Tailgating

Gorgeous Pfaltzgraff Football Platter

September 23, 2019 By Joi Sigers

The gorgeous Pfaltzgraff Football Platter shown here isn’t just on my gift-giving list this year, it’s at the top of my, “Buy for my own darn self” list as well.

My family celebrates any and all seasons, days and occasions as we can. What can I say? We love to eat, love to laugh, love to make a lot of noise and look for a reason to do all of the above at once.

Football season was made for families like this one!

Whether it’s college football or the NFL, weekends just become a lot more fun this time of year, don’t they?

Product Description from Amazon

This rectangular Football Platter will be a big winner on game day
Designed to look like a football field, this platter is perfect for serving your guests lunch meat and cheese, hors d’oeuvres and more
Football platter measures 17 inch long x 11 inch wide
Crafted of ceramic
Use & Care: Microwave and dishwasher safe

I’m picturing so many delicious things on this gorgeous platter…. pigs in blankets, cookies, brownies, sandwiches, chips, cheese and crackers… and, just like that, I’ve made myself hungry.

See Pfaltzgraff Football Platter for more information and a closer look. This is a beauty.

Frank’s RedHot Introduces Wingman Saucy Support Line AND a Chance to Win a Decked-Out Tailgate Truck!

September 3, 2019 By Joi Sigers

Are you as excited for the return of football as I am?! Autumn, crock-pot meals, chili, soup, Chai Tea Lattes… this is my time of year!

In celebration of the start of football season, Frank’s RedHot is kicking off #WingmanSweepstakes on Twitter. Now through September 27^th, Frank’s is YOUR Wingman! They’ll be responding to fans’ questions about tailgating (and the football and cooking life, in general, I’d imagine). When you use the hastag, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a brand new truck. Not just any truck, mind you. This truck comes with football tickets, a hot sauce fountain, a ridiculously-over-the-top blow up bottle for Frank’s RedHot, a grill, essentials for Buffalo wings (obviously), cornhole and more.
Frank’s isn’t just putting the SASS in chicken wings, they’re putting the FUN in autumn!

Best of luck… I hope one of you win this outstanding prize!

(Continued below the video….)

Press Release

Frank’s RedHot celebrated the start of football and tailgating season by kicking off the #WingmanSweepstakes on Twitter. Through September 27th, the Frank’s Wingman will be responding to fans’ burning questions about tailgating (and life) from what the brand has dubbed their “saucy support line,” while also entering them for chances to win one of four weekly prize drawings and the grand prize – a Frank’s Wingman Tailgate Truck.

This is no fantasy, it’s the real deal! As the saying goes, Frank’s RedHot urges fans to, “Put that S#!t on everything!” This time, that means a truck that comes decked out with Frank’s RedHot tailgating essentials like football tickets, a hot sauce fountain, a grill, essentials for Buffalo wings (obviously), cornhole and more – showing that Frank’s is the wingman that has your back in the most brag-worthy way.

“Frank’s RedHot is everyone’s game-day wingman, and – like a hilariously good friend – sometimes gives you bold advice,” says Alia Kemet, Creative & Digital Strategic Director with Frank’s brand. “For instance, Wingman could tell you something simple like how much Frank’s to put on your wings, or whether to bring a date that you just met to the game. The Frank’s Wingman is there by your side to support all of your saucy tailgating adventures.”

To enter, Twitter users are encouraged to tweet a question at @FranksRedHot, with the hashtag #WingmanSweepstakes, for an assist. By doing so, they will automatically be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win the Frank’s RedHot Wingman Tailgate Truck. Fans who are participating will also have the weekly chance to win mini tailgate Wingman kits equipped with a bottle of Frank’s RedHot. All entries must be sent from the account owner, and received no later than September 27, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Use of any automated method to send Entry Tweets is prohibited and will result in disqualification. No purchase necessary to participate. For full terms and conditions of the sweepstakes, visit FranksRedHot.com/sweepstakes.

As the go-to hot sauce of any game-watching event, Frank’s RedHot is the franchise player of your favorite tailgating recipes – Buffalo wings, Buffalo chicken dip, RedHot chili and more. Recipes are available at franksredhot.com/recipes.

