Making a delicious oatmeal smoothie has never been easier. Just six ingredients and a blender is all you need to make the perfect fruit-smoothie at home. Deliciously sweet and creamy this strawberry oatmeal smoothie makes for a healthy and filling breakfast or snack.
 

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 banana
• 14 frozen strawberries
• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Use blender to grind up oats.
2. Add soy milk, strawberries, banana, vanilla extract and sugar then blend until smooth.
3. Pour and serve.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks.

Connect with your loved ones this fall while juggling hectic routines with this advice:

Schedule Family Nights
Desiring evenings spent with your nearest and dearest and actually making them happen are two separate things entirely. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season with days that feel too long and evenings that are often too short. Putting dedicated family nights on the calendar is a good way to avoid last-minute commitments that take away from important bonding time. Incorporate some favorite activities, whether your loved ones are board game enthusiasts or movie buffs, to give everyone something exciting to look forward to.

Make Cooking Together a Family Activity
Making dinner for the family shouldn’t take up valuable time that could be used for quality moments together. Seeking out quick and easy recipes leaves more hours in the day to spend with family members – or you can even make preparing dinner a family activity.

Teaching kids how to make your favorite recipes creates great memories and can maximize time spent together. From making kid-approved lunchbox sliders together to preparing time-saving, weeknight-friendly sliders as a family after school, King’s Hawaiian Rolls and Slider Buns have the power to help unite busy parents and picky kids. Plus, they’re soft and fluffy with the right touch of sweetness, and sliders are customizable, easy, fun and always a crowd pleaser. These Ham and Swiss Sliders or Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sliders offer ways kids can help, from layering meats and cheeses to spreading peanut butter. Everyone can lend a hand in the kitchen while enjoying quality time together.

Encourage Extracurricular Participation
Beyond those special moments at home, there are plenty of ways to connect with your kiddos. Encouraging them to participate in extracurriculars, like sports, band, theater, dance, choir or other activities, provides a great way to enjoy something together as you watch your children branch out and try new things. If they happen to try an activity you used to (or still do) participate in, it’s an easy way to make a unique connection by sharing your own memories, offering helpful tips or even passing down old equipment like sports gear or an instrument.

Find more inspiration for family bonding with delicious meals and snacks by visiting KingsHawaiian.com.

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 1 stick butter
• 1 package (12 rolls) King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 1 pound shaved deli ham
• 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Melt butter and set aside.
2. Cut entire pack of rolls in half horizontally, keeping all top and bottom halves intact.
3. In 9-by-13-inch pan, place bottom halves of rolls and cover with ham and cheese.
4. Cover ham and cheese stacks with top halves of rolls. Drizzle butter mixture over tops of rolls.
5. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes. Separate rolls for serving.

Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sliders

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 1 package (12 rolls) King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
• 4 tablespoons salted peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons strawberry jam
• 2 bananas, sliced

1. Cut entire pack of rolls in half horizontally, keeping all top and bottom halves intact.
2. Spread peanut butter on bottom halves followed by strawberry jam. Top with banana slices then top halves of rolls.

Source: King’s Hawaiian

(Culinary.net) Satisfying your craving for dessert just got a lot easier. These Caramelized Bananas are a delicious combination of crunchy caramel on the outside and soft bananas on the inside. Just a few ingredients perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream equals a flavorful treat.

Find more easy dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Caramelized Bananas

•             Butter, for melting in pan
• 2          bananas
• 1/2       teaspoon cinnamon
• 2          tablespoons maple syrup
• vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. In medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Slice bananas evenly into 1/2-inch-thick coins. Once skillet is hot, add banana slices.
2. Sprinkle in cinnamon, pour in maple syrup and toss gently to coat both sides. Cook bananas 4 minutes on each side until caramelized. Remove from heat and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips: Be sure bananas are not overly ripe. Green tinge is preferred as bananas will hold up better to heat. Sugar burns quickly watch closely when caramelizing.

(Family Features) With hectic day-to-day schedules and varying dietary needs, many families face the dreaded daily question: “What sounds good for dinner?” In contrast, millions struggle to put food on the table each night, impacting about 1 in 8 children, according to Feeding America.

