What To Do With Muffin Tins- 25 Amazing Hacks

February 9, 2017cooking tipsSheri Spallone22 Comments

What To Do With Muffing Tins- 25 Amazing Hacks

Do you know the muffin pan? Yes, the muffin pan! The one who lives on Bakery Lane? Sorry:) Who knew that aside from baking, the simple muffin pan could be helpful in so many ways, in the kitchen, around the house, in craft projects, etc.? Re-purposing everyday kitchen gadgets, such as muffin pans (aka muffin tins), is an excellent strategy for saving money, saving space, and getting organized; plus, it's just plain fun. Amen! Who's with me?

I had no idea when I started this blog post about the infinite uses of a muffin tin! I knew this was one of my favorite kitchen tools, but now I am 100% convinced it IS my favorite!!! I kept finding more and more uses as I researched. Crazy! Aside from foods (muffins, quiches, appetizers, baked desserts, etc.), muffin pans are so versatile, and you will be blown away when you read this! Are you ready?

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have used any of these hacks or if you have some to add. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

25 Amazing Muffin Tin Hacks

1. Doo dad (what exactly is a doo dad?) and desk organizer - www.homedit.com

2. The perfect holder for stuffed tomatoes or peppers- www.betterrecipes.com

3. Use it to transport stuffed mushrooms or Festive deviled eggs- from www.selfproclaimedfoodie.com and www.justimagine-ddoc

4. Organize ingredients while you cook, otherwise known as "mise en place". Add a liner and clean up is a breeze.- www.seriouseats.com

5. Bake eggs in the shell (What??) (www.popsugar.com) or pour into tins to make egg sandwiches.

6. Turn muffin tin over to make cookie bowls, taco bowls, etc. - www.dreyers.com and www.eatingwell.com

7. Freeze stock, sauce, or tomato paste and then place in freezer bags for future use- marthastewart.com

6. Turn upside down to use as a cooling rack cooling rack- from www.realsimple.com

7. Topping for taco or potato bar- www.weightwatchers.com

8. A portable carrier for drinks -www.somedayilllearn.com

9. Ravioli Maker??? (ok, mind blown. I know this person used a ravioli mold, but you could easily use mini muffin tins) - www.juliasalbum.com

10. Condiment holder for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches - www.yesterdayontoday.com

11. Ice Cubes in a pinch, filled with fruit. - www.laughingcow.com

12. Counting games- www.growingbookbybook.com

13. Meal tray for children - www.yankeehomestead.com

14. Home Decor- fill with family photos and hang- www.simplestories.typepad.com

15. Organizer for cupcake, cake, or ice cream toppings- www.catchmyparty.com

16. School supplies organizer- www.scholastic.com

17. rustic votive candle holder-www.onecrazyhouse.com

18. Make new crayons using old crayons- Bake in a 350 degree oven until crayons are melted. -www.momwifebusylife.com

19. Cup holder for the car- www.m.atchuup.com

20. seed starter- www.thegardenglove.com

21. Craft paint organizer- www.GluedToMyCraftsBlog.com

22. Freeze leftover pesto or tomato paste- www.littlethings.com

23. Freeze individual portions of soup- www.crystalcattle.blogspot.com

24. DIT bath bombs molds- www.babble.com

25. Seed Spacer-www.athriftymom.com

26. Ok, one more...bonus! Taco stand- www.foodnetwork.com

Yum

Tex-Mex Burger Recipe

January 24, 2017grilling, entrees, lunch, partiesSheri SpalloneComment

Burger lovers, be prepared to be blown away! This Tex-Mex burger recipe is a force to be reckoned with. It hits all the flavor notes: sweet, spicy, and smoky, all wrapped up in one lip-smacking package!

Sparked by a leftover jar of our delectable Black Bean and Corn Salsa, I created a burger recipe that would leave our taste buds in awe. And boy, did it deliver! This burger was a hit with our family, leaving us all craving more. Can you almost taste it?

Don't underestimate the power of freshly ground meat in this burger. It's a game-changer. A few years ago, our friends introduced us to the world of homemade ground meat, and it revolutionized our burgers. This step is crucial whether you ask your butcher or grind it at home. We invested in a food grinder attachment for our mixer, but there are other options available if you don't have one.

Seriously consider adding this palate-tantalizing recipe to your favorites. You will not be disappointed, and your family will thank you! These would also make rockin' sliders for your Game Day menu, everything the same, except smaller.

For a complete meal, serve these burgers with our Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob, Herbed Sweet Potato Fries, and Best Darn Coleslaw.

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have tried this recipe. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef (we used freshly ground sirloin and chuck roast with good marbling-ask the butcher to ground for you at the grocery store, or grind your own)
1 egg, beaten
2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend (or Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning Blend)
1 teaspoon (tsp) Worcestershire sauce
1/2 onion, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
Chardonnay Guacamole Recipe (or your favorite guacamole recipe)
4 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
4 rolls of your choice, sliced in half
Romaine lettuce
1/2 cup Cherchies® Black Bean & Corn Salsa
1/4 cup mayo, mixed with one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. (These can usually be found in the ethnic section of your grocery store)

Preparation

Using a food processor, mix the mayonnaise with one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Set aside.

If grinding your own meat, cut the meat into 1-inch strips or pieces. Grind the meat with a meat grinder into a large bowl (you can certainly use store-bought ground meat). Add the egg, Cherchies® Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat. Mix until just incorporated (meat tends to toughen up the more it is handled). Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (more if you would like smaller burgers).

Lightly oil the grill with cooking spray or oil. Turn the grill onto high, then low after a few minutes. Make an indent in the center of the burgers. This allows the burger to cook evenly.

Grill burgers for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on your "pink preference". Add the cheese to the burgers the last couple of minutes of cooking. Lightly toast the rolls either for a few minutes on the grill or broil for a few minutes in the oven.