About Frank’s: It all started back in 1920 when the first bottle of Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce was introduced. Made with a premium blend of aged cayenne peppers, Frank’s RedHot adds the perfect blend of flavor and heat to your favorite foods. Frank’s Cayenne Pepper Sauce was used as the secret ingredient in the original Buffalo wings created in Buffalo, NY in 1964. Try our family of products including the Original sauce, Buffalo Wings sauce, Queso Dip seasoning mix, Buffalo Ranch seasoning, Frozen Buffalo Wings and more. Visit www.Franksredhot.com for more information and recipes.

Frank’s is one of McCormick & Company’s brands. As a global leader in flavor, McCormick has built a portfolio of leading flavor brands that enhance people’s enjoyment of food all around the world. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings the Joy of Flavor to Life™.

Be sure to follow Frank’s on Twitter!

What Do You Get When You Combine SkinnyPop Popcorn and Melted Pink Himalayan Salt Ghee?

April 5, 2017 By Joi Sigers

SkinnyPop Popcorn with Melted Pink Himalayan Salt Ghee

A while back, a super friendly woman contacted me about doing a post on my food blog highlighting SkinnyPop Popcorn. Since it was a brand I already bought regularly, I was more than glad to help spread the word. This isn’t a sponsored post – nor did I receive any popcorn to sample. I bought my own, as I regularly do.

Let me tell you a little secret about us food bloggers… we are regularly sent food products to review (whether we’re sent the product or a voucher, we’re compensated for the time we spend telling our readers about the food). If you see one of my kind (food bloggers) giving a “shout out” to a product for which we didn’t even receive a coupon for… mark it down… it’s one we’re already buying and loving.

There are just certain “staples” you grab each week at the grocery store, right? SkinnyPop popcorn is one of my favorite staples. I regularly grab bags of their Original as well as their Sea Salt and Pepper. The Sea Salt and Pepper is actually my favorite – guess it’s because I’m a pepper fanatic, huh?

Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks, period. It’s delicious, fun to eat, doesn’t make a mess (unless you cover it with caramel or chocolate… then it’s shall we say a mess that’s worth it!), and nutritionally sound.

I almost always have a huge bowl of SkinnyPop popcorn on the table or counter – so anyone who passes by can grab a handful and crunch their little hearts out. It’s a great way to hold off the hungries until mealtime and I’d much rather my loved ones grab popcorn than greasy chips or sugar-coated snacks.

My husband and I often invite popcorn into the den when watching television in the evening or on weekends. A baseball game without popcorn? I don’t think so!

SkinnyPop Popcorn with Melted Ghee… HOLY CATS!!

I recently happened upon what is now one of my favorite things in the world: SkinnyPop popcorn with melted Pink Himalayan Salt Ghee – naturally, you can just use regular ghee and add a little Himalayan Salt at some point in the melting or drizzling process, but I’d HIGHLY recommend the ghee pictured above – 4th & Heart Grass-Fed Ghee with Himalayan Pink Salt. It’s on Amazon (what isn’t, right??) but I’ve also found it easily in Meijer’s and Kroger.

Again, any melted ghee would be fantastic, but this one is my “go to” for many things in life.

Since I first melted ghee and used it on popcorn, I’ve never used traditional butter…. and I LOVE traditional butter as much as anyone. Ghee is just perfectly perfect for drizzling on popcorn and I could go on and on about how delicious it is. That, however, wouldn’t get the point across nearly as well as if you simply try it for yourself.

You’ll be as blown away as me and, yes, you may even exclaim HOLY CATS too.

SkinnyPop Popcorn with Grated Dark Chocolate and Almonds

One of the things I like about SkinnyPop so much is the fact that it’s….

… not Microwave Popcorn. Studies have shown that the majority of microwave popcorn is horrible for you.
….. doesn’t mess up dishes or call for vegetable oil.
…. doesn’t mess up my hot air popcorn popper.

It’s healthier than most snacks, healthier than all microwavable popcorn, and it doesn’t mess up a single thing. I also love that they print Gluten Free in huge letters on the front. They’re proud to be gluten-free and that makes me smile.

While my absolute favorite way to eat SkinnyPop Popcorn is straight outta the bag (or bowl, if that’s where it’s hanging out at the time), I do like to get a little jazzy from time to time.

Keep reading for a few ways to have fun with popcorn.

SkinnyPop Popcorn with Dried Cranberries and Almonds

In addition to melted ghee (please, please try this – trust me it’s too good for its own good), below are some of my favorite ways to have fun with popcorn.

