Indulge Taste Buds with Better-for-You Snacks
(Family Features) The foundation of healthy eating may include nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but just as important are the snacks in-between meals. Regardless of when or where you snack, encourage better-for-you eating habits with nutritious nibbles to power through your day.
According to an online survey conducted among 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older across the U.S. by Wakefield Research on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board, Americans love snacks, and reach for them an average of three times a day.
However, where and when those snacks are eaten can vary from on the move to on the couch, from sunrise to after bedtime. Nearly a third (30%) of respondents are munching on snacks while in bed, calling it their favorite snacking spot. However, only 35% of their snack choices are considered healthy.
Fueling busy days can be easy with an option like pecans. According to the survey, 66% of snackers enjoy pecans on their own with 58% eating them as part of a trail mix. If you’re among the 50% who reach for a snack in the late afternoon, you can turn to nutritious, satisfying solutions to indulge afternoon cravings without the guilt. With pleasing crunch, comforting creaminess and a satisfying chew, pecans are the “no sacrifice” nut that can punch up your routine with both delicious taste and plant-based nutrition.
Just a handful of pecans – about 19 halves – provides a good source of fiber, thiamin and zinc and an excellent source of copper and manganese, a mineral that’s essential for metabolism and bone health. They also provide a mix of protein and good fats – 18 grams of unsaturated fat, including oleic acid, and only 2 grams of unsaturated fat – to help keep you full and energized throughout the day.
As an added bonus, their versatility and easy-to-pair profile makes them a perfect ingredient in recipes you can prepare in a cinch. For bite-sized treats that are packed with flavor and perfect for snack time, these Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites swap out flour and sugar in favor of blended pecans, chickpeas, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt with dark chocolate chips folded in for a sweet finishing touch.
Or you can simply toss warm pecans with olive oil and sea salt in this Roasted Pecans recipe for a grab-and-go snack that can be prepared in advance without worrying about spoiling. Another benefit of pecans: They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 9 months or frozen up to 2 years, giving them a longer shelf life than many pantry favorites. Plus, they can be thawed and refrozen without losing flavor or texture.
To find more surprisingly delicious nutritional facts or recipe inspiration, visit EatPecans.com.
Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
Recipe courtesy of Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24
- 1 cup raw pecan pieces
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- In blender or food processor, blend pecan pieces, chickpeas, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt 3-5 minutes, scraping down sides occasionally, until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Form into 24 cookie dough balls. Eat as-is; no baking required.
Note: Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Roasted Pecans
Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
- 2 1/4 cups raw pecan halves
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or pecan oil
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Preheat oven to 300 F.
- Place pecans on baking sheet and bake 15 minutes.
- In heat-proof bowl, toss warm pecans with olive oil and sea salt, crushing larger salt grains with fingers while sprinkling.
- Return pecans to baking sheet in single layer and bake 20 minutes, or until slightly browned and dry. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet.
Note: Store pecans in airtight container in refrigerator up to 9 months or freeze up to 2 years. Pecans can be thawed and frozen repeatedly without loss of flavor or texture.
Source: American Pecan Promotion Board
Protein to Fuel Everyday Adventures in the Kitchen and Beyond
(Family Features) Achieving your goals each day starts with your own health and well-being, both physically and mentally. To ensure you’ve got the energy needed to take on that to-do list and enjoy your favorite activities, turn to familiar ingredients and recipes that pack the protein your body craves.
To help reach nutrition goals and fuel your everyday adventures, Chicken of the Sea Tuna and Salmon Packets can follow you anywhere you go and make healthy eating a delicious endeavor. Everything you love about your favorite tuna and salmon products now fits into your busy lifestyle and unique dietary needs – keto, paleo or Mediterranean.
They’re flavorful, convenient and fit seamlessly into your daily routine, making them a perfect solution no matter your mood, cravings or occasion. Whether you’re bringing tuna along as an afternoon snack or incorporating salmon into a tasty meal, the responsibly sourced protein allows you to eat healthy and live happy without compromise.
