(Family Features) If spending additional time in the comfort of your home has you rethinking the family menu and looking for new ways to enjoy nutritional meals, rest assured you can make better-for-you food choices without losing mouthwatering taste.

Easy, efficient at-home recipes like Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken, Burrito Beef and Cauli Mac and Cheese can all be made in less than an hour while reducing the intake of carbs and unnecessary sugars. All are part of a balanced Atkins low-carb lifestyle, a long-term, healthy eating approach focused on high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats.

The eating approach, which is a more flexible version of the popular ketogenic diet, offers a balanced mix of foods containing fiber-rich and nutrient-dense carbohydrates while focusing on reduced levels of refined carbohydrates, added sugars and the “hidden sugar effect” – when carbohydrates convert to sugar when digested. You don’t see the sugar, but your body does.

Introducing your family to smarter food choices can also support your immunity. According to research published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” simply substituting whole grains for refined grains has a modest effect on gut microbiota and immunity. Refined grains have had most of the fiber milled out of them, leaving a refined carbohydrate that impacts your body the way sugar would. Opt for whole grains to get the fiber you need, along with protein and healthy fats.

Visit atkins.com for more nutritious recipes

Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 3/4    cups coconut milk
• 2          tablespoons basil
• 1          tablespoon xylitol (sugar substitute)
• 1          ounce cilantro
• 1          ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic
• 1          teaspoon lime zest (optional)
• 20        ounces boneless, cooked chicken breast
• 20        ounces broccoli flower clusters

1. In bowl, mix coconut milk, basil, xylitol, cilantro, lime juice, salt and garlic. For more citrus flavor, add lime zest, if desired.
2. Add chicken, broccoli and sauce to 1-gallon zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out any air and seal bag. Freeze bag flat up to 1 month.
3. To cook: Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat oven to 350° F.
4. Place in glass 8-by-8-inch pan and bake 20-25 minutes.

Burrito Beef

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Servings: 6

• 2          pounds beef arm chuck roast
• 4          tablespoons green taco sauce
• 1          teaspoon minced garlic
• 2          large scallions or spring onions, chopped
• 1          jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2          teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2       teaspoon cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon salt

1. Trim fat from beef. In slow cooker on low heat, cook beef, taco sauce, garlic, onions, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin and salt 8 hours, or until beef is tender.
2. Using two forks, remove beef and shred. Mix beef with 1/2 cup cooking juices before serving.
3. A Low-Sugar Swap to Satisfy Cravings
4. While spending more time at home than normal, those snack cravings can be hard to shake. Rather than relying on easy-to-grab eats from the pantry or freezer, focus on more nutritious choices that don’t sacrifice flavor.
5. Turn to a creamy solution to satisfy your hunger such as the Atkins Milk Chocolate Delight Shake, a filling option for chocolate lovers. The drinks are packed with 15 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, 20% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin D and 1 gram of sugar to keep you going throughout the day.

Cauli Mac and Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          teaspoon salt, divided
• 1          head large (6-7-inch diameter) cauliflower
• 1          cup heavy cream
• 2          ounces cream cheese
• 1 1/2    teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 1/2    cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1/4       teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper sauce

1. Heat oven to 375° F and prepare 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Heat large pot of water to boiling and add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Remove stem and leaves from cauliflower. Cut into small pieces and place in boiling water; cook until crisp-tender; about 5 minutes. Drain well then pat between paper towels to remove moisture.
3. In medium saucepan over medium heat, bring cream to simmer. Whisk cream cheese and powdered mustard into simmering cream until smooth. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic, remaining salt, white pepper and pepper sauce, whisking until cheese melts; about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cauliflower.
4. Pour into baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes until browned and bubbly.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken, Burrito Beef and Cauli Mac and Cheese)

Source: Atkins

(Family Features) Many spring celebrations call for fabulous food, specifically dishes fit for brunch, even if your “crowd” is simply your nearest loved ones gathered at the family table. A wide variety of recipes may fit the festivities, but a combination of comforting bites with sweet and savory flavors is perfect for appeasing all appetites.

