Friday, 26 April 2013 06:23

Written by Administrator

0 Comments

Article sponsored by DealnBid FREE Online Auctions

(Family Features) It’s time to break out of your ordinary lunch routine and make boring turkey sandwiches a thing of the past. With a few innovative tricks, you can turn any regular sandwich into a delicious and satisfying meal.

Versatile and delicious, a sandwich is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re sitting down with the family or packing for a lunch on the go. And you don’t have to be a professional chef to take a classic sandwich and turn it into a tasty meal. Try these simple tips and recipes to help boost your creativity in the kitchen:

—There are things better than sliced bread: Give your sandwich a makeover by piling your favorite fixings on a better bread option, such as focaccia or whole wheat pita. The sky’s the limit — try waffles for a sweet and savory treat.

—Embrace open-face: Load the toppings on each slice of bread, then pop the two sides into the toaster oven to toast the bread and melt the cheese.

—Smart substitutions: Lose the calories, but keep the taste of your favorite BLT by using new Hidden Valley Bacon Ranch sandwich spread instead of mayo — you’ll get all the same flavor with a third of the calories.

—Repurpose your leftovers: Make extra meat and vegetables for dinner, and use them for tomorrow’s lunch by placing leftovers between two pieces of your favorite bread.

—Turkey sandwiches don’t have to be boring: Add walnuts, avocado or apple slices to jazz up a childhood favorite.

—Go veggie: For the perfect Meatless Monday, try a sandwich on whole wheat bread with slices of avocado and tomato, topped with your favorite cheese — an instant vegetarian masterpiece.

For more ways to turn a sandwich into something unexpectedly craveable, visit. http://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/details/?detail=Products.

Italian Wraps

Makes: 1 serving

Prep time: 15 minutes

            1/2       cup shredded rotisserie chicken

            1/2       cup finely sliced spinach leaves

            1/4       cup shredded mozzarella cheese

            1          tablespoon finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

            1/2       teaspoon chopped fresh basil

            2          tablespoons Hidden Valley Oven Roasted Garlic

                                    Parmesan Sandwich Spread & Dip, or more to taste

            1          10-inch sun-dried tomato basil wrap

Stir together chicken, spinach, cheese, tomatoes, basil and sandwich spread. Spoon onto wrap and spread to edges; roll up. For entertaining, slice into 1-inch pinwheels.

Turkey Panini

Makes: 1 sandwich

Prep time: 10 minutes

                        Olive oil

            2          slices sourdough sandwich bread

            1          tablespoon Hidden Valley Country Herb Ranch

                                    Sandwich Spread & Dip

            2          slices (2 ounces) oven-roasted turkey breast

            1          slice (1 ounce) cheddar cheese (Havarti cheese

                                    as alternative)

            2          tablespoons (about 1/4 pepper) roasted red

                                    bell pepper, cut into strips

                        Arugula or lettuce leaves, optional

For best performance in panini maker, brush outside of each slice of bread with olive oil. Spread other side of bread with sandwich spread. Top with turkey, cheese and pepper strips. Close sandwich and cook for 4 to 5 minutes in panini maker or on griddle, until cheese is melted. If desired, pull open and add lettuce before serving.

Spicy Pork Sandwiches

Makes: 4 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

                        Vegetable oil

            1/2       cup thinly sliced yellow onion

            1/2       cup diced green bell pepper

            1          pound lean pork strips, thinly sliced

            1/4       cup Hidden Valley Spicy Chipotle Pepper

                                    Sandwich Spread & Dip

            4          sandwich buns

In large nonstick skillet, stir-fry onion and pepper in oil for 5 minutes. Add pork and cook for 5 more minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in sandwich spread. Serve spicy pork mixture on buns.

Salmon Pita

Makes: 2 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

            6          ounces fresh salmon fillet, cooked and chilled

                                    (about 1 cup flaked) or 1 pouch (5 ounces)

                                    ready-to-eat premium wild caught pink salmon,

                                    skinless and boneless

            2          tablespoons minced shallot or red onion

            2          tablespoons minced celery

            1          teaspoon fresh lemon juice

            1/4       cup Hidden Valley Oven-Roasted Garlic Parmesan

                                    Sandwich Spread & Dip

            2          pita pockets

            1          slice iceberg lettuce, optional

Flake salmon; stir in shallots, celery and lemon juice. Add sandwich spread and gently stir to combine. Fill pockets with salmon mixture and lettuce slice.

