Get Outside with Fresh Grilled Flavors
(Family Features) When bright, sunny days offer opportunities to take it outside for a celebration or casual weeknight dinner, take advantage with the fresh flavors of grilled fare. Good food and good company can combine for a meal to remember with loved ones while enjoying the outdoors.
Try taking your grilling game to the next level with Atkins Ranch grass fed ground lamb – available at Whole Foods Market – for lean, delicate flavor perfect for burgers, skewers, meatballs and sausages. Grass fed lamb is a versatile option that’s easy to cook, even on the grill – simply treat it the way you would beef.
If you’re new to cooking lamb, consider these Grilled Lamb Burgers that showcase 100% grass-fed lamb topped with a light herb salad, sliced tomato and yogurt sauce on a brioche bun. Or you can combine a robust herb dipping sauce with Lamb Meatball and Veggie Skewers for a customizable meal hot off the grates.
Visit Take-It-Outside.AtkinsRanch.com for more grilling inspiration.
Lamb Meatball and Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce
Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Yield: 6 skewers
- 6 wooden skewers
- 1 pound Atkins Ranch ground lamb
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely minced yellow onion
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch stacks
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch stacks
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch stacks
Herb Sauce:
- 1 cup flat leaf parsley
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- grilled Italian bread, for serving
- Soak skewers in water 10 minutes.
- In large bowl, break apart ground lamb; add whisked eggs and breadcrumbs.
- In small saute pan, add olive oil then saute yellow onion, garlic clove, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, to taste, about 5 minutes, until onion is translucent and spices are fragrant. Add to bowl with lamb. Mix until combined and form into roughly 1 1/2-ounce balls.
- Add meatballs to skewers, alternating with onions and peppers. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour to ensure meatballs hold together during grilling.
- To make herb sauce: In immersion blender, blend parsley, rosemary, capers, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers about 3 minutes on each side, or until meatballs reach 150 F internal temperature. Rest 5 minutes. Serve with dipping sauce and grilled Italian bread.
Grilled Lamb Burgers
Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 1/2 pounds Atkins Ranch ground lamb
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Spread:
- 2/3 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 clove raw garlic, grated
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salad:
- 1 small English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup microgreens
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 medium tomato, sliced into rounds
- Gently divide lamb into four parts, 6 ounces each, and shape into rounds slightly larger than buns. Place covered in refrigerator, 1 hour.
- To make yogurt sauce: In small bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard; refrigerate until ready to assemble burgers.
- To make salad: In medium bowl, mix cucumber, onions, parsley, mint leaves, dill, microgreens, lemon juice, lemon zest and olive oil; refrigerate until ready to assemble burgers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat with direct and indirect zones. Salt patties then add to grill, cooking about 6 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 150 F. As patties near this temperature, or start to brown, move to indirect zone to regulate doneness. Transfer to plate and let rest about 5 minutes.
- To build burgers, add dollop of yogurt spread to bottom buns. Top each with tomato slice, lamb burger, herb salad and top bun.
Source: Atkins Ranch
Breakfast Burrito
You know the feeling: You eat breakfast, but by 11 a.m. your stomach is growling. You feel like you just ate but somehow you’re hungry and craving something hearty and rich.
Switch up your breakfast habits with wholesome and filling Breakfast Burrito. It’s got protein to keep you full, veggies for a touch of added nutrition and hot sauce to pack a powerful punch of flavor in every bite.
No more snacking between breakfast and lunch. This hearty breakfast bite will keep you full and bursting with energy until it’s time for your next meal. It’s easy to make in a matter of minutes and it’s totally customizable to accommodate every palate.
Made with beans, eggs and egg white proteins, it can help keep you energized and full until it’s time for lunch. The red onion, red bell peppers, salsa, tomatoes and avocado provide some fresh, nutritious vegetable options and the chili flakes and hot sauce bring the heat.
To make this burrito, start with canola oil in a skillet. Add red onion and red bell peppers then cook for 8 minutes. Add black beans, chili flakes, salt and pepper then stir.
Whisk eggs and egg whites in a mixing bowl. Add pepper jack cheese then scramble the egg and cheese mixture in a hot skillet.
On a tortilla, spread sour cream, salsa, the bean mixture, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, avocado and hot sauce, if desired. Roll up the burrito and it’s ready to serve.
Just like that you have a breakfast that is not only nutritious but equally as appetizing. Find more filling breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.
