(Family Features) A beautifully designed charcuterie board may feel more like a grown-up treat, but with the right ingredients, delicious grazing boards can provide fun and nutrition for the whole family.

No matter what you call it, charcuterie boards, grazing boards and snack platters are all basically the same thing. The boards make a trendy addition to an entertaining menu, but a platter or kid-friendly board can be equally pleasing.

What you serve on a grazing board is entirely up to you. Most include a selection of meats and cheeses, and many incorporate nuts, crackers, dips and jams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. Creating your own board means there really are no rules; you can add just about anything you want.

To build a successful board, keep these tips in mind:

Choose ingredients and elements that don’t require temperature control. The idea of a grazing board is that it sits out for a while. Avoid anything that needs refrigeration, heat or will lose its shape or flavor if it rests for an extended amount of time.

Select a surface large enough to hold a variety of food. It can be a simple cutting board or a cute platter. There’s no specific size requirement but err on the side of bigger; spacing out your goodies can be more attractive and less messy.

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure every bite is delicious and nutritious. While shopping, remember to look for the Produce for Kids and Healthy Family Project logos next to favorite items in the produce department, as adding these flavorful fruits and veggies to your cart can help make a difference in your community.

Build your board around a theme to add an extra element of fun. Use mini cookie cutters to make fun, kid-friendly shapes out of cheese and meats. Be mindful of colors; a rainbow platter is vibrant and appealing, and colorful fruits and veggies offer a strong mix of nutrients.

Remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Classic favorites are all you need. Even kid favorites like sections of mandarin oranges, carrot sticks and chocolate chips are fair game for a family-friendly board.

Find more ideas for creating family-friendly treats at healthyfamilyproject.com.

Taco Tuesday Board

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook

• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Queso
• Hard and soft taco shells
• Ground turkey, seasoned and browned
• Lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped onions
• Chopped peppers
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

1. On grazing board or platter, arrange guacamole, salsa, queso, taco shells, ground turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions, peppers, sour cream, cilantro and lime wedges.

Weekend Breakfast Grazing Board

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cooked sausage links
• Mini frozen waffles, toasted
• Mini frozen pancakes, toasted
• Mini muffins
• Yogurt
• Fresh fruit
• Syrup
• Jelly

1. On grazing board or platter, arrange eggs, sausage links, toasted waffles, toasted pancakes, muffins, yogurt, fruit, syrup and jelly.

Source: Healthy Family Project

(Family Features) Between work, after-school activities and homework, planning memorable family time is nearly impossible. Changing that mindset can start by making mealtime simpler with recipes that serve up big smiles for the whole family and fuel fun, even on weeknights.

As a quick and easy mealtime solution that gives families time back to make lasting memories, Mrs. T’s Pierogies are pasta pockets filled with the stuff you love like creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness and other big, bold flavors.

You can find a little inspiration in recipes like these Pierogy Burrito Bowls, loaded with pierogies, cherry tomatoes, corn, sliced avocado and homemade avocado mayo crema for a simple meal everyone in the family can enjoy.

No matter how parents switch up their weeknight routines, like a trip to the park or an at-home movie night, pierogies make weeknight recipes like this one possible because they’re simple and easy to prepare, leaving more time for parents to do the stuff they love with the ones they love.

Find more recipes fit for family fun by visiting MrsTsPierogies.com.

Pierogy Burrito Bowls

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Burrito Bowls:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 bag (2 pounds) Mrs. T's 4 Cheese Medley Pierogies
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn, lightly roasted
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and thinly sliced
• 1 cup pickled red onions
• 3/4 cup Cotija cheese
• fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish

Avocado Mayo Crema:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1/2 lime, juice only

1. To make burrito bowls: In medium skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil. Saute pierogies in batches, approximately 8 minutes on both sides, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Divide pierogies, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, pickled red onions and Cotija cheese evenly among serving bowls. Garnish with cilantro.
3. To make avocado mayo crema: In food processor, process mayo, avocado and lime juice until smooth.
4. Drizzle avocado mayo crema over bowls, as desired.

 Source: Mrs. T’s Pierogies

(Family Features) From fajitas and tacos to everything in between, fueling your Cinco de Mayo fiesta starts with delicious food that brings everyone to the table. Traditional dishes and new twists on classics can be equally satisfying whether you’re feeding your nearest and dearest or hosting the entire neighborhood.

