, they will undoubtedly burn out on that new toy they “just had to have” and be whining about how they have nothing to do. While I’d love to give them an entire kitchen to clean up, I am going to fight negative attitudes with positive ones this year. Instead of cleaning the kitchen, I’m having them cook in it thanks to Safeway’s Leftover Lounge.

There are so many fun recipes to make out of remaining ingredients. My daughter will love making the Extra-Cheesy Mac n’ Cheese n’ Ham. My son will rock these Chili Turkey Wraps. My husband might even get in the act with these Garlic Lovers Turkey Enchiladas.

With all those cooks in the kitchen, I might actually be able to sit down and plan my back-to-school meals. Perhaps I’ll treat myself to Safeway’s Delivery Service (Free for first time users). Maybe I’ll enjoy a nice glass of wine – a welcomed reprieve from post-holiday whines! Now that’s the holiday spirit a mom loves! (Pun intended.) Happy New Year! And thanks, Safeway, for ringing it in with Value and Savings!

Brought to you by Safeway

If you’re anything like me, you most likely over-did it at your big holiday dinner. After all, just because Junior couldn’t finish his pumpkin pie didn’t mean you couldn’t, right? What a shame it would be to see that last piece of ham hit the trash can. And all that cooking in the kitchen? That would make any frenzied mom want to nibble for extra energy.

Two holidays are over, but New Year’s is still on the horizon. I’d like to kick off 2010 feeling as healthy as possible, and I plan on doing it with Safeway’s Leftover Lounge. Not only can I find new recipes for surplus food, but I can create some calorie-conscious items that will have me feeling fabulous at my New Year’s party.

A few of the big contenders include:

• Asian Pork and Rice Stir Fry – With left over pork from my Honey-Roasted Pork with Nectarine Kabobs, this is an easy recipe for a classic recipe.
• Savory and Simple Winter’s Day Soup: The title says it all. I’m looking forward to enjoying the last few days of my holiday decor with some cozy, home made soup.
• Quick Beef Vegetable Soup: What? This is quick? It’s got veggies in it? It’s soup which means I can warm it up as the temperatures drop? Say no more!
• Turkey Chili Verde: My whole family loves Mexican food. They also adore chili. But they’ve never eaten both together, let alone with leftover turkey. This is going to be a hit!

Leave it to Safeway to start off my New Year right. With the money I’m saving with their Leftover Lounge, I’ll really have something to toast at midnight, December 31. (And I plan on feeling darn good while doing it!)

Brought to you by Safeway.

]]> http://snagwiremedia.com/ringing-in-healthy-new-year-with/feed/ 1 http://snagwiremedia.com/old-friends-get-new-recipes-courtesy/ http://snagwiremedia.com/old-friends-get-new-recipes-courtesy/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:00:15 +0000 Andrea http://snagwiremedia.com/?p=16054

For my closet girlfriends, friendship is the real present every December. As sure as the first snow will fall, we will gather in each others’ kitchens with a steno pad and glass of wine, prepping for our big holiday meal.

Like the gifts our children expect from Santa, we busy moms will count on Safeway to deliver easy-to-make, affordable dishes that even the pickiest eater at our table can enjoy.

Some items can’t be completely put together until the day of the big feast, like this Pesto & Tomato Crostini. But other items we can completely make in advance such as:

* Honey-Roasted Pork and Nectarine Kabobs: What can go wrong with the delicious combo of citrus and meat? The fact that it’s on a skewer makes it so much more enjoyable!

* Cookies on a Stick: These colorful and delicious treats are so eye-catching. They are fun to make and will keep the kids busy while you make plans for your big holiday meal.

With so many appetizers and main course dishes to choose from, I feel confident that my table will dazzle with delicious choices for everyone. And with all the time and money I will save with Safeway, I can even decorate with these festive and fun candy cake vases. There’s other equally adorable, simple-to-construct Festive Projects to choose from as well. I just hope I don’t eat all my supplies before they’re done!

Brought to you by Safeway

With so much going on this winter season, it’s hard to slow down and enjoy the true spirit of the holidays. Simple traditions like holiday baking can be accomplished with the help of Florida Crystals® 1001 Cookie Mix. This recipe makes 10 cups of base cookie mix. Store in refrigerator so when you are ready to bake most of the work is already done. Select any of the 1001 cookie ideas to make your favorite holiday cookies.

Ease the chill of long winter days by setting aside some time to bake with the kids. Try one or all three of the ‘1001 Holiday Recipes.’ Warm and cozy memories are ready to be made, so crank up the holiday music and get started!

· 1001 Gingery Snaps – The perfect cookie recipe to spice up the season!

· 1001 Holiday Coconut Squares – A delightful holiday recipe with a tropical twist!

