Roasted Slicing Chicken From the Deli

(Family Features) Looking for a way to get out of the kitchen to enjoy warm weather activities with friends and family? Here's a secret for cooks looking for time-saving shortcuts that won't compromise the taste of homemade meals. Fully cooked, roasted chicken sliced to desired thickness at the deli counter can save hours of preparation time for dishes calling for roasted chicken as an ingredient. By substituting chicken that's already been slow-roasted and seasoned when bought sliced at the deli, meals can still have the homemade taste of roasted chicken even if the cook has spent the day at the beach, on the golf course or in the garden.

Deli slicing chicken is versatile, too. It can be sliced thick and then cut into pieces and tossed into a refreshing salad, or give a boost to a summery soup. Cut thin, deli slicing chicken goes gourmet when layered on soft slices of multigrain bread and combined with an assortment of fresh vegetables and spices.

Visit www.boarshead.com for more time-saving meal preparation tips.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Barbecue Dressing

Servings: 4 wraps
Light and satisfying, tangy and sweet - this recipe has it all. Juicy roast chicken topped with a sweet and mild barbecue sauce and wrapped up in tender butter lettuce leaves makes a quick lunch or a light supper - and it all comes together in just minutes.

• 2 cups Boar's Head EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, julienned
• 4 large butter lettuce leaves
• 1 cup mixed cucumber and green onion strips
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mix black and white sesame seeds

1. Place the chicken onto the lettuce leaves and top with the cucumbers and onions. Mix the barbecue sauce with the lemon juice and mayonnaise and pour over the top. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

Chicken Gazpacho Sandwich

Servings: 4
The pungent tastes of roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet carrots, cucumbers and spices turn a simple chicken sandwich into the perfect gourmet meal for a warm day or evening.

• 8 slices multi-grain bread
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 small cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup drained roasted red peppers, cut julienne style
• 1/2 cup drained, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, cut julienne style
• 12 slices Boar's Head EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast

1. Place 4 bread slices on a work surface. Spread each with a layer of mayonnaise and add enough cucumbers to form a layer. Sprinkle with carrots and a pinch of dried rosemary and garlic powder. Mix peppers with tomatoes and layer on top of carrots. Evenly divide chicken among sandwiches. Close sandwich with remaining bread slices and serve.

Pulled Chicken and Tomato-Vegetable Soup

Servings: 6
Cut the cooking time for this flavorful soup by substituting deli slicing chicken for recipes calling for pre-cooked chicken. Make sure to use a quality chicken that is sliced fresh at the deli for a homemade chicken taste.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 red onion, cut into a small dice
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into a 1/2-inch dice
• 2 large carrots, cut into
• 1-inch julienne strips
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 6 sprigs for garnish
• 2 14-ounce cans chicken broth
• 2 14-ounce cans fire-roasted tomatoes with liquid
• 1 pound (1/4 inch thick) slices Boar's Head EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, cut in strips

1. Add olive oil to large soup pot and heat at medium high until oil is hot. Add cabbage, onion, celery and potatoes; sauté for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add carrots, dried oregano, chicken broth and tomatoes. Cook 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Use your fingers to pull chicken into strips; add to soup. Serve in individual bowls garnished with an oregano stem.

Source: Boar's Head

Score major points with delicious dishes

(Family Features) If the crew is coming over to root for your favorite team, it may be time to spice up the menu. Whether you’re hosting the weekend get-together or watching the game after work, switch up your typical spread and serve something new to leave your guests cheering for more.

When it comes to choosing an ingredient that can lend a winning assist to nearly any dish and score you some major points, look no further than California Ripe Olives.

Variety is key when mapping out food for a crowd, regardless of the event. Plan on serving one main course and two sides, and consider no-fuss options like chips and dips. If there are kids in attendance, make sure there is something neutral for even the pickiest eaters to snack on. However, try your best to avoid anything that needs a knife and fork to eat – finger foods typically work best when the game is on and conversation is flowing.

The mild and unique taste of California Ripe Olives lends itself well to many different flavor pairings, such as these recipes for Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Peach-Olive Jam, Easy Olive Bread and Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade. Whether your guests are fans of spicy, mild, sweet or savory, the only limit is your imagination when you pull a can of olives from the pantry.

Family farms across California grow 95 percent of the ripe olives consumed in the United States. Each can is a labor of love. Multi-generational family farms work with family-owned canneries in California to produce each can and ensure only the highest quality olives make it from the farm to your game-day table. For more creative ways to use olives, including family recipes from growers across California, visit CalOlive.org .

