Fun Spring Meringues #SpringSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #SpringSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to help in the creation of the #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.
The fun continues with more recipes from our #SpringSweetsWeek bloggers! Don’t forget to scroll down to enter our giveaway.

Fun Spring Meringues melt in your mouth. Candy sprinkles top delicate meringues with white chocolate bases. Spring green, sweetened coconut grass adds a delicious edible base.

Fun Spring Meringues

Fun Spring Meringues nestled in green coconut grass, resemble Easter eggs hiding in the grass.

Special thanks to Sprinkle Pop and Adams Extracts for being Silver Sponsors for #SpringSweetsWeek !

These cuties make a great table decoration for Easter or any spring occasion. You can shape the meringue more like petals for a sweet floral display.

Meringue bakes at very low temperatures so your Sprinkle Pop sprinkles won’t melt or lose their shape. Pretty cool right?

Sprinkle PopsSprinkle Pop has many assortments to choose for occasion.

You can find what you need on their Sprinkle Pop Shop website.

Connect with them on social media for news, offers, recipes and promotions:

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The green coconut grass is thanks to Adams Food Coloring.

Spring Meringues with Adams

Adams Food Coloring is all natural, free from artificial dyes. These colors work a bit different than other food coloring. You can achieve similar results by experimenting with intensity and blending colors.  Very cool! Bunny approved!

Learn more about Adams Extracts on their website

Connect with Adams on social media for more ideas, news and recipes:

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Spring Meringues

Spring Meringues
Fun Spring Meringues

Fun Spring Meringues

Fun Spring Meringues

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Yield: 24

Serving Size: 1 each

Fun Spring Meringues

Ingredients

  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (I use Adams Extracts)
  • 2/3 cup sugar (super fine works best)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 bag white chocolate melts (I used orange ones)
  • 1 2-ounce package Sprinkle Pop sprinkles (I used an Easter mix)
  • 1 cup sweetened coconut
  • 1 teaspoon green food coloring (I used Adams Extract)

Instructions

  • Whip egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and beat into soft peaks.
  • Gradually add sugar a little at a time. Totally beat in before adding more sugar. Continue until all sugar is incorporated and stiff peaks form.
  • Pipe or drop meringue onto silicone lined baking sheet. Sprinkle on sprinkles. Gently press if necessary.
  • Bake at 250 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Turn off oven and let meringue set using residual heat.
  • Remove set meringues totally cool before transferring to parchment lined plate.
  • Melt chocolate and allow to cool slightly before dipping meringue bottoms.
  • Color coconut with food coloring. Arrange in desired tray. Add meringues.

Notes

Add cooling time.

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#SpringSweetsWeek

#SpringSweetsWeek

Thursday #SpringSweetsWeek Recipes

Time to enter our giveaway!

Learn more about the prize pack here!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Swiss Diamond, Nancy’s Yogurt, Barlean’s, Sprinkle Pop, PEEPS, Melissa’s Produce, and Adams Extracts for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Six (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry.

Posted in #SpringSweetsWeek, candy, chocolate, coconut, Easter, What's For Dinner? | Tagged | 33 Comments

Beef Barley Skillet Dinner

This post is sponsored by Certified Angus Beef® Brand in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.

Beef Barley Skillet Dinner serves steak, barley and vegetables as a quick, one pan meal. Great for busy weeknights.
Beef Barley Skillet Dinner

My Beef Barley Skillet Dinner is also healthy and economical.
Lean beef makes healthy and delicious recipes.
Here’s some facts about lean beef.

  • A 3 o.z. serving of lean beef is about 150 calories
  • Nearly half of the daily value for protein which helps build strong muscles
  • Less than 10 grams of fat per serving, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat
  • Less than 95 mg of cholesterol
  • delivers iron and B-vitamins to help satisfy you and maintain a healthy weight
  • Research suggests that eating lean beef can also improve cholesterol levels.

