Tag Archive | holiday recipes

Pasta Salad

Jun30
Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad

Perfect for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or to tote to your favorite picnic spot, this pasta salad is a tasty twist on tradition.

By adding a splash of the liquid from a jar of marinated artichoke hearts, it’s easy to boost flavor in the vinaigrette. And you can use store-bought Italian dressing in place of making the vinaigrette, if desired.

Pack into a Mason jar and attach a fork for a fun and convenient way to savor this summer salad.

Check out The Daily Meal’s 12 Perfect Picnic Recipes for Your Next Outdoor Get-together  including this recipe for Pasta Salad. Enjoy!

PASTA SALAD

1 (16-ounce) package rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 (7.5-ounce) jar quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained, chopped and reserving 2 tablespoons liquid
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 pound sliced provolone cheese, cut into strips
1/4 pound sliced Genoa salami, cut into strips
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 (3.8-ounce) can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Begin cooking rotini according to package directions.

Meanwhile, prepare vinaigrette. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons reserved artichoke liquid, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and pepper; whisk until well blended. In a large bowl, combine provolone cheese, salami, onion, pepper, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Drain rotini; rinse with cold water and drain again. Add rotini to cheese and salami mixture; drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day in advance. Makes 12 servings.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons by Cynthia O’Hara

May9

Packed with DIY Ideas, Holiday Recipes, DIY Recipes, DIY Cooking, and more, The Harried Housewife’s forthcoming book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons, will be available September 19, 2017. Pre-Order Sale Price!

Cooking, Baking, and Making book by Cynthia O'Connor O'Hara

#1 New Release!

Here are some ideas featured in Cooking, Baking, and Making:

* Host a springtime luncheon and include recipes like Herbed Cucumber Tea Sandwiches and Smoky Bacon Deviled Eggs. Present these tasty tidbits on Tiered Serving Platters made with dishware you already have, or with dishes bought from the dollar store.

* Enjoy an alfresco get-together during summer with seasonal recipes like Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Burgers and Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa. Make a pretty and practical Frozen Ice Bucket to chill a bottle of wine; serve wine in glasses decorated with unique Wine Charms that you’ve made for guests.

* Chase away the chills during the cool months of autumn with hearty bowls of Corn and Crab Chowder. Buy pot holders from the dollar store and use fabric glue to embellish them with autumn-inspired decorations. Use Embellished Pot Holders for handling the chowder and serve on No-Sew Placemats that are made from fabric remnants.

* Gather with those near and dear during the winter holidays and savor a taste of the season with Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes. Entertain with ease by setting up a Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Assorted Toppings Martini Bar. Give tasty gifts to those you love such as Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe.

* Make Custom Coffee Mugs and fill with coffee beans; place in festive gift bags and decorate with personalized Salt Dough Gift Tags—which also can be used as Christmas tree decorations.

 

 

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

May8
Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

DIY recipes like this one that make good use of sliced fresh strawberries, a touch of strawberry jam, and a splash of prosecco help make every occasion extra special.

Ideal for spring and summer celebrations, these refreshing strawberry cocktails are brimming with effervescent goodness. Whether it’s to honor Mom on Mother’s Day, to sip during the warm months, or whenever you need impressive holiday recipes, these vibrant cocktails are sure please.

So raise your glass and toast to crowd-pleasing cocktails overflowing with a fresh taste of the season. Cheers!

STRAWBERRY JAMMER COCKTAILS

2 cups sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Prosecco, chilled
Fresh strawberry slices (optional)
In a blender or food processor, combine sliced strawberries, jam, sugar, and lemon juice; process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard seeds. Divide puree into six champagne glasses; slowly add prosecco. Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Feb12
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

If you would like to whip up a sweet treat for your Valentine but are short on time, then this quick to prepare recipe is for you.

By simply microwaving chocolate chips, stirring in a touch of shortening and then dipping strawberries into the melted goodness, a decadent dessert with a touch of elegance is ready to serve.

Make it extra special by pouring a couple glasses of champagne to share with your beloved. Classy flutes like these Oneida Compose Flutes are perfect for romantic occasions and make it easy to celebrate any time of the year.

So when it comes to wishing your sweetheart a Happy Valentine’s Day, it’s as simple as a glass of champagne and handmade chocolate covered strawberries. Cheers!

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

16 large strawberries
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Rinse strawberries; pat dry. Place chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup; microwave until melted. Stir in shortening. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate; place on prepared baking sheet. Let stand until set, 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing drinkware and serveware

Loaded Chili

Jan15
Loaded Chili

Loaded Chili

Loaded Chili 2

Loaded Chili

Looking to serve a crowd and score big points at the same time on Super Bowl Sunday? Then make a pot of hearty chili for the big game and you’ll be a surefire winner.

Just right for any get-together, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be ready to serve in less than an hour. Ladle chili into sturdy bowls like these Chef’s Table Soft Square from Oneida and set out dishes of assorted toppings so hungry fans can add what they like.

When it comes to tackling what to make for the Super Bowl, this recipe is sure to score a touchdown. Enjoy!

LOADED CHILI

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup jarred medium tomato salsa or Fresh Tomato Salsa
1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 (15- to 16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15- to 16-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (4-ounce) can fire roasted diced green chiles
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Regular or light sour cream
Regular or reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
Sliced scallions
Corn Chips
In a large saucepan, combine ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until beef browns and onion is tender, 7 to 9 minutes, stirring frequently. Drain fat. Stir in salsa, undrained stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced green chiles, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, scallions, and corn chips. Makes 8 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing dinnerware

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Dec18

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Gather your loved ones, stir up a creamy concoction, and savor a cup of spiked eggnog punch brimming with old-fashioned goodness.

The tradition of sharing eggnog with those near and dear originated in England centuries ago. Served in small cups known as noggins, the rich beverage was spiked with a variety of alcoholic beverages. The custom continues today, and is made easier and safer, by simply picking up cartons of pasteurized eggnog from the supermarket instead of making it from scratch.

Just in the nick of time for holiday celebrations, this quick to prepare recipe for Spiked Eggnog Punch is a luscious crowd-pleaser. And using this Anchor Hocking Presence 18 piece Punch Bowl Set to serve guests adds a vintage touch to the celebration. The cups may be attached to the bowl for style and practicality—and will encourage them to have a cup of cheer.

So go ahead and indulge with family and friends in a festive potion that’s mingled with seasonal flavors. After all, this is a luscious way to celebrate the time-honored taste of the holidays.

And if you like this recipe, you’ll love the following scrumptious treat for Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes. Easy to make and filled with the flavor of the season, this mouthwatering dessert is perfect for celebrating the Yuletide. To get the recipe, order a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes

 

SPIKED EGGNOG PUNCH

2 (1/2 gallon) cartons regular or light eggnog
2 cups rum, brandy, or whiskey
Freshly grated nutmeg
Fresh, lightly whipped cream

In a large punch bowl, combine eggnog, brandy, and freshly grated nutmeg. Ladle into cups; top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of fresh-grated nutmeg. Makes 24 servings.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and serveware
Food Styling by Cynthia O’Connor O’Hara