(Family Features) If you’re looking for a little motivation to take on a busy day or fueling up for an adventurous weekend with the family, there’s no better way to start the morning than with a filling breakfast. However, not everyone takes full advantage of this ever-important opportunity to prepare for the day ahead.

For some, skipping breakfast is due to a lack of time in the morning. For others, it isn’t about a lack of hunger or time; it’s boredom from quick solutions like cereal or a bagel.

Take your breakfast to a whole new level – without sacrificing too many precious morning minutes – with recipes you can get excited about like Basmati with Apricots, Walnuts, Yogurt and Honey. Jam-packed with flavor, it takes 5 minutes to prepare so you can serve your whole family a nutritious, filling meal even if you’re in a rush.

A long-grain rice that’s common in India, basmati is fragrant with a nutty flavor and fluffy texture that pairs well with the sweetness of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots and dates for a combination of flavor and nutrition at the breakfast table. Better yet, you can enjoy it during busy mornings with Minute Instant Basmati Rice, which is ready in just 5 minutes on the stove or in the microwave for quick, delicious, aromatic dishes.

When you’re in need of a single-serve meal that’s big on flavor but short on prep time before heading to the office, it’s hard to top a comforting breakfast scramble. This Tomato, Bacon, Onion and Cheddar Scramble is sure to awaken your taste buds while providing the energy you need to take on the day.

Fully cooked Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups offer homestyle taste with carrots, onion and garlic. Ready in only 1 minute, the delicious combination of chicken, vegetables and herbs with hearty rice serves as a perfect base for savory omelets and scrambles. Plus, the BPA-free cups are a great option for an on-the-go power-up. For an even easier solution, you can eat the flavored rice right out of the cup so the breakroom or kitchen will stay clean while you enjoy a pick-me-up.

Discover more recipes that can fuel your mornings at MinuteRice.com.

Basmati with Apricots, Walnuts, Yogurt and Honey

Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 cup Minute Instant Basmati Rice
• 1/3 cup dried apricots, diced
• 1/3 cup walnut pieces
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup fresh apples, diced (optional)

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In cereal bowl, mix rice with apricots, walnuts and yogurt. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with diced apples, if desired, and serve.

Tomato, Bacon, Onion and Cheddar Scramble

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/8 cup diced onion
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup diced tomato
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• sliced scallions or parsley, for garnish (optional)

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In medium, nonstick saute pan over medium heat, heat butter. Add onion and saute 1 minute.
3. Add egg to pan and cook, stirring frequently, until scrambled and cooked through.
4. Add rice, bacon and tomato to pan; stir to combine until heated through. Stir in cheese. Garnish with scallions or parsley, if desired, and serve.

Source: Minute Rice

(Family Features) After a full day at the park or swimming pool, summer fun calls for some refueling. All that sun is sure to exhaust busy families, leaving little time for complicated snacks.

Skip the long ingredients lists and leave confusing cooking instructions behind. Instead, treat your loved ones to this Roasted Sweetpotato Mango Salsa, an easy-to-prepare solution for those busy afternoons.

The natural sweetness of cubed sweetpotatoes (no added sugar required) and mango collide with the delightful crunch of diced bell peppers, onion and jalapeno. Combined with fresh-squeezed orange, lemon and lime juices, it’s equal parts flavor and refreshment served with your favorite chips or crackers.

With complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, sweetpotatoes help with both endurance and recovery in athletes, making them a perfect ingredient for reenergizing your family. This nutrition powerhouse is versatile and available year-round so you can enjoy them throughout the summer as part of favorite snacks, weeknight meals or even Saturday morning pancakes.

Pairing them with the more than 20 vitamins and minerals from mangos, which are fat free, sodium free and cholesterol free, makes this salsa a better-for-you snacking solution.

The versatility of sweetpotatoes makes it a cinch to add them to a variety of recipes to enhance flavor and nutrition content, from simple salsas and small bites to elevated recipes and beyond. Plus, they can be baked, microwaved, grilled, slow-cooked or prepared on the stove as a perfect summer sidekick.