You can help support those in need through Safeway and Albertsons’ “Fight Hunger, Serve Hope” cause program – an initiative to fight hunger in local communities during summer months when households with school-aged children face higher rates of food insecurity. The company’s private label will donate one meal for every O Organics® product purchased, up to $7 million and the equivalent of 28 million meals. Donations will be made to Nourishing Neighbors, a program of Albertsons Companies Foundation, to fund grants dedicated to providing healthy meals for at-risk youth throughout the summer.

“While summertime sparks excitement for countless students, it also marks the unfortunate reality that millions of children face when they lose access to school cafeteria lunches and breakfasts they depend on throughout the school year,” said Jennifer Saenz, EVP and chief merchandising officer at Albertsons Companies. “As a company, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of children in need. For the first time, we are making it easier than ever for our customers to support this mission by connecting each purchase of our O Organics brand to hunger relief efforts in the communities we serve.”

Following the campaign period, families looking to help in their communities can give back in a variety of ways.

Donate Canned Goods
Once school is in session, many classrooms participate in canned food drives for a variety of causes while serving a dual purpose: feeding those in need and teaching children the importance of giving back. Sending your students to school with canned goods can show them the value of helping others and instill a sense of responsibility.

Volunteer at a Food Pantry
Sharing valuable resources like canned goods helps make a difference in communities, but local food pantries also need willing volunteers to sort and distribute food, among other duties. It can provide a unique sense of perspective as you meet other volunteers, improve the lives of people in your community and gain new skills.

Promote the Power of Family Meals
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or all three, sharing a meal with neighbors can be a powerful moment. It provides an opportunity to connect while enjoying easy-to-make recipes like Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom Kebabs; Grilled Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, Fresh Raspberries and Pecans; and Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl with Banana and Granola.

Find more meal ideas by visiting Safeway.com and Albertsons.com.

Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom Kebabs

Recipe courtesy of Safeway and Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 small bunch Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
• 1/4 cup O Organics extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons O Organics Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 pound O Organics ribeye steak
• 1/2 pint O Organics grape tomatoes
• 1/4 pound O Organics white mushrooms
• green pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 medium red onion
• 6 skewers

1. Peel and mince garlic. Wash and dry parsley. Shave leaves off stems; discard stems and mince leaves.
2. In large bowl, whisk minced garlic, half the minced parsley (reserve remainder for garnish), olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
3. Cut steak into cubes; transfer to marinade bowl and toss to coat.
4. Wash tomatoes, mushrooms and green pepper. Halve mushrooms. Add tomatoes, mushrooms and green pepper to marinade. Peel onion and cut into chunks; add to marinade. Toss beef and vegetables until well coated.
5. Heat grill pan, outdoor grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
6. Thread steak and vegetables onto six skewers.
7. Cook kebabs in batches until steak is browned and vegetables are tender, 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and repeat with remaining kebabs.
8. To serve, plate kebabs and sprinkle with remaining minced parsley.

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 spring mix. 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.

Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl with Banana and Granola

Recipe courtesy of Safeway and Albertsons
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: 3 cups

• 1 banana
• 1/2 package (6 ounces) O Organics blackberries
• 1/2 lime
• 2 cups O Organics frozen mixed berries
• 1 cup plain O Organics Greek yogurt
• 4 fluid ounces O Organics whole milk
• 1/8 cup O Organics honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup O Organics granola of choice

1. Wash and dry banana and blackberries.
2. Peel and thinly slice banana; set aside.
3. Zest and juice lime into blender. Add frozen mixed berries, yogurt, milk, honey and cinnamon. Blend on high speed until smooth, 1-2 minutes.
4. To serve, divide smoothie between bowls and top with banana, blackberries and granola.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (kebabs)

Source: Albertsons

Source: Safeway

(Family Features) Deck your kitchen, dining room or patio with bright decor and fun, festive springtime frills – brunch season is here. Whether your weekend morning meal is shared with that special someone or friends, family and neighbors, warm, sunny days can bring out the best of brunch.

Impress your loved one with these Mini Banana Rice Pancakes for two, a healthy and satisfying meal made with Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups. This recipe allows for more moments together at the table because the whole-grain combination is ready in just 1 minute and prep time is minimal.

Pairing the crunchiness of red quinoa with the chewy texture of brown rice, these cups earned a spot on the “Men’s Health” Best Foods for Men Awards in 2022. Plus, packed in single-serve portions, you can eat the grains right out of the BPA-free cup for a simple lunch or snack that provides a good source of fiber with 55 grams of whole grains in each serving.

