Easy Upgrades for Holiday Entertaining

Holiday gatherings call for an extra touch to make the celebrating special. Since many holiday festivities are centered on food, focus some attention on the refreshments for a simple way to upgrade your next holiday party.

From the presentation to the pairings, it's easy to make an ordinary spread extraordinary this holiday season. Take this year's event to the next level with these easy tips that bring the wow-factor to your gathering:

Make it look as pretty as it tastes. Even simple platters of crackers and cheese can feel extra special when presented on a pretty plate. If you're serving food buffet style, use a colorful tablecloth and stack sturdy boxes of varying sizes underneath to serve as risers that create some visual interest for the spread. Incorporate seasonal decorations such as ornaments or sprigs of holly and poinsettia blooms. For a plated meal, a table-runner adds just the right pop of color and a tasteful centerpiece of candles or evergreen dressed with holiday trinkets elevates an everyday table.

Offer the perfect pairings. When planning your menu, consider the types of beverages you'll serve along with the appetizers and dishes. When paired properly, food and cocktails complement one another, making the flavors more vibrant and the overall experience more impressive. A good starting place is cheese. Pair alpine-style cheese such as Roth Grand Cru with Riesling; creamy blue with gin; smoky blue with merlot; Havarti with pinot noir; Spanish-style such as Roth GranQueso with scotch; and Gouda with prosecco.

Enhance traditional favorites. Putting a fresh, elegant spin on the basics instantly elevates your menu and the overall experience for your guests. Even a staple like cheese can get some special dressing for the occasion. This recipe combines three rich, flavorful cheeses for a fondue that's sure to delight guests.

Explore more ideas for exceptional holiday entertaining at rothcheese.com.

Culinary Education Center House FondueCook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

3/4       pound Grand Cru Original, shredded
3/4       pound Grand Cru Reserve, shredded
1/2       pound Roth Fontina, shredded
16        ounces Pinot Grigio or other light- to medium-bodied white wine
1          loaf crusty artisan bread
            fresh apples, grapes and pears
            black and white pepper (optional)
            nutmeg (optional)

Combine cheeses and wine in ceramic fondue pot and stir to combine. Allow mixture to soak 15-30 minutes.

Heat mixture over low heat, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not allow mixture to boil. When cheese has melted completely, remove from heat and transfer to tabletop burner.

Serve fondue with chunks of bread and fruit. If desired, provide pepper and/or nutmeg guests can sprinkle onto a plate and use for dipping bread and cheese. Pair with chilled dry Riesling and a shot of authentic Swiss kirschwasser.

Tackling a Touchdown Tailgate: Cost-effective tips from DIY experts

Whether you're a die-hard gridiron fan or prefer to enjoy the food and festivities from the sidelines, everyone can agree that a successful tailgate is key to any memorable game day get-together. According to a recent Bank of America survey, 34 percent of Americans plan to attend a professional or college football game or tailgate this fall, and 20 percent plan to host a tailgate or viewing party themselves.

As fall settles in, the air gets crisper and the kids head back to school, many Americans eagerly anticipate one thing: football season.

While many love planning out meals, decorations and activities for friends and family, the costs can easily add up and make hosting feel like an underdog game. So how can fans plan a tailgate that stays on budget and impresses any crowd – home or away?

Home design and DIY experts Ben and Erin Napier teamed with Bank of America to provide these cost-savvy tips for pulling off a memorable tailgate that fits the bill for every fan on game day.

Get in the Competitive Spirit
Whether you're grilling outside the stadium or spending halftime hanging out in your backyard, Ben recommends laying out a variety of games for guests to enjoy.

"We take college football season very seriously," Ben said. "For some friendly, competitive fun before kickoff and during halftime, create a larger-than-life wood-block game."

Follow these simple steps:
1. Sand down wooden four-by-fours.
2. Cut into 48 pieces, each 18 inches long.
3. Stack pieces into a tower.
4. Take turns pulling pieces to see who knocks the tower over first.

For added flair and personalization, Erin suggests painting the wooden blocks your team colors.

Bring the Stadium to Your Living Room
If you missed out on tickets or your home team is on the road, you can still make your home feel like a day at the stadium.

"During tailgates at home, we try to make our friends feel like they're actually at the game and having as much fun as possible," Ben said.

Decorating your home with the team's colors – such as creating DIY wall art with framed jerseys – is a simple, cost-efficient way to capture the tailgate essence.

Ben suggests setting up a big screen TV on the deck or outdoor living area with speakers to mimic the feeling of watching a game outside in the stands. For inexpensive, comfy seating that will help welcome guests and add another pop of team spirit, try purchasing throw pillows in your team's colors from a wholesale club or superstore, but make sure to weatherproof them first using fabric protection spray.

