(Family Features) Spending moments together with loved ones carries obvious benefits like time to catch up and opportunities to bond, but sharing meals actually provides definitive value for families. With restricted social interactions and confinement at home due to COVID-19, many families are facing meal challenges that have shifted from juggling busy schedules to seeking new ways to mix up the traditional menu or using digital solutions to reconnect at a virtual table.

A study published in the "Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior" funded by the FMI Foundation shows that more frequent family meals are associated with better dietary and family functioning outcomes. The results build on years of previous research studies to punctuate the creation of the Family Meals Movement, which encourages Americans to pledge to share one more family breakfast, lunch or dinner at home per week.

Consider these notable findings from the study:

• Family meals improve fruit and vegetable consumption. Studies show a positive relationship between family meal frequency and fruit and vegetable intake when examined separately, but also when fruit and vegetable intake are combined.
   
• Family meals improve family dynamics. Nearly all the studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between family meal frequency and measures of family functioning. Family functioning is defined as family connectedness, communication, expressiveness and problem-solving.

"There are thousands of individual studies that examine the impact of family meals on nutrition and family behavior, but this meta-analysis looks at the relationship between family meal frequency and family functioning outcomes," said David Fikes, executive director of the FMI Foundation. "We can confirm that family meals are a valuable contributor of improved nutrition and family dynamics."

Find tips, recipes and ways to increase your family meal frequency despite COVID-19 circumstances at familymealsmovement.org.

German Fruit Tart

Recipe courtesy of Deanna Segrave-Daly on behalf of the FMI Foundation

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half or cream
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
• cornstarch
• sliced strawberries
• sliced kiwi
• sliced banana
• blueberries
• 2 teaspoons turbinado or powdered sugar (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. To make crust, beat together flours, sugar, egg, half-and-half and almond extract. Add butter slices and mix together until sticky ball of dough forms. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes.
3. On heavily floured surface, knead dough a few times and roll out to fit greased 10-inch tart pan.
4. Carefully spread dough into tart pan and bake 15-20 minutes, or until tart starts to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.
5. Dust crust with cornstarch to help fruit stick to crust. Arrange strawberries, kiwi, banana and blueberries on top of crust; sprinkle with sugar, if desired.

Hawaiian Chicken Pizza

Recipe courtesy of Toby Amidor on behalf of the FMI Foundation
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1ready-made pizza crust or whole wheat pizza crust (10 ounces)
• 1 cup canned or jarred tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned pineapple tidbits packed in 100% juice

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat pizza pan or baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In medium bowl, combine rotisserie chicken and barbecue sauce.
3. Place pizza crust on pan and evenly spread tomato sauce over crust. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Top evenly with rotisserie chicken mixture and pineapple.
4. Bake until crust is crisp and browned around edges, about 10 minutes. Let pizza cool 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices.

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Baked Oatmeal

Recipe courtesy of Lauren Harris-Pincus on behalf of the FMI Foundation
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 packets stevia (sugar substitute) or preferred sweetener
• 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter
• 1 scoop (1/4 cup) vanilla plant-based protein powder
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons liquid egg whites
• 1 ripe banana (4 ounces), mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana (4 ounces), sliced into 24 slices

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, stevia, powdered peanut butter and vanilla protein powder.
3. In separate bowl, combine almond milk, yogurt, egg whites, mashed banana and vanilla extract.
4. Add oat mixture to wet ingredients and gently stir until fully combined.
5. Line 9-inch brownie pan with parchment paper. Pour mixture into pan and spread evenly.
6. Top with banana slices in four rows of six slices each.
7. Bake 27-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
8. Let cool and cut into six rectangles. Wrap and refrigerate extras until ready to eat.

Source:  FMI Foundation

(Family Features) If your family struggles to make meal time happen, try creating kid-friendly recipes that bring everyone together at the table. For example, these Pulled Pork Sandwiches from “Family Table by Robert Irvine” can help you incorporate assistance from your kids to nourish both mind and body while committing to the efforts of the National Family Meals Movement, created by the Food Marketing Institute Foundation, to reap the benefits of enjoying more meals together at home.

