Snow Days 2025

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January2025

Coming in May… Explore 2025 Travel Guide

The I-70, I-76 and I-80 interstates are the gateways for millions of Colorado travelers every year. Helping these tourists prepare is Explore, a complete print and online travel guide. Explore, in its 27th year, is used for travel inspiration, planning and location reference.

Markets Covered

Explore covers the Pioneering Plains as well as adjacent destinations in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

• Pioneering Plains markets include: Akron, Atwood, Brush, Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Crook, Elbert, Elizabeth, Fleming, Fort Morgan, Holyoke, Hugo, Idalia, Julesburg, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Limon, Ovid, Sterling, Stratton, Wray and Yuma.

Content

• Your business featured in content and/or calendar as a Must-See, Must-Do Destination (available to premium, full, half and quarter-page advertisers).

Print Circulation

• 25,000 copies circulated year-round (May through April) at more than 20 Colorado welcome centers, rest areas and accommodations.

Online

• All content including photo galleries will be featured at ExploreColoradoMag.com.

• The e-edition will be posted online for a full year at 15 Colorado newspaper websites in Akron, Erie, Boulder, Broomfield, Cañon City, Greeley, Estes, Fort Morgan, Julesburg, Lamar, Longmont, Loveland and Sterling. Previous e-editions have delivered neary 4,000 reads and 12,000 impressions.

Visitor spending in the Pioneering Plains markets exceeds $193 million annually.

Capture your share with an ad in the Explore Travel Guide. Source: Colorado Office of Tourism, 2022

Things to Do Make the most of your snow days

When the snow starts falling, it’s tempting to pull the covers over your head and go back to sleep A snow day can be your chance to hit that reset button. Instead of hibernating, why not make the most of it? Tackle some indoor projects or go outside and conquer the day Whether you are looking for productivity or having fun, a snow day offers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the day.

Making the most of your day with natural light

Natural daylight: Those beautiful rays of sunshine may contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Reduce eye strain: Artificial light, especially from screen time, may cause eye strain, headaches or fatigue. Natural light allows you to work comfortably for longer periods of time.

Increase energy levels: Natural light can boost your mood and alertness, making you feel energized.

Taking It outside the house

Enjoy the outdoors: Bundle up and walk around your neighborhood or on a nearby nature trail, enjoying the winter scenery.

Local parks: Enjoy the open spaces. Have a snowball fight or a virtual snowman competition with friends.

Spreading kindness: Help your neighbors by shoveling snow. It’s a great way to teach community spirit.

Family photos: Where can you find the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot? A snow day is perfect to start a new tradition

Sleigh ride: Bring out your inner child and exercise while having fun

Explore local attractions

Visit a museum, library or local bookstore: Learn about your town’s history and local activities,

find a new book or maybe even join a reading group

Go bowling: Challenge your family members to a friendly competition.

Health club visit: Take advantage of a quieter time at the health club for a workout.

Staycation at a local hotel: Treat yourself to a mini vacation and enjoy the hotel’s amenities, like the pool.

Take a train ride: There is nothing like viewing a winter landscape from the comfort of a train

Cozy culinary adventures

Interactive cooking: Gather up friends and neighbors and host a snow day soup swap Ask everyone to bring several quarts of soup

Snow Days is a special publication of The Fort Morgan Times and Journal-Advocate.

Sara Waite, Publisher

Olivia Johnson, Assistant

Callie Jones, Assistant Editor

Robin Northrup, Staff Writer

Jeff Rice, Staff Writer Andrew Ohlson, Advertising Representative

PHOTOS BY ROBIN NORTHRUP — MORGAN COUNTY TIMES
Evan and Jenson Manchester, with Ben Boedeker proudly showing off their snowman. A carrot nose, sunglasses, a hat and scarf tops off their creation on a snowy day
Cooking and baking are always fun after some outdoor snow activities.

What to Watch

‘The Last of Us,’ ‘Andor,’ ‘The

White Lotus,’ and

other most

anticipated TV shows of 2025

When it comes to television in 2025, the theme seems to be a return to familiarity: a revival of “King of the Hill,” Noah Wyle back in the ER and a bonanza of new seasons for returning shows ranging from the soul-searing “The Last of Us” to the highly praised “The White Lotus.” There are some promising new shows on the horizon, too, making for a small-screen lineup replete with possibility. Here are 11 shows to keep an eye out for in 2025; note that premiere dates are subject to change.

