Diversify Your Dinner Menu

(Family Features) Crafting quick, easy, nutritious meals is one of the most common goals for home chefs, yet it may sometimes be difficult to keep the menu feeling fresh and new. By introducing a variety of ingredients, you can broaden the horizons of your family’s dinner options.

For creative, simple, tasty family meals, consider these globally inspired recipes that highlight inventive ways to incorporate veal as a satisfying main ingredient in nearly any dish. From sandwiches to salads, the versatility of an ingredient like veal can help you build out a full menu with a wide array of protein-rich dishes. With recipes like these, veal can become a staple on your family’s weekly menu.

Visit vealmadeeasy.com for additional recipes and complete nutrition information.

Classic Veal Parmesan Sandwiches

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

• 6          veal cutlets (3 ounces each)
• salt, to taste
•             ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2       cup all-purpose flour
• 1          egg wash
• 1          cup breadcrumbs
• 1          cup vegetable oil
• 12        tablespoons tomato sauce
• 3          tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 6          slices provolone cheese
• 6          slices mozzarella cheese
• 6          sub rolls

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Pound each veal cutlet between sheets of parchment or plastic wrap until 1/4-inch thick.
3. Blot veal dry. Season each cutlet with salt and pepper, to taste. Dredge veal in flour; shake off excess. Dip in egg wash and dredge in breadcrumbs.
4. In large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1/8-inch oil to about 350 F. Working in batches, add breaded veal to hot oil and pan fry first side until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Turn once and pan fry second side until it reaches internal temperature of 160 F, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels or wire rack set over baking sheet.
6. Add 2 tablespoons tomato sauce to each veal cutlet and sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese on top. Add one slice provolone and mozzarella cheese to each cutlet.
7. Place veal parmesan in oven 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt and veal is hot.
8. Add veal to sub rolls and serve.

Nutrition information per serving: 45 g protein; 55 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 11 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; 145 mg cholesterol; 908 mg sodium.

Veal Za’atar Flatbreads

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

• 1/4       cup za’atar seasoning
• 3          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1          package (10 ounces) flatbreads
• 1          onion (4 ounces), finely chopped
• 1/2       pound ground veal
• 1/4       cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1          tomato (6 ounces), cored and chopped
• chopped parsley, for garnish

1. Heat oven to 425° F. In small bowl, combine za’atar seasoning and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
2. Spread about 1 tablespoon za’atar mixture on each flatbread. Arrange flatbreads on large baking sheet; set aside.
3. In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat remaining olive oil. Cook onion 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add veal and cook 4-5 minutes until no longer pink, stirring to break up meat.
4. Remove skillet from heat; stir in feta cheese. Spoon 1/4 veal mixture onto each flatbread. Sprinkle each flatbread with tomato. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until hot. Sprinkle each flatbread with parsley.

Nutrition information per serving: 17 g protein; 40 g carbohydrate; 19 g fat; 5 g saturated fat; 45 mg cholesterol; 760 mg sodium; 1 g fiber; 5 g total sugars; 10% DV calcium; 15% DV iron.

Mediterranean Grilled Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

• 1          large orange (12 ounces)
• 1/2       cup Italian salad dressing
• 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1          veal cutlet (12 ounces), pounded to 1/4-1/8-inch thick
• 1          bulb fennel (7 ounces), trimmed, halved and cored
• 1/2       small red onion (1 1/2 ounces), thinly sliced
• 1 1/2    cups cooked farro
• 2          cups packed baby arugula (about 3 ounces)
• 1          head radicchio (4 ounces), cored and torn (about 2 cups packed)
• 1/2       cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
• 1          ounce Parmesan cheese

1. Grate 1/2 tablespoon zest from orange; reserve orange. Stir zest into salad dressing.
2. Use knife to remove skin and pith from orange. Use knife to cut between fruit and membrane to release each orange section. Squeeze membrane to extract 1/4 cup juice; reserve juice and orange sections.
3. In bowl, whisk reserved orange juice, mustard and salad dressing. Remove 1/4 cup dressing to re-sealable food storage bag. Add veal cutlets to dressing in bag. Re-seal bag and turn several times until veal is coated with dressing; set aside.
4. Prepare grill or heat grill pan over medium-high heat on stovetop. Remove veal cutlets from dressing; discard dressing. Grill veal cutlets 5-6 minutes, turning once. Remove cutlets from heat. Place on cutting board and cut into bite-size pieces.
5. Thinly slice fennel halves and place in bowl. Add red onion, farro, arugula and radicchio; toss. Add veal, orange sections, reserved salad dressing and hazelnuts.
6. Draw blade of vegetable peeler across surface of cheese to make thin ribbons. Toss to coat with dressing. Divide salad among four bowls.