Start with these Vegan Apple and Black Bean Fajitas for a plant-forward spin on a popular dish that features sauteed apples, peppers, zucchini, jicama, onion and jalapeno. The craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples – a leading apple variety available at Whole Foods and other major grocery stores – shine both in the mixture of sauteed produce and sliced raw into sticks for a crunchy finish with added sweetness. Plus, their flesh remains whiter longer, even after slicing, so this dish looks as good as it tastes.

For those seeking some added protein, turn to Crisp Apple Tacos featuring pork tenderloin topped with cabbage, apples, carrots and a honey-infused homemade dressing. Ideal for a crowd, you can split the sauteed tenderloin, sliced produce, dressing and other favorite toppings among serving bowls to let guests create their own Cinco-inspired masterpieces.

These moments among friends and family can be uplifted with the aroma and flavor of Envy Apples that offer an invitation to savor special occasions. Their balanced sweetness provides the ultimate apple experience from holidays and family gatherings to quiet evenings at home.

To find more recipes for family meals and beyond, visit EnvyApple.com.

Vegan Apple and Black Bean Fajitas

• 1 bell pepper, sliced, seeds removed
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 small jicama, sliced
• 3 Envy Apples, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 jalapeno, sliced, seeds removed
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 sprigs fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili pepper (optional)
• salt, to taste (optional)
• pepper, to taste (optional)
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 lime
• 3 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 4 small flour tortillas

1. In skillet over high heat, saute bell pepper, zucchini, jicama and half the apple slices. Set aside.
2. In same hot skillet, saute onions, jalapenos and garlic until lightly caramelized. Combine with sauteed apple mixture. Season with cumin and oregano. Add chili powder and salt and pepper, to taste, if desired.
3. Add cooked black beans to saute mixture. Top with squeeze of lime. Garnish with cilantro and remaining raw apple slices.
4. Serve with tortillas.

Crisp Apple Tacos

• 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided
• 1 teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
• 2 Envy Apples, divided
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 12 soft taco shells
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

1. Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch medallions.
2. Coat pork medallions with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat.
3. Slice half of one apple into thick wedges and add to saucepan. Slice remaining half into thin wedges and set aside.
4. Add rosemary to saucepan and heat 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and heat 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.
5. Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.
6. Thinly slice half of remaining apple into thin sticks around same size of shredded cabbage. Reserve remaining half.
7. In serving bowl, toss apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage.
8. In bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar into dressing. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
10. Cut remaining apple half into thin wedges.
11. Top taco shells with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeeze of lime juice. Top with apple wedges.

Source: Envy Apples

(Family Features) If lending a hand to planet Earth and the environment is a goal in your household, a sustainability mindset often begins as a consumer. There are likely a few ways you can be more environmentally conscious when stocking your pantry for all your family’s favorite recipes.

Start by considering the decisions you make in the grocery store aisles that impact the world around you. Beginning with a belief that food should have it all – convenience, taste and quality – Success Rice is dedicated to safeguarding the environment and ensuring well-being through food. A commitment to becoming more sustainable, from farming to manufacturing and packaging, is at the heart of producing high-quality rice and quinoa while caring for the planet.

For example, these sweet and spicy Golden Beet and Rice Burger Sliders provide a plant-forward alternative at the dinner table. Delicious and hearty, the vegetarian sliders are perfect for occasions ranging from family game nights to outdoor entertaining with the combination of veggies, jasmine rice and beans.

Or you can opt for an earth-friendly dish with sustainability in its name: Zero-Waste Moroccan Spice Rice and Lentil Pilaf. Ready in just half an hour, it delivers a fragrant, flavorful meal without waste. It balances warm spices, basmati rice and bursts of zesty lemon for a dynamic and colorful recipe.

Regardless of the occasion, the variety of Success Rice Boil-in-Bag products can help you be a good steward for the planet while serving good food to friends and family. In fact, the amount of plastic material in the BPA-free bags has been reduced by 7%. Additionally, the How2Recycle labeling system conveys clear instructions for its 100% recyclable boxes and bags, and, as part of a continued mission, more packaging options are being explored to increase recyclability.

