Tags Posts tagged with "Let’s Eat"

Let’s Eat

Sweet Potato Salad

By Heidi Sutton

When warm temperatures arrive, few people want to spend extra hours in the kitchen whipping up elaborate meals. Many would rather be outside enjoying the great weather. That is why sandwiches, barbecues and picnic fare are so popular this time of year. What accompanies these outdoor foods? If you guessed salads, you’d be correct. 

Potato salad is one such food that turns up regularly this time of year in many shapes and forms. Traditional potato salad is delicious, but it may not be so great for health-conscious individuals, as it’s typically swimming in mayonnaise. Change the flavor profile and even the nutritional benefits with this sweet potato version or try this lighter version featuring Greek yogurt in the dressing. 

Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Salad

Recipe courtesy of ‘Vegan Cooking for Beginners”

Sweet Potato Salad

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

4 cups cubed, peeled, cooked sweet potatoes (about 4 to 6)

3⁄4 cup chopped green onions

1⁄2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1⁄2 cup dried tart cherries

1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (you can also use white distilled vinegar, cider vinegar  or lemon juice)

2 tablespoons coarse mustard

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Combine sweet potatoes, green onions, parsley, and cherries in a large bowl; gently mix. Whisk vinegar, mustard, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well blended. Pour over sweet potato mixture; gently toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Greek Yogurt Potato Salad

Recipe courtesy of Pitchfork Foodie Farms

Greek Yogurt Potato Salad

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold)

6 hard-boiled eggs

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

3⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

1⁄2 teaspoon celery seed

1⁄2 teaspoon dried dill weed 

1⁄2 cup dill pickles, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Peel and dice potatoes and boil until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool to room temperature. Add Greek yogurt, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, celery seed, and dill weed to a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. You can taste test to see if you need to add ingredients.

Add cooled, diced potatoes, pickles and hard-boiled eggs. Gently stir until potatoes are coated with dressing. Adjust seasonings to taste. Add a splash of milk if too dry. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 

Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding

By Heidi Sutton

Celebrate America with sweet dessert favorites that don’t call for wasting a sunny day in the kitchen. Single-serve solutions like Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches are perfect for sharing with guests, whether you’re hosting a pool party or calling over loved ones for a backyard barbecue on the Fourth of July.

Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 box (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

3 cups cold milk

1 package (16 ounces) peanut butter sandwich cookies, divided

12 canning jars (1/4 pint each)

2 to 3 bananas

Frozen whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS:

In large measuring cup, whisk pudding mix and milk until thoroughly combined. Set aside to soft set, about 5 minutes. Cut or break six cookies in half and set aside. Pour remainder of package in 1-gallon bag, seal it and use rolling pin to crush cookies.

Spoon layer of cookie crumbs in bottom of each jar, reserving some for topping. Top with layer of vanilla pudding. Cut one banana in half lengthwise and slice. Put layer of bananas on top of pudding. Top bananas with another layer of pudding. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, top with whipped topping and sprinkle with crushed cookies. Serve each with broken cookie half.

Note: Twelve 1/4-pint canning jars fit into disposable foil lasagna pan with clear lid for easy refrigeration and transportation.

See video on how to make this recipe here.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

24  fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (about 3 inches in diameter), cooled

1 1/2 cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter

1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

chopped peanuts, for topping

mini chocolate chips, for topping

toasted coconut, for topping

DIRECTIONS:

On 12 cookies, top sides down, spread layer of peanut butter. Add one scoop of ice cream to each. Create sandwiches by topping with remaining cookies. Roll edges of ice cream in chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut, if desired. Place on baking sheet in freezer and freeze until firm. Serve slightly frozen.

See video on how to make this recipe here.

Blueberry-Pecan Scones

By Heidi Sutton

This weekend, wake up the family with the delicious smell of blueberry-pecan scones baking in the oven or make these scrumptious Blueberry Cake Donuts for dessert.

Blueberry-Pecan Scones

Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light Magazine

Blueberry-Pecan Scones

YIELD: Makes 10 scones

INGREDIENTS: 

1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons grated lemon rind

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Cooking spray

1 large egg white, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gently fold in blueberries and pecans. Add milk mixture, stirring just until moist (dough will be sticky).

Turn dough out onto a floured surface; pat dough into an 8-inch circle. Cut dough into 10 wedges, and place the dough wedges on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush egg white over dough wedges; sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.

See how to make this recipe here.

