SMORGASBORD: Minisurprise . . . Pasta contest winners . . . Ice cream dreams . . . Dressed up

Minisurprise

If you’re looking for a fun kitchen activity with the kids that requires no extra ingredients, take Pillsbury brownie minis for a spin.

Sure it’s easy to make minis out of regular ol’ brownie mix, but these come with their own pan and require nothing more than adding water.

Buy a box (makes two dozen brownies) for about $2.50 at grocery stores nationwide.

Pasta contest winnersHere are the winners of the “Use Your Noodle” crossword puzzle contest, sponsored by the North Dakota Wheat Commission, Dakota Pasta Growers, Philadelphia Macaroni Co., American Italian Pasta Co., U.S. Durum Growers Association and the Herald.

From Minnesota: Monica Johnston, East Grand Forks; Rosalie Burda, Middle River; Betty Ann Johnson, Crookston; and Kathy Reuter, Thief River Falls. From North Dakota: Mary Herbeck, Grand Forks; Janet Greenwood, Cavalier; Trina Butler, Grand Forks; Shirley Griffin, Grand Forks; Therese Lutovsky, Grafton; and Betty Heyd, Grand Forks.

The winners were chosen from more than 200 contestents who successfully completed the crossword.

Ice cream dreams

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams come in striking flavors such as Askinosie Dark Milk Chocolate, Oakvale Young Gouda with Vodka-Plumped Cranberries and holiday special Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows. So, if you have a loved one with an icy sweet tooth, gift him or her with tubs of this innovative stuff and prepare for the awe.

Pick four for $48 or 6 for $68 at jenisicecreams.com.

Dressed up

With the changing of a season, you get to rework your wardrobe a bit, so why shouldn’t your salad get dressed a little differently, too?

Teresa’s Select Recipes salad dressings — in flavors such as Asiago Pepper Creme, Berry Lavender and Sweet Vidalia Onion — are just the sort of fixings we had in mind.

Buy a 12-ounce bottle for about $4 in select grocery stores and at mybrands.com.

Tags: life, food, smorgasbord