It is not too early to start planning your Mother’s Day Brunch Menu! Because “Orange” you glad she’s your Mom?
WELCOME TO MIX IT UP MONDAY WITH MAD DASH MIXES
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WEEK 88
WHAT ARE WE MIXIN’ UP THIS WEEK?
Let me help you get a head start on planning your Mother’s Day Brunch menu. After all, “orange” you glad she’s your Mom? I bet you have already figured out there is going to an orange theme to our brunch, haven’t you?
Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen when you could be enjoying time with the special women in your life? Whether you are celebrating with your Mom, your daughters, your sisters or that special someone who has always been like a mother to you, I have some quick, easy and delicious recipes for you!
I met the folks from Mad Dash Mixes when I was at a convention one summer. They have developed a number of tasty mixes ranging from dips to soups, salads & desserts. By using their mixes, you can be in and out of the kitchen in no thyme! Their mixes can be found at www.MadDashMixes.com. By using the code farmhouse my readers can receive a 15% discount off of their order.
In case you are just starting to follow my blog, the vintage Hamilton Beach mixer was my Mom’s. She used it for many, many years. It still works! I did have it re-wired right before I brought it down to Florida two years ago. One of the guys who was helping with the downsizing/moving/settling my parents’ estate process re-wired it for me.
Let’s Get to Mixin’
For our Mother’s Day Brunch, I chose a citrus theme. I love to come up with witty names for events! Don’t you love “Orange” You Glad She’s Your Mom? !
Let’s Get Started!
Save This Pin For Later!
Pecan Topped Cranberry Pasta Salad with Chicken and Mandarin Oranges
I love an easy to make main dish pasta salad! This Pecan Topped Cranberry Pasta Salad with Chicken and Mandarin Oranges is perfect for a Mother’s Day Brunch. The mandarin orange slices, pecan pieces and the dried cranberries add just the right hint of color as well adding a delicious flavor to the pasta salad!
The Cranberry Pasta Salad comes with bow tie pasta and the seasoning packet that includes the dried cranberries. You will need to purchase a can of mandarin orange slices and a bag of pecan pieces. 2 cups of cooked chicken will also be needed to add to the salad.
I used already cooked chicken breasts that I cut into small cubes. Canned chicken could be used as well.
Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with the seasoning packet.
Add the chicken to the mayonnaise/seasoning packet and blend well.
Add the orange slices and then add this to the cooked bow tie pasta. Chill for 1 hour.
Before Nuts were Added
If you or your Mom don’t care for pecans, this salad can be served without the nuts!
After the pasta salad has chilled, you are ready to serve it.
After the Pecans are Sprinkled on Top
The nuts are sprinkled on top right before serving! The pecan pieces add color and great taste to the salad.
Pecan Topped Cranberry Pasta Salad
Equipment
- dutch oven
- spatula
- glass measuring cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 15 oz can of Mandarin oranges
- 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
- 1 cup pecan pieces
- 1 Cranberry Pasta Salad Mix by Mad Dash Mixes
Instructions
- Boil the bow tie pasta for 7 to 9 min. Drain and rinse pasta
- Add mayonnaise to the seasoning packet
- Add chicken & oranges, stir well.
- Add chicken/orange mixture to the bow tie pasta.
- Chill for at least 1 hour
- spoon pasta salad onto serving plates and top with pecan pieces
Notes
What’s For Dessert?
My Mom loved cheesecake! In her honor, I am adding the Creamy Dreamy Dreamsicle No Bake Cheesecake to our menu.
Creamy Dreamy Dreamsicle No Bake Cheesecake with a Gluten Free Pecan crust
Equipment
- mixing spoon
- measuring cup
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cream Cheese, Softened low fat cream cheese can be used
- 8 oz Cool Whip other brands of whipped topping can be used
- 1 Gluten Free Crushed Pecan Crust prepared in a Springform pan
- 1 packet Dreamsicle No Bake Cheesecake Mix by Mad Dash Mixes
- Decorative Sprinkles or crushed pecans if desired
Instructions
- Add softened cream cheese and the Dreamsicle Cheesecake Mix in a bowl. Blend until Creamy
- Fold in Cool Whip or other whipped topping
- Gently Spread in prepared 9 " crust in Springform pan
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours
- After the cheesecake has chilled, remove from refrigerator
- unlatch the latch and carefully remove the outside portion of the Springform pan
- If desired, sprinkle Decorative Sprinkles or crushed pecans over the top of the Cheesecake for color and interest
- slice cheesecake into 12 slices and serve. Cover & refrigerate any remaining cheesecake
Notes
- When using a springform pan, carry it by holding the sides. Once the pan is filled with either a crust, cake batter or cheesecake... DO NOT PRESS THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN! Pressing the bottom can cause the pan to come apart and potentially make a mess! Ask me how I know...
What? No Muffins?
Of course there will be muffins! These Mini Pecan Pie Muffins are quick, easy and delicious! And cute, too!
What Else Will I need?
Add a simple green tossed salad, a beverage or two and you will be set! Why not try an herbal infused iced tea or lavender lemonade?
Oh, don’t forget the flowers! Because after all , “Orange” you glad she’s your Mom!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Easy Spring Blooming Garden Basket
COOKING WITH KIM
Disclosure: this post was written in collaboration with Mad Dash Mixes
All opinions are my own.
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