(Family Features) Whether seafood night at your house means sauteed shrimp, baked fish or anything in between, it’s an exciting excuse to bring the family together for favorite meals. Delicious recipes abound when seafood is on the menu.

However, this is no longer your grandparents’ seafood. Today, more than half of all seafood consumed in the U.S. is farm-raised – a practice known as aquaculture. While the industry has made strides throughout the last few decades, from increasingly sustainable farming practices to technological advancements that can help feed a growing population, not all farmed seafood is equal and neither are the certifications you see on its packaging.

For more than a decade, the global nonprofit Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has created and enforced the world’s strictest standards for farmed seafood. Its sea green ASC certification label is only found on farmed seafood that meets these high standards – helping seafood shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.

It’s a movement some of the nation’s leading seafood grocers and chefs are getting behind.

“About 2/3 of our seafood offerings are raised on farms, which reflects both growing supply and demand,” said Abe Ng, CEO of the Sushi Maki restaurant chain and market stations. “There’s a much broader customer understanding and appreciation of aquaculture than, say, 10 years ago. However, not all farmed seafood is equal in terms of quality, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”

A unique combination of standards help ensure supply chain integrity from the farm to the store while protecting the environment, workers and communities. ASC’s sea green label only appears on seafood from farms that have been independently assessed and certified as environmentally and socially responsible.

“Whether your seafood is wild-caught or farmed, what matters to today’s shoppers is that it’s high-quality, flavorful and was fished or farmed in a responsible way that’s good for you and the planet,” said Roger O’Brien, president and CEO of the Santa Monica Seafood market and cafe. “Farm-raised seafood that’s been responsibly certified by the ASC delivers on the assurance that the seafood you’re buying is what it claims to be, which is a key commitment we make to our customers.”

With a trusted certification like the ASC, you can confidently enjoy make-at-home recipes like Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon, Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creole Remoulade Slaw and Almond Stuffed Rainbow Trout without sacrificing taste or sustainability.

To find more certification information and discover family-friendly seafood recipes, visit SeaGreenBeGreen.org.

Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon

Recipe courtesy of North Coast Seafoods

• 1          bag (1 pound, three 6-ounce portions) North Coast Seafoods ASC-certified Naked Norwegian Salmon
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Honey Mustard Glaze:

• 1/3       cup honey
• 1/4       cup whole-grain mustard
• 2          tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
• 2          tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2          teaspoons horseradish
• 1          teaspoon smoked paprika

Crunch:

1. 3/4       cup panko breadcrumbs
2. 2          tablespoons dried parsley
3. 2          tablespoons olive oil

• Thaw salmon and pat dry. Arrange on oiled baking tray. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• To make glaze: In small bowl, combine honey, mustard, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish and paprika; mix until well combined. Chill glaze until ready to use.
• To make crunch: In bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley and oil; mix well. Reserve.
• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• Top each salmon portion with 1 tablespoon glaze and spread evenly over fish. Press crunch evenly onto glaze.
• Bake 15-17 minutes until fish is cooked through.
• Serve with drizzle of remaining glaze.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creole Remoulade Slaw

Recipe courtesy of Coastal Seafoods and Fortune Fish & Gourmet
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Coleslaw:

• 1/3       cup mayonnaise
• 1          tablespoon capers, chopped
• 1          teaspoon stone ground mustard
• 1/3       cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2       teaspoon horseradish
• 1/3       cup red onion, diced
• 1          tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2       bag coleslaw mix

Tacos:

• 6          small corn tortillas
• 1          tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2       pound peeled and deveined ASC-certified shrimp, thawed
• 3          green onions, sliced
• fresh salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
• 1          lime, sliced (optional)

1. To make coleslaw: In bowl, mix mayonnaise, capers, mustard, parsley, horseradish, red onion and Cajun seasoning. Mix coleslaw and about 3/4 of dressing. Stir until coated then add more dressing, if desired. Refrigerate coleslaw until ready to serve.
2. To make tacos: Heat grill to medium heat. Once hot, toast tortillas on each side until browned on edges. Stack toasted tortillas on plate and cover with towel until ready to serve.
3. Pour Cajun seasoning over shrimp and stir until shrimp are coated.
4. Cook shrimp 3-5 minutes per side, or until shrimp are firm and Cajun seasoning is blackened. Remove shrimp from grill to prevent overcooking.
5. To serve, place about 1/4 cup coleslaw in each tortilla then top with 3-5 shrimp and green onions. Top with salsa or pico de gallo, if desired. Squeeze wedge of fresh lime over top, if desired.