Discover more ways to do your part for the environment, without sacrificing taste or quality, by visiting SuccessRice.com.

Golden Beet and Rice Burger Sliders

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
• 1/2 can (7 1/2 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 tablespoon water
• 4 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) golden beets, cooked and grated
• 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled, divided
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 12 leaves Bibb lettuce
• 1 cup arugula
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

1. Prepare rice according to package directions. Cool completely.
2. In food processor, pulse beans, egg and water until mashed.
3. Transfer bean mixture to large bowl. Add rice, beets, 1 1/2 ounces goat cheese, dill, salt and pepper; stir until combined. Divide mixture into six portions and shape into 1/2-inch-thick patties.
4. In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Cook patties in two batches, 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through, adding remaining oil as necessary.
5. Place two lettuce leaves together, overlapping ends to form pocket. Place patty inside lettuce pocket; top with arugula and remaining goat cheese. Drizzle with Sriracha. Repeat with remaining burgers.

Zero-Waste Moroccan Spice Rice and Lentil Pilaf

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

• 5 cups water
• 1/3 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 bag Success Basmati Rice
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (stalks and leaves)
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Moroccan spice blend
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup preserved lemons, finely chopped

1. In medium saucepan over medium heat, bring water to boil. Add lentils and cook 10-15 minutes, or until slightly soft.
2. Submerge bag of rice in saucepan with lentils and cook 10-12 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Remove bag with fork and drain; set aside. Drain lentils and transfer back to saucepan. Cut open bag of rice and empty cooked rice into saucepan with lentils. Stir to combine.
3. Stir in cilantro, green onions, olive oil, Moroccan spice blend, raisins, almonds and preserved lemons. Serve.

Source: Success Rice

(Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet treat.

Take this year’s festivities the traditional route with recipes that combine familiar favorites with ingredients you normally may not use otherwise, such as cactus. This Mexican Cactus Pork Stew makes Cinco de Mayo a cinch with the use of a Dutch oven. Just brown fresh pork shoulder (or reheat leftover pork) in the Dutch oven and combine with onion and jalapeno for the right mixture of flavor and spice. Once pork is cooked or warmed through, add broth, beans, spices, seasonings and a cup of chopped cactus for a southwestern spin.

After some lively chatter or friendly competition, you’re bound to work up the appetite for dessert. Call the kids to the kitchen to lend a hand with these Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies – they’ll love working with the dough and rolling warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect; you can ensure a bit of fun and flavor by letting their creativity shine.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly recipes perfect for celebrating holidays throughout the year.

Mexican Cactus Pork Stew

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 1 pound pork shoulder (leftover or fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) mild chili beans
• 1 cup chopped cactus (nopales)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. If using fresh pork, in Dutch oven, cube and brown it with onion and jalapeno pepper. If using leftover pork, reheat in Dutch oven with onion and jalapeno pepper.
2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili beans, cactus, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Simmer 25 minutes then garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 4 sticks butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for coating workspace
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup sugar

Topping:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In bowl, combine butter, 4 cups flour and cinnamon. Add egg and sugar then knead into ball.
3. Spread additional flour on counter and cut ball into six sections. Roll each section into 24-inch ropes then cut into 1-inch pieces and place on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 10 minutes.
5. To make topping: In bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll warm cookies in mixture and let cool on rack.

(Family Features) Achieving your goals each day starts with your own health and well-being, both physically and mentally. To ensure you’ve got the energy needed to take on that to-do list and enjoy your favorite activities, turn to familiar ingredients and recipes that pack the protein your body craves.

To help reach nutrition goals and fuel your everyday adventures, Chicken of the Sea Tuna and Salmon Packets can follow you anywhere you go and make healthy eating a delicious endeavor. Everything you love about your favorite tuna and salmon products now fits into your busy lifestyle and unique dietary needs – keto, paleo or Mediterranean.

They’re flavorful, convenient and fit seamlessly into your daily routine, making them a perfect solution no matter your mood, cravings or occasion. Whether you’re bringing tuna along as an afternoon snack or incorporating salmon into a tasty meal, the responsibly sourced protein allows you to eat healthy and live happy without compromise.

