Also consider adding diced apples to a sautéed Brussels sprouts recipe. The two flavors and textures are very complementary.

Ingredients

 
*Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.

†Slices are more elegant for side dishes, dice are easier to toss yogurt and ice cream.

Preparation

1. MELT butter in a large nonstick skillet; do not brown.

2. ADD apples. Cook over medium high heat for 5 minutes or until the apples soften and are just beginning to change color. Stir often. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and dried fruit.

3. ADD the sugar and continue cooking, stirring often, for 3 minutes or until the apples begin to caramelize at the edges.

VARIATION FOR SIDE DISH

If serving as a side with meats, you can:

We like the recipe as is. But if you think you’d like a thicker sauce:

1. COMBINE 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water. Prior to adding spices and sugar, stir into the apples.

2. ADD spices and sugar and bring to a simmer; reduce heat and simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  

[1] Homemade peanut brittle (photo © Janet Hudson | Wikipedia).

[2] Try not to eat all the peanuts out of the bowl (photo © J. Irkaejc | Panther Media).

[3] For something special, add some whiskey (photo © Slane Irish Whiskey).

You’ve never made peanut brittle before? It’s time: March is National Peanut Month.

We’re presenting a recipe from chef Mark Dowling of LearnToCook.com, a website dedicated to getting the whole family in the kitchen with easy video recipes showcasing the basics of cooking.

His easy recipe for peanut brittle is below. Chef Dowling was kind enough to take the time to create our special request: a variation for St. Patrick’s Day that adds a touch of Irish whiskey.

For other occasions, you can substitute the spirit of your choice; and use whatever nuts you like. (We love pistachio brittle.)

You can keep the recipe kid-friendly by enhancing it with seeds (flax, pepita/pumpkin, and/or sesame seeds), mini chocolate chips, crumbled bacon, or chile heat.
 
 
EASY PEANUT BRITTLE RECIPE

Ingredients For 5 Pounds Of Brittle

 
Preparation

1. COARSELY CHOP the nuts. Sift baking soda to eliminate any lumps.

2. BUTTER two cookie sheet trays/half sheet pans and set aside.

3. PLACE sugar, corn syrup, water, OR optional whiskey and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring regularly to avoid scorching. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot.

4. REDUCE heat to medium and continue boiling steadily until the mixture reaches 275°F. This might take about 35 minutes. Stir frequently. When you reach 275°F…

5. SIR in the nuts. Then continue to cook over low heat. Keep stirring regularly. At this stage, you want the mixture to reach 295°F, the “hard crack stage.” It might take another 15 minutes to get there, but keep a close eye on the thermometer so it doesn’t overcook!

6. REMOVE the pan from the heat and remove the thermometer.

7. SPRINKLE in baking soda; stir thoroughly to combine. POUR immediately onto the buttered sheet pans. Use two forks to lift up and separate the mixture as it cools.

8. COOL thoroughly overnight. Then break up as desired and store in an airtight container.

Adults only: Sip some Irish whiskey as you enjoy your whiskey brittle.

Since we’re missing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Savings Time, today’s tip is short and sweet: Make granola ice cream sandwiches.

The idea was inspired by this photo from Thrive Frozen Nutrition ice cream.. It substitutes healthier granola for the cookie portion of an ice cream sandwich.
GRANOLA ICE CREAM SANDWICH RECIPE

Ingredients

1. PLACE granola on a plate.

2. REMOVE ice cream from container and cut into half-inch slices (or thicker).

3. DIP both sides of ice cream slices into granola. Wrap in plastic wrap or wax paper and freeze.

 
Variations

 
Enjoy!

The most recent is Chobani Bites, 3.5-ounce, 100-calorie yogurt cups that are perfect snacks or low-calorie desserts. Competitor Yoplait has launched Greek 100, the same concept in more conventional flavors (Lemon, Mixed Berry, Strawberry, etc.)

Sold in four-packs for $2.99, the initial flavors of Chobani Bites include:

 
All of the flavors are complex, elegant and luscious. We’re so enamored of the Raspberry With Dark Chocolate Chips that it has begun to replace our much-less-good-for-you dessert choices.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR YOGURT?
Check out our Yogurt Glossary, which features all the different types of yogurt. There’s a lot to discover!
  

PICKLING BRINE + OIL = VINAIGRETTE

It couldn’t be simpler: The next time you finish a jar of your favorite pickled treat, be it jalapeños, pepperoncinis or good, old-fashioned dill pickles, save the brine for vinaigrettes.

 
MORE USES FOR PICKLE BRINE

Here are five more ways to use pickle brine from our favorite artisan pickle-maker, Rick’s Picks.
MORE CONDIMENT TIPS FROM CHEF JOHNNY
Chef Johnny Gnall shows how easy it is to combine two ordinary condiments into a “gourmet” condiment.

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE CONDIMENTS & CONDIMENT RECIPES