(Family Features) Fresh, flavorful ingredients take springtime meals to another level, and it’s hard to top seafood as a seasonal favorite. Skip the wait at restaurants and instead create your own savory seafood dishes by taking advantage of easy-to-make recipes.

While takeout may be an easy option, the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal like Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice can make you feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality dinner. Next time you’re craving Asian cuisine, swap out traditional rice noodles for this version with Jasmine rice as an aromatic, quick-cooking solution for your own spin on a classic.

Take the guesswork out of cooking rice with an option like Success Boil-In-Bag Rice, which offers a heat safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved solution for fluffy, flavorful rice that cooks up perfectly. The high-quality grains are quick, easy, mess-free and ready in 10 minutes, so you can enjoy hassle-free dishes such as Successful Crab and Rice Cakes.

These crispy crab cakes come together easily and are served with a zesty, homemade aioli that tastes just like you’re on the coast. If you’re new to making crab cakes, it’s simpler than it may seem – just cook rice beforehand so it can cool then mix in beaten eggs, seafood and seasonings. Refrigerating and resting the mixture helps it hold together before frying to a mouthwatering golden brown for a delicious appetizer, snack or side dish.

Visit SuccessRice.com to find more springtime meal ideas.

Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice

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

• 1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• 4 lime wedges

1. Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.
2. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
3. In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil. Quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve.
4. Add remaining oil to wok over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked. Add reserved sauce and rice; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine.
5. Divide pad Thai between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Successful Crab and Rice Cakes

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

Crab Cakes:

• 1 bag Success Brown Rice
• 2 eggs
• 1 pound lump crabmeat
• 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aioli:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 lemon, zest and juice only
• lemon wedges (optional)

1. To make crab cakes: Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool.
2. In medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Stir in rice, crabmeat and seafood seasoning; mix well. Refrigerate 5 minutes. Shape mixture into eight patties.
3. In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, carefully place patties in skillet. Cook 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
4. To make aioli: Stir together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice.
5. Serve aioli with crab cakes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Source:

Success Rice

(Family Features) Whether you’re celebrating a weekend meal with loved ones or simply looking for a way to bring your family to the table at the same time, seafood night can make dinnertime a special treat. Next time you plan to make fish the focus of your menu, it’s possible you’ll be enjoying the benefits of aquaculture, also known as seafood farming.

Fast becoming a leading source of seafood worldwide, aquaculture is similar to typical agriculture but with fish, shellfish and seaweeds. Farmed seafood can be raised and harvested in either fresh or seawater, where natural conditions are recreated.

Today, half of all seafood Americans eat annually is farm raised and the appetite is only growing. There are many reasons for this, but one is due to overfishing and destructive practices. About 33% of wild fish stocks have reached their biological limit and aquaculture helps meet the increasing demand for seafood.

However, not all seafood you find in the grocery aisles is the same. Despite industry advances, aquaculture still faces challenges with fraud, mislabeling and questionable conditions. That’s why it’s important to look for responsible seafood products that are labeled by a trusted certification process.

For example, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is a non-profit certification program that has created and enforced the world’s strictest and highest standards for seafood farming since 2010. Today, it is transforming the seafood industry with a new level of certification for farmed seafood. This “new way to seafood” includes:

• Seafood that can be traced all the way from the farm to the store, ensuring the seafood you buy is what it claims to be

• The strictest combination of requirements to protect the environment, workers and communities on the farms where seafood is raised

• Improving farmed seafood quality and safety, so you can enjoy the flavor of recipes like One-Pan Japanese Salmon with Sweet Potato, Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry and Royal Salmon with Romesco Sauce and Aioli

To find more information about the certification process, visit NewWaytoSeafood.com.

Royal Salmon with Romesco Sauce and Aioli

Recipe courtesy of MOWI on behalf of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Servings: 2

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 Atlantic Salmon MOWI Royal portions
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 red pepper, cut into long strips
• 2 cups small potatoes, cooked and cut in half
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup garden peas
• 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon

Romesco Sauce:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts
• 1 slice white bread, crust removed
• 1 large roasted red pepper
• 1/4 cup tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
• salt
• black pepper

Aioli Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• salt
• white pepper
• lemon wedges, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Place large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 table­spoon olive oil. Season salmon portions with salt and pepper, to taste, and place skin sides down in pan. Cook 2-3 min­utes until skin is crispy. Place on sheet pan, skin sides up, and bake 6-7 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest.
3. In same skillet, add remaining olive oil then add peppers and potatoes. Cook 6-7 minutes until peppers soften and potatoes start to caramelize.
4. Add paprika, cayenne and peas; stir and cook 2 minutes. Add tarragon.
5. To make romesco sauce: In clean pan, heat olive oil and gently fry garlic, nuts and bread until toasted.
6. In blender, process red pepper, tomato puree and vinegar until smooth. Add toasted nuts and bread; process to desired consistency.
7. To make aioli: In bowl, whisk mayonnaise, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper.
8. Place several spoonfuls of aioli on plate. Top with potatoes, peppers and salmon, skin side up. Top with romesco sauce.

Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry

Recipe courtesy of MOWI on behalf of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Servings: 2

• 2 pieces of MOWI Pure portions salmon
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 clove garlic, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1cup pumpkin or butternut squash, diced
• 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 1/2tablespoons red curry paste
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/4 cup tomatoes
• 4 shrimp
• 1 lime, quartered
• 2-3 cilantro leaves, for garnish

1. Cut salmon into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and pumpkin or squash; saute 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Mix in lemongrass and curry paste. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add coconut milk, fish sauce and tomatoes; mix thoroughly. Add shrimp and salmon; cook until done.
4. Serve with rice and lime quarters. Sprinkle with cilantro.

One-Pan Japanese Salmon with Sweet Potato

Servings: 2

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup tamarind sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 sweet potato, cut into rounds
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• sea salt
• 8 spears broccolini
• 2 salmon fillets (4 ounces each)
• brown rice, for serving

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line tray with baking paper.
2. To make marinade: In bowl, whisk sesame oil, tamarind sauce, Dijon mustard, sesame seeds and honey until combined.
3. Place sweet potato on baking tray and drizzle with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sea salt. Roast 25 minutes.
4. Remove tray from oven and add broccolini. Drizzle with remaining coconut oil and sea salt. Place salmon fillets in middle of tray and drizzle with marinade. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness. Serve with brown rice.

Source: Aquaculture Stewardship Council

(Family Features) Adding salmon to your weekly menu can take dinnertime from drab to delicious. Combining it with bright, fresh veggies heightens the savory experience even more for a burst of seafood flavor.

Loaded with salmon and shrimp, this Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry is a perfect option for putting together a quick yet delicious meal.

Fast becoming a leading source of seafood worldwide, aquaculture is similar to typical agriculture but with fish, shellfish and seaweeds. Farmed seafood can be raised and harvested in either fresh or seawater, where natural conditions are recreated.

However, not all seafood you find in the grocery aisles is the same. Despite industry advances, aquaculture still faces challenges with fraud, mislabeling and questionable conditions. That’s why it’s important to look for responsible seafood products that are labeled by a trusted certification process.

For example, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is a non-profit certification program that has created and enforced the world’s strictest and highest standards for seafood farming since 2010. Today, it is transforming the seafood industry with a new level of certification for farmed seafood. This “new way to seafood” includes:

• Seafood that can be traced all the way from the farm to the store, ensuring the seafood you buy is what it claims to be
• The strictest combination of requirements to protect the environment, workers and communities on the farms where seafood is raised
• Improving farmed seafood quality and safety

Visit NewWaytoSeafood.com to find more information about the certification process.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry

Recipe courtesy of MOWI on behalf of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Servings: 2

• 2          pieces of MOWI Pure portions salmon
• 1          cup wild rice
• 1          tablespoon coconut oil
• 1          clove garlic, sliced
• 1/4       cup red onion, diced
• 1          cup pumpkin or butternut squash, diced
• 1          tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 1/2    tablespoons red curry paste
• 1/2       cup coconut milk
• 1          tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/4       cup tomatoes
• 4          shrimp
• 1          lime, quartered
• 2-3       cilantro leaves, for garnish

1. Cut salmon into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and pumpkin or squash; saute 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Mix in lemongrass and curry paste. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add coconut milk, fish sauce and tomatoes; mix thoroughly. Add shrimp and salmon; cook until done.
4. Serve with rice and lime quarters. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Source: Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Recipes to help boost iron levels, aid plasma donation recovery

(Family Features) Chef Nate Appleman knows how important it is to serve healthy meals to your family – ones they actually want to eat. Before having his first child, he transformed his eating and exercise habits and lost 85 pounds to get on a healthier path.