Find more recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• 1 1/2    pounds pork shoulder
• 2-3       whole cloves
• 2          tablespoons smoked paprika or smoky spice rub
• 1          red onion, sliced thin
• 1          cup water
• 6          ounces barbecue sauce

1. Stud pork with cloves and rub with seasoning blend.
2. Place roast in slow cooker and top with onions. Cover pork with water and slow cook 8-10 hours.
3. Remove pork, discard cloves then drain fat and water. Allow pork to cool then shred by hand or with fork.
4. Return meat to pot and add barbecue sauce. Heat 1-2 hours. Serve alone or on roll.

Source: Food Marketing Institute Foundation

Roasted Slicing Chicken From the Deli

(Family Features) Looking for a way to get out of the kitchen to enjoy warm weather activities with friends and family? Here's a secret for cooks looking for time-saving shortcuts that won't compromise the taste of homemade meals. Fully cooked, roasted chicken sliced to desired thickness at the deli counter can save hours of preparation time for dishes calling for roasted chicken as an ingredient. By substituting chicken that's already been slow-roasted and seasoned when bought sliced at the deli, meals can still have the homemade taste of roasted chicken even if the cook has spent the day at the beach, on the golf course or in the garden.

Deli slicing chicken is versatile, too. It can be sliced thick and then cut into pieces and tossed into a refreshing salad, or give a boost to a summery soup. Cut thin, deli slicing chicken goes gourmet when layered on soft slices of multigrain bread and combined with an assortment of fresh vegetables and spices.

Visit www.boarshead.com for more time-saving meal preparation tips.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Barbecue Dressing

Servings: 4 wraps
Light and satisfying, tangy and sweet - this recipe has it all. Juicy roast chicken topped with a sweet and mild barbecue sauce and wrapped up in tender butter lettuce leaves makes a quick lunch or a light supper - and it all comes together in just minutes.

• 2 cups Boar's Head EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, julienned
• 4 large butter lettuce leaves
• 1 cup mixed cucumber and green onion strips
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mix black and white sesame seeds

1. Place the chicken onto the lettuce leaves and top with the cucumbers and onions. Mix the barbecue sauce with the lemon juice and mayonnaise and pour over the top. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

Chicken Gazpacho Sandwich

Servings: 4
The pungent tastes of roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet carrots, cucumbers and spices turn a simple chicken sandwich into the perfect gourmet meal for a warm day or evening.

• 8 slices multi-grain bread
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 small cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup drained roasted red peppers, cut julienne style
• 1/2 cup drained, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, cut julienne style
• 12 slices Boar's Head EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast

1. Place 4 bread slices on a work surface. Spread each with a layer of mayonnaise and add enough cucumbers to form a layer. Sprinkle with carrots and a pinch of dried rosemary and garlic powder. Mix peppers with tomatoes and layer on top of carrots. Evenly divide chicken among sandwiches. Close sandwich with remaining bread slices and serve.

Pulled Chicken and Tomato-Vegetable Soup

Servings: 6
Cut the cooking time for this flavorful soup by substituting deli slicing chicken for recipes calling for pre-cooked chicken. Make sure to use a quality chicken that is sliced fresh at the deli for a homemade chicken taste.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 red onion, cut into a small dice
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into a 1/2-inch dice
• 2 large carrots, cut into
• 1-inch julienne strips
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 6 sprigs for garnish
• 2 14-ounce cans chicken broth
• 2 14-ounce cans fire-roasted tomatoes with liquid
• 1 pound (1/4 inch thick) slices Boar's Head EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, cut in strips

1. Add olive oil to large soup pot and heat at medium high until oil is hot. Add cabbage, onion, celery and potatoes; sauté for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add carrots, dried oregano, chicken broth and tomatoes. Cook 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Use your fingers to pull chicken into strips; add to soup. Serve in individual bowls garnished with an oregano stem.

Source: Boar's Head

(Family Features) Barbecue, grilling, cookout – no matter what you call it, cooking food over an open flame is practically an American pastime. Few other cuisines have such distinctive regional twists and terminology as this fiery favorite. Memphis loves its ribs, North Carolinians their pulled meats and Texas, Alabama and St. Louis, to name a few, have their own riffs on American favorites.

While each regional barbecue favorite is traditionally prepared with beef or pork, more adventurous eaters can adopt the same cooking and flavor techniques but use lamb instead. Swapping proteins doesn’t need to be difficult. For example, Californians who like tri-tip can recreate that Santa Maria-style flavor by mixing together salt, pepper, garlic and dried herbs to dry brine a boneless leg of lamb for 24 hours then grill it to their preferred doneness.

