(Family Features) When your family’s favorite dishes inevitably grow tired, a touch of sweetness may be all you need to freshen up the flavor of classic recipes. Keep tried-and-true dinners on the table with a simple addition that complements the tastes you know and love: fresh fruit.

With its craveable texture and crunch, balanced sweetness and beautiful golden red color, an option like Envy Apples can be enjoyed as part of delicious meals. While they’re often best served fresh or paired with cheese boards, sandwiches or mocktails, their sweetness also plays up when combined with pasta, shrimp, Parmesan, toasted almonds and more in this Apples and Pesto Farfalle.

To change up Taco Tuesday, bite into these Crisp Apple Tacos and believe in the uplifting aroma and flavor of apples as an invitation to savor those small moments around the family table. It can be your ultimate apple experience and introduce loved ones to new ways to rethink their favorite weekly meals.

Plus, because Envy Apple slices naturally stay white longer than other varieties, they maintain their beauty while you cook so finished dishes look as delicious as they taste.

To find more ways to sweeten up family meals, visit EnvyApple.com.

Apples and Pesto Farfalle

• 1 pound farfalle pasta
• 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for cooking pasta, divided
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for cooking pasta, to taste, divided
• 1 bunch parsley leaves
• 1 cup toasted almonds
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 30 turns fresh cracked pepper
• 2 cups cooked peas
• 2 Envy Apples, diced

• 1 bunch chives, thinly sliced
• 1 block Parmesan
• 20 shrimp
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoons coarse pepper

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just tender. Drain and toss gently with olive oil, to taste, then set aside.
2. In food processor, pulse parsley leaves, almonds, shredded Parmesan, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, lemon juice and cracked pepper. Once pulsed, turn processor on high and drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil until well incorporated.
3. Toss pasta with fresh pesto until well coated. Fold in peas, apples and chives. Using peeler, shave thin slices off Parmesan block over pasta for garnish.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan over high heat.
5. Toss shrimp in canola oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and coarse pepper. Grill 2 minutes on each side, or until charred slightly. Spread evenly over pasta and serve.

Crisp Apple Tacos

• 2 Envy Apples
• 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 12 tortillas
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

1. Slice half of one apple into thick wedges; reserve. Slice remaining half into thin sticks; reserve. Slice second apple into thin wedges; reserve.
2. Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch round medallions. Coat pork medallions with olive oil, salt and pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat. Add thick apple wedges to saucepan.
3. Add rosemary to saucepan and cook 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and cook 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.
4. Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.
5. In serving bowl, toss thin apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage. Mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
7. Top tortillas with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeezes of lime. Top with thin apple wedges.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) For those seeking to be more health-conscious, the idea of eating nutritiously seems simple. However, understanding what’s truly “good for you” can sometimes be confusing.

In honor of National Nutrition Month and Healthy Fats Day, Avocados From Mexico is sharing how avocados – a delicious food and source of good fats and several vitamins – make everything better. Avocados From Mexico conducted a survey and found that while 76% of respondents believe fat is an essential component of a healthy diet, less than one-third are confident they know why it’s important to have “good fats” in their diets.

For starters, according to the survey, nearly half of Americans didn’t realize foods with good fats, like avocados, can help with weight management. However, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados can lower the risk of becoming overweight, according to research published in “Nutrients.”

“Most people are aware of the Mediterranean Diet, but nearly half (40%) of survey respondents didn’t realize that this eating pattern does not limit fat coming from plantsources like avocados,” said nutrition expert and registered dietitianBarbara Ruhs. “These types of unsaturated good fats are also recommended by the American Heart Association for heart health. Eating avocados in place of foods containing saturated fat is an easy and delicious way to approach healthy eating.”

Virtually the only fresh fruit with good fats, avocados can help people meet both good fat and fruit and vegetable recommendations in the same bite with approximately 6 grams of good fats per serving (one-third of a medium avocado). They are nutrient-dense, making avocados a delicious food with super benefits. Avocados are also free of cholesterol and sodium and have nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.

Another finding from the survey is that while people believe fat is essential to a healthy diet, one-third of survey respondents believe saturated and trans fats are associated with health benefits, indicating confusion about the various types of fats. Many Americans need to balance their overall fat intake by reducing “bad” or saturated fat intake and increasing “good” or unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) fat intake. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats can help reduce LDL, or bad cholesterol levels.