Nutrition information per serving (about 2 cups): 30 g protein; 36 g carbohydrate; 17 g fat; 3 g saturated fat; 50 mg cholesterol; 560 mg sodium; 6 g fiber; 9 g total sugars; 3 mg iron; 539 mg potassium.

Veal, Spinach and Tomato Arepas

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

• 1/2       pound veal cutlets
• 1          teaspoon cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1/2    tablespoons olive oil
• 2          green onions (1 ounce each), sliced
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
• 2          cups packed baby spinach (about 2 1/2 ounces)
• 4          arepas (5 inches in diameter)
• 1/4       cup crumbled queso blanco cheese (1 ounce)

1. Pound veal cutlets into 1/4-1/8-inch thickness; cut into 1-inch strips. Place in bowl and toss with cumin and chili powder.
2. In 12-inch, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook veal strips 1-2 minutes. Remove veal to plate; keep warm. In same skillet over medium heat, cook green onions and garlic 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes and salt; over high heat, heat to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. Stir in spinach. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until spinach wilts and is tender. Return veal to skillet; heat through.
4. To serve, heat skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast arepas on each side until lightly browned and heated through, turning once.
5. Cut each arepa in half horizontally. Top bottom half of each arepa with veal mixture. Sprinkle each with cheese; replace arepa tops.

Nutrition information per serving (1 arepa): 15 g protein; 12 g carbohydrate; 14 g fat; 5 g saturated fat; 50 mg cholesterol; 450 mg sodium; 2 g total sugars; 10% DV calcium; 10% DV iron.

Create Family Moments and Memories this Summer

(Family Features) Take advantage of slower summer schedules and warmer weather by rounding up the family and heading to the backyard for fun, food and family time.

The opportunities for quality family time during the warmer months are nearly endless, especially with just a little creativity and ingenuity, like these fun summer ideas from Borden Cheese.

Let your inner kid run free
Celebrate your favorite summer memories with your kids by breaking out the flashlights to play tag and other fun games in the backyard all night long. Whether it’s kick the can, ghost in the graveyard, capture the flag or a good, old-fashioned game of hide and seek, backyard games are a great way to get the whole family to unplug and enjoy summer evenings together. Don’t be surprised if the neighbors join in the fun, too.

Fire up your appetite
Ditch the kitchen and get the whole family engaged by recreating everyone’s favorite pizza on the grill. The perfect base for everyone to cook up their own creations, this deliciously easy Cheesy Flatbread Pizza recipe can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Keep it simple for kids with Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds or dress it up with some fresh veggies straight from your garden or local farmer’s market. For added fun and flavor, toss your family’s pizza on the grill for a crispy, authentic crust.

Rethink family movie night
Get off the couch and take your family movie outside. All you need is a sheet, a projector and some comfy pillows and throws to turn your backyard into an open-air movie theater. Watch new releases, old favorites or even home movies on the big screen right in your own backyard. To keep the fun going, pitch a tent and spend the night outside sleeping under the stars.

Find more family-friendly recipes for summer at BordenCheese.com.

Cheesy Flatbread Pizza

Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          piece (12 inches) cracker bread or flatbread
• 1          tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for brushing
• 1          package (8 ounces) Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds, divided
• 8          strips thick-sliced bacon, cooked crisp and broken into 1-inch pieces
• 4          whole garlic cloves, sliced
• 4          plum tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2       red onion, cut in strips
• 1/4       cup chopped Italian parsley
• fresh basil leaves (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Brush bread with small amount of olive oil and place on cookie sheet. Spread 1 1/2 cups cheese evenly around bread. Top evenly with bacon pieces.
3. In small skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until hot. Add garlic and saute until lightly browned. Sprinkle onto pizza. Arrange sliced tomatoes and red onions on pizza.
4. Add parsley to remaining cheese and spread over ingredients.
5. Bake 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.  

Tip: For a different flavor profile, try grilling pizza rather than baking. Brush raw side of dough with olive oil and grill until bottom of crust is golden brown.

Fun in the Sun

Cap off a day of play with dinner outdoors

(Family Features) Enjoying the great outdoors is a perfect way to create fun memories with family or friends. All that fresh air is sure to work up your appetite, so be sure to plan a delicious meal to top off all the merriment.