For example, you can rethink lunchtime routines with a colorful twist on the viral social media salmon rice bowl. Bring together the lively flavors of Everything Bagel-seasoned pink salmon with your favorite toppings like carrots, radishes, Sriracha mayo and more for a simple yet flavorful afternoon protein-packed pick-me-up.
Long days away from home can lead to meal complacency when you walk through the door. However, keeping high-quality, responsibly sourced protein options on hand can help you avoid takeout cravings and a desire to leave the cooking to someone else. It doesn’t get much easier than these Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers for an appetizer or low-carb snack that takes just 20 minutes to prepare a handful of everyday ingredients.
When you find the right solutions for you, it’s time to stock the pantry. Try all the flavors Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna and Alaskan Pink Salmon Packets offers, from creamy or citrus to spicy and beyond.
Visit chickenofthesea.com to find more nutritious recipe inspiration.
Everything Bagel Salmon Brown Rice Bowl
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
- 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Alaskan Pink Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- roasted nori seaweed sheets or pieces, crushed
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons shredded radishes
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 2 teaspoons furikaki seasoning (Japanese rice seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha mayo
- In bowl, top cooked brown rice with crushed seaweed sheets.
- Add sliced avocado and top with salmon.
- Add carrots, radishes and cilantro.
- Sprinkle with furikaki seasoning and drizzle with Sriracha mayo.
Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3
- 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Lightly Seasoned by McCormick, Lemon Garlic
- 3 mini sweet peppers, halved, seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay parchment or foil over baking pan.
- Place halved mini sweet peppers on prepared baking pan and lightly brush both sides of peppers with oil.
- Divide lemon garlic tuna evenly between six mini pepper halves.
- Top with cheese and bake 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool and top with sliced green onions and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.
Source:
Give Comfort Food Classics an Authentic Mexican Twist
(Family Features) If winter evenings have you stuck in a dinner rut, heat up the kitchen with family favorites everyone can look forward to. Shaking off the chill can start with a cozy blanket and comforting food that warms you from the inside out.
Soup is a wintertime staple thanks to its simplicity, and you can put a delicious spin on your next winter warmup with Mexican-inspired ingredients. Giving soup night a twist starts with Cacique Foods, one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, that invites friends and family to share real moments while savoring authentic flavors.
This Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole relies on the bold, hearty, spicy taste of Cacique’s Pork Chorizo combined with handcrafted Homestyle Salsa. Queso Fresco’s crumbly, creamy texture and milky, fresh flavor adds the perfect finishing touch, making this soup a perfect way to warm up weeknights with just the right amount of heat.
For a flavorful side that complements a variety of main courses while adding Mexican flair, consider Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is a familiar favorite with the unique twist of bacon and Pork Chorizo for a meat-infused recipe that will become a menu mainstay.
Plus, for an extra creamy texture, it calls for Cacique Crema Mexicana – an everyday table cream with a neutral, fresh-tasting flavor ideal for balancing out spice – and Oaxaca, a semisoft cheese with a mellow, buttery flavor.
Find more comforting recipes at caciquefoods.com.
Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste (optional)
- 1 package (9 ounces) Cacique Pork Chorizo
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 container (16 ounces) Cacique Medium Homestyle Salsa
- 1quart chicken stock
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed of excess fat and diced
- 1 can (25 ounces) white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 3/4 cup crumbled Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- In large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat oil. Reserve 1/4 cup onion for garnish; add remaining onion to pot and season with salt. Saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high; add pork chorizo and break it apart with spoon. Cook chorizo undisturbed until deeply browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes. Add smoked paprika and oregano; cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Pour in salsa and scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring to simmer 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly then add stock and bring to simmer.
- Stir in diced chicken and hominy. Decrease heat to medium and cook 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Taste and season with more salt, if necessary. Remove from heat.
- Serve bowls of pozole with reserved onion, lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro.
Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 9 medium potatoes), peeled and cubed
- water
- 6 bacon strips, chopped
- 1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo
- 12 ounces Cacique Crema Mexicana
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup Cacique Oaxaca or Queso Quesadilla, shredded
- 1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana Agria, for topping (optional)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- In Dutch over, add potatoes and cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
- In skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, chop into small pieces and set aside. Remove bacon grease from skillet and cook chorizo over medium-high heat, 6-8 minutes.