Dietary fat helps the body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are fat soluble, which means they can only be absorbed by the body with the help of fats. Per one-third of a medium avocado (50 grams), avocados contribute 6 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be essential for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.

Make good fats a part of your next trip to the grocery store with this avocado-inspired Harvest Bowl Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check Food Certification Program.

To find more nutritional facts and figures, along with recipes, visit AvocadosFromMexico.com.

Harvest Bowl Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Servings: 8

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 Avocado From Mexico, diced
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons water

Salad:

• 2 Avocados From Mexico, diced
• 2 sweet potatoes, roasted and diced
• 2 cups quinoa, cooked
• 2 cups arugula
• 2 cups kale
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts petals, roasted
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
• 2 tablespoons roasted pecans, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons roasted pepitas, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries

1. To make balsamic vinaigrette: In food processor, process avocado, avocado oil, shallots, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey and water to smooth consistency. Set aside.
2. To make salad: In large bowl, combine avocados, sweet potatoes, quinoa, arugula, kale, Brussels sprouts petals, apples, pecans, pepitas and dried cranberries. Pour balsamic vinaigrette over salad mixture.
3. Toss salad to coat. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 390 calories; 16 g total fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g cholesterol; 370 mg sodium; 55 g total carbohydrates; 11 g dietary fiber; 12 g sugar; 15 g protein.

(Family Features) School days offer nearly endless opportunities for learning and exploration in the classroom, but education doesn’t have to end with the final bell. Parents can ensure their students feel energetic, creative and confident by inspiring snack choices that are as smart as they are fun to make together.

Whether you’re whipping up a snack to send to school or your little learners need an energy boost before starting afternoon homework, creative snacking can help encourage inspiration. As a trusted ally with better-for-you and convenient whole-fruit lunchbox snacks kids can enjoy, Sun-Maid offers these easy tips and ways to embrace the fun side of snack time.

• Keep It Simple: Look for recipes with five ingredients or less so your children can show their artful nature without becoming overwhelmed. Plus, this often leads to a more budget-friendly at-home treat.
• Shop Together: Gathering ingredients and equipment is an important part of any recipe, and bringing your future chefs along helps them feel like it’s their creation from start to finish. Additionally, some important life lessons can be learned along the way, like how to navigate the store and compare costs.
• Provide Kid-Friendly Instructions: There are many ways kids can lend a hand in making their own snacks, like mixing ingredients, washing produce or arranging a plate or platter. However, some steps are best left to the adults – make sure to do any cutting, slicing or dicing before letting children take the reins, for example, then just enjoy the creative fun.

With childhood favorites like crackers, marshmallows and vanilla yogurt covered raisins, Gimme S’mores Trail Mix offers a perfect way to get young minds thinking in the kitchen. A little guidance is all it takes to teach them each step of the recipe to make a crafty, delicious treat. Plus, with only a few simple ingredients that just need to be mixed together, it’s a low-stress, low-mess way to cook up creativity.

For a healthier version of a snack time superstar, Apple Nachos combine sweet apples like Honeycrisp, peanut butter and versatile, whole-fruit Sun-Maid Raisins. Naturally made with nothing but grapes and California sunshine, these sweet raisins have been trusted as a better-for-you snack for kids and grown-up kids alike since 1912.

With zero grams of added sugars, they give parents the confidence they need to choose snacks that provide both great taste and nutrition for a happy and healthy family. As a household staple, they can be enjoyed as part of tasty recipes or as a standalone treat kids crave and parents approve.

Find more sweet ideas to inspire confidence and creativity at sunmaid.com.

Gimme S’mores Trail Mix

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1/2       cup Sun-Maid Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins
• 3          cups graham crackers, assorted flavors
• 1 1/2    cups colored mini marshmallows
• 2          cups slivered almonds
• 1          cup chocolate chips

1. In large bowl, mix raisins, graham crackers, marshmallows, almonds and chocolate chips.
2. Serve immediately, or store in airtight container up to 1 week.

Apple Nachos

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Servings: 4

• 5          sweet apples, such as Honeycrisp
• lemon juice (optional)
• 2          tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2       cup Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Raisins

1. Wash and slice apples.
2. Arrange one layer of sliced apples on serving plate. To keep apples from browning quickly, squeeze lemon juice on top, if desired.
3. In microwave, melt peanut butter about 30 seconds until smooth.
4. Drizzle 1 tablespoon peanut butter over first layer of apples. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup raisins.
5. Repeat with remaining apples, peanut butter and raisins.