Now the fun part, building this beautiful tasty burger! Arrange the rolls on a tray or plate. Spread about 1 Tablespoon of the chipotle mayo mixture onto one roll half.

Next add the Chardonnay Guacamole to the other half to the other half, followed by a slice of onion.

Add the lettuce to the aioli half and the burger to the guacamole half, and dollop the burger with about 1 Tablespoon of Cherchies Black Bean & Corn Salsa. Place the lettuce half over the burger, pierce the burger with a large pick, and wait for it...

A juicy, mind-blowing, flavorful, Tex-Mex burger! Grab some napkins and enjoy!

Yum!

Yum

15 Epic Ways to Embrace Fig Preserves

January 9, 2017recipe round upSheri SpalloneComment

Happy New Year friends! I hope your holiday season was joyous and filled with wonderful memories. Before Christmas, you may recall my excitement over our new Fig Preserves with Cinnamon! Do you know what was even more exciting? Your amazing feedback! Thank you so much!

As a result of your feedback, you inspired me to research more recipes using Fig Preserves, so I carved out some time between Christmas and New Year's and got cracking, looking at old cookbooks (remember those) and the internet. You would not believe the versatility of this tasty condiment! I was shocked.

So friends...here is a list of figalicious ideas inspired by you to to inspire you! I have already made a few of these and can't wait to make more to share with you in the near future. What are your favorite uses for Fig Preserves? Do you have a favorite recipe? We'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by!

15 Ways to Enjoy Fig Preserves

Prepare into Fig Bars.
Bake with brie and Garlic & Herb Seasoning in phyllo cups for an easy tasty appetizer.
Spread on crostini with goat cheese, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar for a tasty appetizer or lunch.
Combine with rosemary and balsamic vinegar and use as a glaze for chicken, pork, or kebabs.
Swirl into a cheesecake batter for a fig cheesecake.
Spread it on toast, English muffins, or biscuits instead of jelly.
Mix with softened cream cheese as a crepe filling.
Mix with various spirits for a refreshing Fig Cocktail
Mix with oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to make a vinaigrette.
Use it in your favorite cake mix to create a delightful fig cake.
Spread on melted baked brie fresh from the oven.
Use it in grilled ham & cheese sandwiches.
Swirl it into ice cream.
Use in lieu of syrup for a topping for pancakes.
Homemade "Fig Newtons".

Figtastic!

Yum

Recipe Roundup- 30 Easy Mouth-Watering New Year's Recipes

December 29, 2016parties, recipe round upSheri SpalloneComment

2016 is quickly coming to a close, are you ready to ring in the new year? Do you have any plans for New Year's Eve? Are you going to a party, having a party, or spending a quiet evening with your significant other(s)?

However you are celebrating this year, consider Cherchies® your New Year's Eve party planner. We have included 30 of our favorite easy mouth-watering recipe ideas to make your evening stress-free, easy and elegant!

Here's to a healthy, safe, and prosperous 2017. Happy New Year friends! Thank you for your loyalty to us since 1978!

Appetizers - Perhaps you like to nibble and mingle throughout the evening. These quick and easy appetizers ideas are perfect for an appetizer party. Depending on your crowd, choose from a few or several:)

Fig Prosciutto Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe- The burst of flavors will send your taste buds into overload!
Shrimp Ceviche Shooters- Small bites with huge flavor!
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe- Crunchy, salty, and sweet, all wrapped up in a bacon bundle. Serve with Cherchies® Cranberry Mustard
Sausage Bites with Cranberry Mustard- Sweet, savory and easy.
Fig and Herbed Brie Cups Recipe- These savory fig cuties hit all the flavor notes in one tasty bite
Lemon Dill Dip Recipe- Perfect for vegetables, crackers, or a dip for shrimp- featuring our signature spice, Lem 'n Dill Seasoning Blend
Marinated Cheese Recipe- A "Pretty" presentation.
Mexican Martino Cheesecake Recipe- The perfect appetizer for a large crowd.
Honey 'n Lime Grilled Shrimp Recipe- Sweet and tangy. Remove from skewers or allow guests to help themselves.
Cheesy Hot Pepper Jam Thumbprints Recipe- Cheese and fruit with a kick
A cheese plate (see How to Create an Easy Cheese Plate blog)
Festive Deviled Eggs Recipe - A timeless recipe perfect for any occasion.
Garlic Krispies Recipe- A surprising crunch. Save some for yourself...they won't last long.

Small Plates- Looking for heartier bites during the evening rather than a full meal? Then you'll want to try these delicious recipes.

Sliders- Who doesn't love sliders? Try our Pulled Pork or create your own meatball sliders using mini rolls (King's Hawaiian is always fun). Add a festive pick and you're ready to go.
Ham and Mustard Biscuits- Toast in the New Year with Champagne...mustard that is!
Pretty Peppers Flatbread Pizza Recipe- Cut into squares for an easy peasy appetizer.
Easy Quesadillas Recipe- Serve with our Chardonnay Guacamole and sour cream. No fuss!
Sassy Grilled Chicken Skewers- Anything on a stick looks festive! Don't want to skewer? Cut into bite sized pieces and serve with toothpicks.
Melt in your Mouth Ribs- Slow cooked and easy. Guests can help themselves.
Champagne Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe- Serve chicken mixture in a pretty bowl with the lettuce leaves off to the side.
Lemon Dill Lox Recipe- Instead of regular sized bagels, use mini bagels!
Egg Salad Stuffed Shells- Arrange on a bed of lettuce on a platter.

Easy Elegant Meals - Perhaps a quiet evening with your significant other(s) is more your speed to celebrate the New Year's festivities. Here are a few quick and easy recipe ideas.