Start the year off right with wholesome, nutritious morning recipes

(Family Features) With each New Year comes new goals and resolutions for the entire family. It’s the perfect time to start fresh and get everyone back on track with healthy nutrition. Starting each day with a nutritious breakfast is one way to do just that, not to mention a healthy habit to maintain throughout the year.

By incorporating simple, wholesome ingredients like milk into a balanced breakfast each morning, you can feel good knowing your family is starting the day on the right foot. With nine essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, calcium and vitamin D, pairing milk with breakfast can help everyone be their best.   

Try these seven breakfast recipes paired with milk, one for each day of the week, to fuel all kinds of mornings throughout the New Year. Visit MilkLife.com for additional recipe inspiration.

Southwest Breakfast Protein Sandwich

Add Southwestern flavors to spice up this breakfast sandwich. Scrambled eggs seasoned with cumin, pepper and chili powder are topped with shredded cheese, ham and sliced avocados and placed inside a toasted English muffin for a twist on a classic breakfast favorite.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Protein Power Muffins

When you’re in a rush on weekday mornings but still want a wholesome breakfast while on the go, try these protein muffins with peanut butter and jelly. This simple recipe is a kid-friendly way to serve a childhood favorite and start the day with a smile.

Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

While cottage cheese is not a traditional ingredient in pancakes, these pancakes definitely make it work. By combining blended cottage cheese with rolled oats, this dish adds protein and fiber at breakfast without skimping on taste.

Chai Quinoa Protein Breakfast Bowl

How about a modern take on an ancient grain? This breakfast bowl with quinoa is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Chai spices combined with brown sugar, vanilla and milk add vibrant flavors sure to excite your taste buds.

Protein Power Huevos Rancheros

This tasty twist on eggs brings a Southwestern flair to breakfast with avocados and turkey sausage piled high on a tortilla to spice up your morning.

Vegetable and Sausage Mini Protein Quiches

This mini quiche recipe makes serving up protein at breakfast a snap. Use a muffin tin to create individual sausage quiches that are perfect for a make-ahead, grab-and-go breakfast.

Savory Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Protein Crepes

Lock down your week’s breakfast plan with these savory crepes the entire family will enjoy. Cream cheese with chives mixed in topped with smoked salmon and wrapped inside a warm crepe winds up being a delicious morning jump-start.

Source: MilkPEP

Jazz up your traditional sweet potato casserole with some nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, walnuts and crunchy cornflakes. The holidays never tasted sweeter!

For more holiday recipes, go to culinary.net.

Crunchy Sweet Potato Casserole

• 5-6 sweet potatoes, mashed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 TSP ground cinnamon
• 1/2 TSP ground nutmeg
TOPPING:
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed

1. Preheat oven to 375° F
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, milk, cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. Spoon into a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, walnuts, brown sugar and cubed butter.
5. Sprinkle over potato mixture.
6. Bake again 5-10 minutes or until topping is lightly browned.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Wake up the family with the delicious smell of blueberry-pecan scones baking in the oven.

Blueberry-Pecan Scones

• 1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 9 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
• Cooking spray
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gently fold in blueberries and pecans. Add milk mixture, stirring just until moist (dough will be sticky).
3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface; pat dough into an 8-inch circle. Cut dough into 10 wedges, and place the dough wedges on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush egg white over dough wedges; sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake scones at 375° for 18 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light.

Source: Culinary.net

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Plan ahead for your weekend brunch with this delicious Farmer's Casserole recipe.  You'll enjoy this hearty combination of meat, cheese, eggs and a little bit of spice with some jalapenos.  You can also prepare this recipe the night before and let it chill till you are ready to pop it in the oven.

Farmer's Casserole

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup diced cooked ham, cooked breakfast sausage or Canadian-style bacon
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Coat a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle cheese, ham, and green onions over hash browns.
2. In a bowl combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper and jalapenos. Pour egg mixture over hash brown mixture in dish.
3. Bake, uncovered, in a 350° F oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
4. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

Source: Culinary.net

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

(Family Features) When school is back in session, the real test for parents is not in the classroom, but in the kitchen. Between breakfast, lunch and dinner - not to mention snacks - meal planning seems endless and daunting.

With convenient options like canned ingredients on-hand, parents can have the makings of a wholesome homemade meal right at their fingertips.

Canned foods not only help cut down on prep time in the kitchen, but also deliver nutritional benefits. In fact, kids and adults who use six or more canned foods per week are more likely to have diets higher in 17 essential nutrients, according to a study published in "Nutrients." Plus, cans provide year-round access to seasonal fruits and vegetables, and keep food fresh and flavorful without the need for preservatives and additives.

