(Family Features) A commitment to eating better-for-you foods and living a healthier lifestyle in the new year doesn’t need to break the bank.

To help achieve a more nutritious routine without blowing your budget, consider a one-stop shop like ALDI for high-quality, affordable ingredients to incorporate into better-for-you recipes. Plus, it carries the foods and ingredients to fit nearly any dietary lifestyle and budget – including a wide variety of options for plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free diets.

Start the year with a clean slate and make practical, better-for-you eating goals with these recipes for main courses, sides, desserts and kid-friendly meals and snacks. Find more nutritious eating solutions and recipes at ALDI.us.

Harvest Breakfast Skillet – This hearty meal can be enjoyed any time of day. Combining fresh vegetables, eggs and sweet potatoes with diced quinoa crunch veggie burgers, this skillet puts a new spin on breakfast for dinner.

Crunchy Fish Bites – For a kid-friendly dish adults can enjoy as well, these crunchy fish bites feature breaded tilapia with a flavorful mustard-yogurt sauce that can win over nearly any crowd – including picky eaters.

Cauliflower-Quinoa Pizza – With the right ingredients, even pizza can help you attain your health goals in the new year. To create a healthier pizza option the whole family can enjoy, swap out the standard crust for a cauliflower-based version to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor.

Fresh Avocado Pasta – This pasta requires just four ingredients along with an easy-to-make, creamy sauce perfect for the entire family to enjoy. Avocado lends a colorful hue to this kid-friendly main course.

Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries – Skip the fried snacks and go for this better-for-you version of breaded veggies. A simple breading and just 15 minutes in the oven put a crunchy, guilt-free, crispy side dish on the table.

Soft-Baked Granola Cups – Topped with a dollop of strawberry yogurt and fresh berries, these granola cups are ideal for breakfast or as an after-school snack. They’re perfect to make ahead of time – just store the premade cups in an airtight container and add toppings before serving. Fun tip: Let your child decorate his or her own cups.

Cocoa Mocha Oatmeal Cookies – A mocha drizzle makes these oatmeal cookies stand out among healthier dessert options. After 15 minutes in the oven, you’re left with a delightful treat that doesn’t send your diet down the drain.  

Chocolate Mug Cake – A better-for-you dessert, these miniature cakes made in mugs can be on the table in just 3 1/2 minutes. Simply combine a short list of ingredients, mix in your microwave-safe mug and pop it in the microwave for a quick, chocolaty snack.

Source: ALDI.us

(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

Don’t just drink that beer; add it to your marinade. This recipe for Mexican Chipotle Shrimp Skewers with Lime Beer Basting Sauce combines a generous pour of your favorite Mexican-style beer with a zesty marinade mix, brown sugar and lime juice for a spicy, citrusy marinade and glaze.

3. Pep Up Produce

Hearty slabs of meat may be the heroes of the grill, but fruit and veggies have a rightful place on those smoky grates. These Cabbage Steaks with Bacon Blue Cheeseblend sweet and slightly sour notes with savory crumbles of cheese for a dish that pleases every last one of your taste buds.

4. Go for White Barbecue Sauce

Discover the south’s tangy little secret, white barbecue sauce. This White BBQ Sauce with Smoky Chicken artfully blends the creamy sauce – complete with the bite of creole mustard and horseradish – with smoked chicken. You can also use it as a dip for fresh veggies or drizzled over salad greens.

5. Grill a Whole Fish

Grilling a whole fish may seem intimidating, but it can be done in a few simple steps. To prepare this Applewood Grilled Whole Fish, start by patting the fish dry. Score the sides and brush liberally with oil. Then add seasonings or a rub, and stuff the cavity with citrus slices before placing directly on the grill.

6. Switch Up Your Sear

An imperfect sear can result in dry, tough meat. Instead, use this recipe for Sweet Soy Bourbon Chickento practice a tried-and-true technique from grilling experts: start with indirect heat for evenly cooked, juicy meat then finish over high heat for a crispy char on each side.

