(Family Features) Power up for summer adventures by shaking up your snacking routine with homemade recipes inspired by childhood favorites.

Tasty and versatile, California walnuts are easy to swap into your favorite snack recipes and work hard to keep you energized and full. Kick off summer with some irresistible plant-forward Walnut Chorizo Pizza Bites and Strawberry Walnut Hand Pies for delicious summer snacks loaded with the nutrition benefits of walnuts.

Visit walnuts.org/snacking for more snack recipes.

Strawberry Walnut Hand Pies

Dough:

• 1/4 cup California walnuts
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cane sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 4-5 tablespoons ice cold water
• 1 egg, beaten

Strawberry Walnut Filling:

• 1 cup strawberries, tops removed, halved
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cane sugar
• 1/3 cup finely chopped California walnuts

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/2 teaspoon beetroot powder
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped California walnuts

1. To make dough: In food processor, pulse walnuts until fine and evenly ground. Add flour, sugar and salt to ground walnuts; pulse to combine. Add cubed butter; pulse until butter is in small pieces. Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing while adding, until dough starts sticking together.
2. Transfer dough to clean surface; shape into two 4-inch discs. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.
3. To make filling: In food processor, pulse strawberries and lemon juice until slightly chunky.
4. Transfer to saucepan and gradually whisk in cornstarch until dissolved. Stir in sugar.
5. Heat over low heat until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Turn heat off and stir in chopped walnuts. Transfer mixture to small bowl; refrigerate.
6. To assemble hand pies: Remove one dough disc from refrigerator. Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll out dough into large rectangle. Slice dough into six 4-by-2-inch rectangles. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
7. In bowl, mix water and egg. Brush perimeter of dough rectangles with egg wash. Place 1 tablespoon filling on center of dough.
8. Roll out second dough disc, creating six rectangles of dough. Place on top of jam and crimp edges with fork to seal. Freeze hand pies 20 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375 F.
10. Trim uneven edges of dough with sharp knife and brush tops and sides with egg wash.
11. Bake 20-24 minutes until golden brown around edges. Cool at room temperature 5 minutes on baking sheet then transfer to wire cooling rack until completely cooled.
12. To make frosting: In bowl, whisk sugar, milk and beetroot powder until thick but smooth. Drizzle frosting over hand pies and top with chopped walnuts. Cool 15 minutes, or until frosting is set.

Walnut Chorizo Pizza Bites

Walnut Chorizo:

• 1 1/2 cups California walnuts
• 1 cup pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pizza Bites:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup sliced sweet onion
• 5 mini bagels
• 1 large zucchini, sliced 1/2 inch (10 slices)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup walnut chorizo
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped basil

1. To make walnut chorizo: In food processor, pulse walnuts until finely crumbled. Transfer to mixing bowl.
2. In food processor, pulse pinto beans, lime juice, paprika, oregano, cumin, chipotle powder, salt and garlic powder until mixture resembles ground meat. Stir bean mixture with walnut pieces.
3. In medium skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add walnut chorizo and cook 5-7 minutes until lightly browned, using spatula to break into crumbles.
4. To make pizza bites: In pan over medium heat, heat olive oil and add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, 15-20 minutes until onion is soft and golden brown.
5. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Halve bagels and place on baking sheet. Place zucchini slices on second baking sheet.
6. Top each bagel and zucchini slice with 1 tablespoon marinara; spread with back of spoon. Add 1 tablespoon walnut chorizo crumbles to each bagel and zucchini slice. Sprinkle with caramelized onion and goat cheese.
7. Bake 10 minutes.
8. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheets. Top with basil.

Source: California Walnut Board

(Family Features) Celebrating summer with sizzling meals starts with tender, juicy cuts of meat that take center stage when dining on the patio or firing up the grill. Call over the neighbors or simply enjoy family time with your nearest and dearest by savoring the flavor of warm weather meals.

Steak enthusiasts and burger lovers alike can show off their summer cooking skills with these recipes for Southwest Steaks with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce and Parmesan-Herb Fries and Fried Lobster Po Boy Cheeseburgers from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose. Thick, juicy, marbled steaks are cooked to tender doneness and complemented by steakhouse-style fries while savory lobster is combined with all-American burgers.

For seafood connoisseurs, Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo offer an easy way to add shrimp to the menu. Just fire up the grill and allow seared seafood to mingle with fresh, homemade toppings for a light summertime bite.

Find more summer favorites at OmahaSteaks.com/Summer.

