Meal-Prep Tips for a Manageable Back-to-School Menu

(Family Features) The hustle and bustle of back-to-school season can cause chaos in households. Class time, field trips and homework typically rule each day, which can make sitting down for a meal seem like a far-off dream. One easy way to save time is simplifying family recipes and prioritizing meal-planning.

Consider these meal-planning tips from the experts at Healthy Family Project, whose partners are donating $16,000 to the Foundation for Fresh Produce to support children’s accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Choose the meals you plan to make for the week. Cut down on prep time by planning dishes with overlapping ingredients then write out a grocery list to keep from overbuying. Recipes like this Southwest Quiche Muffins Bento Box that include a brief list of widely used ingredients can help you avoid buying items you may only use once.

Stock the kitchen with ingredients your family often uses. Ensure you have the spices, seasonings, condiments, sauces and canned foods to prepare favorite meals at a moment’s notice.

Save time by washing and prepping produce once each week. For example, if you’re using sweet peppers in these Mini Sweet Pepper Sheet Pan Nachos and again in another meal that week, prep all at once so they’re ready when it’s time to cook – just be sure to store in an airtight container.

Serve quick snacks that won’t spoil dinner. Kids often need a little fuel for homework, but complicated snacks can cut into already busy schedules. Keep ingredients on hand for simple options like trail mix, fruit parfaits and meat and cheese wraps.

Use kitchen tools that speed up the process. Pressure cookers and air fryers can help you put nutritious meals on the table faster while slow cookers let you prep in the morning and come home to a hot, delicious dinner.

Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more back-to-school recipes.

Mini Sweet Pepper Sheet Pan Nachos

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

• 8          ounces Pero Family Farms Mini Sweet Peppers, cut into chip shapes
• 7          ounces tortilla chips
• 1/2       cup sweet or red onion, diced.
• 1/2       cup canned or fresh corn
• 1/2       cup queso fresco cheese
• 1/4       cup black olives
• 1/4       cup jalapeno peppers, fresh sliced
• 1/4       cup cilantro leaves, for garnish
• 1          lime, cut into thin wedges, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Place peppers and tortilla chips on sheet pan. Layer onion, corn, cheese, black olives and jalapeno peppers. Bake 3-5 minutes.
3. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Southwest Quiche Muffins Bento Box

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12

• 8          large eggs
• 1/2       cup milk
• nonstick cooking spray
• 3/4       cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2       cup chopped Nature Fresh Farms Tomz tomatoes
• 1/3       cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4       small RealSweet sweet onion, chopped
• 1/2       cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1/4       cup granola
• 1/2       Zespri SunGold kiwi, chopped
• 1          Bee Sweet Citrus mandarin, peeled and segmented

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
2. In large bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
3. Coat 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or use silicone muffin liners. Evenly divide beans, tomatoes, cheese and onion among cups. Pour eggs over top.
4. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until eggs are set and lightly browned.
5. Remove from oven and cool in pan 2-3 minutes. Use knife to loosen edges and remove.
6. In cup or bowl, mix yogurt, granola and kiwi.
7. Assemble bento box with two quiche muffins, kiwi parfait and mandarin slices.

SOURCE:
Healthy Family Project

Introducing the Paloma Passion in Barbie Pink!

 Introducing the Paloma Passion in Barbie Pink!

Are you ready to dive into a world of vibrant pink hues and summer bliss? With Barbie pink taking over, we've crafted the perfect cocktail to embrace the spirit of the season. Passion Tree presents the cutest, boozieest, and pinkest concoction to ignite your inner Barbie made with their signature Dragon Fruit Hard Seltzer (which also comes in a pink can!). Get ready to sip on the Paloma Passion!

Whether you're hosting a Barbie-themed party or simply looking to add some pink glamour to your summer, the Paloma Passion is the perfect choice. Get ready to indulge in this delightful libation, garnished with a slice of grapefruit or a wedge of lime to make it even more picture-perfect.  

Remember, summer is all about fun, and what could be more fun than raising a glass of the Paloma Passion? So, embrace the pink, raise your glass high, and let the Barbie magic fill your summer nights with joy and fabulousness! 

Ingredients:

• 0.5 ounce simple syrup

• 0.25 ounce Cointreau

• 1.5 ounces grapefruit juice

• 0.5 ounce lime juice

• 1.5 ounces Tequila

• 1.5 ounces Dragon Fruit Passion Tree Hard Seltzer

• Splash of club soda

Directions:

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, Cointreau, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and Tequila.

• Shake the mixture vigorously to blend the flavors.

