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Taste of Home Church Supper Recipes: All New 359 Crowd Pleasing Favorites
Taste of Home Church Supper Recipes: All New 359 Crowd Pleasing Favorites
Taste of Home Church Supper Recipes: All New 359 Crowd Pleasing Favorites
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Taste of Home Church Supper Recipes: All New 359 Crowd Pleasing Favorites

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Based on the remarkable success of Taste of Home’s best-selling Church Supper cookbooks, this 2015 edition offers more than 350 all new recipes perfect for sharing with a large group. From appetizers and main courses to salads and desserts, you’ll always find the ideal potluck contribution with Taste of Home More Church Supper Cookbook.

Fellowship, friends, fun and, of course fantastic food…that’s what has drawn people to church suppers for years. Now, finding the perfect contribution to a church supper has never been easier. This edition of Taste of Home More Church Suppers Cookbook offers more than 350 large-yield recipes that are ideal for family reunions, charity fundraisers, classroom treats and bake sales…in addition to suppers, holiday programs and picnics held at the church! An icon identifies 30-minute recipes, and special sections and hundreds of color photographs promise to catch the eye of buyers. Mealtime blessings are featured on chapter openers making this cookbook different than competing potluck titles. Whether cooking for a church event, a graduation party or a backyard barbecue, buyers simply can’t go wrong with the unbeatable assortment of potluck recipes, tips and photographs in Taste of Home More Church Suppers Cookbook.

CHAPTERS
Church Supper Classics
Appetizers & Snacks
Comforting Casseroles
Slow Cooker Favorites
Breakfast & Brunch
Salads & Side Dishes
Hearty Main Dishes
Soups & Sandwiches
Quick & Easy
Delightful Desserts
Seasonal Fare

Recipes
Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Smokin’ Hot Deviled Eggs
Party Shrimp
Brunch Egg Bake
Ginger Pear Muffins
Cherry Oat Bars
Apple Country Ribs
Barbecue Picnic Chicken
Best Lasagna
Ham It Up Primavera
Pizza Ring
Presto Sloppy Joes
Super Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Loaded Potato Salad
Fudgy Patriotic Brownies
Summer Dessert Pizza
Honey-Pecan Squares
Loaded-Up Pretzel Cookies
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 2, 2015
ISBN9781617654138
Taste of Home Church Supper Recipes: All New 359 Crowd Pleasing Favorites
Author

Editors at Taste of Home

                                            

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    Taste of Home Church Supper Recipes - Editors at Taste of Home

    A TASTE OF HOME/READER’S DIGEST BOOK

    ©2015 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC, 1610 N. 2nd St., Suite 102, Milwaukee WI 53212. All rights reserved.

    Taste of Home and Reader’s Digest are registered trademarks of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

    EDITORIAL

    Editor-in-Chief: Catherine Cassidy

    Creative Director: Howard Greenberg

    Editorial Operations Director: Kerri Balliet

    Managing Editor, Print & Digital Books: Mark Hagen

    Associate Creative Director: Edwin Robles Jr.

    Editors: Janet Briggs, Michelle Rozumalski, Amy Glander

    Art Directors: Raeann Sundholm, Maggie Conners

    Layout Designer: Nancy Novak

    Editorial Production Manager: Dena Ahlers

    Copy Chief: Deb Warlaumont Mulvey

    Copy Editors: Joanne Weintraub, Dulcie Shoener, Kaitlin Stainbrook

    Content Operations Assistant: Shannon Stroud

    Editorial Services Administrator: Marie Brannon

    Food Editors: James Schend; Peggy Woodward, RD

    Recipe Editors: Mary King; Jenni Sharp, RD; Irene Yeh

    Test Kitchen & Food Styling Manager: Sarah Thompson

    Test Cooks: Nicholas Iverson (lead), Matthew Hass, Lauren Knoelke

    Food Stylists: Kathryn Conrad (senior), Leah Rekau, Shannon Roum

    Prep Cooks: Megumi Garcia, Melissa Hansen, Bethany Van Jacobson, Sara Wirtz

    Photography Director: Stephanie Marchese

    Photographers: Dan Roberts, Jim Wieland

    Photographer/Set Stylist: Grace Natoli Sheldon

    Set Stylists: Stacey Genaw, Melissa Haberman, Dee Dee Jacq

    Photo Studio Assistant: Ester Robards

    Editorial Business Manager: Kristy Martin

    Editorial Business Associate: Samantha Lea Stoeger

    BUSINESS

    Vice President, Group Publisher: Kirsten Marchioli

    Publisher: Donna Lindskog

    General Manager, Taste of Home Cooking School: Erin Puariea

    Executive Producer, Taste of Home Cooking School Online: Karen Berner

    THE READER’S DIGEST ASSOCIATION, INC.

