(Family Features) Summer typically brings about both the desire to feel healthier and cravings for sweet, refreshing meals. When you rethink your food and focus on feeling better about your diet and yourself, the two can work hand-in-hand.

Liven up your summer entertaining menu with a delicious touch of reduced-calorie sweetness from Truvia in recipes like this sizzling Java London Broil or sweet Quick Berry Crumbles a la Mode. Celebrity chef Devin Alexander, featured on “The Biggest Loser,” created these succulent recipes with less sugar by using Truvia Natural Sweetener, made with the sweetest part of the stevia leaf without added calories, and Truvia Brown Sugar Blend, combining stevia sweetener with brown sugar to maintain the taste and texture of brown sugar with 75 percent fewer calories, for her latest book “You Can Have It!”

Java London Broil

Recipe courtesy of Devin Alexander from “You Can Have It!,”copyright American Diabetes Association
Servings: 6

• 2          teaspoons freshly ground coffee
• 1/2       tablespoon Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
• 2          teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1          teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4       teaspoon sea salt
• 1          London broil (1 1/2 pounds, preferably grass fed)
• 1          teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1. Heat grill to high.
2. In small bowl, add coffee, brown sugar blend, black pepper, coriander, oregano and salt; mix well.
3. Place London broil on cutting board or large plate. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil on each side of meat then rub all over. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over roast and rub in to evenly cover meat.
4. Grill London broil to desired doneness, about 3-5 minutes per side for medium rare. Tent meat with foil for 5 minutes then slice into thin slices, cutting at an angle against the grain.

Quick Berry Crumbles a la Mode

Recipe courtesy of Devin Alexander from “You Can Have It!,”copyright American Diabetes Association
Servings: 6

• 6          cups fresh mixed berries
• 1 1/2    tablespoons plus 1/2 tablespoon Truvia Natural Sweetener, divided
• 2          tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons whole-grain oat flour, divided
• 1/3       cup stevia-sweetened natural vanilla protein powder (about 30 grams)
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2    tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 1/2    cups high-protein, low-calorie, stevia-sweetened vanilla ice cream

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In medium mixing bowl, stir together berries, 1 1/2 tablespoons natural sweetener and 2 tablespoons flour until well combined. Spoon mixed berries evenly (about 3/4 cup in each) among six ramekins (4 1/2 inches in diameter; 1-1 1/2 cups capacity). Place ramekins on baking sheet large enough to hold them in single layer so they sit flat.
3. Add remaining flour, protein powder, remaining natural sweetener, cinnamon and vegan butter to small mixing bowl. Using fork or pastry blender, stir flour mixture together to create crumble. Divide crumble evenly over top of fruit in ramekins (about 1 1/2 tablespoons per ramekin).
4. Bake until crumble is golden on top and berries are hot throughout, about 14-20 minutes. Let crumbles cool 3 minutes. Top each with 1/4 cup ice cream for serving.
5. Cover any remaining crumbles with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in oven then top with ice cream just before serving.

Source: Truvia

Take your crescent rolls to the next level with this recipe for Marshmallow Crescent Puffs. The flaky crust and sweet marshmallow filling will be a sure delight to your tastebuds. Find more recipes at www.culinary.net.

Marshmallow Crescent Puffs

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 TBS all-purpose flour
• 1 Tsp cinnamon
• 2 cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 16 large marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 teaspoons of milk
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.  Spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.  
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, flour and cinnamon.
3. Seperate crescent dough into 16 triangles.  Dip 1 marshmallow into the melted butter, then roll in the sugar mixture.  Place coated marshmallow at the tip of the crescent triangle (small end) and roll dough completely around marshmallow working your way to the large end of the pastry.  Seal seems tightly then dip bottom of dough round into melted butter and place into muffin pan (butter side down).
4. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool for 1 minute.  Remove puffs from muffin pan onto wire cooling racks set over waxed or parchment paper.
5. How to make glaze:  Mix powdered sugar, vanilla and milk.  Add more milk if needed to get desired consistency.
6. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.  Sprinkle with nuts (optional).  
7. Serve warm.

Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.

Source: Culinary.net

Turn your morning breakfast crepes into a delicious and totally satisfying dessert with creamy custard filling and decadent chocolate sauce.   See more of our delicious dessert ideas.

Boston Cream Pie Crepes

To make filling:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 4 egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1. Saucepan: milk, sugar, cornstarch and salt over medium heat. Stir until thickens.
2. Pour 1/3 of sugar mixture into egg whites and stir, return to saucepan and heat for 1 minute.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and pour in vanilla.
4. Transfer filling to medium bowl, cover and press plastic wrap to the top of the mixture. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.
5. Whip heavy whipping cream till stiff peaks are formed. Fold into the filling mixture.

To make crepe batter:

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 8 tsp butter

1. Whisk milk and eggs.
2. Combine flour, sugar and salt then add to milk mixture.
3. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Coat pan with butter. Pour about 2 TBS of batter into pan. Lift and move pan around to coat with batter.
5. Cook batter until top looks dry then flip and then transfer to plate.  
6. Spoon or pipe filling down center of crepe and fold over.  Drizzle with your favorite chocolate sauce, serve immediately.

Recipes adapted from Taste of Home and Girl Inspired.

(Family Features) Striking a balance between work and home life, friends and family, and hobbies and errands can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. As you look to rebalance certain aspects of your life during an opportunity like National Nutrition Month, don’t forget to take your diet into consideration as well.

Including grain-based foods as part of a balanced diet – along with proper exercise – can be an essential part of living a healthier lifestyle and can provide numerous health benefits. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a 50-50 balance between whole and enriched grains per day for optimal health. Furthermore, research from the Grain Foods Foundation suggests whole and enriched grains supply a variety of key vitamins and minerals, like thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, zinc, selenium and magnesium, and important shortfall nutrients like dietary fiber, iron and folate.

Incorporating grains into meals throughout the day, including these under-500 calorie recipes for Grilled Cinnamon French Toast with Granola Crunch and Roast Beef and Arugula Sandwiches featuring whole and enriched grains, can aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Additional benefits of consuming grains include lowering cholesterol and supporting digestion, while also providing anti-inflammatory nutrients and fiber, which helps fight belly fat.

Find more nutritionist-developed, balanced and budget-friendly recipes for every meal at grainfoodsfoundation.org.

Grilled Cinnamon French Toast with Granola Crunch

Recipe courtesy of Oroweat on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation
Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1/2       cup orange juice
• 1/4       cup light brown sugar
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 1          teaspoon vanilla
• 1          cup strawberries, sliced
• 1          banana, thinly sliced
• 3/4       cup milk
• 1          egg
• 1          teaspoon cinnamon
• 4          slices whole-grain nut bread
• 1/4       cup granola, for garnish

1. To make sauce: In saucepan, stir together orange juice, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, strawberries and banana. Simmer over medium heat 5-6 minutes, or until flavors have combined, stirring occasionally.
2. To make French toast: In shallow bowl, whisk together milk, egg and cinnamon. Dip slices of bread into milk mixture and cook 2 minutes on each side over medium heat on flat griddle or grill, or until golden brown.
3. Serve French toast with strawberry-banana sauce and top with granola.

Roast Beef and Arugula Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Roman Meal on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1          tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise
• 2          teaspoons horseradish
• 4          slices whole- or multi-grain bread, toasted
• 4          slices tomato
• 4          ounces lean roast beef, thinly sliced
• 1          cup arugula or wild greens

1. Spread mayonnaise and horseradish evenly over two bread slices.
2. Layer tomato, roast beef and arugula on top of mayonnaise and horseradish. Top with remaining slices of bread.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Source: Grain Foods Foundation

Fueling kids for back to school

(Family Features) As kids head back to school, it’s a good time to refocus on nutritious food and beverage choices to make sure kids are properly fueled and ready to learn. Making the best choices for her family is every mom’s priority, but it can be confusing to navigate all the options available.