‘The Pitt’

It’s been about 15 years since Noah Wyle starred in the long-running and much-loved “ER,” which popularized the medical drama genre as we know it. Now he’s back in scrubs, this time at a fictional hospital in Pittsburgh rather than Chicago. Expect tense sequences, quippy commentary and lots and lots of blood. (Max, Jan. 9)

‘Severance,’ Season 2

The premise of “Severance” is a wildly dystopian take on worklife balance, with chip implants preventing workers at Lumon Industries from remembering their work lives while at home and vice versa. Three years in the making, Season 2 deals with the fallout of the worker rebellion that closed the first season of the psychological sci-fi thriller. (Apple TV+, Jan. 17)

‘Yellowjackets,’ Season 3

First, their plane crashes on its way to Seattle. Then, stranded in the Canadian wilderness, they start reenacting “Lord of the Flies.” Then, cannibalism. What could possibly come next for the girls in “Yellowjackets”? That’s the question in Season 3, which continues to unfold the story of the girls’ deranged ordeal and how their actions affect their current lives. (Paramount+, Feb. 14)

‘The White Lotus,’ Season 3

Make sure your passport is renewed: It’s time to return to the White Lotus. Much like the first two seasons in this biting black comedy anthology, Season 3 will follow the outrageous lives of guests and employees at the highend resort (this time in Thailand) And just like in the acclaimed previous seasons, expect less poolside relaxation and more dysfunctional drama. (Max, Feb. 16)

‘The Studio’

From the minds of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (which gave us “Superbad,” “Pineapple Express” and “Sausage Party”) comes “The Studio.” The delightful-looking comedy stars Rogen as a studio executive who lives, eats and breathes movies but finds himself surrounded by “narcissistic artists and craven corporate overlords.”

(Apple TV+, March 26)

‘Andor,’ Season 2

In a galaxy not so far away, the complex and nuanced first season

of “Andor” stood out, especially compared to its sibling “Star Wars” TV shows. Season 1 ended in dramatic fashion. All signs are pointing to the second season, which features Diego Luna once again as thief-turned-rebel spy Cassian Andor, maintaining that same level of excellence and excitement (Disney+, April 22)

‘Ironheart’

This Marvel miniseries serves as a larger introduction to the character introduced in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” with Dominique Thorne reprising the role of tech genius and armor suit-building extraordinaire RiRi Williams/ Ironheart. Magic and technology clash as she tries to “build something undeniable” (shades of Ironman, anyone?) and interacts with the ominous-sounding Parker Robbins (otherwise known as the supervillain The Hood) (Disney+, June 24)

‘It: Welcome to Derry’

We haven’t gotten much of a

peek behind the curtain on this one, other than a scream-laden six-second teaser that promises violent chaos for the kids of Derry. Honestly, though? That’s all we need. The series, a prequel to the horror movies “It” (2017) and “It Chapter 2” (2019), is being helmed by Andy Muschietti, who directed the films; Bill Skarsgård returns as the nightmare alien It/Pennywise. (HBO, 2025)

‘King of the Hill’

Worry no more about where you’re going to get your propane and propane accessories: “King of the Hill,” a popular slice-of-life animated comedy that ended in 2009 after 13 seasons, is coming to Hulu with new episodes. Many of the original voice cast — including Mike Judge (Hank Hill), Kathy Najimy (Peggy Hill) and Pamela Adlon (Bobby Hill) — are expected to return in this revival which picks up about a decade after the series finale. (Hulu, 2025)

Pedro Pascal as Joel in the second season of “The Last of Us.”

Quick, Comforting Ways to Warm Up Winter in Mere Minutes

Afteradaybattlingthecold andfightingthewind,a comfortingmealmadeat homeisoftenjustwhat youcrave Turnthoseblusterywinter conditionsintowarm,cozyevenings withfavoriterecipesthatoffernot onlyconveniencebutprovidealittle kickofspice

Foraquickanddelightfulmeal that’sequalpartscomfortingand unique,trythisHotHoneyChicken andWafflethat’ssuretopleasewith acrispyricewaffleloadedwithsweet andspicyflavor,toppedwithchicken anddrizzledwithhoney It’satreat thattrulysatisfiesfromtheinsideout injust7minutes

Thecrispnessofthegluten-freerice waffleismadepossiblebyMinute Rice’sHotHoneyChickenSeasoned RiceCupthatenticestastebudswith asweetandmildlyspicycontrastand playfulpresentation Readyinaslittle as60seconds,thericecupensures convenienceanddistinctseasoning, makingeachwaffleperfectlyflavored andofferingasatisfyingcrunchwith everybite