Almond Stuffed Rainbow Trout

Recipe courtesy of Riverence Provisions

• 2          ASC-certified Riverence Steelhead Trout fillets (8 ounces each)
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2       cup sliced almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2          tablespoons lemon zest
• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4       cup chives, chopped
• 1 1/2    cups breadcrumbs
• 1/4       cup Italian parsley
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1          egg, beaten
• kitchen twine (6-inch lengths)
• 1          tablespoon olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Rinse steelhead trout fillets and pat dry with paper towel. Line baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Mix almonds, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, breadcrumbs and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Add beaten egg to breadcrumb mixture and stir until well incorporated.
5. Lay first trout fillet skin side down on baking pan. Place twine pieces underneath fish, spacing 1 1/2 inches apart; leave untied.
6. Place breading mixture over trout fillet and remaining trout fillet on top of breadcrumb mixture, skin side up.
7. Secure trout fillets together using kitchen twine. Brush olive oil on trout and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until fish is cooked through. Slice into portions to serve.

Source: Aquaculture Stewardship Council

(Family Features) Soaking up some sun and sharing a meal with family and friends brings people together, especially when favorite recipes are on the table. Whether there’s a cause for celebration or a gathering of loved ones is simply overdue, serving up delicious dishes is a sure bet to get everyone involved.

These flavorful Mexinut Dip, Beef and Peanut Empanadas with Chimichurri, Asian Peanut Slaw and Peanut Butter Banana Pops recipes are ideal for the whole family. Starting with a spicy dip best paired with corn chips or crackers, hungry guests can work their way up to the main course of savory empanadas served alongside a tangy Asian slaw. Finally, kids and adults alike can cap off the celebration with a sweet, fruity dessert.

Leaning into a versatile ingredient like peanuts, which make all these dishes possible, can take your gatherings to the next level. They complement a wide range of recipes from appetizers and snacks to main courses and desserts.

Plus, they contain 26% protein and fulfill approximately 30% of a 4-6-year-old’s and 26% of a 7-10-year-old’s recommended daily allowance per serving, making them a kid-favorite source of energy. They contain six essential vitamins – vitamin E, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6 – and seven essential minerals – phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and calcium.

Often referred to as “nutrition in a nutshell,” there’s a good chance your peanut supply came from the United States’ leading grower: Georgia. With approximately 4,000 active peanut farmers, the state produces 52% of the country’s peanuts.

To find more family-friendly recipe ideas powered by peanuts, visit GAPeanuts.com.

Mexinut Dip

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 4 cup

• 1 can (11 1/2 ounces) condensed bean with bacon soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10 ounces) tomatoes and green chiles
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon hot chili powder
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• corn chips or crackers

1. In 2-quart microwave-safe container, combine soup, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and green chiles, onion, chili powder and peanut butter. Cover with glass or plastic lid.
2. Microwave on high 2 1/2 minutes; stir. Microwave 2 1/2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
3. Stir before serving with corn chips or crackers.

Beef and Peanut Empanadas with Chimichurri

Recipe courtesy of "Set the Table" on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 30-40 small empanadas

Spicy Beef and Peanut Empanadas:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup raw Georgia Peanuts
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon water, plus additional for sealing dough
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2 packages pie crust
• 1 egg white, in small bowl

Chimichurri:

• 1/3 cup flat leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To make spicy beef and peanut empanadas: In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, red pepper flakes, garlic, raisins, peanuts and jalapenos. Cook until onion and garlic are soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon water. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; transfer filling to large bowl and cool.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F.
3. Unroll pie crusts on lightly floured work surface. Using round cutter at least 3 inches in diameter, cut out rounds.
4. Using rolling pin, roll out edges of each circle, leaving center of circle at its original thickness.
5. Holding one round of dough in palm of hand, scoop about 1 tablespoon filling into center. Using fingertip, line edge of dough with water, fold into half moon shape and pinch to seal. For extra ease, use fork.
6. Place filled empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet and brush tops with egg white.
7. Bake 20-25 minutes on upper rack.
8. To make chimichurri: In blender or food processor, pulse parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes and olive oil 2-3 times. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve in small bowl for dipping.

