Upgrade Summer Lunches with Nutritious Twists on Grilled Cheese

(Family Features) When the kids are home for summer break, meal-prep becomes a must for busy families to ensure nutritious foods are on the menu. This summer, give your kiddos the fuel they need for all their warm-weather activities and adventures with a healthy twist on a childhood classic.

One bite into a grilled cheese sandwich and you’re back in your childhood kitchen, bringing all the nostalgic vibes you can pass down to your little ones. Plus, with nearly endless combinations, there’s a solution for everyone from classics to creative versions.

Fruit in a grilled cheese may not be the first idea that comes to mind, but these Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches offer a juicy, slightly tart burst of flavor tucked between crunchy slices of bread. It’s a sweet, savory lunch that’s just funky enough to impress while putting fresh produce on your kids’ plates.

“We love juicy blackberries – not just because they’re delicious, but because they’re packed with fiber,” registered dietitian Tony Castillo said. “That fiber helps keep you full, supports gut health and keeps your energy steady. Plus, blackberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a true superfood. They’re perfect for baking, savory dishes or just as a snack on the go.”

Picky eaters have met their match with Chicken and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Tender shredded chicken meets tart apple slices, ooey gooey cheese and whole-grain bread for an unexpected twist that will have taste buds tingling. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches.

If you’re aiming to upgrade your cheesy sandwich arsenal, consider these tips from Healthy Family Project:

• Cook low and slow over medium-low heat so the bread reaches a crisp golden while cheese melts to perfection.
• Real butter or olive oil adds a level of crispiness and flavor.
• Experimenting with cheese can give sandwiches an extra boost. Cheddar is the classic option, but mozzarella, gouda and brie bring newfound flavor profiles.
• Look for the Produce for Kids or Healthy Family Project logo in your local grocery store to find brands dedicated to creating a healthier generation.

Serve up more delicious, kid-friendly lunches this summer by visiting HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1          tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1          tablespoon stone-ground mustard
• 4          slices whole-grain bread
• 2          slices provolone cheese
• 10-12   blackberries, cut in half

1. Heat medium skillet over low heat.
2. In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and mustard; spread on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place bread mayo-side-down in skillet. Top with cheese and blackberries. Add second slice of bread mayo-side-up.
4. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Chicken and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8          slices whole-grain bread
• 8          ounces sliced rotisserie-style chicken breast
• 4          slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1          apple, thinly sliced
• prepared salad, for serving

1. Heat large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Place bread butter-side-down in skillet. Top with chicken, cheese and apple slices. Top with slice of bread butter-side-up.
3. Cook 2-3 minutes, flip and cook 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
4. Remove from heat and cut in half. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
5. Serve with prepared salad.

SOURCE:
Healthy Family Project

Elevate Your Menu for a Legendary Backyard Barbecue

(Family Features) Summer is here and it’s time to hit the grill. Take at-home entertaining to the next level by upgrading everyone’s favorite cheeseburger with ground pork.

Family and friends will love this elevated twist on a summer favorite that is oh-so-deliciously different than the traditional beef patty. These Pork and Bacon Burgers are made with Heritage Duroc pork, known for its rich flavor and juiciness, and will be a hit at your next barbecue. The crispy bacon adds another level of texture and flavor, making these juicy burgers a gourmet treat that rivals any takeout burger. Celebrating 150 years as the premium all-natural meat choice for families, Coleman All Natural Meats offers a variety of products that are sourced from American family farmers who humanely raise livestock with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones.

Find more recipes to elevate your grilling experience at ColemanNatural.com.

Pork and Bacon Burgers

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

• 2 pounds Coleman Ground Pork
• 1/4 pound ground pork chorizo
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cheese slices (optional)
• 6 hamburger buns
• 6-8 strips Coleman Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon, cooked
• tomato slices (optional)
• red onion slices (optional)
• lettuce (optional)
• ketchup (optional)
• mayonnaise (optional)

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chorizo, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
3. Gently mix ingredients, being careful not to overwork meat.
4. Divide meat into six burger patties.
5. Cook burgers 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 F or desired doneness.
6. During last 2-3 minutes of cooking, place cheese slices on top of burgers to melt, if desired.
7. Transfer burgers to platter. Assemble burgers with buns, bacon, tomato slices, red onion slices, lettuce, ketchup and mayonnaise, as desired.

Tip: Burger patties may be frozen up to 1 month. Fully defrost before cooking.

 

SOURCE:

Coleman Natural Foods

Simple Summer Snacks: Sweet, easy recipes to solve warm-weather hunger

(Family Features) From lazy days by the pool to weekend road trips and everything in between, summer is packed with adventures. To keep your energy high for all those warm-weather activities, you’ll need to keep sweet, delicious snacks on the family menu.

Make sure versatile, flavorful watermelon is always on your grocery list so you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts, drinks and beyond. It easily fits your existing routines for morning smoothies and snacking on the go, or in make-ahead dishes you can serve when hunger strikes.

It’s easy to cool off quickly on hot summer days with Watermelon Ice Pops, a simple, kid-friendly favorite made with watermelon and chunks of fresh fruit. Bursting with flavor, these frozen treats make snack time a cinch while tackling cravings, boosting hydration and supporting wellness in place of added-sugar treats.

For a light afternoon bite before the dinner bell rings, try this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint that offers sweet summer flavor without the hassle. Pairing long-time favorites in feta cheese and mint, it’s a classic for a reason with delicious watermelon adding nutritional content.

Of course, as a kitchen staple to keep on hand throughout the year, watermelon is also perfect for enjoying all on its own at home or on the go. Whether it’s diced, sliced, balled or blended, you can toss it in a jar for a healthy, hydrating snack.

Cutting watermelon into convenient chunks is fast and easy so you can eat at home or toss in a to-go container to take to the office, beach or soccer practice. Just cut a grid pattern on the fruit and cubes will tumble out, ready to eat. Don’t forget to wash and dry the rind on the watermelon before cutting.

1. Cut the whole watermelon lengthwise into quarters. Lay each quarter on its rind with the interior facing up.
2. Place the knife about 3/4 inch down from the peak of the wedge. Holding the knife parallel to the far side of the fruit and starting at the edge of the rind, cut a horizontal line across the fruit all the way down to the rind.
3. Place the knife blade about 3/4 inch lower and make the same cut. Repeat. Turn the fruit to the other side and make the same horizontal cuts.
4. Starting at the end of the rind, make vertical cuts straight down the rind, 3/4 inch apart all the way across.
5. Remove the cubes and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To find more ways to serve watermelon this summer and all year long, visit Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Ice Pops

Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board

• 1 watermelon
• chunks of fresh fruit (such as grapes, strawberries or kiwi)
  

1. Puree watermelon and pour into ice pop molds.
2. Drop in chunks of fresh fruit, insert caps and place in freezer.
3. Serve when frozen.

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board

• 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette
• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch half moons
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped

1. Drizzle vinaigrette in bottom of large canning jar. Layer with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta and mint.
2. Cover tightly with lid and shake to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Substitution: Use Greek dressing in place of lemon vinaigrette.

 

SOURCE:

National Watermelon Promotion Board