BuffaloCauliflowerCasserole

Preptime:10minutes

Cooktime:30minutes

Servings:6

2 cupsMinuteJasmineRice

Whetheryou’reshakingupyour breakfastroutineorenjoyingafun andeasydinner,itcanbetakento newheightswiththecombinationof honeyandasprinkleofpowdered sugarfordeliciousdecadence

Forasavorysolutiontheentire familycanenjoytogether,this cheesyBuffaloCauliflowerCasserole combinesjasminerice,cheddar cheese,roastedcauliflower,Buffalo hotsauceandcrumbledbluecheese foracrave-worthyovenbake PreparetheMinuteInstant JasmineRiceinjust5minutesfor aquickmealtimesolutionwithout compromisingqualityortaste Next, heattheovenandmixtheingredients thensitbackandwaitforagolden browncasserolewithacheesyinterior andtantalizingblendofspicy,salty andtangyflavors

Toppedwithgreenonions,this vegetarianmealissuretopleaseyour hungrylovedones Ifmeatlovers needabiteofprotein,simplyserve alongsidesearedchickenorbeef

VisitMinuteRice.comtofindmore family-friendlywaystowarmup mealtimesallwinterlong

1 package(8ounces)plaincreamcheese,softened

1/2 cupBuffalohotsauce

4 cupsfrozencauliflowerflorets,blanched andcooled

2 cupsshreddedcheddarcheese

1/2 teaspoonsalt

1/2 teaspoonblackpepper

1/3 cupfinelycrumbledbluecheese

2 greenonions,thinlysliced

Preheatovento400F Preparericeaccordingtopackage directions Transfertogreased8-by-8-inchbakingdish Inmediumbowl,stircreamcheeseandhotsauce

Addcauliflower,cheddarcheese,saltandpepper;tossto combine Spoonoverrice Sprinklewithbluecheese Bake25-30minutesuntilgoldenbrownandbubbly Sprinklewithgreenonions

Tips:Substitutegoatcheeseorfetaforbluecheese, ifdesired Meatloverscanserveasasidedishtoseared chickenorbeef

HotHoneyChickenandWaffle

Preptime:2minutes

Cooktime:5minutes

Servings:1

1 MinuteHotHoneyChickenSeasoned RiceCup

1 egg nonstickcookingspray

2 chickentenders,cooked

2 tablespoonshoney,forgarnish

1 tablespoonpowderedsugar,forgarnish

Preheatminiwafflemaker

Heatriceaccording topackagedirections

In medium mixing bowl, combine rice and egg Mix well

Spoonricemixtureintowafflemaker Cook untillightgoesoff

Place waffle on plate with cooked chicken tenders on top

Drizzlewithhoney,sprinklepowderedsugar ontopandserve

Things to do

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to share, and everyone goes home with some delicious dinner for those cold days.

Virtual cook-off: Host a virtual cook-off with friends or family. Bring it all together with a hot cocoa bar, complete with fun toppings and mix-ins

Ice cream: Make snow ice cream using fresh snow.

Themed snacks: Make themed snacks for a movie day or an indoor picnic. A blanket and a basket of treats creates a fun atmosphere.

Meal planning: Research amazing meals, create a meal plan and top it off with a grocery list.

Family bonding time

Create your New Year’s resolutions: Start the new year by discussing resolutions as a family.

Create a family tree: Bring out the photos, talk to family members

and start a family tree that will be added to for many years

Play a board or video game, or break out the puzzles: Choose a favorite game and enjoy friendly competition.

Create an Indoor escape room or scavenger hunt: Organize a hunt around the house to get everyone involved

Additional Tips:

Safety first: Always make safety first, especially when taking part in outdoor activities.

Stay warm: Dress in layers. Make sure you have your hat and gloves.

Stay hydrated and bring snacks: Don’t take a chance on becoming dehydrated You may also want to bring along some nutritional snacks.

Be flexible: Things change. Don’t be too set with your schedule.

A snow day is like a gift. Create lasting memories or finish up those tasks. Enjoy some time with your loved ones, and make every minute count

Enjoying the outdoors and hanging out with your best fur buddy is a great way to spend a snow day

‘The Last of Us,’ Season 2

The Last of Us — a brilliant examination of humanity at its peak and nadir — is hailed as one of the best video games ever made; HBO’s TV adaptation deserves equally glowing praise. Season 2 is set to partially adapt the sequel to The Last of Us (in which Seattle serves as a major setting).

