Over the years, my family has developed some favorite recipes that serve as the “go to” for special occasions or get-togethers.  When everyone gathers at our house to visit and enjoy a delicious meal, I call on Smucker’s to help perfect the traditional family recipes.  

For an appetizer, I put a unique twist on a general crowd pleaser: nachos. A great way to snack while mingling, this recipe gets devoured in no time by both kids and adults. The best part- it only takes a few minutes to prepare.  

Smucker’s Nachos
recipe originally posted on Smuckers.com

Ingredients

• ½ pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup Smucker’s Sweet Orange Maramalade
• 1 cup taco sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
• ¼ cup finely chopped green olives
• 1 (4.5oz) can diced jalapenos
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 cups (8oz) shredded Cheddar cheese
• tortilla chips

Directions

1. Saute beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally until browned. Drain.
2. Stir in marmalade, taco sauce, olives, jalapenos and chili powder. Mix well.
3. Stir in cheese; heat on medium low to melt. Keep warm to serve as dip or on top of chips.

When it comes to dinner, several dishes have been labeled the “favorite” but one definitely takes the cake. Because we usually have 12-14 people at family parties, this ham dish offers a way to satisfy everyone. Its popularity has been attributed to the hint of sweetness that adds a delicious touch without distracting from the ham itself.

Glazed Ham
recipe originally posted on Smuckers.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups Smucker’s Apple Jelly
• 2 cups prepared mustard
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 (5 to 7 lb) fully cooked ham half
• whole cloves

Directions

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Combine jelly, mustard, lemon juice and ground cloves in medium saucepan; place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
2. Score fat on ham in a diamond design; stud with cloves. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer, making sure it does not touch bone.
3. Bake, uncovered, until thermometer registers 140 degrees (1 ½ to 2 hours); baste every 15 to 20 minutes with sauce.
4. Heat remaining sauce; serve with ham.

I love incorporating Smucker’s preserves and spreads into new family recipes. When I ask my husband or kids to taste test, they usually detect a sweet difference but can’t believe the secret ingredient: Smucker’s jam, jelly, or spread. If you want to find new ideas, the company’s website features endless recipe possibilities.

Smucker’s also holds an annual recipe contest to uncover the best original family recipes involving Smucker’s products. The grand prize awards one winner $20,000 towards a family reunion. The winners have recently been announced, but start brainstorming your favorite dishes now to prepare for next year’s contest!

One lucky Mom Central reader will win a Smucker's gift basket containing a variety of Smucker's fruit spreads, recipe book, and set of gingham-printed set of spreaders.

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Daria G., and a big thanks to all who entered!

Disclosure: Mom Central received two Smucker's gift baskets to faciliate this review and giveaway.

Mom Central