Visit ncsweetpotatoes.com to find more recipes that are sure to become summer family favorites.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Roasted Sweetpotato Mango Salsa

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 12

• 1 1/2    cups (2 medium) sweetpotatoes
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 1/2       tablespoon chili powder
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          cup mango
• 1/2       green bell pepper
• 1/2       red bell pepper
• 1/2       cup purple onion
• 1          jalapeno
• 1/4       cup cilantro
• 1          tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1          tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1          tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
• chips or crackers

1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. Peel, rinse and cube sweetpotatoes 1/4 inch or smaller. Toss sweetpotatoes with salt, pepper, chili powder and olive oil.
3. Spread on baking sheet and roast 20 minutes.
4. Peel and cube mango. Seed and cube bell peppers. Dice onion. Seed and dice jalapeno. Finely chop cilantro.
5. Once sweetpotatoes cool, mix with mango, peppers, onion and jalapeno. Cover with fresh-squeezed orange, lemon and lime juices.
6. Chill and serve with chips or crackers.

Source: North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

(Culinary.net) Comfort food made easy, this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is loaded with ground turkey, bacon and vegetables in a creamy sauce topped with tater tots and cheese.

When weeknights get busy, this slow cooker recipe is sure to be a smash hit. It’s simple; just mix the ingredients together and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Visit Culinary.net to find more quick family meal ideas.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Recipe adapted from “Julie’s Eats and Treats”
Servings: 5

• 1          pound lean ground turkey
• 5          bacon strips, diced
• 1/2       small onion, diced
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 3          tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2    cups milk
• 1/2       tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          dash hot sauce
• 1 1/2    cups cheddar cheese, plus additional for topping (optional), divided
• 1          bag (6-8 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
• 2          tablespoons sour cream
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1          bag (16 ounces) frozen tater tots
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. In large skillet over medium heat, brown ground turkey, bacon, onion and garlic until turkey is no longer pink. Sprinkle flour over turkey and stir well to combine. Stir in milk, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, frozen vegetables and sour cream.
2. Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place some tater tots in bottom of slow cooker. Pour meat gravy over tater tots. Arrange remaining tater tots on top.
3. Cover and cook on low 3-3 1/2 hours. During last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese, if desired. Cover and finish cooking.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Few things complement warm weather like a summer spread with everyone’s favorite foods. From fresh appetizers and classics like grilled hot dogs to skewered sides and sweet, sugary desserts, these summertime recipes are sure to bring friends, family and neighbors running to get in on the action.

To find more recipe ideas that bring the heat to summer cookouts, visit Culinary.net.

Up Your Grilling Game with Beloved Toppings

Hot dogs and brats are summer favorites for a reason: the delicious (and personalized) add-ons. Make sure your spread fits everyone’s taste buds with an assortment of tasty toppings like these:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Relish
• Hot sauce
• Onions
• Pickles
• Sauerkraut
• Cole slaw
• Jalapenos
• Diced tomatoes
• Guacamole
• Nacho cheese
• Shredded cheese

Start Summer Meals with a Bright, Fresh Salad

Bright colors and fresh flavor bring out the best in summer meals, starting with seasonal salads that look as though the ingredients were just picked from a garden.

Orange, grapefruit and avocado are perfect accompaniments in this Citrus Spring Mix Salad when paired with Fresh Express Spring Mix. This garden-fresh blend combines carefully selected tender baby butter and red and green leaf lettuces with baby greens including spinach, arugula and kale that are picked when the tiny leaves are perfect and whole.

With more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads, as well as an assortment of salad greens you can use to create your ideal summer dishes, the kits and lettuce blends are available in the refrigerated product department of your favorite grocery store.

Visit freshexpress.com to discover more than 300 fresh recipes and find availability near you.

Citrus Spring Mix Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Salad:

• 1 package (5 ounces) Fresh Express Spring Mix
• 1 navel orange, peeled and sectioned
• 1 red grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1. To make dressing: In small bowl, whisk orange juice, orange zest, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar and salt. Set aside.
2. To make salad: In large bowl, toss spring mix with salad dressing. Divide salad evenly among two plates. Top with oranges, grapefruit, avocado and onion.

A Simple, Skewered Side

Keep your summer meals simple by leaning into versatile ingredients that can help you whip up a variety of side dishes.

These Grilled Red Potato Skewers display the delicious, nutritious, versatile qualities of Wisconsin Potatoes. With a multitude of varieties, they’re a favorite among world-class chefs, home cooks, large and small supermarkets and even the pickiest of eaters.

It can be love at first bite with these 100% gluten-free potatoes that can add a touch of nutrition to summer cookouts. They’re a good source of vitamin B6, high in vitamin C, rich in potassium and an excellent source of fiber.

