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You Just Have to Try This Recipe for Strawberry Shortcake This Summer

June 16, 2016 by

If you're only going to make one strawberry shortcake recipe this summer, let this be the one! It's a recipe for classic strawberry shortcake that's deliciously old-fashioned—because why mess with a good thing? We love the recipe because it's easy to put together in a pinch, and it highlights one of summer's sweetest crops: strawberries! Here's how it's done:

1) Cut strawberries (32 ounces' worth) into quarters, then toss them in 1/2 cup white sugar and set aside.
2) Beat one cup of whipping cream at high speed, gradually adding 2 tbs of sugar. Chill the whipped cream once soft peaks form.
3) Make the shortcakes using 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 cup sugar. Cut in 3/4 cup cold butter.

Get the full recipe on Myrecipes.com!

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Heading to a Picnic? Keep These Food Storage Safety Guidelines in Mind!

July 23, 2015 by

The only thing that can spoil a picnic more than rain is spoilage in another area: the food! You might be so concerned about mastering your mom’s potato salad recipe that you forget to properly protect it from the hot sun, and that will put quite a damper on your fun day outdoors. Follow these safety tips for properly storing and serving picnic food:

  • Keep cold foods cold. This may seem obvious, but you’ll need to thoroughly line a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs to ensure that your food stays cold even as the temperatures rise. This includes things like creamy salads, meats, and cheeses.
  • Use a thermometer. Perishable foods should be stored at a temperature of 40°F or below, so use a thermometer to make sure that you maintain that temperature all day long.
  • Keep the cooler closed. Store water and soft drinks in a separate cooler from the perishable food to minimize the how often the cooler is opened throughout the day.
  • Prevent cross-contamination. If you’re grilling meats at your picnic, be sure to thoroughly wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in plastic containers. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat, and don’t let meats touch fruit, veggies, or other foods.

Eating Outdoors, Handling Food Safely [FDA]
Perfect Food Safe Picnics! [FoodSafety.gov]
Picnic Food Kids Will Love: Pack A Safe & Healthy Basket [Parents]

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Hosting a Summer Cookout? Read These Food Safety Tips!

August 21, 2014 by

Barbecues and cookouts are very popular in the summertime, but the warmer temperature can be dangerous when it comes to keeping food fresh. Here are a few tips that will help you safely handle food at your next outdoor gathering.

  1. Wash your hands. This may go without saying, but many people don’t wash their hands as often as they should when it comes to handling food. Be sure to wash up before preparing food, after handling raw meat, and any time you’re serving guests.
  2. Beware of cross-contamination. Raw meat, eggs, and other bacteria-prone food items are the most common culprits of cross-contamination. Prevent the spread of bacteria by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables.
  3. Cook meat thoroughly. Even if you’re cooking over the open flame of a barbecue, it’s important to make sure that the meat cooks entirely through. Hamburgers should reach at least 160°F, while poultry should be 180°F or higher.
  4. Keep foods cold. If you’re serving potato salad or other dishes with dairy in them, make sure that they stay cold all day long. This means packing them in ice, using a well-insulated cooler, and even keeping them in the air conditioned car during transportation.

Seasonal Food Safety – Selections for Spring and Summer [USDA]
Food Safety for Summertime [MDH]
Picnic Eating and Outdoor Dining [Home Food Safety]

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Cool Off With These Cocktail-Inspired Summertime Desserts

June 19, 2014 by

When you were a kid, you likely loved to cool off on a hot summer day with a frozen treat from the ice cream truck. Now that you’re an adult you still love those sweet treats, but with a twist. Here are three cocktail-inspired summertime desserts that are perfect for lazy summer afternoons.

Cherry Snow Cone
This grown-up snow cone uses muddled cherries, raw sugar, and a heavy-handed tablespoon of Pernod Ricard, an anise-flavored liqueur. This sweet, fruity concoction is the perfect treat to relax with by the pool or on the patio, as the liqueur is less potent than other alcoholic beverages.

Grapefruit Campari Sorbet
Fruity sorbets are refreshing and naturally fat-free, which make them a great option for anyone who is trying to get in shape for bathing suit season. This recipe includes just three simple ingredients: fresh grapefruit juice, sugar, and a bottle of Campari liqueur.

Mixed-Berry Pinot Pops
Wine lovers will adore this portable, refreshing take on the classic popsicle. Muddle fresh berries with sugar and your favorite Pinot Noir, then freeze the whole thing into a few popsicle molds to create a deliciously icy treat.

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