This summer, get a little wild in the kitchen and make something different. It’s alright to mix up the seasonal menu now and again by creating dishes out of the ordinary as a change up from the usual warm-weather favorites.

It’s true for many fruits that the summer months are their ideal season. However, eating fruit plain can be boring and bland on a hot day.

This summer, when heading to an event like a family reunion, picnic or just a day at home, try making this Oh-So-Berry Cobbler.

It’s served warm and is a perfect sweet treat when berries are at their freshest. Full of summer goodness, it’s a treat for everyone to enjoy with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and a splash of lemon juice served with ice cream.  

To make this Oh-So-Berry Cobbler, combine strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Add cornstarch and mix again until the berries are coated.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

In a mixer, add butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract then gradually add flour mixture. Mix until crumbles form.

Add fruit to a baking pan and cover with crumble mixture. Bake at 350 F for 30-40 minutes.

Next time you’re thinking about grabbing a fruit tray from the supermarket for an upcoming gathering, think again. This cobbler is the perfect addition to any party menu or special occasion.

Find more summer recipes at Culinary.net.

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Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Oh-So-Berry Cobbler

Servings: 8

• 2          cups strawberries, sliced
• 2          cups blackberries
• 2          cups blueberries
• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 3          tablespoons cornstarch
• 2          cups flour
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1          cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2    cups brown sugar
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• nonstick cooking spray
• ice cream

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In large bowl, mix strawberries, blackberries and blueberries then add lemon juice and cornstarch; mix to combine. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
3. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
4. In bowl of stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until blended. Gradually add flour mixture until crumbles form.
5. Spray 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Pour berries into bottom of dish. Top berries with crumbles.
7. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until lightly browned.
8. Serve with ice cream.

(Family Features) When time is short and your family is hungry, you can turn to Honest Earth Mashed Sweet Potatoes from the potato experts at Idahoan. With no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, they are made with simple ingredients, including sweet potatoes, brown sugar and real butter. They’re a good source of vitamin A and rich in fiber, antioxidants and minerals, including potassium and iron, making them a perfect addition to nutritious family meals.

As the first product of its kind, Honest Earth Mashed Sweet Potatoes save precious prep, cook and cleanup time because they come ready to heat in just 60 seconds right in their convenient, microwavable pouch. That means your family can say “good morning” to a creative breakfast like Sweet Potato Waffles with Whipped Cream and Berry Compote in just a matter of minutes.

As dinnertime draws near, turn to an American classic and the nostalgic taste of comfort food – Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Toasted Marshmallows – to warm you and all your loved ones from the inside-out. Requiring just a few ingredients, it’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice quality or taste.

For more information and time-saving recipe ideas, visit Idahoan.com/sweet.

Sweet Potato Waffles with Whipped Cream and Berry Compote

Yield: 4 large waffles

• 1          cup all-purpose flour
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 3          eggs, separated
• 3/4       cup 2% milk
• 1          pouch Honest Earth Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• 2          tablespoons vegetable oil, plus additional for brushing on waffle iron, divided

Berry Compote:

• 1          cup raspberries
• 1          cup blackberries
• 1          cup blueberries
• 2-3       tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1          dash lemon zest or juice

1. Preheat waffle iron to medium heat.
2. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt.
3. In separate bowl, blend egg yolks (reserve whites), milk, sweet potatoes and 2 tablespoons oil until smooth.
4. Add flour mixture to egg and milk mixture; blend until no clumps remain.
5. In separate bowl, whip reserved egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites gently into batter.
6. Using pastry brush, oil waffle iron then add batter and cook until waffle removes easily. Repeat with remaining batter.
7. To make berry compote: Wash raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Drain but do not dry. In small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm berries. Add sugar and lemon zest or juice. Cook until berries have broken down and juice reaches low simmer. Serve warm over waffles and top with whipped cream.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Toasted Marshmallows

Servings: 2

• 1/4       cup chopped pecans
• 1          pouch Honest Earth Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2    cups miniature marshmallows

1. Position oven rack in upper one-third of oven. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In blender, blend pecans into sweet potatoes.
3. Divide between two 1-cup ramekins sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with marshmallows and bake about 15 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted and browned.

