Try This Recipe at Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table This Year

Cranberry chutneyEveryone knows about the jelly-like glob of cranberry sauce that always graces the Thanksgiving table every year. Why not change it up this holiday season, and try our favorite tart berry – with a spicy new twist? Cranberry chutney combines all of fall’s favorite flavors, and gives you a chance to break out of the canned cranberry sauce mold. We found this recipe on Allrecipes.com – if you try it, let us know if you liked it!

Cranberry Chutney

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 12-oz. package fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup apples, peeled, cored and diced
  • ½ cup cider vinegar
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Add cranberries, apples, cider vinegar, raisins and spices. Bring to a boil, and then simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Pour into mixing bowl, and place plastic wrap directly on the sauce’s surface. Cool to room temperature and serve, or cover and refrigerate. Bring chutney to room temperature before serving.

And, you can make sure your home is ready for the holidays with Family Danz.

Of course, your guests’ comfort is always a top priority for you. And your comfort is always a top priority for us! Make sure your heating system is ready for the holiday season ahead by trusting your maintenance and repair needs to Family Danz. Simply call us at 518.427.8685 or contact us online and we will be happy to help.

Time for Pumpkin Spice Everything – Check Out Our Pumpkin Muffin Recipe!

Pumpkin muffinsThis time of year, everyone is busy. September means back to school and back to work routines, so you might be thinking you don’t have an extra moment to breathe, much less bake. But you should know you and your family can enjoy one of your favorite flavors of fall – using only three ingredients!

This recipe for pumpkin muffins is simple, and you can make them for a quick breakfast treat, an easy lunchbox addition, or an after-school snack. You can easily dress them up by adding chocolate chips to the mix, or a few swirls of glaze on the tops. Whether you stick right to the recipe or add a few of your own special touches, we think this will become your favorite pumpkin muffin recipe! We know we love it!

Easiest Pumpkin Muffins Ever

Ingredients

  • 1 box of spice cake mix
  • 15 oz. can of pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup water

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Either spray your muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray, or line with cupcake wrappers. (Makes 24 muffins.)
  • Mix cake mix, pumpkin puree, and water until well combined. Divide evenly among prepared muffin tins.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes.

This muffin recipe is super easy, and can save you time and hassle when it comes time for breakfasts and snacks. Did you know calling Family Danz to schedule your fall maintenance can save you time and hassle, too? Heating systems that are properly maintained are far less likely to need repairs, or worse yet, break down at an inconvenient time. So give us a call today at 518.427.8685, and we’ll be happy to get your fall maintenance scheduled.

Family Danz Recipe Corner: Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie

Bowl filled with strawberriesJuly is definitely the month for backyard barbecues, cookouts and picnics. The warm weather has everyone going outside to celebrate, and chances are you and your family will be joining in on the fun, festivities and food too. If you’re looking for a great dessert recipe that will be the hit of the next outdoor get-together you either host or attend, then look no further than this unique icebox pie recipe from Southern Living. Simple to make ahead, everyone is sure to love this delicious, summer-inspired treat!

Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie

Ingredients

  • 2 cups finely crushed pretzel sticks
  • ¾ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ 8-oz package softened cream cheese
  • 4 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups whipping cream, divided
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Stir together first three ingredients, Press firmly on bottom, sides and lip of lightly greased 10” pie plate. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from oven, place plate on wire rack and cool completely.
  • Process strawberries in food processor until finely chopped. You can do this by hand if you don’t have a food processor, just be sure they are very finely chopped.
  • Beat condensed milk, cream cheese, and gelatin at medium speed until smooth. Add chopped strawberries, and beat at low speed until blended. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Beat ¾ cup whipping cream at high speed until soft peaks form; gently fold whipped cream into berry mixture. Spoon into prepared crust. Cover and freeze 8-10 hours or until firm.
  • Beat remaining 1¼ cups whipping cream at high speed until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Spread over pie, and freeze one hour or until whipped cream is firm.

While this delicious pie is one way you can cool down this summer, don’t forget to call Family Danz to help you with your cooling needs. Whether you have central AC, ductless or even a heat pump system, we can help you make the most of your home comfort system and help you stay comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside! Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Party Planned? Try Out This Coleslaw For A Crowd.