For example, many celebrity websites, diet books, blogs and popular social media feeds make it appear trendy to ditch dairy. Yet experts say going dairy-free has significant downfalls, especially for kids and young adults. A survey from the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) found 6 in 10 moms have tried restricting their dairy intake, and fewer moms encourage their kids to drink milk today compared to how many were encouraged to drink milk themselves as children – in fact, some are even restricting their children’s intake of dairy.

It can be hard to get enough nutrients without milk in your diet. Drinking dairy milk during childhood through early adulthood is important to help achieve maximum bone strength. It’s also important to drink milk as an adult to help maintain bone strength and density. Most dairy alternatives don’t have the same nutrients as dairy milk and kids may not eat enough kale, spinach or sardines to replace the calcium in milk.

However, many moms know how important milk is for their kids. According to the NOF survey, more than 80 percent of moms know milk is nutrient-rich. In fact, milk is the top food source for three of the four nutrients of concern identified by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans: calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

Incorporating farm-fresh milk into your diet can be fun for the whole family. Try making your own flavored milk or smoothie at home with these recipes for Vanilla Cinnamon Milk or a Rainbow Unicorn Smoothie.

Find more information and nutritious recipes to pair with milk at milklife.com.

Vanilla Cinnamon Milk

• 8          ounces milk
• 1/2       teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2          teaspoons honey

1. In glass, combine milk with vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and honey.  Stir until well mixed.

Nutritional information per serving: 130 calories; 5 mg cholesterol; 8 g protein; 24 g carbohydrates; 105 mg sodium; 308 mg calcium (30% of daily value).

Rainbow Unicorn Smoothie

• 1 1/2    cups low-fat or fat-free milk, plus additional (optional)
• 1/2       cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 2          cups (about 10 large) frozen strawberries
• 1          cup frozen blueberries
• 1          cup frozen mango chunks

Optional toppings:

• 6          tablespoons whipped cream
• 4          teaspoons sprinkles
• horn candles, wicks trimmed

1. Blend milk, yogurt and fruit until smooth, adding additional milk or water to thin, if needed.
2. Divide smoothie into four glasses and, if desired, top each with whipped cream, sprinkles and horn candles.

Nutritional information per serving: 120 calories; 1 g fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 5 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 3 g fiber; 60 mg sodium;  175 mg calcium (20% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk.  

The perfect treat to celebrate and escape the heat this summer

(Family Features) With backyard barbecues, pool parties and patriotic celebrations in full swing leading up to the Fourth of July, kids are constantly on the go with summertime activities. For long summer days in the sun, a cool treat is the perfect way to help keep kids energized for all of their summertime activities.

These homemade red, white and blueberry frozen pops are the perfect patriotic summer snack for active kids. Made with wholesome ingredients like fruit and milk, they’re a great way for moms to add quality nutrition to snack time with flavors their kids already love. Plus, with milk as an ingredient, this delicious recipe is a creative way to help the whole family get added nutrients they need, like calcium and protein.

Whether celebrating Independence Day or relaxing following an afternoon in the sun, this tasty and nutritious summertime snack is one the whole family can enjoy together. For more inspiration and recipes to serve up summer fun, visit milklife.com.

Red, White and Blueberry Frozen Pops

Servings: 10

• 1/2 cup granola
• 2 teaspoons brown rice syrup
• 3/4 cup reduced fat milk
• 6 ounces fat free vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 cup whole strawberries, tops removed
• water
• 1 1/4 cup blueberries, divided