Source: Honest Earth

(Family Features) Making the holiday season special is an important tradition for many families, and it’s likely to take on heightened importance this year with gatherings, celebrations and festivities taking on a different look than years past. One family-favorite way to create holiday magic is through delicious desserts that can be made and enjoyed together.

Don’t be afraid to try something new this year by turning to foods typically associated with warmer weather. For example, watermelon is available year-round and makes a surprisingly nutritious, flavorful addition to your seasonal spread, whether it’s the main ingredient or included in recipes from entrees to sides and drinks to desserts.

For a kid-friendly, tasty treat, ask your little ones to help make these Holiday Watermelon Cutouts. Because they only require a few ingredients and plenty of creativity, they’re perfect for getting the whole family involved. Or try this Watermelon and Blueberry Cheesecake as the highlight at your dessert table with its creamy, fruity flavor and eye-popping looks.

To find more holiday dessert solutions and other sweet recipe ideas, visit watermelon.org.

Holiday Watermelon Cutouts

Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

• 1/2       watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch thick disks
• vanilla frosting or yogurt
• sprinkles, for decorating

1. Using holiday cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon disks.
2. Decorate watermelon shapes with yogurt.
3. Top with sprinkles.

Watermelon and Blueberry Cheesecake

Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Servings: 12

Cheesecake:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/3       cup graham cracker crumbs (2 graham crackers)
• 24        ounces fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature
• 8          ounces low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1          cup white sugar
• 3/4       cup no-calorie sugar substitute
• 3/4       cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1/4       cup fresh lemon juice
• 2          tablespoons lemon peel, finely grated
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2    cups liquid egg substitute (equivalent of 6 eggs)

Watermelon-Blueberry Sauce:

• 3          cups watermelon juice, with pulp
• 6          teaspoons cornstarch
• 6          tablespoons lemon juice
• 3          tablespoons sugar
• 3          tablespoons no-calorie sugar substitute
• 1-1 1/2             teaspoons lemon extract
• 2          cups diced watermelon
• 3          cups blueberries

1. To make cheesecake: Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Spray bottom and sides of 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs in pan and tilt to spread evenly over bottom and sides, leaving extra crumbs on bottom.
3. Using electric mixer, beat fat-free cream cheese, low-fat cream cheese, sugar and sugar substitute until creamy and well-blended. Slowly add half-and-half, lemon juice, lemon peel and vanilla; continue beating. Add egg substitute until mixture is thoroughly blended and creamy. Pour into crumb-lined pan.
4. Place springform pan in large roasting pan. Pour enough water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake cheesecake until firm, slightly golden and top is cracked, about 1 hour, 25 minutes. Remove springform pan from water and refrigerate, uncovered, until cold, about 3 hours or overnight.
5. To make watermelon-blueberry sauce: In blender, whip watermelon juice, cornstarch, lemon juice, sugar and sugar substitute until smooth. Pour into small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to gentle boil until topping begins to thicken. Remove from heat and place in refrigerator to cool. Just before serving, add lemon extract, diced watermelon and blueberries; stir to thoroughly blend.
6. To serve, run knife around sides of cheesecake and remove springform pan sides. Top each slice with generous helping of watermelon-blueberry sauce.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

(Culinary.net) From the first ring of the alarm to tying shoes and heading out the door, busy mornings can be stressful for the entire family. While many shortcuts exist to make the start to your day easier, one simple solution is to have breakfast ready to eat on the go.

Handheld foods make it easier to enjoy morning meals while at the office or in the classroom. These Blueberry Cake Donuts provide a tasty way to add sweetness to your morning as a convenient breakfast option for starting the day strong. Just take a few minutes over the weekend to whip up the batter and bake before adding a sweet glaze to take some of the stress out of the week.

Plus, because they’re a kid favorite, you won’t have to convince your little ones it’s important to eat breakfast before starting a full day of learning at home or in the classroom.