If it’s anything like the game, expect an exhilarating if traumatizing experience. Pedro Pascal and

Bella Ramsey return as Joel and Ellie, respectively, with Kaitlyn Dever joining as Abby. (HBO, 2025)

‘Stranger Things,’ Season 5

Filming has officially wrapped on the fifth and final season of this strange and mesmerizing Netflix show We know Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) is going to be a “big part and focus,” series co-creator Matt Duffer said in an interview with Collider, and that there’s a time jump, but details are otherwise sparse.

Expect the season to wrap up the genre-bending series’ myriad loose ends (looking at you, Venca). (Netflix, 2025)

FROM PAGE 4
PHOTOS BY ROBIN NORTHRUP — MORGAN COUNTY TIMES

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• Stop in todayfor some awesome food and agreat atmosphere.

The best snow tubes for thrilling winter rides

Which inflatable snow tube is best?

What’s more fun than zipping downhill on an inflatable snow tube? For some, it’s the peak of winter fun — and we tend to agree.

Inflatable snow tubes are designed to withstand bumpy rides on uneven snowy terrain If you’re worried about flying off of your tube, many models are equipped with reinforced handles. Inflatable snow tubes are available in a range of sizes, making them a great way for kids and adults to have fun.

What to know before you buy an inflatable snow tube

Size

In addition, consider the size of the rider. If you opt for a tube that is too small, the rider’s legs will dangle off the front of the tube, potentially slowing down the fun

Weight capacity

Inflatable snow tubes are clearly marked with weight capacities. Keep in mind that these aren’t recommendations; they’re necessary to adhere to for safety reasons. Kids’ inflatable snow tubes usually hold 60 to 80 pounds, whereas adult tubes can hold around 220 pounds

Single vs. double occupancy

Most inflatable snow tubes are intended for single occupancy, especially given their weight capacities. A few styles accommodate two riders, in which case they have double the weight capacity.

Fitting two people into a single-occupancy tube is not a good idea It throws off the center of gravity of the tube, and there’s a good chance that two people will exceed the weight capacity.

What to look for in a quality inflatable snow tube

Handles

Some inflatable snow tubes come with handles. They either consist of nylon webbing loops or are made from plastic and stick

out from either side of the tube. Handles don’t help with steering, but at least you can hold on for dear life.

Tow lines

Inflatable snow tubes are big and bulky, so carrying them uphill can be a bit of a drag. Many styles come with tow lines, with leads long enough for you to simply drag them up the side of a hill with ease. If you’re feeling generous, you can even drag tired children back to the top of the hill.

Colors

Inflatable snow tubes are available in solid colors and fun designs. While they’re available, white tubes are far less common. This is because they tend to blend into the snow, which means they’re harder to see by fellow tubers. However, there’s a wide variety of other colors to choose from

How much you can expect to spend on an inflatable snow tube

Bargain-priced snow tubes cost $20 and below, though they will likely pop after a few uses. Midpriced snow tubes run between $20 and $80 and are more dura-

ble with reinforced seams. Expensive tubes geared toward rugged snow tubing or commercial purposes can cost between $80 and $150

Inflatable snow tubes FAQ

Q. Should I be concerned about skiers and sledders when I’m snow tubing?

A. It depends on the location. Some resorts and parks have designated slopes or tubing times to separate these winter activities. If you’re tubing in a location without separation, it’s best to enjoy your downhill rides when fewer people are on the slopes

Q. Do inflatable snow tubes come with their own pumps?

A. Certain inflatable snow tubes will come with modest manual pumps, though it might take a while to inflate your tube fully. Tubing enthusiasts often invest in better-quality manual pumps or electronic ones. These can inflate the tube within minutes so you can hit the slopes quickly.

Top inflatable snow tube

Bradley 42-inch Snow Tube

What you need to know: This commercial-level snow tube can handle almost any hill it slides on without breaking.

What you’ll love: Its durable vinyl bottom ensures that your tube stays inflated, even when it encounters rocks. It’s comfortable and provides a smooth ride. The included tow line makes it easy to bring back up the hill once you reach the bottom.

What you should consider: The textured bottom could hinder speed

Top inflatable snow tube for the money

GoFloats’ Winter Snow Tube

What you need to know: This flashy tube isn’t just fun to look at — it’s thick-walled, too

What you’ll love: This 45-inch wide tube has plastic handles and inflates quickly It also comes with a patch and repair kit.

What you should consider: It’s on the heavy side, which can be a pain if you’re carrying it uphill. It also doesn’t have a tow line.