For example, you can rethink lunchtime routines with a colorful twist on the viral social media salmon rice bowl. Bring together the lively flavors of Everything Bagel-seasoned pink salmon with your favorite toppings like carrots, radishes, Sriracha mayo and more for a simple yet flavorful afternoon protein-packed pick-me-up.

Long days away from home can lead to meal complacency when you walk through the door. However, keeping high-quality, responsibly sourced protein options on hand can help you avoid takeout cravings and a desire to leave the cooking to someone else. It doesn’t get much easier than these Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers for an appetizer or low-carb snack that takes just 20 minutes to prepare a handful of everyday ingredients.

When you find the right solutions for you, it’s time to stock the pantry. Try all the flavors Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna and Alaskan Pink Salmon Packets offers, from creamy or citrus to spicy and beyond.

Visit chickenofthesea.com to find more nutritious recipe inspiration.

Everything Bagel Salmon Brown Rice Bowl

Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Alaskan Pink Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• roasted nori seaweed sheets or pieces, crushed
• 1 small avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons shredded radishes
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 2 teaspoons furikaki seasoning (Japanese rice seasoning)
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha mayo

1. In bowl, top cooked brown rice with crushed seaweed sheets.
2. Add sliced avocado and top with salmon.
3. Add carrots, radishes and cilantro.
4. Sprinkle with furikaki seasoning and drizzle with Sriracha mayo.

Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3

• 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Lightly Seasoned by McCormick, Lemon Garlic
• 3 mini sweet peppers, halved, seeds removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay parchment or foil over baking pan.
2. Place halved mini sweet peppers on prepared baking pan and lightly brush both sides of peppers with oil.
3. Divide lemon garlic tuna evenly between six mini pepper halves.
4. Top with cheese and bake 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
5. Allow to cool and top with sliced green onions and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.

Source:

Chicken of the Sea

(Family Features) If winter evenings have you stuck in a dinner rut, heat up the kitchen with family favorites everyone can look forward to. Shaking off the chill can start with a cozy blanket and comforting food that warms you from the inside out.

Soup is a wintertime staple thanks to its simplicity, and you can put a delicious spin on your next winter warmup with Mexican-inspired ingredients. Giving soup night a twist starts with Cacique Foods, one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, that invites friends and family to share real moments while savoring authentic flavors.

This Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole relies on the bold, hearty, spicy taste of Cacique’s Pork Chorizo combined with handcrafted Homestyle Salsa. Queso Fresco’s crumbly, creamy texture and milky, fresh flavor adds the perfect finishing touch, making this soup a perfect way to warm up weeknights with just the right amount of heat.

For a flavorful side that complements a variety of main courses while adding Mexican flair, consider Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is a familiar favorite with the unique twist of bacon and Pork Chorizo for a meat-infused recipe that will become a menu mainstay.

Plus, for an extra creamy texture, it calls for Cacique Crema Mexicana – an everyday table cream with a neutral, fresh-tasting flavor ideal for balancing out spice – and Oaxaca, a semisoft cheese with a mellow, buttery flavor.

Find more comforting recipes at caciquefoods.com.

Smoky Chorizo and Chicken Pozole

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste (optional)
• 1 package (9 ounces) Cacique Pork Chorizo
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1 container (16 ounces) Cacique Medium Homestyle Salsa
• 1quart chicken stock
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed of excess fat and diced
• 1 can (25 ounces) white hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 3/4 cup crumbled Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1. In large, heavy pot over medium heat, heat oil. Reserve 1/4 cup onion for garnish; add remaining onion to pot and season with salt. Saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Increase heat to medium-high; add pork chorizo and break it apart with spoon. Cook chorizo undisturbed until deeply browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes. Add smoked paprika and oregano; cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Pour in salsa and scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring to simmer 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly then add stock and bring to simmer.
4. Stir in diced chicken and hominy. Decrease heat to medium and cook 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Taste and season with more salt, if necessary. Remove from heat.
5. Serve bowls of pozole with reserved onion, lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro.

Mexican Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10

• 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 9 medium potatoes), peeled and cubed
• water
• 6 bacon strips, chopped
• 1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo
• 12 ounces Cacique Crema Mexicana
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup Cacique Oaxaca or Queso Quesadilla, shredded
• 1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana Agria, for topping (optional)
• 3 green onions, chopped

1. In Dutch over, add potatoes and cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
2. In skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, chop into small pieces and set aside. Remove bacon grease from skillet and cook chorizo over medium-high heat, 6-8 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes; add to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding crema Mexicana, butter, onion powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Transfer to greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with cheese, chorizo and bacon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, covered, about 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Drizzle with crema Mexicana agria and chopped green onions.

