(Family Features) That first day of chilly weather always feels the coldest before you’re accustomed to it, and an easy, warm, filling meal can help hit the spot. Better yet, this rendition of Shepherd’s Pie is made with just one pot so cleanup can be a snap.

Visit Culinary.net for more one-dish meal ideas that bring comfort to cool days.

Shepherd's Pie

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
Servings: 8-12

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled
• 2 teaspoons thyme, divided
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen mixed veggies

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In Dutch oven, brown ground beef and drain fat.
3. Boil potatoes until fork tender and mash them. Add 1 teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside.
4. Place ground beef back in Dutch oven and mix in onion powder, tomato paste, beef broth, garlic powder, cream and remaining thyme. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in frozen veggies.
5. Cover meat mixture with potatoes and bake 25-30 minutes.

 Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love.

Gather around the table for a hearty meal featuring some of the most comforting flavors of fall – pumpkin, apple and cinnamon – plus a special ingredient: pierogies. Found in the frozen food aisle, Mrs. T’s Pierogies are stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness and other big, bold flavors – a comforting addition to this Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Mini Pierogies.

Available in 13 flavors, including 4 Cheese Medley, Loaded Baked Potato, Broccoli & Cheddar and other varieties in both full and mini sizes, they can be boiled, baked, sauteed, air fried and even grilled, making them a versatile addition to seasonal dishes of all kinds.

Plus, in honor of National Pierogy Day, you can enter for a chance to win items to get cozy –pierogy style. From getting comfy on the couch with pierogies to enjoying them in bed, you can win items inspired by these soft, pillowy, cheese-filled pasta pockets: like a plush robe or pierogy-shaped blanket. To enter, simply follow @mrstspierogies on Instagram, like the sweepstakes post and comment your favorite way to get cozy.

To find more cozy recipe inspiration, visit mrstspierogies.com.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Mini Pierogies

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 large shallot
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple (or 1 1/2 cups)
• 5 garlic cloves
• olive oil
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, divided
• 2 cups canned pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• pepper, to taste
• salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• fresh thyme, to taste
• 1 box Mini 4 Cheese Medley Mrs. T's Pierogies

1. Slice shallot, peel and cube apple and crush garlic.
2. In pot over medium-low heat, add drizzle of olive oil and saute shallots, garlic and apple 20 minutes, covered.
3. Let mixture slightly cool then add to blender with 1/2 cup broth and blend until fully combined.
4. In pot, add pumpkin puree; blended shallot mixture; maple syrup; salt, to taste; pepper, to taste; nutmeg; cinnamon; remaining broth; heavy cream; and thyme, to taste. Bring to low boil then add frozen pierogies. Boil 3 minutes.

 Source: Mrs. T’s Pierogies

(Family Features) Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side.

Pair your favorite fall meal with more side dish inspiration from Culinary.net.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
Servings: 4

• 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and cubed
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• oil, for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons butter

1. Heat oven to 425 F.
2. In bowl, mix cubed sweet potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper, to taste. Drizzle with oil; mix well.
3. Place sweet potatoes in baking dish and bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon butter over sweet potatoes, mixing well.

Note: If using small sweet potatoes, use four (one per serving).

(Family Features) Cooler weather brings the joy of comfort food, and it’s hard to find a dish more comforting than fried chicken. This Fried Chicken Tenders recipe makes it easy to cook tasty strips to golden perfection – just pair with your favorite dipping sauce (or none at all) for a classic weeknight meal.

Find more fall meal ideas at Culinary.net.