Bowl filled with coleslawIf you’re in the process of planning a party or even a neighborhood barbecue, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of food for your guests. Planning the menu for a crowd can be a bit complicated, especially if you’re making your own dishes. That’s why we’re happy to share this recipe for coleslaw that will serve a crowd of 50 people. Coleslaw is a great side, because it goes with everything from grilled burgers and chicken, to pulled pork or ribs. And this recipe is so simple and easy to prepare, you’ll have it ready in no time – giving you a few extra minutes for everything else that needs to be done!

Coleslaw for a Crowd

Ingredients

  • 12 pounds of cabbage (save time by purchasing the pre-shredded bagged coleslaw mix)
  • 12 medium bell peppers
  • 3 cups white vinegar
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 3 tbsp. salt
  • 1 ½ tsp. pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp. paprika
  • 3 cups mayonnaise

Directions

  • Chop or shred cabbage finely (or use pre-bagged cabbage). If you’re shredding your cabbage, place in several large bowls, cover and chill while preparing the rest of your ingredients. Cut peppers into thin strips, place in large bowl, cover and chill.
  • In another large bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and paprika. Pour over cabbage and toss to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes, and then drain well. Add green peppers and mayonnaise, lightly toss, and transfer to serving bowl. Keep covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Ready to Cook Out? Try this Tasty Spiedi Recipe!

Spiedies on a plateOriginating in the Southern Tier in New York in the 1930s, spiedies have become a summertime favorite. Tasty and simple, this marinated meat can go from grill to plate in as little as 10 minutes, making it a perfect dish for after work, a busy weekend or really, any time! We found this recipe on the Taste of Home website, and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Spiedies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooking oil
  • 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. sugar
  • ½ tsp. dried basil
  • ½ tsp. dried marjoram
  • ½ tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
  • 2 ½ pounds meat of choice (such as beef, chicken, lamb or pork)
  • Buns or rolls of choice

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients but meat in a large glass or plastic bowl. Add meat, toss to coat, cover and marinate 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove meat from marinade; discard any remaining marinade. Thread meat onto skewers (tip – soak wood skewers in water so they don’t burn as easily.) Grill over medium heat, covered, until meat is done, usually 10-15 minutes. Remove meat from skewers and serve on buns or rolls if desired. If you’re carb-conscious, the meat is also great served on a tossed salad.

Health Up Your St. Patrick’s Day With Our Shamrock Shake Recipe

Shamrock shakeWhen you’re working on a healthier lifestyle, sometimes it means you have to give up some favorites. Many people look forward to the Golden Arches’ St. Patrick’s Day staple, the Shamrock Shake. However, those minty little treats are loaded with ingredients that aren’t exactly the best for us, not to mention nearly 900 calories per 22-ounce cup!

The recipe we’re sharing comes in at 1/3 of the calories and is full of healthy ingredients that are actually good for you! It’s easy to whip up in your bullet style blender, and satisfies paleo, vegan and keto diets alike. This recipe makes two servings, so you can share with a friend! We hope you enjoy!

Healthier Shamrock Shake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup full fat coconut milk
  • 1 medium avocado
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • ¼ to ½ tsp. mint extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sweetener (like erythritol or stevia) to taste
  • 1 cup ice
  • Water (if needed)
  • Mint leaves (a few, if desired)

Instructions

  • Add coconut milk, avocado, vanilla extract, mint extract, salt, sweetener and mint leaves to a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.
  • Add in ice, blend until thick and creamy, adding a little water if needed.
  • Serve with homemade whipped cream if desired.

Family Danz Recipe Corner: Sweets for Your Sweet

Sugar in the shape of a heartNothing says love quite like a sweet treat made from the heart. If you’re looking for something special to give your sweethearts this Valentine’s Day, why not consider making something yourself? In honor of the month of hearts and flowers, we’re sharing a recipe for cherry kiss cookies from Taste of Home. These delicious cookies are perfect to give to someone special. Whether you’re making them for a loved one, your co-workers, your child’s teacher or a friend, they’re sure to be appreciated!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. maraschino cherry juice
  • ½ tsp. almond extract
  • 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries
  • 54 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar and salt until blended. Add in cherry juice, extract and food coloring. Gradually stir in flour. Stir in chopped cherries.
  • Shape dough into 1” balls and place 1” apart on greased baking sheets.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. As soon as you remove from oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each. Edges may crack a little. Cool on cookie sheet for two minutes, and remove to wire racks to finish cooling.