Find more breakfast recipes perfect for busy, on-the-go mornings at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

 Blueberry Cake Donuts

• 1          cup cake flour
• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 2          teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3       cup butter, softened
• 1           cup sugar
• 1/4       teaspoon salt, divided
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 2          eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
• 1          cup buttermilk
• 2          cups blueberries
• 2-4       cups powdered sugar
• 1/2       cup milk

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In large bowl, whisk cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda and baking powder.
3. In large bowl or stand mixer bowl, beat butter, sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs and yolk; mix until creamy. Alternate adding buttermilk and flour mixture until blended.
4. Remove bowl from stand mixer, add blueberries and stir until combined.
5. Fill piping bag with batter. Fill mini donut pan cavities about halfway.
6. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
7. In medium bowl, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, milk, remaining salt and remaining vanilla extract. Add additional 1-3 cups powdered sugar until mixture reaches desired thickness.
8. Dip cooled donuts in glaze and place on wired rack to drip off excess.

Substitution: If cake flour isn’t available, measure 1 cup all-purpose flour and remove 2 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch.

(Family Features) Introducing kids to unfamiliar flavors doesn’t have to be a frightful experience. Getting creative and taking cues from some beloved characters may be all it takes for families to explore produce in a new way and discover how delicious, satisfying and enjoyable fresh fruits and vegetables can be.

A passion for produce may begin with America’s favorites, like bananas, apples, citrus, celery, carrots and broccoli, but that’s just the beginning.

Whether it’s their angry names and tough exteriors, or simply a fear of the unknown about taste and preparation, dozens more diverse and exotic fruits and vegetables like dragon fruit, horned melon and Brussels sprouts are often the sources of produce paranoia.

An initiative from Dole, in collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., is helping to take the scare out of specialty fruits and vegetables and widen America’s produce horizons. That’s because, like a good book or the characters in a beloved film, you can’t judge a fruit or vegetable by its appearance; nature’s true beauty often lies within.

The campaign offers character-inspired recipes, serving suggestions, digital and social activations, family-friendly activities, fun trivia and influencer partnerships that celebrate the not-so-scary world of the planet’s more unusual fresh bounty.

One easy way to introduce new flavors is by trying a variation of a familiar fruit or veggie. For example, there are more than 500 edible banana varieties in the world. You might sample a red banana or a Manzano, or even an ice cream banana, with a taste resembling vanilla custard.

These fun and kid-friendly Green Slime Nacho Cups feature plantains, for example, a member of the banana family with a different taste and texture than everyday yellow bananas – more firm and starchy like a potato. Increase your family’s produce intake even further with a Slippery Slimy Smoothie and Chicken Stuffed Roz Heads, which call for green grapes, celery, avocados, strawberries and blueberries.

Find more recipes and other not-so-scary fun at dole.com/Disney, and follow #Dole and #DoleRecipes.

Chicken Stuffed Roz Heads

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3

• 1          cup cubed, cooked chicken breast
• 1/2       cup DOLE® Green Grapes, halved
• 1/4       cup chopped Dole Celery
• 1/3       cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2    Dole Avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
• 6          whole-wheat pretzel twists
• 18        whole-wheat pretzel sticks
• 1          Dole Strawberry, sliced
• 3          dried, sweetened blueberries

1. In bowl, stir together chicken, grapes, celery, yogurt, salt and pepper.
2. Scoop three equal portions onto serving plate. Shape each into oval.
3. Top each with upside down avocado half.
4. Decorate each avocado half to resemble Roz’s face. Using sharp paring knife, trim each pretzel twist to create horn-rimmed glasses lens by cutting off double loop section of each pretzel twist and discarding or enjoying as snack, keeping single loop portion, which will become one lens. Two lenses are needed per Roz Head.
5. Place two pretzel lenses on each avocado to form glasses. Add pretzel stick to each side of avocado to form arms of glasses. Push four pretzel sticks into top of each avocado to form hair. Add strawberry slice, trimmed to look like lips for her mouth, and place blueberry on lower left side of face to form mole.

Green Slime Nacho Cups

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          green starting to turn yellow DOLE® Plantain, peeled and thinly sliced on bias
• 1 1/2    teaspoons canola oil
• 1/4       teaspoon salt, divided
• 1          Dole Avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
• 1          tablespoon lime juice
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1/2       cup thinly shredded Dole Purple Cabbage

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Toss plantain slices with canola oil and season with pinch of salt. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange slices in single layer with no overlapping.
2. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until crispy and lightly golden. Cool completely and set aside.
3. Using spoon, scoop flesh of avocado into small bowl and mash, reserving one half avocado shell. Stir mashed avocado with lime juice, garlic and remaining salt. Stir in slaw, reserving some for garnish. Scoop into reserved avocado shell and smooth top with back of spoon. Stick reserved cabbage shreds out of avocado mixture to look like hair.
4. Serve slime nacho cups with plantain chips.