- Drain potatoes; add to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding crema Mexicana, butter, onion powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Transfer to greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with cheese, chorizo and bacon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day.
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, covered, about 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Drizzle with crema Mexicana agria and chopped green onions.
Source: Cacique
Set the Menu for a Successful Year
(Family Features) If your goals for 2024 include a healthier lifestyle and added nutrition, your mission is likely to start with a refreshed menu. Add a few newfound favorites to this year’s rotation like wraps, salads and smoothies to power each day and propel yourself toward wellness success.
These easy-to-make, better-for-you recipes offer simple solutions to keep your goals on track without taking flavor off the table. Begin busy days with an energy boost from a Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie then tackle lunchtime cravings or make family dinner a cinch with BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread. For a hearty salad to pair with favorite meals or enjoy all on its own, this Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad is an ideal way to make 2024 your best year yet.
Visit Culinary.net to discover more nutritious solutions in the new year.
Wrap Your Way to a Nutritious Year
Planning and executing a more nutritious menu can often be thwarted by lunchtime cravings or busy weeknights that leave little time to cook at home. Rather than giving in to those takeout temptations, turn to easy recipes you can create yourself with just a few simple, on-hand ingredients.
Grab tortillas out of the pantry and a few favorites from the refrigerator to make these BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread, which are perfect for meal-prepping weekday lunches or whipping up at a moment’s notice for a family dinner. Bacon, a nearly unanimous favorite, teams up with a homemade avocado spread, lettuce and tomatoes for fresh taste without the hassle.
For a satisfying meal without leaving behind health goals, serve with a hearty salad or Spanish rice and banana peppers on the side.
BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread
Servings: 4
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juice only
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 flour tortillas
- 4 large red leaf lettuce leaves
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- Spanish rice (optional)
- banana peppers (optional)
- In large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
- In medium bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt with fork until combined and smooth.
- Spread thin layer of avocado mixture over tortillas. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomatoes and bacon. Fold sides up and roll.
- Serve with Spanish rice and banana peppers, if desired.
Fresh Flavors for the New Year
If you’re among those looking to set goals and wellness intentions for the new year, it’s important to equip yourself with the right tools, whether information or inspiration, to help support you on your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. That can start with something as easy as elevating your menu and the ingredients you keep on-hand.
For example, Fresh Express offers more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads, including the French Blue Cheese Salad Kit, which combines a nutrient-dense salad mix of fresh baby spinach, spring mix, red cabbage and carrots, and is enhanced with aromatic blue cheese, crunchy garlic brioche croutons and a savory French blue cheese dressing. Available in the refrigerated produce department, the kit can be paired with better-for-you ingredients like roasted cauliflower and seasoned potatoes to make this Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad in less than an hour.
Visit freshexpress.com to discover more recipes and find a store near you.
Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes, quartered
- 1 package (8 ounces) Fresh Express French Blue Cheese Salad Kit
- Heat oven to 425 F.
- In large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix well. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan.
- Bake cauliflower 30-40 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and lightly charred. Cool.
- In bowl, toss potatoes with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with remaining Italian seasoning and salt; mix well. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan.
- Bake potatoes 20 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Cool.
- Place greens from salad kit in large bowl; add roasted vegetables. Drizzle with dressing from salad kit; mix well. Top with croutons and blue cheese from salad kit.
Start Each Day Strong
Giving your mornings a delicious boost doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it can be just as easy as it is delicious with a fresh, fruity smoothie ready in a matter of minutes.
Just six blended ingredients are all you need to make this Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie, a creamy solution that makes for a nutritious, refreshing and filling breakfast before heading out the door.
Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 banana
- 14 frozen strawberries
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In blender, grind oats. Add banana, strawberries, soy milk, sugar and vanilla extract then blend until smooth. Pour into glass or to-go container and serve.
Source: Fresh Express
A Delicious Way to Support Your Immune System
(Family Features) Bolstering your immune system during winter, when coughs and colds seem to take control, is a must for the entire family. Supporting your wellness can start in a simple place – with the foods you eat and drink.