Blueberry Cake Donuts

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Blueberry Donuts

YIELD: Makes 2 dozen regular donuts, 48 mini donuts

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup cake flour

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt, divided

2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

1 cup buttermilk

2 cups blueberries

2-4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, whisk cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda and baking powder. In large bowl or stand mixer bowl, beat butter, sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs and yolk; mix until creamy. Alternate adding buttermilk and flour mixture until blended. Remove bowl from stand mixer, add blueberries and stir until combined.

Fill piping bag with batter. Fill mini donut pan cavities about halfway. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool completely. In medium bowl, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, milk, remaining salt and remaining vanilla extract. Add additional 1 to 3 cups powdered sugar until mixture reaches desired thickness. Dip cooled donuts in glaze and place on wired rack to drip off excess.

Substitution: If cake flour isn’t available, measure 1 cup all-purpose flour and remove 2 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch.

See how to make this recipe here.

Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

By Heidi Sutton

This Father’s Day, go ahead and shower dad with some love straight off the grill. You can make the day even more memorable by sharing the experience together. Grilled skewers keep the whole family happy and come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick and healthy meals without the hassle. Serve with a side salad and rice for a satisfying feast.

Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Recipe courtesy of Perdue Farms

Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

YIELD: Makes 4 skewers

INGREDIENTS: 

1 can (6 ounces) pineapple juice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 lime, zest and juice only

1 tablespoon sugar

1 package diced chicken breast

1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 16 chunks

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 16 chunks

4 metal skewers or 8 wooden skewers (12″)

DIRECTIONS:

In bowl, whisk pineapple juice, vegetable oil, lime juice and zest, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add diced chicken breast, cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Thread alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple and red bell pepper onto skewers. Discard remaining marinade. Heat lightly greased grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill kebabs 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken feels firm to touch and a meat thermometer inserted in the center reaches 165 F. Remove kebabs from grill, rest 2-3 minutes and serve.

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers

YIELD: Makes 4 skewers

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound small potatoes

1 bunch broccoli

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 1/2 lemons, juice only

3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In large, microwave-safe bowl, microwave potatoes on high 5 minutes. Chop broccoli into large pieces. Add broccoli and shrimp to bowl once potatoes are steamed. Add lemon juice, thyme and olive oil; evenly coat potatoes, shrimp and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Build skewers and grill 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat, until shrimp is cooked through.

Note: If using wooden skewers, soak in water 30 minutes to keep skewers from burning on grill. If using metal skewers, remember chicken will cook faster because metal will conduct heat and cook chicken cubes from inside along with grill heat cooking chicken from outside.

Lemon Bars

By Heidi Sutton

While lemon and lime are traditional summer flavors, you can add a little extra to your gatherings — from picnics and brunches — with these refreshing and flavorful desserts. Quick and easy to make, these Lemon Bars feature a soft crust and a tangy, sweet filling topped with powdered sugar while these Lime Cheesecake Bars are rich and creamy with just the right amount of tartness.

Lemon Bars

Recipe courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Lemon Bars

YIELD: Makes 32 to 36 bars

INGREDIENTS: 

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups, plus 3 tablespoons, all-purpose flour, divided

1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus for topping

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

3/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup light cream, half-and-half or milk

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350° F. Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil; allow overhang. Grease foil with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt. Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Press mixture into bottom of baking pan. Bake 18-20 minutes.

To make filling: In medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, remaining flour, lemon zest, lemon juice and light cream. Pour filling over hot crust. Bake 15-20 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Grasp foil overhang and lift from pan. Cut into bars. Sprinkle powdered sugar over bars before serving.

Lime Cheesecake Bars

Recipe courtesy of Eagle Brand

Lime Cheesecake Bars

YIELD: Makes 18 to 20 bars

INGREDIENTS: 

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

7 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 egg yolk, beaten

1/3 cup flaked coconut, packed

2 (8-ounce) packages plain cream cheese, softened

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup lime juice

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400°F. With mixer fitted with flat paddle, combine flour and sugar; add butter and egg yolk; blend until combined. Mix in coconut. Press dough evenly into bottom of greased 13×9-inch glass baking dish. Bake 12 to 14 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs; mix until just combined. Stir in lime juice. Pour batter over baked crust. Once oven has cooled to 350°F, bake 17 to 22 minutes or until center is set. Cool. Cover and chill 2 hours before serving.

Shrimp Pad Thai

By Heidi Sutton

Seafood is a healthy addition to any diet. Whether it’s fish, mollusks or crustaceans, seafood tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat than meat- or poultry-based protein sources, and it may be rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. 