This menu of morning recipes includes Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken as a filling option to base the meal around with Breakfast Casserole as a more traditional dish. For a sweet sendoff, this Brown Sugar Bundt Cake is best served warm as a midday dessert or can be added to your plate as a simple side.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

A Sweet Morning Eat

Add flavor to your brunch with the sweet taste of honey as part of a remade rendition of a breakfast favorite: chicken and waffles.

This recipe for Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Chicken combines sweet with savory to shine as the main course for your gathering.

Find more recipe ideas at honey.com.

Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken

Recipe courtesy of chef Jenny Dorsey on behalf of the National Honey Board
Servings: 4

Chicken:

• 8          boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2          cups buttermilk
• 2          tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 3/4       teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon rosemary, chopped
• 2          tablespoons orange blossom honey
• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 2          teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 2          teaspoons paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon ancho chile powder
• vegetable oil, as needed

Waffles:

• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
• 2          teaspoons orange blossom honey
• 1          teaspoon orange zest
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4    cups whole milk
• 2          large eggs
• 1/4       cup fresh chives, chopped
• 3/4       cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• honey

1. To make chicken: Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels; place in large bowl.
2. In separate bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, rosemary and honey. Pour buttermilk mixture over chicken; cover and let marinate 8 hours or overnight.
3. In separate mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining salt, remaining pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and ancho chile powder; stir.
4. Remove each piece of chicken from buttermilk, shake to remove excess liquid and dredge in flour mixture. Shake off excess.
5. In deep fryer, heat oil to 375° F. Fry chicken until internal temperature reaches 175° F or juices run clear, approximately 5 minutes per thigh.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. To make waffles: In large mixing bowl, mix flour, honey, orange zest, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, chives and cheese until combined.
8. Use waffle maker to cook four waffles in batches.
9. Place chicken on waffles and drizzle with honey.

A Dairy-Fueled Brunch Dish

Whether it’s just part of a brunch spread or the focus of your meal, an egg-based casserole is a perfect way to appease a morning crowd.

This version of Breakfast Casserole calls for potatoes, ham, eggs, milk and cheese for a simple dish that requires little preparation before popping in the oven.

Visit milkmeansmore.org for more morning dishes.

Breakfast Casserole

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          pound red or white potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• water
• 1/2       small onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2       teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 1          cup reduced-fat and reduced-sodium, chopped, cooked ham (about 4 ounces)
• 1          cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 4          eggs
• 1 1/2    cups skim milk
• 1          tablespoon mustard

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large saucepan, cover potato pieces with enough water to just submerge. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Add onion. Return to simmer, covered, about 5 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly.
3. Coat 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place potato-onion mixture in baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine. Sprinkle ham and cheese on top.
4. In medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk in milk, mustard and remaining salt. Pour over layers in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

A Bundt Cake for Brunch

Many brunch festivities may center around classic breakfast foods like quiches and fresh fruits, but you can take your gathering to the next level with a treat to pair with nearly any dish.

This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake can be the simple, sweet side your guests crave as a complement to the savory recipes on the table. Made using just a handful of household ingredients, including the flavor-boosting addition of C&H sugars, it can be created in about an hour and served warm during your next at-home brunch gathering.

Find more sweet treat ideas at chsugar.com.

Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Browned Butter Blondie” on behalf of C&H
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2          cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 10        tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 3/4    cups packed C&H Golden Brown Sugar
• 1/4       cup C&H Granulated Sugar
• 2          large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2    teaspoons vanilla
• 1          cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• C&H Confectioners’ Sugar, for dusting

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix on low speed.
5. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with yogurt. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and use offset spatula to level batter.
7. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until cake is golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. If cake browns too quickly while baking, cover with foil after 35 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and cool on baking rack 20 minutes. Invert pan onto baking rack and gently tap bottom of pan to release cake.
9. Cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken)

Source:  Domino Golden Sugar
United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Family Features) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes a variety of commitments, from exercising to eating right. However, serving up healthy meals doesn’t have to be boring.

