Family Features - Recipes

Outdoor Dining

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:01:00 GMT

From orchard to table, apples bring flavor for the perfect picnic

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ice Pops
Baked Apple Pie Layer Bars
Spiced Pork and Apple Burger with Maple Dijon
Apple 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 d√©cor 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 used as flower vases.
Cover a rustic table with gingham tablecloth.
Fill large wicker baskets with apples to use as centerpieces.
If hosting in the evening, line the table with tea lights and lanterns.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ice Pops

Ingredients

1 cup Tree Top Apple Juice
1 pint strawberries, hulled, sliced and frozen
1 banana, sliced and frozen
1 apple, peeled, cored, sliced and frozen
6 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

Put all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into ice pop forms or paper cups. Place ice pop sticks in center and freeze, inverted, for 3 hours or until solid. Keep frozen until ready to serve.

Baked Apple Pie Layer Bars

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening
1egg
Milk
2/3 cup crushed corn flakes
1/2 cup Tree Top or Seneca Apple Sauce
5 cups sliced, peeled apples
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation

Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Cut shortening in with pastry blender or two knives. Put egg yolk into measuring cup and add milk to make 2/3 cup.
Add to shortening mixture. Mix just enough until dough shapes into a ball. Roll out half the dough into 15 x 11-inch rectangle. Transfer to baking sheet. Cover with corn flakes. Mix apple sauce together with apple slices, and add mixture on top of corn flakes. Mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apple mixture. Roll out other half of dough for top crust. Place over apples. Pinch edges together. Beat egg white until stiff and spread on top crust. Bake in hot 400¬∞F oven for 40 minutes. Cut into 16 squares.
Combine confectioners' sugar and lemon juice to make glaze. While hot, drizzle glaze over top.

Serves
Servings 16

Spiced Pork and Apple Burger with Maple Dijon

Ingredients

3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
2 pounds ground pork
1/2 cup Tree Top Natural Apple Sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 hamburger buns
Baby Spinach leaves

Preparation

Stir maple syrup and mustard together in a small bowl. Set aside. Spray a large non-stick grill pan or griddle with cooking spray and place over medium to medium high heat.
Mix pork, apple sauce, salt, chili powder, dry mustard, pepper and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl. Form mixture into 6 patties. Place patties in pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turn and cook additional 4 to 5 minutes or until done.
To serve, spread bun bottoms with maple mustard mixture. Top each with a patty, spinach leaf and bun top. If desired, toast buns and top with cheddar cheese, grilled onions, pickles, tomatoes or other favorite toppings. Serve with crispy sweet potato fries and steamed beans for an easy but special meal.

Serves
Servings 6

Apple Tortellini Salad

Ingredients

Dressing

3 tablespoons Tree Top Frozen Concentrate Apple Juice, thawed
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic salt
Ground pepper to taste

Salad

9 ounces cheese-filled tortellini
2 cups sliced apples (approximately
2 medium apples)
2 cups shredded salad greens
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup sliced scallions
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

Preparation

To prepare dressing, combine apple juice concentrate, corn syrup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic salt and pepper. Cover dressing and refrigerate.
To prepare salad, cook tortellini, drain and cool by rinsing pasta under cold water. Shake gently to drain thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine tortellini, apples, salad greens, strawberries, celery and scallions. Toss salad gently with chilled dressing. Serve chilled. If desired, sprinkle with pine nuts.

Serves
Servings 6 to 8

SOURCE:
Tree Top

Grill a Better, Healthier Burger

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:04:00 GMT

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 method of grilling. To make the grilling process as healthy as possible, substitute natural charcoal. Products such as Big Green Egg Organic Lump Charcoal, use organic hardwoods and burn more efficiently without harsh chemicals or odors.
Try new, healthier toppings that add a unique twist of flavor to your burger. Instead of ketchup, which can be loaded with excess sugar and sodium, consider fresh salsa. Replace mayonnaise with sliced avocado, which is a creamy, heart-healthy alternative.
Use whole grain buns in place of white buns. Whole-grains are absorbed slower by the body, meaning they do not raise sugar levels as quickly and keep you feeling full longer. This reduces the urge to eat larger portions or snack after a meal.

For more tips, recipes and to enter Laura's Lean Beef's Summer Grilling Sweepstakes, visit www.facebook.com/laurasleanbeef starting May 27, 2013.