Before it makes it to your table, American lamb is raised by dedicated farmers and ranchers with a shared connection to the land, the animals and the local communities they serve. There are more than 80,000 family farmers and ranchers caring for more than 6 million sheep in both small flocks and large operations throughout the United States. American lamb is available year-round and cuts range from loins and shanks to chops and roasts.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these riffs on classic barbecue dishes featuring American lamb. For more tantalizing recipes, visit AmericanLamb.com.

1. Smoked Memphis-Style American Lamb Riblets

Tender lamb riblets (also known as spare ribs) are sweet and tender when slow-cooked on the grill. These Memphis-style ribs are suffused with a spicy-sweet dry rub, smoked to perfection and brushed with a tangy yet spicy Memphis-style barbecue sauce.

2. Pulled Barbecued American Lamb Shoulder with Lemon and Herb Fennel Slaw

This tender pulled smoked lamb shoulder is rubbed with fragrant citrus, aromatics and spices then smoked until falling off the bone. It’s served with a spicy citrus and vinegar sauce, a crunchy, creamy fennel and herb slaw, and grilled flatbreads.

3. Grilled American Lamb Kabobs with Tzatziki

Lamb kabobs are a straightforward, flavorful dish perfect for a relaxed cookout. Bite-sized pieces of boneless leg of lamb are marinated in a yogurt-garlic mix and grilled with red onions until smoky and tender. Serve kabobs with a classic tzatziki and grilled flatbreads.

4. American Lamb Burgers with Roasted Garlic Rosemary Spread

Lamb’s unique flavor does wonderfully with just a little char from the grill, making it an excellent choice for burgers. A hint of red onion, garlic powder and sea salt play up hearty taste, while a simple roasted garlic and rosemary spread lends a creamy, herbaceous counterpoint.

5. Smoked Leg of American Lamb with Texas-Style Dry Rub

Grilling a whole leg of lamb is a celebratory act and is the perfect centerpiece for an evening spent outdoors. Inspired by Texas-style barbecue, this recipe features a dry rub with toasted spices, vibrant paprika and plenty of kick. This dish is best accompanied by thick-cut toast and your favorite sides.

6. Grilled American Lamb Loin Chops with Spring Herb Salsa Verde

Few cuts of meat are as satisfying as perfectly grilled lamb loin chops with a crispy exterior that gives way to meltingly tender meat. The distinctive flavor of lamb chops – rich with an edge of earthiness – is highlighted beautifully by a refreshing Italian-style salsa verde and grilled lemon halves. Grilled vegetables, dressed simply with olive oil, sea salt and a squeeze of lemon, are an ideal side.

Source: American Lamb Board

(Family Features) When bringing your friends and family together to watch the game, you’ll likely want to avoid any fumbles in the kitchen. Fret not and opt for a big batch of easy-to-make wings while incorporating these stress-free tips into your game plan to help ensure a resounding success:  

• Delegate responsibilities. The best gatherings are a team sport. Tackle this recipe for Crispy Baked Wings and let your friends help with snacks, dips and drinks.

• Prep what you can the day before. Reduce the time needed to make these wings on game day by prepping some steps in advance. The seasoning blend and sauces can be prepped up to two days in advance and chicken wings can be separated into drums and flats the day before.

• Veggies are underrated. It’s usually a good plan to have a snack that can be easily replenished for grazers attending your party. Stock up on vegetables that are easy to slice such as carrots and celery. Place some of the cut vegetables out with dips like blue cheese dressing or ranch, both of which can double as classic pairings for your wings.   

• Redefine “homemade.” The Crispy Baked Wings can serve as a versatile base for just about any sauce you might be craving. Instead of making a sauce entirely from scratch, consider making some quick alterations to premade ones. For example, add an ingredient like Tabasco Chipotle Sauce to store-bought barbecue sauce to impart a smoky flavor and lime juice for added brightness. Small changes can add that special, homemade quality without all the work. Recipes like Chipotle Barbecue Sauce or Nashville-Style Sauce can complement wings for true crowd-pleasers – pick your favorite or try both.

Find more flavorful recipes and game day tips at Tabasco.com/wings.

