(Family Features) Few things go together quite like fresh spring air, warm sunshine and a menu made up of delicious brunch bites. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply gathering your loved ones around the family table for quality time together, a menu of morning favorites can appease appetites of all kinds.

From sweet to savory and back again, you can turn your mid-morning meal into a full-blown feast with a menu made up of pleasing dishes such as this French Toast Casserole, which can serve as a make-ahead twist on the breakfast classic; customizable Breakfast Burritos that pack a protein punch; and a bite-sized treat like Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins for a sweet finishing touch to any brunch occasion.

Find more recipes to inspire your next brunch menu at Culinary.net.

Warm Up with a Fresh Casserole

An exciting twist on a breakfast classic, it’s hard to beat this French Toast Casserole when putting together your brunch spread. Crisp on top while soft and moist in the middle, it comes 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.

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.

Brunch with a Powerful Punch

When you’re craving something hearty and rich, switch up your brunch habits with wholesome and filling Breakfast Burritos. With protein to keep you full, veggies for a touch of added nutrition and hot sauce to pack a powerful punch of flavor in every bite, this hearty recipe will keep you full and bursting with energy until your next meal. Plus, they’re easy to make in a matter of minutes and totally customizable to accommodate every palate.

Breakfast Burritos

Servings: 4

• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 eggs
• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• nonstick cooking spray
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• hot sauce (optional)

1. In large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add red onion and red bell pepper; cook 8 minutes. Add black beans and red pepper flakes; cook 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to dish.
2. In medium bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites. Stir in cheese until combined. Heat large skillet over low heat, add egg mixture and scramble 3 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Spread sour cream over tortilla. Spread salsa over sour cream. Spoon 1/4 bean mixture over salsa. Spoon 1/4 scrambled eggs over bean mixture. Top with diced tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired. Roll-up burrito. Repeat three times with remaining ingredients and serve.

Bite-Sized Chocolate Delights

Flavorful French toast, filling breakfast burritos and favorite fruits make a feast to look forward to, but no brunch spread is complete without a chocolatey bite to cap off the meal. In fact, make it a double.

These Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins offer a combination of two kinds of rich chocolate complemented by the caramel notes of C&H Light Brown Sugar for an irresistible dessert in bite-sized form. Tiny, tasty treats are a perfect way to send guests off with one sweet final bite.

Visit chsugar.com to find more delectable dessert recipes.

Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Muffin Batter:

• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2       cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          package (10 ounces) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2          large eggs
• 1/2       cup C&H Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 1/2       cup C&H Granulated Sugar
• 3/4       cup sour cream
• 1/2       cup vegetable oil
• 1/2       cup whole milk
• 1/2       teaspoon instant espresso (optional)
• 2          teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2          tablespoons flaked sea salt (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini muffin pan with mini cupcake liners.
2. In large mixing bowl, use whisk to combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate chips and stir to ensure chocolate chips are coated in flour mixture.
3. In separate large mixing bowl, use wire whisk to whisk eggs and sugars until ingredients are combined and sugars are dissolved. Add sour cream, oil and milk. Whisk again to combine. If using espresso powder, add to vanilla then add to wet ingredients. Whisk vanilla espresso mixture into other liquid ingredients.
4. Pour liquid ingredients on top of dry ingredients. Using rubber spatula, mix until just combined, being careful to not overmix. Batter should be thick and shiny.
5. Using tablespoon or two spoons, spoon muffin batter into liners. Batter should be filled almost to top of each liner. Top each muffin with flaked sea salt before baking, if desired.
6. Bake muffins on center rack 6 minutes. Rotate pan and bake 6 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean. Once muffins finish baking, place muffin pan on cooling rack to cool completely.

(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) Social media frequently touts weight loss trends and solutions. However, there’s another aspect to healthy eating that’s underappreciated but critical for overall wellness – gut health.

The body contains approximately 40 trillion bacteria, most of which are found in your gut, according to “Molecular Science.” The right balance of these bacteria is the key to good gut health.

Keeping your digestive system on track plays an important role in overall well-being, including immune health and mental health, according to “Clinical Practice.” When there is a gut bacteria imbalance, many people experience discomfort or digestive issues.

To help improve and maintain gut health – and your overall wellness – consider these tips from Mia Syn, MS, RDN, and Chobani:
 

1. Get a dose of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. They aid digestion and help maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria.
    
