(Family Features) Watermelon rinds make for more than just attractive containers for serving cold dishes and beverages. The rind can also be used in creative, edible ways and is good for your heart.

Watermelon, both the flesh and the rind, is a good source of a compound called citrulline, an amino acid that raises levels of arginine in the blood, which in turn helps maintain blood flow, healthy blood vessels and heart health. 

Whether you’re eating for good health or good taste (or both), you can use the rind to make pickles and relishes, grate into salads and slaws, toss into stir-fry and add to smoothies and juice. The key to chowing down on watermelon rind is knowing how to prepare it. These three preparation methods can help you put that rind to good use: 

Pickled: Watermelon rind is similar to a cucumber, which is why it’s no surprise that pickled watermelon rind is a popular option.

Juiced: Most people know you can enjoy juice from red flesh of the melon, but you can juice the rind, too. Just like the watermelon flesh, the rind is loaded with water and nutrients.

Stir-Fried: When it’s cut up, watermelon rind is just like a vegetable, which means it can be tossed in a pan and stir-fried right alongside broccoli and carrots.

Look for more creative ways to use your watermelon rind at watermelon.org.

Watermelon Rind Pickles

• 4          cups water
• 1          tablespoon coarse salt
• 2          cups peeled watermelon rind, cut into 1-1/2-by-2-inch pieces (leave thin layer of pink)
• 3/4       cup granulated sugar
• 1          allspice berry
• 1/2       cup cider vinegar
• 4          peppercorns
• 4          whole cloves
• 1/2       teaspoon pickling spice
• 1          long slice of fresh gingerroot
• 1/4       teaspoon celery seeds

1. In large pot over medium-high heat, bring water and salt to boil. Add rind pieces and boil until tender, about 5 minutes. Strain. Transfer rinds to large metal bowl.
2. In saucepan, combine watermelon rind, sugar, berries, vinegar, peppercorns, cloves, pickling spice, gingerroot and celery seeds. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 15 minutes until slightly reduced. Pour over watermelon rinds in bowl. Place plate over top to keep rinds submerged in liquid.
3. Cover and refrigerate 1 day. Transfer to glass jar and keep sealed in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry

• 2          teaspoons sesame oil
• 2          cups watermelon rind, julienned (white part only, from about 1/2 of seedless watermelon)
• 1          cup julienned carrots
• 1/2       cup chives, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon fish sauce
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1          piece (about 1 inch) ginger, minced
• 1/2       cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4       cup cilantro leaves
• 1/4       cup mint leaves
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1. In wok over high heat, heat sesame oil. Add watermelon rind and carrots and fry, stirring constantly, 1-2 minutes. Let sit over high heat 1 additional minute without stirring. Add chives and stir to combine.
2. In small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic and ginger. Pour sauce over watermelon rind and cook, stirring, 30 seconds-1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Transfer to serving dish. Add basil, cilantro and mint, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

Main dish options for outdoor entertaining

(Family Features) Serving up an outdoor meal is a summertime staple for gatherings of all kinds – barbecues, celebrations, picnics and more. However, with so many options available and different styles for preparing the dishes, it can be a challenge for home chefs to decide what guests will go for.

Instead of racking your brain or spending hours searching for the right main course, consider these versatile options – one dish focused on chicken, one for beef and one for pork – that can send partygoers back for seconds.

Find more recipes perfect for outdoor gatherings at Culinary.net.

Serve Up Skewers

Ideal for simple family meals or full-blown summertime parties, these Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers are an ideal handheld food for outdoor meals. With just a handful of ingredients and an easy grilling method involved, they’re tasty and tantalizing without taking your focus off all the fun and festivities. More honey-infused recipes are available at Honey.com.

Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers

Recipe courtesy of The National Honey Board
Servings: 8

• 2          tablespoons honey
• 3          tablespoons soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1          lime, juiced
• 1          pound chicken breast strips, skinless and boneless
• bamboo skewers

1. In small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, olive oil and lime juice until completely blended. Pour mixture into re-sealable freezer bag and add chicken strips. Seal bag and gently shake to cover chicken strips. Allow to marinate 2 hours.
2. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
3. Soak bamboo skewers in water 15 minutes. Remove chicken strips from marinade and skewer onto bamboo sticks. Grill 8 minutes, or until juices are clear and chicken is fully cooked.