Crispy Baked Wings with Chipotle Barbecue Sauce or Nashville-Style Sauce

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Wings:

• 2          tablespoons baking powder
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon paprika
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper
• 4 1/2    pounds chicken wings, drums and flats separated, tips removed

Chipotle Barbecue Sauce:

• 1          cup barbecue sauce
• 3          tablespoons Tabasco Chipotle Sauce
• 2          tablespoons lime juice

Nashville-Style Sauce:

• 6          tablespoons Tabasco Sauce
• 8          tablespoons butter, softened
• 1          tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1          teaspoon paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2       teaspoon salt

1. Heat oven to 425° F.
2. In bowl, combine baking powder, salt, paprika and black pepper. Shake over both sides of wings.
3. Place seasoned wings on rack over foil-lined sheet pan.
4. Bake 20 minutes, turn wings over and continue cooking additional 20 minutes in convection oven or 30 minutes in conventional oven. Cooked wings should reach at least 180° F internal temperature with crispy texture.
5. To make Chipotle Barbecue Sauce: In bowl, mix barbecue sauce, Tabasco Chipotle Sauce and lime juice.
6. Alternatively, to make Nashville-Style Wing Sauce: In bowl, mix Tabasco Sauce, butter, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder and salt. Set aside.
7. Remove wings from oven. Toss wings with preferred sauce and serve.

Source:  Tabasco

(Family Features) When the clock ticks down toward game day and you’re putting together a snacking plan of attack, turn to recipes like these that you and your guests can savor for all four quarters of action.

With different choices to draft from, there’s no need for a superstar main course at the center of the meal. Instead, rely on options like customizable brats and pulled pork sandwiches, baked chicken wings and game-day dips for winners all around.

Find more recipes for hosting game day at Culinary.net.

Top Your Tailgate

Take your tailgate or home viewing party to the next level by setting up a topping station with a variety of both traditional and unexpected condiments and garnishes to let your fellow fans customize their grilled fare. Include options such as:

• Ketchup and mustard (with flavor variations for added zing)
• Sauerkraut or cole slaw
• Chopped fresh and grilled onions
• Chili (homemade or from a can)
• Pickle spears and relish
• Barbecue sauce
• Sriracha
• Assorted shredded and crumbled cheeses
• A variety of peppers

A Game-Day Winner

Game time is no time to mess around when it comes to fast, savory snacks. Crispy and light, tangy and bold, these wings have you covered for all your game-day needs. These spicy hot wings pair perfectly with Litehouse Chunky Blue Cheese or Homestyle Ranch Dressing and may result in another game day rivalry: blue cheese vs. ranch. Whether you’re hosting the game-day party or bringing a dish to a friend’s bash, these wings can make mouths water from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Find more game-day recipes at litehousefoods.com.

Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Total time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Serves: 8

• 4          pounds chicken wings
• 2          tablespoons baking powder
• 1          teaspoon salt
• nonstick cooking spray
• 4          tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2       cup hot sauce
• 1/2       cup Litehouse Chunky Blue Cheese or Homestyle Ranch dressing
• 1/3       cup Litehouse Blue Cheese Crumbles
• carrots
• celery

1. Lay wings on rack on rimmed baking tray and let dry in refrigerator overnight, or pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat oven to 250° F. Put one oven shelf in lower quarter of oven and one in top quarter.
3. Place wings in large re-sealable bag. Add baking powder and salt. Shake bag to coat wings evenly.
4. Line tray with foil. Spray rack on baking tray with nonstick spray. Place wings skin side up on rack. Bake on lower shelf 30 minutes.
5. Move tray to higher shelf and turn oven up to 425° F. Bake 40-50 minutes, rotating tray halfway through. Wings are done when they are dark, golden brown and skin is crispy.
6. While wings bake, whisk together butter and hot sauce; keep warm.
7. Remove wings from oven and toss with hot sauce; sprinkle immediately with blue cheese crumbles. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, carrots and celery sticks.

Dip into Game Day

Game day is about huddling up with friends and family, and feeling good about the food you share. Kick off the big game with Sabra, the official dip of the NFL, and help the crowd go wild when you put a twist on traditional hummus by topping it with bruschetta. Available in more than a dozen flavors, Sabra Hummus is made with fresh chickpeas, a touch of garlic and smooth tahini, making it a wholesome and delicious accompaniment for your favorite game-day chips, crackers and veggies. Find more big-game recipes at sabra.com.