I first fell in love with pouring M&Ms into popcorn at the theater many, many, many moons ago. I was trying to hold onto a huge bucket of popcorn (I go all out with theater popcorn, guys) and a box of plain M&Ms, while freeing up a hand to control my Diet Coke – yes, I’m that girl who has buttery popcorn, candy, and drinks a Diet Coke to wash it all down. At least I used to, that is. I gave up Diet Coke but candy and popcorn? NEVER. I decided that I either had to get creative or grow a third hand. I got creative. I poured the M&Ms into the bucket of popcorn and something legendary was born. Since that day (seriously, it must have been at least 25 years ago), I always have M&Ms in my popcorn at the theater. I often do the same at home. If you buy the “Baking M&Ms” bag, you’ll get more candies for your buck – plus they’re smaller, so you get more with each handful.
Lawry’s Seasoned salt is great on popcorn – plus it gives it a funky cool color.
Grating dark chocolate or white chocolate onto popcorn is also a darn tasty way to go.
Nuts are incredibly good for you, so I like to sneak them into our meals and snacks any way that I can. Tossing pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, or pistachios into popcorn just ups the nutritional boost. Smart and delicious. I also like to toss in fried fruit sometimes. Experiment with the combinations of dried fruit and nuts for something extra special. One of my personal favorite combos is dried cranberries, almonds, and macadamia nuts. If I have any on hand, I’ll throw in some white chocolate morsels too.
Cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat) and grated lime are a great combo for popcorn. The flavors go together perfectly.

SkinnyPop Popcorn with Dried Cranberries, Almonds, and White Chocolate Morsels

You can find SkinnyPop in your grocery store or your favorite super store. I just noticed on their website that they’ve added to their line of popcorn – I’ll have to keep my eyes out for these new varieties in my store. You can also find SkinnyPop on Amazon. I’ve kind of fallen in love with ordering food along with whatever I’m ordering on Amazon. Makes delivery day even sweeter.

You can also find the 4th & Heart Grass-Fed Ghee with Himalayan Pink Salt on Amazon. It’s EXCELLENT on toast and chocolate as well as popcorn. Think I need a little popcorn with melted ghee right about now…

Flax Burger (With Carrington Farms Flaxseed)

August 13, 2015 By Joi Sigers

The recipe below is perfect for game day, tailgating, or any time you’re craving a great hamburger! Make it gluten free by serving it on gluten free buns and by using gluten free bread crumbs.

1 pound thawed ground beef, lean ground turkey or bison, veal or your favorite meat.
2 Tbs finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic minced
2 Tbs Carrington Farms Organic Milled flaxseed
2 Tbs water
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs (1 slice of bread – use gluten free bread if you follow a gluten free diet)
1 beaten egg
1 Tbs mustard
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Mix together meat, onion, garlic, flax and bread crumbs.
Lightly beat water and egg together and add to mixture. Add mustard, salt and pepper.
Cook on a grill or stove top until no pink remains (~12 mins)
Optional cheeseburgers: top with slice of your choice of cheese at end of cooking and grill or broil for about 1 min.

Servings: Makes 4 -3/4 inch thick patties or 6 -1/2 inch thick patties.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (as found in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in such oils as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help. – Read more about the health benefits of flax seed.

If you have or choose to eat gluten free, either use gluten free hamburger buns or wrap the burgers in leaf lettuce.

Photo and Recipe Credit: Carrington Farms – Find a lot more delicious and healthy flaxseed recipes on their website.

Sugared Almonds: Beautifully Delicious and Deliciously Beautiful

November 26, 2013 By Joi Sigers

Sugared Almonds (just about any nut will do)

How to Make Sugared Almonds

1 Egg White
2 tsp water
2 cups almonds (or nuts of your choice – sugared pecans are ahhh-mazing)
1/2 cup sugar PLUS 1/3 cup sugar

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. For best results, cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit your cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray.

Mix the egg white and water, then bathe the almonds in the mixture until they’re all coated. Add 1/2 cup sugar and mix well.

Spread the sugary almonds onto the parchment paper-lined pan and sprinkle them with the remaining 1/3 cup sugar.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Stir the almonds and return them to the oven. For this last 7-8 minutes, you don’t want to even think about leaving the kitchen. Park it beside the oven and keep an eye on these guys. Usually, they’ll need to cook for another 7-8 minutes, but you want to make certain they don’t over cook. Given half a chance, they’ll burn. You’re going for a golden brown appearance, but if you aren’t careful, they’ll turn too dark in what feels like seconds.

If they need to go longer than 8 minutes, again, keep your eyes on them like an over-protective mother. Fortunately, I’ve always been one of those creatures, so I’ve mastered and perfected the routine.

