Start the year off right with wholesome, nutritious morning recipes

(Family Features) With each New Year comes new goals and resolutions for the entire family. It’s the perfect time to start fresh and get everyone back on track with healthy nutrition. Starting each day with a nutritious breakfast is one way to do just that, not to mention a healthy habit to maintain throughout the year.

By incorporating simple, wholesome ingredients like milk into a balanced breakfast each morning, you can feel good knowing your family is starting the day on the right foot. With nine essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, calcium and vitamin D, pairing milk with breakfast can help everyone be their best.   

Try these seven breakfast recipes paired with milk, one for each day of the week, to fuel all kinds of mornings throughout the New Year. Visit MilkLife.com for additional recipe inspiration.

Southwest Breakfast Protein Sandwich

Add Southwestern flavors to spice up this breakfast sandwich. Scrambled eggs seasoned with cumin, pepper and chili powder are topped with shredded cheese, ham and sliced avocados and placed inside a toasted English muffin for a twist on a classic breakfast favorite.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Protein Power Muffins

When you’re in a rush on weekday mornings but still want a wholesome breakfast while on the go, try these protein muffins with peanut butter and jelly. This simple recipe is a kid-friendly way to serve a childhood favorite and start the day with a smile.

Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

While cottage cheese is not a traditional ingredient in pancakes, these pancakes definitely make it work. By combining blended cottage cheese with rolled oats, this dish adds protein and fiber at breakfast without skimping on taste.

Chai Quinoa Protein Breakfast Bowl

How about a modern take on an ancient grain? This breakfast bowl with quinoa is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Chai spices combined with brown sugar, vanilla and milk add vibrant flavors sure to excite your taste buds.

Protein Power Huevos Rancheros

This tasty twist on eggs brings a Southwestern flair to breakfast with avocados and turkey sausage piled high on a tortilla to spice up your morning.

Vegetable and Sausage Mini Protein Quiches

This mini quiche recipe makes serving up protein at breakfast a snap. Use a muffin tin to create individual sausage quiches that are perfect for a make-ahead, grab-and-go breakfast.

Savory Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Protein Crepes

Lock down your week’s breakfast plan with these savory crepes the entire family will enjoy. Cream cheese with chives mixed in topped with smoked salmon and wrapped inside a warm crepe winds up being a delicious morning jump-start.

Source: MilkPEP

(Family Features) Autumn is the perfect time to fall in love with maple syrup. The caramelized flavor of syrup pairs well with other fall flavors, like apples, cinnamon and pumpkin.

From spiced syrups to game-day dips, McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter has tasty ideas for incorporating this fall flavor in dishes throughout the day:

• Maple syrup is a perfect complement to sweet banana pancakes. Mix mashed bananas into the pancake batter. Once cooked, top with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts and maple syrup.
• Add maple syrup to a melty grilled cheese sandwich. Layer cheddar cheese, bacon, sliced apples and maple syrup mixed with apple pie spice between two slices of buttered bread.
• For a twist on a traditional game-day appetizer, drizzle maple syrup over a cheddar bacon dip.
• For a sweet treat, mix vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice into maple syrup then drizzle over a coconut pumpkin bread pudding.

Find more recipes featuring fall flavors at mccormick.com.

Maple Banana Bread Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 3

• 2          large ripe bananas
• 2          eggs
• 2          tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2          tablespoons melted butter
• 1          tablespoon McCormick Maple Extract
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
• 3/4       cup flour
• 2          teaspoons baking powder

1. Heat lightly greased griddle or skillet to medium heat.
2. In large bowl, use potato masher to mash bananas. Add eggs, brown sugar, butter, maple extract, vanilla and cinnamon; mix well. Add flour and baking powder; mix until well blended.
3. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto griddle or skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown, turning when pancakes begin to bubble.