Bruschetta-Topped Hummus

Prep time: 5 minutes

Bruschetta:

• 2          cups multi-colored cherry tomatoes
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 10        fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1          tablespoon olive oil, plus additional (optional)
• salt, to taste

• container Sabra Classic Hummus (10 ounces)

1. To make bruschetta: Cut cherry tomatoes into quarters or eighths, if large. Place in small mixing bowl. Stir in garlic, basil and olive oil, and season with salt, to taste.
2. Scoop hummus out of container and swirl onto serving plate. Top with bruschetta and drizzle with touch of olive oil, if desired. Serve with fresh vegetables or pita chips.

A Heaping Handheld

Snack like a champion during the big game with recipes that please palates without overfilling like these Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Since guests can pile their sandwiches as high as they like with sweet pork and optional toppings, there’s no need to worry about serving sizes. Find more honey-infused recipes for tasty meal solutions at honey.com.

Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Honey Barbecue Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 8-10

Pork Rub:

• 1/4       cup sugar
• 1          tablespoon chili powder
• 2          teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2    teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 1/2    teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/4    teaspoons onion powder
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1          teaspoon pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1          bone-in pork shoulder roast (4 pounds)
• 2          cups hickory chips
• 1          cup water
• 1 1/2    cups barbecue sauce
• 1 1/2    cups honey
• 1          cup ketchup
• 8-10     rolls
• chopped jalapeno peppers (optional)
• chopped onion (optional)
• chopped pickles (optional)

1. To make Pork Rub: Stir together sugar, chili powder, paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, pepper and cayenne pepper.
2. Massage Pork Rub over surface of pork and let stand 30 minutes.
3. Soak hickory chips in water; drain well. Wrap chips in foil; punch holes in foil and place on top of gas grill set on high. When chips begin to smoke, place pork on grill and cook until well browned on all sides with lid closed, about 30-45 minutes.
4. Heat oven to 300° F.
5. Remove pork from grill and place in turkey-size oven bag set in large, shallow baking dish. Add water and seal well; pierce bag several times with small knife. Cook 3-3 1/2 hours, or until meat is tender and pork bone can be removed easily. Remove from oven. Remove bone and set aside until cool enough to handle.
6. Shred meat into small pieces, removing fat. Add juices from cooking bag, skimming off excess fat.
7. In separate saucepan, stir together barbecue sauce, honey and ketchup, cooking until hot and honey has dissolved. Stir most of sauce into shredded pork and mix well.
8. Serve on rolls and drizzle with remaining sauce. Top with jalapenos, onions and pickles, if desired.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (Brats and Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches)

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Becoming a master of the grill doesn’t have to be complicated. Test out these seven tips for quick marinades, flavorful sauces and marinade hacks to take your summer grilling to the next level.

Find more recipes and tips at McCormick.com or check out McCormick on Facebook and Pinterest.

1. The 5-Minute Marinade

If you want flavorful meat but don’t have the time to wait for a marinade to do its magic, try this technique. In a re-sealable plastic bag, combine your protein and marinade, such as the one in this Sweet and Smokey Grilled Flank Steak. Squeeze the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Massage the meat for 5 minutes, turning the bag over often so the meat absorbs most of the marinade. Remove the meat and discard remaining marinade.

2. Bring Your Favorite Brew to the Grill

Don’t just drink that beer; add it to your marinade. This recipe for Mexican Chipotle Shrimp Skewers with Lime Beer Basting Sauce combines a generous pour of your favorite Mexican-style beer with a zesty marinade mix, brown sugar and lime juice for a spicy, citrusy marinade and glaze.

3. Pep Up Produce

Hearty slabs of meat may be the heroes of the grill, but fruit and veggies have a rightful place on those smoky grates. These Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Blue Cheeseblend sweet and slightly sour notes with savory crumbles of cheese for a dish that pleases every last one of your taste buds.

4. Go for White Barbecue Sauce

Discover the south’s tangy little secret, white barbecue sauce. This White BBQ Sauce with Smoky Chicken artfully blends the creamy sauce – complete with the bite of creole mustard and horseradish – with smoked chicken. You can also use it as a dip for fresh veggies or drizzled over salad greens.

5. Grill a Whole Fish

Grilling a whole fish may seem intimidating, but it can be done in a few simple steps. To prepare this Applewood Grilled Whole Fish, start by patting the fish dry. Score the sides and brush liberally with oil. Then add seasonings or a rub, and stuff the cavity with citrus slices before placing directly on the grill.