Article sponsored by DealnBid FREE Online Auctions

Wednesday, 20 March 2013 16:05

Written by Administrator

0 Comments

Article sponsored by Malandra’s Martial Arts

(Family Features) Gathering the entire family around the table for meals or snack time is a great way to stay connected and enjoy time together. You can keep that family time fun by mixing up the menu and preparing quick and tasty meals together.

Here are some easy ways to bring smiles to the table every day:

—Make breakfast together. Whether it’s PB & J French Toast on a weekend morning or topping everyone’s favorite cereal with fruit before school, there are plenty of delicious ways for the entire family to rise and smile. And working together to put some breakfast magic on the table makes it even more special. Kids can spread peanut butter and jelly, wash fruit, set the table or help pour milk and juice.

—Serve something unexpected. Use familiar ingredients in unexpected ways. These recipes, for example, take Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal out of the bowl and into some tasty treats like Creamy Orange-Vanilla Squares or Rainforest Chewy Bars. Made with whole grains, and two unique granolas with real Greek yogurt, it adds a crispy, tangy element the entire family will love. Cereal can also be used in meatloaf and casseroles, and as breading on baked chicken fingers or mozzarella sticks.

—Get creative with snack time. Change up the usual snacks for something different. Chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, yogurt parfaits, or these Caramel Balls are all kid-friendly snacks that little hands can help make.

You can find more smile-worthy recipes at www.honeybunchesofoats.com.

Rainforest Chewy Bars

Total Time: 10 minutes

Makes: 24 servings

            1/4       cup honey

            2          tablespoons butter

            1          10-ounce package marshmallows (about 36 marshmallows)

            6          cups Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal

            1          cup dried apricots, raisins or dried cranberries chopped

            1          cup almonds, chopped

            1/2       cup sunflower kernels

Microwave honey and butter in large microwaveable bowl on high 1 minute; stir until well blended. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed; stir until well blended.

Add remaining ingredients; mix well.

Press cereal mixture firmly into greased 13x9-inch pan. Cool. Cut into 24 bars.

Caramel Balls

Total Time: 15 minutes

Makes: 7 servings

            20        caramels

            1          tablespoon water

            2          cups Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal, divided

Microwave caramels and water in medium microwavable bowl on high 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until caramels are completely melted.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cereal. With hands slightly moistened with cold water, shape cereal mixture into 21 small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.

Crush remaining 1/2 cup cereal; place in shallow dish. Roll cereal balls in cereal until evenly coated.

Tip: If kids help out in the kitchen, teach them about food safety. In addition to washing hands thoroughly before starting, make sure long hair is pulled back. When shaping food by hand, caution children not to lick their fingers or put their hands in their mouths during preparation.

PB & J French Toast

Total Time: 25 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

            8          slices whole wheat, white or cinnamon raisin bread

            1/4       cup peanut butter

            3          tablespoons strawberry jam

            2          eggs

            2          tablespoons milk

            2 1/2    cups Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, crushed

            2          cups sliced fresh fruit, such as strawberries and/or bananas

            1          tablespoon sifted powdered sugar

            1/2       cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spread each of 4 bread slices with 1 tablespoon peanut butter and about 2 teaspoons of jam. Cover with remaining bread slices to make 4 sandwiches.

Break eggs into shallow dish. Add milk and beat with wire whisk for 30 seconds. Place crushed cereal in pie plate. Dip each sandwich into egg mixture, then into cereal, turning to evenly coat both sides. Press cereal gently into bread to secure. Place on lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half; top with fruit. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with syrup.

Creamy Orange-Vanilla Squares

Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Makes: 16 servings

            2          cups Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal, divided

            1/4       cup (1/2 stick) margarine, melted

            1          8-ounce package Neufchatel cheese, softened

            1          cup sugar

            2          eggs

            2          tablespoons flour

            1/4       teaspoon baking powder

            1          tablespoon grated orange peel

            1/4       cup fresh orange juice

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spray 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray; set aside. Place 1 3/4 cups cereal in food processor; process until finely crushed. Mix with margarine; press onto bottom of prepared pan. Set aside.

Beat Neufchatel cheese and sugar with electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in flour, baking powder, orange peel and juice; pour over crust.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cereal; press gently into top of dessert to secure. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Cut into squares to serve. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Special Extra: Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons powdered sugar just before serving.

Article sponsored by Malandra’s Martial Arts