Blog

Healthy Queso Dip with Butternut Squash

A deliciously cheesy dip that can be enjoyed on gamedays or at family events. Best of all, you don’t have to feel guilty about going back for seconds!

Directions:

1. Prepare squash
   1. Pierce the squash several times with a fork or knife to let steam escape while microwaving. Heat on high for about 5 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to cut.
   2. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
   3. Once cooled slightly, peel off the skin and puree the squash with aa food processor or mash it thoroughly using a fork or potato masher. Aim for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
2. Prepare the panHeat oil in large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
3. Begin cookingAdd onions and cook for 4-5 minutes or until translucent.
4. StirAdd garlic and cook for one more minute or until fragrant.
5. MixAdd pureed squash, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and taco seasoning and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Reduce heatReduce heat to low and add cheese and queso.
7. StirStir until melted and serve immediately.
8. ServeDip can be served with tortilla chips, bagel chips, pita bread, or flat bread of choice.

Applesauce and Peach Jello

The perfect dish to take to a summer cookout or fall potluck! Add a bit of fresh fruit flavor to any get-together.

Serves 6-8

Directions:

1. Heat water and add Jello until it dissolves.Bring the required amount of water to a boil in a saucepan or microwave. Once boiling carefully pour the hot water in large mixing bowl Gradually add the Jello powder, stirring continuously to ensure it fully dissolves. This process ensures the gelatin activates properly and creates a smooth, vibrant mixture without any graininess
2. Stir in applesauce and chill until it slightly mounds.After the Jello dissolves, add the applesauce directly to the warm mixture and stir until well combined. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill. Check periodically-once the mixture thickens enough to slightly hold its shape when stirred (it will look soft and gel-like, but not fully set), it’s ready for the next sp. This stage ensures the Jello is thick enough to suspend other ingredients.
3. Fold in peaches, cool whip, and vanilla.Gently fold the diced peaches, Cool Whip, and a splash of vanillaextract into the semi-set Jello mixture. Use a spatula to
   avoid deflating the Cool Whip and to evenly distribute the ingredients. Folding instead of stirring preserves the light, airy texture, and the vanilla adds a subtle warmth to the flavor profile.
4. Pour into serving bowl.Carefully transfer the prepared mixture into your desired serving bowl. Smooth out the top with a spatula for a neat presentation.
5. Refrigerate until it is set.Return the bowl to the refrigerator and chill it for several hours or ovvernight until the mixture firms up completely. This
   step ensures the Jello holds its shape and is easy to serve.
6. Just before serving, decorate the top of the Jello with fresh sliced peaches dipped in either fruit fresh or lemon/orange juice.Prepare fresh peach slices just before serving to prevent them from browning. Dip the slices into Fruit Fresh (a powder that preserves fruit color) or citrus juice to maintain their bright appearance and add a hint of tang. Arrange the peach slices on top of the Jello for a decorative, appetizing touch.

Peanut Butter Bread

For the peanut butter lovers in your life, this exceptionally rich and creamy bread makes for the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or an after-meal treat.

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 325°This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature before baking, helping the bread cook evenly from the start.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk together.Use a whisk to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and break up any clumps in the flour, which will help the bread rise properly.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the peanut butter and honey.This creates a smooth, well-blended mixture, making it easier to incorporate with the dry ingredients. Honey adds sweetness and moisture to the bread.
4. Add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients along with the milk.The milk brings moisture to the batter and helps everything combine smoothly
5. Mix using an electric mixer on low speed until just combined.Mixing on low speed prevents overworking the batter, which could result in dense bread. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together.
6. Scrape down the bowl and fold the batter to make sure no streaks of flour remain.Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture, ensuring all the dry ingredients are incorporated without overmixing
7. Grease a 9×4 inch loaf pan and scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.Use non-stick spray or butter to grease the pan, ensuring the bread releases easily after baking. Smoothing the top ensures an even rise.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. The bread should be well-browned on the outside. If additional bake time is needed, tent the bread with a piece of aluminium foil so it doesn’t over-brown.The bread should be well-browned on the outside. If it needs more time, but the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning.
9. Let bread cool for 5 minutes in pan, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool further.Letting it rest in the pan helps the bread firm up slightly, making it easier remove without breaking.
10. Slice your bread and enjoy! Slices are best served warm and smeared with butter, Nutella, peanut butter, cream cheese, or Tanners Peanut Butter Marshmallow Spread.Slices are best served warm and can be spread with butter, Nutella, peanut butter, cream cheese, or Tanners Peanut Butter Marshmallow Spread for extra indulgence.