From earthy and nutty black ripe olives to rich and fruity kalamata olives, Lindsay adds a hearty and flavorful punch to just about any dish, including soups, salads and main courses. Plus, these fruits are cholesterol-free, high in “good fats” and low in carbohydrates and calories, making them an ideal ingredient for keto, Mediterranean and paleo diets.  

Whether they help elevate dishes like Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash and Baked Eggs Puttanesca or are simply enjoyed as a snack, olives are a guilt-free food to ensure your healthy mealtime is anything but boring.

For more recipes and information, visit ilovelindsay.com.

Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2          spaghetti squash (2 pounds each)
• 6          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1          teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided
• pepper, to taste
• 1          pound ground chicken
• 1          cup diced red onion, divided
• 3          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1          teaspoon cumin
• 2          teaspoons chili powder
• 1          can (2 1/4 ounces) Lindsay Black Ripe Sliced Olives
• 1          lime, juice only
• 1          cup Monterey Jack cheese
• 1          avocado, diced
• 1          large tomato, diced
• 1          jalapeno, minced
• 1/2       cup Lindsay Black Ripe Medium Olives
• 1          lime, wedged

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In microwave, cook one whole squash 3 minutes. Repeat with second squash. Cut each in half and scrape out seeds. Drizzle 1 teaspoon oil over each half and rub around until insides are coated. Sprinkle each with salt and pepper, to taste; place on parchment-lined baking sheet center down to lay flat. Bake 50 minutes.
3. Heat large saute pan over medium-high heat. Put 2 teaspoons oil in pan then chicken, 3/4 cup onion and garlic. Cook until chicken is cooked through.
4. Add tomatoes, cumin, chili powder and remaining salt; stir to combine. Bring mixture to boil and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes to reduce liquid, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in sliced olives and lime juice.
6. When squash is cooked, scrape insides with fork to release from edge then create nest. Put 1/4 of chicken mixture and 1/4 cup cheese in each squash half.
7. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Top with avocado, diced tomatoes, remaining onions, jalapeno, whole olives and lime wedges.

Baked Eggs Puttanesca

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 3          tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2       yellow onion, chopped
• 2          cloves garlic, chopped
• 3          anchovy filets, chopped
• 1/4       teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2          tablespoons tomato paste
• 1          can (35 ounces) chopped tomatoes
• 2          tablespoons Lindsay Capers, drained
• 1/3       cup Lindsay Pitted Kalamata Olives, drained and halved
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2    cups chopped kale
• 6          eggs

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In non-reactive saucepan over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and saute, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 6 minutes.
3. Add garlic, anchovies and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste then add chopped tomatoes with juices, capers and olives.
4. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Transfer puttanesca sauce to 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish and spread to cover bottom. Stir in kale then, using wooden spoon, make six wells. Crack one egg into each well and season yolks with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Transfer to oven and cook until white is set and yellow is cooked to preference, 12-16 minutes. Spoon into bowls and serve.

Source: Lindsay

(Family Features) The holiday season means it’s time for gathering family and friends for food and celebration. To make the process easier, incorporate recipes that can feed a crowd without lots of exotic, hard-to-find ingredients or long, laborious prep and cook times.

These recipes for Hearty Roasted Winter Vegetables featuring Aunt Nellie’s Whole Pickled Beets and Caprese Bean and Salami Salad with READ 3 Bean Salad, for example, are ideal side dishes for holiday gatherings with enough to go ’round for everyone at the table. Plus, if you’re heading to a holiday potluck, they’re perfect for bringing along to share with the whole crew and versatile enough to be paired with a variety of main courses. Plus, the Caprese Bean and Salami Salad can also stand in as an appetizer.

Find more holiday recipes at auntnellies.com and READsalads.com.

Hearty Roasted Winter Vegetables

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45-55 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Whole Pickled Beets, drained
• 1          small red onion, cut into 12 wedges
• 2          cups baby portobello mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
• 2          cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 3          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2          teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2          teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4       teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste (optional)
• 1/8       teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste (optional)
• 2          cups Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and scored with cross-cut

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Place beets, onion, mushrooms and squash on rimmed 15 1/2-by-10 1/2-by-1-inch baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Roast 15 minutes.
2. Add Brussels sprouts, stir and continue to roast until vegetables are tender and browned, about 30-35 minutes, stirring once. Adjust salt and pepper, to taste, if desired.

