(Family Features) Don’t let Mother’s Day pass by as just another day on the calendar. Make this year’s celebration a true ode to the moms in your life with some extra special touches at breakfast and beyond.

Give Her the Day Off
Whether she’s the culinary expert of the home or cooking is usually a team effort, make sure her morning is one of rest and relaxation while you handle kitchen duties from prep to cleanup. These Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins are easily customizable to suit your family’s favorite tastes with nearly endless possibilities. Just make sure to place a foil-lined cookie sheet under the muffin tin to make cleanup a breeze.

For a sweeter touch on brunch, these Cinnamon Muffins offer a one-ingredient solution that take just 15 minutes to prepare. Serve alongside the egg muffins or let these ooey-gooey bites bake while mom enjoys the main course.

Add Flowers
Flowers are a timeless Mother’s Day gift for a reason. They provide pops of color on dining room tables, kitchen counters, end tables or even nightstands. Consider mom’s favorite spot in the house and place them within eyeshot for a frequent reminder of how much she’s appreciated.

Create a Personalized Card
Add a special final touch to an already memorable morning with a thoughtful card and handwritten message. Get the kiddos involved and create a card from scratch with construction paper, colored pencils, markers and more for a homemade gift she’ll cherish. If you didn’t fall from the artistic tree, don’t fret – a storebought card means all the same when paired with a heartfelt message that conveys your love.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, mom will appreciate the extra effort to make her day special. Find more family-friendly recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 1 pound regular-sliced bacon (not thick-sliced)
• 10 eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/3 cup half-and-half or milk
• 1 tablespoon garlic pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen spinach

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Using muffin tin, wrap bacon around inside of each muffin hole. In bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, half-and-half, garlic pepper and spinach. Pour into each hole, filling about halfway to avoid overflowing while cooking. Cook 40 minutes, or until eggs are golden.

Tips: Place muffin tin on cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch grease and make cleanup easier. If you want bacon taste without lining muffin holes, mix fried bacon pieces into eggs.

Substitutions: Line each hole with hashbrowns then add egg mixture. Use broccoli instead of spinach, if desired.

Cinnamon Muffins

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 2 tubes (8-count each) cinnamon rolls

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Grease muffin tin or line with liners. Using kitchen shears, cut each cinnamon roll into pieces and place in muffin holes.
3. Bake about 15 minutes, or until golden. Let cool then add provided icing.

Tip: To make icing extra special, add 2 tablespoons creamer and mix well before icing muffins.

 Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) While it may be true that each day offers its own adventure, those experiences require the energy to take on whatever comes next. You may not be able to plan every meal for every day, but a versatile ingredient can help tackle mealtimes (and snack time, too) by starring in recipes ranging from breakfast to dessert.

Consider the craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples for the ultimate apple experience in dishes from morning to night that boast their uplifting aroma and flavor. This leading apple variety provides balanced sweetness with flesh that remains whiter longer, even after cutting, so your favorite breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners and desserts look as delicious as they taste.

Find more recipes for meals throughout the day by visiting EnvyApple.com.

1. Apple Honey Hotcakes – Kickstarting a morning with a breakfast that’s equally filling and delicious can provide the energy and motivation you need to begin the day on the right foot. These Apple Honey Hotcakes are made from scratch with grated apples, honey and cinnamon, providing a sweet combination that’s fried to golden perfection and topped with yogurt, fresh fruit and an added drizzle of honey.

2. Apple Brunch Board – Weekends are all about spending time with loved ones, and you can start those festivities with a simple yet delicious brunch menu. This Apple Brunch Board calls for craveable, crunchy Envy Apples; an assortment of bagels, waffles and muffins; fresh fruits and veggies; sausage; cheese; and deviled eggs. Add your own spin with other midmorning favorites like juices, spreads and garnishes.

3. Spinach and Apple Roulade – Flexible work schedules allow many people to work from the comforts of home, which also means fresh meals are available in your own kitchen. Skip the takeout and opt for Spinach and Apple Roulade, which turns thin chicken breast into a tender shell containing fresh apple slices, spinach filling and a warm homemade vinaigrette for a flavorful lunch that can keep you going all afternoon.

4. Grilled Chicken and Apple Barbecue Sauce – Whether there’s cause for celebration with a special meal or you’re just looking to feed the family on a busy weeknight, this Grilled Chicken and Apple Barbecue Sauce delivers the best of both worlds – flavor and convenience. Let the homemade barbecue sauce simmer away before prepping chicken to hit the grill. Once it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F, brush with a little extra sauce and slice before serving.

