(Family Features) A staple of warm weekend days, brunch combines the best flavors of the first two meals of the day. Every great brunch spread complements its savory items with something sweet, something refreshing and a signature beverage, and there’s one ingredient that can help cover all of those bases – 100% orange juice.

An option like Florida Orange Juice is not only delicious but delivers a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have associated health benefits. One of nature’s nutrient dense foods, one 8-ounce glass of orange juice provides 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and is also a good source of potassium, folate and thiamin, making it a great substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages and simple addition to brunch staples like this Orange Oatmeal.

When combined with a healthy lifestyle, 100% orange juice may also help support a healthy immune system. Orange juice contains beneficial plant compounds, flavonoids and colorful carotenoids to aid in fighting inflammation and cell communication. It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. Vitamin D, which can be found in fortified juices, also plays an important role in regulating immune response and helps immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body.

Since 100% orange juice is naturally almost 90% water, it can help support hydration as it includes several electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and, in fortified juices, calcium, to aid in fluid balance. Combining Florida Orange Juice, watermelon juice and grapefruit juice, this Citrus Watermelonade is a bright, seasonal thirst quencher that is the perfect addition to your drink selection at brunch.

“Maintaining overall wellness and hydration is important as we ease into the warmer months of the year and more time is spent outdoors,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “Florida Orange Juice includes many essential vitamins and minerals that aid in hydration, and it is a great complement to water in helping to provide nourishment before, during or after any activity.”

For more information and sweet, nutritious brunch recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Citrus Watermelonade

• 1 cup hot water
• 2 cups sugar
• 6 cups watermelon, seeded, rind removed and cut into 1-inch pieces, divided
• 2 cups Florida Orange Juice
• 1 cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 3/4 cup lemon juice
• 3/4 cup lime juice
• 2 cups Florida Oranges, cut into 1-inch pieces, peeled
• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• ice, for serving
• Florida Orange Slices, for garnish (optional)
• watermelon chunks, for garnish (optional)

1. In small saucepan over low heat, combine hot water and sugar; heat until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. In blender, puree 4 cups watermelon until smooth.
3. In large pitcher, stir watermelon juice, chilled sugar syrup, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and lime juice until combined.
4. Add remaining watermelon pieces, orange pieces and mint leaves; refrigerate 2-3 hours until well chilled.
5. Serve over ice in glasses. Garnish with orange slices and watermelon chunks, if desired.

Orange Oatmeal

• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup quick-cooking steel-cut oats
• 1 Florida Orange, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In medium saucepan over high heat, bring orange juice and water to boil.
2. Add oats to boiling liquids.
3. Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Mix in diced orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.

Source:

Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, saying “I love you” to a faraway relative or offering a kind gesture to a friend or neighbor, sending a gift is a thoughtful way to share your appreciation. A handwritten note goes a long way, and you can take that token of gratitude one step further by pairing it with an authentic fruit basket.

When it’s time to give a gift to a friend or loved one, consider sending fresh Florida Citrus boxes, which contain premium citrus hand-selected at the peak of ripeness. Available in a variety of sizes to fit your budget and filled with your choice of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and unique jams, jellies and candies, the baskets arrive fresh at the door of your recipient.

With naturally sweet taste from the Sunshine State, the unique climate with subtropical temperatures, abundant sunshine, distinctive sandy soil and ample rainfall help grow juicy citrus. Plus, the delicious fruits are equally nutritious as they’re loaded with vitamin C and provide a combination of nutrients to support overall health to help adults and children alike meet intake recommendations for certain key nutrients.

On top of their taste as appetizing snacks, they’re perfect for cooking in recipes like Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad or Citrus Cherry Cobbler that take advantage of their natural sweetness and allow for mouthwatering meals, sides, desserts and more.

To choose a premium, hand-selected basket and send to your friends, neighbors, coworkers and loved ones, visit gifts.floridacitrus.org.

Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad

Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1/4 cup Florida Tangerine Juice
• 2 teaspoons Florida Orange zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil

Flatiron Steak Salad:

• 1 1/2 pounds flatiron steak
• 2 cups Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette, divided
• 1/2 cup Florida Orange segments
• 1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit segments
• 2 quarts baby spinach
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup radish, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

1. To make citrus balsamic vinaigrette: Combine orange juice, tangerine juice, orange zest, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper, to taste. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously. Set dressing aside.
2. To make flatiron steak salad: Place flatiron steak in container and add 1 cup citrus balsamic vinaigrette. Marinate in refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
3. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill steak to desired doneness. Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
5. In large mixing bowl, combine orange segments, grapefruit segments, baby spinach, red onion, cherry tomatoes, radish and cucumber. Add remaining citrus balsamic vinaigrette, as desired, and toss well to combine.
6. To serve, divide salad and sliced steak among four plates and top with crumbled goat cheese.