If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Breakfast Burrito
Servings: 4
- 2 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 4 eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- nonstick cooking spray
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- hot sauce (optional)
- In large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add red onion and red bell pepper; cook 8 minutes. Add black beans and red pepper flakes; cook 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to dish.
- In medium bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites. Stir in cheese until combined. Heat large skillet over low heat, add egg mixture and scramble 3 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Spread sour cream over tortilla. Spread salsa over sour cream. Spoon 1/4 bean mixture over salsa. Spoon 1/4 scrambled eggs over bean mixture. Top with diced tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired. Roll-up burrito. Repeat three times with remaining ingredients and serve.
BLT Wrap with Avocado Spread
Sometimes lunch is the most challenging meal of the day. When you wake up before heading to work or accomplishing the morning’s tasks, you might ask yourself, “What should I pack for lunch today?”
Lunch is a meal that everyone has different views on. Some enjoy a huge, filling lunch, some skip it altogether and others look for a light, nutritious option.
The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to midday food choices. If you desire crunch and texture, but also something light, you’re likely seeking food that is filling and going to give you enough energy to make it until dinner time.
This BLT Wrap with Avocado Spread is a perfect lunchtime pick-me-up that can leave you feeling full and ready to conquer the rest of the day’s work.
This recipe is simple and can be whipped together in minutes. Plus, it has fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.
Start by cooking eight strips of bacon in a hot skillet. While that’s cooking, slice the tomatoes and cut the lettuce leaves.
In a bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt with a fork until combined.
On a flour tortilla, add avocado spread, one lettuce leaf, tomato slices and bacon. Roll everything up for an on-the-go meal.
This recipe is best served with banana peppers and Spanish rice for a nutrient-filled lunch.
It’s always nice to have a little break in the middle of the day, especially with a delicious meal that’ll have you ready to finish the day strong.
Find more lunch recipes at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
BLT Wrap with Avocado Spread
Servings: 4
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juice only
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 flour tortillas
- 4 large red leaf lettuce leaves
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- Spanish rice (optional)
- banana peppers (optional)
- In large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
- In medium bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt with fork until combined and smooth.
- Spread thin layer of avocado mixture over tortillas. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomatoes and bacon. Fold sides up and roll.
- Serve with Spanish rice and banana peppers, if desired.
A Vibrant, Flavorful Spring Meal Prepped in 20 Minutes or Less
(Family Features) Adding delicious, new flavors to your homecooked meals this spring may be easier than you think. A secret ingredient like cooking wine is a simple way to add a boost of flavor to all kinds of recipes.
During the spring months, few people would prefer cooking in the kitchen for hours rather than enjoying the outdoors. Make spending time with family and friends even more special by sharing a quick, delicious, spring-inspired meal together. Time-saving dishes at home begin with an option like Holland House® Cooking Wines that add an extra boost of flavor to recipes like Chicken Gyro Bowls. Perfect for a weeknight meal, the recipe combines pantry staples and enticing seasonings for an easy-to-make dish using a slow cooker.
Featuring savory chicken gyro meat atop a scoopful of rice, crisp and vibrant veggies, and garnished with crumbly feta and tangy tzatziki sauce, the bowls are bursting with flavor and perfect for the season.
Cooking wines are flavor-enhancing ingredients that can quickly transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one. Available in four flavors – Marsala, Sherry, White and Red – Holland House Cooking Wines are made with fine grapes and perfectly blended seasonings, aged to perfection, to offer bold flavor to your springtime cooking. Consider these uses for each variety:
Sherry cooking wine works equally well in dessert recipes, main dishes, sides, soups and sauces. One example is these delicious Chicken Gyro Bowls, which you can leave cooking in the Crockpot™ throughout the day. The remaining preparation is fast for a weeknight meal that’s ready in next to no time.
Best known for its use in chicken marsala, marsala cooking wine lends flavor to other preparations, too. Marinate sliced meat in marsala cooking wine before grilling, roasting or sauteing, or swirl it into gravies and soups to add delicious, savory flavor.
Stir red cooking wine into gravies and red sauces, or try marinating less-tender cuts of beef, lamb or pork in the refrigerator (for up to 24 hours) to boost flavor and tenderness.
White cooking wine pairs well with fish and lighter fare like chicken and turkey, as well as rice dishes.