· 1001 Sugar Cookies – Containing four ingredients, this is the easiest cookie recipe out of the bunch!

For a grown-up dessert, try the Cherry Pie Obsession. This traditional pie is baked with a luscious cherry filling, traditionally made with fresh sour cherries. Pucker up! You’re in for a treat!

Cherry Pie Obsession

Ingredients:

Pastry for double crust 9-inch pie

2 – (1-lb.) cans red, tart, pitted cherries in syrup

3/4 cup – Florida Crystals® Organic Sugar

3 tablespoons – cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon – salt

1/4 teaspoon – almond extract

1 tablespoon – butter or margarine

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 9-inch pie pan with half of pastry.

Drain cherries; reserve 2/3 cup syrup. In medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Using a wire whisk, blend reserved syrup into sugar mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add cherries and almond extract. Bring to boil, stirring gently. Spoon filling into pastry-lined plate. Dot with butter. Top with remaining pastry. Trim and flute edges. Cut slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.

To prevent overbrowning, cover edge of pie with foil. Bake 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Quantity: 7 to 8

Quick Tip:

If water-packed cherries are used, increase sugar to 1 cup and use only 1/2 cup syrup

*Brought to you by Florida Crystals

Take some time out of your busy holiday schedule to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Better yet, wake up your taste buds with warm slices of this Cranberry Bread. Perfect to serve during the holiday mornings, these special A.M. treats can easily turn into a family tradition.

Not only is this Cranberry Bread a delicious treat, it is sweetened with Florida Crystals® Natural Cane Sugar which is grown in the USA. With less processing than traditional sugars, Florida Crystals® sugar retains more of the original flavor from the sugar cane!

Savor sips of Irish Coffee along with a few bites of luscious Cranberry Bread. Nothing brightens holiday spirits like a few cheerful treats to start off your day!

Cranberry Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups – flour
1 cup – Florida Crystals® Natural Cane Sugar
1 ½ tsp – baking powder
½ tsp – baking soda
1 tsp – salt
Juice and grated rind of 1 orange
2 tbsp – shortening
Boiling water (enough to make ¾ cup; see below)
1 egg, well beaten
1 cup – nuts, chopped
1 cup – raw cranberries, halved (may use meat grinder)

Preparation:

Sift together first five ingredients. Combine juice, rind, shortening and boiling water in a liquid measuring cup to equal ¾ cup. Add egg. Blend liquid into dry ingredients and stir until moist. Add nuts and cranberries. Pour into greased 8 ½ inch by 4 ½ inch by 3 inch pan.

Bake at 350 for 60 to 70 minutes. Cool, then serve.

Serving Quantity: 1 to 2

Quick Tip:
Makes 1 large loaf or 2 small loaves.

*Brought to you by Florida Crystals

Without fail, my husband and I invite 10 guests for holiday dinner.

Without fail, only 5 R.S.V.P..

Without fail, 16 end up at our table.

With 11 more chairs to cram around the table, not to mention 11 more mouths ready to cram holiday goodness into their bellies, my husband and I count on Safeway to pull us through. Their Exclusive 2-Hour Turkey recipe, and other easy-to-make entrees, guarantees to save us time and money in the kitchen. Their delicious array appetizers takes the guess work out of even the most eleventh-hour (and additional 11-guest) holiday feast.

Safeway’s recipes are a lot like Uncle Frank’s holiday tie collection: Fanciful, dazzling, and hard to choose just one. However, we finally narrowed down the selection to our top four easy-to-make crowd pleasers:

1. Endive Leaves with Gorgonzola and Walnuts: This is so simple to make, and yet always comes out so elegant with its delicious combo of pungent goat cheese and walnuts.

2. Skewered Tortelloni with Tomato-Basil Cream: This makes a lovely presentation and is fun for the kids to prepare in advance. Who won’t like Italian food on sticks!?

3. Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: This is a lovely twist on traditional deviled eggs. The smoked salmon gives it a lovely pink color that just might make my girl try fish!

4. Marinated Shrimp with Lemon Dill Sauce: This will be surefire hit with adults and kids alike. Who doesn’t like elegant finger food? I might even add fancy toothpicks just because.

Every December my husband and my motto is, “Expect the Unexpected.” With Safeway’s weekly specials and email savings, we can expect savings, too. Hopefully the only thing unexpected will be a new pair of earrings my husband has set under the tree for me. Or Christmas dish duty. I’ll gladly take either.