Sweet Summer Refresh

Summer typically brings about both the desire to feel healthier and cravings for sweet, refreshing meals. When you rethink your food and focus on feeling better about your diet and yourself, the two can work hand-in-hand.
Liven up your summer entertaining menu with a delicious touch of reduced-calorie sweetness from Truvia in recipes like this sizzling Java London Broil. Celebrity chef Devin Alexander, featured on “The Biggest Loser,” created this succulent recipe with less sugar by using Truvia Brown Sugar Blend, combining stevia sweetener with brown sugar to maintain the taste and texture of brown sugar with 75 percent fewer calories, for her latest book “You Can Have It!”

For more summertime recipe ideas, visit Truvia.com.

Java London Broil

Recipe courtesy of Devin Alexander from “You Can Have It!,” copyright American Diabetes Association
Servings: 6

• 2          teaspoons freshly ground coffee
• 1/2       tablespoon Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
• 2          teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1          teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4       teaspoon sea salt
• 1          London broil (1 1/2 pounds, preferably grass fed)
• 1          teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1. Heat grill to high.
2. In small bowl, add coffee, brown sugar blend, black pepper, coriander, oregano and salt; mix well.
3. Place London broil on cutting board or large plate. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil on each side of meat then rub all over. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over roast and rub in to evenly cover meat.
4.  
5. Grill London broil to desired doneness, about 3-5 minutes per side for medium rare. Tent meat with foil for 5 minutes then slice into thin slices, cutting at an angle against the grain.

Sweet and Savory Ribs

By starting these Grilled Sticky Ribs in the oven before finishing them off on the grill with a sweet chili glaze, home cooks can help make summer festivities stand out without spending hours at the grill or smoker. The Asian-inspired finish of the glaze gives guests a unique taste to savor while soaking in the summer sun. Visit verybestbaking.com for more recipes from Nestlé.

Grilled Sticky Ribs

Recipe courtesy of Nestlé
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 3 hours, 35 minutes
Servings: 5-6

• 2          racks (about 4 pounds) baby back ribs
• garlic salt
• ground black pepper
• 1/2       cup water
• 1          tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4       cup finely chopped red onion
• 1          teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 1          teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3/4       cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/2       cup Apple Nestlé Juicy Juice 100% Juice
• 1 tablespoon rice wine (mirin)

1. Heat oven to 300° F. Using knife, remove membrane from bone side of ribs. Pat ribs dry with paper towel; season both sides liberally with garlic salt and pepper. Place ribs in large roasting pan, overlapping as needed. Add water to pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake about 3 hours, or until meat is tender but not quite falling off bones.
3. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, 2-3 minutes, or until soft. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute. Stir in sweet chili sauce, apple juice and rice wine. Reduce heat to low; cook 8 minutes, or until sauce is reduced to about 1 cup.
4. Heat grill to medium heat.
5. Brush glaze over tops of ribs. Grill 4-5 minutes, or until sauce caramelizes. Serve with remaining glaze.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers, Java London Broil)

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Just like your favorite sports team, hosting a winning big-game party or tailgate takes planning, preparation and teamwork. To make your festivities fun-filled, remember these entertaining tips that are sure to score big with your fans.

Scatter the refreshments. Help direct movement and traffic flow by setting up food stations. Using different rooms or areas helps prevent congestion and encourages guests to mingle. Try placing finger foods and other appetizers in a couple of locations, beverages in another area and desserts in yet another space.

Embrace variety. Take into account taste preferences and dietary needs, and have an assortment of food and drinks available. Offer spicy options along with less seasoned dishes, both indulgent and better-for-you treats, plus an array of beverages for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

Build your roster. If your party is a potluck, encourage guests to sign up for dishes so you don’t end up with multiple versions of the same thing. Create a discussion group online, or simply ask guests to indicate what they’ll bring along with their RSVP.