Find more recipes to bring mouthwatering flavor to your springtime table at HollandHouseFlavors.com and crock-pot.com/slow-cookers.
Chicken Gyro Bowls
Recipe courtesy of Jillian of Food, Folks and Fun
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 4-6 hours
Servings: 6
Chicken Gyro Meat:
- 1/4 cup Holland House Sherry Cooking Wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thawed
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
Gyro Bowls:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 medium cucumber, seeded and sliced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups tzatziki sauce
- black pepper, to taste
- 4 pitas, warmed and cut into wedges
- To make chicken gyro meat: In small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk cooking wine, chicken broth and lemon juice; set aside.
- In separate small bowl, combine dried oregano, salt and pepper; set aside.
- Add chopped onion to bottom of slow cooker and lay chicken breasts on top of onions.
- Pour cooking wine mixture over onions and chicken.
- Sprinkle half of oregano mixture over top of chicken. Flip chicken over and sprinkle remaining oregano mixture over chicken.
- Evenly distribute minced garlic over chicken.
- Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on high 4-6 hours or low 6-8 hours.
- Shred cooked chicken then use wooden spoon to mix shredded chicken, onions and remaining liquid together. Turn off slow cooker and let mixture sit, with lid on, while preparing rice.
- To make gyro bowls: Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Place rice in bowls and top with chicken gyro mixture, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, feta, tzatziki sauce and black pepper, to taste. Serve with pita wedges.
Souce: Holland House
Friday Night is Pizza Night
Just look at that Cheese and Sausage Tomato Pie. Sizzling sausage, melting mellow cheeses, tangy tomato and crispy, crunchy crust. Homemade pizza: the perfect way to end the work and school week.
Making your own pizza dough is a snap. Flour, yeast, water and oil mix together quickly. The dough rests for 10 minutes then you’re ready to roll.
Make individual pizzas like My Own Pizza with similar savory toppings. Try hearty Sausage-Pepper Calzones, and instead of leftover pizza, go for easy-to-make Sausage Breakfast Pizza, hot from the oven.
Sausage-Pepper Calzones
Yield: 6 calzones
Dough:
- 2-2 1/4 cups Pillsbury Best All-Purpose Flour, divided
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 envelope Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot water (120-130 F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sausage-Pepper Filling:
- 1 package Jimmy Dean Fresh Sausage
- 1 1/2 cups sliced bell pepper
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Wisconsin mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Wisconsin provolone cheese
- olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- To make dough: In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, cornmeal, undissolved yeast and salt. Stir water and oil into flour mixture. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
- Heat oven to 400° F.
- To make Sausage-Pepper Filling: In skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Add bell pepper, onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Let cool. Stir in cheeses.
- Divide dough into six equal pieces; roll each into 8-inch circle. Place about 1 cup Sausage-Pepper Filling on one half of each circle; moisten edges.
- Fold dough over filling; press with tines of fork to seal. Place on greased baking sheet. With sharp knife, make three 1-inch slits across top of each calzone. Brush top with olive oil. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, or until done. Serve warm.
My Own Pizza
Yield: 16 individual pizzas
Dough:
- 5 1/2-6 cups Pillsbury Best All-Purpose Flour, divided
- 2 envelopes Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups hot water (120-130 F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups prepared pizza sauce
- 1 package Jimmy Dean Fresh Sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
- sliced olives
- tomatoes
- peppers
- 1 cup shredded Wisconsin mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese
- In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, undissolved yeast and salt. Gradually stir water and olive oil into flour mixture. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
- Heat oven to 400° F.
- On lightly floured surface, divide dough into 16 pieces. Form into smooth balls; roll into 7-inch circles. Place on greased baking sheets. Top with pizza sauce, sausage and vegetables.
- Sprinkle with cheeses.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.
Cheese and Sausage Tomato Pie
Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza
Dough:
- 2 1/2-3 cups Pillsbury Best All-Purpose Flour, divided
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 envelope Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup hot water (120-130 F)
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
- 1 package Jimmy Dean Fresh Sausage Regular Flavor, cooked, crumbled and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Wisconsin mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Wisconsin parmesan cheese
- tomatoes (optional)
- peppers (optional)
- mushrooms (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups prepared pizza sauce
- In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast and salt. Gradually add water and 2 tablespoons peanut oil to flour mixture.
- Using electric mixer, beat 2 minutes at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
- Heat oven to 450° F.
