Get Creative at Meal Time

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Sep 13, 2012) - (Family Features) When it comes to adding flavor and variety to your family meals, sometimes a little creativity is necessary. Here are some easy ideas to get you going.

• Make It a Family Affair. Get the whole family involved in planning and making dinner. Depending on their ages, each family member can help in some way. Some can mix and stir, others can chop and sauté. Take turns being the chef and, along with a parent, each child can plan, make and serve everything based on their own culinary inspiration. It may not be a conventional dinner, but it will be a fun learning experience for the whole family.
• Look To the Pantry for Inspiration. You may already have what you need to put a delicious twist on an old favorite. Look for ways to use familiar ingredients in new ways. Syrup can be turned into a savory glaze for meats, and pancake mix can be turned into savory dumplings in a flash.
• Make Breakfast for Dinner. There are so many things to love about breakfast, so don't be held back by the time of day. Use breakfast for dinner as an opportunity to give morning favorites a dinner twist. Set out tasty garnish options like fresh herbs, nuts, fruits and syrups, so everyone can customize their special dinner. Try this sweet and savory recipe for Chocolate Waffles with Caramel Syrup and Bacon.

To help recognize the power of the pantry and ease the stress of mealtime preparation, Hungry Jack® invites consumers to share their creative, original recipes using Hungry Jack pancake mix, syrup, and/or potatoes for a chance to win a year's worth of groceries in the Hungry Jack Use Up the Box Recipe Contest. By simply looking to their pantry, consumers can get creative, explore the versatility of common staples and bring smiles to the whole family.

For more creative recipes and meal ideas, check out www.Facebook.com/HungryJack. Contest open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. For complete details and Official Rules, visit www.UseUptheBox.com.

For Waffles:
HEAT waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.

WHISK water, oil, egg and vanilla in large bowl. Stir in pancake mix, cocoa and sugar until evenly moistened. Allow to stand 1 minute.

COAT waffle iron with no-stick cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each waffle into waffle iron. Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until done. Repeat to make a total of 10 4-inch waffles.

For Caramel Syrup:
WHISK together original syrup and caramel flavored syrup in small bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon on serving plates. Cut 2 waffles in half diagonally to make 4 triangles. Arrange on top of syrup.

TOP with additional caramel flavored syrup, whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and bacon pieces. Repeat to make additional servings.

©/® The J. M. Smucker Company. Pillsbury and Funfetti are trademarks of The Pillsbury Company, LLC, used under license.

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