Did you know that the night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest pizza delivery days of the year? Many home cooks are slaving away for the enormous Thanksgiving Feast and don’t want to bother with providing a meal the night before. Most likely you have family in town staying at your house and are expected to provide dinner for the group. Instead of ordering out for “sub-par pizza delivery” why not plan some gourmet flatbreads that the family can easily create and enjoy themselves? Here at Bellisari’s, we are all about “Gourmet Convenience” and have created some easy flatbread recipes with our products that are perfect for holiday entertaining! 

GOAT CHEESE, PROSCIUTTO, ARUGULA & APPLE FLATBREAD

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 whole wheat ready-made flatbread 
4 oz. of goat cheese 
½  jar of Bellisari’s Blistered Jalapeno & Fig Spread 
1 package of sliced Prosciutto 
1 apple, sliced  
1 bunch of Arugula 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush flatbread with olive oil. Spread Bellisari’s Blistered Jalapeno and Fig Spread over flatbread, top with thinly sliced apples, and then the goat cheese. Put in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove and top with prosciutto and arugula. Cook for 4 more minutes and enjoy!

BALSAMIC SHALLOT & BLACK GARLIC BRIE FLATBREAD

Serves 4

Ingredients: 
1 ready-made flatbread 
1 tbsp olive oil 
½ jar of Bellisari’s Balsamic Shallot and Black Garlic Spread 
4 oz. brie cheese, sliced 
1 small pear, thinly sliced 
2 tbsp of fresh sage

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush flatbread with olive oil. Spread Bellisari’s Balsamic Shallot & Black Garlic Spread over flatbread, top with thinly sliced brie and pears. Put in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove and top with fresh sage. Cook for 2 more minutes and enjoy!

BLUE CHEESE, HONEY AND SHALLOT BURGER FLATBREAD

Serves 4

Ingredients: 
1 ready-made flatbread 
½ jar of Bellisari’s Blue Cheese, Honey & Shallot Spread 
1/2 pound ground beef, cooked through 
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped 
1/2 onion, sliced 
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced 
4 tbsp butter, divided for caramelizing mushrooms and onions 
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded  

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook the ground beef (drain and then set aside), then cook the bacon (drain, set aside and chop), caramelize onion in 2 tbsp butter (then set aside), and then caramelize mushrooms with remaining 2 tbsp butter.

Spread the ½ jar of Bellisari’s Blue Cheese, Honey & Shallot Spread on the flatbread then top with ground beef, bacon, mushrooms, and onions. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Remove and let rest about 3-4 minutes before slicing. 

BARISTA BBQ CHICKEN FLATBREAD

Serves 4

Ingredients: 
1 ready-made flatbread 
1/3 cup + 2 tbsp of Bellisari’s Barista Sauce  
1 cup cooked, sliced chicken breast (about one 8-ounce breast) 
2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 
2/3 cup shredded provolone cheese 
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 
1 ear of grilled corn on the cob, cooked kernels sliced off 
Fresh cilantro, for topping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss 2 tbsp of Bellisari’s Barista Sauce with the cooked, chopped chicken to coat it. Set aside. Spread 1/3 cup of Barista Sauce on flatbread, then layer on the shredded mozzarella, then the coated chicken, shredded provolone, then the onion slices and corn. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Top with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

CALABRIAN FLATBREAD

Serves 4

Ingredients:  
1 ready-made wheat flatbread 
1 tsp minced garlic 
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese cut in 12 slices 
1/2 jar of Bellisari's Calabrian Pepper & Sweet Tomato Fennel Spread 
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 
Kosher Salt 
Freshly cracked black pepper 
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush EVOO on flatbread and then brush on the minced garlic. Spoon the Bellisari's Calabrian Pepper & Sweet Tomato Fennel Spread on the flatbread and then place the mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted. While the flatbread is in the oven, make the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by half, about 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside. Remove the bread from oven. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

If you can believe it, it's already time to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner. Here's a handy checklist from Better Homes and Gardens to ensure a successful preparation for this year's Thanksgiving. 

Early November

·      Invite your guests. If the gathering is shared, keep track of who is bringing what on your menu. 

·      Determine any special food needs for your guests and plan accordingly.

·      Make shopping list of perishables and nonperishables. Don't forget to include beverages. 

·      If you are ordering a fresh turkey, do it now. 

