Celebrate the Sweet Things in Life

(Family Features) Day-to-day life is filled with one activity after another, from work meetings and school functions to play dates and sporting events. Schedules are busy, to-do lists are long, and life starts flying by all too quickly.

There are moments when it's time to block out all the distractions, to slow things down and enjoy the sweet, simple occurrences of everyday life. Even for just a little while.

"There are countless moments in life worth celebrating - from big events like birthdays to small successes, such as an A-plus report card," said Courtney Erickson, Associate Marketing Manager for Shopper Marketing at Rich Products Corporation. "Enjoying those 'everyday' moments is what makes life extra sweet."

Try these celebration tips from Rich's to help create lasting memories:

Keep It Simple - A celebration of a certain occasion doesn't have to be an elaborate party. Something special, but ordinary - like a movie night or extra hour of playtime outside - can make for some of the best memories.

Serve Up Sweet Treats - Nothing says "congratulations," "good job," or "happy birthday" like a delicious dessert. A tasty (and adorable) option is the Peanuts Everyday Ice Cream Cake created by Peanuts and Rich's. The cake, which is especially relevant thanks to the release of "The Peanuts Movie," is a fun ode to the iconic comic strip that ignites nostalgia among adults and excites young children. The rich chocolate ice cream is layered with vanilla crunchies and topped with creamy icing - a triple threat of ingredients that will serve up sweetness in every bite. Plus, young and old alike can't help but smile at the familiar scene depicted on top: Snoopy as the famous World War I Flying Ace - wearing his iconic red scarf and aviator's hat - perched atop his dog house, with his pal Woodstock at his side.

Together Is Better - It's who you're with, not what you do, that makes celebrating extra special. Everyday moments are made sweeter thanks to those you enjoy them with.

The Peanuts Everyday Ice Cream Cake can be found in freezer aisles and in-store bakery freezer cases across the country. To find a store near you, visit iloveicecreamcakes.com.

SOURCE:
Rich Products Corporation

Dinner Done Easy

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Bourbon BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken
Beef Burgundy Stew

(Family Features) Walking in the door from a hectic day to the heady, fragrant smells of a meal ready to enjoy may seem like a far-fetched fantasy. With the right ingredients and cookware, you can delight your busy family with dinners that taste like you spent a day hard at work in the kitchen.

These easy, time-saving slow cooker recipes are fast on prep time and big on unique flavors. The seasonings, made by Orrington Farms with natural ingredients and no added MSG or gluten, blend perfectly with your fresh additions for a homemade taste.

For more delicious dinner ideas, visit Orrington Farms on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds top round steak, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 package (8 ounces) fresh sliced portobello mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed reduced sodium cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 tablespoon Orrington Farms Restaurant Style Au Jus
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• hot cooked egg noodles
• minced fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Sprinkle beef with salt, paprika and pepper. In large skillet, brown beef in butter. Place beef in large slow cooker. In same skillet, saute mushrooms, onion and garlic until tender. Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in soup, au jus mix, Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
2. Combine remaining water and flour until smooth; add to slow cooker. Stir in sour cream. Cover and cook 1 hour longer. Serve over noodles; sprinkle with parsley.

Serves
7

Preparation Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
7 hours

Bourbon BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Ingredients

• 6 pounds pork baby back ribs, cut into serving-size pieces
• 1 pouch Orrington Farms BBQ Pork Roast Seasoning, divided
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup prepared Orrington Farms Beef Flavored Soup Base & Seasoning
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 475°F.
2. Rub 2 tablespoons pork roast seasoning over ribs and place meaty side up on large baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients.
3. Place ribs in large slow cooker. Pour sauce over ribs. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or on high 4-5 hours, until ribs are tender. Remove ribs from slow cooker. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Carefully pour sauce through a fine strainer set over a 2-quart saucepan, reserving liquid. Skim fat, if desired. Bring sauce to boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until thickened. Brush sauce over ribs.

Serves
6

Preparation Time:
45 minutes

Cook Time:
8 hours

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, about 6 ounces each
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed reduced sodium cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 package (8 ounces) fresh sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 pouch (2.5 ounces) Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Chicken Noodle Soup Seasoning
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• hot cooked rice pilaf

Preparation

1. Place chicken in large slow cooker. In small bowl, combine mushroom soup, mushrooms, wine and soup seasoning. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
2. Stir in cream cheese. Cover and cook 1 hour or until cream cheese is melted. Remove lid and, if desired, serve chicken breast halves or shred chicken. Serve over rice pilaf.