5. Apple Shortcake Squares – Pie may be the first thing that comes to mind for an apple-infused dessert, but the versatility of Envy Apples means a world of sweets is at your fingertips. These Apple Shortcake Squares offer a tasty twist on traditional treats, whether you’re sharing with neighbors after a backyard barbecue or savoring an evening at home with your nearest and dearest.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) Starting a journey toward better health and wellness can begin the same way you can (and should) start each day: with a nutritious breakfast. A morning meal loaded with nutrient-boosting flavor provides the foundation you need not only for the day at hand, but for a sustainable long-term eating plan, as well.

Consider this Sweetpotato Breakfast Bake as a budget-friendly way to feed your family with plenty of leftovers for days to follow. Full of eggs, bell peppers and turkey sausage, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s also loaded with shredded sweetpotatoes. According to the American Diabetes Association, sweetpotatoes are a “diabetes superfood” because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease.

Plus, they offer both a natural sweetener and “sweet” flavor without added sugar to give homemade dishes a perfect touch of deliciousness. Ideal as a key ingredient in both simple and elevated recipes, sweetpotatoes can be prepared in several ways, ranging from cooked on the stove to baked, microwaved, grilled or even slow-cooked.

At your next breakfast or brunch get-together, share this fun fact: the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission deliberately spells sweetpotato as one word after the one-word spelling was officially adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989 to help avoid confusion between sweetpotaotes and equally unique, distinctive white potatoes in the minds of shippers, distributors, warehouse workers and consumers.

Visit NCSweetpotatoes.com to find more nutritious breakfast ideas to support your wellness goals.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sweetpotato Breakfast Bake

Recipe courtesy of Tessa Nguyen, RD, LDN, on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          cup sweetpotatoes, shredded
• 1/2       cup cooked turkey sausage crumbles or cooked turkey bacon
• 1/4       cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2       cup bell pepper, diced
• 9          eggs, beaten
• 1/2       cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat oven to 400 F. Spray 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Evenly spread sweetpotatoes, sausage or bacon, green onions and bell peppers in dish. Pour eggs carefully into baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese and black pepper over eggs.
3. Bake 15 minutes.
4. Slice into 12 pieces and serve hot.

(Family Features) Cool winter days may have you tempted to burrow under a blanket and wait out the weather, but there are plenty of entertaining and affordable ways to enjoy quality family time together despite chilly temperatures.

Kids who are cooped up indoors during the winter often get restless, but you can make the most of that boredom by gathering everyone and discovering new ways to create memories together.

Get Your Game On
Forget about screen play and instead show the younger generation how much fun it can be to take on family rivals with classic board games or work in teams to complete age-appropriate puzzles. These activities allow everyone to participate and practice skills like problem solving while having fun.

Make a Meal Together
You likely know it’s a good idea to gather the family around the table for a meal, but there’s no need to wait until the food is done. Not only does cooking together give you something fun to do as a family, but it also helps kids develop important life skills and healthy habits, exposes them to new food options and allows them to practice reading and math when they follow recipes.

Get everyone in on the prep work with kid-friendly foods such as these flavorful frozen waffles that can be used as the base for simple and delicious recipes. A fun, easy way to enjoy a favorite cereal in waffle form, PEBBLES Waffles are available in beloved Fruity and Cocoa flavors. Start the day by making breakfast a family affair or mix things up and prepare a breakfast menu for dinner. Try one of these easy recipes for a sure way to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces.

Explore What Surrounds You
Resist the temptation to huddle indoors and instead explore how your community transforms with the seasons. Look for the best sledding hills or check out seasonal attractions like ice rinks and festivals. Even taking a family drive to see the holiday lights or marvel at the way snow transforms your surroundings gives you a way to break out of the house and enjoy some entertaining fun.

Encourage Artistic Expression
Once kids are bundled up properly, there’s little that tops good old-fashioned snow days. Snow angels, snow forts and snowmen are just the beginning. Inviting kids to create and design lets their imaginations run wild and, with a little luck, they’ll run off some of that pent-up energy, too. If you’re stuck inside, encourage creativity through arts and crafts, or make mealtimes a chance for children to explore their artistic sides by allowing them to customize toppings on favorites such as waffles.   