·      Make a Thanksgiving to-do list, listing all the little things you feel must get done prior to Thanksgiving. Be sure to schedule time for each chore and indicate who will take care of that chore. 

·      Decide which china, glassware, and table linens you'll use.

·      If tablecloths and napkins need to be cleaned or ironed, do it now.

·      Once table settings have been decided, order a floral centerpiece or make plans to create your own

Two Weeks Out

·      Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests. 

·      Check all serving dishes, flatware, and glassware. 

·      Polish silver. Wrap in tarnish-resistant silvercloth and set aside.

·      Shop for any paper goods you need for the event. 

·      Clean your refrigerator to make room for your Thanksgiving items. 

·      Shop for nonperishable groceries on your shopping list. 

·      Match up recipes with serving dishes and silverware. Drop post it notes into each bowl and platter indicating which dish goes in each.

·      Plan and make decorations, place cards, and wreaths.

One Week Out

·      Plan seating arrangements. 

·      Review your recipes and prepare a cooking schedule by day for the days ahead, and by the hour for Thanksgiving Day.

·      Check thawing time for frozen turkey. 

·      Prepare guest room with fresh linens and other amenities.

·      Do any needed outdoor work like raking leaves or cleaning the glass on your front door. 

·      Will you need a high chair, crib, or booster seat? Bring them out and clean, or arrange to borrow these items from a friend or the parent.

·      If children will be attending, get out games or movies for them. Or ask parents to bring things for the kids to do.

Four Days Ahead

·      As appropriate, begin defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator. 

·      Do major housecleaning and organizing.

·      Put up wreaths and nonperishable decorations like candles. 

·      Phone guests regarding menu plans and find out what oven space they may need. Also inquire if they are bringing serving pieces or if you should furnish these.

·      Plan ahead for leftovers. Organize containers, bags, and wraps so guests can take home the meal's bounty.

Two Days Ahead

·      Chill beverages. 

·      Have centerpiece delivered or buy flowers for the table.

·      Shop for perishable items. 

·      Clean vegetables and refrigerate.

·      Set out bread for homemade stuffing. 

·      Make cranberry sauce. 

·      Fill salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes. 

·      Complete light housecleaning.

·      Lay a fire in the fireplace, ready to light later.

·      Put up decorations.

One Day Ahead

·      Peel potatoes, place in a pot of cold water. Keep in refrigerator. 

·      Clean vegetables and refrigerate.

·      Make all dishes that can be prepared ahead. Don't forget the pies and any chopping, peeling, or toasting that can be done ahead.

·      Check your bathrooms. Be sure to have extra paper goods and hand towels available. 

·      Prepare stuffing. 

·      Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used. 

·      Let your family set the table in the evening. 

·      Make the side dishes that can be baked ahead of time. 

·      Make a staging area for coffee, desserts, and drinks. Stock with flatware, sugar and creamer, cups and saucers, etc. This could even be set up on a tray stashed in the pantry until needed. 

·      Make sure there is plenty of ice.

Thanksgiving Day

·      Get out all serving pieces. Set out in order on a counter or buffet table.

·       Fill condiment dishes with your choice of pickles, olives, cranberry sauce, etc. Cover each dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Lay serving spoons on top.

·       Assign specific family members or relatives to be in charge of tending the fire, pouring drinks, answering the door, hanging up coats, and watching the children.

·       Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours. Add stuffing to the bird or place into casseroles to bake separately. 

·       Preheat oven.

·       Put turkey in oven and baste every half hour or according to your recipe.

·       Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving. 

·       Remove stuffing from turkey and let it rest, covered, for about 20 minutes before slicing. 

·       Microwave food to quickly reheat if all the burners of the stove are occupied. 

·       Make gravy and last-minute vegetables. 

·       Set out refrigerated dishes including condiments, cranberries, and salads. 

·       Heat bread or rolls as needed. 

·       Pour drinks.

·       Carve turkey.

·       Keep the oven on the lowest setting to keep foods warm until the meal is over.

·       Enjoy the dinner! Clear the table and serve dessert

Cleanup

·       Before leaving the table, blow out candles. Collect used cloth napkins and place them in the laundry.

·       Quickly fill the dishwasher with one load of dinner dishes and glassware. Add soap and run a cycle.

·       Fill the sink with hot soapy water and drop in silverware and any items to be hand-washed.

·       Put away leftover food in containers, foil packs, or plastic bags. Distribute into labeled bags for guests to take home. Refrigerate everything. 

·       Wash items in the sink, then refill with hot water to soak pots and pans.

