Outdoor grilling is America's summer pastime, and indoor grilling is the perfect way to create healthy dishes while changing up your regular menu anytime of the year. On the other hand, it's important to cook all meat to a safe temperature to avoid illnesses. Here's what you need to know about safe meat temperatures for a happy grilling season. Get the Right Equipment An instant-read thermometer ...
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Recent Posts in Recipes Category
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Be Aware of Safe Meat Temperatures When Grilling
July 17, 2018 -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: The Many Uses of Lemons - Make Food Last Longer and Turn Out Better
May 29, 2018 Lemons aren't just for lemonade! Did you know you can use them to help preserve your food, and even make food turn out better as you prepare it? Read our tips on how to help your food put its best foot forward with a little help from these yellow, citrus friends. How to Make Food Last Longer and Turn Out Better with Lemons Watch our video below! Then read more details in the full blog... ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours What to Bring to Your Office Christmas Party
December 5, 2017 Office Christmas parties can be a lot of fun, especially if they encourage everyone to bring a dish. This allows everyone to be involved and gives you a chance to get creative in the kitchen as well. When it comes to trying to decide what kind of food to bring to a potluck at the office, consider that most people will be there to socialize. This means that dishes that are easy to eat while moving ...Continue Reading -
3 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas
November 21, 2017 Whether you call them starters, hors d’oeuvres or appetizers, they all accomplish the same purpose. You need a tasty dish to whet the appetite without filling up your guests before the main course. And when it comes to Thanksgiving, we typically tend to think traditionally while menu planning. But, even if your dinner table is lined with turkey, ham, cranberry sauce and all the usual fare, it ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Lemon Pie
October 16, 2017 During the colder weather, it can be hard to let go of the sunnier days. So why not embrace the summer craving by baking? Something with a citrus twist should do the trick! This lemon pie is quick and easy to make, and you can even serve it cold! Take it from us; this pie will make you feel like its summer all over again. For the crust: 1 ½ c. crushed graham crackers 6 tbs butter 1/3 c. sugar For ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Make Frozen Food Fancy
October 4, 2017 From Our Kitchen to Yours: Make Frozen Food Fancy If you’re in a rush on a hectic weeknight and don’t have time to make dinner from scratch, a convenient meal from the freezer aisle is a great place to turn. The problem is that frozen food tends to taste bland and uninspiring. Fortunately, with minimal time and effort, you can revamp your store-bought burritos, lasagna, and pizza, making them ...Continue Reading -
Take the Tears Out of Chopping Onions
July 26, 2017 Onions can be a great addition to lots of different food; producing a variety of tastes and flavors, they are used frequently in many of our favorite dishes. However, while they add tasty flavor, they release a gas compound that can burn eyes and cause them to tear up in the middle of cooking. Since there are few people immune to the affect of sulfuric compounds, lovers of cooking have come up ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: How to Marinate Meat for Grilling
July 6, 2017 Meat prepared the right way can be a delicious entrée by themselves, but can taste even better when paired with a delicious marinade. Coating and soaking meat before grilling can seem like a daunting task, but knowing what kinds of marinades are good for different types of meat will greatly speed up the process. So, tie on your apron and let’s get the cooking juices flowing! Chicken When it’s ...Continue Reading -
5 Out-of-the-Ordinary Ways to Use a Crock Pot | Mr. Appliance
April 19, 2017 Crock Pots are one of the most underrated kitchen appliances. One of the best parts about crock-pots is that you can count on it to cook your meal while you are working or running errands. They come in many sizes, so if you are heading out to a party, you can bring a small one for dips; or if you are hosting a dinner party, you can use a big one to make casserole. What many people don’t know is ...Continue Reading -
St. Patrick's Day Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