Barley is also nutrient dense. It’s very good source of molybdenum, manganese, dietary fiber, and selenium, and a good source of copper, vitamin B1, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, and niacin.
Together with carrots, onion, peppers and garlic you have a sure fire delicious, nutritious one pan dinner your family will love!

Beef Barley Skillet Dinner

I used petite sirloin steaks to make this meal. Other cuts to use are top round steaks, strip steak or eye round steak.


Whichever cut you choose, remember to make it Certified Angus Beef ® brand. I get the best selection at Weis Markets.

Here’s why I choose Certified Angus Beef® Brand.

CAB logo

The Certified Angus Beef ® brand supports local farmers and ranchers in small communities across the country. It has a tradition of excellence spanning over 40 years. The brand offers amazing flavor in every bite.

  • The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is the world’s first brand of beef, established in 1978.
  • Premium Certified Angus Beef ® brand steaks, roasts, ground beef and deli meats are available around the world at only the best grocery stores and steakhouses.
  • The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is headquartered in the rural community of Wooster, Ohio.
  • The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is more selective than USDA Choice and Prime. Each cut must meet 10 exacting standards for quality. It’s beef of unrivaled flavor, juiciness and tenderness.
  • The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is known for its marbling – the little white flecks of flavor that ensure the tastiest, most tender and juiciest cuts of beef.
  • Their family ranchers raise not just “Angus” beef, but the #BestAngusBeef .

cowboys

Not sure where to find Certified Angus Beef ® brand? Find restaurants or grocers in your area: certifiedangusbeef.com/buy/

Follow Certified Angus Beef® brand on social media for news, contests, recipes and more including live Facebook events!
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Beef Barley Skillet Dinner

Beef Barley Skillet Dinner

Beef Barley Skillet Dinner

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Beef Barley Skillet Dinner

Ingredients

  • 1 12-ounce petite sirloin steak (I use Certified Angus Beef® Brand)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 sliced green onions
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 4 springs fresh thyme
  • 1 cup quick cook barley

Instructions

  • Season steak with salt and pepper. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil. Sear to brown steak on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove browned steak and rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips. Reserve juices.
  • Add green onion, carrots and broccoli to pan. Saute 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic and red peppers. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Return steak slices and juices to pan. Add broth and thyme and bring to a boil.
  • Stir in barley. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes until steak is cooked and barley is tender.

Notes

Other cuts to use are Certified Angus Beef® Brand top round steaks, strip steak or eye round steak.

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Join the conversation with other beef and recipe enthusiasts, and get great tips and tricks in the Certified Angus Beef ® Kitchen Facebook group. See you there!
Certified Angus Beef Brand Kitchen

Posted in #bestangusbeef, #steakholder, barley, beef, casserole, skillet, What's For Dinner? | 1 Comment

Blueberry Shortbread #SpringSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #SpringSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to help in the creation of the #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.
Blueberry Shortbread
Welcome to #SpringSweetsWeek 2019 hosted by Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures! What better way to celebrate the coming of spring than with food and a fun giveaway? 30 bloggers from around the country have come together to share over 100 sweet recipes perfect for spring!  Get ready to ditch your hats, coats, and snow boots and get ready for some delicious sweet treats like cupcakes, cookies, sweet breads, and cocktails!

Our #SpringSweetsWeek sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes. Thank you so much Swiss Diamond, Dixie Crystals, Nancy’s Yogurt, Sprinkle Pop, Adams Extracts, Barleans, Melissa’s Produce, and PEEPS® for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway below and would love if you would take a moment to read about it and what you can win!

Today’s sponsor spotlight on my blog goes to Swiss Diamond Cookware.
This beautiful 3.2-quart saucepan has that famous nonstick finish. The lid is vented for adjusting steam! Learn more about this saucepan here.
Making the blueberry sauce for my Blueberry Shortbread was a breeze in this pan. Heat gets distributed evenly so less stirring an better cooking!
Connect with Swiss Diamond on social media:

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  • Blueberry Shortbread
    Blueberry Shortbread serves classic flaky cookie-like biscuit topped with blueberry coulis and whipped cream.
    Swiss Diamond

    The shortbread is actually made as two layers of dough baked with butter between the layers.