Slippery Slimy Smoothie

Prep time:10 minutes
Servings: 2 (8 ounces each)

• 1/2       cup DOLE® Spinach
• 1          Dole Banana, peeled and frozen
• 1/2       cup Dole Green Grapes, frozen
• 1/3       cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2       cup Dole Pineapple
• 1/2       cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1/2       cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 5          ice cubes

1. In blender, blend spinach, banana, grapes, cucumber, pineapple, almond milk, Greek yogurt and ice cubes until smooth.
2. Pour smoothie into two glasses and serve.

©2020 Disney/Pixar (Roz)

Source: Dole

When snack time comes calling, turning to an easy option that’s ready to go in your refrigerator is perfect for life’s busy moments.

These Mini Fruit Cups require just a handful of common ingredients and can be refrigerated until cravings strike for something sweet.

Find more snack ideas at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mini Fruit Cups

Serves: 24

• 1          package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3       cup lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 24        prebaked mini tart crusts
• assorted fruit, for garnish (optional)

1. In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract; continue mixing until blended.
2. Spoon cream cheese mixture into prebaked mini tart crusts. Top with assorted fruit, as desired.
3. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Dairy-inspired, plant-based dishes to serve from morning to night

(Family Features) From cereal and milk to yogurt and fruit to broccoli and cheese, combining dairy with plant-based foods creates a superfood power couple that can help ensure you and your family are getting the nutrients you need any time of day.

With the rise in popularity of plant-based diets, dairy can help optimize nutrient absorption from plant foods and provide additional nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. You can create delicious meals with the nutrition you need while enjoying the best of plants and dairy.

Combining dairy and plant-based foods can be easier with these dairy-powered recipes from Milk Means More. They are ideal for creating a nutritious and delicious plan for every meal throughout the day. Start with a Blueberry Apple Crisp Smoothie Bowl in the morning then build out your lunch or dinner plans around an appetizer like this traditional Middle Eastern Labneh Spread with grilled pita bread and assorted veggies. For the main course, try Lentil Tacos with Tangy Guacamole and a classic Moroccan staple, Creamy Couscous with Broccoli, Tomatoes and Cheese, on the side.

Find more recipes that combine the goodness of dairy and plant-based foods at milkmeansmore.org.

Creamy Couscous with Broccoli, Tomatoes and Cheese

Recipe courtesy of culinary dietitian Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1/2       cup chopped onion
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 3          cups broccoli florets
• 1          teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
• 3          cups fat-free, 2% or whole milk
• 1 1/2    cups plain couscous (wheat pasta)
• 1          cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1          cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2    cups seeded and chopped tomatoes
• 2          tablespoons slivered fresh basil leaves

1. In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook onion in butter 2 minutes. Add broccoli, garlic and pepper. Cook and stir 2 minutes.
2. Stir milk into broccoli mixture. Bring to boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
3. Gently stir Parmesan cheese into couscous mixture. Spread on serving platter. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Top with tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

Lentil Tacos with Tangy Guacamole

Recipe courtesy of culinary dietitian Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN
Prep time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Tangy Guacamole:

• 1          medium ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped
• 1          tablespoon orange, lime or lemon juice
• 1/4       teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1/2       cup plain, fat-free Greek yogurt

Lentil Tacos:

• 2 1/3    cups water
• 1          cup dry brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1/2       cup finely chopped onion
• 2          teaspoons chili powder
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2    cups seeded and chopped tomatoes, divided
• 1 1/4    cups (5 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 12        yellow corn taco shells

1. To make Tangy Guacamole: In small bowl, mash avocado, juice, hot pepper sauce and garlic.  Stir in yogurt. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
2. To make Lentil Tacos: Heat oven to 400 F.
3. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, lentils, onion, chili powder, garlic and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and gently boil 12-15 minutes, or until lentils are just tender. Uncover and boil 5-15 minutes, or until most liquid evaporates.
4. Remove lentils from heat. Stir in 1 cup tomatoes and 3/4 cup cheese. Spoon into taco shells. Stand filled tacos in 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle tacos with remaining tomatoes and cheese. Loosely cover dish with foil. Bake 3-5 minutes, or until cheese melts.
5. Stir guacamole. Serve with warm tacos.

