Unite Loved Ones with a Luscious Dessert

(Family Features) Celebration-worthy treats are perfect ways to cap off days spent with those you love, whether there’s a special occasion or you’re simply looking for creative ways to share more moments together. As a beloved staple in American households for generations, pie provides a sweet, delicious way to bring family and friends to the table.

By bringing some of the most popular pie flavors together, the Tart Cherry Unity Pie offers the familiar, distinct sweet-tart flavor of Montmorency tart cherries that pair well with pecans, apple and pumpkin pie spice for a sense of nostalgia representative of family, tradition and celebration.

In this unique recipe, the bold and vibrant flavors of tart cherries take center stage, complemented by the subtle sweetness of apples and crunch of pecans. With their burst of brightness and acidity, tart cherries perfectly balance the other flavors to create a pie fit for any occasion.

U.S.-grown tart cherries are a particularly versatile ingredient that makes them an ideal partner for other beloved ingredients and flavors. In fact, as the demand for sour, less sweet food and beverages continues to gain momentum, they provide a multi-faceted, sweet-tart profile for favorite foods and drinks. While tart cherries are increasingly featured in a wide array of recipes, they remain a favorite ingredient in confectionary items and baked goods like pies.

Slow down your fast-paced world and savor a slice of this timeless dessert alongside loved ones for a moment of respite. With its sweet and tangy filling, flaky crust and tart cherry topping, you can indulge in life’s simple pleasures for a sense of coziness and comfort.

Visit ChooseCherries.com to find more celebration-worthy tart cherry desserts.

Tart Cherry Unity Pie

Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Tart Cherry Industry
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Pie:

• 1 pie crust (9 inches)
• 2 cups canned tart cherry pie filling
• 2 cups canned apple pie filling
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Streusel:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Fit pie crust to 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges and use fork to poke holes in bottom. Place pie crust in freezer to chill.
3. In large bowl, combine tart cherry pie filling and apple pie filling. Set aside.
4. To make streusel: In bowl, use fork to mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pecans and salt. Pour butter over dry ingredients and mix until ingredients come together in clumps.
5. To assemble pie: Pour cherry-apple filling into prepared pie crust and sprinkle streusel on top. Brush beaten egg onto exposed pie crust edges.
6. Bake 25 minutes. At 10-minute mark, cover pie dish with foil to prevent crust from over-browning. After 25 minutes, lower oven temperature to 375 F and bake 30 minutes.
7. To make pumpkin spice whipped cream: In large bowl or bowl of stand mixer, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and pumpkin spice. Use hand mixer or beater attachment on stand mixer to beat on medium-high speed 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate whipped cream until ready to serve.
8. Let pie cool 2-3 hours then dollop pumpkin spice whipped cream on top, slice and serve.
9. Substitution: Storebought whipped cream topped with pumpkin spice can be used in place of homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream.

SOURCE:
Cherry Industry Administrative Board

Solve Busy Weeknights with Simple, Satisfying Meals

(Family Features) Juggling those weeknight responsibilities including homework, catching up on emails, after-school activities, social events and more can leave families scrambling when it comes time for dinner. When your busy schedule leaves little time to spend in the kitchen, turn to family favorites you can put on the table in 20 minutes or less to give loved ones the fuel they need without sacrificing taste or quality.

Take Taco Tuesdays to a new level (without the hassle) with this deconstructed version of classic fish tacos. Served over a bed of quinoa and drizzled with yogurt crema, these Baja Fish Taco Bowls let you switch up average taco nights by swapping out tortillas and shells for quick-cooking, protein-packed quinoa mixed with nutrient-dense kale. This easy, satisfying meal adds deliciously seasoned fish, creamy avocado and hearty whole grains to your diet with a lighter version of Baja sauce as a perfect companion for fish tacos.

At its core, this tasty weeknight meal relies on the ease and light, nutty flavor of Success Tri-Color Boil-in-Bag Quinoa, which is ready in just 10 minutes. It’s packed with protein, all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of fiber, making it a perfect solution for busy moments whether your loved ones eat vegan, vegetarian or a mix of everything.