Laura's Lean Beef Stuffed Cheeseburgers

Ingredients

1 pound Laura's Lean Beef 96% Lean Ground Sirloin
1/4 cup finely minced onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 ounces reduced fat Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 4 even 1/2-ounce pieces
4 slices reduced calorie oatmeal bread
2 tomatoes, sliced
4 lettuce leaves

Preparation

Mix beef with onion and parsley. Divide beef into 4 equal portions. Divide each individual portion in half so you have 8 equal portions.
Flatten 4 portions into rounds. Place a 1/2-ounce piece of cheese on top of each round. Flatten the remaining 4 portions of beef into rounds, place on top of cheese then seal edges of rounds together, sealing cheese in.
Grill (covered with grill lid) at 400-450¬∞F about 5-7 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness.
To serve, place each burger on top of one slice of reduced calorie (45 calories per slice) bread. Top each burger with lettuce and sliced tomatoes and serve immediately.

Serves
Serves 4

Calories:	244g	Total Fat:	8g
Cholesterol:	69mg	Protein:	30g
Carbohydrates:	13g	Sodium:	258mg

Preparation Time:
About 10 minutes

Cook Time:
5-7 minutes

SOURCE:
Laura's Lean Beef

Dinner Tonight: Budget-Friendly Perked Up Peppers

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:00:00 GMT

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 version of stuffed peppers is perfect for casual Sunday night dinners.

For other great recipes made with READ salads, visit www.readsalads.com.

Southwestern Bean Salad Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) READ Southwestern Bean Salad
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 small jalape√±o pepper, minced (optional)
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90 percent lean)
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 large bell peppers, any color or a combination
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Preparation

Drain bean salad; discard liquid. With fork, mash half of beans until chunky. Combine with remaining beans. Stir in cumin and jalape√±o, if desired; set aside.
In medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion 8 to 10 minutes, until ground beef is completely cooked, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, cut bell peppers lengthwise in half. Remove membranes and seeds. Line baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray (or brush lightly with vegetable oil).
Combine ground beef-onion mixture with bean mixture. Stir in tortilla chips and 1/2 cup cheese. Divide evenly among peppers. Arrange peppers cut side up in prepared pan; peppers should fit snugly in pan. Top with 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips, if desired. Bake, covered, in preheated 350¬∞F oven 25 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup remaining cheese and bake, uncovered, until cheese melts.

Serves
Makes 6 servings

Calories:	252g	Total Fat:	13g
Cholesterol:	41mg	Protein:	15g
Carbohydrates:	20g	Sodium:	367mg

Preparation Time:
20 minutes

Bake Time:
25 minutes

SOURCE:
Seneca Foods

A Simple Spring Meal Made Easy

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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.
Boil pierogies as box directs.
Melt butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat; add red pepper slices and mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently about 5 minutes or until just tender. Remove to bowl with slotted spoon. Add spinach and scallions to drippings remaining in skillet; cook about 3 minutes or until just wilted. Remove to bowl with vegetables.
Grease 3-quart casserole dish. Beat milk, eggs, salt and pepper in large bowl, until well mixed. Add vegetables, cheese and cooked pierogies. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Bake 40 minutes, or until mixture is puffed and golden.

Serves
6

Preparation Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

SOURCE:
Mrs. T's

Soup Essentials

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Hearty Pasta Fagiole with Ham
Winter Root Vegetable and Ham Soup

Few things warm your body and soul quite like a bowl of hot and hearty soup on a chilly day. Don't be left out in the cold this winter. Make sure you have a pantry stocked with the right ingredients to make a delicious, comforting soup any time your taste buds desire. Here's what you need:

Grains and Legumes - Grains, pastas and legumes are a must. They offer filling fiber along with great taste and texture.

Brown rice
Long grain rice
Rigatoni
Small pastas such as orzo or ditalini
Farfalle
Egg noodles
Canned beans such as pinto, black, cannellini/white kidney, and lentils
Couscous
Quinoa or barley

Vegetables - Adding two or three vegetables to a recipe brings color, flavor and vitamins to your soup.

Roasted peppers
Canned corn
Canned tomatoes
Dried mushrooms
Onions
Carrots
Celery

Broths and Stocks - For an inexpensive way to season your soup, make your own stock and freeze it for whenever you need it. You can also buy broth at the grocery store and save in your pantry until needed. Either way, make sure to keep a variety on hand for different kinds of soup.

