Rethink Ingredients to Refresh Family Meals This Fall
(Family Features) If you’re looking to spice up your mealtime routines, especially during those busy school nights, you may find your solution in versatile ingredients that work for a multitude of dishes.
For example, you can turn to plantains as a replacement for often-used recipe staples like potatoes. Plantains are a fruit grown around the world that cooks and eats more like a vegetable. Members of the banana family, they’re starchier and lower in sugar, meaning they’re still green when ripe.
While you’re most likely to find them baked, roasted or fried as a savory side dish at Latin, African or Caribbean restaurants, they’re growing in popularity in North America as stars of their own recipes or as nutritious, exotic swaps for starches. For example, these dishes from Dole for Plantain Crusted Salmon Fillets and Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Plantain and Lentil Caribbean Curry offer quick ways to enjoy plantains while saving time in the kitchen.
As an additional benefit, plantains can be used at every stage of ripeness. They can be boiled like a potato when green; prepared in sauces and soups, air-fried or roasted as snacks when yellow; or baked in desserts and sweet recipes when black or spotted.
Find more ways to enjoy plantains and other fresh fruits and vegetables in family recipes at dole.com.
Plantain Crusted Salmon Fillets
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 1 DOLE® Plantain, green or half ripe
- 2 Dole Green Onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon grated lime peel
Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil; spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Combine cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic and cumin; set aside.
Arrange salmon fillets on prepared baking sheet. Season with salt, to taste. Spread about 1 tablespoon cilantro mixture on top of each salmon fillet to cover.
Using box grater, peel and grate plantain. Place grated plantain in bowl with green onions, lime peel and 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss to combine. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup plantain mixture on top of each salmon fillet, gently pressing to adhere. Spray plantain crust with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and plantain crust is lightly browned.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Plantain and Lentil Caribbean Curry
Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, grapeseed oil, divided
- 1 large DOLE® White Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 can (15 ounces) reduced sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 large Dole Sweet Potatoes, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 2 medium Dole Plantains, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 3 cups packed, chopped collard greens
- 1/4 cup roasted salted pepitas
- In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 teaspoons oil; add onion and cook 3 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, curry powder, cayenne pepper and ginger; cook 2 minutes, or until fragrant and starting to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer onion mixture to 3-4-quart slow cooker; add chickpeas, potatoes, plantains, broth and lentils. Cover and cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours, or until potatoes and lentils are tender.
- Stir in collard greens; cook 20 minutes, or until greens are tender. Serve garnished with pepitas.
Source: Dole
Improve Heart Health with Daily Nutrition from a Refrigerator Staple
(Family Features) Taking care of your heart requires a commitment to the right routines and smart decisions, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple ingredients already in your kitchen may offer powerful protection to keep your heart healthy.
For example, more than a decade of research shows 100% orange juice and its vitamins and minerals may play a beneficial role in helping lower blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.
A study published in the “European Journal of Nutrition” by researchers at Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, in Reus, Spain provides further support for 100% orange juice’s role in heart health, and offers additional insight into a unique component in orange juice, called hesperidin, that may have antioxidant activity and contribute to orange juice’s cardiovascular benefits.
The study, which was funded by the Florida Department of Citrus, determined that adults with pre- or stage-1 hypertension who drank about 2 cups of 100% orange juice per day saw significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and other markers of heart health and inflammation.
“Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, scientific research director at the Florida Department of Citrus. “For those with mild hypertension, including something as simple and pure as 100% orange juice in your daily healthy routine may help make significant improvements in such a prevalent problem.”
Beyond its heart health benefits, many studies, including a National Health & Nutrition Survey published in “Nutrition Journal,” have found that 100% orange juice consumption is associated with higher diet quality and increased levels of key nutrients, including many that are under-consumed, like potassium.
“The vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium found in 100% orange juice can help maintain a healthy blood pressure, which is a big factor in heart health,” said Kaleigh McMordie, RDN and founder of the blog “Lively Table.”
With no added sugar and no fat, cholesterol or sodium, Florida Orange Juice can help you take advantage of these nutritious benefits from breakfast to dinner with dishes like Poached Salmon with Collard Green Salad, an easy way to add potassium and vitamin C at the family table, especially when paired with an 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice. For those busy mornings on the go, an Orange Kale Smoothie can be the fuel you need as a filling option with less than five ingredients that’s an excellent source of vitamin C, folate and vitamin K and a good source of potassium and thiamin.
For more information on the heart health benefits of 100% orange juice, visit FloridaJuice.com.
Poached Salmon with Collard Green Salad
- 1 1/4 cups Florida Orange Juice, divided
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 pound salmon filets
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 small bunch collard greens (about 8 ounces), stems and center ribs removed
- 1/2 cup toasted, slivered almonds
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray small glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set salmon in dish.
- In small saucepan over high heat, combine 1 cup 100% orange juice, white wine, garlic and 1 teaspoon grated ginger; bring to simmer.
- Pour poaching liquid over salmon and cover with aluminum foil.
- Poach in oven 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
- In lidded jar, combine remaining 100% orange juice, remaining grated ginger, olive oil, vinegar and shallot; shake to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cut collard greens into thin ribbons and transfer to large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over collard greens; toss well to combine and fully coat.
- Remove salmon from liquid and serve on top of collard greens. Sprinkle with almonds.
- Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.
Orange Kale Smoothie
Servings: 2
- 2 cups Florida Orange Juice
- 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 cup kale, tough stems removed
- 4 mint leaves
- In large blender, blend 100% orange juice, frozen pineapple, kale and mint leaves until smooth.
- Pour into tall glass.
Source: Florida Department of Citrus
Enjoy Seasonal Favorites with Fall Comfort Foods
(Family Features) While this autumn season will likely look different than years past, wholesome meals celebrating fall flavors provide something to look forward to. Eating foods like walnuts, colorful fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can be a solution for improving overall well-being in an enjoyable, delicious way.
Along with fall favorites like root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, apples and cranberries, kitchen staples like walnuts also have their own prime season. Walnuts harvested during autumn from the fertile soils of California supply more than 99% of walnuts in the U.S. and more than half of the world’s walnut trade.
Each harvest produces enough walnuts for you to enjoy the tasty and nutrient rich benefits year-round. Pro tip: Storing them in the fridge or freezer maintains freshness longer.
Welcome the flavors of fall with this Apple Pear Walnut Crisp and Pumpkin Walnut Sage Risotto, and find more recipes to celebrate the season at walnuts.org/fall-favorites.
Apple Pear Walnut Crisp
Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Walnut Crisp Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups California walnuts, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and sliced into 1-tablespoon pieces
Apple Pear Filling:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 D’Anjou pears, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ice cream (optional)
- caramel sauce (optional)
- To make walnut crisp topping: In food processor, pulse 1 cup walnuts until finely ground.
- In small bowl, combine ground walnuts, flour, brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until coarse crumb forms.
- Coarsely chop remaining walnuts and stir into crumb mixture until incorporated. Set aside.
- To make apple pear filling: Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In bowl, toss apples, pears, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice.
- Place fruit mixture in bottom of 10-inch cast-iron pan or baking dish.
- Sprinkle walnut crisp topping mixture over fruit.
- Bake 45 minutes, or until fruit mixture is hot and bubbly and topping is golden brown.
- Top with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.
Pumpkin Walnut Sage Risotto
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Risotto:
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese
Walnut Sage Pesto:
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 cup California walnuts
- 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, plus additional for garnish, if desired
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese, plus additional for garnish, if desired
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- To make risotto: In medium pot over medium-low heat, heat vegetable stock.
- In large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes, or until soft.
- Add rice and cook, stirring often, 2-3 minutes until rice is translucent except for white center.
- Add hot stock 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently. As stock is absorbed, add another cup. Continue until all stock has been incorporated and rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes. Stir in pumpkin and cheese.
- To make walnut sage pesto: In bowl of food processor, combine garlic and walnuts; pulse until minced. Add 1/2 cup sage leaves, 1/2 cup cheese and olive oil; pulse until coarse pesto forms. Season with salt, to taste.
- In final few minutes, add 1/2 cup walnut sage pesto to risotto, stirring until well incorporated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, to taste. Garnish with remaining pesto, cheese and fresh sage, if desired.
Source: California Walnuts
Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
(Family Features) Turning to easy recipes that require minimal cooking time can help your loved ones take the stress out of busy back-to-school evenings while increasing the opportunities for sharing family moments together.
Skip the long cook times of complicated dishes and instead turn to an option like this Skillet Macaroni and Cheese, a kid-friendly and parent-approved meal to turn hectic school nights into happy time with family.
With a slight twist on the childhood classic, this version calls for chicken to add protein along with spinach and cherry tomatoes for increased veggie intake. Plus, it’s made with milk and cheese as part of an important daily intake of dairy, an irreplaceable part of a balanced diet as a source of essential nutrients.
Visit milkmeansmore.org to find more kid-friendly meals.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe courtesy of Katie Serbinski of “Mom to Mom Nutrition” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
- 1 cup dried elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 package (5 ounces) semisoft cheese with garlic and fine herbs
- 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, chicken and onion. Cook 6-8 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in semisoft cheese. Gradually add milk and flour. Continue stirring and cooking until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Reduce heat to low. Add hot sauce, cheddar cheese and cooked macaroni. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted. Stir in spinach.
- Top with cherry tomatoes and serve.
Source: United Dairy of Michigan
Powerful Pairings
(Family Features) According to the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,” studies have proven that eating meals together as a family can improve communication and relationships, which is especially important during times of uncertainty and life’s more difficult moments. Great-tasting foods like pork and pulses can be combined to bring families together with quality nutrition, which helps bodies survive and thrive.
Pulses are the nutritionally dense, edible seeds of legumes including dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Together with pork, this pairing provides critical nutrients to support weight management and immune function, along with plenty of protein – providing all nine essential amino acids – fiber, B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and folate.
As part of the Powerful Pairings initiative, launched by the National Pork Board and USA Pulses in an effort to promote pairing whole foods to bring taste, balance and nutrition to the center of the plate, these recipes for Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers, Cuban Black Beans and Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy encourage a nutritious way to enjoy fresh taste.
Find more information, resources and recipes at powerfulpairings.com.
Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers
Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses
Servings: 4
Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 4 tablespoons red onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and finely minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
- 4 slices Jack cheese
Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and sliced thin
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Charred Green Chili Mayo:
- 1 can (3 ounces) diced green chilies
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 green onions, gently rubbed under cold running water and finely sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, gently rubbed under cold running water and chopped
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 head lettuce, gently rubbed under cold running water
- In large bowl, mix ground pork, onion, garlic and chili powders. Add black-eyed peas and salt; mix well. Form into four loosely packed balls and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- To make Caramelized Onions: In large skillet over medium-high heat, warm butter. Add onions, water and salt; cook, stirring, until onions soften and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To make Charred Green Chili Mayo: Place green chilies in hot cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, turning, until chilies begin to soften and turn black. Remove from heat and place in small bowl. Add mayonnaise, garlic and lime juice; whisk to blend. Add green onions and cilantro; stir well and refrigerate.
- To make burgers: Warm cast iron or nonstick griddle pan over medium-high heat. Place pork balls on hot skillet; flatten with heavy metal spatula. Season with salt, to taste. Cook approximately 3 minutes; flip and cook 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 F.
- Lightly toast buns. Place each burger on toasted bun with slice of cheese, Caramelized Onions, Charred Green Chili Mayo, avocado and lettuce.
Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy
Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses
Servings: 4
- 2 cups yellow split peas, cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, softened butter, divided
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
- 4 pork chops
- pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, gently rubbed under cold running water and diced
- 1 can black-eyed peas with juice
- 1/8 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- In medium bowl, use fork or potato masher to mash peas. Stir in 1/4 cup butter, cream and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Season pork chops with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
- In large skillet, warm oil over medium heat. Add pork chops to pan and cook approximately 4 minutes per side, or until they reach internal temperature of 145 F. Remove pork chops from pan; keep warm.