From on-the-go breakfasts like Vegetable Frittata Minis to hearty dinners like this Beef and Vegetable Soup and everything in-between, a well-stocked pantry - or your "cantry" - full of canned proteins, fruits, vegetables and soups can help busy parents get through the week with creative meals they can feel good about serving their families.

For more information about the nutritional benefits of cooking with canned foods and to find flavorful recipes for the back-to-school season, visit CansGetYouCooking.com.

Tuna Sliders with Green Chilies

Recipe courtesy of Cans Get You Cooking
Servings: 12

• 1 can (5-ounce) tuna, packed in water, drained and flaked
• 1 can (4.25-ounce) chopped green chilies
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• 6 slider rolls, split
• lettuce leaves

1. In large bowl, combine tuna, green chilies, celery, red onion, mayonnaise and chopped cilantro; toss to mix well.
2. Top bottom half of each roll with lettuce leaves; top with some tuna mixture and top half of roll.

Beef and Vegetable Soup

Recipe courtesy of Cans Get You Cooking
Servings: 6

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) sliced carrots, drained
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) cut green beans
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup cooked egg noodles

1. In 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, in hot oil, cook ground beef until well browned on all sides, stirring frequently. With slotted spoon, remove beef to bowl.
2. In drippings remaining in saucepan over medium heat, cook onion and garlic until tender-crisp.
3. Add beef broth, carrots, green beans, stewed tomatoes, basil and ground beef; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10-15 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Stir in cooked egg noodles.

Vegetable Frittata Minis

Recipe courtesy of Cans Get You Cooking
Servings: 36

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 can (8 ounces) mixed vegetables, drained
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Spray mini muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt, pepper and basil to blend well. Stir in mixed vegetables and Parmesan cheese.
3. Fill prepared pans with egg mixture. Bake until egg mixture puffs and is just set in center, about 8-10 minutes.
4. With rubber spatula, loosen frittatas from muffin cups and slide onto platter.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin and Chocolate Chip Bread

Recipe courtesy of Cans Get You Cooking
Servings: 20 (2 loaves)

• 4 cups oat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Grease two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans. In large bowl, combine oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
2. In large bowl using mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla, oat flour mixture and pumpkin; beat until just blended. Stir in walnuts and chocolate chips. Spoon mixture into prepared pans.
3. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely.
4. In small bowl, stir confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle mixture over pumpkin bread.

Source:  Cans Get You Cooking

Savory dishes featuring pesto

(Family Features) One of the best times of each day is gathering with family members to enjoy home-cooked meals. Using fresh and versatile ingredients, adults can be at ease that everyone is eating right with a nutritious dinner and kids are eating something delicious and relaxing each evening.

Pesto can be used as an ingredient in many recipes and brings a punch of flavor to each dish on the table. For example, it can be served mixed in potatoes, as a spread on sandwiches, dolloped on soups or dips and as a sauce on pasta.

With authentic Italian taste capturing the recipes of the region, Filippo Berio Pestos are made to suit any taste. The versatile flavors include Classic Basil, Sun Dried Tomato, Tomato & Ricotta and Hot Chili and Olive. Each variety is vegetarian, gluten-free and GMO-free, making it the perfect addition to any dinner.

Pesto can be served hot or cold, so it is easy to cook with or add to dishes featuring fresh vegetables, like this recipe for Chicken Caprese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. Add Savory Zucchini and Fontina Muffins to the meal for a fun twist on muffins.

For a more traditional meal the whole family can enjoy, try this Tomato and Tortellini Soup made with Tomato & Ricotta Pesto. This pesto is based on an age-old Sicilian recipe, combining the sweetness of tomatoes with the smoothness of ricotta cheese and the rich taste of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

For more flavorful recipes and ways to cook with pesto, visit FilippoBerio.com.

Savory Zucchini and Fontina Muffins

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 12

• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2       cup Filippo Berio Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, divided
• 1/3       cup Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3/4       cup milk
• 1/4       cup granulated sugar
• 1          egg
• 1          cup shredded zucchini
• 2          green onions, finely chopped
• 12        cubes (1/2 inch each) fontina cheese

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with large paper liners.
2.  
3. In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. In separate bowl, whisk 1/4 cup pesto, olive oil, milk, sugar and egg; stir into flour mixture until moistened. Fold in zucchini and green onions.
4. Divide half the batter evenly among muffin cups; place cube of fontina on top of batter. Top each with 1 teaspoon remaining pesto; top with remaining batter.
5. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and top of muffin springs back when pressed lightly. Let cool slightly; serve warm.