Coconut Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Spiced Maple Syrup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16

Bread Pudding:

• 2          cans (13 2/3 ounces each) Thai Kitchen coconut milk
• 4          eggs, lightly beaten
• 1          cup sugar
• 1          cup canned pumpkin
• 1          tablespoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1          tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 8          cups cubed challah bread (or cubed French or Italian bread)
• 1          cup flaked coconut
• 1          cup chopped pecans

Spiced Maple Syrup:

• 1          cup maple syrup
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. To make Bread Pudding: Pour coconut milk into large bowl. Stir with wire whisk until smooth. Add eggs, sugar, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla; mix until well blended. Add bread cubes; toss to coat well.
3. Pour into greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with coconut and pecans. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly on wire rack.
4. To make Spiced Maple Syrup: Mix syrup, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice in microwavable bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on high 1 minute, or until warm, stirring once. Serve with bread pudding.

Maple Bacon Dip

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16

• 1          package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       cup mayonnaise
• 1/2       cup milk
• 8          slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1          package McCormick Original Country Gravy Mix
• 1 1/2    cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/3       cup chopped red apple
• 2          tablespoons maple syrup

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk, bacon, gravy mix and 1 cup cheese until well blended.
3. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Spread mixture in plate and top with apple and remaining cheese.
4. Bake 25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted. Drizzle with syrup.

Maple Apple Grilled Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/4       cup maple syrup
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Apple Pie Spice
• 3          tablespoons butter
• 8          slices whole-wheat bread
• 8          slices sharp cheddar cheese (1-ounce slices)
• 1          medium Golden Delicious apple, cored and cut into 16 thin slices
• 4          slices cooked bacon, coarsely chopped

1. Mix maple syrup and apple pie spice. Set aside.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice. Layer two slices of cheese and four slices of apple on each bread slice with buttered side down. Sprinkle with chopped bacon then drizzle with maple syrup mixture. Top with remaining bread slices with buttered side up.
3. Place sandwiches in large skillet or griddle on medium-low heat. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bread is browned and cheese is melted. Cook in batches, if necessary.

Source: McCormick

Hit a home run with essential nutrients for active kids

(Family Features) With summer in full force, kids are busy with physical activities and whether it’s little league baseball games, swim team or summer camp, they’re more active than ever. Moms, nutritionists and pediatricians alike know active kids and developing bones and muscles need essential nutrients to grow strong, but The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say most Americans, including children, actually aren’t getting enough fiber, calcium, vitamin D and potassium in their diets.

Moms can keep up by making sure kids fuel their bodies with proper nutrition and stay hydrated at the same time. As a drink kids already love the taste of, milk is a great choice when moms want to serve delicious and natural, high-quality protein for kids before sending them off on summer adventures. Many are also surprised to learn that milk can help hydrate after exercise due to its natural electrolytes and fluids.

Milk plays an important role for kids’ meals and snacks, providing three of the four nutrients most Americans, including kids, aren’t getting enough of (calcium, vitamin D and potassium), and it’s the top food source of these nutrients, to boot.¹ Plus, with 8 grams of protein per every 8-ounce glass, the farm-fresh beverage is a great way to help the whole family kick start the day.

One way to hit a home run for your kids is by stepping up to the breakfast plate with delicious baseball pancakes. Served with an 8-ounce glass of milk, this breakfast is the perfect combo to help kids fuel up with protein in the morning.

Find more nutritious recipes to pair with milk at milklife.com.

Home Run Pancakes

Servings: 4

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fat free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• nonstick cooking spray
• 8 strips low-sodium turkey bacon (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons raspberry or strawberry syrup (optional)

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Mix egg, milk and vanilla separately. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined.
2. Heat griddle or skillet to medium heat and grease lightly with cooking spray.
3. Using 1/3-cup measuring cup for each pancake, pour batter onto pan. Cook until bubbles form and edges start to look dry then flip and cook another 30-45 seconds.
4. Cook bacon on griddle 3-4 minutes on each side, if desired, until desired crispiness is achieved.
5. Place cooked bacon next to pancakes for “baseball bats.” If desired, drizzle syrup onto pancakes to make baseball stitching.
6. Pair each serving with 8-ounce glass of milk.

Nutritional information per serving: 240 calories; 1.5 g fat; 55 mg cholesterol; 15 g protein; 40 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 420 mg sodium; 454 mg calcium (45% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk, and include an 8-ounce glass of milk.