March 15, 2017 What a better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than by baking some minty chocolate chip cookies! This easy recipe yields about 3-dozen cookies and is perfect for any celebration this St. Patrick’s Day. What you will need: 2 ½ cups of flour ½ tsp. of baking soda ¼ tsp. of salt 1 ½ cups of sugar 2 sticks of unsalted butter 2 large eggs 1 tsp. of peppermint extract 15-17 drops of green food ...Continue Reading -
Mix Up the Milk and Cookies this Year
December 20, 2016 Everyone knows Santa loves his milk and cookies, but if we all leave out the same treat for him on Christmas Eve, he’s bound to get sick of it. Why not mix up the milk and cookies this year and leave Santa a different kind of goodie he’s sure to love just as much! Here are some of our favorite festive ideas that require no baking to free up the oven for cooking Christmas Eve dinner. Peppermint ...Continue Reading -
Nontraditional Thanksgiving Traditions
November 23, 2016 Are you ready for Thanksgiving? While your coworkers and neighbors gear up for a tryptophan-induced coma, you may have something else up your sleeve. Whether you’re a taking a stand for turkeys everywhere or you simply want to try something different this year, consider these untraditional meal ideas that you can turn into Thanksgiving traditions. Slow-Roasted Greek Lamb This Mediterranean meal is ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Cutest Halloween Party Finger Foods
October 28, 2016 With Halloween upon us, are you looking to try out a few new, spooky fun recipes? There are tons of ways to turn a basic snack into a festive party treat that both you and the kids will enjoy. All of these creative ideas were found on Pinterest. Crescent Mummy Dogs A tasty alternative to the typical sugary items commonly found during Halloween! What you will need: 10 hot dogs 1 can of refrigerated ...Continue Reading -
Scary Lunchbox Snacks
October 14, 2016 Silly Apple Bites These eye-catching snacks are a great treat, especially with Halloween coming before we know it! What you’ll need for eight bites: 2 green apples Sunflower butter 32 sunflower seeds 2-3 strawberries 1-2 candy eyes per apple bite Optional: whipped cream. How to make: Slice the apples into quarters and cut the middles out of each quarter of the outside of the apple to create a ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Easy After School Snacks
August 23, 2016 With back to school here, it is often helpful to have some quick snacks ready for lunchboxes and after school activities. Preparing meals at the beginning of the week can help when things get hectic. Here are a few healthy after school snacks that your family is sure to love. We found these great ideas on Pinterest. Chocolate Banana Pops These are a great treat to prepare at the beginning of the ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Our Intern’s Favorite 4th of July Recipe
July 1, 2016 Our intern Ashley absolutely loves red white and blue strawberry shortcake. She says it’s the perfect compliment to any firework display when the Fourth of July festivities begin to unwind as the day comes to a close. She shared her secret with a patriotic surprise and asserts it’s the perfect sweet treat for your Fourth of July celebration. This Fourth of July surprise your family with ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Refrigerator Meals
June 21, 2016 We all have busy lives, and sometimes cooking big, healthy meals isn’t high on our priority list. Thankfully, your refrigerator can be a great resource when it comes to preparing meals and snacks for the week. Breakfast Prep Ahead: Breakfast Bowls We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Most people don’t have time during busy mornings to cook a hearty breakfast. However, you ...Continue Reading -
Recipes for the Big Game
February 5, 2016 Are you excited to have friends and family over for the Big Game? You had better be prepared with everyone’s favorite snacks so you can enjoy cheering on your favorite team to the fullest! The following five game day recipes are sure to be a hit. Just remember to make sure your refrigerator, oven and stove are in good working order before game day arrives. If any of these needs attention, schedule ...Continue Reading -
Traditional Caramel Apples
October 29, 2015 By Maggie Saint John The crisp air, cooler temperatures, and festivities make fall a beautiful season. When I was young, fall was always synonymous with family. During one of the busiest months of the year, my parents always encouraged, and required family activities on the weekend. Whether it was visiting a pumpkin patch, doing a hayride, or carving jack-o’-lanterns, weekend activities were ...Continue Reading -
Pumpkin Bread
