Can you guess what fruit we think is essential for any vegetable garden? It is one of the juiciest fruits and is full of flavor, though they aren’t too sweet. They come in a variety of colors from yellow to purple, though usually they are red. If you haven’t guessed, we are thinking of tomatoes! 

That is right; technically tomatoes are classified as fruit, though they are obviously used more often in savory dishes and nutritionally they pan out more as a vegetable. However you want to label them, they are delicious and one of the easiest things to grow. Furthermore, if you have ever had a home-grown tomato then you know that there is not much else that can compare to their rich color and burst of flavor. Here are our best tips on how to grow this sought after produce and our favorite recipes that are full of them!

Our Top Tips on Growing Tomatoes

Plant After the last Frost

The most important piece of advice we can give you is to make sure you don’t plant your seedling outside until your area has had its last frost. The handy map below can help you determine when this usually is in your area. For us here in the Ozarks, we can be sure the last frost has come when May rolls around. 

Until then, you can start your tomatoes from seeds inside near a window, or you can pick up seedlings at your local nursery after the last frost has come and gone. Some say it is best to let your plants spend a little time outside each day leading up to planting them so that they get used to the temperature.

Make Sure to Plant in Direct Sunlight

Tomatoes are native to South America, so it is no wonder they naturally like it hot! Most varieties do best in full sunlight. Make sure to give them a couple feet of space between each plant and use a tomato cage to allow them to grow tall toward the sun.

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Water Every Morning

Tomatoes like their water. It is best to water them in the morning so that they have the moisture they will need to bare the drying sun all day. Spray near the roots, not on the leaves. This is said to prevent disease, strengthen the root system, and to keep sunlight from damaging the leaves. 

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Harvest when Plump and Rich in Color

Tomatoes can very in color anywhere from orange to dark purple color when they are mature. It is best to become familiar with they type of tomato you have selected to determine what color you should be looking for it to reach. Regardless of the color, every variety of tomato becomes a very rich color when it is ripe and is firm to the touch with just a bit of give.

The very best way to get familiar with when your type of tomatoes are ripe? A good old fashioned taste test will do the trick!

The Best Homegrown Tomato Recipes

Now for the grand finale of growing tomatoes in your garden… eating them! One of the most exciting times of the year is harvesting home grown tomatoes, or seeing them at the farmers market for the first time this season. Now it is time for all the tomato recipes! Here are a few of our favorites.

There is nothing more satisfying than watching something that you have planted and watered every day grow into something beautiful, except then getting to eat it! Growing your own veggies (and fruits) is a great way to spend more time outside, eat more nutritious food, and get the satisfaction of having created something yourself. Let us know how you end up pairing Spring and Summer veggies with Wind & Willow by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram @WindandWillowFoods.

We love all of the contrasting flavors that brunch is known for. Light breakfast fair like parfaits and oatmeal are accompanied by heavier lunch options like soups and sandwiches. Sweet french toast, pancakes, and pastries are paired with savory options like bacon, sausage, and eggs. So, why not wrap these contrasts all into one perfect brunch recipe? That is just what we did with our Savory Cheesy Bacon Scone recipe below. Follow this step-by-step guide for a dish that is everything we love about brunch in one recipe. 

First things First

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. This seems hot, but it will ensure the crisp outside, moist inside consistency you are looking for. Next, gather your ingredients and measure them out into a medium mixing bowl. First, combine the dry ingredients: Dip Mix, flour, and baking powder. Whisk together until combined. Next, either cube your cold butter into about 1/4 inch pieces, or freeze your butter for about 30 minutes to ensure it is extremely cold and then use the large side of a cheese grater to shred the butter into small pieces. However you accomplish it, you are just wanting the butter to be very cold and cut into small pieces before adding it to the flour mixture.

Cut in the butter in using a pastry knife or fork until the mixture reaches a sandy consistency. Then, slowly add the heavy cream as you stir the mixture (about 2 tablespoons to a 1/4 cup at a time). Mix everything just until everything comes together. You do not want to overwork the dough. 

Shaping, Cutting, and Baking the Dough

Once combined, turn  the dough out onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Using your hands, form a disk that is about 1 inch thick.

Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 6 even pieces. Place each piece about an inch or two apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. You can use a basting brush to coat the top of the scones with more cream if you wish, but this is an optional step that we did not find necessary. 

Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown on the outside. about 2 minutes before they are done cooking you can add extra cheese and crisp bacon to the top of the scones to let them heat and melt before pulling them out of the oven. Let them cool on your pan for at least 10 minutes. The scones will continue cooking on the pan. 

Serve and Enjoy!

We added some chives to the top of our scones when we pulled them out of the oven. Enjoy these savory pastries with a cup of tea or coffee. They make the prefect hearty breakfast for one, or a great addition to a big brunch spread.