At Home

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Decorating tips to add some cheer to your home

With colder temperatures and dreary skies, it can be easy to feel a touch of the winter blues. However, there are some ways you can freshen up the inside of your home, no matter what the weather is doing outside

Feel Better with Fragrance:

The part of the human brain that registers smells is closely linked to the part of the brain related to emotions.

Adding some pleasant fragrances to your home can help boost your mood.

Try room diffusers, candles and potpourri in different rooms. For a more personal pick-me-up, try scented bath bombs or body lotions.

Some popular aromas include citrus varieties like orange, grapefruit, tangerine and lime, and herbs and spices such as rosemary, eucalyptus, spruce, peppermint and cinnamon.

Cheer Up with Color:

Seeing red, green with envy, feeling blue — colors are often associated with moods and emo-

Tubes FROM PAGE 12

Worth checking out

Hiwena Inflatable Snow Tubes

What you need to know: This affordable and family-friendly pack of snow tubes can be used on both snow and water

What you’ll love: While the small tube is the perfect size for a child to go independently, the big one offers enough space for an adult and a child

What you should consider: They might not last for more than a sea-

tions. While you may not be able to repaint an entire room, you can add touches of color to brighten up your spaces.

Accent pieces like frames, vases, bowls or knick-knacks can be inexpensive ways to bring a cheery touch to a room.

Textiles are another way to bring a pop of color. Think about pillows, throws, table linens and small accent rugs.

Lighten Up with Light:

Many people with Seasonal Affective Disorder are treated with light therapy, which includes using light boxes that emit light similar to daylight.

Changing your light bulbs can help lift your mood, too. Look for bulbs with a color temperature of 5,000 Kelvins or higher.

They produce light that most people will perceive as similar to daylight. Bulbs coated with neodymium filter out the yellow cast emitted by many bulbs

They also make blues and reds look richer.

Find more ideas for brightening up your home this winter at eLivingtoday.com

SOURCE: FAMILY FEATURES

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS
Small changes to your space, like introducing a fragrance or adding a pop of color, can help beat the winter blues

Things to Do

Which board games are best?

Bring the family together for some fun

Even with technology taking over much of our day-to-day lives, board games still offer quality entertainment that can’t be beaten. Of course, the popular board games of today are a far cry from the games your parents grew up playing.

Board games are perfect for encouraging your family to work together or for bringing your group of friends around the table for an evening.

If you’d like to start up a weekly game night, let this helpful list of the most popular board games be your guide

Utter Nonsense

Ages 8+

This game will have every player rolling in stitches with each ridiculous phrase that’s uttered. Combine crazy accents and hilarious phrases to impress the Nonsense Judge and win the round. The player with the highest number of wins ultimately wins the game, but the true fun of this card game is listening to your fellow players trying to say some of the most entertaining phrases of all time. This game is perfect for game nights or parties.

Speak Out

Ages 8+

This hilarious game is perfect if you have teenagers or are hosting a party with all adults. To play, you insert a mouthpiece that alters the sound of your speech, making every word sound silly. Set the timer and read one of the phrases on the cards and try to help your teammate guess what you’re saying. Speak Out easily provides hours of fun that even grandparents will love

Escape Room in a Box

Ages 13+

What’s the next best thing to trying to break out of a room? Es-

cape Room in a Box, of course. This thrilling, immersive game involves solving 2D and 3D puzzles in order to prevent a mad scientist from turning you and your friends or family into werewolves Work together to escape your fate and use Amazon Alexa to enhance the experience.

Codenames

Ages 14+

This fun strategy game is perfect for anyone with teenagers Form two teams and select a spymaster on each team. Using clues, spymasters try to help their teammates find all 25 of the agents they’re in contact with, hopefully without selecting the other team’s agents or running into the deadly assassin This innovative game offers a challenging and rewarding time working together.

Harry Potter Clue

Ages 9+

Excite your kids on game night with this modern twist on a classic. Play as six recognizable Hogwarts characters — Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny or Neville — to solve the mystery behind a fellow student’s disappearance. It’s up to you to figure out who attacked the student, what bewitching spell they used and where it occurred.

Watch out for the Dark Mark, moving staircases and secret passages as you travel along in this magical family game.

Pandemic

Ages 8+

If you’ve ever wanted to save humanity from a deadly outbreak, you’ll love spending an hour playing Pandemic You and your teammates must fight to contain four deadly diseases threatening the human race Players must learn to work with their teammates to control outbreak hotspots and treat diseases. Win the game by curing all diseases without wiping out humanity first.