- Roll dough into 12-inch circle; place on greased 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet. Form standing rim by pinching edges of dough; prick dough randomly with fork. Let rest 10 minutes. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from pan; place on wire cooling rack.
- Brush crust surface with remaining peanut oil; spread pizza sauce evenly on crust. Sprinkle with sausage; top with cheeses; add toppings as desired. Bake 10 minutes, or until crust is golden. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
Sausage Breakfast Pizza
Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza
Dough:
- 2 1/2-3 cups Pillsbury Best All-Purpose Flour, divided
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 envelope Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup hot water (120-130 F)
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
- 1 package Jimmy Dean Fresh Sausage Regular Flavor, cooked, crumbled and drained
- 1 cup frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 small bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup shredded Wisconsin sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons shredded Wisconsin parmesan cheese
- In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast and salt. Gradually add water and 2 tablespoons peanut oil to flour mixture.
- Using electric mixer, beat 2 minutes at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
- Heat oven to 450° F.
- Roll dough to 12-inch circle; place on greased 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet. Form standing rim by pinching edges of dough; prick dough randomly with fork. Let rest 10 minutes. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from pan; place on wire cooling rack.
- Reset oven to 375° F. Return cooled crust to 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet. Sprinkle sausage, potatoes, bell pepper and cheese over crust.
- In bowl, combine eggs, milk and seasonings; pour evenly over top.
- Bake 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are set.
- Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
Bite Into A Better Burger
(Family Features) Summertime officially ushers in grilling season. There's no better way to celebrate the warm weather than at a backyard barbeque. Whether you're entertaining friends or cooking for your family, it's easy to make healthful choices at your next summer soirée.
When planning for an outdoor get-together, try better-for-you alternatives to traditional grilling fare. For example, serve fresh, seasonal grilled vegetables instead of potato chips. Once you've fired up the grill, try veggie burgers as an alternative to meat.
MorningStar Farms Grillers Original Veggie Burgers contain 57 percent less fat than regular ground beef.* So, it's not a burger - it's better!
Get your meatless barbeque started with an Alpine Burger. Or, if you're looking for a burger with a bit of a twist, consider making these Garden Veggie Deluxe Burgers or Spicy Tex-Mex Pita Burgers.
Once you're finished with the main course, grill pineapple and serve it over sherbet for dessert.
These simple substitutions are so delicious, your family and friends are sure to leave your next backyard party satisfied. For more recipes and fun food ideas, visit www.morningstarfarms.com.
*Regular ground beef contains 14g total fat per 64g serving. Grillers Original contain 6g fat per 64g serving.
Alpine Burger
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Time to Table: 25 minutes
Servings: 1
- 3/4 cup sweet onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
- 1 MorningStar Farms Grillers Original Burger
- 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard or Dijon Mustard
- 1 slice multigrain or whole wheat bread, toasted
- 1/3 cup baby arugula
- 1 tablespoon Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese, shredded
- In large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onions, covered, over medium-low heat for 16 to 20 minutes or until onions are very tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in mushrooms and garlic. Cook over medium heat, covered, for 4 to 6 minutes or until onions begin to brown and mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, cook veggie burgers according to package directions.
- Spread mustard on one side of bread slice. Top with arugula (if desired). Place burger on arugula. Spoon onion mixture over burger.
Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Spicy Tex-Mex Pita Burgers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Time to Table: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
- 2 MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burgers
- 1 cup baby romaine lettuce or torn romaine lettuce
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, chopped
- 4 tablespoons tomato salsa
- 1 whole-wheat pita bread round
- 4 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese with jalapeño peppers or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers
- 10 baked tortilla chips (optional)
- Cook burgers according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, toss together lettuce, mayonnaise, and cilantro until lettuce is evenly coated. In another bowl, stir together avocado and salsa.
- Cut pita bread across middle in half. Fill each half with lettuce mixture. Insert burgers. Add cheese and avocado mixture. Serve with tortilla chips, if desired.
Garden Veggie Deluxe Burgers
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Time to Table: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
- 2 MorningStar Farms Garden Veggie Patties Veggie Burgers
- 2 slices (1 1/2 ounces total) Provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split
- 2 slices tomato
- 2 slices red onion
- 4 rings green or red bell pepper
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
- Cook burgers according to package directions. Top hot burgers with cheese slices. Let stand until cheese melts, about 1 minute.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and curry powder. Spread on bun bottoms. Top with burgers, tomato, red onion and bell pepper. Top with parsley leaves, if you like, and bun tops.