Source: Sun-Maid Raisins

(Family Features) Whether your festivities include immediate family or bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about making memories with loved ones. From the first days of the season to the last, many families spend their precious time together with favorite activities and the best foods the holidays have to offer.

This year, you can change things up and start new traditions with a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to update classics due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting, fresh aroma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appearance; and naturally white flesh that doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples all lend themselves to shareable recipes like this Apple Wreath Salad or Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese, both perfect for holiday parties.

Because cherished memories are made with sweet ingredients, you can turn cozy movie nights into festive and memorable events year after year by pairing Hallmark Channel’s popular “Countdown to Christmas” holiday movies with delicious desserts like Apple Custard Sponge Trifle and Brown Butter Apple Pie.

Find more memory-making recipes at EnvyApple.com.

Apple Custard Sponge Trifle

Servings: 8-10

• 6 Envy apples
• 2 tablespoons golden caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, water
• 1 tablespoon corn flour
• 1 large plain sponge cake
• 2 cups vanilla bean custard
• 1/2 cup caramel or butterscotch sauce, plus additional for garnish, divided
• 1/2 cup creamfresh apple slices
• fresh strawberry slices

1. Peel, core and dice apples; place in large saucepan. Add caster sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 cup water. Simmer apples 5-8 minutes until tender.
2. Combine corn flour and remaining water. Stir corn flour mixture into apples until apples are syrupy.
3. Cut sponge cake into 2-centimeter diced pieces. Arrange 1/3 of sponge pieces in base of serving bowl. Add half of cinnamon apple pieces, including syrupy juices. Add 1 cup custard and drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with sponge cake; chill.
4. Whip cream and spoon dollops over sponge cake to cover top. Garnish with apple slices, strawberry slices and caramel sauce.

Apple Wreath Salad

Recipe courtesy of "The Produce Moms" (@theproducemoms)

Balsamic Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:

• 10 ounces baby arugula
• 3 Envy apples, sliced
• 9 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 3 ounces pomegranate arils
• 3 ounces pecans, toasted

1. To make balsamic dressing: In small serving bowl, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
2. Place dressing bowl in center of large board or platter. Arrange arugula around dressing bowl in wreath shape.
3. Place apple slices on top of arugula. Sprinkle on goat cheese, pomegranate arils and pecans.

Brown Butter Apple Pie

Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Filling:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds Envy apples, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 deep dish frozen pie shell

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. To make streusel topping: Mix flour, chopped pecans and light brown sugar. Stir in butter using fingertips until incorporated with small lumps of butter visible. Refrigerate.
3. To make filling: In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until amber, stirring often. Set aside to cool. In large bowl, stir sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla and flour using spatula. Pour brown butter over apples and mix, scraping skillet with rubber spatula to incorporate brown butter bits.
4. Place frozen pie shell on baking sheet. Add 2 cups apple mixture into shell, gently pressing apple slices for even base. Add remaining apple slices and gently press. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over apples.
5. Bake 30 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake 35-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples feel tender when pierced with fork.

Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese

• Salted water
• 1 pound macaroni noodles
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 Envy apple, peeled and diced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Romano cheese, grated
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add noodles and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In large pot over high heat, melt butter then saute diced apple until caramelized and tender. Sprinkle in flour and stir. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
3. Whisk in heavy cream and milk; bring to boil, whisking frequently so milk doesn't burn.
4. Once boiling, turn heat to low and whisk in cheddar cheese, Romano cheese, gruyere cheese, salt and Worcestershire. Continue whisking until cheese is melted thoroughly.
5. Carefully pour mixture into large blender and blend on high until smooth.
6. Pour cheese sauce over noodles and stir.
7. Pour macaroni and cheese into 9-by-13-inch pan and spread evenly.
8. Heat oven to broil.
9. To make topping: In medium bowl, melt butter and stir in panko breadcrumbs.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over macaroni and cheese; broil until golden brown.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) All that holiday hustle and bustle can work up some real hunger. Between decorating, baking and preparing for entertaining, hosts often earn an afternoon snack.