Asian Peanut Slaw

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
• 1/4 cup Asian sesame dressing
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts
• 1 bag (16 ounces) three-colored deli slaw mix
• chow mein noodles

1. Drain juice from mandarin oranges into mixing bowl and reserve oranges.
2. In bowl with juice, add dressing, peanut butter and red pepper; whisk until well blended. Add peanuts, oranges and coleslaw mix; toss until thoroughly coated.
3. Garnish with chow mein noodles before serving.

Peanut Butter Banana Pops

Recipe courtesy of registered dietitian Annessa Chumbley on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 8 pops

• Craft sticks
• 4 firm, ripe bananas, peeled and halved crosswise
• 1 cup melted chocolate wafers
• 1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts

Toppings:

• unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
• chopped dried pineapple (optional)
• chopped dried strawberries (optional)
• melted peanut butter chips (optional)

1. Insert one craft stick into each banana half. Place eight banana pops in single layer on small tray covered with parchment paper. Place tray in freezer at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Pour melted chocolate into bowl. Dip each frozen banana into bowl, turning to coat. Lay chocolate-covered bananas back on parchment paper. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Sprinkle with coconut flakes, pineapple and strawberries, if desired. Drizzle with melted peanut butter chips, if desired.

Source: Georgia Peanut Commission

(Family Features) Whether you prefer watching your favorite teams in-person or on TV, tailgate season means it's time to break out your party's favorite foods from appetizers and snacks to all-out meals.

Go long for a touchdown-worthy tailgate or settle in for game day on the couch with these recipes for a bold burger, sweet-and-spicy wings and creamy coleslaw. For an appetizing pregame warmup, try this assortment of nacho toppings to give your whole party something to cheer about.

Find more recipes to amp up your tailgate atmosphere at Culinary.net.

Homemade Nachos Worth the Hype

A truly beneficial start to the day is usually centered around breakfast. Start your family on the right foot with a meal that delivers sweet flavor along with nutritious fruits.

This Honey Leches French Toast recipe swaps out syrup for hot honey combined with the crisp taste of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries.

Visit honey.com for more family-friendly recipes.

Perfect for pairing with game day dishes of nearly any variety, nachos allow a special amount of personalization for guests of all ages and taste preferences. Along with tortilla chips, of course, try nibbling on these topping options throughout your party:

• Shredded cheese
• Melted nacho cheese
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Black olives
• Shredded meat
• Sliced peppers
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn
• Beans

A Flavorful, Exotic Spin

No tailgate is complete without a game day staple: burgers. For a twist on tradition, try serving a different style of beef to give guests a new take on an all-time favorite.

This Grass-Fed Wagyu Burger with Red Radish Chili Pickles uses First Light 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef from New Zealand, home to some of the world's most natural tasting beef and lamb. With cattle allowed to roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures all day, every day, the result is a tender, flavorful meat that tastes as nature intended.

Remember to cook the patties quickly over high heat to help retain juiciness, tenderness and flavor. With a touch of chili pepper in the pickles, you can add just enough spice with a sweet kick.

Find more recipes for game day gatherings at beefandlambnz.com.

Grass-Fed Wagyu Burger with Red Radish Chili Pickles

Red Radish Chili Pickles:

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons sliced fresh red chili peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced red radish

Wagyu Burgers:

• 1 1/3 pounds First Light New Zealand Grass-Fed Wagyu Grind
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon grainy mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons rice bran oil
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons onion jam

1. To make Red Radish Chili Pickles: In small saucepan, heat vinegar, water and sugar. Add chili and radish; remove from heat.
2. To make Wagyu Burgers: Season Wagyu grind with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in mustard, if desired. Form into four patties.
3. Lightly brush both sides of burgers with oil. In frying pan, sear burgers over high heat then reduce heat to medium and cook until well caramelized. Flip and repeat process on other side.
4. In frying pan, lightly toast burger buns.
5. Spread mayonnaise on buns; top with lettuce, tomato and burger.
6. Spread spoonful onion jam on each burger then finish with Red Radish Chili Pickles.

Crunch into Coleslaw

Appetizers, main courses and snacks may dominate many tailgate parties, whether at home or the stadium, but don't forget to incorporate sides that can accompany all the flavors of your festivities.

This Honey-Dill Coleslaw, for example, makes for a complementary dish to just about any protein from burgers to wings and beyond. Plus, with only a few simple ingredients, it's an easy side to whip up yourself or enlist help from an eager guest.