- In same pan, add remaining butter, onion and black-eyed peas. Cook 2-3 minutes until warm throughout, scraping pan. Add flour and season with salt and pepper, to taste. While stirring, slowly add milk.
- Serve mashed peas topped with pork chops and black-eyed pea gravy.
Cuban Black Beans
Recipe courtesy of Carolina Molea on behalf of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses
Serving: 6
- 1 quart water
- 1 green bell pepper, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled, divided
- 1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 Spanish onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- Fill large pot with water. Add 1/2 diced green pepper, two garlic cloves, beans and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- In skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add bacon; cook, turning, until bacon starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add remaining green pepper and onion; cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
- Chop remaining garlic cloves. Add to skillet with oregano, cumin and black pepper. Stir 1 minute. Pour in vinegar, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon.
- When beans are cooked, discard bay leaf. Transfer 1 cup beans to blender; blend to make paste. Return blended beans to large pot. Add bacon mixture and sugar. Stir well; bring to boil over medium heat. Lower heat, simmer and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes, skimming foam from top.
Source: National Family Meals Month
School-Night Meals that Deliver Taste at a Low Cost
(Family Features) Regardless of what back to school looks like this year, preparing family meals throughout the week does not have to be a challenge. Shopping at a store like ALDI can stretch your budget and help you make five different meals over five days for about $5 a meal pretax for a family of four.
Using a mix of kitchen staples you already may have, along with fresh ingredients, you can make delicious, affordable recipes for the whole family. Simply select a protein or main ingredient and explore versatile ways to build other meals around it during the week.
Grilled chicken breasts are ideal for on-the-go lunches or weekday dinners. Busy parents can get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes with an easy Chicken Cacciatore in the pressure cooker or simple prep-ahead Chicken Enchiladas. These convenient dishes make it a snap to add variety by substituting chicken with shrimp, beans or vegetables.
Serving organic produce, fresh and frozen meats, seafood and on-the-go snacks can be easy when you shop at a store like ALDI for the back-to-school season. Plus, you can find foods to fit any dietary style without breaking the bank.
Find more family meal solutions at aldi.us.
Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Recipe courtesy of “Pinch of Yum” on behalf of ALDI
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1-1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- flour
- 1 pinch salt, plus 2 teaspoons, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- capers (optional)
- parsley, plus additional for topping (optional)
- lemon
- preferred pasta
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Dredge chicken in flour and pinch of salt. Turn on saute function on pressure cooker. Add oil; saute chicken 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking later).
- Add onion, mushrooms and garlic. Saute until softened. Add broth and let sizzle out.
- Add chicken, bell pepper, tomatoes and remaining salt to pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure 15 minutes. Release pressure.
- Shred chicken. Stir in butter, capers, parsley and lemon. Serve with preferred pasta and top with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Black Beans
Recipe courtesy of “Wellness for the Win” on behalf of ALDI
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Enchiladas:
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
- 16 ounces restaurant-style salsa, divided
- 10 whole-wheat tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- diced avocado
- plain Greek yogurt
- cilantro
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook onion until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and set aside.
- To make chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Use fork and knife to shred chicken.
- To make enchiladas: In large bowl with cooked onion, add shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies and 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese. Use spoon to mix well.
- Pour 1 cup salsa on bottom of greased pan and use spatula to spread evenly. Scoop about 1/2 cup chicken and veggie mixture into each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam side down in pan.
- Top enchiladas with 3/4 cup salsa and remaining shredded cheese; use spatula to spread evenly.
- Cover pan tightly with foil and bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven; serve hot. Add avocado, yogurt and cilantro, if desired.
Source: ALDI
New Food Trends Can Save Time and Money
(Family Features) As families continue to adjust their meal routines amidst a worldwide pandemic, there are trends you and your loved ones can follow to improve your general health, maintain a budget and spend more time together.