Catan

Ages 10+

This tactical 60-minute game will push your imagination to its limits as you embark on a journey across Catan. Acquire crucial resources as you travel, build roads, buildings, and cities, and be wary of the ruthless robber and other players halting you on your own road. Through careful trading and clever decisions, you can lead your travelers to victory in this role-playing game of limitless possibilities Play again and again Every game is different.

Ticket to Ride

Ages 8+

Train lovers will enjoy this innovative board game which has won numerous awards. This cross-country train adventure game mimics the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days. Collect train cars and claim railways across the country. Players earn the most points by establishing long train routes and connecting distant cities. Each game takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and every adventure is different.

5 Second Rule

Ages 10+

This quick-paced game gives each player five seconds to name items on a certain topic Although the topics are objectively easy —“Name 3 Mountains,” “Name 3 Types of Hats” or “Name 3 Super Heroes,” the pressure of the time crunch is likely to put you on edge. Race the clock and remain composed to win this game. You can even make up your own topics if you prefer. Half the fun is just hearing what other people blurt out

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Cozy, Comforting Recipes to Take Onthe Cold

FAMILYFEATURES

Ifblusteryconditionsaregivingyoutheblues,come insidefromthecoldforawinterwarmupinthe comfortofyourownkitchen Cold-weatherfavorites thatarebaked,roastedorslowcookedareusually equalpartseasy,deliciousandfilling,makingthemperfect solutionsforchilly,snowydays

Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour

A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites

ServingastheheartybaseisREADGermanPotato Salad,madewiththinlyslicedpotatoesandbaconina traditionalsweet-piquantdressing Whileit’sdelicious whenservedchilled,heatedoratroomtemperatureonits own,itcanalsobethestaroftheshowinfamilymeals

Foranothertruecentsaver,tryOven-RoastedSweet PotatoesandBeets Thissavorysidedishhighlightsthe flavorsoftheseasoninarecipethat’saseasytoassemble asitistoenjoywithlovedones

Pickedandpackedatpeakripeness,antioxidant-rich AuntNellie’sbeetsarepickledwithadelicatebalanceof sweetnessandvinegarforahomemadeflavorthat’sperfect inthisroastedsidethatcanaccompanywintermealsofall sorts Versatilejarredwholepickledbeetsarealwaysin season,meaningyoucanenjoythemchilled,warmedor workedintorecipes

Findmorefavoritewintertimerecipesbyvisiting READSalads.comandAuntNelliescom

LoadedChickenBake

RecipecourtesyofHungryInLA

Preptime:20minutes

Cooktime:15minutes

Servings:8

Nonstickcookingspray

2 cans(15ounceseach)READGermanPotatoSalad

4 cupsshreddedrotisseriechickenorother cookedchicken

1/2 cupheavycream

1/4 teaspoonsalt

1/4 teaspoonfinelygroundblackpepper

3/4 cupshreddedsharpcheddarcheese

1/4 cupscrumbled,cookedbacon Frenchfriedonions(optional),plusadditional forserving(optional),divided Preheatovento375F.

Lightlycoat9-by-13-inchbakingdishwithnonstick cookingspray

SpreadGermanpotatosaladevenlyindish Topevenly withchicken

Insmallbowl,stirheavycream,saltandpepper Pour mixtureoverchicken

Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and onions, if desired. Bake15minutes,oruntilcasseroleisbubbly Letstand 10minutes.Topwithadditionalonions,ifdesired

Oven-RoastedSweetPotatoesandBeets

Servings:4

1 jar(16ounces)AuntNellie’sWholePickledBeets

2 largesweetpotatoes(about1pound)peeledand cubed(1/2-3/4-inchcubes)

2-3 tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

1 teaspoonkoshersalt

1/2 teaspoonblackpepper

1 redonion,slicedabout1/4-inchthick

2 freshrosemarysprigs,plusadditionalforgarnish

Preheatovento400F.Drainbeets.Discardliquidorsaveforanotheruse. Inlargebowl,tosssweetpotatoes,oliveoil,salt,pepperandonionuntilcoated Placesiliconematonbakingsheetorlinewithaluminumfoil.

Pour contents ofbowl onto baking sheet in single layer Removerosemary from stems; sprinkle over vegetables. Bake30minutesuntil potatoes are almost tender.

Addbeetstobakingsheet Returntooven10-15minutes,oruntilpotatoesare fork-tenderandbeginningtobrown Garnishwithadditionalrosemary,ifdesired.

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