Brought to you by Safeway

Are you in charge of hosting a holiday party and only have one day to prepare everything? Don’t worry! Instead of spending your entire 24 hours in the kitchen preparing meals, try this quick and delicious Broccoli and Chicken Salad. Since it takes just 15 minutes to make, it leaves you with more time to focus on your other dishes. You can also prepare this salad in advance. The extra time will allow the broccoli and chicken to marinade and soak up all the delightful flavors of KRAFT Coleslaw Dressing.

Want some great tips to help you select the freshest broccoli and grapes? Here are a few points to keep in mind:

With broccoli you want to be sure that the stems are firm with tightly closed dark green or purplish-green buds. Avoid any bunches with yellow or open buds; this indicates that the stems are no longer fresh.

For grapes, you want to select bunches that have plump grapes which are firmly attached to their stems. Avoid red grapes that have a green tinge or green grapes that have a yellow tinge. Check to ensure that the grapes aren’t bruised, moldy, or soft.

  Broccoli and Chicken Salad

What You Need

       4      small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb.),
                cut into strips
      4       cups fresh broccoli florets
1-1/2      cups seedless red grapes halves
    2/3      cup KRAFT Coleslaw Dressing
    1/4      cup PLANTERS Sunflower Kernels

Make It

COOK and stir chicken in skillet sprayed with cooking spray for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

TOSS chicken with remaining ingredients in large bowl; cover.

REFRIGERATE at least 30 minutes.

*Brought to you by www.KraftFoods.com

If you’re feeling frenzied the last few weeks of the year, why not prepare dishes in advance to save on time and energy? Planning your meals ahead during the holidays can ease your stress. For upcoming weekend parties, potlucks, or other social gatherings try this Marinated Broccoli-Tomato Salad. The cheerful colors will brighten up your holiday table. This convenient salad only takes 15 minutes to prepare, leaving you more time to finish any last-minute errands. KRAFT Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing, sugar, and GREY POUPON are mixed together to create a pungent, zesty flavor that gives a refreshing kick to the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes.

Pressed for time? You can assemble and store this salad in your refrigerator 24 hours in advance!

  Marinated Broccoli-Tomato Salad

What You Need

   6       cups broccoli florets, coarsely chopped
   1       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
   1       cup KRAFT 2% Milk Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese Crumbles
1/2      cup thinly sliced red onions
   2       Tbsp. PLANTERS Sunflower Kernels
   1       Tbsp. poppy seed
1/2      cup KRAFT Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
   2       tsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard
   1       Tbsp. sugar

Make It

COMBINE first 6 ingredients in large bowl.

MIX remaining ingredients. Add to broccoli mixture; toss to coat.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours.

*Brought to you by www.KraftFoods.com

One of my favorite fall fruits is pears. This sweet and juicy fruit is the botanical cousin of apples and can be served raw, baked, or poached. Pears have a delicate floral taste with a soft, juicy flesh that makes it an ideal fruit to add to holiday meals. Try this Pear & Blue Cheese Salad; it’s prepared in just 3 easy steps: toss ingredients, spoon onto your plates, and drizzle KRAFT Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing. The fusion of flavors creates a light but elegant side salad that your taste buds will enjoy.

Here are a few tips on storing pears: Store unripe pears in the refrigerator up to a week or at room temperature in a bowl. To speed up the ripening process of pears, place them in a brown paper bag with a ripe banana.

  Pear & Blue Cheese Salad in 3 Steps!

What You Need

   1       bag (10 oz.) torn mixed salad greens
   2       fresh pears, sliced
   1       medium red onion, sliced
1/2      cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2      cup ATHENOS Crumbled Blue Cheese
1/2      cup KRAFT Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Make It

TOSS greens with pears, onions, pine nuts and cheese in large bowl.

SPOON onto eight salad plates.

DRIZZLE evenly with dressing.

*Brought to you by www.KraftFoods.com

Here is a quick salad that you can make during the preparation of your main dish.
This salad only takes 10 minutes to prepare and the ingredients can be found right in your refrigerator! Simplicity is the key to this light and satisfying salad which pairs nicely with both meats and poultry. Toss salad greens with grape tomatoes and KRAFT Mozzarella Cheese. Pour KRAFT Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing onto the salad and mix lightly. Be creative and customize your salad by adding your favorite salad ingredients. Here are a few ideas: slivered red onions, pitted black olives, artichoke hearts, red and green pepper strips, and strips of grilled chicken breasts… the selection of salad garnishes are endless!

  Simple Balsamic Salad for Two

What You Need

   2       cups torn mixed salad greens
1/2      cup grape tomatoes
1/4      cup cubed KRAFT Mozzarella Cheese (1/4 inch)
   2       Tbsp. KRAFT Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Make It

TOSS greens with tomatoes and cheese in bowl.

ADD dressing; mix lightly.

SERVE immediately.

*Brought to you by www.KraftFoods.com