Home cooking: According to a study conducted by Hunter Public Relations on how COVID-19 has changed home cooking, 54% of Americans are cooking more and 50% have more confidence in the kitchen. Many, perhaps for the first time, found that cooking at home and learning cooking techniques could be a fun family activity.
Trusting frozen: Frozen foods have seen a renaissance in 2020. Many families discovered that new technologies allow frozen foods to deliver innovations in flavors, recipes, authenticity and affordability without compromising taste. For example, Aqua Star’s frozen Cutting Board Meal Kits are available at grocers nationwide and feature full chef-inspired meals like Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos and Southwest Chili-Lime Tilapia.
Saving money: It’s common knowledge for many consumers that eating at or ordering takeout from a restaurant is more expensive than cooking at home. Eating at home showed families just how much they could save, and this trend is likely to continue. According to a Simon-Kucher Restaurants Survey, 26% of consumers who ate meals from casual restaurants before the pandemic anticipate eating meals primarily at home for up to a year after lockdown.
More seafood: According to a national survey by Aqua Star, one of the country’s largest seafood companies, 75% of Americans want to eat more seafood. Seafood provides nutritional benefits for a multitude of recipes, but many people don’t know how to prepare it. One of the easiest ways to introduce your family to seafood is through familiar comfort food recipes and convenient one-pan meals.
Online grocery shopping: Nearly daily trips to the grocery store can be an expensive habit since impulse buying is a bane to healthy eating and saving money. As online grocery shopping grows in popularity, it provides families with a convenient, time-saving way to keep must-haves on hand without overspending at the store.
Dinners with family: After years of families grabbing meals on the run, sheltering in place has brought many back to the dining room table. For a simple family meal that focuses on frozen seafood and pantry staples, try this recipe for Shrimp Scampi that involves just a few steps of preparation that can even allow kids to help in the process. If you don’t have time to cook, Aqua Star’s Shrimp Scampi MicroSteam Bowl is a simple way to enjoy the same flavors in minutes, from the microwave, with no clean-up required.
Find more at-home seafood solutions at aquastar.com.
Shrimp Scampi
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 8 ounces pasta linguine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood broth
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 dash crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds large or extra-large Aqua Star shrimp, shelled
- 1/3 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In large skillet, melt butter and oil. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Add wine or broth, salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Bring to simmer and reduce by half.
- Add shrimp and saute until shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-4 minutes depending on size. Stir in parsley, lemon juice and cooked pasta.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family dinner)
Source: Aqua Star
Master Family Meals with Ease
(Family Features) Comforting family meals are a tradition in many homes with time spent around the table sharing stories and laughs while enjoying great food. These meals can include lavish or complicated recipes, but you can also enjoy dinner with loved ones by turning to easy-to-make dishes that still follow through with delicious flavor.
Serve up snack-sized sandwiches, for example, with this recipe for Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Red Slaw made using Aunt Nellie’s Whole Holland Style Onions and Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage to add a zesty zip to tender pork sandwiches.
Ready in less than half an hour and requiring only a handful of ingredients, Lemon-Butter 4 Bean Ravioli is an easy solution for a comfort food craving. Cheesy ravioli, READ Bean Salad and veggies make a simple, satisfying, meatless pasta dinner in minutes.
Visit auntnellies.com and READsalads.com for more easy family meal inspiration.
Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Red Slaw
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Slaw:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup Aunt Nellie’s Whole Holland Style Onions, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage, drained
Sliders:
- 1 pound pulled pork, heated through
- 1/4 cup hickory smoked barbecue sauce, warm
- 12 small pull-apart dinner rolls, split crosswise and lightly toasted
- To make slaw: In large bowl, combine oil, vinegar, sugar and cayenne pepper; whisk to combine. Add celery, bell pepper, onions and red cabbage; toss to coat.
- To make sliders: In medium bowl, mix pork and barbecue sauce. To assemble, spoon pork evenly over bottom half of each roll. Top with slaw and top half of each roll.
Note: If desired, slaw can be served warm. In saucepan over medium-low or medium heat, cook slaw about 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring frequently.