2. Focus on fiber. Fiber helps keep digestion running smoothly. One type of fiber, prebiotics, may be especially beneficial because they help nourish and support the growth of good gut bacteria to create a balanced and healthy microbiome.
    
3. Power up with protein. While protein is not directly involved in nourishing gut bacteria, it provides essential amino acids and other nutrients that contribute to a healthy gut and overall digestive function. Protein is essential for the repair and maintenance of the gut lining, digestive enzyme production, efficient gut motility and more.
    

Options like Chobani Zero Sugar Drinks (not a low-calorie food) provide 10 grams of protein per 7-ounce serving, plus billions of probiotics. Available in four flavors – Mixed Berry, Peaches & Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake and Milk & Cookies – the drinks are perfect while on-the-go or can be used as an ingredient in recipes like this Protein-Powered Chia Pudding 4 Ways. Sweetened with only natural sugar alternatives, free of lactose and preservatives, these drinks contain 0 grams total sugar, are 50 calories and are made using only natural, non-GMO ingredients.

Find more recipes and solutions to support gut health at Chobani.com.

Protein-Powered Chia Pudding 4 Ways

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 per flavor

Mixed Berry Blast:

• 1 Chobani Zero Sugar Mixed Berry Drink
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or chopped strawberries)

Peaches and Cream Dream:

• 1 Chobani Zero Sugar Peaches & Cream Drink
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons manuka honey
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 peach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds

Strawberry Cheesecake Delight:

• 1 Chobani Zero Sugar Strawberry Cheesecake Drink
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped strawberries
• 2 tablespoons low-sugar granola

Milk and Cookies Madness:

• 1 Chobani Zero Sugar Milk & Cookies Drink
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cacao nibs
• 2 teaspoons chopped hazelnuts

1. To make Mixed Berry Blast: In small bowl, use fork to whisk mixed berry drink, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Let mixture sit 10 minutes to thicken then stir to distribute seeds. Stir in 1/2 cup berries and transfer to serving glass. Top with remaining berries.
2. To make Peaches and Cream Dream: In small bowl, use fork to whisk peaches and cream drink, chia seeds, honey and vanilla extract. Let mixture sit 10 minutes to thicken then stir to distribute seeds. Stir in half the peaches and transfer to serving glass. Top with remaining peaches and sliced almonds.
3. To make Strawberry Cheesecake Delight: In small bowl, use fork to whisk strawberry cheesecake drink, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Let mixture sit on 10 minutes to thicken then stir to distribute seeds. Stir in 1/2 cup strawberries and transfer to serving glass. Top with remaining strawberries and granola.
4. To make Milk and Cookies Madness: In small bowl, use fork to whisk milk and cookies drink, chia seeds, maple syrup, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Let mixture sit 10 minutes to thicken then stir to distribute seeds. Transfer to serving glass and top with cacao nibs and chopped hazelnuts.

Source: Chobani

(Family Features) Weeknights filled with after-school activities, social events, family commitments and more can make eating nutritious meals a daunting task. Turn to quick dinner ideas the entire family can enjoy with simple, better-for-you ingredients.

This Grilled Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, Fresh Blueberries and Pecans from the recipe experts at Safeway and Albertsons includes fresh, flavorful O Organics® ingredients to satisfy hunger after long days at school or in the office. Plus, simple preparation means it’s ready in 20 minutes to make mealtime a breeze.

Visit Safeway.com and Albertsons.com to discover more family recipes.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Grilled Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, Fresh Blueberries and Pecans

Recipe courtesy of Safeway and Albertsons
Total time: 20 minutes

• 3/4       pound boneless, skinless O Organics chicken breasts
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon black pepper
• 2          teaspoons O Organics extra-virgin olive oil
• 1          package (5 ounces) O Organics spring mix
• 1          package (6 ounces) O Organics blueberries (or desired berry)
• 1/4       cup O Organics pecan halves
• 3          tablespoons O Organics olive oil
• 1          tablespoon O Organics balsamic vinegar
• 1/2       log (4 ounces) O Organics goat cheese

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place on cutting board. Cut chicken in half horizontally to form thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Preheat grill pan, outdoor grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
3. Once pan is hot, coat with oil. Add chicken to pan and grill, turning once, until cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Wash and dry mixed greens. Place in medium bowl.
5. Wash and dry blueberries. Add to bowl with mixed greens. Using clean cutting board, roughly chop pecans. Add to bowl.
6. Transfer cooked chicken to cutting board and cut into thin strips.
7. In bowl, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create dressing.
8. Add chicken and dressing to salad bowl; toss to combine.
9. To serve, divide salad between plates or bowls and crumble goat cheese over top.

