Sweet Summer Refresh

(Family Features) Summer typically brings about both the desire to feel healthier and cravings for sweet, refreshing meals. When you rethink your food and focus on feeling better about your diet and yourself, the two can work hand-in-hand.

Liven up your summer entertaining menu with a delicious touch of reduced-calorie sweetness from Truvia in recipes like this sizzling Java London Broil or sweet Quick Berry Crumbles a la Mode. Celebrity chef Devin Alexander, featured on “The Biggest Loser,” created these succulent recipes with less sugar by using Truvia Natural Sweetener, made with the sweetest part of the stevia leaf without added calories, and Truvia Brown Sugar Blend, combining stevia sweetener with brown sugar to maintain the taste and texture of brown sugar with 75 percent fewer calories, for her latest book “You Can Have It!”

For more summertime recipe ideas, visit Truvia.com.

Java London Broil

Recipe courtesy of Devin Alexander from “You Can Have It!,”copyright American Diabetes Association
Servings: 6

• 2          teaspoons freshly ground coffee
• 1/2       tablespoon Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
• 2          teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1          teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4       teaspoon sea salt
• 1          London broil (1 1/2 pounds, preferably grass fed)
• 1          teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1. Heat grill to high.
2. In small bowl, add coffee, brown sugar blend, black pepper, coriander, oregano and salt; mix well.
3. Place London broil on cutting board or large plate. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil on each side of meat then rub all over. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over roast and rub in to evenly cover meat.
4. Grill London broil to desired doneness, about 3-5 minutes per side for medium rare. Tent meat with foil for 5 minutes then slice into thin slices, cutting at an angle against the grain.

Quick Berry Crumbles a la Mode

Recipe courtesy of Devin Alexander from “You Can Have It!,”copyright American Diabetes Association
Servings: 6

• 6          cups fresh mixed berries
• 1 1/2    tablespoons plus 1/2 tablespoon Truvia Natural Sweetener, divided
• 2          tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons whole-grain oat flour, divided
• 1/3       cup stevia-sweetened natural vanilla protein powder (about 30 grams)
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2    tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 1/2    cups high-protein, low-calorie, stevia-sweetened vanilla ice cream

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In medium mixing bowl, stir together berries, 1 1/2 tablespoons natural sweetener and 2 tablespoons flour until well combined. Spoon mixed berries evenly (about 3/4 cup in each) among six ramekins (4 1/2 inches in diameter; 1-1 1/2 cups capacity). Place ramekins on baking sheet large enough to hold them in single layer so they sit flat.
3. Add remaining flour, protein powder, remaining natural sweetener, cinnamon and vegan butter to small mixing bowl. Using fork or pastry blender, stir flour mixture together to create crumble. Divide crumble evenly over top of fruit in ramekins (about 1 1/2 tablespoons per ramekin).
4. Bake until crumble is golden on top and berries are hot throughout, about 14-20 minutes. Let crumbles cool 3 minutes. Top each with 1/4 cup ice cream for serving.
5. Cover any remaining crumbles with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in oven then top with ice cream just before serving.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Java London Broil)

A Perfect Steak for Summer Grilling

(Family Features) Many families love steak, especially on warm summer days, so shower your nearest and dearest with some love straight off the grill. You can make those moments even more memorable by sharing the grilling experience together.

In fact, it may be the perfect chance to teach your loved ones a thing or two with these tips from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef Grant Hon.

Choose Your Protein
Selecting quality protein is the starting place for an exceptional grilled meal. For example, the ribeye is the most well-marbled steak, meaning it’s super juicy, rich with beefy flavor and excellent on the grill.

Prepare the Grill
Always start with clean grill grates. Heat your gas grill to high or start your charcoal 10-15 minutes before you grill. Dip a paper towel in oil using tongs and oil your grill grates before adding steaks for a great sear.

Prepare the Meat
Pat steaks dry with a clean paper towel and season them before they hit the grill. You can’t go wrong with simple sea salt and cracked pepper, but creative recipes like this Dukkah Rub can add a special twist.

Sear and Crust
Cook steaks directly over your heat source to get a tasty, crunchy sear on the outside of the steak. This is where the best flavor comes from, and it offers a delicious contrast to the rich, juicy inside of the cut.