    President and Chief Executive Officer: Bonnie Kintzer

    Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, North America: Howard Halligan

    Vice President, Enthusiast Brands, Books & Retail: Harold Clarke

    Chief Marketing Officer: Leslie Dukker Doty

    Vice President, Content Marketing & Operations: Diane Dragan

    Senior Vice President, Global HR & Communications: Phyllis E. Gebhardt, SPHR

    Vice President, Brand Marketing: Beth Gorry

    Vice President, Chief Technology Officer: Aneel Tejwaney

    Vice President, Consumer Marketing Planning: Jim Woods

    For other Taste of Home books and products, visit tasteofhome.com.

    For more Reader’s Digest products and information, visit rd.com (in the United States) or rd.ca (in Canada).

    International Standard Book Number (Epub): 978-1-61765-413-8

    Cover Photographer: Jim Wieland

    Set Stylist: Stephanie Marchese

    Food Stylist: Kathryn Conrad

    Pictured on front cover: Italian Fresh Vegetable Salad, Bacon Macaroni & Cheese, Connie’s Tortellini Salad, Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Muffins, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

    Pictured on page 1: Chicken Riggies

    Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

    LIKE US facebook.com/tasteofhome

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    SHARE A RECIPE tasteofhome.com/submit

    CONTENTS

    Dig in to the Goodness of 359 Potluck Favorites!

    Breakfast & Brunch

    Appetizers & Snacks

    Salads & Side Dishes

    Soups & Sandwiches

    Hearty Main Dishes

    Slow-Cooker Favorites

    Comforting Casseroles

    Delightful Desserts

    Bonus: Seasonal Fare

    Bonus: Feeding a Crowd

    Indexes

    General Index

    Alphabetical Index

    Dig in to the Goodness of 359 Potluck Favorites!

    Not sure what to take to the potluck? Let Church Supper Recipes answer your prayers today!

    With the all-new Taste of Home Church Supper Recipes, the perfect covered-dish contribution is always at your fingertips! Whether attending an after-service social, church picnic, school potluck or charity bake sale, you’re sure to impress with any of the 359 crowd-pleasing delights found here.

    You’ll find ideal dishes for family reunions, classroom treats, block parties and other events that call for large-yield recipes. In fact, nearly all of the specialties in this brand-new collection serve a dozen hungry guests—if not several more!

    From slow-cooked classics and hearty casseroles to gigantic sub sandwiches and enormous salads, this colorful collection includes everything you need for a successful event. You’ll even find appetizers and side dishes to round out group-dinner menus, in addition to more than 40 sweet treats that are sure to have folks asking for your secret!

    Two bonus chapters make contributing to a church supper even easier. See the section Seasonal Fare for adorable baked goods as well as savory staples that celebrate any holiday or season of the year. Similarly, the chapter Feeding a Crowd offers stick-to-your-ribs recipes that feed 20 or more!

    Best of all, the finger-licking dishes found here come from real home cooks. These are the tried-and-true recipes they prepare for potlucks, and now they’re sharing them with you. After all, some of the best cooks sit next to you every Sunday, so dig in, and enjoy the goodness of Church Supper Recipes!

    You’ll also find two At-a-Glance icons to help you make the most of your time in the kitchen:

    FAST FIX

    These recipes come together in just 30 minutes or less.

    FREEZE IT

    Store these convenient dishes in the freezer for last-minute needs.

    BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

    Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord.

    JOHN 21:12

    FAST FIX

    Fruit Salad with Vanilla

    Peach pie filling is the secret ingredient in this crowd-pleasing salad. Make it throughout the year using whatever fruits are in season.

    —NANCY DODSON SPRINGFIELD, IL



    START TO FINISH: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 10 SERVINGS


    1 pound fresh strawberries, quartered

    1 1/2 cups seedless red and/or green grapes, halved

    2 medium bananas, sliced

    2 kiwifruit, peeled, sliced and quartered

    1 cup cubed fresh pineapple

    1 can (21 ounces) peach pie filling

    3 teaspoons vanilla extract

    In a large bowl, mix strawberries, grapes, bananas, kiwi and pineapple. Fold in pie filling and vanilla. Chill until serving.