Fried Lobster Po Boy Cheeseburgers

Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose
Prep time: about 20 minutes
Cook time: about 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Pimento Remoulade:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced pimentos
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced bread and butter pickles
• 1 pepperoncino, seeded and minced
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 dashes hot sauce
• kosher salt, to taste

Fried Lobster Tails:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 dashes hot sauce
• 1/4 cup potato chips, finely blended in food processor
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon minced flat leaf Italian parsley
• 2 Omaha Steaks Cold Water Lobster Tails (5 ounces each)

Cheeseburgers:

• 1 pound Omaha Steaks Premium Ground Beef
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 brioche buns
• 2 slices yellow cheddar cheese
• 3 leaves romaine lettuce, shredded

1. To make pimento remoulade: In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pimentos, mustard, pickles, pepperoncino, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice and hot sauce until well-incorporated. Season with salt, to taste.
2. To make fried lobster tails: Preheat grill to 400 F and add oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan, about 1/2-inch deep.
3. In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well-incorporated. Set aside.
4. In separate medium bowl, whisk egg, water and hot sauce. Set aside.
5. In third medium bowl, whisk potato chips, panko breadcrumbs and parsley until well-incorporated. Set aside.
6. Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, remove meat from shell and season with remaining kosher salt and black pepper.
7. Toss halved lobster tails in flour mixture first, egg mixture second and potato chip mixture third, coating thoroughly.
8. Fry lobster tails 3-4 minutes on each side until golden-brown and cooked through. Close grill lid between flipping.
9. To make cheeseburgers: Preheat grill to 450 F using direct heat. Form ground beef into two 1/2-pound patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.
10. Using thumb, make dimple in center of each patty to help cook evenly.
11. Season both sides of burger with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread butter on each cut-side of buns.
12. Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
13. Add one slice cheddar cheese on each burger, close lid and grill about 30 seconds to melt cheese. Remove patties from grill to clean plate. Place buns cut-sides down on grill grates and toast 20-30 seconds, or until well toasted, being careful to avoid burning.
14. To assemble: Place desired amount of remoulade on buns. Place cheeseburgers on bottom buns. Top each with two fried lobster tail halves. Place handful shredded lettuce on lobster tails. Top with buns.

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo

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

Pico de Gallo:

• 3/4 cup Roma tomatoes, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons white onion, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped fine
• 1 teaspoon jalapeno, minced fine, with seeds
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Guacamole:

• 2 medium avocados, peeled, seeded and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup pico de gallo
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon jalapeno, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Shrimp Tostadas:

• 12 ounces Omaha Steaks Wild Argentinian Red Shrimp, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup canned refried pinto beans or refried black beans
• 4 tostada flats
• 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 cup pico de gallo
• 2 tablespoons shredded Cotija cheese
• 4 cilantro sprigs
• 4 lime wedges

1. To make pico de gallo: In bowl, mix tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. To make guacamole: In bowl, mix avocados, lime juice, 1/4 cup pico de gallo, garlic, olive oil, jalapeno and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. To make shrimp tostadas: In bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and salt. Marinate in refrigerator at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and season grill grates. Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred and opaque.
5. Heat refried beans and spread 2 tablespoons beans on each tostada flat.
6. Spread shredded romaine lettuce on top of beans followed by guacamole and remaining pico de gallo.
7. Top each tostada with 3-4 grilled shrimp and sprinkle with Cotija cheese. Garnish each tostada with one cilantro sprig and one lime wedge.

Southwest Steaks with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce and Parmesan-Herb Fries

Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Southwest Steak Rub:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Parmesan-Herb Fries:

• 1 package (16 ounces) Omaha Steaks Steakhouse Fries
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, minced

New York Strip Steaks:

• 2 Omaha Steaks Butcher's Cut New York Strips
• Southwest steak rub
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 2 ounces unsalted butter, cold

Peppercorn Cream Sauce:

• 1/2 cup brandy
• 3/4 cup beef stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons peppercorn medley, coarsely cracked
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To make Southwest steak rub: In small bowl, whisk salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, chili powder, chipotle pepper, garlic powder and cumin until fully incorporated.
2. To make Parmesan-herb fries: Preheat oven to 425 F. Place fries on baking rack on top of sheet pan; bake 25 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy.
3. In medium bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary and parsley until fully incorporated.
4. Remove fries from oven and toss with Parmesan herbs.
5. To make New York strip steaks: Season steaks generously with Southwest steak rub on both sides.
6. In cast-iron pan, add grapeseed oil and bring to high heat. Place steaks in pan and sear 3-4 minutes on both sides for medium-rare doneness.
7. Remove steaks from pan and rest 8 minutes; reserve oil in cast-iron pan.
8. To make peppercorn cream sauce: Add brandy to reserved oil in cast-iron pan and reduce to 1/3 volume, about 1 minute.
9. Add beef stock and reduce by 1/3 volume, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Add heavy cream and cracked peppercorn medley to pan, bring to boil and reduce to simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Source: Omaha Steaks

(Family Features) As families across the country transition back into more normal routines this fall with work, school – whether virtual or in-person – and calendars jam-packed with commitments, it’s important to find ways to save precious time and squeeze in more moments with loved ones.

While getting nutritious, delicious and affordable meals on the table to help fuel those busy days is crucial, there are ways to cut down the amount of time spent in the kitchen each day. Setting aside a couple hours each week to meal prep can make it easier to serve lunch and dinner on a tight schedule and budget. For example, this California-Style Cheesy Enchilada Casserole can be made in batches ahead of time then frozen as individual portions and reheated when hunger strikes while working or learning from home.

Using prepared enchilada sauce, roasted chicken and a Hispanic-style cheese blend made with 100% Real California Milk from California dairy farm families, plus a traditional blend of vegetables and spices, you can feel good about serving your family members a flavorful, nutritional and budget-friendly meal each time they reach for another helping.

Find additional busy season recipe inspiration, nutritional information and more at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

California-Style Cheesy Enchilada Casserole

Cooking Sauce:

• 2          eggs
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup Real California half-and-half, milk or evaporated milk
• 1/2       cup Real California sour cream
• vegetable oil

Casserole:

• 1 1/2-2 cups prepared enchilada sauce, divided
• 12        corn tortillas, divided
• 1          cup roasted skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2          teaspoons enchilada seasoning
• 4          cups shredded Real California Mexican cheese blend, divided, or 1 cup each shredded Real California Oaxaca, Cheddar, Jalapeño Jack and crumbled Cotija cheeses
• 1          cup canned pinto beans, drained well
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3       cup canned kernel corn, well drained
• 1/3       cup sliced black olives, well drained
• 1/3       cup mild green chiles, well drained
• 2          tablespoons of cilantro, minced
• 2          green onions, sliced

• lime wedges, for serving
• Real California sour cream, for serving

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. To make cooking sauce: In bowl, whisk eggs, salt, half-and-half and sour cream; set aside.
3. Spray casserole dish with vegetable oil.
4. To make casserole: Assemble first layer by spreading 6 tablespoons enchilada sauce on bottom of casserole dish. Top with four tortillas, overlapping them. Cover tortillas with 6 tablespoons enchilada sauce.
5. Assemble second layer by tossing chicken with enchilada seasoning. Mix with 3 cups shredded cheese. Layer half chicken-cheese mixture over tortillas.
6. Assemble third layer by seasoning pinto beans with cumin and garlic powder. Spread beans over cheese-chicken layer.
7. Assemble fourth layer by overlapping four tortillas then cover with 6-8 tablespoons enchilada sauce. Cover with corn, olives and chiles. Top with remaining cheese-chicken mixture.
8. Assemble final layer by covering filling with remaining tortillas, overlapped, then spread remaining enchilada sauce over them. Pour cooking sauce over casserole. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Let rest at least 30 minutes.
9. Bake 50-60 minutes, or until bubbling. Remove and rest 10 minutes before cutting.
10. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onions. Serve with lime wedges and sour cream.

Source: Real California Milk

(Culinary.net) Picture in your mind a warm bowl cupped in your hands, defrosting your fingertips after you just walked inside from a chilly afternoon. The bowl is heavy, full of hearty vegetables and spicy pepper that in just a few short moments will overwhelm your palate.

You dive in with a spoon, savoring every flavorful bite as you dip down to the bottom of the bowl searching for more to slurp up with every spoonful. Onion, red bell pepper and even corn all blended into not only a vegetarian meal but a chili-lover’s paradise.

You throw your sweater to the side of the couch as your body temperature begins to rise. You start to feel your energy return as you spoon a second helping into your bowl for round two.
Not only does this recipe for Chipotle Veggie Chili hit you with a wide array of balanced flavors, but there is a surprise hint of citrus added toward the end – lime juice.

Just to add a little more texture and vibrance to this dish, it can be topped with your favorite garnishes like guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro.

This Chipotle Veggie Chili is simple to make, needing just one pot throughout the entire cooking process. It simmers for about 25 minutes while you unwind from a long day.

So next time you need a pick-me-up after a chilly day outside, give this one a try. The savory aromas and wholesome consistency make this chili a 10-out-of-10 and a crowd favorite.

Find more recipes perfect for cooler weather at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Chipotle Veggie Chili

Servings: 6-8

• 3          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          medium yellow onion, chopped
• 5/8       teaspoon sea salt, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper, divided
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 1          red bell pepper, chopped
• 1          can (14 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1          can (14 ounces) red beans, drained and rinsed
• 1          can (14 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1          cup vegetable broth
• 1          can (7 ounces) chipotles in adobo sauce
• 2          cans (15 ounces each) sweet corn with liquid
• 2          limes, juiced
• guacamole (optional)
• sour cream (optional)
• jalapeno slices (optional)
• cilantro (optional)

1. In large dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir and cook 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add garlic and red pepper. Stir and cook 8 minutes until soft.
2. Add tomatoes, red beans, pinto beans, broth, chipotles in adobo sauce, corn, remaining salt and remaining pepper. Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened.
3. Squeeze lime juice into pot; stir. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro, if desired.