Fried Chicken Tenders

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
Servings: 4-6

• Oil of choice, for frying
• 1/2 stick butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 3 pounds chicken breast, cut into strips
• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup barbecue seasoning of choice
• 1/4 cup mesquite seasoning
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• dipping sauce of choice (optional)

1. Fill Dutch oven or large frying pan halfway with oil and butter; heat over medium heat.
2. In large bowl, mix eggs and milk then place chicken strips in mixture.
3. In separate bowl, mix flour, barbecue seasoning and mesquite seasoning. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Remove 4-6 chicken strips from milk mixture and cover completely in flour mixture.
5. Drop pinch of flour in hot oil; if it crackles, it's hot enough. Once hot, fry battered chicken 4 minutes then, using tongs or fork, turn over and fry 4 minutes. When done, chicken will be golden and almost float. Remove from frying pan and repeat with remaining chicken.
6. Serve with dipping sauce of choice, if desired.

 Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) The main course at family dinners may be the main event, but that doesn’t mean you should have to settle for bland, boring sides. Fret not – there is a better way to pair favorite proteins with tasty potatoes.

Try these Parmesan Potato Wedges that are boiled before they’re baked for a moist middle and crispy exterior that’s perfect alongside favorite meals. Discover more delicious side dishes at Culinary.net.

Parmesan Potato Wedges

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 5 golden potatoes
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup oil, for drizzling

1. Boil whole potatoes 20 minutes. Remove from water and slice into wedges.
2. Heat oven to 375 F.
3. In medium bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Dip wedges in Parmesan mixture, covering potatoes well. Place on cookie sheet drizzled in oil then drizzle oil on wedges. Bake 15 minutes then turn wedges over and bake 15 minutes.

 Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Those first school bells may be ringing, but they don’t have to signal the end of grilling season. This Blackened Spatchcock Chicken keeps the meat moist, tender and tasty with crispy skin and a spicy seasoning to keep your summer spirit alive. Visit Culinary.net to find more recipes that keep your grill lit all year long.

Blackened Spatchcock Chicken

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 cup melted butter or ghee
• 2 tablespoons heat-and-sweet seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. Heat grill to 375-400 F.
2. Use kitchen shears or knife to remove backbone from chicken to lay flat. Remove rib cage, if desired, or push flat with hands.
3. Mix butter, heat-and-sweet seasoning and garlic powder. Using meat injector, inject mixture into chicken. Rub remaining buttered seasoning over chicken and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Place spatchcock chicken breast-side up over indirect heat and cook 35-40 minutes.
5. When internal temperature reaches 145 F, flip chicken breast-side down over direct heat 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F.
6. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

 Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) Staying healthy goes far beyond physical activity. If you’re laying out a path toward healthier living, keep your brain’s fitness top of mind. As the command center of the body, it influences every aspect of life and requires healthy stimulation, nourishment and adequate rest.

Consider a few key suggestions from the experts at the Mayo Clinic to keep your brain sharp:

Satisfy Cravings with Healthy Foods
You can establish a strong foundation for brain health by consuming healthy, whole foods such as whole grains, fish, legumes and healthy fats, plus an abundance of fruits and vegetables, including grapes and leafy greens. Research suggests grapes help maintain a healthy brain. In a human study of elderly subjects with mild cognitive decline, UCLA researchers found consuming 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day preserved healthy metabolic activity in regions of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. 

Combinations of these healthy foods can be made into tasty dishes that support brain health such as this Chicken and Grape Cauliflower Rice Bowl, which features fresh Grapes from California alongside grilled chicken, cauliflower, zucchini, garbanzo beans and healthy spices.

Sleep Well
Health experts recommend aiming for at least seven hours of sleep per night. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, adequate sleep may help boost overall memory and brain health by giving the brain time to effectively consolidate memories.

Sweat It Out
Physical activity provides well-known benefits for the entire body, including increasing blood flow to the brain. After breaking a sweat, make sure you refuel with a post-workout snack like Grapes from California for natural hydration and an energy boost.

For more information on grapes and brain health, visit GrapesfromCalifornia.com and find more tasty recipes that support brain health.