    Brie & Sausage Brunch Bake

    I’ve made this for holidays, as well as for a weekend at a friend’s cabin, and I always get requests for the recipe. It’s make-ahead convenient, reheats well and even tastes great the next day.

    —BECKY HICKS FOREST LAKE, MN



    PREP: 30 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 50 MIN. + STANDING • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS


    1 pound bulk Italian sausage

    1 small onion, chopped

    8 cups cubed day-old sourdough bread

    1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers

    1/2 pound Brie cheese, rind removed, cubed

    2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil

    8 eggs

    2 cups heavy whipping cream

    1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

    1 teaspoon pepper

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

    3 green onions, sliced

    1. In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

    2. Place bread cubes in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with sausage mixture, red peppers, Brie and Parmesan cheeses and basil. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, mustard, pepper and salt; pour over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

    3. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

    4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 4-6 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with green onions.

    Classic Fruit Kolaches

    We love baking these melt-in-your-mouth goodies. For extra fun, use Christmas cookie cutters instead of a biscuit cutter.

    —GLEN & SUE ELLEN BORKHOLDER STURGIS, MI



    PREP: 35 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 15 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 2 1/2 DOZEN


    6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour

    1/4 cup sugar

    2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast

    2 teaspoons salt

    2 cups 2% milk

    1/2 cup butter, cubed

    1/2 cup water

    6 egg yolks

    1/4 cup butter, melted

    1 can (12 ounces) raspberry and/or apricot cake and pastry filling

    ICING

    3 cups confectioners’ sugar

    1/4 cup butter, softened

    2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    4 to 6 tablespoons 2% milk

    1. In a large bowl, mix 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat milk, cubed butter and water to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg yolks; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Do not knead. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

    2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; roll to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2 1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Place 2 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Brush with melted butter. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

    3. Preheat oven to 350°. Using the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each roll. Spoon a heaping teaspoonful of raspberry and/or apricot filling into each indentation. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

    4. Combine the confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla, salt and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Drizzle over rolls.

    NOTE This recipe was tested with Solo brand cake and pastry filling. Look for it in the baking aisle.

    Overnight Yeast Waffles

    Starting the day with an appealing, hearty breakfast is certainly a step in the right direction when you’re trying to follow a healthy eating plan. I even freeze these wonderful waffles for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

    —MARY BALCOMB FLORENCE, OR



    PREP: 15 MIN. + CHILLING • COOK: 5 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 10 SERVINGS


    1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

    1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)

    1 teaspoon sugar

    2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)

    1/2 cup butter, melted

    2 eggs, lightly beaten

    2 cups all-purpose flour

    1 teaspoon salt

    1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar; let stand 5 minutes. Add the milk, butter and eggs; mix well. Combine flour and salt; stir into milk mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

    2. Stir batter. Bake waffles in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown.

    Mustard Ham Strata

    I had this at a bed-and-breakfast years ago. They were kind enough to give me the recipe and I’ve made it many times since.

    —DOLORES ZORNOW POYNETTE, WI



    PREP: 15 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 45 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS


    12 slices day-old bread, crusts removed and cubed

    1 1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

    1 cup chopped green pepper

    3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

    3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

    1/3 cup chopped onion

    7 eggs

    3 cups whole milk

    3 teaspoons ground mustard

    1 teaspoon salt

    1. In a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer bread cubes, ham, green pepper, cheeses and onion. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard and salt. Pour over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

    2. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 325°.

    3. Bake, uncovered, 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

    Raspberry-Cream Cheese Ladder Loaves

    My friend Debbie created this delicious breakfast item. You also can sprinkle the bread with granulated sugar before baking if desired.

    —CHAR OUELLETTE COLTON, OR



    PREP: 45 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 15 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 2 LOAVES (8 SLICES EACH)


    3 3/4 to 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

    1/4 cup sugar

    1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast

    1 1/4 teaspoons salt

    1 teaspoon baking powder

    1/2 cup buttermilk

    1/2 cup sour cream

    1/4 cup butter, cubed

    1/4 cup water

    1 egg

    1/2 teaspoon almond extract

    FILLING

    1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

    1/4 cup sugar

    3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

    1 egg yolk

    1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

    1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt and baking powder. In a small saucepan, heat buttermilk, sour cream, butter and water to 120°-130°; add to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Add egg, extract and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes longer. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

    2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

    3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour and egg yolk until smooth; set aside.