6. Switch Up Your Sear

An imperfect sear can result in dry, tough meat. Instead, use this recipe for Sweet Soy Bourbon Chickento practice a tried-and-true technique from grilling experts: start with indirect heat for evenly cooked, juicy meat then finish over high heat for a crispy char on each side.

7. Accent Chimichurri with Blue Cheese

Blue cheese adds intense flavor to the classic garlic-tang of chimichurri. Try it with this recipe for Beer Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Chimichurri.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) Fireworks, family and food are what the Fourth of July is all about. This year, add some spark to backyard staples like grilled chicken and potato salad with a little help from tangy condiments, smoky rubs and your cast-iron skillet.

For a main dish that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser, smother grilled chicken with a white barbecue sauce – the South’s tangy little secret. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients like mayonnaise, cider vinegar and mustard.

Make a one-pan side dish next to the cooking chicken by placing your cast-iron skillet directly on the grates. Smash whole potatoes in the pan then top with bacon, cheese and a chipotle seasoning. Let it all melt together and then top with sour cream for a smoking side.

Round out the meal with a festive cake that looks as impressive as it tastes. Dye white cake mix batter red and blue using food color then assemble in a flag shape with whipped cream and berries.

Find more recipes and ideas to fire up your Fourth of July at McCormick.com.

White Barbecue Sauce with Smoky Chicken

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

White Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Zatarain’s Creole Mustard
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Smoky Chicken:

• 1 cup hickory wood chips
• 2 pounds bone-in chicken parts
• 2 tablespoons McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub

1. To make sauce: In medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, creole mustard, horseradish, black pepper, garlic and salt until well blended. Cover. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to blend flavors.
2. To make chicken: Cover wood chips in water and soak 30 minutes. Season chicken with rub. Drain wood chips. Fill smoker box with wet wood chips. Place smoker box under grill rack on one side of grill before lighting. Close grill.
3. Prepare grill for indirect medium heat (350-375° F). Heat grill by turning all burners to medium. Once cooking temperature is reached, turn off burner(s) on one side. Place chicken on unlit side of grill. Close grill cover.
4. Grill, turning occasionally, 30-40 minutes, or until internal temperature of thickest part of chicken is 165° F. Move chicken to lit side of grill with skin side down. Turn lit side of grill to high.
5. Grill, uncovered, 3-5 minutes longer, or until chicken is charred. Serve chicken with White Barbecue Sauce.

Test Kitchen Tip: Refrigerate any leftover sauce and use as salad dressing, condiment for burgers or dipping sauce for pretzels and vegetables.

Grilled and Loaded Smashed Potatoes

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

• 1 1/2 pounds medium Yukon gold potatoes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 5 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates Bacon Chipotle Seasoning, divided
• 6 slices Applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup sour cream

1. Heat grill to medium.
2. Place potatoes on microwavable plate. Pierce potatoes with fork several times. Microwave on high 5-6 minutes, or until fork-tender but still firm. Let stand until cool enough to handle. In large bowl, toss potatoes, oil and 3 teaspoons seasoning until well coated.
3. Place potatoes on grill and cook, turning frequently, 4-5 minutes or until skin is crispy. In large cast-iron skillet on grill, cook and stir bacon 8-10 minutes, or until crisp. Add yellow onion and bell pepper; cook and stir 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Push bacon mixture to one side of skillet. Add potatoes to other side of skillet. Smash each potato with heavy spatula, bottom of small sturdy bowl or meat pounder. Sprinkle potatoes with remaining seasoning. Spoon bacon mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese.
5. Cover pan or close grill. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. To serve, sprinkle with green onions and dollops of sour cream.

Test Kitchen Tip: Cooking potatoes before grilling reduces overall grill time.

Red, White and Blue Cake

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 package (2-layer size) white cake mix
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Blue McCormick Assorted Neon Food Colors & Egg Dye
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Red Food Color
• nonstick spray
• 1 container (16 ounces) white frosting
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding vanilla. Transfer 1 1/2 cups batter to small bowl and tint with neon blue food color. Tint remaining batter red by adding cocoa powder and red food color. Pour each color batter into separate 9-by-5-inch loaf pans sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Bake blue-tinted cake 20-25 minutes; red-tinted cake 30-35 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely.
4. Trim cakes to remove rounded tops and edges. Slice red cake in half horizontally to form two thin layers. Place one layer on platter. Slice remaining red cake layer in half lengthwise. Slice blue cake in half lengthwise. (Blue and red cakes should be same dimensions.)
5. Frost red cake layer on platter with 1/3 frosting. Top with lengthwise slices of red and blue cake side-by-side. Frost with 1/3 frosting. Repeat cake layer and frosting. Garnish with raspberries and blueberries to resemble flag.