Give Back to Others
It’s never too early to learn the intrinsic good of giving back, and cold winter months are an ideal time to instill a giving mindset. As a family, you could volunteer time at a local food bank or work together to assemble care kits with warm blankets and socks for the homeless. You could write letters to soldiers or make seasonal greeting cards for seniors at a local nursing home. Big or small, they’re gestures that make a lasting impression on young minds.

Find more family-friendly ideas for a winter to remember at postpebblescereal.com.

Fruity Smiley Face Waffle

• 2 Fruity PEBBLES Waffles
• 1 container whipped cream
• 1 cup Fruity PEBBLES cereal
• blueberries (optional)
• rainbow sprinkles (optional)
• maple syrup (optional)

1. Heat waffles until golden brown and place on plate. Use whipped cream to make smiley face eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Place cereal on top of whipped cream to make eyes, nose and mouth colorful. Add blueberries, rainbow sprinkles and syrup, if desired.

Cocoa Smiley Face Waffle

• 2 Cocoa PEBBLES waffles
• 1 cup Cocoa PEBBLES cereal
• 1 container whipped cream
• chocolate chips (optional)
• chocolate sprinkles (optional)
• strawberries (optional)
• chocolate syrup (optional)

1. Heat waffles until golden brown and place on plate. Use whipped cream to make smiley face eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Place cereal on top of whipped cream to make eyes, nose and mouth colorful. Add chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, strawberries and chocolate syrup, if desired.

Source: Post Cereals

(Culinary.net) On a cool, crisp morning, it’s hard to beat an exciting twist on a breakfast classic.

This French Toast Casserole is crisp on top while soft and moist in the middle, coming fresh out of the oven with the aroma of maple syrup and pecans that will have the whole house eager for a bite. It’s easy enough to make fresh in the morning- but can also be prepared the night before so all you have to do is add the topping and pop it in the oven.

Find more fresh breakfast recipes to start your day at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

French Toast Casserole

• 1          loaf French bread (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 5          large eggs
• 1 1/2    cups unsweetened milk
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1          teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4       teaspoon sea salt
• maple syrup, for serving

Topping:

• 2          tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2       cup chopped pecans
• 1          cup frozen strawberries
• 1          cup frozen blueberries
• confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

1. Grease 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in baking dish. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes.
2. If making casserole ahead, cover baking dish and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, let stand 30 minutes at room temperature to allow bread to soak up egg mixture.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F.
4. To make topping: Drizzle casserole with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Top with strawberries and blueberries.
5. Cover and bake 35 minutes then uncover and bake 10-20 minutes, or until topping is browned and egg mixture has mostly set.
6. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup.

Source: Culinary.Net

(Family Features) Creating memorable moments and special meals with friends and family during the holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While these festivities are often a favorite moment each year, the planning and preparation can be a bear for hosts. To help take some stress out of hosting duties, start with what you likely already have on hand, like eggs.

This year, simplify holiday gatherings by leaning into underappreciated ingredients that can make all kinds of recipes a cinch. After all, less time stressing over planning, shopping and prepping means more time to make memories that last a lifetime.

When it’s time for a celebration, eggs are at the heart of many favorite recipes. They are an invaluable ingredient to hosts, delivering convenience and inspiration for hors d’oeuvres, baked treats, traditional dishes perfect for entertaining and more.

Eggs keep baked favorites (and festivities) from falling flat. In only 10 minutes prep time and with a few simple ingredients, you can make crowd-pleasing recipes like these Popovers with Cranberry Butter from best-selling author and international social media chef Shereen Pavlides.

Start by whisking the star of the show – eggs – with flour, salt and milk to a silky-smooth texture. Cover and refrigerate the thin batter for 6 hours, or overnight, then bake in a popover pan (or try a muffin pan) to warm, eggy, flaky perfection.

Then combine softened butter and cranberry sauce with a pinch of salt before spreading on the melt-in-your-mouth popovers. For an extra special touch, consider whipping up homemade cranberry sauce rather than using a store-bought version.

Whether it’s served as an appetizer or light dessert, this savory-with-a-touch-of-sweet recipe can become part of your family’s most cherished traditions, made possible by eggs. Remember, all it takes is the egg carton already in the refrigerator to be the “host or hostess with the most-est” and make memories with those who matter most.

Don’t rule out the egg as a key ingredient for creating new experiences, memories and traditions this holiday season. Discover more benefits and recipes that go beyond eggspectations at IncredibleEgg.org/invaluableegg.

Popovers with Cranberry Butter

Recipe courtesy of Shereen Pavlides (@CookingwithShereen) on behalf of the American Egg Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 6 popovers

Popovers:

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/3 cups whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
• nonstick cooking spray

Cranberry Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• 1 pinch salt

1. To make popovers: In large bowl, whisk flour, salt, milk and eggs until silky smooth. Add oil and whisk to combine. Transfer to pourable pitcher, cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours, or overnight.
2. Heat oven to 375 F.
3. Place 6-cup popover pan in oven 10 minutes.
4. Remove pan and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Stir batter, divide and pour into cups, filling each 3/4 full.
5. Bake until puffed high and cooked through, 45-50 minutes.
6. To make cranberry butter: In medium bowl, mix butter, cranberry sauce and salt until well combined.
7. Remove popovers from oven and serve with cranberry butter.

Source: American Egg Board

(Family Features) Between morning routines, days spent in the classroom, extracurriculars and homework, it may seem like there’s never enough time in the day during the school year. However, making time for tasty meals and snacks doesn’t have to be another burden on jam-packed schedules.

These quick recipes for a flavorful twist on a breakfast favorite, easy-to-make sliders featuring kid-friendly flavors and delightful treats to enjoy at the end of the day can help keep little learners (and older family members, too) fueled up and ready to tackle all the school year throws their way.

Find more recipes to get you through busy back-to-school season at Culinary.net.

Simple, Kid-Friendly Sliders

For those busy school nights when time is at a premium and you need to get a meal on the table quickly, these simple yet savory Pepperoni Pizza Sliders can be a perfect solution. A modified take on a kid favorite – pizza – they’re easy to make after work and extracurricular activities to steal a few moments of family time enjoying the cheesy pepperoni goodness before completing homework and beginning preparations for a new day.

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

Recipe adapted from MilkMeansMore.org

• 1 package slider rolls
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded, low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• nonstick cooking spray

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Keeping rolls connected, cut sheet of rolls horizontally, separating tops from bottoms. Place bottom halves of rolls in baking dish.
3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over bottom halves. Sprinkle pepperoni over sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella over pepperoni and cover with top halves of rolls.
4. Mix melted butter with parsley flakes, dried oregano, garlic powder and shredded Parmesan cheese. Spoon evenly over sliders.
5. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to keep cheese from sticking.
6. Bake 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake additional 5-10 minutes, or until Parmesan is melted and golden brown.
   Cut sliders and serve immediately.

A Fresh-Baked After-School Sweet

After a long day of learning or a tough homework assignment, many kids love a warm, chocolatey homemade cookie. Once your kiddos pack away the calculators and put their pencils down, serve up an ooey-gooey delight as a reward for all that hard work.

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready in just 30 minutes and made with high-quality ingredients you can count on like C&H Dark Brown Sugar for that familiar homemade flavor.

Find more sweet after-school desserts at chsugar.com.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups C&H Dark Brown Sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and cook until foaming and golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer to heatproof bowl. Place in refrigerator until solidified, about 45 minutes.
2. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. Once butter has solidified, remove from refrigerator. In bowl of electric stand mixer, using paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar at medium speed 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Mix until combined. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed, add flour mixture and beat to combine. Add pecans and chocolate chips; mix at low speed until combined. Place dough in refrigerator and rest 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Using 2-ounce ice cream scoop, portion out dough on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart. Gently flatten dough balls using palm.
6. Bake 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets 10 minutes then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm.

A Traditional Breakfast with a Twist

The same bowl of cereal can get boring after eating it for breakfast day in and day out. You may find yourself looking for something new and exciting to start school day mornings on the right foot.

Kids can be picky when it comes to breakfast foods, but this recipe for Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups is a quick and easy way to fill their bellies with a taste of several flavors they may already love. A sizzling sausage link wrapped with French toast, it combines a favorite breakfast protein and traditional deliciousness in one roll.

Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups

Servings: 12

• 12 sausage links
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 teaspoons almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 bread slices, crust removed, cut in half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• syrup

1. In skillet, cook sausage links according to package directions. Set aside.
2. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, almond extract and cinnamon.
3. Dip bread slice in egg mixture. Wrap bread slice around cooked sausage link, pressing seam to keep from unrolling. Repeat with remaining bread slices and sausage links.
4. In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Place roll-ups in skillet, seam-sides down, and cook until all sides are browned, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Drizzle with syrup.

Source: C&H Sugar

(Family Features) A balanced breakfast can go a long way toward setting you up for success each day and on a path to healthier eating overall. In fact, you can level up the nutritional value of “the most important meal of the day” by gaining a better understanding of whole grains and their importance as part of heart-healthy diets.

Whole grains – like the sorghum flour used to provide the mild, nutty flavor in these Raspberry Streusel Muffins – are rich sources of dietary fiber, may improve blood cholesterol levels and provide nutrients that help the body form new cells, regulate the thyroid and maintain a healthy immune system. These flavorful muffins and other heart-healthy recipes that use whole grain sorghum as a key ingredient can be part of an overall healthy diet as recommended by the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, supported by the Sorghum Checkoff.

To find more heart-healthy recipe inspiration, visit Heart.org/healthyforgood.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Raspberry Streusel Muffins

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff
Servings: 12 (1 muffin per serving)

Muffins:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2    cups whole grain sorghum flour
• 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4       teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4       cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1/3       cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 3          large egg whites
• 1/4       cup canola or corn oil
• 2          teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1          cup fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed if frozen

Streusel:

• 2          tablespoons whole grain sorghum flour
• 2          tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2          tablespoons uncooked quick-cooking rolled oats
• 2          tablespoons chopped pecans
• 2          tablespoons light tub margarine
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. To make muffins: Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, stir sorghum flour, cinnamon and baking soda.
3. In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, brown sugar, egg whites, oil, lemon zest and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture until batter is just moistened and no flour is visible without overmixing. Spoon batter into muffin cups. Top each muffin with raspberries.
4. To make streusel: In small bowl, stir sorghum flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans, margarine and cinnamon to reach texture of coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over muffins, gently pushing into batter. Bake 16 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes to 160 F.
5. Transfer pan to cooling rack. Let stand 5 minutes. Carefully transfer muffins to rack. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Source: American Heart Association

(Family Features) Eating healthy is a priority for many Americans but knowing where to start and with what foods may be a little trickier. One way to level up the nutritional value of your meals is to better understand whole grains and why they are important for a heart-healthy diet.

As a key feature of heart-healthy diets, whole grains like sorghum, oatmeal and brown rice are rich sources of dietary fiber, may improve blood cholesterol levels and provide nutrients that help the body form new cells, regulate the thyroid and maintain a healthy immune system.

However, according to a survey by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, U.S. adults are least knowledgeable about refined vs. whole grains compared to other foods like fruits, vegetables and proteins. Also, when asked to identify whole grains and refined grains, most adults incorrectly believe multi-grain bread is a whole grain and only 17% believe sorghum is an example of a whole grain when it is, in fact, a nutritious whole-grain option.

If you’re looking to try more whole grains, sorghum is a primary ingredient in these heart-healthy recipes for Pancakes with Blueberry Vanilla Sauce, Raspberry Streusel Muffins and Garden Vegetable Stir-Fried Sorghum. These flavorful dishes can be part of an overall healthy diet as recommended by the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, supported by the Sorghum Checkoff.

Find more heart-healthy meal ideas at Heart.org/healthyforgood.

Raspberry Streusel Muffins

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff
Servings: 12 (1 muffin per serving)

Muffins:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups whole grain sorghum flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup canola or corn oil
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed if frozen

Streusel:

• 2 tablespoons whole grain sorghum flour
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons uncooked quick-cooking rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons light tub margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. To make muffins: Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, stir sorghum flour, cinnamon and baking soda.
3. In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, brown sugar, egg whites, oil, lemon zest and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture until batter is just moistened and no flour is visible without overmixing. Spoon batter into muffin cups. Top each muffin with raspberries.
4. To make streusel: In small bowl, stir sorghum flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans, margarine and cinnamon to reach texture of coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over muffins, gently pushing into batter. Bake 16 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes to 160 F.
5. Transfer pan to cooling rack. Let stand 5 minutes. Carefully transfer muffins to rack. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Garden Vegetable Stir-Fried Sorghum

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff
Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving)

• 1 cup uncooked whole-grain sorghum
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon gingerroot, peeled and minced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli florets, chopped, thawed if frozen
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed and halved
• 1/2 cup carrot strips, sliced into matchsticks
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup green onions, diagonally sliced