Tip: To make extra savory, add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon.

Chicken Caprese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4

• 2          small spaghetti squash
• 2          tablespoons Filippo Berio Robusto Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
• 3/4       teaspoons salt, divided
• 3/4       teaspoon pepper, divided
• 12        ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1          small onion, finely chopped
• 1/3       cup Filippo Berio Classic Pesto
• 1 1/2    cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 8          ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Halve spaghetti squash lengthwise and scrape out seeds; drizzle cut sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bake, cut sides down, on parchment paper-lined baking sheet 45-50 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly. Using fork, scrape strands of squash into bowl; reserve squash shells.
2. In skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; cook chicken, onion and remaining salt and pepper about 5 minutes, or until chicken is browned. Stir in pesto; bring to simmer. Cook about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Stir in cherry tomatoes; cook about 1 minute, or until slightly softened.
3. Toss spaghetti squash with chicken mixture; divide among reserved squash shells. Top with mozzarella cheese; broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with chopped basil.

Tip: For a more savory dish, add chopped black olives or jarred artichokes, if desired.

Tomato and Tortellini Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6

• 2          tablespoons Filippo Berio Olive Oil
• 1          onion, finely chopped
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          carrot, diced
• 1          stalk celery, diced
• 1/2       cup Filippo Berio Tomato & Ricotta Pesto
• 1          teaspoon dried basil
• 1          teaspoon oregano
• pinch of chili pepper flakes
• 1          can (28 ounces) whole Italian-style tomatoes
• 4          cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 3/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
• 1          package (12 ounces) fresh cheese tortellini
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

1. In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil; cook onion, garlic, carrot and celery about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add pesto, basil, oregano and chili flakes; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, salt and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
2. In blender or using immersion blender, puree tomato mixture; return to pan and bring to simmer. Add tortellini; cook 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan.

Tip: Dried basil can be substituted for 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Source: Filippo Berio

(Family Features) Farm-fresh is what many families desire. Straight from the farm to your table is one of the best ways you can ensure you’re delivering a nutritious and delicious meal for family or friends.

Wholesome meals can bring everyone together around the dinner table; even little ones can enjoy flaky, baked fish, a nutritious potato-based side dish and a trendy-twist on a farm-fresh beverage with these fun, flavorful recipes.

Find more farm-fresh recipes at Culinary.net.

Delightfully Baked Fish

When it comes to baking fish, flaky and fresh can make for a great combination. For a classic meal with a seasoned flare, try this delicious baked fish with lemon pepper seasoning and onions. Find more traditional, tasty recipes at USDA.gov.

Baked Fish

Recipe courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
Servings: 4

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          pound fish fillets (whitefish, trout or tilapia)
• 1          onion, sliced
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper
• 2          teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/4       teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Place 12-inch piece of foil on counter. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place fillets in middle of foil. If fillets have skin, place skin-side down.
3. Spread sliced onions, salt, pepper and oil on top of fillets. Add lemon pepper seasoning, if desired. Fold foil over fish.
4. Place foil pouch on baking sheet and place in oven. Bake fish 15-20 minutes until fish reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 F on a food thermometer and is flaky when tested with fork.
5. Divide into four portions and serve.

A Sensationally Simple Side Dish

When you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish to complement any meal, look no further than this Fingerling Potato Salad. Made with nutrient-rich Wisconsin Potatoes and topped with a lemon dressing, this simple potato side packs plenty of flavor. Find more potato recipes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Fingerling Potato Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 1/2    pounds mixed Wisconsin fingerling potatoes
• 2          large lemons, divided
• 2          cups water
• 2          tablespoons coarse kosher salt
• 3          tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 3          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2    teaspoons whole cumin seeds
• 3/4       teaspoon whole coriander seeds
• pepper, to taste
• 4          green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/3       cup chopped fresh dill
• salt, to taste
• 2          cups baby arugula

1. In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook potatoes until just tender when pierced with fork, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
2. Slice one lemon into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. In small saucepan, combine sliced lemon, water and kosher salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lemon slices are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain lemons then coarsely chop.
3. Cut remaining lemon in half and squeeze out 2 tablespoons juice. In small bowl, mix chopped lemons, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar and oil. Coarsely crush cumin and coriander seeds using mortar and pestle. Mix seeds into lemon dressing. Season, to taste, with pepper.
4. Cut lukewarm potatoes in half lengthwise. Place in large, shallow bowl. Mix in green onions and dill. Pour lemon dressing over and toss to coat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add arugula and toss gently. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.