Consider an easy choice for any season like Florida Orange Juice, which can help you and your loved ones get the vitamins and minerals you need all winter long. With 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C in every 8-ounce serving along with key nutrients like potassium and magnesium, there’s a reason it’s referred to as the “Original Wellness Drink.”
With no added sugar or artificial flavor, it provides the benefits you need without the additives you don’t. It contains natural sugar from the whole fruit for a delicious solution that’s one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Plus, it’s easy to use as a nutritional ingredient in wintertime favorites like this comforting Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup or to start your day strong with a Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie.
Paired with a healthy lifestyle, 8 ounces of 100% orange juice may help support a healthy immune system as an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin D in fortified juices. Vitamin C is commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen healthy immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. Meanwhile, vitamin D also plays an important role in regulating immune response by helping immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses.
“Safeguarding your health against the spread of illness is important year-round, especially during colder months when reports of cold and flu increase,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “A key step in supporting your immune system is maintaining a well-balanced diet that is high in essential nutrients. Incorporating an 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice can help you meet the recommended daily value of vitamin C and support your hydration.”
Beneficial plant compounds, like those in Florida Orange Juice, along with flavonoids and colorful carotenoids work to support the immune system by fighting inflammation and helping cells communicate, which can help strengthen immune responses when encountering infections.
Additionally, 100% orange juice is a source of phytonutrients like hesperidin, which has been shown in clinical studies to have antioxidant-like properties, heart health benefits and may help reduce inflammation. Hesperidin has also been linked with benefits related to cognitive function, immune system function and bone health.
To find more information and immunity-boosting winter recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.
Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup
Servings: 8
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup Florida Orange juice
- chopped cilantro (optional)
- In medium saucepan over medium high, heat olive oil until it shimmers.
- Add onions, bell pepper, carrots and salt; cook until onions are translucent, 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cardamom; cook 1-2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant. Do not brown.
- Add vegetable broth, coconut milk and chickpeas; bring to simmer.
- Decrease heat to low and cook until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add orange juice, remove from heat and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve garnished with cilantro, if desired.
Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie
Servings: 2
- 8 ounces Florida Orange Juice
- 4 ounces dark sweet cherries
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- In blender, puree orange juice, cherries and pomegranate juice then serve.
Solve Winter Blues with Cozy Recipes
(Family Features) Cozying up with a bowl of warm deliciousness is a perfect way to ward off the chill of winter, and it’s made even better when shared with those you love. Turning to favorite chilis and soups with comforting ingredients and smoky spices can transport your family from snow and sleet to warmth and paradise.
Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili offers a reprieve from the cold with hearty flavor and family favorites seasoned with chili powder, cumin and cayenne pepper for classic taste with a twist. The thinly sliced potatoes and bacon of READ German Potato Salad in a sweet-piquant dressing provide a delicious new take on traditional chili.
A bit on the lighter side but equally satisfying, Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup calls for shallots, diced tomatoes, spinach, cannellini beans, cooked small pasta and more for a true winter warmup. Served with toasted bread cubes, it’s sure to warm loved ones up from the inside out.
Its key ingredient is Aunt Nellie’s 3 Bean Salad, featuring premium green, wax and kidney beans in a light, sweet-tangy vinegar dressing. As a ready-to-eat solution, it can be served chilled, at room temperature or as part of comforting winter recipes.
Visit READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com to find more cozy cold-weather dishes.
Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili
Recipe courtesy of "Dad with a Pan" on behalf of READ
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
- 4 strips thick bacon, cut into cubes
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch segments
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 Fresno peppers, diced
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can READ German Potato Salad, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- n large saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons drippings in saucepan.
- Add smoked sausage and cook until browned.
- Once sausage is cooked, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
- Drain excess fat then stir in chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano and Fresno peppers until well mixed.
- Add drained diced tomatoes, German potato salad and cooked bacon to saucepan.
- Add beef broth and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring mixture to simmer and let cook about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are melded.
Substitution: Jalapenos can be used for Fresno peppers.
Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup
Recipe courtesy of Sarah Meuser on behalf of Aunt Nellie's
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 27 minutes
Servings: 8
- 10 ounces day-old crusty bread, such as ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling (optional)
- 2 medium shallots or 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, uncooked
- 2 cups frozen cut leaf spinach or chopped fresh spinach
- 2 jars (15 1/2 ounces each) Aunt Nellie's 3 Bean Salad, drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Place bread cubes in single layer on large baking pan. Bake until bread cubes are lightly browned, 8-12 minutes. Set aside.
- Heat large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil; swirl to coat. Add shallots; cook 5 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add cannellini beans, tomatoes, broth and black pepper; bring to boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes, or according to package directions. Stir in spinach and bean salad. Simmer 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Ladle soup evenly into bowls. Top with toasted bread cubes and lemon zest, if desired. Drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired.
Source: Seneca Foods
5 Cozy Ways to Add Warmth to Cold-Weather Meals
(Family Features) When the winds howl and the chill of changing seasons brings a crispness to the air, one way to warm up from the inside out is with favorite foods. Filling up on comforting recipes like hearty soups and stews can be the solution you need to fight off cold temperatures.
Consider quick and easy ingredients that add a little warmth to your plate as the cravings for comfort kick in.
Cheese
A family favorite in recipes year-round, ooey-gooey cheese is a hallmark of cool-weather recipes. Consider creamy mac and cheese mixed with your preferred protein, homemade Mexican cuisine topped with melted chile con queso or an appetizer plate with options like brie, Manchego, aged cheddar, Parmesan and more.
Rice
If you’re craving a meal that’s big on flavor but short on prep time, it’s hard to top the classic comfort food combo of chicken and rice. This Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke starts with the homestyle taste of fully cooked Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups with carrots, onion and garlic. The BPA-free cups offer a quick and flavorful option for an on-the-go power-up loaded with chicken, vegetables and herbs paired with hearty rice. Ready in only 1 minute, you can enjoy the flavored rice right out of the cup or prepare it as part of this 5-minute recipe on a busy weeknight.
Pasta
Whether you prefer spaghetti or penne, bowtie or stuffed shells, pasta provides a simple base for delicious meals loaded with comforting ingredients. For an easy weeknight meal, just choose a type of pasta, sauce and protein to put dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Curry Paste
Available in many varieties, curry paste is a common ingredient in South Asian dishes. It typically consists of ingredients like garlic, chiles or peppers, ginger and lemongrass. When you’d like to add some spice to your menu without bothering with takeout, this Thai Chicken and Rice Soup calls for green curry paste, which is generally spicier than red or yellow versions, but any can be substituted based on your heat tolerance. You can take the dish up a level with lightly seasoned Minute Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice for zesty flavor in a BPA-free, microwaveable cup for a simple solution when life gets hectic and preparing a time-consuming meal becomes challenging.
Cayenne
Serving up a touch of spice in a wide variety of favorite recipes can be as easy as adding ground cayenne. Made of dried cayenne peppers finely ground to a powder, it’s commonly used in dishes ranging from deviled eggs and pastas to shrimp and barbecue as an easy way to add a warming kick to cold-weather meals.
Find more comfort food recipes at MinuteRice.com.
Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
- 1 Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup spinach, stems removed
- 2 ounces chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1/4 cup canned artichokes, drained and quartered
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In medium saute pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add spinach and saute 1 minute.
- Add chicken and artichokes; saute 2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add cheese and rice; stir to combine until heated through.
Thai Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
- 1 Minute Ready to Serve Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice Cup
- 1/2 cup (3 ounces) cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Thai green curry paste
- 3 small shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine chicken, broth, coconut milk, curry paste and mushrooms.
- Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir in rice and garnish with green onion.
Source: Minute Rice
Tex-Mex Sweetpotato Beef Skillet
(Family Features) For busy families, it’s hard to beat a one-skillet dish that cuts down on cleanup without sacrificing flavor. Especially during the hectic fall season when cool, crisp days call for comforting food, you can warm up the evening with a hot Tex-Mex meal that’s sure to occupy a permanent spot on the menu.