Don’t forget the dips. Wings are a tailgating staple, and dips are a great way to complement those zesty flavors or cool the heat, but you may find yourself in a team rivalry when it comes to the preferred dip at the game day bash: ranch or bleu cheese dressing? Both pair well with a range of wing flavors, so these dips are sure to be crowd pleasers. The delicious combination of fresh herb and vegetable flavors make Litehouse Homestyle Ranch a perfect party choice, and Litehouse Chunky Bleu Cheese features fresh buttermilk, homemade mayonnaise and a blend of spices as the backdrop for award-winning artisan blue cheese chunks that will make your fellow sports fans cheer for more.

Expand on tradition. Tailgating is a time-honored tradition, and the food lineup is often based on familiar fare. Along with those fan favorites, don’t be afraid to put some new flavors into play, such as these Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings that add a tangy ethnic flair to traditional wings.

Find more game day recipes at LitehouseFoods.com.

Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes

• 1/4       cup flour
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 20        chicken wings
• 3          tablespoons soy sauce
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/2       teaspoon Litehouse Instantly Fresh Garlic
• 3          tablespoons water, divided
• 1/2       cup brown sugar
• 1          tablespoon cornstarch
• sliced green onions, for garnish
• sesame seeds, for garnish
• celery sticks (optional)
• Litehouse Homestyle Ranch and Chunky Bleu Cheese Dressing

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In large bag, combine flour and salt. Add chicken wings and shake to coat. Discard any leftover flour.
3. Line baking sheet with foil and spray with pan spray of your choice. Place wings in single layer on baking sheet.
4. Bake wings 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. In sauce pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, 2 tablespoons water and brown sugar. Whisk together remaining water and cornstarch, and pour into sauce. Bring to boil then simmer until thickened.
6. When wings are done, toss with sauce, garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, and serve with celery sticks, ranch and bleu cheese dressing.

Source: Litehouse, Inc.

(Family Features) When your taste buds can’t settle on just one flavor, a fusion dish may be just the answer. Fusion dishes combine some of the best ethnic culinary traditions from around the world, and Asian influences are among the most popular building blocks for fusion cuisine.

One secret to achieving great fusion dishes is the use of cooking wines. For many chefs and home cooks alike, cooking wine is a go-to cooking essential because it can be used in everyday meals. With its versatile array of uses, an option like Holland House®, a line of flavor-enhancing, premium cooking wines, can boost any dish with one of five flavors including Marsala, Sherry, White, Red and White with Lemon.

In addition to these featured dishes, you can find more quick tips for boosting the flavor of your everyday meals on the label of each bottle and explore more recipes at HollandHouseFlavors.com.

Sweet and Spicy Korean-Chinese Fusion Cauliflower Bites

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4, about 1 1/2 cups per portion

• 6          cups fresh cauliflower florets
• 2          tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4       cup Holland House Sherry Cooking Wine
• 1/4       cup honey
• 2          tablespoons soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon white vinegar
• 2          teaspoons cornstarch
• 2          tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1          small fresh yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1          tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1          tablespoon Korean-style chili flakes
• 1/4       cup chopped fresh green onions
• 1          tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In large bowl, toss cauliflower, sesame oil and salt until well coated. Arrange on nonstick baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
3. In small bowl, whisk cooking wine, honey, soy sauce, vinegar and cornstarch until well blended; set aside.
4. In large, nonstick skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add yellow onions and garlic; cook 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in chili flakes and wine mixture.
5. Return pan to stove and adjust to medium heat. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring 1-2 minutes, or until thickened. Add cooked cauliflower; stir gently to coat.
6. Transfer cauliflower to serving dish. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips: The sauce mixture can also be used on chicken wings or grilled pork chops. In place of Korean-style chili flakes, use 1 teaspoon regular crushed red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper.