    Blueberry Shortbread
    I’m a big fan of those flaky layers! Strawberry Shortbread is so much better than the sponge cake version. Those little cups are good and convenient but nothing like homemade shortbread.
    shortbread

    When the shortbread cools, separate the layers, add blueberry filling, second shortbread then more blueberry on top. Don’t forget the whipped cream!

    Blueberry Shortbread

    Blueberry Shortbread

    Blueberry Shortbread

     

    Blueberry Shortbread

    Blueberry Shortbread #SpringSweetsWeek

    Prep Time: 15 minutes

    Cook Time: 30 minutes

    Total Time: 45 minutes

    Yield: 6 to 8 servings

    Serving Size: 1 piece

    I used and recommend a Swiss Diamond saucepan for the coulis.

    Ingredients

      filling
    • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • shortbread
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 3 tablespoons shortening
    • 1/3 cup milk
    • 2 tablespoons butter cut into 1/4-inch pieces

    Instructions

      filling
    • Bring blueberries, lemon juice, sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often. Cook until sauce starts to thicken. Cook additional 5 to 10 minutes until coulis thickens.
    • shortbread
    • Preheat oven to 450. Grease and flour a 6-inch cake pan.
    • Cream together flour, sugar, baking powder. Add milk and mix into a soft dough. Divide dough into 2 pieces.
    • Press one piece of dough into prepared pan. Dot with butter pieces. Top with second piece of dough.
    • Bake at 450 for 12 to 15 minutes until firm.
    • Cool on rack. Separate layers.
    • Add blueberry coulis to bottom layer. Add second layer and top with more couli and whipped cream if desired.
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    Thanks go out to Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks  and  Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures for hosting #SpringSweetWeek event!

    #SpringSweetsWeek

    Monday #SpringSweetsWeek Recipes

    On TO THE GIVEAWAY!!!

    Check out the amazing prizes you can win in our #SpringSweetsWeek Giveaway!

    Prize #1:   Swiss Diamond Cookware is giving one winner an XD Nonstick 6 Piece Newlywed Kitchen Kit!  Swiss Diamond’s 6-Piece XD Newlywed Set is the ultimate nonstick cookware collection, with a pot or pan for nearly every recipe you can think of! Nothing conducts heat more efficiently than diamonds, and combined with the extra-thick cast aluminum body, these pans have amazingly even heat distribution. With this superior heat retention, they sear ingredients as well as stainless steel, but without the messy cleanup. The XD nonstick coating releases so well, you can cook anything without a drop of oil or butter.   This set includes a 9.5″ fry pan, an 8″ fry pan, a 2.2 quart saucepan with lid, and 5.5 quart soup pot with lid.

    Swiss Diamond® International dates back to 1974, when HORT Coating Center SA was founded in Sierre, Switzerland, as a scientific research company exploring new materials and surface coatings. Fast forward a few years to 2001, when a revolutionary nonstick coating suitable for use on cookware was developed, which led to the creation of Swiss Diamond® International SA. Visit https://www.swissdiamond.com/ for delicious recipes and the best nonstick cookware around.

    Prize #2:  Dixie Crystals is giving one winner the Wilton Ultimate Cake Decorating Tools Set!   What better way to decorate your cakes made with Dixie Crystals sugar then to use this decorating set?  A blue and white rectangular organizer caddy has 4 see-through drawers and 2 top compartments for holding tips, plus slots on the side to hold spatulas.  Included in the caddy are 263 pieces including piping tips, a practice board, decorating bags, straight and angled spatulas, flower nails and an icing comb. There’s also a lot of handy fondant tools including a roller, cut-out sets, impression mats, modeling tools, shaping foam and a fondant smoother. It’s a cake decorators dream!

    Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. Our pure cane sugar products are all natural, non-GMO and provide consistently delicious results.   Visit www.dixiecrystals.com for hundreds of recipes, holiday ideas, great ways to get kids baking in the kitchen, and plenty of baking videos.

    Prize #3:  Melissa’s Produce is giving one winner an Organic Family Produce Box.  This box contains 100% organic fruits and vegetables including kale, cucumbers, apples, pears, lemons, oranges, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and so much more!  It’s easy to get in your five servings of fruits and vegetables with this fun produce box.

    Joe and Sharon Hernandez founded Melissa’s Produce with a decade of produce industry experience in a small, rented produce warehouse lunchroom. The original office had just three telephones and four chairs.  In a few short years the company would grew to occupy a newly renovated and expanded 280,000 square foot office and warehouse complex.  The Melissa’s brand is named after Joe and Sharon’s daughter, who takes an active role in the company.  The company’s Food Service Division has become a full-service operation that supplies culinary professionals with staples, exotics and Melissa’s full line of organic produce.  Visit https://www.melissas.com to find the best fruits, vegetables, gifts, and to get tasty recipes!

    Prize #4:  Nancy’s Yogurt is giving one winner a fabulous Nancy’s Yogurt tote bag full of fun items!   One winner will receive a tote bag stuffed with coupons for free Nancy’s Yogurt products, a super cute T-shirt, recipe cards, and Post-Its.  It’s everything you need to learn more about Nancy’s Yogurt.

    Chuck and Sue Kesey opened Springfield Creamery in Oregon in 1960 right after they got married.  For the first decade they focused on bottling glass jugs of milk for home delivery and school lunches.  Nancy Van Brasch Hamren joined the Creamery in 1969 and shared her recipe for making yogurt.  Nancy’s became the first yogurt sold in the United States to contain live probiotics.  In 1999 Nancy’s Yogurt began distributing to all 50 states.  Today there are nearly 60 employees and Springfield Creamery makes over 100 cultured dairy and soy products.   To learn more about Nancy’s Yogurt, the products they sell, and how they make their products visit https://nancysyogurt.com/.

    Prize #5:  PEEPS is giving one winner a gift card to PEEPS® & Co.  The winner can choose from a variety of delicious PEEPS® & Co candy items as well as apparel.  They even have fun gifts like throw blankets, slippers, plush bunnies, and socks.   The choice is yours!

    Just Born, the company that makes PEEPS® & Co., was founded in 1923 in New York and moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1932.  Just Born got its name when founder, Sam Born, proudly displayed in his store window an evolving line of daily-made candy, declaring them “just born”.  Today we enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet colored sugar and fluffy marshmallows that create the unforgettable taste experience of PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Candies.  Visit https://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/ to buy PEEPS® & Co. candy, gifts, and apparel.

    Prize #6:  Barlean’s is giving one winner a bottle of Seriously Delicious Omega-3, Extra Strength Ideal CBD Hemp Oil, and a bag of Super Seeds.    Seriously Delicious Omega-3 is a tasty way to add Omega-3’s to your diet without a fishy after taste.  The Extra Strength Ideal CBD Hemp Oil is made from US grown hemp, contains no artificial ingredients, has a natural mint flavor, and is gluten free, vegan, and is known to promote health and to keep people resilient to changes in their environment.  Super Seeds are a delicious way to add antioxidants and Omega-3’s to your morning oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt.

    Barlean’s believes that people can make a difference in the world through ordinary purchases. They are on a mission to make premium natural supplements and functional foods that feed the mind and body and using our profits to support outreach programs for people in need, both locally and around the world.  Visit www.barleans.com to learn more about their products, community, and where you can purchase their products.

    Prize #7:  Adams Extract is giving one winner four of their amazing extracts and a set of their food colors.   The extracts include Pure Almond Extract, Pure Vanilla Extract, and Pure Lemon Extract.  The winner will also receive Adams Best Twice as Strong Vanilla which is awesome to bake with.

    John A. Adams began making and selling his Green Plant Sarsaparilla extract in 1888 in Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1905, he moved his family to Beeville, TX.  Working with just $6.71 worth of materials on top of an old icebox, John A. Adams created a new formula for vanilla.  His wife tested it by whipping up a cake and announced, “John, this is the BEST flavoring I have ever used.” “Well, that’s old man Adams BEST,” he responded. The name stuck, and Adams Best was born!  Today, Adams manufactures and markets under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, and many more.   To learn more about Adams Extract, to shop their products, or to find delicious recipes visit https://www.adamsextract.com/default.aspx.

    Prize #8:  Sprinkle Pop is giving one winner six fabulous sprinkle mixes from their Easter collection!   The sprinkle mixes include Hangin’ with my Peeps, Bewitched, Signature, Green Tea, Cottontail Confetti, and Egg Hunt.  These fun sprinkles are a great addition to any spring or Easter baked goods.

    Liz Butts founded Sprinkle Pop in Texas.  Liz found that not only can she pinpoint exactly what sprinkle color combinations work best together, she can create a custom blend with the perfect textures.  She grew the business from a one-woman show operating out of the small “sprinkle room” in her house on nights and weekends then soon expanded to a dedicated warehouse space with a devoted team of sprinkle fairies in under a year. She makes delicious sprinkle mixes that are custom, vibrant and luxurious.  Over 50% of all the sprinkles are dyed in house so they are one of a kind!   Visit https://sprinklepop.shop/ to shop their sprinkles, learn how they give back to the community, and for fun recipes!

    Enter our Giveaway!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Thank you #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Swiss Diamond, Nancy’s Yogurt, Barlean’s, Sprinkle Pop, PEEPS, Melissa’s Produce, and Adams Extracts for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own.

    The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Six (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

    This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry.

    Posted in #SpringSweetsWeek, blueberry, breakfast, dessert, What's For Dinner? | 62 Comments

    Zesty Tomato Pie #PiDay

    Zesty Tomato Pie can be served warm or cold, as an appetizer, side dish or main course. Creamy cheese, basil and fresh tomatoes packed in a flaky pie crust. Topped with a shot of lemon zest!

    Zesty Tomato Pie

    Happy  Pi(e) Day!

    I’m a fan of all kinds of pies from sweet to savory.

    Fruit pies, meat pies, veggie pies, hand pies, you name it. I’m in!

    For 2019 #PiDay I went with a semi-traditional tomato pie. Creamy, cheesy and just plain good!

    Zesty Tomato Pie

    Thanks Coleen from The Red Headed Baker for hosting this event! Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom and visit all the great pies listed for Pi(e) Day from Festive Foodies!

    Zesty Tomato Pie

    Zesty Tomato Pie #PiDay

    Prep Time: 10 minutes

    Cook Time: 30 minutes

    Total Time: 40 minutes

    Yield: 8 to 10 servings

    Serving Size: 1 piece

    Zesty Tomato Pie #PiDay

    Ingredients

    • 1 9-inch pie crust
    • 1 tomato, large peeled and seeded
    • 1/4 cup onion, red, diced
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1/2 cup fresh basil
    • 1 Mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
    • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prick bottom and sides of crust with a fork. Partially bake pie crust for 8 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove pie shell from oven and set aside to cool slightly. Reduce heat to 350 degrees.
    • While shell is baking, skin and slice tomatoes. Blot slices with a paper towel.
    • In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
    • Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar onto the shell to cover the bottom.
    • Arrange tomato slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with onion. Add layer of fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Cover with mayonnaise-cheese mixture.
    • Bake filled pie crust at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
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    More Pie Day Recipes

    Posted in cheese, pie, tomatoes, What's For Dinner? | 28 Comments