·       Clear and wash kitchen counters.

·       Wash serving pieces belonging to guests. Set labeled bags in a mudroom or hall, ready to take home.

·       Organize games or other entertainment.

·       Finish dishes as time allows, or after guests depart.

·       Launder tablecloth and napkins.

·       Put away dishes, serving pieces, and glassware.

·       Return any borrowed tables, chairs, games, etc.

·       Make notes on what worked -- and what didn't -- and keep in your recipe box by the "Thanksgiving" tab.

Source: BHG.com, "Thanksgiving Countdown" 

Too much Halloween candy? After each scary holiday I am always wondering how I am going to get rid of all that candy that my kids brought home. Some of it will be eaten, sure, but just one look at the number of calories in an average Halloween haul and you'll want to make sure the bulk of it goes anywhere besides your family members' stomachs.

There are a number of creative ways to get rid of Halloween candy, like using it for crafts or science experiments or having the dentist take it in exchange for a small toy. But perhaps the best thing to do with Halloween candy is donate it. That way your kids can enjoy a truly special treat: the feeling of helping others. Here are a few ideas for donating unopened candy:

Operation Gratitude - www.operationgraditude.com
Operation Gratitude sends more than 100,000 care packages annually to U.S. troops stationed overseas and to their children left behind, as well as veterans. The organization's mission is simple: to put a smile on soldiers' faces. The website contains other important shipping info, and kids are encouraged to include letters and pictures, too.

Ronald McDonald House Charities - www.rmhc.org
The Ronald McDonald House helps keep severely ill kids and their parents together during treatment. After Halloween, most locations accept donations of unopened candy for the families being served. You can search for your local chapter on the website but call ahead to find out the rules for dropping off candy.

Operation Shoebox - www.operationshoebox.com
Another organization that collects and sends care packages to troops overseas is Operation Shoebox. What is unique about this charity is that it accepts individually wrapped candies all year long.

Local Options
Throughout each city there are soup kitchens, homeless shelters, food pantries and retirement/nursing homes that would welcome the donations. Many take donations of unopened candy for residents and guests. It's worth calling to find out if they accept treats, which your kids can deliver with a note.

Source: Mommypoppins.com

It’s that time of year again. You know—the one filled with pumpkins, ghosts, and Hillary and Donald costumes. At least this year.

Americans are expected to shell out for Halloween as usual, with the cost of candy, costumes, and decorations expected to total $6.9 billion as the average American spends $74. Halloween kicks off the nation’s end-of-year holiday spending spree (only 74 shopping days ‘til Christmas), so before you go trick-or-treating or pop in your favorite scary flick, check out how Americans rate their candy choices with this by-the-numbers look at Halloween sweets. See how your favorites (or least favorites) stack up.

While it’s not a great idea to give out or accept homemade treats from strangers (as the graphic below reminds us), make your own tasty popcorn for your friends and families’ Halloween get-togethers with one of our recent recipes. Check out some simple savory and sweet ideas here or try the unique Saigon Street popcorn made with Bellisari’s Saigon Street sauce!

Sources: http://www.bonappetit.com/, http://www.seriouseats.com/ and http://fortune.com/

Spicy Popcorn

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried ground rosemary
3 cups popped popcorn

Directions:
In a small bowl combine all the spices. In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups of popped popcorn, add the spices and mix until everything is well combined. Serve immediately.

Rosemary Parmesan

Ingredients:
½ cup parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons kosher salt
12 cups hot popped popcorn

Directions:
Combine the popped popcorn with all other ingredients. Serve and enjoy!

Blue Cheese Almond

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 cup toasted almond slices
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:
Drizzle the melted butter over the hot popcorn and toss with crumbled blue cheese, toasted almond slices and kosher salt. Serve and enjoy!

Chocolate Caramel Bacon Popcorn

Ingredients:
½ cup dry roasted peanuts
4 pieces chopped bacon pieces
1 ½ sticks unsalted butter
1 ½ cups brown sugar
¼ cup corn syrup
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
10 cups popped popcorn

Directions:
Heat oven to 250ºF. In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn, dry roasted peanuts, chopped bacon pieces; toss lightly to combine. In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the sticks of unsalted butter and stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly, then boil another 3 minutes without stirring. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in baking soda and vanilla. Immediately pour mixture over popcorn; toss lightly to combine. Spread mixture in two shallow baking sheets. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Transfer popcorn to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool.