Tasty tips to top off a special occasion

Family Features

There’s no better way to celebrate a special occasion than by inviting friends and family into your home for good food and good fun.

Surprise your guests with treats and fun activities to keep them happy and occupied.

Try these ideas at your next gathering:

Host a game night

From board games to puzzles, family and friends can reconnect during a casual game or a game tournament.

Take a break between rounds to whip up some delicious, simple-to-prepare treats like homemade ice cream sandwiches.

Lay out a selection of cookies, ice cream and ice cream toppings and encourage participants to get creative.

Vanilla ice cream with Smucker’s Microwavable Hot Caramel Topping sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies makes everyone a winner.

Create indoor adventures

When the weather gets really cold think inside the box to create fun adventures.

With a little imagination an old blanket quickly transforms into a magic carpet, couch cushions and bed sheets make forts, and a simple flash light becomes a projector for shadow puppets in a dark playroom.

When it’s time for a break, reward your adventurers with s’mores or other sweet treats.

Enjoy morning coffee club

Avoid the coffee house rush and serve up something special at your own house.

Spend the early hours relaxing and catching up with friends and family over a delicious Caramel Cream Coffee.

Show off your barista skills by mixing fresh strong brewed coffee, Smucker’s Sundae Syrup Caramel Flavored Syrup and whipped cream.

Start a new dessert tradition and try this grilled pound cake recipe.

It’s simple to prepare and will give you and your guests even more to talk about.

Find more recipes at www.Smuckers.com.

Grilled Pound Cake with Warm Blueberry Sauce and Ricotta Cream

Makes: 6 servings

11/4cups whole milk ricotta cheese

1/2cup powdered sugar

1tablespoon fresh lemon juice, divided into 3 teaspoons

11/2teaspoons grated lemon peel, divided

1jar (10 ounces) Smucker’s Blueberry Topping

1 prepared pound cake (11.5 ounces), cut into 6 (11/4-inch) thick slices

2tablespoons butter, softened

1/4cup sliced almonds, toasted

Stir ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon peel in small bowl until blended.

Combine blueberry topping and remaining 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 45 seconds or until warm.

Spread butter lightly on both sides of pound cake slices. Cut cake slices on a diagonal to make 12 triangles. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Grill cake triangles in skillet until cake is lightly browned on both sides, about 2 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.

Arrange 2 cake triangles on each serving plate. Top each serving with about 3 tablespoons ricotta mixture and 2 tablespoons blueberry sauce. Garnish with toasted almonds.

Tip: To toast nuts, place nuts in dry nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat, shaking pan until nuts are lightly browned. To avoid over browning remove from pan immediately.