 Source: Cacique

(Family Features) Bolstering your immune system during winter, when coughs and colds seem to take control, is a must for the entire family. Supporting your wellness can start in a simple place – with the foods you eat and drink.

Consider an easy choice for any season like Florida Orange Juice, which can help you and your loved ones get the vitamins and minerals you need all winter long. With 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C in every 8-ounce serving along with key nutrients like potassium and magnesium, there’s a reason it’s referred to as the “Original Wellness Drink.”

With no added sugar or artificial flavor, it provides the benefits you need without the additives you don’t. It contains natural sugar from the whole fruit for a delicious solution that’s one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Plus, it’s easy to use as a nutritional ingredient in wintertime favorites like this comforting Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup or to start your day strong with a Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie.

Paired with a healthy lifestyle, 8 ounces of 100% orange juice may help support a healthy immune system as an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin D in fortified juices. Vitamin C is commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen healthy immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. Meanwhile, vitamin D also plays an important role in regulating immune response by helping immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses.

“Safeguarding your health against the spread of illness is important year-round, especially during colder months when reports of cold and flu increase,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “A key step in supporting your immune system is maintaining a well-balanced diet that is high in essential nutrients. Incorporating an 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice can help you meet the recommended daily value of vitamin C and support your hydration.”

Beneficial plant compounds, like those in Florida Orange Juice, along with flavonoids and colorful carotenoids work to support the immune system by fighting inflammation and helping cells communicate, which can help strengthen immune responses when encountering infections.

Additionally, 100% orange juice is a source of phytonutrients like hesperidin, which has been shown in clinical studies to have antioxidant-like properties, heart health benefits and may help reduce inflammation. Hesperidin has also been linked with benefits related to cognitive function, immune system function and bone health.

To find more information and immunity-boosting winter recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup

Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 quart vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk
• 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup Florida Orange juice
• chopped cilantro (optional)

1. In medium saucepan over medium high, heat olive oil until it shimmers.
2. Add onions, bell pepper, carrots and salt; cook until onions are translucent, 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cardamom; cook 1-2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant. Do not brown.
4. Add vegetable broth, coconut milk and chickpeas; bring to simmer.
5. Decrease heat to low and cook until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Add orange juice, remove from heat and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
7. Serve garnished with cilantro, if desired.

Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie

Servings: 2

• 8 ounces Florida Orange Juice
• 4 ounces dark sweet cherries
• 2 ounces pomegranate juice

1. In blender, puree orange juice, cherries and pomegranate juice then serve.

(Family Features) Holiday gifting is an exciting tradition for many families, but finding that perfect present for the person who seems to have it all can be tricky. This year, you can add a touch of sweetness to that special someone’s stocking with the gift of fresh fruit.

Look no further than the delicious taste contained in Florida Citrus gift boxes with premium citrus hand-selected at the peak of ripeness and delivered fresh to your recipient’s door. From varieties of fresh fruit to tasty delights like orange blossom honey, jellies, candies and chocolate, it’s an easy choice for crossing off holiday checklists.

Well-known for its vitamin C content, it provides a combination of nutrients to support overall health for a nutritious twist on seasonal gifting.

“Fresh Florida Citrus fruits provide an attainable solution for individuals falling short of their daily nutrient goals,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “It offers a number of key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, fiber and thiamin, and can help support overall well-being when consumed as part of a healthy diet.”

Thanks to Florida’s unique climate with subtropical temperatures, abundant sunshine, distinctive sandy soil and ample rainfall, the citrus fruits pack a juicy, naturally sweet taste from the Sunshine State. These gift boxes can bring a new spin to your holiday menu.

Whether you’re shipping a box to a family member, friend, neighbor or your own front door, holiday get-togethers can receive a spark of sweetness from a delicious appetizer like Grapefruit Avocado Bruschetta. This fresh take on a party favorite calls for toasted baguette slices topped with chopped grapefruit, Roma tomatoes, avocado and red onion to take your hors d’oeuvres selection to the next level. For the adults in attendance, put a simple yet refreshing cocktail on the menu with this Grapefruit Paloma – just rim four glasses with margarita salt and mix a few easy ingredients to bring a little sunshine to the festivities.