Get those taste buds fired up for a delicious meal with a flavorful starter like this zesty panzanella. Take family favorites outdoors with this savory take on a flatbread pizza. Then close down an evening of open-air entertainment on a sweet note with a scrumptious dessert.

Explore more family-friendly recipes to enjoy outdoors this summer at culinary.net.  

Smart Starters and Sides
There’s plenty to learn from the Mediterranean diet, and this recipe is proof. A variety of colorful cancer-fighting veggies, flavorful herbs and spices, and a bit of healthy fat make for a perfect starter or accompaniment to a grilled protein for a well-rounded meal. Find more recipes to help you eat well at AICR.org.

Grilled Panzanella

Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Servings: 6

• 4          garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2       teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2          tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4       cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 15        fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1          medium cucumber, seeded, washed and cut into 1/2-inch slices      
• 3          large ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2          tablespoons green olives, pitted and chopped (capers may be substituted)
• 1          medium red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
• 1/2       large red onion, cut in half and then into 1/4-inch slices
• 1/2       small loaf crusty whole-grain French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch slices and halved

Heat grill.

1. In mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper; set aside.
2. In large bowl, gently combine basil, cucumber, tomatoes and olives.
3. Brush bell peppers and onion slices on one side with oil mixture. Place oil-side down on hot grill and cook 3-4 minutes. Brush other side with oil mixture, turn over and cook additional 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from grill. On cutting board, cut peppers into 1/2-inch slices and separate onion rings. Add peppers and onions to vegetable mix. Add remaining oil mixture and toss to coat.
5. Toast both sides of bread until browned. On serving platter, layer bread and top with vegetables and basil mixture.

Create Family Moments and Memories this Summer

Take advantage of slower summer schedules by rounding up the family and heading to the backyard for fun, food and family time.

The opportunities for family time during the warmer months are nearly endless, especially with a little creativity, like these fun summer ideas from Borden Cheese.

Let your inner kid run free
Whether it’s kick the can, ghost in the graveyard, capture the flag or hide and seek, backyard games are a great way to get the whole family to unplug and enjoy summer together.

Fire up your appetite
Ditch the kitchen and get the whole family engaged by recreating everyone’s favorite pizza on the grill. This deliciously easy Cheesy Flatbread Pizza recipe can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Keep it simple for kids with Borden Cheese’s Mild Cheddar Shreds or dress it up with some fresh veggies straight from your garden or local farmer’s market.

Rethink family movie night
Take your family movie outside. All you need is a sheet, a projector and some comfy pillows to turn your backyard into an open-air movie theater. Watch new releases, old favorites or even home movies right in your own backyard.

Find more family-friendly recipes for summer at BordenCheese.com.

Cheesy Flatbread Pizza

Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          piece (12 inches) cracker bread or flatbread
• 1          tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for brushing
• 1          package (8 ounces) Borden Cheese Mild Cheddar Shreds, divided
• 8          strips thick-sliced bacon, cooked crisp and broken into 1-inch pieces
• 4          whole garlic cloves, sliced
• 4          plum tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2       red onion, cut in strips
• 1/4       cup chopped Italian parsley
• fresh basil leaves (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Brush bread with small amount of olive oil and place on cookie sheet. Spread 1 1/2 cups cheese evenly around bread. Top evenly with bacon pieces.
3. In small skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until hot. Add garlic and saute until lightly browned. Sprinkle onto pizza. Arrange sliced tomatoes and red onions on pizza.
4. Add parsley to remaining cheese and spread over ingredients.
5. Bake 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tip: For a different flavor profile, try grilling pizza rather than baking. Brush raw side of dough with olive oil and grill until bottom of crust is golden brown.

Sweeten the Deal

For the perfect ending to a perfect day, look to some of nature’s best ingredients, like fresh apples and honey. This fruity crisp is packed with flavor from tart, juicy apples and a delicate sweetness from honey that coats the fruit and lends a unique character to the crumbly topping. Find more sweet dishes for summer at honey.com.

Apple Honey Crisp

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 6

• 2          pounds (1 1/2 quarts) apples, quartered and sliced
• 3/4       cup honey, divided
• 1          teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2       teaspoon nutmeg
• 1          cup flour
• 1/4       cup butter, softened
• warm cream or ice cream

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In bowl, toss apples with 1/2 cup honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. Turn into 2-quart baking dish.
3. To make topping, beat flour with butter and remaining honey until crumbly; sprinkle over apples.
4. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden. Serve with warm cream or ice cream.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Grilled Panzanella and Apple Honey Crisp)