Serves
8

Beef Burgundy Stew

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 bag (10 ounces) pearl onions, trimmed
• 1 can (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup prepared Orrington Farms Low Sodium Beef Broth Base & Seasoning
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 pouch Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Vegetable Beef Stew Seasoning
• hot cooked egg noodles (optional)

Preparation

1. Place flour in large re-sealable plastic bag. Add beef a few pieces at a time and shake to coat.
2. Place beef, carrots, onions, mushrooms and garlic in large slow cooker.
3. In medium bowl, combine prepared beef broth base, wine, tomato paste and vegetable beef stew seasoning. Pour over beef and vegetables.
4. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over egg noodles, if desired.

Serves
8

Preparation Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
8 hours

SOURCE:
Orrington Farms

Wake Up the Weekend with Brunch

Baby Beet and Potato Hash with Chorizo

(Family Features) Brunch is the leisurely and festive way to start a weekend day, no special occasion needed.  The main requirement is simple: great food to share with family and friends.

We’re all familiar with the traditional brunch fare of strata, quiche, eggs Benedict, omelets and the like, all of which are delicious choices. But if it’s time for a brunch reboot to wow your guests and their taste buds, Aunt Nellie’s has the perfect suggestion: Baby Beet and Potato Hash with Chorizo. One skillet … one delicious brunch dish.

Chopped red-skinned potatoes and chorizo seasoned with thyme, cumin and chili powder cook into a tasty, hearty hash, but that’s just the beginning. Bite-sized baby whole pickled beets top the hash; their homemade tangy-sweetness adding an unexpected but complementary punch of flavor and color to the subtly spicy dish. 

Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic yet impressive presentation, accompanied by juice, coffee and seasonal fruit to finish.

Visit auntnellies.com for more brunch ideas, as well as recipes for other meal occasions from soup to supper, even dessert.

Baby Beet and Potato Hash with Chorizo

Ingredients

• 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets
• 1/2 pound raw chorizo or breakfast sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• coarse ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
• 1 pound red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, chopped (about 1/2-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil, if needed
• 6 large pasteurized eggs
• Chopped fresh thyme or parsley (optional)

Preparation

1. Drain beets well. Pat dry. Cut larger beets in half.
2. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently and breaking into crumbles. Add onion, salt and pepper, and cumin and chili powder, if desired. Cook additional 3-5 minutes, or until sausage is cooked through and onion is tender, stirring frequently. Remove from skillet; reserve 1 tablespoon drippings from chorizo and return to skillet. Set chorizo aside.
3. Meanwhile, place potatoes in microwave-safe bowl; add water. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave on high 2-3 minutes, or until almost tender.
4. Drain potatoes; add to skillet with thyme. Cook about 5 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through, stirring occasionally, adding olive oil to skillet, if necessary.
5. Return chorizo mixture to skillet with potatoes. With spatula, press into even layer; cook 3-4 minutes to brown. Stir, press into layer and cook 3-4 more minutes to brown. Add beets to skillet.
6. With back of spoon, make six indentations in potato-beet mixture. Crack eggs into small custard cup or bowl and pour into each indentation. Cover skillet; cook until eggs reach desired doneness.
7. Season with additional salt and pepper, as desired. Garnish with thyme or parsley, if desired.

Serves
6

Preparation Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

SOURCE:
Seneca Foods

Simply Tasty Time-Saving Dinners

Fish Stick Taco
Honey Mustard Beer Batter Fillet Sandwich

(Family Features) If another busy night has you stressed about what to put on the table, it may be time to broaden your dinnertime repertoire. There are options in the frozen food aisle that can help you prepare a real, nutritious meal even when you're pressed for time.

With more and more companies listening to consumers and finding ways to make their products with simpler ingredients while still maintaining a great, family-pleasing taste, you can find prepared food in the frozen section that you can feel good about serving to your family. And one of the simplest, healthier proteins that is found in the freezer aisle is seafood.

Fresh from the sea and available in several varieties - including fish sticks, fillets and shrimp as well as a range of styles, such as breaded, battered, sauced or grilled - there are frozen options for every taste, lifestyle and occasion. Seafood not only cooks quickly compared to other proteins, but numerous health agencies recommend eating seafood at least twice a week due to its health benefits. Seafood contains natural omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein and critical vitamins and minerals that can aid brain development, promote heart health, help fight obesity and improve overall health.