1. Prepare sorghum using package directions, omitting salt. Once cooked, spread sorghum in even layer on rimmed baking sheet or 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish. Let stand 5-10 minutes at room temperature. Refrigerate, uncovered, 20 minutes, or until cool.
2. In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook garlic and gingerroot 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook broccoli, snow peas, carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms and edamame 10-12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
3. In small bowl, using fork, beat eggs and 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Stir water chestnuts and sorghum into vegetable mixture. Push mixture to sides of skillet. Pour egg mixture into center of skillet. Using heatproof rubber scraper, stir 1-2 minutes, or until partially set.
5. Stir vegetable mixture into partially cooked egg mixture. Cook 1 minute, or until eggs are cooked through and sorghum is heated through, stirring constantly. The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes to 160 F.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining soy sauce. Sprinkle with green onions.

Pancakes with Blueberry Vanilla Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff
Servings: 4 (2 pancakes, 1/4 cup sauce and 2 tablespoons yogurt per serving)

Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Pancakes:

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole grain sorghum flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon canola or corn oil

Topping:

• 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt

1. To make sauce: Put cornstarch in medium saucepan. Add water, stirring to dissolve. Stir in blueberries and sugar. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Boil 1-2 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Cover to keep warm. Set aside.
2. To make pancakes: In medium bowl, stir oats, sorghum flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon.
3. In small bowl, whisk milk, applesauce, egg and oil. Stir into flour mixture until batter is just moistened and no flour is visible without overmixing.
4. Heat nonstick griddle over medium heat. Test temperature by sprinkling drops of water on griddle. Griddle is ready when water evaporates quickly.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake on griddle. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until tiny bubbles appear on surface and bottoms are golden brown. Flip pancakes. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on bottoms. The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes to 160 F.
6. Transfer pancakes to plates. Spoon sauce over pancakes. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons yogurt.

Source: American Heart Association 

(Family Features) Mornings can be hectic enough with wake-up calls, preparing for work, getting the kids ready and so many other daily tasks. Add in the need (or desire, at least) for a nutritious breakfast, and starting a new day can feel downright exhausting.

Make your mornings easier with delicious, better-for-you meals you can make ahead of time using simple ingredients like Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa, which offers a heat-safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved bag and is easily prepared in just 10 minutes. You don’t have to know how to pronounce quinoa to enjoy its light, nutty flavor packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids.

As a good source of fiber, it’s a perfect solution composed of a medley of red, black and white quinoa that can make these Ham, Cheese and Zucchini Breakfast Cups a breeze. They’re an ideal on-the-go solution for weekday breakfast bites that fit your busy schedule.

Cook up a batch as part of your Sunday meal prep and enjoy a week’s worth of tasty, simple cups for the entire family. Once the combination of green onions, cheddar, ham, quinoa and more have been cooked and cooled, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

For a creamier, fruity, dairy-free option, these Quinoa Overnight Oats make for a satisfying breakfast you can grab from the fridge and take to the office. Loaded with whole grains, bananas, blueberries and pomegranate, they’ll provide the energy you need to get through the day while saving time in the morning.

These tasty treats can also last up to 1 week in the refrigerator, but remember to wait to add any crunchy toppings, honey or syrup until you’re ready to enjoy so those favorite ingredients stay fresh longer. Another pro tip: Once you’re done preparing your sweet, nutritious breakfast for the week ahead, divide evenly into four resealable to-go containers to make weekday mornings as easy as possible.

To find more weekday morning solutions using easy-to-make whole grains, visit SuccessRice.com.

Ham, Cheese and Zucchini Breakfast Cups

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/2 cup diced ham
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup egg white
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Coat 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In large bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, shredded zucchini, diced ham, eggs, egg white, sliced green onion, salt and black pepper. Mix well. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin.
4. Bake 25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Quinoa Overnight Oats

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa
• 2 cups almond milk
• 1 cup quick-rolled oats
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Let cool completely.
2. In large bowl, combine almond milk, oats, bananas and cinnamon. Stir in quinoa and blueberries.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Divide among four serving bowls and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Tips: For added sweetness, drizzle with honey, maple syrup or agave syrup, to taste. For a grab-and-go breakfast, combine overnight oats mixture and divide in resealable, single-serving jars or containers. Seal and refrigerate overnight.

Source: Success Rice