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Holiday entertaining excellence

From savory appetizers to delicious holiday gifts, cheese is a must-have holiday ingredient.

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From savory appetizers to delicious holiday gifts, cheese is a must-have holiday ingredient.

These recipes from Chef George Duran, host of TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off” and Food Network’s “Ham on the Street,” make it easy to elevate your cheeseboard, serve up delightfully delicate puffed pastries or make glass canning jar gifts to give away to guests. Each dish features Jarlsberg Cheese, which was created in 1956 and remains based on the original Norwegian recipe, offering a slightly nutty, mild and delicious taste that helps every dish live up to festive occasions.

Best known for its classic wedge, Jarlsberg is also available sliced and in snacks and crisps for simple appetizers, savory sides and even take-home treats your guests will love.

Find more ideas to elevate this holiday season at jarlsberg.com.

Tomatoes Gratin
Servings: 4

4          tomatoes
2          ounces balsamic vinegar
1/3       cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 4 ounces, divided
4          garlic cloves, sliced thin
4          sprigs fresh thyme (or equivalent dried)
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2          ounces pine (pignoli) nuts
8          ounces shredded Jarlsberg Cheese

Heat oven to 350 F.

Cut tomatoes in half. In bowl, whisk together vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper; gently mix in tomatoes. Transfer to ovenproof dish. Place tomatoes cut-side up and bake 15 minutes.

In pan, toast pine nuts with remaining olive oil until golden then set aside.

When tomatoes are cool enough to handle, remove skins and return to baking dish. Sprinkle tomatoes with shredded cheese. Return to oven and broil about 5 minutes, or until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Top with toasted pine nuts.

Cranberry and Walnut Phyllo Triangles
Servings: 4

Filling:
1          cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
1/3       cup sugar
1/3       cup raisins
2          tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1          tablespoon finely grated orange peel
3          tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Triangles:
10        sheets fresh or frozen phyllo dough
1/3       cup melted butter
2 1/2    cups Jarlsberg Chunk Cheese, cut into 25 cubes
2          cups chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 375 F.

In saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, raisins, honey, orange peel and orange juice; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature.

Carefully lay one phyllo sheet on cutting board and brush with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with melted butter. Cover remaining sheets with damp towel to prevent drying out. Position brushed pastry horizontally and cut into five strips.

Place 1/2 teaspoon cranberry filling, one cube of cheese and 1/2 teaspoon chopped nuts in lower corner of each strip. Fold dough over filling to form triangle. Fold triangle up then over, forming another triangle. Continue folding to end of strip. Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining strips of dough and remaining sheets of phyllo.

Bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack before serving.

Note: If using frozen phyllo dough, thaw in refrigerator overnight.

French-Style Marinated Cheese
Servings: 1 jar

6          ounces Jarlsberg Original, Lite or Hickory Smoked Cheese
2          ounces black or green olives
1          small leek, bulb only (or small shallot)
1          tablespoon fresh oregano or tarragon (or equivalent dried)
1          teaspoon green or black peppercorns
2          sprigs fresh thyme (or equivalent dried)
1          clove garlic
2          tablespoons white wine vinegar
4          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1          glass canning jar

Cube cheese and thinly slice olives and leek. Finely chop oregano and peppercorns, and finely mince thyme and garlic.

To make marinade: Whisk vinegar with oil, oregano, peppercorns, thyme and garlic. Layer cheese, olives and leeks inside jar. Cover with marinade and seal tightly.

Place jar in refrigerator to marinate 1 day. For best results, use within 3 days.

Holiday Deviled Eggs
Servings: 12

6          eggs
1/8       teaspoon salt
1/8       teaspoon pepper
1          teaspoon white vinegar
1          teaspoon mustard
1/4       cup mayonnaise
1          cup shredded Jarlsberg Cheese
Topping options:
Paprika
Parsley
Bacon
Shredded Jarlsberg Cheese
Cooked crab meat
Scallions

Boil large pot of water. Carefully add eggs and boil on high 2 minutes then simmer 13 minutes.

While eggs cook, chop parsley and scallions, if desired.

Once eggs are cooked, transfer to bowl of ice water; cool 8-10 minutes. Peel eggs and cut in half lengthwise. Separate egg yolks into another bowl. Reserve egg white halves.

Combine egg yolks with salt, pepper, vinegar and mustard. Add shredded cheese and mayonnaise; mix until smooth.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of yolk mixture into each egg white half.

Add toppings, as desired. For classic deviled eggs, sprinkle paprika and chopped parsley over eggs. For a savory alternative, cook four strips of bacon and chop. Top eggs with chopped bacon and shredded cheese. For a unique variation, try topping eggs with cooked crab meat and chopped scallions.