Source: Safeway and Albertsons

(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

(Family Features) The cold chill of winter may have you feeling trapped indoors with nothing to do and nowhere to go, but fun activities fit for the whole family can add excitement and chase away those wintertime blues. Paired with an appetizing snack, at-home crafting provides a relaxing way to keep your mind and body moving.

Warming up with family-friendly activities starts with a versatile (and delicious) option like watermelon, which can be your sweet superstar all year long. As a centerpiece for evenings at home or gatherings and get-togethers, its versatility creates zero food waste with endless creative uses in the kitchen, from rind-smile snowmen to handheld snacks.

When this year’s first snowfall offers a canvas for creativity and entertainment, gather your loved ones to make this Watermelon Snowman. Fresh-cut and personal-sized watermelons are the predominant options in wintertime, and they’re perfect for putting together this festive work of art. All you’ll need is a collection of kitchen knives, an ice cream scoop, melon ballers, skewers, some decorative “clothing” and blueberries for a fruit salad served right out of the snowman.

While you’re hard at work, ease your appetite with a quick and easy snack like Watermelon Glazed Meatballs. Start with a homemade watermelon puree mixed with barbecue sauce then saute frozen meatballs and top with the sweet glaze for a perfect wintertime treat. Along with delicious taste, watermelon is also a nutritious hydration source, which is just as important in winter as during warmer months, and provides an excellent source of vitamin C with 25% of the daily recommended value in each 2-cup serving to support immunity.

These tasty morsels also make for a simple, shareable appetizer while hosting throughout the season. Just lay them out on a serving tray and pop toothpicks into each meatball so guests can grab and go while mingling.

To find more family-friendly crafts and sweet snack ideas, visit Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Snowman

• Kitchen knives
• 1 round seedless watermelon
• 2 personal-sized watermelons, one larger than other
• ice cream scoop or large spoon
• melon baller
• mini melon baller or paring knife
• blueberries
• large wooden skewers

• y-shaped sticks
• scarf
• hat

1. Using knife, cut 1/4-inch slice off bottom of round seedless watermelon and both personal watermelons to provide stable bases. Use smallest melon for head, second largest for torso and largest for lower body. Set aside smallest watermelon.
2. Cut tops off large and medium watermelons to create bowls. Using ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop out flesh.
3. Using melon baller, scoop eyes out of smallest watermelon. Invert melon balls and reinsert.
4. Using mini melon baller or paring knife, scoop out holes for nose and mouth. Carve one piece of watermelon into triangle for nose and fill mouth holes with blueberries.
5. On platter, using large wooden skewers, connect all three watermelons.
6. Insert y-shaped sticks in middle watermelon for arms.
7. Fill bottom sections with fruit salad of melon balls and blueberries. Decorate with scarf and hat.

Watermelon Glazed Meatballs

Servings: 8

Watermelon Puree:

• 1 fresh watermelon

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 24-36 frozen prepared mini meatballs
• 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
• 1 cup watermelon puree

1. To make watermelon puree: Remove seeds from watermelon and cut into large chunks. In blender, process until smooth.
2. In large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat or electric skillet set to 325 F, heat oil.
3. Saute mini meatballs until browned and hot. Reduce heat to low.
4. Mix barbecue sauce and watermelon puree. Pour over meatballs and simmer 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.

Source:

National Watermelon Promotion Board

(Culinary.net) If you ever find yourself craving something healthy and easy to make, you’re not alone. Maybe you are constantly on the go, chasing after little ones or just started a new job. Whether you’re on the move or relaxing at home, smoothies are a simple way to add nutritious ingredients to your diet.

From strawberries and mangos to blueberries and more, there are almost limitless smoothie options. You can use different combinations of greens and textures or even add something savory like peanut or almond butter.

This Blueberry Banana Smoothie is simple with just a couple basic directions and gives you the energy you need to finish out your day strong.

It has 1 cup of spinach, which is full of iron and vitamins, frozen bananas and blueberries to fill up your fruit intake for the day and berry yogurt to add a hint of dairy and some sweetness to your drink.

Garnish your finished product with fresh blueberries for some extra flair. With chia seeds for added texture, this smoothie is perfect for breakfast or even an afternoon snack.