Labneh Spread

Recipe courtesy of Jenn Fillenworth, MS, RDN of Jenny with the Good Eats
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

• 12        ounces whole milk Greek yogurt
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          pinch sea salt, for garnish
• fresh herbs, for garnish
• pita bread, grilled
• assorted seasonal vegetables

1. In bowl, mix Greek yogurt, salt and lemon juice.
2. Transfer mixture to fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.
3. Wrap mixture in cheesecloth and strain over bowl in refrigerator 24-48 hours. Strain longer to make thicker.
4. Once thickened as desired, remove from cheesecloth and top spread with olive oil, sea salt and fresh herbs.
5. Serve with grilled pita bread and assorted seasonal vegetables.

Blueberry Apple Crisp Smoothie Bowl

Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of Rachel Cooks
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1          cup frozen blueberries
• 2          cups apples, roughly chopped, reserving 2 tablespoons for topping
• 1          teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2       cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1          cup spinach
• pure maple syrup, to taste
• ice cubes (optional)

Toppings:

• 2          tablespoons oats
• 1          teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1          tablespoon pecans, chopped
• 2          tablespoons reserved chopped apple
• fresh blueberries

1. In blender, blend blueberries, apples, cinnamon, yogurt and spinach until smooth. Taste and add maple syrup, to taste. If thicker mixture is desired, add ice cubes.
2. Pour into bowl. Mix oats with maple syrup. Top smoothie mixture with oats, pecans, apples and blueberries.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Family Features) As families look to incorporate more nutritious dishes into meals from morning to night, using kid-friendly recipes can help make the process easier and more fun.

To help make it easier for busy parents to plan and serve healthier meals, registered dietitian Melanie Marcus, Dole’s nutrition and health communications manager, created a series of enchanted frozen fruit- and vegetable-based dishes including main courses, smoothies, desserts, sides and more. For example, these Roll Your Own Snow Cones can appease those dessert cravings.

This and other family-friendly recipes are part of Dole’s healthy-living alliance with Disney’s Frozen 2. For details, visit dole.com/Disney. Follow Dole at #Dole and #DoleRecipes.

Roll Your Own Snow Cones

Prep time: 20 minutes, plus chilling time  
Cook time: 5 minutes  
Servings: 8

• 1          cup DOLE® Blueberries
• 6          tablespoons honey, divided
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice from Dole Lemon, divided
• 6          tablespoons water, divided
• 1          cup Dole Raspberries
• 1          cup hulled and quartered Dole Strawberries
• 6          cups ice cubes

1. In blender on high, puree blueberries, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water until smooth; transfer to small saucepan. Repeat process with raspberries, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water then strawberries with remaining honey, lemon juice and water, transferring each to separate small saucepans.
2. Heat blueberry, raspberry and strawberry mixtures over medium heat 5 minutes, or until thickened; remove from heat and strain mixtures separately into three small bowls. Loosely cover bowls with plastic wrap; refrigerate 2 hours.
3. In blender on high, blend ice, in 4 batches, until “shaved,” transferring each batch to medium bowl and freezing between batches.
4. Divide shaved ice into eight (8-ounce) cups; drizzle with desired fruit mixtures.

Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 snow cone): 71 calories; 2 calories from fat; 0 g fat; 0 g trans fat; 0 g polyunsaturated fat; 0 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 1 mg sodium; 72 mg potassium; 19 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 16 g sugars; 0 g protein; vitamin A 0%; vitamin C 20%; calcium 0%; iron 2%; vitamin E 2%; thiamin 2%; vitamin B6 2%; phosphorus 0%; magnesium 2%; manganese 10%.

Source:  Dole/Disney

(Family Features) When it comes to Halloween, carving the same pumpkin designs each year can become routine. This year, save a pumpkin and carve your spooky masterpiece into a watermelon instead.