If a jam-packed calendar calls for a light dinner, or you’re searching for a quick side to pair with your protein of choice, add a little color to the table with this Edamame Brown Rice and Lentil Salad. Brimming with tasty, colorful ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers and more, it’s a wholesome and satisfying way to recharge after a long day.

Take the guesswork out of cooking this flavorful salad with 100% whole grain Success Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice, offering high-quality, pre-cooked grains that’s ready in just 10 minutes without measure or mess. It leaves you with a serving of fluffy, nutty brown rice that cooks up perfectly every time to take some stress out of family dinners.

Visit SuccessRice.com to find more recipe solutions for busy weeknights.

Baja Fish Taco Bowls

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

• 2 bags Success Tri-Color Quinoa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 white-fleshed fish fillets (5-6 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups packed baby kale
• 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced

1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions.
2. In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season fish with Cajun seasoning and salt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until fish is lightly browned and starts to flake. Set aside.
3. In small bowl, stir yogurt, lime zest, lime juice and cumin.
4. In medium bowl, toss quinoa with kale. Divide between four bowls. Top each with fish, sliced avocado and dollop of yogurt and lime crema.

Substitutions: Use taco seasoning or chili powder in place of Cajun seasoning. Use arugula or baby spinach instead of kale.

Edamame Brown Rice and Lentil Salad

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

• 1 bag Success Brown Rice
• 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
• 1 cup edamame, cooked, cooled and shelled
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted almonds and sunflower seeds (optional)

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Prepare rice according to package directions.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine rice, lentils, edamame, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
3. To make dressing: In separate small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper until well combined.
4. Toss salad with dressing until well combined. Sprinkle with roasted almonds and sunflower seeds, if desired.

 

SOURCE:
Success Rice

A Creamy Pasta Delight Perfect for Dining Outdoors

A Creamy Pasta Delight Perfect for Dining Outdoors

(Family Features) Warming weather brings with it plenty of opportunities to celebrate from holidays and birthdays to sunny afternoons offering an excuse to spend time outdoors with loved ones. Dining al fresco brings added freshness to favorite foods, and taking your next meal to the patio can be a fun, delicious way to soak in some vitamin D.

Pasta provides an easy option for sharing with a crowd, like this Creamy Tomato Smoked Sausage and Asparagus Tortellini. A cheesy, filling delight, it’s ready to enjoy in less than half an hour.

Plus, locally grown Michigan Asparagus adds an extra level of freshness requiring just about three days to travel from family farms in Michigan to your kitchen. It doesn’t need a passport to make it from farm to table, and you won’t need one either to enjoy this Italian-inspired dish in the comfort of home.

The thicker spears offer texture and additional flavor that’s also more tender because the fiber is less concentrated. Just 5-8 minutes in boiling water results in firm and delicious spears. This pasta dish calls for a late addition to the already-simmering sauce and tortellini so you can count on perfectly cooked asparagus as the finishing touch.

It’s also a sustainably produced ingredient as Michigan’s asparagus season primarily relies on the weather and uses rainwater rather than irrigation. As a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol and little sodium, it’s a family favorite you can feel good about serving your loved ones.

Find more patio-friendly recipe ideas at michiganasparagus.org.

 

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

 

Creamy Tomato Smoked Sausage and Asparagus Tortellini

Recipe courtesy of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board
Servings: 6

• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1          pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1 2/3    cups chicken broth
• 1          can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3/4       cup heavy cream
• 18        ounces cheese tortellini
• 1/2       pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

1. In large rimmed skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and brown on both sides. Add garlic and stir until golden, 20-30 seconds.
3. Add broth, tomato sauce, cream and tortellini; stir to combine. Bring to light simmer.
4. Cover and simmer over low heat 10 minutes. Add asparagus during last 5 minutes of cooking until tortellini is tender and sauce has reduced.

SOURCE:
Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board