    4. Divide dough in half. Roll each piece into a 12x10-in. rectangle; place on greased baking sheets. Spread cheese mixture down the center of each rectangle. Stir jam; spoon over cheese mixture.

    5. On each long side, cut 3/4-in.-wide strips about 2 1/2 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling; pinch ends to seal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

    6. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake 15-19 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

    Island Breezes Coffee Cake

    Invite sunshine to brunch with a delightful make-ahead bread. You won’t believe how simple it is.

    —DEBRA GOFORTH NEWPORT, TN



    PREP: 20 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 35 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS


    2/3 cup packed brown sugar

    1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted

    1 package (3.4 ounces) cook-and-serve coconut cream pudding mix

    20 frozen bread dough dinner rolls

    1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits, drained

    1 jar (3 ounces) macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped

    1/2 cup butter, cubed

    1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, coconut and pudding mix. Place 10 rolls in a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan; layer with half of the sugar mixture, 1 cup pineapple tidbits, 1/3 cup macadamia nuts and 1/4 cup butter. Repeat layers. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

    2. Remove pan from refrigerator about 1 3/4 hours before serving; let rise in a warm place until dough reaches top of pan, about 1 hour.

    3. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove plastic wrap. Bake coffee cake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. (Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.) Cool 10 minutes before inverting coffee cake onto a serving plate; serve warm.

    NOTE To toast coconut, spread in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.

    Colorful Brunch Frittata

    A friend called and asked me for a special recipe that could be served at his daughter’s wedding brunch. I created this frittata for the occasion. It’s loaded with colorful veggies and looks beautiful on a buffet.

    —KRISTIN ARNETT ELKHORN, WI



    PREP: 15 MIN. • BAKE: 55 MIN. + STANDING • MAKES: 12-15 SERVINGS


    1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

    1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

    1 medium sweet red pepper, diced

    1 medium sweet yellow pepper, diced

    1 small onion, chopped

    3 green onions, chopped

    3 tablespoons olive oil

    2 garlic cloves, minced

    3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

    14 eggs, lightly beaten

    2 cups half-and-half cream

    2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

    3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

    3 tablespoons minced fresh basil

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    1/4 teaspoon pepper

    1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

    1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, saute the asparagus, mushrooms, peppers and onions in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes; set aside.

    2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, parsley, basil, salt and pepper; stir into vegetable mixture.

    3. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes.

    4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

    TOP TIP

    Egg Dates

    According to the American Egg Board, eggs can be used up to five weeks after the date printed on the carton. The date on the carton is actually the last day the eggs can be sold.

    Egg Scramble

    Perfect for special-occasion breakfasts, this easy egg scramble is warm and hearty, with potatoes, ham, cheese and sweet red and green peppers.

    —VICKI HOLLOWAY JOELTON, TN



    PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 10 SERVINGS


    1 1/2 cups diced peeled potatoes

    1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper

    1/2 cup chopped green pepper

    1/2 cup chopped onion

    2 teaspoons canola oil, divided

    2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

    16 eggs

    2/3 cup sour cream

    1/2 cup 2% milk

    1 teaspoon onion salt

    1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

    1/4 teaspoon pepper

    2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

    1. Place potatoes in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain.

    2. In a large skillet, saute half of the peppers and onion in 1 teaspoon oil until tender. Add half of the ham and potatoes; saute 2-3 minutes longer.

    3. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the eggs, sour cream, milk, onion salt, garlic salt and pepper. Cover and process until smooth.

    4. Pour half over vegetable mixture; cook and stir over medium heat until eggs are completely set. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

    FREEZE IT

    Breakfast Sausage Patties

    Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that keeps these pork patties moist, while seasonings create a wonderful taste.

    —HARVEY KEENEY MANDAN, ND



    PREP: 30 MIN. • COOK: 10 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 20 PATTIES


    3/4 cup buttermilk

    2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

    1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage

    1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

    1 1/2 teaspoons pepper

    3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram

    3/4 teaspoon dried savory

    3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

    2 1/2 pounds ground pork

    1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and seasonings. Add pork; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into twenty 3-in. patties.

    2. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook patties in batches over medium heat 5-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Remove to paper towels to drain.

    FREEZE OPTION Wrap each cooked, cooled patty in plastic wrap; transfer to a resealable plastic freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. To use, preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap patties and place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake 15 minutes on each side or until heated through.

    Hash Brown & Chicken Brunch Casserole

    My husband and I love to have a hot breakfast, but find it difficult with two kids. This dish is excellent to prepare the night before and bake the next day for your family.