Find more sweet side recipes at honey.com.

Honey-Dill Coleslaw

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 4

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 package (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. In small bowl, combine honey, sour cream and dill.
2. In large bowl, toss coleslaw mix with onion and honey-sour cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

A Sweet-Hot Handheld

Ditch the plates and dive right into a sweet and spicy snack perfect for the whole party with these Honey-Sriracha Grilled Wings.

To help simplify prep, try grilling ahead of time and keep in the oven until guests arrive. Or, if you're tailgating in style at the stadium, toss into a pan and cover with foil to keep them warm until it's time for a bite.

Visit honey.com to find more tailgating recipes.

Honey Sriracha Grilled Wings

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 8

• 4 pounds fresh chicken wings
• water
• 3 cups rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 cups honey, divided

1. Heat grill to 225-240 F.
2. In large bowl, rinse wings with cool water. Add rice wine vinegar, Sriracha, salt and 1 cup honey. Fold to incorporate all ingredients and coat wings evenly.
3. Place wings on grill, cover with lid and cook 12-14 minutes before turning once and cooking additional 15-18 minutes.
4. Open lid and turn wings. Brush remaining honey on wings. Cook 5-8 minutes, remove from heat and serve.

Source: New Zealand Beef & Lamb

(Family Features) Backyard barbecues and family picnics are plentiful during the summer months, so chances are good you’ll host (or attend) at least one event this season. While you’ll likely feast on a bevy of hamburgers, hot dogs and summer salads, a menu filled with fresh, delicious sides makes for a meal worth celebrating.

There’s certainly more than one way to create a menu for a casual backyard picnic, so it’s easy to plan dishes that everyone can enjoy. When organizing your menu, be sure to consider your guests and prepare a selection of side dishes that are both age-appropriate and satisfy a wide range of cravings. Here are some creative ways to put a twist on classic side dishes to make your meal memorable:

Pasta medley. When you’re serving a group with kids, a simple pasta salad is a must-have side that even picky eaters will enjoy. Simply prepare your favorite noodles (fun shapes like spirals or bowties if you’re thinking kid-friendly) then add an array of ingredients like cubed cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets with some extra-virgin olive oil. For a more grown-up flavor, combine feta cheese and bits of fresh basil with a drizzle of Bolthouse Farms Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing for an extra kick of flavor.

Naturally sweet treats. Many traditional sweet dishes are simply impractical for a hot summer day. As an alternative, something lighter can help satisfy a sweet tooth without the bulk of a heavy cake or pie. Try a mixed berry bowl with all your favorite seasonal fruits like fresh strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. It’s a cheerful presentation and an option all ages can enjoy. Add a few sprigs of mint for garnish for a little festive fun.

Crisp coleslaw salad. A refreshing salad is almost always a crowd-pleaser. Instead of a traditional tossed garden salad, try adding some crunch with a zesty coleslaw salad. This recipe uses all chopped vegetables, allowing you to help reduce food waste by choosing veggies that are not the most beautiful on the shelf, but still taste delicious. Try using an option like Bolthouse Farms Coleslaw dressing to make these veggies and coleslaw even more delicious by giving you the classic, tangy, creamy and sweet coleslaw taste you love with less fat and fewer calories than other refrigerated brands. Just pour, mix in with cabbage and enjoy. Another tip: balance your crunchy veggies with some sweetness, like bits of apple, pear, persimmon or nectarine, for a truly flavorful salad.

Look in the refrigerated area of the produce section to pick up any of the Bolthouse Farms dressing varieties or visit Bolthouse.com to learn more.

“Ugly” Summer Coleslaw Salad

Recipe courtesy of Two Purple Figs

• 1/2       head white cabbage (about 4 cups)
• 2          scallions
• 1          carrot
• 1          apple
• 1          pear
• 1/2       bottle Bolthouse Farms® Coleslaw dressing
• 1          cup pomegranate arils (optional)

1. Using shredder disc in food processor, shred cabbage, scallions, carrot, apple and pear. Add dressing and pulse until smooth.
2. Sprinkle with pomegranate arils, if desired, and serve.

Content courtesy of Bolthouse Farms®.

Source: Bolthouse Farms

Serve up some spice with fun party dishes

(Family Features) Make your next fiesta one to remember with colorful decor, festive touches and, perhaps most importantly, unique and mouthwatering recipes that bring guests back for seconds.