Find more recipe ideas by visiting eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Grilled Red Potato Skewers

Recipe courtesy of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2 medium russet or Yukon gold Wisconsin potatoes or 6 red Wisconsin potatoes
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/2 smoked sausage rope
• 4 skewers (12 inches each)
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Cut potatoes in half. Cut zucchini and sausage same width as potatoes. Skewer potatoes, zucchini and sausage. Repeat for each skewer.
2. Place skewers in dish and cover with Italian dressing. Marinate 5 minutes.
3. Place skewers on grill and cook 5 minutes on each side, or until potatoes are done. Remove from grill and serve.

Cap the Night with a Brown Sugar Delight

Summer meals from small plates to grilled fare may be tasty, but don’t fill up entirely on the main course. Remember to save room for your favorite warm-weather sweets.

These Brown Sugar Meringues provide bursting summertime flavor in a little, handheld bite. They’re ideal for sharing with loved ones after a weekend barbecue or birthday celebration and, with just a few ingredients, they’re as easy to make as they are to enjoy.

To help bake this delicious dessert, you can trust Domino to deliver quality, consistency and results that only a century of experience can bring. Its Light Brown Sugar offers a buttery, caramel flavor, making it a perfect choice for sweets of all kinds.

Find more summery sweets at DominoSugar.com.

Brown Sugar Meringues

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, plus 1 hour rest time
Yield: 3 dozen meringues

• Water
  6 large egg whites, at room temperature
  1 cup Domino Light Brown Sugar
  3/4 cup Domino Granulated Sugar Easy Baking Tub
  1/8 teaspoon salt
  2 tablespoons Domino Turbinado Sugar (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 225 F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Pour 1 inch of water into medium saucepan and heat it until simmering. In heat-proof bowl, mix egg whites, brown sugar, granulated sugar and salt. Put bowl on top of saucepan and warm mixture until it reaches 125 F. Stir continuously and make sure mixture does not touch water.
3. Carefully remove from heat. Using electric mixer, beat mixture at high speed 8-10 minutes. Transfer meringue into piping bag fitted with star tip. Pipe 12 meringues per baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of meringues, if desired. Bake 1 hour. Turn off oven and allow meringues to rest inside oven 1 hour. Remove from oven and enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (hot dogs)

(Family Features) From fajitas and tacos to everything in between, fueling your Cinco de Mayo fiesta starts with delicious food that brings everyone to the table. Traditional dishes and new twists on classics can be equally satisfying whether you’re feeding your nearest and dearest or hosting the entire neighborhood.

Start with these Vegan Apple and Black Bean Fajitas for a plant-forward spin on a popular dish that features sauteed apples, peppers, zucchini, jicama, onion and jalapeno. The craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples – a leading apple variety available at Whole Foods and other major grocery stores – shine both in the mixture of sauteed produce and sliced raw into sticks for a crunchy finish with added sweetness. Plus, their flesh remains whiter longer, even after slicing, so this dish looks as good as it tastes.

For those seeking some added protein, turn to Crisp Apple Tacos featuring pork tenderloin topped with cabbage, apples, carrots and a honey-infused homemade dressing. Ideal for a crowd, you can split the sauteed tenderloin, sliced produce, dressing and other favorite toppings among serving bowls to let guests create their own Cinco-inspired masterpieces.

These moments among friends and family can be uplifted with the aroma and flavor of Envy Apples that offer an invitation to savor special occasions. Their balanced sweetness provides the ultimate apple experience from holidays and family gatherings to quiet evenings at home.

To find more recipes for family meals and beyond, visit EnvyApple.com.

Vegan Apple and Black Bean Fajitas

• 1 bell pepper, sliced, seeds removed
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 small jicama, sliced
• 3 Envy Apples, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 jalapeno, sliced, seeds removed
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 sprigs fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili pepper (optional)
• salt, to taste (optional)
• pepper, to taste (optional)
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 lime
• 3 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 4 small flour tortillas

1. In skillet over high heat, saute bell pepper, zucchini, jicama and half the apple slices. Set aside.
2. In same hot skillet, saute onions, jalapenos and garlic until lightly caramelized. Combine with sauteed apple mixture. Season with cumin and oregano. Add chili powder and salt and pepper, to taste, if desired.
3. Add cooked black beans to saute mixture. Top with squeeze of lime. Garnish with cilantro and remaining raw apple slices.
4. Serve with tortillas.