"We also like to play recordings of our college band before kickoff if we can't be at the pep rally in person," Erin said.

Create a Tailgating Space that Stands Out
One of the best parts of tailgating at the stadium is being surrounded by fellow fans. Try sprucing up your car or tent to create an inviting space that showcases your team pride.

Ben recommends investing in a large, custom-designed vinyl or fabric banner for your tent. Not only can they be affordable to produce and last for many seasons, but they stand out in a crowd.

"Because the banner's durable, you can use it every year," Ben said. "Its unique design makes it easy to find after we walk around the tailgate to meet fellow fans."

Even when your tailgate screams "Go Team," it's important to make everybody – even the opposing team's fans – feel welcome.

"Experiencing a big game may be a once in a lifetime experience for them," Erin said. "Football fans should be all about hospitality, even toward the rival team's visitors."

Defeat Your Budget
"Planning for a busy football season doesn't need to be a 'loss' for your budget," Ben said. "Turning to a credit card that rewards you for everyday purchases is one of the easiest ways to 'win' this season."

Because tailgating throughout the entire football season requires many trips to the grocery store – often buying in bulk – using a card like the BankAmericard Cash Rewards credit card lets you earn 2 percent cash back at wholesale clubs and grocery stores. And 3 percent cash back when gassing up for away games – on up to $2,500 in grocery/wholesale club/gas quarterly spend. You also earn 1 percent back on all other purchases.

For more information, visit bankofamerica.com/creditcard.

Develop a Game Plan Before Cooking
When preparing meals for a large group, planning ahead and using simple recipes are key.

"We like to plan our meals ahead so that by the time our friends arrive and the game starts, we're pretty much done in the kitchen," Ben Napier said.

A simple, versatile marinade helps keep flavors fresh throughout the football season while avoiding additional costs.

"For our tailgates, we prefer to stick to the classics," Ben said. "When we aren't grilling hot dogs or burgers, we make a big pot of chili in our slow cooker – letting it simmer for a few hours before serving when the game starts. If we're tailgating at the stadium, we'll even throw the chili together in a cast iron pot straight on the grill."

Do-It-All Marinade
            3          parts olive oil
            2          parts soy sauce
            1          part Worcestershire sauce
            1          part balsamic vinegar
                        lemon juice
                        Dijon mustard
                        pepper
                        garlic powder

In small bowl, combine all ingredients then place in re-sealable plastic bag.

Drizzle marinade over chicken and let stand in refrigerator about 4 hours prior to grilling.

 If you'll be hosting friends and family to honor Easter this year, make your gathering as simple as it is scrumptious with a decadent brunch menu.

If you're daunted by the diversity of dishes a brunch menu demands, remember that quality ingredients – not complex preparation – is what makes dishes truly stand out. Fresh produce and superior products instantly elevate a recipe from good to great.

These brunch staples all start as basics, but get a boost with the right combination of quality ingredients:

Made-to-order omelets are always a hit because they guarantee you're serving up exactly what your guests enjoy. Use a few winning ingredients to create an easy and quick omelet base, then offer an array of toppings, including unexpected flavors such as Jarlsberg Brand Cheese. Best known for its classic wedge, this nutty, mild cheese is also available in slices – perfect for the ooey-gooey factor everyone loves in an omelet.

A classic French quiche combines fresh and flavorful ingredients, is easy to make and tastes delicious hot or cold. The quiche is simple enough to make that you can prepare several varieties, giving guests plenty of options and handily filling a buffet spread. Simply prepare your crust and filling base then mix in fresh, crisp veggies that are steamed or lightly browned. Or create a savory, meaty quiche with your favorite sausage or bacon. Add some cheese before filling the crust and sprinkle some more cheese on top before baking.

Finger foods bursting with flavor simply make brunch better. This recipe uses ready-rolled puff pastry sheets, rosemary and the distinctive taste of Jarlsberg Brand Cheese for a mouthwatering dish that can be featured at a tasting station or as part of a larger meal.

Find more recipes for your Easter brunch at jarlsberg.com.

Make Brunch a Breeze
Skip the stress this Easter with these tips to make preparing your holiday brunch simply delicious.

1. Choose several make-ahead dishes that you can prepare well in advance, such as quiche or a breakfast bake.
2. Skip time-intensive pancakes and instead serve up a French toast casserole.
3. Prepare recipes using the highest-quality, freshest ingredients for the best results.
4. Give your meal a boost with unexpected but impactful touches, such as specialty butters, homemade jams and delicious cheeses.
5. Create beautiful and tasty accents for your buffet in minutes with pretty bowls or platters filled with colorful, seasonal fruit.