Lettuce-Wrapped Korean Short Ribs

Prep time: 10 minutes, plus marinating
Cook time: 4 minutes
Servings: 4, about 6 ounces (pre-cooked) per portion

• 3          tablespoons packed dark brown sugar, divided
• 2          teaspoons kosher salt
• 1          teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2       teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2    pounds thinly sliced, boneless beef short ribs
• 1          cup Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine
• 6          tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4       cup roasted garlic paste
• 2          tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2       cup chopped green onions, divided
• 1          teaspoon cornstarch
• 1          head fresh romaine lettuce, separated into large leaves         
• 1/2       cup sliced fresh red radishes
• 1/2       cup shredded fresh carrots dipping sauce

1. In small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle evenly over short rib slices, gently rubbing into both sides. Place in re-sealable plastic bag.
2. In bowl, whisk cooking wine, sesame oil, garlic paste, soy sauce and remaining brown sugar. Pour half of mixture into bag with meat and add 1/4 cup green onions. To marinate, refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours.
3. In small saucepan, whisk remaining wine mixture and cornstarch until smooth. Bring to simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook 1 minute, or until thickened, stirring constantly. Set aside until cool. Stir in 2 tablespoons green onions.
4. Heat grill to medium-high.
5. Remove ribs from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard marinade. Grill 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cut ribs into 1-inch pieces. Serve with remaining green onions, lettuce, radishes, carrots and warm dipping sauce.

Tips: For fusion tacos, substitute corn or flour tortillas for lettuce leaves. In place of garlic paste, 2 tablespoons minced garlic can be substituted.

Sizzling Asian Vegetable Fried Rice with Savory White Wine Glaze

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4-6, about 1 cup per portion

• 2          tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1          tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/2       cup fresh chopped yellow onions
• 1          cup fresh small white mushrooms, quartered
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh carrots
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh zucchini
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh red bell peppers
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh yellow bell peppers
• 3          cups cold, cooked, long-grain white rice
• 1/2       cup Holland House White Cooking Wine
• 2          tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1/2       cup fresh green onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2          teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper

1. Heat heavy-bottomed, nonstick skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil, garlic and onions. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, red bell peppers and yellow bell peppers; stir-fry 3 minutes. Add rice; stir-fry 3 minutes.
2. Add cooking wine; stir-fry 2 minutes, or until dry. Add oyster sauce; stir-fry 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in green onions, sesame oil and black pepper. Transfer to dish or bowl and serve.

Tip: To turn into a main course, add cooked beef, chicken or pork and serve topped with a fried egg.

Source: Holland House

(Family Features) From casual gatherings with friends to outdoor athletic activities and leisurely time at home, all of the best summer pastimes have one thing in common: tasty snacks make them more enjoyable.

Light, airy and fresh popcorn is a perfect summer snack. It’s naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free – all the makings of an ideal guilt-free treat. Whether you enjoy it one delicious handful at a time, sprinkled with seasonings or as an ingredient in fun summertime recipes, popcorn offers plenty of versatility for every occasion.

You can kick up the heat with a zesty popcorn mix or take a sweeter route with a blend of toasted coconut and bananas. No summer sporting event is complete without some good old toffee-style popcorn and nuts, and even a favorite like ice cream sandwiches can only get better with the addition of sweet, crunchy popcorn and candy.

Spice Up Summer Snacks
Freshly popped popcorn is a light snack perfect for summer, and you can add just about any flavor to satisfy whatever you may be craving. Start by sampling these topping favorites then taste your way to other creative combinations.

• Garlic salt
• Parmesan cheese
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Dry taco seasoning mix
• Dry ranch-style seasoning mix
• Lemon pepper
• Italian herbs: oregano, basil, marjoram, thyme and crushed rosemary
• French herbs: marjoram, thyme, summer savory, basil, rosemary, sage and fennel
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Nutmeg

Find more popcorn recipes perfect for summer at popcorn.org.

Coconut Monkey Mix

Yield: 7 cups

• 1 cup flaked coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
• 6 cups popped popcorn
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• dash of nutmeg
• 1 cup dried banana chips

1. Heat oven to 325° F.
2. Spread coconut in 13-by-9-inch baking pan, breaking up any clumps as needed. Bake 10 minutes, or until edges of coconut begin to brown.
3. Spread popcorn over coconut and sprinkle with butter; toss. Sprinkle popcorn mixture with sugar, salt and nutmeg; toss.
4. Bake 5 minutes longer, remove from heat and toss with banana chips. Serve immediately or cool and store in airtight container.