When you and your loved ones need a boost of energy before guests arrive, turn to a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to whip up a delicious sandwich due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting, fresh aroma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appearance; and naturally white flesh all lend themselves to this Apple Cranberry Havarti Melt. As a quick, simple way to reenergize before the big party, it’s a perfect snack the whole family can enjoy together.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more holiday-worthy recipes from breakfast and snacks to the main course and sweet desserts.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Apple Cranberry Havarti Melt
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons melted butter
• 8          oat-wheat bread slices
• 1/2       cup cranberry sauce
• 12        ounces Havarti cheese
• 2          Envy apples

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.
2. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice and place on baking sheet butter side down. On side without butter, spread cranberry sauce on half of bread slices.
3. Slice Havarti cheese about 1/4-inch thick and place over cranberry layer. Thinly slice apples and layer over cheese. Top with remaining bread slices with butter side up.
4. Bake 5 minutes then carefully flip each sandwich. Bake 3-5 minutes until cheese is melty.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) The traditions of the holidays often include family-favorite meals and seasonal sweets, but enjoying those beloved treats doesn’t always mean giving up health-conscious eating.

This year, before you decide what to prepare for holiday get-togethers, consider the benefits of recipes like this Apple Coffee Cake that follow heart-healthy eating plans. One such plan, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan, offers benefits for the heart and helps prevent and treat high blood pressure, too.

Developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DASH takes a flexible, balanced approach to eating that can help boost your health for the long haul.

• It requires no special foods and instead provides daily and weekly nutritional goals.
• It can lower two major risk factors for heart disease – high blood pressure and high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, according to NHLBI-funded research.
• It can help you lose weight if you follow the plan and increase your physical activity, research shows.
• If combined with reductions in salt and sodium, it often provides greater health benefits than the eating plan does alone.

To learn more and find DASH-friendly recipes, visit nhlbi.nih.gov/DASH.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Apple Coffee Cake
Recipe courtesy of The Heart Truth program, part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20

• 5          cups tart apples, cored, peeled and chopped
• 1          cup sugar
• 1          cup dark raisins
• 1/2       cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4       cup vegetable oil
• 2          teaspoons vanilla
• 1          egg, beaten
• 2 1/2    cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking soda
• 2          teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly oil 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine apples with sugar, raisins and pecans; mix well. Let stand 30 minutes.
3. Stir in oil, vanilla and egg.
4. Sift together flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Using about 1/3 of mix at a time, add to apple mixture, stirring just enough to moisten dry ingredients.
5. Turn batter into pan. Bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.
6. Cool cake slightly before serving.

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

(Family Features) When guests arrive for the holidays, handshakes and hugs are often the first order of business. However, a satisfying snack to tide hunger before the big meal is likely the next thought on everyone’s mind.

Keeping your loved ones full and content can be done with apples, an ingredient that heightens the flavor and appearance of favorite recipes like Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy. This comforting dish can be shared among the crowd for an easy way to call everyone to the kitchen.

An option like Envy Apples offer satisfying texture and taste with a consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch. Perfect for small plates or use in recipes ranging from dinner to dessert, they also make for an easy snack when eaten fresh out of hand. A crimson red skin over a golden background practically glows, and their white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced for fresher flavor in sweet treats.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more holiday appetizers.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy

• 1          box stovetop stuffing
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 2          cups diced Envy Apples
• 1/2       onion, diced small

Gravy:

• 3          tablespoons butter
• 3          tablespoons flour
• 2          cups beef broth
• 2          teaspoons kosher salt
• 20        turns fresh cracked pepper
• 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          tablespoon finely chopped rosemary

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Cook stuffing according to package directions; set aside and allow to cool slightly.
3. In large saute pan, melt butter saute apples and onion until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Stir together stuffing and apple mixture. Spread stuffing on sheet tray and allow to cool in refrigerator.
5. After cooling, form stuffing into medium bites and place on sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Broil bites 8-10 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. To make gravy: In small pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook flour 1 minute, whisking frequently.
8. Whisk in beef broth, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce; bring to boil, whisking frequently. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary. If desired, continue gently simmering gravy to thicken.
9. Arrange stuffing bites in serving dish and drizzle with gravy. Serve hot.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) No matter how busy your schedule gets this fall, it’s important to take time to nurture your physical and mental health and well-being. With busy schedules underway, remember to take time to cook and eat together with loved ones.

In fact, research from the “Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health” shows regular family meals make it more likely kids and adults will eat more fruits and vegetables.

Making healthy choices, including eating fruits, like those in Apple Nachos, and vegetables have also been linked to greater happiness, according to research published in “Canadian Family Physician,” and can help you through the transition back to school, the office or wherever your routine takes you. Pairing a healthy diet with other science-backed tips and recipes from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, supported by Kroger Health, can help you and your family feel your best.