To achieve the ideal flavors of a fiesta done right, try bringing something new to the table with recipes like these party-pleasing Tortilla Pizzas for a special main dish, crunchy and refreshing Coleslaw with Green Chile Dressing on the side and, for a decadently unique dessert, Jalapeno Brownies.

These party-perfect recipes can help you take flavors to new heights while adding a kick of spice when you incorporate quality ingredients like Rio Luna Organic Peppers. The peppers are cultivated by a company with more than three decades of experience. They manage the whole pepper process from annual seed selection to grower partnerships, cultivation and packing.

Available in four spicy varieties – Diced Jalapenos, Nacho Sliced Jalapenos, Diced Green Chiles and Large Chopped Green Chiles – you can add a pop of peppers to your next celebration. Because the peppers are organic certified, non-GMO, fat free, cholesterol free, low calorie and kosher, you’ll be able to pack an extra punch of spice without serving up unnecessary ingredients.

Tantalizing Toppings For Tasty Tacos

When it comes to supplying fiesta foods that fit almost anyone’s taste, tacos are a go-to party favorite. That is because it can be fun for party-goers to customize their own tacos while making food prep easier and less hands-on for hosts who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

However, trying to list all the possible taco-topping options can be an overwhelming task for many hosts. Along with your choice of taco filling, consider these toppings when building the perfect taco bar at your next fiesta:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Beans (black, pinto or refried)
• Salsa
• Shredded lettuce
• Rice
• Rio Luna Organic Peppers
• Chopped tomatoes
• Chopped onions
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sliced black olives
• Corn
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

To find more ways to spice up your fiestas as well as everyday recipes, visit riolunapeppers.com/our-meals, and find Rio Luna Organics on Facebook and Instagram.

Tortilla Pizzas

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 4          flour tortillas (8 inches)
• 1          can (15 ounces) refried black beans
• 4          fresh plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1          can (4 ounces) Rio Luna Organic Nacho Sliced Jalapenos, drained
• 1 1/3    cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1          tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• chipotle-ranch dressing (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Bake tortillas directly on oven rack 2 minutes. Cool. Spread 1/4 cup beans onto each tortilla. Top evenly with tomatoes, jalapenos and cheese.
3. Bake 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro just before serving.

Tip: For added flavor, drizzle pizzas with chipotle-ranch dressing.

Jalapeno Brownies

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 16

• 1/2       cup vegetable oil
• 1          cup sugar
• 2          eggs
• 1          can (4 ounces) Rio Luna Organic Diced Jalapenos, pureed
• 1          teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2       cup, plus 3 tablespoons, all-purpose flour
• 1/3       cup cocoa powder
• 1/4       teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• powdered sugar (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In medium bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, jalapenos and vanilla until blended.
3. In separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; add to egg mixture. Mix just until combined. Pour into greased 8-by-8-inch baking pan.
4. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until brownies pull away from sides of pan easily. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Tip: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for added flavor and enhanced presentation.

Coleslaw with Green Chile Dressing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 1/2    cups mayonnaise
• 1          cup sour cream
• 3/4       cup Rio Luna Organic Diced Green Chiles, drained
• 6          tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2          tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2          tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 2          tablespoons agave nectar
• 2          cups shredded napa cabbage
• 1          cup shredded red cabbage
• 1          cup shredded carrots
• 1/2       cup thinly sliced white onions
• 2 1/4    teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional, to taste
• 1/2       teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste

1. In medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, chiles, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Sriracha and agave nectar until well blended.
2. In large bowl, combine napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, onions, salt and pepper. Add mayonnaise mixture; toss until well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, to taste.

Tip: Coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated up to 1 day. Toss before serving.

Source: Rio Luna

(Family Features) A dazzling fireworks display may be the grand finale for your celebration, but you can make your mouthwatering menu a close second with these ideas to light up your Fourth of July. From bold burgers to crisp salads and sweet sides, give your guests plenty of reason to feel festive all day long. And don’t forget to add a little indulgence for all ages with a DIY dessert bar.

Find more recipes perfect for the Fourth of July at culinary.net.

