From orchard to table, apples bring flavor for the perfect picnic Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ice PopsBaked Apple Pie Layer BarsSpiced Pork and Apple Burger with Maple DijonApple Tortellini Salad (Family Features) There's nothing like the perfect picnic or barbecue to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. This season, gather together guests and surprise them with a rustic backyard picnic, starring delicious new recipes that bring out the flavor of apples - a versatile and healthy year-round fruit. Filled with healthy antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, apples add a flavorful twist to classic picnic fare. For a refreshing treat that both kids and adults will love, try the Strawberry Banana Smoothie Popsicle, made with Tree Top Apple Juice. Or grill some Spiced Pork and Apple Burgers with Maple Dijon, made with Tree Top Apple Sauce for a lean and juicy burger. For more recipes and inspiration, visit www.treetop.com. Designing a Backyard Party Is Easy Set the scene with the right décor and a little bit of creativity - and let nature take care of the rest. Find vintage plates and serving pieces at a local flea market. Serve beverages in Mason jars, which can also be ... read more

Laura's Lean Beef Stuffed Cheeseburgers (Family Features) Now that summer is here, it's time to fire up the grill. For many, a cookout isn't complete without a juicy, delicious hamburger. Even those trying to follow a healthier, natural diet can enjoy this classic summer favorite by using the right ingredients. Mitzi Dulan, a nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert and team sports nutritionist for the Kansas City Royals, understands the importance of building a better burger using leaner, healthier ingredients that benefit the body. "Lean beef is an integral part of a wholesome burger as it provides essential nutrients and protein to keep you trim and energized," Dulan said. "In addition to choosing nutritious ingredients, exercise portion control and practice moderation to create an even healthier burger." Dulan recommends considering these tips for building a better burger: Simple substitutions, such as using lean ground beef, can create a protein-packed burger that is low-fat and has fewer calories. Consider using natural brands, such as Laura's Lean Beef, to kick start a delicious, healthy burger. Keep in mind that lean beef cooks in 1/3 less time than regular beef since it has less fat. So, adjust the cooking time to match your ... read more

Southwestern Bean Salad Stuffed Peppers Cooking a satisfying supper that won't break the bank may seem like a stretch - especially considering rising food costs and a struggling economy - but with the right ingredients, affordable family meals are possible. With a little planning, recipes like these delicious Southwestern Stuffed Peppers are as easy to make as they are on the wallet. Pick the Peppers Yellow, orange, red and green bell peppers - use your favorite or try a combination of different colors for a vibrant presentation. Split lengthwise, the pepper halves are perfectly portioned for the simple southwestern stuffing. Prep and Pack Peppers A can of READ Southwestern Bean Salad saves a prep step. Chili powder, lime and garlic, with a hint of heat, season this two-bean, corn and pepper blend. Paired with a ground beef and onion stuffing mixture, it definitely takes traditional stuffed peppers to a new level. A sprinkle of cheese and a dash of crushed tortilla chips add a cheesy-crunchy finish. Heat and Eat Just bake until the peppers are tender and serve. For a real fiesta, offer sides of Mexican rice or heated corn tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream. This Tex-Mex ... read more

Crust-less Spring Quiche This spring, whether you're hosting guests for brunch, lunch or dinner, a quiche dish is the perfect addition to your menu. Replacing pastry dough with easy-to-prepare pierogies is not only a delicious twist on the classic dish, but it will save you time in the kitchen so you can spend more time enjoying the beautiful spring weather with family and friends. The recipe below for Crust-less Spring Quiche combines eggs, Mrs. T's Pierogies, fresh vegetables and Asiago cheese to create a tasty and effortless meal that's ready in just 40 minutes. Simply pour the mixture into a casserole dish, bake it in the oven and serve. And you can get creative by substituting or adding any of your favorite spring vegetables - making this meatless dish a wonderful vegetarian option. Get more easy recipes at www.pierogies.com. Crust-less Spring Quiche Ingredients 1 16-ounce box Mrs. T's Potato and Cheddar Pierogies 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 3 cups baby spinach 2 scallions, sliced 1 1/2 cups milk 3 large eggs 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. ... read more