For more free recipes, and to access more health tips, visit heart.org/healthyforgood.
 

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Apple Nachos

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative
Servings: 6

• 1/3       cup dried unsweetened cranberries or raisins
• 1/4       cup sliced unsalted almonds
• 2          tablespoons unsalted shelled sunflower seeds
• 3          medium green or red apples, cored and thinly sliced into 12 wedges each, divided
• 1-2       teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2          tablespoons water
• 1/4       cup smooth low-sodium peanut butter
• 1          tablespoon honey

1. In small bowl, stir cranberries, almonds and sunflower seeds.
2. Layer 18 apple wedges on large plate or platter. Sprinkle with lemon juice to keep apples from browning.
3. In small microwaveable bowl, microwave water on high 2 minutes, or until boiling. Add peanut butter and honey, stirring until mixture is smooth.
4. Using spoon, drizzle half peanut butter mixture over apple wedges. Sprinkle with half cranberry mixture. Layer remaining apples over cranberry mixture. Drizzle with remaining peanut butter mixture. Sprinkle remaining cranberry mixture over top.

Nutritional information per serving: 167 calories; 7.5 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 2.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 3.5 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 66 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrates; 4 g fiber; 15 g sugar; 4 g protein.

Source: American Heart Association

(Family Features) Hearty snacks, seasonal sides, flavorful main dishes and tantalizing desserts all complement one another perfectly for holiday celebrations among loved ones. This year, when planning your menu, be sure to consider recipes that keep family and friends content from the moment they hang up their coats to the goodbye hugs.

These delicious options for a satisfying bread bowl, pumpkin spice potatoes, artfully glazed lamb chops and fresh apple pie can bring your guests running to the kitchen (and keep them there) as you celebrate all the season has to offer.

Find more recipes fit for holiday festivities at Culinary.net

Beckon Holiday Guests with a Bread Bowl

While your loved ones wait patiently for the main course to be served, hearty appetizers like bread bowls can keep appetites at bay. This Spinach-Ham Dip is the perfect combination of comforting and satisfying when served with bread cubes, crackers or tortilla chips for a warming snack ahead of the big meal.

To find more seasonal appetizer inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

Spinach-Ham Dip

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/4 pound ham, cubed
• 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 round bread loaf (16 ounces), unsliced

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In medium bowl, blend ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add spinach, ham, Parmesan cheese and green onions; mix until blended.
3. Cut 1-2-inch diameter circle out of top of bread loaf. Reserve top. Remove bread inside loaf, leaving about 1 inch along sides. Pour cheese mixture into bread bowl. Replace top. Cover bread loaf in aluminum foil and bake 60 minutes, or until warmed through.
4. Take bread removed from inside bread bowl and cut into dipping sized chunks.
5. Remove bread from aluminum foil and place on platter. Scatter bread chunks around bread bowl to use for dunking in cheese sauce.

A Seasonal Side with a Tasty Twist

No matter what life may look like this holiday season, you can put a smile on loved ones’ faces with classic meals and sides that memories are made of.

You can use a traditional holiday ingredient, potatoes, to make easy yet delicious recipes like these Pumpkin Spice Scalloped Potatoes. Perfect for serving with your favorite main course, they’re a tasty twist on a classic sweet potato casserole.

Plus, they’re made with Little potatoes that come ready to use with no washing or peeling required, perfect for busy families during bustling holiday gatherings. Try them roasted, boiled, smashed or mashed in your favorite seasonal dishes. For a time-saving hack, use the slicer attachment in a food processor to evenly slice potatoes in minutes.

Visit littlepotatoes.com for more holiday recipe inspiration.

Pumpkin Spice Scalloped Little Potatoes

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 pounds Terrific Trio Little Potatoes, 1/8-inch sliced, kept in water until ready to use
• 5 slices thick-cut bacon, sliced, cooked until crisp and drained
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup pecans, rough chopped

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low then slowly add milk gradually, ensuring it is incorporated before adding more. Turn heat to medium-high and cook until thickened, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In bowl, add drained potatoes, sauce, bacon, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; mix well.
4. In greased 8-by-11-inch baking dish, line potatoes on sides in desired pattern. Stuff extra bacon between potatoes from remains left in bowl. Pour extra sauce over potatoes.
5. Bake 60 minutes.
6. In small pot over medium-high heat, add brown sugar and water. Cook to melt sugar and allow to bubble, about 5 minutes. Add pecans; stir 2 minutes. Lay on parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to cool. Once cool, chop into pieces.
7. Remove potatoes from oven and sprinkle pecans over top.