¹Fulgoni VL, Keast DR, Quann EE, Auestad N. Food sources of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and potassium in the U.S. The FASEB Journal. 2010;24:325.1.

Source: MilkPEP

(Family Features) If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love.

Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired.

• Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal.
• For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.
• Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say “I love you.”

Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net.

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of Nestlé
Servings: 10 pancakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional)
• butter, for garnish (optional)
• powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
• maple syrup, for garnish (optional)
• fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

1. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.
2. In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes.
3. Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired.

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping.

Source: Culinary.net

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Cottage cheese gets hip with today’s recipes

(Family Features) Classics never go out of style — whether presented simply or dressed up with trendy new touches. Cottage cheese has been a favorite for generations, but innovative serving ideas give new appeal to this trusty favorite.

Cool and refreshing cottage cheese is an easy “right now” quick meal or snack for on-the-go people. It’s naturally high in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates and is a favorite among active, nutrition-conscious adults, providing women with the calcium they need. And, parents can feel good about it as an easy, healthy snack for kids. The creamy satisfying flavor of cottage cheese is great paired with pineapple or apple wedges, or mixed with applesauce and a shake of cinnamon.

The introduction of cottage cheese from Daisy Brand, the nation’s best selling sour cream brand, is an exciting new addition to the dairy case. Fresh and wholesome, this new cottage cheese contains only natural ingredients with no preservatives or additives.

Versatile cottage cheese is perfect for a quick snack, healthy meal or satisfying dessert:

—Break into breakfast: Serve cottage cheese alongside fresh fruit, mixed with yogurt or topped with cereal. Its creamy consistency is perfect stirred into eggs, pancakes, omelets or quiche.
—Satisfy snack attacks: Enjoy cottage cheese with fresh fruit, raw veggies or crackers.
—Mute the munchies with a thin spread of peanut butter on crackers topped with creamy cottage cheese.
—Savor smart lunch choices: Combine cottage cheese with fresh vegetables or fruit for a healthful, satisfying lunch.
—Make mid-day hearty and delicious by mixing cottage cheese into flaked tuna.
—Feature family-pleasing dinners: Count on cottage cheese to round out a salad or as a side dish, or use as a central ingredient in quiches or pasta dishes such as lasagna and ravioli.
—Dig into sweet endings: Scene-stealing desserts with cottage cheese include cheesecake, blintzes, turnovers and more.

Delight your palate with a cool, satisfying classic. Discover surprising, innovative ways to enjoy fresh and delicious cottage cheese by visiting www.daisybrand.com. Recipe ideas for quick snacks, simple meals and flavorful entertaining will help you put this all-natural, low-carb source of protein and calcium on your table for healthy family meals.

Berry Breakfast Parfaits

Serves 4

• 2 cups (16 ounces) Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese
• 2 cups mixed fresh berries such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
• 1 cup granola
• 4 tablespoons sliced or chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla*
• 3/4 teaspoon Splenda®*

1. Refrigerate fruit mixture 2 hours before assembling. In four serving dishes layer 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, 1/8 cup of granola, and 1/4 cup of mixed berries. Repeat layers in each glass. Top each parfait with 1 tablespoon of almonds.

*For a sweeter taste, try adding 1 teaspoon vanilla and 3/4 teaspoon of Splenda to fruit and stir.

Pita Pesto Pizza Snackers

Serves 2

• 2 pieces pita bread
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 cup (8 ounces) Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic bread seasoning (or garlic powder)
• 2 tablespoons chopped Roma tomatoes
• Chopped fresh basil, to taste
• 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Toast pita bread until crispy and firm, about 1 minute in a toaster oven.
2. Spread pesto on each pita bread, lightly covering entire surface.
3. Combine cottage cheese with garlic bread seasoning and spread evenly over each pita.
4. Top with chopped tomato and fresh basil.
5. If desired, sprinkle each pita with Parmesan.
6. Slice each pita into 4 wedges and serve immediately.