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Nutrition

Unite loved ones with a luscious dessert, Tart Cherry Unity Pie

By bringing some of the most popular pie flavors together, the Tart Cherry Unity Pie offers the familiar, distinct sweet-tart flavor of Montmorency tart cherries that pair well with pecans, apple and pumpkin pie spice for a sense of nostalgia representative of family, tradition and celebration.

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Celebration-worthy treats are perfect ways to cap off days spent with those you love, whether there’s a special occasion or you’re simply looking for creative ways to share more moments together. As a beloved staple in households for generations, pie provides a sweet, delicious way to bring family and friends to the table.

By bringing some of the most popular pie flavors together, the Tart Cherry Unity Pie offers the familiar, distinct sweet-tart flavor of Montmorency tart cherries that pair well with pecans, apple and pumpkin pie spice for a sense of nostalgia representative of family, tradition and celebration.

In this unique recipe, the bold and vibrant flavors of tart cherries take center stage, complemented by the subtle sweetness of apples and crunch of pecans. With their burst of brightness and acidity, tart cherries perfectly balance the other flavors to create a pie fit for any occasion.

U.S.-grown tart cherries are a particularly versatile ingredient that makes them an ideal partner for other beloved ingredients and flavors. In fact, as the demand for sour, less sweet food and beverages continues to gain momentum, they provide a multi-faceted, sweet-tart profile for favorite foods and drinks. While tart cherries are increasingly featured in a wide array of recipes, they remain a favorite ingredient in confectionary items and baked goods like pies.

Slow down your fast-paced world and savor a slice of this timeless dessert alongside loved ones for a moment of respite. With its sweet and tangy filling, flaky crust and tart cherry topping, you can indulge in life’s simple pleasures for a sense of coziness and comfort.

Visit ChooseCherries.com to find more celebration-worthy tart cherry desserts.

Tart Cherry Unity Pie
Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Tart Cherry Industry
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Pie:
1 pie crust (9 inches)
2 cups canned tart cherry pie filling
2 cups canned apple pie filling
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Streusel:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 pinch salt
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Fit pie crust to 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges and use fork to poke holes in bottom. Place pie crust in freezer to chill.

In large bowl, combine tart cherry pie filling and apple pie filling. Set aside.

To make streusel: In bowl, use fork to mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pecans and salt. Pour butter over dry ingredients and mix until ingredients come together in clumps.

To assemble pie: Pour cherry-apple filling into prepared pie crust and sprinkle streusel on top. Brush beaten egg onto exposed pie crust edges.

Bake 25 minutes. At 10-minute mark, cover pie dish with foil to prevent crust from over-browning. After 25 minutes, lower oven temperature to 375 F and bake 30 minutes.

To make pumpkin spice whipped cream: In large bowl or bowl of stand mixer, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and pumpkin spice. Use hand mixer or beater attachment on stand mixer to beat on medium-high speed 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate whipped cream until ready to serve.

Let pie cool 2-3 hours then dollop pumpkin spice whipped cream on top, slice and serve.

Substitution: Storebought whipped cream topped with pumpkin spice can be used in place of homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream.

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Nutrition

Indulge taste buds with better-for-you snacks

Regardless of when or where you snack, encourage better-for-you eating habits with nutritious nibbles to power through your day. Here are some recipes.

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The foundation of healthy eating may include nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but just as important are the snacks in-between meals. Regardless of when or where you snack, encourage better-for-you eating habits with nutritious nibbles to power through your day.

According to an online survey conducted among 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older across the US by Wakefield Research on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board, people love snacks, and reach for them an average of three times a day.

However, where and when those snacks are eaten can vary from on the move to on the couch, from sunrise to after bedtime. Nearly a third (30%) of respondents are munching on snacks while in bed, calling it their favorite snacking spot. However, only 35% of their snack choices are considered healthy.

Fueling busy days can be easy with an option like pecans. According to the survey, 66% of snackers enjoy pecans on their own with 58% eating them as part of a trail mix. If you’re among the 50% who reach for a snack in the late afternoon, you can turn to nutritious, satisfying solutions to indulge afternoon cravings without the guilt. With pleasing crunch, comforting creaminess and a satisfying chew, pecans are the “no sacrifice” nut that can punch up your routine with both delicious taste and plant-based nutrition.

Just a handful of pecans – about 19 halves – provides a good source of fiber, thiamin and zinc and an excellent source of copper and manganese, a mineral that’s essential for metabolism and bone health. They also provide a mix of protein and good fats – 18 grams of unsaturated fat, including oleic acid, and only 2 grams of unsaturated fat – to help keep you full and energized throughout the day.

As an added bonus, their versatility and easy-to-pair profile makes them a perfect ingredient in recipes you can prepare in a cinch. For bite-sized treats that are packed with flavor and perfect for snack time, these Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites swap out flour and sugar in favor of blended pecans, chickpeas, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt with dark chocolate chips folded in for a sweet finishing touch.

Or you can simply toss warm pecans with olive oil and sea salt in this Roasted Pecans recipe for a grab-and-go snack that can be prepared in advance without worrying about spoiling. Another benefit of pecans: They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 9 months or frozen up to 2 years, giving them a longer shelf life than many pantry favorites. Plus, they can be thawed and refrozen without losing flavor or texture.

To find more surprisingly delicious nutritional facts or recipe inspiration, visit EatPecans.com.

Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
Recipe courtesy of Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24

1 cup raw pecan pieces
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

In blender or food processor, blend pecan pieces, chickpeas, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt 3-5 minutes, scraping down sides occasionally, until smooth and creamy.

Fold in dark chocolate chips.

Form into 24 cookie dough balls. Eat as-is; no baking required.

Note: Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Roasted Pecans
Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

2 1/4 cups raw pecan halves
2 teaspoons olive oil or pecan oil
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Preheat oven to 300 F.

Place pecans on baking sheet and bake 15 minutes.

In heat-proof bowl, toss warm pecans with olive oil and sea salt, crushing larger salt grains with fingers while sprinkling.

Return pecans to baking sheet in single layer and bake 20 minutes, or until slightly browned and dry. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet.

Note: Store pecans in airtight container in refrigerator up to 9 months or freeze up to 2 years. Pecans can be thawed and frozen repeatedly without loss of flavor or texture.

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Nutrition

Protein to fuel everyday adventures in the kitchen and beyond

To ensure you’ve got the energy needed to take on that to-do list and enjoy your favorite activities, turn to familiar ingredients and recipes that pack the protein your body craves.

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Achieving your goals each day starts with your own health and well-being, both physically and mentally. To ensure you’ve got the energy needed to take on that to-do list and enjoy your favorite activities, turn to familiar ingredients and recipes that pack the protein your body craves.

To help reach nutrition goals and fuel your everyday adventures, Chicken of the Sea Tuna and Salmon Packets can follow you anywhere you go and make healthy eating a delicious endeavor. Everything you love about your favorite tuna and salmon products now fits into your busy lifestyle and unique dietary needs – keto, paleo or Mediterranean.

They’re flavorful, convenient and fit seamlessly into your daily routine, making them a perfect solution no matter your mood, cravings or occasion. Whether you’re bringing tuna along as an afternoon snack or incorporating salmon into a tasty meal, the responsibly sourced protein allows you to eat healthy and live happy without compromise.

For example, you can rethink lunchtime routines with a colorful twist on the viral social media salmon rice bowl. Bring together the lively flavors of Everything Bagel-seasoned pink salmon with your favorite toppings like carrots, radishes, Sriracha mayo and more for a simple yet flavorful afternoon protein-packed pick-me-up.

Long days away from home can lead to meal complacency when you walk through the door. However, keeping high-quality, responsibly sourced protein options on hand can help you avoid takeout cravings and a desire to leave the cooking to someone else. It doesn’t get much easier than these Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers for an appetizer or low-carb snack that takes just 20 minutes to prepare a handful of everyday ingredients.

When you find the right solutions for you, it’s time to stock the pantry. Try all the flavors Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna and Alaskan Pink Salmon Packets offers, from creamy or citrus to spicy and beyond.

Visit chickenofthesea.com to find more nutritious recipe inspiration.

Everything Bagel Salmon Brown Rice Bowl
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Alaskan Pink Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning
1 cup cooked brown rice
roasted nori seaweed sheets or pieces, crushed
1 small avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons shredded carrots
2 tablespoons shredded radishes
2 tablespoons minced cilantro
2 teaspoons furikaki seasoning (Japanese rice seasoning)
2 tablespoons Sriracha mayo

In bowl, top cooked brown rice with crushed seaweed sheets.

Add sliced avocado and top with salmon.

Add carrots, radishes and cilantro.

Sprinkle with furikaki seasoning and drizzle with Sriracha mayo.

Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers 
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3

1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Lightly Seasoned by McCormick, Lemon Garlic
3 mini sweet peppers, halved, seeds removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions
fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay parchment or foil over baking pan.

Place halved mini sweet peppers on prepared baking pan and lightly brush both sides of peppers with oil.

Divide lemon garlic tuna evenly between six mini pepper halves.

Top with cheese and bake 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

Allow to cool and top with sliced green onions and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.

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