If you haven’t had annual maintenance done on your furnace this year, why not show it a little love this February and schedule an appointment with us? Getting preventive maintenance will keep your furnace running all winter long. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to set up a heating maintenance appointment with you.

Family Danz Recipe Corner: Need Some Comfort this Winter?

Try this tasty mac & cheese!

Bowl filled with mac and cheeseWhen winter weather strikes in the Albany area, there’s nothing better than comfort food to help weather the storm. And when we think of comfort food, one of the first things that come to mind is good old macaroni and cheese. Delicious on its own or as a side, macaroni and cheese is tasty, comforting and the perfect dinner on a snowy evening. But did you know you can easily make mac and cheese right in your slow cooker? It only takes a couple of hours, and is super simple to make. We’re sharing this recipe courtesy of the Delish website – we hope you enjoy!

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. elbow macaroni
  • ½ c. butter, melted
  • 4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • ½ c. finely grated Parmesan
  • 24 oz. evaporated milk
  • 2 c. whole milk
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp. paprika
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  • In your slow cooker bowl, combine all ingredients, seasoning to taste with the salt and pepper.
  • Cook on high until the pasta is cooked through and sauce has thickened, about 2-3 hours.
  • Begin checking pasta for doneness after two hours, then every 20 minutes after.

Comfort food in your tummy is good; home comfort is even better. Family Danz can help you stay cozy all winter long. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685, and we’ll be happy to assist with your winter heating needs.

Family Danz Recipe Corner: Cranberry Chutney

Cranberry chutneyCranberry sauce is a staple at most Thanksgiving feasts, and most of us are familiar with the jelly kind that plops out of a can! But this year, why not put a new spin on your cranberry side dish, with this tasty cranberry chutney recipe from Allrecipes.com? The addition of other fruits, spices and a bit of zing will make this dish be the standout at this year’s festivities.

Cranberry Chutney

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 12-oz. package fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup apples – peeled, cored, diced
  • ½ cup cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp. ground ginger
  • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ¼ tsp. ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to boil over medium heat. Add all remaining ingredients. Return to boil, and then simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour mixture into mixing bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce. Cool to room temperature. Serve, or cover and refrigerate. Return chutney to room temperature before serving.

Thanksgiving is all about family.

At Family Danz, we believe in treating customers as though they’re a part of ours. That’s why for emergency repairs, we are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays – because we know emergencies can occur at the most inconvenient times. If you need emergency services, even on Thanksgiving, give us a call at (518) 427-8685. Just be sure to save us the drumstick!

Family Danz Recipe Corner: These Tasty Treats Will Be the Apple of Your Eye

Caramel applesFall is here, and so are all the delicious tastes of the season. Pumpkin spice abounds, and apples are literally everywhere. Whether you like to pick them yourself, or enjoy the great fall sales on them at the supermarket, there is no better time of the year than right now to enjoy fresh, ripe apples. Of course, they’re tasty just to grab and snack on, but there are so many different ways to enjoy them. Sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, baked into a pie, or, one of our favorite ways – covered in yummy caramel! We’re sharing a fun recipe for caramel apples with you from Allrecipes – they’re super easy to make, but one thing’s for sure – they won’t last long!

Caramel Apples

Ingredients

  • 6 apples, washed to remove any traces of wax and refrigerated
  • 1 14-oz. package of individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini candies or anything you’d like to garnish apples (optional)
  • 6 wooden craft sticks

Directions

  • Remove stems from apples and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet (you can use cooking spray as well).
  • Place caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for two minutes, stirring at one minute. Allow to cool briefly.
  • Roll each apple in the caramel sauce until coated well. Place on buttered baking sheet to set.
  • While apples are tacky to the touch, if desired decorate with nuts, sprinkles or candies.

Sticky situations are good when it comes to enjoying caramel apples, but not so good when it comes to your home’s heating system. If your heating system isn’t running the way you’d like, you can count on Family Danz to help. We can repair virtually any make or model of furnace or boiler, so just give us a call at the first sign of trouble and we will be more than happy to assist you.