Lemon-Butter 4 Bean Ravioli
Recipe courtesy of “Winnie’s Balance” on behalf of Seneca Foods
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 package (10 ounces) fresh cheese ravioli
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cups combination of sliced button mushrooms, chopped kale and grape tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) READ 4 Bean Salad
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cook ravioli according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat medium skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil; swirl to coat.
- Add mushrooms, kale, tomatoes and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook 6 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft and tomatoes burst, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Return pasta to medium heat. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook 2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently. Stir in bean salad; cook 1 minute, or until heated through.
- Gently stir vegetables into pasta. Drizzle with lemon juice. Toss gently and top with red pepper flakes, if desired.
Source: Seneca Foods
Cookout Cravings: Appease summer appetites with grilled fare
(Family Features) The first thought that comes to mind when picturing grilling in the summer sun might be a perfectly cooked steak or a juicy burger, but no backyard barbecue is complete without the all-important sides and beverages that complete the meal.
Whether you're pairing a main protein with separate side dishes or going all-in-one by combining tender chicken with veggies on skewers, the opportunities are endless for a crave-worthy cookout.
Find more summer grilling recipes at Culinary.net.
5 Steps for Sizzling Steak
A sizzling steak is a surefire sound of summer, and the flavors achieved from one that's perfectly grilled are hard to match.
Before you fire up your grill, consider these five basics for cooking a chef-worthy steak:
Prepare Your Cut
Taste preferences (and prices) may differ among sirloins, ribeyes, T-bones and more, but the way you prepare steaks likely won't change much from cut to cut. You'll want to trim the thickness down to 1/2-1 inch for proper cooking, and setting the meat out ahead of time allows it to warm to room temperature before hitting the grill.
Add Some Salt
Feel free to add any spices you prefer, but remember a good steak typically doesn't require fancy seasoning - a pinch of salt works just fine. Add your salt anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling time to help retain moisture and improve flavor.
Aim for High Heat
A two-zone fire is usually the way to go - one side of the grill should be hot (using direct heat) with the other side not quite as warm (indirect heat). This allows you to create a sear over direct heat before finishing cooking through - without burning - over indirect heat.
Sear and Slide
Cooking your steak over direct heat 1-2 minutes on each side is normally about right for creating a proper sear. At this point, depending on the thickness of your steak, you'll want to check for doneness. If it's not quite to the temperature you're looking to achieve, simply slide it over to the indirect heat for a finishing touch. Keep in mind these general guidelines for doneness: 120-125 F is rare, 130-135 F is medium-rare, 140-145 F is medium, 150-155 F is medium-well and 160-175 F is well done.
Let Rest
Finally, as hungry as you may be at this point, resting steaks is an important last step before diving in. Giving your steaks 5-10 minutes (foil or no foil) allows flavors to redistribute and moisture to be retained in the meat.
Less Prep, More Summer with a Skewered Solution
Make summer grilling easy and delicious by cooking your side dish and main dish together so you can spend more time outdoors and less time meal planning. These Grilled Greek Kebabs pair cubed chicken thighs with little potatoes on skewers, making for a classic cookout combo.
With no washing or peeling required, Creamer potatoes from The Little Potato Company require little prep, which helps make this recipe a breeze, and they cook quickly on the grill. Just marinate your chicken and potatoes with this zesty dressing and prepare for a taste bud-tingling backyard barbecue.
Visit littlepotatoes.com/summertime for more summer grilling recipes.
Grilled Greek Kebabs
Dressing/Marinade:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons, zest and juice only
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons mayonnaise
- Skewers:
- 2 cups The Little Potato Company Dynamic Duo bagged Creamer Potatoes, cut in half
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 wooden skewers dipped in water
- pita bread (optional)
Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 sliced Lebanese cucumbers
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
To make dressing/marinade: In measuring cup, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic and sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into large bowl. Refrigerate remaining.
To prepare skewers: Add potatoes and chicken pieces to bowl with marinade. Mix well to coat and marinate 30 minutes, or as long as overnight in refrigerator.
