Uncovering the Top Mexican Food Trends for 2021

(Family Features) Many families constantly search for meal inspiration, and one of the best ways is to look toward trendy tastes for new options to add to the menu.

One of the country’s top Hispanic food brands, Cacique, tapped culinary experts and chefs Aarón Sánchez, Bricia Lopez and Santiago Gomez to curate the third annual “What’s Next in Mexican Cuisine” trends forecast uncovering popular flavors, techniques and dishes to expect in the coming year.

“One way we can all honor the impact of Latin culture in America is through food,” Sánchez said. “One easy step you can take to connect with a culture is by using authentic ingredients, like in this Chorizo Ragu with Cheesy Toast, which uses three staple Mexican ingredients – queso fresco, crema Mexicana and chorizo. It’s inspired by my prediction that Mexican comfort foods and deep, rich sauces made from scratch will rise in popularity.”

Consider these top Mexican food trends for 2021 according to Sánchez, Lopez and Gomez along with findings from a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Cacique:

• The bread baking craze of 2020 will now include homemade corn and flour tortillas with 55% of Americans reaching for masa harina, flour and tortilla presses to make their own.
• Americans have a thirst for dehydrated chiles with varieties ranging from pasillas to anchos set to become more popular in American kitchens. 
• Dried chiles, beans and cheeses such as queso fresco will find their way into more American kitchens as people adopt a “from scratch” approach and back-to-basics techniques. 
• Coziness, meet Cozumel as Mexican comfort foods reign supreme and people gravitate toward nostalgic “homemade” style favorites like enchiladas.
• Get ready to dive into deep, rich sauces, including mole, which will continue to grow in popularity.
• Salsa macha will share the spotlight thanks to exploration of the breadth of salsa varieties that exist within Mexican cuisine. 
• Food exploration will satisfy Americans’ wanderlust as 55% plan to travel less in 2021, and the same percentage report they’re looking to learn the stories behind famous Mexican recipes. 

To find more trend-inspired recipes, visit caciqueinc.com.

Chorizo Ragu with Cheesy Toast

Recipe courtesy of chef Aarón Sánchez

• 3          bolillo-style rolls or 1 long baguette
• 2          tablespoons olive oil 
• 1          yellow or white onion, chopped
• 2-3       carrots, chopped
• 1⁄2       teaspoon salt
• 6          cloves garlic, divided
• 8          ounces white or cremini mushrooms, chopped
• 2          tablespoons tomato paste
• 1          tablespoon dried oregano 
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1⁄4    pounds ground beef
• 1          package (9 ounces) Cacique Pork Chorizo
• 1          can (28 ounces) crushed or pureed tomatoes
• 6          tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 9          tablespoons Cacique Crema Mexicana, plus additional for serving
• 1 1⁄2    cups crumbled Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Halve bread lengthwise.
2. In heavy-bottomed pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots and salt then cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables just start to soften, 3-4 minutes. Mince 2 garlic cloves and add to pot with mushrooms; cook about 3 minutes.
3. Use spoon to push vegetables to edges of pan then add tomato paste, oregano and cumin to center of pan; saute until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
4. Increase heat to high and add beef and pork chorizo. Break meat up with spoon but don’t over-stir. When beef is no longer pink, pour in tomatoes and bring to simmer. Decrease heat to medium-high and let simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. While ragu simmers, use fork to mash or whip butter with crema until smooth. Mince or finely grate remaining garlic cloves then stir into crema mixture.
6. Spread crema mixture evenly over bread, trying to cover as much area as possible. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco all over and place bread on rimmed baking sheet, cheese side up. Toast 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Finish under broiler 30-60 seconds for deeper browning, if desired. Cut bread into individual portions.
7. After about 20 minutes of simmering, ragu should thicken and flavors meld. Swirl in additional crema then serve ragu in bowls with cheesy toast or ladle over pieces of toast.

SOURCE:
Cacique

6 Tips for Adding More Seafood to Your Family’s Menu

(Family Features) Seafood can make for a healthy addition to diets, particularly for children. It improves body and brain function, and studies conducted by “Pediatrics” and the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” have linked seafood to reduced risks of heart disease and allergic conditions like asthma.

In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture suggests making seafood part of healthy diets and its 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend putting it on menus at least twice a week.