Shrimp, in particular, is a type of seafood that many people enjoy because it’s not as fishy as other offerings. Try these recipes for Shrimp Pad Thai and crisp and tasty Shrimp Cakes for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice

Recipe courtesy of Success Rice

Shrimp Pad Thai

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 cup bean sprouts

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped

4 lime wedges

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside. In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil. Quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve. Add remaining oil to wok over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked. Add reserved sauce and rice; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine.

Divide pad Thai between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Shrimp Cakes with Honey Lemon Aioli

Recipe courtesy of Robin Miller

Shrimp Cakes with Honey Lemon Aioli

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound cooked shrimp, tails removed

1⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1⁄4 cup diced red bell pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1 large egg

1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper

4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Honey Lemon Aioli:

1⁄2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon zest

DIRECTIONS:

Place the shrimp in a food processor, and pulse on and off until coarsely chopped. Add the breadcrumbs, bell pepper, chives, egg, salt and pepper and pulse on and off until blended. Form the mixture into four patties, each about 1-inch thick. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp patties, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

To make the aioli, whisk together all the ingredients until blended and spoon over shrimp cakes.

Frozen Mixed berry Pie

By Heidi Sutton

Memorial Day celebrations should stress-free and these no-bake desserts will give you plenty of time to attend a parade and spend time with family and friends. Fast and fabulous recipes like these assemble in minutes. Here are some delicious choices, courtesy of Eagle Brand.

Fresh Fruit Cream Cheese Pie

Fresh Fruit Cream Cheese Pie

YIELD: Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS: 

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 9-inch frozen deep-dish pie crust, baked

Fresh fruit (blueberries, strawberries, bananas*)

Seedless red raspberry jam

DIRECTIONS:

Beat cream cheese in large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Pour into baked pie crust. Refrigerate 3 hours or until set. Arrange fruit on top of pie. If coating berries, stir jam until smooth. Brush berries with jam and serve. Dip the bananas in lemon juice before placing on pie to keep them from turning brown. Do not coat with jam.

Frozen Mixed Berry Pie

Frozen Mixed berry Pie

YIELD: Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS: 

1  can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)

1/2  cup lemon juice from concentrate

1 1/2 to 2  cups assorted fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.)

4 cups frozen light whipped topping, thawed

1 graham cracker crumb crust (9 inches)

DIRECTIONS:

In large mixing bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until well combined. Mix in berries. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into crust. Freeze 5 hours, or until set. Let stand 30-40 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired. Freeze leftovers.

Lemon Raspberry Ribbon Pie

Lemon Raspberry Ribbon Pie

YIELD: Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS: 

1 (10-ounce) package frozen red raspberries, thawed

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)

1/2 cup lemon juice from concentrate

Yellow food coloring if desired

2 cups (1 pint) whipping cream, stiffly whipped

1 (9-inch) pastry shell, baked

Fresh raspberries for garnish, optional

DIRECTIONS:

In small saucepan, combine raspberries and cornstarch; cook and stir until thickened and clear. Cool 10 minutes. Chill thoroughly, about 20 minutes.

In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and food coloring if desired. Fold in whipped cream. Spread one-third lemon mixture into prepared pastry shell; top with raspberry mixture then remaining lemon mixture.

Chill thoroughly. Garnish as desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie

Frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie

YIELD: Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS: 

2  squares (1 ounce each) semi-sweet baking chocolate

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)

1/4  cup creamy peanut butter

1 tub (8 ounces) frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed

1  graham cracker crumb crust (9 inches)

DIRECTIONS:

In large mixing bowl, melt chocolate squares in microwave for 15 seconds, or until completely melted. Add sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter to melted chocolate; mix well. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into crust. Freeze 6 hours. Garnish as desired. Freeze leftovers.

Chimichurrie Chickpea Salad

By Heidi Sutton

With spring and warmer weather comes salad season, offering a perfect canvas for creating refreshing meals centered around tasty greens, juicy tomatoes and chickpeas. A rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, chickpeas are high in protein and makes an excellent replacement for meat in many vegetarian and vegan dishes. Give your salads an update and create tasty meals fit for the season like this Chimichurri Chickpea Salad and Mediterranean Orzo Salad, courtesy of Culinary.net.

Chimichurri Chickpea Salad

Chimichurrie Chickpea Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup fresh cilantro

2/3 cup fresh parsley

2 tablespoons dried oregano

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2/3 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chickpeas, drained

1 bag baby kale mix

1  cup cherry tomatoes, diced

1 medium avocado, diced

4 tablespoons Avocado Ranch Dressing

DIRECTIONS:

In food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse until sauce is smooth. 

Place chimichurri sauce in small bowl with chickpeas; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, if possible. 