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Skewer potatoes and chicken cubes alternately on wooden skewers. Grill 6-8 minutes on both sides. Grill pita bread, if desired.
Finish dressing by adding mayonnaise.
To make salad: In large serving dish, mix tomatoes, cucumber, onions, feta cheese and olives. Place kebabs on top and drizzle with dressing.
Serve with grilled pita bread, if desired.
Sipping on Sweetness
When it's summertime, many people crave something cold and fruity. Simply combine frozen strawberries with frozen pink lemonade concentrate to create a cool concoction perfect for a sizzling day. This fizzy summertime treat can delight your taste buds and keep you quenched while enjoying the sun's rays.
Find more summer drink recipes at Culinary.net.
Strawberry Spritzer
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen sliced strawberries, sweetened and thawed
- 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 1 can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
- In blender, process strawberries until blended thoroughly.
- Pour strawberries into large pitcher; stir in soda and pink lemonade.
A Simple Stuffed Side
Whether you need a quick appetizer or something to snack on, these Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes make for an appealing bite.
Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net.
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net
- 24-48 cherry tomatoes
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 3 green onion stalks, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced dill
- fresh dill, for garnish
- Cut thin slice off top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp. Invert tomatoes on paper towel to drain.
In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in cucumber, green onion and dill. Spoon mixture into tomatoes. Top with fresh dill. - Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Steak)
Source: The Little Potato Company
Add Seafood to Summer Meals
(Family Features) Grilled meals provide a summer escape for many families by offering opportunities to spend moments together while enjoying flavorful dishes. As Americans face uncertainty in many aspects of life, one place they should be able to turn to for normalcy is food.
One option that checks boxes including comfort, fun, taste and variety: seafood. As a nutritious protein available across the country, it is versatile and can be paired with a variety of cuisines and flavors. Options range from salmon and shrimp to crab, tuna and more.
To encourage hungry Americans to enjoy the many benefits of eating seafood, the “Eat Seafood America” campaign offers these reasons to add fish, shrimp and more to your menu:
- Whether you order online, head to a store or purchase fresh from a local fisherman, seafood is widely available.
- Seafood works for a variety of dishes and cooking methods, such as these recipes for Easy Shrimp Skewers, a light and hassle-free family meal, or Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Salsa, a fun spin on cowboy caviar.
- Seafood provides essential nutrients that support immune health, such as omega-3s that may even help reduce anxiety, according to research published by “The Journal of the American Medical Association.”
- Purchasing seafood supports 2 million American jobs for men and women who follow high levels of food safety practices to provide sustainable seafood.
- Seafood offers an escape as a way for families to enjoy a favorite meal that reminds loved ones of vacation memories from oceanside paradises.
Find more ways to add seafood to your summer menu at eatseafoodamerica.com.
Easy Shrimp Skewers
Recipe courtesy of Annessa Chumbley, RDN, on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 5
- 10 wooden skewers
- water
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into large chunks
- 2 medium bell peppers (any color), cut into large chunks
- 2 red onions, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 10-12 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
- olive oil
- sea salt, to taste
- 1 lemon, juice only
- In bowl, soak skewer sticks in water at least 10 minutes to prevent burning on grill). Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Build skewers by alternating zucchinis, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and shrimp, pushing ingredients closely together on each skewer. Brush each with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, to taste.
- Cook skewers about 9 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes until veggies and shrimp are seared but not overcooked. Remove and place on large platter.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and serve.
Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Salsa
Recipe courtesy of Annessa Chumbley, RDN, on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-6 salmon filets (each about 1-inch thick)
- sea salt, to taste
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can quartered or chopped artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 handful fresh spinach, chopped
- balsamic glaze
- In skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear salmon filets 4 minutes. Sprinkle tops of each salmon filet with sea salt, to taste. Flip and cook 4 minutes until barely done. Remove to serving platter.
- In medium bowl, make salsa by gently folding together chickpeas, artichoke hearts, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta and spinach. Sprinkle with sea salt, to taste. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and spoon salsa over each salmon filet.
- Refrigerate leftover salsa.
Source: Seafood Nutrition Partnership