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

1. Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch medallions.
2. Coat pork medallions with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat.
3. Slice half of one apple into thick wedges and add to saucepan. Slice remaining half into thin wedges and set aside.
4. Add rosemary to saucepan and heat 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and heat 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.
5. Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.
6. Thinly slice half of remaining apple into thin sticks around same size of shredded cabbage. Reserve remaining half.
7. In serving bowl, toss apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage.
8. In bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar into dressing. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
10. Cut remaining apple half into thin wedges.
11. Top taco shells with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeeze of lime juice. Top with apple wedges.

Source: Envy Apples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheese Tortellini and Cauliflower with Creamy Spinach Marinara

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Albertsons

(Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet treat.

Take this year’s festivities the traditional route with recipes that combine familiar favorites with ingredients you normally may not use otherwise, such as cactus. This Mexican Cactus Pork Stew makes Cinco de Mayo a cinch with the use of a Dutch oven. Just brown fresh pork shoulder (or reheat leftover pork) in the Dutch oven and combine with onion and jalapeno for the right mixture of flavor and spice. Once pork is cooked or warmed through, add broth, beans, spices, seasonings and a cup of chopped cactus for a southwestern spin.

After some lively chatter or friendly competition, you’re bound to work up the appetite for dessert. Call the kids to the kitchen to lend a hand with these Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies – they’ll love working with the dough and rolling warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect; you can ensure a bit of fun and flavor by letting their creativity shine.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly recipes perfect for celebrating holidays throughout the year.

Mexican Cactus Pork Stew

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 1 pound pork shoulder (leftover or fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) mild chili beans
• 1 cup chopped cactus (nopales)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. If using fresh pork, in Dutch oven, cube and brown it with onion and jalapeno pepper. If using leftover pork, reheat in Dutch oven with onion and jalapeno pepper.
2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili beans, cactus, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Simmer 25 minutes then garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 4 sticks butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for coating workspace
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup sugar

Topping:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In bowl, combine butter, 4 cups flour and cinnamon. Add egg and sugar then knead into ball.
3. Spread additional flour on counter and cut ball into six sections. Roll each section into 24-inch ropes then cut into 1-inch pieces and place on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 10 minutes.
5. To make topping: In bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll warm cookies in mixture and let cool on rack.

(Culinary.net) Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that’s easy to make during a busy week. With just a few extra ingredients and steps, you can turn boxed mac and cheese into a filling dinner.

To make this Taco Mac and Cheese, simply prepare your favorite boxed mac and cheese according to the package instructions and stir fry the meat and vegetables together. (Hint: You can even chop vegetables the night before to make cooking the next day even easier.) Then add taco seasoning and combine for a better-for-you take on a classic dish.

Visit Culinary.net to find more quick and simple recipes.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Taco Mac and Cheese

• 1          box macaroni and cheese
• 1/4       cup milk
• 4          tablespoons butter
• 1          pound ground turkey
• 1          red bell pepper, diced
• 1          yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1          orange bell pepper, diced
• 1          onion, diced
• 2          teaspoons taco seasoning

1. Prepare boxed mac and cheese with milk and butter according to package instructions.
2. In skillet, brown ground turkey over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion. Add taco seasoning.
3. Stir turkey mixture with mac and cheese to combine.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) If you’re in search of a meatless meal – whether you’re observing Lent or simply adhering to your own dietary restrictions – remember you don’t have to sacrifice on taste. Enjoying a delicious dish without the meat can be an easy feat with just a few everyday ingredients.

Start with the craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples – a leading apple variety – that provide balanced sweetness with flesh that remains white longer, even after cutting. While they’re often best served fresh or paired with cheese boards, sandwiches or mocktails, their sweetness also helps play up meatless favorites like Seared Salmon with Apple Slaw.

The flaky baked fish is complemented perfectly by Asian-style barbecue sauce and fresh herbs then paired with a sweet homemade apple slaw for a classic Lenten dish with a tangy twist. For a family meal that doubles down on freshness, try pairing with roasted broccolini or a light salad.

Firing up the grill isn’t only for beef, chicken and pork – you can prepare a tasty recipe over an open flame while skipping the meat with Grilled Apple Portobello Burgers. Simply substitute beef with thick portobello mushrooms and naturally white Envy Apple slices that maintain their beauty while cooking so your finished “burgers” look as delicious as they taste.

These plant-forward meals featuring the uplifting aroma and flavor of apples offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table and can help you celebrate Lent and beyond with an ultimate apple experience that introduces your loved ones to new ways to rethink weekly favorites.