Caprese Bean and Salami Salad

Recipe courtesy of “The Reluctant Entertainer”
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16

• 5          cans (15 ounces each) READ 3 Bean Salad (3 cans drained, 2 cans undrained)
• 1          pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1          pound small marinated mozzarella balls, drained
• 3/4       cup (1 ounce) fresh basil, chopped
• 8          ounces dried salami, sliced
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2          whole-wheat baguettes (13 ounces each), sliced

1. In large bowl, stir together bean salad, tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
2. Before serving, add basil and salami. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Stir to combine.
3. Serve on large platter surrounded by baguette slices.

Source: Seneca Foods
http://www.readsalads.com/

(Family Features) When fall comes around, it brings many iconic flavors, festive traditions and family meals, along with cravings for warm, hearty dishes. For your next gathering of loved ones, whether it’s a special occasion, sporting event or simply spending quality time together, serve a classic comfort food perfect for a small crowd.

While a roast leg of lamb may be considered time-intensive or best-suited for special occasions, it can be a surprisingly stress-free dish to prepare at home. A simple way to update familiar dishes, grass-fed lamb, available at your local Whole Foods Market, is easy to cook; prepare it the same way you would grass-fed beef.

This grass-fed leg of lamb recipe, for example, requires little fuss and the oven does the work for you. Infused with garlic and thyme, topped with a creamy meat sauce and garnished with a side of seasonal produce, you can delight your family and friends with this tender and delicious meal. Plus, New Zealand grass-fed lamb is a lean, finely textured and flavorful protein, well-suited for a variety of dishes.

For more information, cooking tips and recipes, visit beefandlambnz.com.

Grass-Fed Leg of Lamb

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Lamb:

• 4 1/2-5 1/2       pounds Atkins Ranch grass-fed leg of lamb, at room temperature
• 1 3/4    ounces butter, softened
• 3          cloves garlic, crushed
• 1          teaspoon roughly chopped thyme leaves
• salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 1-2       handfuls thyme sprigs
• 1          onion, sliced
• 1/2       cup olive oil

Meat Sauce:

• 1          cup beef stock
• 3/4       cup creme fraiche or sour cream
• lemon zest, finely grated
• 1          tablespoon wine vinegar
• 1          bay leaf
• salt, to taste
• sauteed mushrooms (optional)
• sauteed green beans (optional)
• steamed carrots and snap peas (optional)

1. Heat oven to 320° F.
2. To prepare lamb: Using sharp knife, make 4-5 shallow slits in lamb. In bowl, mix butter, garlic and chopped thyme. Coat butter mixture in slits and sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Place thyme sprigs and sliced onion in base of roasting tin and place lamb on top. Drizzle olive oil over lamb. Roast 2 hours, 45 minutes.
4. To make meat sauce: Remove lamb from oven 30 minutes before end of cooking time. Place lamb on board then tip juices into saucepan. Place lamb back in roasting tin and return to oven.
5. Skim fat off roasting juices. Add beef stock to remaining juices and bring to boil.
6. Reduce heat and add creme fraiche or sour cream, lemon zest, vinegar and bay leaf. Simmer until sauce reduces some. Season with salt, to taste, to counteract acidity.
7. Remove lamb from oven and rest covered loosely with foil and tea towel 10 minutes before carving.
8. Strain sauce into bowl or gravy boat and serve hot with lamb and sauteed mushrooms, green beans or steamed carrots and snap peas, if desired.

Source: Beef + Lamb New Zealand

If you need an on-the-go breakfast option, wake up your morning with bacon, eggs and a biscuit in these simple, tasty Breakfast Sandwiches.