Easy Brunch Omelet
Makes: 4 portions

Toppings:
		mushrooms
		chorizo, bacon or ham
		cherry tomatoes
		spring onions
		herbs
Omelet:
8		eggs
8		tablespoons water or milk
		salt, to taste
		pepper, to taste
2		tablespoons butter
8		slices Jarlsberg Cheese
8		slices ham

Prepare toppings. Fry mushrooms and chorizo, bacon or ham; cut cherry tomatoes and spring onions.

To make omelet, crack eggs in bowl and add water, salt and pepper. Whisk eggs until they turn a pale yellow color, about 25-35 whisks.

Heat frying pan on medium heat and melt butter. When butter is bubbly, add about one quarter of the egg batter. This will make one of four omelets. When batter starts setting, move hardened parts toward the middle, enabling the rest to get direct heat as well. Use a gentle hand to avoid scrambled eggs. When batter starts to look cooked, add cheese and meat and flip omelet over. The omelet should be slightly golden on fried side and a little runny and soft in the middle.

Finally, put omelet on plate and add garnish before serving.

Puff Pastry Swirls
Makes: 4 portions

4		ready-rolled puff pastry sheets
1		cup grated Jarlsberg Cheese
2		sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
		pepper

Heat oven to 400 F.

On lightly floured work surface, roll out pastry sheets into 8-by-4-inch rectangles. Mix grated cheese, rosemary and pepper. Spread mixture over puff pastry. Roll up each pastry rectangle from short end. Press edges firmly together to seal roll.

Slice each roll into 2-inch thick slices. Place face down on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Tip: To make swirls rise more, don't roll out pastry with rolling pin.

Cheesy Bacon Quiche
Makes: 4 portions

Crust:
1		cup butter
1		cup flour
2		tablespoons water
		salt
Filling:
1		cup bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1		leek
4		eggs
1/2		cup Jarlsberg Cheese, plus additional for topping, grated
3		tablespoons parsley
4		tablespoons cream

Heat oven to 400 F.           

In large bowl, mix butter, flour, water and salt together. Knead thoroughly to make firm dough. Pack dough in plastic wrap and let rest in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Press dough into full surface of pie plate and cover with aluminum foil. Prebake in oven 10 minutes, then remove aluminum foil and bake another 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in frying pan on medium heat, saute bacon. Add leek at end of cooking time.

In bowl, whisk eggs and cream together and add grated cheese, parsley, bacon and leek. Pour filling into crust and top with grated cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, or until edge is golden brown and center is set.

Tip: To save time, use premade pie crust and bake according to package directions.

The Mixology Of Valentine's Day: New Survey Reveals The Spirited Chemistry Of Love

Valentine's Day is only a few heartbeats away, so whether you're frantically swiping right or have a lifelong Valentine, you no doubt have love on the mind. But, if you're like nearly half of millennials, you'll be skipping the reservations and staying in this Valentine's Day, according to a survey* commissioned by Southern Comfort 100 Proof®. So, before you splurge on that expensive bottle of wine or bouquet of roses, check out a few spirited stats about the dating and drinking preferences of millennials.

More millennials will stay in and cook rather than dine out on Valentine's Day.Let's face it…dining out isn't cheap! Perhaps that's why 44 percent of millennials surveyed plan to cook dinner at home on Valentine's Day. And while you're likely to focus your efforts on finding the perfect filet mignon recipe, don't forget how good that steak can taste with a classic crafted cocktail such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Don't be THAT guy. Be THE guy. Looking to take your mixology game to the next level? Well, now you have a reason to put that cocktail shaker to good use. Ninety-three percent of respondents say they are impressed by people who know how to make a good cocktail, which means there's a 93 percent chance that, if you know how to work that shaker, your recipe will be a hit with your Valentine's Day date. Take the odds!

Do you know how to make a really, really, really good cocktail? Pop quiz: what ingredients are required to make an Old Fashioned? If you can't answer that, then you might want to hold off on switching to a career in mixology. That's a shame, because nearly three‑quarters of survey respondents (70 percent) say they would date a mixologist. Talk about game.

It's not me, it's you! Whiskey can be intimidating. While it has become increasingly popular in recent years, it may be surprising that whiskey can be intimidating to some, much like a first date. In fact, nearly 10 percent of survey respondents say they are downright intimidated by the spirit, with women being five times more intimidated than men. Maybe it's high time you opted for a whiskey-inspired spirit with a little more experience under its belt – and a lot less bite. A spirit that has been around for more than 140 years. Something with a sophisticated profile featuring flavors of whiskey, fruit and spices that works perfectly as a base in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned – and ISN'T complicated!

Not to mention, 28 percent of millennials said they wish they knew how to make a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned. So, what are you waiting for? Swipe right with #SoCo100, and toast to Valentine's Day with these charming recipes!