Popcorn Chipwiches

Yield: 12

• 2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (6 ounces) chocolate pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 pints brick-style vanilla ice cream

1. Keep popcorn warm.
2. In 3-quart saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vinegar and salt. Cook and stir until sugar dissolves. Continue to cook until hard ball stage (250 F on candy thermometer).
3. Pour syrup over popcorn; stir to coat. Add chocolate pieces and nuts; stir just until mixed.
4. Pour into two 13-by-9-by-2-inch pans, spreading and packing firmly. Cool.
5. In each pan, cut 12 rectangles. Cut each pint of ice cream into six slices. Sandwich each ice cream slice between two popcorn rectangles.

Ballpark Popcorn Crunch

Yield: 3 quarts

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 quarts unsalted popped popcorn
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. In separate bowl, toss popcorn and walnuts. Add creamed mixture to popcorn and nuts. Combine until coated.
4. Spread on large baking sheet in single layer.
5. Bake 10 minutes, or until crisp.

Beach Party Popcorn

Yield: 2 1/2 quarts

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1-2 drops hot pepper sauce
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2 quarts popped popcorn
• 2 cups assorted seasoned snacks (crackers, pretzels, etc.)
• 1/2 package (0.56 ounces) bacon-onion dip mix

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Add soy sauce and hot pepper sauce to melted butter.
3. Put popcorn and seasoned snacks in large bowl. Pour butter mixture over popcorn and snacks; toss. Sprinkle with bacon-onion dip mix; toss again.
4. Spread mixture in 15 1/2-by-10 1/2-by-1-inch jelly roll pan and bake 8-10 minutes, stirring once.

Source: The Popcorn Board

(Family Features) Summertime meals are all about the grill. This year, give your grill and your family a break from hamburgers and hot dogs, and heat things up with the flavor and versatility of fresh pork.

From tender Sweet Sriracha Pork Skewers to Memphis-Style Dry Baby Back Ribs, the possibilities are endless. Make your cookout the best on the block with these tips and recipes from world champion pitmasters Tuffy Stone and Darren Warth:

• Start with a fresh and high-quality meat like Smithfield Fresh Pork, which is available in a variety of cuts and seasonings perfect for any cookout occasion.
• Don’t lift the lid of your grill unless you are checking for doneness or turning the food to avoid letting the heat escape or interrupt the cooking process.
• Check for proper doneness with a meat thermometer and use tongs to turn the meat instead of a fork. Cutting into the meat can cause flavorful juices to escape.
• If you’re short on time, try a pre-seasoned option like Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork, so that the prep work is already done for you.

Find more great grilling tips, videos and recipes at SmithfieldGetGrilling.com.

Memphis-Style Dry Baby Back Ribs

Recipe courtesy of Pitmaster Tuffy Stone
Prep time: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes stand time
Cook time: 4-6 hours
Servings: 2-4

Dry Rub:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon celery salt

• 2 slabs Smithfield Fresh Pork Back Ribs, membrane removed
• 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
• apple juice or water, in spray bottle
• barbecue sauce (optional)

1. To make dry rub: In small bowl about 30 minutes before grilling, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, chili powder, dry mustard, black pepper and celery salt; mix well.
2. Spread both sides of ribs with yellow mustard and sprinkle dry rub on top. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Heat charcoal or gas grill to 250 F for indirect cooking.
3. Place ribs, meaty side up, over drip pan and cook 4-6 hours until tender. Spritz ribs occasionally with water or apple juice using spray bottle.
4. If using charcoal grill, add about 12 coals approximately every 45 minutes to maintain heat. Let ribs stand 10-15 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with barbecue sauce.

Sweet Sriracha Pork Skewers

Recipe courtesy of Pitmaster Darren Warth
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus marinade time
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 Smithfield Fresh Pork Tenderloin
• 1/2 cup agave nectar
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 pint fresh pineapple chunks
• wood skewers, soaked in water

1. Trim skin off pork tenderloin and cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. To make marinade: In bowl, combine agave, Sriracha sauce, garlic, soy sauce and rice vinegar, and whisk thoroughly.
3. Pour marinade into re-sealable bag and add cubed pork tenderloin. Marinate for up to 24 hours in refrigerator. Place tenderloin and pineapple chunks on skewers, alternating so pineapple is tight against tenderloin.
4. Heat charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. Grill skewers, turning every 5 minutes, until all sides are grilled. Cook until tenderloin chunks have reached internal temperature of 145° F.