Divide kale, tomatoes and avocado between four bowls. Top each bowl evenly with marinated chickpeas. Drizzle with avocado ranch dressing and serve.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups cooked orzo

2 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced

3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup arugula

1/4 cup pitted Kalamata and green olives, cut in half

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/3 cup Garlic Vinaigrette & Marinade, plus additional for serving (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

In large bowl, combine orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, olives and feta cheese. Toss with vinaigrette. Serve with additional vinaigrette, if desired.

Mixed Berry French Toast

By Heidi Sutton

Don’t let Mother’s Day pass by as just another day on the calendar. Make this year’s celebration a true ode to the moms in your life with some extra special touches.

Give her flowers

Flowers are a timeless Mother’s Day gift for a reason. They provide pops of color on dining room tables, kitchen counters, end tables or even nightstands. Consider mom’s favorite spot in the house and place them within eyeshot for a frequent reminder of how much she’s appreciated.

Create a personalized card

Add a special final touch to an already memorable morning with a thoughtful card and handwritten message. Get the kids involved and create a card from scratch with construction paper, colored pencils, markers and more for a homemade gift she’ll cherish. If you didn’t fall from the artistic tree, don’t fret — a store bought card means all the same when paired with a heartfelt message that conveys your love.

Give her the day off

Whether she’s the culinary expert of the home or cooking is usually a team effort, make sure her morning is one of rest and relaxation while you handle kitchen duties from prep to cleanup. There may be no better way to start Mother’s Day than serving Mom some breakfast in bed. A homemade meal before Mom even gets out of bed can set the right tone for a day that celebrates all mothers have done and continue to do for their children.

If Mom loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home is sure to please.

Mixed Berry French Toast

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

6 large eggs

1 3⁄4 cups fat-free milk

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed

1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened mixed berries

2 tablespoons cold butter

1⁄3  cup packed brown sugar

Confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients. Place bread cubes in a 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake French toast, covered, 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with syrup.

Apple Ricotta Crepes

By Heidi Sutton

There’s perhaps no better occasion to show off your kitchen skills than Mother’s Day, a perfect opportunity to turn the tables on mom and let her relax while you handle cooking duties. A homemade breakfast — or better yet, letting her sleep in for brunch — is a sure way to win her over and show how much you care.

Show your delicate side by working up a batch of Apple Ricotta Crepes, which require a soft touch to cook the light, silky batter to golden perfection. This rendition of the beloved thin pancakes calls for a ricotta spread and apple-cinnamon topping for a delightful pairing of savory and sweet.

If a full Mother’s Day celebration is on the menu, something a bit heartier may be required. A frittata provides the best of both worlds, as it’s a filling meal that’s also easy to make — just let the oven do the work. This Apple, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata is no exception as it calls for a handful of everyday ingredients you can whisk together in a cinch. While it’s in the oven (about 30 minutes, give or take) you can put the finishing touches on your last-minute decorations and handwritten cards.

Apple Ricotta Crepes

Recipe courtesy of Envy Apples

Apple Ricotta Crepes

YIELD: Makes 12 crepes

INGREDIENTS: 

Crepes:

1 cup flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1cup whole milk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

butter, for cooking

Ricotta Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 lemon, zest and juice only

2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste

Apple Topping:

butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 apples, sliced or cubed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

salt, to taste

maple syrup

 DIRECTIONS: 

To make crepes: In bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Add milk, eggs and vanilla then, using whisk, combine thoroughly. Mixture should be silky smooth. Refrigerate.

To make ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and sugar, mix well and set aside.

To make apple topping: In pan over medium heat, heat butter and brown sugar until bubbly and golden. Add apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, to taste; cook over medium-low heat until apples are soft. Turn off heat and finish with maple syrup.

In nonstick pan over medium-low heat, melt small amount of butter. Add one ladle crepe batter, cook until bubbles form, flip and cook until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. Stack crepes to keep warm and soft.

Spread ricotta mixture thinly onto crepes and fold into quarters. Top with apple mixture and serve.

Apple and Goat Cheese Frittata

Recipe courtesy of Envy Apples

Apple and Goat Cheese Frittata

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

6 eggs

1 teaspoon hot sauce

2 teaspoons kosher salt

20 turns fresh cracked pepper

1/4 cup whole milk

1 small apple, diced

1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped

4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper and milk until well combined. Stir in apples, tomatoes, goat cheese and chives until well combined. Using 1/3 measuring cup, spoon frittata mixture into oven-safe large skillet or 9-by-9-inch pan. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are set. Let cool slightly then serve.