(Family Features) While meals savored with loved ones are intended to produce smiles and shared moments, the process of grocery shopping, planning and cooking has become a chore for many families. Take the first step toward bringing back the joy and magic of making your favorite foods with tools that do the work for you.

For example, the all-in-one Albertsons Meal Plans and Recipes tool allows you to focus on what you want to eat rather than what you need to buy as it empowers everyday home cooks to plan, shop and prepare personalized recipes based on dietary preferences, allergies or family likes and dislikes. The app features a library of 9,000 exclusive recipes created by professional chefs (with new recipes added each month) and includes tasty dishes such as Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch; Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara; and Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip.

The free digital tool also includes an artificial intelligence-powered “Scan Your Own Recipe” feature that allows you to snap a photo with your phone of grandma’s handwritten, not-so-secret recipe and transforms it into a digital version saved in the app. Recipes are instantly turned into shoppable ingredients and added to your cart for quick, convenient checkout. Now, you can turn all of your recipes into a digital library for quick and easy access in one place. No more flipping through cookbooks or recipe cards searching for your favorites.

Designed to provide culinary inspiration throughout the week while saving time and money, the app also features a budget tracker and hands-free cooking mode with a step-by-step timer.

“The Albertsons Meal Plans tool is the ultimate life hack,” said Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital customer experience for Albertsons Cos. “This all-in-one app makes it simple for anyone to plan, shop and prepare inspiring recipes from anywhere – whether it is an old family favorite, a best-seller from a favorite food blogger or one of our 9,000 delicious recipes. Best of all, it’s completely free to use on our grocery app and website.”

The tool is available on the store apps and websites across the Albertsons Cos. banner of stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.

Find more information and a seemingly endless collection of recipes at Albertsons.com.

Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajitas with Bell Pepper, Onion and Spicy Ranch

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 green bell peppers
• 2 yellow bell peppers
• 1 lime
• 1 medium red onion
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds raw, peeled shrimp, fresh or frozen
• 5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2cup ranch dressing
• 12 small flour tortillas

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.
2. Wash and dry green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers and lime.
3. Trim, seed and slice bell peppers lengthwise into thin strips; transfer to large baking sheet.
4. Peel, halve and slice onion lengthwise into thin pieces; add to baking sheet with bell peppers.
5. Drizzle veggies with oil, toss to combine and spread in even layer. Bake until veggies have softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
6. If using frozen shrimp, place them in colander and run under cold water to thaw slightly. Place shrimp on clean towel or paper towels and pat dry.
7. Remove baking sheet from oven. Arrange shrimp over veggies then sprinkle with 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and salt; toss to combine and spread in even layer.
8. Bake until veggies are tender and shrimp are cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.
9. Cut lime into wedges.
10. In small bowl, stir ranch dressing and remaining Cajun seasoning.
11. Warm tortillas in skillet, oven or microwave, if desired.
12. Divide tortillas between plates and fill with shrimp and veggies; drizzle with spicy ranch and serve with squeeze of lime.

Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 bags (10 ounces each) cauliflower florets
• 18 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 8 fluid ounces heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 packages (5 ounces each) baby spinach

1. Fill large pot halfway with hot water, cover and bring to boil. Uncover then add cauliflower, tortellini and salt; stir for a few seconds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes, or cook according to package instructions.
2. In separate large pot over medium heat, stir marinara sauce, cream, basil and black pepper to combine and bring sauce to simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Wash and dry spinach.
4. When sauce has thickened, add spinach to pot in handfuls, waiting for spinach to wilt slightly before adding next handful. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
5. When cauliflower and tortellini are done, drain and add to pot with creamy marinara sauce; stir to combine.
6. To serve, divide pasta between plates or bowls.

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Green Beans and Honey Mustard Dip

Recipe courtesy of Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 pounds green beans
• 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Coat baking sheet with 2 teaspoons oil.
2. In medium bowl, stir mayo, garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to combine.
3. In separate medium bowl, stir Parmesan, breadcrumbs and paprika to combine.
4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and slice into 3/4-inch tenders. Add to bowl with mayo mixture and toss to coat.
5. Working in batches, dredge tenders in breadcrumb coating, pressing to adhere. Transfer to baking sheet.
6. Bake until tenders start to turn golden, about 10 minutes.
7. On clean cutting board, wash, dry and trim green beans. Set aside.
8. When chicken is golden, flip and bake until cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven.
9. Preheat large skillet over medium-high heat.
10. Add remaining oil and swirl to coat bottom. Add green beans and remaining salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
11. Divide chicken tenders and green beans between plates. Serve with dressing for dipping.

Source: Albertsons

(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) Maintaining a healthy eating plan can be challenging year-round, and busier fall schedules can make those goals even more difficult. Finding easy-to-make favorites can keep you and your loved ones on track as you navigate those hectic moments this autumn.

One simple yet delicious solution: Chopped Salad Kits and Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits from Dole, which make it easy to incorporate vegetables without the hassle of kitchen prep. Take the guesswork out of meal planning for your time-starved family with these limited-ingredient, kit-based dishes.

Mexican Street Corn Bowls with Grilled Chicken provide a perfect balance of hearty yet nutritious flavor while taking advantage of the convenience of prepackaged ingredients. Perfect for fall weather, Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Soup requires just three ingredients and hungry loved ones for a filling meal worth celebrating.

For more original easy-to-make fall recipes, nutritional insights and information, visit Dole.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter  and Pinterest.

Mexican Street Corn Bowls with Grilled Chicken

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 cup dry instant brown rice
• 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large ears fresh corn, silks and husks removed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 Dole Limes, juice only (about 3 tablespoons), divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (12.9 ounces) DOLE® Chopped Chipotle & Cheddar Kit
• 1 Dole Avocado, peeled, pitted and thinly sliced
• 1 cup chopped Dole Pineapple

1. Prepare grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Prepare rice according to package instructions.
2. Brush all sides of chicken and corn with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place chicken and corn on hot grill rack; cover and cook 8 minutes, or until grill marks appear and internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 F, turning chicken once and corn frequently. Transfer chicken and corn to cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Cut corn kernels from cobs into medium bowl. Slice chicken 1/4-inch thick crosswise.
3. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro and paprika to corn; toss and fold in Parmesan cheese. In small bowl, whisk dressing from salad kit and remaining lime juice.
4. Serve rice in bowls topped with avocado, pineapple, chicken, corn mixture and remaining contents of salad kit drizzled with dressing mixture.

Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 DOLE® Homestyle Roasted Herb Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit
• 1 container (32 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 cup whole-wheat pasta shells, cooked

1. Prepare sheet pan meal starter kit according to package instructions. Transfer to cutting board and carefully cut chicken and vegetables into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. In medium saucepot over medium-high heat, bring chicken broth to simmer. Stir in pasta shells, chicken and vegetables. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Source: Dole