Source: Smithfield

Learn why foil-packet cooking is hot, hot, hot

(Family Features) As the saying goes, big things come in small packages and that may explain the burgeoning popularity of foil-packet recipes. Minimal preparation and cleanup are easy trade-offs for the immense flavors you can create in these tiny containers, whether you prepare them in the oven, on the grill or over an open flame.

The secret to successful foil cooking is locking in the layers of flavor from each ingredient. It’s surprisingly simple to create delicious, healthy dishes when cooking with foil. An ingredient like seasoned rice vinegar offers a wholesome alternative to many condiments and flavorings while giving your packet a big flavor boost.

With no artificial preservatives, flavors or ingredients and no high-fructose corn syrup, Nakano® Rice Vinegars are the perfect solution for building better-for-you foil-packet meals. With organic varieties and easy-to-read labels featuring real, recognizable ingredients, you can feel great about layering delicious flavor into your next foil-packet meal with rice vinegar.

Garlic seasoned rice vinegar delivers a boost of flavor to this Asian-inspired chicken, creating a sensational main dish. Add crisp fresh veggies tossed with organic rice vinegar and garlic as a side then finish the meal with a sweet take on a juicy fruit crisp.

Find more inspired ideas for healthy meals at Mizkan.com/Recipes.

7 Steps to the Perfect Foil Pouch

1. A 12-inch square piece of foil is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust depending on the recipe. Remember you’ll need plenty of extra room around the ingredients for the heat to build up and cook the contents to perfection.
2. Use heavy-duty foil to avoid tears or poor seals that can spill ingredients and precious seasonings and juices.
3. Spread foil on a flat surface and add a light nonstick spray, if needed.
4. Place ingredients and seasonings in the center of the foil.
5. Bring long sides of the foil together over the food. Pinch together and make 1/2-inch folds straight across at least twice for a strong seal. Remember to leave plenty of open space between the foil and food.
6. Make 1/2-inch folds on each short end, folding toward food but leaving at least 1 1/2-2 inches between the seam and food.
7. Handle pouch with care to avoid piercing or tearing, and always use tongs to remove pouches from heat.

Gochujang-Glazed Chicken

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

• 4 tablespoons Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar – Roasted Garlic
• 2 teaspoons gochujang (chile bean paste)
• 6 tablespoons maple syrup
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, olive oil
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 chicken thighs
• 4 cups fresh cauliflower, riced (use grater or food processer so cauliflower resembles rice)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh scallions, sliced
• 2 cups fresh sugar snap peas
• 3 sprigs fresh cilantro, for garnish

1. Heat oven or grill to 375° F.
2. In large bowl, mix together vinegar, gochujang, maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, mustard, salt and pepper to form marinade. Dip chicken in marinade and toss lightly until coated.
3. Lightly oil foil pouch and layer base of pouch with cauliflower. Add scallions and sugar snap peas then place chicken on top. Carefully pour remaining marinade over pouch contents (ensuring that liquid stays inside foil).
4. Seal foil packet and bake or grill 30 minutes. Open foil to create 2-inch long vent then bake or grill another 15 minutes, or until completely cooked. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Chef’s tip: For best results and added flavor, marinate chicken 30 minutes before preparing pouches.

Substitutions: In place of gochujang, red pepper flake paste can be made by mixing 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes with a few dashes soy sauce and 1 dash sugar. Alternatively, substitute 2 teaspoons sriracha for gochujang.

Bartlett Pear and Oat Crisp

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

• 4 cups fresh pears, medium diced
• 4 tablespoons Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar – Mango
• 3/4 cup quick oats
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup, plus 2 teaspoons, all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons butter, diced into 1/4-inch squares

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Toss pears in rice vinegar and set into lightly greased foil pouch.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in bowl and use two forks to combine ingredients until mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Pour mixture evenly over pears, seal pouch and bake 20 minutes.
5. Open top of foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

Chef’s tips: For crispier crust, refrigerate crumbly mixture 30 minutes before baking. Serve with scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Mediterranean Vegetables