Find more healthy recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Servings: 2

• 1          cup spinach
• 1/2       cup water
• 2          tablespoons apple cider vinegar blend
• 1          tablespoon almond butter
• 1/2       cup bananas, frozen
• 1/2       cup blueberries, frozen
• 1          tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2       cup berry yogurt
• fresh blueberries, for garnish (optional)

1. In blender, blend spinach, water, apple cider vinegar, almond butter, frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger and yogurt until smooth.
2. Pour into two glasses and garnish with fresh blueberries, if desired.

(Family Features) Road trips, outdoor adventures and relaxing by the pool are some of summer’s most popular activities, and all can be more enjoyable by adding favorite snacks to the mix. Next time you bask in the summer sun, bring along some tasty pecan snacks that allow you stay on track with wellness goals without sacrificing those snack-time delights.

Whether you enjoy their natural sweetness straight from the bag or add them to your go-to recipes, pecans are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber of tree nuts, an option that’s perfect for snacking. In fact, each ounce of pecans includes 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber to go with 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat.

Curb your snack cravings with a savory option like Buffalo-Pecan Pimento Cheese Dip with veggies and crackers, or if something sweeter tempts your taste buds, dive into a tangy treat with these Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts.

Visit AmericanPecan.com for more snacking tips and recipes.

Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts

Total time: 22 minutes
Servings: 24

Mini Pecan Crusts:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2          cups pecan pieces
• 1/4       cup butter, melted
• 2          tablespoons sugar

Lemon Filling:

• 1/2       cup lemon curd
• 1/2       cup blueberries, raspberries or combination
• powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

1. To make mini pecan crusts: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In food processor, blend pecan pieces, butter and sugar until mixture forms coarse dough.
3. Scoop about 2 teaspoons pecan mixture in each muffin tin. Use back of wooden spoon or fingers to press mixture evenly along bottom and up sides of each muffin cup.
4. Bake 12 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown. Allow crusts to cool completely before removing from pan.
5. To assemble crusts: Spoon 1 teaspoon lemon curd into each mini pecan crust. Top with one raspberry or three small blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Buffalo-Pecan Pimento Cheese Dip

Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 30

• 1          cup raw pecan pieces
• 1/2       pound (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1          jar (4 ounces) sliced pimentos
• 2          tablespoons red hot sauce
• 2          tablespoons mayo
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2       teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1          tablespoon chives, freshly chopped
• veggies, for serving
• crackers, for serving

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. On baking sheet, spread pecans and roast 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant, tossing once halfway through. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely.
3. In bowl, combine cheddar cheese, pimentos with juice, hot sauce, mayo, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add 3/4 of pecan pieces and mix until combined.
4. Place dip in serving bowl and top with remaining pecan pieces and freshly chopped chives.
5. Serve with veggies and crackers.

Source: American Pecan Council

To kids, birthday parties are a big deal and only happen once a year. From the decorations to their friends and all the sweet, delicious treats to devour, it can be an overwhelming amount of excitement and awe.

They receive gifts, get to have fun with their friends and family, and get to snack on treats they typically don’t have on a regular basis. This is part of what makes birthdays so fun.

It can be a lot of pressure for parents, though. You want everything to be perfect and fall in line with expectations, especially when it comes to the food and treats served to everyone that day.

At the next party you’re hosting, try this delightful Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie that fits the theme for nearly any colorful birthday bash.

It’s made with frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries and frozen mango for a healthier alternative to sugar-filled birthday cake. Topped with fluffy, fun whipped cream and mini sprinkles, it still provides a sweet, festive treat. Plus, this smoothie can be made in a matter of minutes using only one kitchen appliance for easy clean up.

To make it, blend frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, frozen mango, milk and yogurt until well combined.

Pour the mixture into four smoothie glasses and garnish each with whipped cream and sprinkles to add some extra color. It’s that easy to make and even better to enjoy while watching your kid make wonderful memories with friends and family.

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Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie

Servings: 4

• 1          cup frozen blueberries
• 2          cups frozen strawberries
• 1          cup frozen mango
• 1 1/2    cups milk
• 1          carton (6 ounces) vanilla yogurt
• whipped cream
• sprinkles

1. In blender, blend blueberries, strawberries, mango, milk and yogurt until combined.
2. Pour smoothie into four glasses. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles.