Sweet, Simple Solutions for Family Meals
(Family Features) Busy mornings, afternoons and evenings are the norm for many families with days full of work, school, extracurricular activities, social commitments and more. Finding time to pause and share a meal is often a priority that may remain difficult to achieve.
With easy family-friendly recipes that call for Envy apples – named America’s No. 1 apple for taste, crispness, aroma and appearance, according to an independent sensory test by Forward Agency – you can bring your loved ones together for shared meals.
Crisp Apple Tacos put a fresh and sweet spin on a dinnertime classic by making tacos with pork medallions, homemade slaw and apple wedges. With plenty of easy prep work to be done, they’re a convenient way to call everyone to the kitchen; even little ones can help by mixing the dressing, apple sticks and cabbage for the tasty slaw.
For a quick and easy dinner option on busy summer nights, fire up the grill and cook Grilled Apple Portobello Burgers. Distinctly sweet apple rounds are paired with savory, umami-rich portobello mushrooms for a flavor-packed, meatless take on traditional burgers.
Easily recognized by their large, sharable size, Envy apples boast bright red skin that sometimes features a golden blush. They are ideal for snacking, with their satisfying crunch and balanced sweetness, and can also be served as part of any meal of the day. For example, Apple Avocado Toast provides a simple way to fuel up on weekday mornings or can be enjoyed as part of a weekend brunch with the family.
Find these delicious apples at a grocer near you by visiting EnvyApple.com.
Apple Avocado Toast
- 2 eggs
- water
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 Envy apple
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- edible flowers, for garnish
- In pot, cover eggs with 1 inch cold water. Boil 6-7 minutes then place in cool water bath.
- Peel eggs, halve lengthwise and set aside.
- Toast sourdough bread then mash avocado across bread with fork.
- Cut apple into thin slices and place on top of avocado along with egg halves. Top with lime juice, Parmesan cheese, chia seeds and chives.
- Garnish with edible flowers.
Grilled Apple Portobello Burgers
- 2 Envy apples
- 4 portobello mushrooms
- 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup herbed goat cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 large butter lettuce leaves
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Heat grill to high heat.
- Slice apple horizontally into thick round wedges and remove seeds using fork.
- Remove portobello stems.
- In small bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt. Using basting brush, coat mushrooms on both sides with olive oil mixture.
- Grill mushrooms stem sides down 2 minutes then flip. Add goat cheese and grill 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Coat apple rounds with remaining olive oil and grill 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char.
- Serve mushrooms with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise.
Crisp Apple Tacos
- 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 2 Envy apples, divided
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 12 soft taco shells
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch medallions.
- Coat pork medallions with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat.
- Slice half of one apple into thick wedges and add to saucepan. Slice remaining half into thin wedges and set aside.
- Add rosemary to saucepan and heat 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and heat 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.
- Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.
- Thinly slice half of remaining apple into thin sticks around same size of shredded cabbage. Reserve remaining half.
- In serving bowl, toss apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage.
- In bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar into dressing. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste.
- Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
- Cut remaining apple half into thin wedges.
- Top taco shells with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeeze of lime juice. Top with apple wedges.
Source: Envy Apples
Summer Snacks that Satisfy Cravings
(Family Features) Road trips, outdoor adventures and relaxing by the pool are some of summer’s most popular activities, and all can be more enjoyable by adding favorite snacks to the mix. Next time you bask in the summer sun, bring along some tasty pecan snacks that allow you stay on track with wellness goals without sacrificing those snack-time delights.
Whether you enjoy their natural sweetness straight from the bag or add them to your go-to recipes, pecans are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber of tree nuts, an option that’s perfect for snacking. In fact, each ounce of pecans includes 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber to go with 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat.
Curb your snack cravings with a savory option like Buffalo-Pecan Pimento Cheese Dip with veggies and crackers, or if something sweeter tempts your taste buds, dive into a tangy treat with these Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts.
Visit AmericanPecan.com for more snacking tips and recipes.
Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts
Total time: 22 minutes
Servings: 24
Mini Pecan Crusts:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 cups pecan pieces
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Lemon Filling:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1/2 cup blueberries, raspberries or combination
- powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- To make mini pecan crusts: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In food processor, blend pecan pieces, butter and sugar until mixture forms coarse dough.
- Scoop about 2 teaspoons pecan mixture in each muffin tin. Use back of wooden spoon or fingers to press mixture evenly along bottom and up sides of each muffin cup.
- Bake 12 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown. Allow crusts to cool completely before removing from pan.
- To assemble crusts: Spoon 1 teaspoon lemon curd into each mini pecan crust. Top with one raspberry or three small blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Buffalo-Pecan Pimento Cheese Dip
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 30
- 1 cup raw pecan pieces
- 1/2 pound (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 jar (4 ounces) sliced pimentos
- 2 tablespoons red hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tablespoon chives, freshly chopped
- veggies, for serving
- crackers, for serving
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- On baking sheet, spread pecans and roast 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant, tossing once halfway through. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely.
- In bowl, combine cheddar cheese, pimentos with juice, hot sauce, mayo, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add 3/4 of pecan pieces and mix until combined.
- Place dip in serving bowl and top with remaining pecan pieces and freshly chopped chives.
- Serve with veggies and crackers.
Source: American Pecan Council
Add Mediterranean Flair to Your Dinner Table
(Family Features) During the past year, many people have missed the opportunity to travel and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world, but it’s easy to explore other cultures and cuisines by experimenting in the kitchen.
If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the shores of Spain or the beaches of Greece, one of the best places to start is with the Mediterranean Diet. Renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian recommends these tips to help home cooks elevate their dishes and easily incorporate the popular diet into everyday cooking.
Reach for Pantry Staples. There’s no single definition of the Mediterranean Diet, but it’s high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and seafood. By keeping your pantry stocked with canned versions of ingredients like beans and fish you can easily add them to your favorite dishes. Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates, and Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle are flavorful ways to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.
Add Seafood. Eating more seafood is one of the leading principles of the Mediterranean Diet. Tuna salad is one tried-and-true dish that can help incorporate fish into your menu. To make it more nutritious, opt for tuna that’s packed in extra-virgin olive oil, so you don’t have to add much mayo to the base. For example, Genova Premium Tuna provides a tasteful addition to recipes and is high in protein, a great source of omega-3s and has a uniquely rich and savory flavor that offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Visit GenovaSeafood.com for more recipe inspiration.
Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4
- 6 ounces Genova Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 anchovies
- 1/2 lemon, juice only (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumber spears, endive leaves, sliced fennel and bell pepper strips, for dipping
- Drain tuna, reserving 2 tablespoons oil.
- In small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Bring to boil and reduce until syrupy, about 1 tablespoon. Let cool slightly; discard bay leaf and rosemary sprig.
- In blender or food processor, process tuna and reserved oil, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies and lemon juice to make smooth dip. Transfer to flat serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup. Serve with raw vegetables.
Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates
Prep time: 20-30 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, drained
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus additional for garnish (optional)
- 2 lemons, zest only (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces whole-wheat orecchiette
- 1/2 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted and quartered
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
- Preheat oven to 325 F.
- On a sheet tray, toast pine nuts 8-12 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool.
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare ice water bath by filling large bowl with cold water and ice. Stir arugula into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender, about 30 seconds. Drain arugula, immediately shock in ice water and set aside to fully drain; cover with towel.
- In blender or food processor, add arugula; garlic; pine nuts; butter, if desired; Parmigiano-Reggiano; lemon zest, if desired; salt; and pepper. Puree on high, incorporating olive oil to desired thickness.
- Place pesto in bowl and cover tightly to avoid discoloring.
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add pasta and return to boil, stirring occasionally. Taste pasta for doneness 2 minutes earlier than package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to large bowl. Do not rinse.
- Add pesto gently until evenly distributed. Fold in tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, dates and olives.
- Divide between shallow bowls and finish with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano, dill and parsley, if desired.
Source: Genova Tuna
A Truly Memorable Summer Menu
(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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Place carrots in deep plate or storage container. Pour cooled pickling liquid over carrots. Set aside to marinate.
- Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Reserve marinade.
- Heat oven to 325 F.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer steak and sauce to large plate and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Toast baguettes in oven 5 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes.
- Slice baguettes along middle without cutting through.
- Slice steak into thin pieces.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Sizzling Meals Made for Summer
(Family Features) Summertime, for many, represents an opportunity to enjoy freshly cooked meals while enjoying time outdoors. Taking your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary starts with chef-inspired recipes that call to mind the flavors of the season.
Whether you’re a steak enthusiast who enjoys nothing more than a tender cut or a summer burger connoisseur looking for a fresh twist on tradition, these recipes call for high-quality beef from Omaha Steaks. Created by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose, the New York Strips Oscar-Style complement the thick, juicy, marbled flavor of the steaks with sauteed asparagus, bearnaise sauce and jumbo lump crab meat. Or turn your attention to Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers with pimento remoulade sauce for a tempting way to combine two summertime favorites – seafood and burgers.
Visit OmahaSteaks.com for more summer meal inspiration.
Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers
Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose
Prep time: about 20 minutes
Cook time: about 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Pimento Remoulade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced pimentos
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced bread and butter pickles
- 1 pepperoncino (seeded and minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 dashes hot sauce
- kosher salt, to taste
Fried Lobster Tails:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1/4 cup potato chips, finely blended in food processor
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon minced flat leaf Italian parsley
- 2 Omaha Steaks lobster tails (5 ounces each)
Cheeseburgers:
- 1 pound Omaha Steaks premium ground beef
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 brioche buns
- 2 slices yellow cheddar cheese
- 3 leaves romaine lettuce, shredded
- To make pimento remoulade: In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pimentos, mustard, pickles, pepperoncino, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice and hot sauce until well incorporated. Season with salt, to taste.
- To make fried lobster tails: Preheat grill to 400 F and add oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan about 1/2-inch deep.
- In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well incorporated. Set aside.
- In separate medium bowl, whisk egg, water and hot sauce. Set aside.
- In third medium bowl, whisk potato chips, panko breadcrumbs and parsley until well incorporated. Set aside.
- Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, remove meat from shell and season with remaining kosher salt and black pepper.
- Toss halved lobster tails in flour mixture first, egg mixture second then potato chip mixture third, coating thoroughly.
- Fry lobster tails 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Close grill lid between flipping.
- To make cheeseburgers: Preheat grill to 450 F using direct heat. Form ground beef into two 1/2 pound patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.
- Using thumb, make dimple in center of each patty to help cook evenly.
- Season both sides of burger with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread butter on each cut side of buns.
- Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Add one slice cheddar cheese on each burger, close lid and grill about 30 seconds to melt cheese. Remove patties from grill to clean plate. Place buns cut sides down on grill grates and toast 20-30 seconds, or until well toasted, being careful to avoid burning.
- To assemble: Place desired remoulade on buns. Place cheeseburgers on bottom buns. Top each with two fried lobster tail halves. Place handful shredded lettuce on lobster tails. Top with buns.
New York Strips Oscar-Style
Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose
Prep time: about 30 minutes
Cook time: about 3 1/2 hours
Servings: 4
Sauteed Asparagus:
- 1/2 pound jumbo asparagus (about 1 bunch), blanched in salted boiling water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bearnaise Sauce:
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons water, plus additional for boiling, divided
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Jumbo Lump Crab Meat:
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
New York Strip Steaks:
- 4 Omaha Steaks Private Reserve or Butcher’s Cut New York Strips (10 ounces each)
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- water
- 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- To make asparagus: Cut asparagus stalks into 1/4-inch pieces. Heat large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add garlic and shallots to pan; lightly saute about 20 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add asparagus to pan; saute about 2 minutes until lightly browned. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- To make bearnaise sauce: In small saucepan, bring vinegar, shallots and tarragon to boil then reduce to simmer 3-4 minutes until reduced by about half. Cool to room temperature.
- Bring medium pot half full of water to slow boil.
- In small bowl, whisk egg yolks, vinegar reduction, water and hot sauce until well incorporated.
- Place bowl over pot of boiling water and continue whisking ingredients until it starts to emulsify and becomes sauce-like. Alternate whisking on and off heat every 30 seconds to prevent eggs from scrambling.
- Gradually add melted butter, continuously whisking until sauce becomes rich with ribbony consistency and sets up. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon water at a time and whisk to desired consistency.
- To make crab meat: In medium bowl, lightly toss crab meat with salt until well coated.
- To make steaks: Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season heavily with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring steaks to room temperature.
- Place sous vide immersion circulator in pot of water and set to 5 F below target doneness.
- Place seasoned steaks in sous vide bag or zip-top bag and cook 2 hours.
- Remove bag and remove steaks from bag. Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
- Warm large cast-iron pan over high heat and add oil. Add steaks, butter, garlic cloves and thyme leaves. After about 1 minute, steaks should start to brown.
- Flip steaks and baste with butter until caramelized. Remove steaks from pan and rest 7-8 minutes.
- To assemble: Place asparagus on bottom of plate. Top with steaks (whole or sliced), crab meat and bearnaise sauce.
Source: Omaha Steaks
Put a Zesty Spin on Weeknight Meals
(Family Features) Dinner in many households means foolproof recipes that families can count on, but those can become bland and boring. Finding new ways to put a twist on meals throughout the week adds fun to time spent in the kitchen while bringing new flavor to the table.
To help reinvigorate traditional weeknight dinners, chef Bobby Flay and Hidden Valley Ranch created the three-part Hidden Valley Ranch Night! series to debut dishes that bring bold flavor to traditional meals, such as these recipes for Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce and Ranch Seasoned Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas with Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream. The series will provide a spin on weeknight staples to showcase the simplicity, versatility and zesty flavor of ranch seasoning when used to create family-friendly dinners any night of the week.
Find more information, including series episodes and additional recipes, at hiddenvalley.com/ranch-night.
Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce
Servings: 4
Avocado Ranch Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon well-shaken buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
Ranch Spice Crusted Burger:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 brioche buns, split in half
- Avocado Ranch Sauce
- To make avocado ranch sauce: In bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth. Fold in green onions and diced avocados; set aside.
- To make burgers: In small bowl, whisk ranch seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Heat large cast-iron pan or griddle over high heat. Divide meat into four 6-ounce patties and make deep depression in centers with thumb. Season each with spice rub on one side.
- Add canola oil to pan and heat until shimmering. Place on burgers in pan, spice side down, and cook until golden brown and lightly charred, 4 minutes. Turn burgers over and cook 4 minutes, or until they reach desired doneness.
- Top each burger with two slices cheese. Add water to pan and cover tightly with lid 10 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.
- Place burgers on bottom buns and top each with avocado ranch sauce and top buns.
Ranch Seasoned Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas with Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream
Servings: 4
Tomato Salsa:
- 4 plum tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 jalapeno, finely diced
- 1 lime, juice only
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped into ribbons
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Quesadillas:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 1/2 pounds cremini or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning, divided
- 12 flour tortillas (6 inches)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 16 ounces roasted or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- canola oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- tomato salsa
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- To make tomato salsa: In medium bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, olive oil and basil; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- To make quesadillas: Preheat oven to 450 F.
- In large saute pan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add mushrooms and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons ranch seasoning. Cook until mushrooms are golden brown and liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool.
- Place tortillas next to each other on baking sheet. Sprinkle thin layer of cheese on eight tortillas. Add cooled mushrooms to four tortillas and shredded chicken to other four tortillas. Season each layer with salt and pepper. Stack tortillas to create four, two-layer quesadillas. Cover each with remaining tortillas; brush top tortillas lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with remaining ranch seasoning.
- Bake 6-8 minutes until cheese is melted and tortillas turn lightly golden brown with crispy edges.
- Cut each quesadilla into four pieces. Garnish each slice with dollop of sour cream. Add dollop of tomato salsa on top of sour cream and garnish with basil.
Source: Hidden Valley Ranch
Powerful Pairings
(Family Features) According to the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,” studies have proven that eating meals together as a family can improve communication and relationships, which is especially important during times of uncertainty and life’s more difficult moments. Great-tasting foods like pork and pulses can be combined to bring families together with quality nutrition, which helps bodies survive and thrive.
Pulses are the nutritionally dense, edible seeds of legumes including dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Together with pork, this pairing provides critical nutrients to support weight management and immune function, along with plenty of protein – providing all nine essential amino acids – fiber, B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and folate.
As part of the Powerful Pairings initiative, launched by the National Pork Board and USA Pulses in an effort to promote pairing whole foods to bring taste, balance and nutrition to the center of the plate, these recipes for Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers, Cuban Black Beans and Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy encourage a nutritious way to enjoy fresh taste.
Find more information, resources and recipes at powerfulpairings.com.
Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers
Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses
Servings: 4
Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 4 tablespoons red onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and finely minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
- 4 slices Jack cheese
Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and sliced thin
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Charred Green Chili Mayo:
- 1 can (3 ounces) diced green chilies
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 green onions, gently rubbed under cold running water and finely sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, gently rubbed under cold running water and chopped
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 head lettuce, gently rubbed under cold running water
- In large bowl, mix ground pork, onion, garlic and chili powders. Add black-eyed peas and salt; mix well. Form into four loosely packed balls and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- To make Caramelized Onions: In large skillet over medium-high heat, warm butter. Add onions, water and salt; cook, stirring, until onions soften and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To make Charred Green Chili Mayo: Place green chilies in hot cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, turning, until chilies begin to soften and turn black. Remove from heat and place in small bowl. Add mayonnaise, garlic and lime juice; whisk to blend. Add green onions and cilantro; stir well and refrigerate.
- To make burgers: Warm cast iron or nonstick griddle pan over medium-high heat. Place pork balls on hot skillet; flatten with heavy metal spatula. Season with salt, to taste. Cook approximately 3 minutes; flip and cook 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 F.
- Lightly toast buns. Place each burger on toasted bun with slice of cheese, Caramelized Onions, Charred Green Chili Mayo, avocado and lettuce.
Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy
Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses
Servings: 4
- 2 cups yellow split peas, cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, softened butter, divided
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
- 4 pork chops
- pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, gently rubbed under cold running water and diced
- 1 can black-eyed peas with juice
- 1/8 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- In medium bowl, use fork or potato masher to mash peas. Stir in 1/4 cup butter, cream and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Season pork chops with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
- In large skillet, warm oil over medium heat. Add pork chops to pan and cook approximately 4 minutes per side, or until they reach internal temperature of 145 F. Remove pork chops from pan; keep warm.
- In same pan, add remaining butter, onion and black-eyed peas. Cook 2-3 minutes until warm throughout, scraping pan. Add flour and season with salt and pepper, to taste. While stirring, slowly add milk.
- Serve mashed peas topped with pork chops and black-eyed pea gravy.
Cuban Black Beans
Recipe courtesy of Carolina Molea on behalf of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses
Serving: 6
- 1 quart water
- 1 green bell pepper, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled, divided
- 1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 Spanish onion, scrubbed with vegetable brush under running water and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- Fill large pot with water. Add 1/2 diced green pepper, two garlic cloves, beans and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- In skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add bacon; cook, turning, until bacon starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add remaining green pepper and onion; cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
- Chop remaining garlic cloves. Add to skillet with oregano, cumin and black pepper. Stir 1 minute. Pour in vinegar, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon.
- When beans are cooked, discard bay leaf. Transfer 1 cup beans to blender; blend to make paste. Return blended beans to large pot. Add bacon mixture and sugar. Stir well; bring to boil over medium heat. Lower heat, simmer and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes, skimming foam from top.
Source: National Family Meals Month
Simple Recipe Hacks for Time-Saving Meals
(Family Features) With many families spending more time than usual at home, scratch cooking trends are popular among home chefs. From homemade sourdough to elaborate multi-course dinners, the kitchen has become a place for creativity for many.
However, since summer brings all sorts of fun and outdoor activities, busy families may be looking for ways to spend less time in the kitchen without compromising on quality or flavor. Try to work smarter, not harder, and let your local grocery store do some of the heavy lifting.
Starting with pre-packaged salads, casseroles, fresh-baked breads or prepared items from the deli case, like a rotisserie chicken, opens an array of possibilities for quick family meals. For example, Signature Cafe and Signature Select, available exclusively at Albertsons and Safeway stores, can be your go-to for meal solutions, and you can find these products at a value compared to many leading national brands without giving up the quality you crave. With products available across the entire store, you can find easy-to-implement recipe hacks the whole family can enjoy.
Serving up a tasty and comforting dinner can be as easy as mixing together fresh ingredients like pre-made macaroni and cheese, rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli and topping your dish with cracker crumbs in this Chicken and Broccoli Mac and Cheese. You’ll have food on the table in less than 30 minutes and more time to spend with family and friends.
With the resources available at your neighborhood store, you can build restaurant-quality Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Nashville-Style Dressing at home by visiting the deli department for fried chicken and swinging by the bakery for a loaf of European-style bread. Crunchy fried chicken, cool lettuce, crisp pickles and spicy dressing including a handful of pantry staples make for the perfect flavor and texture combination.
End the day with a Neapolitan-Style Milkshake as classic flavors come together with vanilla bean ice cream, fudge striped shortbread cookies, strawberry preserves and whole milk. This ice cream treat is an indulgence that blends in a flash.
Visit Albertsons.com/exclusivebrands to shop for grocery delivery or pickup at your local store such as Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Supermarkets and Carrs/Safeway.
Chicken and Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Servings: 4
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 packages (12 ounces each) Signature Cafe Classic Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 cup frozen broccoli
- 2 Signature Cafe Whole Roasted Chicken Breasts (about 1 cup), skin removed and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cracker crumbs
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Coat 6-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Add macaroni and cheese, broccoli and chicken, stirring to combine until well incorporated. Top with cracker crumbs.
- Bake 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Neapolitan-Style Milkshake
Servings: 2-4
- 4 scoops (1/2 cup each) Signature Select Vanilla or Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- 6 Signature Select Fudge Striped Shortbread Cookies
- 4 tablespoons Signature Select Strawberry Preserves
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, plus additional (optional)
- In blender, process ice cream, cookies, strawberry preserves and whole milk.
- If desired, add milk to achieve desired thickness.
- Serve in chilled glasses.
Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Nashville-Style Dressing
Servings: 2
Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spicy Chicken Sandwich:
- 1/2 cup Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise, plus additional (optional)
- 4 slices Signature Select Artisan French or Italian Bread
- 2 pieces hand-breaded Signature Cafe Fried Chicken Breast, cut into slices
- 1 cup lettuce mix
- 8 sweet or dill pickle chips
- To make Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise: In bowl, combine mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- To make Spicy Chicken Sandwiches: Spread Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise onto bread slices. Arrange sliced chicken on half the bread slices and place lettuce and pickle chips on other half.
- Dress with additional Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise, if desired. Fold sandwiches together, spear with toothpick and slice diagonally.
Source: Albertsons
Cookout Cravings: Appease summer appetites with grilled fare
(Family Features) The first thought that comes to mind when picturing grilling in the summer sun might be a perfectly cooked steak or a juicy burger, but no backyard barbecue is complete without the all-important sides and beverages that complete the meal.
Whether you're pairing a main protein with separate side dishes or going all-in-one by combining tender chicken with veggies on skewers, the opportunities are endless for a crave-worthy cookout.
Find more summer grilling recipes at Culinary.net.
5 Steps for Sizzling Steak
A sizzling steak is a surefire sound of summer, and the flavors achieved from one that's perfectly grilled are hard to match.
Before you fire up your grill, consider these five basics for cooking a chef-worthy steak:
Prepare Your Cut
Taste preferences (and prices) may differ among sirloins, ribeyes, T-bones and more, but the way you prepare steaks likely won't change much from cut to cut. You'll want to trim the thickness down to 1/2-1 inch for proper cooking, and setting the meat out ahead of time allows it to warm to room temperature before hitting the grill.
Add Some Salt
Feel free to add any spices you prefer, but remember a good steak typically doesn't require fancy seasoning - a pinch of salt works just fine. Add your salt anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling time to help retain moisture and improve flavor.
Aim for High Heat
A two-zone fire is usually the way to go - one side of the grill should be hot (using direct heat) with the other side not quite as warm (indirect heat). This allows you to create a sear over direct heat before finishing cooking through - without burning - over indirect heat.
Sear and Slide
Cooking your steak over direct heat 1-2 minutes on each side is normally about right for creating a proper sear. At this point, depending on the thickness of your steak, you'll want to check for doneness. If it's not quite to the temperature you're looking to achieve, simply slide it over to the indirect heat for a finishing touch. Keep in mind these general guidelines for doneness: 120-125 F is rare, 130-135 F is medium-rare, 140-145 F is medium, 150-155 F is medium-well and 160-175 F is well done.
Let Rest
Finally, as hungry as you may be at this point, resting steaks is an important last step before diving in. Giving your steaks 5-10 minutes (foil or no foil) allows flavors to redistribute and moisture to be retained in the meat.
Less Prep, More Summer with a Skewered Solution
Make summer grilling easy and delicious by cooking your side dish and main dish together so you can spend more time outdoors and less time meal planning. These Grilled Greek Kebabs pair cubed chicken thighs with little potatoes on skewers, making for a classic cookout combo.
With no washing or peeling required, Creamer potatoes from The Little Potato Company require little prep, which helps make this recipe a breeze, and they cook quickly on the grill. Just marinate your chicken and potatoes with this zesty dressing and prepare for a taste bud-tingling backyard barbecue.
Visit littlepotatoes.com/summertime for more summer grilling recipes.
Grilled Greek Kebabs
Dressing/Marinade:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons, zest and juice only
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons mayonnaise
- Skewers:
- 2 cups The Little Potato Company Dynamic Duo bagged Creamer Potatoes, cut in half
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 wooden skewers dipped in water
- pita bread (optional)
Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 sliced Lebanese cucumbers
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
To make dressing/marinade: In measuring cup, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic and sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into large bowl. Refrigerate remaining.
To prepare skewers: Add potatoes and chicken pieces to bowl with marinade. Mix well to coat and marinate 30 minutes, or as long as overnight in refrigerator.
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Skewer potatoes and chicken cubes alternately on wooden skewers. Grill 6-8 minutes on both sides. Grill pita bread, if desired.
Finish dressing by adding mayonnaise.
To make salad: In large serving dish, mix tomatoes, cucumber, onions, feta cheese and olives. Place kebabs on top and drizzle with dressing.
Serve with grilled pita bread, if desired.
Sipping on Sweetness
When it's summertime, many people crave something cold and fruity. Simply combine frozen strawberries with frozen pink lemonade concentrate to create a cool concoction perfect for a sizzling day. This fizzy summertime treat can delight your taste buds and keep you quenched while enjoying the sun's rays.
Find more summer drink recipes at Culinary.net.
Strawberry Spritzer
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen sliced strawberries, sweetened and thawed
- 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 1 can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
- In blender, process strawberries until blended thoroughly.
- Pour strawberries into large pitcher; stir in soda and pink lemonade.
A Simple Stuffed Side
Whether you need a quick appetizer or something to snack on, these Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes make for an appealing bite.
Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net.
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net
- 24-48 cherry tomatoes
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 3 green onion stalks, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced dill
- fresh dill, for garnish
- Cut thin slice off top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp. Invert tomatoes on paper towel to drain.
In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in cucumber, green onion and dill. Spoon mixture into tomatoes. Top with fresh dill. - Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Steak)
Source: The Little Potato Company
Southwest Salmon Patties
(Culinary.net) Make your next family meal quick and tasty with a recipe that calls for common ingredients and simple preparation. These Southwest Salmon Patties are ideal for putting on the table on those busy weeknights, bringing the family together despite hectic schedules.
Find more family meal inspiration at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Southwest Salmon Patties
Serves: 4
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 1 pound skinless, boneless salmon filets, chopped
- 4 ounces whole green chiles, drained and chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- In medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, lime juice and cilantro.
- In large bowl, combine salt, pepper, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, salmon, chiles, scallions and 3 tablespoons mayonnaise mixture. Form salmon mixture into four patties. Cover patties with remaining breadcrumbs.
- In skillet, heat oil. Add breaded patties and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.
- Serve with remaining mayonnaise mixture.