Citrus Cherry Cobbler

Cobbler:

• 4 cups cherries, pitted, juice reserved
• 1/2 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups Florida Orange segments, seeded
• 1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit segments, seeded

Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons milk

1. To make cobbler: In medium saucepan, combine cherries and reserved juice, orange juice, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute and remove from heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Cool and add orange segments and grapefruit segments. Pour filling into baking dish or pie pan.
2. To make topping: Heat oven to 350 F.
3. In food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Add butter and pulse until butter is cut into small, pea-sized pieces. Remove flour mixture from food processor and place in mixing bowl. Add egg and milk; stir until just combined. Drop topping mixture by tablespoon over filling until almost covered.
4. Bake until topping is browned and filling is bubbling and hot. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) Setting the stage for success in the classroom starts with reliable morning routines the whole family can depend on. Establishing a plan for each day before heading off for work or school is beneficial for staying on time and organized, and many families’ mornings start with a nutritious breakfast.

This school year, add better-for-you breakfast recipes like Orange Oatmeal or an Orangeberry Smoothie to the menu. These morning meals are powered by 100% orange juice, a delicious option that helps fuel the body with essential nutrients that support a healthy immune system and overall diet quality with no added sugar.

“A growing number of research studies has revealed children who regularly drink 100% orange juice have higher intakes of key nutrients, higher quality diets and may have healthier lifestyle habits, like greater physical activity levels, than children who do not drink OJ,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “Study after study confirms that 100% orange juice not only has a place in the diets of children, but it can also serve as an easy way for parents to provide key nutrients without fear of adverse effects on body weight when served in moderation.”

Consider these nutritional benefits of Florida Orange Juice, “The Original Wellness Drink.”

Diet Quality
Because 1 cup of 100% orange juice counts as 1 cup of fruit, it’s an easy way to contribute to your children’s fruit intake. As a kid-favorite, it’s a nutrient-dense beverage that helps increase the intake of key nutrients including vitamin C, folate, thiamin, magnesium, potassium and, in fortified juices, vitamin D and calcium.

Immune Support
When paired with a healthy lifestyle, Florida Orange Juice has vitamin C, vitamin D (in fortified juices) and phytonutrients (naturally occurring plant compounds) and may help support a strong immune system.

• Vitamin C – Commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen a healthy immune system by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of cells. One 6-8-ounce glass of OJ is an excellent source.
• Vitamin D – Plays an important role in regulating immune response and helps cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body. One 6-8-ounce glass of fortified OJ is a good source.
• Plant Compounds, Flavonoids and Colorful Carotenoids – Work to support the immune system by helping to fight inflammation and helping cells communicate with each other, which can help strengthen immune response when encountering infection.

No Added Sugar
Unlike foods and beverages that contain added sugars, the natural sugar in 100% orange juice contains vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. As one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods, OJ is a convenient way to enhance whole fruit intake and reach daily recommendations. Plus, it can be used as a substitute for nutrient-poor foods and beverages, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, in the diets of children and adults.

Find more information and recipe inspiration at FloridaCitrus.org/OJ.

Orange Oatmeal

Servings: 4

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1 cup quick cooking steel-cut oats
• 1 Florida Orange, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In medium saucepan over high heat, bring water and orange juice to boil.
2. Add oats to boiling liquids.
3. Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Mix in orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.

Orangeberry Smoothie

Servings: 1

• 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 4 ounces strawberry Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• ice cubes
• 1 Florida Orange, sliced

1. In blender, blend orange juice, strawberries, yogurt, milk and ice, as needed to reach desired consistency, until smooth.
2. Pour into glass and garnish with orange slice.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Culinary.net) It’s time to kick off summer with a bang. With exciting summer events like baseball, sunbathing and barbecues filling social calendars, comes a whole new array of fresh, sunny day snacks just waiting to be devoured.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice, try this Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa. It features fresh, fruity flavors from the pineapple, mango, lemon and lime plus a surprising bite of jalapeno. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and zesty.