Now, he’s cooking meals for his family, including 14-year-old Oliver who was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease as a toddler – an inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause damage to coronary arteries – as a healthy lifestyle is important to help manage the disease. Since Oliver’s diagnosis, Appleman made it his personal mission to create awareness of Kawasaki Disease and for the critical need for plasma donations that many people with the disease rely on for treatment, which is why he partnered with Abbott to bring attention to the need for plasma donations.

Plasma is a powerful part of your blood that supports essential bodily functions. It’s a lifeline for thousands of people who are immune-compromised and live with a variety of chronic and complex diseases. In fact, more than 125,000 Americans rely on medication made from plasma every day, according to the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA).

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a serious shortage of plasma donors – average donations per center in the United States were down approximately 11% during the first few months of 2021 compared to the previous year, further deepening the nearly 20% decline in donations in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the PPTA.

Donating plasma is a safe and relatively easy process. Since plasma is replaced in the body within about 24 hours, it can be donated up to twice per week. With a donation that typically takes between 1-3 hours, you can make a lasting impact by providing lifesaving medicine for patients like Oliver.

It’s a good idea to fuel up with iron-rich foods before and after donating, so Appleman created these fresh, nutritious recipes he loves to serve his family: Marinated Skirt Steak, Lemon Chicken with Roasted Red Onions and Potatoes, and Cheesy Frittata with Veggies.

Learn where you can donate at bethe1donor.abbott.

Marinated Skirt Steak

Recipe courtesy of chef Nate Appleman on behalf of Abbott

Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons raw sugar
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juice only
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small Thai bird chile or serrano chile, chopped
• 1/4 head finely shaved green cabbage
• 1/4 head finely shaved purple cabbage
• 2 carrots, thinly julienned

Skirt steak:

• 1 1/2 pounds trimmed skirt steak
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• salt, to taste
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
• 1 lime, quartered, for garnish

1. To make vinaigrette: In large bowl, mix oil, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, water, sugar, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and chile. Toss cabbage and carrots in vinaigrette; refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. To make skirt steak: Marinate steak in coconut milk, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, sriracha and salt, to taste, at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
3. Heat grill to high.
4. Grill 3-4 minutes each side until medium rare.
5. Let rest 3 minutes.
6. Thinly slice steaks against grain and serve with vinaigrette, rice and crushed peanuts; garnish with lime wedges.

Lemon Chicken with Roasted Red Onions and Potatoes

Recipe courtesy of chef Nate Appleman on behalf of Abbott

Lemon chicken:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into eight pieces
• 1 ounce minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Potatoes:

• 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
• salted water
• oil

Cauliflower:

• 1 head cauliflower
• salted water
• ice
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Roasted onions:

• 1 red onion
• salt
• oil

For serving:

• 3 ounces pitted Castelvetrano or green olives, cut into quarters
• 5 ounces wild arugula
• 1 lemon, quartered

1. To make lemon chicken: Marinate chicken in mixture of minced garlic, granulated garlic, paprika, smoked paprika, fennel pollen, dried oregano, coriander and salt; let sit overnight.
2. To make potatoes: Boil potatoes in heavily salted water until tender. Cool, peel and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Toss with oil to coat; reserve.
3. To make cauliflower: Cut cauliflower into florets and blanch in salted water 1 minute; shock in ice bath. Remove from ice and dry. Toss with mayonnaise, tamari and parsley; reserve.
4. To make roasted onions: Preheat oven to 450 F. Peel onion and slice into 1-inch rings. Toss with salt and oil; roast until slightly caramelized with texture. Chill and reserve.
5. Preheat oven to 450 F.
6. Bake chicken on sheet pan approximately 15 minutes. Add potatoes and cauliflower. Bake approximately 15 minutes then switch oven to broil approximately 10 minutes.
7. Squeeze lemon over reserved onion.
8. When chicken is crispy and reaches internal temperature of 165 F, remove from oven and add onions and olives. Plate chicken, potatoes, onions, olives and cauliflower on top of arugula and garnish with lemon.

Cheesy Frittata with Veggies

Recipe courtesy of chef Nate Appleman on behalf of Abbott

Roasted Garlic:

• 2 heads garlic
• olive oil
• salt

Frittata:

• oil
• 2 medium leeks, sliced
• 8 ounces blanched, chopped broccoli
• salt, to taste
• 9 eggs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 ounces grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

1. To make roasted garlic: Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Slice 1/4 inch off entire heads of garlic and place cut sides down in 1-liter casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt; cover with lid.
3. Bake 35-45 minutes until heads of garlic are soft and light brown. Let cool then use back of knife to squeeze garlic from pods.
4. To make frittata: Lower oven to 375 F.
5. In saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook leeks until soft; add broccoli then season with salt, to taste, and remove from heat.
6. In mixing bowl, mix roasted garlic, sauteed leeks and broccoli, eggs, parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano and cream; place in 9-inch pie dish and bake approximately 20 minutes until top of frittata is brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Source: Abbott

(Family Features) Summer days are often spent with family and friends, soaking in the sun’s rays and enjoying outdoor living with warm-weather activities. Complement this year’s summertime excitement with food that matches your enthusiasm for the season.

Your menu can start with a fruity dip and a salad before diving into steak for the main course and a kid-friendly treat to top it all off. These recipes make the most of what summer has to offer with fresh fruits and veggies, bright and refreshing greens, tender cuts of meat and frozen treats that celebrate those memorable moments together.

Find more summer recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.

Dip Up a Good Time

Whether your summer days include planning extravagant meals or your on-the-go lifestyle calls for quick and easy recipes, simple snacks can fit a wide variety of menus. Dips are a perfect solution for afternoon pick-me-ups or evening appetizers when the whole family comes together.

This Apple Guacamole can be made in mere minutes, making it an ideal shareable among loved ones, by combining mashed avocados and seasonings with chopped Granny Smith apple pieces.

Visit Culinary.net for more snack ideas.

Apple Guacamole

Recipe adapted from the Meredith Corporation
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10

• 3          ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1/2       cup finely chopped Vidalia onion
• 1/2       cup snipped fresh cilantro
• 1          lime, juice only
• bottled hot pepper sauce, to taste
• 1          Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• kosher salt, to taste
• tortilla chips

1. In bowl, use fork to mash avocados, onion, cilantro, lime juice and hot pepper sauce to desired consistency. Stir in apple and season with salt, to taste.
2. Serve with tortilla chips.

Savor a Bite of Steak

A hearty flavor profile and perfectly prepared, high-quality meat can make a summer meal truly spectacular, especially when paired with fresh veggies in a protein-packed sandwich.

Inspired by Vietnamese tradition, this Steak Banh Mi recipe – which features tender grass-fed flat iron steak, pickled carrots, bright lettuce and crunchy cucumbers – is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next summer gathering. Take your taste buds to new heights with Silver Fern Farms natural cuts of 100% grass-fed beef from New Zealand, which is minimally processed with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. There, the animals roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures, resulting in lean, flavorful, nutritious meat that tastes just as nature intended.

Visit silverfernfarms.com for more inspiration.

Steak Banh Mi

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

• 10        ounces Silver Fern Farms New Zealand grass-fed beef flat iron steak
• 2          teaspoons hoisin sauce
• 2          teaspoons soy sauce
• 2          teaspoons honey
• 1          teaspoon fish sauce
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1          teaspoon, plus 1/2 cup, rice vinegar, divided
• 1/8       teaspoon five-spice powder
• 2          tablespoons sugar
• 1          pinch salt
• 1          small carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 1          tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4       cup water
• 2          Vietnamese baguettes or dinner rolls
• 1/4       cup mayonnaise
• 4          Batavia lettuce leaves
• 1/4       cup cilantro, chopped
• 1          Persian cucumber, sliced

1. Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, place steak in deep plate or storage container. In small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, garlic, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and five-spice powder; pour over steak. Cover and marinate in fridge at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. In small pot over medium heat, heat remaining rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Cook and stir until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Place carrots in deep plate or storage container. Pour cooled pickling liquid over carrots. Set aside to marinate.
4. Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Reserve marinade.
5. Heat oven to 325 F.
6. Heat heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and add oil. Once oil begins to smoke, add steak. Sear both sides, about 1 minute per side. Lower heat to medium.
7. Add reserved marinade and water to pan. Cook, covered, 3 minutes, removing lid to flip meat occasionally. Remove lid and let sauce reduce 1 minute, or until slightly thickened.
8. Transfer steak and sauce to large plate and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
9. Toast baguettes in oven 5 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes.
10. Slice baguettes along middle without cutting through.
11. Slice steak into thin pieces.
12. Spread mayonnaise on baguettes and add 1-2 lettuce leaves to each. Layer steak on lettuce leaves followed by cilantro, cucumbers and pickled carrots. Slice baguette into two sandwiches.

Go for Satisfying Summer Greens

Many summer meals start with a simple yet satisfying appetizer: salad. This year, make sure you set the table with a bright, delightful bowl of greens that sets the tone for an enjoyable and festive meal with loved ones.

This Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry Salad calls for an array of fruits, including a homemade blueberry dressing, paired with Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix for a fresh and flavorful base with pecan halves to add crunch. The salads are thoroughly washed, rinsed and gently dried then sealed in Keep-Crisp bags to maintain freshness.

Find more salad inspiration at freshexpress.com.

Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry Salad

Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Blueberry Dressing:

• 2          cups fresh blueberries
• 1/4       cup balsamic vinegar
• 2          tablespoons honey
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2       cup olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

• 2          large apples
• 2          packages (6 ounces each) Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix
• 1          pint strawberries, cut in half
• 1          pint blueberries
• 1/2       cup pecan halves, toasted
• blueberry dressing

1. To make blueberry dressing: In blender, process blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste, until smooth. Set aside.
2. To prepare salad: Cut apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Using 1-1/2-inch diameter star-shaped cutter, cut apple slices into stars.
3. Place lettuce mix in large bowl; add apples, strawberries and blueberries. Sprinkle with pecans. Before serving, drizzle each salad with blueberry dressing.

Sweet, Summery Treats

After some fun in the pool and time spent in the sun, a cooling treat is often the perfect way to cap off a summer day. Fresh fruits make those sweet eats even tastier and easier by making dessert in the morning and letting it freeze while you enjoy the warmth outdoors.

These Watermelon Berry Frozen Pops make dessert about as simple as possible by blending watermelon, blueberries, raspberries and honey before adding to ice pop molds and freezing throughout the day. With the addition of refreshing watermelon, you’re opting for a flavorful fruit that includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25%) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 milligrams per 2-cup serving) – an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection – than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.

To find more summertime snacks, meals and treats, visit watermelon.org.

Watermelon Berry Frozen Pops

Servings: 8

• 6          cups watermelon
• 1          cup blueberries, divided
• 1          cup raspberries, divided
• 3          tablespoons honey

1. In blender, blend watermelon, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup raspberries and honey until smooth. Press through fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds.
2. Fill ice pop molds 3/4 full with liquid. Add remaining whole blueberries and raspberries to molds. Insert sticks and freeze at least 4 hours, or until completely frozen.

 Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Apple Guacamole)

Source: Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Fresh Express
National Watermelon Promotion Board

Nutritious ideas for flavor-filled family meals

(Family Features) Sitting down for a homemade meal may feel harder to come by these days, but recipes that are both nutritious and flavorful can help bring your loved ones together at the family table.

From morning to night, these breakfast, dinner, side and dessert recipes from the Georgia Peanut Commission provide power-packed solutions loaded with protein to help your family take on a full schedule while coming together for memorable meals and moments.

Get more peanut recipes at http://www.gapeanuts.com/consumers.php

Peanut Power Bowl

Recipe courtesy of Parker Wallace of Parker’s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Peanut Dressing:

• 1          cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4       cup full-fat coconut milk, plus additional, if desired
• lime juice

Bowl:

• 1          cup cooked farro or quinoa
• 1/2       cup chopped cabbage
• 1          cup shredded carrots
• 1          avocado, sliced
• 1          cup spiralized zucchini or butternut squash
• 1/2       cup pomegranate arils
• 1          cup mandarin pieces
• 1/2       cup roasted peanuts
• chopped cilantro, for garnish
• green onions, for garnish

1. To make Peanut Dressing: In bowl, whisk peanut butter, coconut milk and lime juice until smooth. Add coconut milk, if necessary, to achieve desired consistency.
2. To make bowl: Layer farro or quinoa then top with cabbage, carrots, avocado, zucchini or squash, pomegranate arils, mandarin pieces, peanuts and Peanut Dressing. Garnish with cilantro and green onions.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Parker Wallace of Parker’s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2       cup creamy peanut butter
• 2          tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 3          teaspoons chili garlic sauce
• 1/2       lime, juice only
• 2-3       garlic cloves, pressed or grated
• 2          tablespoons fresh ginger
• 1          teaspoon fish sauce
• 1/2       cup full-fat coconut milk
• 4          tablespoons warm water, plus additional, if necessary

Lettuce Wraps:

• 2          heads Boston or butter lettuce
• 1          pound cooked chicken
• 1          red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4          green onion, sliced
• 3          carrots, shredded and grated
• 1/2       cucumber, sliced into matchsticks
• 1          bunch fresh basil
• 1          bunch fresh mint
• 1/4       cup crushed peanuts
• sliced limes, for garnish

1. To make Peanut Sauce: In small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, milk and water. Add more water for thinner sauce, if desired.
2. To make Lettuce Wraps: Fill lettuce leaves with chicken and Peanut Sauce; top with bell pepper, onion, carrots, cucumber, basil and mint. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and garnish with lime slices.

Peanut Butter Breakfast Bread Pudding with Maple Peanut Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4

• Butter
• 2/3       cup creamy peanut butter, divided
• 2          eggs
• 1/2       cup granulated sugar
• 2/3       cup milk
• 1 1/2    teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 4          cups cubed brioche or challah bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 2/3       cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3       cup crushed peanuts
• powdered sugar, for garnish

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Butter four 4-ounce ramekins.
2. In bowl, mix 1/3 cup peanut butter, eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla and salt. Toss bread cubes in mixture until thoroughly coated. Divide evenly among prepared dishes. Bake until custard is set in middle and tops are golden, about 35-40 minutes. If tops of bread brown too quickly, cover ramekins loosely with aluminum foil.
3. In small saucepan over low heat, combine remaining peanut butter and maple syrup until thoroughly warmed.
4. To serve, drizzle ramekins with maple-peanut sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts and powdered sugar.
5. Substitution: Whole wheat rolls may be used in place of brioche or challah bread.

Peanut Butter Squares

Recipe courtesy of Southern Peanut Growers
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 squares

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          package (17 1/2 ounces) peanut butter cookie mix
• 3          tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1          tablespoon water
• 1          egg
• 3          cups miniature marshmallows
• 2/3       cup light corn syrup
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 2          teaspoons vanilla
• 1          bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
• 2          cups crispy rice cereal
• 2          cups salted roasted peanuts

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spray 13-by-9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, oil, water and egg until soft dough forms. Press dough into prepared pan.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until set.
4. Sprinkle marshmallows over crust. Bake 1-2 minutes until marshmallows begin to puff. Remove from oven.
5. In 4-quart saucepan over low heat, heat corn syrup, butter, vanilla and peanut butter chips, stirring constantly until chips are melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
6. Stir in cereal and peanuts; spoon mixture evenly over marshmallow layer.
7. Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until firm. Cut into bars and serve.

Source:  Georgia Peanut Commission