7. Accent Chimichurri with Blue Cheese

Blue cheese adds intense flavor to the classic garlic-tang of chimichurri. Try it with this recipe for Beer Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Chimichurri.

Source: McCormick

• 1 TBS corn oil
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• 4 fish fillets (about 1 pound)
• Toasted bread crumbs for garnish

1. In skillet heat corn oil over medium heat. Add garlic.
2. Cook, stirring 30 seconds. Add spinach, nutmeg and pepper. Cook, stirring 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and 1/3 cup bread crumbs.
3. Spread about 1/3 cup mixture evenly on each fillet. Roll up. Arrange seam-side down in greased, shallow baking dish.
4. Cover and bake in 400°F oven 15 minutes or until fish is firm but moist.
5. Garnish with toasted bread crumbs as desired.

Source: Old London Foods, Inc.

(Family Features) If you’re observing Lent, Friday fish dinners could be in your future, but that’s no reason to feel limited by what you can cook. Seafood pairs well with all sorts of flavors – from chili seasoning to lime extract – and bakes quickly on a sheet pan with minimal cleanup.

Follow these simple tips from Dr. Wendy Bazilian, McCormick Health Advisor and Registered Dietitian, to get your family asking for good-for-you proteins like salmon and shrimp all year long:

• While lemon is a great complement to seafood, think about pairing with other citrus flavors like orange and lime. Try marinating shrimp in a mixture of lite coconut milk, lime extract, ginger and red pepper.
• Add colorful vegetables like zoodles or asparagus to your sheet pan to boost both seafood and vegetable servings. You don’t need a spiralizer to make zoodles because many grocery stores offer pre-made zoodles in the produce section.
• Keep shrimp in your freezer to pull out for stir fries, pastas or this Coconut Lime Shrimp with Zoodles recipe.

Explore more recipes to enjoy during Lent, spring and beyond at McCormick.com, or look for McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Coconut Lime Shrimp with Zoodles

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/4 cup Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk (regular or lite)
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Crushed Red Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Pure Lime Extract
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small zucchini, cut into thin noodles with spiralizer
• 1 medium yellow squash, cut into thin noodles with spiralizer
• 1 medium carrot, cut into thin noodles with spiralizer
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. In large, re-sealable plastic bag, mix together coconut milk, ginger, garlic powder, crushed red pepper and lime extract. Add shrimp; turn to coat well.
3. Refrigerate 15-30 minutes. Remove shrimp from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. In center of large, shallow, foil-lined baking pan, arrange shrimp in single layer.
4. In large bowl, toss vegetable noodles and oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat well. Spread noodles around shrimp in pan.
5. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through and noodles are tender. Serve shrimp over vegetable noodles.

Test kitchen tip: For faster prep, use 4 cups store-bought spiralized vegetable noodles instead of spiralizing them yourself.

Orange Chili Sheet Pan Salmon

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Orange Extract
• 2 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 package McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Spray foil-lined, 13-by-9-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In small bowl, mix together oil and orange extract. Place salmon and vegetables on separate sides of baking sheet. Brush vegetables with 1 teaspoon extract mixture. Brush both sides of salmon with remaining mixture.
3. In small bowl, mix together seasoning mix and brown sugar. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons seasoning mixture over vegetables. Sprinkle both sides of salmon evenly with remaining seasoning mixture.
4. Bake 20 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are tender.

Source: McCormick

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Ingredients

• 12 (4-ounce) halibut fillets, skinned
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 7 ounces pecans
• 1 3/4 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F .
2. Combine flour, salt and pepper in mixing bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and mustard.
4. Using the Magic Bullet, finely chop pecans in small bullet cup.
5. In third bowl, combine chopped pecans and breadcrumbs.
6. Set the 3 bowls in a row, with baking pan at end for placing fillets. First dredge each fillet in flour, shaking excess back into bowl. Then dip fillet in egg mixture to coat, and place in pecan mixture. Press lightly to coat both sides of fillet with nuts and place fillet on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining fillets. (Fillets can be refrigerated up to 2 hours before sautéeing.)
7. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saute pan over medium heat. Add as many fillets as will comfortably fit in pan. Cook about 3 minutes per side, or until light brown. (Fillets can be drained on paper towels and refrigerated up to 6 hours before baking.)
8. Arrange sautéed fillets on baking sheets and bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve with Dijon Cream Sauce.