Start with a versatile comfort food staple like sweetpotatoes, which provide the body for this filling Tex-Mex Sweetpotato Beef Skillet. As a versatile veggie that’s easy to add to a variety of recipes for enhanced flavor and nutrition content, they can become a pantry must in your home for simple and elevated recipes alike. To maximize their already-lengthy shelf life (up to 4 weeks), simply store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – never in the refrigerator, which can cause “chill damage.”
Because they can be cooked and prepared in a skillet, baked, grilled, slow-cooked, microwaved, air-fried and more, they provide a crowd favorite that’s a breeze to use in the kitchen. In this delicious dish, they’re combined with peppers, onions, ground beef, broth, tomatoes, corn, Southwest seasoning and more to keep chilly days at bay.
Consider this fun fact to share with your loved ones at the dinner table: The one-word spelling of “sweetpotato” was officially adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989 to avoid confusion with equally unique and distinctive potatoes, which are also grown and marketed commercially in the United States.
Find more comfort food favorites by visiting ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Tex-Mex Sweetpotato Beef Skillet
Recipe courtesy of Meredith Bernard of “This Farm Wife” on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 6
- 2 medium sweetpotatoes
- 3 bell peppers (combination of red, yellow and orange)
- 1 small onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 can Mexi-corn or Southwest corn
- 1 tablespoon Southwest seasoning
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- Rinse and scrub sweetpotatoes to clean. Chop into 1/2-inch cubes. Dice bell pepper and onion. Set aside.
- In skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil or butter.
- Add garlic and saute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add ground beef, breaking apart and stirring until cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove garlic and beef to covered bowl or plate; set aside.
- In same skillet, add remaining oil or butter. Saute peppers, onion and sweetpotatoes until slightly tender.
- Pour in broth, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; cover and simmer 12-15 minutes.
- Stir in cooked beef and corn. Cook until liquid reduces and mixture thickens slightly. Add seasoning and salt and pepper, to taste.
Make Every Meal Celebration Worthy
(Family Features) Family reunions, birthday celebrations and holiday gatherings all bring loved ones together for special occasions that call for delicious meals and snacks. To help elevate entertaining in your household, make hosting a cinch with quick, shareable recipes.
Pizza, for example, is a nearly universally beloved dish ideal for sharing. This version is simple, fresh and perfect for entertaining guests or just for a night in with fresh mozzarella, Prosciutto di Parma and fresh basil.
For savory seasonal flavor, look no further than Sweet Potato Rounds topped with fried sage leaves, goat cheese and prosciutto. When guests arrive, greet them with easy hors d’oeuvres that balance wellness with indulgence like this Crudites Platter or Fresh Snack Board.
To help ensure the freshest of ingredients in these tasty appetizers, look for the “Parma Crown” on packages of Prosciutto di Parma, which you can find pre-packaged or available for slicing at many gourmet deli counters and specialty food stores. Containing no additives, preservatives or hormones, Parma ham contains no additives, preservatives or hormones and is 100% natural. Aged twice as long as many other options, it creates a depth of flavor that’s delicate and sweet-savory with a buttery texture.
Find more easy appetizers perfect for entertaining at parmacrown.com.
Fresh Snack Board
- 1/3 pound Prosciutto di Parma
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 handful pecans, walnuts or almonds
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
crackers
- On charcuterie board or platter, arrange prosciutto, apple slices, nuts, pomegranate seeds, fig jam and cheddar cheese slices. Serve with crackers.
Prosciutto Pizza
Yield: 8 slices
- Olive oil
- flour
- 1 container (16 ounces) store-bought pizza dough
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 5 slices Prosciutto di Parma
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- Remove dough from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 500 F. Grease baking sheet with olive oil.
- Roll out pizza dough onto floured work surface to form oblong shape about 16 inches long and 12 inches wide. Remove to oiled baking sheet and stretch out edges to fill length of baking sheet.
- Bake 4 minutes. Remove from oven and evenly spread tomato sauce over surface, leaving 1/2 inch from edges bare. Dot with mozzarella. Bake until edges are golden and mozzarella is bubbling, about 12 minutes.
