Wednesday, October 18, 2000
Wednesday, October 18, 2000 |
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A snack a day keeps the munchies away Many Americans walk a tightrope between work, school and other daily activities. As obligations increase and free time decreases, the concept of three meals a day seems to be quickly disappearing. To satisfy hunger while maintaining on-the-go life-styles, consumers are replacing sit-down meals with portable snacks. In fact, 40 percent of all eating occasions in America are snacks. Throughout each day, numerous snacking occasions arise and it is important to satisfy these cravings with delicious taste combinations. And, with more than 200 varieties of domestic cheeses available, the possibilities are endless. Whether it's nibbling on cheddar cubes in the car, peeling string cheese at the computer, or munching a slice of pizza at a ball game, cheese satisfies any snack attack. This year, the American Dairy Association is offering great tasting, convenient recipes for any snacking occasion. Asiago and cheddar pretzels, a tasty combination of shredded Asiago and cheddar cheese stirred into a hot roll, mix and baked until soft and doughy, is a delicious recipe that is easy to make and easy to store. Simply drop a few pretzels in a sealable bag for a great on-the-go snack. For additional flavor, pretzels can be topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds or fresh cracked black pepper. For a quick fix, stir together nut and honey cream cheese spread, a no-frills combination of honey, cream cheese and peanut butter. When spread on graham crackers, whole wheat toast or apple slices, this fulfilling treat will tempt everyone's taste buds. For added zip, sprinkle with optional toppings of chocolate chips, sunflower seeds or honey roasted nuts. Or, try garden fresh pizza squares, a pizza crust coated with a delicious cream cheese ranch dressing blend and topped with a variety of fresh vegetables. Easy to make, this snack is perfect for serving at a party. Guests will savor the taste and the colorful rows of vegetables resembling a garden, will spruce up traditional party tables. Prepare for the onset of snack attacks with cheese and bacon triangles, a simple recipe that can be pre-made and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply remove the triangles from the refrigerator and heat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. No matter which innovative cheese recipes are gobbled or grabbed, when time is of the essence, cheese snacks are sure to do the trick.
Nut and Honey Cream Cheese Spread
Makes 1-1/2 cups Prep time: 15 minutes
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Graham crackers, bagel chips, whole wheat toast or apple slices Optional toppings: raisins, sunflower seeds, honey roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, peanut butter, honey and cinnamon. Spread on graham crackers, bagel chips, whole wheat toast or apple slices. If desired, apply optional toppings. For cheesy roll-ups, flatten slices of bread with a rolling pin. Spread two tablespoons of the spread over each bread slice and roll up tightly. Serve immediately or transfer to a covered container and chill for up to one week.
Asiago and Cheddar Soft Pretzels
Makes 12 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 16-18 minutes
1 package (16 ounces) dry hot roll mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Asiago cheese, evenly divided Flour 1 egg, well beaten
Optional toppings: fresh cracked black pepper, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, mustard
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare dry hot roll mix according to package directions, adding Cheddar and 1/4 cup of Asiago cheese. Divide dough equally into 12 pieces; roll each piece with hands on a lightly floured counter top to form 15-inch ropes. Form each rope into pretzel or other desired shape and place three inches apart on two nonstick cookie sheets. Brush pretzels with beaten egg. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Asiago cheese and optional toppings, if desired, over pretzels. Bake until golden brown, about 16 to 18 minutes. Immediately transfer pretzels to a wire cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with mustard, if desired. Pretzels may be stored in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to four days. Cheese and Bacon Triangles
Makes 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas 12 slices American cheese 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits Optional topping: salsa
Cut tortillas in half to form 12 half circles. Place one slice of cheese over each tortilla half, tearing to a leave a 1/4 inch border around edges. Top cheese with bacon bots. Brush a small amount of water around the edges of the tortilla. Fold in half forming a triangle. Press the watered edges of the tortilla together to seal. Cook immediately using one of the following methods to cover and refrigerate up to three days. Microwave directions: Place one triangle on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high power in a microwave oven 16 to 20 seconds or until hot and cheese is melted. Let stand one minute before serving. Oven directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for six to eight minutes or until hot and cheese is melted. Let stand one minute before serving. Skillet directions: Cook triangles in a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about three minutes per side. Let stand one minute before serving.
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