Cheesy Bacon Savory Scones

Ingredients:

• • • Wind & Willow Cheesey Bacon Dip Mix
    • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 4 Tbs cold butter, cubed or grated
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • Cheese, bacon, and chives for garnish, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk the Dip Mix, flour, and baking powder together in a medium mixing bowl. Cut in the butter using a pastry knife or fork until the mixture reaches a sandy consistency. Slowly add the heavy cream as you stir the mixture. Mix just until everything comes together. Then, turn  the dough out onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Form the dough into a 1 inch thick disk and cut into 6 even pieces.  Place each scone 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. You can top them with bacon and extra cheese just before pulling them out of the oven, allowing the cheese to melt. After taking them out of the oven, you can top them with chopped chives for a bit of color and freshness.  Allow to cool on the baking sheet at least 10 minutes before serving.

Stay Connected

We love seeing how you and your family gather around our products. Tag us on Instagram @WindAndWillowFoods or on Facebook.com/windandwillowfoods with pictures of your Wind & Willow creations for a chance to be featured on our page! 

Stuck inside all day with the kids? This is the perfect fun and easy indoor activity for kids (or adults).  Dessert Pizza! Bonus: you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Follow our youngest Chef at the Wind & Willow Kitchen as she guides you through the simple, kid friendly steps in this DIY project.  

First things first, you will need a cookie crust. If you have store bought cookie dough (really any flavor should work) this is the perfect application. If not, simply use the baking staples that you have on hand to make a simple sugar cookie dough. Next, follow these steps to turn your dough into “pizza crust.”

 

Make the Crust

1. 1. Press cookie dough evenly in the bottom of a greased 12″ round pan.
   2. Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
   3. Set aside and let cool.

Kids will love mushing the cookie dough into the pan or even helping you make the dough if you are going the homemade route. 

 

Make the Cream Cheese Spread

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Next, prepare the “sauce.” Combine a softened 8 oz block of cream cheese with your favorite Sweet Cheeseball Mix. Choosing flavors like Chocolate Chip , Creme Brulee, or White Chocolate Amaretto are a nice base to add a variety of toppings. Try flavors like Lemon Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, or Chocolate Covered Strawberry for tropical fruit pizzas or Caramel Apple or Pumpkin Pie for a pizza featuring fall flavors like apples, caramel, and candied pecans.

This is a great time for your kiddos to step in and help. They may fling half of the mixture out of the bowl, but you can spare a tablespoon or two. No big deal! After they are done, give the bowl one more little mix to combine and then spread evenly over the top of the cooled cookie crust.

 

Prepare your Toppings

Our young chef enjoyed decorating from small ramekins that each had a different topping in them. She used chocolate chips, sprinkles, marshmallows, and gummy candies. Anything you have on hand would work: chopped up cookies or candy bars, any flavor baking chip, chocolate syrup and other ice cream toppings, candy, nuts, or fruit are all great choices. Even the topping packet that comes with your cheeseball mix alone will finish off a yummy dessert pizza!

 

Get Creative

Now it’s time to get creative. No two pizzas are ever the same. It is fun to see what kids come up with on these projects. Have fun and let this cooking project turn into an art project.  Remember, the fact that they have the chance to create something all their own is the most beautiful thing of all.

 

Final Touches

Add any final touches you feel you need. One last marshmallow? A cherry on top? A dollop of whipped topping? Anything goes here.

 

Admire your Work and Dig In!

Step back and admire your masterpiece. Kids really take pride when they get to help out in the kitchen. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a friend look at you the way our Wind & Willow Jr. Chef looks at her beautiful dessert pizza!?

It’s no fun to be stuck in the house all day, but if that is where you find yourself, we hope you take advantage of that precious family time for fun projects like this. Tag us on Instagram @WindAndWillowFoods with pictures of you and your family enjoying Wind & Willow for a chance to be featured on our page. 

The countdown to spring is on! Like every new season, we love celebrating the onset of warmer weather by gathering around great food with friends and family. For us, spring makes us think of the bright flavors of berries and citrus and the crunch of fresh garden produce. We have gathered 11 perfect spring recipes that will keep you feeling light, but aren’t just a boring salad. These 11 perfect spring recipes include breakfast, appetizers, main dishes, and enough sweets to last you until next winter!

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1. Morning Breakfast Scramble

Wake up to spring with this easy breakfast! Roasted Red Pepper Dip Mix transforms everyday scrambled eggs into a flavor packed meal. If your family is anything like ours, they will come to expect their eggs to have the subtle heat that wakes these eggs up.

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2. Triple Berry Parfait

Give your morning parfait a dessert twist by replacing the yogurt with a prepared cheeseball mixture. Here we used Triple Berry Twist Cheeseball Mix, but you could swap in any Sweet Cheeseball Mix you like.