Serve Up a Sundae Bar
The only thing better than a dish of cold ice cream on a hot summer day is the chance to make it all your own. Let guests create their own dishes of deliciousness with a DIY sundae bar. Start with a healthy supply of cups, spoons and towels to mop up inevitable drips then fill the bar with irresistible options like these:

• A sampling of ice creams, like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry
• Fresh sliced fruit
• Crushed candies and cookies
• Sauces (chocolate, caramel and something fruity, too)
• Assorted nuts
• Crunchy favorites like crumbled cones or salty pretzels
• Coconut (raw and toasted)
• Whipped cream
• Sprinkles

A Bold Take on an American Classic
When it comes to feeding family and friends on the Fourth of July, nothing pleases guests more than fan-favorite American bites fresh off the grill. Cheeseburgers are a tried-and-true classic for summer grilling season. Give your burger recipe a bold, sweet kick this Fourth of July with honey barbecue sauce and the finishing touch of delicious, smooth-melting Borden Cheese. Find more summer recipes to transform mealtime into memorable family time at bordencheese.com.

Bold Honey Barbecue Burger

Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3-4 tablespoons steak seasoning
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 stick melted butter
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 slices Borden Cheese American Singles
• 8 slices thick bacon, cooked until crispy
• 8 frozen onion rings
• 4 slices tomato
• fresh lettuce

1. Combine ground beef, green onions, garlic powder and cayenne pepper; form into four patties. Sprinkle both sides of each patty with steak seasoning. Cover and chill. (Patties can be made several hours in advance.)
2. Brush buns with melted butter; set aside. In small bowl, mix barbecue sauce with honey; set aside.
3. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill burgers to internal temperature of 160° F, about 4-6 minutes per side. Two minutes before burgers are finished, grill buns, butter-side down, until golden brown. Place cheese slices on burgers to melt.
5. Serve each burger on buttered bun topped with two slices bacon, two onion rings, honey barbecue sauce, lettuce and tomato.

A Tropical Summer Twist
If you find yourself hosting a last-minute barbecue without time to plan an extensive menu, don’t panic. Simply add a twist to traditional summer staples, like mixing one bag of cabbage with one jar of coleslaw dressing for a classic coleslaw side dish or incorporating coleslaw into your main course. This spin on a classic barbecue meal, Grilled Hawaiian Chicken and Tropical Coleslaw, can take your entertaining to the next level. For more recipes, visit litehousefoods.com.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken and Tropical Coleslaw

Total time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Serves: 6

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus additional for brushing grill
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 teaspoons Litehouse Instantly Fresh Garlic
• 1 tablespoon Litehouse Instantly Fresh Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste
• salt, to taste
• 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 large red onion, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 large green peppers, diced into 1 1/4-inch pieces
• 3 cups fresh cubed pineapple

Coleslaw:

• 1 package (14 ounces) coleslaw mix
• 1 cup diced red pepper
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup Litehouse Coleslaw dressing

1. In mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. Stir in pepper and season with salt, if desired.
2. Place chicken in gallon-sized re-sealable bag. Reserve 1/2 cup marinade in refrigerator then pour remaining marinade over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Soak 10 wooden skewer sticks in water 1 hour.
3. While chicken marinates, prepare coleslaw. In medium bowl, toss together coleslaw mix, red pepper, pineapple, almonds and coleslaw dressing. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Heat grill to 400° F.
5. Drizzle remaining olive oil over red onion, bell pepper and pineapple; toss. Season red onion and bell pepper with salt and pepper then thread red onion, bell pepper, pineapple and chicken onto skewers until all chicken is used.
6. Brush grill grates with olive oil then place skewers on grill. Grill 5 minutes then brush along tops with 1/4 cup marinade. Rotate to opposite side and brush remaining marinade on opposite side; grill about 4 minutes, or until chicken registers 165° F in center on instant read thermometer.
   Serve skewers warm with coleslaw.

A Honey of a Side
No summer picnic or grilling spread is complete without an array of mouthwatering sides. When planning your menu, go for variety with dishes ranging from rich and savory to light and refreshing. If you want to mix things up a bit, look for ways to dress up timeless favorites, like this take on baked beans that gets its sweetness from honey instead of sugar. Find more ways to sweeten up your celebration at honey.com.

Honey Baked Beans

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 4-6

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 1/2 cups cooked navy beans (or 3 cans, 15 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Saute bacon and onion until onion is tender; combine with remaining ingredients in shallow 2-quart, oven-safe baking dish. Cover with lid or aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 45 minutes longer.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (berry sundaes)
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (baked beans)

Source: Family Features

Gorgonzola Mustard
Southern Roadhouse Barbecue Topping
Sweet and Hot Tropical Salsa for Brats

(Family Features) - We all seem to thrive on competition these days. Any channel surfer can find reality shows in which folks are trying to be the next survivor on a deserted island, rock star, celebrity chef or TV design guru. But nothing can beat the real life drama in your own backyard when brats vie for "top brat" awards.

First of all, choose the brat that consumers found to be the tastiest of all grillable meats in a recent taste test. Served hot and plump off the grill, alone on a bun or tortilla, this brat's robust flavor is more than delicious all by itself. But when you're in the mood to play with your food, top your brat with a favorite condiment, relish, salsa or slaw.

Top that juicy grilled brat with pickles and onions, mustard or ketchup. Go German with sauerkraut, Southern with a tangy barbecue topping, or even Hawaiian with pineapple and papaya. As long as you grill your brat so that it's plump and juicy, the topping you choose is only going to add style points. So, top that!

Check out johnsonville.com for great recipes and more!

Are You a Grillin' Guru?

You can be, by following Johnsonville's Tips for Grilling Success.

1. Use a clean grill. Repeated grilling causes excessive residue buildup on the grill rack and hull. An occasional cleaning will help to reduce flare-ups. Besides, your grill is a special gathering place for friends and family. Got to keep up appearances.
2. It's OK to pre-cook. Know that it's OK to pre-cook brats. One may simmer the links in a pan of broth, or a beer and onion blend, for 8 to10 minutes prior to placing them on the grill (it's okay to dump the beer when you're done ... really, it is).
3. Cook slow, on low heat, keeping grill covered. If you're using a charcoal grill, spread out the gray/white, hot coals in a single layer. Your charcoal grill is perfect for brats if you can hold your palm near the grill for 5 to 6 seconds before it gets uncomfortable. On a gas grill, start the flame at a medium setting, and when the sausage juices start to flow, reduce heat to low. A lid on the grill helps to minimize the flame, too.
4. Avoid high flames! First, move the brats to safety. Raging blazes cause injury to sausage and your neighbors probably won't enjoy the sirens. Keep a spray-bottle filled with water handy to douse small flames while grilling. A garden hose would be overkill.
5. Turn the brats every five minutes or so. Use tongs, never a fork ... EVER! A fork can puncture a link and release that great taste and savory flavor. Tongs keep the links intact, and make 'em easier to turn.

Know when your brats are done cooking, which is:

• about 25 to 30 minutes using the above guidelines.
• when they're golden-brown and look appetizing, not charred to a crisp. "Burning" is not "grilling"!
• when a meat thermometer probe inserted into the link reads 160°F. (Of course, a Master Griller would never be seen doing this.)

Gorgonzola Mustard

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon coarsely cracked black pepper
• 1 bottle (12 ounces) dark beer
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup stone ground mustard

Preparation

1. In skillet, melt butter.
2. Add garlic and sauté over low heat until tender. Add pepper and beer; bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat and gradually add cheese; stirring until melted. Continue to cook and stir until mixture is reduced by 1/3.
4. Remove from heat. Add mustard; stir until blended. Pour into storage container. Refrigerate until ready to serve as a condiment to grilled brats.

Serves

Yield: 2 cups.

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Grilling suggestion: Blend 1 cup Gorgonzola mustard with 1/3 cup dark beer. Use as brushing or basting sauce for brat kabobs, whole brats or vegetables when grilling.

Southern Roadhouse Barbecue Topping

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup prepared coleslaw dressing
• 1 package (16 ounces) cabbage slaw

Preparation

1. In skillet, heat oil. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent and slightly brown. Remove from heat, cool slightly.
2. In small bowl, combine onion mixture with barbecue sauce and coleslaw dressing. Pour over cabbage slaw and toss lightly to coat.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve as topping with grilled brats.

Serves

Yield about 5 cups

Sweet and Hot Tropical Salsa for Brats

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cider or rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup diced papaya
• 1/2 cup diced sweet onion
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1/2 cup diced sweet red roasted peppers, drained
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon Chinese 5 spices

Preparation

1. In small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar and salt; bring to boil.
2. Reduce heat, add garlic and pepper flakes; continue to simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature.
3. In bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Pour vinegar mixture over fruit; toss lightly. Refrigerate until ready to serve as condiment to grilled brats.

Serves

Yield 3 cups

Source

Johnsonville