- Drape prosciutto over mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil.
Sweet Potato Rounds
Yield: 16-20 rounds
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 bunch fresh sage, stems removed
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 8 slices Prosciutto di Parma, halved
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds. In medium bowl, toss sweet potatoes with oil and lightly season with salt, to taste. Arrange rounds in single layer on prepared pan; bake until sweet potatoes are lightly browned and tender, about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In small skillet over medium heat, bring butter to simmer. Add half the sage leaves. Cook until crispy, 2-3 minutes. Remove to paper towel and season lightly with salt, to taste. Repeat with remaining sage leaves. Reserve 2 teaspoons butter. In small food processor, combine goat cheese and reserved butter; whirl until smooth.
- To make rounds, remove goat cheese to plastic zip-top bag. Cut off one corner and pipe small dollops of cheese onto each round. Top with half slice prosciutto and one crispy sage leaf.
Crudites Platter
Platter:
- 8 asparagus
- water
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- 5 baby carrots, halved lengthwise
- 4 radishes with tops, halved lengthwise
- 1 head little gem lettuce, quartered
- 6-8 slices Prosciutto di Parma
Dip:
- 2 teaspoons white miso
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped herbs (dill, tarragon or parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- fresh black pepper, to taste
- To make platter: Trim asparagus. To blanch, bring pot of water to boil and place asparagus in pot 2-3 minutes. While asparagus is cooking, fill large bowl with ice water. After 3 minutes, plunge asparagus in ice bath and let cool.
- To soft-boil eggs, bring pot of water to boil. Gently place room temperature eggs in water and simmer 3-4 minutes. Remove eggs with slotted spoon and cool under running water.
- Serve asparagus and eggs alongside baby carrots, radishes and little gem lettuce. Drape prosciutto slices over some vegetables and between others.
- To make dip: In small bowl, whisk miso, lemon juice and water until smooth. Add yogurt, herbs and salt. Season generously with cracked pepper, to taste; mix and serve with platter.
Source: Prosciutto di Parma
Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon
(Family Features) Quick and easy family dinners often feel few and far between, but you can make them a more frequent occurrence by depending on seafood as a flavorful, easy-to-prepare protein.
Today, more than half of all seafood consumed in the U.S. is raised by aquaculture, also known as seafood farming. While this industry has made strides throughout the last few decades, from increasingly sustainable farming practices to technological advancements, not all seafood farms are equal and neither are the certifications you see on the packaging.
Aquaculture helps meet the ever-growing popularity of seafood and provides people in developing countries with healthy protein. It also aids in rebuilding populations of threatened and endangered species along with boosting wild stocks of freshwater and seawater species. By ensuring supply chain integrity from farm to the store, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) Sea Green certification label lets shoppers know they’re protecting oceans, coasts and wildlife while also investing in restoring them.
With a mission to help the industry feed a growing global population while respecting the planet and its people, the council aims to minimize the industry’s impact on climate change and protect fish welfare. To achieve these goals, the certification label helps shoppers identify products that meet strict standards for responsibly farmed seafood, raising the bar for farm performance, verification and traceability.
With increased demand from the culinary community for alternative seafood sources that preserve wild populations without compromising farm-to-fork flavor or freshness, ASC’s certification helps ensure the seafood you’re buying is what it claims to be. That way, you can enjoy make-at-home recipes like Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon.
Visit SeaGreenBeGreen.org to find family-friendly recipes and certification information.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon
- 1 bag (1 pound, three 6-ounce portions) ASC-certified North Coast Seafoods Naked Norwegian Salmon
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons horseradish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Crunch:
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Thaw salmon and pat dry. Arrange on oiled baking tray. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- To make glaze: In small bowl, combine honey, mustard, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish and paprika; mix until well combined. Chill glaze until ready to use.
- To make crunch: In bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley and oil; mix well. Reserve.
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Top each salmon portion with 1 tablespoon glaze and spread evenly over fish. Press crunch evenly onto glaze.
- Bake 15-17 minutes until fish is cooked through.
- Serve with drizzle of remaining glaze.
Source: Aquaculture Stewardship Council