Find more on-the-go recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Breakfast Sandwiches

• 1          can (16 ounces) buttermilk biscuits
• 1          package (12 ounces) bacon
• 8          eggs
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon pepper
• 1          tablespoon butter
• 1          green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2       onion, chopped
• 5          slices cheese

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Place biscuits on baking sheet. Bake 12-16 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Cut bacon slices in half. In skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain and set aside.
4. In large bowl, whisk eggs, salt and pepper.
5. In skillet, melt butter. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Add bell pepper and onion. Cook until eggs are thoroughly cooked but still moist, stirring occasionally. Add cheese over egg mixture and mix thoroughly until cheese is melted.
6. Split warm biscuits. Spoon egg mixture over bottom of biscuit. Top mixture with two pieces bacon and add top half of biscuit.

Corn Chowder with Poblano

Recipe courtesy of Nestlé USA, Inc.
Servings: 6

• 1          tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1          small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2       cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1          poblano chile, deveined, seeded and chopped
• 2          garlic cloves, chopped
• 2          packages (16 ounces each) loose-pack frozen whole kernel corn, thawed, divided
• 1          can (14 1/2 ounces) low-sodium and fat-free chicken broth
• 1/4       cup water
• 1          can (12 ounces) Carnation Evaporated Fat Free or low-fat 2% milk
• salt, to taste (optional)
• ground pepper, to taste (optional)
• 1          tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add onion, pepper, chile and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Add 4 cups corn; cook, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Add broth and water; cook, stirring frequently, 15 minutes is very soft.
2. Place corn mixture in blender or food processor (in batches if necessary); process until smooth. Return to saucepan. Stir in remaining corn and evaporated milk.
3. Cook 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until chowder is thick. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.

Note: One small jalapeño can be substituted for poblano chile. Chiles vary in heat level; half a jalapeno may be all you need.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) If you want to impress your guests, try serving this puff pastry recipe as an appetizer at your next gathering.This flaky pastry filled with a delicious combination of spinach, onions and feta cheese can keep them coming back for more.

For more appetizer ideas, visit culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Spanakopita Puffs

• 1                    package puff pastry sheets
• 1                    tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1                    small onion, diced
• 10 ounces      frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 4 ounces        light cream cheese, softened
• 2                    eggs, divided
• 1/2                 teaspoon salt
• 1/4                 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2                 cup crumbled garlic and herb feta cheese
• 1                    tablespoon cold water

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Thaw folded pastries 15 minutes.  Once thawed, unfold sheets to thaw out flat.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.  Add onions and saute 3 - 5 minutes, or until tender and translucent.
4. Stir spinach into softened onions. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until water from spinach evaporates and spinach is mostly dry. Transfer spinach mixture to large bowl.
5. In small bowl, blend cream cheese with one egg, salt and pepper until smooth. Fold cream cheese mixture into spinach mixture to combine. Stir in feta cheese and set aside.
6. Line baking pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. On floured surface, roll one sheet of puff pastry out to 10 by 12 inch rectangle. Cut sheet in half lengthwise, then again widthwise to form four 5 by 6 inch rectangles. Place rectangles on prepared baking sheets.
8. Place spoonful of filling onto center of each cut pastry. Whisk remaining egg with cold water to create egg wash. Lightly brush egg wash around perimeter edges of each pastry square.
9. Pick up short side of pastry and fold over filling toward other short side. Press edges to seal before crimping with fork. Repeat with remaining pastries.
10. Brush small amount egg wash over top of each pastry. Cut small slits on top of each pastry to allow filling to vent steam while cooking.
11. Bake 25 - 30 minutes, or until pastries are evenly browned on top.
12. Transfer pastries to wire rack. Cool 8 - 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe adapted from MilkMeansMore.org.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) The holiday season is full of opportunities to eat, drink and gather around the table with the ones you love. Whether it's a family dinner, office potluck or neighborhood brunch, good food is a cornerstone of nearly every great holiday celebration.

From hosting guests to kids returning home on winter break, the holiday season can require more planning than usual. Ensure you're prepared this year with a savory centerpiece staple like Smithfield Spiral Sliced Ham or a crowd-pleasing favorite like Bacon French Toast Bake, giving you more time to soak in the best parts of the season.