1. In small bowl, stir granola and brown rice syrup until combined. Using end of wooden spoon, press approximately 3/4 tablespoon granola into each frozen pop mold. Granola should be packed tightly into bottom of molds.
2. In another small bowl, stir together milk and yogurt; set aside.
3. Using small food processor or high-powered blender, puree strawberries until smooth. Stir water into each puree so they are pourable, about 2 tablespoons each, more if necessary.
4. Set aside 30 blueberries and puree remainder. Add water, as needed, to make pourable.
5. To layer pops, start by pouring, piping or syringing 1 tablespoon milk and yogurt mixture into each mold, covering granola layer. Put each mold in freezer until firm, at least 1 hour.
6. Layer 1 tablespoon strawberry puree on top of frozen yogurt layer in each mold. Cover top of molds with foil, insert sticks and freeze again until solid. Remove foil, add another layer of yogurt and freeze again.
7. For final layer, add 1 tablespoon blueberry puree and 3 blueberries to each mold. Freeze until solid. Keep frozen pops in molds until ready to eat. Run each mold under lukewarm water for approximately 10 seconds to loosen and remove frozen pops. Pops can be made 1 day in advance.

Tip: For clean lines between frozen yogurt layers, use small syringe.

Nutritional information per serving: 70 calories; 2 g fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 3 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 20 mg sodium; 48 mg calcium (4% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using reduced fat milk.

Source: MilkPEP

(Family Features) When it comes to pairing wine with food, even experts agree that desserts can pose a challenge. A wide variety of flavor combinations can make it hard to find the perfect selection to serve with your sweet treat. While there’s no exact science to wine pairing, these simple tips can help you make your selection.

Sweet Cheesecake
A good rule: the lighter the dessert, the lighter the wine. Avoid heavy reds for a sweeter dessert and instead pair with a crisp white like Chardonnay, such as Joseph Carr from Sonoma, California.

Citrusy Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon flavors can sometimes be polarizing, but complementing this dessert with an equally citrusy wine can work wonders. Try pairing with a food-friendly pinot grigio or a sauvignon blanc.

Rich Chocolate Cake
Red wine with chocolate seems like a no-brainer, but not all red wines are created equal. For a richer delicacy like this devil’s food cake, try something like Villa Pozzi Nero D’avola, a more fruit-forward, easy-drinking red varietal.

For more tips and wine selections, visit winefix.com

New York-Style Honey Cheesecake

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup flour
• 5 eggs
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• fresh berries, for garnish
• fresh mint, for garnish

1. To make crust: In small bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and butter until well blended. Press mixture evenly onto bottom and sides of greased 9-inch springform pan; set aside.
2. Heat oven to 350° F.
3. To make filling: In electric mixer bowl, combine cream cheese, honey and flour. Beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in cream, lemon zest and vanilla.
4. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust; bake 15 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 200° F and bake 1 hour and 30 minutes longer, or until center no longer looks wet or shiny.
5. With oven off and door ajar, let cheesecake cool 1 hour in oven. Remove cheesecake to rack to cool completely.
6. Cover and refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fruit and fresh mint. Pair with chardonnay like Joseph Carr.

Honey Devil’s Food Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups honey, divided
• 1/2 cup 2 percent low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• milk chocolate shavings, for garnish

1. To prepare cake: Heat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In large bowl, combine flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add 1 1/2 cups honey, milk, oil, eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla; beat 2 minutes. Gradually beat in water.
3. Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until sides pull away slightly from pan and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Turn onto wire racks and cool completely.
4. To prepare frosting: In medium bowl, combine remaining cocoa powder, honey and vanilla, and cream. Beat until just thick and fluffy.
5. To assemble: Spread frosting evenly over sides and top of one cake layer. Place second cake layer on top. Spread remaining frosting evenly over sides and top.
6. Garnish with milk chocolate shavings. Pair each serving with a glass of prosecco, like Nero D’avola from Villa Pozzi.

Photo courtesy of 275847/Shutterstock.com (cheesecake)
Photo courtesy of Barnaby Chambers/Shutterstock.com (chocolate cake with wine)

Source: Deutsch Family Wines

(Family Features) If you’re planning a monster bash this Halloween, brew up drinks so frightfully delicious that it will spook the taste buds of every little ghost, witch and goblin.