Serve Up a Seasonal Treat

No seasonal gathering is complete without dessert, and quality baking during the holidays results in fresh favorites like Apple Pie.

Allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon add spice to this festive favorite while brown sugar adds a hint of caramel sweetness with a nutty, moist, subtle molasses flavor that’s ideal for use in desserts of all kinds. The trusted performance of an option like Domino sugar helps make this a recipe you can turn to when it’s time to savor the season.

Find more holiday dessert ideas to bring your family and friends together at dominosugar.com .

Apple Pie

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1 prepared 9-inch double-crust pie pastry, divided
• 3/4 cup Domino Light Brown Sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 pounds apples, cored, quartered and sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 9-inch pie pan with half pastry then prick bottom and sides with fork.
2. In large saucepot, combine brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Add apples and toss to coat evenly. Slowly heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and apples begin to soften and cook down to about 6 cups.
3. Turn apple mixture into lined pie plate. Top with remaining pastry. Trim and flute edges with fork. Slit top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until crust is golden.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.

Add Color and Flavor to the Holiday Table

When a holiday celebration calls for a truly memorable meal, it’s a perfect opportunity to serve a dish that just might become a family favorite. Combining a seasonal staple like cranberries with naturally flavorful lamb could be your ticket to a newfound tradition.

These festive Cranberry Maple Glazed Grass-Fed Lamb Chops can brighten up your holiday table with an irresistible pop of red and deliciously pure New Zealand grass-fed lamb. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most naturally raised beef and lamb, where the animals are allowed to roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures, resulting in a beautifully tender meat that tastes just as nature intended.

Visit beefandlambnz.com to learn more and find where to buy grass-fed meat for your holiday meals.

Cranberry Maple Glazed Grass-Fed Lamb Chops

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• cracked black pepper

Lamb Chops:

• 8-10 New Zealand grass-fed lamb rib chops
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• olive oil

1. To make glaze: In small bowl, whisk cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. To make lamb chops: Pat lamb chops dry with paper towel.
3. In small bowl, whisk brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and garlic powder.
4. Sprinkle dry rub on lamb chops and press mixture into meat.
5. In large skillet, heat thin layer olive oil over medium heat until drop of water sizzles in pan. Sear rib chops 2 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 140 F. Remove chops from pan and set aside.
6. Add glaze to pan and cook 3-5 minutes, whisking constantly until reduced by half.
7. Drizzle glaze over chops before serving.

Source: The Little Potato Company
Domino Golden Sugar
Beef + Lamb New Zealand

(Family Features) Skip boring dishes and instead dive into a sweet, satisfying macaroni salad that’s perfect for enjoying al fresco.

With fresh ingredients and appetizing flavor, this Apple and Mandarin Macaroni Salad is more than just a side – it’s a meal on its own. Grilled chicken breast is complemented by mandarin oranges and the sophisticated sweetness and crisp texture of Envy apples. Named America’s No. 1 apple for taste, crispness, aroma and appearance, according to an independent sensory test by Forward Agency, the apples are a delightful way to enhance your favorite dishes.

This recipe calls for firing up the grill to cook chicken to juicy perfection, mixing your own homemade macaroni salad and dicing up a beautiful apple, making it an ideal dinner option for summer evenings at home.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find apples at a grocer near you.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Apple and Mandarin Macaroni Salad

• 2          thinly sliced chicken breasts
• 1/2       package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4       cup Greek yogurt
• 1          tablespoon finely chopped shallot
• 1          lemon, zest only
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 1          can (10.7 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained, juice reserved
• 2          tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
• 20        turns fresh cracked pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
• water
• 1/2       pound macaroni
• 1          Envy apple, diced

1. Allow chicken breasts to sit at room temperature 20 minutes.
2. Mash softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, chopped shallot, lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons reserved mandarin juice, chopped parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Preheat grill to high heat. Season chicken breasts with drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Grill chicken breasts until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Allow chicken to cool then dice into small chunks.
5. Bring medium or large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender. Drain and pour hot noodles into large mixing bowl.
6. Gently stir in cream cheese mixture until noodles are well coated. Let cool slightly.
7. Add diced chicken, apples and mandarin oranges; stir to combine. Serve warm or chill in refrigerator to serve cold.

Source: Envy Apples