Find more meatless meal inspiration by visiting EnvyApple.com.

Seared Salmon with Apple Slaw

• 4 portions boneless salmon
• 4 tablespoons Asian-style barbecue sauce
• 2 Envy Apples, cored and sliced into matchsticks or julienned
• 1 cup sliced or shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup sliced or shredded white cabbage
• 1 celery stick, finely sliced
• 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley or cilantro
• 1 lime, juice and zest only
• 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish
• 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 375 F using grill or broil setting and line baking tray with cooking paper.
2. Arrange salmon portions on paper and spread barbecue sauce over each portion.
3. Bake 5-8 minutes, depending on thickness and size, or until just cooked in center and caramelized on top.
4. In bowl, combine sliced apple sticks, cabbage, celery and red onion slices; toss lightly.
5. In separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, herbs, lime juice and lime zest.
6. Fold dressing and sesame seeds into slaw and toss together.
7. Divide apple slaw between serving plates and top with glazed salmon. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.

Grilled Apple Portobello “Burgers”

• 1 Envy Apple
• 2 portobello mushrooms
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup herbed goat cheese
• 2 brioche buns
• 2 parge pieces butter lettuce
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1. Heat grill to medium heat.
2. Slice apples horizontally into thick round wedges and remove seeds using fork.
3. Remove portobello stems.
4. In small bowl, combine 1/8 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt.
5. Using basting brush, coat portobellos on both sides with olive oil mixture. Grill stem sides down 2 minutes then flip. Add goat cheese to portobellos and grill 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from grill.
6. Use remaining olive oil to coat apple rounds. Grill apple rounds 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char.
7. Serve portobellos with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) If winter evenings have you stuck in a dinner rut, heat up the kitchen with family favorites everyone can look forward to. Shaking off the chill can start with a cozy blanket and comforting food that warms you from the inside out.

Soup is a wintertime staple thanks to its simplicity, and you can put a delicious spin on your next winter warmup with Mexican-inspired ingredients. Giving soup night a twist starts with Cacique Foods, one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, that invites friends and family to share real moments while savoring authentic flavors.

This Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole relies on the bold, hearty, spicy taste of Cacique’s Pork Chorizo combined with handcrafted Homestyle Salsa. Queso Fresco’s crumbly, creamy texture and milky, fresh flavor adds the perfect finishing touch, making this soup a perfect way to warm up weeknights with just the right amount of heat.

For a flavorful side that complements a variety of main courses while adding Mexican flair, consider Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is a familiar favorite with the unique twist of bacon and Pork Chorizo for a meat-infused recipe that will become a menu mainstay.

Plus, for an extra creamy texture, it calls for Cacique Crema Mexicana – an everyday table cream with a neutral, fresh-tasting flavor ideal for balancing out spice – and Oaxaca, a semisoft cheese with a mellow, buttery flavor.

Find more comforting recipes at caciquefoods.com.

Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste (optional)
• 1 package (9 ounces) Cacique Pork Chorizo
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1 container (16 ounces) Cacique Medium Homestyle Salsa
• 1quart chicken stock
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed of excess fat and diced
• 1 can (25 ounces) white hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 3/4 cup crumbled Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1. In large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat oil. Reserve 1/4 cup onion for garnish; add remaining onion to pot and season with salt. Saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Increase heat to medium-high; add pork chorizo and break it apart with spoon. Cook chorizo undisturbed until deeply browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes. Add smoked paprika and oregano; cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Pour in salsa and scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring to simmer 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly then add stock and bring to simmer.
4. Stir in diced chicken and hominy. Decrease heat to medium and cook 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Taste and season with more salt, if necessary. Remove from heat.
5. Serve bowls of pozole with reserved onion, lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro.

Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10

• 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 9 medium potatoes), peeled and cubed
• water
• 6 bacon strips, chopped
• 1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo
• 12 ounces Cacique Crema Mexicana
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup Cacique Oaxaca or Queso Quesadilla, shredded
• 1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana Agria, for topping (optional)
• 3 green onions, chopped

1. In Dutch over, add potatoes and cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
2. In skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, chop into small pieces and set aside. Remove bacon grease from skillet and cook chorizo over medium-high heat, 6-8 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes; add to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding crema Mexicana, butter, onion powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Transfer to greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with cheese, chorizo and bacon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, covered, about 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Drizzle with crema Mexicana agria and chopped green onions.

 Source: Cacique