These health benefits, combined with the convenience and simple goodness of prepared seafood products, such as Gorton's Seafood, make it easy to serve a better-for-you meal for the family in no time at all. Gorton's also listened to consumers and made its ingredients even simpler and ingredient labels easier to read and understand.

"Delicious, quality seafood isn't just about the seafood," said Mary Beth Gangloff, who is leading the simplification charge at Gorton's. "This effort is about doing everything we can possibly do to ensure that nothing gets in the way of our real, authentic ingredients and great taste. Our goal is to ensure that the goodness of our seafood reaches our consumers in every single bite."

Cooking with seafood also lets you keep other ingredients simple, so you can let the distinct flavor of the seafood be the star. Keep it simple and pair seafood with a salad or easy side dish, or check out one of these family-friendly recipes that require just five ingredients and less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Find more simple, time-saving recipes your busy family will love at gortons.com.

Fish Stick Taco

Ingredients

• 24 Gorton's Classic Breaded Fish Sticks
• 12 hard taco shells
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 cups salsa
• 3 cups lettuce, shredded

Preparation

1. Prepare fish sticks according to package instructions. Place two cooked fish sticks in each taco shell followed by 1/4 cup cheese, 1/4 cup salsa and 1/4 cup lettuce. Serve immediately.

Serves
Servings: 6

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Honey Mustard Beer Batter Fillet Sandwich

Ingredients

• 10 Gorton's Beer Batter Fillets
• 1/2 cup honey mustard
• 5 sandwich rolls, sliced
• 5 lettuce leaves
• 10 slices of tomato

Preparation

1. Prepare fillets according to package instructions.
2. Spread half of mustard onto bottoms of sandwich rolls and top with lettuce leaf. Spread remaining mustard on cooked fillets and place two cooked fillets on each roll.
3. Place two slices of tomato on each sandwich. Top with remaining half of roll and serve immediately.

Serves
Servings: 5

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

SOURCE:
Gorton's Seafood

A Winning Strategy

Sensible tips for healthy eating

Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Arugula Mushroom Flatbread Pizza
Thin Crust Egg, Sausage and Pepper Breakfast Pizza

(Family Features) With so many social events that revolve around food, it’s not easy to get a fresh start on making healthy food choices. However, with a little thought and planning, you can prevent taking your body on a roller coaster ride – without having to choose between food deprivation and satisfaction.

“Whether you are hosting an event or attending someone else’s celebration, planning ahead can help you stay on track,” said Mitzi Dulan, a registered dietitian and nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert. “Having quick and simple strategies and recipes on hand makes it easy to eat well and keep you feeling great.”

Put a winning plan in place to take a new look at your approach to eating smart with these tips from Dulan, who is the team nutritionist for the World Series champion Kansas City Royals.

Don’t skip meals.
Although skipping breakfast may seem like a good way to cut calories, it’s a plan that can actually backfire, making you hungrier as the day wears on, and more likely to overeat or sneak unhealthy snacks. Start each day with a well-rounded breakfast to fuel your body. Apply a similar approach to events later in the day, as well. You may be tempted to skip a meal so you can enjoy the treats at a party, but chances are you’ll end up overdoing it with high-calorie indulgences, so make sure you fuel up ahead of time.

Love what you eat.
Be mindful of the food you eat and make every bite count. Enjoying each delicious taste will make it easier to stick to a sensible eating plan. For the foods you do love, look for ways to make them better – better for you, that is. For example, if pizza is your weak spot, substitute a lower-calorie crust, such as Flatout Flatbread. Then choose toppings wisely to amp up the flavor while managing added fat and calories.

Eat smaller portions.
When you simply must indulge, you may be surprised to hear “go ahead,” but to do so in moderation. One clever way to keep your portions small: use a tablespoon, not a serving spoon to dish out portions. Then eat slowly so your body has time to tell your brain you’re full.

Get your fill in healthy ways.
Overeating often comes down to a very basic cause: hunger. Becoming more conscious of how you answer your hunger will help you stay on track. Drinking water before and during events will help to fill you up so you are less likely to consume excess calories. Snacking throughout the day can also help keep hunger at bay; several small, healthy snacks, such as a handful of nuts or trail mix, can help keep you feeling full. Also, remember to stop eating when you feel satisfied, but before you feel full.

Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Description
Recipe created by Mitzi Dulan, RD

Ingredients

• non-stick baking spray
• 2 Flatout Flatbreads
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces grilled chicken breast, torn into pieces
• 1 tablespoon red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Spray large baking sheet with non-stick baking spray. Place flatbreads on baking sheet. On each flatbread, evenly spread 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce.
3. Sprinkle both cheeses over flatbreads. Mix remaining barbecue sauce with grilled chicken and place on pizzas. Top with diced onion. Bake 5 minutes. Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve.

Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 Flatout Flatbread Artisan Thin Pizza Crust
• 1/4 cup chunky red sauce
• 3 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 30 pepperoni mini slices

Preparation

1. Heat oven or grill to 375°F.
2. Place flatbread on cookie sheet. Bake 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Spread sauce on flatbread. Lay provolone on top of sauce. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Return to oven and bake 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts.
3. Grilling method: Heat grill to 375°F. Pre-bake flatbread on grill for 2 minutes. Remove from grill. Spread sauce on flatbread. Lay provolone on top of sauce. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Return flatbread to grill. Close lid. Grill for 4 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Arugula Mushroom Flatbread Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 Flatout Flatbread
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, cooked
• 1/2 cup arugula
• 6 grape tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fat-free balsamic vinegar

Preparation

1. Heat grill or oven to 375°F.
2. Pre-bake flatbread for 2 minutes. Remove.
3. Warm mushrooms in microwave or pan. Top flatbread with arugula, tomatoes and mushrooms. Sprinkle with cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Cut into slices.

Thin Crust Egg, Sausage and Pepper Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 Flatout Flatbread Artisan Thin Pizza Crust
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly scrambled
• 3 ounces sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 ounces yellow peppers, diced
• 2 ounces red peppers, diced

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. Place flatbread on cookie sheet. Bake for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Top flatbread with cheese, scrambled egg, sausage and peppers. Return to oven and bake 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts.
3. Grilling method: Heat grill to 375 F. Pre-bake flatbread on grill for 1-2 minutes. Remove from grill. Top flatbread with cheese, scrambled egg, sausage and peppers. Return to grill. Close lid. Grill 4 more minutes, or until cheese melts.

SOURCE:
Flatout Flatbread

A Leafy Superfood Worth Learning About

Silky Egg Cress Salad
“Cressto” Pesto Sauce

(Family Features) For people who manage their health through nutrition or use food as a medicinal replacement, few products offer the power of “superfoods.” Kale is one leafy green commonly recognized as a superfood, but watercress is a tastier superfood option worth considering.

Watercress has more flavor, is more versatile and is healthier than its leafy cousins. It’s also easier to digest with a more pleasing texture. In fact, according to an independent research study published last spring by the Centers for Disease Control, it is the most nutrient-dense food available today.

For a high concentration of phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins, look to options such as those available through hydroponic greenhouse grower Hollandia Produce, which raises two cress varieties: Live Gourmet Living Upland Cress and Grower Pete’s Living Organic Watercress. Both varieties also deliver up to twice the vitamin C of an orange; more calcium than milk; and high levels of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, beta-carotene and vitamins A, B1, B6, K and E.
 
Watercress also has multiple uses as a medicinal herb. Some of these more popular applications include preventing eczema, as well as supporting digestive, urinary tract, eye and respiratory health.

Visit hollandiaproduce.com to find more recipes and learn more about this flavorful superfood.

Silky Egg Cress Salad

Ingredients

• 1 package Live Gourmet Living Upland Cress or Grower Pete’s Living Watercress, root ball and stems removed, leaves rinsed and patted dry
• 2 medium eggs
• 3 purple potato chips (purple potatoes sliced thin, seasoned and sauteed until crisp)
• 3 slices fresh avocado
• 3 slices ripe pear
• 3 slices persimmon
• 2 pieces toasted brioche bread
• 2 tablespoons Orange Vinaigrette

Orange Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
• 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
• 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• pinch cracked black pepper

Preparation

1. In small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients and set aside.
2. Prepare and artfully arrange cress and all ingredients, except eggs, on serving plate and set aside.
3. Soft boil eggs 5 minutes in 1 quart of water. Remove from heat and cool 30 seconds under cold running water. Gently remove shells. While still warm, slice eggs in half and place atop the plated salad. Lightly drizzle with Orange Vinaigrette.

“Cressto” Pesto Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 cups Live Gourmet Living Upland Cress or Grower Pete’s Living Watercress, root ball and bottom 1/3 stems removed, rinsed and patted dry
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grape seed oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Preparation

1. In blender or food processor, combine cress and garlic and pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. Add remaining ingredients and process until blended.
3. Drizzle over pasta, risotto, fish, meat or eggs, or use as a spread.

SOURCE:
Hollandia Produce