If you need a dish that feeds a crowd, put this Hearty Bacon and Egg Breakfast on the menu. Ready in 35 minutes, it can satisfy brunch cravings for a group of up to 12 as a main course that easily pairs with other morning favorites.

As an ideal complement to the eggs, bacon and cheese, Minute Rice & Quinoa can make this family-style recipe a breeze. In just 10 minutes, the tasty blend of brown rice, red rice, wild rice and quinoa cooks up light and fluffy for a slightly chewy, nutty flavor. It’s also a dependable replacement for oatmeal in other breakfast dishes so you can complete your mission to make meals quick and enjoyable. Not to mention, the bag is BPA-free and recyclable via store drop-off in most communities, while the carton is recyclable curbside.

Find more brunch inspiration for spring celebrations at MinuteRice.com.

Mini Banana Rice Pancakes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1 cup Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 bananas, divided
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, divided
• 4 teaspoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Heat rice and quinoa according to package directions.
2. In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In medium bowl, whisk milk and lemon juice. Let stand 5 minutes.
4. Mash 1/2 banana. Transfer to milk mixture. Add egg and 1 teaspoon maple syrup; stir to combine. Stir in melted butter.
5. Pour milk mixture over flour mixture. Whisk just until combined; do not overmix. Fold in rice and quinoa. Let batter rest 10-15 minutes.
6. Preheat large nonstick skillet over medium heat; brush with 1 teaspoon oil. Once skillet is hot, reduce heat to medium-low. In batches, adding oil as necessary, scoop 1 tablespoon batter per pancake into skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, or until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes until golden on bottom.
7. Slice remaining half and full bananas. Serve pancakes with remaining maple syrup, banana slices and cinnamon.

Hearty Bacon and Egg Breakfast

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 bags Minute Rice & Quinoa
• 9 eggs, lightly beaten
• 5 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• black pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Coat 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare rice and quinoa according to package directions.
3. In medium bowl, combine rice and quinoa, eggs, bacon, cheese, salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Divide batter between prepared cups and bake 18-20 minutes, or until eggs are just set.

Source:

Minute Rice

(Family Features) Nutrition plays a key role in overall health and can positively affect everything from mood to energy levels. When thinking about ways to fuel busy days that will help you feel fuller, longer, look to clean, quality protein, which isn’t just good for muscle growth and repair but also plays an integral part in overall health.

In fact, protein helps keep bones strong, supports your immune system, fuels metabolism to sustain energy, curbs cravings, distributes nutrients throughout your body and more.

If you’re looking for ways to optimize your nutrition intake, it’s important to know the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends the average person consume 10-35% of their daily calories from protein. Some changes like replacing cereal with protein-rich foods like eggs, snacking on healthy fats like nuts or fibrous veggies and fruits, or starting meals by eating the protein first can help set you on the right path.

In honor of National Nutrition Month, consider these bite-sized tips from nutrition expert Steph Grasso, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), social media influencer and member of the Orgain Nutrition Advisory Board, to help incorporate more quality nutrition into your diet in convenient, delicious ways and keep you feeling fuller, longer:

• Choose nutritious, filling snacks. As part of your preparation for the week ahead, meal prep refrigerated snack containers featuring nuts, sliced cheese, veggies and a fun dip, like hummus. Grab-and-go fuel is imperative to creating balanced eating habits when life gets crazy. Another convenient solution, a high-quality nutrition shake can serve as a delicious option on jam-packed days.

• Maximize nutrition when enjoying sweets. If you have a sweet tooth, adding a scoop of high-quality protein powder to baked goods can be a simple way to sneak more protein into your diet. For example, Grasso recommends adding unsweetened Orgain Plant-based protein powder to these High-Protein Pumpkin Pancakes. With 21 grams of vegan protein and an excellent source of iron with 6 milligrams per serving, organic protein powder is non-GMO and made without added sugar and artificial sweeteners.

• Have frozen veggies on hand. Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious and delicious as their fresh counterparts and often more affordable and convenient. They are typically picked and frozen at the peak of ripeness when they are most nutrient-dense. They are prepped and ready to go, making meal preparation fast and easy. An ideal accompaniment to your choice of protein and grain, this Frozen Veggie Side Dish includes Greek yogurt and cheese for an added protein punch.

Find more tips and protein-packed recipes at Orgain.com.