The Spooky Smoothie is a flavorful combination of vanilla milk and Greek yogurt, which is blended with ice and topped with whipped cream. The fun is all in the orange-tinted Limited Edition TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Milk, so make sure to serve it in a clear glass. And ghosts will rise from the dead for the chocolaty Monster Mash Mudslide. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/TruMooMilk.

Both of these tasty concoctions feature TruMoo, which is made with 35 percent less total sugar than the leading chocolate and vanilla milk competitor and has no high fructose corn syrup. That’s one thing that won’t scare you this Halloween season.

Spooky Smoothie

Yield: 4 servings

• 3 cups Limited Edition TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Milk, orange color
• 1 1/2 cups lowfat vanilla Greek yogurt
• 5 cups ice cubes
• 1/4 cup fat free whipped cream
• Candy corn for garnish, optional

1. In blender, combine vanilla milk, yogurt and ice cubes. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
2. To serve, pour into serving glasses. Top with whipped cream and candy corn.

Monster Mash Mudslide

Yield: 4 servings

• 4 cups TruMoo Lowfat Chocolate Milk
• 10 chocolate wafer cookies, coarsely broken
• 1/2 cup frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
• 8 mini chocolate chips or mini chocolate candies (orange/brown color recommended)

1. In blender, blend chocolate milk and chocolate wafer cookies until smooth. Heat mixture in saucepan or microwave until just heated through.
2. To serve, pour chocolate milk mixture into 4 glasses. For each serving, spoon a large, upright dollop of whipped topping to resemble a ghost. Insert chocolate chips or chocolate candies into dollop for eyes.

Note: To enjoy a cold mudslide, do not heat in saucepan or microwave.

Source: TruMoo

Mucho Choco Tacos

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Start to Finish: 40 Minutes
Makes: 8 tacos

• 8 Old El Paso Stand 'N Stuff taco shells (from 4.7-oz box)
• 1 (24-ounce) package chocolate-flavored candy coating (almond bark)
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 2 cups sliced bananas
• 3/4 cup hot fudge ice cream topping
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 aerosol can whipped cream topping
• 8 mint leaves, if desired

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Heat taco shells as directed on box. Meanwhile, melt chocolate candy coating as directed on package.
2. Carefully dip each taco shell into melted chocolate, using spoon to get chocolate on inside of shell; hold shells above bowl to let excess chocolate drip off. Stand shells upright on waxed paper; let stand until chocolate hardens, 10 to 15 minutes.
3. In medium bowl, mix strawberries and bananas. Divide fruit evenly into taco shells.
4. In small microwavable bowl, microwave fudge topping on High 30 to 45 seconds or until soft. Stir in cinnamon and vanilla. Drizzle topping over fruit in shells. Top with whipped cream; garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.

Source: General Mills Inc.

(Family Features) Need a little warming up after a day out in the cold and snow? The McCormick Kitchens are sharing “hug in a mug”-themed desserts perfect for coming together after a day outside in a winter wonderland. Completely customizable, these treats are a delicious way for the whole family to stay warm this winter.

This Fudgy Raspberry Mug Brownie for two is made in the microwave in less than 10 minutes and topped with whipped cream and raspberries. To enjoy cool mint flavor instead, use peppermint and vanilla extracts in place of raspberry.

For more mug dessert recipes – from candy bar blondies to hot chocolate – visit www.McCormick.com and check out McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Fudgy Raspberry Mug Brownie

Servings: 2

• 3 tablespoons miniature chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 3/4 teaspoon McCormick Raspberry Extract

1. Microwave chocolate chips and butter in microwavable coffee mug on high 30 seconds or until melted. Stir. Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
2. Microwave on high 45 seconds to 1 minute or until center looks almost set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: For a Fudgy Peppermint Mug Brownie, replace Raspberry Extract with 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract.

Caution: Mug may be hot. Use pot holders when removing from microwave.