Simple Entertaining Tips to Take Your Table to the Next Level

1. A colorful platter is an easy way to spice up a spread.
2. Pair something salty with something sweet for a juxtaposition of flavors.
3. If you’re serving food on neutral plates, add some colorful linens.
4. Plan the menu around a central theme or ingredient.
5. Guests love choices – making more options available can make for better spreads.
6. Use versatile ingredients, like California Ripe Olives, to keep picky eaters happy.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Peach-Olive Jam

• 1          teaspoon olive oil
• 3          pounds pork shoulder roast
• kosher salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 4          cloves garlic, quartered
• 4          cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8          ounces dried peaches
• 1          tablespoon chili powder
• 1          cup California Black Ripe Olives, wedged
• 2          teaspoons country mustard
• 1          ounce arugula
• 8          onion rolls, split and toasted

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. In large, high-sided saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season pork with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook in pan 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Stir in garlic and continue cooking 3-5 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth, peaches and chili powder; bring to boil.
6. Cover loosely with foil and bake in oven 2 hours.
7. With slotted spoon, carefully remove peaches and transfer to small mixing bowl. Mix olives and mustard with peaches; set aside.
8. Continue to cook pork in oven 30-60 minutes until fork tender.
9. Allow to cool slightly then shred by pulling apart with fork.
10. Assemble sandwiches by spooning pork onto toasted rolls.
11. Top with arugula and peach-olive mixture.

Easy Olive Bread

Recipe courtesy of The Wicked Noodle

• 8          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4       cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2       cup mayonnaise
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 2          cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 10        ounces California Green Ripe Olives, chopped
• 2          green onions, chopped
• 1          loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In bowl, mix cream cheese, butter and mayonnaise until thoroughly combined. Add garlic; stir well to distribute. Add cheddar cheese, green olives and green onions; stir to combine.
3. Spread mixture on cut sides of bread. Bake 20-30 minutes, until cheese is hot, bubbly and starting to brown.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade

• 1/2       cup shallots, chopped
• 1/4       cup chopped smoked sun-dried tomatoes
• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2          tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          can (6 ounces) California Green Ripe Olives, drained
• 1          can (6 ounces) California Black Ripe Olives, drained
• 1/4       cup lightly packed fresh basil
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste
• crackers or toasted baguette slices

1. In food processor, pulse shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and garlic until finely chopped. Add olives, basil, salt and pepper; pulse again until chopped.
2. Cover and chill 1 hour.
3. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Note: Recipe can be prepared one day in advance.

Photo courtesy of The Wicked Noodle (Easy Olive Bread)

Source:  California Olive Committee

(Family Features) If you’re trying to boost the nutrition of your meals and snacks, look no further than your refrigerator. Dairy products provide a powerful nutrition package that can help you meet your nutrient needs and achieve better health.

The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans affirm dairy’s important place in the diet with a recommendation that people ages 9 and older consume three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods every day. With nine essential nutrients, milk, cheese and yogurt deliver a unique nutrition package superior to milk alternatives, such as almond or rice beverages, which are often fortified or fall short on these important nutrients.

During the hot summer months, when you don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen, dairy products offer ease and convenience, as many are ready to use in recipes or round out a meal or snack. For a quick, easy and healthy snack this summer, put a fresh take on traditional pizza with this recipe that uses crescent rolls topped with cheeses and fresh seasonal veggies. Or turn up the heat on a classic beef burrito by adding warm pepper jack cheese and black beans.

Visit MidwestDairy.com to pledge Dairy 3 for Me, find additional recipes and learn more about how to unleash the power of dairy nutrition.

Summer Pizza Snack

Recipe courtesy of Cindy Heins, Heins Family Farms
Total time: 22 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 tube (8 ounces) crescent rolls
• 1 tub (8 ounces) low-fat cream cheese
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber

1. Heat oven to 375° F. In 9-by-13-inch baking pan, spread out crescent roll dough. Seal seams together to form one large rectangle across bottom of pan. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool on rack.
2. In small bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise and garlic powder. Spread evenly over entire cooled crust. Top with mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, broccoli and cucumber. Cut into 12 squares and serve.

Beef Burrito with Pepper Jack Cheese and Black Beans

Total time: 9 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1/2 pound ground beef sirloin
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup chunky salsa, divided
• 2 cups cooked brown or white rice
• 6 whole-wheat tortillas (9 inches each)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (11 ounces) corn kernels, drained
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• sliced green onion, including green tops

1. In medium, nonstick skillet, brown ground beef and garlic over medium heat (break beef mixture up into smaller chunks with spatula). Drain fat and stir in 1/2 cup salsa; set aside.
2. Spread 1/3 cup rice on center of tortilla, leaving 1/2-inch border. Scatter about 2 tablespoons beans and 1 1/2 tablespoons corn over rice. Spread 1/3 cup beef mixture and 1/4 cup cheese over corn. Top with 2 teaspoons salsa and a few slices green onion. Fold in two opposite edges of tortilla 1 inch each and roll up. Place seam-side down on microwave-safe dish.
3. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Place burritos in microwave oven and heat 1 minute, or until heated through. Serve with remaining salsa.