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Helpful Hint: To make chopping nuts easier, add a little sugar to bullet cup. Pulse to keep from grinding nuts too finely.

Source

Homeland Housewares

2008 Grand Prize winning recipe by: Edwina Gadsby of Great Falls, Mont.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 6 ounces lump crabmeat, drained, flaked and picked over for cartilage
• 1 1/2 cups frozen (thawed) or canned sweet corn kernels
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Canola oil for frying
• Thai Chili Roasted Garlic Dipping Sauce or other favorite dipping sauce

Preparation

1. In medium bowl combine eggs, fish or soy sauce, chili garlic sauce and ginger. Stir in crabmeat, corn, green onions and cilantro. Add flour; stir until ingredients are combined.
2. In 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2-inch canola oil until hot. Carefully spoon crab mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls into hot oil, flattening slightly with spoon. Cook fritters about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Serves

Makes 6 appetizer or first-course servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Serve with a bottle of chilled Rías Baixas Albariño wine.

Source

Rías Baixas Albariño

The warmer temperatures call for a menu that's light and healthy, but with a uniquely tropical flavor. For an easy, casual entrée with a beachy feel, Baja Fish Tacos and Mango Salsa are sure to please.

Mango Salsa

• 2 large ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, sliced (green tops only)
• 1 small jalapeño pepper (stem, seeds and membranes removed)

Tacos

• 1 pound cod fillets, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each: ground cumin, Mexican oregano and garlic salt
• 8 corn tortillas, warmed
• 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage
• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (may substitute shredded Monterey Jack)

1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
2. Stir together all salsa ingredients in medium bowl; set aside.
3. Place cod on 2 large sheets of parchment paper.
4. Stir together dry seasonings in small bowl and sprinkle over cod. Bring edges of parchment paper together and fold twice. Fold ends under to enclose fish. Place packets on baking sheet and bake 15 to 18 minutes. Open packets carefully to let steam escape.
5. Place equal amounts cod in each tortilla and top with cabbage, cheese and mango salsa.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

15 to 20 minutes

Serves

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Pair with Mirassou Monterey County Riesling

Source

Mirassou Winery
National Mango Board

Ingredients

• 1 salmon fillet
• Unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Salmon Magic (or other all-natural seasoning blend)

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 450° F. Lightly brush top and sides of salmon fillet with melted butter. Lightly brush a small sheet pan with melted butter. Season top and sides of salmon fillet with seasoning blend.
2. Place fillet on sheet pan and bake until top is golden brown, and fillet is just cooked through. In order to have moist, pink salmon, do not overcook. Serve immediately.

Serves

Makes 1 serving

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

If fillet is thick, you may want to use a little more of the seasoning blend. Press seasoning in gently.

Source

Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Seasoning Blends®

Alaska Pollock Fish Stick Tacos
Alaska Surimi Seafood Breakfast Bake
Thai Fishermen's Stew

(Family Features) - Surprise! You already know this mild-tasting, delicately textured fish that swims wild in clean, icy Alaskan waters. You just didn't realize it.

Like the boy next door who's so friendly and easy going he's taken for granted - until his superman talents are revealed - genuine Alaska Pollock is finally making a name for itself. A kissing cousin to cod, this whitefish is the one you love to eat in so many good things, from fish sticks and fish tacos, to fish sandwiches, fillets and surimi seafood. It's a rock star in fish and chips, too.

Versatility is where Alaska Pollock scores top points. Alaska Pollock is flash-frozen within hours of harvesting and processed for breaded fish sticks, frozen fillets or surimi seafood. Its mild flavor and snow-white, tender flesh are particularly kid-friendly and appealing.