Source: McCormick Spice

Adds Spark to End-of-Season Cookouts

(Family Features) “Barbecue” is a word that, when uttered, makes mouths water and keeps folks tending pits and grills for hours at a time. But with little time left for optimal outdoor cooking this season, how do you turn up the heat and ensure your next barbecue is the best of the bunch?

Although the “world’s best” barbecue is perhaps the most feuded-over food claim, it’s hard not to think of the South in connection with best-of-class barbecue.

<p>Southern barbecue, with its time-burnished, rich tradition of cooking meat slowly over a wood fire, offers a distinctive style and unique flavor. Great pitmen come from the South, and many great barbecue showdowns take place in the South, like the Jack Daniel’s® World Championship Invitational Barbecue Contest held annually in Lynchburg, Tennessee. And while the definition of “best barbecue” varies from region to region, there are a few standard Southern barbecue traditions that hold true throughout the entire Southern barbecue belt and beyond.

For one, barbecue in the South usually means pork, but there are a few exceptions; beef is most often the meat of choice for Texas barbecue, and mutton is used in parts of Kentucky.

Another sticking point for Southern barbecue is the sauce. Most would agree that bathing your barbecue with a perfectly seasoned, balanced sauce makes the difference between ho-hum and sublime.

Many sauces contain ingredients such as molasses, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, black pepper, onion, celery, garlic, mustard, cayenne pepper, vegetable oil and salt, with some variations. And while there are some true Southerners that would take issue with any barbecue sauce that’s simply not their own, there are a few bottled sauces that can make your celebration simpler while still holding true to Southern barbecue traditions.

Jack Daniel’s® Barbecue Sauce, for example, is a welcomed Southern guest at any barbecue just burning to make a good impression. Whether it’s the sweet and spicy flavor of Original No. 7 or the genuine wood-smoked flavoring of Hickory Brown Sugar, Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Sauce offers the flavor of the famous Jack Daniel’s Whiskey with just the right amount of Southern hospitality to please everyone.

Yet another long-standing tradition at Southern barbecues are the sides and accompaniments. Some of the most popular items used to complement a traditional barbecue meal include old standards such as cole slaw, baked beans and hush puppies. However, modern-day Southern cooks are more willing to welcome a wider array of accompaniments, including something as delightful as bacon-wrapped barbecued shrimp.

So, light the grill, hum a few bars of the “Tennessee Waltz” and get ready to go out of the season in style — Southern barbecue style, that is. Try these tempting recipes or visit www.JackDanielsSauces.com for ideas on how to inspire your own barbecue specialty. Let’s get to eatin’!

Country-Style Ribs

Makes 4 servings

• 1-1/2 cups Jack Daniel’s® Honey Smokehouse Barbecue Sauce, divided
• 1-1/2 cups Jack Daniel’s Hickory Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
• 3 pounds country ribs (boneless pork)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey

1. Set aside 1/2 cup Honey Smokehouse barbecue sauce to use on cooked ribs.
2. Place ribs in 4-quart saucepot. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over ribs. Cover and simmer 1 hour or until tender. While cooking, prepare grill.
3. Remove ribs from sauce and discard liquid. Grill 15 minutes or until browned. Brush on reserved sauce to finish ribs.

Backyard Brawl Baked Beans

Makes 4 servings

• 4          slices thick-sliced bacon, chopped
• 2          cups chopped onion
• 1/2       green pepper, chopped
• 2          garlic gloves, chopped
• 2          (16-ounce) cans Heinz Vegetarian Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/3       cup molasses
• 1/2       cup Jack Daniel’s® Spicy Original Recipe Barbecue Sauce
• 1/4       cup packed brown sugar
• 1          tablespoon Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
• 1          teaspoon dark brown mustard
• 1          tablespoon dry mustard
• 1          tablespoon Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4       tablespoon Liquid Smoke, or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. In heavy pot, cook bacon over medium heat to render fat. Add onion, green pepper and garlic, and cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in beans, molasses, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, brown mustard, dry mustard, cider vinegar and liquid smoke. Simmer, uncovered, until rich and thickly flavored, 10 to15 minutes, stirring with wooden spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Note: May also place beans in baking dish and bake in preheated 350°F oven about 30 minutes.

Bacon-Wrapped Barbecued Shrimp

Makes 4 servings

• 1-1/2    cups Jack Daniel’s® Barbecue Sauce
• 1          tablespoon garlic powder
• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/2       pound pepper bacon (or preferred bacon)

1. Cut bacon slices in half. Cook bacon partially (should not be crisp). Prepare grill.
2. Combine barbecue sauce, garlic powder and lemon juice; pour half of mixture into separate bowl for use later. Dip shrimp into remaining sauce to thoroughly coat. Wrap each piece of shrimp with 1/2 piece of bacon. Place on skewer (leave small space between pieces). Brush grill with vegetable oil, place skewers on hot grill and baste with remaining sauce. Grill approximately 4 to 6 minutes.

Southern-Style Cole Slaw

Makes 4 servings

• 1/4       cup Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2          tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2       teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4       teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of ground allspice
• 3          ounces red onion, finely diced
• 6          ounces green cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 4          ounces cucumbers, peeled and seeded, coarsely chopped
• 3          ounces red pepper, coarsely chopped
• 2          ounces green pepper, coarsely chopped
• 3          tablespoons olive oil

1. In medium saucepan, bring vinegar, brown sugar, celery seed, turmeric, ginger and allspice to simmer on medium heat.
2. Stir in onion, remove from heat and allow to stand 5 minutes to cool. Meanwhile, toss cabbage, cucumbers and peppers in mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk olive oil into cooled vinaigrette mixture.
3. Pour mixture over vegetables and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Source: Jack Daniel's Sauces

(Family Features) For millions of football fans, the grill is as important as the gridiron when enjoying a weekend of games. There’s nothing like team spirit, the anticipation of kickoff and the smell of a delicious pregame tailgate wafting through the stadium parking lot.

National barbecue expert Rocky Stubblefield of Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q offers tips and recipes for game day grilling that will have the whole crowd cheering.

Keep it simple

Stubblefield says anything that cooks fast on the grill is great for tailgating – burgers, hotdogs, chicken – and to bring on the flavor without having to pack a carload of ingredients, use sauces, rubs and marinades. Prepare as much food as you can ahead of time and have a checklist for the things you always need but are easy to forget, like napkins and tin foil.

Grilling tips

For perfectly shaped, evenly cooked burgers, make a thumbprint in the middle of each patty before grilling. Amp up the flavor by rubbing your burgers with Stubb’s Bar-B-Q rub before putting them on the grill – just like you would a brisket or ribs. No matter what you’re making, wait to put the sauce on until the very end of grilling to avoid charring and burning.

For dozens of easy, delicious tailgating recipes, visit stubbsbbq.com.

Toasted Pecan Burgers

• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons Stubb’s Original Bar-B-Q Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Spice Rub

1. Mix together chuck, onion, pecans, bell pepper, sauce and rub. Shape into 4 patties.
2. Prepare grill for direct cooking. When coals are ashed over in charcoal grill, spread them in bottom of grill so food can cook directly over coals.
3. Grill burgers over direct, medium heat, first on one side then the other, 7-10 minutes, until they reach desired doneness. Medium burgers register an internal temperature of 160° F.
4. Serve with your favorite burger toppings on toasted buns.

Smokey Stuffed Jalapenos with Bacon

• 1/2 pound uncooked chorizo
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 24 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded
• 24 slices bacon (about 2 pounds), halved
• 1 cup Stubb’s Smokey Mesquite Bar-B-Q Sauce

1. Heat skillet to medium heat and prepare grill for direct cooking.
2. Remove chorizo casing and cook in skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Transfer cooked chorizo to paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
3. Mix cream cheese and chorizo.
4. Stuff each jalapeno half with cream cheese mixture. Wrap with half strip of bacon and secure with toothpick.
5. Place peppers on grill and cook 8-10 minutes, turning frequently. Baste peppers with sauce during last 2 minutes of cooking.

Source: Stubb's Legendary Bar-B-Q

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