This light, warm weather appetizer  is perfect for pool parties or dining al fresco. A fresh twist on traditional salsa, this recipe will have people lining up for a second scoop to help beat the heat.

Enjoy it with tortilla chips or as a topping on your favorite tacos to add a little sweetness to a traditionally savory meal.

For more fresh summertime recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa

Recipe adapted from becomingness.com

• 1 1/4    cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 1/4    cup fresh mango, diced
• 2          tomatoes
• 1/2       red onion, diced
• 1          jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1          tablespoon coriander
• 2          tablespoons lime juice
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• sea salt, to taste
• fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• tortilla chips, for serving

1. In large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, tomato, onion, jalapeno, coriander, lime juice, lemon juice and salt and pepper, to taste. With rubber spatula, mix all ingredients together.
2. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Kickstart the new year by making meaningful changes for yourself and your family. Finding nutritious recipes can help you stay on track when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle.

As you look to start 2020 off right, opt for fresh ingredients. No matter what your goal for the year is, start at a store like ALDI. From making Mondays meatless to cutting out refined carbs, you can find a healthy haul – for less – complete with high-quality products for these delicious, nutritious and affordable recipes from ALDI.

Find more recipe ideas at aldi.us.

Breakfast

Morning Oasis Overnight Oats – If busy mornings prevent you from starting the day with a nutritious breakfast, try overnight oats. They are easy to prepare a day in advance, then top with fruit, coconut, shaved chocolate and quinoa when it’s time for breakfast.

Blackberry Avocado Smoothie Bowl – Add more fruit to the “most important meal of the day” with this smoothie bowl bursting with flavor. Blended blackberries, blueberries and banana provide a nutritious start to your day, and it can be topped with additional fruits, almonds, chia seeds and more for added texture.

Salad

Citrus Popping Kale Salad – Whether it’s for lunch or served as the first course for dinner, a salad is a way to combine a healthy serving of veggies with toppings you crave. The flavors of this tasty recipe create a perfect marriage of quinoa, baby kale, onion, mango and cranberries.

Fruit and Avocado Salad – This crisp and refreshing salad combines oranges, grapefruit, onion, avocado, blueberries and pecans for an option that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Main Dish

Grilled Herb Chicken Skewers – Put a spin on grilled fare and place seasoned chicken skewers on a bed of arugula. Save time and marinate the night before to infuse the chicken with the savory taste of herbs.

Cauliflower-Quinoa Pizza– When the family wants a classic, serve this better-for-you pizza, complete with a crust made from cauliflower and quinoa. Top with tomatoes, mushrooms, red onion, peppers and other veggies for a nutritious twist on the traditional slice.

Dessert

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Bar – You don’t have to completely remove dessert from your menu to live a healthier lifestyle. This baked dish features peanut butter as the base, so you can enjoy a protein-packed treat without the guilt.

Dairy-Free Vanilla Pudding – It only takes five ingredients and 15 minutes in the kitchen to please your sweet tooth when cravings strike.

Source: ALDI

(Family Features) Summer is all about enjoying the warm weather with family and friends, but even with the longer summer days, the season can feel short for many. That’s why it’s important to make the most of summer by maximizing your fun in the sun with some of the best memories being made while entertaining al fresco.

For a fun-filled, yet relaxing summer, it’s important to keep the essentials on-hand for easy entertaining. From bright decor to refreshing drinks and fresh ingredients, party prep ensures you save time and money, and are always ready to wine and dine your guests.

No matter the occasion, a store like ALDI can be your guide to summer entertaining with everything you need to celebrate the season, including high-quality and affordable ingredients for this summer’s must-have recipes.

A fresh and easy recipe to try this summer is Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Lemon-Cucumber Salsa. This entree pairs perfectly with a crisp, fruit-forward wine like Exquisite Collection Sauvignon Blanc or Trestoria Rosé from ALDI. When there’s a crowd to serve, consider mixing up a pitcher of Citrus Ginger Rosé Punch.

Find more seasonal recipe ideas to celebrate summer at ALDI.us.

Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Lemon-Cucumber Salsa

Recipe courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 

• 8          skewers
• 1          pineapple
• 2          tablespoons Carlini Vegetable Oil
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Iodized Salt
• 1          teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper
• 1 3/4    pounds Never Any! Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces

Lemon-Cucumber Salsa:

• 1          lemon, supremed
• 1          cucumber, diced
• 1/2       red onion, diced
• 1          tablespoon SimplyNature Organic Wildflower Honey
• 1          teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper

1. Soak wooden skewers for 15 minutes prior to grilling.
2. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
3. Remove rind from pineapple and dice into 1-inch pieces.
4. In small bowl, combine oil, salt and pepper. Add chicken and pineapple; toss to coat.
5. Alternating chicken and pineapple, pierce onto skewers.
6. Grill skewers 8 minutes each side, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
7. To make Lemon-Cucumber Salsa: In medium bowl, combine lemon, cucumber, onion, honey and pepper.
8. Serve lemon-cucumber salsa over cooked chicken skewers.

Tip: Supreme citrus fruit by cutting off top and bottom of fruit then cut away peel and pith, leaving no white on outside of fruit. Slice each segment into wedges by cutting toward center of fruit along membrane.

Citrus Ginger Rosé Punch

Recipe courtesy of Chef Leigh An, ALDI Test Kitchen

• 1/2       cup minced ginger
• 1          cup Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar
• 1          cup water
• 2          bottles (750 milliliters each) Trestoria Rosé, chilled
• 5          cans (12 ounces each) PurAqua Belle Vie Grapefruit Sparkling Water, chilled
• 2          cans (12 ounces each) PurAqua Belle Vie Lemon Sparkling Water, chilled

1. In small pot, combine ginger, sugar and water to make simple syrup. Bring to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely in refrigerator.
2. Strain simple syrup and discard ginger.
3. In large punch bowl or pitcher, combine rosé, grapefruit sparkling water and lemon sparkling water. Add simple syrup.
4. Serve in chilled glasses.

Tip: Freeze lemon slices in ice cube trays or silicone muffin trays and add them to punch for pop of color.

Source: ALDI

(Family Features) With people across the country observing Lent, a religious tradition observed during the 40 days before Easter, it’s time to rethink the standard family meal menu.

This nearly eight-week period typically calls for a special diet. Specifically, red meat is cut out on Fridays for some and for the entirety of Lent for others. According to Datassential, 26 percent of consumers observe lent and of those, 41 percent said they eat fish on Fridays instead of meat.

Eating two servings of seafood per week – as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans – is one way to make a positive commitment to you and your family’s health during Lent and throughout the year. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, research shows eating seafood 2-3 times per week reduces the risk of death from any health-related cause. Seafood also provides unique health benefits as a lean protein and is a quality source for omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats essential to human health and development.

With so many seafood options available, including Alaskan cod, snapper, salmon and more, it can be easy to incorporate this nutritious lean protein into your diet.

This simple recipe for Blackened Catfish with Quinoa and Citrus Vinaigrette can help you on your way to a more nutritious meal plan that includes consuming seafood twice per week. If you can’t find catfish or prefer to substitute, any white fish such as cod, mahimahi or flounder will work.

For more seafood recipes and Lenten meal inspiration, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media.

Blackened Catfish with Quinoa and Citrus Vinaigrette

Recipe courtesy of chef Tim Hughes on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Servings: 4

Blackening Seasoning:

• 1          tablespoon salt
• 1          tablespoon pepper
• 1          tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1          tablespoon garlic powder
• 1          tablespoon thyme

Quinoa Salad:

• 1          tablespoon peanut oil
• 1          cup corn, canned and drained or frozen and thawed to room temperature
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/2       cup edamame, shelled and thawed to room temperature
• 3          cups quinoa, cooked

Blackened Catfish:

• 1          tablespoon peanut oil
• 1          pound catfish, cut into four fillets
• 5          tablespoons Blackening Seasoning

Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon lemon zest
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1/2       teaspoon thyme
• 2          tablespoons olive oil

1. To make Blackening Seasoning: Combine salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and thyme.
2. To make Quinoa Salad: Heat and oil skillet. Add corn; salt and pepper, to taste, and saute until golden brown. Add edamame and sauteed corn to quinoa and set aside.
3. To make Blackened Catfish: Heat cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon peanut oil added. Coat both sides of catfish fillets with Blackening Seasoning. Add catfish to skillet and cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until well done.
4. To make Citrus Vinaigrette: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, honey and thyme. Slowly add olive oil, whisking until dressing is formed.
5. Serve Blackened Catfish on top of Quinoa Salad and drizzle with Citrus Vinaigrette.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Source: Seafood Nutrition Partnership