Low sodium chicken broth or stock
Beef broth or stock
Vegetable broth or stock
Soup bases, such as turkey, chicken or beef

Proteins - Make sure to hold onto your leftovers. Ham, bacon, turkey, chicken, beef and sausage can all be great flavor additions. These two soup recipes will help you enjoy every last bite of your remaining Smithfield ham and its rich, smoky flavor.

Stock up on soup essentials today so you can enjoy the perfect soup any time you want. You can find more recipes and tips like these at www.smithfield.com.

Hearty Pasta Fagiole with Ham

Ingredients

2 cups leftover Smithfield ham, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 16-ounce cans white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 large tomato, diced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
2 cups ditalini or tubetini pasta, cooked
2 cups chicken broth
Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

In 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, in hot oil, cook garlic, about 3 minutes, until softened. Add white kidney beans, tomato, chicken broth, ham and pepper; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Add pasta. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To serve, stir in parsley. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves
6

Winter Root Vegetable and Ham Soup

Ingredients

2 cups leftover Smithfield ham, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek, chopped
4 cups diced butternut squash
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large parsnip, peeled and diced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chopped escarole
3 cups vegetable broth

Preparation

In medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add leeks and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in broth, butternut squash, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, Smithfield ham and pepper. Over high heat, heat to boiling; reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes until vegetables are almost tender, stirring occasionally. Add escarole; cook 5 minutes longer.

Serves
6

SOURCE:
Smithfield

Share Sweets from the Heart this Valentine's Day

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Share Sweets from the Heart this Valentine's Day

Sweetheart Surprise Cupcakes

What better way to show love and affection on Valentine's Day than by sharing a delicious gift made from the heart? A sweet treat is the perfect way to say "I love you" to the important people in your life.

A national survey by Wilton found that a quarter of women under age 55 bake as part of their Valentine's Day celebration. And although women typically spend less than men on Valentine's Day gifts, they give to more people in their lives - including a spouse or boyfriend, children, extended family, friends and co-workers. Among the most popular treats to prepare and share are cookies, cakes and cupcakes.

Try these tips from Wilton and get ready to bake to your heart's content.

Let your love take shape with the Valentine Cookie Pan; heart shapes and thoughtful sayings like "Be Mine" will surely make that special someone know how much you care.
Go for a dip and jazz up everyday cookies by giving them a chocolate dunk and sprinkle toppings.
Show your true colors and surprise your sweetie by filling the center of a yellow cupcake with pink or red batter. It's easy to do with the new Two Tone Cupcake Pan.
Dress up with baking cups and picks, which are the ideal accessories for your cupcakes; red gingham or pink polka dot baking cups adds festive flair.
Sweep 'em off their feet with a stylish presentation - pretty patterned window boxes and heart shaped bags are the perfect way to present your Valentine treats.

For more Valentine's Day recipes, baking tips and gift inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Sweetheart Surprise Cupcakes

Ingredients

Gingham Baking Cups
2 packages (16.5-18.25 oz. ea.) white cake mix
Eggs, oil and water to prepare mixes
Red-Red and Rose Icing Colors
1 can (16 oz.) White Ready-To-Use Decorator Icing
Micro Hearts, Fill Your Heart Mix, Chocolate Hearts Mix or Valentine Nonpareils Sprinkles or Red or Pink Sugars

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350¬∞F. Place baking cups into standard muffin pan from the Two-Tone Cupcake Pan kit.
Prepare white cake mix following package instructions. Remove about 1-1/2 cups batter from bowl; divide into 2 smaller bowls. Tint one smaller bowl of batter red, the other rose.
Place cupcake insert into first row of baking cups; fill center 2/3 full with red or rose batter. Fill remaining cup 2/3 full with white batter. Remove insert; wash and dry. Repeat with remaining baking cups.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until cake tester or toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan on cooling grid 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
Tint portions of icing red and rose; reserve some white. Pipe tip 1M or tip 12 icing swirl onto cooled cupcakes. Add sprinkles or sugars.

Serves
Makes about 24 cupcakes.

SOURCE:
Wilton Products

Lunch With A Crunch

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:01:00 GMT

Lunch with a Crunch

Spinach Apple Salad with Toasted Walnuts

There was a time when an apple was the last place you would look to experiment with new flavors in the produce section. But today, there are nearly 100 commercial varieties to choose from, each with unique characteristics to tickle your taste buds.

One new variety called Opal is grown in Washington and offers a complex flavor that starts sweet and finishes with a slight tang. Vibrantly yellow and super crunchy, these apples are perfect for fresh salads and side dishes. And, unlike many types of apples, Opals naturally resist oxidation after cutting, which keeps them fresh and delicious for a lunch prepared before you head out for work, or snacking through the day.

An added benefit is that when you buy Opal apples, you are helping to fund the Youth Make a Difference Initiative grants, which provide funding for youth programs serving communities across the United States.

For a lunch with a crunch, try adding apples in fun and delicious ways:

Dip apple slices in your favorite nut butter.
Add thin slices of apple to your deli meat sandwich, or layer them with PB and J on raisin bread.
Make your own cracker stackers with whole grain crackers, your favorite cheese, smoked turkey, and apple slices.
Add apples to a delicious salad, such as this spinach and apple salad with dried cherries, which is filled with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron and antioxidants.

Visit www.opalapples.com to access an application for the Youth Make a Difference Initiative.

Spinach Apple Salad with Toasted Walnuts

Ingredients

2 Opal apples
5 ounces baby spinach
1/3 cup dried tart cherries
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed)
1 teaspoon lemon zest, freshly grated
Salt to taste
Ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Preparation

Core apples, and cut into thin slices (about 16 per apple). Place spinach in a large bowl; remove long stems and any bruised leaves. Add cherries and half of apples and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, thyme, lemon zest, salt and ground pepper to taste. Toss spinach, apples and cherries with just enough dressing to coat. Top with remaining sliced apples, goat cheese and toasted walnuts.

Serves
Servings 4

Preparation Time:
15 minutes

SOURCE:
Opal Apples

Wholesome Snacking for the Whole Family

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:20:00 GMT

It's easy to grab a bag of chips or a handful of cookies to give yourself a boost of energy to make it through the day. But those choices aren't always the most nutritious. It is possible, however, to make better snack choices that actually taste good, and are good for you.

Registered dietitian and author Kate Geagan, MS, RD, says, "Snacks can play an important role within a healthy diet. Selecting a tasty, nutritious snack or two can help you stay energized and keep you from overeating at your next meal. If you plan ahead, you can ensure that you have satisfying choices you can feel good about." Geagan suggests planning a mid-afternoon snack and water break.

"Whole foods and those that are made with minimally processed, whole food ingredients are great snack choices," she says. "Try to include a serving of fruits or vegetables for added vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, as well as a source of protein or calcium, like cheese or yogurt." There are plenty of delicious options to keep you going from morning to night.

Geagan recommends snacking on SOYJOY bars instead of granola bars made with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and additives. SOYJOY bars, made with real fruit and USA grown non-genetically modified ground whole soy, are a tasty snack option perfect for any time of day. They are just the right size to keep in your desk drawer, gym bag, or pack in your child's lunch box.

Geagan is also a fan of making flavorsome snack pairings. For example, she likes to enjoy a creamy Mini Babybel cheese with multi-grain crackers or apple slices. These individually wrapped cheeses are the perfect portion size, and they combine the irresistible taste of an indulgent treat with the nutrition of a wholesome, everyday snack. For a fun snack for kids, Geagan also suggests making mini skewers with a rolled up turkey slice, Mini Babybel White Cheddar, and a cherry tomato.

Pre-pack nutritious on-the-go snacks. If you plan ahead and divide up single servings into snack-sized resealable bags or storage containers, you'll always have a good-for-you snack ready to grab and go.

1 cup edamame (or 1/2 cup shelled edamame)
1 ounce in-shell pistachios
2 tablespoons almond butter on apple slices
Whole wheat pita chips with guacamole or hummus
Create your own trail mix with kid-friendly ingredients like popcorn, fruits and nuts

Great tasting snacks can also be good for you - offer a variety of nutritious choices and the whole family will find a snack they love. For more snacking tips and recipes visit www.soyjoy.com and www.thelaughingcow.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
SOYJOY

Smart Ways to Start the Day

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:08:00 GMT

Mornings can be one of the most hectic parts of the day for busy parents. While trying to get the kids dressed, fed and ready-to-go during the morning crunch, it's easy to skimp on the little things that keep you at your best and ready for the rest of the day. Heinz Nutritionist Carla Addison shares a few easy tips to get the day started right and keep you feeling your best throughout the day - even on the busiest of mornings.

