The Ponte Vedra Recorder | Page 18

18 Recorder’s Birthday Party Planner S’mores Continued from 17 Improve your kitchen for entertaining StatePoint • 12 marshmallows • 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs • 12 lollipop sticks • Parchment paper Line cookie sheet or tray with parchment paper. Remove wrappers from chocolate bars; break into pieces. Place chocolate and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave for an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Dip about 1/2 of each marshmallow into melted chocolate; shake off excess chocolate. Immediately sprinkle chocolate portion with graham cracker crumbs or dip for heavier coating. Place uncoated side on prepared sheet. Push lollipop stick through top of chocolate about halfway into marshmallow. Repeat procedure with remaining marshmallows. Refrigerate for about 5 minutes or until firm. Store in cool, dry place. Makes 12 treats. Curl up on the Couch Make movie night complete with a S’mores sundae or sweet S’mores Snack Mix. Packed with flavors inspired by the classic recipe, this snack will have everyone saying, “Gimme some more!” Things you’ll need: • 3 HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars • 4 full-size graham cracker sheets • 2 tbsp. butter or margarine • 2 tsp. sugar • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1 cup cinnamon graham cereal • 1 cup miniature marshmallows • 1/2 cup peanuts Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with foil. Lightly spray foil with vegetable cooking spray. Break graham crackers into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces; spread on prepared cookie sheet. Place butter in small microwavesafe bowl. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds. Add sugar and cinnamon; stir until butter is melted and mixture is blended. Drizzle over graham cracker pieces. Bake in oven for 10 minutes; gently stir or turn over pieces. Bake for additional 10 minutes; remove from oven. Cool completely on cookie sheet. Remove wrappers from chocolate; break into sections. Toss graham cracker pieces with chocolate bar pieces, cinnamon graham cereal, marshmallows and peanuts. Store in cool, dry place. Makes about 4 cups mix. For more inspiration, ideas and S’mores recipe variations, visit www. CelebrateWithHersheys.com. To add a touch of sweetness to celebrations, enjoy this treat the traditional way or put a fun spin on an old favorite. Ponte Vedra Recorder ·September 17, 2015 If your home is the one your family and friends gravitate to for parties and seasonal celebrations, you need to make sure it can handle all that attention. Upgrading your kitchen can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects for those who entertain frequently. Here are a few upgrades that can improve your kitchen’s visual appeal and utility for better entertaining. and for visually appealing dishes and glasses. It’s easy for you to grab what you need and for guests to know where to turn for an extra plate or tumbler. And open shelves are terrific for showcasing that favorite set of after-dinner glassware or that sleek new cappuccino maker. But a well-designed kitchen also needs large cabinets to hide clutter and clunky appliances that consume precious counter space. Open and Shut Upgrade Your Range Is your kitchen storage bursting at the seams? Do those cabinets that once looked so great now seem tired? Today’s top kitchens employ a combination of open shelving and closed cabinetry to deliver stunning looks and top functionality. Install open shelving for things you use the most Upgrading your range is a simple way to take entertaining to the next level. Your range should be the centerpiece of your kitchen, in terms of design and function. And these days, designs that combine sleek industrial lines with classic retro touches are all the rage. But form needs to be matched by flexible function. Look for a range that comes in dual fuel, gas or electric, with choice of a single or double oven, such as the 36-inch professional style ranges from Verona, a luxury Italian brand from EuroChef USA. Their new Classic Collection line comes in three colors, including stainless steel, matte black and gloss red, with a color-matched control panel, featuring teardrop control knobs, beveled doors, rounded handles and elegant plinth legs. More information is available at veronaappliances.com/verona-classic. No matter what range you choose, opt for one with high BTU sealed burners and easy glide oven racks for easy access to your meals. And be sure to look for such advanced features as an infrared broiler and/or convection setting so you can cook quickly