High-Protein Pumpkin Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of Steph Grasso on behalf of Orgain

• 2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup pumpkin
• 2 scoops Orgain unsweetened plant-based protein powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 egg whites
• nonstick cooking spray
• berries, for topping (optional)
• bananas, for topping (optional)
• nut butter, for topping (optional)
• syrup, for topping (optional)

1. In bowl, use blender to blend oats, cottage cheese, pumpkin, protein powder, vanilla and egg whites.
2. Spray pan over medium heat with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Use 1/3 cup measuring cup to scoop batter into hot pan one scoop at a time.
4. Flip pancake once pan-side is lightly browned. Remove from pan once both sides are cooked. Repeat with remaining batter.
5. Stack pancakes and top with berries, bananas, nut butter and syrup, if desired.

Frozen Veggie Side Dish

Recipe courtesy of Steph Grasso on behalf of Orgain

• 1/2 bag (14 ounces) frozen white pearl onions
• 1 box (8 ounces) frozen quartered artichoke hearts
• 1 box (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen sweet peas
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Prepare frozen white pearl onions, artichoke hearts and spinach according to package instructions.
2. In pan over medium heat, saute onions and artichoke hearts until tender. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Add spinach, frozen sweet peas, heavy whipping cream, Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. Mix until cheese is melted, and peas are soft.
4. Serve with protein and grain of choice, if desired.

(Family Features) With the weather cooling, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen to try out fun recipes and create special moments with family and friends. Pancakes and waffles provide deliciously easy ways to make mornings memorable at the breakfast table with those you love.

Regardless of what you have going on during the day, a warm stack of pancakes or waffles can bring everyone to the table. Putting together a delicious, crowd-pleasing stack doesn’t have to be a big to-do with recipes like Butter Pecan Waffles and Banana Walnut Pancakes. You can make breakfast the highlight of your family’s day with just a handful of ingredients in each recipe that offer a warm, comforting twist to a breakfast time favorite. These pancake and waffle creations are delicious and easy enough to become go-tos for nearly any occasion.

One of the keys to delicious pancakes and waffles is the mix you use. Consider an option like Pearl Milling Company, which has offered delicious taste and light and fluffy texture for more than 130 years. Its pancake mix varieties are easy, convenient, delicious options for memorable breakfasts. Topped with its rich and delicious syrup, its taste and quality can be passed down to future generations.

An additional benefit: Simple yet flavorful recipes like these allow the whole family to help in the kitchen, providing bonding opportunities and valuable lessons as you make them together.

For more memory-making breakfast time ideas, visit pearlmillingcompany.com.

Butter Pecan Waffles

Yield: about 6 waffles (4 inches each)

Browned Butter:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1 cup Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix
• 3/4 cup milk, plus additional if necessary, divided
• 1 egg
• Pearl Milling Company Syrup, for topping
• toasted pecans, for topping (optional)

1. To make browned butter: In small skillet over low heat, place butter. Increase heat to medium-low, stirring butter with heat-proof spatula. Cook and stir until butter reaches desired brown color. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.
2. Place pancake mix in large bowl. Add 3/4 cup milk, egg and browned butter. Stir until large clumps of batter disappear. If batter seems too thick, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired thickness. Let batter stand 4-5 minutes before cooking.
3. Pour batter into lightly greased waffle iron. Bake until steam stops or as directed by waffle iron instructions. Top with syrup and toasted pecans, if desired.

Banana Walnut Pancakes

Yield: about 20 pancakes

• 2 cups Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake Mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 bananas, mashed

Homemade Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Toppings:

• 1 banana, sliced, for topping
• 2 jars (5 ounces each) walnuts in syrup
• 24 ounces Pearl Milling Company Syrup

1. Place skillet over medium heat.
2. In large bowl, stir pancake mix, milk, eggs, oil and mashed bananas.
3. Spread 1/4 cup pancake batter on skillet. When pancake begins to bubble, use spatula to flip. Cook until golden brown on each side. Repeat with remaining batter.
4. To make whipped cream: In small bowl, whip heavy cream and sugar until thickened.
5. Top pancakes with homemade whipped cream, banana slices, walnuts and syrup.

Source: Pearl Milling Company

(Family Features) It’s often a challenge on cold, dreary days to pull yourself out from under the warm covers. Even though you know the importance of a satisfying breakfast before heading to work or dropping the kids off at school, that cool chill may keep you hitting snooze.