    —JENNIFER BERRY LEXINGTON, OH



    PREP: 20 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 1 1/4 HOURS • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS


    15 eggs, beaten

    1 package (28 ounces) frozen O’Brien potatoes

    1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded

    1 1/2 cups 2% milk

    1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

    2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

    5 green onions, chopped

    3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

    1 teaspoon ground cumin

    1 1/2 teaspoons salt

    1/2 teaspoon pepper

    1. In a very large bowl, combine eggs, potatoes, chicken, milk, tomatoes, 1 cup cheese, green onions, cilantro and seasonings until blended. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight.

    2. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove the casserole from refrigerator while the oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

    Apricot-Almond Tea Rings

    Apricots and almonds find the perfect pairing in this luscious iced ring. It’s a great breakfast treat to serve at a coffee date with friends.

    —ANN HILLMEYER SANDIA PARK, NM



    PREP: 45 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 2 RINGS (8 SLICES EACH)


    2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast

    1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)

    1 1/4 cups warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)

    1/2 cup butter, softened

    1/3 cup sugar

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    1/2 cup mashed potato flakes

    2 eggs

    3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

    FILLING

    1 1/2 cups apricot preserves

    2/3 cup sugar

    5 ounces almond paste

    1/3 cup butter, softened

    ICING

    1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar

    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk

    1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

    1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In another bowl, mix milk, butter, sugar, salt, potato flakes and eggs. Let stand 1 minute. Add milk mixture and 3 cups flour to yeast mixture; beat until smooth. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.

    2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

    3. Place the preserves, sugar, almond paste and butter in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Punch the dough down. Divide in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into 14x7-in. rectangle. Spread filling evenly to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch the seams to seal.

    4. Place rolls, seam side down, on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Pinch ends together to form two rings. With scissors, cut from outside edge to two-thirds of the way toward center of rings at 1-in. intervals. Separate strips slightly; twist to allow filling to show. Let rise until doubled about 35-40 minutes.

    5. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Combine the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm tea rings and sprinkle with almonds.

    TOP TIP

    Storing Yeast

    Unopened packages of dry yeast should be stored in a cool, dark place and used by the best if used by date on the package. Open packages or bulk dry yeast should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 6 weeks or frozen up to 6 months.

    FREEZE IT

    Colorful Bacon & Egg Bake

    Whip this tasty breakfast casserole up the night before to make the morning meal a snap. We used peppers, bacon and cheese to lend home-style appeal.

    TASTE OF HOME TEST KITCHEN



    PREP: 20 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 50 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS


    1 pound bacon strips, diced

    1/2 cup julienned sweet orange pepper

    1/2 cup julienned sweet red pepper

    6 cups cubed day-old bread

    1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

    9 eggs, lightly beaten

    2 cups milk

    1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

    1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

    1 teaspoon ground cumin

    Salsa and sour cream, optional

    1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. In same skillet, saute sweet peppers in drippings until tender; transfer to a large bowl. Stir in bacon, bread and cheese.

    2. In another large bowl, combine eggs, milk, chilies, chili powder and cumin. Pour over the bread mixture; gently stir to combine. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

    3. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove the casserole from refrigerator while the oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with salsa and sour cream.

    FREEZE OPTION After assembling the unbaked casserole, cover and freeze up to 3 months. To use, completely thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve as directed.

    FREEZE ITFAST FIX

    Whole Wheat Pancakes

    These light, fluffy pancakes seem like a treat. Whole wheat flour and toasted wheat germ make them so filling.

    —LINE WALTER WAYNE, PA



    START TO FINISH: 25 MIN. • MAKES: 20 PANCAKES


    2 cups whole wheat flour

    1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    2 eggs, lightly beaten

    3 cups buttermilk

    1 tablespoon canola oil

    1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, wheat germ, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until blended.

    2. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is golden brown.

    FREEZE OPTION Freeze cooled pancakes between layers of waxed paper in a resealable plastic freezer bag. To use, place pancakes on an ungreased baking sheet, cover with foil and reheat in a preheated 375° oven 6-10 minutes. Or, place a stack of three pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 45-90 second or until heated through.

    Banana Mocha-Chip Muffins

    Two of my favorite things—chocolate and coffee—are combined in these moist muffins. The banana is just an added bonus.

    —MELISSA WILLIAMS TAYLORVILLE, IL



    PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN.

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