Source: Midwest Dairy Association

Tex-Mex Layered Bean Salad

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: up to 8 hours
Makes 8 to 10 servings (about 12 cups)

• 1 large red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1 bag (16 ounces) iceberg lettuce, carrot and cabbage salad mix
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ 3-bean salad, drained
• 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/2 cup crumbled tortilla chips (optional)
• 1 small avocado, sliced (optional)

1. In a 3-1/2 quart salad bowl or soufflé dish (preferably straight-sided) layer salad as follows: bell pepper, onion, lettuce, cheese and 3-bean salad.
2. Mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream and chipotle pepper. Spread over top of salad. Cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours.
3. Just before serving, sprinkle top with chips and sliced avocado, if desired. Toss to serve.

Nutrition information (1/8 servings): 195 calories; 5 g protein; 18 g carbohydrate; 11 g fat; 476 mg sodium; 26 mg cholesterol; 3 g dietary fiber; 1 mg iron; 149 mg potassium;3584 IU Vitamin A; 149 mg calcium.

Note: READ 4-Bean Salad can be substituted for 3-Bean Salad.

Photo and recipe courtesy of READ Bean Salads (Seneca Foods Corporation).

Source: READ Bean Salads (Seneca Foods Corporation)

(Family Features) We all know it's important to start the day off with a healthy breakfast. As a parent, you also have lunch covered for your hungry student, whether it's packed in a brown bag or eaten in the cafeteria. But after a busy day of learning, young tummies often need a wholesome after-school snack to tide them over until dinner.

Keeping a stash of kid-friendly snacks handy is a sure-fire way to keep snack time manageable, while making sure kids don't have a full afternoon meal, which would spoil their appetite for dinner.

Instead of potato chips or cookies, try crunchy veggies paired with a flavorful dip. As an added (and educational) bonus, invite kids to help make snacks ahead of time, assigning them age-appropriate tasks like measuring and mixing. This introduces them to family meal prep and helps teach them about healthy eating habits at an early age.

Kick off your new after-school snack routine with a recipe like this one for Ranch Pimento Cheese Celery Logs, created by country music star and busy mom of seven, Sara Evans, on behalf of Hidden Valley. For a little kick, Evans suggests substituting with Hidden Valley® Spicy Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix. If your kids resist celery or you want a little variety, this spread also makes great finger sandwiches when layered between two slices of sandwich bread and cut into small triangles.

For more kid-friendly after-school snack ideas, visit www.HiddenValley.com.

Ranch Pimento Cheese Celery Logs

Ingredients

• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Hidden Valley® Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
• 1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos, drained
• 30 (2-inch) celery logs, cut from about 1 bunch of celery

Preparation

1. Place cheese, mayonnaise, seasoning mix and pimentos in bowl of food processor. Pulse a few times until well combined but still chunky, taking care not to over mix. Alternatively, you can mix by hand, but it won't be quite as spreadable.
2. Divide cheese mixture among celery logs (about 2 teaspoons per log), mounding it into cavity.
3. Serve cold.

Preparation Time

15-20 minutes

Serves

30 filled celery logs

SOURCE: Hidden Valley

Ingredients

• 4 (10- to 14-ounce) Omaha Steaks rib eye steaks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 teaspoons Blackening Seasoning (recipe below) or Omaha Steaks Blackened Seasoning
• 1 cup Creamy Horseradish Sauce (recipe below) or Omaha Steaks Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Blackening Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry oregano
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon fennel seed
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon green onions, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt

Preparation

1. Heat a cast iron skillet until very hot, in a well ventilated area.
2. Brush steaks with olive oil.
3. Coat each side of the steaks with 1 teaspoon of blackening seasoning.
4. Place steaks in the iron skillet, flipping steaks halfway through cooking. To cook a 1-inch-thick steak medium rare, cook about 4 minutes on first side and 3 minutes on other side.
5. Spoon 2 tablespoons of Creamy Horseradish Sauce on each plate before topping with the cooked steak.
6. Blackening Seasoning - Yield 1 cup -Combine all ingredients and mix well.
7. Creamy Horseradish Sauce - Yield 1 cup -Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Serves

4

SOURCE: Omaha Steaks

Pan Sautéed Chicken With Vegetables and Herbs
Butternut Squash Soup With Sage
Butter and Herb Salmon Cakes
Four-Cheese Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms

(Family Features) - In the restaurant world, professional chefs can afford to spend hours on their culinary creations. When they come home after a long day, however, even the most passionate cooks tend to relish a few cooking shortcuts. From simple recipes to pantry essentials, there are a variety of tips and tricks that home cooks can add to their repertoire, too.