Farm-Fresh Festivities

Themed parties can be challenging, especially when you want everything to be perfect for your guests. Make your party simple and festive with these tips for planning your own farm-to-table gathering.

Mason jars
A farm-to-table classic, mason jars can be used for drinks or even to fill with flowers to make a beautiful, seasonal centerpiece for the table. Mason jars are clean, cute and easy to wash when the gathering is over.

Rustic vibe
Adding some rustic decor can help spruce up your table or serve as an accessory for your farm-to-table dinner party. Also consider adding a bit of fall-flare with decorations such as pumpkins, squash and brightly colored leaves.

Seasonal fare
It’s easy to get inspired with the variety of things you can find at your local farmers market. Ingredients like onions can be used in this Baked Fish recipe while a batch of locally sourced potatoes is the perfect foundation for a Fingerling Potato Salad.

From Farm to Glass

Many may be surprised to learn that milk is one of the original farm-to-table foods, typically arriving on grocery shelves in just two days (or 48 hours) from many family-owned and operated dairy farms. For a trendy twist on the farm-fresh beverage kids already love, try this DIY flavored milk recipe as a tasty start to the morning. To learn about milk’s journey from farm to glass, visit MilkLife.com.

Chocolate Banana Milk

Servings: 1

• 8          ounces fat free milk
• 1/2       large banana
• 1          teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1. Place 8 ounces milk, large banana and unsweetened cocoa powder in a blender and blend until just smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 9 g protein; 29 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 105 mg sodium; 306 mg calcium (30% of daily value).

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Delightfully baked fish)

Source: Family Features

(Family Features) When the school bells start ringing, putting wholesome and tasty family dinners on the table can get a lot harder to schedule. These simple, seasonal recipes – from one-pot taco skillets to sheet pan pork tenderloin – can help you own the school-year dinner routine.

With all the cleanup time you’ll save, visit McCormick.com or find McCormick on Facebook and Pinterest for more family-friendly recipes that will earn you A-plus grades all around.

Fall Skillet Pot Pie
Store-bought rotisserie chicken, refrigerated biscuits and an oven-proof skillet can make this comfort food favorite a weeknight reality. Chicken stock mixed with a blend of seasonings adds savory richness to the sweet potatoes and peas for a meal that warms you inside and out.

Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Lo Mein
This dish features everything you love about the Asian take-out favorite – carrots, bell pepper and shrimp – all flavored with a savory mixture of soy sauce, ginger and garlic. Using the microwave to cook the squash means you’ll have it on the table for your family in no time.

Open-Faced Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Prepared turkey gravy makes this a sandwich you can really sink your teeth into. Stack your bread with spinach, turkey and cranberry sauce and serve it warm for a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year.

Easy Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Apples
Brush pork with brown sugar and a robust blend of seasonings for a meal that’s equal parts sweet and savory. Bake on a single sheet pan with sliced apples and onions for an easy dinner in no time.

Chicken and Vegetable Lo Mein
Simply combine noodles, fresh veggies, chicken breast strips and a tangy stir-fry sauce. You’ll be left with an Asian-inspired dish that’s ready faster than you could order in a restaurant and every bit as tasty.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef
Make everybody’s favorite Korean barbecue at home – in the slow cooker. Beef bone broth contributes to the robust, Asian-inspired flavor of this dish, and is complemented by ginger and Korean red pepper.

Quinoa Taco Skillet
Give taco night a wholesome twist with this simple skillet dish. Season ground turkey, quinoa, fresh tomatoes and corn with taco seasoning mix for a kid-friendly meal the whole family will taco-bout.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) Most families are looking for ways to spend more time together, but managing the family schedule can be a daunting task, especially with the additions of nightly homework and extracurricular activities a new school year brings.

Hectic weeknight schedules during back-to-school season don’t need to get in the way of quality time spent around the dinner table with these simple tips for enjoying dinner together.

Designate a time. Write dinner time on a calendar in the kitchen so every family member is aware of this special time and can look forward to sitting down together. Even if your schedule is overwhelming, pick a specific day each week and block out time to have a meal as a family.