Apple-Cinnamon Pancake Stackers

Serves 2

• 1 medium apple, Fuji or Gala, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Splenda® or other low calorie sweetener
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons lite maple syrup
• 1 cup (8 ounces) Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese
• 6 3 1/2-inch whole wheat pancakes, frozen
• 2 fresh mint sprigs

1. Combine apple, cinnamon and sweetener. In small pan, heat oil and sauté apple mixture over medium heat 2 minutes. Add maple syrup and cook additional minute.
2. Fold mixture into cottage cheese, being careful not to over mix.
3. Heat pancakes per package instructions.
4. To serve, place 1 hot pancake on plate and layer cottage cheese mixture between pancakes evenly, 3 pancakes per serving. Top with cottage cheese mixture, a drizzle of maple syrup and a fresh mint sprig.

Source: Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese

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Breakfast recipes for a healthy New Year

(Family Features) A commitment to health and wellness means taking care of yourself and your family, exercising and eating right. The New Year is the perfect time to refocus your goals and make better health a priority.

A nutrient-rich breakfast can set you up for success each and every day. Dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt are good sources of high-quality protein, which is an essential part of a healthy diet. Protein serves as the building block for cells throughout the body and may aid in managing weight by helping you feel full.

By adding protein to your day, health and wellness goals can become easier to achieve. Daily protein needs should be met by spreading intake throughout the day in every meal and snack you eat. Not only does protein help satisfy hunger, which may aid in weight management, but it also helps preserve muscle.

No matter your breakfast style, dairy foods can enhance your dish. These recipes show how, from sweet to savory and cold to hot, your breakfast can be unique while providing high-quality nutrition in each bite. Learn more about the role of dairy in a healthy diet at MilkMeansMore.org.

White Pizza Frittata

Recipe created by Rachel Cooks on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 12 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and water pressed out
• 12 large eggs
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
• 1/2 cup shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. Heat oven to 325° F.
2. In oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Once garlic is fragrant, add spinach; break up to incorporate and heat.
3. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pepper, oregano, ricotta, Parmesan and basil.
4. Add egg mixture to skillet, reduce heat to low and cook 1 minute, stirring gently. Move to oven and bake 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are almost completely set.
5. Carefully remove from oven and add mozzarella. Return to oven and bake until mozzarella is melted, about 5 minutes.
6. May be served hot, at room temperature or cold.

Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes

Recipe created by The Chef Next Door on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 3/4 cup buckwheat flour
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups lactose-free, 2 percent milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh blueberries, plus additional for topping (optional)
• syrup (optional)

1. In large bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In small bowl, beat eggs then add milk, oil and vanilla; mix well. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix to combine.
2. Heat griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Using 1/4 measuring cup, pour batter onto griddle. Gently place several blueberries all over surface of pancakes.
3. Flip pancakes when bubbles start to form around edges and bottoms are golden brown. Cook on other side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove to plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Top pancakes with additional blueberries and syrup before serving, if desired.

Huevos Rancheros Oats

Recipe created by Comfortably Domestic on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Oats

• 1 cup 2 percent milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

Huevos Rancheros

• 1/2 cup sweet onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons light olive oil
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 2 eggs
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring milk, water and salt to boil. Stir in oats. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer oats, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes. Remove oats from heat and place lid on saucepan. Set aside.
2. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir canned tomatoes with green chilies and chipotle chili powder into onions to combine. Continue to heat salsa to boil, about 1 minute. Make two wells in middle of tomato salsa. Crack eggs into wells. Season eggs with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover skillet and poach eggs in salsa to desired doneness; about 3-4 minutes.
3. Divide oats evenly between two bowls. Spoon eggs and salsa over oats. Serve immediately with cheddar cheese.

Ricotta and Fig Oatmeal

Recipe created by Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
• 2 dried figs, halved
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon honey

1. In microwave-safe bowl, stir together milk, oats and salt. Microwave on high 2 1/2 minutes, or until oats are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
2. Remove bowl from microwave; stir in ricotta. To serve, top with figs and almonds, and drizzle with honey.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

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