Timesaving products, such as prepared stock and mashed potatoes, allow home cooks to replicate restaurant-quality dishes without spending all day over a hot stove. Here are a few recipes that are easy to prepare, but rich with flavor.

For an elegant main course, try Pan Sautéed Chicken With Vegetables and Herbs. This moist, flavorful dish gets its richness from Swanson chicken stock. Or trade in the traditional salmon filet for savory Butter and Herb Salmon Cakes. Made with cayenne, tarragon, garlic and Idahoan Butter and Herb Mashed Potatoes, these cakes are a cinch to prepare, but friends and family will think you ordered in.

Butternut Squash Soup With Sage is a show-stopping first course that is accented with the flavors of sweet apples and sage. For an appetizer that will please a crowd, try Four-Cheese Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms.

For more easy entertaining recipes, visit www.swansonstock.com and www.idahoan.com.

Pan Sautéed Chicken With Vegetables and Herbs

Ingredients

• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 bone-in chicken breast halves
• 2 small red onions, cut into quarters
• 1 pound new potatoes, cut into quarters
• 8 ounces fresh whole baby carrots (about 16), green tops trimmed to 1 inch
• 1 1/2 cups Swanson chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Combine black pepper, paprika and flour in small bowl. Coat chicken with flour mixture.
2. Heat the oil in 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until it's well browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet.
3. Add onions and potatoes to skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Add carrots, stock, lemon juice and oregano and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet.
4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Uncover the skillet and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with the thyme.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour

Serves

Servings 4

Butternut Squash Soup With Sage

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups Swanson chicken broth (regular, Natural Goodness or Certified Organic)
• 1 tablespoon butter OR margarine
• 12 fresh sage leaves

Preparation

1. Heat oil in saucepot over medium heat. Add squash, apples and onion and cook until almost tender. Stir in sugar, coriander and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir 2 minutes.
2. Add broth. Heat to a boil. Cook over low heat 10 minutes or until squash is tender.
3. Place cooked squash mixture in food processor, using a slotted spoon. Cover and blend until smooth, adding enough cooking liquid to make soup of desired consistency.
4. Heat butter in small skillet. Add sage and cook until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve butter in skillet. Divide soup among 4 bowls. Drizzle each with sage butter and garnish with fried sage leaves.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Serves

Servings 4

Butter and Herb Salmon Cakes

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 1/2 lemons
• 1 10 to 12-ounce salmon filet
• 1/3 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/3 cup onion, finely diced
• 3 teaspoons mayonnaise
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 4-ounce pouch Idahoan Butter and Herb Mashed Potatoes, dry
• Canola oil

Preparation

1. In a medium pot, boil 4 cups water with the juice of the lemons, placing one lemon half in the water. Reduce heat to a simmering boil. Poach salmon filet in water by cooking, covered, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until done. Remove with spatula. Set aside to cool.
2. When salmon is cool, combine with celery, onion, mayonnaise, cayenne, tarragon, garlic, dry mustard, salt and black pepper in large bowl and mix well. Add dry potatoes slowly while mixing until everything is moist.
3. Form patties and cook in preheated canola oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until both sides are brown (3 minutes per side).
4. Serve hot.

Preparation Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Serves

Servings 6

Four-Cheese Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 1 4-ounce package Idahoan Four Cheese Mashed Potatoes
• 12 large mushrooms or 18 medium mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons butter, margarine or olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chopped chives
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Prepare potatoes as package directs.
3. Remove stems from mushrooms; chop stems and set aside. Carefully scoop out center of each mushroom cap with a spoon, leaving 1/2-inch shell.
4. Melt butter in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add chopped mushroom stems and cook 3 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and stir in mashed potatoes, 2 tablespoons chives and salt.
5. Fill each mushroom cap with potato mixture, mounding it slightly. Bake 10 minutes or until potatoes are lightly golden. Sprinkle mushrooms with remaining 1 tablespoon chives.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Serves

Servings 12

Source

Swanson Broth
Idahoan Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• Cayenne (red) pepper to taste
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 pouch (7.1 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Skinless & Boneless Pink Salmon
• 1 cup dry breadcrumbs, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter

Preparation

1. In small mixing bowl, combine chopped red pepper, green onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, seasoned salt and cayenne pepper.
2. Adjust seasonings to personal preference. Stir in egg, salmon and 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs. Form mixture into 6 to 8 balls.
3. Roll salmon balls in remaining breadcrumbs; flatten into cakes about 1/2 inch thick. Fry salmon cakes in melted butter over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Source: Chicken of the Sea® International