While there are common complaints, such as “my kids won’t like it” or “I don’t know how to prepare it,” these tips can help make it quick, easy and affordable to add nutritious seafood to your family’s menu.

• Start with shrimp. Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood in the United States. Try shrimp warm or cold as a snack, appetizer or main course. It’s versatile and can be sauteed, broiled, boiled, grilled or baked.
• Make it fun. Consider putting healthy fish like wild cod, salmon or pollock into fun foods like tacos or burgers.
• Buy frozen. Fish is now flash frozen at sea to lock in freshness. Frozen seafood meals add convenience and help cut down on waste because what you don’t use can go back in the freezer.
• Cook with your kids. If your kids don’t think they like seafood, have them help with dinner. Cooking with kids can help develop healthier long-term habits and a more adventurous palate. It also helps improve motor functions and confidence. In fact, a study published in “Pediatrics” shows getting children involved in meal preparation may increase their enjoyment of healthy foods.
• Pick the right products. To create a family-friendly menu, consider an option like Aqua Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, a selection of 10 recipes that include everything a family needs to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. Selections include tacos, flatbreads and comfort favorites. With pre-portioned ingredients for quick preparation and cleanup, they make it easy for parents and kids to create their own restaurant-quality meals.
• Eat at home. Eating out often can drive unhealthy eating habits and strain family budgets. Seafood is easy and convenient to make, whether you use a simple recipe like these Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos or choose a convenient meal kit, and can help you spend more time together at the dinner table.

Find more tips and recipes to add seafood to your family’s table at aquastar.com.

Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos

Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1          Aqua Star Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos Meal Kit, including:
• creamy ancho chili sauce
• Aqua Star shrimp
• chipotle seasoning
• spinach
• corn
• roasted tomato
• white corn tortillas

• 2          teaspoons cooking oil, divided

1. Submerge unopened sauce packet in bowl of water to thaw.
2. In large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil; add shrimp and cook 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fluid and add chipotle seasoning.
3. In medium skillet, heat remaining oil; add spinach, corn and roasted tomato. Cook 4-5 minutes until water is evaporated; set aside.
4. In microwave, warm tortillas in moist paper towel 30 seconds.  
5. To build tacos, fill two tortillas with shrimp and vegetables then top with sauce.

 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family eating)

SOURCE:
Aqua Star

Welcome the World to Your Kitchen

(Family Features) As a physical representation of cultures and regions from around the world, food can be more than just sustenance – it can connect you and your kitchen to faraway places. Whether you have opportunities to travel the globe or prefer to stick closer to home, foods can bring the heritage of other countries right to your own plate.

To take your own taste tour of the globe, consider these plant-based recipes including Sabra Hummus. More than just a dip, hummus can serve as a canvas for a variety of flavors. Working as a transformative ingredient to elevate nearly any dish, hummus is an ideal base for exploring a world of flavor in your kitchen. 

For example, these Vegetarian Spicy Noodles combine angel hair pasta and a soy-hummus sauce that’s creamy and rich with distinct Thai flavors. Chipotle Hummus and Mushroom Tacos provide a meatless version of a south-of-the-border favorite with a rich umami base topped with fresh cabbage and lime. 

Visit Sabra.com to discover the many ways that hummus can be more than a dip.

Vegetarian Spicy Noodles

Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time 10-15 minutes
Servings: 2

Sauce:

• 4          tablespoons soy sauce
• 2          tablespoons sugar
• 1/2       cup water
• 6          tablespoons Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus, plus additional for garnish

• 4          quarts water
• 3          ounces dry angel hair pasta
• 1          tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 2          cups thinly sliced bell pepper
• 1          cup thinly sliced cherry tomatoes
• 1          tablespoon thinly sliced Thai basil, divided
• 1          tablespoon sliced scallions, divided

1. To make sauce: In large frying pan over medium heat, cook soy sauce, sugar, water and hummus 1-2 minutes until hot and mixed together.
2. To make noodles: Bring water to boil.
3. Add pasta to boiling water and cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Strain noodles.
4. Add garlic, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes to sauce. Let simmer 2 minutes. Add noodles and mix to fully coat noodles, 1-2 minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon basil and 1/2 tablespoon scallions; reserve remainder for garnish.
5. Place noodles in bowls and top with hummus and remaining basil and scallions.