Rely on foods rooted in tradition. Experimenting with recipes can add quick and easy new favorites to the family meal repertoire like Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs, a modern twist on the nostalgic family classic. As food trends come and go, RAGÚ continues to be a culinary staple for family meals. For 80 years, RAGÚ has gathered families at the table to celebrate the tradition of creating memories around a mouthwatering meal. Whether that’s a new take on ravioli or a family-favorite pasta dish, families can count on serving up delicious pasta sauces rich with bold, Italian flavors and vine-ripened tomatoes.

Create rituals. To build a tradition in the kitchen, try involving the whole family by showing your kids age-appropriate ways to contribute to their favorite meal. Let them measure ingredients to create better-for-you turkey meatballs, carry ingredients from one place to another, mix and pour ingredients, and set the table. Creating a ritual of cooking a favorite back-to-school meal with your kids is a good way to help them build healthy habits and skills that will last a lifetime.

Step away from your cell phone. Designate dinnertime as a no-cellphone zone. Leave your mobile devices in another room to allow for time to reconnect with your loved ones and be fully present.

Create fun dinner table topics. Making the table a fun place to be is the best strategy for getting your family to dinner and keeping them at the table longer. Make a game out of sharing the best parts of your day with each other. This can be a great way to laugh together as well as an opportunity to offer much-needed advice and support.

Find more easy recipes to bring the family together during the busy back-to-school season and throughout the year at RAGU.com or on Facebook.

Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5

• 10        ounces spaghetti
• 1          pound (85 percent lean) ground turkey
• 1/2       cup Italian-seasoned, dry bread crumbs
• 1/4       cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional (optional)
• 1/4       cup chopped Italian parsley
• 1          egg, beaten
• 3/4       cup water, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2       teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1          jar RAGÚ Homestyle Thick and Hearty Traditional Sauce

1. Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt; keep warm.
2. Combine turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, 1/4 cup water and salt. Shape mixture into 25 (1 1/4-inch) meatballs.
3. In large, nonstick saute pan on medium heat, heat olive oil, garlic and crushed red pepper. Add sauce and remaining water once garlic is golden.
4. Arrange meatballs in sauce; cover and cook 10 minutes, or until cooked through (165° F), stirring occasionally. Serve with cooked spaghetti and additional Parmesan, if desired.

Tip: Use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller to easily make evenly sized meatballs.

Source: RAGU

(Family Features) When planning a get-together with friends, finding the right playlist and inviting your favorite people over is easy, but planning the perfect menu can be daunting.

Whether it’s game day, the season premiere of your favorite show or just a casual night in, if you’re craving something satisfying and delicious, one simple solution is Mrs. T’s Pierogies.

You can easily add a creative twist to your menu by serving up bite-sized Bacon-Wrapped Pierogies, featuring Classic Cheddar Mini Pierogies, which are perfect for sharing. Or try adding some flare to your nachos by substituting chips with pierogies. Available in 15 tasty varieties, these potato-filled pasta shells are loaded with flavor and are the perfect canvas for all your favorite ingredients and spices.

Find more recipes to enjoy with your friends at MrsTsPierogies.com.

Bacon-Wrapped Pierogies

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 box (12.84 ounces) Mrs. T’s Mini Cheddar Seasoned with Bacon or Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 14 slices bacon, sliced in half
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Defrost pierogies by placing in boiling water for 2 minutes or refrigerating overnight.
3. Wrap half slices of bacon around each pierogy. Arrange pierogies on baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar, if desired. Bake 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown, turning once.
4. Optional: Saute wrapped pierogies 8 minutes, or grill 5 minutes until browned.

Pierogy Nachos

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Nachos:

• 2 boxes (16 ounces each) Mrs. T’s Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Pico de Gallo (recipe below)
• guacamole (recipe below)
• sour cream (optional)
• pickled jalapeno peppers (optional)

Pico de Gallo:

• 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 small, diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Guacamole:

• 1 small, ripe avocado
• 1 seeded and minced jalapeno
• 1/2 Roma tomato, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To make nachos: Saute pierogies in butter over medium heat, approximately 8 minutes on both sides.
2. Preheat broiler. On large, oven-safe plate, arrange hot pierogies; sprinkle with black beans and Monterey Jack cheese.
3. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with Pico de Gallo and guacamole, and sour cream or pickled jalapeno peppers, if desired.
4. To make Pico de Gallo: Mix together all ingredients and set aside. Serve on top of pierogies.
5. To make guacamole: Cut avocado in half and remove seed. With spoon, scoop out inside; place in bowl.
6. Mash avocado with fork until slightly chunky.
7. Mix in jalapeno, tomato, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Serve on top of pierogies.

Source: Mrs. T's Pierogies

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