Plan it Out. A good day starts with a good plan. Think about what you'll eat not only for breakfast, but also throughout the day before hunger strikes. This way, you're less likely to indulge and more likely to make smart choices. Also, be sure to plan healthy snacks for in between meal times. You'll feel prepared and ready to take on the day with confidence.

Variety is the Spice of Life. By incorporating a variety of foods, you can break free from the same old cold cereal routine and also get the nutrients you need for the day. Fresh fruit on top of hot oatmeal or a quick fruit smoothie make tasty, yet healthful options. Also, Weight Watchers Smart Ones offers a variety of warm breakfast options, such as the Three Cheese Omelet that can be prepared in the microwave in just a few minutes.

Fresh Fruit is Your Friend. Always leave a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter so you never walk out of the door hungry - even if you're in a big rush. Keep the fruit bowl at eye level so that it's in sight and top of mind for everyone. For those extra hectic mornings when you don't have time to sit down and eat, bananas, peaches, oranges and apples make great on-the-go options.

Start the Day with Protein. Lean meats are a great source of protein to fuel your day. If you're looking for quick, convenient options, try Smart Ones English Muffin Sandwich with Turkey Sausage, which has 14g of protein, or the Smart Ones Pancakes with Turkey Sausage, which has 11g of protein. Other high protein options include whole grain breads with nut butters, cheese or hummus. Also, a side of cottage cheese or a hard-boiled egg offers a protein boost to any breakfast.

Write in a food journal. A food journal is a great way to identify the healthy choices that you're making and recognize the food habits that you might need to change. Start the day with a few minutes of documentation, whether that's writing down your snacks from the day before, a grocery list or a meal schedule for the coming week.

To get more tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to find additional Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® breakfast options, visit www.eatyourbest.com.

SOURCE:
Smart Ones

Holiday Wine Traditions and Recipes

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Holiday Wine Traditions and Recipes

Basic Gravy
Cabernet Gravy

The holidays are the quintessential time to both enjoy and share wine. In fact, the right wine adds elegance to any holiday occasion and plays an important role as a gift, an entertaining staple, and a key recipe ingredient for celebration dishes throughout the season.

"For my grandfather, my father, and for me, wine has always been a way of life in our family," said Mike Martini, third-generation winemaker for Louis M. Martini Winery, established nearly 80 years ago in the heart of California's Napa Valley. "Special occasions are invitations to open special bottles of wine with great friends. We usually share our Christmas with friends and family, and everybody contributes wine, so it is like a big tasting session with food. It is the most significant thing that occurs other than giving thanks for a wonderful life."

To help you choose a wine to celebrate the season, Mike suggests a selection from the Martini family's ultimate Christmas Cab Collection: the Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, a perfect pairing for casual holiday get-togethers; the Napa Valley Cabernet, for more formal holiday gatherings; or the Monte Rosso Cabernet, for going all-out with an extra special bottle of wine.

Wine also adds rich flavor to holiday recipes. This recipe for Cabernet Gravy starts with a classic gravy, which should be made the day ahead of when it will be served. By cooking it down and letting it sit overnight, the flavors will marry together. Once the base is done, it can be flavored and customized easily; so easy in fact that you can make more than one to satisfy all palates at your table.

For more Martini Family recipes and wine pairing suggestions visit www.LouisMartini.com, or www.Facebook.com/LouisMartiniWinery.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Basic Gravy

Ingredients

1 cup stock, cooled
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour

Preparation

In heavy sauce pan, melt butter and add flour. Being careful not to burn flour, stir continuously and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until it is a deep chestnut color. The darker it becomes, the more depth of flavor will develop.
Whisk in cold stock, bring to a simmer. Once it has reduced to the desired consistency, season to taste and store overnight in the refrigerator.

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Note:Make proportionally to the desired amount. For example, if you need six cups of basic gravy, start with eight cups of stock, 1 1/4 cups each of butter and flour.

Gravy Tips:

If your gravy is too salty, add a 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar.
To minimize lumps, use a handy immersion blender to smooth texture.
If your gravy is too thick, whisk in additional stock. Or if too thin, reduce over heat until it is the desired consistency.

Cabernet Gravy

Ingredients

3 cups Basic Gravy
1 cup Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2 tablespoons green peppercorns in brine
Black pepper to taste

Preparation

Bring basic gravy to a simmer, whisking in wine. Add peppercorns and black pepper to taste. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy reaches desired consistency.

SOURCE:
Louis M. Martini Winery