Remove the pan from the oven and lift the parchment paper from the pan and place on a cooling rack. Give the nuts no free reign – left to rest and relax on the cookie sheet, they will see it as their chance to burn.

A Few Nutty Thoughts:

If you’re nuts for nuts, like we are, buy them online at Oh Nuts. In a word, they’re simply perfection.
Almonds are excellent prepared this way but pecans are easily just as good. They’re not quite as crunchy, so they’d be a great choice for those who are a little older or who have sensitive teeth.
How did we ever survive without parchment paper? OK, so that has nothing to do with nuts, but does beg to be asked. It makes clean-up a breeze and makes your pans last a lot longer.
Sugared Nuts are great snacks during ballgames, favorite TV shows, or just any time you want a snack. They’re extra pretty during the holidays.
These would make wonderful gifts! Put them in a pretty jar with a lid, tie with a festive ribbon, and there you go.
Sugared nuts are great on ice cream, brownies, and as cake toppings.

Sweet Italian Sausage Pretzel Sliders

October 2, 2013 By Joi Sigers

Sometimes the simplest things can be the most delicious things. I made a pot of Tortellini soup yesterday and wanted something a little different than garlic bread to accompany it. I had a package of DELICIOUS Sister Schubert’s Soft Pretzel Rolls in the freezer and a package of Sweet Italian Sausage in the refrigerator. As for cheese, I ALWAYS have a great variety of cheeses on hand because I’m something of a cheese fanatic.

I baked the rolls according to the directions on the package, crumbled up and fried the Italian Sausage (hot Italian Sausage would also be delicious – if you can handle the heat), and put the two together with a shredded Italian cheese blend.

They were phenomenal, disappeared quickly, and left us all wishing I’d doubled the recipe.

These little cuties would be great for tailgating or gameday snacks. If you were to drizzle little thin lines with sour cream, mayo, or even a thin icing you could even make passable footballs (see what I did there?).

++++ You’ll have left over sausage, even if you PACK the sliders like I did. We just threw the leftover crumbles into our soup. Refrigerating leftover Italian sausage and throwing it into omelets or scrambled eggs the next morning is also a delicious option.

Common Grilling Mistakes

July 3, 2013 By Joi Sigers

Just in time for 4th of July grilling, this infographic gives you handy grilling tips and advice that’ll have you grilling like a champ! At the bottom of the infographic, you’ll even find links to more advice and tips. Basically, they’re going to hook you up with everything you need to wow your family and friends this weekend and every weekend after that.

Have a fun, delicious, and safe 4th of July!

Source : JES Restaurant Equipment

G.H. Cretors Popped Corn: Addictively Delicious, and No Gluten!

April 17, 2012 By Joi Sigers

The wonderful people at G.H. Cretors Popped Corn sent me bags of what can only be described as Popped Corn Heaven. Although they, in the process, created a couple of brand new addictions in my family, I am forever indebted to them for their kindness, generosity, and stoopidly delicious popped corn.

I guess you can tell that this G.H. Cretors Popped Corn review is going to be a ridiculously positive one.

I’m a bit of a Kettle Corn addict, to begin with, so the first bag I tore into was the G.H. Cretors Kettle Corn. If you aren’t familiar with Kettle Corn, let me lay it on the line for you: Kettle Corn is what all popcorn would be if it had a choice. Kettle Corn is so additively delicious that you’ll find yourself going at it with both hands. G.H. Cretors has the best Kettle Corn I’ve ever tasted – and, believe me, I’ve been around the Kettle Corn block a million times. Okay, a billion times, but who’s counting? At times, while deliriously throwing in G.H. Cretors Kettle Corn in, I forget to breath – let alone chew.

I keep reminding myself, “Pace yourself. No one’s taking it away from you.”

At one point, my husband (a new Kettle Corn addict – unaccustomed to its power) handed me the bag and told me, “Put it away before I kill myself.” Oh I put it away all right.

From G.H. Cretors:

Today we make our Kettle Corn just like Great Grandpa did – with four simple, natural ingredients: popcorn, sunflower oil, cane sugar, and sea salt. That’s all it takes to bring you the perfect combination of sweet and salty – the tastiest fluffiest popcorn – with a little surprise in every kernel. From our kitchen to yours, enjoy!

All Natural…Naturally!