Chipotle Hummus and Mushroom Tacos

Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Chipotle Hummus:

• 6          tablespoons Sabra Classic Hummus
• 1/2       teaspoon ground chipotle, dried

Slaw:

• 1/4       cup finely shredded purple cabbage
• 1/2       teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4       teaspoon lime juice
• 1/8       teaspoon salt

Mushrooms:

• 1/2       tablespoon olive oil
• 8          ounces sliced mushrooms (brown or white)
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon black pepper
• 4          small tortillas (corn or flour)
• 1/2       ounce feta cheese (optional)

1. To make chipotle hummus: In small bowl, mix hummus and ground chipotle; set aside.
2. To make slaw: Cut cabbage into quarters to easily remove core; thinly slice. In small mixing bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Using clean hands, crunch or squeeze together ingredients to bruise cabbage and incorporate.
3. To make mushrooms: In large frying pan, heat olive oil over high heat. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook about 6 minutes until all sides of mushrooms are browned. Remove mushrooms from pan.
4. Using hot pan, add tortillas one at a time to warm up, about 20 seconds on each side.
5. Spread tortillas with chipotle hummus. Place hot mushrooms in centers of tortillas. Top with slaw and feta cheese, if desired.

SOURCE:
Sabra

Holiday Desserts from Around the Globe

(Family Features) Over time, many families tend to return to the same holiday favorites, from ham and mashed potatoes to pies and cookie classics. This season, you can add a twist to tradition with these globally inspired desserts.

Rugelach, for instance, is like a cross between a croissant and a cookie featuring walnuts for a nutty flavor and crunch with ties to Greece, Turkey and the Middle East. If you’re looking to steal the show at cookie exchanges, Mexican Wedding Cookies provide a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for dipping in hot chocolate.

Both treats include California walnuts, which have an agricultural history deeply rooted in tradition and can stand alone as a tasty snack or offer an opportunity to level up dishes from appetizers to desserts.

Find more holiday dessert ideas at walnuts.org/holiday.   

Rugelach

Recipe courtesy of California Walnuts
Prep time: 50 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 32

Dough:

• 1/2       cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1          tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          cup flour

Filling:

• 1/3       cup granulated sugar
• 1          tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2       cup apricot jam
• 1          cup finely chopped California walnuts
• 1/2       cup raisins, chopped
• 2          tablespoons unsalted butter melted

1. To make dough: In large bowl, using electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
2. Scrape sides of bowl and beaters as necessary. Reduce speed and slowly mix in flour, about 30 seconds.
3. On floured work surface, form dough into ball. Divide into two equal pieces.
4. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and press into two disks. Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until firm.
5. To make filling: Heat oven to 375° F and place racks at upper-middle and lower-middle positions.
6. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. In small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; mix well and set aside.
8. On lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into 11-inch circles, about 1/4-inch thick. On each round, spread 1/4 cup jam and sprinkle 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/4 cup raisins. Evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar mixture on each disk.
9. Using knife, cut each round into 16 even wedges. Beginning at wide ends, roll each wedge up into cookie.
10. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet with pointed end underneath cookie. Space cookies about 2 inches apart.
11. Using pastry brush, brush melted butter over cookies; sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar over top.
12. Bake cookies about 20 minutes until slightly puffed and pale gold, rotating baking sheets halfway through.
13. Transfer hot cookies to wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Recipe courtesy of California Walnuts
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 38 minutes
Servings: 36

• 2          cups California walnuts, toasted, divided
• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4       teaspoon salt
• 1          cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3       cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2    teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2    cups powdered sugar, plus additional (optional)

1. Heat oven to 325° F. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In food processor, finely grind 1 cup walnuts, about 10-15 seconds. Transfer to medium bowl.
3. In food processor, pulse remaining walnuts about 5 seconds. Add to medium bowl with finely ground walnuts. Stir in flour and salt; set aside.
4. In electric mixer bowl, combine butter and granulated sugar. Beat 2 minutes, or until fluffy. Scrape sides of bowl. Add vanilla; beat 1 minute. Add flour and walnut mixture; beat 30 seconds, or until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl and beaters; continue hand-mixing dough until well combined.
5. Working with 1 tablespoon dough at a time, roll into 1 1/4-inch balls and arrange 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until cookies are lightly golden brown, about 18 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through.
6. Remove cookies from oven and cool on baking sheets 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack; cool completely. Roll cookies in powdered sugar.
7. Before serving, re-roll cookies in powdered sugar, if desired. Gently shake to remove excess.