On the nutrition side, Alaska Pollock is a terrific source of protein and minerals, making it especially popular during Lent. Low in fat and calories, it's a product worth seeking out year-round.

Add sustainability as another plus for Alaska Pollock, harvested from the largest sustainable fishery in the world. Alaska Pollock fishery managers strive - and have for more than 30 years - to maintain the quality and capacity of the biannual catch while protecting the species' habitat and ecosystem in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. The result of their long-term dedication is an abundant, economical fish.

The versatility of Alaska Pollock is highlighted with the cross-cultural flavors in the trio of recipes here. Traditional Thai ingredients such as red curry paste, ginger, green chiles and coconut milk spark Thai Fishermen's Stew, a zesty dish with built-in warmth for an evening meal. Classic south-of-the-border seasonings give Alaska Pollock Fish Stick Tacos lively flavor with plenty of family appeal. What's not to like about pairing fish sticks with guacamole, taco seasoning, lime juice, green onions and cilantro? Or prepare Alaska Surimi Seafood Breakfast Bake. It's an easy-to-make frittata-type dish that matches Mexican seasonings with Alaska surimi seafood.

Add everything together and there's no question genuine Alaska Pollock is one tasty fish worth looking for in all its delicious forms. To find more recipes featuring this versatile fish, visit alaskaseafood.org.

Alaska Pollock Fish Stick Tacos

Ingredients

• 8 frozen Alaska Pollock fish sticks (about .75 ounces each) or 4 frozen breaded/battered fish fillets (about 1.5 ounces each)
• 8 taco shells or flour tortillas (5- to 6-inch each)
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup prepared guacamole
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Mexican or taco seasoning
• 1 lime, cut in 8 wedges
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Preparation

1. Prepare fish sticks/fillets according to package directions.
2. In each taco shell, layer 1/4 cup lettuce, 2 tablespoons guacamole, 2 tablespoons tomato, and 2 fish sticks or 1 fish fillet.
3. Sprinkle on small amount of Mexican or taco seasoning. Squeeze juice of a lime wedge over fish.
4. Top with 1 tablespoon cilantro and 1/2 tablespoon green onions.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories: 322g Total Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 10mg Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 34g Sodium: 260mg

Serves

Servings 4

Alaska Surimi Seafood Breakfast Bake

Ingredients

• 1 large bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions
• 12 ounces Alaska Surimi Seafood (Imitation Crab)
• 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons Cajun, Creole or Mexican seasoning
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby Jack or Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 8 eggs
• 3/4 cup water

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spray coat 9- to 10-inch baking dish. Place peppers, mushrooms, olives and green onions in baking dish. Sprinkle seasoning over Alaska Surimi Seafood; stir to coat. Add surimi and 3/4 cup cheese to baking dish. Blend eggs and water; pour over surimi. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
3. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until puffed and center is firm.

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories: 324g Total Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 374mg Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 14g Sodium: 1171mg

Serves

Servings: 4 to 6

Thai Fishermen's Stew

Ingredients

• 2 bottles (8 ounces each) clam juice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) organic
• tomatoes with basil and garlic
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
• 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons fish sauce, or to taste
• 1 can (14 ounces) regular or light coconut milk
• 1-1/2 pounds Alaska Pollock fillets, fresh, thawed or frozen
• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Preparation

1. In Dutch oven, combine first 7 ingredients. Simmer covered 15 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and continue to simmer but do not boil.
2. Meanwhile, preheat broiler oven to 450°F. Rinse any ice glaze from frozen Alaska Pollock under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Brush both sides of fillets with oil and place in baking pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heating element until opaque, about 5 to 6 minutes for frozen Alaska Pollock or 3 to 4 minutes for fresh/thawed fish. Cook just until fish is opaque throughout.
3. Remove fillets from pan and break into large chunks. Stir into stew; bring to a simmer. Sprinkle with basil leaves and serve piping hot.

Calories: 241g Total Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 83mg Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 10g Sodium: 839mg

Serves

Servings 6

Source

Alaska Seafood Marketing