On those cold and busy mornings when breakfast seems impossible, turn to a solution like Minute Ready to Serve microwavable cups for a quick, cozy breakfast. Ready in 90 seconds or less, the cups offer a fast and easy meal that helps you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the small moments that happen when you can slow down.

When a weekday calls for an on-the-go breakfast, make quick work of your morning meal with this Breakfast Scramble for a filling option without the unnecessary additives. Made with just four ingredients – eggs, sausage, cheese and white rice – it’s perfect for a busy lifestyle. Plus, it can be customized any way you like with toppings like avocado, tomatoes, fresh herbs and more.

If you can’t go without your caffeine, start your day with this creamy Coffee Breakfast Rice Pudding as a sweet treat with a kick. Skipping that caffeine boost is fine, too – just use decaf instead. As another timesaving, customizable option, you can add fresh or canned fruit, peanut butter, syrup, honey or even melted chocolate for extra sweetness.

Visit MinuteRice.com to find more quick breakfast ideas perfect for chilly mornings.

Breakfast Scramble

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Total time: 4 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 cup Minute Ready to Serve White Rice
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked sausage
• salt, to taste (optional)
• black pepper, to taste (optional)

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In small, microwave-safe bowl, combine egg, cheese and sausage. Microwave on high 60 seconds, or until egg is set.
3. Transfer rice to small bowl and top with egg and sausage mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired.

Coffee Breakfast Rice Pudding

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Total time: 4 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 cup Minute Ready to Serve White Rice
• 1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 small banana, sliced

1. Heat rice according to package directions. In microwave-safe bowl, stir rice, coffee, cream, sugar and vanilla.
2. Microwave on high, stirring halfway through, 60-90 seconds, or until rice is heated through, creamy and most liquid is absorbed. Let stand 2 minutes.
3. Top pudding with sliced banana.

Source: Minute Rice

(Family Features) The school year can be full of challenges, but fueling kids for a full day of learning tops the priority list. Affordable and easy to prepare, eggs are a key ingredient for successful days in the classroom. From a wide variety of breakfast options for even the pickiest of eaters to a nearly limitless menu of lunches, eggs keep kids full and energized to conquer each school day.

As one of the only foods that naturally have vitamin D, eggs offer a nutrient critical for building strong bones. Eggs also help the body absorb nutrients like vitamin E and carotenoids that are found in plant foods, making them a perfect partner for veggies that might be a hard sell for some kids. Additionally, they’re one of the best sources of choline, which is critical for brain health and development at every age and stage.

What’s more, between learning and down time, many kids spend a lot of hours in front of electronic screens. The lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolks can help protect their eyes from harmful blue light.

Try these easy recipes that support eye health, brain health and nutrient absorption, and are easy to prepare ahead of time. To learn more about the nutritional benefits of eggs and find more family-friendly recipes featuring eggs, search #ProteinPrepSchool on social media or visit IncredibleEgg.org.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 10 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cauliflower florets
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly oil or coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In large bowl, crack eggs. Whisk until well combined. Stir in cheese, quinoa, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and basil, if desired, until well combined.
3. Use 1/4-cup measuring cup to divide mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups.
4. Bake 16-18 minutes until eggs are set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
5. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month.

Simple Egg Salad Sandwich

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

• 6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 8 slices rustic wheat bread
• 4 lettuce leaves

1. Chop eggs.
2. In medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Add chopped eggs, celery and green onions; mix well.
3. Refrigerate, covered, to blend flavors.
4. Serve on wheat bread with lettuce leaves.

Blueberry, Avocado and Banana Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium banana (about 1/3 cup), peeled
• 1 large avocado (about 3/4 cup), peeled and pitted
• 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup blueberries

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare standard muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In bowl, whisk flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In separate bowl, mash banana and avocado together. Add applesauce, egg and milk. Stir to combine then stir into flour mixture. Fold in blueberries and divide batter into prepared muffin tins.
4. Bake 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.

Veggie and Cheese Frittata Fingers

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In skillet over medium heat, add olive oil then saute bell pepper, onion and zucchini until tender. Add garlic and spinach; cook until wilted.
3. In bowl, beat eggs then add sauteed vegetables, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
4. Bake 25-30 minutes until fully set. Allow to cool.
5. Cut into seven strips then down the middle to create 14 pieces.
6. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
7. To freeze, place cooled frittata fingers in freezer bag and lay flat until frozen. When ready to eat, microwave 60-90 seconds, or until warmed.

Source: American Egg 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.