Find more information, check availability in your area and shop for gift boxes at gifts.floridacitrus.org.

Grapefruit Avocado Bruschetta

Servings: 3

• 1 cup Florida Grapefruit sections
• 1 baguette, sliced on bias
• 2-3 whole garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 3-4 ripe Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 large avocado, chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• Florida Grapefruit segments, for garnish (optional)
• cilantro sprigs, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Chop grapefruit.
2. Place baguette slices on baking sheet and toast 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Rub toasted sides of bread with cut sides of garlic cloves; reserve.
4. In medium bowl, combine tomatoes, grapefruit, avocado, red onion, cilantro and olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss gently to combine.
5. Spoon grapefruit mixture over prepared bruschetta.
6. Garnish with fresh grapefruit segments and cilantro, if desired.

Grapefruit Paloma

Servings: 4

• 24 ounces Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 16 ounces silver tequila
• 16 ounces seltzer
• ice
• margarita salt (optional)
• 4 Florida Grapefruit wedges (optional)

1. In large pitcher, mix grapefruit juice, tequila and seltzer with ice.
2. Rim four glasses with margarita salt, if desired.
3. Divide paloma among glasses; garnish with grapefruit wedges, if desired.

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) When the winds howl and the chill of changing seasons brings a crispness to the air, one way to warm up from the inside out is with favorite foods. Filling up on comforting recipes like hearty soups and stews can be the solution you need to fight off cold temperatures.

Consider quick and easy ingredients that add a little warmth to your plate as the cravings for comfort kick in.

Cheese
A family favorite in recipes year-round, ooey-gooey cheese is a hallmark of cool-weather recipes. Consider creamy mac and cheese mixed with your preferred protein, homemade Mexican cuisine topped with melted chile con queso or an appetizer plate with options like brie, Manchego, aged cheddar, Parmesan and more.

Rice
If you’re craving a meal that’s big on flavor but short on prep time, it’s hard to top the classic comfort food combo of chicken and rice. This Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke starts with the homestyle taste of fully cooked Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups with carrots, onion and garlic. The BPA-free cups offer a quick and flavorful option for an on-the-go power-up loaded with chicken, vegetables and herbs paired with hearty rice. Ready in only 1 minute, you can enjoy the flavored rice right out of the cup or prepare it as part of this 5-minute recipe on a busy weeknight.

Pasta
Whether you prefer spaghetti or penne, bowtie or stuffed shells, pasta provides a simple base for delicious meals loaded with comforting ingredients. For an easy weeknight meal, just choose a type of pasta, sauce and protein to put dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Curry Paste
Available in many varieties, curry paste is a common ingredient in South Asian dishes. It typically consists of ingredients like garlic, chiles or peppers, ginger and lemongrass. When you’d like to add some spice to your menu without bothering with takeout, this Thai Chicken and Rice Soup calls for green curry paste, which is generally spicier than red or yellow versions, but any can be substituted based on your heat tolerance. You can take the dish up a level with lightly seasoned Minute Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice for zesty flavor in a BPA-free, microwaveable cup for a simple solution when life gets hectic and preparing a time-consuming meal becomes challenging.

Cayenne
Serving up a touch of spice in a wide variety of favorite recipes can be as easy as adding ground cayenne. Made of dried cayenne peppers finely ground to a powder, it’s commonly used in dishes ranging from deviled eggs and pastas to shrimp and barbecue as an easy way to add a warming kick to cold-weather meals.

Find more comfort food recipes at MinuteRice.com.

Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup spinach, stems removed
• 2 ounces chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1/4 cup canned artichokes, drained and quartered
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In medium saute pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add spinach and saute 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and artichokes; saute 2 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Add cheese and rice; stir to combine until heated through.

Thai Chicken and Rice Soup

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 Minute Ready to Serve Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice Cup
• 1/2 cup (3 ounces) cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon Thai green curry paste
• 3 small shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine chicken, broth, coconut milk, curry paste and mushrooms.
3. Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir in rice and garnish with green onion.

Source: Minute Rice