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

• 3 tablespoons Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Seasoned
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus extra, to taste
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh zucchini, sliced into 1 3/4-inch long, 1/4-inch thick planks
• 1 cup fresh green pepper strips
• 1 cup fresh red pepper strips
• 8 fresh stalks asparagus, slicing off 1/4 inch from bottom of stalk
• 1 fresh portobello mushroom, sliced into 1/2-inch squares
• 1 cup fresh eggplant, diced into 1/2-inch squares

1. Heat oven or grill to 375° F.
2. In large bowl, mix together rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley and garlic to create marinade.
3. Clean vegetables then place them in marinade in small batches. Toss to coat then place in foil pouch. Pour remaining marinade over vegetables and seal pouch.
4. Bake in oven or over indirect heat on grill 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, after removing pouch from heat.

Chef’s tip: Open pouch after 20 minutes of cooking and allow vegetables to crisp slightly under direct heat for remaining 5 minutes.

Source: Nakano

Mongolian Beef

Makes 4 servings

• 1 pound boneless beef top sirloin
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1-1/2 tablespoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 2 teaspoons Kikkoman Hoisin Sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 bunches green onions, cut into 1-1/2-inch lengths, separating whites from tops, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Mongolian Sauce*
• 1 teaspoon sesame seed, toasted

1. Cut beef across grain into thin strips. Combine next 4 ingredients; stir in beef. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir-fry half of beef in 1 table-spoon hot oil in wok or large skillet over high heat 1 minute; remove.
2. Repeat cooking procedure with remaining beef and 1 tablespoon oil; remove. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in same pan. Add whites of green onions, garlic, ginger and red pepper; stir-fry 1 minute.
3. Stir in green onion tops. Add beef and Mongolian Sauce.
4. Cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. Sprinkle with sesame seed before serving.

*Mongolian Sauce: Combine 1/3 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, 2-1/2 tablespoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce, 1 tablespoon dry sherry and 1 teaspoon Kikkoman Hoisin Sauce.

Source: Kikkoman

Adds Spark to End-of-Season Cookouts

(Family Features) “Barbecue” is a word that, when uttered, makes mouths water and keeps folks tending pits and grills for hours at a time. But with little time left for optimal outdoor cooking this season, how do you turn up the heat and ensure your next barbecue is the best of the bunch?

Although the “world’s best” barbecue is perhaps the most feuded-over food claim, it’s hard not to think of the South in connection with best-of-class barbecue.

<p>Southern barbecue, with its time-burnished, rich tradition of cooking meat slowly over a wood fire, offers a distinctive style and unique flavor. Great pitmen come from the South, and many great barbecue showdowns take place in the South, like the Jack Daniel’s® World Championship Invitational Barbecue Contest held annually in Lynchburg, Tennessee. And while the definition of “best barbecue” varies from region to region, there are a few standard Southern barbecue traditions that hold true throughout the entire Southern barbecue belt and beyond.

For one, barbecue in the South usually means pork, but there are a few exceptions; beef is most often the meat of choice for Texas barbecue, and mutton is used in parts of Kentucky.

Another sticking point for Southern barbecue is the sauce. Most would agree that bathing your barbecue with a perfectly seasoned, balanced sauce makes the difference between ho-hum and sublime.

Many sauces contain ingredients such as molasses, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, black pepper, onion, celery, garlic, mustard, cayenne pepper, vegetable oil and salt, with some variations. And while there are some true Southerners that would take issue with any barbecue sauce that’s simply not their own, there are a few bottled sauces that can make your celebration simpler while still holding true to Southern barbecue traditions.

Jack Daniel’s® Barbecue Sauce, for example, is a welcomed Southern guest at any barbecue just burning to make a good impression. Whether it’s the sweet and spicy flavor of Original No. 7 or the genuine wood-smoked flavoring of Hickory Brown Sugar, Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Sauce offers the flavor of the famous Jack Daniel’s Whiskey with just the right amount of Southern hospitality to please everyone.

Yet another long-standing tradition at Southern barbecues are the sides and accompaniments. Some of the most popular items used to complement a traditional barbecue meal include old standards such as cole slaw, baked beans and hush puppies. However, modern-day Southern cooks are more willing to welcome a wider array of accompaniments, including something as delightful as bacon-wrapped barbecued shrimp.