• Fill a glass with ice cubes.

• Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.

• Top it off with 1.5 ounces of Dragon Fruit Passion Tree Hard Seltzer.

• Add a splash of club soda to give it a fizzy touch.

• Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

• Garnish as desired.

• Sip and enjoy the refreshing Barbie Pink Paloma Passion!

• Remember to drink responsibly and have a fantastic time savoring this pink-tastic cocktail!

Thanks to our friends at DrinkPassionTree.com for the sample!

 

Peanut Butter Perfection

This will make your taste buds scream with delight.  This is so very easy to make and great for dessert.  Make it and take it to your next gathering and watch it disappear.

(Culinary.net) If you’ve ever taken a bite of something and the only word that came to mind was “yum,” you know what it’s like to experience this dessert. It’s fluffy, sweet, perfectly crumbly and tastes delicious. It’s rich but light. It’s a dessert that will likely never go out of style.

You can stop guessing what it may be: this treat is a scrumptious bite of Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie drizzled with chocolate syrup. You will understand the craze once you sink your fork into the chilled triangle resting on your plate. With a chocolate cookie crust and a thick, delicious peanut butter filling, this pie is everything many people want in a dessert.

Although it tastes like you have been in the kitchen all day, it’s a simple-to-make, delightful treat with luscious peanut butter flavor that melts in your mouth.

To make this pie, remove the filling from 20 chocolate cookies and crush them with a rolling pin until they are just crumbs. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and mold into a pie dish to create the crust.

Next, in a mixer, combine cream cheese and reserved cookie filling. Then add sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, lemon juice and vanilla extract while you continue mixing.

In a mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold peanut butter mixture in with the whipping cream.

Layer the peanut butter and whipping cream mixture on top of the crust in the pie pan. Chill for about 4 hours then drizzle with chocolate syrup just before serving.

This dessert is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. House guests, birthday parties or even just a simple treat after a meal; it’s an any-occasion kind of pie.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

 

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie

Servings: 6-8

• 20        chocolate cream-filled cookies
• 1/4       cup butter, melted
• 1          package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1          cup smooth peanut butter
• 1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 3          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1          cup whipping cream
• chocolate syrup

1. Remove cream filling from chocolate cookies; set aside. With rolling pin, finely crush chocolate cookies.
2. In medium bowl, combine finely crushed cookies with melted butter.
3. Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate; chill while preparing filling.
4. In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add reserved cookie cream filling, peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk; beat until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.
5. In medium bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. Mix until combined.
6. Pour into crust. Chill 4 hours, or until set. Drizzle chocolate syrup over pie before serving.
7. Cover leftovers and store in refrigerator.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

 

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

(Family Features) When the sun is shining and you need to beat the heat, cool down with a little shade and a nutty, frozen treat. This kid-favorite is a childhood classic you can customize with favorite toppings, too.

Made with the protein power of peanuts, these Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches are easy to prepare on hot days that call for a cold dessert. Just bake chocolate chip cookies, spread them with peanut butter, add a scoop of ice cream and roll in chopped peanuts, chocolate chips or toasted coconut for a sweet bite of perfection.

With approximately 4,000 active peanut farmers, it’s likely your peanuts – often referred to as “nutrition in a nutshell” – came from Georgia, which produces 52% of the country’s supply.

Visit GAPeanuts.com for more delicious dessert ideas.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Peanut Butter Lovers and the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 12

• 24        fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (about 3 inches in diameter), cooled
• 1 1/2    cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• 1 1/2    quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• chopped peanuts, for topping (optional)
• mini chocolate chips, for topping (optional)
• toasted coconut, for topping (optional)

1. On 12 cookies, top sides down, spread layer of peanut butter. Add one scoop of ice cream to each. Create sandwiches by topping with remaining cookies.
2. Roll edges of ice cream in chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut, if desired. Place on baking sheet in freezer and freeze until firm.
3. Serve slightly frozen.

SOURCE:
Georgia Peanut Commission

It's National Tequila Day! Celebrate with Freshie 🎉

🎉🎉 Thanks to our friends at Freshie for sending us this delicious tequila seltzer in honor of National Tequila Day!

Freshie is the first USDA-certified tequila seltzer on the market, made without added sugars. Unlike others, Freshie is made in partnership with a fourth-generation family-owned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. At only 99 calories a can, the flavorful drink comes in 3 fresh flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Guava, and Blood Orange Habanero.