Source: Morningstar Farms
Simple Summer Solutions
(Family Features) Summertime entertaining should be easy and fun. And it can be - with some simple solutions and fresh recipes.
Start with Simple Recipes
- For this tropical dessert pizza, make the cookie crust the day before. Mix the filling and store it in an airtight plastic container, then cut up fruit and store in individual resealable plastic bags. Be creative and substitute your family's favorite fruits. Kids will have fun arranging the sliced fruit on this yummy dessert pizza!
- Three ingredients plus three minutes equals one tasty marinade. Let the kids help pour the ingredients into a resealable plastic bag to flavor juicy pork tenderloins with a subtly sweet, spicy marinade.
- The combination of crisp watermelon, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil with balsamic vinegar creates a fantastic and refreshing light salad. Just cut up ingredients and store in separate plastic containers, then toss together right before the party to keep the flavors fresh.
Simply Entertaining
- For picnics on damp ground, placing an inexpensive plastic tablecloth under a blanket helps keep dampness from reaching picnickers - and keeps your blanket cleaner, too.
- Wash, chop, measure and prepare your ingredients 1 to 2 days before an event or party. They can be stored in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers in the refrigerator to make putting together recipes much easier the day of the party.
- Save plastic grocery bags to send guests home with leftovers. Placing an empty plastic grocery bag in a picnic basket is also a great solution for collecting trash after a picnic in the park - it doesn't take up much room and will act as a waterproof barrier to prevent spills.
- Create a dipping station for barbeque and grill sauces using reusable plastic storage containers with lids. Guests can spoon sauces onto their plates; when the party is over, simply place the lids back on the sauces and store in the refrigerator. They come in all different shapes and sizes and even fun colors.
- Use resealable plastic bags for marinades. Put meat in the bags with marinade and refrigerate overnight. It helps save space in the refrigerator and clean up is easy. This also works for coating and breading.
For more tips on ways to make summer entertaining a breeze, visit www.PlasticsMakeitPossible.com.
Tropical Fruit Dessert Pizza
Makes 12 servings
- 1 18-ounce roll refrigerated ready-to-slice sugar cookie dough
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 8-ounce package fat-free cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange rind
- 1 cup fat-free frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 26-ounce jar mango slices, drained, or 2 fresh mangoes, sliced
- 1 16-ounce can pineapple slices, drained, or 1 fresh pineapple, sliced
- 1 11-ounce can mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur or orange juice
- 2 tablespoons coconut, toasted, optional
- Preheat oven 350°F.
- Press cookie dough into a 12 to 14-inch pizza pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 12 minutes, cool completely.
- In medium mixing bowl, blend together sugar, cream cheese, coconut extract until well mixed. Stir in orange rind and whipped topping, mixing until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture on top of cooled crust.
- Arrange mango slices around edge of iced pizza. Then, arrange pineapple slices around edge. Next, arrange mandarin orange slices in another ring to fill center of pizza.
- In small saucepan or in microwave, heat apricot preserves and orange liqueur just until melted. Spoon glaze over fruit. Sprinkle with toasted coconut, if desired. Refrigerate until serving.
Terrific Tidbit: Go ahead and grate more orange rind than you'll need for the recipe - you can grate a whole orange or lemon and freeze the rind in a plastic freezer bag until needed.
Watermelon and Tomato Salad
Makes 10 (1/2-cup) servings
- 4 cups scooped out watermelon balls or chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 1/3 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese, optional
- In bowl, combine watermelon, onion, tomatoes and basil. Whisk together oil and vinegar and toss with salad. Season to taste. Refrigerate until serving.
3-Ingredient Marinade for Pork Tenderloin
Makes 6 to 8 servings
- 2 1-pound pork tenderloins, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup roasted garlic seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Preheat oven 350°F.
- In bowl, combine all ingredients except tenderloins. Place meat in dish or large resealable plastic bag, pour marinade over meat. If time permits, refrigerate overnight, turning meat several times.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the tenderloin registers 160°F. Slice tenderloin, serve.
Quick Tip: Tenderloins come two to a package. If one will be enough for you to serve, halve recipe, freeze other tenderloin in freezable plastic bag.