Comfort Old Fashioned1 ½ oz Southern Comfort 100 Proof
½ oz Sparkling Water
1 tsp Sugar
Dash of Bitters

Add bitters, sugar and water in a short glass. Add Southern Comfort 100 Proof and ice cubes. Garnish with lemon twist.

Southern Manhattan®2 oz Southern Comfort 100 Proof
¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Bitters

Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker; shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Take-Along Festive Treats for Fall Gatherings

 Between gift exchanges, holiday parties and family gatherings, this time of year is full of opportunities for delicious sweet treats.

Add extra cheer to this year's celebrations with these festive desserts featuring Lucky Leaf Premium Fruit Filling. These quick and simple treats allow you to impress your guests and still have time to enjoy all the activities the season has to offer. A gooey chocolate-cherry cake, a classic cheesecake with a seasonal twist, a bubbly cobbler or traditional, go-to cookies are sure to become guest favorites, costing you minimal prep time. No matter if your favorite flavor is cherry, apple or blueberry, these recipes can be customized to complement any holiday menu or be a great addition to a cookie exchange. With more fruit and many flavors to choose from, Lucky Leaf can help you tackle the hustle and bustle of the season.

Find more flavor-filled recipes to brighten your holiday at www.luckyleaf.com.

Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 3 dozen cookies
	1	cup butter, softened
	2	cups sugar
	2	eggs
	2	teaspoons vanilla
	3	cups flour
	1	cup cocoa
	1/2	teaspoon salt
	1/2	teaspoon baking soda
	1/2	teaspoon baking powder
	1	can (21-ounces) Lucky Leaf Cherry Fruit Filling
	1/2	cup chocolate chips
Heat oven to 350 F.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and mix until combined. Add flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix until combined.

Roll dough into two-inch balls. Place on greased baking sheet or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press thumb into center of cookie to make well. Place cherries into each cookie.

Bake for 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool.

Melt chocolate according to package directions. Drizzle over cookies. Let chocolate set and serve immediately or store in airtight container.

Simple and Sweetie Blueberry Cobbler
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
	6	tablespoons butter
	3/4	cup sugar
	1	cup self-rising flour
	1	cup milk
	1	can (21-ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Blueberry Fruit Filling
Heat oven to 350 F.

Melt butter and pour into 2.5-quart casserole or baking pan. Mix sugar, flour and milk. Pour mixture over butter but do not mix. Pour fruit filling on top but do not mix. Bake 1 hour.

Black Forest Poke Cake
Recipe courtesy of Julianne of BeyondFrosting.com
Cook time: 22 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
	1	box chocolate cake mix
	2	large eggs
	3/4	cup milk
	1/2	cup vegetable oil
	1	jar (16-ounces) hot fudge sauce
	1	can (21-ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Cherry Fruit Filling
	2	cups heavy whipping cream or whipped topping
	1 1/4	cups powdered sugar
		chocolate bar for shavings
Heat oven to 350 F.

Combine cake mix ingredients as listed on box. Beat on medium speed until well combined.

Bake cake in 9-by-13-inch pan for 20-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting toothpick into center of cake. If toothpick is clean, cake is done. Allow to cool 10 minutes.

While cake is still warm, use end of wooden spoon or another round object and poke holes all over top of cake.

Heat jar of hot fudge sauce in microwave for about 30 seconds, or until you can stir and thin it out. You may need an additional 30 seconds. Pour sauce on top of cake and allow it to absorb. Let set until completely cooled.

Open can of fruit filling and pour over top of cake; spread evenly.

To prepare whipped cream, put bowl and whisk attachment in freezer for 5-10 minutes to get them really cold. In cold mixing bowl, pour in heavy whipping cream and beat on medium speed about 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar and increase speed to medium high. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over top of cake.

Chop chocolate bar into small pieces and sprinkle over top of cake. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12-16
	1	can (21-ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Fruit Filling
	1	9-inch graham cracker crust
	2	packages (8-ounces) cream cheese, softened
	1/2	cup sugar
	1/4	teaspoon vanilla extract
	2	eggs
	1/4	cup caramel topping
	12	pecan halves
	2	tablespoons pecans, chopped
Heat oven to 350 F.

Reserve 3/4 cup of fruit filling; set aside. Spoon remaining filling into crust.

Beat together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth; add eggs and mix well. Pour over fruit filling. Bake for 35 minutes, or until center of cake is set.

Cool cake to room temperature. In small saucepan, heat reserved fruit filling and caramel topping for about 1 minute, or until spreadable. Spoon apple-caramel mixture over top of cheesecake and spread evenly.

Decorate edge of cake with pecan halves and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate until ready to serve.