SOURCE:
California Walnuts

A Winning Spread for the Big Game

(Family Features) Big-game watch parties call for big-game snacks, but that doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or hours spent in the kitchen. Small bites and hearty dips made with real ingredients can be easy to prepare, and make an impressive spread that guests can enjoy from opening kickoff to the final whistle.  

To avoid the classic snacking fumble of having your guests’ chips crumbling in your dips, choose an option like Garden of Eatin’ Blue Tortilla Chips, the mother of all chips, made with organic whole blue corn kernels that are stone ground to perfection for thick, tasty and hearty chips that stand up to any dip.

To prepare for fellow viewers with other lifestyle or dietary needs, plan to offer snacks and dips that satisfy even the most finicky of fans. Prepare a double serving of guacamole and split it in two. Keep one as-is for an easy and healthy vegan option, and make BLT Guacamole with the rest.

Serve with Garden of Eatin’ Grain Free Cassava Chips, which are made with organic cassava, sunflower and chia seeds. Crafted to perfection, these gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, paleo-approved chips provide a tasty touchdown for the whole team.

If you’re looking to bring the heat with bold taste and just enough spice in each bite, go for a warm option like Tex-Mex Enchilada Queso. To save time, you can assemble it a few hours before kickoff or even a day ahead of the game then bake just prior to guests arriving. An easy way to make this recipe stretch is to make a portion without meat so you have a vegetarian option as well.

Find more recipes to bring victory to your game-day spread at gardenofeatin.com.

BLT Guacamole

Recipe courtesy of Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking

• 3          strips bacon
• 3          avocados, seeds removed
• 2          baby romaine lettuce leaves, halved and shredded
• 1          small red onion, finely chopped
• 2          tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1          lime, juiced
• 1          lemon, juiced
• 2          tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 2          tablespoons chives, chopped
• kosher salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• Garden of Eatin’ Grain-Free Cassava Chips

1. Cook bacon according to package instructions. Drain on paper towel and break into small pieces.
2. In medium bowl, roughly mash avocado. Add lettuce, onion, tomato and bacon. Stir lime juice, lemon juice, cilantro and chives into avocado. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tex-Mex Enchilada Queso

Recipe courtesy of Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 8          ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1          cup sour cream
• 1          tablespoon ground chili powder
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
• 1          can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes in green chilies, drained
• 1          cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1          cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1          cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• chopped fresh cilantro
• chopped green onions
• Garden of Eatin’ Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, for serving

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Lightly coat deep, 9-inch skillet with cooking spray.
3. In large bowl, using hand mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt until smooth and well combined. Reduce speed to low then beat in enchilada sauce until incorporated. Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and shredded chicken.
4. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes until dip is hot and cheese is bubbly. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onions.
5. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

SOURCE:
Garden of Eatin’

Flavorful Fiesta Time

Food, family and holiday traditions

(Family Features) A tamalada, or tamale-making party, is a Mexican holiday tradition that occurs during Las Posadas and combines two of the season’s most important ingredients – quality family time and flavorful food.

Consider these tips from Sylvia Garza of Qué Mami Organics to help make your tamalada fun and easy.

• Food: Before your tamalada, prepare the ingredients that require extra time and work. For example, if you are using roasted chilies, roast them the day before and have them peeled, seeded and cut up for seamless assembly the next day.

• Family: When hosting a tamalada, have food or snacks ready to share with your guests. Making dozens of tamales can take most of the day, so you’ll want to keep your helpers well-fed.

• Flavor: Add an ingredient like Tabasco Chipotle Sauce to your masa when making tamales. Not only can the sauce add smoky flavor, but it also gives the dough an appetizing golden color. You can also mix the sauce into your filling for a brighter flavor and a kick of heat.

Find more flavorful recipes at Tabasco.com.