Source: American Chemistry Council
6 Deviled Eggs Recipes Perfect for Easter and Beyond
(Family Features) Deviled eggs, also known as stuffed eggs, first appeared in American cookbooks in the mid-19th century, but the origin can be traced back to ancient Rome where eggs were boiled and seasoned with spicy sauces, according to the History Channel. Today, deviled eggs are a staple during Easter, and according to the American Egg Board, more than 100 million dozen eggs were sold last year during the week of Easter alone.
The “classic” deviled egg includes a mixture of mustard and mayonnaise, sprinkled with paprika. However, chefs and home cooks alike are experimenting with various flavor twists, including ingredients like seeds, bacon, hot sauce, avocado, pickles, dill, crab meat and more.
Celebrate this classic Easter recipe along with five new flavor variations from the experts at McCormick and French’s. For more deviled egg recipes and Easter inspiration, visit McCormick.com and Frenchs.com.
- Easy Deviled Eggs – Crush this traditional recipe using French’s Classic Yellow Mustard and garlic powder for a tangy-sweet flavor and silky-smooth texture. Top with paprika and enjoy.
- Smoky Deviled Eggs – What could be better than deviled eggs with crumbled bacon? How about adding in smoked paprika for another layer of smokiness and a little color. Now that’s the perfect appetizer for Easter brunch.
- Fiery Deviled Eggs – Kick it up a notch by adding Frank’s RedHot to these deviled eggs. It’ll add a tangy kick to the classic that can please any crowd.
- Avocado Deviled Eggs – Switch up the norm and add chopped avocado, Greek yogurt, yellow mustard and crispy fried onions to create this flavorful deviled egg. Top with some cilantro for a pop of color.
- Mediterranean Deviled Eggs – Getting their inspiration from the flavors of the Mediterranean, this deviled egg features Parmesan cheese, herbs like oregano and basil and a bright garnish of diced tomatoes.
- French’s Party Deviled Eggs– This egg is made for a party. Swap out the mayo with sour cream and add Dijon mustard for richness. Then top with a crispy onion crunch to leave guests wanting more. Don’t forget to sprinkle with paprika.
Source: McCormick
Healthy Mealtime Inspiration in Your Pantry
(Family Features) One of the secrets to ordering less takeout and serving more nutritious homemade meals may be as simple as keeping a well-stocked pantry of canned foods. By cooking with canned foods, you can cut down prep time, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
Canned fruits, vegetables, proteins and soups can help you get through the week with creative meals you can feel good about serving your family like Panzanella Salad and Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chili. In addition, according to a study published in “Nutrients,” kids and adults who use six or more canned foods per week are more likely to have diets higher in 17 essential nutrients, including potassium, calcium and fiber.
Canned foods can also help reduce the amount of perishable fruits and vegetables purchased then thrown away. how many times you’ve opened the fridge only to find the fresh produce you purchased only days ago has already spoiled. Because fresh fruits and vegetables are harvested at the peak of ripeness and canned within four hours, sealing in their nutrition and flavor, your family can have access to seasonal, ready-to-use fruits and vegetables year-round. Simply reach in your pantry – or your “cantry” – and get cooking.
For more information about the benefits of cooking with canned foods and to find more flavorful recipes, visit CansGetYouCooking.com.
Panzanella Salad
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
Salad:
- 1 pound day-old Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 8 ounces romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) tomato wedges
- 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) garbanzo beans
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) artichoke hearts
- 1 can (3.8 ounces) olives
- 1 can (1 1/2 ounces) sliced radishes
- To make dressing: In small bowl, stir together olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- To assemble salad: In large bowl, toss bread cubes, lettuce, tomato wedges, beans, artichoke hearts, olives and radishes; drizzle with dressing.
Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chili
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4-8 hours
Servings: 6-8
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (12 1/2 ounces each) white premium chunk chicken breast, drained
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste, plus additional, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 can (13 1/2 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) chickpeas, drained
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) whole potatoes, drained and cubed
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) sliced carrots, drained
- 3 tablespoons lime juice, plus additional, to taste
- salt, to taste
- brown rice, cooked according to package instructions (optional)
- cilantro, for garnish
- salted peanuts, for garnish
- Grease slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, chicken, tomatoes, red curry paste, peanut butter, brown sugar, ginger, coconut milk, fish sauce and soy sauce to slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours.
- Uncover and stir in chickpeas, potatoes, carrots and lime juice. Taste and add lime juice and salt, to taste, if necessary.