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3. Lemon Cheesecake Crepes

Ah, Paris in the spring… oh wait! We are in the Midwest and it is still technically winter, but you wouldn’t know it when you are eating these for breakfast. Lemon Cheesecake Cheeseball Mix creates a creamy filling for these simple crepes, that taste anything but simple.

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4. Veggie Cups

We think this is such a great way to serve our dips! Just pick out any Savory Dip Mix and pair it with the veggies that are looking the best at the grocery store or farmers market. Carrots, celery, and grape tomatoes are always looking fresh and here we paired them with Back at the Ranch.

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5. Zucchini Boats

We love this recipe that uses Bruschetta Cheeseball Mix to take simple ingredients to the next level. It makes a perfect app or side dish, and with the addition of ground beef, they become the perfect light main dish for spring. 

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6. Lemon Rosemary Chicken

This chicken is marinated in a SWEET Cheeseball mix! That’s right! Lemon Cheesecake Cheeseball Mix combines with salty chicken broth and a few savory seasonings to create a perfectly balanced sauce that will crisp up chicken thighs without much effort at all.

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7. Dessert Pizza

This “pizza” has our mouth watering. The directions are simple; spread cookie dough evenly across a pizza pan, cover with prepared cheeseball mixture after it has cooled, and top with your favorite fruit. This one is perfect for the kids to help with, and you can use any Sweet Cheeseball Mix you have on hand.

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8. Fruit Kabobs in Raspberry Dip

As simple as this serving suggestion is, it is sure to impress. Whip up a Raspberry Cheesecake Dip Mix according to the directions and serve with berries and mint held together with a toothpick like a kabob. This dessert is somehow decadent and light at the same time, and it is perfect for a springtime brunch.

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9. Mini Dessert Tarts

Simply fill mini pie crusts with a prepared Sweet Cheeseball Mix and top with fresh fruit. This dessert looks super elegant, and yet takes seconds to make. They would make a perfect neighbor or teacher gift – simply place them in a pastry box and tie with a ribbon.

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10. Key-lime Cuties

The name says it all. These tiny cream filled cookies are adorable. Simply ice the bottom side of a vanilla wafer cookie with Key Lime Pie Cheeseball mixture or your favorite Sweet Cheeseball and top with a second cookie.

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11. Lemon Gooey Bars

We saved the best for last. This is our take on the gooey butter cake that is said to have originated in our home state of Missouri in the 1930s. The addition of a Sweet Cheeseball Mix makes these even better than the original. Here we used our Lemon Cheesecake Cheeseball Mix, but we also have a recipe for Berry Gooey Bars. To be honest, these are AMAZING with any Sweet Cheeseball Flavor, so go ahead and try them all!

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Sunshine on a Plate

Whether the warmer weather has begun to reach your neck-of-the-woods or not, it is always a good time to bring a little sunshine to your food. Your friends and family will love gathering around the bright flavors of spring with you.

Tag us on Instagram @WindAndWillowFoods or on Facebook.com/WindAndWillowFoods with your spring Wind & Willow creations for a chance to be featured on our page. 

Stock up on this Year-Round Favorite

Jalapeño Peach Cheeseball Mix has become a Summer barbecue must, but there’s something about Spring that makes us crave this combo even more. Maybe its the sweet juicy pieces of real peach that has us hooked, or perhaps its the little kick of jalapeño that makes it impossible to stop eating. Here’s what we know for sure: it’s flying off the shelves in stores all around the country (even the staff at Wind & Willow can’t get enough). 

Once you bring a Jalapeño Peach Cheeseball to a party, your friends and family will demand that you bring it time and time again. So, why not change it up by elevating it into a crostini appetizer? You can follow our recipe below that incorporates peach preserves and rosemary to take the flavors to the next level.

Jalapeño Peach Crostini

Ingredients:

• • Wind & Willow Jalapeño Peach Cheeseball Mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • Toasted slices of baguette bread
  • Peach preserves
  • Fresh rosemary, optional

Directions:

Combine Cheeseball Mix and topping packet with cream cheese.  Spread 1 tablespoon of mixture onto each slice of toasted bread.  Top with 1 teaspoon peach preserves and sprinkle with rosemary. Serve as a snack or appetizer.

Connect with us on Social Media

We love seeing how you use Wind & Willow to ring in each new season. Tag us @WindAndWillowFoods on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our page. Like and follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest flavors, recipes, and more!

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This beautiful @cooksandcompanyminnesota display is getting us excited for spring!⁠ ⁠ 📷 @cooksandcompanyminnesota

A post shared by Wind & Willow, Inc. (@windandwillowfoods) on Feb 26, 2020 at 1:01pm PST