October 12, 2015 By Maggie Saint John While growing up, fall time in my home always meant our house was filled with smells of nutmeg, cinnamon and pumpkin. Since I was young, my mom has always made the most delicious, homemade pumpkin bread. Hopping off the bus every Friday afternoon, I ran threw the back door to find my mom in our kitchen and the pumpkin bread in the oven. This is home. This is fall. There are ...Continue Reading -
International Coffee Day
September 29, 2015 I’m strong to the finish, ‘cause I eats me Spinach… So, spinach gave Popeye his super powers. What’s the keeper to your powers? If we asked 83 percent of adults in the U.S. before sunrise on any given day, the answer would unequivocally be a steamy, hot cup o’ Joe. But why do so many have such a strong affinity to their morning java? Besides the delightfully alluring, almost spellbinding aroma and ...Continue Reading -
Cook Now...Freeze Later
August 24, 2015 Don’t you just love coming home after a long, hard day at work and spending hours in the kitchen preparing supper for the family? Of course you don’t. But it’s a reality for a lot of folks. No rest for the weary, right? So, to make things easier we often either call in a to-go order or make a pit stop in the drive-thru lane. Definitely easier and more convenient, but is it worth it in the long ...Continue Reading -
Brain Freeze: Frozen Treats
August 17, 2015 We’ve all been there. It’s hot outside and nothing sounds better than a nice, frozen treat. You dig in and all of the sudden…sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia. In other words, BRAIN FREEZE! Basically, a brain freeze happens when something super cold touches the warm roof of your mouth. It usually happens when it’s hot and you eat or drink something a bit too fast. Does that mean you’re banned from ...Continue Reading -
Campfire Banana Boats
August 13, 2015 By: Courtney Clark While growing up, summertime was synonymous with camping – hiking, fishing, rafting…you name it, we did it. My family was part of a “camping club” that included a handful of families from church who would alternate picking camping destinations for weekend excursions. We’d circle up our campers and RVs Oregon-Trail style and share stories, meals and experiences together. It was ...Continue Reading -
Desserts on the Grill
August 3, 2015 So, you walk outside on a summer evening, take a sniff and there’s the undeniable, unmistakable aroma lofting throughout your neighborhood…someone’s grilling! Your taste buds salivate and your heart palpitates. It just smells so good. The only thing that can stop this reaction is firing up the ol’ grill. But a burger just wont’ do the trick. It’s time for a mid-night snack on the grill. Your ...Continue Reading -
Summer Fun with Pizza
July 20, 2015 By: Spencer Cutright As a kid, summertime in my home always meant fresh ingredients, bright colors and bold flavors. No dish better accentuated all of these characteristics than homemade pizza. Since I was young, my parents have always encouraged (and required) family meals together. Making pizza was a not only great way to spend quality time with my siblings and parents, but it gave me the option ...Continue Reading -
Treats for July 4th
July 3, 2015 A holiday party without festive and fun treats is like peanut butter without jelly. Like macaroni without cheese. Like a movie without popcorn. Like Lucy without Ethel. You get the idea. It’s something you don’t even want to think about. Plain and simple, it’s just not right. The Fourth of July is certainly no exception. You’ve got to have treats that sparkle… treats that wow…treats with pizazz. ...Continue Reading -
Waffles Galore
June 28, 2015 Author Lauren Myracle is quoted as saying, “You should eat a waffle! You can’t be sad if you eat a waffle!” Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Think about it. Waffles are the whole package with crunchy, tasty goodness on the outside and hot, soft lusciousness on the inside. It seriously just doesn’t get any better. So, in honor of this month’s Waffle Iron Day, your friends at Mr. Appliance have come ...Continue Reading -
Summertime and Strawberries
June 15, 2015 By: Sarah Trocolli Summer time means strawberry time for my family. We can never seem to get enough of them. My great Aunt Sarah loves to bake and she introduced me to her delicious strawberry cake as a present for my 14 th birthday. Ever since then, my strawberry love has grown into an obsession. This cool, creamy cake is a simple recipe that’s great for birthdays, outside parties or any ...Continue Reading -
Microwave Madness
March 1, 2015 Did you know that the microwave was first patented in 1945? More than likely, you did not actually know that interesting nugget of water-cooler trivia. But what you do know is that the microwave is a literal lifesaver for your busy schedule. It doesn’t matter if you’re making game-day goodies, after-school snacks or movie-night munchies the microwave is your kitchen BFF. But aren’t you tired of ...Continue Reading -
For the Love of Pumpkin: Pumpkin Recipes
January 26, 2015 The first day of fall is almost synonymous with pumpkin. Pumpkin this…pumpkin that. Pumpkin seems to bring out inner obsessions. Well, maybe obsession is too strong of a word. Let’s call it pumpkin mania. Think about it. People line up at the local coffee shop waiting, drooling, and practically panting for their beloved pumpkin spice latte. Restaurants serve seasonal pumpkin flavored menu items. ...Continue Reading -
Beef Wellington: A Christmas Tradition
December 16, 2014 Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. And in my home, it’s a time when the kitchen is always stirring. My mom loves when everyone comes home for the holidays and she really enjoys cooking our favorite dishes for every meal. One of her favorite dishes to make for Christmas dinner is beef wellington. I’m not sure why this particular meal was originally chosen, but no one in our ...Continue Reading -
Mama's Baked Mac 'n' Cheese
November 13, 2014 Thanksgiving Day is filled love, laughter and the aroma of your family’s favorite dishes being whipped up in the kitchen. Of all the amazing Thanksgiving side dishes out there, my absolute favorite is macaroni and cheese. It’s so simple that anyone can make, but can also be altered to create a heightened version. I believe homemade beats box-made every time, and even though we often choose the ...Continue Reading -
Not Your Grandma's Meatloaf Recipes
October 13, 2014 Did you know that meatloaf is often considered a classic comfort food? It actually gained popularity during the Great Depression and became “prom queen” of sort during World War 2. Part of the meatloaf appeal is that you can miraculously convert a measly pound or two of meat into a feast for an entire family. And those with true skill can make that loaf o’ meat stretch out to multiple meals. Now ...Continue Reading -
5 Breakfast in Bed Ideas
September 26, 2014 “When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said. We think that maybe Winnie the Pooh was on to something here. What could possibly be more exciting ...Continue Reading -
Take your Pizza to the Grill in 5 Easy Steps
September 23, 2014 Did you know that approximately three billion pizzas are sold in the US each year? That doesn’t even count the additional one billion frozen pizzas purchased. There’s obviously something about that ooey-gooey, hot-cheesy goodness that’s simply irresistible. A good ol’ slice of pizza gives you that kid-in-the-candy store kind of feeling. It’s like catching a great sale at Kohl’s or winning free ...Continue Reading -
5 Outside of the Box S'mores Ideas
August 13, 2014 Happy National S’mores Day! Did you know that s’mores were literally named when people repeatedly asked for “some more” of the ooey, gooey goodness? And when you think about it, who doesn’t want some more of a good ol ’ s’more ? There’s just something about the chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker concoction that grabs you. The creamy, warm chocolate mingled to perfection with soft, fluffy ...Continue Reading -
5 Picky-Eater-Approved Snacks That Won't Hurt the Waistline
January 15, 2014 WACO, Texas (January 15, 2014) – The statistics are staggering. According to the Surgeon General, up to 25 percent of school age children in the United States are considered overweight. The consequences of which can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month and the perfect time to get the kids (and self) making healthier food choices and moving ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh and Learn with Lillyan: Home Style Happiness
April 29, 2013 Sometimes all you need is a little bit of chicken and potatoes to turn your ordinary Saturday night into a home-cooked Sunday supper with your family. Last Saturday night when the rain poured and the wind blew, I knew soup couldn’t cut the cold of winter; only starches would do. A few years ago I created an oil and lemon dipping sauce for a bread appetizer that I soon realized would taste even ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh and Learn with Lillyan: Supporting Side Dishes
April 29, 2013 Filet mignon, a salmon steak and a perfectly roasted chicken often get all the attention. It’s time to share the stoplight with these supporting side dishes that will make your guests ask for more. These recipes feature a perfect party appetizer, side dish and a ramekin dessert that guests can serve up individually and talk about long after the party is over. Lillyan’s Whipped Goat Cheese with ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh & Learn with Lillyan: Spring Saturdays
April 29, 2013 Spring Saturdays are my favorite. I love sleeping in and waking up to the bright, seasonal light that shines through my curtains. There is something sweeter about making breakfast on a Saturday morning than my normal work week. Celebrate the season of new beginnings by incorporating fresh fruit with energy-packed carbs to get you through your weekend of errands, or just relaxing in the springtime ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh & Learn with Lillyan: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Tapas
April 29, 2013 Forget the chips and salsa, it’s time to step up your Cinco de Mayo menu and serve your guests fiesta tapas that they will never forget. This Cinco de Mayo, I had the chance to celebrate and cook with Chef Bill at Gourmet Gallery in Waco, Texas. Chef Bill transformed the ordinary kitchen into a fiesta with his Spanish-style recipes. From tomato and watermelon skewers to tortilla espanola to a ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh & Learn with Lillyan: One-Dish Party
April 29, 2013 As the weather begins to warm up, I love having family and friends over for dinner. Sometimes the stress of grocery shopping, decorating the table and prepping the meal can be dinner-overload. As a moving gift, my mom sent me this lasagna recipe from Martha Stewart that Trey and my neighbors absolutely loved. Paired with pesto and gruyere bruschetta as an inviting appetizer, this one-dish meal is ...Continue Reading -
National Love Your Pet Day
April 29, 2013 Chicken Jerky Ingredients: Two to four chicken breasts Instructions: Preheat oven to 200 degrees After removing any excess fat, slice the chicken into 1/8-inch thick strips Bake the strips on a baking sheet two hours (your chicken should be dry and hard) Let it cool and watch your dog go crazy of their jerky! Trail Mix Ingredients: Unseasoned meat pieces Potatoes Assorted fruits and veggies ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh and Learn with Lillyan: Summer Solstice Social
April 29, 2013 by Lillyan Baker Summer is here and it is time to serve your guests the tastes of the season. Celebrate the longest day of the year with fresh fruit from the local farmer’s market and herbs picked right from the backyard garden. This featured appetizer and sparkling drink will make guests remember this social as the party that made the sun stand still. Fried Polenta with Veggies Ingredients: 1 ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh & Learn with Lillyan: Dessert Goes to the Dogs
April 28, 2013 In my college days living in the Collins Hall dorm, my roommates and I spent our Thursday nights watching Grey’s Anatomy, refresh our Facebook feeds during the commercials, all while gathered around a bowl of puppy chow. There is something about the combination of melted chocolate and peanut butter with a bag of powdered sugar on top that just brings people together. This Saturday night, when Trey ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh & Learn with Lillyan: Uncle Jimmy's Cheesecake
April 28, 2013 Every time I have the opportunity to use my electric stand mixer, I get a little giddy. There’s just something about standing next to a machine that knows how to really blend butter. One of my bon appetit role models in my life is my Uncle Jimmy. He taught me key kitchen lessons, including how to entertain with bruschetta and in every social situation to always ask for a glass of chardonnay. The ...Continue Reading -
Super Bowl Sunday
April 28, 2013 Ready for some football? Treat your Super Bowl Sunday guests to more than just salsa and hot wings. By whipping up some football fun cupcakes, your guests can cheer on their team and have a sweet Sunday too. Football Fun Cupcakes Ingredients: A dozen cupcakes Green icing White icing Chocolate-covered almond Instructions: 1. Frost a cooled cupcake with green frosting to look like grass 2. Place a ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh & Learn with Lillyan: Pasta Party
April 28, 2013 What do you do when you are going to a party and have no time to bake an appetizer? Make a pasta salad party. Simple ingredients, simple recipe and simply good. Pasta Salad Ingredients: • Package of rotini whole wheat pasta • 15.5 oz. can of garbanzo beans • 4 c spinach, chopped • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 1/4 c feta cheese • 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 c red wine vinegar • 2 cloves ...Continue Reading -
Live, Laugh and Learn with Lillyan: Basket of Sweets
April 23, 2013 Easter time is always my favorite time of the year. I think Texas hill country wildflowers, a sunny Sunday morning and my mom’s coconut cake. Since my mom won’t share her coconut cake recipe with me, I thought I would do the second best thing and enjoy a batch of coconut macaroons toasted just enough to make your fingers stick together. For the lovers of desserts that are not too sweet, whip up a ...Continue Reading