No artificial flavors or colors
No gluten ingredients
We use natural sweeteners
We use locally grown Non-GMO popcorn
Just four simple ingredients

G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix

Equally delicious is G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix Popped Corn. Hold onto your seat for this one. This is a delicious mixture of Cheddar Cheese popped corn and Caramel popped corn. My youngest daughter Stephany loves this particular variety so much I seldom see her without a bag in hand. I can’t blame her, whatsoever, because this mix is out of this world.

Although I’m obsessed with cheese popped corn, oddly enough I’ve never been much of a caramel popped corn fan. For some reason it’s just too sticky for my taste. I realize that some people live for that sticky caramel texture, but I’m not into it. I was THRILLED that G.H. Cretors caramel popped corn doesn’t have that traditional stickiness. Somehow it keeps all the caramel flavor without making your teeth feel sticky and weird.

I love it for that.

From the Website:

Today we make our Caramel Corn just like Great Grandpa did- in old-fashioned copper kettles, one batch at a time. Then we mix it up the Chicago way, with our rich, creamy, Aged Cheddar Cheese Corn to create the perfect combination of Sweet and Salty. You don’t even have to come to Chicago to try this special treat. From our kitchen to yours, enjoy!

All Natural…Naturally!

We use Brown Rice Syrup
No artificial flavors or colors
No gluten ingredients
Made with fresh creamery butter
We use natural sweeteners
We use locally grown Non-GMO popcorn

G.H. Cretors has the following varieties of Popped Corn:

Kettle Corn
Chicago Mix (Cheddar and Caramel)
Cheddar
Caramel
Caramel Nut Crunch

Each of these varieties should come with warning labels – these people know their popped corn like no one else.

G. H. Cretors Popped Corn is available on Amazon:
In addition to Amazon, G.H. Cretors is available in many stores across the U.S. We don’t have any such stores in my area, so Amazon will be my source of deliciousness. Click HERE for the store locator.

Caramel Corn Recipe

November 29, 2011 By Joi Sigers

This recipe is from a favorite old cookbook in my collection, Southern Living 1988 Annual Recipes (Southern Living Annual Recipes). Try it, you’ll absolutely love it and your family will sing your praises through their sticky teeth.

Caramel Corn

Vegetable Cooking Spray
6 Quarts popped corn
1-1/2 cups pecan halves
1-1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1-1/2 cups raw peanuts
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coat 2 large roasting pans with cooking spray. Combine popcorn and pecans in pans; set aside.

Combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and peanuts in a large saucepan; bring to a boil, and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in soda and vanilla.

Pour mixture evenly over popcorn mixture. Stir with a lightly greased long-handled spoon until popcorn is well coated. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and immediately pour onto waxed paper, breaking it apart as it cools. Store in airtight containers.

Yield: 6-1/2 Quarts

Tailgating Recipes for the Win!

August 18, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Two of my favorite things in the world: Denver Broncos Football and Taste of Home Magazine.

As a college football and basketball fanatic, I’m always excited to see the calendar inch toward fall. As an NFL fanatic, I’m especially excited this year – you never know how much you love something until you think you’re going to lose it. I mean my Denver Broncos may have had a few (few?) disappointing years but where would I be without them?!

All fall sports fans know the rules:

you’re team is always NUMBER 1, even when they’re nowhere close
to not wear your team’s colors is a total violation
each game day is a holiday
you have to, have to, have to provide outrageously delicious food… come on, who doesn’t have great food on holidays?!

Usually, each August I begin scoring the world for great tailgating and game day recipes. I look high, I look low, I search the far corners of the world. Exhausting.

This year, one of my favorite magazines of all time, Taste of Home, is saving me the wear, tear, and mileage. They’ve compiled an outstanding issue filled with recipes that’ll make your game day and tailgate parties the talk of the entire state. They were cool enough to mail me a copy of this wonderful issue so I could see for myself how great it was before recommending it to my readers. They ended up being even cooler than I expected because they sent along a bonus magazine that I’ll tell you about in an upcoming post.

Here’s what you can expect in the August/September Issue of Taste of Home:

Fantastic in 5 – Contest Winners (p.63)
For its annual Shortcuts issue, Taste of Home challenged its massive network of home cooks to submit their best recipes featuring just five ingredients. The resulting recipe guide offers cost-conscious and speedy dishes that are test-kitchen-certified to be as delicious as they are streamlined. With imaginative recipes like Caramelized Fennel Tarts, Orange-Pecan Salmon and White Chocolate Brie Cups, readers can bypass the grocery cart, fill only a small shopping basket and have a dinner on the table in no time.