Chicken and Grape Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Servings: 4

Chicken:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 pound (3-4 pieces) small boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Zucchini:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium zucchini, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1 1/3 cups halved red Grapes from California

Cauliflower Rice:

• 1 bag (1 pound) thawed frozen riced cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed well
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To make chicken: In medium bowl, combine oil, garlic, ginger and cumin. Add turmeric, season lightly with salt and pepper, to taste, and whisk to blend. Lightly pound chicken pieces to even them out then turn to coat in oil-spice mixture. Let stand 20-30 minutes.
2. Heat heavy, large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, smooth side down, and cook until golden brown underneath, about 4 minutes. Flip with spatula, reduce heat to medium and cook about 4 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer chicken to plate and tent with foil. Do not clean pan.
3. To make zucchini: In medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot. Add zucchini pieces and cook, stirring often until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. To make cauliflower rice: In colander, drain cauliflower well. In same large skillet used for chicken, add oil, onion and water over medium heat; cook, stirring until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, cumin and turmeric; cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add drained cauliflower and garbanzo beans; cook until hot, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Divide cauliflower rice among four large soup bowls. Slice chicken against grain and arrange on top of cauliflower rice along with grapes and cooked zucchini. Serve warm.

Nutritional information per serving: 420 calories; 34 g protein; 42 g carbohydrates; 14 g fat (30% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (5% calories from saturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 280 mg sodium; 10 g fiber.

 Source: California Table Grape Commission

(Family Features) Grilling is a great way to feed a crowd, but that doesn’t have to be limited to just the main dish. Fresh veggies like asparagus are a perfect accompaniment to grilled favorites and can be placed on the grates right next to the protein you’re serving to make hosting a cinch and avoid heating up the kitchen. Before your next gathering, visit Culinary.net for more recipe inspiration.

Grilled Asparagus

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

• 1 bundle fresh asparagus
• 1 package (3-4 ounces) prosciutto
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Wash and cut asparagus spears to equal sizes.
3. Wrap four asparagus spears with prosciutto. Repeat until all asparagus and prosciutto are used, about six bundles. Place in cast-iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan. Cover bundles with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and butter.
4. Place skillet or pan on grill. Grill 15 minutes, turning bundles halfway through cooking.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) It’s easy to fall into a dinnertime rut, cooking the same meals with the same ingredients time and again. When your family is in search of a delicious way to shake things up in the kitchen, consider new ways to cook favorite dishes without completely rethinking the menu.

Replacing tired ingredients is an easy solution when classic recipes become bland and boring, which is a perfect reason to try cooking with 4th & Heart Ghee. As a 1:1 substitute for butter or oil, its spreadable texture makes it easy to use in baked goods, grilled dishes and beyond.

This superfood can do all the things butter can do – like make toast taste awesome and trick your kids into eating broccoli – but with additional benefits. For example, it maintains its molecular integrity at high temperatures, can be digested by lactose intolerant people, supports weight loss, improves digestion and reduces inflammation.

Consider these benefits of choosing 4th & Heart Ghee instead of butter:

• Grass-fed and pasture-raised: It’s packed with naturally occurring fatty acids and CLA, which can improve gut health and biochemistry.
• Spreadable and shelf-stable: Ghee is shelf-stable for up to 12 months and is best kept in the pantry. This means you never have to scramble to bring butter to room temperature quickly when baking or risk mangling your toast with cold butter.
• High smoke point: When oil smokes, it becomes a trans fatty acid. With a smoke point of 485 F, ghee lets you cook away without worrying about high temperatures.
• Natural source of butyric acid: Butyric acid naturally occurs in your gut and in ghee, helping your body absorb nutrients from the foods you eat.
• Buttery taste: Ghee made in the traditional style provides a delicious, light and buttery taste, perfect for this Sweet Potato Bowl with Cilantro, Turmeric Ghee and Lime. It’s ideal for a light lunch or dinner as it’s bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.

To find more benefits of cooking with ghee, along with recipe inspiration, visit fourthandheart.com.