It all started when the founders Paige + Ryne Iseminger took a group trip to Mexico, where Ryne whipped up a deliciously refreshing cocktail but without the sugar that gives you that killer headache. Today, that very drink has morphed into Freshie, and Georgia is one of only four lucky states to have it in stores!

Which flavor would you like to try?

Patriotic Pound Cake Trifle

Get ready for the 4th of July celebrations!

Living in the good ole USA, we have many holidays to honor our country and the men and women who serve in our military.  This colorful and festive pound cake trifle is easy to make and a great way to show you care.



2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
2 cups cake flour
8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
container of whipped topping (thawed)
2 pints of fresh blueberries
2 pints fresh strawberries, stems removed


Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Lightly grease a tube pan (Bundt), then line the bottom with wax paper.  Set aside. We are about to make this cake!

Grab a large mixing bowl and your electric mixer and let's start making this pound cake. Beat butter while adding the sugar. Beat in the eggs, ONE AT A TIME!  Then, add the vanilla extract. Beat in sour cream and cake cake.  Mix until everything is combined.

Pour batter into tube cake pan and bake in the oven for one hour and 20 minutes.  Remove and let cool completely (yes, I know this is hard.  Just walk away from the pound cake for now.

In a mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese and the can of condensed milk'.  Fold in the whipped topping. and set aside.  I said SET ASIDE. This is your custard.

Now, back to the pound cake.  Start cutting it into cubes and use half of the cake on the bottom of your trifle. Add a layer of blueberries and then half the custard.  Cut some of the strawberries in half and start placing them inside of the trifle on top of the custard,  Add another layer of the cake, then the custard.  To top it all off slice strawberries and layer them inside the trifle .  Place remaining blueberries in the center of this masterpiece!  let it set in the fridge for about 2 hours before you serve.

I will admit I have used a store bought pound cake to make this dessert, since most grocery stores have a bakery,  a variety of pound cakes is always  available.  This is great when time is a factor!

4 Unusual Condiments That'll Give Your Next Sandwich a Flavor Boost

Sandwiches have been enjoyed for so long and by so many different cultures that it's wild to think that most people still go for the classic flavors instead of trying something new. Whether you're packing lunches for work or wanting to try something new at home, it's a good idea to swap out what
Why Change Things Up?

If you're used to the same classic sandwiches, you may feel reluctant to give up what you know in turn for something far less familiar. The important thing to remember is that trying new things is the only way to determine if what you love can be improved upon!


This may mean adding a little kimchi to a fried chicken sandwich or spreading some mango pepper jelly on your next PB&J, but whatever you do- let yourself try something new! Not only does it broaden your world experiences, but it also gives you the chance to be excited and intrigued by something that's usually so normal, like a sandwich.
Kewpie Mayonnaise

Kewpie mayo has been in a kind of renaissance recently, in the same way the sriracha became a common household staple in the mid-2010s. If you like mayo on your sandwiches, you're going to be blown away by the sweet and delicious flavor that Kewpie offers without overpowering any meal.


With a very different flavor from classic American mayonnaise, it adds a tangy-sweet flavor that will leave you excited to go back for another bite!
Mango Pepper Jelly

Why allow your sandwiches to be one-note anymore? Mango pepper jelly is a great ingredient that will elevate your sandwich making into art. From the complex mixture of sweet and spicy, this jelly plays well against almost any kind of sandwich.


Instantly making a classic turkey sandwich into something almost candied and hot at the same time, you'll want to try new sandwich flavor combinations you've never considered before today.
Spunky Kimchi

Kimchi, much like sauerkraut, is popular because of its spunky fermented cabbage: but kimchi takes it further! Adding heat and an assortment of delicious spices and greens ensure that this is a sandwich condiment that adds a nice crisp texture and a variety of complex flavors you couldn't get otherwise.


Best with sandwiches like fried chicken or pork chop sandwiches, it adds a delicious kick that will leave your mouth watering just thinking about it after you've had it on your first sandwich. There's nothing quite like kimchi to make a sandwich into something incredible.
Harissa

Harissa is a tomato-based sauce made with red pepper, caraway seeds, chiles, and peppers. When toasted together and cooked down into a sauce, it's a delicious paste you can spread on nearly any sandwich.


Going best with veggie-dense sandwiches adds a bit of heat and excitement while also deepening the flavors with a sweet-savory combination between the peppers and the tomatoes. It's something amazing you won't want to ignore!
Try New Things and Up Your Sandwich Game

Your sandwiches don't have to be the same that they've always been! Give yourself the chance to try something new, and surprise your taste buds with fresh additions to a classic favorite.

Make Your Refreshing Cocktails with Reed's Ginger Ale

Thanks to Reed's Real Ginger Ale for providing samples to us.  This is my favorite brand.   Now, check out the drink recipes below.

Reed’s REAL Ginger Ale is made with 2,000 mg of real ginger and nothing artificial. Available for purchase on Amazon in two crisp, clean, varieties – Original & Zero-Sugar – Reed’s Real Ginger Ale is perfect for enjoying on its own or to incorporate into a refreshing cocktail!

Reed’s Berry Ginger Sangria

Ingredients:

• Sliced Lemons, oranges, strawberries and blueberries to taste
• 1 Bottle white wine of choice
• 2-4 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 Shots white rum
• 2 Cups Reed’s Real Ginger Ale

Instructions:

• Start with the freshly sliced lemons and oranges in a large pitcher
• Pour the bottle of wine into the pitcher
• Add in two to four tablespoons sugar, depending on how sweet you like your sangria
• Add two shots of white rum
• Muddle the fruit, rum, and wine with a big spoon
• Add two cups of Reed’s Real Ginger Ale
• Pour into a glass with ice, add in strawberries and blueberries and enjoy!

Reed’s Watermelon Ginger Frozen Margarita
Ingredients:

• 4 cups of cubed watermelon, frozen
• 3 ounces lime juice
• 3 ounces tequila
• 1 Can of Reed’s Real Zero Sugar Ginger Ale
• Lime slices, for garnish
• Ice (optional)

Instructions:

• In a blender, add watermelon, lime juice, tequila and half a can of ginger ale
• Blend until watermelon is incorporated
• Add remaining ginger beer and blend until smooth
• Pour and serve!
• Optional: garnish with a watermelon wedge

 

Reed’s Strawberry Ginger Spritzer
Ingredients:

• 24 oz. Soda Water
• 1 Can Reed’s Real Ginger Ale
• 2 cups of Dry White Wine
• 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
• 5 whole strawberries halved

Instructions:

• In a pitcher, combine the soda water, ginger ale and (if used) white wine and stir
• Add in the strawberries and fresh basil
• Chill for 30 minutes to infuse the strawberry and basil flavor

Recipe Notes:
If wanting to drink right away, you can muddle a few of the strawberries and basil at the bottom of the pitcher before adding the liquid to infuse the flavor quicker

Cheers From Mionetto Wines

Mionettto Wines was kind enough to ship some wines!  I am so grateful for WINE during this pandemic!  Check out the wines below and get them from your favorite grocer or package shop.

This season impress your sweetheart  or even just yourself, with a bottle of bubbles from Mionetto,the perfect sparkling wine to sip over a candlelit dinner or serve up during this pandemic.. Mionetto has you covered from start to finish no matter what your relationship status.

MionettoPrestige Brut ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) 

Madefrom 100% Glera grapes from the province of Treviso, an area renowned for highquality Prosecco, this sparkling wine offers a luminous straw yellow hue andstylish mousse. The palate is marked by aromatic notes of honey and whitepeach. For the ever-lasting couple, you can’t beat this bottle ofclassic brut. And don’t forget this bottle of bubbly comes in all formats,including mini! Easy to transport for any charming one on one picnic or quiet dinner.

Mionetto PrestigeRosé Extra Dry ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) 

This deeply luscioussparkling rosè is the result of soft pressing of red grapes. The wine offers apeach blossom luminosity, accompanied by a fine, lively perlage. This wine isknown for its intense fragrances, like holding an edible bouquet of violets,raspberries, strawberries, and wildflowers. 

MionettoLuxury Cartizze DOCG ($45) 

This elegant Cartizzeboasts luminous golden tones and delicate beads of tiny bubbles. A majestic,multi-faceted bouquet releases seductive impressions of apple and pearalongside notes of citrus and glazed almond. On the palate it is crisp,well-balanced, and elegant. 

Why You Need To Buy the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave

This is a sponsored post on behalf on Best Buy.

When you are constantly entertaining in your home, you need to have the best and smartest appliances in your kitchen.  I would like to tell you more about the Breville Combi Wave 3-in1 Microwave available at Best Buy.

With a brand name like Breville, you know you have the very best brand.  And this 3-in1 Combi Wave Microwave lets you air fry (crunchy fries, brussel sprouts, chicken wings), bake or roast (whole chickens, lasagna, chocolate brownies) or simply microwave with even heat distribution. Who knew you could cook all this goodness in small kitchen appliance?  This will definitely save a LOT of time when it comes to cooking for large crowds.