So, light the grill, hum a few bars of the “Tennessee Waltz” and get ready to go out of the season in style — Southern barbecue style, that is. Try these tempting recipes or visit www.JackDanielsSauces.com for ideas on how to inspire your own barbecue specialty. Let’s get to eatin’!

Country-Style Ribs

Makes 4 servings

• 1-1/2 cups Jack Daniel’s® Honey Smokehouse Barbecue Sauce, divided
• 1-1/2 cups Jack Daniel’s Hickory Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
• 3 pounds country ribs (boneless pork)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey

1. Set aside 1/2 cup Honey Smokehouse barbecue sauce to use on cooked ribs.
2. Place ribs in 4-quart saucepot. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over ribs. Cover and simmer 1 hour or until tender. While cooking, prepare grill.
3. Remove ribs from sauce and discard liquid. Grill 15 minutes or until browned. Brush on reserved sauce to finish ribs.

Backyard Brawl Baked Beans

Makes 4 servings

• 4          slices thick-sliced bacon, chopped
• 2          cups chopped onion
• 1/2       green pepper, chopped
• 2          garlic gloves, chopped
• 2          (16-ounce) cans Heinz Vegetarian Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/3       cup molasses
• 1/2       cup Jack Daniel’s® Spicy Original Recipe Barbecue Sauce
• 1/4       cup packed brown sugar
• 1          tablespoon Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
• 1          teaspoon dark brown mustard
• 1          tablespoon dry mustard
• 1          tablespoon Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4       tablespoon Liquid Smoke, or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. In heavy pot, cook bacon over medium heat to render fat. Add onion, green pepper and garlic, and cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in beans, molasses, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, brown mustard, dry mustard, cider vinegar and liquid smoke. Simmer, uncovered, until rich and thickly flavored, 10 to15 minutes, stirring with wooden spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Note: May also place beans in baking dish and bake in preheated 350°F oven about 30 minutes.

Bacon-Wrapped Barbecued Shrimp

Makes 4 servings

• 1-1/2    cups Jack Daniel’s® Barbecue Sauce
• 1          tablespoon garlic powder
• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/2       pound pepper bacon (or preferred bacon)

1. Cut bacon slices in half. Cook bacon partially (should not be crisp). Prepare grill.
2. Combine barbecue sauce, garlic powder and lemon juice; pour half of mixture into separate bowl for use later. Dip shrimp into remaining sauce to thoroughly coat. Wrap each piece of shrimp with 1/2 piece of bacon. Place on skewer (leave small space between pieces). Brush grill with vegetable oil, place skewers on hot grill and baste with remaining sauce. Grill approximately 4 to 6 minutes.

Southern-Style Cole Slaw

Makes 4 servings

• 1/4       cup Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2          tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2       teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4       teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of ground allspice
• 3          ounces red onion, finely diced
• 6          ounces green cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 4          ounces cucumbers, peeled and seeded, coarsely chopped
• 3          ounces red pepper, coarsely chopped
• 2          ounces green pepper, coarsely chopped
• 3          tablespoons olive oil

1. In medium saucepan, bring vinegar, brown sugar, celery seed, turmeric, ginger and allspice to simmer on medium heat.
2. Stir in onion, remove from heat and allow to stand 5 minutes to cool. Meanwhile, toss cabbage, cucumbers and peppers in mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk olive oil into cooled vinaigrette mixture.
3. Pour mixture over vegetables and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Source: Jack Daniel's Sauces

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons snipped fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Dash cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds beef sirloin

Preparation

1. In small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, rosemary, paprika, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
2. Trim meat if needed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Transfer to large bowl.
3. Spoon half of mustard mixture over beef; toss gently to coat. Place in zipper plastic bag and marinate for least an hour in the refrigerator.
4. On 10-inch skewers, thread meat, leaving 1/4 inch between pieces.
5. Preheat grill.
6. Reduce heat to medium (on a gas grill). Place meat skewers on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill 8 to 10 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness, turning once and brushing with remaining mustard mixture halfway through grilling.

Preparation Time

30 minutes, plus marinade time

Cook Time

10 minutes

Serves

6

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

By Shana Beattie

SOURCE: United Soybean Board