Chop, Chop! (p.41)
The Taste of Home Test Kitchen put food processors to the test to determine which of these time-saving appliances came out on top. Check out this guide to see which processors we fell in love with. We also give you insider tips for getting the most out of your appliance and some processor-friendly recipes such as Over-the-Top Cherry Jam and Thin Crust Pizza Dough.

Paradise Is Paved – Tailgating Secrets Revealed (p.20)
It’s no secret that tailgaters take their food very seriously. But the secrets revealed in this feature story are tried and tested tailgate tips from some undisputed tailgating professionals across the country like Joe Cahn, the official “Commissioner of Tailgating,” who has been on the road for 15 years perfecting his craft. A tailgate menu guide with recipes like Fired-Up Polenta Shrimp Rounds, Steak Teriyaki Quesadillas, Mini Pear Crisps and Baja Chicken & Slaw Sliders will have you second-guessing the typical tailgate fare of hot dogs and chips.

RoadFood: Everything and The Kitchen Sink (p.77)
Taste of Home’s “RoadFood” columnists, Jane and Michael Stern, traversed the country in search of delicious “kitchen sink” creations celebrated by America’s cooks and restaurants. Taste of Home readers provided their own recipes for hearty, rustic and boldly flavorful one-pot dishes like Southwest Frito Pie and Fresh and Spicy Cioppino.

Across the Table from Jamie Oliver (p.86)
Join third-generation chef and Food Revolution leader Jamie Oliver as he sits “Across the Table” to answer questions about his must-have kitchen gadget (his speed peeler), his favorite meat dish (a pork shoulder roast), his sweet tooth solution (organic dark chocolate), his advice on healthy eating and getting kids started in the kitchen and more.

PLUS: There’s always room for more
Sip, Splash, Nosh – Don’t miss the fabulous summer drink and snack recommendations (p.29), perfect for making the most of the remaining days by the poolside.
Sunday Dinner – Take a cue from Italian traditions and invite extended family members to Sunday night dinner (p.32). With amazing recipes like Roasted Pepper Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Family-Favorite Pasta Sauce, Three-Cheese Garlic Bread and Marvelous Cannoli Cake, you won’t have to do much convincing to bring a crowd together.
Homegrown Chefs – Hear the extraordinary stories of young chefs who got started in the kitchen early and haven’t looked back (p.46). Kids like Tom Reynolds set aside video games and started cooking and baking, much to the surprise and delight of their parents. Check out Tom’s recipe for incredible Spanish Beef Hash.

Even if you aren’t into football, college basketball, game days, or tailgating (I’ve heard of people like that), you’ll FLIP over the great recipes in the August/September issue of Taste of Home. For example, there’s a recipe for Four-Cheese Baked Ziti that I can’t wait to try. They have it paired with a great looking salad with Buttermilk Dressing.

Here’s their recipe for Buttermilk Salad Dressing:

Combine 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 cups 2 percent cottage cheese, and 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 2 3/4 cups.

Other recipes that made it to my MAKE THIS MONTH list are:

Rice Stuffed Pork Chops
Buttery-Onion Corn on the Cob
Loaded Flank Steak
Baja Chicken & Slaw Sliders (you should see these!!!)
Steak Teriyaki Quesadillas
Sweet & Tangy Pulled Pork
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups
Mini Pear Crisps
Grilled Veggie Tortillas

The rest of the recipes? They’ll just have to wait until next month. Maybe.

There’s also a cool section on making and taking deli-quality sandwiches and wraps in your lunch box. These honestly look more delicious than any deli or fast food sandwiches could ever hope to look. The Hummus & Veggie Wrap Up has my name all over it and the Bistro Beef Sandwich would make my husband weak in the knees.

Taste of Home Issues are more than just excellent recipes, though -which is one of the reasons I’ve always loved the magazine so much. They’re about community – a community of like-minded individuals who are determined to keep the joy of cooking alive and well. They’re also about family – very, very much about family! You’ll always find outstanding recipes and tips for bringing your family together, while creating memories that each person will hang onto forever.

You’ll frequently find health and nutrition news as well as product reviews, contests, and just general fun.

In this particular issue, for example, their “Health Briefs” include the newest findings on Soy, and a quick & simple five step (“High Five”) plan to prevent childhood obesity and keep your kids healthy and fit.

Grab the August/September issue of Taste of Home today!

Gorgeous Pfaltzgraff Football Platter