Control Your Cook
Keep the grill cover closed as much as possible to maintain a temperature of around 450 F. This helps lock in flavor and prevent flare-ups. Remember the marbling on a ribeye means more fat, which melts during cooking. This is a good thing, but you may experience more dripping or flare-ups if you’re used to grilling leaner steaks.

To minimize the need to open the grill cover, determine the amount of time you’ll need to reach your desired doneness then use the 60-40 grilling method. Grill 60 percent on the first side then 40 percent after you turn the steak over for an even cook.

Let it Rest
A resting time of at least 5 minutes allows steak juices to redistribute for the best eating experience. A foil tent can help regulate temperature during the resting period.

Garnish and Flavor
Whether you’re grilling vegetables, sauteing onions or adding a different kind of sweet or savory topping, just before you serve is the right time to garnish your steak.

Tasty Toppers

On cutting board, chop almonds to rough texture and add fennel seeds, chopping until mixture is fine. Place almond and fennel mix in bowl and add rub and sesame seeds.

Once you pull a juicy steak away from the flame, there’s only one way to make it better: toppings that create a true taste explosion. When they’re prepared with fresh, premium ingredients, your friends and family may not be able to get enough of these sweet and savory additions. Simply mix them up while your meat is on the grill, or skip a step and rely on Omaha Steaks Toppers to capture the same delicious flavors without the prep work.

Crispy Onions and Jalapenos: Savor a one-two punch of crispy onions combined with spicy jalapenos for some crunch with a kick.

Dijon Mustard Aioli: Blend Dijon and whole-grain mustard with creamy Greek yogurt, garlic, tarragon and white pepper for a rich, tangy topping.

Mushrooms and Blue Cheese: Mix hearty mushrooms and full-flavored blue cheese with your favorite savory spices and a splash of sherry wine.

Smoky Bacon Jam: Start with the finest cuts of bacon browned to crispy perfection then add caramelized onion and an accent like brown sugar or balsamic vinegar.

Sweet Bourbon Onions: Warm things up with a medley of natural honey, bourbon whiskey and sherry wine offset by zesty red onions and balsamic vinegar.

Tomato Jam: Experiment with your favorite varieties to find the perfect balance of crushed tomatoes, sweet gherkins and seasonings.

Find more expert tips to perfect your summer grilling at OmahaSteaks.com.

Dukkah Rub

Prep time: 5 minutes
Active time: 5 minutes
Serves: 12

• 1/3       cup sliced almonds, roasted with no salt
• 1/4       teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2          tablespoons Omaha Steaks Private Reserve Rub
• 2          teaspoons sesame seeds

1. On cutting board, chop almonds to rough texture and add fennel seeds, chopping until mixture is fine. Place almond and fennel mix in bowl and add rub and sesame seeds.

Serve Up Some Love This Fourth of July

Grill with your children for an exciting shared experience

(Family Features) Many of today’s families have something in the kitchen that previous generations didn’t – more men involved in meal preparation. On the Fourth of July, that trend will likely continue as men, especially fathers, take to the grill to prepare popular summer fare for the family.

As millennials shatter stereotypes and share household tasks, fathers are using cooking as a way of bonding with their children by making their favorite family meals together. According to a study conducted by Men’s Health, more men are helping out in the kitchen than ever. Not only are they becoming primary grocery shoppers, but 92 percent of men surveyed said they are preparing meals for themselves and 77 percent are preparing meals for others.

Men are also among the ranks of the top food bloggers, often writing about their cooking adventures with their children. Among them is Derek Campanile of “Dad with a Pan,” whose passion for cooking and sharing recipes grew even stronger with the birth of his son.

“I’ve always enjoyed cooking for people and mixing different ingredients to come up with something everyone enjoys, but it wasn’t until I became a dad that it truly began to sink in,” Campanile said. “When I cook with my son, food is so much more than food – it’s pure love. Cooking together makes it fun to come to the table and enjoy great food.”