To keep the holiday season fresh and exciting, consider putting a twist on a classic, like adding sausage to a traditional side dish like Sausage and Ciabatta Stuffing. Available as links, patties and rolls, Smithfield's line of Fresh Breakfast Sausage is made using premium, high-quality pork to provide big flavor that can be enjoyed any time of day.

For more recipes and tips that can help make your holiday soiree a breeze, visit Smithfield.com/HolidayHub.

Bacon French Toast Bake

• 1 small loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• nonstick cooking spray
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 slices Smithfield Bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Leave bread slices out, at room temperature, at least 3 hours, or until slightly stale.
2. Generously coat 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange bread, slightly overlapping.
3. In large bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, Gruyere cheese, maple syrup and cinnamon. Add chopped bacon, saving 2 tablespoons for later. Pour over bread in baking dish. With hands, press down on bread to submerge.
4. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 5 hours, or overnight.
5. Heat oven to 375 F. Remove plastic. Sprinkle remaining bacon and Swiss cheese over top of bread mixture.
6. Bake 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
7. Top with blackberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Sausage and Ciabatta Stuffing

• 1 large loaf ciabatta bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 pound Smithfield Fresh Sausage Roll
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 1/2 cups onion, diced
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus additional for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Heat oven to 325 F.
2. Bake ciabatta bread cubes until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Set aside. Increase oven temperature to 375 F.
3. In skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
4. Cook sausage, breaking meat into medium pieces, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer sausage to large bowl; set aside.
5. Add remaining butter to skillet; cook carrots, onions and celery until soft, 5-7 minutes, and transfer to bowl with sausage.
6. In large bowl, mix bread cubes, chicken broth, olive oil, parsley, rosemary and salt and pepper, to taste. Add vegetable and sausage mixture to bread cubes mixture and combine.
7. Spread evenly in greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake until golden brown and bread is slightly crisp on top, 30-35 minutes.
8. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.

Tip: Recipe can be made one day before and refrigerated overnight.

Source: Smithfield

(Family Features) Eating healthy isn’t always easy, and when your family is rushing around in the evenings it can seem like a daunting task to put a well-balanced, nutritious meal on the table.

However, cooking at home with a lean protein you can feel good about serving, like seafood, is one way to serve up quick, good-for-you meals. In fact, one-third of people surveyed reported they increased their fish consumption at home last year, according to Datassential.

Research published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” showed eating seafood 2-3 times per week can improve brain, eye, heart and prenatal health. Seafood also provides unique health benefits as one of the best sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats essential to human health and development.

As only one out of 10 Americans meets the Dietary Guidelines recommendation of two servings of seafood per week, National Seafood Month is a great time to incorporate more seafood into you and your family’s meals. Check out these tips from the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

• Make a game plan or meal plan for the week to figure out when you can incorporate seafood into your meals.
• Stock up on canned and frozen seafood at the grocery store and keep an eye out for sales or coupons.
• Make easy swaps, like using white fish or shrimp in tacos instead of beef or a salmon patty instead of a burger patty.
• Try doubling recipes so you only have to cook it once but can reap the benefits of eating seafood twice in one week.
• Use kitchen gadgets like slow cookers and pressure cookers to prepare seafood-based meals in a pinch.

For recipes, ideas and inspiration for eating seafood at least two times per week, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media.

One Pan Fish Dish

Recipe courtesy of Michael-Ann Rowe on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/8       cup canola oil
• 1/4       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1          medium onion, quartered
• 2          cups broccoli florets
• 1          lemon, half sliced and half juiced, divided
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1          pound white fish (such as snapper, grouper, flounder or barramundi)
• 4          tablespoons olive oil
• fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

1. In pan over medium heat, heat canola oil about 1 minute.
2. Add tomatoes, onions and broccoli to pan; cook 5 minutes, uncovered.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over vegetables and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Place fish on top of vegetables in center of pan and place two lemon slices on top of fish.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Cover pan and cook on medium heat 10-12 minutes depending on thickness of fish.
7. Drizzle olive oil over fish and top with rosemary, if desired, before serving.

Source: Seafood Nutrition Partnership