Zucchini and Corn Tamales

Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Garza of Qué Mami Organics
Yield: 16 tamales

• 30        large, softened corn husks

Masa (dough):

• 3          cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 2          teaspoons baking powder
• 2          teaspoons sea salt
• 2 1/3    cups vegetable broth, warmed
• 1/2       cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2       cup vegetable shortening

Filling:

• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2       small red onion, diced
• 1          garlic clove, finely diced
• 3          cups zucchini, cubed small
• 1          tomato, cubed small
• 1/4       teaspoon dried oregano
• 1          teaspoon sea salt
• 1          cup sweet white corn
• 4          tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
• 5          ounces Qué Mami Organics Red Enchilada Sauce
• 2 1/2    tablespoons Tabasco Pepper Sauce
• 8          ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1/2-ounce strips

1. To prep husks: Soak corn husks in hot water. Place heavy pot on top of husks to keep submerged at least 1 hour. Once pliable, rinse each corn husk.
2. To make dough: In large bowl, mix corn flour, baking powder and sea salt. Using hands, mix in warm vegetable broth to make firm dough. In mixer, cream butter and shortening until fluffy then add dough in small amounts until well mixed. Continue mixing at low-medium speed 5 minutes, scraping dough off sides of bowl. Reserve dough.
3. To make filling: In large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil; saute red onion and garlic until translucent. Add zucchini and mix 1 minute. Add tomato, dried oregano and sea salt; continue mixing 1 minute. Add corn and chopped cilantro. Stir and continue cooking about 2 minutes more; zucchini should be cooked but al dente. Remove filling to heat-resistant bowl.
4. In small bowl, combine enchilada sauce and Tabasco pepper sauce. Add half of sauce mixture to filling; mix well. Reserve remaining sauce.
5. To assemble tamales, spread 2 tablespoons dough onto wide end of each corn husk. Dough should extend across corn husks, except 1 inch on sides and about 3 inches from narrow end.
6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon zucchini and corn filling into middle of dough. Add 1 teaspoon reserved sauce over filling and one strip cheese on top. Fold right side of corn husk over filling and seal closed with dough. Fold over left side of corn husk tightly and fold narrow end of corn husk up. Cut strips from extra corn husks and tie around each tamale to secure.
7. Place tamales vertically, filling-side up, in steam pot with enough water to steam 40-45 minutes. Cover tamales with extra corn husks to trap in steam; place lid on pot. Tamales are ready when masa dough separates easily from husks. Add water to pot, as necessary, for longer steaming.
8. Let tamales rest 10 minutes before unwrapping. Remove corn husks before serving.

SOURCE:
Tabasco

5 Tips to Meal Prep Like a Pro

(Family Features) Dinner can be a daunting task for any family with multiple mouths to feed. Factor in complex schedules and individual tastes, and a family meal can become a stressful thought for home cooks.

However, with proper meal planning and preparation, those stressful evenings can become a thing of the past. Consider these steps to becoming a better meal prepper:

Start Slow
If you’re new to meal prepping, don’t bog yourself down trying to come up with ideas and ingredients multiple days in advance. Start by planning just one or two days ahead then consider lengthening your prep phases as you get more comfortable.

Shop Smart
Avoid overbuying by heading to the grocery store with a plan in mind or, even better, a specific list. While perusing the aisles, look for the Produce for Kids logo next to healthy, family-friendly items to help make nutritionally sound choices.

Go with What You Know
Rather than teaching yourself to meal prep while trying to learn new recipes at the same time, stick to the basics. Create dishes you’ve made in the past while you get into the habit of meal prepping.

Make It a Family Event
Recruit some help from your kids by enlisting them with some easier kitchen tasks. It can be a learning and bonding experience to make recipes like Easy One-Dish Chicken and Veggie Bake or Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadilla.

Plan for In-Season Produce
Certain fruits and veggies are stocked (and taste better) at certain times of year. Be sure to create shopping lists with these timeframes in mind.

To find family meal tips and more than 400 registered dietitian- and family-approved recipes, visit produceforkids.com.

Easy One-Dish Chicken and Veggie Bake

Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          pound chicken breast, cut in fourths
• 12        small red potatoes, quartered
• 12        ounces green beans
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 3          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          tablespoon herbs de Provence
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon pepper

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Place chicken, potatoes and green beans in rows in 13-by-9-inch baking dish with chicken in middle. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic, herbs de Provence, salt and pepper.
3. Bake 50 minutes, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are tender.