Nutrient-rich watermelon can be a healthy alternative to other sweet treats full of added sugar during Halloween festivities as it’s a source of vitamins A and C as well as the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline.

Because they are made up of 92% water, watermelons can be an effective way to stay hydrated during trick-or-treating, and creations like a Mummy or Jack O’Melon can help satisfy sweet cravings while keeping friends and family members frightfully delighted.

To get started, consider these carving tips and tricks:

• To make cutting and slicing easier, the watermelon should be at room temperate when carving.
• Cut a small, thin, flat piece from the bottom of the watermelon to provide a stable base for carving.
• Draw the design on the watermelon rind with a dry-erase marker before cutting. If you make a mistake, this can make it easier to wipe off.
• Use a sharp knife with a pointed tip for easier, cleaner cuts. Consider a paring knife with a smaller tip for ease of detail.
• Blend scraps of watermelon that are too messy for dicing or slicing to create an easy juice.

For more watermelon carving ideas, visit watermelon.org.

Mummy

Supplies and Tools:

• Watermelon
• Cutting board
• Kitchen knife
• Dry-erase marker
• Paring knife
• Melon baller
• Scoop
• Vegetable peeler
• Cheesecloth or gauze
• Straight pin (optional)
• Battery-operated candle or light
• Small bowl
• Blueberries or bloody candy eyes
• Toothpicks, pins or glue

1. Wash watermelon under cool running water and pat dry.
2. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and use kitchen knife to cut off 1/4-1/2-inch of rind from bottom to provide sturdy base, being careful not to cut too deep into white part of rind. Cut 1-2 inches from stem end to create opening for bowl to be added.
3. Using dry-erase marker, draw eyes, nose and mouth, along with wavy slits around carving. Use paring knife to cut them out, being sure to cut through to red flesh to let more light flow through.
4. Use melon baller to hollow out inside of watermelon. Reserve watermelon balls. Use scoop to remove remaining watermelon.
5. Using vegetable peeler, remove green skin off outside of watermelon, similar to peeling cucumber.
6. Wrap thin strips cheesecloth or gauze around mummy carving and secure with straight pin, if needed.
7. Place battery-operated candle or light inside carving and fit small bowl into top of carving. Trim away excess rind to make bowl fit securely.
8. Fill bowl with melon balls. Attach candy eyes or blueberries using a toothpicks, pins or glue.

Jack O'Melon

Supplies and Tools:

• Knife
• Round watermelon
• Melon baller
• Dry-erase marker
• Toothpicks (optional)
• Battery-operated light

1. Using knife, cut thin slice from bottom of watermelon to provide stable base.
2. Cut circular piece of rind from top of watermelon big enough to reach into and remove flesh. Carefully remove top section and reserve for use as “lid.”
3. Remove flesh from inside watermelon using melon baller, reserving melon balls for snacking. Hollow out remaining watermelon flesh and use blender to juice scraps and excess juice.
4. Using dry-erase marker, draw outlines of eyes, nose, mouth, hair, ears and other features on side of watermelon. If mistake is made with marker, wipe off using paper towel to start over. Following outlines, carve features into watermelon and remove excess rind.
5. Safe, battery-operated light can be firmly placed inside watermelon to provide haunting glow.
6. Place circular piece of rind back on top of watermelon.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

Add fruit to your breakfast with this take on French toast, which includes a mixture of berries, bananas and vanilla yogurt wrapped in tortillas and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Fruity Yogurt French Toast Wraps

• 1          cup blueberries
• 1          cup strawberries, sliced, plus additional for garnish (optional)
• 1          cup bananas, sliced
• 1          cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/4       cup granola
• 1          egg
• 1/4       cup milk
• 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2       teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6-8       tortillas
• 2          teaspoons butter
• 4-6       teaspoons powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

1. In medium bowl, combine blueberries, strawberries, bananas, yogurt and granola. Mix well and set aside.
2. Using pie plate, crack egg and whisk. Add milk, cinnamon and nutmeg; whisk until combined.
3. Coat both sides of tortillas in egg mixture.
4. In skillet, melt butter. Place coated tortillas one at a time in pan and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Move to plate.
5. Spoon yogurt mixture into center of tortillas. Fold edges over to form wraps.
6. Dust each with powdered sugar and top with additional strawberry slices, if desired.