Sweet Potato Bowl with Cilantro, Turmeric Ghee and Lime

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons 4th & Heart Turmeric Ghee, divided
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus additional for garnish, divided
• 1 lime, juice only
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. In large bowl, toss cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon turmeric ghee, cumin powder and smoked paprika; add salt and pepper, to taste. Spread sweet potatoes evenly on baking sheet and roast 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy on edges, turning halfway through.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with fork and set aside.
4. In medium bowl, mix cooked quinoa with black beans, red onion and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
5. Drizzle half the lime juice over quinoa mixture and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
6. In large serving bowl, top quinoa mixture with roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzle remaining turmeric ghee over bowl. Squeeze remaining lime juice over top. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and crumbled feta or goat cheese, if desired.

Source: 4th & Heart Ghee

(Family Features) Among the many staples of a summer gathering, lighting the grill and enjoying fresh-cooked fare is what makes those moments so special. Bring together your nearest and dearest with favorites straight off the grates to make this summer one to remember.

Pickled Beet Chimichurri Tri-Tip is sure to leave a lasting impression with the succulence of perfectly cooked steak elevated by beet chimichurri. Made with Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets that are picked and packed at peak ripeness, they provide a balance of sweetness and vinegar for that familiar homemade flavor.

For a quick-and-easy option that makes dinnertime a cinch, turn to a beloved summer solution: bratwurst. Whether the outer layer is slightly charred or crispy, bratwurst makes it easy on the grill master while giving guests the opportunity to customize with their favorite toppings.

This German Potato Salad Flatbread with Bratwurst and Caramelized Onions recipe combines sliced bratwurst with caramelized onions and cheese for a unique spin on a summer classic. Serving as the base is browned READ German Potato Salad, made with thinly sliced potatoes and bacon in a traditional sweet-piquant dressing.

Find more ways to make summer grilling “grate” at AuntNellies.com and READSalads.com.

Pickled Beet Chimichurri Tri-Tip

Recipe courtesy of “Dad with a Pan”
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60-90 minutes, plus 10-15 minutes rest time
Servings: 6-8

Tri-Tip:

• 1 tri-tip roast (2-3 pounds)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Chimichurri Beet Sauce:

• 1 jar Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets, drained
• 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To prepare tri-tip: Season tri-tip generously with salt and pepper, to taste, on all sides. Rest at room temperature about 30 minutes.
2. To prepare chimichurri beet sauce: In food processor, combine pickled beets, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, fresh oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Pulse until mixture is well combined and forms chunky sauce. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
3. Heat grill to 350 F and prepare for two-zone grilling.
4. Place tri-tip over indirect heat. Close lid and grill 30-40 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 125 F for medium-rare.
5. Move tri-tip to direct heat and grill 2-3 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches desired doneness (135 F for medium-rare).
6. Transfer tri-tip to cutting board and rest 10-15 minutes.
7. Slice tri-tip against grain into thin slices. Arrange slices on serving platter and drizzle with chimichurri beet sauce. Serve extra sauce on side for dipping.

German Potato Salad Flatbread with Bratwurst and Caramelized Onions

Recipe courtesy of “Dad with a Pan”
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 bratwurst links, sliced crosswise 1/8-inch thick
• 1 can (15 ounces) READ German Potato Salad, drained
• 1 flatbread, approximately 12 inches
• olive oil
• 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
• fresh lemon wedges

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425 F).
2. In 12-inch skillet or pan over direct heat, caramelize onions in butter 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
3. In same pan, cook sliced bratwursts until browned and cooked through, 7-10 minutes. Set aside.
4. In same pan, spread drained German potato salad. Cook until browned, 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
5. Brush bottom of flatbread with olive oil.
6. Place flatbread directly on grill grates. Layer with browned potato salad, cooked Bratwurst slices, caramelized onions and cheese.
7. Close grill lid and cook 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and flatbread is heated through.
8. Garnish with chopped chives and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Source: 

Seneca Foods

Seneca Foods