Nutritional information per serving: 554 calories; 8 g fat; 65 mg cholesterol; 87 g carbohydrates; 11 g fiber; 37 g protein; 9 g sugar; 82 mg calcium; 5 mg iron; 282 mg sodium.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadilla

Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          large sweet potato
• 1          can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4       cup chopped cilantro
• 1          tablespoon low-sodium taco seasoning
• 8          whole-wheat tortillas
• 1          cup low-fat shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1. Use fork to prick sweet potato. Microwave 5 minutes on high. Let cool slightly.
2. Cut potato in half lengthwise and scoop flesh into large bowl. Mash until smooth.
3. Combine beans, cilantro and seasoning with sweet potato; mix well.
4. Heat skillet over medium heat. Spread sweet potato mixture evenly on one side of tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and place second tortilla on top. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and mixture. Cut each into quarters.

Nutritional information per serving: 293 calories; 9.34 g total fat; 34.82 g carbohydrates; 10.39 g fiber; 17.04 g protein; 2.33 g total sugars; 237 mg calcium; 2.65 mg iron; 146 mg sodium.

SOURCE:
Produce for Kids

Shake Up Your Dinner Routine

(Family Features) If you find yourself stuck in a rut with the same recipes, remember a little change can add a lot of flavor. By simply using fresh pork in dishes that usually consist of chicken or beef, there are countless ways to switch up your dinner routine.

Whether grilled, roasted, slow-cooked or sautéed, Smithfield Fresh Pork is available in a wide variety of cuts as well as pre-marinated flavors, making it versatile and convenient for any night of the week. Try out these recipes for Smoked Bacon Pork Alfredo and Grilled Pork Loin Fajitas to shake up your next meal.

Find more recipe ideas at Smithfield.com/ShakeItUp.

Smoked Bacon Pork Alfredo

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Servings: 6-8

• 1          Smithfield Applewood Smoked Bacon Marinated Fresh Pork Loin Filet
• 3          tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1          pound penne pasta  
• 1          package (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms
• salt, to taste
• 2          jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
• pepper, to taste
• 1/4       cup finely chopped green onion (optional)
• grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Cut pork loin into 1/2-inch thick slices then into 1/4-inch wide strips. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Stir-fry half the pork loin 7-8 minutes until well browned. Set aside on separate plate and repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining pork.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. In skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining oil; add mushrooms and sprinkle with salt, to taste. Cook 3 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain pasta and return to pot; stir in pork, mushrooms and Alfredo sauce. Stir over medium heat about 4 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle with green onions and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Grilled Pork Loin Fajitas

Prep time: 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinade time
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 1          Smithfield Prime Boneless Fresh Pork Loin, cut into 1-inch thick steaks
• 1 1/2    cups water, divided
• 1          cup soy sauce
• 1          can (6 ounces) pineapple juice
• 6          cloves garlic
• 1/4       cup white wine
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1          cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2          large onions, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
• 1          tablespoon corn oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 12        tortillas
• guacamole (optional)
• sour cream (optional)
• pico de gallo (optional)
• shredded cheese (optional)

1. Using meat mallet, pound pork steaks until 1/2-inch thick; place in 1-gallon re-sealable plastic bag. Pour 1 cup water, soy sauce and pineapple juice over pork; seal bag and lay flat in refrigerator 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. In blender, pulse garlic, white wine and salt until thoroughly blended. Whisk butter and slowly incorporate garlic and wine mixture. Reserve at room temperature.
3. In large skillet over high heat, saute onions in corn oil 2 minutes until they turn deep brown. Add remaining water to skillet and lower heat to medium-low. Cook and stir, scraping bits from bottom of pan, 15 minutes until water has evaporated and onions are caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat grill to 300 F for indirect cooking. Lightly grease grates.
5. Remove pork from marinade and place on grill over indirect heat 4-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 145 F. Remove pork and brush garlic butter on both sides. Let stand 5 minutes; slice into 3-inch long, thin strips.
6. While grill is hot, grill tortillas individually. Wrap four tortillas at a time in aluminum foil with a little garlic butter.
7. In skillet, reheat caramelized onions and serve with fajitas. Top with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and shredded cheese, if desired.

SOURCE:
Smithfield