Many times, fatherly chefs include meat in all kinds of recipes, but swapping in an ingredient like Jennie-O turkey for beef makes it easy to modify their favorites into more nutritious choices for the entire family without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try with this Easy Cheesy Burgers recipe that makes it simple for parents to cook with their kids this Fourth of July.

Find more ways to involve the whole family in the kitchen at jennieo.com.

Easy Cheesy Burgers

Servings: 8

• 2          packages (16 ounces each) Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1          cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8          sesame seeds buns, warmed
• ketchup (optional)
• yellow mustard (optional)

1. Heat grill or griddle to medium heat.
2. In large bowl, gently combine ground turkey and salt. Shape ground turkey into eight balls. Cover with plastic.
3. Mix mozzarella and cheddar to create eight piles of shredded cheese, each between 1/4-1/3 cup.
4. Grill patties 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Always cook to well-done (165 F) as measured by a meat thermometer.
5. Once patties are cooked through, place on aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Top patties with shredded cheese and place under broiler 3-5 minutes; cook until cheese is bubbly.
6. Place patties on warmed buns. Add ketchup and mustard, if desired.

Smoke and Spice

6 flavor pairings to amp up summer grilling

(Family Features) The grill is often the star of summer gatherings, from weeknight meals to backyard barbecues and family reunions. Impress your guests and add an extra layer of smoky flavor to backyard favorites with the help of rich and aromatic woodchips. Add to your gas or charcoal grill and create big flavor.  

Adding woodchips to your favorite recipes can help highlight distinct flavors for your mains and sides in one simple step. For rich dishes like steak and beef, pair with an intense hickory flavored woodchip. For lighter meats like pork and chicken, pair with subtle, fruit flavored chips like cherry and apple. When it comes to seafood, try pairing with a mild, nutty chip like pecan.

Take these classic McCormick recipes, with simple prep and bold marinades, and add a smoky twist with flavor-forward woodchips.

For more summer grilling recipes, visit McCormick.com, and find McCormick on Facebook and Pinterest.

1. Brown Sugar Bourbon and Honey Mustard Pork
   For a tangy twist, try grilling over apple woodchips to get a mix of sweet and spicy flavors from the honey mustard and a brown sugar bourbon marinade.

2. Spicy Teriyaki Grilled Wings
   Add cherry woodchips to put a smoky, sweet note on top on your crispy chicken wings. Coat in a sweet and spicy teriyaki marinade for a perfect backyard barbecue appetizer straight off the grill.

3. Memphis Style Ribs
   Prepare your fire with intense, hickory woodchips to complement the Memphis style, zesty rub, and let the flavors build slowly over indirect heat.

4. Spicy and Sweet Grilled Steak
   Grill your steak over mesquite woodchips to layer on a smoky finish. Marinate with a hot, smoky chipotle pepper marinade and top it with a layer of sweet and smoky rub to give the meat a bold, tasty crust.

5. Montreal Salmon Rub
   Add oak woodchips to lend a subtle, savory and smoky flavor. A rub of dry seasoning, lemon peel and dill weed can enhance the natural flavor of salmon on the grill.

6. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
   Try pecan woodchips for a unique flavor boost to your platter of grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers, which are ideal for entertaining. They’re easy to assemble and look just as appealing.

Stay Lean with Protein

(Family Features) Shedding excess pounds doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself of your favorite foods, including red meat. A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center shows that healthy, higher-protein diets including lean beef can be beneficial to not only weight loss, but also maintaining muscle mass and heart health.

The study is in line with ongoing research on the importance of lean protein for weight loss. To kick your healthy eating plan into high gear, try these tips:

• Enjoy protein at every meal. One of the benefits of having protein in your meal is feeling more satisfied, which helps reduce mindless eating or snacking in between meals. Additionally, meals with high-quality protein help build muscle and reduce body fat.

• Choose lean protein options. Picking lean protein options can be easier than you think. You can still enjoy a beef burger and save calories by choosing lean or extra-lean ground beef. Other smart meat case picks include top sirloin steak or sirloin tip, bottom round steak or roast, eye of round steak or roast, or top round steak or roast. Also make sure to choose colorful vegetables and fruits to round out your meal, like in this recipe for Grilled Southwestern Steak and Colorful Vegetables.