- Serve on top of brown rice, if desired, and garnish with cilantro and peanuts.
Source: Can Manufacturers Institute
Make it Mediterranean
3 dishes to highlight the next trend in internationally themed cuisine
(Family Features) Just like forward-thinking culinary artists, many at-home chefs seek out the next trendy flavor to provide friends and family gathered around the table. When pondering which trend you'll dive into in the future, consider incorporating tastes from an especially influential international location - the Mediterranean Sea region.
Considered by the experts at Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI) in the organization's 2018 Trends Report to be one of the most influential parts of the world on the American food scene, flavors from the Mediterranean Sea focus on a diet heavy on fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds and nuts. Take this Hummus recipe, for example, which involves processing a host of beans, seeds and seasonings to create a light, smooth dip to serve with anything from vegetables to crackers.
Because the fare is typically lighter, small bites and salads such as Fresh Figs with Honey or this Tomato, Feta and Basil Salad provide easy-to-prepare versions of Mediterranean cuisine. Incorporating vegetables (tomatoes and basil) along with the salty, milky flavors of feta cheese makes the salad a distinctly Mediterranean dish.
In addition to Mediterranean food, the trends report highlighted Middle Eastern cuisine and Latin American flavors as areas of the world that will influence American dining in the next year. Additionally, LDEI highlighted these regions as likely to be influential in the next three years:
- East Africa
- The Balkans
- The Caribbean Sea
To go along with specific regions and countries to influence American food culture, the report identified these international food concepts as the most likely to become prominent food trends:
- Puebla Hot Pot (Latin America, Mexico) - ancho chile, smoked paprika and spices in chicken stock, served with chicken or pork, corn, avocado crema and fresh garnishes.
- Manouri (Mediterranean, Greece) - a semi-soft, fresh white whey cheese made from goat or sheep milk.
- Millet (India) - ancient grains harvested from small-seeded grasses used for porridge.
Mediterranean food, because of its reliance on the inclusion of vegetables and exclusion of red meat in many of its dishes, also squarely fits into the top established and growing health trends, according to the report, which are:
- Vegetarian cuisine
- Organic
- Vegan cuisine
Find full results from the report and learn more about the organization at LDEI.org.
10 Ways to Find Culinary Inspiration
Consider these strategies for achieving inspiration in the kitchen from the LDEI 2018 Trends Report:
- Traveling
- Cookbooks
- Farmers' markets
- Internet and social media
- Fresh produce
- Food magazines
- Chefs
- Seasons
- Beautiful imagery
- People and culture
Tracking the Top Food Trends
As trends continue changing, growing and spreading, the experts at LDEI continue to provide updates from the food world. Find complete 2018 Trends Report survey results and expert panel insights by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
LDEI is a worldwide philanthropic organization of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. The invitation-only membership, composed of 2,300 women in 40 chapters across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico, is highly diversified and reflects the multifaceted fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. For more information, visit LDEI.org or find LDEI on Facebook.
Tomato, Feta and Basil Salad
Recipe courtesy of Beth Vlasich Pav of Cooking by Design, LLC, on behalf of Les Dames d'Escoffier International
Servings: 15-20
- 8 medium size tomatoes, sliced into 1/8-inch slices
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese, sliced into 1/8-inch pieces
- 2 small packages fresh basil, leaves picked off stems
- 3 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- On large platter, arrange slices of tomato and feta so they overlap. Place basil leaf between each tomato and Feta slice. Repeat.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately.
Hummus
Recipe courtesy of Beth Vlasich Pav of Cooking by Design, LLC, on behalf of Les Dames d'Escoffier International
Yield: 2 cups
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) garbanzo beans
- 1 medium garlic clove, peeled
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Drain garbanzo beans reserving 1/2 cup liquid.
- In food processor, process garbanzo beans, garlic, sesame oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper until incorporated. Stop and scrape down sides of bowl. Add garbanzo liquid and process until smooth.
- Scoop mixture into medium bowl, add black sesame seeds and mix gently. Serve with drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
Fresh Figs with Honey
Recipe courtesy of Beth Vlasich Pav of Cooking by Design, LLC, on behalf of Les Dames d'Escoffier International
Servings: 6
- 6 fresh figs
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Slice figs in half lengthwise (stem to bottom). Distribute on small platter.
- Drizzle honey over each fig equally. Serve immediately.
Photos courtesy of Beth Vlasich Pav