Do your kids slam the door on the microwave? The Combi has a 80% quieter soft close door – so no more microwave slams!  It’s also 50% quieter while in operation. This is a feature I could definitely get used to!  Clever touches like child lock & mute buttons mean less beeps/bumps/clangs and more pops, bites and crunches! Intuitively easy presets at your fingertips: Smart Cook, Smart Reheat & Smart Defrost. You have to have the Combi NOW! 

The “Fast Combi” function of the Combi Wave 2-in-1 is designed to cook your favorite dishes faster. Using Microwave, Convection Oven and Grilling to achieve the desired temperature and perfect results in less time. This is an amazing feature. The Combi is powered by the Element iQ system, smart algorithms steer power to where and when it’s needed to create the ideal cooking environment. The Power Smoothing™ Inverter gives you precise & even heat distribution, reheating & cooking dishes evenly for more delicious results

I love having smart appliances in my home.  This Breville Combi Wave 3-in1 Microwave is compact, but as you can see from reading above, it has tons of smart features. It has a powerful 1400 watts, is only a little over 12 inches tall, a tad over 20 inches wide, and 21 inches deep.  So, it does not take up a lot of counter space.  It has a huge 12.4 inch turntable. The brushed stainless steel finish screams luxury.

Get yours now by visiting Best Buy to purchase: https://bby.me/ehh4s

3 Epic Tacos and Cocktail Pairings

In celebration of National Taco Day and every Taco Tuesday, we have paired these delicious tacos with these cocktails made with our fave tequilas.

The Taco: Baja Fish with pickled cabbage, spicy escabeche and roasted poblano mayo

The Cocktail: El Diablo

The iconic El Diablo, made with crème de cassis and ginger beer, is given an added kick with Tequila Chamucos Diablo Blanco, bottled at 110 proof. The heat from the tequila is more pronounced when paired with beer battered fish while its zesty, tangy flavors will give the spicy escabeche the wake up we all need.

 

El Diablo

1.75 oz. Partida Blanco

.5 oz. crème de cassis

.75 oz. fresh lime juice

3 oz. ginger beer

Garnish: lime wedge 

Combine all ingredients, except ginger beer, and shake. Fine-strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, top with ginger beer and garnish.

The Taco: Al Pastor with thinly sliced, marinated pork, cilantro, onions and roasted pineapple

The Cocktail: Ponche Caballero

Pork and Tequila Partida Reposado are a match made in heaven. The buttery and vanilla aromas pair perfectly with the classic taco's smoky and sweet flavor combo. The Ponche Caballero calls for Pineapple juice, elevating the sweet and salty notes of its taco counterpart.

Ponche Caballero

2 oz. Partida Reposado

1.5 oz. Jumex Tamarind Nectar

1.5 oz. pineapple juice

.5 oz. agave nectar

.5 oz. fresh lime juice

2 dashes angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and pineapple leaves.

The Taco: Avocado Tostada with sliced avocado, pickled red onion, queso fresco, cilantro and spicy dried chile salsa over black bean spread

The Cocktail: Paloma Spritz

The muted taste of avocado lets the Tequila Partida Añejo shine. The spicy chile salsa kicks it up a notch while the grapefruit soda balances the tequila and herbaceous cilantro.

Paloma Spritz 1.5 oz. Partida Anejo .5 oz. Aperol 1 oz. Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice .5 oz. fresh lime juice .5 oz. agave nectar 1.5 oz. grapefruit soda Combine all ingredients and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with fresh lime and a ruby red grapefruit wedge.

Celebrate National Rum Punch Day

National Rum Punch Day is September 20th. Round out the week with a punch party featuring Diplomático Rum as the base for your libations. Diplomático is a super premium rum hailing from Venezuela and a favorite spirit of bartenders around the globe. If you are looking to please the palates of your guests, try a few delicious recipes courtesy of notorious bars in the US: 

Tropic Thunder:

1 cup Diplomatico Planas

½ cup Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

½ cup coconut cream

½ cup orgeat 

½ cup lime juice

2 cups pineapple juice

¼ cup orange juice

½ oz Bittercube Jamaican No.2 Bitters

Top with soda water - Created by Ryan Gullet, Beverage Manager of Bluebeard in Indianapolis, IN

Fenway Rum Punch:

2 oz Diplomatico Planas

1 oz orange juice

1 oz pineapple juice

1 oz cranberry juice

.5oz finest call single pressed lime juice

.5oz grenadine

Ginger beer float
Garnish with orange or lime - Featured cocktail @ Fenway Park- Boston, MA