• Dine out smart. Many people struggle with getting a balanced, protein-filled meal when dining out or grabbing food on-the-go. Look for words like “grilled,” “broiled” or “baked” when browsing the menu for lean proteins. Or add a lean protein to your entree salad, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. For snack time, consider beef jerky to get protein on-the-go.

For meal ideas and tips to support your weight loss goals, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Grilled Southwestern Steak and Colorful Vegetables

Recipe courtesy of the Beef Checkoff
Total time: 25-35 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          beef top round steak, cut 1-inch thick (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• salt, to taste

Marinade:

• 1/4       cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4       cup prepared mild salsa
• 1          tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Colorful Vegetables:

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          medium green or red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 8          ounces button mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2          cups zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 3/4       teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1          cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1/4       cup chopped green onions

1. In small bowl, combine marinade ingredients. Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours, or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
2. Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. For medium-rare (145° F) doneness, grill covered, turning once, 12-14 minutes (on gas grill over medium heat, 16-19 minutes).
3. To prepare Colorful Vegetables: In large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add bell pepper strips; cook and stir 1-2 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Add mushrooms, zucchini, cumin, salt and black pepper; cook and stir 3-4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Add tomatoes and green onions; cook and stir 1 minute.
4. Carve steak into thin slices; season with salt, to taste. Serve with Colorful Vegetables.

7 Tips to Master the Grill This Summer

(Family Features) Becoming a master of the grill doesn’t have to be complicated. Test out these seven tips for quick marinades, flavorful sauces and marinade hacks to take your summer grilling to the next level.  

Find more recipes and tips at McCormick.com or check out McCormick on Facebook and Pinterest.

1. The 5-Minute Marinade

If you want flavorful meat but don’t have the time to wait for a marinade to do its magic, try this technique. In a re-sealable plastic bag, combine your protein and marinade, such as the one in this Sweet and Smokey Grilled Flank Steak. Squeeze the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Massage the meat for 5 minutes, turning the bag over often so the meat absorbs most of the marinade. Remove the meat and discard remaining marinade.

2. Bring Your Favorite Brew to the Grill

3. Pep Up Produce

4. Go for White Barbecue Sauce

5. Grill a Whole Fish

6. Switch Up Your Sear

7. Accent Chimichurri with Blue Cheese

Secrets for Mastering the Grill

(Family Features) With warmer temperatures and sun-filled days arriving, there are few better ways to celebrate the summer season than by firing up the grill. Whether preparing a simple dinner at home or a backyard bash for a crowd, grilling is an easy way to add sear and flavor to your favorite meats and vegetables.

The perfect party, regardless of the number of guests, requires proper preparation, attention to detail and a few handy tricks around the grill to serve up delicious options for all in attendance. However, hosting a great get-together doesn’t have to be complicated.

To up your grilling game this summer, try these tips from Chef Rick Bayless of Macy’s Culinary Council, a national culinary authority featuring some of the nation’s leading chefs.

Use the Right Tools
Aside from fuel, there are several cooking tools that are essential for grilling, including a meat thermometer, long-handled spatula and tongs, grill mitts and a grill brush. Bayless’s go-to gadgets are a basket to prepare whole fish and a cast-iron grill grate to achieve marks and depth of flavor.

Get to Know the Fire
When grilling for a party, planning ahead is key, according to Bayless. It can be helpful to know the hot spots of the grill and the distance from grates to flame. Start early if roasting a larger piece of meat, while thinner cuts can be thrown on the grill after the party begins and your guests arrive.

Keep it Simple
Bayless recommends a simple menu that features tried and true flavor profiles nearly everyone loves. For appetizers, he suggests grilling vegetables and adding them to guacamole with bacon. Pair with wedges of grilled pita for dipping, which is an unexpected alternative to typical chips.

For a main entree, Bayless suggests making meat the star and serving up ribeye steaks marinated in garlic, chilies and fresh lime juice. To cap off the meal, his go-to dessert is grilled cornmeal pound cake, served warm and topped with ice cream, berries or whipped cream.

Find more grilling gadgets and helpful cooking videos and tips for your next summer cookout at macys.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images